The Penguin Post

After a long summer, it was so fantastic to welcome students back to Phelps for the 2022-2023 school year. Our custodial crew did a fantastic job preparing all of the rooms. Staff came back rested and excited to meet their new classes. Our new staff members are settled in and enjoying their new roles at Phelps. The kindergarten students are all settling into their new routines - and students in grades 1-4 are in full "back-to-school" mode after their first 7 days of school.

September 28 - Agawam Day! Wear your orange and brown. PBIS kickoff event!

October 10 - No School: Indigenous Peoples' Day

October 19 - Picture Day

October 20 - Half day for students (Parent Conferences)

Our 2nd annual Back to School Playground Party was a huge success! The weather was beautiful and many of our students came out to play and meet with friends. We welcomed many of our new families to Phelps as well! Students were treated to a treat from Mr. Whippey Ice Cream. The new Gaga Ball pit saw a lot of action! Special thanks to Mr. Sawyer for setting up our sound system...it's not a party without some good music! What a great way to kick off the year!

Please take some time to look over the Phelps Parent/Guardian Information Packet for the 2022-2023 school year. This packet includes important information about arrival and dismissal procedures, attendance, updates, and other helpful reminders.

Please take some time to review the K-8 Code of Conduct and Student Handbook.

We are asking all families to electronically sign that you have read and understand the policies in the handbook. There are other important questions for you to respond to including the use of video/pictures and your family’s military status. We are asking that you complete one form for each child at Phelps. If you have students at other schools, you will receive a separate form to complete.

If you have not done so already, please complete the Parent/Guardian Sign-off form by Monday, September 19.

Additionally, please complete the Over-the-Counter Medication form to give our nurse permission to administer certain medications (details in the form).

Each month we will be sharing some great recipes that you can make at home with your kids! This month's recipe is for Crunchy Granola Pretzel Sticks.

Ingredients

• 1 package (12 ounces) dark chocolate chips
• 24 pretzel rods
• 1 cup granola without raisins (substitute chopped bacon, sprinkles, crushed cereal or nuts)

Directions

1. In a microwave, melt chocolate chips in a 2-cup glass measuring cup; stir until smooth. Pour into 1 side of a large shallow dish.
2. Roll each pretzel halfway into chocolate. Allow excess coating to drip off, then sprinkle pretzels with granola. Place on waxed paper until set. Store in an airtight container.

We have noticed a number of students not being buckled in during the afternoon carline. Please make sure that your child is properly buckled before pulling out.

Please do not use the parking lot across the street for dropping off or picking up students. There is no crosswalk or crossing guard. Both morning and afternoon carlines move quickly.

Welcome to the 2022-2023 academic school year! The school counselors at

Phelps Elementary School are excited and looking forward to a successful year. We will be working with your child, as well as their teachers, to provide the best possible educational experiences.

School counselors support students and teachers in many different ways including, pushing into the classroom to offer additional help, counseling lessons, going out to recess, quick check-ins, small group counseling and individual counseling sessions.

Here at Phelps, we prioritize communication and collaboration. We are available to speak to any outside provider that may work with your student/family (I.E doctors, therapists, caseworkers, etc), or would be happy to assist in making a referral to an outside agency or providing you with any guidance or suggestions.

If you have any questions, please email us at pjitov@agawamed.org and at klapine@agawamed.org or call the main office and ask to talk to one of the counselors. Mrs. Jitov’s direct phone number is 413-523-0463.

Here are some additional Parent/Caregiver Resources for you to look through.

Welcome back! Phelps PTO would like to invite families to get involved this school year. The PTO organizes and hosts many events throughout the year, but they can not happen without your help! Our goal is to provide fun, exciting activities and experiences for our students outside of the school curriculum. Come and join us at the first PTO meeting on September 20th at 6pm in the Phelps Cafeteria to learn more!

The Phelps PTO ButterBraid fall fundraiser is up and running! Please join us in selling these delicious pastries along with frozen cookies and other assorted goodies. This fundraiser will be online only! Please use the following link to browse the catalog and place an order:

https://your.mcmfundraising.com/signup/5ER8

Once you access the link, you may set up an account and send a personalized link to friends and family for ordering.

Some important information and reminders regarding the fundraiser:

• The last day for orders is 10/11/2022. Please note, this date cannot be extended.

• Orders must be picked up the day of delivery: Friday, October 21st from 5-7pm. Pick-up will be in the circle at the Phelps Elementary School Main Entrance. Uncollected orders will have to be donated to a local food pantry, as we will be unable to store frozen items. Additional information and reminders for pickup will be sent closer to the pickup date.

• ButterBraids and cookies are pick-up only and cannot be shipped. All dry items will be shipped directly. Please make note of this if you are selling or sending to family or friends that are not close to home.

Please reach out directly to the Phelps PTO at PhelpsPTO@gmail.com with any questions.

September 20 - First PTO Meeting - 6:00 p.m. - Phelps Cafeteria

September 23 - Mum Pickup from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

September 26-October 11 - ButterBraid Fundraiser

October 3-7 - Scholastic Book Fair (during children's library time)

October 6 - Ice Cream Social and Evening Book Fair Shopping 6:00-8:00 p.m.

October 11 - PTO Meeting - 6:00 p.m. - Phelps Cafeteria

We are starting to gather the names of parents interested in volunteering for some upcoming events. Please contact phelpspto@gmail.com if you are able or interested in helping.

Mr. Villamaino & Mrs. Domina

Email: avillamaino@agawamed.org
Website: https://www.agawamed.org/o/bjp
Location: 689 Main Street, Agawam, MA, USA
Phone: 413-821-0586