Mary D. Lang
February Newsletter 2025
September Family Newsletter 2026
Principal's Message
What an incredible first week we’ve had at Mary D.! There is so much to celebrate already!
Our little Lions are learning routines, making friends, growing more confident, and settling beautifully into kindergarten. There is already so much to celebrate!
At Mary D., our goal is to create Magic & Miracles (M&Ms) every day and ignite a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. Thank you for entrusting us with your precious children—we are so excited for the year ahead!
Stay Connected!
Each month, families will receive:
- Refrigerator Edition: A one-page paper newsletter sent home at the end of the month.
- Family Newsletter: A detailed Smore emailed during the first week of each month.
Here’s to a year filled with learning, laughter, growth, Magic & Miracles…and LOTS to celebrate🎉🦁!
Ms. April Reynolds 💙
Meet our Teachers & Related Services Team
P Pod Teachers
M Pod Teachers
Mrs. Howanski, Mrs. Marchini, Mr. Anderson, Mrs. Kirchart, and Mrs. VanHoorebeke
U Pod Teachers
Special Education Teachers
Mrs. Walker, Miss Hostetler, and Miss Ortiz Ayllon
Related Services Team
Mrs. Andrews (OT), Mrs. Phillips (School Counselor), Mrs. Ranieri (Physical Therapist), Mrs. Yannelli (Speech Therapist), and Mrs. Case (School Psychologist)
Back to School Night - Thursday, September 10th 🍎🏫
Parents and guardians, it’s your turn to go to Kindergarten!
Please join us at Mary D. Lang Kindergarten Center on Thursday, September 10th, from 6:00–7:00 p.m. for our Back-to-School Night.
You’ll spend the evening right in your child’s classroom—and even in their seat! You’ll have an opportunity to:
- Get to know your child’s teacher
- Learn about what your child will be learning this year
- Hear about classroom routines and expectations
- Get information about birthdays, celebrations, and special events
- Discover ways you can support your child throughout the year
This is an evening you won’t want to miss! We look forward to welcoming you and giving you a glimpse into your child’s world at Mary D.
If you are unable to attend, no worries! A packet with the information shared that evening will be sent home with your child the following day.
Birthdays are Special 🎂
We love celebrating our birthday Lions! To keep celebrations safe and inclusive for everyone, please send non-edible treats only. Stickers, pencils, erasers, or another small surprise are great ways to make the day extra special—because the sweetest part of a birthday is celebrating together🦁🎉!
Sneak-a-Peek
Thank you for joining us at this year’s Sneak-A-Peek event! We hope it gave you and your family a wonderful first look at our school and helped build even more excitement for this special milestone—Kindergarten! Here are a few pictures from the event.
Breakfast Begins Monday, September 14th 🥓🥚🥣
1st Day of School Fun!
The first week of kindergarten has been filled with fun—from the bus ride, to the classroom, through the hallways, in the cafeteria, and out on the playground. Our lions had the best first week! Here are a few pictures that captured the excitement.
Parent Events Committee Meeting - September 23rd at 6:00
Are you looking for a fun way to get involved this year? Consider joining Mary D’s Parent Events Committee (PEC)!
The full committee will meet once—on September 23rd from 6:00–7:00 PM—and subcommittees will meet as needed throughout the year. The goal of PEC is to plan engaging and exciting events for our students, staff, and families.
If you’re interested in being part of the fun, please complete the PEC Google Form to let us know. We’d love to have you join!
Wayfinder Program Information 🙂
Parents as Partners - Our Parentship 💙😊
Establish a Consistent Routine: Maintain a regular daily schedule for waking up, meals, and bedtime. A consistent routine helps children feel secure and makes school transitions smoother.
Encourage a Love of Reading: Read with your child every day to foster a love of books and build literacy skills. Engage in discussions about the stories to enhance comprehension and vocabulary.
Promote Independence: Encourage your child to take on small tasks, like packing their backpack or dressing themselves. This builds confidence and prepares them for school responsibilities.
Foster Social Skills and Emotional Development: Help your child learn how to share, take turns, and express their feelings in a healthy way. Encourage social interactions through playdates and group activities to build friendships and social confidence.
Family Homework 💻📝
Your Family Homework has three parts:
1. REVIEW important information
Visit the Family Homework page to review:
- District and All-School Handbook — The handbook is now one document. Read the district information and then the section for your child's school. It is available as a PDF in English and Spanish and as text on the website.
- Code of Student Conduct — Available as a PDF in English and Spanish and as text on the website.
- Technology policy (AUP) — You will be asked to confirm that you have reviewed this policy.
- Educational Web-Based Tools (COPPA) information — You will also be asked to confirm that you have reviewed this information.
- Videos and reference sheets — These resources will help guide you through the Family Homework process.
2. COMPLETE Family Homework in Skyward
Before the first day of school, log in to the Skyward Family Access Portal to complete the required Family Homework for each of your children. (There are instructions on how to do so at the Family Homework section of the website.)
This includes:
- Completing and submitting the Student Device Agreement Form
- Confirming that you reviewed required documents and information
- Confirming that you received and completed your child's medical forms
- Accessing the Kennett Chromebook Protection Plan (KCPP) form if you are interested in participating
3. COMPLETE AND RETURN paper medical forms ASAP if you haven't done so yet.
- Medical forms must be completed on paper for each child this school year.
- If you need another copy, contact your child's teacher.
Kennett High School Homecoming Parade
On Friday, October 2nd, our entire Kennett District will come together for a fun-filled parade—and we’d love for you to join us!
📍 Meet: Kennett High School parking lot at 5:30 PM
👕 Wear: Blue and White
🎉 Bring: Lots of school spirit!
Let’s represent Mary D. with pride and show our Kennett spirit together!
Meet our School Resource Officer... Officer Frank Toth👮🚓
Hello Mary D. Lang Families, I’m excited to be back for my third year as your School Resource Officer! My name is Corporal Frank Toth, and I’ve been an officer for 14 years—8 of those with the Kennett Square Police Department. I’ve been fortunate to serve in several multicultural urban communities. My experience has taught me how important it is to connect with people, listen, and build trust.
My greatest passion in this role is mentoring and guiding students. I believe safety is more than just preventing harm; it’s about creating an environment where students feel supported, understood, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
I’m looking forward to another amazing year working alongside your children, staff, and families. If you see me in the hallways, at events, or out in the community, please stop and say hello—I’d love to meet you.
Reminders
- Please maintain a consistent dismissal plan. If your child will be a pick up, please email Amy Doherty at adoherty@kcsd.org and your child's teacher. Do not send Talking Points pick-up messages because teachers may not have time to share the information with the office staff.
- Please place a change of clothes in your child’s backpack.
- If you need to contact the principal, please call at 610-444-6260 or email her at areynolds@kcsd.org. Please do not send Talking Points messages.
- Breakfast is FREE for all students (starting on 9/14). Please inform your child if they’re to eat breakfast at school.
- A written note or email is required for All absences(MDLattendance@kcsd.org). If a note is not received within 3 days after returning to school, the absence(s) will be unexcused.
- Request an Extended Leave Request for all planned extended absences that are 3 or more consecutive school days. Send the Request to the principal at least 10 days prior to the absence(s).
Upcoming Events
9/7 - No School (Labor Day)
9/10 - Back to School Night for Parents & Guardians @ 6:00 pm
9/14 - First day breakfast will be served, and it’s FREE!
9/15-10/15 - Hispanic Heritage Month
9/21 - No School (Inservice Day)
9/23 - Parent Events Meeting (PEC) at 6:00pm for parents who want to plan our Mary D. Lang staff and family activities
9/29 - Picture Day
10/2 - KHS Homecoming Parade - All schools participate