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Message from the PTO President
Hello VFES Families,
TGIF! I know I shouldn't be saying that after a four day week. I hope these days were as smooth as they could be your families. We tried to stay cool under the pressure and with this heat!
I'm happy to serve again on the PTO and share my gratitude with this year's Board, working over the summer to ensure all is in place for the new school year. In fact the last week of summer held not one but two PTO events. Amanda Ivory chaired our annual back to school lunch for teachers and staff in the newly air-conditioned cafeteria. Many teachers told me the delicious lunch on their first day back to work was such a treat. Thursday morning, a friendly group of fourth graders volunteered as tour guides for new VFES students and their families. 55 families were invited to tour, and I thank Raquel Hunter for organizing this warm welcome to our new families.
I look forward to seeing you on Friday Sept. 19 as we enjoy Kona Ice and catching up. Stay tuned to the Falcon and www.vfespto.org for more as the year unfolds.
All the best,
Heather S. Bittenbender
VFES PTO President
ptopres@vfespto.org
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Back to School Greetings from Mrs. Wills
Dear VFES Families,
Welcome to the 2014-15 school year, and a special welcome to families  who recently moved to the area! The start of a new school year always brings excitement and anticipation. We are fortunate to have a community that supports our schools, parents who are involved with their children and caring, talented staff members who work diligently and are dedicated to helping develop our most precious resource, our children. Best of all, we have a great group of kids!
We see parents as true partners in the education of their children. Working together we can make this the best school year ever. The staff at VFES spent time this summer re-energizing and gearing up to enter the new school year refreshed and with a renewed dedication to the academic achievement of our students and to promoting a nurturing and caring environment. Recognizing our students' emotional, social and physical needs, we promote their growth by helping them become critical thinkers, problem solvers, effective communicators and caring individuals. This is accomplished through a meaningful curriculum, excellence in instruction and continuous communication among parents, teachers and students.
During professional development days in June, the teachers enhanced a variety of curricular programs and revised instructional activities. Teachers worked with their grade level colleagues both across the District and within their building teams to plan for the continued implementation of Math in Focus, Singapore Math. The program has been implemented in Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades and will be added in 3rd and 4th grades this year. Math in Focus is explicitly connected to the National Common Core Standards and emphasizes a strong balance of concrete, pictorial, and abstract instructional strategies.
Last year students did an excellent job with our building theme of "Appreciating Others." We used the book, Shapesville, to help students learn that everyone has special talents and that our unique characteristics help make us interesting and special. This year our school theme will be "VFES Superheroes." Positive character traits such as being trustworthy, responsible, caring, respectful, fair and a good citizen will be emphasized throughout the year with planned activities related to this theme. We look forward to hearing about your child's "superpowers."
We are excited that school has begun and look forward to the challenges and educational opportunities that lie ahead. Know that everyone at VFES is committed to working with you to support your child's journey. Best wishes for a wonderful school year!
Sincerely,
Rebecca Wills
Principal
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Spirit Day Reminder !
Today is the Spirit Day to show the school pride. Come in with Falcon 5K shirt, Spirit wear or school colors.
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VFES Falcon 5k Run/Walk and 1 Mile Kids' Fun Run
Wilson Farm Park, 500 Lee Road, Wayne, PA
Sunday, September 28th at 9:00 AM.
1 Mile Kids' Fun Run starts at 9:45 AM.
Come and support Valley Forge Elementary School's 2nd Annual Falcon 5k Run/Walk and 1 Mile Kids' Fun Run on September 28th. There will be music, awards for the top finishers in each age group and refreshments at the end of the race. Enjoy a beautiful September morning exercising with your family in the park.
For more information or to register, visit www.vfesfalcon5k.com. Walk-ins welcome!
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Volunteer & Homeroom/Library Parent Signups Are Online Now!
There are some remaining Chairperson positions and many General Volunteer/Committee opportunities available for the new school year. Signups are also now for all classroom Homeroom & Library Parents. Look for the "Volunteer Interest Inventory" and "Homeroom & Library" forms by clicking on Volunteer Forms at www.vfespto.org. Responses are needed by Friday, September 12th. Any questions can be directed to Amanda Ivory at vpvolunteer@vfespto.org.
Amanda
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T&E Care offers school meal assistance program
Tredyffrin & Easttown Care is a local non-profit that helps families in our community in a variety of ways. Because effective learning is best done on a full stomach, T&E Care is supporting families in the T/E School District with a school meal assistance program. This assistance is available to families meeting certain income criteria. Families who are approved for the government free or reduced lunch assistance are not eligible to apply for our program - this program is for families who make over the free/reduced levels but still struggle to afford lunch for their kids. More details about this program can be found in the flyer and details on the acceptance criteria can be found on this short application which you can download.
Any community members interested in helping to fund this important initiative, please go to T&E Care's website (www.tecare.org) for more details on how to get involved. Questions on the program can be sent to lunchhelp@tecare.org. |
Dressy Clothing and Halloween Costumes Needed!
The 4th grade will be sponsoring a dressy clothing and Halloween costume sale and they need your help! Donations can be dropped in the collection box in the main lobby.
Items to include:
- blazers
- dress shirts
- golf/polo shirts
- ties
- pants
- dresses
- skirts
- blouses
- shoes
- belts
- accessories
Also include HALLOWEEN Costumes or any other DRESS UP clothing and accessories you may have!
HALLOWEEN COSTUME SALE WILL BE ON FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 19th at the back to school picnic.
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Valley Forge Elementary Spirit Wear is here!
Don't miss out! Purchase the VFES spirit wear on sale starting Friday September 19th through Wayne Sporting Goods! Long and short sleeve T-shirts, hoodies and sweatpants are available for purchase.
All purchases can be made by accessing the store through www.waynesportinggoods.com on September 19th. Purchases can be picked up from school or sent home with your child!
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School Directory Advertisers Wanted 
Don't miss out on a great opportunity to advertise your business in the VFES school directory! Ads can be placed until Friday, September 12th for inclusion in the September printing and distribution of the directory. For ad sizes, rates and payment details see the attached form here. Questions? Please contact Stacey Pellegrini at vpfundraising@gmail.com.
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Thank You
Special thanks to Raquel Hunter for chairing New Families Tours last week and making them feel special and welcomed.
Many thanks to Amanda Ivory for coordinating and chairing back to school luncheon for the staff.
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Upcoming Events
09/04/2014- Spirit Day
09/12/2014- Last date to register for
Volunteering
09/19/2014-Back to School Picnic
09/19/2014-Halloween Costume Sale
09/28/2014- Falcon 5K Run/Walk
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2013-2014 Falcon Publication Dates
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Questions or Comments?
Contact the Editors:
Tracy Grigoriades
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