Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Brrrr!


Tomorrow is Family Game Night for our 4th graders and their families. The evening will begin at 6:30 p.m! Hope to see you there.


I noticed that I failed to include the time on the invitation to K-2's "Family Technology Night". That event will begin at 6:00 p.m. and end at 8:00 p.m.

Thank you,
Mr. Masucci

Monday, January 14, 2008

Big News!

Our school has certainly had its share of good news this year! Our students and staff have been recognized for individual and group accomplishments. The building has been featured in various articles in both the Vindicator and Town Crier. With the kind of support we have from parents and the community, it should come as no surprise that we have received more good news!

In October, our school participated in a national contest called "Cans for Cash-City Recycling Challenge". There were many participants from all over the country who competed in one of four divisions. These divisions were based on the population of the city or village. We fell into Division IV which could have up to 49,999 residents. With approximately 3,000 residents, the chances of us collecting the most cans in the division was slim. However, we collected over 1,400 pounds of aluminum. This was an amazing accomplishment!

In each division, $5,000 dollars was awarded to the city/village that collected the most recyclable aluminum cans . In addition, one city in each division was awarded $5,000 for having the most innovative ideas to promote recycling and the contest. Poland North Elementary School was responsible for winning this one! Through the support of our students, staff, families and community, our efforts and innovation impressed the judges. I am looking forward to learning more details from a representative from Washington D.C. and Poland's new mayor, Tim Sicafuse.

I'll keep you posted. Congratulations!

Thank you,
Mr. Masucci

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Heroes of the Mahoning Valley!

The students of Poland North Elementary School were honored this morning as Heroes of the Mahoning Valley. The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross recognized our students as Youth Samaritans for their outstanding contributions to our community. At this morning's banquet, WFMJ's Scott Schneider presented ten of our students with the building's award. Each student said a few words to the large audience and provided a wonderful example of the kind of children we are so fortunate to have at Poland North Elementary School. They represented themselves, their families and our school extremely well. If you ask me, they stole the show! I would also like to thank their parents, Mrs. Baldwin and Mr. Sofranec for taking the time to attend. Thank you all for being there. Look for pictures of the event to be posted on our site soon.

Thank you,
Mr. Masucci

P.S. There is more good news to share on Monday!

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Just A Reminder!


Please keep January 28th open on your calendars. Information was recently sent home about the Poland Library's "Pajama Jam". It is a free event and one that I hope all of our students can attend. Everyone is encouraged to wear their pajamas!


Thank you,
Mr. Masucci

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

A Calm Day!

Today was a very quiet, calm day. The weather sure has been a bit of a surprise. The warm temperatures permitted students and staff to walk around the school's property yesterday and have made recess much more enjoyable for a lot of kids.

3rd and 4th graders will be taking Achievement Tests in the spring. Information about these tests and individualized recommendations for students will be sent home soon. Please note that the window for testing begins on April 21st. The testing dates are not determined by the Poland Schools, but by the Ohio Department of Education.

3rd graders will tested in Reading and Math.
4th graders will be tested in Reading, Math and Writing.

Check out this Achievement Test site to see sample questions.

Thank you,
Mr. Masucci

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Great News!

I have great news to share! Mrs. Saculla was surprised by a visit from WYTV's Angee Shaker. She presented her with a $500.00 check as the recipient of this week's "One Class at a Time" grant. The money will be used to create a writing laboratory. During tomorrow's morning show and evening news, video will be shown of the surprise visit. You can also watch it via WYTV's website. It may take a day or two to get posted. In addition to Mrs. Saculla, Mrs. Hay, Mrs. Resch and Ms. Vasko have also received this award.

Information was sent home with K-2 students today regarding our upcoming Family Technology Night. The event will take place on Thursday, February 7th.

Thank you,
Mr. Masucci

Monday, January 7, 2008

A Big Day!


There were an awful lot of Buckeye fans that showed up to school today! Let's hope the game is a good one and the Buckeyes come out on top. Maybe a black and gold day last Friday would have helped by beloved Steelers!


Thank you to those who were able to attend today's PTO meeting. The minutes will be posted soon. Our next meeting will be Monday, February 4th at 9:00 a.m. Hope to see you there.

Have a great week!

Thank you,
Mr. Masucci