The Bobcat Bulletin

Dear Indian Lane Families,

It is hard to believe we are already heading into the second half of October! This is such a fun and busy time at Indian Lane, and I am grateful for the many ways our students, families, staff, and PTG continue to make our school so special.

I am especially excited for PTG’s Trunk or Treat on Thursday evening. It will be a wonderful opportunity for our Bobcats and families to come together and enjoy time with one another. My son is being inducted into the National Honor Society that evening, so I will not be able to stay for the entire event. I am very grateful that Dr. Layton from Springton Lake Middle School has offered to be at Indian Lane to support the event once I leave.

The enthusiasm for our Fall Mural Project has also been incredible. We are actively working with the muralist to explore ways to include additional students from the waitlist, and we are hopeful that even more Bobcats will have the opportunity to leave their mark on our school.

As we look ahead to Red Ribbon Week, Trunk or Treat, and all the learning and community-building ahead, please take a few minutes to read the important reminders and updates in this week’s Bobcat Bulletin.

-Michelle Britton

OCTOBER

• 19 | Principal Advisory Board Meeting, 2:00-3:30 p.m.
• 21 | Kindergarten Field Trip
• 22 | Bobcat Trunk or Treat, 5:00-6:30 p.m.
• 26-30 | Red Ribbon Week with Spirit Days
• 27 | Picture Retakes 📸
• 29 | October Bobcat Birthday Glow Bash, During Lunches
• 30 | Halloween Parade, 10:00 a.m. Students may participate in a fall activity instead of the Halloween parade. Please complete this form if your child prefers the fall activity instead of the parade and/or party. Details about classroom parties will be shared directly by homeroom parents via Membership Toolkit.

NOVEMBER

• 2 | Early Dismissal at 12:20 for First through Fifth Grades; No PM Kindergarten
• 3 | No School for Students
• 6 | November Bobcat Pride Breakfast, 8:00 a.m.
• 7 | Library Mural Event - Sign Up Required (Waitlist Available)

Monday, October 26: Wear Red!

Red is the color of Red Ribbon Week! Today, we begin our pledge to be heroes by making safe, healthy, drug-free choices for ourselves and encouraging others to do the same.

Tuesday, October 27: Wear Your Comfy Clothes!

Heroes are confident in who they are. Being comfortable being yourself, treating others with kindness, and including those who may feel left out are all ways to be a Red Ribbon Week hero.

Wednesday, October 28: Wear Your Favorite Team or Activity Gear!
Heroes help their communities grow stronger. Whether you are part of a sports team, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, a music program, art club, or another activity, your positive choices can make a difference. Be a community hero by showing respect, helping others, and caring for the world around you.

Thursday, October 29: Wear Indian Lane Spirit Wear!
Healthy choices are heroic choices! Exercise, nutritious foods, water, sleep, and staying drug free help our bodies and brains stay strong. Let’s wear our Indian Lane spirit wear and celebrate the healthy choices that help every Bobcat be their best.

Dear Parent/Guardian:

On Friday, October 16, 2026, we conducted surveys of all students in third through twelfth grade in order to gain a better understanding as to the students' thoughts and feelings about their school. There were two surveys that seek to find information focusing on Academic Challenge and School Culture. For each student there was one survey that was specific to their level (Elementary/Middle/High) and a second survey that was applicable to all students. While we collect basic demographic information from students as part of the survey, we will not be able to link survey results to individual students. To reiterate, survey respondents will remain completely anonymous. Students took the surveys in school. This information is for our internal use as we develop our district's strategic plan and work on continuous improvement in both academics and school culture.

We are committed to maintaining and enhancing an affirming and supportive learning environment for all members of the Rose Tree Media School District. The information collected from the students will be helpful in this endeavor.

Elementary School

Middle School

High School

All-Student Survey

As parents/guardians you are an integral part of the Rose Tree Media School District community. Your feedback will help us improve the school experience for students and families. If you have children in more than one building please complete a separate survey for each school. The link below is to a preview version of the survey. The links to the live survey will be sent out by each of the school principals.

Fall 2026 Parent/Guardian Survey: Engagement & School Climate

Thank you for your continued support.

Trunk or Treat is almost here! ILES PTG invites you for a festive fall evening with our Indian Lane community.

Indian Lane’s Trunk or Treat will be held on Thursday, October 22, from 5:00–6:30 p.m. Families of students who would benefit from a sensory-friendly early arrival are welcome to join us beginning at 4:45 p.m.

We look forward to welcoming students and families for an evening of costumes, candy, food, music, and fun.

We still need at least 10 more trunks! There is still time to participate and help make this a memorable event for our students.

Sign up to host a trunk here:
Volunteer for Trunk or Treat

The PTG will provide candy this year, along with the generous candy donations from our families. Trunk hosts will not need to supply their own candy.

Food will be available again this year!

Pre-order pizza here:
Pre-Order Pizza

Food available for purchase at the event includes:

• Chicken fingers

• Mac and cheese

• Philly pretzels

• Hoagies

• Beverages

Show off your creativity! Three trunk hosts will receive prizes. Students and families may vote for their favorite trunk displays, and each vote will also serve as an entry in the prize raffle.

Enjoy music from DJ Tydal Wave! Come ready to dance, sing along, and enjoy time together with our Bobcat community.

We look forward to celebrating the fall season with our Indian Lane families!

Our Parent/Student Handbook shares that toys, electronic games, and trading cards may be used on the school bus but must remain in students’ backpacks during the school day. Toys are not permitted in the cafeteria or at recess unless they are approved playground equipment.

Teachers have also been sharing that some "squishies" brought to school have become distracting during the school day. When squishies are brought to school as toys, please help us reinforce this handbook expectation by reminding your child to keep them at home or in their backpack while at school. This reminder does not apply to students who use a fidget or sensory tool as part of their individualized school supports. Thank you for your partnership.

As we welcome the fall season, Indian Lane Elementary looks forward to a fun day for our students. Families who celebrate Halloween may choose to have their children participate in our costume parade and classroom celebrations.

We are excited to offer a special fall activity so that every student can enjoy the day in a way that feels right for them. If your family would prefer this option in place of the parade or Halloween-related activities, please complete the attached form.

Costume Guidelines

For students who choose to wear a costume:

• Costumes must be nonviolent, school-appropriate, and respectful of all members of our community.

• Play weapons and look-alike weapons, including swords, lightsabers, staffs, pitchforks, Nerf guns, or similar items, are not permitted.

• Costumes resembling horror characters are not permitted.

• Please limit face makeup, as we have limited time to assist students.

• We discourage inflatable costumes because they can be difficult to manage on stairs and in hallways. If a student chooses to wear one, it must be put on and removed in the gym for the parade only.

• Students should not share costume accessories, such as hats or tiaras, with classmates.

• Please talk with your child about safe handling of costume items while getting on and off the bus or walking home.

Please send costumes to school in a bag, with students wearing as much of the costume as possible. Parents will not be in classrooms to assist with dressing. If an item is forgotten, it may be dropped off in the vestibule and we will make sure it reaches your child.

Parade Information

• Families attending the parade should head directly to the back playground area and gather on the grass around the track.

• There is no need to sign in for the parade. Staff members will be available to help guide families.

• Please do not remove your child from their teacher’s supervision before, during, or after the parade.

Parking

Parking details will be shared closer to the event. We often use Middletown Presbyterian Church for parking, though availability may vary. Please watch for an additional communication.

Classroom Celebrations

Classroom celebrations will reflect the fall season and will follow the district Wellness Policy. Foods offered should support student health and meet Pennsylvania Department of Education nutritional standards, including fresh fruits or vegetables, water, 100% fruit juice, or milk.

Homeroom parents and teachers will share classroom-specific plans directly with families. All volunteers must have current clearances on file in order to attend. Families who have not yet joined Membership Toolkit will not receive emails from homeroom parents.

On Thursday, October 15th, author and illustrator Anne Lambelet visited Indian Lane to inspire our third, fourth, and fifth grade students. Her enthusiasm, creativity, and energy captivated students from the moment she began speaking. Beyond her engaging presentation, Anne took time to connect with individual students who share her passion for art and marine life, making the experience even more meaningful. It was a true privilege to welcome her to Indian Lane and a day our students won't soon forget!

The Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union Foundation is now accepting nominations for its Delaware Valley Excellence in Teaching Award!

This special recognition honors 20 exceptional educators each year who make a lasting difference for students and their school communities. Each recipient receives $1,500 for classroom expenses, and their school receives an additional $1,500 award.

If an Indian Lane teacher has made a meaningful impact on your child or family, please consider submitting a nomination. Help us celebrate the dedicated educators who make Indian Lane such a special place to learn.

The excitement surrounding our Fall Mural Project has been incredible! We are so grateful for the enthusiasm and school pride our Bobcats have shown.

We are actively working with the muralist to explore ways to include additional students from the waitlist. Families are encouraged to continue adding their child to the waitlist, as openings may become available and we are hopeful that we can create more opportunities through this project and/or a future spring mural project.

Thank you for your patience and enthusiasm. We are excited to find ways for even more Bobcats to help leave their mark on Indian Lane!

*Photo credit: Promiseland Public School Murals, via Facebook.

Mrs. Hausladen's third grade class recently put their writing skills and gratitude into action. After learning about local heroes on Patriots Day, students wrote heartfelt letters to the East Whiteland Fire Department to thank firefighters for their service and dedication to our community.

The class proudly mailed their letters and recently received a wonderful surprise in return. The fire department sent a photo of two firefighters holding the students' letters, showing just how much their messages were appreciated.

This meaningful exchange helped students see how a simple act of kindness and appreciation can make a positive impact on others. We are grateful to the East Whiteland Fire Department for taking the time to respond and for all they do to keep our community safe.

As we prepare for our Principal Advisory Board (PAB) meeting on October 19, we invite parents and guardians to share topics for discussion. Whether you would like to highlight something working well at Indian Lane, share a challenge, or offer a suggestion, we welcome your input.

Please use the form below to submit your ideas:

PAB DISCUSSION TOPICS INPUT FORM

PAB discussions focus on Indian Lane Elementary. For topics related to the district as a whole, please share your talking points with our Superintendent Advisory Board (SAB) representative, Genna Hart.

PAB Grade-Level Representatives

• Kindergarten: Kelly Boland

• Grade 1: Tyler Spindel

• Grade 2: Katie Bobek / Rosanna Makin

• Grade 3: Rebecca Swanson

• Grade 4: Grant Bulter

• Grade 5: Beth Rundle

Our music classroom is getting ready to make some noise, and we need your help! Mr. Fisher is seeking to add exciting "bucket drumming" lessons into our music classes to reinforce reading rhythms, perform together, and encourage musical creativity.

If you have any clean, gently used 5-gallon buckets (like the Home Depot or Lowe's buckets) taking up space in your garage, we would love to give them a second life in the music room.

How to donate: Please drop off and stack bucket donations in the front office vestibule at your earliest convenience! Thank you for helping us add this fun element to our music room!

Impetigo is a common contagious skin rash that is more common in younger children but can also be found in school age students. It typically presents as honey-colored crusts and scabs or sometimes blisters that open and leave moist red sores followed by dry crusts.

Impetigo needs to be treated with antibiotics, either orally, applied to the sores, or both. If you suspect your child could have impetigo, call your pediatrician so that you can start treatment right away.

PA Department of Health Fact Sheet

Any questions, please reach out to Mrs. LaRose in the nurse's office.

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.

Thank you for your continued partnership in helping us keep our schools safe. As part of our updated visitor-entry procedures, all visitors must have their ID scanned before entering the building. Please plan to remain in the vestibule while security verifies the purpose of your visit with the main office.

These procedures apply to early dismissals, pickups from the nurse’s office, and scheduled meetings. Once your visit has been verified, security will provide direction about entering the building or meeting your child. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we consistently implement these important safety procedures.

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 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.

Mark your calendars, plan ahead, and stay prepared for all that is happening at Indian Lane.

Please click on the link to access the Indian Lane Calendar of Events.

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

Thursday November 5, 2026

6:00-8:00 p.m.

Delaware County Intermediate Unit

200 Yale Ave. Morton, PA 19070

Join the Delaware County Right to Education Local Task Force for this unique event for families and students with special needs. Community organizations providing recreation and leisure opportunities for students with special needs will be present to share information about their organization and how families can get their children involved in a variety of activities outside the school setting. Special Olympics, Flyers Power Hockey, Cheer Teams, along with other organizations will be present! Please join us to see what opportunities are available to your child!

Please use the link below to register for this event by Monday November 2 at 4:00 p.m. Questions about this event please contact Nora Connell nconnell@dciu.org.

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