The Lion's Pen Bi-Weekly Newsletter
August 2026
William P. Bohen, Ph.D.
Principal
The first month of school has flown by! It is hard to believe that October is already here. Our students have been thriving at Maple East, and we thank you for helping them get off to such a great start. Here are several important items and updates as we enter October:
New Curriculum
At Maple East, we are excited to introduce Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) as our new English Language Arts curriculum! The program is being implemented across the District at every elementary and middle school. CKLA is a research-based program designed to build strong readers, writers, and thinkers by combining explicit phonics and foundational reading skills with rich, content-filled topics. Through engaging stories and read-alouds, students won't just learn how to read—they will also explore history, science, literature, and world cultures to expand their background knowledge and vocabulary. We look forward to partnering with you as our students build a lifelong love of reading and discovery!
High School Partnership
We have been fortunate to partner with Williamsville East for the past few years, welcoming volunteer high school students to assist in our classrooms. Earlier this month, members of the East football team visited Maple East to read to students in all of our classrooms. Later this month, we will host over 30 students who will assist teachers with classroom tasks throughout the day. Our students have deeply enjoyed having these wonderful older role models in our building!
Evacuation (Fire) Drills
We have completed our required fall fire drills. Our students were well prepared and did a fantastic job! Later this month, we will practice a Lockdown Drill in conjunction with the Amherst Police Department. I will send out a WITS mail to you with more information as we approach this drill date.
Fall Fun Night
Our largest PTA-sponsored event of the year, Fall Fun Night, is fast approaching! This year, it will take place on Friday, October 23 from 6:00-8:30 PM. We will have activities for students stationed all around the school, and students are welcome to wear a costume. Thanks to the generosity of our PTA, the event will be free for all students this year! We hope to see you there.
District Family Math Website
Are you interested in supporting your child with math development at home? The District has created a family-friendly math website filled with helpful resources and activities. Feel free to explore the site here: Williamsville Family Math Website.
Important October Dates
Early Dismissal Drill: Friday, October 2 (Students will be dismissed 15 minutes early).
Picture Day: Wednesday, October 7.
No School: Monday, October 12 (Indigenous Peoples’ / Italian American Heritage Day).
Fall Fun Night: Friday, October 23 from 6-8:30 PM.
Halloween Guidelines
Our students start thinking about Halloween early! Students are allowed to wear a costume to school at Maple East on Friday, October 30, provided it adheres to the following guidelines:
All-Day Wear: Costumes should be comfortable enough to wear the entire day. Students must arrive at school in their costume; staff will not be available to assist with changing in or out of costumes.
No Face Masks: Masks covering a child’s full face are not permitted.
No Weapons: Toy swords, guns, or weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited.
School Appropriate: Costumes must not contain references to drugs, tobacco, alcohol, or inappropriate language, and must not disrupt classroom instruction or obstruct others’ view of the board.
Safety: Costumes must allow students to travel safely throughout the building and stairs.
If you are unsure whether your child’s costume is appropriate, please check with your child’s teacher prior to October 30.
Communication Update
Thank you so much for your patience and flexibility as we continue transitioning from ClassDojo to WITS mail for communication. As shared at the start of the school year, please use WITS mail to message your child’s teacher for all routine communications.
Here are a few quick tips for staying connected on WITS:
Calendar & Photos: The WITS home page features our up-to-date calendar of events alongside photos from recent school activities.
Classroom Updates: A number of teachers are also using Padlet to share pictures and highlights directly from their classrooms.
We realize that shifting to a new system is a big change, and we deeply appreciate your understanding. As noted earlier this year, our District is actively exploring long-term alternative communication platforms that support strong home-school connections while fully complying with NY Ed Law 2-D privacy regulations. I will keep you updated as this process continues. Thank you for your continued partnership!
Air Conditioning Project
As shared in the Lion's Pen in August, please note that your child's class will be relocated for two consecutive days to an alternate classroom while work proceeds on our school's Air Conditioning project. Relocations will occur between early October and early December. We will ensure that your child has full access to all of their supplies and learning materials during these two days.
Literacy & Social-Emotional Learning Theme
All students will be reading the "What You Do Matters" series by Kobe Yamada in class this school year. This boxed set consists of three books:
What Do You Do With An Idea?
What Do You Do With A Problem?
What Do You Do With A Chance?
These books teach children how to embrace bold new ideas, face challenges with courage, and take advantage of new opportunities. Our teachers will be discussing these important themes with students throughout the year.
Kristy Giardina, Assistant Principal
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new Book Vending Machine! We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Maple East PTA and to all of our families for your generous fundraising efforts last year, which made this wonderful opportunity possible for our school community.
Starting next week, students will have the chance to earn books by demonstrating our core values: being respectful, responsible, and safe. When a student goes above and beyond in these areas, their teacher will award them a special voucher.
On Fridays, students can trade in their voucher for a token and select a book of their choice from the vending machine to keep!
We are excited to start this program as it closely aligns with the PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) framework we use in our building. It reinforces our positive and proactive approach to school climate, and students will also continue earning bee tickets for positive behavior!
Thank you again for your continued support in making Maple East a fantastic place to learn and grow!
BEGINNING OF YEAR REMINDERS
Reminder for Pick Up
Please remember to always have ID when coming into school as you may be required to provide it when picking up your child.
Visitor Sign In Procedure
Our District utilizes the Raptor System for visitors coming into the building. With this procedure, you will need to provide photo ID that will be scanned into the system for security purposes. Once you are scanned the first time, subsequent visits will only require us to sign you in with your last name. Your name remains in the system from year to year.
Attendance Reminder
If your child will be out sick, please be sure to contact the Attendance Office via WITS Mail or by calling 716-626-8800/option 1.
Dismissal Reminder
If there is any change to your child’s regular dismissal routine, please call the MAIN OFFICE at (716) 626-8801 as teachers may not always get the message in time for dismissal.
Parking Lot Reminders
Just a reminder that cars are NOT allowed in the Bus Loop in the morning to drop off students. Please remember there is no entering the Bus Loop BEFORE 8:30am or AFTER 1:30pm. Cars are also NOT allowed in the Handicapped section of the parking lot unless you have the proper parking tag. When parking there, be sure to have your tag displayed in clear view if you’re using those spots.
Joelle McCormack, RN, School Nurse
Just a reminder for the 26-27 school year
If your child needs an emergency medication( EPI, INHALER) to be kept in the health office please drop off during school hours. A current doctor order is needed at the time of drop off. Thank you.
Please consider sending in extra clothes with your child to store in their cubby, the health office has a limited supply.
Getting back to school. Some tips on distinguishing between cold and flu season vs allergies
Allergies:
A change of season may trigger some seasonal allergies. Allergy symptoms include:
Sneezing
congestion
runny nose
Itchy eyes
Clear nasal drainage
Fever free
These are some ways the body can respond to allergens in the air
Seasonal allergy symptoms can come on suddenly and last awhile.
Colds:
Runny nose or stuffy nose
Cough
Sneezing
Sore throat
Watery eyes
Occasional fever
Cold symptoms are contagious and usually peak in 2-3 day
Good hand washing is encouraged.
Influenza “the Flu” has been confirmed in your child’s school. Influenza is a very contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. Influenza can cause mild to severe illness. Most cases will resolve on their own within seven to ten days, but some cases may require hospitalization.
Common symptoms one to four days following exposure to Influenza may include:
- fever or feeling feverish/chills
- cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle or body aches
- headache
- fatigue
- some may experience vomiting and diarrhea
Children experiencing the following symptoms require immediate medical attention:
- fast breathing or trouble breathing
- bluish skin color
- not drinking enough fluids
- very sleepy or lethargic
If your child develops the above symptoms, please do not send your child to school. Instead, please contact your child’s health care provider and mention that Influenza is in the class, for a prompt and proper diagnosis and treatment. Young children, older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and those with chronic medical conditions such as heart and lung disease, asthma or diabetes are at higher risk for a more severe illness and complications such as pneumonia, ear infections, and dehydration. A child with Influenza may return to school 24 hours after the child’s last fever and when the child is well enough to learn.
The best way to prevent the spread of Influenza is to get a flu vaccine each year, wash your hands frequently with warm soap and water, refrain from putting your hands to your face and mouth, and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school nurse or your child’s health care provider. For additional information, please visit the NYS Department of Health website at https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/fact_sheet.htm
Nichole Klapman
Julie Schaefer
Eileen Theuerkauf, Technology Coach
Katie McFarland, Technology Facilitator
Williamsville East Football team readers
Andrea Armstrong
Wellness Facilitator
Helping Your Child Settle Into the School Year
Can you believe we are already in our third week of school? The first days are filled with excitement, new experiences, and lots of energy. By week three, however, some children may be starting to feel the transition a little more. The newness has worn off, routines are becoming more demanding, and tiredness may begin to show.
This is a normal part of settling into a new school year. As parents and caregivers, there are many simple ways we can help our children feel secure, confident, and ready for each school day.
Keep Routines Consistent
Children thrive when they know what to expect. Try to keep morning, bedtime, and after-school routines as predictable as possible. Even small routines—such as packing backpacks together or choosing clothes the night before—can help mornings feel calmer.
Prioritize Sleep
A full day of learning and playing takes a lot of energy! A consistent bedtime and calming bedtime routine can help children get the rest they need. If your child seems extra tired or emotional, consider whether they may simply need a little more downtime and sleep.
Make Mornings Positive
Try to leave enough time in the morning so your child doesn't feel rushed. A calm goodbye can make a big difference. A simple, confident message such as, “Have a great day! I'll see you after school,” can help children feel reassured.
Check In—Without Interrogating
Instead of asking, “How was school?” and getting the familiar “Fine,” try asking specific questions:
What made you smile today?
What was something new you learned?
Who did you play with today?
Was anything tricky today?
What are you looking forward to tomorrow?
These questions can open the door to meaningful conversations without putting pressure on your child.
Expect Some Big Feelings
Your child may come home happy one day and frustrated or tearful the next. This doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong at school. Children often hold it together throughout the day and release their emotions once they are home in a safe and comfortable environment.
Try to listen, validate their feelings, and give them time to decompress before jumping into problem-solving.
Build in Time to Unwind
After a busy school day, children may benefit from some unstructured time. Playing outside, reading, drawing, listening to music, or simply relaxing can give their brains a chance to recharge.
Encourage Independence
The beginning of the year is a wonderful time for children to practice doing things for themselves. Encourage your child to take responsibility for age-appropriate tasks such as organizing their backpack, putting away belongings, or getting ready for the next day.
Small successes build confidence!
Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
Learning new routines takes time. If your child forgets something, has a difficult morning, or struggles with a new expectation, remind them that mistakes are opportunities to learn.
A simple “You're still learning, and that's okay” can go a long way.
Most Importantly, Stay Connected
Your child doesn't need you to have all the answers. They need to know that you are there to listen, support them, and help them navigate the ups and downs of a new school year.
At Maple East, we are excited about the year ahead and are grateful to partner with our families as our students learn, grow, and find their rhythm! Here's to a happy, healthy, and successful school year!
DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion)
Coming soon!
SDM (Shared Decision Making) Update
The Maple East Shared Decision Making Committee held its first meeting of the school year on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
2026–2027 SDM Team Members:
Administrators: Principal William Bohen and Assistant Principal Kristy Giardina
Teachers: Kelly Cecchini, Jennifer Grohusko, and Jennifer Wulf
Parents: Courtney Slabyk (and one position TBD)
During our September meeting, the committee reviewed, revised, and finalized our school goals for the 2026–2027 school year. These goals will be posted on the school website in the near future, and we will send an update as soon as they are available for you to review. At upcoming meetings, committee and department chairs will share updates on the progress being made toward these goals.
Our next SDM meeting is scheduled for November 18, 2026.
Stacie Durnford and Keri Houle
PTA Co Presidents
September 18, 2026
Become a member - www.mapleeastpta.com
@maple.east.pta
Maple East PTA
Upcoming Events
-October 7 - School Pictures
-October 23 - PTA Fall Fun Night FREE Child Admission - 6-8:30pm
(Adults $6 or donation of a “Sweet Treat” for our Sweet Stroll!
-November 13 - FREE PTA Ice Skating at Northtown Center - 4-7pm
(skate rental $5)
-November 18 - General PTA Meeting @6:30pm *gift card giveaway!*
How can I help?
What’s that you say, you love math, banking and all things financial?
Then have we got the volunteer opportunities for you!
We are looking for PTA Members to help us with our yearly financial review.
This involves meeting with our Treasurer once or twice to go through the books for the previous year and give us an update on how we are doing.
We are also looking for PTA members who would like to be a part of our fiduciary committee for this year. This involves meeting for approximately 30 minutes, once a month with our Treasurer. Meetings are on the 1st Wednesday of each month from 6-6:30pm at Maple East. We need 2 people at each meeting so we are looking for 4-5 people for this committee so people can rotate in and out when available. Many hands make light work!
We would like to fill these specific volunteer spots sooner than later so if interested please do not hesitate! Reach out to our treasurer Suzanne at
treasurer.mepta@gmail.com to ask questions or to sign up today!
Thank You!
What a fabulous Book Fair and Ice Cream Social! It was great to see our community come together to share in the passion of reading and sweet treats. We saw families come together, new and old friends connecting, and we were able to successfully fundraise to help support the many activities the PTA puts on. These events would not have been possible but for the volunteers – THANK YOU!
As always, thank you to all those that have reached out to volunteer for a PTA committee, room parent positions, and events so far this year. Giving your time and energy to the PTA is the only way we succeed.
Want to be more involved in our Maple East Community?
Now that you’ve made it through the first month of school (you did it!) and experienced a little of what the PTA does, do you want to be more involved and meet some great people? We have opportunities big and small. Fill out this form or reach out to Megan at vpvolunteers.mepta@gmail.com.
Open positions
Boosterthon - 3rd Committee Member
Spirit Wear Chairperson
Fourth Grade Activities - 1 or 2 chairs and 2-3 more committee members
Fourth Grade Reception - 1 co-chair needed
Spring Fun Run - 2nd co-chair
Heritage Night - Committee members - the more the merrier!
Fiduciary Committee - 3-5 people - monthly reconciliations
Kindergarten Celebration - 1 co-chair
Have a great weekend!
-Your friendly neighborhood Maple East PTA
Trunk or Treat 10/27
Join us on Tuesday October 27th at Williamsville East's parking lot. This event starts at 4Pm and goes until 6pm. Please bring a canned good for donation! We will have face painting, games, popcorn for sale and CANDY!
Main Office:
William P Bohen, PhD, Principal
Kristy Giardina, Assistant Principal
Laura Mietz, Senior Clerk Typist
Cynthia Carlino, Clerk Typist
Kimberly Beck, Part Time Clerk Typist
Phone: 716-626-8800
Fax: 716-626-8808
Attendance:
Lindsay Pecoraro, Attendance/ Health Office Aide
Phone: 716-626-8800
Health Office:
Joelle McCormack, RN, School Nurse
Phone: 716-626-8810
Fax: 716-626-8831
School Website:
https://mapleeast.williamsvillek12.org/
Address:
1500 Maple Road
Williamsville, NY 14221