Marlton Elementary School Newsletter

January 28, 2008

http://www.pgcps.pg.k12.md.us/~marlton/

 

Important Dates

 

2/4 – 2/26 Pennies for Patients

2/13 Progress reports distributed

2/12 School closed – primary election

2/18 School closed - President’s day

2/15 PTA Valentine’s Dance

2/28 & 29 Jump Rope for Heart Gr. 1-6

Dear Parents,

            Third quarter is a period of time when students can focus on their learning.  There are few school holidays so instruction is not interrupted.  The weather prohibits outdoor play after school.  Therefore, students have more time to complete their homework and read for pleasure.  During this quarter, encourage your child to become an active learner.  They should raise their hand and participate in discussions with the teacher and their classmates.  Ask your child to explain their work and how it received its grade.  Talk about different ways to improve the grade. Most importantly, your child must believe that they can do it. When a task is lengthy and difficult, encourage your child to break it into manageable parts.  Help them to understand that many times we struggle with an assignment before we master it.  However, it is also important to realize that there are times when it is ok to get help from someone.

 

Instrumental and Vocal Music Program – A special thank you to David Jorio, instrumental music teacher, Martha Bley, vocal music teacher, the orchestra and band and students in grades K, 1 and 2 for presenting a tremendous musical program last week.  The students and parents enjoyed the performance!

 

Creative and Performing Arts Program – Rising sixth, seventh and eighth grade students who live in our area can apply to Thomas G. Pullen Creative and Performing Arts Program for the upcoming school year.  Visit the website to learn more about the application and audition opportunities:  http://www.pgcps.org/~tpullen  The address of their admission office is Thomas G. Pullen K-8 Creative and Performing Arts School, c/o Arts Coordinator, 700 Brightseat Road, Landover, MD  20785 (301) 808-8160.

 

Contextual Learning Environment – Information on how to apply and obtain an application is posted on the Prince George’s County Public Schools website, www.pgcps.org.  Completed lottery applications will be accepted on or before the close of business (5:00 p.m.) on March 12, 2008, at the following address:  Office of Enrichment and Specialty Programs, Room 201-1, 1420 School Lane, Upper Marlboro, MD  20772.   Faxed applications will not be accepted.

 

Jump Rope for Heart – Get ready for Jump Rose for Heart.  Jump Rope for Heart is a very special community service program to raise funds for the American Heart Association.  We’re joining the fight against cardiovascular disease and stroke.  Marlton raised over $5,000 last year and our goal this year is $7,000!  The event will take place on Feb. 28 and 29 from 8:15 – 10:15. We will need lots of volunteers on each of these days to make the event a success.  Look for more details in the next Marlton newsletter.

 

Entertainment Book – Our school is offering you a chance to purchase an Entertainment Book.  The price of the book is $25.00 and has coupons for Safeway, Blockbuster, dining, recreational and sports events and more.  Ask your family and friends if they are interested in purchasing a book.  Examine the flyer sent home today with this newsletter.  Complete the form and send in the appropriate money to school by Feb. 5, 2008.

 

Homeless Information – Accompanying the newsletter is an information sheet, Homeless Children and Youth Have School Rights.  This resource sheet contains valuable information that should be shared with those in need. 

 

Six Flags Reading Club – Six Flags has an exciting program that encourages children in grades K – 6 to read for fun.  Every student who completes six hours of recreational reading by February 15, 2008 and completes and returns the “Keeping Track Sheet” will receive a free admission ticket valid at participating Six Flags theme parks. The ticket is valid for admission from 6/19/08 – 8/10/08.

 

 

Teacher Home Page – Parents and fifth grade students of Ms. Mischo are invited to view the class internet homepage, which lists homework each day.  You can access this homepage through www.scholastic.com/homepage  The class username is Mischo5 and the password is marlton.  A visit to this homepage eliminates the problem of forgetting to write down homework.  Also, if your child is absent, a visit to the homepage will help your child stay current with assignments.

 

Pennies for Patients - Mark your calendars and start saving your coins.  Marlton’s annual coin drive for Pennies for Patients will be February 4-26, 2008  (extra days will be allowed due to 2 days schools will be closed in February).  Whose class will win the pizza party this year?  Parents can take containers to work to collect money for their class coin count!  Any questions call Mrs. Bishop at 301 952-0602.

 

Chocolate Rose-O-Grams – We will begin pre-selling chocolate roses on February 4th for $1.00 per rose. Children will be able to send a message with the rose to their friends or family members. Roses will be delivered to the students by the end of the day on February 14th.  All proceeds will go to the Pennies for Patients campaign. Flyers for ordering will be sent home later this week.

 

Ice Cream Sale – Ice cream is available for children to buy during lunch every Wednesday for $ .75. A child can only buy one ice cream and children cannot loan money to their friends.   

 

H. B. Owens Science Center – The science center presents Follow the Drinking Gourd.  This sky show, based on the book Follow the Drinking Gourd by Jeannette Winter, introduces the day and night skies and discusses the importance of the Big Dipper (which slaves called a Drinking Gourd).  Learn a song which was rumored to be sung by slaves in Alabama and Mississippi that explained how to use the gourd to flee north to freedom.  The program finishes with the story and artwork from Ms. Winter’s book, which is a story of a family escaping from the South using the Drinking Gourd as a guide.  The program is scheduled for Feb. 8, doors open 7:15 p.m. and program begins at 7:30 p.m.  For more information please call 301-918-8750.

 

Counselor’s Corner – Give yourself five points for something you usually do, zero points for something you never do, or any score in between.

____1.  I helped my child set learning goals for the new year.  We have posted these goals where she or he can see them.

____2.  We make time every week or two for a regular visit to the public library or bookstore.

____3.  At least once a month, we have a “No TV” night.  Instead, we read together, play games, or enjoy other family activities.

____4.  I have visited my child’s school at least once.  I have met with the teacher at least once.

____5.  This year, my child and I will learn something new together.

Above 20 means you and your family are determined to learn and play more together in 2008. A score of 15 – 19 is average, keep learning together.  Below 15 means you may want to adopt one of these resolutions for 2008!

 

Partners for Success Parent Center

Feb. 5 Tuesday

10:00- 10:30 a.m.

Basics of Special Education

Judy Hoyer Family Learning Center

Feb. 14 Thursday

10:00- 10:30 a.m.

Basics of Special Education

Judy Hoyer Family Learning Center

Feb. 25 Monday

5:00 – 6:30 p.m.

Preparing for the Annual Review

Judy Hoyer Family Learning Center

For additional information or to register: call (301) 431-5675 or (301) 431-6235.


 

Next Newsletter – February 11, 2008