The Bobcat Bulletin

Our PTG is getting closer to reaching its Bobcat Campaign goal, but we are not there yet! We can see the finish line, but we need more donations to get us across it. I have tentatively booked accommodations on the roof for this Friday evening, ordered my tent, and pulled the air mattress out of the garage. If PTG reaches its goal by Friday, I will sleep on the roof and the entire school will celebrate with Raise the Roof Pajama Day!

Donations of any amount make a difference and help PTG support student assemblies, Field Day, the Fifth Grade Celebration and Musical, PSSA snacks, Run the Lane, family events, FARE workshops, after-school clubs, Teacher Appreciation, Poetry Café, the Art Show, welcome activities for new families, and more. This year, PTG is also sponsoring a Family Mural Event, where families will help create a lasting mural for our school library.

Every donating family will be entered into raffles for rooftop sleepover extras, including the chance to join a special Zoom bedtime story from the roof, receive a student shout-out, help choose the bedtime story, or receive a digital keepsake that says, “Remember the time Mrs. Britton slept on the roof?”

If we meet the goal, families are welcome to stop by the front of the school Friday evening to see the rooftop sleepover and snap a selfie with Mrs. Britton in the background. After you take your photo, it will be uploaded to a shared drive, and a photo featuring the message, “Remember the time Mrs. Britton slept on the roof?” will be printed for each family who participates.

Let’s raise the roof, Bobcats!

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-the-bobcat-campaign-raise-the-roof

-Michelle Britton

Wishing a sweet and joyful Rosh Hashanah to all of our Indian Lane families celebrating this weekend. Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, a time for reflection, celebration, and welcoming the year ahead with hope. Shana Tovah!

SEPTEMBER

• 14 | Jason Douglas Griffin Author Visit, First & Second Grades
• 16 | PTG Meeting, 7:00 p.m., Library
• 18 | Tentative Raise the Roof Pajama Day!
• 21 | Holiday - No School for Students
• 23 | Bobcat Birthday Glow Bash for September Birthdays
• 24| Grandparents & Special Friends Day - Kindergarten, First & Second Grades
• 25| Grandparents & Special Friends Day - Third, Fourth, & Fifth Grades

On Friday, September 11, Indian Lane observed Patriot Day and recognize the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. In ways that are thoughtful and appropriate for elementary students, we remembered those who lost their lives and honor the first responders, service members, and everyday heroes who helped others.

We are looking for additional parent/guardian volunteers to serve as homeroom parents. Homeroom parents help support the teacher and assist with class celebrations and communications throughout the year.

We especially need volunteers for:

• Sammaciccia PM

• Meile AM

• Meile PM

• Ferdon

• Pinto

• Coelho

• Arbutina

• Cancelosi

• Michaels

We would also welcome an additional volunteer in classrooms where a current parent has offered to help with more than one homeroom:

• Sammaciccia AM

• Herman

• Dukes

• Ford

• Bevan

• Defoor

• Iovannoni

• Speir

If you are interested in helping, please complete the homeroom-parent volunteer form. We truly appreciate your support!

For more information, visit the Elementary Progress Report page on our RTMSD district webpage.

We are so excited to welcome special friends for our fourth annual Special Friends Days on September 24 and 25! In response to feedback from last year, we scheduled the visits on back-to-back days, adjacent to the weekend, to make it easier for out-of-town special friends to join us.

Registration is required for every guest. Please encourage all special friends to register in advance. Registration allows us to prepare name tags, plan for attendance, and ensure a safe, smooth arrival for everyone. Guests who have not registered will need to be verified and have a name tag created in the main office, which may delay their visit.

Detailed instructions will be sent to registered guests the evening before each event. Thank you for helping us make these days meaningful and memorable for our students!

https://forms.gle/ZAj6EZc6rb6RcdVE8

I also want to highlight the importance of Membership Toolkit. This is the system we use to keep families connected for classroom parties, celebrations, and volunteer opportunities. Instead of relying on paper lists or sharing personal email addresses, Membership Toolkit keeps everything organized, secure, and private. You are always in control of the information you choose to share.

If families do not sign up, homeroom parents and other families will not have a way to contact them about class activities. Our PTG is working closely with us to encourage every family to participate. Once registered, you can download the free Membership Toolkit app to stay connected easily from your phone. Taking just a few minutes to create your profile will help ensure your child is included in all the fun at Indian Lane.

Every child at Indian Lane is a BOBCAT & we want to celebrate with each of you. Families are invited to sign up to attend ONE Bobcat Pride Breakfast during the 2026-2027 school year. Younger siblings are welcome to attend, but please only sign up for the IL student(s) on the sheet. Each student should take one spot on the sign up sheet. The Breakfast are held from 8:00 - 8:30 am.

Exciting news!!! Jason Douglas Griffin, Caldecott honoree, is coming to Indian Lane to share his awesome new book, Be the Acorn, with first and second graders on September 14th. Students who ordered a book will receive it on Monday. Thanks for supporting this opportunity for our students. If you have any questions about the order or author visit, please email Mrs. Hatton at thatton@rtmsd.org.

Anne Lambelet is a talented young artist who has illustrated over ten picture books, nearly half of which are both written and illustrated by her. Her titles have received starred reviews from School Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, and others. She is also the illustrator of books in several of the Margaret Peterson Haddix middle grade fiction series. Her style is very recognizable. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband and two young sons.

To purchase some of her books that she will sign and personalize, click on the button below. Several books are available, and orders are due October 1st.

Are you looking for a special way to celebrate your child’s birthday? If so, please consider joining Indian Lane Library’s Birthday Book Club. This year, the money raised will be used to purchase both physical books for the library, eBooks, audiobooks, and digital resources for all of our students to use. Your donation can help build our library collection to support our students and their love of reading. If interested, please complete the form and return it to school by Monday, October 5th.

Click below for more information. Thanks for your consideration. Email Mrs. Hatton with any questions at thatton@rtmsd.org.

Dear Families,

Rose Tree Media students in grades Kindergarten through fifth will once again participate in beginning of year growth assessments. These tests help to determine a child’s instructional level and measure academic growth throughout the school year. They provide teachers with additional information on student progress toward proficiency and mastery of academic skills. The test scores let teachers know where a student’s strengths are and if support might be needed in any specific area. Teachers use this information to help guide individual and group instruction in the classroom. As well, to promote student achievement in all our schools, the district uses these results to continue to improve teaching and learning. These assessments will be administered by members of the MTSS team in each elementary school as part of the regularly scheduled instructional day.

The following tests will be given September 8 - October 2, 2026

In grades kindergarten through 5th, DIBELS 8 (Dynamic Indicator of Basic Early Literacy Skills), a series of short measures for assessing the acquisition and growth of literacy skills.

In grades Kindergarten through first, Acadience Math will be administered which is an assessment used to measure the development of early numeracy skills.

In grades 2nd through 5th, the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) is used. MAP is an adaptive computerized test administered to assess growth in the areas of reading and math.

If you have any questions prior to testing, please reach out to your building’s MTSS teacher for support.

Sincerely,

Christa A. Consadene

Director of Curriculum & Instruction

Ann Squires, MTSS at Glenwood Elementary

Katie Sandiford, MTSS at Indian Lane Elementary

Erin Schievert, MTSS at Media Elementary

Amanda Spinogatti, MTSS at Rose Tree Elementary

PTG meetings are held each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Library and also on Zoom. A link will be sent out before the meetings. We hope you can join us at our first meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 16th. If you can't attend but want to stay up-to-date, the minutes will be posted on the PTG page of the website following the meeting.

Our students will soon have the chance to get involved in a variety of before- and after-school clubs! Details will be shared in the final Bobcat Bulletin of September, and clubs will officially begin in October. A dedicated section in the bulletin will highlight all available opportunities so families can easily explore what’s offered. Teachers and staff are busy planning, and we cannot wait to roll out another year of fun, engaging, and enriching activities for our Bobcats.

The state of Pennsylvania requires three clearances for all volunteers, chaperones or employees.

A CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CLEARANCE

Website: https://epatch.pa.gov/home

Click on the button that says "New Volunteer Record Check". The cost for volunteers is waived.
Follow the instructions for filling out the application.

DHS FBI CLEARANCE - IDEMIA - 1-844-321-2101
Register online or by phone.
Online: https://uenroll.identogo.com/

For employment: enter service code 1KG6XN
For volunteers: enter service code 1KG6ZJ

Click on "Schedule or Manage an appointment"
For employment the screen should read "1KG6XN Pennsylvania PDE-School Districts"
For volunteers the screen should read "1KG6ZJ Pennsylvania DHS-Volunteer"

Fill in the information on the page and click next. Follow through completing all of the pages.
On the last page, you will schedule your fingerprint appointment.
Payment in the amount of $25.25 will be made at the fingerprint site by credit card, money order or check.
Be sure to bring your ID with you to the fingerprint site.

The volunteer clearance is now done through Pennsylvania DHS-Volunteer. The original FBI clearance must be shown at the school before anyone can volunteer.

CHILD ABUSE CLEARANCE

The application for the Child Abuse Clearance must be completed online at the following link:

https://www.compass.state.pa.us/CWIS/Public/Home

You will need to create a log-in before applying. The cost of the clearance is $13.00. For volunteers, the cost will be waived. After you apply for the child abuse clearance, you will receive an email confirming your application. You will be able to print out your child abuse clearance when it is ready, you do not need to wait for it to come in the mail.

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

We have now raised almost $10,000! That means we are almost halfway to our $20,000 fundraising goal!

Mrs. Britton will get slimed on Tuesday. Students will get to see a slimy Mrs. Britton on News On The Lane. But, that's not all. We are well on our way to getting Mrs. Britton to SLEEP ON THE ROOF OF ILES!

Keep the momentum going, Bobcats! Every dollar gets us closer to our $20,000 goal — and one very brave principal spending the night on the roof!

THANK YOU for helping us Raise the Roof!

Your support of the Bobcat Campaign helps make school more than just a place to learn. PTG funds provide meaningful student experiences, programs, celebrations, and resources that directly benefit our students and school community. Donations support opportunities such as Field Day, student assemblies, the Fifth Grade Celebration and Musical, and PSSA snacks. They also help fund welcome activities for new families, afterschool family events, FARE workshops, holiday celebrations, and Run the Lane. Your support also helps us celebrate and support our teachers through Teacher Appreciation, Poetry Café, the Art Show, and afterschool clubs. From special activities and enrichment programs to schoolwide celebrations, every contribution helps create the experiences and memories our students will carry with them. Every Bobcat counts, and every dollar helps.

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s) of The Bobcat,

The RTMSD Contact and Nurse Form for The Bobcat is now available online.

Please complete the form and submit it as soon as possible. All forms are now due! Completing it is essential so our nursing staff can provide appropriate care for The Bobcat and the school has current contact information in case of an emergency.

Please carefully review all phone numbers. A primary phone number is now required for every contact.

Important: Selecting Submit at the end of the form closes it to further edits. If you need to make changes after submitting, please contact The Bobcat’s school building.

How to Complete the Form

Choose one of the following options:

Option 1: Use your personalized snapcode link

Click here to access (you received this in your email)

You will be asked to sign in to an Enrollment Online account. If you have not previously created one, you will need to create an account using your email address or cell phone number.

Option 2: Access the form through HAC

A Home Access Center (HAC) account is required.

Newly enrolled students will receive HAC credentials during the first week of school.

1. Log in to your HAC account.

2. Select the Registration icon from the menu.

3. Select the Update Enrollment tab.

4. Click Start next to the Contact and Nurse Form.

5. Verify The Bobcat’s date of birth to access the form.

Option 3: Use the RTMSD registration page

1. Visit RTMSD Online Registration.

2. Select Contact and Nurse Form.

3. Enter The Bobcat’s snapcode: you received your passcode in your email

4. Sign in to, or create, an Enrollment Online account.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a snapcode?
A snapcode is a unique key that connects you to The Bobcat’s Contact and Nurse Form. When you use the personalized link above, the snapcode is entered automatically. Families with multiple students should receive a separate snapcode or snapcode link for each child.

Do I need an account?
If you are not entering the form through HAC, yes. Creating an account lets you securely save your work and return later if needed. Please use the same account when completing forms for multiple children.

Do I need to answer every question?
Complete all fields marked Required.

What if I make a mistake?
Click an underlined field to edit it, or select Previous to return to an earlier page.

What happens after I complete the form?
Click Submit to send your information to the school. If you cannot select Submit, please check that all required questions have been answered.

Do I need to complete a form for each child?
Yes. A separate form is required for each student because some information is child-specific. After submitting one form, you can begin another and “snap over” shared family information to save time.

Who can help with questions about the form?
For general questions about the Contact and Nurse Form process, email jreid@rtmsd.org.

What if I have technical difficulties?
Visit the PowerSchool Community help center, or select Help or Contact Us from any form page.

Thank you for completing this important update.

Here's a quick reminder about the district's Lice Management Plan.

Updated guidance for parents about head lice was recently published by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Click the link for everything you need to know about finding them and treating them.

Get in the habit of checking your student every couple of weeks and remind them not to share hats or put their heads together with other students. As always feel free to call the nurse's office if you have any questions.

Welcome to the 2026-27 School Year!

Parents, teachers, students, and administrators came together to learn about and discuss the cultural holidays and events observed throughout the school year. Together, they developed the list of holidays and events our schools will recognize, teach about, or celebrate. The selections featured in this newsletter reflect the voices and input of our community.

By learning about the cultures, traditions, and experiences represented in our community, we build greater understanding and acceptance of one another. This shared learning strengthens relationships and enhances each person’s sense of belonging in our schools.

Please select the “Resources” links to learn more.

Please email Ralph Harrison if you have any suggestions or ideas about our monthly events and holidays. We honor dignity by taking the time to learn about the cultures of all of our community members. The events/holidays are listed in the order they occur during the month. For more details, please click on the "Resources" links.

The Rose Tree Media School District uses the My Ride K-12 app to provide families with student transportation information. This app replaced Ride 360 beginning in the 2024–2025 school year and will continue for 2026–2027.

• Access Information: Usernames and passwords from Ride 360 carried over, and you may also log in using the web version at https://patmsd.myridek12.tylerapp.com.

• Features: My Ride K-12 provides real-time updates, including estimated time of arrival (ETA) to your child’s bus stop.

• Download the App:

  • Apple App Store

  • Google Play Store

👉 For more details, please see the attached flyer:
📱 Don’t forget! Check your child’s bus information anytime in the My Ride K-12 app.

School Meals Information – 2026–2027

• Breakfast: Free for all elementary students (begins Monday, August 31, 2026)

• Lunch: $3.55 per meal

• Free/Reduced Meals: Families may apply online through the district website. Students receiving Direct Certification do not need to apply.

• Menus: Available on the district homepage under the Meals tab

• Meal Accounts: Funds can be added through MySchoolBucks.com, or by sending cash/checks to school (change is added back to the student’s account).

For complete details, please see the attached letter from Food Service Supervisor Jenni Lee.

From your home devices, students can use RTM credentials to access many digital resources for reading through Indian Lane Library's Destiny platform. E-books, audiobooks, and more are available when students are logged in with their rtmsd.org accounts. Visit Destiny for access to the resources below plus many more. Email Mrs. Hatton at thatton@rtmsd.org if you have any questions or need help.

Fourth and fifth grade students interested in participating in Reading Olympics during the 2026-27 school year can get ahead start on reading the selected books this summer. This fun club meets twice a month to prepare for the county-wide competition held each spring. See the list below.

Please click on the image below to access the Indian Lane Calendar of Events. Mark your calendars, plan ahead, and stay prepared for all that is happening at Indian Lane.

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