Letter from Dr. Merle Horowitz, Superintendent, about new Culbertson Principal

Dear Parents/Guardians:  One of the most important goals for me this year was to search for a wonderful educator to replace Tom Cook as the principal at Culbertson Elementary School.  I am pleased to share that at the May 26 School Board meeting, the Board of School Directors approved my recommendation for your new principal, James Orwig.

Jim has been an administrator for the past fifteen years, after teaching at both the elementary and middle school levels.  He is currently the principal of two small elementary schools in the Kutztown Area School District.  Jim is pupil-centered and thoroughly committed to high qualify education for your children.  He exhibits intelligence, character, motivation, poise and excellent communication skills.

Jim is a strong instructional leader with a terrific understanding of special education.  His efforts have provided positive results for students who struggle to learn.  Jim's strengths include a strong working knowledge of all technology related programming dedicated to student achievement.

Jim shared wonderful ideas to engage parents in the education of their children, as well as how to facilitate business partnerships to support the school environment.  Jim will work closely with Tom Cook for a smooth transition at Culbertson.  Arrangements will be made for you to meet Jim Orwig prior to the close of this school year.

Sincerely, Merle Horowitz, Ed.D., Superintendent

Culbertson Cougars Love Sammy Bradly!  Culbertson alumni Sammy Bradly, now a student at Paxon, was recently diagnosed with Leukemia and will spend many months in duPont Hospital, undergo many tests, and has already started chemotherapy. You can follow his progress, and send Sammy a message through a webpage dedicated to him at www.carepages.com. To get to Sammy's page you must obtain a free username and password, then you can search "Bradly" (watch that you don't mispell it) and Sammy's name will pop up. Annie is planning on updating Sammy's progress frequently and Sammy will also be able to read messages that we post to his page.  Check back often to find other ways the Marple Newtown School District community will be supporting Sammy and his family.  Already in the works are bracelet and t-shirt sales. This will be a great way to send encouraging words to Sammy and let him know how much he is loved by all of us.

Benefit Saturday, July 11th
To help the Bradly Family during this very difficult time, a benefit is being given on Saturday July 11th from 6-9 pm, at Brownies 23 East, in Ardmore, PA. Tickets can be purchased at the NELL snackbar, or by calling Beth Gallo at 610-506-5500.

Relief Fund
In addition, if you cannot make the benefit and would just like to make a donation, an account has been set up at the New Century bank in Newtown Square on their behalf. Cash or checks are accepted.

Checks can be made out to “For the Benefit of Samuel C. Bradly” and either brought to the New Century Bank in Newtown Square or mailed to:

New Century Bank
3557 West Chester Pike
Newtown Square, PA 19073

Donations can also be dropped off at the NELL snackbar, or mailed to Beth Gallo, 3508 Caley Road, Newtown Square, PA 19073.  If you have any questions, send email to bradlyfund@nellbaseball.com.

ALL proceeds will benefit the Bradly family, to help relieve some of the financial burden in allowing Sammy’s parents to be able to spend as much time with Sammy and his brother as possible.

Elementary Report Cards -- This past year, the District piloted a 3-marking period standards-based report card, which was accompanied by 3 progress reports throughout the school year. We would like to know whether you preferred this format, or the prior 4-marking period format with no progress reports. Please complete the following brief survey to let us know your thoughts.  << Elementary Report Card Survey >>

Important Announcement about new Immunization Requirements! The Pennsylvania Department of Health has revised the immunization requirements for all children for the 2009-2010 school year. Attached is an informational flyer for families to review with their health care professional

Summer Reading Lists Available!   The 2009 Summer Reading lists for elementary students are available here!

Summer Math Packets -- Standardized Summer Math Packets were distributed to all students entering first through sixth grades. Students who work on their math skills over the summer are more prepared for the new school year. Please use the following guildelines to help your child through the summer.  Copies of the math packets, answers keys, and other helpful tools can be found here:  http://www.mnsd.net/math

Public notice: MNSD is pursuing an Ed-Flex waiver of section 1113 (a) (2) (B) – Eligible School Attendance Areas – of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act for the Culbertson attendance area in order to maintain a Title I program at Culbertson Elementary and St. Anastasia Schools.