Day Rotation

Howe Elementary’s Week at a Glance

Monday, September 2

• NO SCHOOL - Labor Day

        Tuesday, September 3

Wednesday, September 4

Thursday, September 5

Labor Day Holiday - No School

School will not be in session on Monday, September 2, 2024, in recognition of Labor Day. School resumes on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. Please make note of this day off for the students and staff.

PTA Meeting

On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, our PTA will have its monthly general session meeting at 7:00 pm in the Howe auditorium . We encourage you to stop by and be an active member in all that happens within the Howe PTA.

Get Ready for The Sunny Funny Fair

Saturday, September 21, 2024 11am – 3pm

The Sunny Funny Fair is the PTA’s biggest FUNdraising event of the year. The grounds around Howe are transformed into a giant carnival, with over 40 games, activities, craft stations, and even a cake walk. Kids play a variety of carnival games to earn points that can be cashed in for awesome prizes.

Plan to have lunch at the fair, as delicious food is available for purchase. This event is open to the entire family and surrounding community, so be sure to tell your neighbors and friends.

Check the newsletter next week for additional details and how you can get involved, and be on the lookout for a flier in your student’s folder after the long weekend.  Questions?  Email chair Amy Grella at sunnyfunnychair@howepta.org.

Homeroom Coordinators Wanted!

What is a Homeroom Coordinator? The Homeroom Coordinator....

*Recruits volunteers for classroom parties and events

*Acts as a point of contact between the PTA and classroom parents, primarily to pass along

announcements for special activities

*Has the option of arranging a classroom gift for the teachers

If you would like to be a Homeroom Coordinator for your child’s classroom, please send:

• Your Name

• Child’s Name

• Classroom Assignment to: Cyndi Benzel  at crjonov@hotmail.com

Please contact Cyndi with any questions. Thank you!!

Howe Elementary School Picture Day  is September 12, 2024

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR PICTURE DAY: Picture day is right around the corner.  We will be working with TSS Photography this year.  They offer a unique View First picture day program which is a different process than past years.  

The photographers will have rosters on hand so you do NOT need to turn anything in on or before picture day!  No money or package selections are collected on picture day. For those that pre- register using the link below, you will receive an email within a few days after picture day telling you that the photos are ready to view.  The email will include a link to your child’s photos. (Keep an eye out in your junk/spam folder. Our emails sometimes end up there)

IMPORTANT:  In order to receive your email link to your child’s photos, you will need to register your child using the link below.  This information will allow us to send your child’s photos directly to you.  Please register EACH CHILD SEPARATELY.

http://regis.viewyour.photos/direct/91039/27242983

THE REGISTRATION LINK WILL ONLY BE ACTIVE UNTIL THE END OF THE DAY ON PICTURE DAY

Your student will also be bringing home a 3x5 paper with your individual link on picture day. These tend to get lost so registering ahead of time is the best way to ensure you get your link to your photos.

Our state of the art website will allow you to view the photos before you order.  You will place your order online and your photos/products will be shipped directly to you!  You can order as many poses as you choose!  

We will give everyone 30 days to place your initial order.  We have a very fast turnaround.  You will have your photos within a week after ordering.  

Please call or email TSS Photography directly with any questions!

412-344-3100 tsspittsburgh@gmail.com

Safe2Say Something

Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. The program teaches youth and adults how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially within social media, from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and to “say something” BEFORE it is too late. With Safe2Say Something, it’s easy and confidential to report safety concerns to help prevent violence and tragedies. Here’s how it works:

• Submit a report through the Safe2SaySomething system
• Crisis center reviews, assesses and processes all submissions
• Crisis center sends all submissions to school administration and/or law enforcement for
• intervention
• If needed, crisis center may contact tipster anonymously through the app

Second Step  

Social-emotional learning is "the process by which children grow and develop their emotional lives and their relationships." Focused on five core competencies: self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision making, relationship skills, and social awareness, SEL supports the wellbeing of the whole child.

In the past, we have utilized teacher-created resources as well as the OLWEUS program as a way to teach SEL skills to all students which is in support of goal two of our district strategic plan. I am proud to announce that this year we will be  implementing Second Step as a school-wide resource to teach SEL skills.

Second Step is a research-based program that utilizes a scope and sequence that builds on skills over time and year to year. You can learn more about the Second Step program here. Our children are learning behavior all the time, both implicitly and explicitly. Teaching Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) skills allows children the opportunity to practice and cultivate these skills in a supportive environment.

1:1 Device Distribution

All Mt. Lebanon students in grades K-5 are issued a device for their learning at school and at home. Students in Kindergarten and 1st grade receive iPads. Students in grades 2-5 receive Chromebooks. More details about the 1:1 device program and related information/resources can be found at https://www.mtlsd.org/families/technology/one-to-one. Technology policies and procedures can be found here.  

As a reminder, the deadline to apply for the Equipment Protection Plan is October 1, 2024. Families are responsible for any and all damage to their District-owned device. This $50 fee covers any and all accidental damage to their students' equipment for the entire academic year. Students can be enrolled using this link.

Why should we sign up for this?
The average cost for a damage incident to a District-owned iPad or Chromebook was $129 last year. Damage can happen (and has happened!) from dropping the device, knocking the device off of a table, tripping and falling with the device, tossing a full backpack with the device onto the ground, and more. If the cost for a damage incident exceeds the replacement cost of the device, you could be charged up to $400 per incident if your student is not enrolled in this plan. Enrolling in the EPP ensures that for $50, all accidental breaks and damage will be covered for the year for your student.

I have more questions!
Full details about the EPP including the link/button to ENROLL can be found on the District’s One-to-One Resources page (www.mtlsd.org/One-to-One). Additionally, all questions and feedback are welcomed by our RemoteSupport team when you email RemoteSupport@mtlsd.net

SCHOOLOGY

Schoology, the Mt. Lebanon School District's official Learning Management System (LMS), provides families with a deeper look into their student's classwork and learning progress. All online assignments will be collected through Schoology. Calendars in Schoology will have school events listed as well as course events and assignments. The Schoology calendar will continue as the primary calendar for classroom activity. Classroom assignments, due dates, reminders and other events will be posted by teachers in the Schoology calendar.

We hope this video is useful as you get started with your account. Additionally, an orientation course for families MTLSD’s Family Guide to Schoology is available within the Schoology platform. Visit our website (www.mtlsd.org/families/technology/schoology) for directions to join this course.

Please note that all important information, resources, dates, and announcements will be posted on our Howe Schoology Page. You can also find information about Schoology and how to access it by visiting our District's Schoology Help Page.

Links to Technology Resources

Ms. Karbowski, School Counselor -Newsletter

Dear Families,

We are excited to work with you and your children toward continued growth, learning, fun and success this school year! Easing back into school routines is a process so check out a few helpful tips below to make the transition easier! Your school counselor is available to support all children in many ways, including teaching classroom guidance lessons to review tips on how to make new friends, stay connected, organized and how to cope and learn successfully. All students, regardless of background, identity, or ability, are supported to reach their full potential and pursue their unique talents. Keep reading for more information about the role of a school counselor!

Resilience grows from adapting and thriving in new or challenging times. Creating routines, setting goals, problem-solving, engaging in self-care, and encouraging a healthy and hopeful perspective are life skills we can model and reinforce for our children. Community resources are always here to provide assistance for all families. We are here and ready to support our students and families to support another year of learning and growing together!

Please click here for a Back to School Newsletter from the Elementary School Counselors

A Note From The School Counselor…

Dear Families,

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year at Howe Elementary School!  We had an amazing first week of school last week, and hope that this positive energy will continue into the rest of this school year.

I want to take this opportunity to introduce you to our school counseling intern this semester!  Mrs. DeShong is joining us from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and will be working alongside me from August-December.  She will be joining me in teaching classroom lessons, meeting with students individually and in small group settings.  She will also assist with lunch bunches and any student concerns that will come up during her time with us.  She is currently looking for a few students to join her caseload so if you are interested in having your child meet with Mrs. DeShong for short term individual or group sessions, please let me know and please help me welcome her to the Howe Community!

As for lunch bunch, new students will be given priority.  Parent/guardian permission is required.  Please complete this form if your child is interested in participating in a lunch bunch this year.  We are excited to see you soon!

As always, please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.  I had a great time meeting with your child in their classroom today.  You can ask them about what they learned in our lesson.  Have a great 2024-2025 year!

Sincerely,

Ms. Han Karbowski

School Counselor

(412) 325-8583

hkarbowski@mtlsd.net

Ms. Karbowski's School Counseling Site

Mrs. Alexis DeShong

School Counseling Intern

(412) 325-8583

School Day Time Schedule

Grades 1-5

• 8:30 AM to 12:00 Noon
• 1:00 to 3:30 PM
• Late bells ring at 8:35 AM and 1:00 PM

Kindergarten (AM)

• 8:30 to 11:20 AM
• Late bell rings at 8:35 AM

Kindergarten (PM)

• 12:40 to 3:30 PM
• Late bell rings at 12:45 PM

Lunch

• Grade 1:  12:00-12:30 PM
• Grade 2 and one grade 3 class(Mrs. Predebon):  12:00-12:30  PM
• Grade 3 (Mrs. Zielinsky and Ms. Lazzaro):  12:30-1:00  PM
• Grade 4:  12:30- 1:00 PM
• Grade 5:  12:30- 1:00 PM

Pick Up / Drop Off Procedures

Arrival and Dismissal Times

• AM Arrival - 8:25 to 8:35 AM
• Late bell rings at 8:35 AM
• K(AM) dismissal - 11:20 AM
• K(PM) arrival - 12:40 to 12:45 PM
• Late bell for K(PM) rings at 12:45 PM
• PM Dismissal - 3:30 PM

We are asking students to use the following doors for arrival and dismissal:

• Kindergarten - Door D14 - K(AM) arrival and K(PM) dismissal
• Grade 1 - Door D14
• Grade 2 - Door D14
• Grade 3 - Door A1
• Grade 4- Door A1
• Grade 5 - Door A1
• GO ZONE - Door D14 - also used for K(AM) dismissal and K(PM) arrival

Entering and exiting through these doors will allow the students to enter and leave the building in a less congested manner. We will have adults at each door to welcome and guide the students to their homerooms.

Arrival - With classroom instruction beginning promptly at 8:45 AM, it is extremely important that your child arrives at school on time. Please remember that children need to physically be in homerooms (not just dropped off) by 8:35 AM otherwise, they will be marked tardy. It is recommended that children are dropped off between 8:20 AM and 8:30 AM.

Dismissal

• Dismissal of students at 11:20 AM (K-AM) and between 3:30 PM -3:35 PM (PM dismissal)
• Teachers release students to the dismissal doors
• Staff to supervise students at exit doors and in GO ZONE
• Staff on duty until 3:40 PM (PM dismissal)

Dismissal Expectations

For Students

• If walking, head directly home after leaving the school building
• Use the sidewalks
• Stay out of parking lots
• No playing in front of the school or climbing the trees
• Go to crossing guard locations to cross the streets
• Only student car riders will be permitted in front of Howe
• GO ZONE

• Enter car from sidewalk, not the street

For Parents

• Set up meeting locations with your students
• Students should be picked up (regardless of location) by 11:25 AM (K-AM) or 3:40 PM (PM dismissal)
• Remind students to avoid GO ZONE unless a car rider
• GO ZONE

• No parking in GO ZONE
• Stay in car in GO ZONE
• Wait to pick up student(s) in the designated pickup area
• No parking in the school parking lots
• No dogs/pets on campus at dismissal

PBIS ANNOUNCEMENT: HOWE to SKATE for Success

WHAT IS PBIS?

PBIS or Positive Behavioral Interventions or Supports is a school-wide positive behavior support system or set of strategies and systems to increase the capacity of schools to (a) reduce school disruption, and (b) educate all students including those with problem behaviors

• Clearly defined outcomes
• Research-validated practices
• Supportive administrative systems
• Use of information for problem-solving

WHAT ARE THE FEATURES OF PBIS?

• Establish regular, predictable, positive learning & teaching environments.
• Train adults & students to serve as positive models.
• Teach and model behavioral expectations.
• Create systems for providing regular positive feedback.
• Acknowledge students when they are “doing the right thing.”
• Improve social competence.
• Develop environments that support academic success.

SCHOOL GOAL:

Students at Howe Elementary will” SKATE for Success” throughout the school day by following the five behavioral expectations.

Howe School Expectations:

S-tay Safe

K-eep being kind

A-lways accountable

T-otally trustworthy

E-xcellent everyday

• Teachers and staff will teach, model and practice each of the behavioral expectations throughout the year.
• Teachers and staff will acknowledge student behaviors that meet the SKATE expectations.
• Students will apply SKATE and expectations in the Cafeteria, Recess, Hallway, Restroom, Arrival and Dismissal, during Safety Drills, Assemblies, General Classroom and Technology Expectations.

A Note from the Nurse

Dear Families,

Welcome back to another wonderful school year! Our hope is that all of you had a healthy and relaxing summer! We look forward to taking care of your child(ren) for the 2023-2024 school year. We are excited about playing a positive role in your child’s physical, emotional and mental well-being. Health plays an important role when it comes to learning. Our Goal is to make sure each student is able to reach their optimum health potential while at school.

Please update all emergency contacts who will be able to pick up your child when ill or injured. . Also notify the nurse's office as soon as possible about any medical needs your child may have or that occurs during the school year. This includes any medical diagnosis, need for ANY medication (prescription or over the counter), if using crutches, ace wraps, stitches, or diagnosed with any communicable disease, head lice, concussions, COVID.,.etc.. The nurses also ask that you please reinforce basic health and personal hygiene teaching in the home.

Please do not hesitate to email or call your certified school nurse with any questions or concerns. Please carefully review the Health Services Webpage for detailed information on nursing staff , injuries, illnesses, medications, and mandates and more.

Hoping everyone has a wonderful and healthy 2023-2024 school year!

Deanna Hess, Chairperson dhess@mtlsd.net

Howe Elementary School Nurse: Karli Gerhart

kgerhart@mtlsd.net

Handbook

The Elementary Handbook contains useful and important information regarding school policies, procedures, and programs. The Elementary Handbook information is arranged by topics. Please browse the topic list in the handbook linked below to find the information you need.

Attendance Policy

Students absent from school must return with a written excuse or an email within 3 school days to their teacher. If the excuse is not provided to the teacher by the third day, the absence will be considered illegal. If a student accumulates more than three days of unlawful absences, an attendance hearing at the school will be held and the matter may be referred to the district justice. Please note: If an excuse is not turned in within a few days the school will alert the parent via email.

When a student is absent for five or more consecutive days for health reasons, he/she must be readmitted to the school through the Health Office.

Students will not be granted more than five days of pre-approved absence (an absence requested beforehand) during the school year. Families are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the week-long holidays during December and April of this school year.

Safety and Security

The school building will be locked down all day except during the AM arrival and PM dismissal times. All visitors/parents that want to access the school must enter through the main entrance (Door A1) and be buzzed into the school office. Visitors should be prepared to identify themselves when asked by the school office staff. All visitors MUST have a photo ID handy when the office staff asks for identification. While in the school, visitors must wear a visitor’s pass (in a clearly visible manner). Visitors need to check out in the school office before leaving the school. Please remember that these measures are in place to protect the students and staff.

School Safety

• ENTERING THE SCHOOL: All visitors to the school will need to buzz in at the outside main entrance door before gaining access to the main lobby and then buzz in to gain access to the main office. Please do NOT hold the door for anyone or let anyone in when entering the building or the office. We will still require all visitors to sign in and obtain a visitors pass. Please remember that ALL visitors must enter the building through the main entrance in the front of the building only.

• ITEM DROP OFF PROCEDURES: If any parent/guardian is going to drop off items for their students (ex: lunches, instrument, homework, etc.), they will need to drop the item off on the table in the main entry and fill out the drop-off list on the clipboard so we can have the item delivered to the student. By using this system, parents will not have a need to come into the main office and wait to drop off items. Additionally, we will be able to track items and deliver them more efficiently.

• SAFETY DRILLS: Throughout the year each school in the district is required to hold a certain number of fire drills and to practice safety drills such as shelter-in-place, severe weather, Evacuation and ALiCE. Please know that you will be alerted to the safety drills via email. We will not alert our school community to our regular fire drills.

• EARLY DISMISSALS: Students must provide a note to their teacher AND be picked up in the school office by the parent/guardian who is picking them up. PLEASE make sure to inform the school if someone else is picking up your child. Students will not be dismissed to a car on the street.

School Playground Use

• Howe Elementary School welcomes students and their families to use our playground equipment. We politely ask that families refrain from using the playground equipment during school hours. Teachers often take their classes outside at varying times, and we want to avoid any accident occurring with younger, non school-age children. Thank you for understanding and your continuous efforts in keeping all students safe.

NOTE: If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to call the main office.

IMPORTANT SAFETY REMINDER

To assist in keeping our students and community members safe, please refrain from parking in the Go Zone. Go Zone spaces are designated for student drop off. If you need to walk your student(s) to the building, please find parking along our side streets.

Go Zone rules and safety suggestions: Please…

• Be sure students always exit from the passenger side of the vehicle.
• Do not park your car or wait in the Go Zone.
• Do not leave your car unattended during arrival or dismissal time.
• Do not enter the Go Zone in the afternoon until your child is dismissed and waiting for you on the Go Zone sidewalk. If you arrive early or your child is not at the Go Zone sidewalk, you must either park in a designated area or circle the block.

GO ZONE PARKING REMINDERS

As a reminder, please refrain from parking in the Go Zone. Go Zone spaces are designated for student drop off. If you need to walk your student(s) to the building, please find parking along our side streets.

Go Zone rules and safety suggestions: Please…

• Be sure students always exit from the passenger side of the vehicle.
• Do not park your car or wait in the Go Zone.
• Do not leave your car unattended during arrival or dismissal time.
• Do not enter the Go Zone in the afternoon until your child is dismissed and waiting for you on the Go Zone sidewalk. If you arrive early or your child is not at the Go Zone sidewalk, you must either park in a designated area or circle the block.

As a result of a cooperative effort involving the Mt. Lebanon School District, the Mt. Lebanon Police Department, and the PTA, Go Zones were created near the entrance of each elementary school where drivers can drop off and pick up children in the safest and most efficient way possible.

The success of the Go Zones requires compliance by drivers dropping off children before school and picking up children after school.

Accessible Parking Spaces

As we continue to strive for a safe and inclusive environment at our school, I want to take a moment to address the importance of respecting accessible parking spaces at Howe.

It has come to our attention that there have been instances where the designated accessible parking spaces have been misused or occupied by vehicles without the appropriate permits.

Accessible parking spaces are specifically designated to accommodate individuals with disabilities who may have limited mobility. By utilizing these spaces without proper authorization, we not only inconvenience those who genuinely need them but also undermine the principles of equality and accessibility.

Please review the following guidelines regarding accessible parking spaces

1. Respect designated spaces: Please refrain from parking in areas designated for individuals with disabilities unless you possess a valid accessible parking placard.
2. Display permits prominently: If you are authorized to use accessible parking spaces, ensure that the permit or placard is visibly displayed in your vehicle at all times while parked in these areas.
3. Avoid misuse: Do not use accessible parking spaces if you do not require them or if you are only making a quick stop. These spaces are reserved for individuals with disabilities who depend on them for accessibility.

Emergency Contact Information

It is of vital importance that the Emergency Medical Contact/Release Information for each of your children is updated in the Dashboard.

Please note the following to update your contact information in the Dashboard:

• You must go in under the parent/guardian’s Dashboard account, not the student’s
• Emergency Medical Contact/Release Information is located under the “Account Preferences” tab
• Please include parents/guardians (in priority order) as part of your four contact options if you wish to be contacted.

MTLSD Anti-Bullying Policy

The Mt. Lebanon School District’s goal is to establish a secure school climate, conducive to teaching and student learning that is free from threat, harassment, and any type of bullying behavior for any reason including membership any protected class including, but not limited to, race, color, age, creed, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, familial status, language, genetic information, pregnancy,, or handicap or disability. One of the District's core values calls for each member of our learning community to demonstrate respect toward others. The entire Anti-Bullying policy can be accessed via the following link - MTLSD Policy on Anti-Bullying.

The objective of this policy is to:

• Provide a safe, positive environment for learning through prompt resolution of bullying incidents;
• Educate students, employees and parents about bullying, its adverse impact on students and the District generally, and how to prevent and resolve bullying incidents, so as to minimize the potential for bullying;
• Communicate to District students, employees and parents the District's commitment to countering and preventing bullying and to inform the District community of the specific measures the District will undertake to resolve problems in this area;
• Delineate disciplinary consequences for bullying and authorize the development of prevention, intervention and education programs;
• Identify the appropriate school staff person to receive reports of incidents of alleged bullying.

Please note that this form (linked to the image below), is on the school's website for your ease of use in reporting bullying concerns.

Office Hours

During the school year, the posted school office hours at Howe are as follows:

• Monday – Friday
• 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

If there are any changes to this schedule, signs at the main entrance will be posted in advance. Please be advised that parking in the school lots from 7:00 am – 5:00 pm is for school staff only.

Hello, Howe families!

I’m pretty sure I just threw away my eclipse glasses, and it’s been a few weeks since the pool

was cloudy, so I guess it’s time for school to start? And now that my second-grader has

successfully found his way down a new hallway a few times (as far as I know, at least), it’s high

time for me to get my affairs in order - including this whole “PTA” thing.

“PTA? Isn’t that the thing where, uh … wait, what’s a PTA?”

I’m glad you asked! It’s the group of parents who support the school and our kids by contributing

time, organizational abilities, and enthusiastic attitudes. We run most of the extracurricular

events such as the Sunny Funny Fair and Family Reading Night; we provide in-building support;

and advocate for our community in countless ways, both visible and unseen.

“Oh, so it’s just for parents with unlimited free time, right?”

Nope! The opportunities to join and help are as boundless as the time you have - or don’t have.

Whether you’re able to carve out an hour a week to help compile this newsletter (a role for

which I’m still soliciting!), an hour a month to just come to meetings, or a one-off hour to run

the ringtoss at the Sunny Funny Fair, we’ve got a spot for you.

“I’m intrigued, but I’m not sure if I can swing a second mortgage right now to afford it all…”

Good news, then! My financial guy assures me that rates will fall someday soon, and all I need

to do is put all my assets into something called the Blinkchunk Blackshank Howecoin?

…

No, it’s just $15 to join - for the whole year. And $8 of that goes right back into the building,

while the remainder goes to the regional and national PTA associations with which we’re

affiliated - opening the door for us to receive grants, participate in larger events, and reap the

benefits of being part of the national community of hard-working and devoted families.

“Alright, I’m in! But, uh, who are you, faceless text in an email?”

I’m Greg Engle, this year’s President. Many of you know my second-grader, Brennan; he’s the

tall goofball with a boundlessly gregarious attitude. Our family is rounded out by my wife, Jamie,

and our four-year-old Julian. I’m thrilled to play my small role in keeping this operation running.

Join here! https://howepta.membershiptoolkit.com/home

Your membership needs to be renewed every year, so don’t forget!

Our first meeting is the evening of September 11, right here in the building. Can’t wait to see

you there!

Greg Engle

president@howepta.org

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Upcoming events:

September 11: PTA Meeting

September 12: Picture Day!

September 21: Sunny Funny Fair