OV News
Oxford Valley Elementary School
Home of the Oxford Valley Owls
Donna L. Minnigh, Principal
April/May
Volume 1, Issue 4
215-949-6808
www.pennsburysd.org
April
Dear Oxford Valley families,
Spring has finally sprung! As the days become warmer and
the school year becomes shorter, students are entering the last
marking period and will have many fun year-end activities.
There will be field trips, end-of-year picnics, and various other
items. Please make sure you have your clearances in and have
met with me in order to be a classroom volunteer.
Anyone wishing to enroll a new student into our kindergarten
or first grade for the 2017-2018 school year, please click
HERE for more information. Kindergarten/1st Grade
registration will take place at Oxford Valley on April 19, 20,
and 21. Students who are currently enrolled in kindergarten
this year, do not need to re-register for 1st grade. Please see
more detailed information on which day you can come to
register further on in this newsletter.
As the weather gets warmer, please make sure your children
are dressing appropriately. Since our students play outside in
woodchips, we are asking that students do not come to school
in sandals as there have been many cut feet and students
tripping due to getting the front of the sandal caught. Also,
shoes should have closed backs. For more information
regarding student attire, please refer to PSD Student Conduct
Policy. Thank you for your
cooperation in keeping our
students safe as they move about
the building and out at play.
Fondly,
Donna Minnigh, Principal
3., 5-7 PSSA ELA Testing
4...No School—Teacher Workshop Day
8—Philadelphia Union Game
12—Kindergarten Egg Hunt
13, 14 No School—Spring Recess
17...No School —Teacher Workshop Day
18...PTO Meeting—7:00 pm
19-21—AGS Testing —Grade 2
19, 20, 21 ...1/2 Day-11:50 am dismissal—
Parent/Teacher Conferences
19 ...Kindergarten Registration— 1- 3 pm
20...Kindergarten Registration—-1-3 pm and
5:30-8:00 pm
22—Color-A-Thon—8:30 am
24-26 PSSA Math Testing
28...STEM Fair– 6:30-7:30 pm
May
2 & 3 PSSA Science –4th Grade only
2-5 AGS Testing— Grade 1
3..First Gr trip to Honey Hollow
4...Second Gr trip to Honey Hollow
5...Fifth Gr Mixer/Picnic at Core Creek
8-12 Book Fair
9– Fifth Gr trip To Museum of the American
Revolution
11...Third Gr trip to Churchville Nature
12...First Grade Mother’s Day Program
12...Spring Concert —7:00 pm
16...No School—Teacher Workshop Day
18...Celebration of the Arts
19...Kindergarten trip to Fernbrook
19...Family Fun Night
21—Trenton Thunder Game
23,24,25 District Art Show PHS–E 6-8 pm
24...Fifth Gr visits William Penn
25 ….Field Day (raindate: 5/30)
26...1/2 day—11:50 am dismissal-Elem
Teacher Professional 1/2 day
26...Math Bee
29...No School—Memorial Day
LOST AND FOUND
Please claim your lost items! Oxford Valley has quite a
collection of students’ clothing that has been found over
this past school year. There is a table piled high with coats,
shirts and a crate full of hats and gloves. Please come and
browse; you may rediscover items you never knew you lost!
As always, sign into the front office first. Thank you!
PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on Wednesday,
April 19th, Thursday, April 20th, and Friday, April 21st.
Students will be dismissed at 11:50 a.m. Lunch will not be
served on these days.
If a child is given love, he becomes loving....If he is helped when he needs
help, he becomes helpful. And if he has been truly valued at home...he
grows up secure enough to look beyond himself to the welfare of others.
Dr. Joyce Brothers
SCHOOL CLOSED...
All schools in the Pennsbury School District
will be closed on Tuesday, April 4th
(Teacher Grading Day), Thursday, April 13th
and Friday, April 14th (Spring Recess) and
on Monday, April 17th (Teacher Workshop
Day).
In May, schools will be closed on Tuesday, May 16th
(Teacher Workshop Day) and Monday, May 29th
(Memorial Day). There will be a 1/2 day on Friday,
May 26th (Elementary Teacher Professional 1/2 Day)
with dismissal at 11:50 a.m.
2
2017-2018 Kindergarten and First Grade Registration
IF YOUR CHILD IS A CURRENT PENNSBURY KDG STUDENT, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO RE-REGISTER
FOR FIRST GRADE
Children are eligible for enrollment in Kindergarten if they will be five (5) years old on
or before September 1, 2017
Children are eligible for enrollment in First Grade if they will be six (6) years old on
or before September 1, 2017
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19, 2017 1:00 PM TO 3:00 PM…”A” THROUGH “M”
THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017 1:00 PM TO 3:00 PM…”N” THROUGH “Z”
THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017 5:30 PM TO 8:00 PM…”A” THROUGH “Z”
REGISTRATION TAKES PLACE AT THE SCHOOL OF ATTENDANCE ON THE
ABOVE DATES AND TIMES
IF YOU CAN NOT ATTEND THE ABOVE DATES, THE PUPIL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL BEGIN
REGISTRATIONS IN OUR OFFICE ON APRIL 24, 2017 THROUGH JUNE 9, 2017. 9-11 AM AND 1-3 PM
MONDAY-FRIDAY.
134 YARDLEY AVE, FALLSINGTON PA 19054 PHONE: 215-428-4100 FAX: 215-428-5212
WELCOME TO KINDERGARTEN! Parent(s)/guardian(s) are required to bring their
new Kindergarten student with them to registration. All new registrants will be given a brief
informal screening to help us place students appropriately in classrooms. In addition,
parents will also be asked to complete a brief survey about their child. The screening should
take approximately 15 minutes. We look forward to working with you and your child this
coming year.
EXCEPTIONS: If you live with another homeowner, registration must be completed in the Pupil
Services Office. You do not need to bring your child to the Pupil Services Office for the brief
screening. You will schedule an appointment with your child’s home school for the brief informal
screening after completion of registration.
PLEASE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS FOR YOUR CHILD:
BIRTH CERTIFICATE; IMMUNIZATION RECORD; NAME AND MAILING
ADDRESS OF PREVIOUS SCHOOL; and PROOF OF RESIDENCY
Registration forms are available on the Pennsbury website at www.pennsburysd.org
STUDENT COUNCIL
Student Council is still working
hard to support our community and
to encourage others to do the
same. In March, the student council
helped to support a very worthy cause
near and dear to Mrs. Raven’s
heart. Operation Wear Red was a
fundraiser to help raise money and
awareness for Aplastic Anemia. This
is a horrible childhood disease which
has unfortunately affected two
families whom are both very close
with Mrs. Raven. Thankfully, both
the children impacted were given the
gift of life by means of a bone marrow
transplant from older siblings. The
students were invited to wear red to
raise awareness and to donate
$1.00. The students were eager and
excited to participate in this
event. Anyone who walked by a
classroom that day saw a sea of red in
support of this cause. We are pleased
to share that Oxford Valley was able
to donate $500.00 to this very worthy
cause.
The students are so
excited for Oxford
Valley's annual STEM
fair which will be held
Friday, April
28th. Evening hours are
from 6:30-7:30 pm.
Our T-shirts look
amazing this year. They
were designed by fifth
grader, Hayden
DiFranchi. Display
boards are available for
purchase in the school
office for $3.50 each.
Scientists should be
working on their
projects. Please
remember that no
samples of any kind can
be given out at the STEM
fair.
Thanks for your help with
this!
4
NOTES FROM THE NURSE
This is the time of year when many
viruses and germs are
prevalent. Keeping your ill child home
is an important way to limit the spread
of germs at school. Sometimes
knowing when to keep your child
home is a difficult decision for
parents. Unnecessary absences
interfere with learning, here are some
helpful guidelines:

Children must be fever free for 24
hours without medications before
returning to school. (Fever is
defined as 100.0 F or higher)

Children with a positive strep
culture must be treated with
prescribed antibiotics for 24 hours
before returning to school.

Children that have been vomiting
or have had diarrhea must remain
home until the vomiting or diarrhea
has stopped for 24 hours.

Any student with a temperature of
100.0 degrees or higher who is
sent home from school, may not
return to school until 24 hours fever
free, without medication.

PA School Law requires that
students be excluded from school if
they are suspected of having a
communicable disease.
Many students have been
receiving provisional
enrollment letters. If your
student is provisionally
enrolled please have the
required vaccines administered
or provide physician
documentation stating they
have received the
immunizations. Please send
them to the nurse’s office as
soon as possible. Also, please
send in required physical and
dental forms.
Mrs. Demi, School Nurse
215-949-6808
(Ext. 16820)
Please call the school nurse with
any questions @ 215-949-6808
Thank you.
5
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017
Oxford Valley Elementary School is pleased to announce that the following students have
completed 25 hours (100 steps) of reading. One step = 15 minutes of reading.
Rodvin Noorani
***
Alaina Raymond
****
KINDERGARTEN
Mason Rowe
***
Catie Jakubowicz
**
Joslynn Kaisinger
James Carter
Mark Valadzko
Adriana Fernandes
Aneesh Bhuma
Eduard Kabashi
Urijah Fee
Jordan Caruso
Deacon Eccleston
Ryan Ogrodnik
Jayson Lock
Julian Kearns
Jazlyn Kearns
Carter Davis
Lucy Kelley
Laila Killian
Jayla Whitehead
Cole Petix
***
Tyler Kelso
***
Daniel Pelkey
****
Oliver Kelley
***
Johnny Polanco
******
Gavin Arch
**
Claire Robbins
**
Jackson Tasker
***
Hunter Sippos
***
Bevin McCool
***
Vincent Saiz
**
Colin Horan
****
Cailin Custer
***
Rosselyn Menendez-Gonzalez **
Jessica Musse
***
Abby Hofmann
**
Keenan Beier
**
Emily Ogrodnik
***
Alan Iwanowicz
**
Anthony Repoley
****
Michael Hanes
**
Isabella Ceriani
**
**
**
**
**
***
**
**
***
**
**
Galanevev Mulbah
Riley Jakubowicz
**
Brody David
**
Jacquan Ellzy
Payten Smith
GRADE ONE
Evan Yates
Mackenzie Andujar
Chase Sysol
Bailie Bruno
Brooklynn Warshefski-Rhodunda **
GRADE TWO
**
Sophia Lopez
Kelsey Luchansky
**
Nicholas Govosdian
**
Johnny Polanco
*****
Madison Wright
**
Jordan Brandt
**
Addyson Clark
**
Melissa Ersoy
**
Aditi Amin
**
Addelina Fuentes
**
Shayne Flinn
***
Jamison Soffel
Lyana Cooper
Jayden Ramos
**
Gia Ranniello
**
Kaylee Davis
**
Madison Leary
**
Aidan Bunnell
***
Haley Cruz
**
Madison Kulp
**
Grace McFarland
Avery Newton-House
**
Stephanie Hopkins
**
Adrianna Rossetti
***
Arianna Phipps
***
Bryce Eliason
***
Aidan Goodman
Kylee Rose
**
Ben Gates
***
Matthew Wright
****
Justin Stewart
***
Dafina Kabashi
****
Kaylin Hammer
**
Dale Tomlinson
***
Logan Hoch
**
Jasmin Manalili
***
Will Quinones
Hannah Rapciewicz
**
Alliya Phipps
**
Shawn Gorman
***
Kaylee Davis
***
Aidan Bunnell
****
Morgan Keiluhn
**
Madison Kulp
***
Cameron Belser
***
Lillian Klychnuk
**
Layla Brennan
***
Sara Lemanski
***
** 200 STEPS
***300 STEPS
****400 STEPS
*****500 STEPS
******600 STEPS
6
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017
Oxford Valley Elementary School is pleased to announce that the following students have
completed 25 hours (100 steps) of reading. One step = 15 minutes of reading.
GRADE THREE
GRADE FOUR
GRADE FIVE
Yianni Giraldo
Jason Alvarez
Maddy Trunfio
Regan Kelso
Yug Patel
Alexia Singh
Camryn Luchansky
Aidan Kenney
Mahek Patel
Yashasvi Patel
Fiona Bunnell
Ella Arch
**
Ryan Clark
Alaina Bird
Nate Titsch
Chase Byrne
Elizabeth Pelkey
Kylie Dressel
Kitty Raymond
Gavin Rose
Matt Carslake
Trina Kabashi
Yug Patel
Jacob Berry
Armaghan Alvi
Austin Flinn
Johnson Shi
Eddie Wright
Rishi Patel
Josh Dean
Delora Noorani
Mason Pogosov
Kyle Gorman
Shane Quinlan
Darrius Keating
Regan Kelso
Hannah McGettigan
Tyler Sparks
Yashasvi Patel
Giyanna Burke
Camryn Luchansky
Aidan Kenney
Christian Huth
Anthony Aponte
Fiona Bunnell
Alaina Bird
Brian Yates
Jacob Smeltzer
Nick Kudla
Natalee Stadanlick
Jordan Davis
Alex Evanick
Krista Colozza
Madeline Skinner
Evan Eisler
Aleah Kuestner
Kyilee Berg
Anthony Klutchnick
Stephen Tryon
Barry Bogarde
Michaela Petrikis
Julie Gianola
Jayden Murray
Ashlyn Sharon
Lydia Filosi
Nicole Rago
McKayla Doyle
John Luchansky
Haley Eliason
Chloe Dempsey
Logan Clark
Esmeray Onal
Tyler Stercula
Esmeray Onal
Niya Adams
Jaiden Simon
Mia Feeley
Gianni Serenelli
Michael Foley
Nasy’r Coleman
Nick Kopec
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
******
**
***
***
***
*****
***
**
***
***
***
****
*****
****
***
**
Griffin Kelley
Aaron Hammer
Jacob Cruz
Aidan Fredericks
Shawn Secrest
Gabe Fuentes
Austin Kelso
Max Sachs
Anastasia Kurtz
Maddie Kormuth
Sarah O’Neill
Emily Wright
Nicole Rago
Phillip Polichtchouk
Eric David
Aaron Kaltman
***
***
***
**
***
***
****
**
***
***
***
****
*******
***
***
***
Luke Amrhein
**
Angelina Chan
****
Kaylee Sodano
Danny Kormuth
***
Jayla Caucci
****
Madison Bidlingmaier
Conner Locke
**
Jeselle Simon
***
Adreeyanna Kearns
***
Zarkaya Ellzy
Joseph Kearns
***
Spencer Grim
**
Madison Foley
***
Reese Sodano
Caleb Harris
Liberty Navarro
**
Ava Robbins
**
Michael Sogness
**
Olivia Maule
***
Wyatt Feeley
****
Paige Adams
**
Chase Davis
***
Conner McClister
***
Narin Yildiz
**
Nika Valadzko
****
Jayla Caucci
*****
Kevin Lake
Reese Sodano
**
Grace Tolbert
**
Caitlyn Godsell
**
Julian Nichol
***
Angelina Chan
*****
Nathan McIntyre
Vivian Kurtz
**
Aiden Connor
Jeselle Simon
****
Adreeyonna Kearns
****
***
****
**
***
***
***
***
****
**
***
**
***
**
***
**
***
***
*****
*****
***
***
****
**
***
***
***
***
****
**
**
****
***
****
****
***
***
*****
****
** 200 STEPS
***300 STEPS
****400 STEPS
*****500 STEPS
******600 STEPS
*******700 STEPS
7
SPECIAL AREA HAPPENINGS
MUSIC
dditionally, please mark your calendars! We would
like to invite you to our annual Spring Concert which
We have been quite busy in our music class since the
features the 5th Grade Oxford Valley Chorus, as well as
start of the New Year! Students in 5th grade have
learned all of the notes on Music Lane and can sing the the Oxford Valley Band and Orchestra. The concert
will begin at 7:00 PM. It will surely be a special night
entire scale. Additionally, they are able to solfege
enjoyed by all! We look forward to seeing you at the
various songs presented to them in music class. In
concert!
January and February, they played the song We Shall
Overcome on the xylophone, and they are currently
COMPUTERS
working on a Scottish song in which we added a
Kindergarten never ceases to amaze me! We have
boomwhacker accompaniment. 4th Grade is working
been working hard on programs such as ReadingEggs
on the note “Fa” and is learning it in the context of the
and Earobics to help develop our reading skills. We
French folk song "Frere Jacques." 3rd Grade is
use other programs such as Abcya and Starfall (a huge
continuing their work with “Re”. We are currently
hit this year!) to practice our math skills. We are also
learning a Frosty Weather song in which we added a
beginning practice with Xtramath; a math program
xylophone accompaniment. 2nd Grade is currently
that helps to learn basic addition/subtraction facts.
working on the note “La,” and soon we will be moving
Kindergarteners will be math blasters in no time!
on to the final note of the year: “Do.” This is an
exciting time of the year for first grade! They are
First grade never stops working! We have been doing
learning to read music on the 5 line, 4 space musical
a lot of practice in Xtramath to increase our speed
staff! This is a great big step in their path to music
with our basic facts. Typing Ninja, Keyboard Climber
literacy! Finally, Kindergarten is learning to
and DanceMat Typing help to increase our typing
distinguish between high and low notes and is
speed. We also work on other programs like Starfall,
continuing to develop their singing voices.
ReadingEggs and Abcya to help develop other various
I am excited to announce the 2017 Oxford Valley
Honors Chorus members: Logan Clark, Hayden
DiFranchi, Lydia Filosi, Jenna Fleisch, Aaron
Hammer, Wyatt Haynes, Anthony Klyuchnyk,
Anastasia Kurtz, Zane McGarvey, Gianna Price,
Madeline Skinner, Payton Wilson, and Emily
Wright. These students diligently gave up their recess
for the past two months to learn music for the
Elementary Honors Chorus. On Saturday, March 18,
these students met with the best music students from
across the Pennsbury School District and participated
in a music filled day with guest conductor Michele
Alford. They practiced their music all day long at the
festival, then performed in a special concert for family
and friends in the afternoon! Well done, Oxford Valley
Honors Chorus!! They will be featured in the Spring
Concert on May 12, 2017.
skills. Shout out to Mrs. Roberts and Mrs. Kooker’s
classes for earning a certificate from Sumdog for most
answered math questions (across Bucks County!)
Second grade STILL loves to work on Sumdog and
answer various math questions. We also like to
compete and see who answers the most questions in
each class! Typing Club is becoming a new favorite
typing game and it emphasizes keeping two hands on
the home row keys ( I love it!) We also continue to
utilize Abcya (for all skills) and ConnectEd to tie in
with the Everyday Math Program.
Third, fourth, and fifth grade have gone more in
depth with Hour of Code, Google Drive & Docs and
ConnectEd. Each of these programs offer beneficial
skills for each student. Typing Adventure Run, Typing
Club and Up Beat are still the typing favorites that we
use here in the lab. We also will be beginning our 50
states project, but this year with a twist. Students will
be putting their collected data into a google slide
(PowerPoint) presentation. Then it will be
automatically saved to their google drive where it can
be accessed and enjoyed from anywhere! They
continue to complete assignments here at school and
at home on Study Island as well.
**ALL STUDENTS HAVE A CLEVER ACCOUNT
THAT CAN BE ACCESSED AT HOME. ONCE IN
THEIR CLEVER ACCOUNT, STUDENTS CAN
ACCESS ANY GAMES/SITES THAT WE USE
HERE IN SCHOOL. IF THEY SCROLL DOWN,
THERE IS A LINK FOR SYMBALOO. THIS IS A
SITE I CREATED THAT ORGANIZES ALL THE
GAMES WE USE HERE IN THE LAB. BE SURE TO
CHECK IT OUT! ***
(ALL grades are using the math and reading program
called Compass Learning. These “cards” are the result
of skills that the student may need to focus on,
determined by the individual's MAP progress/score.
Compass can also be located in Clever.)
Please help your child find a safe place for their
library book at home and remember Library day!
Lessons in the Library—
K~ Kindergarten friends are listening to
many types of stories and forming
opinions about the writing and the
illustrations. When reading aloud, ask
your Kindergartner if he/she likes a book
and why.
1st~First graders are learning how to find
books in the Easy section with an EASY
call number. Hint: E for EASY + the first
letter of the author’s last name. Ask
your child about his/her call number.
2nd~Second graders are learning the
Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day and rest parts of a book. Ask your child to show
you the parts of the book (title page,
of the year!!
table of contents, index, etc).
3rd~Third graders are learning about the
dictionary and the thesaurus. Do you
have one in your home that you can show
your child?
4th~Fourth graders have just begun
If you have any questions or technical issues, email me learning about Reference books and the
text features that make these books
at [email protected].
easier to use. Ask your child why
students cannot borrow these books from
LIBRARY NEWS…You Can Use!
the library.
Celebration Books--
51 new books have
been adopted for our library already this year!
Thank you to all of the families who adopted
books. Children who have birthdays in June, July
& August will receive their birthday card in the
beginning of May dues to the fact that all books
are due by the end of May for inventory. The kids
are so excited when they read the book dedication
on the bookplate!
Damaged/Lost Books —Unfortunately,
there has been a major increase in the number of
damaged and lost books. It is Pennsbury School
District policy to restrict borrowing privileges
until all library obligations are satisfied for lost or
damaged books. Library bound books are very
expensive and usually must be ordered through a
library book company. The children are
instructed to check their book(s) before leaving
the library. Once the book leaves the library, it is
the responsibility of the child to take care of the
book and return it on time and in good condition.
5th~Fifth graders are exploring various
reference books that they will be
expected to use at the middle school
level. Ask your child which one he/she
likes best. Be on the lookout for the
fantastic fiction project papers coming
home in a few weeks.
ART
It’s hard to believe spring is
finally here! With that, we look
forward to the upcoming District Art Show at PHS-East. The
show will be held on Tuesday May 23rd, Wednesday
May 24th and Thursday May 25th in the gym from 68pm. Letters will be sent out on Tuesday May 23rd
after the show is hung to assure that everything fits!!!
It is a wonderful event whether you have a piece in the
show or not, and it is worth the trip! Hope to see you
there!
Hope to see you at the District Art Show as well as
Celebration of the Arts on May 18th here at OV!!!
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
This month in physical education students in the
primary grades have been learning to jump rope, and
students in the upper grades have been learning basketball skills and strategies. Next month all students
will begin learning Frisbee and Frisbee golf.
Coming up in May, students will begin to prepare
We have all been working hard creating artwork for for this year’s Summer Fest Field day, which will feathe show. 5th grade has been working on a few 3D pro- ture games and relays played in the summer. Any
parent wising to volunteer, please make sure your
jects in clay and plaster. The artists who have been
clearances have been turned in and keep an eye out
explored are Salvador Dali and George Segal. Their
for the memo to come home early May.
melting clocks and plaster figures turned out great!
4th grade has been working on a 3D project as well.
It has been a long standing tradition to make a Hopi
Kachina in 4th grade art, and the tradition continues!
They are turning out great and will be done in a few
weeks. Next up for fourth….clay!!!!!
Keith Haring, an artist from Pennsylvania has been
3rd grade’s focus. Figures in motion has been the
theme. For many 3rd graders this is the first time doing figure drawing, and it’s been fun! I’m not sure
which they like better, the drawing or the modeling!
Second just finished their clay owls, which as we
all know is Oxford Valley’s mascot. What fun it was to
learn about John James Audubon, his passion for
birds, and create our school’s mascot! Next up, Miro
and his abstract lines.
Warm and cool colors have been the focus in first
grade. A winter landscape was the perfect setting for a
cool color backdrop, and now we are on to warm colors as a background for a desert landscape. Good
thing we didn’t get the two mixed up!
Kindergarten has been learning about the primary
colors and has done quite well. They are using the artist Mondrian and Dubuffet as their inspiration for
both color and lines. It is amazing to see what they
have come up with!
Also, parents please remind your children to wear
sneakers on Phys. Ed. Day, or to bring a pair in a bag
to change into for class, as well as to wear comfortable
clothing that is appropriate for school and sport.
Rockin’ the Reading Olympics!
By Mrs. Fay
The Oxford Valley Reading Olympics’ teams have a new favorite color...blue! The Brainy Bunch and
We’re Bookin’ It teams both earned blue ribbons at the Bucks County Reading Olympics competition held
at Neshaminy High School on March 29th. The teams competed against other schools in Bucks County and
correctly answered more than 55 questions in order to achieve the highest distinction of the blue
ribbon. Our Olympians really knew their books!
In addition to sharing their knowledge of books and love of reading, the members of The Brainy Bunch
and We’re Bookin’ It teams modeled sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect. Here is a quote from one of
the county’s scorekeepers who actually took the time to write a letter to our principal, Ms. Minnigh. “I was
so impressed with them. They were well-prepared and well-mannered. They represented Oxford Valley and
Pennsbury in the best possible sense. Congratulations to these young people.” I am so proud of these
youngsters!
THE BRAINY BUNCH
WE’RE BOOKIN’ IT
Coach: Mrs. Stumbaugh
Coach: Mrs. Fay
Krista Colozza
Armaghan Alvi
Haley Eliason
Jordan Davis
Malissa Hludzinski
Salma Elenany
Anastasia Kurtz
Conor Fallon
Camryn Luchansky
Austin Flinn
John Luchansky
Michael Foley
Delora Noorani
Regan Kelso
Sarah O’Neill
Alaina Nagata
Shawn Secrest
Rishi Patel
Eddie Wright
Elizabeth Pelkey
Emily Wright
Gianna Price
I would also like to extend a special thank you to Oxford Valley teachers, Mrs. Jacko and Mr. Cammiso,
who volunteered their time as scorekeeper and moderator to other teams during the competition. Oxford
Valley is grateful to our PTO who graciously support Reading Olympics by paying for registration fees,
COUNSELING CORNER
April/May 2017
Parks and Recreation
Bucks Dept. of Parks and Recreation…………………………………………215-757-0571
Boy Scouts of America………………………………………………………………….215-348-9436
Girl Scouts Freedom Valley………………………………………………………….215-396-7108
Bucks 4-H…………………………………………………………………………………………215-345-3283
Lower Bucks YMCA…………………………………………………………………………215-949-3400
Summer Camps
Abington Friends Summer Enrichment Program: Jenkintown, PA. Phone: 215576-3996. www.abbingtonfriends.net
Adventure Land Day Care & Picnics: Bensalem, PA. Phone: 215-757-9142.
www.adventurelanddaycamp.com
American Gymnastics And Cheer: Montgomeryville, PA. Phone: 215-361-1818.
www.agymc.com
AMICA Camp: Day camp for children with High Functioning Autism/Asperger’s. Kids Camp (ages 6-12) and
Teen Camp ages (13-19). Fun camp activities, mainstreaming with typical peers. Expreienced, trained
counselors: 4 to 1 ration, community trips, daily social skills groups. For more
information contact AIMICA Campa t Cherokee Day Camps located at 1
Declaration Drive, Bensalem, PA. 19020. Stephanie DeSouza, MSW, Owner/
Director 267-258-3974 or [email protected]
Ballet Workshop at The Dance Conservatory: Levittown, PA. Phone: 215-9460100. www.thedanceconservatory.com
Breezy Point Day Camp: Langhorne, PA. Phone: 215-752-1987.
www.breezypoints.com
Briarwood Day Camp: Furlong, PA. Phone: 215-598-7143. www.Briarwoodcamp.com
Bright Beginnings Learning Center for Children: Bensalem, PA. Phone: 215-6388180.
Buckingham Friends Summer Art Academy: Lahaska, PA. Phone: 215-946-4910.
Buckingham Valley Farms: Summer Horse Back Riding Camp: Buckingham, PA.
www.buckinghamvalleyfarm.com
Bucks County Audubon Society at Honey Hollow: Solebury, PA. Phone: 215-2975880. www.bcas.com
Bucks County Community College-Kids on Campus, Continuing Education:
Newtown, PA. Phone: 215-968-8409. www.bucks.edu/kidoncampus/
Bucks County Community College-Leadership Program for Boys: Newtown, PA.
Phone: 267-307-6675. www.Bucks.edu
Bucks County Country Day School: Levittown, PA. Phone: 215-240-8200.
Bucks Gymnastics Center II: Fallsington, PA. Phone: 215-240-5354.
www.bucksgymnastics.com
Camp America Day Camp: Chalfont, PA. Phone: 215-822-6313.
www.campamerica.com
Camp Can Do: Kulpsville, PA. Coed for ages 5-21. Phone: 215-368-7000.
www.eastersealssepa.org
Camp Curiosity: Doylestown, PA. Phone: 215-348-7221. www.campcuriosity.com
Camp Expressions: Newtown, PA. Phone: 215-258-3974. www.campconcetps.org
Camp Friendship: Doylestown, PA. Phone: 215-348-3300.
www.psychologyandcousneling.com
Camp Invention: Phone: 800-968-4332. www.greenlane.com
Camp Surefoot-Easter Seals: Levittown, PA. Phone: 215-945-7200.
ESF: Phone: 800-529-2267. www.esfcamps.com
Hope Lutheran Church & School Camp: Levittown, PA. Phone: 215-946-3467.
Pineville Child Development Center, Inc. Phone: 215-598-8004.
YMCA Fairless Hills Summer Day Camp: Fairless Hills, PA. Phone: 215-946-9329.
Offers a variety of camps, including the Special Needs
Challenge Camp for ages 5-16.
Camps for Children Experiencing Grief and Bereavement
Camp Charlie (Safe Harbor). A no cost bereavement camp for ages 6-12 years old.
Located at Abington Health’s Schilling Campus, Willow Grove. 9:00am-2:00pm daily.
Must register in May. Email with any questions at [email protected] or call 215481-5983.
Chandler Hall Camps, Newtown, PA. Summer Camps 215-860-4000
Camp Dragonfly: Overnight Camp. The Program Serves bereaved children, ages 6-12 who are
attempting to cope with the death of a loved one. Fun activities include swimming, hiking and
recreation; with special opportunities for sharing feelings and fears on a 1:1 or group basis. Held
at Camp Swatara in Bethel, and at Camp Hebron in Halifax. There is NO COST but
registration is required. Call 1-800-222-5236.
Camp Lost and Found………………………………………………………800-255-8986
Parenting Tips
How to Select a Summer Camp
Define what you prefer and what’s important. Visit camps and websites, review
brochures with your kids.
Ask what makes the camp unique, and what are the staff trained to do. Quality of the
staff is very important.
If your child has medical needs, make sure they have a full time registered nurse on
staff.
Ask yourself and your child, do they want a day camp, part-time camp, or overnight
camp. Children younger than 10 years old often do not feel safe far away or overnight
at camp. Overnight camps are usually better for older children, or those with siblings
in the camp.
Would your child be better off in a co-ed, all-girls or all-boys camp?
Do you want a traditional camp or special needs camp, secular or faith-based camp?
Is your child better when there is a highly structured routine, so that expectations
and predictability in their day is important, or are they more independent and creative
and would prefer a free-choice camp?
Does your child have allergies? Would they prefer or be better in a rustic outdoor
environment or are they better off indoors or with sports, crafts, or a combination?
How long are the sessions? Are they weekly, and how many weeks do you have to sign
up for?
And of course, cost is always an important consideration. Camp costs vary considerably.
Some provide transportation, therefore cost will be higher. Most camps offer
discounts when families have more than one child enrolled.
Hope Everyone has a Happy and Safe Summer
PTO Happenings April, May & June
Please continue to send in your Box Tops, Campbell’s Labels for Education, Shoprite and
Redner’s Receipts
EVERYDAY MATHEMATICS 4
HOME TIP:
Estimation: A rough calculation of the value, number quantity, or extent of something.
Estimating is a valuable life-long math skill. We estimate in our daily lives. It is a skill we teach our elementary students, and often times students are challenged with this math concept. At home you can practice this
math skill with your child. Here are some fun ideas:
1.
Put 25 jelly beans in a cup and show it to your child. Then show them a jar filled with jelly
beans. Using the cup of 25 as a benchmark, guess how many jelly beans are in the jar.
2. When cooking pasta, show your child one noodle/ravioli etc. Ask, about how many noodles will
fill your bowl? Then count.
3. Show your child a 1 foot ruler. Using that as a benchmark, guess the lengths of different objects
around your house. (* if you have a centimeter ruler, repeat the same activity in metric).
4. For older students practice operation estimation. What is the estimated sum of 57 + 49? Well,
57 is about 60 and 49 is about 50 so, the estimated sum is 110. You can do this with any operation (+, -, x or ÷)
SCHOOL STORE NEWS
Spring has sprung! Come on over to
the school store and help support
Oxford Valley and the many good
causes your purchases benefit!!
OXFORD VALLEY
Elementary School
430 Trenton Road
Fairless Hills, PA 19030
Phone: 215-949-6808
Fax: 215-949-6810
The Pennsbury School District
April 2017
Read-aloud favorites
■ Rosario’s Fig Tree (Charis Wahl)
A little girl believes her neighbor,
Rosario, is a magician because he
grows things in his
garden. Rosario
knows just when and how to plant
seeds that give him eggplants, tomatoes, and even figs. When the girl
becomes Rosario’s helper, she discovers she can do magic, too.
■ I am Jim Henson (Brad Meltzer)
As a child, Jim loved to laugh, act
out movies he saw at the theater, and
draw happy monsters and birds. This
picture book biography introduces little
readers to the boy who grew up to create Sesame Street and The Muppet Show.
■ Armadillo Rodeo (Jan Brett)
Bo the armadillo is in for an adventure
when he wanders off from his mother
and follows a new “friend” to a Texas
rodeo. The “friend”
turns out to be a
child’s red cowboy
boot that Bo mistook for another
armadillo! By the time his mom finds
him, Bo has had a great time riding a
horse and going to a barn dance at the
rodeo. (Also available in Spanish.)
■ The Earth Book (Todd Parr)
This nonfiction book explains simple
ways to help take care of the earth.
Read it together, and then celebrate
Earth Day (April 22) by starting a new
tradition inspired by the book. For
example, ride bikes to the
store instead of driving, or reduce food
waste by enjoying a
weekly leftovers
dinner.
© 2017 Resources for Educators, a division of CCH Incorporated
Keys to better conversations
If discussions with
your child mostly
involve things like
“What should we
have for lunch?”
or “Please put on
your shoes,”
you’re not alone.
Here are ways to
enjoy rich conversations and help
your youngster
build speaking and
listening skills.
Make a “spark” jar
Fill a jar with questions that will spark
fun discussions. Family members can
write conversation starters on slips of
paper. Then, pull a “spark” out of the jar
before you sit down to dinner or get in
the car, and you’ll have something interesting to talk about. Example: “What’s the
first thing our hamster would say if she
could talk?”
Play “piggyback”
Encourage your child to listen closely
to what others say and piggyback on
their ideas with lines like “That reminds
me of…” or “Good idea. What if we
also…” Maybe someone suggests that
you celebrate the 100th day of 2017 on
April 10. Your youngster might add,
“That reminds me of the 100th Day of
School party. We could make a 100-link
paper chain like we did at school.”
Expand your range
Give your child chances to talk to a
variety of people. Their different experiences and perspectives will provide new
topics to discuss. She might speak with
guests at your home or call or video-chat
with relatives. Ahead of time, help her
think of what to say. (“Aunt Terry works as
a nurse, and she lives in Minnesota where
it’s still cold. What could you ask her?”)♥
Let’s read the mail
w What’s in the mail? Opportunities for your youngster to
read and write! Try these activities:
● Little ones love to get mail addressed to them. Encourage
relatives to send your child letters, cards, and postcards.
Read them together, letting him read the words he recognizes. Then, help him write back to each sender.
● Give your youngster catalogs and circulars that come in
the mail. He could pick a category, such as clothes or food. Next, he can cut out
pictures, glue them on a sheet of paper, and practice writing by labeling each item
(“Pajamas,” “Socks”).♥
April 2017 • Page 2
Read-alouds boost
imagination
Reading to your child can exercise his
imagination and sharpen his comprehension. Consider these ideas.
Picture the scene. While you read a
story, ask your youngster to close his
eyes and imagine what the illustrations
look like. He’ll practice visualizing the
characters, setting, and plot. After you
Roll and
spell
How many words can
you and your youngster make from six
letters? Play this spelling game to find out.
Materials: six dice, masking tape, pen,
timer, paper, pencil
1. Cover the dice with bits of masking
tape.
2. Use two dice for vowels (A, E, I, O, U,
Y), writing one set on each. The remaining
dice are for consonants. Your child should
write a different one on each side of a die,
leaving one side blank on each die.
3. Let your youngster roll all the dice at
once. Set a timer for five minutes.
4. Work together to spell as many words
as possible. (A blank can stand for any
letter.) Say your child rolls I, O, C, B, L,
and X. She might move the letters around
to spell cob, boil, oil, ox, box, and lox. Help
her write down each word you spell.
5. Roll the dice again, and play with the
new letters.♥
O U R
P U R P O S E
To provide busy parents with practical ways
to promote their children’s reading, writing,
and language skills.
Resources for Educators,
a division of CCH Incorporated
128 N. Royal Avenue • Front Royal, VA 22630
800-394-5052 • [email protected]
www.rfeonline.com
ISSN 1540-5648
© 2017 Resources for Educators, a division of CCH Incorporated
finish reading, suggest
that he draw some of
the pictures he “saw.”
Then, let him look at
the real illustrations to
see what they have in
common with his.
Create an ending. How
would your child like the
story to end? About halfway through, close the
book. Have him use his
imagination to make up the
rest — just like when he writes his own stories. Now open
the book, and finish reading. Which version does he prefer?
Think deeply. Pose questions that stretch your youngster’s
imagination as you read. You might ask what he thinks of a
character’s decision or how the story would be different if it
took place in a city rather than in the country.♥
Family writing games
Write a sentence — and pass it on.
These games encourage your child to
practice creative writing as you build
stories together, one line at a time:
● Help your youngster write one sentence of a story on a sheet of paper, and
hand it to the next player. That person reads the line silently, adds a sentence, and
folds the paper so the first line is hidden. Keep passing the paper around, each time
adding a line and folding the paper so only the new sentence shows. When the
paper is full, let your child unfold the story and read it.
● Have your youngster pick two unrelated objects, such as a shoe and a carrot. Then,
she starts a story about one of the items (“Last week, I got a new pair of shoes”), and
gives the paper to the person beside her. The goal is to tell a story that makes sense and
ends with a line using the second item. Your story might continue: “I put them on and
went for a walk. I saw a vegetable garden. There was a cute bunny eating a carrot.”♥
Our growing home library
I want my son
Jason to have his own
library of books at
home, but we can’t afford bookstore
prices. When I mentioned this to a
friend, she said her family had built
a nice collection of books by shopping at yard sales.
So Jason and I started
scanning yard sale ads
for mentions of children’s
books. Our new Saturday
morning ritual is going to
these sales and browsing
through the books together. Jason loves
picking out his favorites. And I love that
we can sometimes get a bag of books for
a dollar!
At one yard sale, another
shopper gave me a great tip.
She said you can get good
books for really low prices
at library and church yard
sales. Now we’re shopping
at those, too. Soon our
problem won’t be that we
need more books—it will be
needing more bookshelves!♥
April 2017
Pennsbury School District
Book
Picks
■
■ Phoebe and Her
Unicorn (Dana Simpson)
Phoebe dreams of
being special. When she
befriends a unicorn, she
thinks she’s found her
chance. But she soon discovers that being friends with the magical
creature is tougher than it looks. The
first book in the graphic novel series,
Phoebe and Her Unicorn.
■ Looking Back: A Book of Memories
(Lois Lowry)
The Newbery Medal–winning author
of The Giver and Number the Stars
describes her memoir as a book
“about things that happened, which
caused other things to happen.”
Lowry shares personal stories and
family photos, and she describes what
inspired her to write novels.
■ Flying Lessons & Other Stories
(Edited by Ellen Oh)
This book of short stories pulls readers
into the lives of diverse characters.
From the basketball
player with a disability to the poor
girl trying to fit in
among wealthy kids,
readers learn that although we are each
different, we are also the same.
■ Tortuga Squad: Kids Saving
Sea Turtles in Costa Rica
(Cathleen Burnham)
Here’s nonfiction
for children who
are concerned
about endangered wildlife.
The book follows a group of youngsters dedicated to
rescuing sea turtles. Each hatching season, the young volunteers protect turtle
eggs and help baby turtles reach the
ocean safely.
© 2017 Resources for Educators, a division of CCH Incorporated
Which book to choose?
Fiona walks into the
library looking for a
new book to read. But
surrounded by rows of
books and thousands of
titles, she isn’t sure how
to find one she will like.
Sound familiar? Use
tips like these to help
your child locate her
next great read.
Narrow the field
Have your youngster
make her own “book
search” bookmark. On
a strip of sturdy paper,
she can write her favorite topics, types of books, and authors.
For example, her list may include soccer, animals, mysteries, and authors
Shannon Hale and R. L. Stine. Then,
your child could browse the library
shelves, bookmark in hand, for books
that match her list.
Sample the new arrivals
Uh-oh. That book your youngster
planned to read is checked out. Now
what? Invite her to “taste test” books on
the new-arrivals display. She might pull
one out that catches her eye and read
the front flap, the back flap, and the first
few pages. If it snags her interest, she
can check it out.
Get recommendations
When your child knows what she
likes and wants to find something similar, encourage her to ask a librarian for
help. If your youngster mentions a few
books she enjoyed, the librarian will
guide her toward similar titles. Tip:
Librarians often feature their personal
favorites in a “recommended reads”
section—another good place to look
for books to take home.
Beyond the books
Books may be what libraries are
known for, but they have so much
more to offer! Your youngster could
consider free options like these:
• Join a young writers group.
• Sign up for a theater club, and put
on plays and skits.
• Share in a family mystery night.
• Take a workshop to learn Internet
search techniques.
• Attend a “meet the author” event.
• Watch a film series based on books.
• Take part in a foreign-language conversation class.
• Drop in for homework help.
• Participate in arts and crafts classes.
Tip: If you live in an area with
more than one library branch, check
them all out.
Reading Connection
April 2017 • Page 2
INTERMEDIATE EDITION
them and adds three of his own. “Your
dog is green, you eat spaghetti with a
straw, and your feet are furry and
purple. I like polka dot asparagus.
I’ve been to the moon twice. I have
night vision.” Take turns repeating
the last three claims and trying to
top them with three new ones.
Listen “actively”
Children who are active listeners
absorb more of what’s said—an
important skill for understanding
lessons, taking notes, and following spoken directions. To listen
actively, your youngster needs to
concentrate fully on the speaker so
he can remember and respond. Try
these fun ways to practice.
Outrageous declarations. Start by
making three silly claims. “My dog is green. I eat spaghetti
with a straw. I’ve got furry purple feet.” Your child repeats
Funh Cloudy with a
wit
Words chance of words
Let your child channel her
inner artist with a vocabulary-building
“word cloud.” With this fun project,
she’ll think of words that are connected
in some way and then display them in a
colorful cloud-shaped image.
First, she’ll need a subject (friendship,
a famous person). Have her brainstorm
words related to her choice. Words for
friendship might include laughter, loyalty,
confide, and understanding.
Next,
she’ll write
the words
in various
sizes, colors, and
styles (or
type them
in different fonts) to indicate their importance. She might use large letters and a
bright color for loyalty and smaller letters
and a pale color for laughter to show she
thinks loyalty is more important.
Finally, she can cut out the words and
glue them into a big cloud on a sheet of
paper. She may want to decorate her
room with a wall of word clouds!
O U R
P U R P O S E
To provide busy parents with practical ways
to promote their children’s reading, writing,
and language skills.
Resources for Educators,
a division of CCH Incorporated
128 N. Royal Avenue • Front Royal, VA 22630
800-394-5052 • [email protected]
www.rfeonline.com
ISSN 1540-5583
© 2017 Resources for Educators, a division of CCH Incorporated
Crazy directions. Together, write 20
random instructions on separate index
cards. (“Take two steps left.” “Touch
your toes.” “Wink your right eye.”) Shuffle the cards. Draw five cards, and read them aloud to your
youngster. He waits until all the directions are read, counts to
10, and acts them out in order. If he succeeds, he scores a point.
If not, you score the point. Trade roles, and play again. The winner is the first person with 10 points.
Use a proofreading checklist
Encourage your child to proofread writing assignments carefully before she
turns them in. This checklist will help.
■✔ I capitalized… the first word in every sentence and the
first letter in proper nouns.
period, a question
■ I punctuated… every sentence with a comma
s, apostrod
checke
I
point.
ation
mark, or an exclam
too.
marks,
phes, and quotation
there/their,
■ I checked for misused words… like its/it’sI, often
misspell.
words
and you’re/your. And I double-checked
■ I examined my sentences…each one has a subject and a
verb. There are no missing words.
sure that
■ I looked for confusing passages…and made
tand.
unders
to
easy
is
and
sense
makes
wrote
I
what
writHint: Suggest that your child take a break (20 minutes or more) between
eyes.
fresh
with
work
ing and proofreading so she can see her
Q&
Supporting independent readers
A ●
Q When my son was starting to read, helping him was
easy. How can I support him now that he
reads on his own?
●
A One way is just to talk about what
he’s reading. Have him
describe books he reads at
school and for pleasure.
Telling you about the
plots in a novel
or the facts in a
nonfiction book
gives him an
opportunity to
think more deeply about their content—
and lets you gauge his understanding.
You could also look through his textbooks and library books and ask a question or two. For instance, you might say,
“What’s the most important part in this
section on fossils?” or “What happened
to the knight in this chapter?”
Also, occasionally touch base
with your son’s teacher about his
reading progress. The teacher can
share strengths and weaknesses
and offer suggestions for supporting your child at home.