Phenomenal Phelps Facts
Week of December 2, 2024
Hello December!
December is a busy month for all in preparation for holiday gatherings and celebrations. There is a lot happening here at Phelps as well. Please be sure to scroll down to see the events happening for the month of December. As this can be a very overstimulating time for students, we, at Phelps, try to keep our routines and schedules in place for the month. It is important that children know what to expect throughout the day. As a family, although this is a busy month with lots of activities, try to keep routines and schedules in place as much as possible. It helps children to feel safe and secure at home and in school. Have a wonderful week!
Save Those Coats! Coat Drive Going on NOW Through December 15
As you clean out your closets and bins for the cold weather season, please save any coats (both adult or children's sizes) that are in good condition to donate to our coat drive, which will take place November 15-December 15, 2024. It is our hope to collect and donate many coats to those who are in need of them this season. Our Grade 4 Student Council will be in charge of coordinating this event. It will be a House Competition to see which Phelps House can donate the most coats for those in need. Thank you for searching your closets and bins!
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!
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!
Phelps 2nd Annual Giving Tree
This year, Phelps will be holding its 2nd annual Giving Tree. If your family needs holiday gift help, the Giving Tree is able to offer assistance. You can email Nicole Caron, ncaron@rocklandschools.org, with a list. We are able to take lists that include two gifts for each child (high school age and younger, under $100 total per child). Lists need to be received by 12/1 to allow time for shopping.
Likewise, if you are interested in buying gifts for the Giving Tree, please email Holly Gage (hgage@rocklandschools.org) to volunteer. Happy Holidays!
December 16-20--Phelps Holiday Spirit Week
- Monday, December 16: Holiday Headwear (Wear hats, headbands, or crazy hair for the holidays)
- Tuesday, December 17: Winter Wonderland (Wear blue, white, and/or silver to celebrate winter)
Wednesday, December 18: Crazy Winter Sock Day (Wear your craziest & silliest winter/holiday socks--or mismatched socks)
Thursday, December 19: Favorite Holiday Shirt or Sweater Day (Wear your favorite holiday shirt or just a favorite shirt)
Friday, December 20: House Pride Day (Wear the colors of your house) Harmony (Green), Honor (Blue), Valor (Yellow), Radiance (Orange), & Unity (Purple)
Early Release Day THIS WEEK--December 5; 10:45 am dismissal
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):
December 5 (THIS THURSDAY!)
January 16
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
December 5--Early Release Day; 10:45 dismissal
December 13--PAC Meeting--1:15-2:15 pm; Phelps Library
December 16-20--Phelps Holiday Spirit Week
- Monday, December 16: Holiday Headwear (Wear hats, headbands, or crazy hair for the holidays)
- Tuesday, December 17: Winter Wonderland (Wear blue, white, and/or silver to celebrate winter)
Wednesday, December 18: Crazy Winter Sock Day (Wear your craziest & silliest winter/holiday socks--or mismatched socks)
Thursday, December 19: Favorite Holiday Shirt or Sweater Day (Wear your favorite holiday shirt or just a favorite shirt)
Friday, December 20: House Pride Day (Wear the colors of your house)
December 16-20--Holiday Shopping (more details to come)
December 18--"Once on a Housetop" Play, 3:30 pm for Families
December 23-January 1- Holiday Break
January 2- School Reopens
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
