The Mighty Mascoutah
April 2024 Edition
MES FAMILIES
This newsletter will keep you up to date and in the loop as we begin the month of April. 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
April Events
April 2:
- Classes Resume
- Kindergarten New Student Registration Begins
- Solar Eclipse Viewing (Students must have a signed permission slip to participate)
April 9-19:
- MES IAR Testing Window
April 12:
- Kindergarten Field Trip to MO Botanical Gardens
April 19:
- 1st Grade Field Trip to Carlyle
- Dollar Day- Students can bring a dollar and tape Mrs. Cooley to the wall. All proceeds go towards our PBIS Incentives.
- 4th Quarter Progress Report Midterm
- IAR Testing Window Ends
April 22-26:
- Week of the Military (See school wide dress up days below)
April 23-25:
- 5th Grade Only- ISA Testing Window
April 25:
- 5th Grade Musical Opening Night
April 26:
- 5th Grade Musical Last Showing
- MES Spirit Day
April 29:
- 1/2 4th Grade Field Trip Historical Homes
April 29-5/7:
- MES Spring Scholastic Book Fair
May 1:
- 1/2 4th Grade Field Trip Historical Home
May 2:
- PTO Meeting and Elections
May 3:
- 4th Grade Dr. Williams Field Trip Historical Homes
Long Range Events
May 6- MES Kindergarten Screening
May 6-May 10- Teacher Appreciation Week
May 21- MES Field Day
May 23- LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
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.
SOLAR ECLISPE
On April 8, a Solar Eclipse will make its way across southern Illinois at approximately 2:00pm. We have acquired eclipse-safe viewing glasses for students, faculty, and staff. Permission slips were sent home on March 18. Due to safety concerns, a parent or guardian signature is required in order for students to participate in the event at school using school provided eclipse glasses. If a permission slip is not returned, your child will not be permitted to view the eclipse, and an alternate, indoor activity will be provided. It is also your right as a parent or guardian to choose for your child to not view the eclipse at school. If you have any questions or need another permission slip sent home, please reach out to your teacher or the school office. Thank you!
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.
Week of the Military Child
April is the Month of the Military Child where we celebrate military children and their families balancing all of life’s opportunities and challenges. During the week of April 22-26, MES will be honoring all of the military children by participating in the following spirit days based on the colors of the various
branches. We’d like to kick off this celebration with a “Purple Up!” Day to show our support of military kids on April 19. We invite ALL students to participate each day! As part of our celebration, we are extremely excited to welcome the Scott Air Force Base Rock Band for a special performance for our students on Friday, April 26!
Lost and Found
The MES Lost and Found continues to grow. If you would like to access these items, please reach out to the office. All items are on display through door 25.
Purple Up Day on April 19!
On Friday, April 19 all MES students will wear purple to celebrate being a military child. Let's flood our hallways by all kids, parents, and school staff by wearing purple!
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 and election May 2 . 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
MES Spirit Wear
We've got spirit, how about you!? The PTO has launched the Mascoutah Elementary spirit apparel store! Both adult and youth sizes are available with several different options of short sleeve, long sleeve, and/or hoodie. Purchases are available for shipping or in-store pickup. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds go back to the PTO and into funding future events that benefit and support our students and staff!
If you’re interested in buying apparel, the Mascoutah Store can be found here: Mascoutah Store
A Note from the School Nurse
Please remember to send an extra set of clothes to keep at school in case of spills, tears, and other mishaps to prevent missed class time. Thank you for your help!
Follow Us on Facebook
Throughout the school year, our students, teachers, and administrators share out the amazing learning experiences and activities going on at Mascoutah Elementary and in our school district. Click the link below to view our Facebook page!