1. Harmony Elementary School 2013-2014 Back to School Night Grades 3-5

2. Welcome Parents Erik M. Paulson – Principal Erik M. Paulson – Principal PaulsonE@middletownk12.org PaulsonE@middletownk12.org PaulsonE@middletownk12.org PositionExecutive Board Members Co-Presidents Vita GardinerVita Gardiner / Kristin ValinottiKristin Valinotti Co-Vice-Presidents Jen BakerJen Baker / Veronica MullarneyVeronica Mullarney Treasurer Maria Breen Co-Secretary Lisa WalkerLisa Walker / Rosa PerryRosa Perry

3. Y-Clubs and Y-Care Hayley Nelson – Y-Clubs Hayley Nelson – Y-Clubs Y-Care – Information packet online Y-Care – Information packet online

4. KWelcome Back to School! Looking forward to a great school year filled with fun !

5. “Parent involvement in education is like the frosting on a cupcake, it makes it complete and oh so sweet.”

6. Who are we? Co- Presidents: Vita Gardiner and Kristin Valinotti Co- Vice Presidents: Veronica Mullarney and Jenn Baker Co-Secretaries- Rosa Perry and Lisa Walker Treasurer: Maria Breen

7. The Harmony PTO works with the cooperation of our school community to make Harmony a fun-filled school where learning takes place and kids feel safe and cared for. ◦ We work hard to facilitate fund raisers that have raised money for technology and gym equipment as well as charity for our neighbors who suffered loss during Hurricane Sandy. ◦ As our funds allow, we support the programs of our school that directly affect the students. As in the past our fund raising goal for the 2013-2014 school year is to provide busing for each grade level for one class trip during the school year and to provide various enrichment programs during the course of the school year as well. ◦ We lead or facilitate various committees that work to hard to make Harmony a fun filled school. These events provide memories for our children that will last a lifetime.

8. HARMONY TEACHERS ARE THE BEST! YOU ARE ONE SMART COOKIE!

9. The largest and most fun fundraiser of the year will be held October 11 th. Profits from our auction last year allowed us to purchase 25 chrome books and 7 additional Smart Boards. We are proud to announce that there is a smart board in every classroom in Harmony school.

10. Families from all schools in Middletown run or walk to raise money for their school. Profits from the Great Race were donated to Sandy victims in our school and Port Monmouth school which allowed us to help those in need in our community.

11. Holiday Fair

12. This year students will participate in the First Harmony Halloween Fest! Festivities will begin at 1:00 with a costume parade, then class parties and then a Trunk or Treat from 5:00 to 6:00 PM.

13. PTO funds purchase enrichment programs that provide entertainment and learning to students throughout the year.

14. The title speaks for itself! Parents run this day for students to make it the best day of the year. It is filled with fun, games, snacks, and a DJ for dancing.

15. Students are encouraged to showcase their talents every year in Harmony’s Variety Show. Last year Mr. Paulson and the teachers even participated in the show!

16. It’s your child’s last year! Help to make sure it’s the best one yet! Help to raise funds for 5 th grade events such as:  Dances  Trips  End of year party

17.  Please see the flyer in your folder and join the PTO  Please attend PTO meetings. All meetings are listed on a flyer located in your information packet and on the school calendar.  Volunteer to help when you can. Join a committee! Take an active role in your school.  Email PTOharmony@gmail.comPTOharmony@gmail.com  Join our facebook page: Harmony Parents  Talk to us about any ideas you have Let’s work together to make our school a great place for our kids.

19. Information about your principal Middletown Public Schools Middletown Public Schools College College Undergraduate – Elon University Undergraduate – Elon University BA – Elementary Education BA – Elementary Education Substitute Teacher – Middletown Public Schools Substitute Teacher – Middletown Public Schools Graduate – Georgian Court University Graduate – Georgian Court University MA – Administration, Supervision, & Curriculum Planning and Management MA – Administration, Supervision, & Curriculum Planning and Management Student Centered Student Centered Open Door Policy Open Door Policy Chain of Command Chain of Command Be the parent first and they will be your friend later Be the parent first and they will be your friend later

20. The Harmony Family Your Child, Addison (4), Kadence (2 on 10/2/13), and Tara (My Wife) Your Child!

21. What to expect this evening… Curriculum Curriculum Online resources (store those passwords) Online resources (store those passwords) Classroom process and procedures Classroom process and procedures Handouts Handouts Emergency Forms & PTO Emergency Forms & PTO Individual student questions will not be addressed…please email your child’s teacher Individual student questions will not be addressed…please email your child’s teacher

22. Student / Parent Handbook Emergency Drills Emergency Drills One Fire Drill One Fire Drill One Emergency Drill (followed by letter each month) One Emergency Drill (followed by letter each month) Class Parent(s) and Volunteers Class Parent(s) and Volunteers Mandatory Policy Training @ the PTO meetings this month Mandatory Policy Training @ the PTO meetings this month Birthday Policy Birthday Policy Special recognition twice a month Special recognition twice a month Birthday Bag Birthday Bag

23. Student / Parent Handbook Absences Absences Email, texting, and virtual communication is NOT an acceptable form of communication to inform the school of an absence. Email, texting, and virtual communication is NOT an acceptable form of communication to inform the school of an absence. Handwritten and/or typed note Handwritten and/or typed note All doctors notes must be submitted within 3 days of absence. All doctors notes must be submitted within 3 days of absence. Change of Demographics or Emergency Contacts Change of Demographics or Emergency Contacts Notify the teacher and main office in writing Notify the teacher and main office in writing Stop by the main office Stop by the main office

24. Student / Parent Handbook Cell Phones and BYOD Cell Phones and BYOD They are permitted and should remain in the off position in your child’s book bag They are permitted and should remain in the off position in your child’s book bag Class Celebrations Class Celebrations Schedule determined by the teacher Schedule determined by the teacher Sign-up online for big event days Sign-up online for big event days Food Policy – FOMNV (sugar is first ingredient) Food Policy – FOMNV (sugar is first ingredient)

25. Lunch Lunch in The Hawk’s Nest Lunch in The Hawk’s Nest Grades 2 and 4 eat together Grades 2 and 4 eat together Grades 3 and 5 eat together Grades 3 and 5 eat together K and 1 st grades eat in classrooms K and 1 st grades eat in classrooms Disposal of garbage Disposal of garbage Food (Age appropriate) Food (Age appropriate) Be sure to send your child with items that they can open independently.

26. School Calendar & Phone/Text Blasts Connecting your Smart device and email calendar Connecting your Smart device and email calendar Text the number 563-60 with the message “Join” Text the number 563-60 with the message “Join” You will receive text messages with updates You will receive text messages with updates Phone Blasts Phone Blasts Emergencies Emergencies Reminders Reminders Calendar Updates Calendar Updates Email Blasts Email Blasts Same as above Same as above

27. Parent Information Nights Held throughout the school year Held throughout the school year Curricular based Curricular based Bullying Bullying State of the School (data review) State of the School (data review) District Opportunities District Opportunities Every PTO meeting has a principal report Every PTO meeting has a principal report