hepburn-lycoming primary school 2013...student management program as the middle school and high...
TRANSCRIPT
By the time you are reading this, the Hepburn-Lycoming Primary School Walk-A-Thon will be just two days
away. I hope that you as a family are planning on joining us at the WAHS stadium from 1:00-4:00 p.m. This
will be our fourth annual “Walk-A-Thon.” It is such a great day, raising money for our school activities while
at the same time being healthy. I am always amazed at the turn out of students, siblings, parents, grandparents,
aunts, uncles, and the list goes on. We have had great weather for the walk-a-thon each year and the company
is even greater. It is not too late to plan to come to this wonderful event.
Come to the WAHS stadium on Sunday, starting at 12:30 p.m. and you can
purchase a walking lanyard and be part of this great Hepburn-Lycoming Pri-
mary School event! I want to take this time to thank Rose-Marie Gross and
her great team for the countless hours and days they have spent planning this
event. The planning started last spring before school was out for the sum-
mer. I hope to see you on the track Sunday!
On November 1, 2013, you will receive the first WASD elementary elec-
tronic report card. This report card will be printed from our Power Schools
student management program as the middle school and high school report
cards have been printed for years. You will not be required to return the re-
port card. The report card will be sent home with your child in an envelope.
You will sign the envelope and return it to school so that we know you have
received your child’s report card. Each marking period the report card will
come home in the same envelope to be signed and returned. This will allow
you to keep the report card each marking period for your reference. Parent-
teacher conferences will be held November 26 and 27, 2013. Please plan to attend your child’s conference.
Conference forms will be coming home with the report card and you will have the opportunity to request a
time of day. Due to the large number of requests for evening conferences, we cannot possibly accommodate
all requests. However, if you do not receive an evening conference time for November conferences, you will
receive an evening time for spring conferences. Please remember you can contact your child’s teacher or me
at any time with concerns using voice mail or e-mail. We are off to a GREAT start for the 2013-14 school
year.
From the Desk of Dr. Williams
Hepburn-Lycoming Primary School
October 2013
Dr. Williams
PTO HAPPENINGS
Page 2 Hepburn Happenings
We are once again collecting Box Tops for Education (www.btfe.com) and Labels for Education (www.labelsforeducation.com). Each class is challenged to collect 2500 points or more by May 16th to earn a pizza party for their class! There are many other great prize levels along the way. Please visit our website for more information. Box Tops and Labels for Education can be turned in to your child's teacher throughout the school year. Label the bag or envelope with the teacher’s name to ensure the proper class gets credit. Thanks for your participation!
SPIRIT CUP SALE
The Fall Book Fair
will be held during
the week of October
21st - 25th. Look for
more information
coming home on
this popular
event later
this month.
As always, email us with comments/suggestions at [email protected], or to
volunteer for any of the events listed here. We will put you in touch with the right committee
chair. Speaking of committee chairs…we are still in need of volunteers to head up some of
our important committees, including an opening on our Executive Board for Fundraising Co-
Chair. Please let us know how you’d like to help out or get involved!
"Like" us on Facebook at Hepburn Lycoming Primary School PTO, and visit our webpage by clicking on
the PTO tab at www.wasd.org/hepburn.
We were encouraged by the awesome turnout at our first PTO
meeting, but if you couldn't make it - we missed you! Our
PTO meetings are held the first Thursday of the month during the school year at 6:30 pm in the school cafeteria. Please con-
sider joining us to hear firsthand from the PTO, principal and
teachers present what is happening at your school. The next
meeting is on November 7th. There will be a vote to amend the cur-
rent bylaws in order to change the name of the organization to Hep-
burn-Lycoming Primary School PTO.
This coming Sunday, October 6th, from 1:00 - 4:00 PM we
will be holding our 4th Annual Walk-a-Thon at the Wil-
liamsport High School Athletic Complex. Thanks to every-
one who has already turned in their donations for our larg-
est fundraiser, but it's not too late to participate. Please
make plans to be there and enjoy a day of outdoor fun
with your family and friends. Check our website or Face-
book page for any last minute updates or changes.
Brax Spirit Cups go on sale this month. This
is a popular fundraiser for the PTO that we
are bringing back with even more product of-
ferings this year. A flyer with all the details will
be coming home soon. In the meantime, be
sure to check out the samples at the Walk-a-
Thon so you can see firsthand the style and
quality of this product. Delivery will be in
plenty of time for gift-giving season.
RAINDATE-
OCTOBER 13TH
Page 3 Hepburn Happenings
First Grade has started out the year great! We are settling down into our daily routines and
procedures. We have begun our first Treasures Unit – All About Us. The children are excited about
sharing things about themselves and displaying work from centers as we discuss what is unique
about each and every child. Small reading groups have begun and the children are having the oppor-
tunity to work at learning centers with their classmates.
Spelling also began the last week of September with students bringing home flashcards for
extra practice. Spelling tests will be given at the end of each week. We continue to add high fre-
quency words to our classroom word walls which is a great help as the children work to become even
more fluent writers.
We have concluded our first unit in Everyday Math – Establishing Routines. The children
have been investigating the number line, using mathematical tools such as pattern blocks, geoboards,
base-10 blocks, and pennies and learned a few new math games. First graders also have been re-
cording tally marks for a variety of different things.
Thank you parents for supporting your first grader in their homework. Please continue to
return the take-home reader and math homelink the following day in your child’s folder. As always,
please email, call or send in a note if you have any questions, or concerns regarding first grade. We
look forward to having a wonderful year with your child!!
Mrs. Gower, Mrs. Schmack & Mrs. Wagner
Planning has begun for this year's Fall Festival, which
will be a full day of activities during the school day on
October 18th. This is always a fun and festive day for
our students and staff, and also a great way for parents
and family members to get involved by signing up to vol-
unteer. Please contact Bobbi Jo Vilello
([email protected]) for more information or
to volunteer.
Page 5 Hepburn Happenings
PARENT–TEACHER
CONFERENCES
Parent-Teacher conferences will be held on November 26 and 27,
2013. There will be no school for students on these days. The con-
ferences on November 26th will be held between the hours of 8:00 a.m.
and 8:00 p.m. The conference hours will be 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. on
Wednesday, November 27th. More information will be coming home on
November 1st with the report cards.
SEPTEMBER
STUDENT OF THE MONTH
Irina Savage
Laila Kiessling
Emma Vollman
Lillian Fry
Sarah Stugart
Jayden Ulmer
Marissa DiMarco
Kieran Varner
Anna Harstead
Emileah Bird
Zoe Wright
Caleb Fausnaught
Madisyn Plocinski
Chais Shief
Owen Gair
Mark Kimble
Sydney Kelley
Today, October 4th, every student walked
1 mile around the school grounds to em-
phasize a healthy lifestyle walking with
friends. What a great start to the day!
On Monday, October 7, 2013, the Hep-
burn-Lycoming Primary School will
practice an emergency evacuation
drill. This drill is being held as a prac-
tice in the event that there would ever
be an emergency in the building that
would result in all students, faculty,
and staff having to evacuate to an alternate site. Route
973 East will be blocked by emergency personnel
while we walk to the fire company social hall and then
walk back. Please have your child wear sneakers or
safe walking shoes on Monday. Parents will not be able
to access the school parking lot from the time the drill
starts at 10:00 a.m. unit it is over at approximately 10:30
a.m. There will be no spectators allowed during the
drill. If you have any questions, please contact the
school at 494-1112.
Page 6 Hepburn Happenings
Welcome to another year at the new Hepburn-Lycoming Primary School. This has been a great beginning to the year with meeting many terrific and new faces here at Hepburn. I just wanted to give a welcome to all and let parents know I am available to meet with you if a need arises this year. The phone number is 570-494-1112, extension 33130 for Mrs. Phillips, School Counselor, to set up an appointment.
We have kicked off our School Wide Positive Behavior program this year and it pleases me to see the terrific positive behavior our students display each and every day. You will hear the students recite the four B’s…
Be Present
Be Respectful
Be Responsible
Be Safe….
It is up to Me!!
This year as a continuation of Safe Schools, I have been visiting all class-rooms to discuss Weapon Awareness. This is a thirty minute presentation to make all students aware of the school board policy with regard to weapons. I always stress we want all students to feel and be SAFE at school.
Upcoming events….I hope to start the “Lunch Bunch” soon with first through third grade. This is a fun, informal gathering of students and me eat-ing lunch together in my conference area. Just a fun way for me to get to know everyone better.
Keep your eyes open for Hepburn’s annual donation collection, shopping, and display of our “Toys for Tots”. Information will be sent home in early No-vember.
Happy Fall to All!
from Mrs. Phillips
Please remember to send your child/children in sneakers
or gym safe shoes on gym day. This will keep your stu-
dent safe and ready to do their very best.
Page 7 Hepburn Happenings
Do you like surprises? How about birthday surprises? Do you like to plan special birthday surprises? If you an-
swered yes to any of these questions, you might enjoy reading The Wednesday Surprise by Eve Bunting. Grandmas
are very special people. She can make you feel warm, accepted, and mystified in a single moment. The children in
this story love having Grandma come and stay with them on Wednesday evenings when their mother stays late at the
office and dad is working. Grandma always carries a large bag when she comes to visit. However, on this particular
evening, celebrating dad’s birthday on Saturday evening, the bag is extra heavy. So heaving that the Anna has to drag
it across the room rather than carry it. What is in the bag? What is the Wednesday/Saturday surprise? What is the
“best birthday gift of all?” You will have to read the book to discover the answers to these questions as well as a won-
derful surprise for you as the reader at the end. This is such a wonderful book that there are four copies in the library,
two in the student collection and two in the teacher collection. I recommend this as a read aloud for the teachers to
read to their students as well as a book to be checked out by our students.
Eve Bunting is one of my favorite authors. I always watch the new book re-
views to read her latest literary works. The reason I enjoy her writing is because
she writes from her life experiences including childhood to adult. She always
has a notebook with her and when an experience comes to mind because of
something she sees or hears, she immediately takes out her notebook and begins
to write thoughts and imagery. She will often go to her notebook and read when
she has the desire to write a new book. One of my favorite books by Eve Bun-
ting is Fly Away Home. The story will not only captivate you but bring you to
tears as well. We have a large collection of her books in the library. Stop by the
library and ask Mrs. Keller where the collection is located and she will be happy
to assist you. As always, see you in the library!
PRINCIPAL’S BOOK REVIEW
Parent volunteers are very impor-
tant to daily life at Hepburn-
Lycoming Primary School. We al-
ways need assistance from parents
to assist in classrooms with working
individually with students . This
might be listening to a child read
or helping a child learn a particu-
lar skill. Please contact the office if
you are willing to volunteer.
Hepburn-Lycoming Primary School is a “food allergy aware” school. In order to
protect the health of all of our children, food items are not permitted to be
brought into classrooms or common areas unless they have been cleared by
the classroom teacher, principal, and/or school nurse (the exception to this
rule would be lunches packed in closed containers). At this time, we are particu-
larly mindful of peanuts and peanut products due to a potentially life threatening
allergy to peanuts. It is possible for an allergic child to suffer serious health
consequences, even by touching peanut products. Please help us ensure the
health of all of our children by abiding by these guidelines.
ATTENTION
Visitors, Parents, and Staff
Page 8 Hepburn Happenings
WILLIAMSPORT AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
DIVISION OF STUDENT SERVICES
DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES
Dear Parent,
Every year, many children throughout the United States become infected with head lice. Head lice will al-
ways be a part of our society. Since there are many misconceptions about head lice, we are attempting to
provide you with the most accurate scientific information available. If you would like additional information,
there are additional references below or you may contact the school nurse.
What are Head Lice? Head Lice are tiny wingless insects that area about the size of a sesame seed. They
have six legs with claws on each leg. Since they do not have hind legs, they can not jump or hop. Although
they are able to crawl quickly, they are unable to cover great distances.3
The female louse may live for 30 days and lays approximately 10 eggs (nits) per day. The eggs are
attached to the hair by a glue-like substance. The heat from the human body incubates the eggs which will
hatch in 10-14 days. Once hatched, the nymph grows for 9-12 days, mate and lay eggs. Untreated, this cy-
cle will repeat itself every three weeks.2
For pictures of head lice, please visit the web site http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/headlice.html
Medical Implications: Head lice are an infestation not an infection. Head lice do not cause or spread any
diseases and therefore, do not pose any significant threat to one’s health.3
Societal Reactions: Head Lice will always be present in the community at any given time. For years, the
mere mention of lice caused people to react negatively. Research regarding head lice did not exist. Instead,
myths were developed and spread from one generation to the next. Well meaning individuals have communi-
cated myths (which have no scientific basis) to others and this has resulted in many misconceptions about
head lice. Fortunately, with research, many past practices and myths can now be abolished. Instead of seek-
ing the source or someone to blame, parents, schools, and communities need to work together to incorporate
the most appropriate recommendations that are based on the latest scientific research.
Prevention/Early Detection: Prevention of head lice is best attainable through education. Parents and
school staff needs to educate children to avoid sharing hats, combs, brushes, scarves and avoid direct head
to head contact. 1
Home Control Measures: At least twice a week, parents should check their children for head lice. This will
provide parents with the opportunity to talk to their children about head lice and allow parents to detect any
early infestation.
Page 9 Hepburn Happenings
WILLIAMSPORT AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
DIVISION OF STUDENT SERVICES
DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES
The Facts about Head Lice
Head Lice will always be a part of our society. Since many myths and rumors exist about
lice, we are providing our students and parents with the most accurate scientific informa-
tion available.
Head lice are tiny wingless insects. They do not jump, fly, nor are they able to crawl long distances.
Head lice do not carry disease and do not pose a serious threat to health. They are considered a nuisance problem. Anyone can get head lice!
Prevention of head lice is best attained through education. Parents should learn how to recognize lice and their eggs (nits), and check their children for head lice twice a week
at home. Head lice are most often transmitted in the home environment and where close
personal contact occurs such as sleepovers. The sooner a case of lice is found, the easier
the treatment becomes!
There is no scientific evidence to support the concept that mass screenings for lice are effective in reducing the spread of lice. Therefore, health services staff no longer conduct
mass screenings of classrooms.
When head lice are discovered, do not panic! Treatments are available over the counter
or by contacting your family physician. Follow the directions on the product package
carefully. Elimination of lice takes time and persistence! Please do not spend any of your
valuable time and energy in seeking someone to blame. It is impossible to identify the
exact source of infestation. Your time and energy should be used to treat and educate
your child.
For complete details about head lice and proper treatment, contact your school nurse
and refer to www.wasd.org and follow the link for health services or visit the website
http://www.harvard.edu/headlice.html
Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary
355 Route 973 East
Cogan Station, PA 17728
Phone: 570-494-1112
Fax: 570-494-0534
Developing responsible citizens through excellence in education.
Dr. Williams
Principal
Mrs. Phillips
Counselor
Mrs. Bower
Secretary
Mrs. Grieco
Nurse
PERSONNEL
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1/4
2/5
3/1
9:30– R.I.F.– 1st GR-
”Fired Up for Reading”
6:30– PTO Meeting
4/2 Newsletter distributed
9:15- “Walk At School”
Day
1 mile walk
5
6 1:00-4:00 PM
Walk-A-Thon
WAHS Track
7/3
8/4
9/5
10/1
11/2 9:30 Fire Prevention
Assembly
12
13 1:00-4:00 PM
Walk-A-Thon
Raindate
14 In-Service Day
NO SCHOOL FOR
STUDENTS
15/3
16/4
17/5
18/1 9:30-3:00– Fall
Festival
2:45– PTO Fall Treat
19
20 21/2 BOOK FAIR
22/3 BOOK FAIR
2:00– Respect
Assembly
23/4 BOOK FAIR
24/5 BOOK FAIR
9:15– PICTURE
MAKE-UP DAY
25/1 BOOK FAIR
End of 1st
Marking Period
26
27 28/2 29/3
30/4
11:25-1:05– Princi-
pal’s B-Day Lunch
31/5
SCHOOL STORE
3:00– Student of the
Month pictures