Phenomenal Phelps Facts
Week of January 6, 2025
Wishing You a Wonderful 2025!
Phelps Elementary School wishes you and your family a very happy new year! 2025 is sure to be an exciting one for Phelps Elementary. Be sure to scroll down and check out all the events we have planned for January and February 2025. Have a great week!
Dress for the Weather!
Just a reminder that students enjoy a 20 minute recess each day. Recess will be held outdoors each day, unless we have inclement weather (rain or snow) or if temperatures fall below 25 degrees. Please be sure your child is prepared with a winter coat, hat, and gloves/mittens for the cold weather. If you need help getting a warm coat, hat, or mittens/gloves for your child, please send an email to our school nurse, Shani McGarry, our school adjustment counselor, Holly Gage, or the school principal, Michelle Scheufele. Scroll all the way down to the end of this newsletter for contact information. We are happy to help!
Family Movie, Crafts, & Games Night--This Friday, Jan. 10 from 6-7 pm
The Winter Movie/Craft/Game Night will take place this Friday, January 10, 2025 from 6-7 pm. Doors will open at 6:00 pm. This is a free event for Phelps Elementary, grades 1-4. Younger children who are able to do crafts and games are welcome. This is not an event for any children who are older than grade 4.
We will play a movie, The Snowman (from 1982), which is an animated movie without words (just music). While it plays, we will offer a variety of crafts and games for students to do. Come for some indoor winter fun! This is a family event, and every student must be accompanied by an adult.
Sign up here so that we can be sure we have plenty of activities for all students who would like to come. Snacks and drinks will be available for sale by our PAC volunteers. Looking forward to an amazing event!
Winter Enrichment Sign Ups Go Live Tonight, January 6, at 6:00 pm
Winter Enrichment after school programs are here! Sign up will go live Monday night, 1/6/25 at 6pm. The links to sign up will be posted on Dojo so be on the lookout! Spaces are limited, so students may only register for ONE program. Registration will end when the program is full or on January 10th, whichever comes first.
These 5 week programs will begin the week of Tuesday, January 21, 2025 and end the week of Monday March 3, 2025 (due to a Monday holiday). After school activities will run one day a week from 2:00pm-3:00pm on Mondays or Tuesdays, with one Wednesday offering.
Families will be notified if their child is in an activity by January 13th. There will be a fee of $25 for each activity. We accept CHECKS ONLY (made payable to the Town of Rockland). These activities must meet their minimum capacity to run. No refunds will be given after the first class for any reason. Checks must be turned into the Main Office by January 17th for programs to run.
If you have any questions regarding an activity please contact Kelsey Holbrook at 781-871-8585 x 2012 or kholbrook@rocklandschools.org.
Description of Classes Offered:
Phelps Run Club: Mondays 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/24, 3/3
The Phelps Run Club is an exciting after-school enrichment program designed to encourage children to embrace the joy of movement while promoting physical fitness and social interaction. Each week, students gather in the foyer of the school, where our Physical Therapist, Jessica Crowley, will lead them through fun warm-up exercises, stretches, and games that kick off their running activities. The run club not only emphasizes running but also instills the value of teamwork and perseverance. Children are encouraged to set personal goals, whether it’s running a certain distance or improving their speed, fostering a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence.
Sign Choir Mondays: 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/24, 3/3
During this class, your child will learn some basic sign language and will learn sign language through the use of music. Learning sign language through song is an easy and fun way to begin learning a new language. This club is run by Special Education teacher, Mrs. Oxner.
Fuse Bead Club Tuesdays: 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/25
Are you ready to get creative and make awesome designs with colorful beads? Join the Fuse Bead Club and discover the fun world of crafting with beads! In this club, we’ll use fuse beads (also known as Perler beads) to create everything from animals, vehicles, characters and flowers. Whether you're new to fuse beads or an experienced creator, there's something for everyone! Mrs. Campbell, one of Phelps' paraprofessionals will be leading this class!
Puzzle Pros Tuesdays: 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/25
This class is designed for students who love math, logic, and tackling brain-teasing challenges! In this program, participants will sharpen their problem-solving skills through activities like logic puzzles, sudoku, and breakout locks. Each session, Mrs. Holbrook will aim to inspire perseverance and critical thinking as students work individually and in teams to crack codes, solve riddles, and unlock their potential. Perfect for those who enjoy conquering challenges and discovering creative solutions!
Watercolor Painting- Wednesdays 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/26
Grades 3 & 4 ONLY
Unleash your creativity and dive into the magical world of watercolor painting with grade 3 teacher, Mrs. Duggan! Our program invites 3rd and 4th grade artists to explore the vibrant techniques and joyful possibilities of this fluid medium. Students will learn the fundamentals of watercolor painting, including color mixing, brush techniques, and composition. Each session will encourage personal expression as participants create unique masterpieces while cultivating their skills and confidence.
Music Concerts for This Year
This year, Phelps Elementary grade level concerts will take place during the school day, one per month, beginning this month. Please see the schedule for concerts below. Due to parking and school lunch start times, we ask parents to leave immediately after the program ends. Looking forward to beautiful music filling our cafeteria stage!
January 14: Grade 2 Music Concerts
- 8:30-9:00 am--Mrs. Booth's Grade 2 Classes
- 9:15-9:45 am--Mr. Popadic's Grade 2 Classes
- 8:30-9:00 am--Mrs. Booth's Grade 1 Classes
- 9:15-9:45 am--Mr. Popadic's Grade 1 Classes
- 8:15-8:45 am--Mrs. Booth's Grade 4 Classes
- 9:00-9:30 am--Mr. Popadic's Grade 4 Classes
- 8:15-8:45 am--Mrs. Booth's Grade 3 Classes
- 9:00-9:30 am--Mr. Popadic's Grade 4 Classes
**The Grade 3 & 4 Chorus Concert will take place at 6:00 pm on January 28, 2025 during our Winter Arts Night.
Phelps Elementary Winter Arts Night!
Phelps Winter Arts Night
- 5:30-7:30 pm--Art Displays on Phelps Second Floor of Building
- 6:00 pm--Phelps Third and Fourth Grade Chorus Performance in Cafeteria
Valentines for Senior Citizens
Our next school-wide project will be creating valentine cards for senior citizens in Rockland. We will be working with the Rockland Senior Center, Meals on Wheels, and the Webster Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center to deliver valentines to senior citizens in Rockland. This project is being organized and run by our Grade 4 Student Council.
How can you help? If you have any empty shoeboxes (or boxes of similar size), we are collecting boxes for this project until this Thursday, January 9. Also, if you have any valentine or heart stickers, or any other decorative stickers that would be great for our card-making, we will gladly accept donations until Friday, January 17. Please send all donations to the main office. Thanks for helping our students to spread love and kindness to others!
Interested in Substitute Teaching at Phelps?
If you are interested in substitute teaching at Phelps Elementary, we are looking for you! Apply at the Superintendent's Office today. For more information on applying, please contact Betsy Low, our Human Resources Coordinator, at blow@rocklandschools.org or call 781-878-3893.
You are able to choose the level and school in which you'd like to substitute, and accept jobs according to your schedule. We would love to have you aboard at Phelps Elementary!
Early Release Days for 2025
Phelps Early Release Days 10:45 Dismissal
Please be sure the following dates are in your calendar for Phelps Early Release (10:45 am dismissal):
January 16--NEXT THURSDAY!
February 6
March 6
March 20
March 27
March 28
April 3
May 1
June 5
Thank you!
Link to Student Handbook--for your reference
Connect with Phelps Elementary!
There are many ways to be connected to everything Phelps!
* First, connect to your child's teacher and all of Phelps Elementary through Class Dojo (directions will be given at Open House).
*Go to rocklandschools.org and click on Phelps Elementary. A live feed scroll of upcoming events and messages is located at the bottom of the page.
*Download the Rockland Public Schools App for live updates and upcoming events (see the directions above).
We are partners in your child's education and want to connect with YOU!
Rockland Public Schools District Calendar
Free Breakfast and Lunch For All Students!
Breakfast and lunch will be free to all students this year. Please look at the lunch menu linked below (and available on the district webpage at rocklandschools.org). Breakfast will be served from 7:15-7:35 each morning, and students are offered a variety of choices.
Upcoming Events
January 10- Family Movie Night, 6-7 pm
January 14--Grade 2 Music Concerts (in Phelps Cafeteria)
- Mrs. Booth's Grade 2 Classes 8:30-9:00 am (Families invited, but must leave at 9:00 am due to parking)
- Mr. Popadic's Grade 2 Classes 9:15-9:45 am (Families invited, but must leave at 9:45 am due to lunches)
January 14- PAC Meeting, 6-7 pm in the Library
January 16--Early Release Day; 10:45 am Dismissal
January 17--Progress Update to Families (by Dojo, email, or phone)
January 20- NO SCHOOL in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
January 21--Winter Enrichment Sessions Begin
January 28: 5:30-7:30 pm Phelps Winter Arts Night
- 5:30-7:30 pm--Art Displays on Phelps Second Floor of Building
- 6:00 pm--Phelps Third and Fourth Grade Chorus Performance in Cafeteria
- Mrs. Booth's Grade 1 Classes 8:30-9:00 am (Families invited, but must leave at 9:00 am due to parking)
- Mr. Popadic's Grade 1 Classes 9:15-9:45 am (Families invited, but must leave at 9:45 am due to lunches)
February 5-- Grades 3 & 4 Special Person Dance (information to come); 6:00-7:30 pm
February 6--Early Release Day; 10:45 am Dismissal
February 14- PAC Meeting, 1:15-2:15 pm in the Library
February 24-March 3-- Gold Coins for Scholarships (stay tuned for information)
February 17-21--Winter Break
Main Office and Guidance Staff
If you have any questions or concerns, here are some staff members you can call or email:
Jean Maloney, School Administrative Assistant, jmaloney@rocklandschools.org
Brenda Mallar-Reske, Administrative Assistant (Kidaccount/Dismissal), bmallar-reske@rocklandschools.org
Michelle Scheufele, Principal, mscheufele@rocklandschools.org
Kelsey Holbrook, Assistant Principal & Title One Director, kholbrook@rocklandschools.org
Chase Eschauzier, Assistant Principal, chaseeschauzier@rocklandschools.org
Amanda MacMillan, Phelps Special Education Coordinator, amacmillan@rocklandschools.org
Allison Sgambato, School Psychologist, asgambato@rocklandschools.org
Elizabeth Peckham, School Psychologist, epeckham@rocklandschools.org
Holly Gage, School Adjustment Counselor, hgage@rocklandschools.org
Taryn Muolo, School Adjustment Counselor, tmuolo@rocklandschools.org
Lizanne McCabe, Behaviorist, lmccabe@rocklandschools.org
Rebecca Varney, Behaviorist, rvarney@rocklandschools.org
Shani McGarry, Nurse, smcgarry@rocklandschools.org
