Below is a record of our communications to parents and guardians.

Wednesday, November 1, 2023:

Dear MNE Family,

MNE and MNMS will co-host a clothing drive at Mount Nittany Middle School this weekend, November 3-5.  The drive will be hosted in the middle school cafeteria.  We would like to invite you to consider helping in two ways:

• • Clean out those closets, dressers, and storage lockers, and drop off your clothing donations to the middle school cafeteria on Friday from 4:00 - 6:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 - 4:00 PM.  Feel free to share this information with friends and neighbors.  Goodwill has provided some bags to place the donated clothing.  If you are interested in some bags, please have your students ask their homeroom teachers and we will deliver them as soon as possible. 

  • Consider donating some of your time over the weekend to help us sort and fold clothes, and staff the drive.  We will also need help bagging all remaining clothes at 3:00 PM on Sunday. 

All families may SHOP FOR FREE on Saturday from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM and again on Sunday from 12:00 - 3:00 PM.  Please spread the word with any friends or family in our community who may be interested!

To volunteer during the clothing drive, please sign up here.  Thank you in advance for helping with this community event!

Sincerely,

The MNES/MNMS Clothing Drive Team

MNMS_MNE Clothing Drive 2023.pdf 

Saturday, October 28, 2023:

Thursday, October 26, 2023:

Dear MNE Family,

MNE will celebrate Veterans Day on Friday, November 10th from 1:15 to 2:50. As a part of this celebration, we would like to extend an invitation to veteran parents and grandparents of our MNE students.  All guests must be pre-registered and will enter the school through the main building entrance.  We will have school staff members and students present to welcome you.

In addition, we are also looking for veterans who would be willing to speak to our students in their classroom groups about how your life has been impacted by your time in the military.  These 5-10 minute presentations could include lessons learned and opportunities provided through your service to our country.

Please RSVP for either, or both, of these engagements by completing the Reservations form. 

Please respond by Friday, November 3rd. 

Sincerely,

The MNE Veterans Day Planning Team

Monday, October, 23, 2023:

Dear MNE Family,

MNE and MNMS will co-host a clothing drive at Mount Nittany Middle School the weekend of November 3-5.  The drive will be hosted in the middle school cafeteria.  We would like to invite you to consider helping in two ways:

• • Clean out those closets, dressers, and storage lockers, and drop off your clothing donations to the middle school cafeteria on Friday from 4:00 - 6:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 - 4:00 PM.  Feel free to share this information with friends and neighbors.  Goodwill has provided some bags to place the donated clothing.  If you are interested in some bags, please have your students ask their homeroom teachers and we will deliver them as soon as possible. 

  • Consider donating some of your time over the weekend to help us sort and fold clothes, and staff the drive.  We will also need help bagging all remaining clothes at 3:00 PM on Sunday. 

All families may SHOP FOR FREE on Saturday from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM and again on Sunday from 12:00 - 3:00 PM.  Please spread the word with any friends or family in our community who may be interested!

To volunteer during the clothing drive, please sign up here.  Thank you in advance for helping with this community event!

Sincerely,

The MNES/MNMS Clothing Drive Team

MNMS_MNE Clothing Drive 2023.pdf 

Friday, October 20, 2023:

Dear MNE 2nd-5th Grade Family,

Fall MAP reports are being sent home with students today.  Please look for the report in an envelope inside the student's take-home folder or backpack.

Respectfully,

Mark

Friday, October 20, 2023:

Dear Fourth and Fifth Grade Families,

The colder temperatures are a good reminder that Winter is just around the corner.  Intramural Skiing & Snowboarding will be offered once again.  More information will be coming home within the next month regarding this program.  If you think your child might be interested in participating, I wanted to make you aware of an event that is happening at Tussey Mountain on November 3rd and 4th.  Tussey Mountain holds a yearly Ski/Board Swap Event.  New and used gear can be purchased at this event.  This event is open to the public, so Tussey recommends that you shop early during the sale.

Another email will be sent when IM Skiing & Snowboarding Packets are sent home.

Sincerely,

Andrea Kempton, MNE Coordinator

als38@scasd.org

--

Andrea Snyder Kempton
Third Grade Teacher

Intramural Coordinator
Mount Nittany Elementary School
State College Area School District

Thursday, October 19, 2023:

Dear MNE 4th and 5th Grade Families,

In the State Area School District, we are working to find ways to support students’ behavioral and emotional needs. It is important to note that mental health experts have highlighted the significant increase of mental health needs of youth across the country. 

In the coming weeks, your child will have the opportunity to take part in a universal screening screener.  This screener is intended to help learn more about the behavioral needs and emotional well-being of each student.  Screenings will be conducted electronically in the fall and spring. 

Please note: This universal screener is not a survey and if you previously opted out of survey participation (see Policy 231.1 Surveys), that will not prevent your child from participating in this screener unless you complete this form.

What is universal screening? 

The universal screening screener consists of approximately 30 questions related to students' self-perceived behavioral and emotional strengths and weaknesses.  The questions used in the screener are drawn from the BASC-3 Behavioral and Emotional Screening System.  After completing the screener, students’ responses will be scored and divided into a three-tier distribution, which aligns with the Multi Tiered System of Support (MTSS) model already being used by SCASD for academic skills.

What are tiers and how do tiers impact service provision for students?

Tier 1: GREEN Students whose scores fall into Tier 1 range (approximately 80-85% of the population) are considered "normal risk" and will have access to all of the resources that currently exist in the school system (tutoring support, counseling services, extracurricular opportunities, etc.) to support healthy personal and academic growth.

Tier 2: YELLOW Students whose scores fall into Tier 2 range (approximately 10% of the population) are considered at "elevated risk" and will have access to some additional services if warranted (i.e. Student Assistance Program, educational support group counseling programs, etc.). 

Tier 3: RED Students whose scores fall into Tier 3 range (approximately 5% of the population) are considered at "extremely elevated risk" and may be provided with a list of community resources who can offer therapeutic support.

Can I see my child’s score?

Once the assessment has been administered, an email will be sent to parents and guardians with direction on how to access your child’s scores in ParentVUE.

Is my child required to participate? 

No, however we would like all our students to take part in the screener, and the screener is voluntary.  No action will be taken against the school, you, or any student if the student does not participate.  Please note that all information gathered through the screening is kept completely confidential and is not placed in your child’s academic records. 

If my child is identified in Tier 2: YELLOW or Tier 3: RED, what services are available to my child?

If you have any questions or concerns, or would like more information about the screening, please contact your child’s school counselor or the school psychologist. You will have the opportunity to view your child’s results electronically or upon request once the screening window is completed.

 You can view the entire screener and Frequently Asked Question at the following link:    https://www.scasd.org/cms/lib/PA01000006/Centricity/Domain/115/BASC3BESSStudent.pdf.  Students will complete the screener between October 23-Nov. 6th and again between March 18th - April 1st  . We will send an email to students enrolled in the virtual academy asking them to take part in the screener as well. The screener will take no more than 30 minutes to complete.

If you do NOT want your 4th or 5th grade child to take part in the screener, please complete this google form by Friday, October 27, 2023.

Respectfully,

Mark

Tuesday, October 17, 2023:

Dear MNE Family,

Thank you for your continued cooperation with the morning drop off procedure at MNE.  Traffic has been flowing more smoothly over the past few days, and there is only a brief window during which the drop off zone gets busy.

A few reminders:

• • Upon entrance into the loop from Brandywine, use the left hand lane until you completely round the corner in front of the middle school entrance.
  • At that point, you are looking for a space to signal, merge right, and pull in parallel to the curb.
  • The drop off zone includes both areas indicated with the green ovals on this map. Please continue moving forward to the second area if all of the spaces in the first area are being used.  The goal is to not have anyone stopping for an extended period of time in the area of the red circle.
  • Students should exit the passenger side of the vehicle immediately on to a sidewalk.
  • Once drop off is complete, signal and merge carefully back into the left lane to exit the loop.
  • Unless there are extenuating circumstances, parents are discouraged from leaving the general area of their vehicle and walking students to the entrance of the building. In the event this is necessary, please park as far ahead in the second drop off area as possible so as to help keep the traffic flow moving.
  • We are working with the middle school to move the drop off area for their early arrivals back to within the handicapped parking area.  This will permit the limited amount of middle school traffic at that time to more easily signal and merge back into the left travel lane.
  • Please drive slowly, use turn signals, and exercise caution at all times.

Thanks for your help and have a terrific day.

Respectfully,

Mark

Tuesday, October 17, 2023:

Dear MNE Family,

Just a reminder that Marianna order forms are due Thursday, October 19th.  Please secure payment to order form- checks payable to MNE PTO.

Pick up for all items will be on Monday, October 30th from 3:00-5:30 in the all-purpose room.  Please enter using door # 6

Email mnespto@gmail.com with any questions.

Thank you for your continued support, 

MNE PTO

Monday, October 16, 2023:

Dear MNE Family,

Please see the attached flyer for information regarding the MNE PTO Book Fair which runs from Monday, October 23, through Thursday, October 26.

The PTO is also in need of a few volunteers for the Book Fair. Volunteers must have been cleared by the school district in order to help.  Please follow this link to volunteer: https://tinyurl.com/ybpb7fh8 

Sincerely,

MNE PTO

Fall Book Fair Announcement.pdf 

Friday, October 13, 2023:

Dear MNE Family,

Throughout the 2023-24 school year, we plan to provide opportunities for you to learn more about programs and practices at Mount Nittany Elementary.

The first of these meetings will be held on Tuesday, October 24, at 6:30 PM, in the MNE Library.  The topic of this session will be the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment that your child takes in grades 1-5 (Grade 1 only takes the math MAP and does not do so until January).  This is an opportunity to learn more about the MAP assessment and how to interpret your child’s score.

Snacks and child care will be provided.  Please pre-register for child care by emailing Mrs. Susan Hipp at smh12@scasd.org.

The attached flier contains information about this event.  You are welcome to bring your child’s MAP score report with you.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Susan Hipp

MNE 5th Grade Teacher

MAP Monthly Informational Parent Meeting Flyer.pdf 

Friday, October 13, 2023:

Dear MNE Families,

Preparations are underway for our annual MNE October celebrations, scheduled for Wednesday, October 25, from 2:00-2:50 PM.  A description of each of our celebrations is detailed below.

Classroom Fall Festival Party

• • Students choosing to participate may bring a costume to wear for the party.  

  • Students are not to come to school dressed in costumes. 

  • Please put your student’s name on all pieces of the costume.  

• • Costumes may not include any look-alike weapons or sharp objects.

  • Costume makeup and face paint are not permitted.

  • Costume masks are permitted; however, students will be required to remove masks if/when walking through the hallways.

  • Students will change out of costumes prior to dismissal.

Each classroom will have a Fall Festival Party. Parents may be contacted about donating treats and/or volunteering at the party.   

MNE Harvest Party

• • Students choosing to participate in the Harvest Party will not wear costumes. 

  • Students are encouraged to wear fall colors. 

  • Students will engage in a variety of fall-related activities.

Please use this form to register your child for the MNE Harvest Party.  Those not registering for the MNE Harvest Party will be assumed to be participating in the respective classroom Fall Festival Party.

Thank you for your support of our October celebrations at MNE!  

Sincerely,

Mark Feldman

Principal

Friday, October 13, 2023:

Dear MNE Family,

October 8-14, 2023 is designated as National Fire Prevention Week.  Each year our friends at the Boalsburg Fire Company partner with the school to conduct fire prevention activities and awareness.

As a part of today's presentation, there will likely be one or more fire trucks at MNE this afternoon.  I just wanted to reach out in advance and assure you that this is a non-emergency and part of our fire prevention program.

Many thanks to the Boalsburg Fire Company for their support of our MNE community.

Have a great weekend!

Respectfully,

Mark

Thursday, October 12, 2023:

Dear MNE Family,

I had the opportunity to meet with Officer Bernier this morning, observe the morning drop off process more closely, and obtain feedback from Officer Bernier.  We believe that with one minor change, a reminder of the overall expected morning procedure, and some on-site coaching, we can safely continue our current morning drop off routine.

In review, the overall intent of this plan is for all students to exit vehicles immediately onto a sidewalk for direct entry into the school building without having to navigate through any vehicle traffic. We do have a limited number of faculty and staff members whose children are students in the building.  These would be the only students with permission to walk with their parent through the parking area and across the lane.

Change

When entering the loop off of Brandywine Drive, please remain in the left lane of the loop until you have slowly and safely rounded the corner immediately in front of the entrance doors to the middle school.

Drop Off Procedure

• • The drop off area extends from the second yellow pole after rounding the curve all the way to the cone well beyond the portable toilets on the lane exiting the loop. Please utilize this entire space for student drop off.

  • As space is available, please carefully merge from the left lane into the lane immediately adjacent to the sidewalk and come to a stop parallel to the sidewalk.

  • The student is expected to exit the vehicle from the passenger side immediately onto the sidewalk.

  • The goal is for student separation from the parent at the vehicle with the student independently walking into the building.

  • If circumstances exist that require the parent to walk alongside the student, the parent should park as far up, near the end of the drop off area, so as not to create a back up early in the loop.

  • When departing, the parent should carefully merge back into the left lane to exit the loop.

  • At the end of the loop, vehicles should use the right lane for a right-hand turn and the left lane for a left-hand turn.

  • As with anywhere, all drivers are expected to proceed slowly and cautiously through the loop without distraction.

This year, we are opening the front doors at 7:30 AM, the time of our first bus arrival, for those needing an early drop off time.  The 7:30-7:45 AM time frame is designated for those for whom a 7:45-8:00 AM drop time presents a hardship.

For the next couple of school days, I will be standing at the curve directly in front of the middle school entrance to answer any questions and help with the flow of parent traffic.

Thanks for your patience and cooperation.

Respectfully,

Mark

Wednesday, October 11, 2023:

Good afternoon, MNE Family.

The purpose of this email is to review the procedures shared at the beginning of the school year pertaining to morning drop off of students by parents.

MNE AM/PM Drop Off and Pick Up Procedures

The intent with our current plan is that every student exiting a school bus or a parent vehicle exits immediately onto a sidewalk and thus does not have to walk in, around, or through any vehicle traffic.  Students should not exit and walk from vehicles located anywhere within the parking lot. In addition, it is imperative that all drivers use extreme caution when driving through the MNE/MNMS campus. 

Along with our school resource officer, I am reviewing our current use of two travel lanes around the morning drop off loop.  I will send a follow up communication to you should we initiate any changes to the current procedure.

Respectfully,

Mark

Tuesday, October 10, 2023:

Dear MNE Family,

The MNE PTO will meet this evening at 6:30 PM, in the library at MNE.  We hope to see you there.

Sincerely,

MNE PTO

Friday, October 6, 2023:

Dear MNE Fourth and Fifth Grade Families!

Basketball Intramurals at Mount Nittany Elementary will begin soon!  Basketball Intramural sports are available for all fourth and fifth graders at OUR school. Intramural activities run from 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm. Students must be picked up by 4:30 pm, or they may walk or ride a bike home with written permission. Participation is optional for each season. Behavior expectations are high, and teamwork and sportsmanship are emphasized.

Your child will be bringing home a permission packet to be signed. Please sign and complete the bottom of the first page, and the entire second page. Forms are due by November 6th. Both pages need to be completed and returned in order to start on November 7th. Please print your email legibly in the event that a session is cancelled. If a session is cancelled, parents will be emailed. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me!

Thank you for allowing your child the opportunity to participate in Intramurals. Andrea Snyder Kempton

Third Grade Teacher

MNE Intramural Coordinator, als38@scasd.org

--

Andrea Snyder Kempton
Third Grade Teacher

Intramural Coordinator
Mount Nittany Elementary School
State College Area School District

Thursday, October 5, 2023:

Dear MNE Family,

A reminder that our MNE PTO Fun Run will be held tomorrow morning from 8:15-10:00 AM.  Please make sure that students come to school in the morning prepared to run outdoors in temperatures around the 60 degree mark.

Thank you in advance to all MNE PTO parents who have worked tirelessly to plan this exciting event.

Respectfully,

Mark

Monday, October 2, 2023:

Dear MNE Family,

We are happy to share the 2023-2024 PTO Directory . The document lists all entries by grade level and alphabetically by student last name.  We have done our best to compile the information gathered via the form earlier this year. Please notify the MNE PTO (mnespto@gmail.com) should you find anything that needs to be corrected.

Sincerely,

MNE PTO

Tuesday, September 26, 2023:

Hello Mount Nittany Families!

Our Annual Fun Run is just around the corner. Friday, October 6 will be our biggest FUNdraiser of the year and we want to thank you in advance for all of your help! 

Fast Facts to help you prepare:

• • Our goal is $16,000. All funds raised directly benefit students and teachers.

  • The Fun Run will be held from 8:15am - 10:00am.

  • All classes will be outside to cheer on their schoolmates. Each grade level will have a turn to run laps around the field loop.

  • Students are encouraged to walk, run, dance and have fun during their run period.

  • Fun Run Schedule (includes a 5 minute warm up for each grade)

    • 8:15–All students make way to run area designation (look for signs and balloons)

    • Kindergarten 8:20-8:40

    • 1st Grade 8:35–8:55

    • 2nd Grade 8:50-9:10

    • 3rd Grade 9:05-9:25

    • 4th Grade 9:20-9:40

    • 5th Grade 9:35-9:55

    • 10:00 – All Students return to school

Parents/Guardians are invited to cheer their students on!  Keep an eye out…back again this year will be a coffee/donut stand near the parking lot/entrance of the school. This will only be for visitors, not students. Donations will be added to the collected Fun Run total to help us reach our goal.

Tomorrow, Wednesday, September 27th, students and teachers will be participating in a schoolwide pep rally to get the students excited and explain details of the event.  Additionally, informational family letters/collection envelopes will be sent home with students.

Attached is a video explaining the Fun Run, photos of our past Fun Runs, and a link for online donations. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43XKTOHc1T0

Scan the QR code to access the online donation site on FundRazr (fundrazr.com/mnefunrun2023)

Thank you again for all of your involvement and help! Looking forward to a great day!

Sincerely,

The Fun Run Committee

Any questions, please contact us at funrun.mne@gmail.com or mnespto@gmail.com

Check our Facebook page for updated information: MNES PTO

Thursday, September 21, 2023:  (4th & 5th Gr. only)

Dear MNE 4th and 5th Grade Family,

Be on the lookout before the weekend for PSSA reports from the Spring 2023 assessment that are being sent home in an envelope with your student(s). Reports for last year's 5th grade students were forwarded to the middle school to be sent home.

Respectfully,

Mark

Thursday, September 21, 2023:

Dear MNE Family,

Our next MNE Restaurant Night will be hosted by Jersey Mike's on Monday, September 25, through Wednesday, September 27.  Get a regular sub for only a $3.00 donation.  See the attached flyer for details.  Be on the lookout for two coupon cards and a flyer coming home with your student.

Thank you for your support of the MNE PTO.

Sincerely,

MNE PTO Leadership Team

Jersey Mikes PTO.jpeg 

Monday, September 18, 2023:

Dear MNE Family,

A 5th grade student experienced a facial injury today resulting from an accidental fall outdoors while transitioning from recess to lunch.  An ambulance responded to the school and transported the student for further treatment.  Our thoughts are with our student and their family as they begin recovery.

Given the location of the incident and response, many of our students are likely unaware that an ambulance responded to the school today.  I wanted you to be informed in case questions or concerns were raised at home this evening.

Please contact me if you have any questions.

Respectfully,

Mark

Friday, September 15, 2023:  (Kdg. only)

Dear MNE Kindergarten Parent/Caregiver,

Please complete this form if your MNE kindergarten student will be joining me on the field this evening at SC Football's Kindergarten Night. 

I am looking forward to this fun event.

Please review the previous emails sent by the district regarding meeting place and time.  I will remain with every student in thew parklet until everyone is matched back up with a parent.

Respectfully,

Mark

Wednesday, September 13, 2023:

Dear MNE Family,

A reminder that tomorrow, Thursday, September 14, is School Picture Day at MNE.

Wednesday, September 13, 2023:

PTO Directory Information Requested

Dear MNE Parent/Caregiver,

If you would like to include your information in the MNE PTO Directory, please respond by September 20th. 

Please complete the form once for each student.

The email address field is required so we can email you your response. For other entries, please only include what you want published (except for the comments field).

PTO Directory Survey

https://forms.gle/i5MpL2Me3bvkYyKq9

Thank you!

Like Us on Facebook!- MNE PTO

mnespto@gmail.com

Like Us on Facebook!- MNE PTO

mnespto@gmail.com

Tuesday, September 12, 2023:

Dear MNE Family,

The first MNE PTO meeting of the school year is tonight at 6:30 PM, in the MNE Library.  Please consider joining in our efforts to support teaching and learning at MNE.

Sincerely,

MNE PTO

Friday, September 8, 2023:  (2nd-5th Gr. only):

Dear MNE Parent/Caregiver,

Beginning the week of September 11, our 2nd-5th grade MNE students will take the fall Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessments. MAP tests are an important tool we use to guide your child’s educational development and are given in the Fall, Winter and Spring. These tests help to determine your child’s instructional level and measure academic growth throughout the school year, and from year to year, in the areas of math and reading.  The window for fall testing this year is Sept.11-Sept. 29. Virtual Academy students will receive separate testing dates and times from their teachers soon. 

All SCASD students in grades 2-9 take the reading and math MAP assessments three times a year. Our first-grade students complete the math MAP in the Winter and Spring and do not take the reading MAP.  The fall assessment provides a beginning of the year instructional level while the mid-year MAP test is helpful because it provides teachers with an update on your child’s progress. Overall growth is best determined with at least three data points so the Spring assessment is an even better picture of student overall growth for the year. 

MAP tests are unique in that they are computer adaptive tests. This means that the test will become more difficult the more questions your child answers correctly. When your child answers incorrectly, the test will become easier. Therefore, your child will take a test specifically created for his or her learning level. In addition, your child should have had the opportunity to learn the information presented on the test because the tests are aligned with the Pennsylvania Common Core Standards of Learning.

Your child’s MAP test results will be reported in RIT scores. This is a different type of score than a typical test that provides a percentage correct. It is also different from many tests that provide results based on your child’s score compared to others in his or her grade.  Instead, the RIT score is an equal-interval scale, like feet and inches, that is independent of grade level. 

For more information on resources for parents, you can learn more by visiting the Parent Toolkit page at: https://www.nwea.org/parent-toolkit/.  Please take a few moments to discuss these tests with your child - specifically trying their best, the purpose of measuring growth and getting a good night's sleep before testing. Your child’s individual MAP score will be sent home to you in a sealed envelope at the conclusion of the testing window in October. Thank you for taking an active interest in your child’s education.  If you have questions, please contact me.

Respectfully,

Mark

Thursday, September 7, 2023:  (4th & 5th Gr. only):

Dear MNE Fourth and Fifth Grade Families!

Intramurals at Mount Nittany Elementary will begin soon!  Fall Intramural sports are available for all fourth and fifth graders at OUR school. Intramural activities usually run from 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm. Students must be picked up by 4:30 pm, or they may walk or ride a bike home with written permission. Participation is optional for each season. Behavior expectations are high, and teamwork and sportsmanship are emphasized.

Your child will be bringing home a permission packet to be signed. Please sign and complete the bottom of the first page, and the entire second page. Both pages need to be completed and returned in order to start on September 12th. Students can return papers to Mrs. Kempton (3rd Grade Teacher) or their classroom teacher.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me!

Thank you for allowing your child the opportunity to participate in Intramurals. 

Andrea Kempton

Third Grade Teacher

MNE Intramural Coordinator, als38@scasd.org

Thursday, August 31, 2023:  (3rd Gr. only)

Dear MNE 3rd Grade Parent/Caregiver,

The purpose of this email is to provide an update about math class groupings at MNE.  Teachers met recently to create flexible math class rosters in order to better meet the needs of your children. One teacher will teach a math class for students who are ready for additional extensions of the core math program and the remaining three teachers will each teach heterogeneously grouped classes.  Teachers assess students on a regular basis through pre and post assessments and make adjustments to student placements as warranted.  

As mentioned above, the main difference between the one math class and the other two heterogeneously grouped classes is the level of extension provided based on student need. While all classes are working towards mastery of the same grade-level standards and following the same SCASD curriculum using the same resource, this class leads to some opportunities for students to be exposed to concepts more in depth, and in some cases, beyond grade-level standards.  When placing students in these groupings, our ultimate goal is to set each child up for success, providing the appropriate level of challenge based on readiness levels, learning styles, and past experiences. 

To determine placements, teachers carefully considered prior MAP testing data (where available), feedback from previous year's teachers, and observations throughout the first week of this school year.

Our groupings are flexible and fluid in order to meet students’ needs. Your child’s math teacher will be sending an introductory email soon.

I hope this information helps clarify our math grouping process. As always, please contact me with any questions or concerns. 

Respectfully,

Mark

Thursday, August 31, 2023:

Hello MNE Families,

My name is Nicole Craft.  I am the parent of a 4th grade MNE student this year.  I have been helping to organize the MNE Annual Fun Run for several years.  I hope all of you have had a restful summer and the start of the new school year is filling your home with excitement.  I wanted to reach out because last year we had another very successful Fun Run and we can't do it without your help. The Fun Run provides significant funding for many school related activities and supplies.  A big thank you to all of the volunteers that helped last year!!! I really appreciate the help that everyone donated in both the preparation and execution of our annual fun run.  The PTO and I have begun planning and I'm looking forward to meeting some new volunteers to help with this years Fun Run on Friday, October 6th! 

We are looking for ALL levels of help.  Please consider volunteering for this event.  Some of these responsibilities require VERY LITTLE commitment, while others do involve a bit more time. The more people we can count on from year to year to assist, the less each person will have to do.  As we have continued to do this event we have found that having people assigned to specific responsibilities has made the commitment MUCH more manageable. Most of these responsibilities have clear directions that I can help you follow in order to become comfortable.

Responsibilities to consider include:

**Creating/managing a sign up genius for volunteers

**Helping to plan the Pep Rally

**Preparing Fun Run Paperwork Packets

**Helping to find "celebrities" for the day of the event

**Day of event Organizing/helping

**IT expertise for videos, Facebook, social media

**Day of $ count

**Prizes--distribution/organization

**Donation solicitation

**We also need a new Chairperson to take over within the next 2 years.  At that time, I will no longer be a parent at MNE.   If you are interested in becoming the Fun Run Chairperson and would willing to be my co-chair this year to learn the ropes, I would be happy to be your co-chair next year to finalize the transition. 

If you are interested, please reach out to me at funrun.mne@gmail.com and I will add you to the list of volunteers. 

Best of luck on a successful school year for your students.

Regards,

Nicole Craft

Fun Run Chair

Wednesday, August 30, 2023:

The following is sent to you on behalf of the SCASD Athletics Department...

Dear MNE Family,

The home opener for State College varsity football is this Friday as the Little Lions host Downingtown East in a matchup of state powerhouses. Make sure you purchase your tickets ahead of time. Ticket information is on the athletics website.  You must have a ticket to enter. The All-Sport pass is your best bargain for all sports, all seasons.

Middle & elementary students must be accompanied at the game by a supervising adult.

Gates open at 6:00 PM, and no backpacks are permitted.  

Sincerely,

SCASD Athletics

Monday, August 28, 2023:

Dear MNE Family,

Happy first full week of school!

We are starting off the school year with a 5th grade sponsored Fall Mum Sale. All proceeds will go towards the 5th grade end of year celebration.  Please see the attached information for ordering. 

Our biggest fundraiser of the year is coming up on Friday, October 6th: The FUN RUN! Look for more information coming soon. 

We are still looking for volunteers to help make this year at MNE a success!  The PTO Welcome packet is attached to this email where you can find volunteer positions and descriptions, information on the Weis 4 school  & BoxTop programs, and our spiritwear order form.  

Please let us know if you have any questions and thank you for your continued support!

Sincerely,

MNE PTO 

2023-24 Welcome Packet.pdf 

Fall Mum Fundraiser.pdf 

Save the Date Sept .png 

Friday, August 25, 2023:

Dear MNE Family,

MNE has an immediate opening for a recess paraprofessional position.  This is a four (4) hour per day, part-time position.  If you are interested, please reach out to mjf15@scasd.org for more information. Feel free to forward to an interested neighbor or friend.

Thanks for your consideration.

Respectfully,

Mark

Friday, August 25, 2023:

Dear MNE Family,

We had a great first three days of school.  It's great to have all of the enthusiasm and energy back in the building.  Below are a few updates and reminders after the first week:

• • AM/PM Arrival and Departure Procedures - Thanks for everyone's cooperation with our revised procedures.  Our focus is on student safety and we appreciate your efforts to follow procedures as documented.  Thank you!
  • Evacuation Drill - We conducted our first evacuation drill of the school year on Thursday.  Students did a great job following safety procedures.
  • MNE Expected Behaviors - School staff spent time this week teaching, reviewing, and reinforcing our MNE expected student behaviors: bathroom, bus, cafeteria, classroom, everywhere, hallway, and playground. We appreciate your help reviewing and discussing these expectations at home as well.
  • SCASD Elementary Code of Conduct - Linked here for your reference is the code of conduct for elementary students in the SCASD.
  • MNE Spirit Days - Linked here is a calendar of our MNE school spirit days for the 2023-24 school year. Participation is optional.

Five days of school next week!  

Have a terrific weekend!

Respectfully,

Mark

Friday, August 25, 2023: (Kdg. only)

Dear MNE Kindergarten Family,

Thank you for your patience and flexibility with our kindergarten grouping plan.  We are confident that our approach this year has resulted in three balanced classrooms.

Classroom assignment information will be loaded into our student management information system today and should be available to you through ParentVue by Saturday morning, possibly earlier.  Students will report to their assigned classroom at the start of the day on Monday.  Students choosing to eat a school breakfast will pick up their breakfast in the cafeteria and then report to the assigned classroom.

Bus dismissal procedures have been very smooth thanks to the help of very organized teachers and a great group of 5th grade bus buddies.

Enjoy your weekend!  Five full school days next week!

Respectfully,

Mark

Friday, August 25, 2023: (5th grade only)

Hello 5th Grade Families!

Happy first week of school.  Please see the attached flyer regarding our 5th grade fundraiser to help support the end-of-year celebration trip. Last year, with the help of our PTO and our fundraising efforts, we were able to raise enough funds to send the 5th grade class to Urban Air in Altoona.  

Please be on the lookout for order forms as they should come home soon! Return order forms/payment by September 13th. 

Contact me at amylbaldwin32@yahoo.com with any questions you may have.

Thank you for your support!

Sincerely,
Amy Baldwin/MNE PTO

Fall Mum Fundraiser.pdf 

Tuesday, August 22, 2023:

Dear MNE Family,

You are cordially invited to join the MNE PTO for a treat on the MNE playground on Thursday evening from 6:00-7:00 PM.  This is an informal opportunity to connect with other MNE families while the kids play on the playground.  

We hope to see you on Thursday.

A reminder that there is no school on Friday of this week!

Sincerely,

MNE PTO

PTO Treat on The Playground.png 

Tuesday, August 22, 2023:

Dear MNE Parent/Caregiver,

Thank you for your patience as we work through our procedures during this first week of school.

Based upon feedback collected this afternoon, we are going to adjust our dismissal procedure to the following:

• • The only students exiting the front doors of MNE will be those students riding buses and those students independently (without a parent) walking or biking home.
  • All other students being met at the school by parents and either walking or riding home with parents will meet parents at the side door to the all purpose room - Door #5. There should be no parents waiting on the sidewalk area in front of MNE. Door #5 will be staffed by MNE employees.

We appreciate your understanding as we work through this process.  The changes we have made to our procedures were recommended as a part of a safety and security audit performed late last school year by our school resource officer.

It was a great first day of school!

Have a great evening.

Respectfully,

Mark

Tuesday, August 22, 2023:

Dear MNE Parent/Caregiver,

In an effort to promote and sustain a safe school environment and adhere to state law, we conduct multiple school safety drills throughout the year.  The purpose of these drills is to prepare, not scare, our staff and students to respond accordingly in the event of an actual emergency at school.  As such, caution and concern for student well being are exercised when conducting these drills.

Our safety drills include:

• • Evacuation Drill: Conducted once per month. Prepares us for a substance or situation (not person) that could cause harm or danger. Faculty, staff, and students evacuate the building using the designated exit route and report to designated outside area for attendance. This drill is what was traditionally called a fire drill.

  • Stay-Put Drill: Conducted at least once per trimester. Prepares us for a potentially dangerous person/situation outside of the school that does not pose an immediate threat to the inside of the school, any peril inside the school that will not require evacuation, or a medical emergency requiring hallways to be clear. Rooms are locked and secured and teaching and learning continues business as usual.

  • Severe Weather Drill: Conducted two times each school year - fall and spring. Prepares us for a severe weather event in which it would be dangerous for faculty, staff, and students to be on secondary floors, near windows, or outside of the building.

  • Bus Evacuation Drill: Conducted two times each school year. Prepares those students who ride a bus and their drivers for an emergency evacuation or situation that may occur while traveling to or from school.

  • Lockdown Drill: Not conducted on a regular basis but regularly discussed with faculty and staff. Prepares us for anyone inside or immediately outside of the building that presents a danger or threat to those inside the building (i.e. possesses a weapon, alcohol/drug intoxication, threatening behavior, etc.). Faculty and staff would initiate hide, run, fight protocol based upon the incident.  Teachers will spend time with students discussing the designated hiding location within their space.

Building safety procedures are reviewed with students prior to each drill. You may find it helpful to discuss these safety drills at home with your student and to reinforce that the purpose of the drills is to practice being safe.

If you have any questions, please contact me.

Respectfully,

Mark

Monday, Augusts 21, 2023:

Dear MNE Family,

A reminder that tomorrow is the first day of the 2023-24 school year.  Welcome to MNE!

Below are a few important reminders for the upcoming school year:

• • AM/PM Drop Off and Pick Up Procedures  - This is a significant change from our procedures over the past couple of years.  Please review carefully.
  • School Breakfast - Breakfast is free for every student this school year.  On a trial basis, we plan to open the front doors of MNE at 7:50 each morning to attempt to more efficiently get students through the breakfast line.  After picking up a breakfast, students will wait in the all purpose room until being dismissed to their classrooms at 7:55. Breakfast service begins on the second day of school.
  • On Time Arrival - Students arriving to school after 8:10, are marked as unexcused tardy to school.  Another significant change this year is that we are no longer counting minutes for unexcused late arrivals.  Rather, late unexcused time will be recorded as a fraction of the school day as follows: 8:11-9:29 (.10 day), 9:30-11:29 (.25 day), 11:30-1:29 (.75 day), 1:30-3:00 (1.0 day).  If you are dropping off your child(ren) in the morning, please make 8:00 AM, your target drop off time.
  • MNE Welcome Back Letter - Linked here is the welcome back letter that was sent out last week.  It is full of important information about daily operations at MNE.

See you tomorrow!

Respectfully,

Mark

Monday, August 21, 2023: (5th Gr. only)

Dear 5th Grade Parent/Caregiver,

Please relay the following morning procedures to your 5th grade student:

• • 5th Grade students never report to the Panorama building to start the school day.
  • Tomorrow, the first day of school, all 5th grade students should enter the Mount Nittany Elementary building and report directly to the all purpose room.
  • Thereafter, 5th grade students always enter Mount Nittany Elementary each morning and report directly to their scheduled special (art, music, PE, library, STEM) for that day.  Attendance and lunch count will be recorded by the specials teacher. Students may stop and get their breakfast on the way to their special.  There is no breakfast on the first day of school.

Respectfully,

Mark

Thursday, August 17, 2023:

Dear MNE Family,

A reminder that MNE will host Back to School Night tonight from 5:45-6:45.  Families may park in the large lot between the middle and elementary schools, in the loop that surrounds the field in front of MNE, or in either of the two lots at the Panorama Village building.  

A few other details:

• • This event will be an open house format in grades 1-5.  Stop as you are able between 5:45-6:45, meet your teacher, and see your classroom. Please also share with your child's teacher the primary means by which your child will come home each day: bus, CEEL, parent pickup, or walker/biker.
  • Mr. Kamats' and Mrs. Hipp's classrooms are located in the Panorama Village building.  Families will enter the side door (#5) which faces the smaller of the two Panorama parking lots.
  • Kindergarten parents will assemble in the MNE all purpose room for an informational meeting beginning at 5:45 PM.

We look forward to greeting everyone this evening and getting the school year off to a great start!

Respectfully,

Mark

Sunday, August 13, 2023:

Dear MNE Parent/Caregiver,

The link in the PTO Duck Donut flyer is not active.  Please use the link below instead:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfaB-ScTf9cTUWr5mEmf4Rs_5vztR2XIjZsN1bIgChJ2g_qzA/viewform?usp=sf_link

Sincerely,

MNE PTO

Friday, August 11, 2023:

Wednesday, August 9, 2023:

Dear MNE Family,

Please click here to access the Welcome to MNE Back to School Letter.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Respectfully,

Mark

Tuesday, August 1, 2023:

Dear MNE Parent/Caregiver,

We are busily preparing for, and eagerly anticipating, the start of a new school year.  We welcome back our returning faculty, staff, students, and families, and we are excited to meet all new friends who have joined our MNE community.  A special shout out and welcome to members of the SCASD Class of 2036 - our new kindergarten students!

Please add these important dates to your family calendar:

• • MNE Back to School Night - August 17, 5:45-6:45 PM.

  • First Day of School -  August 22

    • Grades 1-5 attend for a full day of school

    • Kindergarten attends from 9:00-11:30 AM, with a parent/caregiver

  • First Full Day of Kindergarten - August 23

  • Fall Conferences - October 26-27

We welcome the following individuals to our MNE faculty:

• • Mrs. Casie Boyle - 3rd grade, replacing Mrs. Madison Moore who relocated with her family to Iowa. Mrs. Boyle comes to MNE from Manassas, Virginia, where she was most recently a 4th grade teacher.

  • Mr. David Herbstritt - 5th grade, replacing Mrs. Karen Styers who retired.  Mr. Herbstritt also comes to MNE from Manassas, Virginia, where he was most recently a 5th grade teacher.

  • Mrs. Angela Kellar - Speech and Language Specialist.  Mrs. Kellar comes to MNE from the Bald Eagle Area School District and will join Mrs. Karla Rieker in the delivery of speech and language services.

  • Mrs. Kara Treweek - Elementary Dean of Students.  Mrs. Treweek comes to MNE from Grays Woods Elementary School, where she was most recently a kindergarten teacher.  Mrs. Treweek is one of two elementary deans that will support all of our elementary schools in this position that will evolve to meet district and building needs.

  • Mrs. Patricia Pietraccini - 4th grade, replacing Dr. Holly Klock who relocated to Eastern Pennsylvania with her family.  Mrs. Pietraccini comes to us from Radio Park Elementary School, where she was most recently a 4th grade teacher.

We also welcome back from leave Mrs. Alexis Drobka, art teacher.

We are still in the process of finalizing our hires for gifted education teacher, paraprofessionals, and building substitute teacher positions and will communicate these with you in the near future.

We continue to experience building capacity challenges at MNE.  This again requires us to be creative with classroom space. Last school year, our three open-environment group instruction areas were renovated to create instructional spaces that are more appropriate and respectful to the teachers and students using those spaces.  Two of our 5th grade classrooms will remain in the Panorama Village building this year.  This enrollment projection report was recently shared with our SCASD Board of Directors, and we anticipate approval in August to proceed with a construction project that will expand the capacity of MNE.  The current target date for the completion of this project is the start of the 2025-2026 school year. We appreciate your patience and support as we continue to navigate this challenge.

A subsequent email will be sent closer to opening day highlighting our building-specific morning and afternoon procedures.  You will also be notified when classroom assignments become visible in ParentVue.  A reminder that kindergarten classroom assignments will be made at the conclusion of the first three days of school so as to provide us with time to get to know the students and create well-balanced classrooms.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Respectfully,

Mark

Monday, July 24, 2023/Wednesday, July 26, 2023/Thursday, July 27, 2023/Monday, July 31, 2023:

Dear MNE Kindergarten Parent/Caregiver,

I apologize if this is a duplicate email communication.  I realized mid-week that a systems error may have been preventing my communications from reaching you.

Dear MNE Kindergarten Parent/Caregiver,

As we approach the beginning of August, I wanted to provide some clarification as well as updated information regarding the start of the school year for your MNE kindergarten student(s).

Clarifications

• • No SCASD elementary school is conducting a mid-August camp this school year. Rather, elements from the camp experience are being incorporated into the abbreviated first day of school for kindergarten students. This was referred to in a communication that you recently received from Mrs. Yoder.
  • Traditionally, the first day of school for kindergarten students has been an abbreviated school day.
  • Traditionally, kindergarten parents/caregivers have been included for participation in first day activities at each elementary school.

Updates Regarding MNE Kindergarten

• • MNE kindergarten orientation will occur during the MNE Back to School Night scheduled for Thursday evening, August 17, beginning at 5:45 PM.  This is your opportunity to meet collectively with the kindergarten teachers and learn everything you need to know about the transition into kindergarten.
  • The kindergarten orientation meeting will be followed by an opportunity for all adults and students to visit the MNE kindergarten classrooms.  Because we do not plan to group students until after the first three days of school, you will not know your child's classroom assignment that evening.  This is instead an opportunity to visit all of the classrooms and meet all of the teachers.
  • The first day of school, Tuesday, August 22, is an abbreviated day for MNE kindergarten students from 9:00-11:30.  Parents or adult designees are requested to attend this event as they will participate with students in activities such as a scavenger hunt to get acquainted with the classrooms and the school.  Students will also have a designated recess time at which point adults will have the opportunity to meet with the principal, school counselor, school psychologist, and nurse for a question and answer session.
  • The morning will conclude with an optional school bus orientation beginning at 11:00 AM. This is an opportunity for the students to become acquainted to school bus rules and procedures.

Please contact me if you have any questions on any of the above information.

Have a great week.

Respectfully,

Mark Feldman

Principal

Monday, July 24, 2023/Monday, July 31, 2023: 

Dear MNE Parent/Caregiver,

Mount Nittany Elementary School will conduct Back to School Night on Thursday, August 17, from 5:45-6:45 PM.

Back to School Night will follow an open house format for grades 1-5.  Students and parents are welcome to visit classrooms and meet the teacher at their convenience within the specified window of time.

Kindergarten Back to School Night will serve as the parent/caregiver orientation for MNE kindergarten.  The evening will begin will an informational orientation session with the kindergarten teachers in the MNE all purpose room.  Following this session, students and parents will have the opportunity to visit all of the kindergarten classrooms.

Mount Nittany Middle School is also conducting Back to School Night for 6th grade students the same evening from 6:30-7:30 PM.  MNE parents/caregivers who also have a rising MNMS 6th grader(s) are encouraged to first visit MNE beginning at 5:45 PM.

Respectfully,

Mark Feldman

Principal

Tuesday, June 27, 2023:  (incoming Kdg. families)

Dear MNE Kindergarten Parent/Caregiver,

Welcome to Mount Nittany Elementary School and to the SCASD Class of 2036!  We are currently processing enrollments, preparing schedules, hiring faculty and staff, and preparing the building for a great school year ahead. Whether you are a new or a returning family to MNE, I am confident that your experience this school year will be a great one.  Mount Nittany Elementary is a great place to teach and to learn.

Below are a few notes pertaining to the upcoming kindergarten school year at MNE:

• • The school district is not conducting a “kindergarten camp” in mid-August.  Instead, elements of the camp experience will be incorporated into the students’ first day of school on Tuesday, August 22.

  • Tuesday, August 22, will be a partial day of school for kindergarten students. Our MNE Kindergarten Camp/Orientation will be held from 9:00-11:30.  More information regarding the first day will be sent in early August.  For all other grades, Tuesday, August 22, is a full day of school.

  • The first week of school is a three-day week, August 22-24.

  • At MNE, kindergarten students will cycle through a variety of experiences with all kindergarten teachers and in all kindergarten classrooms over the first three days of school. At the conclusion of the school day on Thursday, August 24, teachers will group students into their assigned classroom for the school year.  This information will then be shared with parents in preparation for the start of the school day on Monday, August 28.  Our goal with this process is to create three heterogeneously grouped classrooms that meet the individual needs of all students.

  • Parents often ask for advice for what to work on at home the summer before kindergarten.  It is important for incoming kindergarten students to have been working to develop the “softer” skills: sharing, taking turns, responding to adversity, and mastering independent tasks like dressing, zippering, buttoning, and tying.  In addition, here are some recommendations from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education.

I hope that you are enjoying your summer and that you are looking forward to school in August!

Respectfully,

Mark Feldman

Principal

Monday, June 12, 2023:  (4th and 5th grade only)

Dear MNE 4th/5th Grade Parents/Caregivers, 

Recently, your child completed a universal screener in the Behavioral and Emotional  Screening System (BESS). This screener helps identify students at risk of developing emotional and/or behavior problems that may require interventions, if these have not already been identified. Here is a link to more information about the BESS rating scale: https://www.scasd.org/Page/27213

These scores are accessible to parents/guardians/caregivers and we are reaching out to you to provide directions on how to interpret and how to view your child’s BESS scores in ParentVUE. 

BESS Score Interpretation

Below is a description of the BESS index scores, which are based on norms for students similar in age to your child.. Please know, scores can fall into one of three categories of risk: Normal Risk (green), Elevated Risk (yellow), Very Elevated Risk (red).

Accessing BESS Scores in ParentVUE

You can view your child’s scores by logging into ParentVUE and clicking on your child’s name then clicking on “Test History” on the left, then click the “Detail Button” to ON to see levels. Then Review360 is listed at the bottom. Help Guide and example screenshot below

https://scasd.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/KB/pages/188023163/Navigating+the+ParentVue+Portal

The Multi-Tiered System of Support team will review the data, but will not have the opportunity to utilize the data to consider whether additional support may be needed for your child because of the school year ending. Instead, the results of the final screener will be used as one piece of data when assessing growth for students to analyze the effectiveness of interventions provided throughout the school year and also to provide parents with an emotional needs awareness of your child going into the summer.  If you have any questions or concerns, or would like more information about the screening, please contact your child’s principal, school counselor or the school psychologist. 

Respectfully,

Mark

Monday, June 12, 2023:

Dear MNE Family,

End of year progress reports are now available in ParentVue.  

Respectfully,

Mark

Wednesday, June 7, 2023:

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Summer is the time for baseball. Give your youth a great experience at the 2023 State College Baseball Camp! They will learn a ton while having fun.

Camp Details:

Dates: July 25, 26, 27, 2023

Time: 9am to noon

Location: State College High School Community Field

Who: Open to all boys and girls regardless of prior experience, entering 2nd-8th Grades (2023-24 School Year)

Cost:

$90 before July 1 

$100 after July 1($60.00 sibling fee)

$40 single day registration 

Led by experienced coaches. This camp offers a really safe and nurturing environment that will teach the basics of baseball. Hitting, fielding, baserunning and pitching will all be covered and taught by a staff with over 60 years of coaching and baseball experience.

Be sure to register by July 1st  to get a discounted price.   This camp will give your child an opportunity to grow and learn some great skills.

Please sign up here. 

Wednesday, June 7, 2023:

Dear MNE Parent/Caregiver,

As we begin the process of preparing for the 2023-24 school year, having the most accurate anticipated enrollment number is critical for planning both staffing needs and facility use.

• • If your child(ren) were enrolled at MNE this past school year and will continue at MNE in August, then no further action is necessary.
  • If your child(ren) were enrolled at MNE this past school year and will not be returning to MNE in August (other than outgoing 5th grade students), please send an email to Mrs. Meek at the earliest possible point in the summer. Please identify in this email the destination of your move.  If moving within the SCASD, your child's enrollment status and records will be changed to the receiving school.  If moving out of the SCASD, the receiving school will initiate a records request upon enrollment in the new school district.  The earlier in the summer you initiate enrollment in a new school, the better for everyone's planning purposes.
  • If you have an incoming kindergarten student who has not yet been enrolled in the SCASD, please visit this site for enrollment. Feel free to forward this information to any neighbors or friends who have also yet to register an incoming kindergarten student.

Please reach out to the school if you have any questions.

Respectfully,

Mark

Monday, June 5, 2023:

Dear MNE Family Member,

The 2022-23 school year comes to a close on Monday morning with an early dismissal at 11:30 AM.  Lunch will not be served at school on Monday.

On behalf of the entire faculty and staff of MNE, I want to thank you for your support of your children and our school community.  MNE is a great place to teach and learn.

Linked here is our SCASD Summer Learning Letter, full of ideas to keep those brains active over the summer.  A regular schedule with a little time devoted to academic tasks each day helps to prevent the "summer slide" that we often see in students that are not academically engaged over the summer. 

All students will keep their Chromebooks for the summer.

Enjoy your summer, and we look forward to seeing you in August!

Respectfully,

Mark

Thursday, June 1, 2023:

Dear MNE Parent/Caregiver:

During the month of May, your child took the end of year Measures of Academic Progress™ (MAP) test. This is an important test that we use to guide your child’s educational development and is given at the beginning, middle, and end of the year. These tests determine your child’s instructional level and measure academic growth throughout the school year, and from year to year in the areas of math and reading. The end of year MAP test is helpful because it provides teachers with an update on your child’s progress for this school year.

MAP tests are unique in that they are computer adaptive tests. This means that the test will become more difficult the more questions your child answers correctly.  Therefore, your child will take a test specifically created for his or her learning level. In addition, your child should have had the opportunity to learn the information presented on the test because the tests are aligned with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards.

Your child’s MAP test results will be reported in RIT scores. This is a different type of score than a typical test that provides a percentage correct  Instead, the RIT score is an equal-interval scale, like feet and inches, that is independent of grade level. 

For more information on resources for parents, you can download the Parent Toolkit at:  https://www.scasd.org/Page/14180.   

Paper copies of MAP results are being sent home today, June 1.  If you do not receive them or have questions, please contact us at 814-272-5900.

Respectfully,

Mark

Tuesday, May 30, 2023 (5th grade only):

Dear Families of Fifth Grade Students,

Your child’s course recommendations are available to be viewed in ParentVue.  When you access ParentVue now, you will be able to view your child’s math, World Language, band, orchestra, and choir course recommendations. If your child was assessed for subject acceleration for the 7A math class and was recommended, you should have already received information on a summer course.  Your child’s full sixth grade schedule will be available in early August and you will receive an email from your child’s middle school notifying you at that time. In order to access ParentVue, please follow these directions. For additional information on accessing ParentVue and the course recommendation system please visit our online knowledge base.  Please contact your child's teacher with questions by June 5th. If you have any trouble accessing ParentVue, please feel free to contact our SCASD helpdesk at 814-231-7744.

 Respectfully,

 Mark

Saturday, May 27, 2023 (5th grade only):

Dear 5th Grade Family,

We will conduct our end-of-year 5th grade recognition ceremony on Tuesday, May 30, at 1:30 PM, in the MNE all purpose room.  All 5th grade students will be recognized for their completion of elementary school, and students will be honored with various other recognitions.  Three students will also speak at the event.

Parents are welcome to attend this event.  Seating will be limited, and parents are encouraged to bring along folding chairs if possible.

If time permits, students will watch the end-of-year video created by parents at this event.  Otherwise, students will have the opportunity to view the video in their classrrom before the end of the week.

Yearbooks will be distributed to all MNE students early next week.

Have a great holiday weekend!

Respectfully,

Mark

Thursday, May 25, 2023:

Good afternoon.

• • Thank you - to all of our family members who were able to join us for today's MNE school picnic.  A special thank you to the SCASD food service department for preparing an awesome picnic meal.
  • Rita's on the Playground - a reminder that tonight the MNE playground is open and the Rita's truck will be on site from 5:30-7:30 PM.  Rita's will donate 20% of sales tonight to the MNE PTO.
  • Lost and Found - all MNE lost and found items are neatly organized on tables in front of the school.  They will remain on display until the end of the school day on Friday.  After that, lost and found items will be bagged and donated.  Please stop by and find that favorite sweatshirt or water bottle that seems to have walked away.

Have a great evening!

Respectfully,

Mark

Monday, May 22, 2023:

Dear MNE Family,

The MNE PTO will host the final restaurant night of the school year on Thursday evening, May 25.  The Rita's truck will visit MNE from 5:30-7:30 PM.  Students are also welcome to enjoy the playground during the event.  Rita's will donate 20% of sales back to the MNE PTO.

We hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

MNE PTO

Rita's Mount Nittany PTO Food Truck Night-5_25.pdf 

Thursday, May 18, 2023:

Good morning, MNE Family.

We are excited to welcome all family members who have pre-registered to attend the MNE school picnic over our normal school lunch times on Thursday, May 25.  A reminder that prior pre-registration for the event was required to make sure that the SCASD food service department is prepared to welcome a larger than typical lunch crowd.

Normal school lunch times are as follows:

Kindergarten - 11:00-11:30

1st Grade - 12:30-1:00

2nd Grade - 12:00-12:30

3rd Grade - 11:20-11:50

4th Grade - 11:30-12:00

5th Grade - 12:40-1:10

Reminders:

• • Please plan to arrive 10 minutes prior to the start of your child's schedule lunch time.  You will enter through the main entrance, sign in, and wear a name tag.
  • You will not be required to re-enter the school to sign out at the conclusion of your picnic time.
  • Students are expected to remain in school for the entire afternoon.
  • You are welcome to bring picnic blankets along with you.
  • The event will be held rain or shine.  In the event of rain, we will use the all purpose room floor as our picnic venue.

Respectfully,

Mark

Thursday, May 18, 2023:

Dear 5th Grade Family,

As a parting gift for all the 5th graders, the 5th grade party committee is creating a "Middle School Survival Kit." This kit will have fun sayings with accompanying unique items (Smarties: Be smart and work hard; Band-Aid: For when your day gets a little rough, etc.).  We are asking for your help to create these kits.

Below is a sign up genius. This will be a fun and a unique item for the 5th graders to have over the summer as they mentally prepare for "moving up" to the middle school across the parking lot. 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508044AAEAE2EA4FA7-middle

Thank you for your support and help!

Sincerely,

5th Grade Parent Group

MNE PTO

Tuesday, May 16, 2023:

Dear MNE Family,

A few reminders regarding tomorrow morning's optional MNE Bike to School event:

• • Riders and parents will meet in the parking lot of the Boalsburg Military Museum with a planned event start time of just after 7:30 AM.
  • All riders must have helmets.
  • A special thank you to the State College Police Department for providing essential traffic support along the route.
  • Please remind students that this event is not a bike race and to maintain a safe distance between riders.
  • Please make sure that bikes are somehow labeled (masking type, etc) with student owner information (at least a name).
  • Upon arrival at the elementary school, riders will be permitted to continue to ride safely around the front loop until an announcement is made to conclude the ride.
  • Bikes can be picked up at the school by parents during the day.
  • Only those students who typically ride bikes to and from school will be permitted to independently ride home at the end of the day.

A special thank you to Mr. Treece for organizing this first-time MNE event.

Respectfully,

Mark  

Tuesday, May 16, 2023:

Dear MNE Family,

This is a reminder that the loop around the field in front of MNE is closed to student drop off tomorrow (Wednesday) morning.  All drop off will occur in the loop around the parking lot.  This area will be more congested than usual.  Please be patient and cautious.  Thanks for your cooperation.

Respectfully,

Mark

Monday, May 15, 2023:

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Give your elementary school students an unforgettable experience at the 2023 State College Youth Football Camp! They will have a blast while learning new skills, fostering teamwork, and making lasting memories.

Camp Details:

• • Dates: June 27, 28 & 29, 2023

    Time: 5:00-7:30 pm

    Location: State College High School South Track (Memorial Field is getting new turf so we can't use it this year)

    Who: Open to all boys and girls regardless of prior experience, entering 2nd-6th Grades (2023-24 School Year)

  • Cost:

    $80 before June 1 (includes shirt)

    $100 after June 1 (limited shirts available if registering after June 1)

    $40 single day registration (limited shirts available if registering after June 1)

Led by experienced coaches and our high school football players, our camp offers a safe environment for students of all skill levels. From fundamental techniques to agility and strategy, your child will develop valuable football skills.

Be sure to register by May 31st to get a discounted price and to ensure that your child receives a camp shirt. Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity! Join our Youth Football Camp and watch your child grow both on and off the field. Thanks in advance for your participation and support!  

Go State!

Coach Matt Lintal Head Football Coach State College Area High School

Register Here: https://forms.gle/4xxyUV17QvtPVsGbA

Camp Website: https://sites.google.com/scasd.org/2023-state-college-youth-fb/home?authuser=0

Monday, May 15, 2023:

Dear MNE Family,

As a result of the Bike to School event on Wednesday morning, May 17, the loop around the grass field will be closed for morning drop off.  All student drop off will occur in the parking lot loop.  Please be patient and do not drop off students in the parking lot as this would require students to cross traffic to enter the school.  Please be cautious as the parking lot loop will be busier than normal on Wednesday morning.

Thank you for your flexibility and understanding.

Respectfully,

Mark

Wednesday, May 10, 2023:

Dear MNE Family,

Thursday's MNE PTO meeting will begin at 6:00 PM on Thursday.  The meeting will be held in the MNE Library. Among the items to be discussed are the final plans for 5th grade party, new officer elections, and approval of the summer budget for teacher supplies.

We hope to see you Thursday and thank you for your support of the MNE PTO.

Sincerely,

MNE PTO

Tuesday, May 9, 2023:  (5th Grade only)

Dear MNE 5th Grade Family,

Our MNE 5th grade students are scheduled to visit and tour Mount Nittany Middle School on Monday, May 15, during the school day . This summer the middle school team will be busy creating schedules to meet our students' needs. You play an important role in some of the course options available to our incoming sixth grade students. 

Students will be assigned to a team where they will experience their core subjects.  Families will receive the team information in late summer. In addition, students have the opportunity to select a World Language (and an alternate) as well as up to three music ensembles. 

The goal is to help students gain language skills earlier and have the opportunity to reach the highest language courses (including Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate) at the High School, if they wish to do so. We offer German, French, and Spanish in the Middle Level.  We created this Google Site to provide additional information about our World Languages as you and your child consider your choices.  Please talk with your child regarding which language they’d like to take as well as an alternate choice in case the request cannot be accommodated based on staffing availability.  If you don’t select a language, one will be assigned for your child.  

• • C501 - French 1A

  • C502 - German 1A

  • C503 - Spanish 1A

  • I do not have a preference 

All sixth grade students receive core general music education.  In addition to general music, students may take elective performance ensemble classes: band, choir, and orchestra. We want to encourage participation in the ensembles that students enjoyed in elementary school. We also take beginners in sixth grade band, choir, and orchestra. Students may select one, two, or all three music ensembles as a part of their middle school schedule. These ensembles meet during the school day and fit easily in the schedule. Please visit the Middle School Music Google Site for detailed information. 

• • C751 - Choir 6

• • C752 - Orchestra 6

  • C753 - Band 6

Your child will select their World Language and music ensemble (if they choose) with their counselor during the school day. It’s very important that you discuss the options your child has so they know which selection(s) to make in our course registration program, Synergy. They will make these selections after their visit to their middle school in the late spring. You will be able to log into ParentVue to see their course selections on June 1st. 

If you have questions, please reach out to me. 

Respectfully, 

Mark

Tuesday, May 9, 2023:

Dear MNE Family,

This is a reminder that we plan to celebrate National Bike to School Day on Wednesday, May 17, with a morning ride from the parking lot at the Boalsburg Military Museum to MNE.  This event is voluntary, and parents are strongly encouraged to ride with their child.  Please refer to an earlier email sent by Mr. Treece for more details.

If you plan to participate, please email Mr. Treece at jlt28@scasd.org.

A final email communication containing all event logistics will be sent by Mr. Treece on Monday, May 15.

Respectfully,

Mark

Friday, May 5, 2023:

Hello MNE Families!

Thank you so much for filling so many slots on our Teacher Appreciation Sign Up.  If you haven't had a chance yet, there are still food items needed and the sign up has also been updated with some 1 hour time slots to help with set up & clean up throughout the week.

Let's all show the amazing teachers and staff at MNES how much we truly appreciate all that they do for our kiddos!

Thank you so much and take care!

Sincerely,

MNES PTO

Questions: Heather Benjamin 814-876-2886 or hthrbenjamin@yahoo.com

MNE Teacher Appreciation Week

Tuesday, May 2, 2023:

Dear MNE Family,

Please see the attached flyer for the MNE PTO Book Fair which runs from Monday, May 8 through Thursday, May 11. In addition, the Book Fair will be open on Thursday, May 11, from 3:30-6:30 PM, prior to the PTO Meeting where we will be voting on PTO board positions for next school year.

The PTO is also in need of a few volunteers for the Book Fair.  Volunteers must have been cleared by the school district in order to help.  Please follow this link to volunteer:  https://bit.ly/3VlqDkm

Sincerely,

MNE PTO

Spring Book Fair Announcement.pdf 

Wednesday, April 26, 2023:

Dear MNE 5th Grade Family,

The 5^th graders collected a whopping $1350.00 during their coin collection week. Well Done! 

The Fifth Grade Party Committee is creating a video for the current fifth graders that incorporates photos of them over the past 6 years.  They will watch the video together at school.

In order to make the video meaningful for everyone, we are requesting photos from all fifth grade families. Ideally, we would love for you to submit 6 photos:

• • 2 of your child in kindergarten or first grade (it does not have to be a photo taken at school or a school event, although that would be ideal).  If your child was not at MNE for these years, that is okay.  Please still send photos.

  • 2 of your child with other MNE students from any year (if you have any).

  • 1 from 5th grade

  • Extra: If your child has known other MNE fifth graders since before kindergarten, please send a few photos of them together at a young age. The fifth graders will love seeing these!

If you are someone that has been able to volunteer at any school events over the past 6 years and have additional photos/videos, please share a few of them, as well.

All photos (and/or questions) should be emailed to grade5videomne@gmail.com by Monday, May 1.

Please note: Not all photos submitted will automatically be included in the video due to time constraints on the video.

Thank you for helping to make this video as special as possible for our MNE fifth graders!

Wednesday, April 26, 2023:

Hello MNES Families!

Teacher Appreciation Week Volunteer Opportunities 

Monday, May 8 - Friday, May 12: We have the pleasure of showing the incredible teachers and staff just how much we appreciate all that they do.

The PTO is providing special events each day of the week.  Taco Tuesday 5/9 and Dessert Day 5/10 are a great chance for your family to participate in the festivities.  

Donations range from a bag of chips, baked goods or a crock pot and many more.

Please see the attached flyer and follow QR codes to Sign Up Genius as well as info about your teacher's favorite things!

Thank you so much and take care!

MNETeacherAppreciation2023 (2).pdf 

MNES-PTO

Heather Benjamin: 814-876-2886 hthrbenjamin@yahoo.com  

Monday, April 24, 2023:

Dear MNE Parent/Caregiver,

A reminder that PSSA testing begins tomorrow, Tuesday, April 24.  Students will take one test each morning according to the following schedule:

English Language Arts (Grades 3,4,5) - April 25, 26, 27

Mathematics (Grades 3,4,5) - May 1, 2

Science (Grade 4) - May 3, 4

It is important for students to arrive to school on time each morning in preparation for testing. Make up testing will be scheduled for the week of May 8.  Students who arrive at school after testing has started will be scheduled for a make up session.

Please remind students that a fully charged Chromebook is necessary for testing each day.

Respectfully,

Mark

Wednesday, April 19, 2023:

Wednesday, April 19, 2023:  (5th Gr. only)

Tuesday, April 18, 2023:

Friday, April 14, 2023:

Please join us THIS SATURDAY for the MNE Spring Garden Work Day

TOMORROW Saturday April 15, 10-12 noon

This effort will offer an opportunity to work alongside other MNE families to clean up the garden for the upcoming growing season!  We will move weeds and dead plant material from the raised beds AND the pollinator area to the compost bins we built last year.

We would love to have your family participate!  We will need careful weeders and encouraging spirits!  Gloves are recommended for breaking over and pulling out plant material, and of course bring a water bottle!  

Hope to see you on Saturday!  While we need the rain, it looks like tomorrow mi might have just enough clear skies to get this done!

Thank you!

Nellie (aka Mrs. B) and the MNE commununity

Friday, April 14, 2023:

Thursday, April 13, 2023:

Hello Mount Nittany Elementary Families!

3rd Annual SCASD Reads Celebration

As we have in the past with "You Matter" and "Grandma Gatewood", our library department is focusing on a district wide theme to read in the spring. This year we are taking it outside, with a nature book titled "Seeds, Bees, Butterflies, and More! Poems for Two Voices"

Mr. Brackbill will be sharing this book with all classes from April 20 - 25th. There are lots of great extensions and activities with this book as we celebrate poetry month, Earth Day, and the need to help our planet and our community. If you and your family want to share ideas, reach out! 

One way to share is through this Submission Form for poems, art, or essays. These creations will be accessible across the district through May.

Finally, join the fun with the SCASD Elementary Library Department for the 3rd Annual SCASD Reads Celebration.  The culminating event will be held rain or shine on Saturday, April 29th from 10am - 12pm outside Radio Park Elementary. Families will enjoy “Books, Bees, Bugs, Flowers & Birds” with opportunities to take a story walk, meet a local author, make a seed ball, talk with a real entomologist, fill peat pots, explore beekeeping, and build a birdhouse.  Come join the fun!! 

Questions? Reach out to Mr Brackbill at ddb14@scasd.org

Dustin Brackbill
Librarian, Mount Nittany Elementary School

Elementary Intramural Coordinator
State College Area School District

PSLA Operations Committee Co-Chair

Thursday, April 13, 2023:

Wednesday, April 12, 2023:

Monday, April 10, 2023:

Tuesday, April 4, 2023:

Tuesday, April 4, 2023:

Monday, April 3, 2023:

Thursday, March 30, 2023:  (5th Gr. only)

Wednesday, March 29, 2023:  (Mrs. Moore's 3rd Gr. Classroom Only)

Tuesday, March 28, 2023:

Monday, March 27, 2023:

Friday, March 24, 2023: 

Dear MNE Family,

A reminder that Marianna's hoagie orders will be available for pick up between 3:00-5:30 this afternoon.  Please park in the main lot and enter the building through Door #5 which is the first side entrance to the all purpose room on the left side of the building as you are facing the building.

Friday, March 24, 2023:

Friday, March 24, 2023:

Thursday, March 23, 2023:

Dear MNE 5th Grade Family,

We are excited to share that all three of our MNE volleyball teams have advanced to this afternoon's final round of the SCASD Intramural Volleyball Tournament.  Today's games are scheduled to begin just after 4:00 PM.

Admission is an optional donation; however, everyone is welcome to attend, and nobody will be turned away.  Come cheer our teams through this afternoon's final round of competition!

Go MNE!

Respectfully,

Mark 

Tuesday, March 21, 2023:

Dear MNE Family,

The MNE PTO is looking for volunteers for this Friday, March 24th from 1:30-5:30 for Marianna hoagie/pizza sorting and distribution.  If you are interested and available, click the link below to sign up for a time to help .

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c044eaea92ba7fa7-mariannas?fbclid=IwAR3yLbGSx1FeFyat9nVlWNEeYk3NzuB9r6ApKQ5dF6VdXZnTH0g9fxNHYoI#/

Thank you!

Sincerely,

MNE PTO

Monday, March 20, 2023:

Dear MNE Family,

The second student progress report for the 2022-23 school year is now available for your review in ParentVue.  For directions to access your child’s progress report, please click on this link: http://www.scasd.org/Page/27251. In order to have the full view of the progress report, along with teacher comments, please click on the print button at the upper right hand corner of the window. Additionally, this will enable you to print a PDF of your child’s progress report.

Have a great week!

Respectfully,

Mark

Friday, March 17, 2023:  (5th Gr. only)

Dear 5th Grade Family, 

The grilled stickie orders are not able to be delivered from The Diner until the afternoon of Wednesday, 3/29. More information will follow regarding pick up details.  Please contact Kristi Florio at  kbf16@scasd.org with any questions. 

Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,

MNE 5th Grade Parent Planning Team

Thursday, March 16, 2023:

Dear MNE Families,

Next Wednesday, March 22nd, our school will celebrate our School Wide Positive Behavior Trimester Reward and the Visiting Author Program with our 8th MNE Lit Fest! This is a chance to celebrate the many ways that literacy skills of reading, writing, listening, and storytelling shape our world. We will build connections with the community and learn through choice sessions from many wonderful presenters. This year's theme is the Wonderful World of Words, and more information is available at https://sites.google.com/scasd.org/mnelibrarynews/mne-lit-fest-2023

Through the day, each child will get a chance to hear from Eric Velasquez, our award winning visiting author and illustrator. We offer sincere thanks to the PTO for their enduring support of this traditional program. Each child will also attend two separate sessions based on choices that they selected. Please follow up with them after the Lit Fest to hear what they did!

For the day, there are two ways you could help us. The first is that we need a few volunteers to greet presenters and help with any logistics. Send an email to Mr. Brackbill at ddb14@scasd.org if you are interested. The second way to be involved is to send us some inspiring, wonderful words that you love, so that we can share them during the assembly! Use this link to enter a favorite word or answer one of our guiding questions for the Lit Fest theme.

Thank you for reading!

Dustin Brackbill

Thursday, March 16, 2023:

Tuesday, March 14, 2023: (2nd Gr. only)

Sunday, March 12, 2023:

Wednesday, March 1, 2023: 

Monday, February 27, 2023:  (5th Grade Students Only)

Dear MNE 5th Grade Family,

Grilled Stickie order forms and payment are due this Wednesday, March 1. 

All money and order forms should be given to homeroom teachers. 

Orders cannot be accepted without full payment. 

Any questions, contact Kristi Florio at  kbf16@scasd.org.

Sincerely,

5th Grade Celebration Planning Team

Monday, February 27, 2023:  (4th and 5th Grade Students Only)

Dear 4th and 5th Grade Parents/Caregivers,

Recently, your child (excluding requested exemptions) completed the Behavioral and Emotional Screening System (BESS) self-rating scale. It’s important to note that the BESS is not a comprehensive diagnostic assessment, rather a screening tool used to determine a student’s risk of developing emotional and/or behavior problems that may require interventions, if these have not already been identified. Here is a link to more information about the BESS rating scale: https://www.scasd.org/Page/27213

These scores are accessible to parents/guardians and we are reaching out to you to provide directions on how to interpret and how to view your child’s BESS scores in ParentVUE 

BESS Score Interpretation

Below is a description of the BESS index scores, which are based on norms for students similar in age to your child.. Please know, scores can fall into one of three categories of risk: Normal Risk (green), Elevated Risk (yellow), Very Elevated Risk (red).

Accessing BESS Scores in ParentVUE

Log into ParentVUE and click on your child’s name. Click  on “Test History” on the left, then click the “Detail Button” to ON to see levels. Then Review360 is listed at the bottom. A help guide and example screenshot are included below:

https://scasd.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/KB/pages/188023163/Navigating+the+ParentVue+Portal

The school Multi-Tiered System of Support team reviews all scores following the screening, and considers whether additional supports may be recommended. You will be contacted if your child may benefit from these supports. If you have any questions or concerns, or would like more information about the screening, please contact your child’s school counselor or the school psychologist. 

Respectfully,

Mark

Thursday, February 23, 2023:  (5th Grade Students Only)

Sunday, February 19, 2023:

Monday, February 13, 2023:

Thursday, February 9, 2023: 

Tuesday, January 31, 2023:  (4th and 5th Grade Students Only)

Dear MNE 4th and 5th Grade Parents/Caregivers,

At State College Area School District, we are working to find ways to support students’ behavioral and emotional needs. It is important to note that mental health experts have highlighted the significant increase of mental health needs of youth across the country. 

Between February 1-8, your child (4th and 5th graders only) will have the opportunity to take part in a universal screening survey.  This screener is intended to help learn more about the behavioral needs and emotional well-being of each student. The screener takes no more than 30 minutes to complete. 

What is the universal screening? 

The universal screening survey consists of approximately 30 questions related to students' self-perceived behavioral and emotional strengths and weaknesses.  The questions used in the survey are drawn from the BASC-3 Behavioral and Emotional Screening System.  After completing the survey, students’ responses will be scored and divided into a three-tier distribution, which aligns with the Multi Tiered System of Support (MTSS) model already being used by SCASD for academic skills.

What are tiers and how do tiers impact service provision for students?

Tier 1: GREEN Students whose scores fall into Tier 1 range (approximately 80-85% of the population) are considered "normal risk" and will have access to all of the resources that currently exist in the school system (tutoring support, counseling services, extracurricular opportunities, etc.) to support healthy personal and academic growth.

Tier 2: YELLOW Students whose scores fall into Tier 2 range (approximately 10% of the population) are considered at "elevated risk" and will have access to some additional services if warranted (i.e. Student Assistance Program, educational support group counseling programs, etc.). 

Tier 3: RED Students whose scores fall into Tier 3 range (approximately 5% of the population) are considered at "extremely elevated risk" and may be provided with a list of community resources who can offer therapeutic support.

Can I see my child’s score?

Once the assessment has been administered, an email will be sent to parents and guardians with direction on how to access your child’s scores in ParentVUE.

Is my child required to participate? 

No, however we would like all our students to take part in the survey, but the survey is voluntary.  No action will be taken against the school, you, or any student if the student does not participate.  Please note that all information gathered through the screening is kept completely confidential and is not placed in your child’s academic records. 

If you have any questions or concerns, or would like more information about the screening, please contact your child’s school counselor or school psychologist. 

You can view the entire survey and Frequently Asked Question by clicking here.   

If you do NOT want your child to take part in the survey, please reply to this email. 

Respectfully,

Mark

Friday, January 27, 2023:  (1st Grade Students Only)

January 27, 2023

Dear MNE First Grade Parent/Caregiver,

This communication serves as a follow up to the recent invitation for your child to participate in our 100th day of school celebration on Friday, February 3, 2023.  

One aspect of this celebration includes students “dressing like they are 100 years old.”  While this tradition is meant to be fun with no harm intended, some see this practice as one that promotes ageism, defined as stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination against people on the basis of their age (WHO 2017).

After thoughtful reflection and consideration of the above, we have decided to discontinue the practice of students dressing in this manner. Instead, we encourage you to consider decorating a t-shirt that celebrates the number 100 for your child to wear. An example is shown below:

In addition, teachers have a variety of classroom activities planned that will emphasize the significance of the number 100.

Thank you for your understanding as we continue to strive to promote a school climate that is inclusive and welcoming to all.  Please reach out to one of us if you have follow up questions or concerns.

Respectfully,

Mark Feldman

Olivia Dreibelbis

Becky Grove

Lauren Ishler

Thursday, January 12, 2023:

Tuesday, January 10, 2023:

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Thursday, December 15, 2022:

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Tuesday, October 11, 2022:

Monday, October 10, 2022:

Thursday, October 6, 2022:

Tuesday, October 4, 2022:

Monday, October 3, 2022:

Friday, September 30, 2022:

PTO Directory Information Requested

Please respond by October 7...

Please provide any information you would like to be included in the school directory.

Please complete the form once for each student.

The email address field is required so we can email you your response. For other entries, please only include what you want published (except for the comments field).

https://forms.gle/9ZNFEhFc9BL6xWYm9

Thank you!

MNE PTO

Like Us on Facebook!- MNE PTO

mnespto@gmail.com

Dear 5th Grade Parent/Caregiver,

Earlier this afternoon, first responders were called to the Panorama Village building to attend to an adult Panorama employee who was in medical distress.  Students in Mr. Kamats' and Mrs. Hipp's classroom were kept in their respective classrooms until the situation was resolved.  Students who were in the MNE building at the time were kept at MNE.

Respectfully,

Mark