AGIS News Archive: October 2008

October 30, 2008 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 30, 2008

If you missed the first picture day or are not happy with your pictures, retake day is scheduled for Thursday, November 6.
Retake day is provided for students who…

• Were absent on September 23
• Entered as new students after September 23
• 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 30, 2008 No bus passes can be honored for buses 2, 4, 15, and 18. They are full. Thanks for your cooperation.

October 30, 2008

October 30, 2008 For the eighth year, the Citadel Heart of Learning Award committee will be recognizing and rewarding outstanding teachers. You are encouraged to nominate a deserving teacher whose hard work and dedication has touched the lives of students, families, and the community.
For the first time, video nominations will be accepted. They can be submitted through their website CitadelHeartofLearning.com. They should be no longer than 5 minutes or no larger than 50MB. Also, 2 students will win $250 Visa gift cards for submitting the best written and video nominations.
In addition, the “Schools with Heart” contest will reward the entire school for nominating teachers. The total number of nominations received will be tallied by school, and the top 3 schools will earn cash from $500 to $1500 for assemblies or special events.
Information and forms are available in the school office. All nominations must be submitted by December 31, 2008.

October 28, 2008 Each month students and staff at AGIS participate in a spirit theme. These days are usually the last Friday of month unless they conflict with some other special event. »Read More

October 27, 2008 Nationally known speaker Katie Koestner, an expert on teen relationships and technology-related risk issues, is scheduled to present at Avon Grove School District’s “Cyber Smarts” Parent Information Night on Monday, Nov. 17, 2008. The program will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Avon Grove High School auditorium. (Please note: The program is designed for adults and is not open to students.) »Read More

October 24, 2008

Students are not required to wear a costume to school on Friday, October 31, 2008. Your child’s classroom teacher will be communicating with you regarding their classroom celebration plans. If your child chooses to wear a costume please keep in mind the following guidelines:
• The student should report to school dressed in their costume. Any makeup should be applied at home.
• No masks or weapons are permitted.
• Parental discretion as to the appropriateness of the costume is required to avoid any violent representations.
• We will keep to our regular academic schedule during the school day and 30 minutes will be set aside for seasonal activities.
• Those activities may vary but we are encouraging academic connections such as story writing, story telling, estimations activities or crafts.
• Food snacks are to be a minimal part of these celebrations and any items to be sent in for this purpose are to be approved by the classroom teacher. Thank you to the homeroom parents for coordinating this with the teachers.
• Any food/snacks should align with the Avon Grove School District Wellness Policy.

»Download Seasonal Celebrations + Wellness Policy Info (pdf)

October 24, 2008 As you are aware, we do many things here at AGIS to promote fitness and wellness. This includes our PE program, intramurals, and topics discussed in classrooms.
One component of the Wellness Policy relates directly to the types of food items we serve to our students. The policy relates to many areas such as our cafeteria to classroom celebrations. You may access this policy at our district website. The most important component related to items parents or teachers provide to students includes:
• 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 and guardians.
With this policy in place we are asking our staff and parents to communicate with each other prior to any food items being sent in to classrooms for any celebrations. We have also provided some suggested healthy choice lists with this communication to guide parents and teachers as to alternative choices. Those items are found on the back of this document.
In addition to our Wellness Policy it is important that we consider other health issues such as allergies or other dietary restrictions students in any given homeroom might have.
We appreciate the support of everyone in our school community on this matter.

HEALTHY SNACK AND CLASSROOM CELEBRATION CHOICES

The following list includes some healthier alternative snack choices for parents and teachers to consider for classroom celebrations involving food. We are asking that all parents and staff members keep in mind that beyond the District’s Wellness Policy we must keep other health concerns in mind, such as food allergies or student sensitivities to different food items.
Most importantly, we ask that you communicate with your child’s classroom teacher prior to sending any food items into the classroom.

SNACK/PARTY FOOD IDEAS
• Fruit Salad
• Any fruit
• Fruit kabobs
• Veggie sticks-celery, carrots, zucchini with low-fat dip
• Bananas
• Melon slices/orange slices
• Applesauce
• Trail mix
• Dried fruit/raisins
• 100% juice
• Water
• Plain popcorn
• Cheese cubes/string cheese
• Low-fat yogurt or pudding
• Granola bars
• Pumpkin seeds
• Graham crackers
• Vanilla wafers
• Goldfish or animal crackers
• Fig Newtons
• Angel food cake
• Pretzels
• Whole grain breads/bagels

October 23, 2008 Today at 10:05 AM we held our first lockdown drill of the year. The drill was very efficient and our teachers spent time prior to today reviewing procedures so we were well prepared. All staff, students and visitors to the school at that time did an excellent job securing all areas of the school. We will continue to practice this type of drill at other times and will communicate to you after those occur for your awareness. Feel free to discuss today’s drill with your child and do not hesitate to contact us at the school if you have questions on this. Thank you.

October 23, 2008 AGIS will be having their second Spirit Day on Friday, October 24th. Students and staff are encouraged to wear Avon Grove School District colors which are Maroon and Gold. In addition, in honor of the Phillies making it to the World Series students and staff may want to wear their Phillies colors! We look forward to excellent participation to make our day truly spirited!

October 23, 2008Friday, October 24th is the final day for students to submit their fitness logs or bring in food items for our Get Fit and Give Back Project. Thank you to all parents that have helped by signing the logs and sending in food items for us to donate to a local food bank.

October 22, 2008 The Avon Grove High School track program will host the second annual Red Devil Turkey Trot 5K, Pump and Run competition, and one-mile Kids Fun Run scheduled Saturday, Nov. 22 on the high school campus, located at 257 State Road in West Grove. »Read More

October 22, 2008 Our Fall PTA fund raiser was a huge success. We took time this week to recognize the top sellers as well as have the drawing for the coveted drawing prizes of a flat screen TV or a Wii. »Read More

October 22, 2008The Chester County Health Department will be administering flu vaccine and tdap booster to all school-aged children on Wednesday, November 5th, from 3 to 6 pm at the high school. There is no cost for these vaccines but parents/guardians must attend with their children and complete consent forms. Adults wishing to receive the flu vaccine will be charged $20.

October 21, 2008 Attention 5th and 6th Grade Students: Do you love to read and discuss books? We have some good news for you! AGIS has been competing successfully in the Reading Olympics program for the pass two years. Reading Olympics is a countywide competition where students are given the opportunity to display their knowledge of popular books in a game show setting. The competition is fast-paced, exciting, and very challenging. It requires you to work collaboratively with your team so that the group has an in depth knowledge of all the books on the list. Each team member will be required to become an “expert” in certain books and your team will rely on your knowledge during the competition. The Olympics are primarily a celebration of reading rather than a contest. All participants are awarded ribbons. Since teams generate a lot of excitement about this reading event, the experience is rewarding for everyone involved.

The Chester County Reading Olympics will take place in April 2008 at Downingtown High School in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. Due to the number of books on the list, we will prepare for the competition throughout the school year. On the reverse side of this paper you will find a book list that contains all the books that are eligible for the competition. You are not expected to read every single book on the list. Once you are placed on your team, you will become an “expert” for only a few books.

Beginning in November, we will have club meetings after school for one hour, once a month. We will meet to dialogue about books in order to prepare for the competition. In order to adequately fund the Reading Olympics Club, a $40.00 (non-refundable) club fee has been established to offset costs. In order to secure your spot on the team, please fill out the bottom portion of this letter and submit the form and club fee to your homeroom teacher (checks payable to AGIS PTA).

If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Hill, purple workroom or email phill@avongrove.org

Letter and Sign-Up Form (pdf) | Book List (pdf)

October 21, 2008 October is National Fire Safety Month and the West Grove Volunteer Fire Company sponsored safety assemblies for all grade 3 and grade 4 students. Fourth graders from Mr. Robinson’s class, Ms. Hill’s class, Ms. Ryan’s class and Ms. McManus’ class got an up close a person look at the fire company’s emergency equipment! »Read More

October 20, 2008 PLE and AGIS PTA's will be holding the 17th annual Country Christmas event on Saturday, December 6th at AGIS from 9am - 2pm. The event will feature more than 120 crafters, family entertainment, and our infamous classroom basket raffle. This is a great opportunity to get your holiday shopping done early. Food is available throughout the day. This is a family - friendly event so plan to spend the day. Admission and parking is free. Hope to see you there!

October 20, 2008 All 4th, 5th, and 6th graders are welcome to participate in the science fair club. This club meets twice a month after school on Tuesdays from 3:30-4:30 to help students prepare an inquiry based experiment for a school science fair competition held on Tuesday, February 3, 2009. From that competition, the top five students from each grade will go to the Chester County Research Competition held at United Sports Training Center in Downingtown, February 24, 2009. The science fair club allows students to problem solve, do research, create a hypothesis, complete an experiment, and analyze gathered data. If you child is interested, please have them contact Miss Schusler, lschusler@avongrove.org or Mrs. LaMarco, mlamarco@avongrove.org.

October 20, 2008 We will have a general membership meeting of the AGIS PTA tonight beginning at 7:00 PM in the audion. Additionally, this Friday night the PTA is hosting one of their Family Fun Nights from 7-9:00 PM in the cafeteria. There is a sitting limit on the event and pre purchased tickets are
required. The event will include refreshments and Bingo at a cost of $6.00. Doors open at 6:15 PM for the evening. Please consider attending one or both of these PTA events. Thank you!

October 16, 2008 You may now request a bus pass when needed. Three of our busses are at capacity so passes cannot be issued for busses 4, 15, and 18. Please be aware that most of our busses are near capacity. We are limited to 2-3 passes per bus; therefore we will NOT be able to issue passes for ANY groups of students (includes birthday parties, scout meetings, etc.) Please send in a note with your child that includes all of the following information needed for a bus pass:
(1)Your student’s first and last name and teacher (2)The bus number and the first and last name of the student with whom your child is riding, or a description of the established bus stop (3)The date and your signature.

October 16, 2008

After School Activities
A student must be present at least half of the school day in order to participate in any after-school activities.

Approved Absences
If you know that your child will be out for a trip, you must write a note to the principal at least one week in advance in order for the absence to be excused. This includes single and multiple day absences for family field trips, weddings, camps, vacations, non-custodial parent visits, etc. If a note is not received in advance, these absences are unexcused. Please refer to page 3 of the Parent-Student handbook.

October 16, 2008AGIS will be participating in Activate Chester County’s program “Get Fit and Give Back” from October 6-24. By doing any physical activity for at least 30 minutes for 15 days of the challenge, or by donating a non-perishable food item, the child will receive a heart on our display and an entry into the drawing for a pool party for his or her classroom. More importantly, our kids can benefit from doing fun, healthy activity AND help others in our community! All food donations will be forwarded to our local food bank, the Bridge. The pool party will occur at the Jennersville YMCA on a designated weekend in November.

October 16, 2008 AGIS held their first spirit day of the year on September 19th. The theme for the day was Sports Jersey Day. School-wide participation was outstanding with many students and staff wearing their favorite college, local team or professional team jerseys. The next AGIS Spirit Day will be Friday, October 24th and the theme is Avon Grove School District Colors Day (Maroon and Gold).
»Read More

October 16, 2008 WOW!! Just one more week until final Reflections Submissions are due to the AGI Main Office!! The annual Reflections Program sponsored by the National PTA encourages students to create and submit original artwork that captures their vision of this year’s exciting and creative theme “WOW!” through literature, music, dance, film, photography, and visual arts. Note that all categories are open to all grade levels this year.
Entry materials went home with AGI students the last week in September. Submissions are being accepted now though Friday, October 24 with a grace period extending only to noon on Monday, October 27 for final, late submissions. Additional copies of the required entry form, protective sleeves and manila folders are available in the AGI Main Office as needed. A full copy of program guidelines is also available for review in the Main Office courtesy of the Reflections Committee.
Please mark your calendars. All students who submit Reflections Entries, together with their families and friends are invited to the Annual Awards Reception in the AGI Audion on Thursday, November 6. Submissions may be viewed by guests beginning at 5:30 followed by an Awards Program at 6:00 p.m.
The most notable submissions will go forward in the National Reflections Program to be viewed with entries from across the country for possible regional and national awards and recognition. AGI submissions will be viewed by independent judges using a 1-10 point scale rating a) evidence of creative ability and b) expression of this year’s theme: WOW! Remember, creativity and connection to the theme are most important, and ALL students are encouraged to enter this major, annual PTA Program, celebrate the WOW! in our lives, and be recognized locally for their creative efforts.
For rule clarification, visit www.pta.org/reflections07 or contact AGI Reflections Co-Chairs Nancy Giacomini at nancygiacomini@yahoo.com / 610-255-5069 or Traci Kveragas at tracik94@hotmail.com / 610-869-9783.
Some quick important notes to bear in mind:
• Completed submissions must be received by the AGI Main Office by noon on Monday, October 27 accompanied by an affixed official Entry Form in a plastic sleeve. The official deadline is published as Friday, October 24 but late entries received by NOON on the 27th will be accepted so that students may take the weekend to complete work.
• Plastic sleeves and manila folders are available in the AGI Main Office.
• Entry titles and artist statements are required on signed Entry Forms. Titles may also appear on entries.
• No student names may appear on the front of submitted works to allow for unbiased judge review.
• Students may submit more than one entry and may create entries in any or all categories. Entries in underrepresented categories including dance, film and music are particularly encouraged.
• Village Frame & Art, located in the Shoppes of Jenners Village (610-869-5522) will white mat one visual arts or photography entry per student at no cost by appointment in advance of the deadline. Matting from Village Frame & Art or a local craft supply store is highly recommended to enhance and protect art.
• No 3-D entries (not even noodles, beads etc. glued to artwork – sorry!), entries framed in glass, or over-sized entries (matting included) may be accepted.
On-line information about Reflections can be found on the National PTA website under PTA Programs at www.pta.org and the Penn London Elementary School website at www.plepta.org under the Programs & Services menu option. Scroll down the program options to find Spanish and English program information courtesy of the PLE Reflections Committee.

October 10, 2008 On Thursday, October 2, elementary, middle and high school students representing their peers from throughout Chester County joined county, state and federal legislators to launch the 2008 KIDS VOTING – Chester County election season. »Read More

October 3, 2008 On October 6-8 AGIS will join other schools throughout the country to celebrate Red Ribbon Week.  It is a time when we stop to think about the problem of substance abuse and its negative impact on our schools, our community, and our nation. 
     We have several creative activities planned for our students to participate in to show their support for a drug free lifestyle.  All of our 3rd and 4th graders will be able to participate in a “How Many Ways to Say No to Drugs” contest where they will guess how many pretzels are in a jar to win prizes.  All 5th and 6th graders will receive bracelets on Monday to wear throughout the week.
     Each student may participate in an optional contest by creating a poster with a positive drug free message.  Each house will receive large posters with drug-prevention messages that the students will be able to sign to proclaim their pledge to say “no” to drugs.
     Substance abuse is a national concern and this week AGIS will show it’s support while taking a stand for the hopes and dreams of our children through a commitment to drug prevention and education.

October 3, 2008 The AGIS PTA invites all newcomers to brunch on Tuesday, October 7, at 9:00-10:30 am, in the AGIS cafeteria.  Come and meet members of the PTA and other AGIS newcomers, and learn more about our school and the community.

October 3, 2008 Looking for a way to help the PTA, but can’t come to school during the day?  We’ve got a job you can do from home!  We’re looking for someone with Microsoft Publisher experience to put together the ad layout for this year’s directory.  In addition to using Publisher, you’ll need to have access to email (some ads come via this route) as well as be able to scan hard copy into your computer.  The directory will go to the printer in late October, and the request for ads has already gone out, so this job will be over and done in less than one month!  It’s a great way to help
the PTA and you can do it from home.  Please contact Peggy Bell-Cole for more information.

October 3, 2008 Avon Grove Intermediate School and Penn London Elementary School in the Avon Grove School District have recognized a total of 737 students in grades 1 through 6 who completed summer reading challenges.

Avon Grove Intermediate School held academic assemblies on September 29 and 30 to recognize 592 students in grades 3 through 6 who read at least four books over the summer break. »Read More

October 3, 2008 Representatives from the West Grove-Avondale Rotary Club presented dictionaries to all third-graders at Avon Grove Intermediate School during a reading challenge recognition ceremony held at the school on September 29.

The dictionary giveaway is part of the organization’s “Dictionary Project,” a community service initiative aimed at ensuring every local third-grader has a dictionary to use in class or at home. »Read More

October 2, 2008 The AG Special Education Department has arranged for a presentation by Andy Faust, Esquire, on the new Chapter 14 regulations. The meeting will be held in the AGIS Audion at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, October 15. Families of special education students are invited to attend this informational presentation.

October 2, 2008 Applications for 2008-09 free or reduced price meals are due no later than Thursday, October 16. Students participating in this program must reapply each school year. The grace period will end on October 16. After this date, studetns without a current application on file will be charged full price for meals. Please return your applications as soon as possible.

If your financial circumstances change, applications may be submitted any time throughout the school year. Forms are available in the school office.