Friday, August 27, 2021

8.27.21 Principal Notes

Dear McKelvie Families~

The first two days of school were great!  The kids were awesome and it was so wonderful having them all back together again!  I'd like to give a shout out to the parents who made drop off and pick up the best it's been in 2 years.  Traffic only backed up into the roads for brief periods of time, which was a lovely change!

I will send home information next week about signing up for clubs and intramurals, so stay tuned!

Important Dates:
8/26/21-First Day of School
9/1/21-Grade 5 Parent Info Night 6-7pm
9/2/21-Grade 6 Parent Info Night 6-7pm
9/6/21-No School Labor Day
9/13/21-School Picture Day

School Hours:
The main office is open from 7:30 to 4:00.  

School Breakfast/Lunch:
Did you know we serve breakfast and lunch at McKelvie?  Breakfast is served in the cafeteria from 7:30 until 8:15 for students in the Before School Program, and from 8:40 to 8:50 for students that get dropped off during morning recess.  Muffins, fruit bowls, cereal, and yogurt parfaits are a great way to start the day!  Students just need to give the cashier their 99 number.  All breakfasts and lunches are free for all students, for the 21-22 school year!

Automated Attendance Call:
Again this year, families in the Bedford School District will receive a phone call confirming their child's absence via our "School Messenger" system. Once we have taken attendance, a message will be generated confirming your child's absence. The elementary calls will go out at approximately 9:30 AM, McKelvie and Lurgio will go out at 10:30 AM and the BHS at 11:00 AM. If this call comes to you in error, please contact the Main Office, so that we can correct the attendance report.


Anti-Bullying Partnership Agreement:

Please keep an eye out for a document coming home with your children next week about bullying. Last year’s District Bullying Task Force developed a Partnership Agreement among students, teachers, and families to better understand and address student conflict, and what is and is not considered bullying.  We are asking all families to read, discuss, and sign this document to help ensure a happy, safe, and nurturing environment for all. Please click HERE if you would like an electronic copy of that agreement.

BHS Basketball Clinic:
Calling all basketball players! The Bedford High School girl’s and boy’s basketball teams are hosting clinics for Bedford students in grades 3-8. The two-day clinic will be held on 9/12 and 9/19 in the BHS gymnasium. Registration is $50. Please click HERE for more information. 

Strings Program at McKelvie:
If you child is interested in learning how to play the violin, viola, or cello, The Manchester School of Music will be offering classes here at McKelvie School. Click HERE for more information.

PTG News:
BACK TO SCHOOL GREETINGS FROM THE PTG!
We look. forward to a new school year full of fantastic programs and events for our students, staff and families.

SUPPORT THE PTG:
Through our Support Drive, 100% of your donation goes directly to the schools and students of Bedford. Consider supporting the PTG by making a donation via PayPal by clicking HERE or by checks made out to Bedford PTG (turn into your child’s school or mail to PO Box 10077 Bedford, NH).

LOOKING TO VOLUNTEER:
We will have information about volunteering for Bedford Schools in the upcoming weeks. Links to a Volunteer Google Form for each school will be available at that time. You will need to fill this form out in order to hear about volunteer opportunities at the schools or district wide. Currently, some schools are looking to fill open school coordinator level roles.

COMMUNITY CONVERSATION with Superintendent Fournier:
Hosted by the PTG, Superintendent Mike Fournier invites you for “Conversation & Coffee” on Friday, September 10th, 9:30 a.m. at the SAU Building. This will be a small, informal gathering to discuss Bedford School District happenings. Questions and comments are encouraged. You must RSVP to attend; seating is limited. Click HERE to sign up.

MEET THE PRINCIPALS EVENT SEPTEMBER 24TH:
You are invited to meet the Principals from all six schools at our annual "Meet the Principals" event on Friday, September 24th from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. It will also be broadcast live on BCTV. This is a great opportunity to hear what each school has in store for the year. Please email questions before Sept. 22 for the Q&A session that follows the presentation to bedfordnhptg@gmail.com.

Have a wonderful weekend!
Jen Asdot

Wednesday, August 25, 2021

8.25.21 Principal Notes

Dear McKelvie Families~

It's finally here!  I am so excited for the first day of school tomorrow, and I hope your kids are too!  Below is important information regarding the first day of school.

School Hours:
The main office is open from 7:30 to 4:00.

Daily Schedule:
8:20 AM Recess Begins
8:40 AM Recess Ends
8:50 Students must be in homeroom for attendance, announcements, etc.
9:00 Classes begin
12:00 Grade 5 Lunch and Recess
12:50 Grade 6 Lunch and Recess
3:15 Afternoon Dismissal begins

AM Arrival Procedures:
All students who are driven to school should be dropped off at the front doors of the building's main entrance at the front of the school.  Students can be dropped off beginning at 8:20 and recess goes until 8:40 when the bell rings to enter the building.  Cars may not enter the bus drop off line and students cannot be dropped off at the playground.  Students who are driven to school walk to the playground from the main entrance.  Students who take the bus will be dropped off next to the playground along the concrete barriers.  I highly encourage all students to take the bus, even on the first day of school.  Students need to be in their homeroom classes by 8:50 or they will be marked tardy.  We give some leeway to this on the first week of school.

PM Dismissal Procedures:
Afternoon announcements begin at 3:15 followed by dismissing parent pick-up students.  All grade 6 students are picked up at the main entrance on Liberty Hill Road in front of the school. Grade 6 students exit the cafeteria doors near the flagpole and parents need to pull all the way up to pick up their kids.  This keeps the line moving and helps to prevent the blocking of intersections.  All grade 5 students are picked up at the canopy entrance on County Rd.  Parents need to pull all the way up to prevent blocking intersections and to keep the lines moving.  If you have a 5th and 6th grader, pickup is at the canopy on County Rd.

Students who are parent pick-up, walkers, or bike riders need a note stating how they are getting home.  All students go home on the bus that do not have a note indicating they are going home a different way.  If your child is always a parent pick-up, send in a note indicating the specific days and we will put their names on the permanent parent pick up list.  If your child is a permanent walker/bike rider, send that note in as well.

At approximately 3:17 we begin dismissing busses.  After ALL busses are dismissed and have left the parking lot, we dismiss walkers and bike riders at approximately 3:25.  Walkers and bike riders are dismissed last as there are far fewer cars and busses on the road.  I highly encourage all students take the bus home, even on the first day of school.  I anticipate students will get home a little late the first day.

Bus Riders:
Students can only take their own busses again this year.  Per the Director of Transportation, friends can not accompany riders on a different bus.

Before School Program Registration:
Students who have registered for the Before School Program can be dropped off as early as 7:30 at the main entrance on Liberty Hill Rd.  Parents do not need to walk students in and can just drop them off!  Click HERE to get the registration form for the Before School Program.

Bus Routes:
Bus routes are online and can be found HERE. Scroll down to McKelvie Intermediate School Afternoon and McKelvie Intermediate School Morning Bus Routes for stop locations and pick-up times. I highly encourage all students to take the bus to and from school, as drop off and pick up lines are really long.

Have a wonderful night!

Jen Asdot
McKelvie Principal


Friday, August 20, 2021

August 20, 2021 Principal Notes

Dear McKelvie Families~

The first day of school is almost here!  All teachers will be on the playground for the first day of school, holding signs with their names on them so students can see where to line up.  There will be plenty of staff on hand to make sure kids get to the right place!  We do not have a Meet and Greet at McKelvie School as we cannot accommodate 700 cars and families at one time.  This is why we also have two Open Houses at McKelvie.  This week's notes are a bit lengthy but have a lot of important information about the first day of school.

Important Dates:
8/26/21-First Day of School
9/1/21-Grade 5 Parent Info Night 6-7pm

9/2/21-Grade 6 Parent Info Night 6-7pm
9/6/21-No School Labor Day
9/13/21-School Picture Day

School Hours:
The main office is open from 7:30 to 4:00.  

Daily Schedule:
8:20 AM Recess Begins
8:40 AM Recess Ends
8:50 Students must be in homeroom for attendance, announcements, etc.
9:00 Classes begin
12:00 Grade 5 Lunch and Recess
12:50 Grade 6 Lunch and Recess
3:15 Afternoon Dismissal begins

New Staff:
Grade 6 students who had TBD listed as their homeroom teacher will be with Mrs. Warble.  Mrs. Warble is new to the Bedford School District but not new to teaching!  

Grade 6 students in Mrs. Davidson's class will have a long term sub until November 1st.  Mrs. Martin will be filling the role until Mrs. Davidson returns.

Mr. Allen is a new Grade 5 language arts teacher.  He will be working with Mrs. Mazzella this year!

We also have two new world language teachers!  Mrs. Laroche is our new French teacher and Miss Gentes is our new French/Spanish teacher.  

I am really excited to welcome so many wonderful new teachers to our school this year!

Before School Program Registration:
Students who have registered for the Before School Program can be dropped off as early as 7:30 at the main entrance on Liberty Hill Rd.  Parents do not need to walk students in and can just drop them off!  Click HERE to get the registration form for the Before School Program.
AM Arrival Procedures:
All students who are driven to school should be dropped off at the front doors of the building's main entrance at the front of the school.  Students can be dropped off beginning at 8:20 and recess goes until 8:40 when the bell rings to enter the building.  Cars may not enter the bus drop off line and students cannot be dropped off at the playground.  Students who are driven to school walk to the playground from the main entrance.  Students who take the bus will be dropped off next to the playground along the concrete barriers.  I highly encourage all students to take the bus, even on the first day of school.  Students need to be in their homeroom classes by 8:50 or they will be marked tardy.  We give some leeway to this on the first week of school.

PM Dismissal Procedures:
Afternoon announcements begin at 3:15 followed by dismissing parent pick-up students.  All grade 6 students are picked up at the main entrance on Liberty Hill Road in front of the school. Grade 6 students exit the cafeteria doors near the flagpole and parents need to pull all the way up to pick up their kids.  This keeps the line moving and helps to prevent the blocking of intersections.  All grade 5 students are picked up at the canopy entrance on County Rd.  Parents need to pull all the way up to prevent blocking intersections and to keep the lines moving.  If you have a 5th and 6th grader, pickup is at the canopy on County Rd.

Students who are parent pick-up, walkers, or bike riders need a note stating how they are getting home.  All students go home on the bus that do not have a note indicating they are going home a different way.  If your child is always a parent pick-up, send in a note indicating the specific days and we will put their names on the permanent parent pick up list.  If your child is a permanent walker/bike rider, send that note in as well.

At approximately 3:17 we begin dismissing busses.  After ALL busses are dismissed and have left the parking lot, we dismiss walkers and bike riders at approximately 3:25.  Walkers and bike riders are dismissed last as there are far fewer cars and busses on the road.  I highly encourage all students take the bus home, even on the first day of school.  I anticipate students will get home a little late the first day.

Bus Routes:
Bus routes are online and can be found HERE. Scroll down to McKelvie Intermediate School Afternoon and McKelvie Intermediate School Morning Bus Routes for stop locations and pick-up times. I highly encourage all students to take the bus to and from school, as drop off and pick up lines are really long.

Come Join Us!
McKelvie Intermediate School is looking to hire some part time and full time individuals for the 21/22 School Year.  Please reach out to Jodi Parsons (parsonsj@sau25.net) if you are interested in learning more about employment at McKelvie Intermediate School.  Positions Available:

Part Time Reading Tutor - Looking for a candidate 2 to 3 days per week working with students in a small group setting on reinforcement of reading skills.

Part Time Lunch/Recess Monitor - Assist with the supervision of students during lunch and recess every day from 11:45 to 1:45.

Full Time Paraprofessional - Full time schedule (8:15-3:15) working with individual and small groups of students supporting them in the classroom setting.  This full time position is eligible for medical and dental benefits.

BHS Basketball Clinic:
Calling all basketball players! The Bedford High School girl’s and boy’s basketball teams are hosting clinics for Bedford students in grades 3-8. The two-day clinic will be held on 9/12 and 9/19 in the BHS gymnasium. Registration is $50. Please click HERE for more information. 

Supply Lists:
HERE is a link to supply lists.  There is 1 supply list for each pod.  Look at the list, find your child's teacher, and click on that link!

Have a terrific weekend and I can't wait to see your kids next week!  As always, call or email if you have any questions.


Jen Asdot
McKelvie Principal


Wednesday, August 11, 2021

8.12.21 McKelvie Update

Dear McKelvie Families~

Per the Director of Technology, the enrollment registration form is not ready to go out to families yet, which is why you have not gotten an email.  He will email you when the registration form is ready to go.

Not to worry!  Powerschool is now open, so you can see your child's homeroom teacher.  

HERE are directions for getting into Powerschool.  If you are unable to log in, please call the school.

HERE is a link to the McKelvie Website.  Powerschool can be found under the Quick Links section on the left side of the website.

Supply Lists:

HERE is a link to supply lists.  There is 1 supply list for each pod.  Look at the list, find your child's teacher, and click on that link!

Tomorrow I will be sending a detailed email with updates for the opening of the school year.

Have a good afternoon!

Jen Asdot


Friday, August 6, 2021

8.06.21 Principal Notes

Dear McKelvie Families~

This is the first official Principal Notes of the 21-22 school year! Hopefully everyone is having a terrific summer.  At this point, you can expect a weekly email from me with news and updates related to McKelvie.  

Important Dates:
Tuesday, August 10th: Relax and Read 12-2:30 in the Library
Thursday, August 26th: First Day of School
Wednesday, September 1st: 5th Grade Open House 6-7 pm
Thursday, September 2nd: 6th Grade Open House 6-7 pm
Monday, September 13th: School Picture Day

Placement:
Per the technology department, placement is expected to go live this Monday, August 9th. Parents will get an email with a link to access this year's online enrollment sheet. Once the online enrollment is filled out, parents will be able to get into Powerschool to see their child's homeroom teacher and pod.

Supply Lists:
On Monday, a document with links to all of the supply lists will be uploaded on the McKelvie Website under School News.  

Relax and Read:
We have one more relax and read session for any student who wants to come and visit the McKelvie Library on Tuesday, August 10th from 12-2:30. Parents can sign in their child and come back later, or stay for a visit! Drop off and pick up are at the library doors, on the playground.

Stay Tuned Next Week for Info On:
Parent Drop Off and Pickup Procedures
Before School Registration
Bus Routes
Other Updates

Have a wonderful weekend!

Jen Asdot-Principal