Maple East Elementary
The Lion's Pen Bi-Weekly Newsletter- October 25, 2024
William P Bohen, Ph.D, Principal
Parent Teacher Conferences
Greetings from Maple East! It is hard to believe that November is just around the corner. With that being said, we are preparing for our Fall Parent Teacher Conferences, which will be held on the following dates:
- Thursday December 5 from 5:00 PM-8:00 PM
- Friday December 6 from 11:00 AM-3:00 PM (This is a student half day with 10:25 AM dismissal)
- Monday December 9 from 11:00 AM- 3:00 PM and from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM (This is a student half day with 10:25 AM dismissal)
We will be sending out a WITS mail with sign up information within the week. Sign ups will take place through your WITS parent portal from Monday November 4 through Wednesday November 27. Once again, we will be offering both virtual and in person options.
Recess/ Appropriate Clothing
As we enter the colder months, we still prefer to take students outdoors for recess if the weather is conducive. Please remember to send your child to school with appropriate clothing for the colder months such as warmer jackets, hats, and gloves for us to be able to continue with outdoor recess on colder days. If you have any questions, feel free to ask your child's teacher.
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
(11/28-11/1 is Red Ribbon Week to Promote Healthy Living and Habits)
Monday 10/28 Wear Red
Tuesday 10/29 Pajama Day
Wednesday 10/30 Wear Bright Colors
Thursday 10/31 Fall Fun Day- Costume Parade after Announcements and Classroom Parties
Friday 11/1: No School Diwali Observance
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.
Prevention Focus
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: 10/29, 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
District News:
Extracurricular Information
Community Education Programs at Maple East, click on link below:
https://www.williamsvillek12.org/departments/community_education/index.php
Calendar: October/November 2024
Every Friday is Wear Blue (or Bills) Spirit Day!
Thursday, October 31st
Fall Fun Day
Friday, November 1st
Superintendent Conference Day/ NO School
Monday, November 11th
Veteran's Day/NO School
Thursday, November 14th
Student of the Month Parade and Ceremony
Monday, November 18th
School Picture Retake Day
Thursday, November 28th - Friday November 29th
Thanksgiving Recess/NO School
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:
Address:
1500 Maple Road
Williamsville, NY 14221