The Bobcat Bulletin
Welcome Back to School 2025-2026!
January 1, 2026
đź’ś A Message from Michelle Britton đź’š
We wrapped up a spirit week on Friday after a week filled with fun, including concerts, the 67th day of school, the Autistic Support/Life Skills Cookie Exchange, the Bobcat Birthday Bash, and an artist breakfast. The excitement continues as we head into our final school days of 2025. Monday will be a full day, and Tuesday will be a half day.
On Monday during lunch, there will be a PBIS school-wide reinforcer featuring festive winter music to celebrate the season and recognize positive behavior.
Each grade level and homeroom is counting down to winter break in its own fun and creative way, so please be on the lookout for communication from homeroom parents and homeroom teachers.
On Tuesday, students will take part in a festive, school-wide Countdown to Winter Break, celebrated with special announcements throughout the day and messages delivered by familiar voices as we send our students off ready to welcome 2026.
As we prepare to welcome the New Year, we are also looking ahead to our annual Day of Service, which will take place on Friday, January 16, 2026. This meaningful event is a valued tradition at Indian Lane and provides students with opportunities to participate in grade-level service projects that foster empathy, compassion, and a strong sense of community. Families will receive a detailed email on December 29 at 7:00 PM outlining donation needs, volunteer opportunities, and project information for each grade level. Please be on the lookout for this important communication.
As this marks the final official Bobcat Bulletin of 2025, I would like to thank our families for your continued partnership, support, and care throughout the year. We are grateful for the joy, kindness, and community that make Indian Lane such a special place. We wish you a peaceful and joyful winter break filled with rest, connection, and meaningful moments together. We look forward to welcoming our Bobcats back in the New Year as we begin 2026 together.
-Michelle Britton
A Message from PTG!
MLK School Wide Day of Service
As we prepare to welcome the new year, I am excited to share details about our Day of Service, which will take place on Friday, January 16, 2026. This event has become a cherished tradition at Indian Lane, and it is truly inspiring to witness the generosity and enthusiasm our school community brings to it each year. Together, we have made a significant impact, and I know this year will be no different.
Just like last year, each grade level will participate in a unique service project designed to foster empathy, compassion, and a sense of community. These projects provide our students with meaningful ways to give back while learning the value of service. Hosting the Day of Service just before Martin Luther King Jr. Day allows us to reflect on Dr. King's powerful legacy and his belief that “everybody can be great, because anybody can serve.”
On December 29th, you will receive a detailed email outlining the donation needs for each grade-level project. This email will include a sign-up link and a wish list to make contributing as easy as possible. Some grade levels will also need volunteers to assist during the event. Please mark your calendars and look for this email at 7:00 PM on December 29th.
Here are some highlights of projects for this year:
Kindergarten
Kindergarten students will create treats for local animal shelters, helping to support animals in need. Kindergarten teachers will share additional details about the specific donations required after winter break.
Grade 1: Birthday Cake Boxes for People in Need
First graders will assemble birthday cake kits to bring joy to individuals living in homeless shelters. These kits will include all the essentials for a birthday celebration.
Items Needed for Grade 1:
- 9x13 disposable aluminum foil pans with lids
- Boxed cake mix (any flavor)
- Cans of Sprite
- Birthday candles
- Frosting
Grade 2: Thank You Kits for First Responders
Second graders will create “Survival Kits” to express gratitude to our local first responders. Each kit will include small items with meaningful messages of appreciation.
Items Needed for Grade 2:
- Lifesavers
- Starbursts
- Band-Aids
- Candles
- Erasers
- Gum
- Snickers
- Paper clips
- Rubber bands
- Tootsie Rolls
Grade 3: Breakfast Bags for the Homebound
Third graders will prepare breakfast bags to support homebound individuals in our community. These bags will contain non-perishable items to help start their day with a nutritious meal.
Items Needed for Grade 3:
- Tea bags
- Instant coffee
- Hot cocoa packets
- Boxes of raisins
- Fruit snacks
- Oatmeal packets
- Cereal bars
- Granola bars
Grade 4: Sandwiches for Homeless Shelters
Fourth graders will make sandwiches to provide meals for those in need at local homeless shelters.
Items Needed for Grade 4: (Details will be provided in the December 29th email.)
Grade 5: Comfort Bags for Cancer Patients
Fifth graders will assemble Comfort Bags to support individuals undergoing cancer treatment. These thoughtful bags will include items to bring comfort and encouragement.
Items Needed for Grade 5:
- Individually wrapped gum, hard candy, and mints
- Blank journals, notecards, and pens
- Travel-size games and playing cards
- Lip balm and travel-size hand lotions
- Puzzle books (Sudoku, crossword, word search, mazes, etc.)
The success of the Day of Service would not be possible without the kindness and dedication of our families. Your donations and support make a real difference, and we are deeply grateful for all that you contribute. By working together, we can teach our students the power of giving back and strengthen our community.
I wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season filled with peace and togetherness. I look forward to beginning the new year with this important event and cannot wait to see the positive impact we will create together.
STEAM Club Date Change
Please note the date change
The STEAM Club meeting date has been changed from January 8th to January 22nd. Please update your calendars.
Outdoor Recess Reminders
This is a friendly reminder that we go outdoors for recess as often as the weather allows. With the colder weather we have been experiencing, please make sure your child comes to school dressed appropriately. Please also label all items your child brings to school, including coats, hats, gloves, lunchboxes, and other belongings, to help us keep items organized and easily identifiable.
Handbook Highlight-Toys from Home
“Electronic games and trading cards, etc. may be accessed on the school bus, but must remain in the student’s backpack during the school day. These are distracting to the education process and are easily damaged or lost. The school shall not be responsible for the loss, damage, or misuse of any personal items brought to school.
Please note: This includes recess. Students may not take toys, trading cards (such as Pokémon cards), or similar items out during recess to play or trade. These items must stay in backpacks for the entire school day.”
Message from the Nurse, Mrs. LaRose
Could it be Pink Eye?
Children are allowed to come to school with pink eye provided that the eye isn't oozing or excessively tearing. Any symptoms of eye pain or other illnesses like a sore throat, ear pain, or fever, and parents should reach out to the pediatrician. You can learn more of the basics of Conjunctivitis (pink eye) here. Call the nurse's office if you are uncertain if your child should come to school.
Student Council Spirit Nights at Chic-Fil-A
Lady Lions Softball Clinic
Register Today to Save your Spot
Friday February 6th and Friday February 20th
(snow date February 27th)
Arrive at 5:45 pm, clinic will be held from 6 pm - 8 pm
Auxiliary gym at Penncrest High School
Cost $50
Register: Lady Lions Softball Clinic
Scholarships available for those needing financial assistance
Questions or for more information - email penncrestsoftballboosters@gmail.com
Bobcat Pride Breakfasts
You're Invited! Pick a month! Sign up!
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 2025-2026 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 - 8:40 a.m. in the Indian Lane cafeteria.
How to sign-up for Membership Toolkit!
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Create your account. Select Create Account and fill in your name, email, and password.
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Verify your email. Click verify my email and then check your inbox for the link.
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The link expires in 2 hours. If you do not receive it, check your spam or junk folders.
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Log back in. Once your email is verified, return to the site and complete your registration.
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Enter your information. Fill in the Parent/Family and Student details.
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Update your child’s information. Make sure you select the correct grade and homeroom teacher so you receive classroom party and volunteer communications.
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If your child has a special education teacher, please do not select that teacher unless your child’s homeroom is physically in that classroom.
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Set your preferences. Complete the Directory/Publish section to choose what information is visible to others.
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Finish up. Once these steps are complete, you will have full access to the directory.
📌 Tip: Once the Primary Account is set up, you can invite another parent or guardian by email so they can create their own login while still being connected to your family account.
Apple users: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/membership-toolkit/id912169276?platform=iphone
Quick Links
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
School Hours
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
Indian Lane Elementary School
Email: mbritton@rtmsd.org
Website: https://www.rtmsd.org/Domain/9
Location: 309 South Old Middletown Road, Media, PA, USA
Phone: 610-627-7100