Welcome to our 10th week of school!
Happy Tuesday!
As we wrap up October and head into November I am reminded of where we were at this time last year. I am so happy that as we look towards this November we are looking at days of school with our building full of our students and staff! As I so deeply value our staff, I do not want to go through another time period when we are separated by the front door of our school when it is supposed to be what brings us all together. Not hearing the students and their learning through the hallways was an uncomfortable sound of silence. However, seeing our staff and our community come together to advocate for what our teachers deserve was heartwarming and the true definition of our Abernethy community. I still do not want to go through that again!
This November we are looking forward to hosting our family and teacher conferences. Conferences are a time where we hope the pressure of everything else is lifted and you will just have your student's teacher to talk about the path for your student this year, successes, goals and how we are all going to be that team to help support all growth and success. I always encourage all families to communicate with their student's teacher any questions that you might have prior to your conference. Our teachers want to make sure that this time that they have with you is meaningful and all questions you have can be answered. They put a lot of preparation in what you will see and talk about, so any guidance or suggestions are helpful ahead of time.
Our teachers put a lot of time and attention into your student's report card. Many have already started to organize student work and assess marks on report cards. Friday, November 1st is a non-student day where teachers will have some time to work on report cards. As negotiated in the teacher contract, the other aspect that goes into the overall delivery of your student's academics is planning for units, lessons and assignments. Monday, November 4th is also a non-student day where teachers can plan and prepare for your student's instruction.
As we have been talking about the ability to go paperless with your student report card, the teachers feel that in elementary school, it is important to still have that paper copy.
Our teachers will be sending home paper copies of your student's report card on Tuesday, November 12th. Please look for this in your student's backpack.
As I have said in previous newsletters, we believe that all extracurricular activities enriches and enhances the curriculum in the classroom. Field trips bring in volunteers who connect and make memories not only with the class as a whole, but their students. I remember as a parent and a teacher at the time, I always had to pick the field trip that I felt would make the best memory with my son and daughter. I quickly learned that it didn't matter what field trip I went on, my kids made lasting, happy memories with me regardless. I also quickly learned that even the field trips that I did not go on left lasting, happy memories with them. It was a win-win for them.
We are hoping that we can provide all families with enough time to look ahead and attend a field trip with your student, or be able to build up the hype of what the field trip will entail. We have some fun field trips planned for our students this year. Please don't forget to make your payment in each teacher's SchoolPay account. If we do not have enough funds to cover the costs, classes will not be able to attend. If you are finding that the cost is too much, please do not worry. Please email Jenny Morgan, our school counselor, and she can provide some financial assistance. No student will have to sit out of a field trip that their class attends for any financial reason.
Join Abernethy’s Grounds Committee on Sunday, November 17 from 10 am to noon to help plant flower bulbs for Abernethy’s 100th birthday in the spring! We welcome all green thumbs, hard workers, and kid helpers!
Also, please stay tuned for more garden volunteer opportunities in 2025, and in the meantime, email grounds@supportabernethy.org with questions or programming and improvement ideas!
Abernethy has plenty of ways to get involved! Volunteering is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about Abernethy, build community, and enhance your student’s school experience.
We especially need volunteers to help organize our after school program, PTA clothing center, and community business outreach. Learn more about available volunteer roles and sign up here. [NEED LINK]
In addition, after talking to our dedicated teachers and staff about their favorite ways to be appreciated, we are asking parent volunteers to support their kid’s teacher by helping to cover lunch and recess duties once a month. This is a wonderful way to get involved in your child’s school day, interact with students, and foster a positive environment during lunch and play time. Your presence makes a significant difference, allowing teachers to have a well-deserved break while ensuring that our students are safe and engaged. Our first chance for volunteers to sign up for lunch/recess duty will be on Thursday, October 31, for Halloween. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to Liz Dome at appreciation@supportabernethy.org Sign up here. [NEED LINK]- (Link will hopefully be ready by newsletter time. Waiting on Dunn to give me the new schedule monday and then will get the konstella post up immediately. Might delete the email contact info since it will be on the konstella post too)
Please note that all volunteers are required to complete a PPS background check. If you’re interested in volunteering, please complete the PPS Volunteer Background Check. Background checks are quick and easy, and they’re valid for three years!
Friday, November 15th
Join us for our first movie night of the year on Friday, November 15th in the Abernethy Auditorium! Doors open at 6 pm and the movie (title TBA) starts at 6:15 pm. This event is free for everyone! Bring your friends and your own dinner (no alcohol, please), and enjoy complimentary popcorn provided by the PTA.
Would you like to help with setup or cleanup after the event? Volunteer sign up to come!
A friendly reminder: Parents should stay with their students; this is not a drop-off event.
One of the easiest ways to support our kids’ physical education – and the environment – is by recycling redeemable cans and bottles through BottleDrop. Blue redemption bags are always available in the front office, and the PTA also delivers bags to your home! Simply email our BottleDrop coordinator with your address and the number of bags you'd like. To date, we have raised more than $4,500 to purchase PE equipment through BottleDrop. Thank you, Abernethy community! Please see the PTA website for more information.
Abernethy Instagram Form
Please only return this form if you wish for your student to opt out of being on our Abernethy Instagram.
Abernethy Family Handbook & Calendar 2024-25
Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook - 2024-25
This did not come home in a printer format. Instead, you can access the online version here.