Today, we discussed our kindness act assignment. Some of you were quite lucky to be the recipient of such nice compliments. A few students shared how nice their mother looked, others complimented a classmate. All that shared said that the person had a smile on their face as they were complimented. How simple what a few, kind, spoken words can do to a person's attitude.
The students came home today with the October newsletter from PTO. Please take a few minutes to read it over so that you are aware of some dates and events that are happening in our building. Mr. Kellgren is our Newsletter Chairperson and he is trying to keep information coming home on a monthly basis. A big thanks to him for keeping us informed!

I had the pleasure today of visiting two classrooms. This morning I was in Mrs. Wittenauer's class listening to "Reader's Theater". The students were divided into 3 groups and each student was given a part to read. The expression the students used was quite impressive. As your child reads aloud, please have them practice this skill. It makes reading come alive!
In Mrs. Gunn's class, we enjoyed a few stories after recess. Ask your child about 'someday' not being on the calendar! After the stories, the students were treated to one of Mrs. Gunn's yummy recipes! Such a great way to end the day!

Today many of the students left with Box Top contest forms to complete. The Box Tops can be found on many different products such as cereals, granola bars, and sandwich baggies. You need to cut the Box Top off the product box or label and tape to the contest sheet. For every Box Top turned in, our PTO receives 10 cents. The contest is continuing through October, so please ask for more contest sheets if you need them. After the contest, hold on to future Box Tops for the next contest. Thank you for your help.

Please take some time to ask your child about the book we are reading during our morning announcements. We are almost half-way though the book, Miss Daisy Is Crazy!. The students in the book decide to pull their money together to buy the school. Their goal is to turn it into a video game arcade. To their delight, Miss Daisy thinks it is a splendid idea! After putting all their money together, they have $1.32. Will this be enough to buy the school??

Happy Monday to you. It is hard to believe the weekend is behind us once again. The Monday kindness assignment was given to the students this morning. Their 'random act' is to compliment 3 different people and really mean it by Friday. we discussed the meaning of compliment and how someone would know that you meant it. The students shared that you need to look at the person and be specific as to why you are complimenting them. Compliments can be paid to any person, anywhere, and for any reason. It is always nice to hear something positive to put a smile on your face. Here's hoping you get one of the compliments given out this week!
If you forgot to turn in fundraiser information, please send it in tomorrow with your child. Thank you.

Just a reminder, the PTO fundraiser information and money are due on Monday. Please consider asking family, friends, or neighbors to support our organization. The money raised will be used for future programs or special events for the school. Thanks for helping. Have a great weekend!

This week I began reading a chapter book to the students during our morning announcements. The book is called Miss Daisy Is Crazy by Dan Gutman. Miss Daisy is a second grade teacher who does not know a lot, at least that is what she tells the students! She has trouble with arithmetic, spelling, and reading. Her students are always helping and explaining things to her. Mr. Klutz, the principal, even made a visit to her classroom. Ask your child what was special about Mr. Klutz! As we continue reading the book, Miss Daisy will continue to need help from her students and slowly their perception of school will change.

Today we are proudly displaying our pinwheels for International Day of Peace. This project began with 2 Art Teachers from Florida. North students made their own colorful pinwheels last week in art class. This morning the day began with the students giving me their definition of peace and then reading the story, Finding Peace by Amy Ayers. In the book, a young girl asks friends and family what peace means to them. Some said, a walk along the beach, flying a kite, or reading a good book. Our students were encouraged to talk in their classrooms and at home what peace means for each of them. So if you get a chance to drive by the school this afternoon, you will see our pinwheels displayed along with millions of others in the world.

This afternoon we had our annual "Kindergarten Tea". Mrs. Kellgren, our PTO Secretary, hosted the event and had an opportunity to speak with the Kindergarten parents about the role of our PTO. Soon after, our Kindergarten students performed two poems and a song for the parents. We concluded the "tea", by enjoying cookies and a drink. Thank you to all who were able to attend. A special thank you to the parents who volunteered to bake, the goodies were just what the students needed!

Today was our first "Random Act of Kindness" assignment. A third grade student helped explain the meaning as "doing something nice for someone without them asking." The students' assignment is to help make breakfast, snack, or dinner. We discussed some possible ways to help such as, stirring or mixing, setting the table, or measuring. On Friday, the students will share what they did and who received their 'kindness act'. I will be giving the students a kindness assignment every Monday. Be watching for upcoming details. You never know when you will be the recipient of our assignment!

Thank you to all the parents who joined our PTO. We had our Membership drawing this morning, and a 4th grade student was the lucky winner of the Trevor Bayne picture. It is not too late to join the PTO, we accept memberships throughout the school year. We would love for all to participate in our PTO.

I would like to thank Diane Kluchar and her committee for the time they have spent organizing our Tailgate. It is sure to be a success-especially the Paw Yard signs!

YSU football game is tomorrow at 4:00. If you ordered tickets, they were sent home on Tuesday with your child. There is a free 'Kid's Day' before the game at 1:00-4:00 in the Penguin Parking Lot. There will be inflatables, games, clowns and Pete and Penny Penguin!

A reminder went home today with your child about Tailgate tomorrow evening. Please make sure your reservations and money are turned in if you plan on attending. The night starts at 5:30 at Poland High School, closest to the Township Building. The PTO will have pizza, popcorn, and drinks. Please bring a chair or blanket for you and your family to sit on. Our basket raffle winners will be announced during our Tailgate. Friday's forecast is for sunny weather-let's cross our fingers that it stays that way. After the Tailgate, please help cheer on the football team. Go Dogs!

Thank you to all the parents who attended the Parent Orientation last evening. It was so nice to see the gym filled with parents. It is so important to have communication between school and home.
During lunch this week, PTO will be selling tickets for the raffle baskets. There are 2 portable DVD movie baskets, gift certificates, and a Poland themed basket just to name a few. These baskets will be at our tailgate on Friday, where the winners will be announced.

Tonight is Parent Orientation at 6:00pm. This evening is for parents only to meet their child's teacher. The teachers will discuss classroom routines, rules, and other important information. This is a great way to begin the communication between home and school. Our PTO will also be here to continue their Membership drive and begin their basket raffle. I know evening schedules are packed tight, but I would love to see you tonight!

Chick-fil-a sponsors a Core Essentials program to teach character traits. Each month, a different trait will be discussed. For the month of September, the trait is knowledge. During morning announcements, we discussed the meaning of knowledge and that there is no age limit for gaining more of it. Tomorrow the students will be sharing something new that they learned. This can be a new way to tie shoes or throw a ball. Knowledge is a powerful tool!
The students will be bringing home PTO fundraiser packets. Our PTO provides many events and programs through their fundraising efforts. Please take some time to look through the items and if you are able, please support the fundraiser. Please have all your order forms turned in by September 26th.

The first week of school is almost to an end and it has been such a smooth start. The students have adjusted to their daily routines and rules. We enjoy the morning announcements together along with a story before the students go to their homerooms. Please ask your children about the lessons they have learned from the stories. Please remember to complete and return all important papers that came home this week. Have a great weekend. Let's hope the rain holds off if you plan on cheering on the Bulldogs tonight!

Thank you to all who attended our PTO meeting this morning. It was nice to see some new faces along with the familiar ones. Our next meeting will be in the evening for those of you not able to attend during school hours.
Mrs. DeLisio, our playground monitor, complimented the students on their good behavior. She has seen students getting along, sharing, and including others in play. I am so proud of everyone! Please remember to send a jacket as the weather changes.

Tomorrow is our 1st PTO Meeting of the 2011/2012 school year. It begins at 9:30 and will be held in the Art Room. I know everyone is easing into the school routine this week, but I would like to invite all to attend the meeting. The PTO will be discussing and finalizing plans for the Tailgate and Kindergarten Tea. The budget will be presented for approval and vote. Our PTO plays a vital role in our school. Their dedication to the students and staff is incredible. Please stop by the meeting, we would love to have your input.

Welcome back! It was great to see all the smiling faces this morning. They were still smiling as they were leaving, so that was a good sign. I know that the backpacks were full of important papers today. Please complete and return them as soon as possible. Also, make sure your child hands any notes from home to their teachers in the morning. This will help with any dismissal changes that may arise with your schedule.
Thank you for being patient as the busses returned your children safely home. The first week they may run a little slower than usual. Thanks for being so understanding. Enjoy your evening!

The class lists will be posted on the front doors at 12:00 pm on Friday. I hope everyone enjoys their last weekend of Summer vacation. I look forward to seeing you on Tuesday for our 1st day of school!