1

February 2015

Inside this Issue

1 Principal’s Corner Change in Early Dismissal

2 Attendance Update Attendance Chart BEST Percentages Good Citizens – December Good Citizens – January

3 PTO News

4 Spring Pictures Curt Hoffman Scholarship Winter Recesses Important Information Clothing Requests Upcoming Events

5 Art News Emergency Communications Notes from the Music Room Physical Education

6 StAR News EL News Social Worker/GOTR Student Council Upcoming Events – Continued

7 Literacy Corner The C.A.P.S. Program

8 Rachel’s Challenge Major Saver Book Rental Pop Tab Collection Coming Next Month…

9 Kindergarten Registration

John Wood Elementary School 6100 E. 73

rd Ave.

Merrillville, Indiana 46410 (219) 650-5305 http://merrillville.schoolwires.net/wood

The John Wood Parent Newsletter

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Principal’s Corner Mrs. Crussen

John Wood Elementary School is a tremendous place because of the relentless dedication of the teachers, staff, parents, school board, and central office staff to the success of the students. I want to thank all of the wonderful parents and staff members for their participation in parent/teacher conferences. John Wood Elementary School had 93% participation in parent teacher conferences. This demonstrates that we are all willing to work together to do whatever it takes to help the children learn and grow as individuals. Not surprisingly, research shows that the more parents and teachers share relevant information with each other about a student, the better equipped both will be to help that student achieve academically. At Wood there are many opportunities for two-way communication including:

Parent/Teacher conferences Parent-Teacher Organization Meetings Communication folders and agendas with student work sent

home for parent review and comment Family events Phone calls E-mail, school website, and online grade accessibility Informative monthly school newsletters and class newsletters

The great diversity amongst families means that it is not possible to rely on a single method of communication. It is essential that a variety of strategies, adapted to the needs of particular families and their schedules, be incorporated into an overall plan. I wanted to remind you that parents are welcome to contact teachers any time via email, phone, or by scheduling a meeting. Open lines of communication are essential for maintaining positive relationships. John Wood Elementary School earned an A rating by the Indiana Department of Education this year. We will continue to strive for excellence and work together to help all of our children to reach their fullest potential.

Due to ECA testing at the high school:

Thursday,

February 19, 2015 NO EARLY DISMISSAL

Students will be dismissed at 2:25 p.m. on this day.

Regular “Early Dismissal

Thursdays” will resume on February 26

th.

2

Good Citizens December 2014

Kindergarten

Caleb Turner – Mrs. Anderson Siobhan Diaz – Mrs. Shalla Aidan Luskey – Miss Welsh

1

st Grade

Gabriel Robb – Mrs. Bashore Roman Martinez – Mrs. Frink

2

nd Grade

Reagan Luedtke – Mrs. Carney Adriana Rodriguez – Mrs. Radivan

Sarah Torri – Mrs. McLaughlin

3rd

Grade Andrew Schulatz – Mrs. Mahy

Ethan Popovich – Miss Pettineo

4th

Grade Hannah Morandi – Mrs. Thanos

Savanna Woodruff – Miss Vlassopoulos

Good Citizens January 2015

Kindergarten

Jeneane Crockett – Mrs. Anderson Michael Frost – Mrs. Shalla

Brandon Pulliam – Miss Welsh

1st

Grade Shu Jing Zheng – Mrs. Bashore

Selena Gilbert – Mrs. Frink

2nd

Grade Guy Conti – Mrs. Carney/Mr. Paulus

Michael McDaniel – Mrs. Radivan Draven Niaves – Mrs. McLaughlin

3

rd Grade

Andrea Rocha – Mrs. Mahy Jovanco Mizimak – Miss Pettineo

4

th Grade

Thomas Pagan – Mrs. Thanos Alonso Carrasco–Miss Vlassopoulos

Attendance Update

As part of our PL 221 School Improvement Plan, each month we recognize the classrooms with the best attendance. These classes receive a traveling trophy to place in their room to recognize their accomplishment. The classes with the best attendance for the month of December were:

Grade K – Mrs. Anderson (95.97%) Grade 3 – Miss Pettineo (96.00%) Grade 1 – Mrs. Bashore (95.69%) Grade 4 – Mrs. Thanos (96.38%) Grade 2 – Mrs. McLaughlin (97.78%)

The classes with the best attendance for the month of January were:

Grade K – Mrs. Anderson (96.32%) Grade 3 – Miss Pettineo (98.65%) Grade 1 – Mrs. Bashore (96.57%) Grade 4 – Mrs. Thanos (96.55%) Grade 2 – Mrs. McLaughlin (97.23%)

Monthly attendance for John Wood School is shown in the graph below. Thank you and let’s stay healthy!

Our BEST Behavior! % of students not receiving a misbehavior slip

outside of the classroom

Grade Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May

Kdg 93% 87% 72% 86% 75%

1 98% 96% 96% 98% 98%

2 96% 95% 91% 93% 96%

3 100% 96% 100% 93% 89%

4 96% 94% 80% 92% 96%

Reminder It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to call and let the school office know

why a child is not in school. Make sure you

call 650-5305 then press 2 before 9 AM if your child

will not be in school.

3

PTO News

Our next PTO meeting will be Wednesday, March 4

th at 5:30 p.m. As

always, everyone is invited including children.

Box Tops/Campbell’s Labels/ Coke Points

Snowballs are landing everywhere! John Wood supporters have been turning in a flurry of Box Tops, Campbell’s Labels, and Coke Points. The Great Snowball Challenge of 2015 has been extended until the end of February. Continue sending in those box/tops and labels and receive “snowballs” to “throw” at others. Remember to put your name and teacher on the bag before turning it in so we know who to give the snowballs to.

Spring Book Fair The dates are set for our annual Scholastic Book Fair. This year’s book fair will be held the week of March 9

th.

All students will visit the fair twice with their class. The first time will be an opportunity to browse and perhaps make a “wish list” of the books they are interested in purchasing. During their second visit students will be able to purchase the books from the displays. In addition, there will be a Family Night on March 12

th from 4:30-6:30 p.m. when

families are invited to shop in our book fair. We are planning a few additional activities for that evening. Watch for more information to be coming home soon. A volunteer sheet will also be coming home. Please consider signing up to help during Book Fair Week.

Market Day Our next Market Day pick up will be on Tuesday, February 17

th. We

appreciate all who order from this monthly fundraiser. If you have any questions about this fundraiser, please call Mrs. Mercer at 947-3170.

SimpleQpons We recently concluded our first-ever SimpleQpons fundraiser. Coupon books were sent home to every John Wood family and staff member. Staff and students were asked to take orders for the books. We are thrilled to

announce that a total of 276 books were sold. That’s over $2,700 for our PTO! Unfortunately, we still have about 30 books that have not yet been returned or paid for. Therefore, the company will be obligated to deduct the cost of those books from our final total. If you have forgotten to return or pay for your sample book, please resolve the situation as soon as possible.

Top Selling Student Conner Tabla – Mrs. Mahy’s class

Conner sold 18 books! He received a gift bag which included a $15 gift

certificate to our upcoming Book Fair.

Top Selling Students The following students sold seven or

more books. These students will receive a special reward from the PTO.

Emily Allen, Harmony Beal, Michael Frost, Brian Horton,

Sania Jones, Ty Mercer, Kylie Rohder, Alphonso Royal,

Conner Tabla

Top Selling Staff Member Mrs. Gates

Mrs. Gates sold nine books and won a free coupon book. She kindly donated her free book back to the PTO to help cover the loss of unreturned/unpaid

books.

Class with the most books turned in on time

Miss Pettineo Miss Pettineo had 100% of her students return their books/orders/money by the

deadline date.

Top Selling Class Mrs. Thanos

Mrs. Thanos’s class sold a total of 31 books! Way to go!

We had a total of 92 students participate in this fundraiser. All students who sold at least one book received a treat bag from the PTO. Thank you to everyone who returned your books, orders, and money so promptly!

Fun Fair We have begun discussing our annual Fun Fair which is tentatively scheduled for April 24

th. From past

experience, we know that the Fun Fair cannot take place without the support

and help of our parents. The Fun Fair is the largest event of the year and we will need all the help we can get. Mark your calendars now so you will be available to help that evening. Remember that this event can only be as successful as YOU make it.

Five Below In November and December we had two Five Below fundraiser weekends. If you shopped at the store and presented the cashier with a flyer from our school, a portion of your purchase was donated to our PTO. We are pleased to announce that we received a check from Five Below for $100! Thank you to those who were able to support our PTO with this fundraiser.

Plastic Caps We are delighted that we were able to collect enough plastic caps to be able to earn a bench from Lake County Solid Waste Management. We have not yet heard whether or not they will be offering this program again next year, but we have decided to continue collecting…just in case.

Caps that are permitted include (but not limited to):

Drinks – bottled water, pop, milk, juice, creamer

Food – peanut butter, sour cream, mayonnaise, cottage cheese, margarine, ketchup, spray cans (like PAM)

Household – liquid laundry detergent, fabric softeners, cleaners

Personal – shampoo, aspirin, vitamins, prescriptions

Caps that are NOT permitted:

Caps that contain any metal – No beer bottle, baby food, etc. that are metal or have any part that is metal.

Trigger or pump caps – These contain metal springs inside.

Fast food lids

Snowman Christopher Drake – Grade 4

4

Curt Hoffman Scholarship

A $500 scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior from MHS who also attended John Wood Elementary School for a minimum of three years. Students who were in the Honors Program are eligible provided they lived in the John Wood School district during those years. Interested students need to ask for an application in the MHS guidance office. The deadline to turn in applications is April 17, 2015. This scholarship was created in memory of Mr. Curt Hoffman. Mr. Hoffman was principal of John Wood School from 1989-1998, when he lost his battle with cancer.

Winter Recesses

During the winter months, our students go outside whenever the actual temperature or wind chill temperature is 15° or above (as long as the playground is in an acceptable condition for playing). Please make sure your child is dressed for the weather with a winter coat, boots, hat, gloves or mittens, and a scarf. If you need assistance providing these items for your child, please feel free to contact our social worker. The colder weather also brings more requests for students to stay indoors for recess. The Elementary Handbook states that if a student needs to stay inside for more than three days, a doctor’s note is necessary.

Important Information

It is vital that we have your current home phone number

on file in our office. We have an automated system that is used when we need to notify you quickly with

important information. If we have an incorrect or

disconnected number, you may not get the notice.

Clothing Requests Do you have clothes that your children have outgrown? We are always looking for backup clothing for the office. Occasionally children have “accidents” or slip and fall into mud or water. We try to provide clean, dry clothing for the child so that they can get back to class quickly. As you are beginning to go through the closets looking for items to put into your garage sale, try to keep us in mind. Sweatpants are always welcome, along with t-shirts, sweatshirts, and new, unused underwear. When selecting clothing for young children to wear to school, please be mindful of buttons or buckles that are sometimes difficult to undo. Many of the “accidents” result from the child not being able to undo their clothing quickly enough. Thank you for your assistance and cooperation.

Gold Note Dismissal Forms

A signed and dated “Gold Note” is needed from the parent if” your child is going anywhere other

than their regular after-school destination.

your child is going home with another student. (We will also need a note from that parent.)

your child will be picked up instead of riding the bus.

Please refrain from calling at the end of the day with verbal pick-up orders. Things get hectic, and messages are not always received on short notice.

If there is no note, students will go home on the bus as usual.

Gold Notes are available in the school office and on the school’s website.

Upcoming Events

February 16 President’s Day There will be NO SCHOOL on this day.

February 17 Market Day Pick-up 2:30-3:30 p.m., Cafeteria If you placed a Market Day order, today is the day to pick it up. For more information, call Mrs. Mercer at 947-3170. February 19 NO EARLY DISMISSAL Due to ECA testing at the high school, there will be no early dismissal this day. School will be dismissed at 2:25 p.m. February 20 Last Day for Required Reading Today is the last day to test on required reading for this grading period. February 22 Lake County Read-a-Thon Ends Today is the last day to read for the Lake County Public Library Read-a-Thon. Please collect your money and turn it in to Mrs. Farver promptly. February 26 Early Dismissal – 1:25 p.m.

Please plan for your child to be home approximately one hour

earlier on this day. February 27 End of Second Trimester Today is the end of the fourth grading period and the second trimester. Report cards will either be handed out at a Parent-Teacher Conference on March 12

th or will come home with your child on

March 13th.

March-April ISTEP+ and IREAD Testing There are several essential tests that are given during March and April. We would like to remind you that attendance is important on these days. One of the best things you can do to prepare your child for these tests is to make sure they get a good night’s sleep and eat a nourishing breakfast.

March 4 PTO Meeting, Cafeteria 2:30 p.m. Join us as we continue making plans for the remainder of the school year, including our ever-popular fun fair. March 5 Early Dismissal – 1:25 p.m.

Please plan for your child to be home approximately one hour

earlier on this day.

March 8 Daylight Savings Time Remember to set your clocks FORWARD one hour.

March 9 Lake County Read-a-Thon Money Due Today is the last day to turn in your money to Mrs. Farver.

continued on page 4

Penguin Amelia DeSalle – Grade 3

5

Art News Mrs. Stevanovic

In honor of Black History Month, we will be getting to know Folk Artist Horace Pippin as our Artist of the Month. He was an African-American artist who fought with the Harlem's Hell Fighters in WWI. His right arm was injured during the war and for the rest of his life he had to use his left hand to guide his dominant right hand to create his artwork. We will also be studying African Art throughout the month of February. The 4

th Grade will be drawing and

painting Maasai figures. The students in 3

rd Grade will be

sketching and painting Senufo mud cloths. Second Graders will be creating mud huts at sunset paintings and the 1

st grade classes

will be drawing and then decorating torn paper giraffes. Remember to watch for our “Spotlight on Art” throughout this newsletter.

Notes from the Music Room

Mrs. Timmerman

In music, kindergarteners have been learning about high and low sounds. We listen to identify if sounds or pitches are high or low and whether the notes are going up or going down. We are also exploring the expressive qualities in music, such as fast or slow (the tempo) and loud or soft (the dynamics). First graders have been playing the Orff instruments. Orff instruments are xylophones, metallophones and glockenspiels in various sizes with removable bars that were designed by German composer Carl Orff to use for teaching children. We have learned how to hold the mallets correctly and how to find higher and lower sounds. We have also been reading melody and rhythm patterns from pictures in preparation for moving to music notation. Second graders have begun learning songs for their spring music program. The second grade music program will be Tuesday, March 24

th at 6:00 p.m.

here at John Wood School. Our theme this year is “Fun and Games.” We are learning some singing games from the U.S. and other countries. Third graders are practicing ostinatos. An ostinato is a rhythm, melody, or spoken pattern that repeats throughout a song or rhyme. This skill improves thinking and concentration because the ostinato part is different from the song or rhyme. Fourth graders are busy learning to play the recorder. We are starting “Recorder Karate.” Students can earn “belts” to put on their recorders as they master songs. The songs get progressively more difficult with additional notes and new rhythms. Fourth graders are encouraged to continue practicing note names to improve their pitch reading skill. Free online practice can be done at www.musictheory.net, or you can download the game “Staff Wars.”

Physical Education

Mr. Battista Greetings from the Gym! We are busy in Physical Education Class. This month we are participating in our jump rope unit and basketball skill unit. As usual, we are working on increasing our fitness levels, cooperating with others, and being a good sport. Questions you can ask your child:

What is one type of jump you learned?

Why are we learning about jump ropes in P.E. class?

How do you demonstrate sportsmanship during an activity?

Why is it called Phy. Ed., P.E. or Physical Education and not gym class?

Please remind your child to bring their P.E. shoes to the gym for their own safety. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s fitness or skill level, don’t hesitate to contact me via: tbattista@mvsc.k12.in.us. I hope you have a great month!

Updates from the Staff

You already get regular updates in the form of notes and newsletters from your child’s classroom teacher, but what about other staff members your child may see? In this section, you will get updates each month from various staff members in an effort to keep you informed about what is happening in these rooms.

Emergency Communications

In cases of inclement weather or other emergency situations, there may be times when school may be cancelled or delayed. In those cases, information will be broadcast over the following television and radio stations. Television Radio WYIN-TV WJOB – 1230 AM CBS-TV WZVN – 107 FM NBC-TV WAKE – 1500 AM ABC-TV WGN – 720 AM WGN WBBM – 780 AM FOX CLTV News Delays and closings will also be posted on the Merrillville Community School Corporation website at http://merrillville.schoolwires.net. You may also choose to receive an email notification by registering with an outside service. Registration for this service is available at the Merrillville Schools website listed above.

Polar Bear Shu Jing Zheng – Grade 1

6

StAR News (Students Achieve

Reading) Mrs. Gates

Reading is taking place all over the school. Many students are reading and testing for their SRI points. Keep up the great work. Mrs. Gates’ students are working on many skills including inferences, sequence, fact vs. opinion, and cause and effect. Third and fourth graders continue to prepare for the IREAD and ISTEP testing. It is important for the students to continue reading the leveled books. The more you read the smarter you get. If anyone feels that there is a need to meet with Mrs. Gates to discuss what is happening in her class, please feel free to call her at 650-5305 EXT 6538.

EL News (English Learners)

Mrs. Guzman This month in Mrs. Guzman’s EL Class we are focusing on the new language assessment called WIDA. You received a letter home in January about this test. So far, students are doing a great job concentrating and giving their best efforts. I would like to stress how important it is for students to get a good night’s rest. Please make sure your child is well rested for the next day. On another note, please make sure that your child is reading their required reading books at home. Ask them questions about what they are reading and read with them! Students love to tell me how much fun it was to read their book with a parent, guardian, or sibling. I know that with the weather being so cold it is hard to get students motivated. Try playing some board games, painting, or doing a fun Valentine’s craft. That should keep them smiling!

Social Worker Corner/

Girls on the Run Mrs. Brown-Gilliam

Mrs. Fleming John Wood School is excited to be taking part in Girls on the Run (GOTR). The program is being offered to our 4

th grade girls. We will

participate in the spring session where the girls will be working on life skills through dynamic, interactive lessons and running games which will help them prepare for a 5k run in May at Highland High School. The 10-week season begins the first week in March and ends in May. Several of the schools in Merrillville are also participating in GOTR. There are only 15 slots available per school. Information was sent home. If your daughter is interested in being part of GOTR you can register online. Please contact Mrs. Fleming at 650-5432 if you have any questions.

We look forward to having our girls be part of Girls on the Run.

Student Council Student Council has decided that they would like to organize another small food drive. For this food drive, each grade will be given a special item to purchase. We will be contacting the Ross Township Food Pantry to see what they need. Once we know their requests we will send home a note letting you know what your child’s grade level is being asked to donate.

Upcoming Events

continued from page 3

March 9-13 Book Fair Week More information will be coming home soon.

March 12 Early Dismissal – 1:25 p.m.

Please plan for your child to be home approximately one hour

earlier on this day.

March 12 Parent-Teacher Conferences 4:30-7:30 p.m. These conferences will be on an as-needed basis. Your child’s teacher will be in contact with you if a conference is necessary.

March 12 Book Fair Family Night 4:30-6:30 p.m. More information will be coming home soon.

March 13 Report Cards Report cards will come home today with students who did not require a Parent-Teacher Conference.

March 17 Market Day Pick-up 2:30-3:30 p.m., Cafeteria If you placed a Market Day order, today is the day to pick it up. For more information, call Mrs. Mercer at 947-3170.

March 19 Major Saver Fundraiser All students in the Merrillville Community School Corporation will have the opportunity to sell these cards that can be used at area businesses. More information will come home as we near this date.

March 19 Early Dismissal – 1:25 p.m.

Please plan for your child to be home approximately one hour

earlier on this day.

March 23 Kindergarten Registration 8:30-Noon, 1:00-2:45 Today is the day to register those youngsters for next year’s Kindergarten class. There is a flyer attached to this newsletter for more information. Please feel free to pass along this information as needed.

March 24 Second Grade Music Program Multi-Purpose Room, 6:00 p.m. Our second graders have been busy practicing and tonight is the night that they will be performing for family and friends. The students have worked hard learning songs about “Fun and Games” and are excited to share these songs with everyone.

March 26 Early Dismissal – 1:25 p.m.

Please plan for your child to be home approximately one hour

earlier on this day.

April 3-10 Spring Break No school for all students. School will resume on Monday, April 13

th.

Poinsettias Michael Rivera – Grade 1

7

Literacy Corner Miss Zorich

Fix-up Monitoring

During February, students in grades K-2 will be learning how to use fix-up monitoring strategies while reading. Readers need to monitor how well they understand what they are reading. They also need to know what to do when they do not understand what they are reading. They need to know how to “fix-up” their reading. Readers can monitor and fix-up their reading in the following ways:

Reread a sentence, passage or paragraph when something doesn’t make sense.

Slow down and think about what you are reading or what the author wants you to learn.

Try to figure out the meaning of unknown words in order to understand the text.

Use sticky notes or paper to keep track of characters or events in the text.

Making Connections

During February, students in grade 4 will be learning how to make connections while reading. When readers make connections to text, they relate information they already know to the text they are reading. It is important that connections deepen a reader’s understanding of the text and do not distract from it. There are three types of text connections. Text to Self: a reader makes a personal connection to the text

Strong Connection o The character in the story

almost misses the bus to school because she dropped her backpack and her things scattered all over the front yard. The reader can make a connection to the feelings of the character or the reaction of the character if the reader has had a similar experience.

Distracting Connection o I bought a new backpack on

Saturday.

Text to Text: a reader makes a connection to the text he/she is currently reading to a text that he/she has already read

Strong Connection o The reader remembers

reading a previous story about African American baseball players and makes a connection when reading a Time for Kids article on the passing of Mr. Cub, Ernie Banks.

Distracting Connection o I have a Cubs shirt.

Text to World: the reader makes a connection between the text and something in the world

Strong Connection o The class is studying extreme

weather. The class reads a story about a tsunami in Japan. A student recalls the location of Japan on the map from a previous discussion.

Distracting Connection o I ate Japanese food for my

birthday.

Making Inferences At the end of February all students will review the strategy of making inferences. Readers infer or make an inference when they use clues in the text to figure out something the author has not said. Here are some ways to make or state inferences:

Use clues from the story to figure out what is happening or why it is happening.

Use clues about a character’s actions, words or thoughts.

Use clues to figure out why the author wrote the text.

From the events in the story so far, I think _____will happen.

The graphics or pictures on page _____ suggest that _______will happen.

I think this happened because…

The C.A.P.S. Program

Starting in January 2015 the Merrillville Town Court with the support of Merrillville Schools launched the C.A.P.S. (Consistent Attendance Promotes Success) Program. After Merrillville Town Court Ordinance #14-32 was passed, it opened the door to establish a truancy court system to support schools, students and their families in addressing attendance, such as being excessively absent and tardy to school. Research has shown that students who attend school consistently have a greater likelihood of academic success. The truancy court will focus on addressing attendance problems head on by having students and parent(s) share with the Merrillville town court judge their attendance issues and be given the opportunity to explain their circumstance. The judge will then give the student and his/her family options, which will consist of community services and supports, rather than the fines traditionally associated with this type of noncompliance. Those options will come in the form of community support provided by the Geminus Corporation, while working in tandem with the Merrillville Town Court Judge to provide supportive alternatives. Here in Merrillville Schools we want all of our students to have the opportunity to experience success on multiple levels, and we believe that the newly established C.A.P.S. program will support Merrillville School students and their families in that endeavor.

Birds on Birch

Tyler Knight – Grade 2

8

Rachel’s Challenge During the month of February, John Wood students are taking part in Rachel’s Challenge. This challenge exists to equip and inspire individuals to replace acts of violence, bullying, and negativity with acts of respect, kindness, and compassion. Rachel’s Challenge is based on the life and writings of Rachel Joy Scott who died when she was only 15 years old in Littleton, Colorado in 1999. Through her example, Rachel’s Challenge is making a positive impact in the lives of millions of people every year. Rachel’s inspiring story provides a simple, yet powerful example of how small acts of kindness and acceptance motivate us to consider our relationships with the people we come in contact with every day. Rachel’s Challenge renews our hope that our life has meaning and purpose. Rachel’s story gives us permission to start our own chain reaction of kindness and compassion, which positively affects the climate in our schools and communities. These are the goals of Rachel’s Challenge:

Look for the best in others. Dream big – Set goals and keep

a journal. Choose positive influences. Speak with kindness. Start your own chain reaction.

We recently sent home with every student several strips of paper. Please write any acts of kindness that your child or anyone in your house performs during the month of February and send them to school with your child. The teacher will collect them and send them to the office. We will be writing positive acts of kindness at school as well. We will be making a paper chain of kindness to demonstrate how all of the positive acts will add up and have a positive impact on the lives of others. If you run out of paper, you can use any paper cut into a 2” by 11” strip.

Major Saver

John Wood School will be participating in a corporation-wide fundraiser. All students in Merrillville schools will be selling cards that can be used for discounts at area restaurants and businesses. Money collected by this fundraiser will go to the Merrillville Education Foundation, which funds many grants for classrooms throughout the year. A portion of the profit will also be returned to our school. The Major Saver campaign will begin with a “kick-off” on March 19

th.

All students will attend a 10-15 minute assembly. A Major Saver staff member will inform the students of campaign details, dates, incentives and safe selling techniques. The student sales flyer will come home on that day with more information.

Book Rental

All book rental is now due. If a full payment is not possible, payments are acceptable until the obligation is met. Please contact our office to make arrangements for a payment plan. Checks must be made out to “John Wood School” and must have your driver’s license number on the check.

ECD - $75 Kindergarten - $137

1st Grade - $160

2nd

Grade - $150 3

rd Grade - $132

4th Grade - $137

Thank you to all of the parents who have already paid their child’s book rental.

Pop Tab Collection To many, a pop tab is just a piece of aluminum with one purpose – to open a can. But to the Ronald McDonald House of Indiana, the pop tab is a valuable resource. Why? Collected pop tabs are recycled, generating much-needed funds to support the Ronald McDonald House and the nearly 1,500 families we serve each year. In the years since the program began over one billion pop tabs have been donated generating about $500,000 in pop tab revenue for the House. Funds received from the recycling of tabs usually adds up to between $30,000 and $50,000 annually. All this money goes to the operating expenses of the Ronald McDonald House of Indiana and can cover the cost of operating three rooms in the House for an entire year. How can you help? John Wood School is now collecting pop tabs for Ronald McDonald House. Simply remove the pop tab from the aluminum can and put them in your favorite collection container. When you are ready to send them to school, just put them in a Ziploc-type bag and send them with your child. There’s no competition, no goal, no prizes…just the gift of compassion.

Coming in next month’s issue:

3rd and 4th Grade Honor Roll

Perfect Attendance for the

Second Trimester

Birds on Birch Wyatt Johnson – Grade 2

9

MERRILLVILLE COMMUNITY

SCHOOL CORPORATION

6701 Delaware Street, Merrillville, IN 46410-3586

(219) 650-5300 FAX (219) 650-5320

www.mvsc.k12.in.us

ADMINISTRATION

"We Strive For Excellence"

ANTHONY M. LUX, Ph.D. Interim Superintendent

HILDA DAMIANICK Ass’t Superintendent

Business Affairs

KARA S. BONIN Director, Elementary

Curriculum and Instruction

LORRI COVACIU, Ed.S. Director, Secondary

Curriculum and Instruction

DANNY LACKEY Director

Diversity and Student Support Services

STEVEN J. KERR

Coordinator Technology Services

JANELLE BOWEN

Director Media Services

JANIS QUALIZZA Athletic Director

BRAD BEST

Director Security

DAVID R. HARMAN Director Transportation

JOSEPH BARDESON

Director Maintenance Services

COLLEEN HOSTETLER

Director Food Services

BOARD

OF

SCHOOL TRUSTEES

MARK S. LUCAS President

JAMES DONOHUE

Vice-President

LINDA C. JONAITIS Secretary

THOMAS G. BAINBRIDGE

Member

OFELIA GREGOLINE Member

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION SPRING 2015

The Merrillville Community School Corporation has scheduled registration dates for Kindergarten classes beginning in August 2015. If your child will be five (5) years old on or before August 1, 2015 you are urged to enroll at the school serving your area on the date listed below. The hours are 8:30am-11:00am & 12:00pm-2:45pm. Families whose last names begin with A-N are asked to register in the morning and those whose last names begin with O-Z to register in the afternoon. If you are unable to register at your home school you may register at one of the other schools. Because of immunization restrictions we will not enroll new students on the first day of school.

Mon., Mar 23: Wood School, 6100 East 73rd Avenue 650-5305

Tues., Mar 24: Salk School, 3001 West 77th Avenue 650-5304

Weds., Mar 25: Miller School, 5901 Waite Street 650-5303

Thurs., Mar 26: Iddings School, 7249 Van Buren Street 650-5302

Fri., Mar 27: Fieler School, 407 West 61st Avenue 650-5301

BRING WITH YOU:

Your child

Your child’s State Board of Health Birth Certificate (a hospital certificate of birth is NOT acceptable).

Your child's updated record of immunizations. Immunization, physical and dental forms are available in the main office of all elementary buildings. You may obtain immunizations from your doctor or call the Lake County Board of Health for information at 755-3655.

If you have legal guardianship of a child, bring a copy of the court issued custodial papers.

REQUIRED PROOF OF RESIDENCY:

Every parent/guardian enrolling a student must provide a driver’s license or a state picture identification card with a current address for the school to photocopy. The copy will be placed in the student’s file.

HOMEOWNERS: (3 of the following 4 are required):

Indiana driver’s license or state ID with current address – Must Provide

Utility bills (NIPSCO, water, sewer)

Deed, contract or mortgage statement

Lake County tax bill

RENTERS/LEASERS:

Indiana driver’s license or state ID with current address – Must Provide

Utility bills (NIPSCO, water, sewer)

Rent or lease agreement – Must Provide and Include the Following:

Parent/guardian name on the agreement

School age student on the agreement as tenants

Beginning and ending date of agreement Name and phone number of the manager/landlord (may be contacted to confirm residency)

Please note that this information is required even if you have other children in the Merrillville Community School Corporation.

Office of the Director of Elementary Education 1/7/14

Revised 2/21/14

10

MERRILLVILLE COMMUNITY

SCHOOL CORPORATION

6701 Delaware Street, Merrillville, IN 46410-3586

(219) 650-5300 FAX (219) 650-5320

www.mvsc.k12.in.us

ANTHONY M. LUX, Ph.D. Interim Superintendent

HILDA DAMIANICK Ass’t Superintendent

Business Affairs

KARA S. BONIN Director, Elementary

Curriculum and Instruction

LORRI COVACIU, Ed.S. Director, Secondary

Curriculum and Instruction

DANNY LACKEY Director

Diversity and Student Support Services

STEVEN J. KERR

Coordinator Technology Services

JANELLE BOWEN

Director Media Services

JANIS QUALIZZA Athletic Director

BRAD BEST

Director Security

DAVID R. HARMAN Director Transportation

JOSEPH BARDESON

Director Maintenance Services

COLLEEN HOSTETLER

Director Food Services

BOARD

OF

SCHOOL TRUSTEES

MARK S. LUCAS President

JAMES DONOHUE

Vice-President

LINDA C. JONAITIS Secretary

THOMAS G. BAINBRIDGE

Member

OFELIA GREGOLINE Member

ADMINISTRATION

"We Strive For Excellence"

INSCRIPCIONES PARA EL JARDIN DE NIÑOS PRIMAVERA DEL 2015

La Corporación de Escuelas Comunitarias de Merrillville ha programado los días para las inscripciones del Jardín de Niños empezando en agosto del 2015. Si su hijo/a tiene o cumple (5) años en o antes del 1º de agosto del 2015, tiene que apresurarse a inscribir a su hijo/a en la escuela localizada en su área en las fechas indicadas abajo. El horario será de las 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM & 12:00 PM. - 2:45 PM. Les agradeceríamos que las familias de los apellidos que empiezan de la A - N vengan en la mañana y las familias de los apellidos que empiezan de la O - Z vengan en la tarde. Si no le es posible inscribirlos en el día especificado, por favor hágalo en alguna de las otras escuelas. Debido a las nuevas restricciones en el registro de vacunas, los estudiantes de nuevo ingreso no podrán ser matriculados en el primer día de clases.

Lunes 23 de Marzo: Escuela Wood, 6100 East 73rd Avenue 650-5305

Martes 24 de Marzo : Escuela Salk, 3001 West 77th Avenue 650-5304

Miércoles 25 de Marzo: Escuela Miller, 5901 Waite Street 650-5303

Jueves 26 de Marzo: Escuela Iddings, 7249 Van Buren Street 650-5302

Viernes 27 de Marzo Escuela Fieler 407 West. 61st. Avenue 650-5301

FAVOR DE TRAER LO SIGUIENTE: A su hijo/a, para un examen de vista y audición.

El acta de nacimiento ( la constancia del hospital NO ES ACEPTABLE)

La tarjeta de vacunas actualizada. Formas para las vacunas, examen físico y dental están disponibles en las oficinas de cada escuela primaria. Puede obtener la vacunas ya sea por parte de su doctor o llamar al Departamento de Salud del Condado de Lake para más información llame al 755-3655.

Si usted tiene la custodia legal de un niño(a), favor de traer una copia de los papeles emitidos por la corte de custodias

COMPROBANTES DOMICILIARIOS Cada padre/tutor debe proporcionar la licencia de manejo, identificación del estado o Matricula Consular con la

dirección actual para que la escuela pueda sacarle copia. Esta copia será archivada en el expediente del estudiante.

DUEÑOS DE CASA: (3 de los 4 siguientes comprobantes son necesarios)

Licencia de manejo, identificación del estado de Indiana o Matrícula Consular con la dirección actual - Esto es mandatario.

Recibos de pago (NISPCO, agua, drenaje).

Título, contrato o recibo de la hipoteca.

Recibo de impuestos del Condado de Lake.

INQUILINOS/ARRENDTARIOS:

Licencia de manejo, identificación del estado de Indiana o Matrícula Consular con la dirección actual - Esto es mandatario.

Recibos de pago (NISPCO, agua, drenaje)

Contrato de renta/arrendamiento – Debe proveer e incluir lo siguiente:

El nombre del padre/tutor en el contrato

Debe incluir a los estudiantes de edad escolar en el contrato como inquilinos.

Nombre y teléfono del encargado/dueño (Tal vez nos comuniquemos con ellos para verificar la información).

Debe incluir la fecha inicial y final del contrato. Por favor tome en cuenta que esta información es requerida aun cuando usted tenga otros estudiantes en las escuelas de la corporación.

Oficina del Asistente del Superintendente Revisada en 02/11/2015

“NOS ESFORZAMOS POR LA EXCELENCIA”

11

12