Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays to our students, staff and families here at Poland North Elementary School. Enjoy this special time with your families and friends. I look forward to seeing everyone back in 2008!

Thank you to our PTO for providing today's treat and arranging a visit from Santa Claus. As usual, many volunteered to help out. It was especially nice to see so many fathers able to help.

Happy Holidays,

Mr. Masucci

Great Performances!

Our students were treated to two wonderful programs today. In the morning, PSHS's Seminary Singers stopped by to spread a little holiday cheer. As always, they did an amazing job. They are an extremely talented group! We are already looking forward to their visit in the spring!

PTO provided the necessary funds to have Sadecky's Puppets drop by this afternoon. Our special guests shared a holiday story with a very captive audience.

Be sure to ask your children about their day!


Thanks,
Mr. Masucci

Great News!

Congratulations to Mrs. Kaschak! She is being honored as an Outstanding Educator at the Industrial Information Institute for Education's annual banquet. This was a competitive process and her selection was based on merit. Our students and staff are very proud of her.

The new owners of our holiday plates have been notified. Thank you to all those who purchased tickets. Your continued support of our PTO and school is appreciated.

Thank you,

Mr. Masucci

Job Well Done!

The Holiday Program was fantastic! Our 1st and 2nd graders did an amazing job! Thank you to all who were able to attend. It was nice to see such an enormous crowd. My apologies to those who had to stand. Congratulations to our students, teachers and Dr. Szabo for a job well done!

Thanks,
Mr. Masucci

Holiday Program

Tonight's program will begin at 6:00 p.m. Please plan on arriving at least 15 minutes early. Parking will be at a premium. All students are to remain in the gym with their parents until they are instructed to go their classrooms. Before and after the performance, tickets for the decorated plates will be sold.

Thank you,

Mr. Masucci

Snow Day!

No school today!

Our Holiday Program is still scheduled for Tuesday evening. It will begin at 6:00 p.m. Dr. Szabo will rehearse will 1st and 2nd graders tomorrow morning in order to put the final touches on their performance.

Thank you,
Mr. Masucci

Website News!

There was a very nice article in today's Youngstown Vindicator about our school's site. Thank you Lori and Tom for all of your hard work!

Thanks,
Mr. Masucci

Today's News

Another week has come to an end. With all that has been going on here at school and the simple fact that it is the middle of December, our students have been well behaved. Please continue to encourage your children to follow classroom, cafeteria, playground and bus rules. This time of year I make a list and check it twice!

Thank you very much to those who were able to make it to last night's Holiday Shoppe. Your support is appreciated. I would also like to thank Mrs. Blasko and her committee for their hard work and time. Santa's Workshop was a huge success and provided our students with an opportunity to shop for family and friends.

There were a few plates left over from our recent classroom art projects. Each day, I looked at three unused plates until I just couldn't take it anymore. In addition to those already on display, raffle tickets will be sold on Monday and Tuesday for these plates. Tickets are $1.00 or 6 for $5.00. We'll draw our winners' names on Wednesday, December 19th.

Today's Forecast!

It looks like we may be getting some snow today! In the event of a delay or closing, be sure to listen to local radio stations or watch local programming.

I hope that the weather will not keep people away from tonight's Holiday Shoppe. Each vendor has paid our PTO a flat fee to set up a table. Please try to stop by and support many of our community's local businesses.

Keep your eyes on the Youngstown Vindicator for a story about our school. Several days ago, the Vindicator's Denise Dick contacted me and said she had discovered our school's website. She was very impressed and asked if she could run a story on it. It should be in the paper soon!

Thanks,

Mr. Masucci

Thank you PTO!

Today marked the first day of holiday shopping! Thank you to all of the PTO members who helped with making this year's workshop such a success. I would be willing to bet that many of our students will soon be busy wrapping and hiding the gifts they purchased today. All students will have another opportunity to shop tomorrow.

Remember.....Our school's Holiday Shoppe is tomorrow evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. There are going to be 15 local vendors here with merchandise on display. Please try to stop in and support local businesses and our PTO.

Thank you,

Mr. Masucci

A Great Week!

It has been a wonderful start to a busy week! It's not even 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday and we have already been handed $200.00 for our Make-A-Wish efforts. Yesterday was unbelievable! In all, over $1,200.000 was donated. Thank you. Our students are really getting excited about our progress!


Our PTO's Holiday Shoppe will be held here at school on Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. We were fortunate to have the information placed on the message board underneath Poland's clock tower for all to see. I hope you can stop by to see the merchandise that many local vendors will have on display. Please spread the word and bring a friend!



Thanks,
Mr. Masucci

Great News!

With only 10 school days left before our break, your children sure will be busy. Keep your eye on our school's calendar for upcoming events and be sure to look for important papers coming home each day.

It was nice to see two of our students have poems published in the MiniPage this weekend. Keep 'em coming!

Late last week our school was notified that for the third time in the last five years Poland North Elementary School's students have been awarded the American Red Cross Mahoning Chapter's Heroes of the Mahoning Valley Award. Much more information regarding the award will be sent home with all students on Monday. Congratulations!

Thank you,
Mr. Masucci

Brrrr!

It looks like we are in store for a very cold day!

Congratulations to our 4 fourth graders who represented themselves, their families and their school very well last night at the annual Mahoning County 24 Challenge Tournament. Their willingness to try something new and go above and beyond what is expected sets a wonderful example for all of our students. I'd also like to thank the parents and Ms. Vasko for taking the time out of their busy schedules in order to get to the event.

Don't forget that YSU Basketball ticket information is due tomorrow. You'll receive your free tickets as soon as YSU's representative drops them off at school.

Thank you,
Mr. Masucci

A Snowy Day

When my phone rang this morning shortly after 6:00 a.m., I couldn't help but think.....SNOW DAY! It does look nice outside but puts a lot more pressure on me to get the house decorated!

During our morning announcements, I continued to encourage all students to write poems for the Vindicator's Mini Page. It is a nice way for your children to practice writing skills and could lead to having their poems published. There is a mailbox outside the office for all finished poems. Each week I collect them and mail them to the Vindicator. Be sure that each poem includes a title, the name and grade level of the poet and name of our school. This is a great month to think ahead and write poems about New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr., sports and the weather.

A Nice Day

It's been a very quiet day.

Thank you,
Mr. Masucci

December

Thank you to those who were able to attend today's PTO Meeting. Look for the minutes to be posted soon. Be sure to take a look at this month's lunch menu. It's full of surprises!

Have a nice week.

Thank you,
Mr. Masucci

December

It is going to be a very busy month. Be sure to check out our calendar to learn about upcoming events! Please feel free to let me know what you think of our site.

Wow! Our school has been collecting money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation for less than a month. Despite this short period of time, a large sum of money has been donated. Because of the generosity of our students, staff, families and community, we are off to an amazing start.

Thank you very much!

Please remember that our PTO's monthly meeting will be held on Monday, December 3rd at 11:00 a.m. I hope to see you there.

Thank you,
Mr. Masucci

Check this out!

Go to the "Events Page" to take a look at each classroom's decorative plate!

Another Busy Day!

Today was just one of those days that flew by. I am happy to report that our school's decorative plates are 99% complete! Thank you to our PTO volunteers, students and staff. Great job!
Click here to see them!


Congratulations to Mrs. Resch for receiving WYTV's "One Classroom at a Time" grant. Angee Shaker arrived at school today with a $500.00 check that will be used to purchase classroom books for our first grade. To date, Mrs. Hay, Ms. Vasko and Mrs. Resch have all received this grant.



Thank you,
Mr. Masucci

Plates

By the end of the week, there will be pictures posted on this site of the decorative plates that each class has made. With the help of very kind and patient PTO volunteers, students have used their thumbprints to create amazing works of art! The plates have taken the place of one of the three basket raffles we usually have throughout the course of the year.

Beginning next week, the plates will be displayed in our lobby. Raffle tickets will be sold through December 18th. On the 19th, names will be pulled to determine the plates new owners. A portion of our PTO's ticket money will be donated to our Make-A-Wish efforts.

Thank you,
Mr. Masucci

Meetings!

Several meetings caused me to be out of the building quite a bit today. I look forward to "staying put" tomorrow.

A very giving family donated $300.00 to our Make-A-Wish efforts this morning. In all, we collected close to $400.00 today! The Make-A-Wish Foundation's local representative is amazed at our school's progress. Do not forget that tomorrow is dime day!

Be sure to check out the calendar page. There are a lot of important dates coming up.

Welcome Back!

It certainly was nice to see our students and staff this morning. I hope that you had an opportunity to spend time with family and friends over the break.

The upcoming weeks are as busy here as they are at home. Please be sure to check this site and your children's backpacks for important information about upcoming events.

Wednesday will be dime day! Please send those dimes that have spent the last 6 weeks in your car's ashtray or on top of the washer. If every child were able to bring 5 dimes to school, we could collect over $100.00 on Wednesday. Thank you for your generosity!

Congratulations to Ms. Vasko for receiving WYTV's "One Classroom At A Time" classroom grant! She received $500.00 to purchase materials that will help student achievement.

Thank you,
Mr. Masucci

Happy Thanksgiving!

On behalf of our entire staff, I would like to wish our students and their families a Happy Thanksgiving!

Classes resume on Monday, November 26th.

A Short Week

Penny Day was a hit! Please send your nickels in tomorrow. If each student brought in 10, we would collect over $100.00. Thank you in advance.

All library books need to be returned tomorrow. Please be sure your child remembers.

Our building's website is constantly improving. Lori Gawdyda continues to do a wonderful job.

Please keep Thursday, December 13th open on your calendar. Our PTO will be hosting a Holiday Shoppe from 6:oo p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Local vendors and business owners will be on hand. Please plan on stopping in.

Gobble...Gobble!

Report Cards are heading home today! All report cards must be signed and returned as soon as possible. Thank you for your support.

I made a mistake in Wednesday's message that I would like to correct.

Monday, November 19th will be "Penny Day".

Tuesday, November 20th will be "Nickel Day".

I was able to do a bit of coloring today! Another $100.00 has been collected for our Make-A-Wish campaign. Consequnetly, I broke out the red crayon and was able to color yet another line on our thermometer. I shared with our 3rd and 4th graders the fact that it was hard not to smile today as one of our afternoon kindergarten students entered the school. He raced to see the Make-A-Wish poster and, knowing the pennies he had brought in the day before made a difference, said, "It got hotter! It got hotter!"

Thank you,

Mr. Masucci

Visitation Day!

Parent Visitation went very well today. It was nice to see so many parents able to take time out of their schedules to be here. I hope your children took the time to thank you.

From what I understand, there are several nice pictures of some our our school's most recent events in this week's Town Crier. Check them out!

I have recently had quite a few students and parents let me know that they are reading these little messages and look at the building's website each day. I would love to have as many families as possible take advantage of our site to aquire information. I would love to hear from those who are reading these daily messages! I believe a contest to encourage more students to do so is in the works!

Thank you,
Mr. Masucci

Thank You!

The turnout at Barnes & Noble last night was amazing! Each year the crowd seems to grow. Thank you parents! I cannot begin to tell you how much our entire staff appreciates your support. Amy Neral, Barnes & Noble's Community Relations Manager, stated that our school's annual event is always one of the best because of our devoted staff and parents. Thank you again for taking the time to come!

Tomorrow is Visitation day! I hope to see you during the assigned times.

Our Make-A-Wish project is off to a wonderful start. To date, our school has collected several hundred dollars and is expecting more from local business owners who have informed the school that their donations are on the way. A colorful poster with a thermometer on it has been placed in the main hallway and reflects our building's progress. It is nice to watch the students stop in front of it each day and become more and more encouraged.

Monday, November 19th will be "Penny Day". We'll see just how many pennies we can collect!

Tuesday, November 20th will be "Dime Day". I found 6 in my desk this morning!

Thank you,

Mr. Masucci

Cans for Cash!

The results are in! Poland North Elementary School collected a little under 1,400 pounds of aluminum during the "Cans for Cash" contest. This is quite an accomplishment! Our friends to the west collected close to 2,400 pounds. When you consider the fact that Canfield Middle School has 5 times the number of students as Poland North Elementary, it is easy to see how they could have collected more. I am extremely proud of our students, families and community members who helped. Thank you. The teacher at CMS who was responsible for Canfield's participation in the contest called me a few days ago to congratulate our school. While there is certainly a healthy rivalry between the the two communities, it is nice to know that we shared a common goal and ultimatley had our students working together to make the world a better place.

Several days ago I completed the final report and officialy entered our school in the contest. While we certainly are not eligible to receive $5,000 for collecting the most aluminum, we are in the running for a $5,000 prize for being the most creative in our collection efforts and having outstanding media coverage. I will keep you posted. I would like to extend a special thank you to Jill Jenkins for all of her help. She was instrumental in making the event such a success.

Hope to see you at Barnes & Noble tonight! The storytime will begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 8:00 p.m.

Attention....Attention....Attention

I am looking forward to yet another nice week here at school. While the week should be a bit calmer, it will still be busy!

Please do not forget about Principal's Storytime at Barnes & Noble tomorrow evening. I will be reading from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and look forward to seeing many of our students and thier families. Over the years, the staff at Barnes & Noble has been impressed with the number of families that have taken the time to attend in the past. Please plan on atending or at least dropping by for a while. Many of our staff members will be reading, too. Thank you for your support!

Yes......I will be reading favorite book!

Parent Visistation will be held on Thursday, November 15th. I certainly hope that you are able to attend.

The times are as follows: Kindergarten-A.M. 9:00 -10:00

Kindergarten-P.M. 12:00-1:00

Grades 1 & 2 10:00-11:00

Grades 3 & 4 11:00-12:00

Report Cards will be sent home on Friday, November 16th. Please be sure to sign and return them to school as soon as possible.

Thank you,

Mr. Masucci

Great Week

A busy week has come to an end. I hope your children took some time and shared a little bit about what went on this week. We had a wonderful visit yesterday from three representatives from the Vienna Airbase. With our students cheering, a military hummer pulled into the school's driveway. Our new friends greeted your kids with high fives and smiles. A box containing several hundred letters of appreciation was presented by students from each grade-level. Each guest said a few words and let the students know just how much their kind words meant to the brave men and women serving our country.

Family Music Night was a huge success! Thanks to all those who made it possible. It seemed like everyone had a good time. I look forward to having more evenings like this one since we are so fortunate to have such outstanding parental support.

Have a great weekend.

Thank you,
Mr. Masucci

Late Again!

Well it happened again today. Before I knew it, the day was over and I did not get to the computer. Here I am once again doing this at home.

Hopefully you had a chance to take a look at the letter regarding our recent partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Please talk about it with your children and help any way you can. The first donation was confirmed today. $200.00 down.........$5,800.00 to go! If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call. Participation is strictly voluntary.

Tomorrow our students will be treated to a magic show. Our wonderful PTO provided the funds. Prior to the show, our students will hand over several hundred letters of appreciation to representatives from the Vienna Airbase.

Thanks to the very kind PTO moms who were willing to make pepperoni rolls for tomorrow's Family Music Night. You are appreciated!

Thank you,
Mr. Masucci

Better Late Than Never

It took a bit longer to post a message today. It was just one of those days! With Election Day behind us, I look forward to the rest of the week. Family Music Night is just 2 days away! Our 4th graders seemed to really enjoy their trip to Hale Farm. Some of the students sure looked tired when they returned to school. Thanks to all the parents that were able to join Ms. Vasko and Mrs. Kaschak.

I would also like to thank those who were able to attend last night's PTO Meeting. Quite a bit information was shared about upcoming events. Be sure to look for information regarding the Make-A-Wish Foundation and our school. A letter will be coming home this week.

Our 3rd graders sold quite a bit of popcorn today. Thank you to the moms who were able to help make it! The money raised will go toward their filed trip to Pittsburgh later this school year. Ask around.....it really is an awesome trip.

Thank you,
Mr. Masucci

A Busy Week

November is always an extremely busy month here at school. Please remember to vote tomorrow. Students have been encouraged to wear red, white and blue. Thursday will be exceptionally busy. In the early afternoon, we will have a small Veterans Day program with a very special surprise. Following the program, all students will be treated to a magic show. Family Music Night will wrap up a very busy Thursday. Almost all of our 3rd and 4th graders plan on attending. Thank you parents!

Please mark Tuesday, November 13th on your calendar. I will be reading at Barnes & Noble beginning at 6:30 p.m. The storytime will end at 8:00 p.m. Many of our staff members plan on reading, too. More information will be coming home this week.

Thank you,
Mr. Masucci

A New Month

November is going to be a very busy month. Be sure to check your child's backpack each day for important information about upcoming events and other school-related news. Tuesday, November 6th is Election Day. Students will be asked to wear red, white and blue! Family Music Night, Veterans Day activities and Conferences will all take place during the month.

Please do not forget about Monday's PTO Meeting! It will be held in the library at 6:30 p.m. Check out this month's menu! It is the little things in life that truly make me happy!

I'll be sending home information soon about the results of the "Cans for Cash " contest.

Thank you,
Mr. Masucci

Halloween

Please be safe this evening. I would like to thank our PTO for their help during our Halloween festivities and our parents for being patient and understanding. We could not have asked for a better day.

Thank you,
Mr. Masucci

News! News! News!

It looks as if we are going to have a beautiful day tomorrow! It is supposed to be dry and relatively warm. Our Halloween Parade will begin at approximately 1:15 p.m. Notices from our PTO went home yesterday to room parents scheduled to help in the classrooms. No other volunteers are needed. For security reasons, all parents and guests will be asked to remain outside the building. Due to severe allergies, please do not send edible treats for your child's class. PTO will be providing a snack that can be enjoyed by everyone. Thank you for your cooperation.



If you have any questions regarding the Halloween Parade or classroom parties, feel free to give me a call.

Thank you,
Mr. Masucci

Brrrrrr!

It certainly was cold this morning. Let's hope that Wednesday is dry and a little warmer. To tell you the truth, I would be happy with just dry! Our Halloween Parade will take place around 1:15 p.m. Parents and other guests are welcome to come to school and watch. Please line the school's driveway and have those cameras ready! Information regarding the parade and dismissal was sent home several days ago. Students who are going to be taken home after the parade must have a note. We'll try to have everyone out of here before the buses arrive. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Please be sure your children are wearing jackets to school. Mrs. DeLisio makes every attempt to get our students outside for recess each day.

Thank you,
Mr. Masucci

A Great Week

Red Ribbon Week was a huge success! All students spent extra time learning about the power of making good choices. Please continue to spend time at home discussing the importance of working hard, paying attention and following rules.

Information was recently sent home about our school's Halloween Parade. Student participation is voluntary. If you have any questions about costumes or how Halloween is handeld here at school, please feel free to give me a call.

Our "Cans for Cash" contest will come to an end in just 5 days! Keep em' coming!

Thank you,

Mr. Masucci

PTO Meeting

Our school's monthly PTO Meeting will be held on Monday, November 5th at 6:30 p.m. in the library. Please plan on attending. Our PTO plans several evening meetings throughout the course of the school year in an attempt to accommodate those who work during the day. I look forward to seeing you at our next meeting.

Thank you,
Mr. Masucci

Rainy Day

I would like to thank the parents of 3rd and 4th graders who have already returned their reservations for November 8th's Family Music Night. It is going to be a wonderful evening. If you have any questions about it, please feel free to give me a call. All reservations are due by November 1st.

There will be a very special evening for K-2 students and parents in February.

Our Poland Bulldogs will be battling the Canfield Cardinals this Friday at PSHS. This should prove to be an outstanding football game! In an attempt to beat the Cardinals both on and off of the field, an empty dumptruck will be located near the main entrance of the stadium for fans to place their empty aluminum cans. Please spread the word. The "Cans for Cash" contest ends October 31st.

October 22, 2007

It will be a very busy week here at Poland North Elementary School. Our students and staff are celebrating Red Ribbon Week. This annual event has been turned into a week long celebration of making positive choices and leading healthy, drug-free lifestyles. Be sure to talk about each day's activities with your child. A special thank you is extended to our school's Guidance Counselor, Mrs. Dalesandro, for all of her hard work in planning this exciting week.

3rd and 4th grade students are bringing home an invitation tonight to our upcoming Family Music Night scheduled for Thursday, November 8th. Please return the bottom portion of the invitation ASAP.

Thanks,
Mr. Masucci

October 18, 2007

Poland North Elementary School's outstanding website now features my very own blog! Throughout the course of each week, I will share information with you about programs, upcoming events and other school-related news. A special thank you goes out to Lori Gawdyda for all of her past, present and future assistance with this site!

Please continue to send in your aluminum cans throughout October. Our school is doing exceptionally well in the Cans for Cash contest. On Tuesday, October 16th, WKBN visited our school, created a short segment about our school's involvement and included the segment in their evening news coverage. Be sure to look for articles in this week's Town Crier and an upcoming article in the Vindicator.

Thank you,
Mr. Masucci