GA Principal Newsletter

Dear Glen Acres Families,

We have a lot to look forward to the last week before Winter Break! Please see the dress up spirit wear days in our calendar. Additionally, the Singing Eagles Chorus Concert will be on Thursday, December 19th at 7:00pm. Students are off from school from 12/23/24 through 1/1/25. Schools reopen on Thursday, January 2, 2025. My next newsletter will be on January 5, 2025.

Happy Holiday Season and Happy New Year!

Donna

December 6th's Holiday Parade in the borough will forever be a joyous memory etched in our hearts. Congratulations to Ms. Krasley and Mr. Fuette who orchestrated and led the event and congratulations to all the students and staff volunteers who shined so brightly, whether singing, walking, or helping behind the scenes. From the incredible float to the students’ amazing performances, the excitement and holiday spirit were contagious. Our dedicated staff and students brought joy and enthusiasm, creating a warm and festive atmosphere that united our entire community.

To our school family—students, families, teachers, and supporters—your hard work, planning, participation, and cheers from the sidelines made this celebration truly special. The evening was a gift as it will forever be a memory of joy and holiday spirit that we will cherish for years to come.

Thank you for making this event so unforgettable!

So proud of all of our hard working and talented band and orchestra members led by the outstanding Mr. Fuette for yet another amazing winter concert!

As part of the Positive Behavior Incentive System students were able to use their Eagle Egg Dollars to purchase the chance to have a private lunch in our new conference room with Principal Ryan!

Congratulations to Mr. Ousey’s class for earning “The Golden Shoe Award”. They are being recognized for demonstrating responsibility by continually following Mr. Y’s rules and expectations.

As another option of the Positive Behavior Incentive System students were also able to use their Eagle Egg Dollars to purchase the chance to play games with friends in Ms. Stewart's office! Everyone had a great time and some of our older students were even able to teach the younger students how to play some of the games!

Please consider nominating one of Glen Acres finest!

Citadel Credit Union is committed to serving those who work every day to build a better future for all of us. That’s why every year they honor outstanding teachers across the Greater Philadelphia area in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Lancaster and Philadelphia counties with the Citadel Heart of Learning Award. This year, winners will be awarded a total of over $80,000 in grants and prizes, along with a treasured glass heart trophy. Grand prize winners will be selected from each of the six counties, so be sure to spread the word and submit your nominations by January 15, 2025.

How to Submit a Nomination

All too often, teachers are unsung heroes. If you know a teacher who goes above and beyond the call of duty, share their story and how they’ve impacted your life or a student’s life. You can submit a written nomination form online, a video nomination, or email us at CitadelHeartofLearning@CitadelBanking.com. To submit a video nomination you can create a post on TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook and tag us @citadelcreditunion on TikTok or @CitadelBanking on Instagram and Facebook with the hashtag #CitadelHeartofLearning. Just make sure your video shows us exactly why your teacher should be nominated.

We are super excited to welcome cartoonist, Duane M. Abel, creator of the comic strip ZED for an assembly on January 23rd! This program teaches children how to establish goals, learn to love reading, and the value of education. Duane’s comic strip, ZED has been endorsed by Comics in the Classroom and Curled Up With A Good Book as “a great way to introduce children to comics strips!”

Below is an order form that allows your child to bring ZED home! The books will arrive directly to your school and will be autographed by Duane! You can also see all of ZED’s books by visiting www.corkeycomics.com. The goal of Duane’s visit is to educate and mo-tivate, while the comic strip, ZED is to introduce wholesome family entertainment...one laugh at a time.

This year Glen Acres is lucky enough to have a Title 1 Math Specialist, Mrs. Jamie Bainbridge. Mrs. Bainbridge works with students in small groups, as well as within some classrooms. Her goal is to help all students love math! There are a lot of ways to support students at home. Please feel free to click through Mrs. Bainbridge’s website for some helpful information about working with students at home, Title 1, and resources that are available to you!

https://jbainbridge.my.canva.site/

Thank you so much to all of our volunteers and supporters of the book fair! Our school was able to raise money for a future author visit, as well as books and supplies for classrooms.

We greatly appreciate your time and talent!

• Monday, December 16th - Day 4: Pajama Day
• Tuesday, December 17th - Day 1: Wear your Favorite Holiday Colors; East High School Holiday Music Tour Assembly; PTO Dine & Donate - Panera 4-8pm (bring flyer)
• Wednesday, December 18th - Day 2: Wear your Holiday Sweater; Chorus Rehearsal; Video and Lessons on Friendships, Feelings and Teamwork ( see Ms. Ryan's email from last week)
• Thursday, December 19th - Day 3: Holiday Hair Day; Chorus Concert; PBIS Schoolwide Bingo
• Friday, December 20th - Day 4: Festive Holiday Dress Day; Classroom Holiday Parties
• Monday, December 23rd - Wednesday, January 1st - NO SCHOOL
• Thursday, January 2nd - Day 1: SCHOOL REOPENS
• Friday, January 3rd - Day 2

Important Upcoming Dates

December 16th - Pajama Day

December 17th - Wear Your Favorite Holiday Colors/PTO Dine & Donate: 4-8pm - Panera (bring flyer)

December 18th - Wear your Favorite Holiday Sweater

December 19th - Holiday Hair Day / 9:35am & 7:00pm Chorus Concert

December 20th - Dress in your Favorite Holiday Attire / Classroom Holiday Parties

December 23rd - Wednesday, January 1st - NO SCHOOL

Thursday, January 2nd: School Reopens

We have some important updates to share regarding attendance and communication:

1. New Note Submission Options: Parents/Guardians can now submit parent notes for absences through Pickup Patrol and Talking Points messages. We will continue to accept emails and handwritten notes. We hope this makes it easier for you to keep us informed!

2. Automated Phone Calls: Automated phone calls will be sent to parents/ guardians of students with unexcused (LAW) absences at 10:10 AM each morning. This will help keep you updated on your child's attendance. If this automated call ever feels inaccurate, please contact our main office.

3. New Email for Parent Notes: We have established a new email address for submitting parent notes: GAEattendance@wcasd.k12.pa.us. Our school secretaries (Theresa Weaver and Stacie Berglin) will receive emails to this address which will ensure a smooth communication process. Emails or parent notes are only needed if you did not enter your student in PUP.

4. Doctor’s Note Requirement: Please note that the previous 60-minute early dismissal window during which a doctor’s note was not required has been removed. This year, a doctor’s note will be required for early dismissals to avoid an unexcused dismissal.

Thank you for your cooperation as we implement these changes to enhance our attendance processes.

Joining our PTO is free and recommended. When you join, you get access to information about upcoming school and community events, parties, and fundraisers. PTO fundraisers support our assemblies, field trips, and other special events and supplies.

See this link for helpful information.

We hope you would consider volunteering. Some volunteer opportunities that come up are opportunities to help in the library, lunchroom, as a homeroom party planner, and at field trips and school and district events. If you are interested in volunteering, please be sure to have updated clearances (good for five years) on file with the school. It is important that you submit your clearances to the school when you get them. Please do not wait until you volunteer as we need to get the clearances within a year of you receiving them.

A cultural bridge in the community for Spanish speaking families and our schools.

Ms. Donna Ryan

Principal

Email: dryan@wcasd.net

Address: 1150 Delancey Place, West Chester, PA 19382

Phone: 484-266-1700

website: https://www.wcasd.net/Domain/461

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WestChesterASD