The Bobcat Bulletin

Dear Indian Lane Families,

What a wonderful start to the 2026–2027 school year! It was so great welcoming our Bobcats back and seeing our classrooms and hallways filled with smiles, excitement, and positive energy.

The first few days of school were an important time for building relationships, establishing routines, and creating a strong sense of community. Our teachers and staff did an outstanding job helping students settle into their classrooms, learn expectations, and feel welcomed and supported.

Last week, students participated in PBIS cafeteria lessons on Monday and PBIS bus lessons on Thursday. Students who ride the morning buses also successfully practiced their bus evacuation drill. This week, we will hold our first school evacuation drill of the year, similar to what many of us remember as a fire drill growing up. Throughout the year, we will continue practicing a variety of safety procedures so that everyone knows what to do in an emergency.

It was amazing to see so many Indian Lane families at our Block Party! Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make it such a fun and welcoming way to begin the school year. A very special thank-you goes to our incredible PTG for the time, planning, energy, and care they put into making events like this possible. Their commitment to our students, families, and school community is truly appreciated.

The PTG has already raised $6,821 toward this year’s Annual Bobcat Campaign, which is an incredible start! Their hard work is already making a difference, and we are so grateful for their continued dedication to Indian Lane.Remember, every donor to the Annual Bobcat Campaign receives an Indian Lane car magnet, no matter the size of the donation!

If we break the record and reach the campaign goal, I will sleep on the school roof in a tent. We are even working on plans for a livestream bedtime story from my rooftop campsite.I am not worried about the height at all. My concern is the temperature. I am the person who wears a coat until mid-April, so I am strongly encouraging everyone to help us reach that goal before I need to pack hand warmers and possibly my snow suit!

Please take a few minutes to review this week’s newsletter, which includes important information, upcoming dates, and reminders for the weeks ahead.

Thank you for helping us begin the school year on such a positive note. I hope everyone enjoys a relaxing Labor Day weekend and some extra time with family and friends.

We cannot wait to welcome our Bobcats back on Tuesday, September 8, and continue making this a wonderful year at Indian Lane!

-Michelle Britton

Donate any amount to the Bobcat Campaign, and your family will receive a Bobcat car magnet-

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-the-bobcat-campaign-raise-the-roof

On Friday, September 11, Indian Lane will observe Patriot Day and recognize the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. In ways that are thoughtful and appropriate for elementary students, we will remember those who lost their lives and honor the first responders, service members, and everyday heroes who helped others.

Students and staff are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue. Teachers will incorporate age-appropriate activities focused on kindness, helping others, and caring for our community, and we will share a special Patriot Day feature on News on the Lane, similar to last year.

Every child at Indian Lane is a BOBCAT & we want to celebrate with each of you. Families are invited to sign up to attend ONE Bobcat Pride Breakfast during the 2026-2027 school year. Younger siblings are welcome to attend, but please only sign up for the IL student(s) on the sheet. Each student should take one spot on the sign up sheet. The Breakfast are held from 8:00 - 8:30 am.

Exciting news!!! Jason Douglas Griffin, Caldecott honoree, is coming to Indian Lane to share his awesome new book, Be the Acorn, with first and second graders on September 14th. The book is available to order & the author will personalize and sign each book. The deadline to order is September 4th. Thanks for supporting this opportunity for our students. If you have any questions about the order or author visit, please email Mrs. Hatton at thatton@rtmsd.org.

Back-to-School Night is a wonderful opportunity to meet your child’s teachers and learn about the expectations, routines, and learning experiences planned for the new school year.

We are especially excited to offer an optional presentation from the Curriculum and Instruction Department at 5:45 p.m. in the ILES cafeteria. This helpful session will introduce families to our new progress reports, explain what the information means, and help families better understand how student learning and growth will be communicated throughout the year. We encourage all families to attend.

Grade-level presentations will begin at 6:00 p.m. Each grade level will present twice, so families with children in multiple grades can attend different presentations. Families may choose either available session for their child’s grade:

• Kindergarten and Grade 1: 6:00–6:25 p.m. or 6:30–6:55 p.m.

• Grades 2 and 3: 6:00–6:25 p.m. or 7:00–7:25 p.m.

• Grades 4 and 5: 6:30–6:55 p.m. or 7:00–7:25 p.m.

Presentation Locations

• Grade 4: Families will attend a team presentation in the ILES Library. Grade 4 is the first year students begin switching classes through our departmentalization model, so the grade-level team will present together.

• Grade 5: Families will attend presentations in their child’s fifth-grade homeroom.

• Kindergarten through Grade 3: Families will attend presentations in their child’s homeroom classroom.

Dear Families,

Rose Tree Media students in grades Kindergarten through fifth will once again participate in beginning of year growth assessments. These tests help to determine a child’s instructional level and measure academic growth throughout the school year. They provide teachers with additional information on student progress toward proficiency and mastery of academic skills. The test scores let teachers know where a student’s strengths are and if support might be needed in any specific area. Teachers use this information to help guide individual and group instruction in the classroom. As well, to promote student achievement in all our schools, the district uses these results to continue to improve teaching and learning. These assessments will be administered by members of the MTSS team in each elementary school as part of the regularly scheduled instructional day.

The following tests will be given September 8 - October 2, 2026

In grades kindergarten through 5th, DIBELS 8 (Dynamic Indicator of Basic Early Literacy Skills), a series of short measures for assessing the acquisition and growth of literacy skills.

In grades Kindergarten through first, Acadience Math will be administered which is an assessment used to measure the development of early numeracy skills.

In grades 2nd through 5th, the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) is used. MAP is an adaptive computerized test administered to assess growth in the areas of reading and math.

If you have any questions prior to testing, please reach out to your building’s MTSS teacher for support.

Sincerely,

Christa A. Consadene

Director of Curriculum & Instruction

Ann Squires, MTSS at Glenwood Elementary

Katie Sandiford, MTSS at Indian Lane Elementary

Erin Schievert, MTSS at Media Elementary

Amanda Spinogatti, MTSS at Rose Tree Elementary

We are seeking two parent or guardian volunteers for each classroom. If more than two individuals volunteer for a class, selections will be made randomly using the Wheel of Names.

Please complete this survey by September 9. Selected Homeroom Parents will be notified by September 11. Following that process, we will share a separate interest form for Class Photographer volunteers.

Thank you for helping us create a wonderful school year for our students, teachers, and families!

PTG meetings are held each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Library and also on Zoom. A link will be sent out before the meetings. We hope you can join us at our first meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 16th. If you can't attend but want to stay up-to-date, the minutes will be posted on the PTG page of the website following the meeting.

A HUGE thank you to all of our amazing families, teachers, and maintenance staff who came out to make the Bobcat Block Party such a success! Your support, energy, and generosity made the night unforgettable!

WE RAISED $6,809!

That means we are already 34% of the way to our $20,000 fundraising goal!

And tonight, we hit a BIG fundraising milestone… WE GET TO SLIME MRS. BRITTON!

Keep your eyes peeled for the announcement of the official SLIME DATE!

But that’s not all… We are well on our way to getting Mrs. Britton to SLEEP ON THE ROOF OF ILES!

Keep the momentum going, Bobcats! Every dollar gets us closer to our $20,000 goal — and one very brave principal spending the night on the roof!

THANK YOU for helping us Raise the Roof!

Congratulations to all of our PTG Raffle winners! Thank you to everyone who participated. All raffle proceeds went directly toward the Bobcat Campaign.

1. VIP Parking for Trunk or Treat: The Lynch Family

2. VIP Parking for Trunk or Treat: The Mamroth Family

3. VIP Parking for Halloween Parade: The Crain Family

4. VIP Parking for Halloween Parade: The Barbash Family

5. VIP Parking for Halloween Parade: The Parrott Family

6. VIP Parking for Field Day: The DiIenno Family

7. VIP Parking for Field Day: The Spindel Family

8. VIP Parking for Field Day: The Maley Family

9. VIP Parking for ILES Holiday Concert: The Castillo Family

10. VIP Parking for ILES Holiday Concert: The Powers Family

11. VIP Parking for ILES Holiday Concert: The Caramanico Family

12. VIP Seats (2) for ILES Holiday Concert: The Lavin Family

13. VIP Seats (2) for ILES Holiday Concert: The Silo Family

14. VIP Seats (2) for ILES Holiday Concert: The Rundle Family

15. VIP Seats (2) for ILES Holiday Concert: The Wazynsk Family

16. VIP Seats (2) for ILES Holiday Concert: The Oliver Family

17. VIP Parking for 5th Grade Recognition: The Grady Family

18. VIP Parking for 5th Grade Recognition: The Miller Family

19. Ride to School on a Fire Truck: The Wyatt Family

20. Announcement on the School Sign: The Povelones Family

21. Announcement on the School Sign: The Crain Family

22. Announcement on the School Sign: The Bray Family

23. Squishies Basket: Winner collected at the party

24. Wayside Gift Card: The Fails Family

25. Wayside Gift Card: The Caserta Family

26. Bobcat Swag: The Duffield Family

Your support of the Bobcat Campaign helps make school more than just a place to learn. PTG funds provide meaningful student experiences, programs, celebrations, and resources that directly benefit our students and school community. Donations support opportunities such as Field Day, student assemblies, the Fifth Grade Celebration and Musical, and PSSA snacks. They also help fund welcome activities for new families, afterschool family events, FARE workshops, holiday celebrations, and Run the Lane. Your support also helps us celebrate and support our teachers through Teacher Appreciation, Poetry Café, the Art Show, and afterschool clubs. From special activities and enrichment programs to schoolwide celebrations, every contribution helps create the experiences and memories our students will carry with them. Every Bobcat counts, and every dollar helps.

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s) of The Bobcat,

The RTMSD Contact and Nurse Form for The Bobcat is now available online.

Please complete the form and submit it as soon as possible. All forms are now due! Completing it is essential so our nursing staff can provide appropriate care for The Bobcat and the school has current contact information in case of an emergency.

Please carefully review all phone numbers. A primary phone number is now required for every contact.

Important: Selecting Submit at the end of the form closes it to further edits. If you need to make changes after submitting, please contact The Bobcat’s school building.

How to Complete the Form

Choose one of the following options:

Option 1: Use your personalized snapcode link

Click here to access (you received this in your email)

You will be asked to sign in to an Enrollment Online account. If you have not previously created one, you will need to create an account using your email address or cell phone number.

Option 2: Access the form through HAC

A Home Access Center (HAC) account is required.

Newly enrolled students will receive HAC credentials during the first week of school.

1. Log in to your HAC account.

2. Select the Registration icon from the menu.

3. Select the Update Enrollment tab.

4. Click Start next to the Contact and Nurse Form.

5. Verify The Bobcat’s date of birth to access the form.

Option 3: Use the RTMSD registration page

1. Visit RTMSD Online Registration.

2. Select Contact and Nurse Form.

3. Enter The Bobcat’s snapcode: you received your passcode in your email

4. Sign in to, or create, an Enrollment Online account.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a snapcode?
A snapcode is a unique key that connects you to The Bobcat’s Contact and Nurse Form. When you use the personalized link above, the snapcode is entered automatically. Families with multiple students should receive a separate snapcode or snapcode link for each child.

Do I need an account?
If you are not entering the form through HAC, yes. Creating an account lets you securely save your work and return later if needed. Please use the same account when completing forms for multiple children.

Do I need to answer every question?
Complete all fields marked Required.

What if I make a mistake?
Click an underlined field to edit it, or select Previous to return to an earlier page.

What happens after I complete the form?
Click Submit to send your information to the school. If you cannot select Submit, please check that all required questions have been answered.

Do I need to complete a form for each child?
Yes. A separate form is required for each student because some information is child-specific. After submitting one form, you can begin another and “snap over” shared family information to save time.

Who can help with questions about the form?
For general questions about the Contact and Nurse Form process, email jreid@rtmsd.org.

What if I have technical difficulties?
Visit the PowerSchool Community help center, or select Help or Contact Us from any form page.

Thank you for completing this important update.

The nurse's office would like to remind you that students in third grade need to submit a dental exam form. Examinations must have been performed after September 1, 2025 and can be turned in to the Indian Lane nurse. You can send in the completed form with your student by the end of the first week of school.

Here's a quick reminder about the district's Lice Management Plan.

Updated guidance for parents about head lice was recently published by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Click the link for everything you need to know about finding them and treating them.

Get in the habit of checking your student every couple of weeks and remind them not to share hats or put their heads together with other students. As always feel free to call the nurse's office if you have any questions.

Welcome to the 2026-27 School Year!

Parents, teachers, students, and administrators came together to learn about and discuss the cultural holidays and events observed throughout the school year. Together, they developed the list of holidays and events our schools will recognize, teach about, or celebrate. The selections featured in this newsletter reflect the voices and input of our community.

By learning about the cultures, traditions, and experiences represented in our community, we build greater understanding and acceptance of one another. This shared learning strengthens relationships and enhances each person’s sense of belonging in our schools.

Please select the “Resources” links to learn more.

Please email Ralph Harrison if you have any suggestions or ideas about our monthly events and holidays. We honor dignity by taking the time to learn about the cultures of all of our community members. The events/holidays are listed in the order they occur during the month. For more details, please click on the "Resources" links.

The Rose Tree Media School District uses the My Ride K-12 app to provide families with student transportation information. This app replaced Ride 360 beginning in the 2024–2025 school year and will continue for 2026–2027.

• Access Information: Usernames and passwords from Ride 360 carried over, and you may also log in using the web version at https://patmsd.myridek12.tylerapp.com.

• Features: My Ride K-12 provides real-time updates, including estimated time of arrival (ETA) to your child’s bus stop.

• Download the App:

  • Apple App Store

  • Google Play Store

👉 For more details, please see the attached flyer:
📱 Don’t forget! Check your child’s bus information anytime in the My Ride K-12 app.

School Meals Information – 2026–2027

• Breakfast: Free for all elementary students (begins Monday, August 31, 2026)

• Lunch: $3.55 per meal

• Free/Reduced Meals: Families may apply online through the district website. Students receiving Direct Certification do not need to apply.

• Menus: Available on the district homepage under the Meals tab

• Meal Accounts: Funds can be added through MySchoolBucks.com, or by sending cash/checks to school (change is added back to the student’s account).

For complete details, please see the attached letter from Food Service Supervisor Jenni Lee.

From your home devices, students can use RTM credentials to access many digital resources for reading through Indian Lane Library's Destiny platform. E-books, audiobooks, and more are available when students are logged in with their rtmsd.org accounts. Visit Destiny for access to the resources below plus many more. Email Mrs. Hatton at thatton@rtmsd.org if you have any questions or need help.

Fourth and fifth grade students interested in participating in Reading Olympics during the 2026-27 school year can get ahead start on reading the selected books this summer. This fun club meets twice a month to prepare for the county-wide competition held each spring. See the list below.

Please click on the image below to access the Indian Lane Calendar of Events. Mark your calendars, plan ahead, and stay prepared for all that is happening at Indian Lane.

Grades 1st - 5th 8:50 am - 3:30 pm

AM Kindergarten 8:50 am - 11:25 am

PM Kindergarten 12:55 pm - 3:30 pm

Email: mbritton@rtmsd.org
Website: https://www.rtmsd.org/Domain/9
Location: 309 South Old Middletown Road, Media, PA, USA
Phone: 610-627-7100