199 Bechtel Rd. Collegeville, PA 19426
610-705-6000

BUILDING REPORT - MAY 2007

POND DAY – The pond has become a reality!  On May 30, a score of parent volunteers assisted Steve Senn of Senn Landscaping to create a pond in the courtyard at our school.  By the end of the day, the 2,000 gallon pond had been dug, fitted with a rubber liner, lined with river rocks, and filled with water.  An operating water fall as part of the pond’s filtration system was also in operation.  Each child in the school, with the exception of one class, had the opportunity to dig several shovels full of dirt, as well as hear a presentation by Mr. Senn about the ecosystem that they were creating.  After about two weeks, and the establishment of stable water environment, goldfish donated by third grade teacher Mrs. Kelly Ann Keller’s father-in-law, were added to the pond by the students in Mrs. Preston’s class, who did not have a chance to dig the pond.  NBC10 featured our pond day and the adding of the fish in two segments on their 6:00 news.  The pond project was coordinated by Mrs. Mary DeAngelis, environmental education teacher, and has already become a popular spot for science lessons, as well as kindergarten snack time.

4^TH GRADE STRINGS CONCERT AND DANCE PRODUCTION – On May 17, our fourth grade strings students and fourth grade dance club performed for a packed house of parents and other family members.  The strings students, under the direction of Miss Jessica Moyer, performed four selections.  Approximately 60 fourth grade students participated in the dance production, which they had been preparing since October.  More than a dozen popular music selections featured the students in a variety of moves and costume elements.  Included was a number associated with the school’s “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.” theme, (see above), and included Aretha Franklin’s rendition of “Respect.”  In order for the fourth graders to participate in the practices and performance, they must continually make the Good Choice Team each week by setting a positive example and making good choices.  This was the first year that every student who started with the group in October was on stage for the performance.

ASSEMBLY PROGRAMS – Several unique and educational programs were held during the last month at R.E.S.  The J. P. Mascaro Company presented a program on the topic of respect that complimented our year-long theme.  “Dumpo” the company’s mascot was included in the program.

   Children’s author, Wendy Pfeffer, visited the school on May 1 and provided grade level programs to all of our students.  Mrs. Pfeffer described the life of an author as well as the process of generating ideas and creating the finished product of a book.

   On May 10, the Musicopia program sponsored “African Drums, Percussion and Dance,” with Doc Gibson and three percussionists.  Doc Gibson is the orchestra leader on the Emeril cooking show, and lives in Philadelphia.  The performers had toes tapping and each audience was on their feet, staff members included, performing traditional African dance moves.

R.E.S. NIGHT AT BRUSTER’S – Twelve staff members waited on customers at Bruster’s Ice Cream in Limerick on May 22, participating in a PTO fundraiser.  Crowded lines characterized the night and the PTO will receive 10% of all sales.

 

BUILDING REPORT - APRIL 2007 CAREER DAY – Organized by guidance counselor, Mrs. Ginny Prevost, our third and fourth graders participated in a career day on Friday, April 13.  Students were able to select three presenters, and most were able to get at least two of their first choices.  Students rotated to different half-hour sessions, many of which included hands-on activities.  Many occupations were represented, including a Montgomery County detective who graduated from Royersford Elementary, a patent attorney, a pastry chef, a carpenter, a robotics instructor, and a soft pretzel baker.  Two students from a broadcasting class at the high school also participated and had our students create a mock news broadcast by fulfilling the various roles that are required.  They were later joined by 6-ABC’s morning anchorman Matt O’Donnell who told the students about his job.  An opportunity was also given for students to ask questions, and presenters were served lunch in our large group instruction room, catered by The Pretzel Depot. STAFF IN-SERVICE DAY – Staff members who participated in the April 2nd in-service accomplished a variety of tasks.  Feedback was collected using a small group consensus model, relating to several different new projects conducted at the school.  Brainstorming was used to compile idea suggestions for our all-school theme for 2007-08.  Additional time was spent discussing grouping procedures for establishing classes for next school year, and the staff also watched the video, “212 Degree Attitude.”  The afternoon was spent preparing for parent conferences. ART GOES TO SCHOOL – This annual program was held during the week of March 25th.  Art Goes to School volunteers displayed classical works of art.  The presenters discussed technique, color, and art history, also providing students with hands-on experiences.  The Art Goes to School presentations were held during regularly scheduled art class periods. KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION – The Royersford kindergarten screening team is in the midst of registering future kindergartners for the 2007-08 school year.  Registration was conducted on April 18 & 19, and will conclude on April 24.  The team used the Kindergarten Diagnostic Inventory and parents were provided with initial feedback and a copy of a Kindergarten Fun Book that includes suggested games and activities for any areas in which each child scored below the average range. HEALTHY CHOICE SCHOOL SPIRIT WEEK – Created by the RES school spirit committee, students and staff members celebrated making healthy choices by participating in a special school spirit activity each day during the week of March 26th.  Days included Cap Day, with the theme:  “Cap off your day with a good night’s sleep!”  On Friday, the students wore different colors, by grade level, in order to represent the Food Pyramid.  During the week a special fitness assembly was held by Betsy Tecco, fitness expert.

 

 

BUILDING REPORT - MARCH 2007

PRO-SOCIAL THEME – Our year-long theme is ‘R.E.S.P.E.C.T.,” (see above), and the focus for the 4^th marking period is “Respect for the Environment.”  March’s focus was on “Friendship,” and April’s is “Citizenship.”  As part of the focus on the environment, the school will be participate in a recycling contest and will also be involved with creating a school yard habitat, complete with a pond.

SCHOOL SPIRIT NIGHT – A special school spirit night was held on February 23.  Families could pre-order an “RES Bear,” and come to the school that evening in order to stuff it and accessorize it.  The all-purpose room looked like Santa’s workshop, and the bears quickly became lovable targets of students’ affection.  Yours truly created a “Principal Bear,” which will be raffled off at the upcoming Family Dinner and Basket Raffle, (see below).

JUMP ROPE FOR HEART – As an annual event, the third and fourth graders participate in this fundraiser for the American Heart Association.  “Jump Rope for Heart” involves teams of jumpers who obtain sponsors for their hour-long jumping activities after school.  Scheduled during Heart Month in February, Jump Rope for Heart is organized by physical education teacher, Mr. Chad Neiswender.  More than 80 students participated this year, and more than a dozen staff members came out to support them as well as jump alongside them.  The students raised $3,396, and a letter of appreciation was recently shared with the school.

READING WITH A FRIEND DAY – Dr. Seuss’s birth anniversary is celebrated each year on February 2^nd with “Read Across America Day.”  Guest readers reported to Royersford Elementary on that afternoon and spent a half hour sharing details about their occupations, as well as a good book.  Guest readers included Dr. Marsha Hurda, superintendent; Dr. Ken Donahue, assistant superintendent; Mrs. Donna Williams, school board president; Mr. Joe Ciresi, school board member; and Mr. Mark Moyer, Oaks principal.  The guest readers were given a small token of appreciation from each class, and enjoyed refreshments in the school’s library.

FAMILY DINNER AND BASKET RAFFLE – Initially postponed by inclement weather, these events will be held on Friday, March 23^rd.  The family dinner requires advance tickets, and will be picnic-style; the first of the season.  Each class was responsible for creating a theme basket.  Homeroom parents took the responsibility of assembling the baskets and winners will be drawn from raffle tickets sold for this event.  The top three classes will receive Blizzards from Dairy Queen, Frosties from Wendy’s, and soft pretzels from The Pretzel Depot, in that order.

PTO BOOK FAIR – The Parent-Teacher Organization at RES sponsors a spring book fair, which is being held during the week of March 19.  Students have an opportunity to visit the fair during the school day, and evening hours were held on Thursday, March 22.  Proceeds from the book fair assist the PTO with their many projects, and free books earned from the fair help to bolster classroom libraries.

 

 

BUILDING REPORT - FEBRUARY 2007

PRO-SOCIAL THEME – Our year-long theme is ‘R.E.S.P.E.C.T.,” (see above), and the focus for the 3^rd marking period is “Respect for Self.”  January’s focus was on “Responsibility,” and February’s is “Health and Wellness.”  As part of the focus on that theme, student hygiene kits are being assembled and will be distributed at a special assembly.

PAJAMA DAY – Students and staff members wore their PJ’s to school on January 26.  The day was a school spirit day and had a reading focus.  At the end of the day, the students were divided into mixed-grade “families” of approximately eleven students and met in different locations all over the building.  Teachers and support staff members read to the students and the children enjoyed a snack of juice and a snowman-shaped soft pretzel.  School-age siblings were grouped together for this activity.  Each “family” selected a group name, and additional opportunities for meeting again will occur on the last Friday of each month, during our Good Choice Team reward time. 

RIF DAY – A Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) Day was held on January 31.  Students were given the opportunity to select a “free” book from a selection provided y U.S. government funds and PTO donations.

VALENTINE’S DAY was celebrated a date late this year, due to our snow day on February 14.  The students were invited to wear red and bring in their favorite stuffed animal for the day.  Classroom parties were held in the afternoon, just before dismissal time.  Twelve classrooms earned an extra treat.  “Chef Willauer” baked heart-shaped Valentine cookies and distributed them to the classes during the parties.  In order to earn the reward, classes had to have 100% participation on their Families and Reading calendars during the month of January.  In order to get credit, students have to read for at least 15 minutes on at least twenty days during the month.  The twelve classes with 100% participation were:  1^st Grade-Mrs. Drewicz, Mrs. Hitchcock, Mrs. Kehl, Mrs. Snyder, and Mrs. Wright; 2^nd Grade-Mrs. Hritz, Mrs. Leyrer, Mrs. Pogash, and Mr. Randle; 3^rd Grade – Mrs. Logic; and 4^th Grade- Mrs. Clark, and Mrs. Preston.

 

 

BUILDING REPORT - JANUARY 2007

PRO-SOCIAL THEME – Our year-long theme is ‘R.E.S.P.E.C.T.,” (see above), and the focus for the 3^rd marking period will be “Respect for Self,” with January’s focus on “Responsibility,” and February’s “Health and Wellness.”

PTO FOOD DRIVE – The annual fall food drive was held to benefit Project Outreach during the weeks before Thanksgiving.  2,222 non-perishable food items were collected and donated to Project Outreach’s food pantry.  As Project Outreach is located in the Bard Center, our parents and students helped to transport the items across the playground, providing a hands-on involvement.

FAMILIES AND READING CALENDARS – Our students have wowed all of us with their level of participation in completing the monthly reading calendars.  A new school record of 95% was set in October, and this record was remarkably tied in November.  During December, traditionally a difficult month to reach such an impressive percentage, I challenged the students to literally “knock my socks off.”  If they could tie the 95% level of participation, I would spend a day in January with no socks.  While the students didn’t quite make it, they did score an impressive 92%, which was, by far, the highest percentage of any December ever.  They still knocked off my socks, and first grade, as the grade level with the highest December percentage of 97%, will pick the date.  (I’m sure they will choose a cold day!)

HOLIDAY CONCERTS – Organized by our vocal and instrumental music teacher, Mrs. Mary Mundy, this year’s holiday concerts were exceptional.  The selections of music ranged from traditional to contemporary, and included a wide variety of music that celebrated different cultures.  During the day, two concerts were held with all grades performing.  The evening concert featured our third and fourth grades.  Premiering at all three concerts was our school band.  After only ten lessons, these boys and girls did a fine job of demonstrating their developing skills.  As Mrs. Mundy put it, “At this point in the year, if they start at the same time and end at the same time, we’re ecstatic.”

HOLIDAY SERVICE PROJECTS – Royersford Elementary School has increased its level of community outreach over the years.  The following is a list of service projects completed during the month of December:

-          Toys for Tots program – hundreds of new toys donated by school families

-          Giving Tree – more than $1,000 donated to help three area needy families

-          Santa Paws – dozens of pet-related items donated to the local SPCA

-          Rotary Project – coordinated efforts for three families who were assisted

-          Two significant donations were also provided by families with connections to our school, and these funds were used to help two additional families

-          Food baskets were received from St. James Lutheran Church and we distributed them

-          Our guidance counselor also coordinated efforts provided by Project Outreach to help needy families for the Christmas holiday.

KATHLEEN JACOBS – Puppeteer Kathleen Jacobs visited our school on January 3^rd to present a three-act assembly entitled “Some Wise --- Some Otherwise.”  The theme fit nicely with our pro-social program and its emphasis on making wise choices.

 

 

BUILDING REPORT - OCTOBER 2006

FAMILIES READING TOGETHER PROGRAM – Each month, our school families participate in a reading program that encourages at-home and independent reading.  During the month of September, 92% of our students read for a minimum of 15 minutes on at least 20 days during the month.  This is the second highest percentage in the history of Royersford Elementary School, and the highest ever for the month of September!  There were eight classes in which 100% of the students met the minimum goal.  Classes with 100% participation included:  First Grade – Mrs. Drewicz, Mrs. Hitchcock, Mrs. Kehl, Mrs. Snyder; Second Grade – Mrs. Hritz; Third Grade – Mrs. Logic and Mrs. Rusinski; and Fourth Grade – Mrs. Preston.  Our students have been challenged to maintain or improve upon this goal for October.

WELCOME BACK SPAGHETTI DINNER – The Royersford Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) held a spaghetti dinner on a recent Friday evening for the purpose of welcoming everyone back to a new school year, and also to provide an opportunity for RES families to socialize.  The event was a success with 200 tickets sold.  Cafeteria manager, Mrs. Nancy Ruoff, assisted the PTO with arrangements, and numerous volunteers, many of whom were staff members, helped to serve and clean up.  I even had the opportunity to work the dish room for the evening!  The PTO plans to hold a similar dinner in the spring.

DANCE-A-THON – More than 250 students have signed up hundreds of sponsors for the second annual Dance-a-Thon.  The event, which serves as the major fundraiser for the PTO, compliments the school district’s healthy choices initiative.  The students will be dancing the night away on October 27^th.  Area businesses, including Keller-Williams, have donated prizes and food items.  All students with at least $10 in sponsorships will receive a prize, and classes with 75% participation or more, get a pizza party.  100% of the money contributed by sponsors goes directly to the PTO, which in turn benefits the children of RES.

BOOK FAIR – Sponsored by the PTO, the annual Fall Book Fair was held during the week of October 9^th.  Classes had an opportunity to visit the fair during the week, and families could take advantage of evening hours on one night.  The activity helps to put wonderful print resources in the hands of our families at reasonable prices.

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK was observed at Royersford Elementary on October 18^th.  Firefighters from Friendship Fire Company in Royersford, visited the school, bringing a ladder truck.  The firemen talked about fire safety, demonstrated equipment, and had selected staff members try on fire fighting gear, much to the delight of the children.  We appreciate the dedication of Friendship Fire Company in providing the annual experience for our classes.

 

 

BUILDING REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2006

COOL SCHOOL 2006 – This summer enrichment program, sponsored by the Royersford Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO), was a huge success.  During four weeks this summer, more than 70 courses were offered to the school districts’ students, and more than 1,000 course “slots” were filled.  The program was open to children who are entering kindergarten through those who have completed fifth grade.  The program’s director, Royersford parent and Upper Providence teacher, Mrs. Jean Lare, organized an impressive variety of courses and recruited a number of district teachers to instruct the program.

MEET THE TEACHER AND OPEN HOUSE – Our students and their parents had the opportunity to visit the school before opening day in order to see their new classroom and meet their teacher.  This annual event was held on August 24.  At the conclusion of the afternoon visit, I accompanied our incoming kindergarten students on a trial bus ride.  Open house for kindergarten parents was  held that evening.  On September 7, parents of students in first through fourth grades participated in their open house program.  After I made remarks via closed-circuit television, classroom teachers talked to the parents and they also had an opportunity to tour the building.  More than 80% of our students were represented at the open house programs.

OPENING DAY – 433 students started the year at Royersford Elementary School, and the year is off to a smooth start.  At our opening day assembly, the children were introduced to Rule #1 at the school, as well as the main rules for the smooth operation of the school.  Our students were also introduced to our year-long theme:  “R.E.S.P.E.C.T. – Royersford Elementary School Promotes Excellence, Commitment & Teamwork.”  During the year, we will focus on four areas of respect; respect for learning, for others, for self, and for the environment.  The focus for the month of September is “Goal Setting.”  We were also pleased to have you as superintendent present at the assembly to welcome and discuss “Dr. Hurda’s Big Four.”

PTO FUNDRAISER – Our Parent-Teacher Organization will again be holding a Dance-A-Thon on October 28 for their main fundraiser.  Students and their families obtain sponsors for the dance-a-thon and the money raised goes to help fund the many projects of the PTO.  The PTO raises and spends more than $50 for each child at RES.  With about five weeks to go until the event, more than 100 students have obtained sponsors.  This event also connects to the school district’s Healthy Choices initiative as it is an exercise-based event, and healthy snacks will be served to the dancers.  Mr. Chad Neiswender, health and physical education teacher will serve as the DJ for the dance-a-thon.

SUMMER READING – Students who met their summer reading goal were treated to do-it-yourself ice cream sundaes on September 11.  Mrs. Kathy Pogwist, reading specialist, organizes this annual event, and was assisted by reading and math support teacher, Dr. Janet Gebhardt.  September 11^th was also a school spirit day, and students and staff wore the patriotic colors of red, white, and blue.

 

 

BUILDING REPORT - JUNE 2006

 

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