Maple East Elementary

William P Bohen, Ph.D, Principal

Lockdown Drill

Greetings from Maple East! The safety of your child remains the top priority of our faculty and staff. I would like to let you know that next week, we will be completing our first required lockdown drill in cooperation with the Amherst Police Department. Lockdown procedures are used to secure the school building during incidents that pose an immediate threat of violence in or around the school. The specific procedures for a lockdown drill include:

Halloween Costume Guidelines

On Thursday, October 31, students will be allowed to wear a costume all day at Maple East for our annual Fall Fun Day. If the weather cooperates, we also plan on having a short parade in our bus loop immediately after the Pledge of Allegiance (around 8:25 am). Parents are welcome to come and watch. If your child chooses to wear a costume on this day, please keep in mind the following guidelines:

• Costumes should be comfortable to wear the entire day. Students must come to school wearing their costume and wear their costume all day. Adults will not be available to assist students changing into/ out of their costume.
• Masks covering a child’s face are not allowed.

• No toy swords, guns, or weapons.

• Costumes must be school appropriate – no reference to drugs, tobacco, alcohol, or inappropriate language.

• Costumes should not obstruct others’ view of the board or teacher in classroom.

• Costumes should not be disruptive to classroom instruction.
• A student should be able to safely travel throughout the building in his/ her costume.

If you are unsure if your child’s costume is school appropriate or if you have any questions, please ask your child’s teacher.

Food Information for Classroom Parties

We also plan on having our fall classroom parties on October 31. Please note, any food consumed at classroom parties should be pre packaged with an ingredient label that can be easily checked. Allergy designated classrooms should follow our District’s allergy protocol regarding the consumption of food. If you have any questions about food that will be brought in, please contact your child's teacher or School Nurse Joelle McCormack.

Important Dates for Next Week

Please remember that there will be no school this coming Monday for Indigenous Peoples/ Italian American Heritage Day. Also please consider joining us for the PTA's biggest event of the year, Fall Fun Night, next Friday, October 18! More information about this event can be found in the PTA section of today's edition.

Mental Health Supports

As shared by a WITS mail to families, our school community received some difficult news this week. If your child is struggling with this news, we have excellent mental health supports available. Please contact the Main Office and a person from our mental health team will reach out to you to schedule a time to discuss a support plan with you.

We found some aspiring principals on Picture Day this week!

Reminder for Pick Up

Please remember to always have ID when coming into school as you may be required to provide it when picking up your child.

Visitor Sign In Procedure

Recently our district implemented the new Raptor System for visitors coming into the building. With this new procedure, you will need to provide photo ID that will be scanned into the system. Once you are scanned the first time, subsequent visits will only require us to sign you in with your last name.

Attendance Reminder

If your child will be out sick, please be sure to contact the Attendance Office via WITS Mail or by calling 716-626-8800/option 1.

Dismissal Reminder

If there is any change to your child’s regular dismissal routine, please call the MAIN OFFICE at (716) 626-8801 as teachers may not always get the message in time for dismissal.

Parking Lot Reminders

Just a reminder that cars are NOT allowed in the Bus Loop in the morning to drop off students. Please remember there is no entering the Bus Loop BEFORE 8:30am or AFTER 1:30pm. Cars are also NOT allowed in the Handicapped section of the parking lot unless you have the proper parking tag. When parking there, be sure to have your tag displayed in clear view if you’re using those spots.

Joelle McCormack, RN, School Nurse

Here are some tips on distinguishing between

cold and flu season vs allergies:

Allergies:

A change of season may trigger some seasonal allergies. Allergy symptoms include:

• Sneezing

• congestion

• runny nose

• Itchy eyes

• Clear nasal drainage

• Fever free

These are some ways the body can respond to allergens in the air

Seasonal allergy symptoms can come on suddenly and last awhile.

Colds:

• Runny nose or stuffy nose

• Cough

• Sneezing

• Sore throat

• Watery eyes

• Occasional fever

Cold symptoms are contagious and usually peak in 2-3 day

Good hand washing is encouraged.

Influenza “the Flu” has been confirmed in your child’s school. Influenza is a very contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. Influenza can cause mild to severe illness. Most cases will resolve on their own within seven to ten days, but some cases may require hospitalization.

Common symptoms one to four days following exposure to Influenza may include:

- fever or feeling feverish/chills

- cough

- sore throat

- runny or stuffy nose

- muscle or body aches

- headache

- fatigue

- some may experience vomiting and diarrhea

Children experiencing the following symptoms require immediate medical attention:

- fast breathing or trouble breathing

- bluish skin color

- not drinking enough fluids

- very sleepy or lethargic

If your child develops the above symptoms, please do not send your child to school. Instead, please contact your child’s health care provider and mention that Influenza is in the class, for a prompt and proper diagnosis and treatment. Young children, older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and those with chronic medical conditions such as heart and lung disease, asthma or diabetes are at higher risk for a more severe illness and complications such as pneumonia, ear infections, and dehydration. A child with Influenza may return to school 24 hours after the child’s last fever and when the child is well enough to learn.

The best way to prevent the spread of Influenza is to get a flu vaccine each year, wash your hands frequently with warm soap and water, refrain from putting your hands to your face and mouth, and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school nurse or your child’s health care provider. For additional information, please visit the NYS Department of Health website at https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/fact_sheet.htm

Medication Drop Off Information:

All medication, including non prescription medication, must have a written order from the student’s physician or licensed prescriber.

Prescription Medication must be in the container prepared by the pharmacist with the original label specifying the name and strength of the medication. (Note: the pharmacy label does not constitute a written order and cannot be used in lieu of a written order from a licensed prescriber.)

Non Prescription Medication must be in the original and sealed manufacturer’s container with the student’s name affixed to the container. All medication must be delivered directly to the school nurse by the parent or guardian. Non student is permitted to carry non emergency medication on the bus. Medication orders must be renewed annually and whenever there is a change.

CLICK for Maple East Video Announcements!

Please CLICK ON THE IMAGES ABOVE for Additional Information on Bullying Prevention

The Williamsville Schools contracts with Prevention Focus to provide Tier 1 wellness lessons in all of our classrooms at Maple East. Prevention Focus takes a proactive approach that keeps healthy people healthy and gives those at higher risk a better chance of avoiding dangerous and unhealthy behaviors. Through our in-classroom programs we help children and youths learn positive life skills including:

• Empathy
• Peaceful Conflict-Resolution
• Positive Decision Making
• Problem Solving
• Goal Setting

We give children, teens, and adults the skills and information they need to make safer and healthier choices. For more information about our programs please visit www.preventionfocus.org.

DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) and SDM (Shared Decision Making) Committees Update:

Check out our new Heritage Wall, a collaborative project among our DEI and SDM Committees at the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPpKQ-z3pQs

DEI 2024-2025 Members:

William Bohen, Principal (Chair)

Amanda Komaromi, K Teacher

Amy Newkirk, 1 Teacher

Shannon Maranto, 2 Teacher

Nicole Famiglietti, 3 Teacher

Rebecca Milne, 4 Teacher

Kristen Rauth, Special Education

Clare Hart, School Librarian

Katie McFarland, ESOL

Linda Kane, School Counselor

Laura Beauregard, Parent Representative

Maria Chavan, Parent Representative

DEI Meeting Dates: 10/24, 12/17, 3/25, 5/20

SDM 2024-2025 Members:

William Bohen, Principal

Kristy Giardina, Assistant Principal

Katie McFarland, Teacher (Chair)

Jennifer Grohusko, Teacher

Jennifer Wulf, Teacher

Kimberly Beck, Support Staff

Elizabeth Astridge, Parent Representative

Dana Moore, Parent Representative

Kara Buscaglia, Parent Representative

SDM Update: We met on Wednesday, September 25 to discuss our new Heritage Wall (see video link above) and the next steps moving forward. We will be adding a QR code for new families to add any country and/ or language that is important to them. Any new countries and/ or languages will be added to the Heritage Wall. We also will be designing lesson plans by grade level for teachers to use with their classes, with an emphasis on DEI, Social Studies, and ELA standards. We hope to accomplish this by the middle of this school year.

SDM Meeting Dates: 9/25, 11/14, 3/18, 5/7

PTA Update – October 11 th , 2024

Hello Maple East Community!

Thank you to everyone that attended the PTA General Meeting this past Wednesday. In addition to voting on and passing our by-laws, we had guest speakers, including Dr. Brown-Hall, who spoke about several district wide topics and Mrs. Armstrong and Mrs. Kane who spoke about Social Emotional Learning and Wellness Initiatives at Maple East.

School Picture Day was also this past week. Thank you to Kara Buscaglia, her committee and

to all the volunteers that assisted on the day of the event.

Our Fall Fun Night Event is Friday October 18 th from 6-8:30pm. The Fall Fun Night Committee has been hard at work to make this great Maple East community event happen. They are still looking for people to volunteer the night of the event as well as for people to donate sweet treats (cupcakes, cookies, brownies, cake etc.) for the Sweet Stroll. Please visit the PTA website for more information and to sign-up! Thank you! Purchase Fall Fun Night pre-sale tickets by visiting the PTA website,

www.mapleeastpta.com

Thank you to everyone that has already become a PTA Member for the 2024-2025 school

year. Our goal is to increase our membership by 100 people by the end of October! If we do it

the students will get a PJ Day in November. Help us reach our goal and sign up today! Just click on the link at the top of the PTA website at www.mapleeastpta.com.

Thinking about how you might like to be more involved at Maple East through PTA? Take the

first step by reaching out to Stacie Durnford at 13579jellybeans@gmail.com.

See you at Fall Fun Night!

Maple East PTA

Hello Maple East Families!

Welcome to the 2024-25 school year! My name is Gina Schorr and I am the Membership Chairperson for the Maple East PTA. For those who are new to our school, or unfamiliar with the PTA, I wanted to provide you with information about who we are and what we do at Maple East. A reminder to returning families, PTA memberships need to be renewed each year. You can click the link below to join online, or you can stop by our table at Open House. We would love to meet you!

To sign up go to: https://mapleeast.memberhub.com/store

FAQ about the PTA:

1. What is the PTA?

The PTA (Parent Teacher Association) is a partnership between parents and educators who strive to enhance student learning and enrich the lives of the students within the school. It is also a forum for parents to obtain knowledge and communicate about what is happening within their school. When you join the Maple East PTA, you are also joining the New York State and national PTA.

2. Why should I join PTA?

PTA membership and dues support your child by funding essential educational and curriculum needs; advocating on behalf of children and educators at the local, New York State and national levels; and building an inclusive school community for all families. Join PTA for your child because increasing our membership, even by one, makes it possible to provide important educational resources, speak up on important issues and create a stronger school community.

3. How does PTA impact MY child?

• The Maple East PTA provides financial support for items and events that add value to your child’

experience at school like field trips, social events, assemblies, and classroom enhancement tools.

• PTA provides schools access to experts, resources, trainings, and dozens of nationally recognized

educational enrichment programs that impact a child’s education such as the Family Reading

Experience, in partnership with the Reading is Fundamental.

• PTA funds the nation's largest and longest running student arts program, Reflections®, which

provides students access to arts, music, literature, dance, drama, and visual arts.

• PTA’s national advocacy efforts have helped establish universal kindergarten and the National

School Lunch Program, the juvenile justice system and anti-child labor laws.

4. Where does my money go when I pay membership dues?

PTA dues directly support your child. PTA dues help fund essential school resources and curriculum needs at Maple East, including field trips, classroom enhancement tools, and assemblies. PTA dues support advocacy efforts at the local, New York State and national levels, impacting decisions affecting your child’s health, safety, and quality of education. PTA dues support our work to strengthen connections between your family, your child’s classmates and their families, and teachers to build a thriving and inclusive community for everyone.

5. What do I receive for joining the Maple East PTA?

For joining the Maple East PTA, you will receive the Maple East Minute, our weekly newsletter that keeps you informed and provides reminders about what is going on at Maple East. Joining the PTA also gives you access to the Student Directory which includes contact information for parents and students attending Maple East. This comes in handy when arranging playdates and birthday parties!

6. Does PTA membership require volunteering and attending meetings?

The only thing required of you to be a member of PTA is to pay the annual membership dues. PTA offers all parents and caregivers the opportunity to be engaged in their child’s potential. From volunteering at Maple East, to attending general meetings, to holding PTA leadership roles – the level of involvement is up to you. There is no wrong way to PTA!

7. How much time do I have to commit to being a member of PTA?

Membership in PTA can involve as much or as little time as you have to offer. There is no wrong or right way to be involved – anything you can give, whether it is time or money, will support your child’s potential.

8. How do you advocate at the national, New York State, and local levels and why is it important to my child?

PTA is active at the local, New York State, and national levels, impacting decisions affecting your child’s health, safety, and quality of education. During the past 120 years, PTA’s national advocacy efforts have helped establish universal kindergarten and the National School Lunch Program, the juvenile justice system, and anti-child labor laws.

District News:

https://www.williamsvillek12.org/

UB Bulls Football invites you out to our Williamsville Central School District Spirit Day & Kids Day Game on Saturday, October 12th.

Show your school spirit as we take on Toledo at 12pm.

Students & Faculty/Staff are FREE. Additional tickets for friends/family are discounted at ONLY $12/seat.

***If you have more than 3 students and/or faculty/staff in the Williamsville Central School District Call Steph Bielec at (716) 645-6759 to get tickets***

Beginning at 10:30am in the Fieldhouse we will have pre-game entertainment including: Reptile show, face painting, balloon artists, Victor E. Bull photo station, bounce houses, football mini-games, & more.

Tickets can be secured here: https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/Williamsvilleschool2

The NYS Testing Reports now are available to parents/guardians in WITS. If your children participated in these assessments, you will find link(s) to the assessment letters on the home page of WITS. Results may also be found on the assessment tab in WITS.

November 12, 2024

December 10, 2024

January 14, 2025

February 11, 2025

March 11, 2025

March 25, 2025

April 22, 2025

May 13, 2025

May 20, 2025 (District Vote)

May 27, 2025

June 10, 2025

All meetings take place at the District Office at 7 PM and are streamed on the District's You Tube Channel. Contact Board members by e-mailing: boardofeducation@williamsvillek12.org

http://www.williamsvilleseptsa.org/

Hello -

Please join us on Thursday, October 17 at 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. for our first presentation of the year at Williamsville District Offices.

Stacey Pellicano from Dyslexia Services of Western New York, LLC will join us to discuss Dyslexia and provide a;

• Dyslexia Simulation: Participants will learn about the definition of dyslexia, how it impacts individuals and experience their frustration through simulation exercises. We will learn about the importance of classroom accommodations, effective interventions and assistive technology..

We hope you will then Stay for Our Membership meeting at 7:00 p.m.

Have a fabulous week and please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Please pass on our Newsletter and the attached flyer to anyone who may know.

Become a Williamsville SEPTSA Member

Extracurricular Information

Community Education Programs at Maple East, click on link below:

https://www.williamsvillek12.org/departments/community_education/index.php

Calendar: October 2024

October is National Bullying Prevention Month

Every Friday is Wear Blue (or Bills) Spirit Day!

Monday, October 14

Indigenous People’s Day/Italian American Heritage Day/ NO School

Wednesday, October 16

Unity Day

Friday, October 18 @ 6:00-8:30pm

PTA Fall Fun Night

Main Office:

William P Bohen, Ph. D, Principal

Kristy Giardina, Assistant Principal

Laura Mietz, Senior Clerk Typist

Cynthia Carlino, Clerk Typist

Kimberly Beck, Part Time Clerk Typist

Phone: 716-626-8800
Fax: 716-626-8808

Attendance:

Jennifer Thompson, Attendance/ Health Office Aide

Phone: 716-626-8800, Option 1

Health Office:

Joelle McCormack, RN, School Nurse

Phone: 716-626-8810
Fax: 716-626-8831

School Website:

https://mapleeast.williamsvillek12.org/

Class Dojo:

https://www.classdojo.com/

Address:

1500 Maple Road
Williamsville, NY 14221