Principal Palladino

January 2, 2025

Welcome Back, Pennell Elementary Families!


Happy New Year! We hope your winter break was filled with joy, relaxation, and time to connect with loved ones. As we return to school, we are filled with excitement and energy for the second half of the year.


The upcoming months will be filled with wonderful opportunities for learning, growth, and community engagement. From exciting classroom projects to special events and celebrations, there’s so much to look forward to. Together, we’ll continue enhancing our positive and supportive environment where every child is valued.


Thank you for your partnership, let’s make 2025 a year to remember!


Related Arts Schedule:

Thursday is C

Friday is D


Monday is E

Tuesday is F

Wednesday is A

Thursday is B

Friday is C


Seasonal Clothing Reminder:

As we embrace the joys of winter, we want to ensure that your children can fully enjoy their 25 minutes of recess each day. With this in mind, we kindly remind you to send them to school dressed in appropriate winter attire, including warm jackets, gloves, hats, and scarves. This small effort will not only keep them comfortable but also enhance their experience of fresh air and physical activity

during these chilly months. We appreciate your partnership in promoting your children's health and happiness during winter.


Winter Concert:

If you were unable to come see the winter concert, or just want to see it again, you can access the full show HERE.



Upcoming Dates for your Calendar:


  • 1/2-1/15 Winter Benchmarking Window
  • 1/13 Mid-Year PBIS Expectations Assembly – this will be January’s Pennell Pride day – wear your Pennell shirts
  • 1/14 PTO meeting 6:30
  • 1/17 Half-day for students, 11:15 dismissal
  • 1/20 MLK Holiday – no school



Follow us now on Instagram @PDSD_Pennell

NEWS FROM OUR PBIS TEAM

Each month Pennell staff members recognize those Penguins that have gone above and beyond demonstrating our school-wide expectations of being respectful, responsible, and safe.  A Positive Penguin Postcard was sent home to many students and the names were entered into a raffle for a special activity to be led by a Pennell staff member.  Our January activity winners are:


Michael Williams

Aubrey Graziano

Alice Wirstad

Storm Chen

Quinn Fehrle

Chau Bui


Congratulations! Keep up the great work!


PBIS

Parent - School Partnership

2025 Spelling Bee

The Spelling Bee is buzzing its way back to Pennell Elementary! Students in grades 3, 4, and 5 will have the exciting opportunity to compete in their classroom-wide spelling bee. The two students from each class who spell the most words correctly will move on to represent their grade in our school-wide spelling bee, which will take place on (insert date) .


Our first-place winner will then advance to the regional spelling bee competition, held on February 22, 2025 at the Delaware County Intermediate Unit.


Important Information About the Spelling Bee: The competition will follow the guidelines set by the Scripps National Spelling Bee, including:


  • Pronunciation: The pronouncer will say the word, use it in a sentence, and repeat it before the student begins spelling.
  • Time Limit: Students will have a short time limit (30 seconds) to spell each word after hearing it.
  • Judging: The competition will be judged based on accuracy. If a student spells a word incorrectly, they will be eliminated.
  • Word List: The words for the Classroom Bees will be based on the Scripps National Spelling Bee’s official study list, which is divided into grade-level categories. This resource has been sent home with each student in grades 3, 4, and 5.


If your child is selected to represent their class at the school-wide spelling bee, they will have access to the official study materials, which include a list of words to help them prepare.


We encourage you to support your child in this fun and educational experience. It’s a wonderful opportunity to enhance their spelling skills and celebrate their efforts!

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We look forward to seeing the students shine in their classroom bees and at the school-wide competition this month!

READING OLYMPICS

  As we prepare for the 2025 Reading Olympics competition we will be adding more dates for morning practice. Please add these dates to your calendars! You can also check my schoology page for updates!  We will be meeting at 8:15 each Monday morning.  


Monday January 6, 2025


Monday January 13, 2025


Monday February 3, 2025


Monday February 10, 2025


Monday February 24, 2025


Monday March 3, 2025


Monday March 10, 2025


Monday March 24, 2025


Monday March 31, 2025


Monday April 1, 2025



Thank you, 

Mrs. Carey

acarey@pdsd.org


PARENT TECHNOLOGY TIPS

Parent Tech Tip from our Technology teacher, Ms. Cameron


We’re on the same page! Here is a message from Super Schoolhouse to watch with your child: 

Short video about online safety and expectations at home and at school.

Your Online World

MOBILE DENTIST IN FEBRUARY

The Mobile Dentist Returns February 7

Does your student need to see the dentist? We are excited to partner with The Smile Program: My School Dentist to offer in-school dental care on February 7, 2025.

 

The Pennsylvania Department of Health requires a dental examination upon entrance to school (kindergarten or 1st grade) and in grades 3 and 7. Those who need a dental exam, regardless of grade, can sign up to be examined at Northley Middle School. Learn more and register at www.pdsd.org/dentist

PENNELL PTO CORNER

Ticket sales for the Special Person Dance have been extended until January 10. Please note that it is $20 per person, cash or check.  If you already purchased tickets & aren't sure if you sent the correct amount, please email PTO. We will be following up with some families to confirm how many tickets are needed. 


If you're ordering flowers for your big night, please consider Wise Originals - they're donating 20% back to Pennell on special orders for the dance! Complete details are on our website.

Our next PTO meeting will be Tuesday, January 14 at 6:30pm. A Zoom link & childcare will be available, as usual. The 5th Grade Committee will meet at 6pm in the library.


The Freddy's Fundraiser Night is January 15 from 5 - 9pm. Freddy's in Brookhaven will donate 15% of sales that night to the Pennell Outdoor Classroom. Flyers will come home this week. 

No Pretzel Friday this week - we will return on January 10!


Upcoming Events - details to come!

Gertrude Hawk Fundraiser: February 17 - March 3

Glow Party - March 14

ENVIRONMENTAL CLUB

The Environmental Club is collecting all types of glasses again this year for a recycling project through The Lion's Club. Please send all types of eyewear that you no longer want or need. Students can drop off donations at Room 109, Mrs. Irving's classroom.

PENNELL 2024-25

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Please take some time this weekend to review the Pennell Handbook. Make sure to review drop off and pick up procedures in addition to birthday snacks and absent procedures.

HANDBOOK

HELPFUL LINKS

Pennell's Website
Report Attendance
24-25 Instructional Calendar
Volunteer Clearance Information
Penn-Delco's Website
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