The Bobcat Bulletin

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and special caregivers at Indian Lane! We especially want to thank all of the incredible staff members at Indian Lane who balance being educators while also serving as loving and dedicated mothers to their own families.

Each year, my family participates in the Eagles Autism Challenge, and I am proud to serve as the captain of our team. This year, our 43-member team once again came together to raise money for such an important cause. It has been a very busy few days, and while I was out of the building on Friday, I am looking forward to returning on Monday. I hope everyone is enjoying Mother’s Day weekend, but I wanted to make sure the Bobcat Bulletin was shared now that the busy Autism Challenge weekend has wrapped up. There are many important things happening at Indian Lane.

Most importantly, May 12th is the final day to order a yearbook. The PTG is purchasing a limited number of extra yearbooks, and we have already sent two confirmation emails, including one yesterday. Now is the time to order if you would like a copy.

If your family would like a yearbook and has a financial need, please reach out to me directly so we can reserve a copy. We do not want anyone to miss out, but we also want to avoid disappointed students when yearbooks are distributed, as we will only have a limited number of extra copies available.

In addition, the PTG is currently seeking sponsors for Run the Lane. If you or your business are interested in supporting this wonderful community event, please reach out to Karan Cron, PTG Co-President, as soon as possible. We also encourage all families to register for Run the Lane and join us for what is always a fun and memorable event for our school community!

Most importantly, I hope everyone has a wonderful Mother’s Day!

-Michelle Britton

MAY

• 11 | Author Matthew Sampson Visits 2nd & 3rd grades, 10:00 a.m.
• 12 | Fifth Grade Spring Concert (Musical)
• 13 | Kindergarten Round-Up (incoming kindergarten)
• 13 | Fourth Grade Field Trip
• 13 | PTG Meeting, 7:00 p.m., Library
• 15-22 | Poetry Cafe - Click here for the schedule
• 15 | Artist Breakfast, 8:00 a.m.
• 15 | Band & Strings Concert at SLMS, 9:15 a.m.
• 18 | Fourth Grade Band Concert, Cafeteria, 6:30 p.m.
• 18 | Fifth Grade Band Concert, Cafeteria, 7:30 p.m.
• 19 | No School for Students
• 20 | Second Grade (Ferdon & Ford) Field Trip
• 20 | Fourth Grade Orchestra Concert, SLMS, 6:30 p.m.
• 20 | Fifth Grade Orchestra Concert, SLMS, 7:30 p.m.
• 21 | Second Grade (Amoroso & Pinto) Field Trip
• 21 |First Grade Trip to Penncrest for Theater Production
• 25 | No School for Students
• 26 | Scholastic Buy One Get One Free Book Fair Begins - Click here for the schedule
• 27 | Fifth Grade Field Trip
• 29 | Field Day

A huge Bobcat‑sized thank you to our amazing PTG parents and students! The flowers, cards, and treats made this week feel extra bright and extra sweet. Your thoughtfulness means more than you know.

The PTG would like to Thank all of our Indian Lane Families for their support throughout the year and especially during Teacher Appreciation Week. We were able to have a week full of fun for the staff!

Thursday is always the most anticipated by the staff, they love this lunch! We were able to give out 107 gift cards and served 100 staff members lunch throughout the course of their lunch breaks from 11 thru 1:30pm.

We’d also like to give a huge shoutout to El Fuego who catered the lunch for us! Pete and Nicole Ellis are such an important part of our Indian Lane family and we were so happy to work with them this week. The food was delicious! They are located in Philadelphia and also they do catering and taco kits. Check them out! https://www.elfuegophilly.com/

Here are a few pictures from the week so you can see what was done!

Rose Tree Media elementary students will once again participate in our spring benchmark assessments. These tests determine your child’s instructional level and measure academic growth throughout the school year, and from year to year, in the areas of reading and math.

Our benchmark assessments are extremely important to teachers because they keep track of progress and growth in basic skills. The test scores let teachers know where a student’s strengths are or if help might be needed in any specific areas. Teachers use this information to help guide individual and group instruction in the classroom and the district uses the results to continue to improve teaching and learning that promotes student achievement in all our schools. With this in mind, it is extremely important that students give their best effort so their abilities and needs can be accurately measured and addressed.

Throughout the month of May, the following assessments will be administered across various grade levels:

Kindergarten – 5th Grade

• DIBELS 8 (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills--A series of short (one-minute) assessments to measure essential early literacy skills.

Kindergarten – 1st Grade

• Acadience Math--A math assessment designed to measure the development of early numeracy skills.

2nd – 5th Grade

• MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) Testing--A computerized, adaptive test that measures academic growth in reading and math.

• MAZE - A screening tool for reading comprehension, focusing on vocabulary, syntax, and understanding,

Poetry Café is an opportunity for students to practice important speaking and listening skills in a fun and positive way. Students are also exposed to an appreciation of poetry and creativity. We hope you can make it to our Poetry Café to hear the children read their favorite published poems and/or original poems in our wonderful library. It's a café, so there will be snacks, too. Guests are encouraged to bring poems to share. The kids absolutely love this part! Email Mrs. Hatton at thatton@rtmsd.org with any questions.

We are excited to celebrate our 5th grade students at our Recognition Ceremony on June 10 at 9:00 AM in the Indian Lane Cafeteria. This event recognizes our students’ accomplishments as they prepare for their transition to middle school. A formal email invitation with RSVP details will be sent to families on May 10th at 7:00 PM. Due to our large class of 88 students and limited seating, and because 5th grade families will be decorating the gym the evening before for the end of year celebration, space in the cafeteria is limited. We ask that families carefully consider their needs when submitting ticket requests. Each household may request up to four tickets, but please only request the number you will use. After requests are submitted, tickets will be allocated and sent home with students in their backpacks prior to the ceremony. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to make this a meaningful experience for all students and families.

Third, fourth, and fifth graders enjoyed hearing about Arley Nopra's journey as an artist. From rejection to success, she has stayed positive and shared her message of perseverance and staying true to yourself. The students were a great audience and asked thoughtful questions. Thanks to everyone who purchased a book!

Michael Sampson, PhD, is an author and Professor of Literacy at St. John’s University in New York City. He is known for his collaborations with Bill Martin Jr on picture books like Rainbow Bear and Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3, as well as his college textbook, Pathways to Literacy: Process Transactions. A Fulbright Scholar, Dr. Sampson is published widely in academic journals and newspaper editorials and is the co-author of Olena Kharchenko’s The Story of Ukraine: An Anthem of Glory and Freedom. This is Sampson’s third dog story and follows his books Caddie the Golf Dog and Puppy Dog, Puppy Dog, Do You Want to Play? An animal lover, Sampson is happy that all profits from this book go to animal shelters and will help save the lives of homeless cats and dogs.

Dear Indian Lane Elementary School families,

Just as we did in the fall, we will be conducting surveys of all students in grades 3–12 to better understand students’ thoughts and feelings about their school experience. There are two surveys focused on Academic Challenge and School Culture. Each student will complete one survey specific to their level (elementary, middle, or high) and a second survey that is applicable to all students.

While we will collect basic demographic information, survey responses are completely anonymous and cannot be linked to individual students. Students will complete the surveys in school during class next week, and the process should only take a few minutes. The information gathered will be used internally to support our ongoing efforts to improve both academics and school culture.

We are committed to maintaining and enhancing an affirming and supportive learning environment for all members of the Rose Tree Media School District, and this feedback is an important part of that work. If you prefer that your child not participate, please let us know.

Below are links to preview the surveys:

Elementary School Student Survey – Learning & School Culture

Middle School Student Survey – Academic Challenge & School Culture

High School Student Survey – Academic Challenge & School Culture

All Student Survey – Sense of Belonging

If you would prefer that your child not take the survey, please fill out the attached opt-out survey:

Grades 3-5 Opt Out Survey

In addition, we are seeking feedback from families regarding Engagement and School Culture. We value your input and encourage you to participate using the link below:

Engagement and School Climate – Parent Survey (Spring 2026)

Thank you for your partnership.

Best regards,

Michelle Britton

Dear Parents,

It is time to fill out the Transportation Survey form for the 26-27 school year. This form is due by June 12, 2026. The Rose Tree Media School District requires a new transportation request form for each child who is school age and resides in the district whether they go to public, special needs or private school. If your child is not riding the bus for the 25-26 school year, please either fill out the form (link below) or email bkinsler@rtmsd.org so that resources can be used efficiently. As always, thank you for your cooperation.

Bonnie Kinsler

The sun has made a return! Parents are encouraged to apply sunscreen onto their students before coming to school each day or use sun protective clothing to protect their skin. If you would like your student to have sunscreen at school, it must be non-aerosol and able to be applied by the student. There is a Sunscreen Permission Form that also needs to be completed and returned. Feel free to reach out with any questions.

With the students playing outside more in the better weather, ticks have been making an appearance. The American Academy of Pediatrics has advice on how to prevent and remove ticks, as well as symptoms to watch out for following a tick bite. Ticks found on students during the school day will be sent out with an information sheet. Feel free to call the nurse's office with any questions.

This race serves as a fundraiser for the NK Smiles Scholarship Fund, named in honor and memory of the late Norm Kelly, Jr., a beloved elementary school teacher in the Rose Tree Media School District. Mr. Kelly passed away in August 2006 after a courageous battle with cancer. He left a lasting impact on the community as an educator, youth lacrosse coach, and friend to many.

Each year, the NK Smiles Scholarship is awarded to one male and one female Penncrest senior lacrosse player, as well as to students pursuing careers in education. Proceeds from Run the Lane directly support this meaningful scholarship fund.

Like this year, this year, anyone who registers by May 20th is guaranteed a T-shirt! Each shirt will be bagged in advance. We hope you will join us in honoring Mr. Kelly’s legacy and supporting this special cause.

Indian Lane Elementary School’s Parent Teacher Group (PTG) invites local businesses to sponsor the Run The Lane 5K Run/Walk, a community event supporting the NK Smiles Scholarship Fund. This fund honors the legacy of Norman Kelly Jr. by providing scholarships to Penncrest High School seniors who demonstrate leadership, compassion, and a commitment to education.

Sponsorship offers businesses meaningful visibility in the community while supporting students and families. Multiple sponsorship levels are available, with benefits including logo placement, event recognition, marketing exposure, and on-site engagement opportunities.

Key Dates:

• Sponsorship Deadline: May 20, 2026

• Payment Due: May 22, 2026

To Participate:
If you would like to secure a sponsorship, please reach out using the contact information below. If your plans change, you may cancel your sponsorship prior to the payment deadline by notifying the PTG.

Contact:
Indian Lane Elementary PTG
📧 ILPTGTreasurer@gmail.com

📞 862-266-4517 (Kara Cron, Co-President)

We’ve had great interest from local businesses and families who want to support the NK Smiles Scholarship Fund. To create more opportunities to get involved, we’ve added a new Tier 4 Community Sponsor level—$50, with unlimited availability.

This tier offers event signage, group photos and is a wonderful way for small businesses, families, or individuals to show support for a cause that means so much to our community.

We have aspirational fundraising goals this year, and expanding our sponsorship options helps ensure everyone who wants to contribute has a way to participate—no matter the price point.

Sponsorship deadline remains May 20, and all details (including the new Tier 4 option) are available here:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D48AFA62FA7FAC43-63762589-2026

Thank you again for considering being part of Run The Lane. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions—I’m always happy to chat.

ILPTGTreasurer@gmail.com
862‑266‑4517

Springton Lake Middle School has shared several important dates to help 5th grade students and families prepare for the transition to 6th grade. The fifth Grade Visitation will be held on on Tuesday, May 26th from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM.

In August, students will have opportunities to become familiar with the school through 6th Grade Transition Camp on Tuesday, August 11th or Tuesday, August 18th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Families are also invited to the Schedule Release Party on Thursday, August 13th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

The Springton Lake Open House for all grades will be held Thursday, August 27th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, and the first day of school for 6th grade students will be Monday, August 31st from 7:55 AM to 3:00 PM.

These events are designed to help students feel comfortable and confident as they begin their journey at Springton Lake.

1. Go to: https://indianlaneptg.membershiptoolkit.com/

2. Create your account. Select Create Account and fill in your name, email, and password.

3. 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.

4. Log back in. Once your email is verified, return to the site and complete your registration.

5. Enter your information. Fill in the Parent/Family and Student details.

6. 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.

7. Set your preferences. Complete the Directory/Publish section to choose what information is visible to others.

8. 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

A few quick links to keep handy:

• Our school website: Indian Lane
• If your student is sick please submit Absence Form
• For an educational trip: Pre-Planned Absence Request
• Breakfast and Lunch Menus - Nutrislice / to check your student's account: MySchoolBucks
• You may follow the bus routes and check for transportation updates at MyRide360

Our summer program is designed to enrich the learning of our students, even when school is not in session. The mission of the Rose Tree Media School District’s Summer Program is to provide opportunities for continued academic and social growth. Through fun learning experiences delivered by a dedicated staff, the students will discover their talents, foster a love of learning, gain academic confidence, and create new friendships. Our camps do not require prior experience.... just interest and a willingness to learn something new!

RTMSD Summer Programs 2026 Link

The coaching staffs from Penncrest, Rustin, Garnet Valley and West Chester East are hosting a one-week youth football clinic to sportsmanship, teamwork, and athletics within our local communities. This camp provides students from feeder schools with the opportunity to work directly with high school coaches and players in a fun and supportive environment.

The camp will take place June 15–18. For more information and registration details, please visit www.ccallstarfootballcamp.com.

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