DECEMBER NEWSLETTER

Mintonye

Elementary

December 2018 | Winter Issue

NEWSLETTER

Hello Pioneer Families,

We hope your Thanksgiving Break was restful and many memories were made.

We wish to thank the Mintonye PTO for hosting a wonderful Annual Chili Supper and Open House. Special thanks to Rachel Lansinger and Britneay Hatke, Mintonye parents, for coordinating this year's event and handling the first ever "rescheduled due to weather" chili supper. Thank you, parents and families, for your support and attendance. A big high five to the dedicated teachers for the classroom displays and special recognition to Mrs. Peggy Huhn for her off-the-chart talent in bringing out the creativity in every child. The school looked amazing. Shout out to all of the McCutcheon students, PTO members, parents, Girl Scouts, and fifth grade students that volunteered to keep bowls filled, hot dogs served, tables wiped down, and lines moving. We greatly appreciate the generous donations from 9 Irish Brothers, Henry Poor Lumber, and Knox Services!

We would also like to thank Nikki Keller and Madyson Richie for overseeing picture day. It was a huge help and loads of fun to have you with us.

The holidays are upon us and while your thoughtfulness is always appreciated, the staff would like to request that you not purchase gifts for us. We would prefer that you make a donation to support the Mintonye Backpack Program, which provides our families in need with healthy food on the weekends. If you are so inclined, checks can be made payable to Food Finders Food Bank and sent to the school office.

We have a busy December planned and much to accomplish. Let's head strong into the new year. Continue to engage your students in nightly discussions about their day; what new skills they are working on in school; and what special classes they attended.

Mr. Skaggs

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Mrs. Jacqui Grider and Mrs. Melissa Polk, who have been awarded a Lafayette Breakfast Optimist Club Teacher Grant. Mrs. Grider received $400.19 for STEM Kits.

Mrs. Polk received $1540.00 to purchase Soprano Ukuleles.

The funds for teacher grants are the result of the growing success of the organization's Fat Tuesday fundraiser to be held March 5 at the Outpost in Lafayette.

2018 Snow Prince and Snow Princess

Congratulations to Snow Princess, Ellah Anderson and alternate, Jaylyn Easterly, and Snow Prince, Rylan Hamilton, and alternate, Lane Monger. Thank you for representing Mintonye at the Greater Lafayette Christmas parade.

KG and First Grade Program

Kindergarten and First Grade students will present their holiday performance on Tuesday, December 18 at 7:00 p.m. The performance will take place in the cafeteria/gym. Please join us!

All Pro Dads

Did you know that when a dad is not actively involved in his child's life, the child will be 2X more likely to fail or drop out of school?

We are fortunate to have an active All Pro Dads chapter at Mintonye. Dads and children, join us once monthly to bond and to hear the All Pro Dads message of the month.

The next meeting will take place on Friday, December 14 at 8:00 a.m. RSVP at https://allprodadsday.com/chapters/3667/chapter_meetings/29499

Annual Food Finders Drive Away Hunger Food Drive

Need groceries? Next time you shop consider throwing an extra can or two in the cart. The annual Food Finders Drive Away Hunger Food Drive will be held at Mintonye the week of December 1-5. The 2018 Food Drive is sponsored and coordinated by the Mintonye Scout Pack #3325. Check out the daily themes here.

Lend an Arm

We appreciate anyone who is able to roll up their sleeve and donate blood for the annual Mintonye Blood Drive. The event is to be held Thursday, December 13, from 3:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Last year, 20 units of life saving blood were donated, down a little from the prior year of 35 units. We hope to be able to get back to our tradition of giving during the giving season. You many sign up for the blood drive by visiting IndianaBlood.Org, click Donors, Online Scheduling, and locating Mintonye Elementary.

Students are encouraged to recruit friends and family to donate and could receive recruiting incentives. Check out the flyer here.

To answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the blood drive and for criteria regarding who can donate, please visit http://www.indianablood.org.

5th and 6th Grade Boys Lil Mavs Basketball

McCutcheon's fifth and sixth grade Boys Lil Mavs Basketball begins soon. If you missed the flyer, please check it out.

Bored Children over Winter Break?

If your child gets bored during Winter Break:

Read Books, Read Books, Read Books!

Write thank you notes and letters.

Practice measurement skills by cooking.

Set self-improvement goals for 2019!

Write a story or a poem.

Get physical exercise.

Work on a craft or a building project.

Reorganize your bedroom and closet.

Help clean the house, garage, or basement.

Help with laundry.

Have a friend over to play!

Enjoy several local events including, Pancakes with Santa, or the Polar Express!

Weather keeping you in? Make a fun photo book compliments of Lifetouch Photos at Shutterfly! (Limited time offer.)

Club Science and KidzArt

When we return from Winter Break a new session of KidzArt and a new session of Club Science will begin. Haven't signed up? Check out their flyers and get signed up soon.

KidzArt

Club Scientific

Alerts and Delays

If you have not already, please sign up for the TSC alert system at the TSC website. You might consider subscribing to alerts from Southwestern Middle School and McCutcheon High School also as delays at both schools can impact busing at Mintonye Elementary School.

Additionally, school closings and delays can be found on local radio stations and television news channels.

Bus Rules

Just a reminder that Tippecanoe School Corporation policy does not allow eating and drinking on the bus. This is for everyone's safety. The same food sensitivities and allergies we have to be cautious about in school are concerns on the bus. We must ensure this policy is strictly enforced.

The Winter Wind is Coming

On average, we share about three dozen pairs of gloves and other pieces of winter gear (including coats) daily, for children that are not appropriately dressed for outdoor recess. Please speak with your child to determine any needs for recess. Ensure they know where their outwear is and that they should be using it for EVERY recess. We appreciate your assistance in keeping our students warm and safe.

Stop the Germs

We are well into flu and cold season and should you feel so inclined, the teachers always appreciate donations of antibacterial sanitizer (with pump) to help keep germs at bay. Thank you!

Pre-Arranged Absences

If your family plans to any traveling resulting in missed school, please contact the office for a pre-arranged absence form or click here.

Book Rental

You may have recently received a textbook statement reflecting a balance due. Please make partial or full payments. Feel free to contact Mrs. Brewer, in the office with any questions. 765.538.2780.

Need to Contact the Office?

If your child will be absent or late to school we ask that you make every effort to contact the office at 765.538.2780 as soon as possible.

If you have changes to your personal email addresses or contact phone numbers, please correct the information in the PowerSchool Parent Portal or call the Mintonye Office for assistance.