The Bobcat Bulletin
Welcome Back to School 2025-2026!
Happy 2026! We are excited to share details about our upcoming Day of Service, which will take place on Friday, January 16, 2026. This event has become a cherished tradition at Indian Lane, and it is truly inspiring to witness the generosity and enthusiasm our school community brings to it each year. Together, we have made a meaningful impact, and we know this year will be no different.
As in past years, each grade level will participate in a unique service project designed to foster empathy, compassion, and a strong sense of community. These projects provide our students with meaningful opportunities to give back while learning the value of service. Hosting the Day of Service just before Martin Luther King Jr. Day allows us to reflect on Dr. King’s powerful legacy and his belief that “everybody can be great, because anybody can serve.”
On December 29, families in grades 1–5 received a grade-level email outlining the specific service project for their child’s class. That email included donation needs, a sign-up link, and a wish list to make contributing as easy as possible. Some grade levels will also need volunteers to assist during the event.
As of today, many of the donation items for Grades 1 and 2 have already been purchased. Thank you for your incredible generosity! Donations for Grades 3, 4, and 5 are still most needed, and we truly appreciate any support you are able to provide. Families from any grade level are welcome to contribute, and all help is greatly appreciated.
Birthday Cake Boxes for Grade 1 (items still needed)
Thank You to First Responders/Community Helpers for Grade 2 (Items still needed)
Breakfast Bags for the Homebound Grade 3 (items still needed)
Sandwiches for Homeless Shelter Grade 4 (Items still needed)
Comfort Bags for Cancer Patients Grade 5 (Items still needed)
Kindergarten families will receive additional details later this week, including information about items still needed for their grade-level service project.
Below are a full list of projects:
Kindergarten
Kindergarten students will create treats for local animal shelters, helping to support animals in need. Kindergarten teachers will share additional details about the specific donations required after winter break.
Grade 1: Birthday Cake Boxes for People in Need
First graders will assemble birthday cake kits to bring joy to individuals living in homeless shelters. These kits will include all the essentials for a birthday celebration.
Items Needed for Grade 1:
- 9x13 disposable aluminum foil pans with lids
- Boxed cake mix (any flavor)
- Cans of Sprite
- Birthday candles
- Frosting
Birthday Cake Boxes for Grade 1 (items still needed)
Grade 2: Thank You Kits for First Responders
Second graders will create “Survival Kits” to express gratitude to our local first responders. Each kit will include small items with meaningful messages of appreciation.
Items Needed for Grade 2:
- Lifesavers
- Starbursts
- Band-Aids
- Candles
- Erasers
- Gum
- Snickers
- Paper clips
- Rubber bands
- Tootsie Rolls
Thank You to First Responders/Community Helpers for Grade 2 (Items still needed)
Grade 3: Breakfast Bags for the Homebound
Third graders will prepare breakfast bags to support homebound individuals in our community. These bags will contain non-perishable items to help start their day with a nutritious meal.
Items Needed for Grade 3:
- Tea bags
- Instant coffee
- Hot cocoa packets
- Boxes of raisins
- Fruit snacks
- Oatmeal packets
- Cereal bars
- Granola bars
Breakfast Bags for the Homebound Grade 3 (items still needed)
Grade 4: Sandwiches for Homeless Shelters
Fourth graders will make sandwiches to provide meals for those in need at local homeless shelters.
Items Needed for Grade 4:
Sandwiches for Homeless Shelter Grade 4 (Items still needed)
*All items will be refrigerated at Indian Lane. Please deliver them to the main office during the week of the 12th to ensure proper storage.
Grade 5: Comfort Bags for Cancer Patients
Fifth graders will assemble Comfort Bags to support individuals undergoing cancer treatment. These thoughtful bags will include items to bring comfort and encouragement.
Items Needed for Grade 5:
- Individually wrapped gum, hard candy, and mints
- Blank journals, notecards, and pens
- Travel-size games and playing cards
- Lip balm and travel-size hand lotions
- Puzzle books (Sudoku, crossword, word search, mazes, etc.)
Comfort Bags for Cancer Patients Grade 5 (Items still needed)
The success of the Day of Service would not be possible without the kindness and dedication of our families. Your donations and support make a real difference, and we are deeply grateful for all that you contribute. By working together, we can teach our students the power of giving back and strengthen our community.
This is a friendly reminder that we go outdoors for recess as often as the weather allows. With the colder weather we have been experiencing, please make sure your child comes to school dressed appropriately. Please also label all items your child brings to school, including coats, hats, gloves, lunchboxes, and other belongings, to help us keep items organized and easily identifiable.
“Electronic games and trading cards, etc. may be accessed on the school bus, but must remain in the student’s backpack during the school day. These are distracting to the education process and are easily damaged or lost. The school shall not be responsible for the loss, damage, or misuse of any personal items brought to school.
Please note: This includes recess. Students may not take toys, trading cards (such as Pokémon cards), or similar items out during recess to play or trade. These items must stay in backpacks for the entire school day.”
Could it be Pink Eye?
Children are allowed to come to school with pink eye provided that the eye isn't oozing or excessively tearing. Any symptoms of eye pain or other illnesses like a sore throat, ear pain, or fever, and parents should reach out to the pediatrician. You can learn more of the basics of Conjunctivitis (pink eye) here. Call the nurse's office if you are uncertain if your child should come to school.
Register Today to Save your Spot
Friday February 6th and Friday February 20th
(snow date February 27th)
Arrive at 5:45 pm, clinic will be held from 6 pm - 8 pm
Auxiliary gym at Penncrest High School
Cost $50
Register: Lady Lions Softball Clinic
Scholarships available for those needing financial assistance
Questions or for more information - email penncrestsoftballboosters@gmail.com
-
Create your account. Select Create Account and fill in your name, email, and password.
-
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.
-
-
Log back in. Once your email is verified, return to the site and complete your registration.
-
Enter your information. Fill in the Parent/Family and Student details.
-
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.
-
-
Set your preferences. Complete the Directory/Publish section to choose what information is visible to others.
-
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
Indian Lane Elementary School
Email: mbritton@rtmsd.org
Website: https://www.rtmsd.org/Domain/9
Location: 309 South Old Middletown Road, Media, PA, USA
Phone: 610-627-7100