August 29, 2021: Welcome Back |
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Dr. Danielle Murray, Acting Principal |
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Welcome to the 2021-2022 school year. The entire staff at Pennell Elementary is eagerly awaiting the arrival of students on Tuesday. Teachers have been working tirelessly the last few weeks to have the classrooms ready for instruction. I am in awe of the welcoming spaces they have created. The custodial staff, led by Mr. Altin Dukaj, continues to work diligently to keep our building clean and safe, I can literally see my reflection in our waxed floors. Mrs. Howley and Mrs. Grosso, our office staff, has not stopped all summer registering new students, updating files, and preparing the building to open.
I am honored to be supporting the Pennell staff as their Interim Principal. This is my 21st year in Penn-Delco. I have been a classroom teacher at Parkside Elementary and a reading specialist at Coebourn Elementary. The last six years, I have been the supervisor of elementary curriculum and instruction and Title 1 programming. As a proud Penn-Delco graduate, including being a Pennell Penguin myself, and a member of the community, I feel like I am coming home. Every interaction that I have had with staff members continues to amaze me and solidifies my belief that Pennell is truly an amazing place. The teachers and staff that you are entrusting your child/children with on Tuesday are nothing short of amazing.
I will be at the helm of Pennell as we begin our search for the next principal. I have no doubt that the district will choose a strong and supportive leader to take over Pennell Elementary. As for me, I have a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the Pennsylvania State University (nice win on Saturday PSU!). I obtained two master’s degrees from Saint Joseph’s University where I received my reading specialist, principal, and curriculum supervisor certifications. I also have a doctorate in the cognitive studies of reading from Widener University. My educational background will allow me to support the amazing Pennell staff as we continue to provide a strong, research-based curriculum to all of our students.
This year’s theme is to Reconnect and Re-Engage. Everyone at Pennell is looking forward to five days of in-person instruction for our students. We are excited to be able to engage students in learning and strive to meet the needs of every student.
Thank you,
Dr. Danielle Murray
Interim Principal Pennell Elementary
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Welcome Back! The entire staff of Pennell Elementary is excited to welcome back students on the first day of school, Tuesday, September 7 at 8:50 AM.
Arrival and Dismissal - School hours are 8:50 AM - 3:20 PM. Students can begin to arrive at school at 8:40 AM and dismissal begins at 3:20 each day. Car riders will exit through the gym while walkers will exit through the front doors.
Buses - All of our students (except for kindergarten) are assigned a bus. Bus information was sent out two weeks ago in a back to school mailing and can also be found on our webpage. (The AM schedule & PM schedule). We encourage our students to ride the buses. Please be sure to get to the bus stop at least 10 minutes early in the morning, especially during the first week of school. Please expect the buses to run a little late during the first week of school.
Car Line - All students who get a ride to school will need to be driven through the car line. The car line starts at the first driveway on Richard Road. The kindergarten car line is the second driveway on Richard Road. Please refer to the diagrams in the back to school letter that was sent two weeks ago. There will be cones and staff members to guide you through. The car line loops around the parking lot and leads to the side of the building. There will be several staff members present each morning to help your children out of the car and guide them to the classrooms. Please be sure your child is able to get themselves in and out of the car on their own as it will save a lot of time. Please have your signs displaying the last name of your child for pick up on the first day of school. Students will bring home additional signs printed on cardstock to be used for pick up after the first day.
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In addition to our returning staff, Pennell is fortunate to be welcoming the following staff members.
Mrs. Quarantotto - Our newest member of the 4th grade team is joining us with extensive experience. Mrs. Quarantotto brings experience and a positive attitude to our already strong 4th grade team. We are excited to see what Mrs. Quarantotto will do for our students!
Mrs. Irving - Our newest 1st grade teacher is moving over from Parkside Elementary. Mrs. Irving brings her positive vibes and extensive knowledge of first grade to Pennell. I have had the pleasure of working alongside of Mrs. Irving for many years. She is nothing short of amazing.
Ms. Phillips - Our 3rd grade team is being supported by Ms. Phillips, who filled in for our 1st grade team at the end of last year. Ms. Phillips enthusiasm for teaching and life is contagious, and we are so lucky to have her support Mrs. Plackis’ class until she returns from maternity leave.
Mrs. Carey - This year Pennell is lucky to have additional reading support, from the district’s newest reading specialist. Mrs. Carey joins Pennell to provide supplemental reading instruction for our students. Mrs. Carey has been with the district for a number of years as both a classroom teacher and a reading specialist. I am thrilled to have Mrs. Carey brings her expertise and excitement to Pennell.
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The district’s health and safety plan can be found here. The most significant last-minute change to our reopening preparation involves the implementation of the new statewide mask order for all K-12 schools in Pennsylvania. Beginning on Tuesday, September 7th all students, staff, and visitors in our schools must wear a mask. Students are also required to wear a mask on school buses, in accordance with federal requirements for public transportation.
The school district, and Pennell Elementary, successfully limited widespread school closures and quarantines last year by following health and safety guidance from public health agencies, and this year can be no exception.
In addition to academics, the social emotional learning of our students is of the utmost importance. Each month the staff at Pennell focuses on a core essential to support our students' social and emotional growth. Please check out the focus for September here.
Supply Lists for this school year can be located here. Back to School Night is scheduled for Tuesday, September 14th beginning at 6:30, details to follow. The first PTO meeting will be Tuesday, September 20th at 6:30. Friday, September 24th, will be a half day for students to support teachers in a professional development day. Dismissal will be at 11:15. For all important information please visit the district website at www.pdsd.org.
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We would like to welcome all new, and returning, Pennell Parents and Guardians! Our PTO is an active organization whose goal is to enhance the students’ educational, social, physical, and cultural experiences. The Pennell PTO organizes and supports the book fairs, Fall Fest, Holiday Shop, Variety Show, Bingo Night, Skate Party, Movie Night, PSSA Motivation, Yearbook, Spirit Wear, and assemblies.
The PTO’s Book Fair will run for 9/20-9/24. Details will follow shortly. The PTO’s first meeting will be held on 9/20. Meeting details will be sent out the week prior, stay tuned! We hope to see you there!
Stay up to Date - Like Pennell PTO on Facebook, and keep up to date with all of the wonderful activities and events that the organization provides our students.
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