The Mighty Mascoutah
March 2024 Edition
MES FAMILIES
This newsletter will keep you up to date and in the loop as we begin the month of March. Please read at your convenience as we have several pieces of important information for the upcoming month.
Communication between home & school is vital for student success. All of us at MES are dedicated to supporting our vision statement: "Where we provide excellence in learning by engaging every student every day. "
Please feel free to contact the MES office if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Michelle J. Cooley
March Events
March 1:
- SIP Day- Half Day Student Attendance (Dismissal is 11:30)
March 2-6:
- Read Across America Week
March 4:
- Teacher In-Service Day- No Student Attendance
March 5:
- Countywide Tornado Drill
March 8:
- End of the 3rd Quarter
March 12:
- Family STEM Night (5:30-7:00)
- Safari Dental at MES
March 22:
- Imaginary Theatre Show
- MES Spirit Day
March 28- April 1:
- Spring Break- No School
Long Range Events
April 8-19
- Solar Eclipse Day
- IAR assessment testing for 3rd-5th grade students
5 Essentials Survey
Dear Mascoutah Elementary Parents,
Your input is crucial! Please take a moment to complete the 5 Essentials Survey for Illinois schools. Your feedback will help improve our school environment and enhance your child's learning experience. Your participation is valued, and your insights matter. Click the provided link or use the QR Code to share your thoughts. Thank you for being an essential part of our school community!
Sincerely,
Mascoutah Elementary School
Returning to Mascoutah Elementary Next Year? We Need Your Help!
In order to better prepare for summer registration, we are attempting to get an accurate count of returning students for the 2024-2025 school year. Please complete this form (one per child), sign and return to school no later than March 15. If you are uncertain of your plans at this time, choose the “returning to MES” option and we can update this information at a later date.
For your convenience we are send a print out for each student on March 1, but in the event it gets lost the file below can be downloaded and printed.
Dental Safari
Dental Safari, a professional mobile dentist service, will be at Mascoutah Elementary School on Tuesday, March 12. Licensed, experienced dentists, hygienists, and assistants provide services including an exam, cleaning, fluoride treatment and sealants for any students in Pre-K through 5th grade if needed. They bill Tricare insurance and do not charge anything over. They will also work with you if no dental insurance is available. This exam qualifies to fulfill the state’s dental exam requirement for Kindergarten and 2nd grade students. If you would like to use this service please register online at www.dentalsafariforms.com by Monday, March 4th. More information on the program can be found at www.dentalsafaricompany.com. Please call or email Nurse Bise at bisek@msd19.org if you have further questions on this program.
Deployment Groups
Are your children struggling with the deployment of an important family member in their life? If so, Mrs. Vitale runs weekly deployment groups for our MES students in the Fall and the Spring! If you are interested in getting your child in this group for the Fall, please email Megan Vitale at vitalem@msd19.org.
Attendance and Absence
3 reasons why your attendance matters:
Academic Success: Regular attendance is linked to better academic performance. Students who attend class regularly have more opportunities to engage with the material, participate in discussions, and complete assignments on time. Consistent attendance allows for a continuous learning process, which is crucial for understanding and mastering new concepts.
Social Development: School is not just about academics; it's also a place for social interaction and development. Regular attendance allows students to build relationships with peers, teachers, and other school staff. These interactions contribute to the development of social skills, teamwork, and a sense of belonging.
Preparation for the Future: Regular attendance instills a sense of responsibility and commitment. These qualities are crucial for success in the workforce and adult life. Employers often value employees who are reliable and committed to their responsibilities.
📢LAST CALL FOR YEARBOOKS 📢
Dear Families,
The time to preorder the 2024 yearbook has been extended. If you are interested, please purchase at LINK HERE A payment plan is available at checkout.
We cannot guarantee a yearbook unless you preorder BY TODAY, FRIDAY, MARCH 1ST. If you are unsure if you ordered, please check here https://www.jostens.com/customer-service/yearbook-order-tracking
There will be a limited amount, first come first serve, after Friday, March 1st, so reserve your yearbook TODAY before we submit our final order to Jostens.
Thanks,
The MES Yearbook Committee
PTO STEM NIGHT
Skate City Family Freebies Club
2024 Junior Golf Program at The Orchards Golf Club
Please see the attachment if you are interested in Spring/Summer golf programs for your children at The Orchards Golf Club.
State Testing Season Approaching for Grades 3rd-5th
Our 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students will take the IAR (Illinois Assessment of Readiness) in both ELA and Math on April 9th-19th.
Our 5th grade students will take the ISA (Illinois Science Assessment) in Science on April 23rd - 25th.
- Please make sure that all students taking these tests are at school on time on these testing days.
- Please try to avoid trips or appointments during testing. If you have any questions about the state test, please contact Mrs. Yarber
- More information will be sent through grade level and parents newsletters closer to the testing window.
Here are some quick tips for preparing for testing:
- Get a good night sleep
- Eat breakfast
- Take deep breaths- You've Got This!
JOIN OUR PTO
We Want You On Our Team!
Dear Mascoutah Parents,
We hope this message finds you well. As we embark on another exciting school year, we invite you to become actively involved in your child's education and school community by joining the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO).
The PTO plays a crucial role in supporting various initiatives and programs that enhance the overall educational experience for our students. Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or a newcomer, your involvement is valued and essential to our school's success.
This year, we have a special opportunity for dedicated parents who want to take on leadership roles within the PTO. We have Two Executive Board positions available for the 2024-2025 school year: President and Vice President. These positions provide a unique chance to contribute to decision-making processes, shape the direction of the PTO, and have a direct impact on the programs and events that benefit our students.
If you are passionate about making a difference in your child's education and are interested in taking on a leadership role, we encourage you to consider nominating yourself or another dedicated parent for the positions of President or Vice President. Your commitment and enthusiasm will help drive the PTO's success in the coming year.
To express your interest or nominate someone for these positions, please attend our upcoming PTO meeting on March 12 @ 6:00 pm. If you are unable to attend but would like to be considered, feel free to contact us at mes19pto@gmail.com to discuss further.
We look forward to welcoming new faces and working together to create a vibrant and supportive school community. Thank you for your continued support!
Best Regards,
PTO Chairperson