The Bobcat Bulletin

Last week was some week at Indian Lane. After our Monday FID, we jumped right into a busy and exciting few days.

Third Grade hosted Market Day on Thursday and it was an engaging and educational experience for our students.

Friday was action packed from start to finish. We began with the 5th Grade Science Fair and moved right into our February Birthday Bash celebrations during each lunch, complete with our weekly Plinko game. After lunch, Mrs. Sandiford and I celebrated our Bobcat 200 winners, which led directly into our PBIS Olympic themed Pep Rally. A special thank you to Ms. Cancelosi, who did an amazing job hosting this year’s pep rally and bringing tremendous energy to the event.

After dismissal, PTG volunteers stayed late to prepare for the Bobcat Winter Festival. Our incredible PTG parents worked late into Friday evening and returned early Saturday morning to finish setting up, run a wonderful event, and clean up afterward. It was truly a full weekend for our school community, which is why this bulletin is arriving a little later than usual.

The Winter Festival was a tremendous success. I want to sincerely thank our PTG volunteers. Giving up a Friday evening and most of a Saturday shows true dedication and teamwork. I am grateful to be part of a community that consistently shows up for our students and for one another.

The fun does not stop here. Even though we have a short week ahead, PTG is hosting Oasis Night on Monday evening. I look forward to seeing our families there and connecting with many of you during Parent Teacher Conferences this week.

Please take a few moments to read through the full bulletin, which also includes important details about Student Council’s annual Popal Pop.

It is a great time to be a Bobcat!

MARCH

• 2 | Fifth Grade AGP Trip
• 2 | ILES Oasis Family Fun Night, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
• 4 | Early Dismissal: 1st-5th at 12:20; Regular Kindergarten Schedule
• 4 | Parent Teacher Conferences, 4:00-8:00 p.m.
• 5 | No School for Students
• 5 | Parent Teacher Conferences, 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
• 6 | No School for Students
• 7 | Carnival for a Cure at PHS, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
• 9 | Third grade Field Trip
• 11 | PTG meeting, 7:00 p.m.
• 12 | Principal Advisory Board, 2:00-2:30 p.m.
• 12 | STEAM Club at Middletown Free Library, 4:15-5:15 p.m.
• 12 | Title I Math Night, ILES Cafeteria, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
• 13 | March Bobcat Pride Breakfast, 8:00 a.m.

Conferences will be held on Wednesday, March 4, from 4:00–7:40 PM and Thursday, March 5, from 8:40 AM–7:40 PM. As has been a tradition at Indian Lane, spring conferences in 4th grade will be student-led, allowing students to take an active role in sharing their learning and reflecting on their progress. Homeroom teachers will share additional details about the student-led conference format. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s homeroom teacher.

Reminders:

• On Wednesday, March 4th, students in grades 1-5 will have a half-day dismissal at 12:20 PM. Kindergarten students will follow their regular schedule, and PM Kindergarten will be in session.
• All students will have NO SCHOOL on Thursday, March 5th, or Friday, March 6th.

Families should sign up for a designated time slot to meet with their child’s Homeroom Teacher. Please note that there is one slot available per student.

Kindergarten

Mrs. Huebner

Mrs. Meile

Grade 1

Mrs. Dukes

Mrs. Herman

Ms. Parkinson

Ms. Schuck

Mrs. Sammaciccia

Grade 2

Ms. Amoroso

Ms. Ferdon

Ms. Ford

Mr. Pinto

Grade 3

Mrs. Coelho

Dr. Davis

Ms. Defoor

Mrs. Hausladen

Grade 4

Mrs. Arbutina

Ms. Cancelosi

Mr. Iovannoni

Mrs. Johnston

Grade 5

Mrs. Speir

Mrs. Bianchi

Mrs. Siciliano

Mrs. Michaels

Full List of Teachers & Specialists

We celebrated earning over 500 Bobcat Brags with an Olympics themed assembly and pep rally. Students were randomly selected to participate in games while reviewing ways to be ready, respectful, and responsible at school. Students sat with their grade-level buddies and enjoyed the activities together. Our Bobcat Brags counter will reset on Monday for March.

To all of the families who observe Ramadan, we want to take a moment to recognize this special time. Ramadan began at sundown on February 17 and will continue until sundown on March 19. During this time, many Muslims around the world engage in prayer and fasting. We understand that some of our students and families may be observing Ramadan, and we want to ensure that everyone feels supported. If any student needs assistance or specific accommodations during the day, please feel free to reach out to Mrs. Britton or Mrs. Hilden.

Our third graders recently wrapped up their Economics unit with an exciting and hands-onMarket Day! Students became entrepreneurs as they created their own small businesses, developed products, set prices, and practiced important economic concepts they’ve been learning in class.

Leading up to Market Day, students explored ideas such as goods and services, supply and demand, budgeting, profit, and marketing. They worked hard to design products, create advertisements, and think carefully about pricing to make a profit. Most importantly, they learned valuable lessons about decision-making, responsibility, and teamwork.

A great author and a great read – we’re thrilled that acclaimed, best-selling author Mari Mancusi is coming to Indian Lane with her newest middle-grade novel, DAWN OF THE DRAGONS. A prequel to her award-winning and gripping NEW DRAGON CITY but also readable as a stand-alone, DAWN OF THE DRAGONS addresses the bonds of family, friendship, and bridging divides amid a looming apocalypse. This book is awesome for fourth and fifth graders.

Order a personalized and signed copy for your child today. Available in hardcover or paperback.

The fifth‑grade science fair project follows the scientific method by starting with a testable question, making a hypothesis about what they think will happen, listing the materials they will use, and writing clear step‑by‑step procedures so the experiment can be repeated. They identify variables by changing only one thing (independent variable), measuring the results (dependent variable), and keeping everything else the same (controlled variables). They collect data through observations, charts, or graphs, and finally write a conclusion that explains what happened, whether their hypothesis was supported, and what they learned from the results. On Friday, the fifth grade students invited parents, teachers, and fourth grade students to share their work at the Science Fair.

The Oasis Family Fun Center is hosting an Indian Lane Spirit Night, which will benefit the IL PTG. The event includes unlimited access to all of the attractions including the Soft Playground, Ballocity Arena, Hologate Virtual Reality, Valo Arena, and Laser Maze. The arcade contains two types of games, regular video games and redemption games**. All of the video games including Highway 66 Mini-Bowling will be free to you and available for unlimited play. All of this is typically $27 if going into Oasis on a regular night! Our price will be $20 with discounts for families with more than one child attending.

For more details and to order your tickets for the event, please complete the form below.

Indian Lane Elementary School’s Bobcat Choir has been invited to perform the Star-Spangled Banner at a Philadelphia Phillies game. Our incredible Bobcats will take the field during the pregame on TUESDAY, APRIL 14TH as the Phillies face the Chicago Cubs at 6:40 PM at Citizens Bank Park. They will be singing in front of thousands of fans to open the game. This is an extraordinary honor and a moment of great Bobcat pride. Mark your calendars, wear your Phillies gear, and come cheer on our Bobcats as they shine on the big stage.

Indian Lane families and friends are invited to the game and we will be putting in an order for discounted group rate tickets. If you are would like to attend the game, the price is $36 per ticket for tickets in the 300 Level Outfield Section of the stadium. Please fill out this form if you want to purchase the tickets through the group rate and PTG will help coordinate payment with you once we have all of the group tickets confirmed.

Bobcat Choir Performers: Every family should purchase a ticket for each Bobcat Choir performer as well as at least one other ticket for their adult chaperone. If a Bobcat Choir family need assistance, please reach out to Jessica Hilden - jhilden@rtmsd.org.

Families are invited to nominate a student or staff member who promotes inclusion, kindness, and acceptance.

You might consider:

• A child who has shown perseverance or growth

• A child who supports and includes others

• A staff member who goes above and beyond for children

Let’s recognize those who help make our school community welcoming for all.

Nomination Deadline: March 5, 2026 at 4:00 PM

*Click on image and it will bring you to the nomination form

Read Across America Week at Indian Lane Elementary is a fun and busy week all about celebrating books. Each day has a different theme, like dressing as a favorite character, wearing pajamas to read, or sharing an act of kindness. Students will get to talk about books they love, take part in a bookmark contest, vote in March Book Madness, and try new reading activities from the choice board. There will even be special guest readers visiting. It’s a great chance for everyone to enjoy reading in new and exciting ways.

The cold is here and so is an increase in winter illnesses! Uncertain about if your student is well enough to come to school? Please review the district's guidance on When to Keep Your Child at Home.

If you still are unsure, please call the nurse's office at 610-627-7104 to speak with Mrs. LaRose

Three Weeks. One School. One Incredible Cause.

Polar Pop 2026 is here, and we are ready for three weeks of energy, creativity, and friendly competition in support of the Special Olympics.

• Every class gets its moment
• Every student can participate
• Every effort makes a difference

Homerooms have been organized into groups to keep the competition fair and exciting. Each class participates one time during its assigned week. When it is your week, it is your time to shine.

HOW IT WORKS

There are two ways to earn points during your homeroom’s week.

Fundraising Power in Numbers

• All homerooms in the group combine their fundraising totals
• The group that raises the most money that week earns 1 point
• Every homeroom in that winning group receives the point
• If there is a tie, both groups receive the point

This is a team effort that builds pride and impact.

Participation Show Up and Stand Out

Homerooms compete within their group based on percentage of students participating.

• The homeroom with the highest participation percentage earns 1 point
• If there is a tie, both homerooms receive the point
• Participation is based on percentage, not total number of videos

Why Percentage

Using percentages keeps the competition fair for classes of different sizes.

Example:

• 18 out of 20 students participate = 90 percent
• 20 out of 25 students participate = 80 percent
• 90 percent earns the point

Participation is about showing up, not class size.

WHAT THAT MEANS

During its assigned week, a homeroom can earn:

• 2 points if the group wins fundraising and the homeroom wins participation
• 1 point
• 0 points

Points add up across all three weeks.

At the end of Polar Pop, the homeroom with the most total points will be recognized as the overall winner. If there is a tie, co winners will be celebrated.

WHY IT MATTERS

• Polar Pop brings our school community together
• It promotes compassion, teamwork, and school spirit
• It supports the Special Olympics and our unified programs

When your group raises funds, you make an impact.
When your class participates, you show your pride.

Let’s bring the energy.
Let’s bring the creativity.
Let’s make Polar Pop 2026 one to remember.

Indian Lane Student Council

Participation Schedule

Week of March 9 (2 groups)

Group 1

• AM K-Meile

• AM K-Huebner

• PM K-Meile

Group 2

• PM K-Huebner

• 1-Dukes

• 1-Schuck

📹 Videos due: Tuesday, March 10
🎬 Featured: Friday, March 13

Week of March 16 (3 groups)

Group 3

• 1-Parkinson

• 1-Sammaciccia

• 1-Herman

Group 4

• 2-Ford

• 2-Ferdon

• 2-Amoroso

Group 5

• 2-Pinto

• 3-Davis

• 3-Coelho

📹 Videos due: Tuesday, March 17
🎬 Featured: Friday, March 20

Week of March 23 (3 groups)

Group 6

• 3-Defoor

• 3-Hausladen

• 4-Johnston

Group 7

• 4-Arbutina

• 4-Iovonnoni

• 4-Cancelosi

Group 8

• 5-Siciliano

• 5-Speir

• 5-Bianchi

• 5-Michaels

📹 Videos due: Tuesday, March 24
🎬 Featured: Friday, March 27

Sandy Wright and Alison Marshaleck, the PTG parents organizing the Indian Lane 2025–2026 Yearbook, have created a Google folder for the 5th Grade Bobcat Memories Page.

They are collecting photos of the current 5th grade class from school events throughout their years at Indian Lane. Photos should include only current 5th graders (no students from other grades or family members).

Suggested submissions include:

• Class party group photos from any year

• Field trips

• Field Day

• Photos with teachers

• Special events such as 100 Days of School, Friendship Feast, and other school activities

Families are encouraged to look back through their photos and share special memories as we celebrate our 5th graders and their time at IL. Please upload folders to this link

Dear ILES Families,

Indian Lane PTG is excited to share that we are exploring hosting another off-site event—similar to our popular Oasis Night—to kick off Spring Break!We are currently planning a Special Person’s night event and would love to gauge interest from our families before finalizing details.

Please fill out this link to let PTG know your interest:
Interest Form

Event Details:
Location: Ballroom at the Phoenix
1661 Mill Rd, Boothwyn, PA 19061

Date: Friday, March 27, 2026
Time: TBD (approximately 5:00–9:00 PM, with two sessions)

The evening will include:

• Music & DJ

• Games

• Dinner served

Your feedback is important and will help us determine next steps. Thank you for taking a moment to complete the form—we’re looking forward to another memorable night with our ILES families!

Warmly,
ILES PTG

In the event of an emergency weather closing of our schools, the Rose Tree Media School District will implement a Flexible Instructional Day (FID). Our FID plan has been updated for the 2025-2026 school year. Please visit the FID page on the District website for building-specific information regarding FID learning.

On March 20th, Indian Lane will be celebrating our Around the World event, which also aligns with World Storytelling Day, a global celebration of the power of stories to connect people across cultures. Observed each year on the spring equinox, World Storytelling Day symbolizes balance, renewal, and new beginnings, and communities around the world mark the day by sharing stories that reflect their cultures, traditions, and values. To connect these two celebrations, Indian Lane will host a Stories Around the World event, modeled after last year’s Recipes Around the World event. Instead of sharing recipes, volunteers will share a short story that represents the culture and traditions of a country. We are currently looking for volunteers to represent different countries, whether by sharing a story from their own heritage, a country they have lived in, a country they feel connected to, or one they are interested in learning more about. Volunteers may choose a country on their own, and support and ideas will be provided along the way. Each volunteer will host a country station and read a planned story aloud as participants move between stations, listening to stories from around the world and learning about different cultures through storytelling. The volunteer time commitment for this event will be from 9:15–11:00 AM on March 20th. This event is a meaningful way to celebrate Indian Lane’s Around the World Day while honoring World Story Day through equity, inclusion, and global connection, and we would love broad and diverse participation to help bring it to life.

We will be holding the 5th Grade Career Showcase on March 26, 2026. We are in need of volunteers to present at our Showcase! Please consider telling our students about your chosen career. We are asking for volunteers to prepare a twenty minute presentation that will be shared during a rotation over the course of two hours. If you are available to join us, please complete the following survey by March 1, 2026. We will reach out to all volunteers with more specific information once presenters have signed up.

Thank you for considering joining us for this special 5th grade event!

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.

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.

1. Go to: https://indianlaneptg.membershiptoolkit.com/

2. Create your account. Select Create Account and fill in your name, email, and password.

3. Verify your email. Click verify my email and then check your inbox for the link.

   • The link expires in 2 hours. If you do not receive it, check your spam or junk folders.

4. Log back in. Once your email is verified, return to the site and complete your registration.

5. Enter your information. Fill in the Parent/Family and Student details.

6. Update your child’s information. Make sure you select the correct grade and homeroom teacher so you receive classroom party and volunteer communications.

   • If your child has a special education teacher, please do not select that teacher unless your child’s homeroom is physically in that classroom.

7. Set your preferences. Complete the Directory/Publish section to choose what information is visible to others.

8. 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

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

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