Shaffer Times January 2010 Principal’s Perspective Welcome to 2010! We are very excited to continue the hard work that has been started regarding student achievement. For the next few months leading to the administering of our PSSA assessment, we will hone in our Reading and Mathematics focus to build skills and master concepts. To that end, please be aware that I may need to make adjustments in the activities/events school calendar. Please check periodically for any updates. I want to give all of our kids the optimum learning environment with minimal distractions. We will still have fun, but the building goal is always student academic achievement first. Our theme this month is “resiliency.” Have a wonderful new year. Principal Leonard WINTER FUNDRAISER Check backpacks next week for Tambellini’s Frozen Foods fundraiser info. These items are perfect for parties, lunches at work and much more! Please support your PTO’s efforts to raise funds for field trips, assemblies and end-of-year field trips! Thank you in advance!

PTO Meeting Time Children are welcome and feel free to bring a snack to share! At our January meeting, on Tuesday, Janury 12 th at 7pm, we will discuss the Book Fair, FUN Day, field trips and uniforms. Shout Out Time Mrs. Cole would like to give a shout out to A.J. Davis for already completing his 25 Book Challenge! Great job, A.J., and keep reading! Ms. Brodt would like to thank the 5th graders for making such awesome landform dioramas. You rock! She would also like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday!! Mrs. Maus would like to send a huge shout out to all of the staff and parents who are supporting our school store, as well as the Shaffer PTO for their generous donation. The children have enjoyed the shopping experience so far. We take donations any time. Just send them in with your children or bring them in yourself. Thank you for helping to make our school great. Kindergarten Time Kindergarten is working on Theme 5- Whatever the Weather. The story we have been enjoying most is _The Bear Snores On_ by Karma Wilson. Students have also been practicing their sight words and writing in their journals. We are counting our way to our 100th Day of School!

Nurse Walter Time Smile Dental Mobile will be at Shaffer, Monday, January 19th, In order for your child to be seen by the dentist, the dental form must be completed in full and returned to Nurse Walter in the health office. If you would like your child to be seen by the dentist and have not completed the required dental form, please call Nurse Walter to send a form home with your child. Currently, the date for the H1N1 immunization has not been determined by the Allegheny Health Department. As soon as the district is aware of the scheduled dates, that information will be shared with families that have signed up for the immunization in school. Please be aware that parents/guardians are welcome to come to the school to be with their child when the immunization is given. Please notify Nurse Walter if you wish to be present. There are still Kindergarten and 6th grade students that have not returned their completed physical examination forms to the nurse. Physical examinations are mandated by the state of Pennsylvania and should be returned as soon as possible. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of this information, please call Nurse ext Thank you and have a great 2010! Dancing with OUR Teachers Time Dancing with the Teachers will hit the High School stage on Saturday, January 16 th at 7pm. Our own Ms. White and Mr. Hertrick will be performing! Watch backpacks and check the WH website for details on how you can support our dancers! This event is a huge fundraiser for all the WH schools!

Guidance Time As we head into the new year of 2010, I look forward to upcoming events to be held through the guidance department including continued “Great Rewards Programs,” continued community projects that will be determined at the start of the new year, as well as our annual career day to be held at the end of April. I am extremely happy about the successes we had during the first part of the school year. The biggest projects accomplished through the guidance department were focusing on anti-bullying and bus safety ideas in September, Red Ribbon drug awareness programs held with the school nurse at the end of October, and the annual canned food drive held between November and December, which yielded approximately 350 cans that I delivered to the Braddock Carnegie Library for distribution to the community. Thank you to all of the students, staff, and families who have helped to make these projects a success, and I look forward to making 2010 another productive year! Sincerely, Mrs. Jessica Cohen Visit for Shaffer and District information!

Fundraiser Orders Due on Wednesday, February 3 rd. January Events: PUT ON FRIDGE!! 12 th PTO Meeting at 7pm in Library 13 th Winter Fundraiser Kick Off 16 th Dancing with the Teachers at 7pm 18 th Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – NO SCHOOL 27thGame Night with the Wolverines – 6:30pm-8:00pm NEW BLUE EMERGENCY CARDS WILL BE SENT HOME THIS WEEK. PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO UPDATE ANY CHANGES TO PHONE NUMBERS, ADDRESSES, EMERGENCY CONTACT INFO, NEW MEDICATIONS BEGIN GIVEN TO YOUR STUDENT, ETC. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT NURSE WALTER AT EXT. 2250