Friday, May 23, 2008

The Weekend!

It is hard to believe that there are only 10 days of school left! Our 3rd graders had a beautiful day in Pittsburgh. They could not have asked for a better day! The 4th graders enjoyed their trip to PSHS, too. They had the chance to listen to the 5th Grade Band and hear McKinley's Principal, Mr. Kempers.

I spent a few moments in the gym this morning talking about the significance of Memorial Day. The children listened as I explained the real reason behind our day off of school. I asked them to spend a few moments thinking about the brave men and women who have defended our Nation. Please talk about this important day with your children.

If you have not picked up your Pirate tickets, please stop in the school as soon as possible. Today is the last day I will hold 2 for each student. Beginning Tuesday, I will pass out the remaining tickets to those families who requested additional seats.

Thank you,
Mr. Masucci

Thursday, May 22, 2008

"Plan B"

We had a special program planned for this afternoon. The Magic Carpet Theater was scheduled to perform this afternoon for our entire school. This talented group has been here in the past and left a lasting impression. Unfortunately, the performers were in an accident on the way here. There were a few bumps and bruises, but no serious injuries. For this, we are very grateful.

Consequently, we moved to "Plan B" this afternoon. The students were treated to a special viewing of The Lion King. After all, "hakuna matata" means "no worries".

Thank you,
Mr. Masucci

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Unfortunately, I was out of town today and unable to be in the building. I'll be back tomorrow.

The weather looks great for 3rd Grade's field trip on Friday. During their visit to Pittsburgh, they will ride the Gateway Clipper and take a guided tour of PNC Park!

On Friday, our 4thGraders will join students from Dobbins and Union at PSHS. They will be listening to the 5th Grade Band and their soon-to-be principal, Mr. Ed Kempers.

Thank you,
Mr. Masucci

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

A Great Trip!

Our 4th Graders took one the best field trips of the year today. Along with their teachers and chaperones , they visited the Juvenile Justice Center in Youngstown, Ohio. This trip is a real "eye-opener" for many of our students. In addition to taking a guided tour of the facility, they had a chance to visit with a Judge and participate in a mock trial.

If nothing else, they should come home much better listeners. Take advantage! Get those bedrooms cleaned. Have the garage straightened up. You should find your children to be a bit more cooperative!

Thank you,
Mr. Masucci

P.S. Don't forget to stop in for baseball tickets.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Wow!

Today was an exceptional day! Be sure to ask your children about their afternoon. A representative from the Make-A-Wish Foundation visited and thanked our students for their kind act! She expressed her gratitude by sharing her own story and those of several other Make-A-Wish children. She was the recipient of a wish herself many years ago. I believe our students were touched by her words.

In addition, the Pirate Parrot flew in from Pittsburgh and announced......or had me announce.....that the Pittsburgh Pirates were so impressed with our school's generosity that they have provided Poland North Elementary School with 500 tickets to the June 22nd game at PNC Park. In addition, our school will be recognized on the giant scoreboard in the middle of the fourth inning. Our students are encouraged to stick around after the game to run the bases, too! All the details about these tickets were sent home today on a gold piece of paper! Look for an article in the Vindicator. Our local newspapers really are good to our building. They are very appreciated. We also had local news channels cover the afternoon's event.

Thank you to the Pittsburgh Pirates for recognizing the efforts of our students! Go BUCS!

Thank you,
Mr. Masucci

Friday, May 16, 2008

Watch Our Gardens Grow!

Our students brought home their gardens this afternoon. When our friends from Home Depot visited on Earth Day, they helped your children plant a variety of vegetables. Please keep the plants inside until the weather warms up. There are pumpkins, watermelon and cucumbers heading your way. Yes.....lots of creepy-crawly vines that will eventually take over your yards!

Enjoy the weekend!

Thank you,
Mr. Masucci

P.S. There are only 15 days of school left!

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Beautiful Day

The weather was wonderful for the 1st Grade trip to Camp Stambaugh. Enjoy some time outside today!

The 4th Grade Recognition Program is quickly approaching. Mrs. O'Kane and her committee have done a wonderful job planning and preparing for this one-of-a-kind evening. It is something our 4th graders have looked forward to for a long time.

There will be a special program here on Monday, May 19th. Representatives from the Make-A-Wish Foundation will stop by to thank our students for their kind act. If possible, this year's wish recipient will be here, too. If parents would like to stop by, they are more than welcome. The program will begin a little after 1:00 p.m.

Thank you,
Mr. Masucci