Weekly Mercy Memo 04.05.17
A message from our principal, Mrs. Anne Knapke
Dear Gwynedd-Mercy Academy Family and Friends,
Thank you to all who were able to attend last night's Lenten reflection led by Sister Mary Scullion. Her talk, along with reflections from two of her Project HOME colleagues, provided us with first-hand knowledge of the plight of the homeless and clearly demonstrated how Mercy and advocacy can positively change and uplift lives. We are so appreciative of our newly formed GMA Service Parent Liaison Team who have joined efforts to reinvigorate our service program here at GMA. Thank you to GMA Parent, Mrs. Krissy Gonnella and Director of Religious Education, Mrs. Liz Sher, who were instrumental in organizing last evening's event.
As mentioned in a previous Mercy Memo, we are organizing parent focus groups to gather feedback on a variety programming at GMA. Some of the topics covered will include curriculum, discipline, food service, and uniforms. Our focus groups will be held on Monday, April 24th at 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM, and on Tuesday, April 25th at 8:30 AM. Registration information will be sent home on Monday, April 10.
Finally, we are looking forward to our first annual Daughters' Dance this Saturday, April 8. We are delighted to have had such an overwhelming response with nearly 130 families signed up to attend. We are very grateful for our planning committee and volunteers led by GMA Parent, Mrs. Kathy Almeida, and Director of Curriculum, Mrs. Lindsey Rauch.
In Christ's love and mercy,
Anne W. Knapke, M.Ed.
Principal
What a great week we had on the GMA stage as we presented Seussical The Musical, Jr., starring our 8th grade and featuring the 7th grade. Thanks to the many faculty, and parent volunteers, who helped produce this wonderful expression of our students' talents and creativity. Click here to see a slideshow of this fabulous production!
Notes from the Nurse's office:
You should find an envelope from the Nurse's office in the book bag of the youngest/only child in your family today, April 5th.
If you do not, please send an email to nurse@gmaelem.org. The envelope should contain:
- Screening results for ALL students:
- Vision and growth - All students
- Hearing Grades K - 3 and 7
- Scoliosis screening - Grade 7
Students in Grades 2 and 6: Letter explaining the state requirement for a dental exam for students entering Grades 3 and 7 in September 2017 and a Dental exam report
Students in Grade 5: Letter explaining state requirement for Physical exam for students entering Grade 6 in September 2017 and Physician's report of Physical exam
Students in Grade 6: Important information regarding immunization requirements for students entering Grade 7 in September 2017
A few reminders:
- An Absence note must be sent to school after every absence. This note can be found on the GMA website on the nurse's page. If you cannot download and print the form, please send a handwritten signed note including child's name, home room and reason for absence.
- If your child is ill with fever, please keep them at home until the temperature is normal for 24 hours without fever reducing medication.
- Please consult your child's teacher before sending any food to school for parties. Please consider non-food items to share with your child's classmates for birthdays and special occasions. This may be a better choice in light of food allergies and promoting healthy eating habits.
- If you are going to be away, please notify the main office (be sure to include who will be responsible for your children and their contact information).
- If you would like your child to have any over the counter medication(s) during the school day, a form is required. Click here to download Parent/Guardian Request for Administration of Non-Prescription "Over the Counter" Medication During School Hours or any other forms regarding the administration of medications during the school day.
It's time to sign up for Spring Clubs! Dates will be Thursdays: April 20, April 27, May 4, May 11 and May 18. Check out all the great fun learning opportunities below!
- Engineering for Kids - Environmental Engineering (grades K-2 and 3-5) - Spring flyer
- Young Rembrandts (grades K-5) - Spring flyer
- Bricks for Kids - Ticket to Ride - Spring flyer
- Science Explorers - 3-2-1 Blast Off (grades K-5) - Spring flyer
- Matt Paul Sports - Old School Stickball (grades K-4)
- Tiny Tennis (grades K-5)
Last day to guarantee a t-shirt is Friday, April 7th! Sign up now for the 2017 Miles 4 Mercy, a 5K Run/Walk and 1K Fun Run/Walk for kids which will take place on April 23rd at the Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School track. The 5K course starts at the track and continues on through the campus of Gwynedd Mercy College, looping back to finish on the track.
Sign up to hit the links with GMA parents and friends on May 22, as we host the first annual GMA Golf Tournament at Old York Road Country Club. Go to www.gmaelem.org/golf to register to golf, to come to the post-tournament dinner or pass along a suggestion for a sponsor.
Reading Olylmpics is a celebration of reading sponsored by the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, This year GMA had three teams participate. Teams of students read 45 books and competed against 3 other area teams.
A special congratulations to the Middle School Team whose numbers dwindled to 7 students as a result of losing members to confirmations and Seussical The Musical. As one coach mentioned, this team of 7 competing against teams of 11 and 12 were like "like the Little Engine that could." Congratulations to all students who participated at the Elementary Level. The Red Apples earned a Blue Ribbon, and the Blue Book Worms earned a Red Ribbon.
We also want to thank the parents who volunteered to coach each team.
6-7 Radiant Readers - Mrs. Julie Pasceri-Young, and Mrs. Bridget Leary
4-5 Blue Book Worms - Mrs. Grace Hrlic & Mrs. Hart Rossmeisl
4-5 Red Apples - Mrs. Paula Medio Linares, Mrs. Dana Bradfield, and Mrs. Louisa Ramirez.
GMA is hosting a Middle School Dance on Friday, April 21, from 7:30 - 10. Infinite Entertainment will DJ! Students from all schools are welcome to attend. Tickets are available for pre-sale ($8) online, and will be sold in the dining hall in the days leading up to the dance. Tickets will also be sold at the door ($10).
Gwynedd Mercy University has asked us to pass along their invitation for GMA students to sign up for their summer basketball camp for grades 2-8.
Sign up now for GMA faculty camps the weeks of June 12 and June 19. Camps will run Monday to Friday and include sports, academic enrichment, Jumpstart into Kindergarten, and many other fun activities. Watch this summer camp commercial produced by the GMA Broadcast Team.
Time to start that spring cleaning - and then you can drop off your unneeded clothing and household goods to the St. Vincent de Paul collection truck that will be here on Tuesday, 4/25 from 8:30-1:30. Click here for donation information.
Lavner Summer Campers can explore their interests in Sports, Technology, the Arts and more! Register for 1+ weeks, specialize in an area of interest each week.
Are you looking for your child's jacket, lunchbox or hat? Check out the Lost and Found on the table in the rear of the dining hall. After Tuesday, 4/11, all items will be donated.
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