Cole Manor Elementary School

We strive to celebrate the diversity represented in our school and value what each student brings to Cole Manor each day from their unique backgrounds and experiences. This creates a rich, welcoming and vibrant learning community.

Dear Cole Manor Families,

As we head into March, we’re excited to share the upcoming events, fun activities, and important reminders for the month! It’s going to be a busy and engaging month for our students. Here is what is taking place this upcoming month!

In preparation for the PSSA Assessments (Pennsylvania System of School Assessment), we are offering a PSSA Workshop for families and students on March 10th at 5:30 PM. This session will help families understand the assessments, what to expect, and how best to prepare. We will also be sharing tips on reducing test anxiety and supporting students at home. We encourage all parents of students in grades 3-4 to attend. Please see the invitation below to RSVP.

We are excited to announce the Grade 4 Field Trip to Valley Forge on March 20th. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to explore one of the most historically significant sites in our country. The field trip will allow students to deepen their understanding of the American Revolution which tied to the work they have been doing in their Wit & Wisdom ELA program.

Our Falcon Club continues to grow and thrive! Our members had their first celebratory dance party on 2/28/25. Students who continue with positive behaviors and serve as leaders will be recognized each week and attend another celebration next month!

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain a positive school culture.

As always, we are continuing to prioritize both academic achievement and the well-being of our students. Our focus this month will be on providing ample support for students as they prepare for state assessments, while also encouraging creativity and growth in all areas of learning.

I want to thank all of our families for their ongoing support and commitment to making Cole Manor School a wonderful place to learn. Let’s work together to ensure that March is a month of success, fun, and community spirit!

If you ever have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to help!

Sincerely,

Dr. Poncheri

• Follow us on our webpage, Twitter and Facebook for updates and reminders.

Click above for detailed information!

March is Music in our Schools Month. The Norristown Area School District is fortunate to have a robust music and instrumental program at every level starting at Grade 3. We are fortunate to have Dr. Speicher & Mr. Norton leading our programs here at Cole Manor as they are an integral part of any quality instructional program. Did you know that students who study an instrument have better social, emotional and academic outcomes? Check out the articles in this month's newsletter for research that tells us why all students should learn an instrument! NASD has been recognized for several years as "Best Schools in Music Education". We have talented students who amaze us each year as they learn new skills and proudly demonstrate them each spring when they perform. This month we recognize their hard work and commitment as they join our programs and we thank and recognize their amazing teachers!!

"Music is the universal language of mankind", Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Research articles

https://serenademagazine.com/the-surprising-cognitive-benefits-of-learning-a-new-musical-instrument-for-children/

https://www.nfhs.org/articles/how-music-primes-the-brain-for-learning/

https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/the-benefits-of-music-education

Dr. Speicher graduated from Montclair State University with a degree in Piano Performance. He later earned his Master's degree from Cabrini University in Education followed by a Doctorate in

Curriculum Design. Before joining the NASD as a general music teacher, Dr. Speicher was curriculum director to a national nonprofit called Little Kids Rock where he had the opportunity to work alongside popular music icons such as Bruce Springsteen, Lady Ga-Ga, Bryan Wilson, Elvis Costello, and Carlos Santana in fundraising efforts for public school music programs across the country. His teaching and performing engagements have included the Newburyport Chamber Music Festival, the Wellington Suzuki Workshop in New Zealand, the Suzuki Institute of Alaska, the International Music Festival in Ohio, the South Carolina Suzuki Institute at Furman University, the More Than Music Festival in Kingston, Ontario, the Peaks to Plains Institute in Colorado, the Indianapolis Academy of Music Summer Festival, the Summer Jazz Workshop at Montclair State University, and the Stokes State Forest Music Festival in New Jersey. In 2006 he was a judge in the Alaska State MTNA Piano Competition and adjudicator for piano students in the cities of Anchorage and Homer. Dr. Speicher freelances regularly on piano, keyboard, and guitar, and in 2002 traveled with the "Crazy Energy Orchestra" to Morocco to perform at the wedding of King Mohammed VI. Between 1996 and 2005 he was the Suzuki Coordinator to Montclair State University where he also taught an undergraduate keyboard harmony class. In 1989 he received the New Jersey State Governors Award in Arts Education. In addition to teaching music at Cole Manor, Dr. Speicher runs our taekwondo club and works with Mrs. Leila Sims on our annual musical production! We are fortunate to have Dr. Speicher as part of the Cole Manor Team.

Mr. Norton graduated from West Chester University in 1992 and has been teaching music since 2002. Mr. Norton joined the Norristown music department in 2006 and spent his first nine years at East Norriton Middle School. While there he demonstrated his versatility by teaching general music, orchestra, and band. Also at ENMS he started a guitar program, which is still going strong, and served as the technical director for the ENMS Drama Club, working with the stage crew, running the lights and the soundboard for shows, and in a pinch creating and teaching choreography. In 2015 he put his previous skills as the manager of a Chuck E Cheese to work and moved to the elementary schools! Originally teaching band and orchestra at Cole Manor, Paul Fly, and Davenport, Mr. Norton now teaches just at Cole Manor and Paul Fly. Over the last ten years music participation has continued to grow, with more and more kids signing up each year to play an instrument. Mr. Norton has helped run the school play, the video production club, and was a mainstay at Roofball on field day. Mr. Norton’s favorite part of his job is watching students light up when they realize they just played their first song, or that they have a natural talent at playing their instrument. Everything is about helping students to find their creative spark and experience joy in making music alone and with a group. We are thrilled to have Mr. Norton as our instrumental teacher and truly appreciate all he does for our students and our amazing program!

The Cole Manor instrumental concert will take place on Wednesday, April 9 at 6:00. Due to ongoing construction we will be taking our show on the road. Paul Fly elementary school has graciously volunteered to host us. Doors will open at 5:30 and students should report to the cafeteria with their instruments and music. We will have teachers or signs there to help direct everyone. Paul Fly’s address is 2920 Potshop Rd. Norristown, PA 19403. We look forward to sharing with you what we have been working on and hope that everyone is able to attend.

Hello, school nurse here.

This is just a gentle reminder that if your student is having a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, per school district policy, they are to remain home. Once the student no longer has a fever for 24 hours (without using medicine like Tylenol or Advil, etc.), the student may return to school. Also, if the student is no longer having vomiting or diarrhea for a full 24 hours (again, without using medication to treat these symptoms), the student may return to school. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping the students of Cole Manor Elementary School as healthy as possible. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Connie Cleary, RN, MEd., BSN

Certified School Nurse

Cole Manor Elementary School

2350 Springview Drive

Norristown, PA 19401

610-275-5525, x3 - Phone

484-831-1245 - Fax

ccleary@nasd.k12.pa.us - Email

"If children live with acceptance and friendship, they learn to find love in the world." - Dorothy Law Nolte

Spirit Days:

• 3/4 – Mardi Gras Day: Wear purple, green, or gold to celebrate Mardi Gras!
• 3/6 – Neon Day: Wear bright neon colors and light up the school with your style.
• 3/13 – Spring Picture Day: Don’t forget to dress your best for Spring Picture Day!
• 3/14 – Pi Day: Celebrate Pi Day (3.14) by wearing anything related to math, pi, or the famous circle!
• 3/15-Cole Manor SPIRIT WEAR DAY!-wear your Cole Manor gear!
• 3/17 – Wear Green: Get in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit by wearing green!
• 3/27 – Color Wars Day: Show your team spirit by wearing your assigned color!

Ask your student if he or she received a flying high card for being a leader and role model!

2350 Springview Road

Norristown, PA. 19426

610-275-5525

nponcheri@nasd.k12.pa.us

https://www.nasd.k12.pa.us/colemanor