Upcoming Dates:

Oct. 8 - Thanksgiving

(No school for students.)

Oct. 9 - Oct. 22 - Magazine

Campaign

Oct. 9 - School Photos

Oct. 10 - S.A.C. meeting -

6:00 p.m.

Oct. 10 - Home and School

meeting - 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 12 - Playground Open-

ing Ceremony

Oct. 18, 19 - Parent/

Teacher Conferences/

Book Fair/Silent Auction

Mission Statement

Pentz Elementary is a com-

munity of students, staff and

parents working together to

develop a positive, healthy learning environment that promotes the academic

and personal growth of its

citizens.

“Pride and Progress in

our school.”

Weekly Sc hedule :

Mission Statement

Pentz Elementary is a com-

munity of students, staff and

parents working together to

develop a positive, healthy learning environment that promotes the academic

and personal growth of its

citizens.

“Pride and Progress in

our school.”

Upcoming Dates:

September 17 - Ter-

ry Fox Run

September 21- Meet

the Teacher/

Program Night -

7:00 p.m.

October 4 - Student

Photos

September 8, 2017

Pentz Elementary School

School Phone: 688-3210

School Fax: 688-3211

School email: pes@ssrsb.ca

Website: http://

www.pes.ednet.ns.ca/

Principal: Rebecca Smart

Administrative

Assistant: Gail Grace

Welcome To A New School Year!

We would like to extend a warm welcome to all new and returning students and staff,

with a special hello to our Primary students who are just beginning their school adventure. Our

school has had a few staff changes this year, and we have already begun to work together as a

strong team and are looking forward to an exciting year of learning. As a staff we are excited, happy and always a little anxious about the start of a new

school year. We know the importance of starting off on the right foot, and that building a rela-

tionship with your child is a key to their learning and achievement. Parents are encouraged to stay abreast of school activities and events by reading our

weekly school newsletters and checking the school website. Your child’s classroom teacher will

also communicate specifics related to just that classroom in addition to the newsletter. Commu-

nication between home and school is another key to a successful school year. We encourage you

to contact us with concerns or praise, so that we can move together toward success. We invite you to work together with us. There are a number of ways that we need and

want community involvement in the school. We are calling all Moms, Dads, Grandparents, and

Family members… to support school activities. The newsletter outlines some of the activities, but

please feel free to share ideas of other ways you could be involved. Our school community looks

forward to your participation as a volunteer!

We are hosting a ‘Meet the Teacher” evening on Thursday,

September 14th from 6:30 -7:30 p.m.

It will be an opportunity for us to meet, as well as for you to meet your child’s teacher.

It is also an opportunity to gather information about the important role our Home and School

and our School Advisory Council play at Pentz Elementary, in addition to a quick overview of the

many changes occurring in education this year in Nova Scotia. I am very excited about the school year ahead as the Principal of Pentz Elementary and

look forward to meeting you soon.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Smart

Weekly Schedule:

Monday

Sept. 11

Tuesday

Sept.12

Wednesday Sept. 13

Thursday

Sept.14

Friday

Sept.15

- Breakfast Pro-

gram

- Pre-orders for

Mini Pizzas and

Grilled Cheese

($3.00 per or-

der)

- Breakfast Pro-

gram

- Music/PE

- Breakfast Pro-

gram

- PE

- Breakfast Pro-

gram

-Mini Pizza

- Stand Up

Against Bullying

Day

- Meet the

Teacher (6:30-

7:30 p.m.)

- Breakfast Pro-

gram

- Music/PE

- Grilled Cheese

Mission Statement

Pentz Elementary is a com-

munity of students, staff and

parents working together to

develop a positive, healthy learning environment that promotes the academic

and personal growth of its

citizens.

“Pride and Progress in

our school.”

Upcoming Dates:

September 14 - Meet

the Teacher September 22 - Nour-

ish Your Roots Fund-

raiser due September 27 - CLT/

Early Dismissal September 29- Terry

Fox Run October 2 - Student

Photos October 6 - Inservice

Day (No school for

students. ) October 14 - Home

and School Bazaar

“ Nut” Aware

Due to student allergies,

students are asked to not

bring products containing

nuts.

Welcome to the 2017-18 school year!

Volunteering - Your support is needed!

Volunteering at your child’s school is a wonderful way to be involved in your child’s educa-

tion. If you would like to be a volunteer, please complete the form below and return it to your

child’s classroom teacher. All new volunteers working with children must undergo an R.C.M.P. and

a Child Abuse Registry check. These forms are available in the school office. We appreciate your

support! Parents are encouraged to support school programs by volunteering. An hour of your time

makes a BIG difference to our children. If we don’t have volunteers, these programs cannot operate.

Please feel free to volunteer in the following areas:

[ ] Breakfast Program (Monday/Thursday/Friday - 7:20-8:15 a.m.)

[ ] Library (Thursday-morning or afternoon or both)

[ ] Hot Lunch Program (Wednesday - 10:30 - 12:15)

[ ] Classroom

Parent Name: _____________________________________ Phone #: _____________________

Page 2 Pentz Elementary School

Staff Members:

Grade P/1 Mrs. Deanna Harlow

Grade 2/3 Mrs. Linda MacPhee

Grade 4/5 Mrs. Hilary Huskilson

Grade 5/6 Mrs. Jennifer Stead

Resource,Reading Recovery and Levelled Literacy Mrs. Nancy MacIntosh

Music and Physical Education Mr. Patrick Wardell

French Support (Grades 4-6) Ms. Hilary Huskilson and Mrs. Jennifer Stead

Teacher Assistant s Ms. Stubbs, Mrs. Hubley, Ms. McDonald, Mr. Hubley

Guidance Counselor Mrs. Kristy Boutilier Speech Language Pathologist Ms. Janessa Keans

PATHS Facilitator Mrs. Karen Seamone

Instructional Coach Ms. Ruth Amiro

School Psychologist Ms. Rachel Lathrup

Administrative Assistant Mrs. Gail Grace

Custodian Mr. Boyd Huey

Principal Mrs. Rebecca Smart

Safety

School Visitation/Pick Up or Drop Off of Students: We would ask that you always use the school entrance near the parking lot and report to

the office when entering the building for any reason. If you are picking up your child from school

during the day you must pick them up from the office (not the classroom) and sign them out on the

appropriate form in the office. Your child will be called to the office to meet you there. Parents who

are dropping their child off during the day are also required to remain in the office to sign their child

in while the student proceeds to their classroom on their own.

Volunteers: Volunteers will register in the office and wear identification in the building. Students will be

taught to report any unidentified adults to their teacher or office. Volunteers must have a Child

Abuse Registry and RCMP check in order to volunteer in any capacity.

Drop Off/Pick Up During Regular Arrival and Dismissal: Parents are reminded of the signage in our bus zone area, requesting that vehicles not enter

the bus zone in front of the building during bus times in the morning from 7:40 and 8:00 a.m.

as well as from 1:35 and 2:00 p.m. If parents are dropping students off in the morning, or picking

them up in the afternoon, during these times, they are asked to park beside the building, before

walking students in or picking them up.

Vehicles found within the bus zone during these time frames will be in direct violation

and could be faced with a possible fine.

Page 3 Pentz Elementary School

“Nut Aware "School

Within our school community there are students who have a potentially life-threatening

allergy (anaphylaxis) to foods, predominantly to peanuts and tree nuts.

We feel the best way to reduce the risk of accidental exposure to these students is to respectfully

ask for the cooperation of our parents and guardians within this school community to avoid sending

these products or products with nuts in the ingredients. This would include granola bars and trail

mix.

Page 3 Pentz Elementary School

School Hours:

7:55 - 7:57 Homeroom/Announcements

8:00 - 9:55 Classes in session

9:55 - 10:10 Recess

10:10 - 11:40 Classes in session

11:40 - 12:20 Noon Hour (Playground/Lunch)

12:20 - 1:50 Classes in session

1:52 Dismissal

**Please note: On scheduled Embedded CLT days, students will be dismissed at 12:22 p.m.

Stand Up Against Bullying Day

As a school, we will be recognizing the provincial Stand Up Against Bullying Day on Thurs-

day, September 14th. This is a day to help raise awareness and promote activities designed to foster

respect and good behavior in our schools.

Student Technology

In following our school policy, no personal technology will be permitted at school. If students require technol-

ogy for programming purposes, the classroom teacher will communicate with parents directly.

Communication regarding bus changes or after school care are required to go through the

school office.

Recess and Lunch Time / Playground:

All children are expected to play outside under the supervision of staff members during recess

and lunch time. Please dress your child appropriately for current weather conditions.

Page 4 Pentz Elementary School

Volunteering - Your support is needed! Volunteering at your child’s school is a wonderful way to be involved in your child’s educa-

tion. If you would like to be a volunteer, please complete the form below and return it to your child’s

classroom teacher. All new volunteers working with children must undergo an R.C.M.P. and a Child Abuse Reg-

istry check. Information is available in the school office. We appreciate your support! Parents are encouraged to support school programs by volunteering. An hour of your time

makes a BIG difference to our children. If we don’t have volunteers, these programs cannot operate.

Please feel free to volunteer in the following areas:

[ ] Breakfast Program (Monday / Wednesday / Friday) [ ] Fluoride Program

[ ] Hot Lunch Program (Wednesday) [ ] School Garden

[ ] Classroom [ ] Nourish Your Roots Fundraiser

[ ] Home and School Committee

Parent Name: _____________________________________ Phone #: _____________________

Nova Scotia School Insurance Program

SIP is now providing an electronic version of the 2017-18 Student Accident Brochure. Parents may access the brochure on the South Shore Regional School Board’s website at www.ssrsb.ca or visit the website for the Nova Scotia School Insurance Program at sip.ca for more information. If parents require a hard copy of the brochure, they may contact the school office.

Bus Stops/Bus Changes/Bus Notes Should your child need to get off the bus at a stop other than his/her usual one, a

written request must be given to his/her teacher. The teacher will sign the note and the

child will give it to the bus driver. This helps both parent and teacher be aware of the

child's whereabouts.

**Students under the age of 8 years old require a parent/guardian to be at the after-

noon bus stop location to ensure a safe arrival home. ** Students getting on a different

bus or getting on at a different bus stop in the morning also require a note from parents/guardians.

Buses are only permitted to stop at an established bus stop on that bus route.

Student Registration Forms Student registration forms were sent home in June for updating, as required by the board. If families have

any additional changes, they are asked to contact the school office as soon as possible. It is imperative

that phone contact numbers and bussing information is accurate at all times throughout the year. If there

are any questions, please feel free to call the school.

Page 5 Pentz Elementary School

Calendar for the 2017-2018 School Year : Monday, September 4, 2017 - Labor Day Tuesday, September 5, 2017 - Orientation day (first day for teachers) Wednesday, September 6, 2017 - School-Based In-service Day Thursday, September 7, 2017 - First day for students Wednesday, September 27, 2017 - Embedded CLT1 (90-minute early dismissal) Friday, October 6, 2017 - School-Based In-service Day Monday, October 9, 2017 - Thanksgiving Day Wednesday, October 18, 2017 - Embedded CLT2 (90-minute early dismissal) Friday, October 27, 2017 - NSTU Provincial Conference Day Wednesday, November 1, 2017 - Embedded CLT3 (90-minute early dismissal) Monday, November 13, 2017 - Observation of Remembrance Day Monday, November 20, 2017 - Report Card Prep (P-9) Wednesday, November 22, 2017 - Embedded CLT4 (90-minute early dismissal) Monday, November 27, 2017 - Report Cards (P-12) Thursday, November 30, 2017 - Parent/Teacher Day (p.m.) (P-12) Wednesday, December 6, 2017 - Embedded CLT5 (90-minute early dismissal) Thursday, December 21, 2017 - Last Day before Break Wednesday, January 3, 2018 - First Day after Break Wednesday, January 10, 2018 - Embedded CLT6 (90-minute early dismissal) Wednesday, January 24, 2018 - Embedded CLT7 (90-minute early dismissal) Friday, February 2, 2018 - Regional In-service Day Wednesday, February 7, 2018 - Embedded CLT8 (90-minute early dismissal) Monday, February 19, 2018 - Heritage Day Wednesday, February 21, 2018 - Embedded CLT9 (90-minute early dismissal) Wednesday, March 7, 2018 - Embedded CLT10 (90-minute early dismissal) Friday, March 9, 2018 - Last Day before March Break Monday, March 19, 2018 - First Day after March Break Wednesday-Thursday, March 19-April 5, 2018 - Report Cards (P-9) Thursday, March 22, 2018 - Report Card Prep (P-9) Friday, March 30, 2018 - Good Friday Monday, April 2, 2018 - Easter Monday Thursday, April 5, 2018 - Parent/Teacher Day (p.m.) (P-12) Wednesday, April 11, 2018 - Embedded CLT11 (90-minute early dismissal) Wednesday, April 25, 2018 - Embedded CLT12 (90-minute early dismissal) Monday, April 30, 2018 - School-Based In-service Day Wednesday, May 9, 2018 - Embedded CLT13 (90-minute early dismissal) Monday, May 21, 2018 - Victoria Day Wednesday, May 30, 2018 - Embedded CLT14 (90-minute early dismissal) Thursday, June 28, 2018 - Grading & Classifying Day (P-12) Friday, June 29, 2018 - Report Cards go Home; Last day

Page 6 Pentz Elementary School

Milk Program

Milk will be sold for $0.40 per 250 ml for white partly skimmed or skim milk. Milk is of-

fered every school day and may be ordered through the classroom teacher on a daily,

weekly or monthly basis.

Hot Lunch Programs

We plan to offer a few hot lunch options on a weekly basis. With the assistance of parent volunteers,

we hope to offer hot lunch items on Wednesdays, with rotating menu items, which adhere to the

board’s Nutrition Policy. LaHave Bakery will once again be offering mini cheese pizzas on Thursdays,

as well as grilled cheese sandwiches on Fridays. Pre-orders for Hot Lunch Programs will be taken on

Mondays. These menu items will be listed on the weekly school newsletters.

Breakfast Program

Our Breakfast Program will begin this week and will continue to

be offered daily throughout the school year, free of charge to all stu-

dents. Whole wheat toast, juice and fruit will be available prior to class

instructional time on Mondays. Wednesdays and Fridays, with dry cereal or yogurt

tubes being offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

If parents, guardians or grandparents would like to volunteer with our Hot Lunch and/or our

Breakfast program, please complete the Volunteer sign up form and return, or contact the school.

Student School Supplies

We would like to thank parents/guardians for sending in the

student school supply money for their children for this school year.

Parents who have not had the opportunity to send in the supply money may do so this week, or send in a note to the classroom teacher indicating when you will be sending it in. Parents may also pay in installments, if they wish, coordinated through the school office.

The fee is $35.00. Cheques can be made payable to Pentz Elementary School.

School Newsletters through Alert Solutions

To help ensure all families have access to our weekly newsletter, along with limiting paper, we

will be sending out our newsletters through Alert Solutions as an attachment using parent email ad-

dresses, as provided by parents on student registration forms. We will be starting next week. If families still wish to receive a paper copy of our newsletter, we would ask that a note or an

email be sent to the office. Copies of our newsletters will continue to be available on our school’s website at: http://

www.pes.ednet.ns.ca/. Upcoming activities and dates will be posted on Twitter and Facebook.