October, 2011
by Linda Fussman
CARL D. MAYES ELEMENTARY
SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER
2011-2012
CALENDAR
| Mon., Oct. 3 | PTO meeting, 6:30 p.m. in Mrs. Davis's room |
| Elementary pictures being taken | |
| Fri., Oct. 7 | Apple pie order forms sent home |
| Fri., Oct. 14 | Homecoming Football game - Blue and White Day for students and staff |
| Oct. 11- 27 | MEAP testing dates |
| Fri., Oct. 21 | PTO Pie orders due |
| Fri., Oct. 28 | Picture Retakes |
| Classroom Halloween parties |
CELL PHONE RECYCLING
Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Maxon and their classrooms are sponsoring a Cell Phone Recycling Program through "Wireless Alliance" for the 2011 - 2012 school year. All makes and models of cell phones, accessories, batteries and chargers are accepted. The program is free and simple; it's a great way to improve the environment while raising funds for charities. All you have to do is place your donations in the green and white recycling boxes in the elementary or high school offices. The rest is handled for you. Thank you for recycling.
ELEMENTARY PICTURES
Elementary students will be having pictures taken on Monday, October 3. You should have received an order form/envelope last week. If you did not receive one, please notify the office and one will be sent home with your child.
PTO FUNDRAISER
The Beal City Elementary PTO is going to do a NEW fundraiser this year. They will be taking orders for homemade apple pies. Students will be bringing home order forms on Friday, October 7. All orders are due by Friday, October 21. Pies will be made and ready for pick up on Saturday, November 12, between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. This is a massive undertaking and the PTO will need a lot of volunteers to help make pies on both Friday, November 11 and Saturday, November 12. Please try to take some time to volunteer and help out the PTO. If you can volunteer, please complete the bottom portion of your child's order form. The PTO hopes that this is successful enough to be the one and only yearly fundraiser they will need to have. Your help is appreciated.
CHANGING BUSSING/PICK UP PLANS
We understand that occasionally plans change throughout the school day which can effect where your child goes at the end of the school day. Arrangements for bussing changes need to be made at least three days in advance. In an extreme emergency, it may be possible for last minute changes, but these will have to be approved by Mr. Graham, our bus supervisor. Students that are being picked up at school should turn a pick-up pass in to their teacher upon arrival at school. This allows the teacher or Mrs. Fussman time to clarify these plans if necessary. Only persons listed on your child's registration form will be allowed to pick up your child. If we have any doubts about whether or not to release your child, the office will contact parents. Last minute changes in a child's schedule can cause unneccessary stress. Please try to plan ahead when possible.
MEAP TESTING
It's that time of year again! MEAP assessment for students in grades 3 - 9 will start on Tuesday, October 11 and end on Thursday, October 27. It is very important for your child to be in attendance during the entire school year, but especially during MEAP testing dates. Certain subject tests are given ONLY on certain days. We also need to have all tests completed and shipped off on time or face late fees.
Please observe the following suggestions to help insure your child's success:
PUT THEM TO BED - Sleepy children have a tough time succeeding academically. For most school children, 10 hours of sleep every night is best.
GIVE THEM "BRAIN FOOD" - A healthy breakfast helps to fuel the brain. Food high in fat or sugar does NOT provide the nutrients children need to do their best.
ENCOURAGE, DON'T PRESSURE - Too much pressure can cause test anxiety.
AIM HIGH - Encourage children to do their best and help them believe that they will do well.
HOMECOMING SPIRIT WEEK
Spirit Week this year happens to be the same week that we are MEAP testing. In order to maintain a regular schedule (and hopefully quieter hallways), the elementary students will not be participating in Spirit Week dress-up, except for Friday, "Blue and White Day". All elementary students have been invited to attend the Pep Assembly at 1:45 p.m. Thank you for understanding the reasons for this decision.
HALLOWEEN PARTIES
Students will be celebrating Halloween this year on Friday, October 28. Each individual classroom plans their own party, so check with your child's teacher for specific details. Parties generally take place near the end of the day. Healthy treats are encouraged, children will be getting plenty of candy when they go trick-or-treating on the 31st.
