District-wide Requirements for Parents who Volunteer at School

The following information is directly from the DASD website. For a link to the most up to date content, visit the Parents Section of the district website.

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Thank you to our current and future Downingtown Area School District volunteers. Without their help and support, we would be unable to provide our students with a great education and enjoyable school environment! To maintain a safe and healthy environment, background clearances are now mandatory for both staff and volunteers. Should you wish to volunteer in any of our DASD schools, please follow the instructions below.

1.     Pennsylvania state requirements for volunteers

School volunteer requirements are currently under review at the state level.   However, early in July, the General Assembly passed House Bill 1276 which effects clearances for volunteers and employees. The major changes are as follows.

• Two of the volunteer clearances will be now be “free”‘
• Volunteer clearances will now be good for 5 years

The two, free, state mandated certifications that DASD volunteers will need can be obtained by clicking on the links below.

• Child Abuse History Certification 
• PA Criminal Background Certification 

2.     Additional DASD requirements for volunteers:

• Proof of a recent Tuberculosis examination from your family physician
• Annual completion of DASD Policy 916 – Volunteer Disclosure Form

1.     DASD Volunteer Disclosure Form

2.     DASD School Volunteer Policy #916 (Search for Policy 916 in the left column)

3.    Residents who have lived in Pennsylvania for less than 10 years

Those who have not lived in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the past ten years will also need to fill out a federal criminal history check in addition to the above documentation.

Federal Criminal History Report – Volunteer is responsible for cost of this report ($27.00)

Once you receive your clearances….

Please make one copy of each clearance for your records and send a copy to the school (s) you intend to volunteer with. These certifications will be good for the next 60 months and will travel with you as your child moves from one school level to the next.

Already have your clearances?

If a DASD school already has your clearances (and they are less than 60 months old), and proof of TB examination please fill out the annually required DASD Volunteer Disclosure Form.

1.     DASD Volunteer Disclosure Form 

Again, we thank you for giving us your time and energy.  Should you have any questions, please check out our FAQ on volunteers or contact Director of Public Information Pat McGlone at pmcglone@dasd.org.

Happy First Day of School!

Well you did it! Congratulations, you survived the extra-long summer break…94 days to be exact. For some, it felt like the endless summer; for others, it came to a halt too quickly. But for all of us now, it is time to focus on the school year and all the good times that are coming up at Shamona Creek! It’s going to be a fantastic year.

Here are just a few of the highlights for September; please save these dates. Details are forthcoming!

SEPTEMBER 2015

September 4 – Deadline for the Fun Run Business Sponsorship
September 7 – No School (Holiday)
September 8 @ 7 pm – SCHSA Meeting in the Multipurpose Room (all parents welcome)
September 9 – Two-hour early dismissal/Modified Kindergarten schedule (In-Service)
September 10 (RESCHEDULED) September 16 @ 5-8 pm – Family Fun Night/Food Truck Festival in the SC parking lot/playground (all details will be shared soon)
September 11 – Deadline for Box Tops for Education Summer Challenge
September 14 – No School (In-Service)
September 23 – No School (Holiday)
September 28 @ 2:30-6 pm – DASD Flu Clinic at D’town West

We look forward to seeing you in September!

Back to School…Back to Reality

We hope our parents of younger students enjoyed Wednesday’s Back-to-School Night. It was great to meet and see so many people. We will see the other half of our families Thursday night. Same time; same place.

Here is a brief reminder of what you need to do to add your family to the online directory, through the MySchoolAnywhere website. [After the school year officially begins, we will publish a link to the Directory page of our website with instructions on how to access the family/class listings.]

NEW FAMILIES
Please take a moment to add your child to the online student directory.
CLICK HERE {corrected link}

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RETURNING FAMILIES
Please make sure your family information in our online directory is up to date.

1. In the email that you received from HSA President Kathryn Gute, click on the secure link (which is specific to your family) and review your family’s information.
2. Make any changes to your contact information.
3. Verify your child’s current grade and assign him/her to his new classroom teacher (select from the drop down).
4. Scroll all the way to the bottom to click on SAVE AND CONFIRM to be sure your changes have been saved.

If you did not get an email with a specific link for your family, contact Nancy Repko.

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ALL FAMILIES
We want to make sure all parents receive all our SCHSA emails so no one misses any important information about upcoming events/activities.

• In the online Directory, please DO NOT check the box to “exclude” your email address.  If you exclude your email address, you won’t receive any annoucements or communications throughout the year. Email through the online directory is the SCHSA’s primary mode of communication to our families.
• When visiting our website, please click the “FOLLOW” button (under the search feature in the right column) to get notifications from the SCHSA when new posts are written. We will be using our email lists from the online directory and posts from this website as our primary modes of communication.
• We also encourage you to join the “Shamona Creek – Parent Community” Facebook group as a way to connect with parents – new and veteran. Many of our communications are posted to this group.

We appreciate your timely cooperation and look forward to a great year.

Questions?  Contact Nancy Repko.

Gentle Reminder for Returning Parents: Update Your School Directory Information

UPDATE: These instructions are for returning parents only. New parents will be given details shortly.

Back-to-School season is upon us and your Shamona Creek Home & School Association (SCHSA) is looking forward to seeing you soon. We are sure everybody is excited to meet their new teachers and your kids have been trying to find out who they know in their class.

To hit the ground running, we are reminding you to take a few minutes to update your information in our online directory before August 31, if you haven’t done so already.

1. In the email that you received from the SCHSA, click on the secure link (which is specific to your family) and review your family’s information.
2. Make any changes to your contact information.
3. Verify your child’s current grade.
4. Assign him/her to the new classroom teacher (select from the drop down).
5. Scroll all the way to the bottom to click on SAVE AND CONFIRM to be sure your changes have been saved.

We want to make sure all parents receive all our SCHSA emails so no one misses any important information about upcoming events/activities.

• In the Directory link, please DO NOT check the box to “exclude” your email address.  If you exclude your email address, you won’t receive any SCHSA annoucements or communications throughout the year. Email through the online directory is the SCHSA’s primary mode of communication to our families.
• When visiting this website, please click the “FOLLOW” button to get instant notifications from the SCHSA when new posts are shared. We will be using our email lists from the online directory and posts from this website as our main modes of communication.
• We also encourage you to join the “Shamona Creek – Parent Community” Facebook group as a way to connect with parents and use the insight of  veteran parents to help you throughout the year. Many of our communications are also posted to this group.

We appreciate your timely cooperation and look forward to a great year.

Questions about the Directory, contact Nancy Repko.

Helping hands needed to do the “Shamona Sweep”

It has been a long, hot summer, and there are a lot of beautiful flowers blooming at Shamona…and a lot of pesky weeds growing, too!

Please join us at the playground for the “Shamona Sweep” on August 25 (6-8 pm), August 26 (9-11 am) and/or August 27 (9-11 am) to tidy up the playground areas to make our school pleasant and inviting for our children.

The more “Sweepers” we have, the more fun and faster this will be!

Many thanks in advance for all your efforts!

Bring any tools you think may be helpful.  No experience needed!

Sign up using this link: 

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0e4eacaa2fa20-dotheshamona

Hello. Welcome. Allow us to introduce ourselves.

The purpose of the Shamona Creek Home & School Association (SCHSA) is to support the school, communicate with families, and encourage parental involvement for the success and betterment of our students.

If you are a returning parent, welcome back. If you are new to the school, we look forward to getting to know you. We anticipate that it will be another terrific year. Much of our success is connected to parental involvement, and we have many fun events and family activities planned throughout the year for you to get involved.

Where are our manners? First, a few introductions:
This year’s SCHSA Executive Board includes:
President: Kathryn Gute
Vice President: Susan Cozad
Vice President of Fundraising: Megan Suhoskey
Treasurer: Lena Elguindi
Secretary: Gina Thelander

Plus, there are many parents organizing our various programs (Committee List – working draft) focused on communications, curriculum enhancement, family fun, health and wellness, helping hands, fundraising, staff appreciation and school spirit.

Contact any one of these moms if you see a project that interests you. Sign-up lists will also be sent home throughout the year asking for additional volunteers. You can be involved a lot or a little; it’s completely your choice.

When do we meet, you ask?
Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend our SCHSA meetings. We try to keep them efficient, focused and casual. To accomodate a variety of schedules we meet regularly throughout the year, but mix it up between mornings and evenings. Meetings will happen during the following months, so please look for the dates and times to be posted soon.

• September @ 7 PM – Multipurpose Room
• October @ 7 PM – Library [agenda = budget approval]
• November @ 9:30 AM – Library
• February @ 7 PM – Library
• April @ 9:30 AM – Library
• May @ 7 PM – Library

How do we stay in touch?

• Well, primarily we use this website and we encourage you to follow the site and look here often for new information.
• We also use the SC parent group on Facebook (Shamona Creek Sharks – Parent Community) to send out reminders, share new website content, answer questions and strengthen our school community. Have a school question? There’s more than likely another parent in the group who knows the answer.
• Finally, we use email to share details and information about upcoming programs. You will learn more about adding your name to the email distribution list as the school year begins, but we strongly encourage everyone to opt in so that you don’t miss out on what you need to know.

We are always here to help our parent community. If you want to know more, if you have a question, or if you have a great idea you want to share … we’d love to hear from you.

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Have a content idea for the SCHSA website? Contact Shamona Creek mom/communications volunteer Lisa Huffman with your idea.

Our School of Sharks are Artists, Athletes and Musicians

In the next two weeks, there are several annual events happening that really showcase the various talents our young students have – art, athletics and music. You are welcome to attend and enjoy these activities.

Art Show – Thursday, May 15 @ 6-8 pm and Friday, May 16 @ 4-6 pm
The art teachers created this fun video invitation featuring artwork by all students. It’s a must-watch video, and hopefully you will be able to spend some time perusing the art this week and go on a guided tour of the Art Club’s new murals.

Field Day – Friday, May 16 (grades 1-5) and Tuesday, May 19 (Kindergarten)
Possibly the most exciting day of the entire school year for the kids, this event is a great opportunity (if you are able to attend) to watch the students having fun with their friends, working together as a team and just enjoying being kids. (Teachers will share details.)

Spring Concert – Thursday, May 21
Band, Choir and Orchestra are all thriving at Shamona Creek, and you will be impressed with how much the students have learned and achieved since the beginning of the school year. The younger students are treated to a concert during the day, but there is an evening concert as well. (Details to come.)

Planet Patrol: Going Green and Hoping to Raise a Little Green too

It’s Earth Day! Time to think green…

The Planet Patrol, which is a team of SC students, teachers and parents, work year round to educate, inspire and emulate a greener way of life. Next week, the group of young environmentalists have a week full of recycling planned (see details) and you are encouraged to participate. You can also lend your support and show your true green color by participating in the Planet Patrol’s fundraising project.

Norwex is a company that is committed to reducing chemicals in homes to promote the health of families and the environment. It offers several products that can help reduce one’s carbon footprint.

The Planet Patrol fundraiser runs through Friday, May 8, and it will receive 20% of all sales of Norwex products. Please see the ordering details at the end of this post.

Here are some of the team’s favorite products that can make packing those Low-Litter Lunches a bit easier.

Out-to-Lunch Sandwich Wrap – This wrap features a Velcro strip to make sure food always stays snug. It unfolds to make a friendly place mat, and clean-up is easy. Simply shake any crumbs into the trash, wipe with a damp cloth and air dry. $9.99

Out-to-Lunch Snack Bag – Ideal for toting pretzels, fruit, veggies, cheese, crackers and other finger food, as well as stashing away makeup and organizing goodies. Easy Velcro closure. Everyone in the family will want their own! $9.99

{ Get both and save >> Out to Lunch Duo – $17.99 }

Travel Pack – These small microfiber cloths are great for little hands, small messes, and on the go. $20.99 for a set of 4 cloths with a pouch

Why Choose Norwex Microfiber? At only 1/200th the size of a strand of human hair, Norwex Microfiber is one of the most innovative products in the cleaning industry today. Unlike cotton cloths that will simply spread the dirt, grease and other particles around, Norwex BacLockTM Microfiber lifts these particles up into the cloth and away from the surface. Once inside the cloth, the Norwex MicroSilver in the cloth goes to work with self-purification properties against mold, fungi and bacterial odor within 24 hours, so that it is ready to use again. Norwex Microfiber products are so effective that you can use them to clean and disinfect with only WATER! Norwex is all about reducing chemicals in your home.

Top Sellers:

• Envirocloth – all purpose cleaning cloth. Use dry to dust, wet to clean!
• Window Cloth – clean and polish your windows and mirrors streak-free using only water!
• Dusting Mitt – works by static and makes it easy to dust nooks and crannies. No furniture polish needed!

How to Order: Log on to www.erinritter.norwex.biz to check out Norwex’s other great microfiber cleaning, eco-friendly household, and personal care products and place your order.

Important! When you check out, ensure Erin Ritter is your consultant and enter your host as follows:
First Name: Shamona Creek
Last Name: Planet Patrol

Email me with questions! Erin Ritter, Norwex Independent Sales Consultant – espang1@yahoo.com

Learn more about this Planet Patrol Fund Raiser >

PSSA Advice from 5th Graders to Younger Students

From the desk of Norma Jean Welsh, Principal

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Fifth graders provided advice for the younger grades on how best to handle the PSSAs.

• Check your work and don’t try to make it a race…
• You’ll do great! Just do what the question says…
• Always check your answers before you close your booklet…
• Relax. Don’t feel any pressure…
• If you’re stuck, the process of elimination is always better than guessing the answers…
• Stay focused and manage your time…
• Try your best, don’t stress, take deep breaths…
• Take your time and don’t rush…
• Don’t be worried or overwhelmed before, during or after the test.

Earth Week: A Greener Shade of Shamona

Earth Day is coming and the students of Planet Patrol, as well as their adult helpers, are gearing up for a week full of collections in recognition of the national observance. As the collection dates draw near, gentle reminders and more details will be shared, but in the weeks leading up to the green activities, please take a look around your house and start gathering the following items:

• Monday, April 27 – Dried-out Markers and Out-of-Ink Pens
• Tuesday, April 28 – Old towels, blankets, bowls and pet goods for the SPCA
• Wednesday, April 29 – Sneakers and shoes for Shoebox Recycling
• Thursday, April 30 – Sports cleats for children who are in need
• Friday, May 1 – Batteries (no watch or hearing aid batteries, please) 

Please bring your items to the lobby, where you will notice the Planet Patrol’s other series of collection bins.

Hey, did you know Shamona recycles all year long?

The school always collects and recycles the following:

• Gently used shoes (no steel-tip boots, snow boots or, typically, cleats)
• Batteries (Sizes AAA through D, plus 9 volt. No watch or hearing aid batteries)
• Cell phones
• Ink cartridges
• Markers and pens
• Metal lids (from jelly, pickle, gravy jars, etc.)
• Plastic grocery store bags
• Eyeglasses
• Juice pouches (i.e. Capri Sun)

The year-long recycling effort and the Earth Week collections teach the students how the school community can do its part to reduce, reuse and recycle. Actively making environmentally friendly decisions at home also helps reinforce the idea that the health of the planet matters and that every person can make a difference.

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Reminders will also be shared on the Facebook – Shamona Creek Sharks – Parent Community. Please follow us there.