Cole Manor Elementary School
April 2025
Todos los estudiantes son bienvenidos y seguros en Cole Manor School.
Cole Manor's Mission & Vision
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.
A Message from Dr. Poncheri
Dear Cole Manor Families
As we welcome April, we’re excited to share some important updates and upcoming events for the month of April. April is a very busy month, so be sure to mark your calendars to stay informed!
Spring Break: April 14-18
We are all looking forward to Spring Break! Students will start their spring break on Monday, April 14th through Friday, April 18th. We hope you have a wonderful break and come back ready to finish the school year strong! Classes will resume on Monday, April 21st.
Conferences: April 10th & 11th (Half-Days)
We will be holding Parent-Teacher Conferences on Thursday, April 10th and Friday, April 11th. Please note that both of these days will be half-days, with students dismissed early to accommodate the conferences. This is a great opportunity for parents to meet with teachers, discuss student progress, and plan for the remainder of the school year
- Conference Times: Parents will receive additional information to schedule their meetings with teachers.
PSSA Testing: Starting April 22nd
Upon our return from Spring Break, we will begin the PSSA (Pennsylvania System of School Assessment) testing. This important assessment will start on Tuesday April 22nd, and continue through the week of the 28th.
Please help your child prepare by ensuring they get plenty of rest, eat a healthy breakfast, and come to school on time each day. Our teachers have been working hard to prepare all students, and we are confident that each child will do their very best.
Spring Events Coming Soon!
April marks the beginning of the spring season, and we have exciting events lined up for the upcoming months. From end-of-year celebrations, concerts, our Grade 4 musical to field trips and more, we’ll keep you updated on all the fun and educational opportunities ahead.
Thank you for your continued support! Wishing you a wonderful and restful Spring Break!
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District Wide Events
- Teacher Appreciation Week: Monday, May 5 - Friday, May 9
Teacher Appreciation Week starts on Monday, May 5. Let's show our NASD teachers how meaningful they are to our community! With a donation of only $5 (or more!) per honoree, NAEF will deliver a personalized certificate and "thank you" balloon to your favorite teacher/staff member during the week of May 5. Donations will be accepted through 5pm on April 30, 2025. Please visit https://givebutter.com/xE8f8S or use the QR code included on the event flier.
- Hoops for Hearts with the Harlem Wizards: Tuesday, May 6 5:30pm at NAHS
Hoops for Hearts is a family friendly event that aims to honor the memory of two NASD students who tragically lost their lives to sudden cardiac arrest while playing basketball. All proceeds will support health and wellness programming for Norristown area children and families, including: free heart screenings for NASD students, free CPR/AED training for teens and adults, and free nutrition workshops and fitness mini-camps for children and families. Tickets are $10/pp in advance, $15/pp at the door. Get your tickets here https://www.harlemwizards.com/tickets/norristown or use the QR code included on the event flier.
- Hit the Ground Running 5K Run/1 Mile Walk: Saturday, June 7 9-11am at Norristown Farm Park (Whitehall Rd entrance)
Lace up those sneakers and hit the trail! Join us for the Hit the Ground Running 5K/1 Mile Walk on Saturday, June 7 at Norristown Farm Park. Proceeds support NAEF's mission of educational equity and community empowerment. Don’t miss the fun, fitness, and camaraderie—register here https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Norristown/HitTheGroundRunning5KRunWalk or use the QR code included on the event flier.
Sincerely,
Dr. Poncheri
KINDNESS...HAPPINESS...FRIENDS....
PIZZA & PSSA!
Getting Ready for the Upcoming PSSAs!
Grade 4
Valley Forge Trip
Click above for detailed information!
Dr. Speicher & Mr. Velasquez's Taekwondo Club is making progress!
Check out all of these YELLOW BELTS!!
Cole Manor's Spring Instrumental Concert
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.
BAND FEST 2025
Congratulations, Dr. Speicher!
NASD proudly congratulates Dr. Charles Speicher on being named this year’s Traci Watson Award winner in the Citadel Heart of Learning Awards! 🎶🏆 For 24 years, Citadel Credit Union has honored exceptional educators through this prestigious program, which receives thousands of nominations each year. The Traci Watson Award specifically recognizes outstanding fine arts and music teachers who make a profound impact on their students. Dr. Speicher’s dedication at Cole Manor is truly remarkable—bringing operas to life in his classroom, securing instruments for hands-on learning, leading school musicals, and even teaching Taekwondo to provide enrichment beyond the classroom. His passion and commitment create a welcoming, inspiring space for every student. Awarded to Dr. Speicher last Thursday, this honor celebrates his tireless efforts and lasting impact on the school community. Congratulations, Dr. Speicher, we are so lucky to have you here at NASD! 💙🎊 #NASDproud #BeTheLeader #Norristown #CitadelHeartOfLearningAward #CHOLA
Counselor's Corner
Grade 3 and Mrs. Moorhouse are ready for COLOR WARS 2025!!
NASD WELCOMING SCHOOL RESOLUTION - ALL ARE WELCOME HERE
Mrs. Smull's Class'caterpillars have arrived! !
They will be learning all about the life cycles of butterflies and in a few weeks we will have painted lady butterflies.
Cell Phone / Smart Watch Reminders
PFC NEWS APRIL
Grade Team Newsletters
Falcon Club Members enjoyed their well deserved DANCE PARTY!
IMPORTANT DATES & SPIRIT DAYS
Spirit Days:
4/2 - Phillies Day - Wear your favorite Phillies gear!
4/8 - Pattern Day - Wear clothes with patterns!
4/14 - 4/18 - SPRING BREAK
4/24 - College Day - Wear your favorite College Gear!
4/29 - Disney Day - Wear your favorite Disney character!
Every Wednesday is Workout Wednesday!