February 11, 2008
http://www.pgcps.pg.k12.md.us/~marlton/
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Important Dates |
2/18 Schools Closed – President’s Day |
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2/12 Schools Closed – Primary Election |
2/19 First in Math Deadline |
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2/13 Progress Reports go home |
2/19 Gr. 6 |
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2/14 Class Pictures - Lifetouch |
2/21 PTA Chuck E. Cheese Activity |
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2/15 PTA Valentine’s Day Dinner/Dance |
2/26 Pennies for Patients Ends |
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2/15 Deadline Six Flags Reading Program |
2/28 & 29 Jump Rope for Heart (GR 1-6) |
Dear Parents,
On Thursday, everyone will
celebrate Valentine’s Day. When deciding
upon your gift or message, consider the following.
CLASS PICTURES – Lifetouch
photographers will be here on Thursday, February 14 to take the class
pictures. The children will wear their
uniforms. Envelopes were sent home today. The picture is $10.60 and must be prepaid. Make checks payable to LIFETOUCH.
CAFETERIA NOTES
Meals Program Updates – Online Pre-Payment for Students’ Meals - You are able to pre-pay for your children’s meals on line! Use your bank debit card, Visa, Discover or MasterCard to pre-pay for your children’s meals. You are encouraged to pre-purchase meals for at least one month at a time and to pre-pay at least two days prior to your child’s meal account being depleted. You may also access PayPams from our website, http://www.pgcps.org/~lunch/ or, the PayPams site directly, http://www.paypams.com
New check acceptance policy – Checks are welcome. Returned checks are subject to electronic recovery for the face value and state allowed fee. We have the right, directly or by agent, to resubmit your check electronically and/or deposit a paper draft to withdraw the state allowed fee, without your signature, for each returned check as permitted by law. Your payment by check constitutes your acceptance of these terms. Call 1-877-891-5422 for more information. In essence, returned checks will be collected electronically and a fee will be collected. This notice and phone number will also be on our website for future reference. http://www.pgcps.org/~lunch/
Counselor’s Corner –
Set and Maintain Rules to Enforce Proper Discipline - Children love rules.
If they are playing a game, the first thing they do is decide on the rules. It’s no wonder that parents often find that rules make discipline a lot easier. Your child wants to watch TV after school. “Homework first,” you say. “It’s the rule.” If your child knows it’s the rule, he/she will probably settle down without much grumbling. What if you don’t have many rules? You can get children to accept rules without a power struggle if you follow these steps.
1. Make sure the rule is reasonable and enforceable. If it’s going to be a family rule, you’ll have to see that it is enforced every time.
2. Start with one rule. Talk with your child. Let your child know you’re setting the rule. Don’t get into a battle; state the rule calmly.
3. Be consistent. When your child doesn’t follow the rule, you’ll have to enforce the consequence. This may mean turning off the TV or sending your child to time out.
4. Don’t argue. The rule is the rule. It will take a few days for your child to adjust, but he/she usually will. Stand firm.
Six Flags Reading Club - Deadline is February 15 – 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, and returns the accurately completed “Keeping Tract Sheet” to the teacher by 2:00 on Friday, February 15, will receive a free admission ticket valid at participating Six Flags theme parts. The ticket is valid for admission from 6/19/08 – 8/10/08. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTATIONS TO THE DEADLINE.
Pennies for Patients – Children are encouraged to donate their pennies or change to the campaign for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation. Parents can contact Nurse Bishop and get a donation box for the office! So far, the students have raised approximately $850.00.
Chocolate roses are for sale, $1.00 each, and will be distributed on Valentine’s Day. The chocolate rose can include your valentine message. The proceeds from the sale are donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation.
First in Math – Students in grades 3 – 6 are encouraged to visit the First in Math, challenge 24 internet site to practice their problem solving math skills. The students are challenged to earn 2,500 stickers by Feb. 19. Those “newcomers” to the site are encouraged to earn 1,800 stickers. Research indicates that students that practice their math skills on this challenging site increase their score on standardized tests and classroom chapter tests. Plus, it’s lot of fun!
Jump Rope for Heart (Gr 1-6) – 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 $6,000! 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. Please call to volunteer 301-952-7780.
Read Across Marlton – We will celebrate this day on Friday, March 7. We are looking for volunteers to come in and read to classes starting at 8:30 a.m. Please call to volunteer.
Birthday Parties
- We love to celebrate the children’s birthdays, but it is important to
remember that our most important responsibility is instruction. Therefore, if your child wants to celebrate
with their classmates at school, parents may send in cupcakes and a foil pack
or box juice drink. These are easy to
distribute. The children will enjoy
these treats during their lunch. Balloons
and all other food items should be saved for their home party.
Inclement Weather - In the event of inclement weather, check the following items to learn about weather-related closings, delayed openings, and early dismissals:
Ÿ The school system’s Web site (www.pgcps.org) and cable television stations (channel 96, Comcast, and channel 38 Verizon) are updated as soon as decisions are made.
Ÿ Local television and radio stations, and newspapers are notified.
Ÿ The public can call 301-952-6000 and select option 1 (bulletin board) to hear weather related announcements.
Ÿ The web site www.schoolsout.com is contacted to email its subscribers of the change in schedules.
Ÿ PGCPS sends email messages directly to all employees.
Parents are urged to discuss specific plans with children in advance of the next weather event that alters the normal school day and transportation schedule. Each child needs to know what to do in case of school cancellations, delays and early dismissals.
Before and After Care Inclement Weather Plan – If the school system has a 1 hour or 2 hour delayed opening, the Before and After Care Program will delay their opening accordingly. If the school system closes early, the after care program encourages you to pick up your child as soon as possible. The program will close according to the system plan. i.e. 2 hour early dismissal, program closes at 4:00 p.m. (two hours earlier than the usual 6:00 p.m.).
Contextual Learning
Environment – Information on how to apply and obtain an application is
posted on the
Math Help - There is math help available for when your child is having difficulty with their homework or wants to clarify a question. Turn your TV to channel 38, Verizon, or channel 96, Comcast, for Count on Us, Mondays and Wednesdays or Math Homework Hotline Show for elementary students from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Call 301-772-0080 or cou@pgcps.org for more information.
Next Newsletter – February 25, 2008