McNamara Update - September 20, 2024

We have had a great week! Our students did a terrific job all week showing what they know in math and reading during STAR testing. We also had our first Community Connection for third and fifth graders, and our first Student Spotlight for curiosity. We are excited to celebrate school spirit during our Fun Run Kick-Off assembly this afternoon!

Have a great weekend,

Mindy Howard

Principal - McNamara Elementary School

This year we will be adjusting our curriculum night format to welcome all McNamara students along with their parents/guardians! We are excited for our students to act as McNamara tour guides for their families.

This event will take place in the evening on September 25. The following suggested times are to help alleviate parking challenges, but please come whenever the timing is best for your family:

6:00-6:30 - Families with last names A-L

6:45-7:15 - Families with last names M-Z

Teachers are excited to chat with families and answer any questions you may have. They will not be giving a formal presentation, however the information historically shared at curriculum night will be sent home in advance.

The above times are very flexible! Here is an example to help visualize the evening. Once your family arrives, you may begin by visiting each student's classroom. Then you could head to the other tour stops (cafeteria, health office, gym, etc.). A paper with the tour stops will be handed out at the door. This may take longer if you have three McNamara students than if you have one McNamara student, and you do not have to finish within 30 minutes!

Please be prepared to use our threat detection system upon entering. Items such as tablets, umbrellas, and glasses cases will need to be passed around the system, so you can prepare by taking those items out of your bags when arriving. Phones/keys can go through the system!

McNamara will have its author visit on Tuesday, October 15. Ross Burach, author and illustrator of "The Very Impatient Caterpillar" series will present to grades K-5. Check out the flier below to order books for Ross Burach to sign during the visit. River's End Bookstore has offered a 20 percent discount on each book ordered. Fliers will go home this week. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Earl at aearl@bville.org or on ParentSquare.

Our school will be conducting a Fire Drill (emergency evacuation) during the week of September 23rd. These annual drills are part NYS mandated requirements and a component of our district and building safety plan. During the fire drills students will be supervised by our staff and instructed on what to do in the event of an actual emergency evacuation. The drills being conducted are scheduled to last approximately 10 minutes. Thank you for your understanding as we continue to update and practice our safety and security measures for our students and staff.

The McNamara Parent Teacher Association is an asset to the McNamara community, providing fun events for students and showing lots of love to our teachers and staff. Join the PTA using the link below to show your support!

The PTA has launched the McNamara Elementary fall spirit store. We have many McNamara spirit days throughout the year where students and staff love to wear these items! If you are interested in donating a

t-shirt to a McNamara student in need, please contact Mrs. Howard for more information regarding sizes.

Our 2024-2025 McNamara Yearbooks are available for purchase! Please click the link below to order. Yearbooks cost $11.11 prior to December 13. After that time they go up in price to $13.89.

Principal: Mindy Howard, (315) 638-6130, mhoward@bville.org

Main Office Secretary: Jill Kantak, (315) 638-6130, jkantak@bville.org

Attendance: Donna Murphy, (315) 638-6130, dmurphy@bville.org

Psychologist: Alex Rusin, (315) 638-6130, arusin@bville.org

Social Worker: Jeff Seltzer, (315) 638-6130, jseltzer@bville.org

Counselor: Lauren Lostumbo, (315) 638-6130, llostumbo@bville.org

Nurse: Kyleigh Moore, (315) 638-6132, kmoore@bville.org

(Daily Medication Drop-off - 9:15-11:00 & 1:00-2:45)