The Patton Post
Friday, November 21st
Its always fun to get some time together before we head off on break and our Trimester 1 assembly today was a great way to do that! We celebrated all the amazing things we have achieved since August and got excited for all the fun things we have coming up in Trimester 2. You can watch the photo slideshow HERE! We were also treated to a musical performance from our 5th Graders! They sang a medley of songs from their upcoming show, The Wizard of Oz!
I hope you are all looking forward to a relaxing Fall Break. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone who celebrates, I hope you enjoy the time with your families and loved ones.
I am excited to see everyone on Monday, December 1st!
Ellie Chin
As we approach the holiday season and wish lists and gifts are being discussed, we wanted to share an excerpt from the Parent Handbook for your reference.
If your child receives (or already has) a smart watch or cell phone, please discuss and establish expectations with them prior to sending them to school. All devices should be turned off and left in backpacks during the school day (see AHSD25 Parent Student Handbook, Page 39 also included below).
We have been made aware of students receiving or sending messages during the school day from their watches. Please explain to your child/ren that they should reach out to their teacher, the front office, or Mrs. Klancnik, our school nurse, if they need to reach you during the day. We care about all of our students and will support them as needed while they are here at school. We also hope that any parent or guardian who needs to communicate a message to their child during the school day will call the office. Please know that your message will be passed on to your child.
We know many of our students ride their bikes and/or walk to and from school and we completely understand that having a way to communicate with your child provides you with peace of mind during these times and helps you to connect with them. Please only reach out to your child outside of school hours and please do ensure that they know how to silence or turn their device off during the school day.
Each year, following the holiday season, we have students coming in with new devices uncertain of how to silence them when they ding with alerts, alarms, and other notifications. Thank you for partnering with us on this front - it really does help minimize disruptions and ensures that students stay focused and connected with their teachers and peers throughout the day.
Recently, in addition to students communicating with parents, watches have been used to assist in solving math problems, and to communicate with peers during the school day. We have been more lenient with watches and have allowed students to wear them as long as they are not a distraction. Moving forward, we will adhere to the expectations listed in the handbook below if students are using their watches inappropriately during the school day, as this is a disruption to the learning environment. Please have a conversation with your child to ensure they are clear about the expectations. If students are using them inappropriately, they will need to remain in their backpacks throughout the day. Students should be clear with their friends, because whether they are initiating a text or receiving a text, both are considered disruptions to the learning environment and will result in watches being stored in backpacks.
From District 25 Parent Student Handbook (Page 39
The possession and use of cell phones and other electronic devices, including wearables, are subject to the following rules:
• Middle school students are expected to turn off electronics and store devices in their middle school locker during the school day.
• Elementary students are expected to leave electronics in the “off” position and in their backpacks throughout the school day.
• A supervising teacher may grant permission for them to be used or if needed during an emergency.
• They may not be used in any manner that will cause disruption to the educational environment or will otherwise violate student conduct rules.
MAP Testing will take place as soon as we return from Fall Break at Patton for all of our students in grades K-5. Classroom teachers will share specific testing schedules for both reading and math. We appreciate your cooperation in limiting appointments during identified testing times.
Please be mindful that students will go out for recess every day as long as the wind chill is above zero and it is not raining. Please ensure your Panthers come to school dressed for the weather. If there is snow on the ground, students will not be able to play on the field or the playground unless they are wearing snow pants, boots, a coat and gloves/mittens. They will need to remain on the blacktop only if they do not have appropriate snow gear. Gloves and hats are important when the weather is cold even if students choose not to bring boots and snow pants.
Students are encouraged to bring in a bag of snow gear each day "just in case" - this also helps minimize any classroom disruptions with items being dropped off after school has started. Please ensure all items are labeled clearly so we can reunite any lost gloves/hats/boots with their owners. You would be surprised how many stray items are found. Our lost and found is already overflowing again!
It is important to have students bring their snow gear bags home with them over the weekend so clothes can be washed and dried and "refreshed" for the following week! Snow gear does not fully dry when left in the bag.
When it comes to snow gear bags, please watch your child pack the bag at home. When a parent packs it, they are able to fold things nicely and fit everything in a compact bag. When kids try to put their snow gear back into the small bag, they often find it challenging. Sometimes, a slightly larger reusable shopping bag with a large opening helps kids keep track of all their gear.
Thank you so much for working with us on this front, it is hugely appreciated!
PATTON ELEMENTARY
Main Line: (847) 398-4288
Fax #: (847) 394-6681
Absence Procedure
Twitter: @AHSD25Patton