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Dear KDM Community,
Students enjoyed another great week at KDM. To date, we have over 80 positive office referrals recognizing students who demonstrate H.E.A.R.T. (Honesty, Empathy, Acceptance, Respect, and Trust) characteristics. I truly appreciate our staff being intentional in developing these core values in our students. In addition, we celebrated World Kindness Day and National School Psychology Week.
Beginning next week, the Student Council, along with the KDM PTA will host a fall food drive and lobby decorating initiative. Students can "Leaf your Mark, Stuff the Turkey with H.E.A.R.T.!" All donations will be taken to the local food pantry on Tuesday, November 26th.
On Friday, November 22nd, we will have picture retakes. Anyone who needs a retake, please dress to impress on Friday. Visit Lifetouch.com, Picture Day ID: EVTFJKDWT.
The KDM PTA Book Fair was a great success. Kudos to the PTA and parent volunteers who helped students pick out great reads and awesome treats.
I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!
Regards,
Brian Rawlins
Principal
"Success is not about being better than the other person. Success is about being a better person than I was the day before." --Anonymous
Students of the Month
Aubree C. (Kindergarten)
"Aubree is the kind of student who never hesitates to lend a helping hand, whether it's helping a classmate open up their glue stick or assisting a friend at the table. Her kindness shines through in her interactions, always greeting others with a warm smile and a friendly word. Aubree’s compassion and integrity not only make her a valued member of the school community, but also inspire others to follow her lead." --Mrs. Guzzo
Everett P. (3rd Grade)
"Everett has truly earned the title of Student of the Month! As a third-grade student, he stands out not only for his dedication to learning, but also for showing respect toward classmates and teachers alike. Everett sets an example every day by showing empathy to others, helping friends in need, and always using polite, thoughtful words. He is a valued member of our room 18 family. Congratulations, Everett, on this well-deserved recognition! You have H.E.A.R.T.!" --Mrs. Cerna
Reminders and Updates
- Leaf Your Mark, Stuff the Turkey with H.E.A.R.T.!: The Student Council, in partnership with the KDM PTA, is collecting non-perishable food items for the local food pantry. All donations are due by Tuesday, November 26th. Additionally, students are invited to decorate the front lobby by coloring a leaf and bringing it to their homeroom teacher to display by the Turkey that will hold food pantry donations.
- Fifth Grade Paint Party Fundraiser, November 18th: Grab a brush and join in!
- Family Math Night, November 20th: Please come join us for Family Math Night on November 20th at Copeland Middle School. Family Nights are a time to disconnect from technology while connecting with the greater school community. Dinner will be served at 5:45 pm. At approximately 6:30 pm Tony Mahfoud our representative from iReady along with our Distinct Math Specialist, Erinn Young, will present on the pedagogical approach of the program. Families will be able to see first-hand what the iReady curriculum looks like in action at each grade level. We will then move to Bassett Hall, where our students and teachers will demonstrate hands-on grade level activities that mimic the type of instruction in our RTSD math classrooms. Please review the flyer, and click on the RSVP link.
(Family Math Night Flyer - Spanish)
- Picture Retakes, November 22nd: For anyone who needs a picture retake, please dress to impress next Friday. Visit Lifetouch.com, Picture Day ID: EVTFJKDWT.
- School pictures are ready! To order, log in to your account on mylifetouch.com or create an account using your student's student ID number. All families can also log on and order a FREE Digital SmileSafe card. More about the Smilesafe program here.
- Cafeteria Online Orders: Maschio's Food Services would like to remind parents that ordering at least 24 hours ahead ensures that your child will receive the lunch of their choice. When online orders come in the day of, availability is not guaranteed. Here's a link to review how to place orders.
- Safety Alert: If you are dropping off your child in the morning, please do not drop them off in the parking lot and send them unescorted into the building. Either escort your child all the way to the building or follow the procedures of driving through the parent drop-off lane. Please help us keep your children safe.
- Late Arrivals to School: If your child is late to school due to a medical appointment, please provide a doctor's note so it will be considered an "excused tardy."
Parent Pick-Up Procedures: On the days that parents pick their child up from school, we ask that they email their child's teacher and our attendance secretary, Christina Markowitch (cmarkowitch@rocktwp.net) or Jude Wallin (jwallin@rocktwp.net) by 12pm. This ensures that your child is in the appropriate place for dismissal and eliminates confusion. Please use the visitor's spots in the front lot or the parking lot across the street.
- Genesis Parent Portal: HERE you will find vital information regarding your child’s schedule, teacher’s name, and bus assignments.
Communication Framework: Click HERE. In order to ensure that all communications are directed to the right person, please use this framework with regard to all school-related inquiries
Building Our Community
"Miss Molloy’s students were asked why they were thankful for their physical education classes. Their responses were added to the bulletin board that is displayed in the gymnasium for all to see. A few responses said they were thankful for 'having fun', 'learning new skills', and 'being able to move their bodies and get their energy out'." --Miss Molloy
"Our kindergarten readers demonstrated exceptional curiosity during their exploration of the Rockaway Township Public Library, gaining valuable insights into its resources. Notably, they were captivated by the librarian's reading of 'Oh, Nuts!', and we are confident they eagerly anticipate selecting another picture book on their next visit with their families. We are delighted to nurture their appreciation for reading." -- The Kindergarten Team
On Veterans day, Mr. Koenig’s class made cards to be delivered to local veterans for Thanksgiving.
Thank you to everyone who supported the KDM PTA Scholastic Book Fair. We broke a record this year! We send a special thank you the KDM PTA volunteers who helped make it all a success!
Ms. Lasnick
Ms. Stites
Ms. Diffin
PTA Updates
KDM PTA Giving Tree
It's that time of year again when we ask for gifts to help local families in need celebrate the joy of the holidays. The PTA works with the Rockaway Holiday Wishes organization which fundraises for Rockaway families in need through the Rockaway Borough PBA. This is a wonderful opportunity to teach our children the importance of helping our community through the spirit of giving. Each child on the list has requested 3 clothing items and 3 toy items (valued between $20 and $25).
Here is the list of items for local families in need.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090849AAAB22A5F94-53235808-kdmholiday
All donations must be at KDM by Friday, December 13th.
- 5th Grade Painting Fundraiser - Monday, November 18th: 6:30-9:30pm
*CLICK the LINK to see details and SIGN UP*
Join us for a night of fun! We will be painting welcome signs- over 200 designs to choose from! Cost is $55 per person.
Please RSVP by November 17. Open to the public, bring a friend!
Questions? Contact Melissa Gaydos: melissa_5985@hotmail.com
- Still Need a Red KDM T-Shirt ?? Fill out this form and pay online!
PTA November Calendar
Print and Save for your reference! November PTA Calendar of Events. This calendar reflects PTA events and activities. Please refer to the "Upcoming Dates" section below for the full listing of school events.
Upcoming Dates
- November 20th (Wednesday): Family Math Night @ 6:30 pm at CMS
- November 22nd (Friday): Picture Retakes
- November 27th (Wednesday): Early Dismissal
- November 28th (Thursday) - November 29th (Friday): Schools Closed for Thanksgiving