Terrace Park Elementary

Principal’s Update

May 2010

Dear Terrace Park Families,

Wow – 2009-10 has been a wonderful year for our students at Terrace Park Elementary! While we are looking forward to the summer vacation that begins in just a few days, we are also going look back on this school year with fond memories of incredible academic successes, new friendships, and special moments shared together. Our parents and teachers have partnered to help our children grow to be our “scholars of today and leaders of tomorrow.” From our “excellent” rating by the state of Ohio to the outstanding student work seen every day around TPE – our children consistently work to achieve to their potential.

2009-10 was the year that science "ruled" at TPE! Beginning with the grand opening of our dedicated lab at our Family Science Spectacular, our students and staff put the focus on the importance of scientific learning by providing hands-on experiments for everyone. Later, the PTO brought in the COSI on Wheels program so that our students could investigate “Current Conditions” (weather) and the Mad Science, Invention Convention, and Happen, Inc. after-school enrichments to extend our inquiry and problem-solving skills. Even our visiting author, Ron Hirschi, put the focus on science as students studied his children’s non-fiction books and then took a field trip with him to Avoca Park to conduct nature labs and cast nets in the Little Miami River.

We have also shared such memorable milestones as Camp Kern for our sixth graders, the Pumpkin Festival (in March!), the Halloween Parade, Parent-Grandparent Day, PTO fine arts assemblies and field trips, the Book Fair, the “Angel Tree” holiday giving program, our music concerts, classroom parties, Spanish classes, the National Geographic Giant Map event, the Sixth Grade Play, Field Day, the Talent Show, and our end-of-the year Open House and Art Show. 

Our students have truly made us proud as they continued to grow as friends and good citizens. They have demonstrated exemplary community service through our Builders’ Club activities, through the donations raised by our entire student body for Haiti relief, Pennies for Patients and Inter Parish Ministries, by participating in the 5th Grade Kindness Retreat, by recycling daily, and through the friendships forged with our “reading buddies” every week.

As we close the year, our appreciation goes out to this year’s PTO board – Lisi George, Melanie Stutenroth, Vanessa Peterman and Lorrie Hill for the time and energy that they devote to our school. Many thanks, also, to those who volunteered in the last month including all of the parents that chaperoned field trips; to Nicole Rouse for chairing Teacher Appreciation Week; to Cindy Doran and Kelli Menifie and all of the parents that hosted the lovely Teacher Appreciation Luncheon; to Jeri Gatch, Lori Higginbotham, Jeff Koreman, and the many volunteers who helped to make the 6th Grade Play, “The One and Only Time,” such a terrific experience for our students; to Katherine Stautberg, Melanie Stutenroth, Neil Turner and their committee for organizing Field Day (even in the rain!); to all of the parents that helped with DIBELS assessments and spring pictures; to Leigh Saulnier for organizing the Flying Piglets; to Erin Herring and Lynn Siegfried  for getting out our Wednesday E-mail each week; to Christina Billups for running the product label program; to Joy Glaser for helping in the teachers’ workroom all year; to Ann Hobart, Melissa Rupe, Shelley Komrska and the fine arts committee for their work coordinating the fabulous art show; to Jody Kauffman, Diane Gunter and Sandy Wittman-Shell and their volunteers for heading up the book fair; to Roseann Hayes, Laurence Zenezini, Heather Alexander and Tom Zaya  for coordinating all of our environmental activities this year (and to the parents that helped with our Earth Day celebration!); to Sherry Holcomb and Tammy Koreman for bringing the recent Madcap Puppet performance to our school; to Lisa Henkel for organizing School Kits; to Melissa Gearhart for facilitating the volunteer network, to Lynn Siegfried for making student certificates; to Faith Bryan and Tina Maloney  and their volunteers for putting together the yearbook; to Ray Bernardini for producing the 6th grade video; to Sonya Geers and Julie Coates and their volunteers for hosting the 6th Grade Breakfast and to all of the room parents for coordinating classroom events. This parent support is what makes our school truly special – thank you!

Thank you all for a terrific year. Our best to the 6th graders as they prepare to move to junior high – we are going to miss them! We look forward to even more successes to come in 2010-11. Have a safe, relaxing and fun-filled summer.

Sincerely,

Linda Lee

 Upcoming at Terrace Park Elementary:

May 27 – 6th Grade Pool Party (11:00am – 2:30 pm)

May 28 – 6th Gr. Recognition (7:45 Breakfast in the back lot & 8:45 Awards Assembly in the gym)

May 28 – 4th Quarter Ends & Last Day for Students

May 28 – 90 Minute Early Dismissal at 1:50 pm

June 2 – All Day Kindergarten Parent Meeting (6:30 pm in the cafeteria)

August 25 – First Day of the 2010-11 School Year for Students

 

Terrace Park Elementary

Principal’s Update

April 2010

Dear Terrace Park Families,

“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.”
Henry Adams

Next week please join me in recognizing our fantastic staff during TPE’s annual “Teacher Appreciation Week”. Teaching, like parenting, is an awesome calling and responsibility. It requires patience, intelligence, persistence, a sense of humor, and a genuine love of children. A sincere and heartfelt THANK YOU to the tremendous Terrace Park Elementary faculty and staff! We are so grateful to have such a dedicated, child-focused, and caring group of professionals influencing the lives of our children every day.

During the last two weeks, students in grades 3-6 worked to “show what they know” by taking the state achievement tests. These assessments are one of the ways that teachers and parents can measure the progress that students have made throughout the year. Individual student results will arrive in the summer and will be mailed to parents.

The assessment result information is used by teachers to pinpoint areas of strength and need for individual children as well as for the instructional program as a whole. Please remember that this information is a “snapshot” of a student’s achievement and is not the only means by which we are checking to make sure that our students are learning important academic skills. Please talk to your child’s teacher or to me if you have any questions or concerns about his or her educational progress at any time.

During the month of May we are looking forward to several TPE events that will help to make the end of the year special for our children including our Earth Day Celebration & Flying Piglet Final Mile (April 30th), the 5th & 6th Gr. Band Concert (May 5th), our annual Open House & Art Fair (May 13th), the 6th Grade Play (May 14th), Field Day (May 21st) and our 6th Grade Recognition Assembly (May 28th). Please remember that the last day of school for students (May 28th) is also a 90 minute early release (1:50 pm).

Our appreciation this month goes out to the many, many parent volunteers supporting our school and helping in our classrooms, library, and office every day. Additionally, we would like to thank all of the parents that assisted with spring pictures and the DIBELS assessments, as well as the chaperones for our class field trips. Happy Spring!

Sincerely,

Linda Lee

 Upcoming at Terrace Park Elementary:

April 29 – 4th Gr. Field Trip to the Museum Center

April 29 – 4th Grade Music Try-It Night (6:00-8:00 pm at ME)

April 30 – 1st Gr. Math & Science Enrichment (9:45 am – 1:00 am at ME)

April 30 – TP’s Earth Day Celebration (2:00 – 3:00 pm)

April 30 – Flying Piglet Final Mile (5:30 pm at the flagpole)

May 3 – 5th Gr. Field Trip to the Freedom Center (10:00 am – 1:00 pm)

May 3-7 – Teacher Appreciation Week

May 4 – 5th & 6th Gr. Band Rehearsal (3:45 pm bus to ME)

May 5 – 5th & 6th Gr. Band Concert (7:00 pm in the ME auditorium)

May 7 – PTO Staff Appreciation Luncheon (11:20-12:10)

May 11 – PTO Meeting (9:00 am at Lisi George’s House)

May 13 – TP Open House/Art Show & Book Fair (7:00 pm)

May 14 – 6th Gr. Play Rehearsal for Students (2:15 pm in the gym)

May 14 – 6th Grade Play (7:00 pm in the gym)

May 17 – Fine Arts Assembly – Madcap Puppets (9:30 am in the gym)

May 18 – Board of Education Meeting (7:00 pm in the MJHS gym)

May 19 – 1st Gr. Field Trip to the Zoo (8:30 am -2:00 pm)

May 21 – Field Day (12:30-3:00 pm)

May 24 – Rain Date for Field Day

May 27 – 6th Grade Pool Party (11:00am – 2:30 pm)

May 28 – 6th Gr. Recognition (7:45 Breakfast in the café & 8:45 Awards Assembly in the gym)

May 28 – Last Day for Students

May 28 – 4th Quarter Ends & Report Cards Go Home

May 28 – 90 Minute Early Dismissal at 1:50 pm

 

Terrace Park Elementary

Principal’s Update

March 2010

Dear Terrace Park Families,

Monday marked the beginning of the fourth quarter for our students and teachers and spring break (March 29 – April 2) is right around the corner. As we prepare for the final months of the school year, it is important to help our students keep their focus on the critical learning activities that will be taking place. Thank you for continuing to support your children as we work to finish the year on strong note. 

Believe it or not, we are already beginning to make plans for next school year.  Soon teachers will begin creating class lists and arranging students in balanced groups for their next grade placement.  Our goal is to keep your child’s best interest in mind and have a well-balanced, comfortable learning environment.

Class list formation is a conscious decision-making process based on many variables.  Overall academic ability, classroom performance, personality traits, social/emotional needs, and behavioral factors are some of the characteristics used to help in the placement process.

For the reasons stated above, we are asking that parents not make a request for a specific teacher for the upcoming school year.  However, we understand that you, as a parent, have important information to share about your child.  Such information might include your child’s learning style, the type of environment that you believe he/she responds to best, etc.

If you would like to share information about your child with us, please submit it in writing to me by Wednesday, April 14th.  Letters, notes or e-mails received after April 14th cannot be considered due to the timing of preparations for next year.  As always, our aim is to provide the highest quality educational experience for your child.

A huge “thank you” is in order to the many parent and community volunteers that are in our school every day reading with children, tutoring, and assisting teachers with classroom activities. This consistent help in the classroom allows us to strengthen the educational program as a whole and individualize for different student needs. Thank you!

Our appreciation also goes out to Gina Curran, Melanie Stutenroth, Beverley Cooke, Peggy Kersker, and Jane Concannon for planning and facilitating this year’s Kindergarten Registration Night and to Tina Maloney and her committee of parents for directing a fantastic Talent Show! Thank you to Kimberly McCarthy, Carolyn Falknor and all of the parent volunteers for providing delicious dinners for teachers on conference nights. Thanks to Sherry Holcomb and Tammy Koreman for bringing the Kevin Frisch Marionettes to our school recently. And kudos to Roseann Hayes, Kim Newton, Kate Lowry, and Heather Alexander for facilitating the wonderful Invention Convention and Happen, Inc. after school enrichment programs, to Shannon Reber for serving as our Lost and Found Angel, Sybil Schooler and Jeri Gatch for running the Kroger/Biggs Card program, to Christina Billups for coordinating the box tops program, to the parent volunteers that assisted students with spring pictures and to Sally Vianello and her committee for helping in the library and with Birthday Book Club.

Reminders: With the beautiful spring weather that is (hopefully) in our future, it will be a great time to enjoy picnics at lunch time with your children. Please remember that during recess, however, it is unsafe for preschool children to play on the playground with the older children. Also, remember to make sure that your child wears safe and secure footwear to school. Flip flops, clog-type shoes and some sandals may make it difficult or unsafe for them to run and play.

Sincerely,

Linda Lee

 Upcoming at Terrace Park Elementary:

March 26 – Elementary Report Cards Sent Home

March 29 – April 2 – Spring Break – No School

April 5 – School Reopens

April 11 – Madeira School Building Tours for Mariemont Residents (2:00 – 4:00 pm)

April 13 – PTO Meeting & Purchasing Meeting (9:30 am in the cafeteria)

April 14 – 5th & 6th Gr. Strings Concert (7:00 pm in the TP gym)

April 20 – Ohio Achievement Assessments in Reading (Gr. 3-6)

April 20 – Board of Education Meeting (7:00 pm in the MJHS café)

April 22 - Ohio Achievement Assessments in Math (Gr. 3-6)

April 23 – 4th Quarter Interim

April 26 – DIBELS Assessment in gr. K-2

April 27 - Ohio Achievement Assessments in Science (Gr. 5)

April 29 – 4th Gr. Field Trip to the Museum Center

Terrace Park Elementary

Principal’s Update

February 2010 

Dear Terrace Park Families,

At Terrace Park Elementary, we often say that our students are the fortunate recipients of a “Blue Ribbon” education. This is true because of the dedicated staff and families that partner to provide a positive and challenging program focused on moving each child toward his/her potential. But it is also true that our children’s educational experience is enhanced through a variety of enrichment opportunities that allow them to explore and appreciate important learning experiences which extend the traditional curriculum. 

Our students have had the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of terrific “enrichments” that help develop the “whole child.” This year we have been able to offer a new “special” class – Spanish for gr. 3-6 as well as art enrichment classes and Morning Music Mania for band and strings members. Some additional curricular enhancements include: yearly fine arts field trips at each grade level, fine arts assemblies and evening presentations throughout the year (such as the recent Frisch Marionettes), after school programs (such as Mad Science, Happen, Inc., & the Invention Convention), the after school Spanish classes for primary students, children’s author visits (Ron Hirschi, Rick Sowash, Shelley Pearsall), the Talent Show, the 6th Grade Play, the National Geographic Giant Map program, COSI –on-Wheels, and the Flying Pig Kids’ Marathon. Most of these important “extras” are funded and facilitated by our parents – THANK YOU TPPTO! 

Our thanks also goes out this month to the many parent volunteers who helped support recent Terrace Park Elementary activities such as the 4th grade “Heart Mart” economics project and classroom Valentine’s Day parties. A huge thank you, also, to Melissa Gaskey and the dedicated parents who have facilitated the important disabilities awareness program Everybody Counts. Our appreciation also goes out to Heather Howe, Julia Rubin and Lynn Siegfried for helping to make intermediate Academic Recognition Night a special evening for students.

 Please note that there have been a few date changes in the upcoming school calendar:

·         The TP Pumpkin Festival has been rescheduled for March 12th.

·         Spring Pictures will now be held on March 22nd.

·         The 6th Grade Play will now be held on May 14th.  

Facilities Teams – As you know, the Board of Education has developed a master plan for facilities that includes a composite approach to construction at TPE. As part of that plan, we are forming several planning teams to provide advice and feedback regarding the building design and the transitions during construction (including honoring the history of our school). These teams will consist of staff, parents and community members. Please let me know if you are interested in participating on one of these important planning teams.

Safety Reminder – As we move toward spring weather, more students will be walking and riding their bikes to and from school. Please remind your child that walkers have the right of way on the sidewalks and children riding their bikes/scooters should do so slowly. There have been reports of students riding so fast on the sidewalks that they endanger walkers.

Sincerely,

Linda Lee

Upcoming at Terrace Park Elementary:

February 23 – 3rd Gr. Field Trip to the Symphony (9:30 – 11:15 am)

February 24 – 6th Gr. Bowling Party (12:00 – 2:00 pm)

February 24 – Elementary Parent-Teacher Conferences (4:00-8:00 pm)

February 26 – TP Talent Show (9:00 am in the gym)

February 26 – After School Enrichment Classes: Happen, Inc. gr.1-3, Invention Convention gr. 4-6 (3:30-4:30 pm)

February 26 – Festival in the Woods Art Show (UC Raymond Walters College)

March 2 - After School Enrichment Classes: Happen, Inc. gr.1-3, Invention Convention gr. 4-6 (3:30-4:30 pm)

March 4 - Elementary Parent-Teacher Conferences (4:00-8:00 pm)

March 4 – 1st Gr. Field Trip to the Taft Theater (8:30 – 10:30 am)

March 4 & 8 – National Geographic Giant Map of Asia at TP (gym)

March 5 – NO SCHOOL FOR K-6 ONLY

March 10 – Kindergarten Registration (7:00 pm in the cafeteria)

March 12 – PTO Facilities/Levy Question & Answer Meeting with Superintendent Paul Imhoff (9:30-10:30 am in the cafeteria)

March 12 – TP Pumpkin Festival (5:30 – 8:00 pm)

March 16 – Board of Education Meeting (7:00 pm in the MJH cafeteria)

March 19 – End of 3rd Quarter – 90 minute Early Release for Students (1:50 pm)

March 26 – Elementary Report Cards Sent Home

March 29 – April 2 – Spring Break (No School)

 

Terrace Park Elementary

Principal’s Update

January 2010

Dear Terrace Park Families,

As we begin a new year and the second half of the school year, it is a perfect time to help our children reflect on individual and collective successes and plan “resolutions” for the upcoming months. As I visited classrooms in the last several weeks, I am amazed at the depth and variety of success that I see our students achieving daily - not only academically, but also as friends and caring members of our school community.

Our students demonstrated that they are also part of a global caring community by participating in a relief drive for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. The sixth grade Builders’ Club collected over $1800.00 for the Mariemont District donation to the Red Cross last week! They have also been collecting baby items and food for InterParish Ministries for those in need closer to home.  Many thanks to our children and families for their contributions.

Speaking of kindness, our 5th graders recently participated in a day-long Kindness Retreat facilitated by Youth Frontiers and ten Mariemont High School juniors at the TP Community Building. It was a fun, high energy and enlightening day for the children, focused on the value of kindness. Thank you to the PTO for sponsoring this important program, to Erin Herring, Holly Bortz, and Melissa Mathis for organizing our Kindness Retreat and to the HS students who helped to make this retreat meaningful for our children! Stay tuned for information on how our 5th graders plan to extend their learning about kindness throughout the second half of the year.

This week all of our children in K-6 are learning about another form of kindness – seeing how each person “counts” for their individual strengths and gifts. Through the Everybody Counts disability awareness program, parent volunteers and community speakers are helping our children to understand various disabilities and the unique value, abilities and contribution of each person in our community. 

TPE’s parents have modeled the importance of community service and kindness for our students by volunteering their time to work on PTO events all year long. In addition to working in the classrooms and library, they have raised money that has enabled us to bring valuable programs to our school and purchase items to enhance student learning. Some of the things that the PTO has donated to our school this year include: the science lab and many supplies to stock the lab, several sets of classroom responders, a new Smartboard and its installation, a document camera, a flip video camera and Webcams, an upgrade of our gym sound system, several instruments for the strings program, a new stereo system for our music classes, novel sets, and many other instructional programs and materials requested by teachers. Three cheers for our parents!

A huge “thank you” this month also to the parents who helped with the DIBELS testing, to Julie Coates for organizing holiday cheer for our specials staff, to Barbara Jane England who has been the “sunshine” coordinator for staff all year long, to Melissa Gearhart for running the volunteer network, to Lisi George for organizing the Internet Safety program for parents, and to Sherry Holcomb and Tammy Koreman for coordinating all of our fine arts assemblies and field trips throughout the year – including the recent all-school magic performance put on by Matthew Brian Taylor and his “Magic Theater Trunk”. 

I wish all of our students and families a healthy, happy and successful new year.

Sincerely,

Linda Lee

Upcoming at Terrace Park Elementary:

January 26-27 – Everybody Counts Programs

January 29 – Elementary Skating Party (4:30 – 6:30 pm)

February 3 – 1st Grade Math/Science Enrichment Day (10:00 – 1:00 at FX)

February 4 – Shelley Pearsall Author Visit for Gr. 5-6

February 4 – 2nd Grade Field Trip to the Cinti Ballet

February 4 – Title One Reading Parent Program (7:00 pm in the FX library)

February 8 – Flying Piglet Kick-Off Assembly (2:15 pm in the gym)

February 9 – PTO Meeting (9:30 am in the cafeteria)

February 9 – Board of Education Meeting (7:00 pm in the MHJS cafeteria)

February 10 – Elementary Online Conference Scheduling Begins at 8:00 am

February 10 – TP Recognition Night (Gr. 4-6, 7:00 pm in the gym)

February 12 – Check Interim Grades

February 12 – Valentine’s Day Parties

February 15 – Presidents’ Day – No School

February 18 – Frisch Marionette Family Performance (7:00 pm in the gym)

February 19 – Frisch Marionette 4th Gr. Workshop (1:00 pm)

February 24 – 6th Gr. District Bowling Party (12:00 – 2:00 pm)

February 24 – Elementary Parent-Teacher Conferences (4:00 – 8:00 pm)

February 26 – TP Talent Show (9:00 am in the gym * Change from calendar)

February 26 – Raymond Walters Art Show

Terrace Park Elementary

Principal’s Update

December 2009

Dear Terrace Park Families,

Tis the season at TPE! All around the school you can see the students and staff really getting into the spirit of the holidays - children making “secret” gifts for family members, classes earnestly practicing for the holiday concerts and everyone participating in the PTO “Angel Tree” program and in many other special school activities.

In the last few weeks, several of those special activities have put the focus on the spirit of giving. For example, the kindergarten classes and their fourth grade buddies teamed up to make festive door decorations to brighten the holiday for residents of Mercy St. Theresa Retirement Home. Our 6th grade Builders Club had less fortunate families in mind as they led a canned food drive. Additionally, students and families from every grade level contributed generously to the PTO “Angel Tree” program. These donations will provide gifts and some holiday cheer to neighborhood families. I am so proud of our children for their “giving spirit” this season!

TP students have been learning about caring for the earth, too. During the international environmental summit in Copenhagen, students have made lanterns and a school banner identifying things that they can do to help our environment, the intermediate students have researched and discussed issues impacting the environment, we are participating in an “Earth Hour” this afternoon (turning off all but essential electronics) and we will have a “Waste-Free” Lunch tomorrow! Thank you to our Environmental Committee chairs Roseann Hayes, Laurence Zenezini, Tom Zaya and Heather Alexander for planning our activities.

The last few weeks have also been busy ones for our Lego League Robotics Team. Led by coaches Gregg Siegfried and Tom Zaya, our fifth and sixth grade “TP Travelers” participated in the regional competition held at Cincinnati State College. This tournament requires students to prepare months in advance by researching a problem (this year was a transportation problem that is impacting our community), building a Lego robot and set and programming the robot to complete specific “missions” related to the theme. During the two day competition, our team had to present and defend their research in a creative way to a panel of judges, demonstrate teamwork and then have their robot perform against other teams in three rounds of timed matches. Our students were rewarded by winning the prestigious “Rising Star” team award and by qualifying for the State Finals in February!! Congratulations, TP Travelers and good luck at State!

Thanks are in order this month to the many parents who have helped contribute to the spirit of the season by volunteering their time to work in our classrooms, the library, the office, class parties and PTO activities. Thank you to Julie Koehler and Kelli Neville for heading up the Angel Tree holiday giving program, to Darcy Moehring and her committee for the wonderful refreshments and decorations on Parent-Grandparent Day, to Kimberly McCarthy and Carolyn Falknor and their committee for providing great dinners for teachers on conference nights, to Lynn Siegfried for her work on the PTO Website, to all of our room parents for planning class holiday parties, to Shannon Reber for serving as our Lost & Found Angel and to Sonya Geers and Jenn Michaelson and their many parent volunteers for a fabulous teacher luncheon (AND supervision in the cafeteria, office and on the playground!.)

Our appreciation also goes out to Mrs. Croll, Mr. Limke and Mrs. Khamis for working so diligently with our students to prepare them for the general music and instrumental concerts. What a terrific way to put us all in the holiday spirit! Thanks, too, to Mrs. Rupe and her 5th grade art enrichment students for the festive concert decorations and to the staff for their support as the students rehearsed. Congratulations to our TPE students for a job well done!

May your holiday season be filled with relaxation and joy shared with family and friends! All the best in 2010.

Sincerely,

Linda Lee

Upcoming at Terrace Park Elementary:

December 16 – 5th & 6th Gr. Holiday Instrumental Concert (7:00 pm in the TP gym)

December 17 – 2W Art Field Trip to the Promont Museum (12:55-2:15 pm)

December 18 – Class Holiday Parties

December 19 - January 3 - Winter Vacation (No School for Students)

January 4 - School Resumes

January 11 – K – 2 DIBELS Assessment

January 11 – TP Spelling Bee for gr. 4-6 (2:15 pm in the gym)

January 12 – Board of Education Meeting (7:00 pm in the MJHS cafeteria)

January 13 – PTO Meeting (7:00 pm in the cafeteria)

January 15 – End of 2nd Quarter/1st Semester

January 15 – 90 Min. Early Dismissal for Students (1:50 pm)

January 18 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day – No School

January 21 – 5th Grade Kindness Retreat (9:00 am – 2:30 pm at the TP Community Building)

January 22 – 3rd & 4th Grade Rick Sowash “Ohio Heroes” Author Visit (9:00 – 11:00 am in the ME auditorium)

January 22 – Report Cards Go Home

January 25 –  1 Hour Early Dismissal for Students (2:20 pm)

January 26 – 27 – Everybody Counts Program

January 29 – All Elementary PTO Skating Party (4:30 – 6:30 pm)

Terrace Park Elementary

Principal’s Update

November 2009

 Dear Terrace Park Families,

 It is hard to believe that November has come to a close and we are already looking forward to the holidays and the new year! But as we came back to school this week after the break, the continuing spirit of Thanksgiving lingers. There are so many things that we are thankful for at Terrace Park Elementary.

 The teachers and I would like to thank each and every parent who prioritized time to meet with us during the November Parent-Teacher Conferences to share important information and discuss student progress. Many thanks, also, to all of the family members and friends that spent the morning in class with us on Parent-Grandparent Day last Tuesday. The children were so excited to share their work, classroom, friends and teacher with a special person in their lives!

 Parents and staff worked together to make a number of other learning experiences possible for our students during the last few weeks. On November 6th the sky was bright and sunny, but there was a variety of weather conditions inside the TP gym. Students studied weather during the COSI-on-Wheels annual visit to our school. The children saw a weather presentation at an all-school assembly and then later got to try hands-on experiments related to weather at stations set up all around the gym. A big thank you to Tracy Swords and Tom Zaya for coordinating COSI and to the many parents who facilitated the experiments for the children!

 On Veterans’ Day each of our classes learned about different aspects of the holiday and about the sacrifices that veterans have made for our country. This year, Social Studies teachers also shared recollections from TP’s own veterans – Mr. Deskins and Mr. Browning. Additionally, Mr. Fleckenstein’s students made a video interviewing Mr. Deskins and Mr. Browning about their service in the military that was up on the TP Web page for students and others to view. Many thanks to Darrell Deskins, Gary Browning, and all of the vets in the TP community for their service to our country!

 Our annual Book Fair put the spotlight on the joy and importance of reading and books. Thank you to Jody Kauffman, Diane Gunter, Sandy Wittman-Shell and all of the parent volunteers. Everyone loved shopping for the gift of a book or a favorite new read!

 During the last few weeks, our primary students were treated to an interactive musical performance by American folk singer Mark Dvorak and the intermediate students were be entertained by the folk group “Wild Carrot.” Students learned about the history of traditional American folk music and instruments during these two great performances. Thank you to Sherry Holcomb and Tammy Koreman for coordinating the fine arts performances and to the Bortz family for bringing Mr. Dvorak to our school!

 Many thanks are also in order to all of the parent volunteers who facilitate the very important ongoing programs and activities throughout the year including all of the moms, dads and community members that regularly read to and tutor children and help out in the classrooms and library, to the room parents and volunteers that helped with the Halloween parties and that chaperoned field trips, to Shannon Decamp for heading up the sportswear sale, to Sally Vianello for coordinating the Birthday Book Club, to Sybil Schooler & Jeri Gatch for running the Kroger/Biggs card program, to Lynn Siegfried and Erin Herring for coordinating the weekly Wednesday E-mail, to Melissa Gearhart for facilitating the volunteer database, to Robyn Forbes for coordinating the teacher treats, to Joy Glaser for regularly helping in the teacher workroom, to Sonya Geers for keeping our school door so beautifully decorated and to Cristina Billups for organizing product labels.

November also brought an award to our students and school district. Congratulations to the Mariemont School District teachers and students for winning the Battelle SOAR Award. This award was presented to the district for being in the Top 5 Districts in Ohio for our students’ value-added progress this past year!

 As you can see, we certainly have a lot to be thankful for - I am reminded daily of how grateful I am for our wonderful TPE students, staff, parents and community!

 Sincerely,

 Linda Lee

 Upcoming at Terrace Park Elementary:

December 10 – K-4 Holiday Concert in the TP GYM (6:45 pm for K-2 & 7:30 pm for 3-4)

December 15 – 2W Art Field Trip to the Promont Museum (12:55 – 2:15 pm)

December 15 – Board of Education Mtg. (7:00 pm in the MJHS cafeteria)

December 16 – 5th & 6th Gr. Holiday Instrumental Concert in the TP GYM (7:00 pm)

December 17 – 2C Art Field Trip to the Promont Museum (12:55 – 2:15 pm)

December 18 – Class Holiday Parties

December 18-January 3 – Winter Break (No School)

                                                 Terrace Park Elementary

Principal’s Update

October 2009

Dear Terrace Park Families,

 October has been a month brimming with fun and important learning experiences with for the students at Terrace Park Elementary! In addition to the challenging activities going on daily in every classroom, the opening of our new science lab has helped to create a renewed excitement about science instruction.

Last year, teachers participated in “Picture Perfect Science” training and implemented a newly revised science course of study that highlights students’ learning through inquiry and problem solving. This year, that learning has been extended to include lots of hands-on experiments and the integration of science concepts into other areas of the curriculum, such as reading, writing and art. 

On the evening of September 30th, TP students and families came together to “celebrate science”! At our Family Science Showcase, our school community had the opportunity to check out our new science lab and participate in experiments in the cafeteria and outside led by our 6th grade scientists. It was a wonderful and fun way to highlight the importance of science and dedicate our new lab. A HUGE thank you to Sybil Schooler and Heather Alexander for planning the event and to our 6th grade volunteers who made helped to make the evening such a success!

Another opportunity for science integration came during our annual author visit several weeks ago. While a typical author visit might include several large in-school assemblies followed by in-class writing projects, this year we took our students out on the road.  All students in the Mariemont CSD traveled to Avoca Park for a district- wide, multidisciplinary (science, reading, writing, art) school field trip with children’s non-fiction writer, Ron Hirschi. While at the park, students in each grade level had the opportunity to interact with one another as they rotated through a variety of learning stations. Students participated in a nature study, water study of the Little Miami River with Mr. Hirschi, and grade level science and writing curriculum activities.

Later in the week, Mr. Hirschi visited each of the 3 schools to work with students on their own writing. In art class, the students created an art installation comprised of banners (one per grade level focused on a science theme) synthesizing their learning. This installation was displayed for a week at each school and is currently out in the front of TPE – please stop by and check out our students’ work. I can’t thank our many, many parent volunteers enough – they were a tremendous help leading groups at Avoca and helping at the river and with a “Cincinnati Lunch” for Mr. Hirschi! Many kudos, too, to Author Committee members Roseann Hayes, Linda Ramey, Janet Morgan, Mary Kay Kroeger, Sandy Wittman-Shell, Diane Gunter, Kevin Maness, Tom Zaya, Melissa Rupe and Shelley Komrska for over a year of planning for this wonderful learning experience for our children.

Stayed tuned for more science news as we share reports from our Mad Science after-school enrichment classes, the Lego League Robotics Team and the upcoming COSI on Wheels science program!

October also brings thoughts of Halloween and the PTO Pumpkin Fest and Bootique. While we decided to postpone the children’s Pumpkin Fest activities until the spring, we did have an extremely successful Bootique for the students and Bid-n-Buy for parents! Earlier this month, the wet weather didn’t dampen the fun for our first ever indoor Bootique. Students had a great time after school on October 8th with the novelties, tattoos, Bingo games and treats! Thank you to chair Hester Sullivan and all of the committee and volunteers for providing this fun afternoon for our students.

Last week’s parent Bid-n-Buy also provided an extremely successful fundraiser for our school! Not only do the donations allow us to purchase items and fund educational programs for our children all year long, it is another opportunity for everyone to see the dedication that our parents and community members have to our school. Many, many thanks to the multitude of TPE parents who worked on Pumpkin Fest committees, made donations, and lent their talents and time to our fundraisers! Our sincere appreciation also goes out to Dawn Hardin and Patricia Lopez for chairing Pumpkin Fest and to all of the chairs and volunteers who worked on the Bid & Buy, classroom projects, raffles, sportswear and ticket sales. Thank you!!! We also get to look forward to the “Pumpkin Fest in March” for our students!

Have a safe and fun Halloween! If you ever have any questions or concerns, please call or e-mail me.

Sincerely,

Linda Lee

Upcoming at Terrace Park Elementary:

October 28 – Elementary Parent-Teacher Conference Online Scheduling Begins (8:00 am)

October 29 – Rescheduled 6th Grade District Field Day at TP (12:00-2:00 pm)

October 30 – Halloween Parade (12:20 pm) & Parties

November 2 – Elementary Report Cards Go Home

November 3 – Election Day

November 5 - Fine Arts Assembly – American Folk Singer Mark Dvorak (9:00 am in the gym)

November 6 – COSI Science Assembly & Learning Stations

November 9 – Picture Retakes

November 9 – 60 min. Early Dismissal for Students - 2:20 pm (Teacher ERB In-service)

November 10 – PTO Meeting (9:30 am in the cafeteria, Purchasing Mtg. at 10:30 am)

November 11 – 6th Gr. Field Trip to the Cinti Playhouse & Art Museum

November 11 – Veterans’ Day

November 11 & 19 – Elementary Conferences (4:00 – 8:00 pm)

November 12 – Fine Arts Assembly – Wild Carrot Music Group (1:00 pm in the gym)

November 17-19 – Book Fair

November 16-17 – WrAP Testing (gr. 3/4/5/6)

November 17 - Board of Education Meeting (7:00 pm in the MJHS cafeteria)

November 20 – Check 2nd Quarter Interim Grades

November 24 – Parent - Grandparent Day

November 25-27 – Thanksgiving Break – No School

 Terrace Park Elementary

Principal’s Update

September 2009

 Dear Terrace Park Families,

 It is hard to believe that September is coming to a close and we are already more than half-way into the first quarter of school year! I would like thank our staff, parents, and students for working together to make the start of 2009-10 such a special one for our children! 

 The last few weeks have been filled with the excitement of a new school year, a renewed sense of community, and lots of important learning experiences. At Terrace Park Elementary, we believe that by working together as a team, we can accomplish our mission of nurturing “Scholars of Today and Leaders of Tomorrow.” Evidence of that work was seen when the Mariemont School District and Terrace Park Elementary State Report Cards were released. Once again, we earned the designation of “Excellent” from the state of Ohio. Congratulations to students, teachers and parents for making our school an excellent place to learn!

 That excellence can be seen in our focus on preparing our students for 21st century through the curriculum and a variety of enrichment programs. We have been very fortunate over the past several years to receive matching grants from the Oxley Foundation and our PTO that have allowed us to provide our students with many enrichment programs, classroom and school resources, and technology for learning. Last year, a combination of donations from our families, the PTO, and the Oxley Foundation allowed us to build a beautiful new science lab off of the cafeteria! This dedicated science laboratory is already being utilized daily to facilitate experiments and generate enthusiasm for science. We are going to have an open house, the Family Science Showcase, tonight (September 30th ) from 6:00-7:30 pm. Please join us to “check out” the new lab and participate in fun science experiments in the cafeteria!

 Additionally, our K-6 teachers have worked throughout the last year to more fully align and map the courses of study in the areas of Reading and Math. They have identified essential “power standards”, classroom resources, and key concepts (“I Can” statements) that students must know to be successful learners in the 21st century. This year, we will be implementing the curriculum maps and learning about Web 2.0 technology skills that can be incorporated into instruction at each of the grade levels. Look for more curriculum and enrichment news as the year progresses.

 Health Updates

Thank you! A huge thank you to all of the parents who have signed up to volunteer at school, to be room parents, and to help with the PTO this year. Terrace Park Elementary is extremely fortunate to have the strong support of our families and community. Our appreciation also goes out to Sybil Schooler for helping to oversee the construction of our new science lab, to Lisa Henkel for organizing the school supply kits and distribution, to Liz Flynn for establishing our New Family Mentor Program, to Carolyn Falknor for coordinating with New Family Welcome Night, to Lisi George for helping with Kindergarten Popsicle Night, to Kim Newton and Dawn Harden for their assistance in the office, to Erin Herring and Lynn Siegfried for putting together our Wednesday E-mail information for parents, to Molly Steele for coordinating room parents, to Melissa Gearhart for facilitating our volunteer network, to Kelli Neville and Maria Pidcock for running the Innisbrook fundraiser, to Kara Schwander for getting the after-school Spanish program in place, to Jean Marie Nelson for organizing the Mad Science after-school enrichment, to Regina Sharp and all of her volunteers for conducting our student vision and hearing screenings, and to the volunteers that helped with DIBELS testing and Picture Day. We could not have had such a great start to our year without you all!

 I am looking forward to an extremely successful 2009-10 at Terrace Park Elementary. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please call or e-mail me.

 Sincerely,

 Linda Lee

 Upcoming at Terrace Park Elementary:

September 30 – TP Family Science Showcase (6:00-7:30 pm in the café/lab)

October 5-9 – Ron Hirschi Author Visit

October 6 – 3rd Gr. Ohio Reading Achievement Test (8:30-11:15 am)

October 8 – Bootique (3:20-5:00 pm)

October 14 – PTO Meeting (7:00 pm in the cafeteria)

October 16 – District 6th Grade Field Day at TP (12:00 – 2:00 pm)

October 20 – Board Of Education Meeting (7:00 pm in the MJHS café)

October 22 – First Quarter Ends – 90 min. Early Dismissal for Students (1:50 pm)

October 23 – Teacher In-Service – No School for Students

October 23 – PTO Pumpkin Festival (5:30-8:30 pm)

October 28 – Elementary Online Conference Scheduling Begins (8:00 am)

October 30 – Halloween Parade (12:20 pm) & Parties

 

 

August 7, 2009

Dear Parents,

Welcome to the 2009-2010 school year! I hope that this letter finds your family enjoying the last few weeks of the summer.

I look forward to working with each and every child and parent this year in order to provide the very best education possible for our students. With your daily support, our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing, and challenging learning environment for your child. The outstanding staff at Terrace Park Elementary will strive to foster a climate in which your child can develop, celebrate his/her personal and academic achievements, as well as celebrate the achievements of others. Together, we will make this a wonderful and successful school year for each TPES child.

In this letter you will find important information for your child(ren) regarding the start of the year.

Start of the New School Year

Class lists for the 2009-10 school year will be posted on the double glass doors at 9:00 AM on Wednesday, August 12th. With several new registrations coming in during August, this gives us an opportunity to ensure that adequate thought and care go into every scheduling decision.

The new school year begins Wednesday, August 19th for students in grades 1 through 6. The opening bell is at 8:30 AM. Lunch is from 11:20 to 12:10 PM. The school day ends at 3:20 PM.

Each kindergarten child will attend school on only one of the first three days of school, giving Mrs. Concannon the opportunity to initiate a more individualized and personal relationship with each child. Following the “phase-in,” all kindergarten children will attend school during their assigned session daily beginning on Monday, August 25th. Morning kindergartners will attend school from 8:30 to 11:30 AM. Afternoon kindergartners will attend school from 12:20 to 3:20 PM.

New Additions and Changes to the Terrace Park Elementary Staff

There are several staff changes at TPE this year. Over the summer, Mrs. Maura Burkhouse decided that she is going to stay home with the new baby that she is expecting this fall. While we will certainly miss Mrs. Burkhouse, we are happy for her and this wonderful new phase in her life! Mrs. Maria Childs will remain in second grade with Mrs. Wiley. Mrs. Heather Alexander will move from 6th grade to join the third grade team with Mrs. Parker and Mrs. Coates.

Other changes - This year there will be two classes in first grade, Mrs. Kaye and Mr. Maness, and two classes in sixth grade, Mrs. Muennich and Mr. Fleckenstein. As we announced last year, Ms. Becky Rusen, will be serving in a new role this year. She will be the guidance counselor serving children in each of the three elementary schools. Mr. Alan Limke will take Ms. Rusen’s place directing the 5th and 6th grade band.

We are excited to introduce several new staff members to Terrace Park Elementary. Welcome to Ms. Jamie Dauw, who will be teaching Spanish to students in third through sixth grade. Ms. Dauw taught 5th and 6th grade Spanish enrichment classes after school last year at TP and has worked over the summer to finalize the course of study for our new Spanish program. Ms. Dauw will also be teaching Spanish at Mariemont and Fairfax Elementaries.

Additionally, we would like to welcome Ms. Jen Hrovat to our special education department. Ms. Hrovat will be our new intervention specialist (in addition to Mrs. Ader and Mrs. Wolterman.) She has worked in a similar position the last two years in the Lakota School District. Welcome Ms. Dauw and Ms. Hrovat!

Welcome Program for Our New Families

We would like to invite all of our new students and their parents to our annual Welcome Night on Monday, August 17th, at 6:00 PM in the school cafeteria. The evening will begin with an ice cream social with other Terrace Park families and then student volunteers will be available to conduct school tours. Following the tours, there will be a short meeting in the library to answer any parent questions. We have attempted to reach all of our new families directly, but there may be some who have not yet registered at school. If you know of a new family whose child(ren) will be attending our school this fall, please feel free to invite them to the Welcome Night.

Terrace Park PTO


The TPPTO would like to invite all of our families to participate in the many PTO sponsored activities and programs throughout the school year. Information from the PTO will be sent home in the next few weeks regarding volunteer opportunities and program information. If you have any questions, please contact this year’s PTO president, Lisi George, at lisigeorge@hotmail.com or 831-1255.


Information Night

One of the most important meetings of the school year for parents is Information Night. This is an excellent opportunity for you to meet with your child’s classroom teacher to get a preview of what to expect for the school year. This year’s Information Night for grades 1-6 is scheduled for Wednesday, August 26th. Parents of students in grades 1-3 will meet with teachers in their classrooms from 6:45-7:30 PM. Parents of students in grades 4-6 will meet with teachers from 7:45-8:30 PM.

Information Night for Kindergarten is scheduled for Monday, August 24th. The parents of morning and afternoon kindergarten students will meet from 7:00-8:00 PM in the kindergarten room. Please note that Information Night is for parents only.

School Fees

The Mariemont City School District has adjusted the fee payment schedule to ease the burden on parents who have many expenses at the beginning of the school year. Fee information will be mailed in October and fees may be paid in one or two installments. In addition, there will be an option to pay fees online using a credit card. Please note additional fee information:
• The Camp Kern fee for 6th graders only will be $160.00. Parents may pay the Camp Kern fee with cash, a check (made out to Mariemont City Schools) or using the new online payment system. A notice from the district will be sent to parents in the near future on how to access the online payment system if you wish to use this option.

• Lunch for grades 1-6 $2.65

• Milk (if purchased separately) $ .55

• Free and Reduced Lunch Program forms are available in the school office.


School Supply Lists

Supply lists are available for grades K-6 online on the school home page (www.mariemontschools.org – click on “Supplies Lists 09-10”) and are posted on the front double glass doors of the school.

Special Class Schedule

The schedule for “special classes” will be different for students this year. In the past, students in grades 1-6 were on a “three day rotation” for daily art, music, and physical education classes. With the addition of the Spanish program in grades 3-6 this year, all students will be on a weekly five-day schedule that will be constant each quarter. Teachers will notify parents of each classroom “specials” schedule at the beginning of the year and at Parent Information Night.

Emergency Medical Forms and Student Handbook Review/Signature

As you may recall from an e-mail earlier this summer, Mariemont City Schools implemented an Online Forms and Registration process that replaces some of the paperwork that you may have traditionally filled out prior to each school year. You should have received your Registration Code in a letter mailed out in July. This online registration portal is open currently and will remain open until after school starts. The site http://technology.mariemontschools.org/onlineforms/index.htm is also linked to our website. The information you submit will be saved electronically in our system. There is no need for you to print Emergency Medical Forms, unless you would like to for your own use. This will be the only way to submit Emergency Medical Forms to your child’s school. If you have any difficulties or questions, please contact Keith Koehne at 272-7300 or kkoehne@mariemontschools.org.

Student Drop Off and Pick Up

If you plan to drop your child off or pick him/her up at school, we will have a one way, designated “drop off/pick up” lane that flows from the back parking lot entrance on Myrtle, up near the gym steps and exits out the back driveway. We ask that parents drop off/pick up their child(ren) at the designated spot near the gym. There will be a staff member outside to help with the process from 8:15-8:35 am and from 3:15-3:30 pm. Thank you for helping to make sure that our children are safe!

Going Home for Lunch

As in the past, TPES students have the opportunity to go home for lunch. We require our youngest children in grades 1 and 2 to have a parent note stating their lunch plans. If your child will do the same thing every day or week, one note at the beginning of the year is all that is needed. If your child has a change in his/her lunch plans or if he/she will have an unpredictable schedule, we ask that parents send a note any time he/she plans to go home. Again, safety is our priority!

Medical/Allergy Information

Your child’s physical health is as important to us as his/her academic well-being. Therefore, if your child has any serious medical or allergy conditions, please notify the school office immediately so that the information regarding your child’s physical needs can be communicated to all staff members who interact with your child. We can be reached at 272-7700. Just a reminder that school personnel cannot administer any medication at school without submitting a Mariemont Administration of Medication form. The form must be completed by the child’s doctor and parent. Medication forms are available online, in the school office, and in the student handbook. All medication (prescription and over-the-counter) must be brought to school in the original container by the child’s parent.

Absences and Tardiness

Please remember to call the school office before 9:00 AM on the days that your child will be absent or tardy. This is done to assure the safe whereabouts of each child.

School-Home Partnership

I look forward to your child having a very successful school year. The Terrace Park Elementary staff is dedicated to providing a school atmosphere that promotes an excellent education in a safe and caring environment. I truly appreciate your involvement at Terrace Park Elementary this year. It’s important that you have every possible opportunity to be part of your child(ren)’s education. I invite you to visit the school often, to call or e-mail me when you have questions or need more information, communicate regularly with the teachers, and to talk with your child about what he/she is learning. I am committed to partnering with our staff and each of our families to create a caring and exciting environment, where all students can achieve to their potential.

Sincerely,

Linda Lee Principal
 

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