Bancroft Community Newsletter
August 2025
I enjoy learning about the things we are doing in class and what it coming up.
If a new student joined our school tomorrow, what would you want them to know?
There are a lot of people who are nice and able to help you here at Bancroft.
What's something about Bancroft that you're grateful for?
I am grateful for my teachers who help me every day.
Who at Bancroft has helped you this year, and how did they help you?
Ms. Spahr and Mrs. Smith are two people I want to say thank you to. I really like their classrooms and they have helped me a lot.
First Grade has had a fabulous start to the Fall season! The kids have been busy learning about describing things with property words in Science and got a chance to go on scavenger hunt to look for signs of Fall. The beautiful display donated by the Mondragon family was a perfect place for our first graders to use their scientific skills to describe things by size, shape, color and texture. In Math, the kids have been learning how to add and subtract numbers to 10 using cubes, ten frames and number bonds. They have also been busy working on completing their i Ready lessons each week and are starting to track their goals by coloring a Bancroft bear in the pod.
This past week the first graders got a visit from Paws for People to show our students that dogs can be community helpers too. They had fun petting the pups, getting kisses and feeding them treats. Bancroft also had another successful event with the Family Literacy Night. Many of our first graders got a chance to play games, practice their reading skills and win some fun prizes.
As we look forward to November, First Grade will be learning about Needs and Wants in Social Studies which ties in nicely with the can food drive that starts this week. We will also be doing a fun family disguised turkey project for Thanksgiving. Be on the lookout for turkeys to come in the first week of November. We look forward to seeing you all soon at conferences!
Boo! It’s scary how quickly time is passing! October has come and gone and we are well into a wonderful school year! During the past month, 2nd graders have been learning about rocks and soils in science. We have examined a variety of rock properties, weathering of rocks, and various soils. In Math, students have been rocking and rolling into double digit addition and subtraction! We will continue to learn strategies that help us work more efficiently when solving equations. Some of the biggest news from October was that a local author came to visit our 2nd graders! Cynthia Petillo read her charming story, “Chips and Salsa” to our students. She answered questions describing how she came up with the idea for her story and about the writing and publishing process. We also had another amazing reading experience with our “Fall Family Literacy Night.” Kids had opportunities to work at various stations, enter some raffles, see their teachers, and pick up a free book! It was a fantastic event. If you missed it, hopefully you can attend our spring event. We’d love to see you there!
As we look ahead to November, we begin preparing for Thanksgiving. We will return to Social Studies and learn about the very first Thanksgiving. Students will also share and write about things they value and feel gratitude for having. We as teachers are so grateful for all of your support! We look forward to sharing all of the wonderful things about your child at conference time. Be on the lookout for conference sign-up information coming soon!
October has been a busy and exciting month for our third graders!
We kicked things off with a special visit from the Avondale Fire Company. Each year, the firefighters meet with our students to share important lessons about fire safety. Students even had the chance to explore a real fire truck and peek inside an ambulance! The Avondale Fire Company also invites families to their Third Annual Christmas Open House on Wednesday, December 17th from 6–8 p.m.—a great opportunity to meet our local heroes and see their equipment up close.
Following that exciting visit, our third graders took a field trip to Longwood Gardens to learn about plants and how they change with the seasons. In science, we are currently exploring how plants have special features and adaptations that help them survive in both warm and cold weather. Ms. Pearson’s class even went on a nature walk to observe the different stages of deciduous trees and to spot any evergreens in our area.
4th Graders Explore Nature and Teamwork at the Brandywine Red Clay Alliance!**
Last week, our enthusiastic 4th graders embarked on an exciting field trip to BRCA, where they had the unique opportunity to dive into the wonders of nature and develop their teamwork skills through engaging activities.
Students either started or ended their day learning about the importance of waterways in our ecosystem. Armed with containers, brushes, and their curiosity, they explored the stream, discovering various aquatic life forms. Students identified insects, plants, and even small snails and crayfish, all while discussing how these organisms contribute to a healthy environment. This hands-on experience not only fostered a love for science but also highlighted the significance of conservation and protecting our natural resources.
Alternatively, students participated in a series of team-building activities designed to strengthen their collaboration and problem-solving skills. Each challenge encouraged students to communicate effectively and work together towards a common goal.
We are grateful to the Brandywine Red Clay Alliance for providing such an enriching experience and to our wonderful parent volunteers who helped make this trip possible. We look forward to more adventures that inspire our students to learn and grow!
October has been a fun month of learning for 5th Grade!
In math, we have been working on a math fact challenge called “Monster Math.” We have been using our multiplication facts in battles between different Halloween monsters. This has been a fun and engaging way to practice our multiplication facts. Ask your 5th grader which monster they wanted to win.
In Social Studies, we have been learning about the early settlements in colonial America. We began a choice project where students show their learning on the 13 colonies in creative formats. We will share our projects in November.
This month, we also had our Pumpkin chunkin event. Pumpkin Chunkin was a fun family event that we held before our PTO Trunk or Treat. It was a family project that used engineering and STEM skills. Check out some of the awesome machines that our students and families created.
Health/PE
In health, students in 1st, 3rd and 5th grade are wrapping up their Family Unit and have had lots of fun talking about types of families, fun activities to do with our families and ways we can help our family! Grades 2 and 4 are closing out our nutrition unit where we have learned about taste buds, nutrition labels and how to pick healthy foods! 4th grade students are creating nutrient superheroes to showcase what they’ve learned about the 6 nutrients! Students have also been working working on pacing and reaching their lap goals in Mileage Club! Our top classes after 4 completed runs are Spahr (5th), Hill (4th), Katherman (3rd), McKeown (2nd) and Slicer (1st).
STEM
In STEM, first grade has been challenged to create a way to make clay float and carry a load of 10 pennies as part of our sink or float unit. Second grade is choosing materials and creating parachutes to bring a treasure chest safely to Earth and show air resistance. Third grade has been working on designing and creating toy cars from recycled materials. This week we are testing our cars on a ramp to see which cars can travel the farthest. Fourth grade has donated 102 heads of lettuce to the Kennett Food Cupboard so far this year from our hydroponics system. They are learning about the journey food takes from farm to table. Fifth grade is starting an independent design project based on their individual interests. Pictured below: 3rd grade teams from Mrs. Painter’s class after testing their wonderful car designs.
Art
In the Art room this month first grade students have been working on their painting skills. We have been talking about wax resist and using crayon to draw Jack-O-Lanterns and lions. Second grade is learning about Vincent Van Gogh and creating sunflowers with clay. This complaints their science unit well because they are discussing different types of soil, rock, and minerals which is exactly what clay and glaze are. Our third graders have become quite the architects as they design doors, windows, and building materials for their Victorian houses. Fourth grade just finished their unit on Reality vs. Abstract. Charles Demuth is an artist that has inspired us to create both still life paintings and abstract paintings. First we draw a bike from real life to try and capture visual evidence to show we are looking at the bike in the room, then we make copies of our bike drawing to cut up to help us create the abstract picture. Fifth grade is honoring family members that have passed away by creating sugar skulls for Dia de Los Muertos, Day of the Dead.
Music
This month has been a busy one in the music room! In 1st grade, we have been learning about rhythm patterns, and learning how to talk about loud and soft in music. 2nd graders have been playing xylophones, and having a blast! We are playing simple sol- mi patterns and learning proper playing technique. 3rd grade has also been playing xylophones, but playing more challenging pieces. We have also been playing lots of Pass the Pumpkin- they might even be able to sing it for you at home! In 4th grade we have been learning about note names on the staff, and how to get better at reading music. 5th grade has been learning about new complex rhythm patterns, and how to play some of our favorite fall songs on the xylophones.
Library
The students are continuing to do a great job with book exchange. Please let us know if you have any questions about borrowing library books. In Information Literacy, first grade has been working on the parts of a story like setting and character. After reading Bats at the Library, they created a new setting for a bat. We enjoyed seeing their creative ideas! Second graders are working on using nonfiction text features in books and on PebbleGo. These skills will help them with research in the future. Third, fourth, and fifth grade have been working on digital citizenship lessons. These lessons include learning about our digital footprints and the tools that content creators use to persuade their audiences. The students are having great, thoughtful conversations about being safe, respectful, and responsible online!
It has been a fun and busy month with Paws for People, assemblies, classroom celebrations, and our Trunk or Treat! I have started our fall counseling lessons and am in the process of going into all classrooms, with a focus on conflict resolution in each grade. First and second graders are learning about small problems vs. big problems and how to become independent problem solvers. Third, fourth, and fifth graders are learning about gossip/rumors, bullying prevention, how to report bullying, and the difference between unkind behavior and bullying. We are also learning about cyberbullying and the consequences of engaging in cyberbullying. I am really enjoying getting into all of the classrooms and connecting with all students.
Tip of the Month: Build Connection with The Ten Minute Miracle
Are you noticing an increase in behaviors at home or having trouble connecting with your child? Try the ten-minute miracle. Each day, spend ten minutes of uninterrupted one-on-one time with your child. This time should be screen free and directed by your child. It can be as simple as coloring, spending some time outside, or playing a quick game!
You can give this time a special name and your child should decide what to do. Set a timer and you’re good to go!
Emma Termini, NCC
School Counselor
etermini@kcsd.org
610-925-5714
Cold and Flu season is approaching… A few reminders…
Please do NOT send your child to school if they have:
1. Fever more than 100.4 degrees within the last 24 hours (must be fever free without medication)
2. Vomiting (more than once) or diarrhea (3 or more loose stools) within the last 24 hours.
The nurse cannot give ANY over the counter medications without the online medical emergency form completed by the parent/guardian.
Your assistance is appreciated in helping us reduce the spread of illness in our school. Please help us teach your children good health habits to protect them and others:
1. Healthy foods and quality sleep are needed of course!
2. Keep hydrated with healthy fluids (sodas & energy drinks don’t count).
3. Sneeze or cough into your elbow or a clean tissue.
4. WASH YOUR HANDS! WASH YOUR HANDS! WASH YOUR HANDS!!!!!
Students need to be picked up promptly when they become ill during school. Please make sure your contact information is current with the school.
Thank you for helping keep students and staff healthy!
I like how all of the teachers here are nice. Whenever you need help with anything, they are here ready to help you.
What advice would you give to younger students at our school?"
What's something a teacher or staff member does that makes you feel valued?I would give the advice that they should not fight with their friends. Fights can ruin friendships and that isn't great. So my advice is try not to get mad and instead find a way to figure it out.
I like when Mrs. Termini is there whenever you need her. She always makes the time for you to talk and listen.
How do you show gratitude to others at Bancroft?
I will help them in ways such as if someone falls down or if something falls down, I will be there to help and support them. An example is if someone seems upset or about to cry, I always ask them if they are okay.
We're excited to welcome parent volunteers as valued partners here at Bancroft Elementary! Your involvement makes a meaningful difference in our school community. To ensure the safety of all our children, we do require all volunteers to complete three background clearances,
- PA State Criminal Record Check
- Federal Criminal Background Check
- Child Abuse History clearance.
Click here to find out more information or access and upload the necessary documents. Please do not send any clearances to the school as all clearances must be submitted on the district website. Thank you for your willingness to be part of the Bancroft family!
Location: 181 Bancroft Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348
Phone: (610) 925-5711
Website: https://be.kcsd.org/