Happy New Year!

I'd like to wish our students, staff and families a safe and enjoyable 2009! We'll be back to school before you know it, so enjoy these last few days off. Be sure to check out Saturday's MiniPage, too. We have had even more of our students getting their poems published. Great job!

Save those cans during your parties! Every little bit helps.

Thank you,
Mr. Masucci

Wow!

I sat down with my kids this morning to watch the Christmas parade from Walt Disney World. To my surprise, I saw a little girl named Taylor from Girard, Ohio taking part. Her wish was to be in the parade with her family. While the announcers didn't say it, her wish came true because of the students of Poland North Elementary School. Now that's Christmas!

Thank you,
Mr. Masucci

Enjoy!

Merry Christmas! Enjoy this special day with family and friends. Ho...Ho...Ho!

Mr. Masucci

Last Day!

Our last day of classes has finally arrived! Today was filled with a lot of excitement. On behalf of Poland North Elementary School's entire staff, I'd like to wish all of our students and families a safe and enjoyable holiday season. Enjoy this very special time of year.

Classes resume.....GULP.....Monday, January 5th!

Thank you,

Mr. Masucci

What a Day!

It has been a wonderful day. We were treated to one of the best holiday performances I can recall thanks to PSHS's Seminary Singers. Mrs. Chronister and her students are absolutely amazing. We are already looking forward to their spring visit.

Sadecky Puppets put on a great show, too. This year's holiday show kept all of our students attentive. Thank you PTO for providing yet another special day.

Congratulations to our plate winners!

Thank you,

Mr. Masucci

P.S. 1 more day!

Greetings!

Although I love a good snow day, I was happy to have our schools open today. Our 2nd graders were so excited about their field trip. It would have been a shame to have to cancel it. I always manage to get a fresh loaf of bread out of the deal, too.

By 9:00 a.m., the winning tickets will be drawn for our holiday plates. Good luck! Thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket or two or three or four.......

Thanks,

Mr. Masucci

Holiday Program

Tonight is the big night for our 1st and 2nd graders! Their performance will begin at 6:00 pm. I know that they are all very excited. Tickets for our holiday plates will be on sale tonight, so bring a few extra dollars. I'd like to thank Dr. Szabo and our teachers for all of their hard work.

Requests for free YSU Basketball tickets are due back tomorrow. In addition, I hope you all had the chance to read the information about the Mahoning Valley Phantoms and Poland Hockey Night at the Chevrolet Center. If you have any questions, feel free to give me a call.

Thank you,

Mr. Masucci

Here We Go!

Everyone one better buckle up this week. It is going to be extremely busy. Although it may be a bit hectic at times and the hallways may be filled with quite a few sugarplums, it is a very special time of year to be around children.

On Friday, three girls from our school were dropped off at my home by their parents and joined my family for dinner. Because they took the time to enter a contest a few months ago, they were entered into a drawing for the dinner. We enjoyed pizza and managed to play a few games. My kids had a blast! Three boys will be joining us tonight!

Thank you,
Mr. Masucci

P.S. Don't forget to send in those gently used backpacks.

The Weekend!

I hope everyone enjoys the weekend. It will go by quickly. Next week is going to be a very busy one. The spotlight will be on our 1st and 2nd graders. Their holiday performance will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. There will be a dress rehearsal Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m. Those unable to make the evening performance are welcome to attend. On Thursday, we'll be treated to PSHS's Seminary Singers! This extremely talented group of students will be on hand to spread a little holiday cheer. I am always impressed with their talent and enthusiasm. In addition, Sadecky Puppets will arrive Thursday afternoon for their annual holiday show. Thank you PTO for providing our students with this opportunity.

Please send in those gently-used backpacks. I am happy to report that several found their way into the school this morning. This is a great way to help our community. Information about this project was sent home yesterday.

We are still collecting cans. Please continue to save us what you can. Feel free to drop them off anytime you wish.

Thank you,

Mr. Masucci

Thank you!

The holidays are a very busy time of year for us all. I'd like to thank those who ventured out tonight to Barnes & Noble. There was an outstanding turnout for what has become one of our school's most supported traditions. At one point, there were close to seventy children listening to stories.

I also want to thank our devoted PTO and staff members who volunteered their time to gift wrap. While the location of our table was definitely not the greatest, our PTO did walk away with a little over $50.00. However, I know our volunteer's time was worth just as much if not more. Thank you again. In the future, I think we'll stay clear of the gift wrapping.

Before I left, I was informed that our school was quickly approaching $1,600.00 in sales. There were many shoppers from our school still left in the store, so I expect that total to go up. Once the official total is provided, we'll receive 15% of that total plus our school's usual discount for purchasing books for our library and classrooms.

Thanks,

Mr. Masucci

A Busy Day!

Today's PTO meeting went very well. Thank you to all who were able to attend. This is a very busy time of year and I understand how valuable your time is. I am looking forward to tonight's Story Time at Barnes & Noble. I hope to see you there. I won't forget to bring my favorite book!

It was a special day in Miss Speece's class. To celebrate The Polar Express, her students wore their pajamas to school. Sounds like a pretty good idea to me!

Thank you,

Mr. Masucci

P.S. Check out the new dancing elves!

Thank You!

I received a phone call today from a representative of the Salvation Army. He informed me that our school donated $165.00. Thank you for you generosity. Despite these difficult times, I am never surprised to see our students, staff and families here at Poland North Elementary School offer support to those in need.

Tomorrow is Principal's Story Time at Barnes & Noble. If you plan on purchasing a book or two, do not forget to bring the voucher that was sent home. The vouchers will help bring a percentage of tomorrow night's sales to the school. I hope to see you there!

Thank you,

Mr. Masucci

December!

Our 2nd graders had the chance to put the final touches on their musical numbers today. Dr. Szabo has them sounding great and ready for next week's performance. The 1st graders will have a chance to polish up their act on Thursday.

This month's PTO meeting will be held on Thursday at 11:00 in Room 102. If you plan on attending, please bring a small covered dish. Our PTO's officers will take of the desserts and pasta. Thank you in advance. I look forward to seeing as many parents attend as possible.

Have a nice day!

Mr. Masucci

It's MONDAY!

Our school's relationship with National City Bank continues to grow. Poland North Elementary School is very close to receiving $1,500.00 from the bank that will be used to enhance our building's Walking Program. Equipment will be purchased in order for our students to remain active during the cold winter months. According to National City's Chris Arnott, there are still a few appointment times available for a free financial review session. These times need to be filled before our school receives the money. The session will not take long or require you to act in any way. Please give Chris a call if you are able to meet with him. He can be contacted at 330-707-1292. Thank you.

I spoke with our building's Art teacher, Ms. Johnson, last week. The work being displayed in the hallways is incredible. If you are able to make it to Thursday's PTO meeting, feel free to check it out.

Thank you,

Mr. Masucci

Keepin' Busy

We're all managing to keep busy during this very special time of year. Our halls are filled with the sounds of our 1st and 2nd graders as they prepare for their upcoming holiday performance. Santa's Workshop wraps up today. I'd like to thank our PTO for another job well done. Thanks to those that were able to make it last night's Holiday Shopping Night, too. Your continued support is appreciated.

After a little bit of confusion, we have ourselves a red kettle! A representative from the Salvation Army stopped by yesterday, apologized for the delay and set up the kettle in our lobby. We'll be collecting change today and Monday morning. If you listen hard enough, you may hear the sounds of the bell ringing throughout our hallways!

The Poland Bulldogs open up their basketball season tonight against the Springfield Tigers at PSHS. Let's hope for another great season. GO DOGS!

Thank you,

Mr. Masucci

Tickets and GREAT NEWS!

Tickets for our holiday plates will go on sale starting tonight during PTO's Holiday Shopping Night. Tickets will cost $1.00 or 6 for $5.00. Beginning tomorrow, they will be sold during lunch. They will also be on sale during our Holiday Program on Tuesday, December 16th.

I have some wonderful news to share. Each year the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross honors individuals and groups from our community that make a difference. This year one of our students will be honored and recognized as a hero in the community. During last year's Make-A-Wish campaign, she raised close to $500.00 and donated every penny to our school's efforts. In doing so, she inspired others to give and helped us reach our goal of collecting $6,000.00. Congratulations Paige!

Thank you,

Mr. Masucci

Santa's Workshop

Today was the first day of Santa's Workshop. I'd like to thank Mrs. Clemente, Mrs. Morrison and their committee for their hard work. Our students always enjoy shopping during this very special time of year. Tomorrow will be our the Holiday Shopping Night. Please plan on stopping by between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Bring a friend or two and help support our local businesses.

Tomorrow afternoon 5 students will be heading to Mill Creek Park to decorate the Make-A-Wish Foundation's holiday tree. Thanks again to those who made ornaments.

Thank you,

Mr. Masucci

P.S. I do know all those dance moves!