The Panther's Roar-Issue # 1

We are so excited to begin our first year together and welcome your family into our school community! Our goal is not only to support your child’s development at school, but also to partner with families, share resources, and help create meaningful connections across home, school, and community settings.

As we begin this journey together, we want you to know that we see families as essential members of our team. You know your child best, and the relationships you have with them are the foundation for growth, learning, and development. We hope this newsletter serves as a resource that helps you better understand our DIRFloortime approach, offers practical ideas for supporting your child’s growth and development at home, and provides opportunities to stay connected with our school community.

This newsletter will be sent each month and will include:

School news and reminders

Ways for families to stay connected

Information about our DIRFloortime approach

Tips and activities to try at home

Thank you for being part of our community!

Important Dates

📌Early Dismissal: Tuesday 9/8 through Friday 9/11 (8:45am-1:00pm)

📌School Closed: Monday 9/21 for Yom Kippur

📌Parent Back-to-School Night: Thursday October 8th, 5:30-7:30pm

📌School Closed: Monday 10/12 for Indigenous Peoples’ Day

This Month's Highlights:

• Building trusting relationships and connections with each student

• Discovering children’s unique strengths, interests, and ways of communicating

• Supporting students as they learn new routines and navigate transitions throughout the schoolday

• Partnering with families to better understand each child’s individual profile and needs

Quick Reminders

• Every Wednesday will be early dismissal (8:45am-1:00pm)

• Send in a change of clothes with your child

• Send weather-appropriate clothing for outdoor play

• Please make sure all personal items, clothing, and lunch containers are labeled with your child’s name

• Share any important updates from home that may impact your child’s day (changes in sleep, illness, routines, big life events, etc)

• Notify the school if someone different will be picking up your child

• Let us know if your child is working with any outside providers you would like us to collaborate with

• Download the ClassDojo app for school announcements and communications

Martin Luther School-Plymouth Campus is rooted in the DIR Floortime model. The heart of DIR Floortime is the belief that relationships drive development. We recognize that children learn best when they feel regulated and connected. Rather than focusing first on compliance or performance, we focus on helping children feel safe, calm, and supported.

DIR stands for:

• Developmental

• Individual Differences

• Relationship-Based

Try This at Home!

Rainbow relaxation: Find something red, orange, yellow, etc. moving through all the colors slowly

What is Safe2Say Something?

• 24/7 anonymous tipline
• Available across Pennsylvania
• Live chat with analysts
• Four submission methods

Click below to learn more about the Safe2Say Something program and how it works.

Martin Luther School-Plymouth

See below for school hours and contact information:

School Office Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Address: 512 W Township Line Rd

Plymouth Meeting PA 19462

Phone: 610-825-4440 ext. 3425

Email: info@martinlutherschool.org

Please reach out to us if you have any questions or need additional information. Let's make it a great week at Martin Luther School!