In This Issue
MCE STAFF DIRECTORY

You may call any member of our staff by dialing 722-7166.
 
When prompted enter the staff member's 4 digit extension.

Click here to access the  
phone extension list.




Wednesday, 9/28
NO SCHOOL

for
1/2 Day Kdg.
(Ms. Kelly's Class) 

1/2 Day Kdg.
(Ms. Kelly's Class) 
Parent/Teacher Conferences
8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.

Parent/Teacher Conferences
All Day Kdg. - 5th Grade
4:00-8:00 p.m.

Thursday, 9/29
NO SCHOOL K-12
K-12
Parent/Teacher Conferences 12:00-8:00 p.m.

Friday, 9/30
NO SCHOOL K-12
Conference Comp Day

Monday, 10/3
through
Friday, 10/7
Adopt-an-Animal
Fundraiser
AND
Anti-Bullying
Awareness Week

Tuesday, 10/11 
PTO Carousel Skate Night

Thursday, 10/13
End of Term 1
 
Individual
Picture Retakes
10:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

 
Friday, 10/14  
NO SCHOOL K-12
Professional
Development Day

Monday, 10/17
through
Friday, 10/21
Red Ribbon Week
 
 
Wednesday, 10/19 
Breakfast with Mom
(Grades K-2)
Cafeteria
7:45 - 8:30 a.m.

Thursday, 10/20 
 Breakfast with Mom
(Grades 3-5)
Cafeteria
7:45-8:30 a.m.

Tuesday, 10/25
2nd Grade Spirit Night
Chipotle
5:00-9:00 p.m.


Friday, 10/28 
Fall Parties:
AM Kdg., 10:45-11:45 a.m.
All Day Kdg., PM Kdg.,  and Grades 1-5,
2:50-3:55 p.m.

Thursday, 11/3 
All District
Orchestra Concert
Grades 5-12
MHS Maize Gym
7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, 11/8 
PTO Spirit Night
Chipotle 

Thursday, 11/10
 5th Grade Concert
MSHS Auditorium
6:30 p.m.

 4th Grade Concert
MSHS Auditorium
7:45 p.m.

Thursday, 11/17 
Math and Reading Night
6:00-7:30 p.m.
 

Wednesday, 11/23
through
Friday, 11/25
Thanksgiving
Break
NO SCHOOL K-12

Thursday 12/1  
PTO Holiday Shop
4:00-6:30 p.m.
Gym
 
Friday, 12/9  
Polar Express
3:55-8:00 p.m. (approx.)

Friday, 12/16
End of Term 2

Monday, 12/19
Through
Friday, 12/30
NO SCHOOL
Winter Break

Monday, 1/2  
NO SCHOOL K-12
Teacher Work Day

Wednesday, 1/18
Breakfast with Dad
Grades K-2
Cafeteria
7:45-8:30 a.m.

Thursday, 1/19  
Breakfast with Dad
Grades 3-5
Cafeteria
7:45-8:30 a.m.

Monday, 1/16
NO SCHOOL K-12

Tuesday, 1/24
PTO Carousel Skate Night

Thursday, 2/9 
PTO Family Movie Night
 
Thursday, 3/2 
PTO Carousel Skate Night

CHARACTER

ED


Maize Way
 
SEPTEMBER 
COMPASSION

 Showing sympathy and concern . . .

caring for others . . .

being kind and thoughtful . . .

helping those in need.  

 

 

OCTOBER
RESPECT
Honoring another's opinion, belief, or needs . . .
being considerate and polite . . .
taking care of the environment . . .
taking care of personal and public property . . .
obeying people in positions of authority.


HOMEWORK REQUEST

When your child is absent from school and you wish to pick up homework, you must request it by 10:00 a.m.  

 

All homework and necessary textbooks will be available in the office after 2:00 p.m.  Thank you.   


 MAIZE CENTRAL ELEMENTARY  TWITTER

Welcome to  
Maize Central Elementary Twitter!  

 

We are looking forward to engaging with our community.  Check here for school news!

Follow us @ maizecentral


NO

DELIVERIES

 

 

We would like to remind everyone that  

MCE  

CANNOT accept  

deliveries of flowers, balloons, candy,  

cookies etc., per

USD 266 District Policy. 

 

We

appreciate

your cooperation!


PARTY INVITATIONS
Party invitations
CANNOT
be distributed at school. We ask that you mail invitations to personal events or parties directly to the home of the student(s) you are inviting. Parents and guardians may now opt to include your address, primary phone number, email addresses, student's school and student's grade level in the Skyward Family Access Student Directory so that other families with login rights to Family Access can view your contact information.


ONLINE STUDENT ADDRESS
&
PHONE DIRECTORY


Parents and guardians may now opt to include your address, primary phone number, email addresses, student's school and student's grade level in the Skyward Family Access Student Directory so that other families with login rights to Family Access can view your contact information. You may choose what, if any, information you display and can change these options at anytime by logging into Family Access.

   

Once in Family Access, click on School Directory, then on the Display Options tab at the top of the page to complete the process. If you are unsure how to log on to Skyward Family Access, please contact your child's school for assistance.



QUICK WEB LINKS

 
 
 
Follow this link 
to register your Dillon's card
 
 
 
 
 Target  
"Take Charge of Education"
sign up at  
 
Dillon's Community  
Rewards Program  
Click here to learn more! When registering be sure to use our NPO number 11685. 
  

WEDNESDAY EARLY DISMISSAL

Every Wednesday MCE A.M. Kindergarten students are dismissed at 11:35 a.m. and Kindergarten - 5th grade students are dismissed at 3:23 p.m. in order for teachers to have time to meet in their  

Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).   

During PLC time, teachers participate in discussing curriculum, instructional strategies, data review, state standards and more.


UNEXPECTED
TRA
NSPORTATION

CHANGES



 

If there is a change in transportation for your son/daughter, you must notify the office

 before 
3:00 p.m.

 

If the office is

not notified by these times, the student will be expected to follow normal procedures that have been established regarding riding the bus. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. 

EMERGENCY ALERTS

&  

NOTIFICATIONS 

In the event of an emergency in your child's school, the Blackboard Connect parent notification system will be used to notify you of the situation and will alert you to steps you need to take in order to reunite with your child.  Voice messages will be sent to all phone numbers and emails listed in Skyward Family Access "Family 1."  To view the contact information the district has on file, please log on to Skyward Family Access and click on "Student Information."  If you are unsure how to log on to Skyward Family Access, please contact your child's school for assistance.

TIME SENSITIVE MESSAGES 

 

If you send a time sensitive email to your child's teacher, keep in mind that he/she may have a substitute and may not receive the message.  We would suggest you carbon copy one or each of the secretaries to help ensure your child will

receive the message.

 

thamer@usd266.com 

slambert@usd266.com 

jjakubov@usd266.com 


MAIZE CENTRAL NEWS 

304 Academy Avenue   
Maize, KS  67101
Volume 12 Issue 1
316-722-0427                                       
September 2016
Safety is extremely important at MCE. Just a reminder that the front and east double doors will be unlocked daily at 8:25 a.m. These doors will be locked at 8:45 a.m. every day. I want you to know we are doing everything possible to make sure MCE remains safe for students, staff, and parents.
 
I also want to remind those of you dropping off students in the morning not to park and leave your vehicle in the drop off area. This slows down the flow of traffic in the mornings. Please drop off your children at the double east doors and proceed to Academy Avenue. This will help speed up the process.

PARENT/TEACHER

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

parent teacher conferences  

Please join us for  

Parent/Teacher Conferences: 

 

Wednesday, 9/28

  No School Kelly's (1/2 day) Class

 Parent/Teacher Conferences

8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.

 

All Day Kdg. - 5th Grade Parent/Teacher Conferences 4:00-8:00 p.m.

 

Thursday, 9/29

No School K-12,

Parent/Teacher Conferences

12:00-8:00 p.m.

 

Friday, 9/30

No School K-12

Conference Comp Day
SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR 


                            Mark your calendar

for the

 MCE Book Fair!

 

September 28th-September 30th

During Conference Times     

 

Library Media Center

Our school receives 20% of the sales  

in dollars and books.

 

Can't wait to see you there!

BEGINNING OF THE YEAR REMINDERS  

TRANSPORTATION CHANGES    

Please send a note, signed by the parent or guardian, if there will be a change in plans on how your child will be getting home after school. Your child will be expected to ride the bus, if that is the normal way of transportation, if a note is not sent.  
This is the PREFERRED method of communication
 
If you were unable or forgot to send a note and you wish to pick up your student you may email the teacher before 2:00 p.m. Please copy the secretaries to help ensure your child will receive the message. Teachers have been instructed to reply to your email. If you don't receive a response, the teacher likely did not receive the message.

thamer@usd266.com
slambert@usd266.com
jjakubov@usd266.com  

In the case of an emergency and you were unable to send a note or email the classroom teacher, you may call the office before 3:00 p.m. and leave a message on the auto-attended answering system (push #5).  Please consider this method a last resort. If the office is NOT notified before the 3:00 p.m. deadline, the student will be expected to follow normal procedures and ride his/her bus.
 
It is always best to make arrangements before your child comes to school.  Students are not allowed to call home for a note.

A NOTE FROM NURSE LONI

Say Boo to the Flu
 
Flu season is approaching. Get your flu vaccine now! Vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Symptoms of the flu can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people with the flu will not have a fever.
What is the flu? Influenza (the flu) is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs caused by the influenza virus. There are many different influenza viruses that are constantly changing.
Keep your child home from school for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone. Fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine. A fever is defined as 100°F or higher.

Clothing Needed

We are in need of pants and underwear for both boys and girls. We use extra clothes in the nurse's office for a variety of reasons including: bathroom accidents, spills at lunch, or falling in puddles at recess. If you have any to donate, it would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

CAPTURING KIDS' HEARTS

        by Ashley Proehl (3rd Grade Teacher)    

           Good Things

Each day, as part of our Capturing Kids' Hearts program, students are encouraged to share good things with their classmates and teacher. These "good things" can be as small as, "I woke up on time!" to as big as, "I am going to Disney World next week!"  Each child is celebrated and given a turn to share throughout the week.  Teachers also take their turn in sharing good things about themselves.  Sharing these small snippets helps the students start each day positively and feel valued by their peers. Additionally, sharing good things helps the teachers increase positive interactions with students and create positive relationships within the class. Good things can easily carry over into conversation at home or in the car.  Ask your child to lead a family discussion at dinner or before bed, or ask him/her what good things were shared in class each day. Focusing on the positive and celebrating what is important in each child's life is a small way to make a big, positive difference.
MCE MUSIC PROGRAM SCHEDULE
MCE PTO
MCE Parents,

  Maize Central Elementary PTO is exited for another fun-filled school year!  It is our hope that we are able to continue to build school unity and spirit throughout the many exciting activities we have planned!

  All of the money raised at our events goes directly back into the classrooms at MCE.  During the 2015-16 school year, we were able to provide $5,200.00 to MCE stafff through teacher grants.  We are confident we can provide even more this year!

  If you would like to join PTO as a volunteer, we would LOVE to have you!  You may email us at   MCEPTO1@gmail.com.  We do not have annual dues or regular meetings to attend.  Any new ideas, help at events, and donations (monetary or other) are always welcome and much appreciated!  Additionally, if you know of a business that would be willing to donate an item for the Family Movie Night basket raffle or year-end raffle, please let us know.  Lastly, we will soon be looking for vendors for the Christmas Vendor Shop to be held for the first time this year.  Please contact us if you or someone you know is interested in a booth.  Sincerely, MCE PTO Board.
Brianne Banning    President   
Kelly Haynes   Vice President 
Sara Froese  Secretary  
Rachel Pederson    Treasurer  
  
2016-17 Schedule of Events 
  *Additional activities may be added
October 11  Carousel Skate Night  
November 8  Chipotle Spirit Night  
December 1 
Christmas Vendor Shop
January 24  Carousel Skate Night  
February 9  Family Movie Night  
March 2   Carousel Skate Night  

    For each PTO event your student attends, they will earn one spirit point when they sign in.  One point earned equals one entry into a raffle.  PTO will raffle off several great prizes at the year-end school assembly.  The prizes given away last year included two scooters and an activity tracker! 


Like MCE PTO on Facebook for information, updates and pictures!
               #MCESPIRIT
PULL TABS
FOR
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE

Parents of MCE-

Collecting pull tabs for the Ronald McDonald House has become a tradition over the past 4 years. Our building has filled vans full of pull tabs to support Ronald McDonald House!! We have even taken the top prize as a school for collecting! We would love to keep up the hard work this year and see how many pounds of pull tabs we can collect.

Remember these tabs can come off of pop cans, and energy drinks.  We will weigh tabs by classroom each month on the first Friday of the month. Yes, this is a classroom competition! Ask relatives, friends, or even set up a collection point at your job to help us collect as many pounds of pull tabs as we can! Every little bit counts!

Thank you for helping show our kids what it means to give back!
 
Sincerely,
Your Pull Tab Crew
Sara Froese
Brianne Banning
 
PLEASE REPORT SUSPICIOUS SOCIAL MEDIA ACTIVITY TO THE MAIZE SCHOOLS, MAIZE POLICE
computer keyboard 
The safety of Maize USD 266 students and employees is a top priority. We do not take any threats lightly, regardless of where or how they originate. 
 
If you and/or your student ever see a threat posted to social media or elsewhere that makes you question the safety of our schools, please report it immediately. If it is after school hours, please report the threat to police. The Maize Police Department provides school security for USD 266. Please do not leave a message with one of our schools or at Maize City Hall after hours; instead, report the perceived threat by calling 911. This will give law enforcement the opportunity to begin an investigation immediately.

Thank you for your diligence and cooperation in providing the safest school environment possible.

LIFETOUCH RETAKES 
boy with camera
Lifetouch "Second Chance" photos will be taken on Thursday, October 13th.  These photos are for the following students:
  • Students whose start date was after September 13th.
  • Students who were absent on September 13th.
  • Students/families who were not pleased with their pictures.  The unwanted photo package must be returned.
  • Students who did not purchase photos on September 13th.
You may find the second chance order form in the office.   
COUNSELOR'S CORNER
ADOPT AN ANIMAL
ZOO FUNDRAISER
October 3-7


Maize Central Elementary would like to help the Sedgwick County Zoo by adopting an animal for the 2016-2017 school year. Each student may bring in on e or more dollar bills to be placed in containers around the school. This fundraiser will be held during the week of October 3 - 7. We will try to reach our goal of $500 by the end of the week.  The money raised helps feed and provide care for our adopted animal.  It also allows the school to have a zoo assembly where we will learn more about the animal we adopt.  Join in on the fun and help us support the Sedgwick County Zoo!

KANSAS ANTI-BULLYING  
AWARENESS WEEK
October 3-7 

       
In October, schools across the country join to STOMP Out Bullying by observing National Bullying Prevention Month. Also, the Kansas State Board of Education and the Kansas State Senate have designated the first full week in October as Anti-Bullying Awareness Week in Kansas. 
The goal: encourage communities to work together to stop bullying and cyberbullying by increasing awareness of the prevalence and impact of bullying on all children of all ages.

In honor of Anti-Bullying Awareness Week in Kansas and National Bullying Prevention Month, ALL Maize elementary students and staff are invited to wear BLUE on Tuesday, October 4th, as an opportunity to create awareness and address the harm that bullying creates.
     
RED RIBBON WEEK   
October 17 - October 21
Red Ribbon
During Red Ribbon Week, schools take a stand for the hopes and dreams of our children through a commitment to drug prevention and education and a personal commitment to live drug free lives with the ultimate goal being the creation of drug free America.  MCE will be participating in various activities throughout the week to bring awareness to drug prevention.

BREAKFAST WITH MOM 
Join Us For Breakfast! 
Muffin with Mom 
Where:     MCE Cafeteria
When:      Wednesday, 10/19 Grades K-2
                Thursday, 10/20 Grades 3-5
Menu:       Muffins, Yogurt, Juice, Fruit Choice,
                           Coffee, Tea 
Time:        7:45-8:30 a.m
Cost:        $1.80 (exact change is appreciated)

CHESS CLUB
We began offering the Chess Club seven years ago, and we have been thrilled with the participation we've had.  Our first meeting will be at 7:30  a.m. on Friday, October 7th.   Each meeting will be from 7:30-8:30 a.m. This club is offered exclusively to our fourth and fifth grade MCE students who are either interested in improving their chess playing skills or who haven't ever played before.  Although younger siblings are not allowed to come, parents are more than welcome to participate because we certainly welcome the adult help.  The club was established on the basis that chess is a lifelong game that requires players to utilize higher level thinking skills while also encouraging players to be careful and thorough.  Our number one rule in Chess Club is, "If you see a good move, stop and look for a better one."  That is something we hope students apply in school, and then continue to live by for the rest of their lives.

If your son/daughter is interested, have him/her stop by Mr. Dreher's room to get a sign up form, or you may click here. Students MUST be signed up by the first meeting. They are not allowed to join after that.   


Chess Club Meeting Dates


October 7
 
January 13 
 March 17  
October 21
 
January 20   
 April 7   
October 28
 
January 27
 
April 21  
 
November 4
 
February 3 
 
 April 28
 
November 11
 
 February 10 
 
  
 
November 18
 
February 24    
 
December 2
 
March 3  
 
 
December 9
 
March 10 
 
 

FALL PARTIES
Come join your child on
Friday, October 28th!
   
The Fall Parties will start as follows:

A.M. Kindergarten, 10:45 - 11:45 a.m.   
All Day Kdg., P.M. Kdg.,
&
Grades 1-5, 2:50-3:55 p.m.
      
Please remember these guidelines
for costumes:  
  • No masks!
  • Make believe weapons such as guns, swords, knives, etc. are not to be brought to school as part of the costume.    
  • No make up or face paint.    
  • Children should not wear their costumes to school.
  • Costumes should be easy to put on over clothing.
  • Children will not be allowed to change in/out of their costumes in the restrooms.    
  • We request that students bring their costumes in a sack in the morning.   
  • Before school is dismissed, the costumes should be removed to take on the bus.                            
MCE PARTY GUIDELINES
  • Parents are in charge of three parties:  Fall Party, Valentine Party, and Spring Party (Field Day).
  • Party time begins at 10:45 a.m. for A.M. Kdg. and 2:50 p.m. for All Day Kdg., P.M. Kdg., and Grade 1-5.
  • Please check with the classroom teacher about food allergies and any other medical concerns.   
  • All party activities should occur on school grounds. (classroom and playground only)   
  • No moon walks, petting zoos, carnival rides, etc. 
  • No fire (candles, matches, etc.) 
  • For safety reasons, family members attending parties should stay in the classroom.   
  • To prevent spreading lice, please do not use blindfolds or other types of head gear that might be shared by students.    
  • Donations of items rather than money is strongly recommended.    
No students should be excluded from activities due to financial reasons. 
SHINING STARS
We began our Shining Star Student Recognition Program this month. Each Friday morning after a designated class sings the school song, one student from each classroom is recognized for his/her part in demonstrating the character trait that has been emphasized for the month. The students' names are announced over the intercom and at that time they come to the office to receive a pencil and a personalized certificate signed by Mr. Jennings.
          
MONTHLY CHARACTER ED TRAITS

August - Friendship
January - Self Discipline
September - Compassion
February - Honesty
October - Respect
March - Cooperation
November - Responsibility
April - Acceptance
December - Generosity
May - Perseverance

MCE SCHOOL SONG
music notes
The children at Maize Central have been learning to sing our MCE School Song. Maize Central students suggested that we should share the song with all who read our newsletter. They are proud of the fact that the first verse of the song mentions all of the things they enjoy about school, while the second verse incorporates all of the Character attributes that our students are striving for. You can join in the fun with us. Just sing these words below to the tune of "Hey, Look Me Over."   Our song is titled  
"We're Maize Central".

We're Maize Central

Verse 1:
We're Maize Central.  Our school is the best! 
Just put our kids and teachers to the test. 
We like to learn.  To us it is a snap. 
We're readin' and writin' and 'rithmeticing 
ourselves right off the map. 
Oh yes, we sure like our music, recess, and P.E. 
We've got the best kids and teachers  
you'd ever hope to see. 
We're working with zest to be the best,  
and know that you'll agree, 
That we come from Maize Central Elementary.
               
Verse 2: 
We strive for friendship. Our pals they are hip. 
We show acceptance and offer you some tips. 
Respect your classmates and share some honesty. 
We're learnin' and laughing and demonstratin' responsibility. 
Oh yes, we practice compassion, generosity 
Our cooperation, it's yours for free. 
We persevere. Now you should hear, 
self-discipline is key. 
Be a STAR at Maize Central Elementary.
 
4TH AND 5TH GRADE
VOCAL MUSIC PROGRAM
YOU ARE INVITED TO
MAIZE CENTRAL ELEMENTARY'S
4TH & 5TH GRADE VOCAL MUSIC CONCERTS

 
Thursday, November 10th, 2016
Maize South High School Auditorium 
 
FIFTH GRADE CLASSES:
Dreher, Farrell, Lehner, Mosier, and Parker
6:30 p.m.
 
FOURTH GRADE CLASSES:
Chamberlain, Groner, Hartzog, Neufeld, and Wagner
7:45 p.m.

Join us as we share what we've learned about American musicals.  Please note that each child should arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the performance. The children will meet to warm-up in the vocal music room. All concerts will be held in the Maize South High School Auditorium. Please watch Skyward for upcoming details.
We look forward to seeing you!!!!

DISTRICT ASKS VOLUNTEERS TO CONSIDER PAYING FOR THEIR BACKGROUND CHECKS


Maize USD 266 is extremely thankful for the many volunteers who selflessly give of their time in our classrooms. Our schools are stronger thanks to the help and support of our community members, and our students benefit from this relationship.
 
Safety is a top priority for the district, which since 2008 has conducted background checks of potential volunteers. This, however, comes at a cost: During the 2015-16 school year alone, Maize USD 266 spent approximately $13,300 on background screenings. According to Maize Board of Education policy , "volunteers who work in a classroom on a regular basis, supervise students during a field trip when a staff member is not present, or work with students away from the supervision of a classroom teacher are required to have a background check." This extra step helps ensure that we are keeping our students safe.

This year, Maize Schools is asking our volunteers to please consider helping us cover that cost, allowing the district to continue to invest as much of our budget as possible into our teachers and classrooms.

Those interested in becoming elementary school volunteers can visit their school page on our district website and click on the "Volunteer Background Screening" link in the left rail to begin their background check process through the National Screening Bureau. After providing some information, would-be volunteers will be prompted to pay $22 by credit or debit card on a secure system and will receive a receipt via email. (The National Screening Bureau uses a secure server and cutting-edge screening technology in order to protect privacy.)
 
Maize Schools does not wish to discourage any potential volunteer from getting involved in our classrooms and with our students and will pay for background screenings for anyone who chooses not to pay themselves.

Thanks to all parents and volunteers for continued support of our students and district!

AFTER SCHOOL PICK UP
clipboard
Parents are required to enter the building and sign out their son/daughter if they are picked up after 4:05 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday or after 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday.  Just a reminder that Latchkey (260-9622) is available for anyone that is in need of before or after school care. 
Principal
David Jennings
djennings@usd266.com
316-722-0427
Ext:  2704
Assistant Principal 
Brenda Pfeifer
brpfeifer@usd266.com
316-722-0427
Ext:  2705