Downing Digest May 2015
Quote of the Month:
If what you did yesterday still looks big today, you haven’t done much today. - Mike Krzyzewski
Grace Downing School 100 E. 3rd Ave. Runnemede, NJ 08078 856-939-3192
Dear Parents, As many of you know, Mrs. Karpiak-Malloy, our beloved art teacher, is retiring after 37 years of service to the Runnemede School District. Many of you may have had her as a teacher yourselves and have fond memories of her creative lessons, special projects, and memorable art expos. I wish her the best of luck as she starts her next chapter. We will surely miss her for many years to come. Effective next school year, we will have a new and improved system for parent volunteers at Bingham & Downing. During our annual Back-to-School Night presentations, each classroom teacher will seek out parent volunteers for school functions, field trips, and holiday celebrations. There will be a list of holidays/school happenings that all classrooms will celebrate, but know that each teacher has flexibility to do things slightly different based on grade level, student needs, and special interests. With the new plan in place next year, more parents will have opportunities to visit and assist. You will receive more information next year. We look forward to the new changes. The PTA will focus more on volunteers for fundraisers such as holiday shop, book fairs, etc…, and PTA sponsored evening events. PTA volunteering opportunities will become available in September, too. If you haven’t “liked” our Facebook page yet, I highly recommend that you do. Our teachers and students are doing remarkable things each and every day. Our Facebook page provides a positive snapshot of our district on a regular basis. Enjoy Spring!
Thank you for the generous donations to the animal shelter!
Jade A. Yezzi, Principal
Check out our website for important information, updates, and school happenings! www.runnemedeschools.org
Our kindergarten round up and registration was a great success! We will host orientations at both Bingham and Downing to welcome our new students that will attend kindergarten in September. Presentations will be given to the parents and the children will enjoy a special “bucket filling” activity with our current kindergarten teachers. The orientations are from 2-2:45 PM on the following dates: Bingham: Wednesday, 5/27/15 Downing: Thursday, 5/28/15
APRIL
From The Desk of Mrs. Karpiak The Art Show, Third Grade Program, and All School Expo was a great success! This year's theme was "It's a Small World- A Celebration of Disney". Third graders researched and dressed as their favorite Disney characters, then spoke about it to all of the visitors. Well over 500 children and families came out to view all of the artwork and classroom exhibits. All of the teachers want to thank all of the parents for supporting this annual event! Downing Artists of the Month: Emma McBride and Isabel Robinson
K-H
BUCKET FILLERS OF THE MONTH 1. Shamere Barnes 2. Abdiel Jaquez
K-R 1. Alexis Mastalski 2. Veronica Edmonds
1-G 1. Gunner Sams 2. Roux Snyder 1-P 1. Laila Rasheed 2. Gabriel Teti 2-B 1. Mariam Aziz 2. Joseph Baird 2-V 1. Harmony Allen 2. Andrew Osborn 3-M 1. Erica Kamman 2. Julian Panarello
Stay tuned for details about many exciting end of year activities planned! We have fun events planned for our students.
3-S 1. James Kostick 2. Kyla O’Brien
May 2015 SUN
3
MON
4
TUE
5
WED
6
THU
7
FRI
SAT
1
2
8
9
15
16
22
23
Mrs. Hummel’s Class Performance at 1:45 PM
10
11
12
13
3rd Grade PARCC Testing Week
17 MAP Testing Week
14 Kindergarten Field Trip
18
19
20
21
1st Grade Tea Party at 2:00 PM
Book Fair Begins
Student Book Club Meeting at 7:50 AM
Buy 1 get 1 free
24
31
25
26
SCHOOLS CLOSED
3rd Grade Day
27
28
29
Kindergarten Orientation at 2:00 PM
Men & Women of Distinction from Volz visit
30
