Report Card Parent Informational Meeting
As you may know, the reporting system has changed for Hance, Richland, and Wexford to provide you a more accurate assessment of your child's progress.

There will be a Parent Informational Meeting on September 24 at 7 p.m. at the Dewitt Blank Conference Room located in the Administration Building. To help in the planning, please RSVP by Monday, September 22. Please click here to RSVP and include your name and elementary school name in your reply.

School Procedures

Please remember the following procedural items at RES:

A handwritten note is required for any change in your child's schedule. If you are sending the note via email, you must copy Carolyn Will in the school office and your child's teacher. Please click here for details that were published in the previous Flash.
If driving your child to school, please do not arrive before 8:55. The doors will not open before 8:55.
If your child is an afternoon car rider, the doors will open at 3:35 p.m.

Thank you!

A Few Slots Still Available to Help in the Library!

There are just a few shifts still available if you're interested in helping in the Library -- Mondays from 9:20-11; Tuesdays from 2-3:20; and Wednesdays from 1:55-2:35.

If you're able to help shelve and check out books, email Mrs. Pearson or call the school library. Thank you for your valuable time!

DIBELS for Grade 3

This year, DIBELS will also be administered for Grade 3. The assessments will take place next week. There is no special preparation. If you would like more information on DIBELS, please click here.

Grandparents' & Grandfriends' Day 2008!

This special day is just around the corner. Mark your calendar for October 8. Look for details in a special invitation being emailed next week.

Nurse's Notes

If your child has a major health concern such as diabetes or a severe food allergy, please be sure to communicate this information with the Bus Company. Monark Bus Garage can be reached at 724-444-7766.

Please be sure to send in your updated demographic and immunization forms as soon as possible. A second varicella or history of chicken pox disease or positive immune titer is required for all grade levels.

Physical exams are required for grades K or 1, 6, and 11. Dental exams are required for grades K or 1, 3, and 7. These forms should be submitted by October 1. Click here for physical exam forms and here for dental forms. You may also obtain these forms from the nurse in your building. If you wish to schedule a school dental or physical exam, contact your school nurse.

Have a healthy school year.

Important! PR Revises Volunteer Policy

As you read in the last edition of the Flash, the Pine-Richland School Board approved a revised policy on August 19, 2008. Please click here for policy details and here to access an application form if you plan to be an independent volunteer, a volunteer coach, or volunteer sponsor.

Volunteer Orientations: The Volunteer Orientation is a necessary part of the process of being cleared as a volunteer. We encourage all volunteers who would like to be considered for field trips, etc., to complete the process for becoming an "independent" volunteer. Please make every effort to attend a Volunteer Orientation in your child's building or contact your school counselor if you cannot attend.

Richland Elementary Volunteer Orientation

Thursday, September 18, 2 p.m.

Student Protection Plan

The Pine-Richland School District has again authorized the sale of accident insurance to students enrolled in our schools. This insurance is offered as a public service and participation is voluntary. Applications are available by calling the building secretary.

Parents are advised that the school district does not provide insurance coverage for accidents that occur to students at school through no fault of the school.

PTO News

Spirit Day is Today!

Wear your black and gold to support the Steelers as they take on their old rival, the Cleveland Browns! Go Steelers!

The next Spirit Day is September 26 -- wear your Rams gear!

Popcorn Friday -- September 19!

Our first Popcorn Friday of the year will be held next Friday, September 19. During lunch, children in grades 1-3 will have the opportunity to enjoy a bag of popcorn. This year, the popcorn will be provided free of charge, courtesy of the PTO. Enjoy!

Thank You!

The Fall Breakfast, sponsored by the PTO, turned out great. Thanks to all of the parents who helped bake and buy great food for the event. We had tons of food, and the teachers loved it. We appreciate the wonderful support from our parents.

Magic Show Family Night -- October 3!

Kevin Hurley, an awesome magician, will entertain our families at Richland Elementary including levitating an audience member! Show time is 7 p.m. on October 3.

After the performance, Mr. Hurley will provide a mini-magic class. All attendees of the class will receive a DVD to take home to learn even more tricks!

The Family Night is free; the cost to participate in the class is $25. No advance reservations are necessary. Please bring your payment for the class the night of the event.

Can You Help on September 24?

Volunteers are needed for the Market Day Sale on September 24 from 2:30-4:30 (or for any amount of time you can give in that two-hour block). If you can help, email Susan Shepard.

School Supply Drive Ends Today!

Please place new or gently-used backpacks and other necessary school supplies in the bins in the RES lobby. If your family needs school supplies for your children, please contact the Guidance Office. Questions about the Drive? Contact Lisa DeFoggia or Denise Dyni.

KidStuff Information

Payments or unpurchased books are due on Monday, September 15. Make checks payable to RES PTO.

To purchase more books, please complete the order form provided and return with your payment. If you sell five books, your book is free! KidStuff does not promote door-to-door sales. Questions? Contact Missy Fahler.

Fall Fundraiser ~ Participation is the Key to our Success!
The RES PTO has chosen Market Day "Silver Bells" as our Fall Fundraiser vendor. The success of this fundraiser is critical to our PTO mission as these funds are used for many important activities such as field trips, award-winning assemblies, and much more!

If you are visiting the school over the next few weeks, please take a moment to browse some selected "Silver Bells" catalog items that are displayed in the glass case in the main lobby.

Our goal this year is to raise $11,000 and have 100% participation from all Richland Elementary families! Catalogs will be sent home with your children on Monday, September 22. The fundraiser will last two weeks with final orders being due on Monday, October 6. Questions? Email Erin Smith.

Market Day!

The PTO wants to take a quick moment to remind you about this important program at RES.

Market Day is a unique and valuable fundraiser, which contributed more than $4,000 to the PTO last year.

Why is Market Day so important for our organization?

It's the only fundraiser that offers high-quality and nutritious food at competitive prices on a monthly basis.
By doing your grocery shopping each month with Market Day, you are serving your family delicious, wholesome meals while helping us raise funds at the same time.
Market Day requires no door-to-door selling, so it's simple and easy to contribute.
With over 160 foods from which to choose, Market Day offers a wide variety of products including low fat, low calorie, and all-natural options.
We rely on Market Day to help fund the needs of the PTO.

It's easy to participate - simply order online at www.marketday.com. The Market Day pick-up is on Wednesday, September 24, from 4:30-5:30 at Eden Hall.

We encourage you to order from Market Day. They are a trusted company; and with every purchase, you are helping our organization.

For more information about ordering from Market Day or becoming a volunteer, please contact Susan Shepard via email or phone (724-625-1284).

Box Tops Contest Begins September 22!

Our first Box Top Contest of the year will be from September 22 through October 3. Be sure to cut your Box Tops along the dotted line, put in a Ziploc bag with the teacher's name on it, and send to school with your child. During the contest, there will be a location in each child's room for his/her contribution. The winning class will celebrate with an ice cream party!

Pine-Richland School District News

PR Cheerleaders Host Cheer Clinic

Registration is due today! Click here for details.

School Board Meeting Notice: Change of Location

The Pine-Richland School Board Meeting on September 16, 2008 will be held in the Exploratorium of the Eden Hall Upper Elementary School, 3900 Bakerstown Road, Gibsonia, PA. The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m.

JRK Memorial Tournament-September 12-13

Enjoy great soccer at this Memorial Tournament that benefits the James R. Kennedy Scholarship Fund. Click here for details!

PRGS Little Dribblers Program Being Offered
Late applications are still being accepted for this Soccer Program for girls in grades 1-3. Click here for details.

PR Ram Soccer Merchandise Now On Sale

Get some great soccer gear and support Rams Soccer. Click here for details!

2009 Alumni Directory

The Pine-Richland Opportunities Fund is teaming up with Harris Connect to create a 2009 Alumni Directory for Pine-Richland and Richland High Schools. Click here for information.

Swim Registrations

PR will host swim registrations on September 20 at 11 a.m. at the PRHS pool.

District Hosting ESY Meeting
Has your child qualified for Extended School Year (ESY) in the past or do you need to have a better understanding of how IEP teams determine eligibility for students with special needs? If so, please plan to attend an informational meeting on ESY presented by Mrs. Ann Hinkson-Herrmann, a special education consultant with PaTTAN Pittsburgh, on September 24. Click here for details on reserving your participation spot.

Homecoming 2008!

Check out all the great festivities planned for Homecoming 2008! Everything kicks off with the FSN Game of the Week on Thursday, October 9, against North Allegheny. The parade and concerts follow on Friday, October 10. Click here for all the details!

Community News

New Community Items

Moms In Touch: Meets weekly.
Bitsko Family Benefit: September 28 from 1-8 p.m. in Marshall Township.
AGH Offering Classes for Families: September through December 2008.
Indian Guide & Princess Programs Forming: Informational Rally on September 18 at 7 p.m. at Wexford Elementary.
National Gymnastics Day: Celebrate locally on Saturday, September 13.
Old Economy: Hosting Events for Children on September 27 and November 29.
Chess Classes: Now taking registrations.

Pine Township Community Youth Basketball: Taking registrations on September 18 and 20.

PRYC Fall Programs: Something for everyone.