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Liberty Elementary School

News & Happenings

Distributed to Students, Parents and Staff

February 2009                                                                                          8622 Route 414 Liberty, PA  16930           

                                                                                                                                                570-324-2521

We have completed the writing portion of the PSSA assessment (Grade 5) for this year.  Our next hurdles are the math and reading assessments (Grades 3-6) in mid March.  This year’s window for testing is March 17 to March 27.  All of our students and teachers have been working to make sure that students have the core of knowledge that they will need to master these assessments.  We are asking that parents not schedule dental visits or make other routine appointments during that time frame.  Your support with the following would also be appreciated:

• Make sure your children get plenty of rest during the testing window
• Encourage attendance each day
• Talk to your children during the testing weeks reassuring and encouraging them to do their best

How hectic are your mornings before school?  Here are a few suggestions that might make mornings go more smoothly:

• Have your student put his/her backpack by the door each evening.  Make sure lunch money, homework, permission slips, and other necessary materials have been placed in the backpack before children go to bed.
• Check the weather report and suggest appropriate clothing.  Lay out the clothes before bedtime.
• Have children help you pack their lunch or snacks.  They can help decide on a healthy snack for after school.
• Do one more dry run reviewing spelling words, math facts, or other academic work as children get ready to leave the house.
• A hug, kiss, or a high five, accompanied by “have a great day” will help to set the day for your child!

Celebrating

READ ACROSS AMERICA

Students at Liberty Elementary School will join the nationwide celebration of reading the week of March 2nd. First students will attend the production of Seussical Jr. at Mansfield University performed by Hamilton-Gibson members on March 5th. Then on Friday March 6th, a reading partnership will occur between the elementary and high school students. Liberty Elementary students will be visiting the high school and partnering with a reading buddy. High school students will have books and mini-lessons prepared to share with their younger counterparts. LES students will be prepared to read aloud selected passages to their older peers. Both trips will prove to be exciting, educational, and great way to celebrate Read Across America.

Liberty Elementary Terrarium

Hope you have had a chance to stop by the terrarium in the library lobby to meet our newest additions.  Our terrarium habitat is now the home of 4 fire bellied toads purchased for us by LAPAT as well as 1 salamander, 2 White's tree frogs and 1 green tree frog donated to our school by Christine Van Pelt of Muncy.  The frogs, toads and salamander are a bit shy and sometimes scramble when someone approaches the terrarium.  Other times they can be caught basking in the light of the sun lamp which provides a warmer climate needed by these amphibians.  A lunch of crickets is provided daily to all by Jacob Frey and Steven Schmouder who have spent their recess time tending the terrarium.  Thanks to them and to LAPAT for funding this project.   Stop and see!  

LAPAT Meeting Agenda

February 12, 2009

7:30 PM

IN ATTENDENCE: Cathleen Alexander, President; Lisa Cendoma, Parent/Fund-Raising Coordinator; Carolyn Moyer, Treasurer; Lisa Williams, Parent/Teacher;

CALL TO ORDER: 7:33 meeting called to order by Cathleen Alexander.

SECRETARY’S REPORT: The minutes from last meeting were read and no corrections needed. LAPAT is still looking for a secretary.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Checking Balance: $2026, Savings Balance: $8615.81

OLD BUSINESS: I’ve Got Your Back T-shirts: We discussed this but we need size information and a date of when they are needed. We will write the check and tally and order these but we need more info.

Wolfgang Sale: Will start on February 19 and end March 2. We will need help the week of March 2 through 6, anyone who can come in and help review/verify orders.

Pure Life Water Labels: These help us win playground equipment for our school.

Santa’s Secret Shop: Sign on bonus if we sign up now. We discussed this and decided to sign on.

NEW BUSINESS: Read Across America Books: We discussed this and voted to go ahead and sign up. We will get free books and have to pay only shipping.

PSSA Snacks: We do not need to provide these snacks this year. We may want to provide a snack for the kids for after the test but we can discuss this at our next meeting.

LAPAT Meeting Changes: We have decided to change the meetings back to afterschool every 2nd Thursday of the month. No more evening meetings. REQUEST: Emergency Kits: We discussed this matter and we think these are a necessity. LAPAT is formatting a list of items we feel we need to include in these kits.

Mr. Kitchen request a bus to go to Pepper’s Dairy. Motion made and passed. MOTION TO ADJOURN: Motion made by Lisa to close. Meeting adjourned 8:36.