Harmony Elementary School 2013 2014 Back to School

Harmony Elementary School 2013 -2014 Back to School Night Grades 3 -5

Welcome Parents n Erik M. Paulson – Principal n Paulson. E@middletownk 12. org Position Executive Board Members Co-Presidents Vita Gardiner / Kristin Valinotti Co-Vice-Presidents Jen Baker / Veronica Mullarney Treasurer Maria Breen Co-Secretary Lisa Walker / Rosa Perry

Y-Clubs and Y-Care n n Hayley Nelson – Y-Clubs Y-Care – Information packet online

KWelcome Back to School! Looking forward to a great school year filled with fun ! Harmony PTO

Parent Teacher Connection “Parent involvement in education is like the frosting on a cupcake, it makes it complete and oh so sweet. ”

Harmony Parent-Teacher Organization Who are we? Co- Presidents: Vita Gardiner and Kristin Valinotti Co- Vice Presidents: Veronica Mullarney and Jenn Baker Co-Secretaries- Rosa Perry and Lisa Walker Treasurer: Maria Breen

What do we do? The Harmony PTO works with the cooperation of our school community to make Harmony a fun-filled school where learning takes place and kids feel safe and cared for. ◦ We work hard to facilitate fund raisers that have raised money for technology and gym equipment as well as charity for our neighbors who suffered loss during Hurricane Sandy. ◦ As our funds allow, we support the programs of our school that directly affect the students. As in the past our fund raising goal for the 2013 -2014 school year is to provide busing for each grade level for one class trip during the school year and to provide various enrichment programs during the course of the school year as well. ◦ We lead or facilitate various committees that work to hard to make Harmony a fun filled school. These events provide memories for our children that will last a lifetime.

Welcome Back Breakfast to Teachers and Teacher Appreciation Week HARMONY TEACHERS ARE THE BEST! YOU ARE ONE SMART COOKIE!

Gift Auction The largest and most fundraiser of the year will be held October 11 th. Profits from our auction last year allowed us to purchase 25 chrome books and 7 additional Smart Boards. We are proud to announce that there is a smart board in every classroom in Harmony school.

The Great Race Families from all schools in Middletown run or walk to raise money for their school. Profits from the Great Race were donated to Sandy victims in our school and Port Monmouth school which allowed us to help those in need in our community.

School Wide Fundraisers Holiday Fair

Harmony Halloween Fest This year students will participate in the First Harmony Halloween Fest! Festivities will begin at 1: 00 with a costume parade, then class parties and then a Trunk or Treat from 5: 00 to 6: 00 PM.

Enrichment Programs PTO funds purchase enrichment programs that provide entertainment and learning to students throughout the year.

Fun Day The title speaks for itself! Parents run this day for students to make it the best day of the year. It is filled with fun, games, snacks, and a DJ for dancing.

Variety Show Students are encouraged to showcase their talents every year in Harmony’s Variety Show. Last year Mr. Paulson and the teachers even participated in the show!

5 th Grade Committee It’s your child’s last year! Help to make sure it’s the best one yet! Help to raise funds for 5 th grade events such as: Dances Trips End of year party

How can you do your part? Please see the flyer in your folder and join the PTO Please attend PTO meetings. All meetings are listed on a flyer located in your information packet and on the school calendar. Volunteer to help when you can. Join a committee! Take an active role in your school. Email PTOharmony@gmail. com Join our facebook page: Harmony Parents Talk to us about any ideas you have Let’s work together to make our school a great place for our kids.

Thanks for your cooperation and support! Looking forward to a great year!

Information about your principal • • Middletown Public Schools College • Undergraduate – Elon University • • • Graduate – Georgian Court University • • • MA – Administration, Supervision, & Curriculum Planning and Management Student Centered Open Door Policy • • BA – Elementary Education Substitute Teacher – Middletown Public Schools Chain of Command Be the parent first and they will be your friend later

The Harmony Family Your Child! Your Child, Addison (4) , Kadence (2 on 10/2/13), and Tara (My Wife)

What to expect this evening… n Curriculum n Online resources (store those passwords) Classroom process and procedures n Handouts n n n Emergency Forms & PTO Individual student questions will not be addressed…please email your child’s teacher

Student / Parent Handbook n Emergency Drills n n n Class Parent(s) and Volunteers n n One Fire Drill One Emergency Drill (followed by letter each month) Mandatory Policy Training @ the PTO meetings this month Birthday Policy Special recognition twice a month n Birthday Bag n

Student / Parent Handbook n Absences n Email, texting, and virtual communication is NOT an acceptable form of communication to inform the school of an absence. n n n Handwritten and/or typed note All doctors notes must be submitted within 3 days of absence. Change of Demographics or Emergency Contacts n n Notify the teacher and main office in writing Stop by the main office

Student / Parent Handbook n Cell Phones and BYOD n n They are permitted and should remain in the off position in your child’s book bag Class Celebrations n n n Schedule determined by the teacher Sign-up online for big event days Food Policy – FOMNV (sugar is first ingredient)

Lunch n Lunch in The Hawk’s Nest n n n Grades 2 and 4 eat together Grades 3 and 5 eat together K and 1 st grades eat in classrooms Disposal of garbage n Food (Age appropriate) n Be sure to send your child with items that they can open independently.

School Calendar & Phone/Text Blasts n n Connecting your Smart device and email calendar Text the number 563 -60 with the message “Join” n n Phone Blasts n n You will receive text messages with updates Emergencies Reminders Calendar Updates Email Blasts n Same as above

Parent Information Nights n Held throughout the school year Curricular based n Bullying n State of the School (data review) n District Opportunities n n Every PTO meeting has a principal report