The Chipmunk Chat

MGES Families,

Please see the highlights of the week and our important messages regarding our Thanksgiving Food Drive.

Warmest regards,
Mr. Perez

November 24-26: Early Dismissal for Students 12:15 pm

November 24+25: Parent/Teacher Conferences

November 27+28: No School for Students

At today’s PBIS Assembly, our students focused on the “R- Respect" in our Chipmunk P.R.I.D.E. With the support of some wonderful 5th-grade helpers, students explored what it means to show respect and kindness toward others.

Students listened to the story Stone Soup, retold by Annette Smith, and discussed how a community can accomplish great things when everyone contributes, even if each person only has a little to give. Students learned that respect and kindness help bring people together, strengthen our school community, and make MGES a place where everyone feels valued.

In celebration of World Kindness Day, the MGES staff channeled their inner Mr. Rogers by arriving in classic cardigans and canvas sneakers. The hallways were filled with warm smiles, cozy sweaters, and plenty of neighborly cheer as we honored his timeless message of kindness and compassion. A special shout-out goes to Mrs. Stianchi, who stole the show as our most convincing doppelganger. It truly was a beautiful day in the neighborhood!

Sincere thanks for the kind and generous gift card donations from the Maple Glen community which allowed us to assist with providing enough food and basic necessities to families struggling with difficult circumstances at this time.

MGES Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive…

Today during our school-wide PBIS assembly, students enjoyed a read aloud presentation of “Stone Soup.” The plot ends with the optimistic realization that when each person makes a small contribution, the collective impact can be huge.

Thanksgiving is often a time when we pause to be thankful for all we have. Some families in our community, however, have significantly less and are in need of basic necessities. After reading “Stone Soup,” students learned there is a way that we can work together to help make sure families have enough food. The Willow Grove Food Pantry Wish List has been divided up between grade levels.

Anytime during the week of November 17th - November 21st, students are invited to bring the following donations to school:

Kindergarten -

mac & cheese, pasta, diapers in all sizes & baby wipes

1st grade -

granola bars, crackers, cookies, bar soap, toothpaste & toothbrushes

2nd grade -

instant potatoes, boxed rice, cereal, pancake mix, syrup

3rd grade -

pasta sauce, peanut butter & jelly (no glass, please), ketchup, mayo, mustard

4th grade -

canned veggies & canned fruits, canned beans, coffee, tea & tissues

5th grade

hearty canned soups, canned chili or pasta, canned tuna,

juice boxes & toilet paper

Hello Families!

We are less than two weeks away from the "winter" art exhibit and fundraiser! Your child is excited for you to get a glimpse of a piece they worked so hard to complete. Each FRAMED piece is available for purchase through pre-order or the days of the event (20% will directly fund the arts at MGES).

**Also, if you have more than TWO children who attend MGES...all purchases after two children ARE FREE!!! Hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Mr. Hopkins

For the latest issue of the PTO Press:

PTO Press (November 13, 2025)

Our school district's planetarium will reopen to the community on Thursday, November 20 for two programs, One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure and Lamps of Atlantis. Join us to enjoy a full-dome view of stars, planets, and cosmic wonders—perfect for curious minds of all ages!

The Office of Student Services issued a letter this week to families of kindergarten and first-grade students regarding our upcoming ROAR programs hosted by the Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center. ROAR is a personal safety program, offering age-appropriate, interactive lessons that help children recognize, resist, and report unsafe situations.

UDHS Swim & Dive Team Babysitting Night at the Pool

Friday, November 14

Gender Equity Club Used Cell Phone Collection Drive

Through November 21

Girls Lacrosse Jingle Bell Jog 5K

Saturday, December 6

AAUW STEM for Girls Grades 5-8

Saturday, March 28

**Disclaimer Statement: The information provided in the segment above is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement or recommendation of any specific individual or organization. We offer this platform as a resource for community organizations but cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the details provided.