Principal Palladino

January 5, 2025

Pennell Elementary Families!


The students and staff adjusted well to coming back to school after the long winter break. Now we eagerly anticipate an inclement weather call for tomorrow morning . It is indeed a very exciting time!


Please note: Although devices and packets were sent home as precaution, the first two inclement weather days off will have no instruction, and will be enjoyed as traditional snow days. Only after we have used 2 of these days will we then need to pivot to flexible instruction days (online learning) to ensure we will not need to make up instructional time in the spring or summer months.


Please take a few minutes to review this newsletter. Although I just sent a similar communication last Wednesday evening, there are some changes and additions throughout. Most importantly, if we have any days off due to inclement weather, our letter day schedule will not change or adjust; it will remain constant.


Related Arts Schedule:

Monday is E

Tuesday is F - in case Monday is a snow day, Tuesday will still be an F-Day

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.



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
  • 1/27 Wings whole-school assembly
  • 1/31 School-wide Spelling Bee



Follow us now on Instagram @PDSD_Pennell

WELLNESS POLICY REMINDER

FOR SNACKS and BIRTHDAY TREATS

Class Snacks and The Wellness Policy


Recently, there has been an increase in the amount of snacks and birthday treats being dropped off that do not adhere to the school district wellness policy which was developed in accordance with state and federal regulations. As a school community, I ask that all snacks being sent to school for distribution to the entire class or grade meet the requirements within our District's policy. In addition, please reach out to your specific classroom teacher to find out if there are any additional allergies within the class that may need to be taken into consideration. The list below will be the only allowable snacks for class distribution. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. For more detailed information see the policy in the handbook linked at the bottom of this newsletter.


As always, if you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Palladino at cpalladino@pdsd.org


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 January 31st.


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

PARENT TRAINING OPPORTUNITY

from the DCIU

PENNELL PTO CORNER

The last day to purchase tickets for the Special Person Dance is this Friday, 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. 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. 

Pretzel Friday returns this week - remember your $1 at lunch.

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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