The Bobcat Bulletin

Even with only three days of school, it was such a full and joyful week at Indian Lane. Our Bobcats began the week by celebrating September birthdays during the first Birthday Bash Lunch of the year. We also gathered for the PBIS Kickoff Assembly to review what it means to be Ready, Respectful, and Responsible, and to celebrate the positive choices that help make our school a welcoming place for everyone. Following the PBIS assembly on Wednesday, students participated in the Student Council Elections, demonstrating leadership, kindness, and school spirit.

A highlight of the week was our special visit from author-illustrator Chris Van Dusen. His stories, humor, and artwork truly brought reading to life. A heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Hatton for organizing this wonderful opportunity. Her enthusiasm for literacy and her dedication to our students continue to make Indian Lane such a special place to learn.

As we look ahead to October, we will meet on Monday evening with this year’s homeroom parents and class photographers. Those serving in these roles should have already received an invitation that I sent on behalf of the PTG. I would like to encourage all families to sign up for Membership Toolkit. This will be the primary way that homeroom parents communicate with families about upcoming class events, including the first class party following the Halloween Parade.

Membership Toolkit allows homeroom parents to share information safely and consistently with families regarding class parties, volunteer opportunities, and other PTG-sponsored events.

Please take a moment to make sure you are signed up and that your information is current. Click here to access Membership Toolkit so you do not miss any class updates or opportunities to join the fun.

October is already shaping up to be a wonderful month at Indian Lane. I am so proud of the positive energy, teamwork, and school spirit that continue to shine through our students and families each week.

-Michelle Britton

Thank you to the families who have already volunteered to serve as class photographers. Your time, creativity, and willingness to help mean so much, and they make a big difference in capturing the memories that define our school year.

At this time, we have photographers for the following homerooms:
Meile AM (2), Sammaciccia, Michaels, Iovannoni (2), Amoroso, Arbutina, and Schuck.

We are still hoping to add more photographers so that every class is represented in addition to their homeroom parents:

https://forms.gle/9Y4tLJxWJ3JQx3CE7

OCTOBER

• 8 | PTG Meeting, 7:00 p.m., Library
• 10 | October Bobcat Pride Breakfast, 8:00-8:40 a.m., Cafeteria
• 17 | Early Dismissal, 12:20 p.m. & No PM Kindergarten

As part of the Rose Tree Media School District’s strategic planning process, we are updating our mission and vision statements to reflect the values and aspirations of our community. Your voice is essential in this work.

We invite staff, parents, and guardians to complete a brief Google Form to share your perspectives on what makes our district unique, what experiences every student should have each day, and what qualities we hope to see in our graduates. Your input will directly inform the development of mission and vision statements that guide our work now and in the future.

Please take a few minutes to complete the Google Form here: RTMSD Mission & Vision

Thank you for partnering with us to shape the future of Rose Tree Media School District.

In 2023, a dedicated group of parents, teachers, students and administrators met monthly to review and discuss the many cultural holidays and other events that occur throughout the school year. This group collaborated and created the list of holidays and events that we will recognize, instruct or celebrate in our schools. The holidays and events you will see each month in this newsletter were chosen by our community. Please email Ralph Harrison if you have any suggestions or ideas about our monthly events and holidays. We honor DIGNITY by taking the time to learn about the cultures of all of our community members.

Every child at Indian Lane is a BOBCAT & we want to celebrate with each of you. Families are invited to sign up to attend ONE Bobcat Pride Breakfast during the 2025-2026 school year. Younger siblings are welcome to attend, but please only sign up for the IL student(s) on the sheet. Each student should take one spot on the sign up sheet. The Breakfast are held from 8:00 - 8:40 a.m. in the Indian Lane cafeteria.

Our students had an amazing time during the author visit with Chris Van Dusen on October 1st. His stories and illustrations came to life in such an inspiring way for our first, second, and fourth grade students. A huge thank you to Mrs. Hatton for making this visit possible. From coordinating with the author to preparing our students so thoughtfully for the experience, her creativity and love for reading continue to bring unforgettable opportunities to Indian Lane.

The students are REALLY excited about this one too! These books are extremely popular in our library. John Patrick Green is the creator and illustrator of these fun graphic novels. More details about ordering personalized and signed books coming soon.

About InvestiGATORS Case Files

Special agents Mango and Brash are back again, and this time they’ll be asking their readers for help in cracking the case! The gators have been given a brand new add-on for their V.E.S.T.s to help with gathering evidence and making sense of clues – the G.R.I.D. (Gator Reasoning, Inquiry, Deduction) – and with that powerful tool in hand, kids can follow along as they solve six brand-new mysteries! Featuring plenty of familiar faces from investigations past, as well as a few brand new suspects, Mango and Brash and YOU (the reader) will get to the bottom of cases big and small!

Students are permitted to have prescribed and over-the-counter medications at school provided that the proper paperwork is submitted. Please refer to the Student Medication Authorization Form for more details on what needs to be submitted. Call Mrs. LaRose at 610-627-7104 with any questions.

Early Dismissal Schedule:

Breakfast will be served but we will not provide lunch.

AM Kindergarten (Normal School Day 8:40 - 11:25

First - Fifth Grades (Dismissal 12:20)

PM Kindergarten ( Not in Session)

Bobcat Campaign Facts

What is it? The Bobcat Club Campaign is a PTG fundraiser created to allow Indian Lane families a way to donate money directly to IL PTG instead of traditional buying/selling fundraisers (for example, wrapping paper, silent auction, cookie sales, etc.)

The campaign is our main fundraiser and we do it at the start of the school year. The money we collect sets our budget for the year. The more money we collect, the more we can do!

100% of your donation supports PTG events like the Holiday Extravaganza, Bingo for Books, the Bobcat Winter Festival, Kindergarten Ice Cream Social, Popsicles on the Playground, Run-the-Lane, Teacher Luncheons... and more!

Our goal is to achieve 100% family participation. Simply decide what amount you are comfortable with giving and make a one-time donation.

To continue to support Indian Lane with our current PTG events and to avoid the need for additional fundraisers during the upcoming school year, we need your support to reach our fundraising goal of $13,000. This is our 2025-26 operating budget, not a savings account.

Donations are on the household level and all donations are appreciated and confidential.

Your donation may be tax deductible and many companies have programs that will match the charitable contributions made by their employees. Check with your company today!

All families that donate will get a 2025-26 school year magnet!

Donate to the Bobcat Club Campaign Today! Here's How:

1. Click this link or scan this QR code and fill out the Google form with the details of your donation
   
2. Choose your payment method (Venmo, PayPal, Cash, or Check payable to ILES PTG) and make your donation following the instructions provided below.
3. That's it! You're done!
   

IMPORTANT: No matter the method of payment, please fill out the Google form from Step 1 above and include a note/memo it’s for the Campaign and your family/student’s name.

The December Sing-Along is one of the most joyful and heartwarming traditions at Indian Lane. Our students love coming together, and it has always been so special to welcome families to share in the celebration. Over the past few years, families have kindly shared with me that the gym has become more and more crowded, making it difficult to see and enjoy the performance. At the same time, I know how deeply this tradition is loved. With that in mind, Mr. Fisher and I worked together to find a way to keep this wonderful tradition alive while making it even more comfortable for everyone.

This year, we will hold two concerts on the same day instead of one. By expanding to two performances, we can continue the tradition we all treasure, while giving families more space and a better viewing experience. Rather than changing the event, we see this as enhancing it so that everyone feels welcome and included.

Thursday, December 11th:

• Morning Concert – 9:15 AM
  AM Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 4

• Afternoon Concert – 2:00 PM
  PM Kindergarten, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 5

We understand that some families may need to attend both concerts, and we truly appreciate the extra effort this may take. We also plan to still offer a virtual option for those who are not able to attend in person, so that every family has the opportunity to enjoy this tradition.

Please know that this decision was made with great care, based on the thoughtful feedback you have shared. I am so grateful to Mr. Fisher for his willingness to adjust the format, and I am thankful to our families for the love and support you bring to this tradition. We will include a survey after the event to take your feedback on the new format.

-Michelle Britton

1. Go to: https://indianlaneptg.membershiptoolkit.com/

2. Create your account. Select Create Account and fill in your name, email, and password.

3. Verify your email. Click verify my email and then check your inbox for the link.

   • The link expires in 2 hours. If you do not receive it, check your spam or junk folders.

4. Log back in. Once your email is verified, return to the site and complete your registration.

5. Enter your information. Fill in the Parent/Family and Student details.

6. Update your child’s information. Make sure you select the correct grade and homeroom teacher so you receive classroom party and volunteer communications.

   • If your child has a special education teacher, please do not select that teacher unless your child’s homeroom is physically in that classroom.

7. Set your preferences. Complete the Directory/Publish section to choose what information is visible to others.

8. Finish up. Once these steps are complete, you will have full access to the directory.

📌 Tip: Once the Primary Account is set up, you can invite another parent or guardian by email so they can create their own login while still being connected to your family account.

Apple users: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/membership-toolkit/id912169276?platform=iphone

A few quick links to keep handy:

• Our school website: Indian Lane
• If your student is sick please submit Absence Form
• For an educational trip: Pre-Planned Absence Request
• Breakfast and Lunch Menus - Nutrislice / to check your student's account: MySchoolBucks
• You may follow the bus routes and check for transportation updates at MyRide360

Grades 1st - 5th 8:50 am - 3:30 pm

AM Kindergarten 8:50 am - 11:25 am

PM Kindergarten 12:55 pm - 3:30 pm

Email: mbritton@rtmsd.org
Website: https://www.rtmsd.org/Domain/9
Location: 309 South Old Middletown Road, Media, PA, USA
Phone: 610-627-7100