Delran Intermediate School

Hello DIS Families,                                                                                                            

FASTT Math

It has come to our attention that a number of students are still experiencing difficulty with FASTT math. These problems were unanticipated as many students have been using the program at home and in school for the past several years. In response to your concerns, members of our math committee have worked to gather information about the problems and successes that are being experienced. A team of administrators will be meeting on Monday to discuss these findings and come up with a strategy to move forward so that everyone is successful. If your child is able to utilize the program, we strongly encourage your child to do so. Students that have used FASTT math regularly in the past have shown sustained gains in computational fluency and long term mastery of the basic math facts. If your child cannot access the program or cannot complete the lesson given, we ask that you please review math facts in a way that best meets your child’s needs (flash cards, oral review, practice tests, etc). Students will not be penalized for lessons not completed during the weeks of October 6^th and October 13^th. We will share our plan moving forward next week.

Red Ribbon Week/Anti Violence and Vandalism Awareness Week

As part of our recognition of Red Ribbon Week-/Anti Violence and Vandalism Awareness Week, we invite our students to join us in the following themed days.

Monday 10/20/14 (Day 1)- “Put a Lid on Drugs and Violence” and Red Ribbon Shirt

• Students and teachers may wear baseball style caps to school (no eye black or tall hats) and a red shirt (or Red Ribbon shirt)

Tuesday 10/21/14 (Day 2 half day-)- “I’m Too Bright for Drugs”

• Students and teachers may choose to wear bright colored clothes

   

  Wednesday 10/22/14 (Day 2- half day)- “Drugs Are UnBEARable!”

• Students and teachers wear your bear wear!

   

  Thursday 10/23/14 (Day 2 half day)- “Team Up Against Drugs”

• Students and teachers- wear your favorite sports team’s apparel (no eye black or hats).

   

  Friday 10/24/2014 (Day 3 half day)- “Stopping Bullying is No Sweat!”

• Students and teachers- wear sweats/warm ups.

On Friday, October 24^th, we will need parents to help supervise our students during our 6^th annual Staff versus Students- DIS Slam Dunks, Bullies are Punks Basketball game. If you are able to assist, please email Mrs. Perrotta at [email protected]

Halloween Information

Halloween Parade

By popular request, the shuttles are back! There will be two busses driving between DIS and Millbridge as a convenience for parents (so you don’t need to try and find a parking spot twice). Shuttles depart from Millbridge to DIS at 10:15. Shuttles from DIS to Millbridge depart at 11:00. Then, shuttles return to DIS at approx. 11:50. The DIS parade will start at 10:30 sharp. The Millbridge parade starts at 11:15.

Classroom Parties

With so many costumes and unknown identities, it is important that we know who is with us on Halloween. Classroom teachers will be sending home visitor’s passes to the parents who will be assisting at their party. Only those parents and volunteers that have a pass will be permitted to enter the building. No other visitors will be permitted into the building on this day. If you are providing treats for the day’s festivities, we ask that you arrive prior to 9:00 to help reduce chaos later in the day.

Costumes 101

We know how exciting it is to dress up and assume a new identity, but there are some important guidelines we need you to follow. Costumes must be hand carried by the children on the morning of the parade. Costumes should be able to be worn over your child’s clothes. Our students should not alter their appearance in a way that will cause a distraction, since we will still be participating in many learning activities earlier in the day. Since the time to get ready is brief and mirrors are limited, please assume your child will fully be getting ready in the classroom. With over 200 girls and boys in each grade level, students cannot expect to use the bathroom to get dressed and made-up in this time. Costumes may not include weapons (plastic knifes, swords, guns, etc…). The students will be given time to get dressed and we will start the parade promptly at 10:30.

Not Celebrating

If your child is not permitted to participate in Halloween celebrations, please send your child’s teacher an e-mail. You must specify if your child is not able to participate in any of the activities OR if they may participate in the parade only OR classroom party only. We will have alternative activities planned for these students during the parade and the classroom parties.

Book Wizard App

Scholastic has released an app version of the book wizard. This app allows you to scan a barcode and obtain information about the book, such as the Lexile, Fountas and Pinnell and DRA levels.

http://www.scholastic.com/bookwizardmobile/

PTA Info

The PTA's annual Fall Fundraiser catalogs were sent home two weeks ago. Time is running out.... Please think about shopping the catalogs for the tasty Otis Spunkmeyer's Cookie Dough or Cherrydale Farm items like the popular wrapping paper. Every child who participates will receive a Delran Bears pencil case with a few school supplies inside. Only one item has to be purchased to receive the pencil case. Orders can be placed on-line or with the order form that was sent home in the packet. Remember, up to 50% of the proceeds go back to our children which helps us to provide events, assemblies, and other items for the schools. The top 7 sellers in each school will receive a $50.00 Visa GC.  Consider placing your order today. All orders are due on Tuesday, October 14th. Delivery will be November 12th. As always, the Elementary PTA thanks you for your continued support.

KidStuff books were due at the end of September. If you still have your book, kindly return it to your child's teacher or send in the money so that we can wrap-up this fundraiser. We are responsible for all books that are not returned, so kindly do this as soon as possible. Thanks!

Looking to stay informed….like the new Delran Elementary PTA Facebook page and visit our website at  www.delranelementarypta.com.

Have a great weekend.

Educationally yours,

Mrs. Lowe and Mrs. Rash