Author Teas

Governor Mifflin School District emphasizes the writing program as part of the total language arts program. In support of this, Cumru holds Author Teas several times a year (when scheduling permits) which feature original creative writings from primary kindergarten to grade 3 students. Each classroom teacher is given the opportunity to nominate a student and a particular piece of writing to be recognized at these special events. After the students are identified, the library issues an invitation and an RSVP for family members to attend. This is returned to the library so we can assure seating and space requirements. Not every student is nominated; it is a special recognition for those students selected.

Halloween Parade

This year our prefirst through grade 3 Halloween celebration and parade will occur at 9:30 a.m. on
October 29. This is also an Act 80 Day in which the students in grades prefirst through grade 3 will be dismissed at 1 p.m. Prefirst through grade 3 students will form a parade beginning at School Lane (the roadway that connects the Intermediate School and Cumru Elementary) at 9:30 a.m. The parade will continue on School Lane to the front sidewalk of the Intermediate School. It will follow the walkway to Cumru (near the Intermediate School tennis courts that connects the Intermediate School and Cumru). In case of inclement weather, the parade will be held inside with the children from each wing going from one class to another in their wing.

Children may wear their costumes to school or bring them in a well-marked bag. We encourage students to dress as storybook characters and refrain from violent characters. Please do not allow children to carry toy weapons (knives, axes, swords, guns, etc.).  All children should have a well-marked bag to be used in to bring their clothes back home. Teachers will arrange for homeroom mothers to assist children with dressing, escorting classes along the parade route, and serving treats in the classroom.

Kindergarten Parade

Both morning and afternoon kindergarten parades will be held on October 28.

A.M. Parade – The children will begin parading through the hallways at 9:15 a.m. and, weather permitting, will parade in the front of the school for parents at approximately
9:30 a.m.

P.M. Parade – Children will begin parading through the hallways at 1:35 p.m., then, weather permitting, parade in front of the school for parents at approximately 1:45 p.m.

All kindergarten children should wear their costumes to school the day of the parade. Please send a well-marked bag in which the children may place their costume.

If, for religious beliefs, you do not agree with the scheduled activities and parades, please send a note to this effect. Your child’s absence will be marked as excused.
 
Parties

Cumru permits some limited social activities in connection with the observance of certain holidays and birthdays. Please notify teachers in advance if you are planning to send in treats for parties. Celebrations must be kept simple to prevent interference with the educational process. If you wish to provide a treat for your child’s birthday, please be aware that many children have food allergies. We suggest healthy (no candy) commercially-prepared, individually-wrapped treats with ingredients clearly listed (pretzels, fruit snacks, popcorn, etc.). In this way, teachers can quickly certify if the contents are safe for all children in the class. You may also wish to consider providing non-food items or purchasing a Birthday Book through the Library.

Reading Is Fundamental (RIF)

One of the greatest joys a child can experience is the love of reading. First grade students are fortunate to be able to participate in this program through the generosity of the UGI Corporation and the PTO. Three book giveaways occur during the course of the year. Each giveaway revolves around a theme. Before the giveaway, the children participate in several lessons that promote the love of reading. As a culminating activity, each first grade class participates in a special library lesson. At the end of the lesson, each student selects a book as a gift purchased as a result of RIF grant funding. In order to promote parental involvement, a brief follow-up activity is included for the parent and child to complete together. These activities encourage motivation, spark interest, and help the children find reading to be an exciting adventure.

Open House (Spring)

Parents are invited to attend this evening event which features various special activities and programs. More information will be sent prior to the program.

Visitation Days

On November 22 and 23, parents and grandparents are invited to visit their child’s classroom to observe the learning environment in the school. Monday and Tuesday are reserved for classroom visitations.

Principal’s Birthday Lunch

In order to become better acquainted with our children in prefirst through grade 3, the principal meets with the children monthly during the three scheduled lunch periods to celebrate their birthdays in a special way. Birthdays from September through August are all celebrated on the stage area. Thanks to the PTO’s support, the children receive a personalized birthday-gram, bookmark, Cumru Elementary birthday pencil and a delicious treat.

If for any reason (religious or other), you do not want your child to participate, you must notify your child’s teacher in writing.

Principal’s “Caught Being Good” Program

In an effort to recognize and emphasize positive behavior and promote students’ self-esteem, the principal attempts to catch children on their best behavior, recognizing their positive efforts and kind deeds with a word of praise and by distributing cards with various designs stating “Mr. Watts caught you ‘being’ good!” etc. The staff extends this philosophy into their classrooms. We truly want the children to feel that “Cumru kids have class!”