Emails and Communications

March 24, 2023 - "March 24th Radio Park Rauport"

Good Afternoon,

Happy Friday!  It was a full and fun week at RP with our author illustrator and Fifth Grade IM Volleyball Tournament.  I love this time of year!

I hope you all have some fun things on the books this weekend.  As a reminder, there is no school for students on Monday as teachers have an inservice day.

If you have any questions about anything below, please reach out.  There are some repeat announcements and some very important new things to review.

Alex Raup, Principal

Announcements

• We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming Scholastic Book Fair.  Hosted by our PTO
  volunteers, this event is an opportunity for students of all ages to build their home libraries and further their love of reading.  As always, all purchases benefit our school.  The fair, which will take place this coming Wednesday and Thursday, March 29th and 30th during school hours and also the evening of March 30th from 6:00-7:30 PM at Radio Park, offers eWallet, a safe and secure alternative to cash. Simply create a free account to add funds and/or invite family and friends to contribute so your child can select their own books. Any unused funds can be spent at The Scholastic Store Online or to fund a future eWallet.  If you can’t make it to the fair, then shop at our school’s Online Book Fair. All orders ship directly to your home, and shipping is free for book orders over $25. Your online orders will also benefit our school.  Visit our Book Fair homepage to learn more and get started with eWallet and online shopping (www.scholastic.com/bf/radiopark).  Finally, students who earned Pride Stride Prizes received their gift certificates this week.  Students can use those certificates at the fair to purchase anything they would like.  Students DO NOT have to bring their coupon with them as we will have a list at the register of all students who have earned this prize.
• All Radio Park Mini Lion's are encouraged to share their talents with the whole school.  This year we will hold a combined Talent & Art Show on the evening of Thursday, April 13th.  We invite everyone to join in whether you want to participate or just come enjoy and cheer on your fellow student's talents.  Please use this Signup Genius to sign your student up for the talent show. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0e4ea8ad23a7fa7-radio4#/
• Mrs. Dalton is collecting art for the Radio Park Talent and Art Show coming up on April 13th.  Any student may submit up to three pieces of artwork to Mrs. Dalton's room by Monday, April 3rd.  Artwork can be made at home or students can submit favorite pieces of art they have completed this school year.  Art may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional.  Please ensure all work submitted has your student's name on the back and is submitted with the permission form that was sent home with students or you can find it attached to this email.
• IM Track and Field for our fourth and fifth graders is coming up soon.  This year, our coaches will be Fourth Grade teachers Ms. Hallinger and Ms. McAleer.  Information about the program is attached and more information about signing up will be coming home soon.  We are in need of parent volunteers to help with practices.  If you are interested in helping out, please see Volunteer Athletic Coach Information for more information.
• We have again been invited to join in on the RePlay event at Penn State.  For new families, RePlay is an evening opportunity for our students to go up on campus and play with PSU student-athletes.  This event is done in connection with a used sports equipment sale.  More information to come but, for now, mark your calendars for the evening of April 21st from 4:30-6:00 PM at the PSU Multi-Sport Facility
• Please click here to provide our Main Office information about your family's educational plans for next year.  We would like all families to complete this form so we can plan for the 2023-2024 School Year.
• All third graders, their families, and siblings in younger or older grades are welcome to attend the PSU Men's Lacrosse game vs. Ohio State next Sunday, April 2nd at noon and Panzer Stadium (near the BJC and Multi-Sport Facility).  The team's coach came in to speak to our third graders back at the end of January and this will be an opportunity for us to express our gratitude as we cheer on Coach Tambroni and his players.  The team is currently ranked in the top ten nationally.  I will share more information about tickets early next week.

March 20, 2023 - "Second Trimester Progress Reports in ParentVUE

Dear Radio Park Families,

We are pleased to share that your student's Second Trimester progress report card is now available in ParentVUE. In order to view the progress report this year please log in to ParentVUE. Then, on the left-hand menu, please select the “Documents” option. An electronic copy of your the progress report will be posted there.  Please note that the “Report Card” section of ParentVUE is only used in secondary, and no information will be displayed here for elementary students.

If you have questions regarding your student's report card please contact their teacher.  If you do not see your student's report card in ParentVUE or if you are having trouble accessing ParentVUE, please contact itsupport@scasd.org.

Students who attend our Virtual Academy will not receive the SCASD progress report and progress will not be uploaded into ParentVUE. Parents of students who attend VA can view their progress through the FUEL system. If you have a student involved in our Virtual Academy and have questions about their progress, please reach out to their teacher who can provide more information to you.

Have a great week!

Alex Raup, Principal

March 17, 2023 - "March 17th Radio Park Rauport"

Good Afternoon,

I hope you all are having a great St. Patrick's Day and, for those of you who follow Penn State Basketball, are excited about the BIG win last night (tipoff was way past my bedtime so I caught the recap this morning).

If you have any questions about anything below, please let me or the person in charge know.

Happy weekending!

Alex Raup, Principal

Announcements

• All Radio Park Mini Lion's are encouraged to share their talents with the whole school.  This year we will hold a combined Talent & Art Show on the evening of Thursday, April 13th.  We invite everyone to join in whether you want to participate or just come enjoy and cheer on your fellow student's talents.  Please use this Signup Genius to sign your student up for the talent show. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0e4ea8ad23a7fa7-radio4#/

• Mrs. Dalton is collecting art for the Radio Park Talent and Art Show coming up on.  Any student may submit up to three pieces of artwork to Mrs. Dalton's room by Monday, April 3rd.  Artwork can be made at home or students can submit favorite pieces of art they have completed this school year.  Art may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional.  Please ensure all work submitted has your student's name on the back and is submitted with the permission form that was sent home with students or you can find it attached to this email.

• We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming Scholastic Book Fair.  Hosted by our PTO
  volunteers, this event is an opportunity for students of all ages to build their home libraries and further their love of reading.  As always, all purchases benefit our school.  The fair, which will take place on March 29th and 30th during school hours and also the evening of March 30th from 6:00-7:30 PM at Radio Park, offers eWallet, a safe and secure alternative to cash. Simply create a free account to add funds and/or invite family and friends to contribute so your child can select their own books. Any unused funds can be spent at The Scholastic Store Online or to fund a future eWallet.  If you can’t make it to the fair, then shop at our school’s Online Book Fair. All orders ship directly to your home, and shipping is free for book orders over $25. Your online orders will also benefit our school.  Visit our Book Fair homepage to learn more and get started with eWallet and online shopping (www.scholastic.com/bf/radiopark).  Finally, students who earned Pride Stride Prizes received their gift certificates this week.  Students can use those certificates at the fair to purchase anything they would like.  Students DO NOT have to bring their coupon with them as we will have a list at the register of all students who have earned this prize.

  We’re excited to celebrate our love of books together at the Book Fair. We look forward to seeing your child there!

March 3, 2023 - "Spring Break Well Wishes"

Good Afternoon,

No new announcements except to remind you all that school is not in session next week due to Spring Break.  The Main Office will still be open on some days but not necessarily staffed during all normal hours so, if you need something and get our voicemail, please leave a message.

Thanks and have a great week!

Alex Raup, Principal

February 17, 2023 - "February 17th Radio Park Rauport"

Good Afternoon,

I hope you all had a great Valentine's Day!  We could definitely feel the love here at school this week.

As we get closer to Spring Break, please ensure you are planning ahead and being in contact with our Attendance Secretary, Mrs. Smeal, if you have any questions about trips.

Thanks and have a great weekend!

Alex Raup, Principal

Main Office Notes

Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) test results for students in Grades 1-5 will be coming home with students today.  Please note that students in First Grade will only have one report (math).

February 13, 2023 - "RP Specials Progress Reports"

Good Morning,

First Semester progress reports for First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Grade students are now available in ParentVUE.  Please note that our librarians do not contribute to these reports and that there are no specials progress reports for Kindergarten students.

If you have questions regarding your student's progress report, please contact their teacher. If you do not see your student's progress report in ParentVUE or if you are having trouble accessing ParentVUE, please reach out to itsupport@scasd.org or 814-231-7743.

Alex Raup, Principal

February 13, 2023 - "RP PTO Meeting Tonight"

Good Morning,

This is a reminder of the PTO Meeting tonight in the RP Library beginning at 6:30 PM.  There will be no virtual option this month as I will be arriving late due to another district meeting scheduled at the same time.

Thank you and have a great start to your week.  I look forward to seeing many of you this evening.

Alex Raup, Principal

February 3, 2023 - "February 3rd Radio Park Rauport"

Good Afternoon,

I hope that your family's February is off to a great start!

Have a great weekend and stay warm!

Alex Raup, Principal

Main Office Notes

Our February First Sunday Night Book Club is this Sunday at 7 PM.  Please consider joining virtually for a fun family read.  Link below.

PTO Notes

Come join other Radio Park Families for an evening of ice skating at Pegula Ice Arena (Community Rink) - RP Skates!

Date: Thursday, February 9, 2023

Time: 5:15-7:15 PM

Admission: FREE FOR RADIO PARK STUDENTS

- Admission and Skate Rental for Radio Park Students paid for by PTO.  Parents and siblings who wish to skate will need to pay $3 skate rental fees.

- Skaters are permitted to bring their own skates. 

- We recommend arriving 10-15 minutes to secure your skate rental, change into skates and maximize your time on the ice. 

- This is a family event - a parent or guardian must stay at the rink with all students.

January 27, 2023 - "January 27th Radio Park Rauport"

Good Afternoon,

I hope to see many of you at RP Bingo this evening.  As a reminder, we'll be in the cafeteria from 6:30-8:00 PM.

Have a great weekend!

Alex Raup, Principal

Main Office Notes

1. RP Cares is coming up on Friday, February 10th with a snow make-up day of the following Friday, February 17th.  Immediately following this email, I will be pushing out grade-specific emails with more information.

2. Here are a few reminders for arrival/drop-off to help things go smoothly at the start of each day:

• Families should use only the "Visitor & Parent Drop Off" portion of our parking lot up until 8 AM.
• Between 8:00-8:09 AM, parents can also use the bus lane (main parking lot) so we don't have too many cars lined up on Cherry Lane.
• If you are dropping off and getting out of your car to walk your student(s) up to the building, you must park your car in a spot, not in the carpool lane.
• Please use the crosswalk to walk to and from the building.
• If you are just dropping off, please remember to pull up in the carpool lane as far as you can.

January 26, 2023 - "RP Bingo - TOMORROW!"

Good Morning,

We are so excited to have the opportunity to hold Bingo again in person tomorrow (Friday) evening from 6:30-8:00 PM in the Radio Park Cafeteria.

This is such a fun night for the entire family.  Playing bingo is free and there will be prizes and fun guest callers reading off the bingo numbers.  If you have never played bingo before, this is a simple game that we will be happy to teach you at the event.

Please note that the event is not a drop-off event and a parent or guardian must remain at the school with any students.

Our Fifth Grade Class will be selling pizza and snacks at the event.  This is a fundraiser for these students to offset costs for their end of year festivities.  Come with some cash in hand to grab some food and help support these hard working students.

We hope to see you tomorrow!

Alex Raup, Principal, on behalf of the RP PTO

January 20, 2023 - "January 20th Radio Park Rauport"

Good Afternoon,

Happy Friday, RP Families!  It was another great week here at Radio Park.  Keep an eye out midweek next week for information about RP Bingo next Friday evening.  This is always such a fun event and this year we return to in person here at the school.

I hope you all have something fun (and relaxing) on the books for the weekend and we'll see you on Monday.  As a reminder, next week is a full five days so make sure your kids get to bed early on Sunday.

Alex Raup, Principal

Main Office Notes

Arrival/drop-off has gotten a little backed up and disorganized since we returned from Winter Break.  Here are a few reminders to help things go smoothly at the start of the day:

• Families should use only the "Visitor & Parent Drop Off" portion of our parking lot up until 8 AM.
• Between 8:00-8:09 AM, parents can also use the bus lane (main parking lot) so we don't have too many cars lined up on Cherry Lane.
• If you are dropping off and getting out of your car to walk your student(s) up to the building, you must park your car in a spot, not in the carpool lane.
• Please use the crosswalk to walk to and from the building.
• If you are just dropping off, please remember to pull up in the carpool lane as far as you can.

Please also be careful, aware, and safe as you move through the parking lot.  I've observed a number of almost fender benders the past few weeks.

January 13, 2023 - "January 13th Radio Park Rauport"

Good Afternoon,

Happy Friday the 13th!  Watch out for black cats and guys named Jason in ski masks and have a great weekend.  This is a reminder that there is no school for students on Monday.

Alex Raup, Principal

Main Office Notes

We are in the midst of our Winter Benchmarking Window here at Radio Park (and around the school district).  During this time, students in Grades 1-5 take the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Test in reading and math (just math for First Grade).  We will share out results just as soon as the testing window closes and we have access to the reports.

Furthermore, over the course of these few weeks, our MTSS Interventionist, Ms. Potter, and our Title 1 Teacher, Mrs. Lichtig, are again running through Acadience fluency probes to all students in K-3. These assessments are administered individually to all students and take approximately five (5) minutes per student.  We will be in touch with you should any of the screeners indicate that your student may need additional help or intervention.

Finally, students in Fourth and Fifth Grade will again participate in the universal screener (Review360) to identify social and emotional concerns.  Please reference my email from September 16th in regards to this assessment if you need a refresher.  If you would like your student opted out of participation in this screener, please reply to this email.  Unless I hear otherwise from you, if you opted your student out during Fall Benchmarking, I'll assume that you would like your student opted out again.

January 6, 2023 - "January 6th Radio Park Rauport"

Good Afternoon,

I hope all of your families have settled back in to the school routine.  As a reminder, the next two weeks are four day weeks for students, too.

Have a great weekend!

Alex Raup, Principal

Main Office Notes

• Our January First Sunday Book Club is scheduled for this Sunday, January 8th from 7:00-7:15 PM.  For those that haven't logged on before, the book club is a virtual read aloud with yours truly.  I hope to see you and your family on screen on Sunday!
• The State High Cheerleading Team is putting on a winter cheerleading clinic.  See the attached flyer for more information.
• Keep on focusing on respect at home!  We've had a great first week back and continue to reinforce the importance of being respectful here at school.  This home-school collaboration is making a difference!
• The Department of Education requires us to do monthly safety drills.  In the winter months, I try to keep us inside so, while we just had a real lockdown, our drill on Monday will be a Lockdown Drill.  If your student mentions a lockdown when they get home on Monday afternoon, please know it was planned.

PTO Notes

• No PTO Meeting this coming Monday.  We will next meet on Tuesday, February 13th.

January 3, 2023 - "Radio Park Lockdown Follow-up"

Dear RP Community,

Today at approximately 1:40 PM, we went on lockdown after two students reported possibly seeing someone with a weapon and hearing gunshots while out at recess.  I immediately contacted police and put our building on lockdown.  Police officers responded, searched campus, and deemed the report as not credible and said our campus was safe.  I lifted the lockdown at 2:20 PM and we will dismiss as normal today.

As was shared in my email communication to you all about “Safety Drills” back on September 1st, when we go into lockdown, we do the following:

1. Lock and close classroom doors.

2. Close all windows and blinds.

3. Clear and evacuate all hallways.

4. Step into the nearest classroom if you are out in the hallway.

5. Take attendance and notify the Main Office if there is a student unaccounted for or an extra student in your care.

6. Continue normal class activities.

While we were locked down from 1:40-2:20 PM, no outside visitors were allowed to enter the building.

For your debrief with your student(s) this evening, please know that students were not made aware of the suspicious person on campus and that the only thing shared with them was that we were going into lockdown.

All our students, faculty, staff, and law enforcement did a wonderful job today and should be commended on their care and attention to detail and direction.​​​​​​​

Alex Raup, Principal

January 2, 2023 - "Happy New Year, Radio Park Families!"

Good Afternoon,

I hope you all had a wonderful Winter Break.  Believe it or not, we're back at it tomorrow.  While we'll continue to be stressing all of the Four Bs (Be Kind, Be Respectful, Be Responsible, and Be Safe), our faculty and staff have decided to focus our attention and reteaching on respect this month.  Please do the same at home and we know this intentional and focused effort will lead to some very respectful interactions and decisions from all of our Mini Lions.

If you need anything as we transition back into the school routine and the second half of the school year, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Alex Raup, Principal

December 22, 2022 - "December 22nd Radio Park Rauport"

Good Afternoon,

It's a snow globe out there!  I hope you all are staying safe with this weather.

From our school family (and my own family) to yours, best wishes for a fun, relaxing, safe, and enjoyable holiday and break.  As a reminder, we return to school on Tuesday, January 3rd.

With Gratitude,

Alex Raup, Principal

December 9, 2022 - "December 9th Radio Park Rauport"

Good Afternoon,

Apologies for the boring looking email as our email platform, SchoolMessenger, is being a little wonky today.  I hope you all have had a great start to December.  All of the updates this week are from the PTO.  If you ever have questions in regards to their support and work, please reach out to them at radioparkPTO@gmail.com.

Have a GREAT weekend!

Sincerely,

Alex Raup, Principal

PTO Notes

• The PTO is sponsoring a fundraiser with Five Below from December 4th through December 10th.  10% of ALL sales will go to support the PTO.  This is a great chance to cross some shopping off your list and support our school at the same time.  If you did not see a flyer in your student's backpack, please print the attached flyer and take it in with you.

• Every December the Radio Park PTO organizes an event called December Delights. Simply put, it’s a time for us to demonstrate our care for all of the people that make Radio Park run every day. On the morning of December 21st, a few parent volunteers will meet in the morning to push a cart of treats and warm drinks around to all of the faculty and staff. This year we are also trying to give a $5 gift card to every member of the faculty and staff. Included in this email is a sign up genius form if you would like to participate. At the end of this email you will also see a link to our PTO paypal if that makes participating easier.  Please email Kaela Smith (kaela.smith0319@gmail.com) letting her know what you want your donation to pay for. All gifts can be dropped by the front office or to Kaela Smith’s house (634 Berkshire Drive). Both places will have a box marked with December Delights. We need all donations by December 19th in order to deliver them on the 21st.

  This year we are also adding something called "Warm Wishes." Attached you will find a Google Form where you can write a warm wish of thanks to an individual, staff team, or the entire staff at Radio Park. You can fill out as many as you'd like. The PTO will then print them and hang them up in the staff lounge on the day of December Delights for the teachers and staff to read and enjoy.  

  Thank you for helping the PTO celebrate and encourage the amazing people who serve our kids every day!

  Sign up genius

  Paypal

  Warm Wishes

December 5, 2022 - "Elementary Progress Reports Available in ParentVUE"

Dear Radio Park Families,

We are pleased to share that your student's first progress report card will be available in ParentVUE today (Monday, December 5th) at 10:00 AM. In order to view the progress report this year please log in to ParentVUE. Then, on the left-hand menu, please select the “Documents” option. An electronic copy of your the progress report will be posted there.  Please note that the “Report Card” section of ParentVUE is only used in secondary, and no information will be displayed here for elementary students.

If you have questions regarding your student's report card please contact their teacher.  If you do not see your student's report card in ParentVUE or if you are having trouble accessing ParentVUE, please contact itsupport@scasd.org.

Students who attend our Virtual Academy will not receive the SCASD progress report and progress will not be uploaded into ParentVUE. Parents of students who attend VA can view their progress through the FUEL system. If you have a student involved in our Virtual Academy and have questions about their progress, please reach out to their SCASD teacher who can provide more information to you.

Have a great week!

Alex Raup, Principal

December 2, 2022 - "December 2nd Radio Park Rauport"

Good Afternoon,

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving Break.  Teachers and students got right back into routines and we had a fun first week back at it.  As always, if you need anything, please let me know.

Sincerely,

Alex Raup, Principal

Main Office Notes

• The PTO is sponsoring a fundraiser with Five Below from December 4th through December 10th.  10% of ALL sales will go to support the PTO.  This is a great chance to cross some shopping off your list and support our school at the same time.  If you did not see a flyer in your student's backpack, please print the attached flyer and take it in with you.
• Our December First Sunday Book Club is scheduled for this Sunday, December 4th from 7:00-7:15 PM.  For those that haven't logged on before, the book club is a virtual read aloud with yours truly.  I hope to see you and your family on screen on Sunday!
  
  

Upcoming Dates

• Sunday, December 4th (7:00-7:15 PM) - First Sunday Book Club - meet.google.com/cpw-okik-ziq
• Monday, December 12th - PTO Meeting (6:30-8:00 PM) in library or meet.google.com/wnq-zeek-acq 
• Friday, December 23rd to Monday, January 2nd - NO SCHOOL (Winter Break)
• Tuesday, January 3rd - School back in session

November 28, 2022 - "Fourth and Fifth Grade IM Bowling"

Good Afternoon,

If your student is currently participating in IM Bowling, please be aware of the following from our Intramural Coordinators, Ms. McKenna and Mrs. Vonada:

• There is no bowling this Wednesday, November 30th
• The last day for Fourth Grade bowling is next Wednesday, December 7th
• The last day for Fifth Grade bowling is Wednesday, December 14th
• Bowling money must be turned in on the Monday of the week your child bowls

Thank you,

Alex Raup, Principal

November 21, 2022 - "Winter Community Closet"

Good Morning,

Please see below from the PTO.

Have a great Thanksgiving, RP Families!

Alex Raup, Principal

Fellow RP Families,

The PTO is creating a winter community closet for the lovely kiddos at RP.

For the kid who doesn’t own snow boots, the one who left them by the front door in the chaos of morning, and the one who doesn’t even know they need them, we want a closet at the school that is filled with hats, gloves, snow pants, snow boots, and jackets that a teacher/paraprofessional can easily direct any of the kids mentioned above to either grab and keep or grab and borrow for the day. We want to be in a place where lack of winter gear is never the reason a kiddo can’t play at recess.

Starting today (Monday), we will have a collection bin outside of RP for any “extras” or outgrown winter items. After we have an intial collection, the PTO will then purchase items to fill in the gaps.

Radio Park PTO also has a PayPal donation page if this is an easier way for you to participate (paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/3587447)

November 18, 2022 - "November 18th Radio Park Rauport"

Good Afternoon,

I hope you all had a great week.  I ended mine getting slimed by a teacher and student.  Check out Facebook later today for photos of the MESSY and COLD Pride Stride celebration we had this afternoon.  Make sure to ask your student(s) about the goofy teacher competition we had, too!

This will be my last Rauport before Thanksgiving Break.  My next communication will be coming your way on Friday, December 2nd.  Best wishes to all of you and your families for a special, fun, and relaxing time off.  In the spirit of the season, I want to express how thankful I am to work with your children and to serve all of your amazing families.

Sincerely,

Alex Raup, Principal

Main Office Notes

• If you (or someone you know) are looking for a part-time (2.0-2.5 hour) job and would like to join the team here at Radio Park, we are looking for a third Lunch Paraprofessional to help with supervising and assisting students in the cafeteria.  Please reply to this email and I can get your more information.

Upcoming Dates

• Wednesday, November 23rd to Friday, November 25th - NO SCHOOL (Thanksgiving Break)
• Monday, December 12th - PTO Meeting (6:30-8:00 PM) in library or meet.google.com/wnq-zeek-acq 
• Friday, December 23rd to Monday, January 2nd - NO SCHOOL (Winter Break)
• Tuesday, January 3rd - School back in session

November 17, 2022 - "National Parental Involvement Day Thank You"

Dear Radio Park Parents, Guardians, and Families,

In honor of National Parental Involvement Day, I wanted to reach out and thank you for all you do to support your student(s).  It takes a village and we're all in this together when it comes to raising and educating our chlidren.

The Radio Park Family is a great one to be a part of and you all are a BIG part of that.

Thanks again,

Alex Raup, Principal

November 11, 2022 - "RP Discovers Additional Information"

Good Afternoon,

Please see the attached email with additional information about RP Discovers this evening. 

The event is for everyone in our school, even if you're not bringing in a science fair project.  Also, this is not a drop-off event and parents need to stay with their children throughout the evening.

Thanks,

Alex Raup, Principal

November 11, 2022 - "November 11th Radio Park Rauport"

Good Afternoon,

It was great to be back with your students this week after a fun and special two weeks home with Meyer, my wife, and daughter.  Meyer's a great little guy and we're loving life as a family of four.  BIG thank you to Mrs. Bauer, Mrs. Moore, Mrs. Smeal, and our wonderful faculty and staff for holding down the fort in my asbence.

Below are updates for the start of November.  As always, please reach out with questions or concerns.

Alex Raup, Principal

Main Office Notes

• RP Discovers is TONIGHT!  Join us for a fun event for the entire family from 6:30-8:00 PM at the school where we will celebrate all things STEM.  Start the night out by visiting science fair projects some of our amazing Radio Park student-scientists have done.  Then explore super fun, hands-on activities with some special guests - learn the science of chocolate making, visit a robot petting zoo and an insect petting zoo, extract DNA from a strawberry, learn how diapers and orbeez are related, and much more!

November 7, 2022 - "Fourth and Fifth Grade Universal Screener Follow-up"

Fourth and Fifth Grade Families,

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

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 school Multi-Tiered System of Support team reviews all scores following the screening, and considers whether additional supports may be needed. 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. 

Thank you for your help and support!

​​​​​​​Alex Raup, Principal

October 23, 2022 - "October 23rd Radio Park Rauport"

Good Evening,

My apologies for not getting you all an email on Friday.  Late Thursday, my wife and I went to the hospital and Friday morning at 2:48 AM, we welcomed our second child, a son named Meyer Paul Raup.  We came home yesterday afternoon from the hospital and are loving settling into life as a family of four.  I've attached a picture if you'd like to show your students as I know many were excited to hear what my wife was having.

I will be off the next two weeks to be home with my wife and our kids.  If you need anything, please reach out to the school during normal school hours.  Former Radio Park Principal and Interim Principal and current SCASD Curriculum Director, Mrs. Deirdre Bauer, will be covering RP in my absence.  It should go without saying that your students and the Radio Park team will be in GREAT hands during my absence.

Have a wonderful rest of your Sunday and October and keep an eye out for my next Rauport coming your way on Friday, November 11th.

Alex Raup, Principal

Main Office Notes

1. This Wednesday is our annual Fall Celebration where we have classroom parties, a Halloween Parade, and a Harvest Festival (this year the festival will include a scavenger hunt).  Below is our schedule for that afternoon.  Please reference the email from Mrs. Linda Moore on Friday in regards to the Harvest Festival and please email her if your student(s) will be particiaping in that instead of the Halloween Parade.

1:45-2:15 - Classroom Fall Parties

2:15-2:25 - Students change into costumes (participating in parade) or report to cafeteria (participating in Harvest Festival)

2:15-2:50 - Harvest Festival (scavenger hunt)

2:25-2:45 - Halloween Parade

2:45-2:55 - Clean up and costumes off and packed up

2:50 - Harvest Festival students return to classrooms for dismissal

Parents are welcome to attend the Halloween Parade (same spectator spots and parking as during the Pride Stride) or Harvest Festival scavenger hunt (report to the playground).  Please note that if there is bad weather on Wednesday, all activities will be held inside and the celebrations will be closed to parents.

As you plan out costumes, please note that weapons, blood, and characters that may be scary for our youngest students should not be worn in school.  In addition, inflatable costumes will only be permitted to be worn outside.  Students who choose to dress for this occasion should bring their costumes to school in a bag marked clearly with their name. Only a brief amount of time will be allotted for changing, so please make sure the costume parts are not too difficult for them to manage independently.

2. If you'd like to help with Apple Crunch Day (also on Wednesday), please click here to sign up to volunteer.

3. Coming up on November 5th and 6th, Mount Nittany Elementary and Middle Schools will be hosting a free clothing drive at MNMS.  I used to help run this when I worked at MNMS and there is always a TON of good stuff.  Great for holiday shopping.  Flyer attached.

Cafeteria Note

Please send me an email with any note you want added to your child's account.  I have many kids saying they are allowed to buy all they want. I have let them buy two extras.  If you do not want your child to buy extras or if you want to limit extras, please let me know.  Please note that extras sides are $0.85 and an extra entree is $2.40.

Char Ghaner, Cafeteria Supervisor

cmg22@scasd.org

Counseling Office Note

Hello Radio Park Families, 

My name is Allison Simpson and I am the new school counselor at Radio Park Elementary. I had previously covered as school counselor at Radio Park during May 2020 to August 2021. Since my time at RP, I worked as a school counselor at Keystone Central School District. I am extremely excited to be a part of the Radio Park family again and can't wait to work with you! 

As I am getting caught up with the start of the school year, I wanted to share some information. Through Multi- Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), one way I will support all students is teaching classroom lessons. These topics will center around Second Step Bullying Prevention, career exploration, and Zone of Regulation. I have attached some parent resources on these topics. 

Additionally, with everything that I do, I communicate with families regularly. We are a team in your students' success. One significant change is my email address. My new email is aps39@scasd.org. 

If I can help support your student at school please feel free to reach out at any point with any questions or concerns. I am excited to be working with the families at Radio Park!

Sincerely,

Allison Simpson

October 14, 2022 - "October 14th Radio Park Rauport"

Good Afternoon,

GREAT to see so many families out to support our students in the Pride Stride today.  More information to come next week but I can proudly announce we have passed our school goal of raising $20,000.  Amazing!  Guess this guy will be getting slimed.  If you took pictures at today's event, please refrain from posting them on social media as not all students have permission to have their picture posted online.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Alex Raup, Principal

Main Office Notes

1. More information to come in next week's Rauport but, for now, please plan on our annually Halloween Parade, Harvest Festival, and classroom parties for the end of the day Wednesday, October 26th.  Students will have an opportunity to participate in Fall Parties in their classroom before those who want to participate in the parade get suited up and those who would prefer to do the Harvest Festival begin that activity.  Weather permitting, families will be able to come and watch the parade or attend the Harvest Festival.  Again, more information coming next week.

As you plan out costumes, please note that weapons, blood, and characters that may be scary for our youngest students should not be worn in school.  In addition, inflatable costumes will only be permitted to be worn outside.

2. If you'd like to help with Apple Crunch Day on Wednesday, October 26th, please click here to sign up to volunteer.

3. Beginning on Monday, we will be having all Third, Fourth, and Fifth Graders sit with just their classes at lunch as we did prior to the pandemic.  While we had hopes for allowing students to mix with all of the other students in their grade, it's becoming hard to handle supervision and dismissal.  Students will have choice with who they sit with at their class' respective tables.

4. We will have our Fall Severe Weather Drill on Monday morning.  Please reference my email from back on September 1st with details about what this drill will entail.

5. Our School Counselor starts on Monday!  We're so excited to welcome Ms. Simpson (back) to Radio Park.  If you need anything from her, please reach out via email (aps39@scasd.org).  BIG thanks to interim counselor, Mrs. Kerry Wiessmann, for her help over the course of the past month doing observations and meeting with students.

6. Coming up on November 5th and 6th, Mount Nittany Elementary and Middle Schools will be hosting a free clothing drive at MNMS.  I used to help run this when I worked at MNMS and there is always a TON of good stuff.  Flyer attached.

October 13, 2022 - "RP Pride Stride FINAL Final Details"

Good Morning,

I should know better than to say something is the final...my apologies for another mid-week email.  As of today, we are at 83% of our goal.  Keep it up!

Three additional details for tomorrow's Pride Stride:

1. Weather forecast looks good but cool for tomorrow morning.  Please make sure your student is in comfortable, warm clothes that they can move in.

2. Parking will only be available in our visitor lot.  Please do not park along Cherry Lane.  If the lot is full, you'll be directed down to Discovery Space.

3. A few families have challenged me to see how far I can run over the course of the morning.  If you'd like to "sponsor" my running and pay a certain amount per laps I run, please reply to this email.  For your planning, I'll be running for 120 minutes.

Looking forward to a fun day and seeing many of you tomorrow.

Alex Raup, Principal

October 12, 2022 - "RP Pride Stride Final Details"

Good Evening,

This is a reminder that our Pride Stride is this Friday, 10/14!

Our goal is $20,000 and, as of today, the Radio Park Community has raised 64% of that goal!  We still have some work to do this week to hit our goal.   

If you still need to register your student(s) for the Pride Stride, click here, to do so.  Every student that registers earns an entry into the drawing for a Scholastic gift card for their classroom library. (No donations required.)

It’s not too late to donate, either.  Every penny counts.

Online/Website Donations:

1. Register or re-Login to your parent dashboard and complete your child’s student webpage with a picture.

2. Families can link multiple students to a single webpage.  Donations made to the family webpage will be evenly distributed between the students.  Make an online donation using the red Donate button.

3. Share with friends and family thru social media, email and texts!

Paper Form Donations: Send in the paper attached to this email along with any check or cash donations to the school.

Here are a few previously shared details for your reference...

The Pride Stride will take place in the bus loop at the front of the building.

• Parents and famiilies are welcome to come and cheer on their student(s).
• No spectator vehicles will be permitted to park in the main parking lot that is typically reserved for our faculty and staff.  All parking should be contained to the Visitor and Parent lot.  I am working to get an overflow parking space confirmed and will share that out next week.
• Each grade will run for 20 minutes (see schedule below).
• Music will be provided by Nittany Entertainment.
• All students should wear comfortable sneakers to school on Friday and should consider wearing Radio Park apparel or maroon, gray, or red.

If you are interested in volunteering to help out with the Pride Stride on the day of the event, please click here.  We need a lot of hands to help supervise, support, and cheer on runners!

Alex Raup, Principal

October 7, 2022 - "Mini Lion Pride Stride Further Details"

Good Afternoon,

In addition to the details I shared in yesterday's weekly Rauport, below are some additional specifics in regards to next Friday's Pride Stride at RP.  Compiled communications can be found here.

Our TOTAL SCHOOL GOAL is $20,000.00!

We need all parents to complete three easy steps!

1. Register your child(ren) by visiting www.getmovinfundhub.com or the QR Code below. It's free, easy, and fast to register!  For School Identifier, use 5d7fdd2784cf3.  Please register your students even if not collecting online donations.

2. Email and/ or Text your child's student fundraising webpage to 10-15 friends and family. Post on Facebook or Twitter - It’s super easy! Only two clicks of a button to post.

3. Submit donations

Credit Card: Online donations can be submitted through your student’s webpage

Cash/Check: Fill out the PINK registration form sent home with students last week. Return the form (and any checks or cash, if collected) to the student’s classroom or school front office.

October 6, 2022 - "October 6th Radio Park Rauport"

Good Afternoon,

As a reminder, there is no school for students tomorrow.  I hope you all enjoy the long weekend and that I'll see many of you at the State High Homecoming Parade this evening.

Alex Raup, Principal

Main Office Notes

1. For your help and reference, all emails that I send are now archived under "Site Shortcuts" on the main page of the Radio Park website.  Click on "Emails and Communications."

2. Our Mini Lion Pride Stride is scheduled for next Friday, October 14th.  This is the biggest fundraiser for our school and helps to fund school supplies for every student in our school, field trips, mini-grants for teachers to expand educational resources in their classrooms, community building family fun nights, Enrichment Opportunity Grants for student clubs and outside the classroom opportunities, the Radio Park Garden, teacher care, and so much more.

Here are a few important details about the Pride Stride:

• The Pride Stride will take place in the bus loop at the front of the building.
• Parents and famiilies are welcome to come and cheer on their student(s).
• No spectator vehicles will be permitted to park in the main parking lot that is typically reserved for our faculty and staff.  All parking should be contained to the Visitor and Parent lot.  I am working to get an overflow parking space confirmed and will share that out next week.
• Each grade will run for 20 minutes (see schedule below).
• Music will be provided by Nittany Entertainment.
• All students should wear comfortable sneakers to school on Friday and should consider wearing Radio Park apparel or maroon, gray, or red.

If you are interested in volunteering to help out with the Pride Stride on the day of the event, please click here.  We need a lot of hands to help supervise, support, and cheer on runners!

3. As a reminder, parent volunteers need to be cleared prior to assisting in a classroom.  All clearances must be submitted and verified by the Community Education office and all information can be found here.  Questions can be directed to Bethany Horner (bdh25@scasd.org).

There are three ways to submit clearances:
 - Drop off clearances in-person to their office (located at 240 Villa Crest Drive in Panorama Village building)
- Mail clearances to their office (mailed clearances must be postmarked by October 21) using the following address:
VIPS Supervisor
240 Villa Crest Drive
State College, PA 16801
- Email completed clearances to volunteers@scasd.org

4. If you are interested in joining Monday's PTO Meeting virtually, here is the link: meet.google.com/wnq-zeek-acq

September 30, 2022 - "September 30th Radio Park Report"

Good Afternoon,

Lots of events coming up in October.  Please make sure keep up with these weekly Rauports and take note of the upcoming dates at the bottom of this email.

Have a great weekend, RP Families!

Alex Raup, Principal

Main Office Notes

1. For your help and reference, all emails that I send are now archived under "Site Shortcuts" on the main page of the Radio Park website.  Click on "Emails and Communications."

2. The October virtual First Sunday Book Club is coming up this Sunday, October 2nd at 7 PM.  All Radio Park families are welcome to jump on and enjoy a quick story before we begin another fun week of school.  Link to join is below.

3. Our Mini Lion Pride Stride is scheduled for Friday, October 14th.  More information will be coming out soon about how to support this HUGE fundraiser for our school and PTO.  In the meantime, please make note that families can come out and support their student(s) that morning.  Next week's Rauport will include specific grade level time slots.

4. At the end of this month on Wednesday, October 26th, we will have our annual Halloween Parade, Halloween parties, and Harvest Festival.  More information will be coming out soon and I am pleased to announce that, if the weather cooperates, families will be able to come out and see all of the great costumes in our parade that afternoon around 2 PM.  Stay tuned for more.

5. Third Grade Math Regrouping: At Radio Park and throughout the school district, we desire to have a flexible approach to responding to students’ needs in math and continually evaluate students and their placement.  Prior to the beginning of each unit, teachers will review available data and consider classroom observations as they plan and group students to teachers.

In Third Grade, there will be an advanced math class for students who are ready for additional extensions of the core math program and the other two classes will be of mixed ability and based on students’ needs in the current unit of study.  Teachers will assess students on a regular basis through pre and post-assessments and make adjustments to instructional grouping as needed.  Parents/guardians will receive communication at the beginning of each unit from their student’s math teacher, which may change based on the unit.  Our first regrouping for math will begin next week.

September 23, 2022  - "September 23rd Radio Park Rauport"

Good Afternoon,

Starting to feel like fall...my favorite time of the year!

Have a great weekend, RP Families!

Alex Raup, Principal

Main Office Notes

1. For your help and reference, all emails that I send are now archived under "Site Shortcuts" on the main page of the Radio Park website.  Click on "Emails and Communications."

2. Next week wraps up our Fall Benchmarking Window.  During this time, students in Grades 2-5 took the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Test in reading and math.  We will share out results just as soon as the testing window closes and we have access to the reports.

In addition, over the course of the past few weeks, our new MTSS Interventionist (formerly referred to as Instructional Support Teacher), Ms. Potter, and our Title 1 Teacher, Mrs. Lichtig, have been giving Acadience fluency probes to all students in K-3. These assessments are administered individually to all students and take approximately five (5) minutes per student.  We will be in touch with you should any of the screeners indicate that your student may need additional help or intervention.

Upcoming Dates

September 22, 2022 - "RP Arrival and Dismissal Reminders"

Good Afternoon,

Please review the arrival and dismissal procedural reminders below.

Thanks,

Alex Raup, Principal

Arrival/Parent Drop Off

• Families should use only the "Visitor & Parent Drop Off" portion of our parking lot up until 8 AM.
• Between 8:00-8:09 AM, parents can also use the bus lane (main parking lot) so we don't get too backed up.
• If you are dropping off and getting out of your car to walk your student(s) up to the building, you must park your car in a spot, not in the carpool lane.
• Please use the crosswalk to walk to and from the building.
• If you are just dropping off, please remember to pull up in the carpool lane as far as you can.

Dismissal/Parent Pick Up

• Park in a spot in the "Visitor & Parent Drop Off" section and come up to the building to get your student OR
• Pull the whole way up to the flagpole to ensure we don't get too backed up on West Cherry Lane.
• All parents and cars at parent pick-up should have a sign with the student's first and last name largely displayed to help the team at dismissal to quickly connect the student with their family member.
• Please use the crosswalk to walk to and from the building.

September 19, 2022 - "Radio Park Lockdown Follow-up"

Dear RP Community,

Based on guidance from responding police officers and Central Office, we are no longer in lockdown (lifted at 11 a.m.). Police will still be on campus and checking in throughout the rest of the day and faculty and staff have been made aware of how to respond if they observe any concerns while outside with students. I want to reiterate that we have no indication that the earlier reported person of concern was ever on school grounds and we have no reason to believe that students were ever in danger.

As was shared in my email communication to you all about “Safety Drills” back on September 1st, when we go into lockdown, we do the following:

1. Lock and close classroom doors.

2. Close all windows and blinds.

3. Clear and evacuate all hallways.

4. Step into the nearest classroom if you are out in the hallway.

5. Take attendance and notify the Main Office if there is a student unaccounted for or an extra student in your care.

6. Continue normal class activities.

Because there was no observed immediate concern outside of the building and because we did not know how long we would be locked down, I did not require teachers to enforce #s 3, 4, and 5 above and students, faculty, and staff were allowed to move about the building as normal this morning. While we were locked down from 8:10-11:00 a.m., no outside visitors were allowed to enter the building beyond the vestibule.

For your debrief with your student(s) this evening, please know that students were not made aware of the suspicious person on campus and that the only thing shared with them was that we were going into lockdown.

All our students, faculty, and staff did a wonderful job today and should be commended on their care and attention to detail and direction.​​​​​​​

Alex Raup, Principal

September 19, 2022 - "Radio Park on Lockdown - All Students Safe"

Dear RP Community:

At approximately 7:30 a.m. this morning, a community member called police to report a suspicious person who possibly had a weapon near the intersection of Blue Course Drive and Martin Street. Police immediately responded to the area and contacted me because of the close proximity to the school. 

Their initial investigation did not find any such individual in the area. Therefore, because of the increased police presence in the area, they determined it was safe for students to enter the building. However, out of an abundance of caution, the school is currently on lockdown while the police complete their investigation. 

Right now we have no indication that this reported person was ever on school grounds, and we have no reason to believe that students were ever in danger. There will be an increased police presence in the area throughout the day. 

I will give you further updates when I hear more from the police. 

Sincerely,

Alex Raup, Principal

September 16, 2022 - "September 16th Radio Park Rauport"

Good Afternoon,

It was a great week here at RP.  I hope you and your families all have a wonderful weekend.

Alex Raup, Principal

Main Office Notes

1. Please make note that our Safe Arrival at School number has changed due to all offices and classrooms getting new phones over the summer.  Our new number is 814-231-1011 ext. 4549

2. From the Ferguson Township Police Department: Ferguson Township is looking to hire a Crossing Guard for the remainder of 2022-2023 School Year. This position would serve the students of Radio Park Elementary School. The guard will assist students and parents that need to cross at the intersection of Martin Street and Cherry Lane. Hours needed: 7:45 AM to 8:15 AM and 2:50 PM to 3:20 PM each day school is in session. If interested, please contact Sergeant Ryan Hendrick at rhendrick@twp.ferguson.pa.us.

3. Dismissal Time Change: Beginning this coming Monday, we will be dismissing Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Graders a few minutes earlier than we have been so far this school year.  Second and Third Graders will now dismiss at 2:58 PM (as opposed to 3 PM) and Fourth and Fifth Graders will now dismiss at 3:01 PM (as opposed to 3:05 PM).

4. We are asking all parents and guardians at parent pick-up to please hold up a sign with their student(s) first and last name(s) on it.  With a lot of new team members helping out at parent pick-up this school year, this will be extremely helpful to more quickly connect students with their family members.

5. Fourth and Fifth Grade Families, please see the attached Universal Screener document for information about the first of three screeners your Fourth or Fifth Grader will have the opportunity to complete later this month.

6. Please see attached for information about our Free Breakfast Program.

7. We are looking for warm up pants (sizes S, M, and L), underwear, and socks for our Nurse's Office.  If you have any of these items, please send them in with your student and have them give them to Mrs. Moore or Mrs. Smeal in the Main Office.

September 9, 2022 - "September 9th Radio Park Rauport"

Good Afternoon,

I hope you all had a great Labor Day Weekend!  For those of you who attend games or cheer on the Nittany Lions, have a great first home game weekend.

Alex Raup, Principal

Main Office Notes

1. Please make note that our Safe Arrival at School number has changed due to all offices and classrooms getting new phones over the summer.  Our new number is 814-231-1011 ext. 4549

2. It was great to see so many of you at Hoss's and at RP Plays last night.  Big thanks to the PTO for providing a tasty treat for us on the playground.  Coming home today are $5.00 coupons courtesy of Hoss's as a way to wish all of our families a continued great start to the school year.  Enjoy that delicious salad bar!

3. From the Ferguson Township Police Department: Ferguson Township is looking to hire a Crossing Guard for the remainder of 2022-2023 School Year. This position would serve the students of Radio Park Elementary School. The guard will assist students and parents that need to cross at the intersection of Martin Street and Cherry Lane. Hours needed: 7:45 AM to 8:15 AM and 2:50 PM to 3:20 PM each day school is in session. If interested, please contact Sergeant Ryan Hendrick at rhendrick@twp.ferguson.pa.us.

4. Counselor Update: As was previously shared, our beloved Mrs. Barbrow is now working at Mount Nittany Middle School.  Her previous maternity leave substitute, Ms. Allison Simpson, will be rejoining our team soon in a permanent position but is still being held by her current school district.  I don't foresee her officially being on board here at RP until October but will share additional updates as they arise.  In the meantime, please let me know of anything you'd typically run through a counselor and I'll work with our awesome school psychologist, Dr. Sarah Rochette, to get you or your student the help you need.

September 2, 2022 - "September 2nd Radio Park Report"

Good Afternoon,

Below is some information for you and your family as we continue to settle into this school year.

Have a great Labor Day Weekend!

Alex Raup, Principal

Main Office Notes

1. We have our first school fundraiser of the year at Hoss's Steak and Sea House (1450 North Atherton Street) and our annual PTO-sponsored RP Plays next Thursday, September 8th.  Dinner will be from approximately 5:00-6:30 PM and the playground here at school will be open for some evening fun from 6:00-7:30 PM.  Those attending dinner should say they are with Radio Park to ensure that a portion of their check goes back to the school and dessert will be provided by the PTO at Plays.  We hope you'll join us for a fun evening of eating and playing!

2. Please make note that our Safe Arrival at School number has changed due to all offices and classrooms getting new phones over the summer.  Our new number is 814-231-1011 ext. 4549

3. Our first First Sunday Book Club of the school year is scheduled for this Sunday, September 4th at 7 PM.  Interested families can join using the link provided in the "Upcoming Dates" section below and enjoy a read aloud read by yours truly!

4. From the Ferguson Township Police Department: Ferguson Township is looking to hire a Crossing Guard for the remainder of 2022-2023 School Year. This position would serve the students of Radio Park Elementary School. The guard will assist students and parents that need to cross at the intersection of Martin Street and Cherry Lane. Hours needed: 7:45 AM to 8:15 AM and 2:50 PM to 3:20 PM each day school is in session. If interested, please contact Sergeant Ryan Hendrick at rhendrick@twp.ferguson.pa.us.

September 1, 2022 - "RP School Safety Drills"

Dear Parent/Guardian,

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 our faculty, staff, and students to respond accordingly in the event of an actual emergency at school.  As such, caution and concern for faculty, staff, and student well-being are exercised when conducting these drills.

Our safety drills include:

• Evacuation - prepares us for an incident (not person) that could cause harm or danger (i.e. fire, gas leak, loss of power, etc.).  During this drill, faculty, staff, and students evacuate the building using their room or office’s exit route and report to a designated outside area for attendance.  In the event of an actual emergency and if conditions were such that we could not return to the school building, we would most likely report to our Safe House (the Bus Garage) and, possibly, prepare students for an early dismissal or transport to another school building.  Our first Evacuation Drill will be tomorrow (Friday, September 2nd).  Attached to this email is a breakdown of what happens during an Evacuation Drill if you would like to review it and/or review it with your student(s).

• Lockdown - prepares us for a dangerous person/situation outside of the school (no weapon present), any peril inside the school that will not require evacuation, or a medical emergency requiring hallways to be clear.  During this drill, classroom doors are locked and secured, movement throughout the building is restricted, and teaching and learning continue (“business as usual”) in classrooms.  Our first Lockdown Drill will be next Friday, September 9th.  Attached to this email is a script including what happens during a Lockdown Drill if you would like to review it and/or review it with your student(s).

• Severe Weather -  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.  We conduct one of these drills in the fall and one in the spring.  Attached to this email is a script including what happens during a Severe Weather Drill if you would like to review it and/or review it with your student(s).

• Bus Evacuation - prepares us for an emergency evacuation or situation that may occur while traveling to or from school on a bus.  Bus drivers lead those students who ride the bus through this drill two times each school year (fall and spring).

You may find it helpful to discuss these safety drills at home with your student and to reinforce that the purpose of drills is to practice being safe.  Other elementary schools in the district have previously practiced running and hiding that would occur if there was an intruder and I plan to work with our building and district All Hazards Teams to discuss more about how this looked and how we, too, could do something to prepare at Radio Park.  Rest assured that I will provide significant information prior to us ever practicing this type of drill with our students.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns about the drills or your student's participation, please contact me.

Alex Raup, Principal

August 31, 2022 - "RP Non-Emergency Neighborhood Concern"

Good Afternoon,

We just got a call from 911 that there will be ambulance and/or police presence on West Cherry Lane in the next minutes as they respond to a medical emergency in the area.  Please know that all is okay at Radio Park and that first responders will do all they can to address the situation before dismissal.  If there are still police cars or ambulances in sight at dismissal time, I will come over the intercom and let students know why they are near our campus.

Thank you and please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Alex Raup, Principal

August 26, 2022 - "August 26th Radio Park Report"

Good Afternoon,

It was great to see so many of you at Back to School Night yesterday evening.  I hope that your students gave you a great tour and that you had a fun time meeting teachers and connecting with other RP families.  Below is my first official weekly update ("Radio Park Report").  I send these out, as needed, at the end of each week.  I hope that you'll find the information helpful for your scheduling and keeping up with all things RP.

Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Alex Raup, Principal

Main Office Notes

1. Mark your calendars for a school fundraiser at Hoss's Steak and Sea House and our annual PTO-sponsored RP Plays on Thursday, September 8th.  Dinner will be from approximately 5:00-6:30 PM and the playground here at school will be open for some evening fun from 6:00-7:30 PM.  The RP Garden may also be open that evening for you to visit.  More information to come next week but, for now, mark your calendars!

2. If you're using ParentVUE to submit an absence for your student, please make sure to provide a reason for the absence or our Attendance Secretary, Mrs. Smeal, will have to mark it as unexcused.  If you ever have any questions about attendance or an absence, please don't hesitate to reach out to me or Mrs. Smeal (tms18@scasd.org).

3. The YMCA of Centre County's Backpack Program is back for this school year.  Please see the two attached documents for more information and have your student turn in completed registration forms to their classroom teacher or the Main Office.

4. Our First Sunday Book Club is back and our first evening virtual evening read aloud is scheduled for next Sunday, September 4th at 7 PM.  Interested families can join using the link provided in the "Upcoming Dates" section below and enjoy a read aloud before heading to bed and resting up for another fun-filled week here at RP!

August 23, 2022 - "First Day Follow-up and B2S Night Information"

Good Afternoon,

It was a great first day here at Radio Park!  I really enjoyed seeing so many smiling faces and excited students ready to learn, play, and grow.  If, as you're debriefing with your student(s) this evening, any questions or concerns are raised, please feel free to reply to this email and I'll do all I can to make their second day even better than their first.

Also, as a reminder, THIS THURSDAY, August 25th is our Back to School Night.  Please click here to watch a welcome video and read below for some written information/details.  We hope to see you on Thursday!

Have a great evening and rest up for Day 2!

Alex Raup, Principal

Back to School Night 2022

Who: All Radio Park students and families

What: Back to School Night

Where: Radio Park Elementary School

When: Thursday, August 25th

Last name A-L - 6:00-6:45 PM

Last name M-Z - 7:00-7:45 PM

August 22, 2022 - "Atherton Street Construction"

Good Morning,

As you and your family put the finishing touches on back to school routines, I wanted to make you aware that Ferguson Township Police reached out to me to let me know that construction is resuming on Atherton Street and that we should expect delays at dropoff and pick-up times.  Please plan accordingly.  While the work will primarily be contained to downtown between Beaver and College Avenues (near The Graduate), they foresee traffic being impacted to the north and south of that area.

Take it easy, put on some relaxing jazz music, sub out your coffee for some calming tea, avoid cursing PennDOT (at least while your kids are in the car), and have a nice drive in and drive out tomorrow.

Alex Raup, Principal

August 19, 2022 - "Final Back to School Reminders"

Good Afternoon,

In less than four days, the 2022-2023 School Year will officially be underway.  The team here at Radio Park can't wait to welcome students back next Tuesday.  It's going to be a great year!  Please review everything below in preparation for our first week.  Items in black text you have received before and items in maroon text are new.

I will be emailing again on Tuesday to check in on the first day and to share information about next Thursday's Back to School Night.

Have a GREAT weekend!

Sincerely,

Alex Raup, Principal

Main Office Notes

1. Our first day of school is scheduled for Tuesday, August 23rd.  First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Graders will have a normal day that day (7:55 AM to 3:10 PM).  Kindergartners will report at different times depending on their teacher (Garlcki - 9:00-9:45 AM, Isola - 10:00-10:45 AM, and Zahuranec - 11:00-111:45 AM) and should be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

2. School supplies are provided for every student by our amazing PTO.  If a classroom teacher has a specific need or request, they will communicate that out to their families.

3. Arrival: Our doors will open for family drop-off at 7:50 AM and buses will begin to unload at 7:55 AM.  Families should use only the "Visitor & Parent Drop Off" portion of our parking lot up until 8 AM.  Between 8:00-8:09 AM, parents can also use the bus lane (main parking lot) so we don't get too backed up.

If you are dropping off and getting out of your car to walk your student(s) up to the building, you must park your car in a spot, not in the carpool lane.  In addition, please use the crosswalks to walk to and from the building.  If you are just dropping off, please remember to pull up in the carpool lane as far as you can.

4. Dismissal:  Students should be picked up where they were dropped off with those doing the picking up parking in a spot in the "Visitor & Parent Drop Off" section and coming up to the building to get their student OR pulling the whole way up to the flagpole to ensure we don't get too backed up on West Cherry Lane.  Cars with a student's first and last name on a paper and held up in the window also help to make things run quickly and smoothly.

If you are picking up and getting out of your car to walk up to the building to retrieve your student(s), you must park your car in a spot, not in the carpool lane.  In addition, please use the crosswalks to walk to and from the building.

We'll dismiss at the following times:

K/1 - 2:55 PM

2/3 - 3:00 PM

4/5 - 3:05 PM

Buses will leave the parking lot beginning at 3:10 PM.

5. Fourth Grade: I am excited to announce that Mrs. Patricia Pietraccini will be joining our Fourth Grade team this school year as our fourth teacher.  Please welcome her to our school community!

6. Lunch: Please note that, beginning again this school year, families need to pay for lunch.  If you have questions, concerns, or a need in this area, please check out the district's Food Services page.

7. We will begin the school year down one Lunch Paraprofessional.  If you or someone you know would like to work two hours during the day (11:00 AM to 1:00 PM), please let me know and I can talk through the position and requirements with you.  It really is a great job!

8. Student Expected Behaviors Matrix: Please take the time to read and review the attached matrix with your student(s) this weekend.  All of our classroom teachers build their classroom expectations and rules around this documenet and it's very helpful when home and school are reinforcing the same things with students.

August 11, 2022 - "Radio Park Back to School Information"

Good Afternoon,

I hope this email finds you and your family enjoying these last few weeks of summer vacation!  My girls (wife - Mackenzie, daughter - Lanie) and I have had a great summer and we are also looking forward to getting back into school year routines and enjoying all of the fun that fall in Happy Valley has to offer!

It's hard to believe but, in less than two weeks, we'll have students back in school.  We have lots of new faces at RP this year on our team and I am excited for us all to welcome them just as we will welcome back all returning students and new students to our pride of Mini Lions.

Below are some important notes for Back to School 2022.  As always, if you have any questions, please call the school (814-231-4115) or email me.  We're all in this together!

Sincerely,

Alex Raup, Principal

Main Office Notes

1. Our first day of school is scheduled for Tuesday, August 23rd.  First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Graders will have a normal day that day (7:55 AM to 3:10 PM).  Kindergartners will report at different times depending on their teacher (Garlcki - 9:00-9:45 AM, Isola - 10:00-10:45 AM, and Zahuranec - 11:00-111:45 AM) and should be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

2. School supplies are provided for every student by our amazing PTO.  If a classroom teacher has a specific need or request, they will communicate that out to their families.

3. Arrival: Our doors will open for family drop-off at 7:50 AM and buses will begin to unload at 7:55 AM.  Families should use only the "Visitor & Parent Drop Off" portion of our parking lot up until 8 AM.  Between 8:00-8:09 AM, parents can also use the bus lane (main parking lot) so we don't get too backed up.

If you are dropping off and getting out of your car to walk your student(s) up to the building, you must park your car in a spot, not in the carpool lane.  In addition, please use the crosswalks to walk to and from the building.  If you are just dropping off, please remember to pull up in the carpool lane as far as you can.

4. Dismissal:  Students should be picked up where they were dropped off with those doing the picking up parking in a spot in the "Visitor & Parent Drop Off" section and coming up to the building to get their student OR pulling the whole way up to the flagpole to ensure we don't get too backed up on West Cherry Lane.  Cars with a student's first and last name on a paper and held up in the window also help to make things run quickly and smoothly.

If you are picking up and getting out of your car to walk up to the building to retrieve your student(s), you must park your car in a spot, not in the carpool lane.  In addition, please use the crosswalks to walk to and from the building.

We'll dismiss at the following times:

K/1 - 2:55 PM

2/3 - 3:00 PM

4/5 - 3:05 PM

Buses will leave the parking lot beginning at 3:10 PM.

5. Class assigments will go live this coming Monday, August 15th.  You may be able to see an assignment now but nothing listed is official until next week.  Since assigning classes takes into consideration many variables to create balanced classes, I respectfully request that you refrain from making requests to change teachers at this close date to the start of the school year. Your teachers and counselor put a LOT of time into grouping students in the spring and I know that every teacher at RP will provide excellent experiences for your child.

6. Back to School Night is scheduled for Thursday, August 25th and will be in person this year.  The evening will be an open house format with families with the last name A-L attending from 6:00-6:45 PM and families with the last name M-Z attending from 7:00-7:45 PM. I'll share a welcome video via email prior to the evening with more information about how the night will look.

7. Lunch: All students will eat in the cafeteria this year with students in K-2 assigned to tables based on their teacher and students in 3-5 assigned to a section of the cafeteria to mingle with other students in their grade.

As was the case last school year, we are not a peanut-free school but label ourselves, as directed by our nurse and Director of Food Services, as allergy aware.  That being said, we will have one nut free table in the cafeteria where students who have an allergy can choose to sit with students who buy lunch.

Please note that parents/guardians will not be permitted to come in and eat with their student but can always check out their student during lunch to eat outside or to go off campus for a quick bite to eat.

Also, please note that, beginning again this school year, families need to pay for lunch.  If you have questions, concerns, or a need in this area, please check out the district's Food Services page.

8. We will begin the school year down one Lunch Paraprofessional.  If you or someone you know would like to work two hours during the day (11:00 AM to 1:00 PM), please let me know and I can talk through the position and requirements with you.  It really is a great job!

9. Volunteering: As in the past, clearances will be required if volunteering in our school.  This information can be found on our district website or via this link.

10. Social Emotional Learning: All classroom teachers will continue to use Second Step and the Zones of Regulation in their SEL work with students this school year.  Research suggests that even just 5-10 minutes a day of SEL work or one-on-one time with a student can have a huge impact on a student's development in this area.

11. Safety: We'll be spending a lot of time as a faculty and staff talking about safety in our first few days back together next week.  For your reference, here are some key things we'll be stressing:

- See something, say something

- Be aware (esp. in parking lots, neighboring roads, and on playgrounds)

- Wear badges at all times

- Do not hold or prop doors

- Ensure you have a walkie talkie or cell phone when outside or off campus with students

I attended SCASD as a student and have been employed in the district my entire career (beginning my 14th year) and have always felt safe and secure.  I attribute that to the amazing adults that our district employs.  You have my word that I will do all that I can and speak with whoever I need to to create the same safe environment as was created for me from Kindergarten through 12th Grade.