Maple East Elementary

The Lion's Pen Bi-Weekly Newsletter- September 13, 2024

Principal's Update

William P Bohen, Ph.D, Principal

Building Read Aloud

Greetings from Maple East! We are just wrapping up a wonderful second week back to school. In this week’s edition, I would like to share with you information about an annual “Read Aloud” tradition that we use to kickoff the school year at Maple East. Read Aloud is an essential component of our reading program every day in all classrooms at Maple East. This month at school, we will be holding a Building Wide Read Aloud using the book “Maybe” by Kobi Yamada. The book includes powerful themes of identity and the uniqueness of all persons. To prepare students for this book, classroom teachers have introduced the concept of respect, kindness, and identity to students, and have helped them better understand who they are as a person, and what makes them special and unique. As an extension activity, students will map out aspects of their identity that they are most proud of, and they will have the opportunity to share with classmates. We hope that this book and follow-up activity inspires our students, and helps them build self confidence and be able to celebrate and appreciate differences.

What is Interactive read-aloud?

Interactive read-aloud is an instructional time in the day where the teacher reads aloud a purposefully selected book to the whole class. The text selection is strategic, highlighting the content, skills, and strategies the teacher plans to showcase to the students. During the read-aloud, the teacher will have previously planned for places to pause to model thinking and evoke student response through written form or discussions in partners, small groups, or whole-class conversations.

What does Interactive read-aloud look like?

Across all grade levels, teachers engage in Interactive read-aloud 3-5 times a week, following a similar structure:

Introduce the text- Activate prior knowledge and engage thinking through previewing strategies such as reading the title, back blurb, and doing a picture walk.
Read the text- Pause throughout the text to think aloud or engage students in written or conversational responses around the instructional focus.
Discuss the text- At the end of the read-aloud, students are invited to talk about the book. The teacher will guide and support students towards key understandings of the whole text, often focusing on mind and/or heart work highlighted during the read-aloud.

Interactive read-aloud has the ability to capitalize on academic skills, allowing students to see strategies in orchestration with support from the teacher and their peers. However, the real power of Interactive read-aloud is harnessed in its ability to rally a community of children that are curious, empathetic, and thoughtful. It is our hope these shared experiences will promote belonging, kindness, and courage in our school community, skills we hope they will carry with them throughout their life. Feel free to ask your child's teacher if you have any questions about our Read Aloud program.

Assistant Principal's Update

Kristy Giardina, Assistant Principal

We hope that everyone has had a wonderful first few weeks of school! It's been so nice to see all the smiling faces each day!

Fire Drill Information

As of today, we have completed 5 out of 6 required fall fire drills. Our students have been doing very well and we are beyond proud of them! We will do our last fire drill for the fall next week.

Upcoming Events

Please see the PTA section in today's edition for information about important upcoming PTA sponsored events, including the Book Fair, the Ice Cream Social, and Picture Day.

Main Office Update

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.

Please welcome Officer Vukovic, our new School Resource Officer

Health Office Update

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.

Videos and Pictures from the Week

Eileen Theuerkauf

Technology Coach

Katie McFarland

Technology Facilitator

CLICK HERE for a video on our "Friday Morning Arrival"!

Here's a sneak peek on how our students arrive on Friday mornings!

Wellness Update

Andrea Armstrong

Wellness Co-Facilitator

Karrie Dominique

Wellness Co-Facilitator

Linda Kane

School Counselor

CLICK HERE for Tips on Bedtime and Morning Routines

CLICK HERE for Tips on Attendance Matters

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.

Committees Update

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

PTA Update

Hello Maple East Community!

Thank you to everyone that attended our first General PTA meeting of the year this past Wednesday.

At the meeting PTA Treasurer, Megan Quinn, presented our PTA budget for the year. Following her presentation, members voted and approved the budget for the 2024-2025 school year. Hooray!

In addition, our Board of Education liaison, BoE President Crystal Kaczmarek-Bogner, shared updates from the District. Dr. Bohen and a few of our Maple East Faculty, including our teacher liaisons Mrs. Denzel and Ms. Squillace, shared information about the amazing curriculum and educational opportunities our students at Maple East have.

Next Friday, 9/20/2024 is our annual Welcome Back Ice Cream Social and Book Fair.

The book fair will be set up in the gymnasium and will run from 4-8pm, the Ice Cream

Social begins at 6pm in the cafeteria. Please bring your own bags for your book fair purchases.

We are seeking parent volunteers to help set up, run the cash registers (in hourly

shifts), and clean up after the event. Please click on the link at the top of our PTA

website, www.mapleeastpta.com to sign-up. Thank you in advance for volunteering to

make the night great! If you have any questions, please contact Megan Quinn at

meganquinn1121@gmail.com.

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

school year. We already have over 200 members! Membership is one of the ways we

raise money to fund the many incredible things that the PTA does throughout the year.

In addition, Membership allows PTA to advocate at the State, and National levels for all

our children. Not yet a member? No worries! Membership is open all year, so it is never

too late to join.

Mark your calendar for our next PTA General Meeting of the Year, October 9th at

6:30pm in the library.

Don’t forget to stay connected and involved with our vibrant school community by

visiting www.mapleeastpta.com today! Information for the Ice Cream Social, Book Fair,

Membership, Maple East Spirit Wear, and more is just a click away!

Have a great weekend,

Maple East PTA

PTA Membership Information

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.

Picture Day for Maple East Elementary School is scheduled for

Monday, October 7th

This event's Order Code is 88725PF.

Online ordering is available before and after Picture Day.

Pictures will be shipped directly to the school at no charge.

Shipping and handling charges may apply to late orders placed after Picture Day

WCSD News

District News:

https://www.williamsvillek12.org/

WCSD Board of Education Meeting Dates:

October 8, 2024

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