AGIS News Archive: October 2007

October 31, 2007 All Avon Grove schools will dismiss early and teachers will have conferences with parents on Friday through Wednesday, November 16-21. 
Avon Grove Intermediate School students will be dismissed at 1:05 PM.  Lunches will be served.
Please note - breakfast is not available on early dismissal days.

October 31, 2007 If you missed the first picture day or are not happy with your pictures, retake day is scheduled for Thursday, November 8. 
     Retake day is provided for students who…

• Were absent on September 25
• Entered as new students after September 25
• Forgot their money or order envelopes, or
• Need a retake due to a problem or error.  If so, remember to keep the class group picture and return the rest of the package to school on retake day. 

     If you want a refund and no retake, have your child give the rejected package to the photographer with a note of explanation and your name and address attached.  Lifetouch will mail you a refund.    Additional order forms are available in the office.

October 31, 2007 All visitors are required to sign in at the reception desk before proceeding to any other location in the building.  This includes signing children in or out in the main office, as well as the nurse’s office.  Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

Octobr 31, 2007 Teachers, Parents, Staff:
     Please check out the new Lending Library in our school library.  It's called "Pass It On."  This library consists of books that are for adult reading.  Members of our faculty have either donated or loaned books for you to read.  We hope that you check out this special library and find something that meets your fancy.  Please leave the check out card in the box, and ENJOY!  Some books are labeled "PASS IT ON." Those books do not have to be returned.  Please give those books to another person or just return them.
     The librarians have graciously provided us a shelf in the library to store the collection.  Just follow the balloons, and check out a good book for your pleasure.  Contact Patti Hill at phill@avongrove.org if you have any questions or concerns.

Happy Reading,
AGIS Literacy Team

October 31, 2007 Then we have a volunteer position for you!  The Artist-In-Residence program is looking for volunteers to help with the program and the sixth grade art project.  This position gives you an opportunity to work with our sixth graders, our local artist-in-residence, and our art teachers, as well as other adults with the same interests.  Please contact Mary Ann Feeney for more information at 610-869-1567, or by email at mafeeney4@comcast.net.  Clearances are recommended, but not necessary.

October 30, 2007

• The Powder Puff football games, Nov. 8
• The 5K Turkey Trot, Pump & Run, and one-mile Kids Fun Run, Nov. 17.

To learn more about these and other district events, visit the AGSD Newsroom

October 25, 2007 Earlier this week, Dr. Augustus J. Massaro, Superintendent of Schools, sent a letter and two-page fact sheet home regarding the MRSA bacteria, which has received increased media attention in the last week or so.

The letter indicated one staff member from Fred S. Engle Middle School had been diagnosed with MRSA. After receiving confirmation of this diagnosis, the school was cleaned and disinfected twice.

No additional cases of MRSA among staff or students have been reported to Avon Grove School District officials. Any rumors related to additional cases or impending school closures are false.

The safety of our students, faculty, and staff are top priorities. Our schools are cleaned regularly, and health officials have advised us that practicing good personal hygiene is the best way to prevent staph or MRSA skin infections.

Please visit The AGSD News Room to access additional information on MRSA.

October 24, 2007 Avon Grove Special Education Presents: Dr. Cris Chambers
Topic:  Dealing with Angry Children and Teens

This presentation will include: Conflict Cycle and strategies for de-escalating angry outbursts. Participants will learn about different types of anger. Also, behaviors that warrant additional intervention versus normal expressions of anger will be discussed.

Come join us at the Avon Grove Intermediate school on November 14, 2007 at 7:00 pm

»Download Flyer

October 23, 2007 Recent news reports have focused increased attention on a skin infection called MRSA, which stands for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. MRSA is a form of the common staph bacteria that has developed resistance to certain, but not all, antibiotics. Skin infections caused by MRSA are treatable with proper medical care. More serious blood-related MRSA infections are rare among healthy individuals, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The best defense against MRSA is practicing good personal hygiene. Avon Grove School District has provided fact sheets and other resources for parents regarding MRSA and infection control. »Read More

October 19, 2007"Tea for Two" Literacy Night Monday, Nov 5, 2007 from 6:00 to 7:30 in the AGIS library. Come out for a night of reading and fun.
»Download Flyer

October 18, 2007

BOOK FAIR-OCTOBER 19-26, AGIS AUDION
Friday, October 19, Family Shopping at the Book Fair, 3:00-6:30 PM
Monday - Friday, October 22-26, Book Fair Open, 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM

October 18, 2007 Classroom Halloween parties will be held on October 31.  Costumes may be worn to school, but there are to be no weapons, masks, or glitter.  Any face paint should be applied at home, not at school. Please keep in mind, the treats need to meet the wellness policy guidelines.

October 18, 2007 7:00 - 9:00 PM    DOORS OPEN AT 6:00 PM
     Each $5 ticket includes 14 Bingo cards, crayon, and voucher for a slice of pizza, soda, and chips.  No tickets will be sold at the door.  There will be baked goods and sodas available.  Costumes are encouraged!  No child will be admitted without an adult.

October 18, 2007

Understanding Needs of Individuals in the Quest to Understand Everyone"
Wednesday, November 14
   6:00-7:00 PM UNIQUE meeting - AGI Library
   7:00-8:00 PM Presentation - AGI Audion:
 "Emotions & Anger Management"

October 18, 2007 7:00 - 9:00 PM    DOORS OPEN AT 6:00 PM
     Each $5 ticket includes 14 Bingo cards, crayon, and voucher for a slice of pizza, soda, and chips.  No tickets will be sold at the door.  There will be baked goods and sodas available.  Costumes are encouraged!  No child will be admitted without an adult.

October 18, 2007 Our 16th annual Country Christmas event will be held on December 1 at AGIS so mark your calendars.  The hours will be 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM and all profits will be divided between PLE and AGIS PTA’s for student programs.  The event will feature lots of crafters, entertainment, food, and, of course, classroom baskets.  There are many ways to help out on the day of the event and beforehand.  If you have questions or want to get involved please call Debbie Gebauer at 610-255-0436.

October 18, 2007 The National PTA Reflections Program is an opportunity for all AGIS students to show their talents and creativity.  The 2007-08 theme is "I Can Make A Difference."  Program rules and an entry form were sent home the first week of October. Additional copies are available in the office.  Only original artwork, inspired by the theme, can be submitted no later than Friday, November 2.  Visit the website at www.pta.org/reflections or contact PTA coordinator Ruth Szanto at szanfam5@yahoo.com or 610-255-5922.  Volunteers are needed for the Reflections Gallery and Reception November 27-29 in the AGIS audion.

October 18, 2007 After sharing information in September, we learned about more of our students who participated in the poetry contest.   Congratulations to Rachel S., Bill K., and Christina K.!  Their winning poetry will also be published in A Celebration of Young Poets.

October 18, 2007

ARRIVAL - LATENESS -ABSENCES - NOTES

• Students may not be dropped off before 8:10 unless prior arrangements have been made with the YMCA for morning care.
• Students who arrive between 8:10-8:25 may be dropped off and go directly to their classroom. 
• Students who arrive at 8:25 or after must be brought to the office by their parent/guardian to be signed in and get a late pass before proceeding to their classrooms.
• When a child is entered on our computerized system as absent, an automated dialer calls the home to confirm the absence.  You do not need to call the school unless you get the automated message when you believe your child is in school.  We will then verify the presence or absence of the child and make any necessary corrections or follow-up.
• An excuse note is required for every day a student is absent from school.  A doctor's note is required for absences of 3 days or more.
• When a student is not riding his/her bus home, he/she must have a note.
• A note is required each time your child is late or absent, specifying the reason. 
• If you know ahead of time that your child will be absent due to unavoidable circumstances or an educational trip, you must send a written request to the principal for an excused absence at least two weeks in advance.
• On all notes please be sure to write clearly your child's first and last name, the teacher's name, the time if applicable, and a clear explanation.  Always include the date and your signature.  Thank you for helping to keep AGIS a safe place for your children.

MEDICATION

• Please note that ALL medication dispensed at school requires a note from the parent/guardian AND a note from the physician/health care provider. 
• All medication must be in the original bottle/package and labeled with the correct student's name, correct dosage, and correct instructions. 
• Expired medication will not be administered.

October 16, 2007 The Junior and Senior classes are getting ready to perform Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on November 16-18. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students and Senior Citizens. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time by emailing Mrs. Judge at sjudge@avongrove.org or calling 610-869-3022 ext.3429. All checks must be made payable to AGHS Fall Play. Order soon so you can get the best seats possible!

This year the middle school will be performing in the auditorium of AGHS. Our play this year is none other than High School Musical: The One Act. Tickets will also go on sale at the end of January so please stay tuned

October 15, 2007 Reading Olympics is a countywide competition where students are given the opportunity to display their knowledge of popular books. We are now recruiting 5th and 6th grade students for our Reading Olympics 2008 team.
We are looking for students who love to read and/or need a challenge.  If your son or daughter would enjoy this activity, please read the attached letter for details. October 15, is the last week to sign up for this activity.  If you have any questions or concerns please contact me at phill@avongrove.org 

October 11, 2007 Avon Grove High School will host its second Points of Dispensing (POD) Drill October 29. Members of the public can get a flu shot during the emergency response drill between 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at a cost of $20. Shots will be administered in the high school gymnasium. The school is located at 257 East State Road in West Grove. »Read More

October 11, 2007 Avon Grove School District and Oxford Area School District are scheduled to cosponsor a Cyber Smarts" parent information night on Tuesday, November 13, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the auditorium of Oxford Area High School, 705 Waterway Road, East Nottingham. »Read More

October 4, 2007 You are invited to an Informal Coffee on Wednesday, October 17 at 9:00 AM in the AGI Audion. The topics will include programs, services, specially designed instruction and communication. »Download Flyer (pdf)

October 4, 2007 Please note - the deadline to submit applications for free/reduced meals is Friday, October 19.  Any student who does not have a current application on file by the deadline will have to pay full price for meals.

EL LONCHE GRATIS & REDUCIDO
     El limite para someter una aplicación para el lonche gratis/reducido el viernes, el 19 de octubre.  Cualquier estudiante que no tenga una aplicación completa por esa fecha tendrá que pagar el costo completo para el lonche.

October 4, 2007

Classroom Parties/Celebrations & Snacks

• Foods and beverages for classroom curricular and/or extra-curricular celebrations will not compete with the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs.
• Classroom celebrations will offer no foods of minimal nutritional value.
• Classroom snacks and birthday treats will reinforce the importance of healthy choices and guidance will be provided to parents/guardians.

Rewards

• Food will not be used as a reward for classroom or school activities unless the reward is an activity that promotes a positive nutrition message (i.e. guest chef, field trip to a farm or farmers' market, etc.)

LA NORMA DEL BIENESTAR DEL DISTRITO DE AVON GROVE

Fiestas, celebraciones, y bocados en las aulas

• Las comidas y bebidas para celebraciones curriculares y extra-curriculares no competirán con el Programa Nacional de Almuerzos y Desayunos.
• Celebraciones en las aulas no ofrecerán alimentos con poco valor nutritivo.
• Bocados de la aula y celebraciones de cumpleaños reforzarán la importancia de elecciones saludables e información relativa será disponible para padres/encargados.

Recompensas

• La comida no se usará como una recompensa para actividades escolares a menos que la recompensa sea una actividad que promueve un mensaje positivo de nutrición.  (por ejemplo, un chef visitante, un viaje a una granja o a un mercado de granjeros, etc.)

October 4, 2007The first Friday of every month will be Spirit Day at AGIS.  The theme for each month is as follows:
            November 2 - College Day
            December 7 - Mismatch Day
                January 4 - Professional Team Day
              February 1 - Red Day
                  March 7 - Green Day
                     April 4 - All Colors Day
                     May 2 - Tie-Dye Day
                    June 6 - Hat Day

October 4, 2007This Saturday, October 6, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, Books and Beyond Café in Hockessin, Delaware is hosting a book signing event for 3 local authors of children's and teen's books.  The authors are Donna Nordmark Aviles, Doreen Meredith, and our very own AGIS teacher Dianne Salerni.

October 4, 2007 This year's AG High School Fall Fundraiser Play will be Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Any second or third grader interested in being an Oompa-Loompa or child townsperson should come to the high school auditorium this Saturday, October 6, at 10:00 AM.  Come prepared to read/sing the monologue (available on this week's AGI newsletter).  Also a parent should email Mrs. Judge at sjudge@avongrove.org to let her know you will be coming on October 6.  This will be the first rehearsal and you will get a rehearsal calendar on Saturday. In orer to be a part of the show you will be expected to attend all of your scheduled rehearsals. Other Saturday rehearsals will be from 10:30-12:00. The performances are November 16th at 7:30, 17th at 2:00 & 7:00 PM, and 18th at 2:30 PM.

October 4, 2007 AGIS Art Teacher, Ms. Jill Benjamin will be demon-strating relief carving on pumpkins this fall at Longwood Gardens "Everything Autumn" event.  She will be there from 1:00-4:00 pm on the afternoons of October 6 & 7, 13 & 14, and 27 & 28.

October 3, 2007 For news regarding the 2007 PSSA results and meeting "AYP," as well as information on the growth of Avon Grove's Advanced Placement (AP) Program, a list of AP Scholars, and trend data on the numbers of students taking AP courses and AP exams, see »The Fall 2007 Special Edition of The Grove.