It's the Weekend!

It's been another one of those days. If I don't write my daily message, I feel like the day got the better of me.

As many of you know, my mother's health is poor. I had to have her admitted to the hospital once again this week. She was discharged today, but unable to go home. Consequently, she is in a rehabilitation center. I hope not for long.

Is it June 9th yet?

Have a nice weekend.

Thank you,
Mr. Masucci

Great News!

Poland North Elementary School is the 1st Place Per-Capita Winner in the 2007-2008 "Cash for Cans" contest! This one is a bit different than the "Cans for Cash" contest our building won several months ago.

Our building collected 1,648 pounds of aluminum! Great job! Mahoning County will issue a check in the amount of $1,145.82 to our school.

We will be participating in both contests again next year. I have a few ideas in the works. Until then, save your cans! As you accumulate them, feel free to drop them off here at school. Mr. Sofranec and his crew will be here throughout the summer months.

Ask your friends and relatives to do the same.

Thank you,

Mr. Masucci

Extra...Extra.....Read All About It!

I hope you are enjoying the beautiful weather! Let's hope it sticks around. Tomato plants are now on sale. Feel free to stop in get your gardens in shape.

If you requested extra Pirate tickets, plan on stopping in to pick them up.

Please be sure that your child's lunch account does not have a negative balance. Poland's Food Service Director, Donna Cartwright, planned on contacting the parents of those who owe more than $3.00. Thank you for your cooperation.

Thank you,

Mr. Masucci

Perspective!

Today started out a bit rough. I spent a good portion of my morning in a rather unpleasant meeting. When I returned to my office, I took a phone call that really put my day in perspective.

Taylor, our wish recipient, is currently recovering in Cleveland. Her father took time this afternoon to call and thank our students for what they have done for his little girl. Taylor is a fighter and cannot wait to visit DisneyWorld. In fact, his entire family is looking forward to a much-deserved vacation. He is also hoping that his family will be able to make it to our upcoming Pirate game.

My morning wasn't so bad after all.

Thank you,

Mr. Masucci

P.S. Only 9 more days of school!

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

"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

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

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.

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

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!

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

Take A Look!

The Seminary Singers were outstanding. Our students and staff were treated to a 40 minute program this morning which showcased the talents of many of Poland's finest! If you have the opportunity to listen to them one day, you would not be disappointed!

1st Grade is off to Camp Stambuagh tomorrow. Dress for the weather little ones!

Please take a look at the school's calendar. There are a lot of special events planned.

Thank you,

Mr. Masucci

'Tis the Season!

Please spend a few moments reviewing playground rules with your children. With the end of the year so close, a few reminders would not hurt! Thank you.

We're looking forward to tomorrow's visit from the Seminary Singers.

In a few days, information will be sent home about our upcoming tomato plant sale. Be ready......they are getting rather big!

Enjoy the sunshine!

Thank you,

Mr. Masucci

Things to Come!

A photographer will be on hand tomorrow to take candid shots for the school's yearbook. In addition, the 4th grade class will have their group photo taken in the school's courtyard. Let's hope the sun comes out!

On Wednesday, PSHS's Seminary Singers will swing by our building. This talented group always does an amazing job. We are fortunate to have them visit several times each year.

1st Graders are gearing up for their field trip to Camp Stambaugh! Be sure to wear old shoes and dress for the weather.

Thank you,

Mr. Masucci

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day from all of us at Poland North Elementary School. Enjoy the flowers. While it may be a bit tacky............we sure could use the pots back!

Be sure to check out today's front page article in the Vindicator!

A very special thank you to Mrs. O'Kane and her committee for treating our teachers and staff so well. This year's Staff Appreciation Week was one of the absolute bests!

Thank you,
Mr. Masucci

What A Great Day!

The High School Musical trip went very well. Our students were exceptionally well behaved and seemed to enjoy the show! There was a lot of singing along from our group! There will be a few pictures posted soon. Be sure to check them out.

When we returned to school, the PTO had a great afternoon planned. Be sure to ask your children about "Dancing With Our Stars". Our students and staff sure do have a lot of moves! Look for pictures soon!



Thank you,
Mr. Masucci

Tomorrow's Trip!

5...6..7..8..na na na na....Ok....no more references to High School Musical. Does this give you any indication of what my days are like at home? This morning I found myself humming Hannah Montana songs.

I spoke to our students this morning about what they should wear for tomorrow's trip. I explained that just like any other field trip they are representing not only themselves, but our entire building. Please remind them of this tomorrow morning.

Be sure to take a look at the blue flier coming home today regarding tomorrow's "BYGO" Book Fair. I hope you can make it.

Thank you,

Mr. Masucci

Extra...Extra.....Read All About It!

Keep your eyes open for an upcoming article in the Youngstown Vindicator regarding our building's Walking Program! The weather could not have been nicer today. We were able to walk around the school's property several times.

Thank you,

Mr. Masucci

Congratulations!

The Poland Schools Foundation for Educational Excellence is devoted to providing wonderful opportunities to the students of the Poland Schools. Each year the Foundation offers mini-grants to any staff member interested in applying. This year our teachers received close to $1,300.00 in grants that will be used to purchase materials to enhance learning!

Congratulations Mrs. Metzger, Mrs. Resch, Mrs. Gunn, Mrs. Saculla, Mrs. Hay, Ms. Vasko and Mrs. Wittenauer!

Thank you,

Mr. Masucci

Thank You PTO!

Today was the first day of Staff Appreciation Week! Our PTO had the hallways decorated and provided our staff with a fantastic lunch. Thank you very much!

Our final PTO Meeting of the month was also held today. Thank you to those who were able to make it.

High School Musical.......2 days and counting!

Thank you,

Mr. Masucci

Another Busy Week!

PTO's Staff Appreciation Week will begin Monday. Mrs.O'Kane and her committee have been hard at work planning some very special surprises for our staff. I'd like to thank the PTO in advance for their kindness and continued support.

We're only a few days away from our High School Musical field trip! There is definitely a buzz in the building. We're hoping a very special child will be able to join us! I'll share more details with you before Thursday!

In addition to our field trip on Thursday, PTO will be hosting its annual "BYGO" Book Fair from 3:00 t0 7:00. This provides a great opportunity to buy really good books at very low prices. Please plan on stopping by.

Thanks,
Mr. Masucci