Mercer Mailbox
February 8, 2019
Mercer Mailbox is a weekly publication of the   Mercer PTO .  
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Mercer Weekly Calendar  
Upcoming Events
Feb. 12 -- PreK Family Literacy Night: Social/Emotional Kindergarten Readiness, 5:30pm
Feb. 14 -- Valentine's Day Activities, 2:15pm
Feb. 15 -- K-4 Sweetheart Dance, 6:00pm
Feb. 22 -- Popcorn/Spirit Day
Feb. 24 -- Mercer Skates, 4:15

Visit the  Online Calendar  and filter by Mercer  for more upcoming events.
From Mr. Florence
Winter Conferences will take place on Friday, February 15. This provides you with an opportunity to meet with teachers and interventionists to discuss successes, challenges, and questions. Contact your student’s teacher to arrange for a mutually agreeable time to meet if you have not already.

Student Progress Reports for the winter Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment that was administered to Mercer students in January were sent home via packback mail today. Included with your report was a Sample/Quick Reference Guide that helps to explain your child’s results. It is important to remember this is one data point. The results are a part of a bigger picture of academic growth and achievement. If you have questions please feel free to contact me or your child’s classroom teacher. You may also find the following article helpful:  https://www.nwea.org/blog/2018/12-questions-parents-ask-about-map-growth-assessment/

Our annual Valentine’s Day celebration will take place on Thursday, February 14 from 2:45 until 3:15 p.m . This is a change from the originally scheduled time. Please send in a set of cards for entire classroom and follow any specific guidelines your son or daughter’s teacher may have in place for their class. Thank you. 

February is Black History Month followed in March by Women’s History Month. This week I was inspired by the African American woman who delivered the Democratic response Tuesday night, Stacey Abrams. Ms. Abrams stated “My family understood firsthand that while success is not guaranteed, we live in a nation where opportunity is possible,” she said. “But we do not succeed alone — in these United States, when times are tough, we can persevere because our friends and neighbors will come for us. Our first responders will come for us.” When reflecting on these comments I think about the great Shaker Heights City Schools. Our school community provides amazing opportunities for our students and we will continue to work together to do so. 


Lindsay Florence
VALENTINE'S DAY Celebrations -- Time Change

Classroom celebrations will take place from 2:45-3:15 p.m. on Thursday, February 14. Alternate activities will be available in the Library for students who do not observe this celebration. Please make note of this time change if you are planning on joining your student at Mercer.
The Mercer Play Needs You!

Are you creative? Have you dreamed of being a costume designer or makeup artist? 

Fifty plus kids will be in this year’s play and we are looking for help with creating costumes that are creative but simple. Costumes need to be created throughout February and ready by early March. 

We are also looking for people to help with make-up March 18-22 for dress rehearsals and during both shows, March 23 and 24.

If interested, please use the signup genius link below:
3rd Grade Class Helps Others

Mrs. Feinstein's 3rd grade class started a collection of pajamas at Mercer for needy children. The class collected over 125 pairs of pajamas! The pajamas were donated to Cuyahoga Children's and Family Services. They also partnered with Scholastic Books so each child will receive both a pair of pajamas and a book. 

Thank you to the Mercer Community for your generosity in this endeavor!
Save the date -- the Sweetheart Dance is coming!

K-4 girls can attend with dad or a special adult
When: Feb. 15th, 6-8pm
Where: Shaker Middle School

$20 a couple
$5 corsages
$10 pictures

Pay online at PayForIt.net

For questions, please call Miss Billie at (216) 295-4366
Mercer Grad Giving Back

Hello! My name is Jasmine Collier. I am a sophomore at Shaker Heights High School, and I used to attend Mercer Elementary School. There were a lot of little things that I remember fondly about Mercer including playing in the snow at recess. 

 I will be working with Mercer to periodically collect items that Mercer needs. Mercer greatly appreciates spare clothing items for students who may need them in emergencies. Currently, we are asking for donations of sweat pants sizes 6 -14 and snow pants sizes 6 -14. 

 It is easy to participate. Please email me at  jccollier1@yahoo.com  if you can donate and give me your home address.  On February 9, between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.  I will come to you and get the items. Please leave them in a bag on your front porch. 

Thank you so much!!
Jasmine Collier
PTO Special Education Parent Group

The Special Education /Learning Difference Parent/ Caregiver Group Presents:

The ABCs of IEPs Click here to see the Flyer.
Attention all 2019/2020 Woodbury parents!!! 

The Woodbury PTO Council is working to fill its PTO Council slate for the next school year. In order to make it a successful year for our students we need YOUR support! If you are interested in holding a position or learning more please contact Eileen Linz, Woodbury PTO Nominating Chair, at elinz76@gmail.com .  

If a council position is not up your alley there are plenty of other committees and student events that need volunteers and support. Hope to hear from you!
Box Tops Spring Collection Has Started!

Clip Box Tops from your favorite products and send them to school during our spring collection drive from Feb 1-15 . Each clip brings Mercer 10 cents! 

For a list of participating products, see: http://tinyurl.com/jrvreun .


Homework Help Available

Does your child need help getting into a routine? Does homework take much longer than it should? Are you battling your child when it comes to doing homework? 
The Elementary   Homework Center  at Woodbury could be the answer. You can drop your child off for a ONE HOUR session with a certified teacher. There is no cost, and no appointment is necessary.

The center is open each week Monday – Thursday from 4:30-7:00.
Helpful Links
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