DeWitt PTA News - DeWitt Middle School PTA

DeWitt PTA News 

August-September 2011 

DeWitt Middle School 

560 Warren Road Ithaca, NY 14850 Phone 257-3222 

FROM THE PRINCIPAL 

August 2011 

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers: 

Welcome back to DeWitt Middle School for the 

2011-2012 academic year. We are looking 

forward to a very exciting year filled with 

excellence, growth and achievement. 

As the summer comes to an end, I hope 

everyone is just as excited as the staff of 

DeWitt to embark upon another educational 

journey of learning together. 

Inside this issue: 

Note: The center of this newsletter contains 

several forms that require parent/guardian 

signatures. Please review these colored sheets 

and return them to school via your child. 

From the Principal 1-2 

First Day of School 3 

PTA Co-Presidents Message 4 

Supply List 5 

WEB 7 

From the Nurse 8-9, 20 

Calendars 10,21, 29 

Free/Reduced Lunch Application 11-14 

Weekly News, Important Information 15 

Volunteer Form 19 

Information for Student Directory 20 

Sports Notes 20, 25 

Asbestos Notice 23 

Pesticide Notice 24 

PTA Board and Chairpersons 28 

PTA Membership, Advertising 30 

This means that everyday is an opportunity for 

exploration, discovery, personal growth and 

group successes. These opportunities are met 

through building genuine, life-long relationships 

with each student and their families. As a 

result, DeWitt will continue to cultivate the 

vision of being a collaborative learning 

community….in other words, one big happy 

family. 

As the doors open for the 2011-2012 academic 

year, it is important that we keep 

communication and teamwork at the forefront 

of our collaborative efforts between home and 

school. This will support our vision of creating 

a collaborative learning community and provide 

the best educational experience for our 

children. Next to world peace is our goal to 

develop a high-quality educational experience 

that will prepare our children for life in the ever 

changing and complex world, called the 21 st 

century. The Middle School years can be very 

challenging; therefore, relationships will be at 

the heart of all our efforts to assure our 

students have the essential tools to be 

successful in high school, career pursuits, 

college preparation and life. We invite your 

involvement and participation in all aspect of 

school life at DeWitt Middle School such as the 

PTA, Site-Site Council, volunteer, guest 

speaker, mentor, tutor, etc. 

This school year is like most others, filled with 

new initiatives, challenges and demands to 

meet the constant changes and growth in our

Page 2 


World and more specifically, in the middle 

school years of our students. In order to 

achieve excellence, it is important to 

understand what it takes to get the most of 

Middle School. As you may know, next to the 

toddler years, these years represent the most 

rapid stage of growth for our students. Our 

staff needs your support and involvement to 

make this a community effort. Let’s be a team! 

You can Get to know your school (please read 

the parent/student handbook with your child 

and complete all required forms). 

• Provide school supplies and a place to 

study 

• Help set academic and personal goals 

• Insist on daily attendance 

• Attend parent programs, conferences 

and events 

• See all midterm reports and report cards 

• Use rewards and consequences 

• Encourage a healthy lifestyle 

• Help improve organizational skills 

• Help with time management 

• Make homework your child’s 

responsibility 

• Encourage involvement in school 

activities 

• Encourage independent problem solving 

• Provide academic support 

Lastly, we take great pride in the Circle of 

Courage principles; Belonging, Generosity, 

Mastery and Independence. We, as a learning 

community have agreed to embrace and apply 

these principles in our daily programs. I 

challenge you as parents to support our efforts 

and help our middle school students 

understand the importance of these principles. 

To further support us please read the 

parent/student handbook with your child and 

complete all required forms. 

Our Associate Principal Debra Rivera and I 

look forward to another great year of working 

cooperatively with each of you to make DeWitt 

the best middle school experience for our 

children 

Looking forward to seeing you soon! 

Sincerely, 

Mac M. Knight, 

Principal 

We ask that you work with the staff, counselors 

and administrators of DeWitt Middle School 

early and as often as needed to support a 

great middle school experience. It is important 

to us that we resolve any concern or problem 

that you and /or your child may have. This is 

the time when we have to be most involved 

and most vigilant; therefore, being aware and 

informed will help provide the support that is 

needed. 

Our middle school students are growing up 

with technology in their hands 50 per cent of 

the time, if not more. It is extremely important 

that we understand their technology and teach 

socially responsible etiquette in using it.

DeWitt PTA News Page 3 

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL INFORMATION 

1. School will officially start in the District on Wednesday, September 7 th . DeWitt students will start as 

follows: 

Wednesday, September 7 th 6 th Grade ONLY Full Day 

Thursday, September 8 th ALL STUDENTS Full Day 

2. On Wednesday, September 7 th , sixth graders will begin their day in the gymnasium. There they will 

participate in orientation activities with our W.E.B. leaders. 

3. Seventh and eighth graders are to report on Thursday, September 8th. In the cafeteria, they will find 

their name and homebase listed on sheets posted throughout the cafeteria. When they arrive in 

their homebase, schedules will be handed out. 

4. School will be in session from 9:04 AM to 3:25 PM. Students with passes will be allowed to enter 

the building at 8:00 AM. They must be under direct supervision of a teacher. All students will be 

allowed in the building at 8:40 AM. 

5. Students will receive their class schedules the first day of school. Until that time, counselors may be 

altering schedules. If you have any questions, please call the Counseling office at 257-3445. 

6. Students will need pencils, pens and paper for the first day of school. A simple pocket folder is very 

useful for the many forms that will be sent home. Teachers will inform students about supplies for 

individual classes within the first few days (see a list of supplies elsewhere in this newsletter). 

7. Within the first three weeks of school, a handbook will be sent home. We ask parents to read and 

respond to the material received, and indicate that they have reviewed the handbook with their 

child. You and your child will need to be familiar with the rules and regulations of the school. 

8. Please note: It is illegal to pass a school bus picking up or delivering children, even in a protected 

area like our school driveway. Our entrance drive is divided for two-way traffic. This allows parents 

and teachers to enter or leave the school areas. Parents picking up or dropping off their children 

between 8:30 – 9:10 AM or from 3:10 – 3:40 PM should use the northernmost driveway, which is a 

two-way drive. To exit, please loop through the parking lot. PLEASE DO NOT MAKE U-TURNS IN 

THE PARKING LOT. 

9. If your son or daughter is to be absent, please call 257-6571 and leave a message on our 

answering machine. Please send a written explanation of the student’s absence when she or he 

returns to school.

Page 4 


Message from the Co-Presidents of the PTA: 

Message from the Co-Presidents of the DeWitt Middle School PTA 

We hope that you have been having a terrific summer. On behalf of the DeWitt PTA board, we look forward to 

welcoming families and staff at a late summer picnic to be held at Stewart Park on the evening of Tuesday, 

September 13. At this fun gathering, you will be able to greet other DeWitt families as well as Mr. Mac Knight, the 

DeWitt principal, and Ms. Debra Rivera, the associate principal. The first PTA meeting of the year will be held on 

Monday, September 19, 2011, at 7 PM, in the choral music room. At that meeting, you will have the opportunity to 

meet the new PTA board, and hear about activities for the coming year. Please look for an updated flyer about 

these two activities that will be brought home by your child the first week of school. 

At the final PTA meeting of the 2010-2011 academic year, we stated three goals for the coming year that we think 

would enhance our families' interactions with our school. First, we hope to build on our accomplishments from last 

year in the area of home-school communications. We would like to 1) increase the number of families that join the 

PTA list-serve, 2) encourage families to visit the PTA website, and 3) inspire families to write articles for the PTA 

newsletter about school activities that their kids are involved in. Our next goal is to encourage DeWitt families to 

volunteer at the school in some capacity. Parents or guardians can, for example, volunteer to help in the library, 

start new afterschool clubs, and volunteer for PTA activities. Our final goal is to increase the visibility of DeWitt by 

having a school sign constructed, increasing publicity of the school in the media and selling items with the school 

logo or slogan. In fact, we encourage families to come up with a catchy slogan for DeWitt by emailing their 

suggestions to the PTA box, tell2dewitt@gmail.com. 

Please mark your calendar for “Bring your family to school night” on Thursday, October 6, 2011. At this event, you 

will be able to visit each of your child’s classrooms and meet their teachers, learn about their curriculum, and mingle 

with other parents and their families. Plan to stop by the PTA booth and become a member, which will provide 

essential support to student programs at Dewitt. There is a membership form inside this newsletter that you can fill 

out and send in with your child, or mail in to school. We encourage you to consider volunteering for the PTA, as well. 

There are currently several positions open on our auxiliary board, such as: 8 th -grade graduation committee, 

newsletter advertising, directory committee, and fundraising. Volunteering for the Dewitt PTA can take as little as 2 

hours per month, and is a terrific way to meet other parents and the Dewitt Staff. 

Enjoy the rest of the summer!! 

-Esther Racoosin (elr605@verizon.net) 

-Vanessa Wagner (vwagner@twcny.rr.com) 

Co-Presidents of the DeWitt PTA 

Save the date: Summer Evening picnic at Stewart Park main pavilion to 

welcome back DeWitt New and Returning families: 

Tuesday, September 13, at 5:30 PM! Everyone is Welcome!! 

Upcoming PTA 

Meetings 

Sept.19th, 7:00 pm 

Nov 14th , 7:00 pm 

Upcoming PTA newsletter deadlines 

Oct/Nov, Sept 16 

Dec/Jan, Nov 4


Supply Lists 

Your individual teacher may ask you for specific supplies after school has begun, but these supplies will likely be for 

general use. 

Supplies for 6th graders 

Supplies for 7th graders 

• Package(s) of #2 pencils (If you choose to use 

mechanical pencils, please have a good 

supply of extra lead that fits your pencil.) 

• Package of blue or black pens 

• Package colored pencils 

• Highligher 

• Erasers 

• Small package wide-ruled lined paper with 3 

holes 

• 2 composition books 

• 6 single subject spiral notebooks 

• 1-2 (3-ring) binders (1.5 inch is best--not too 

large) 

• metric/inches ruler 

• 5-6 pocket folders (without prongs) 

• Subject dividers (science) 

• Large Binder or Trapper Keeper 

• Box of tissues for your first period class room. 

• Also nice to have: 

white out 

small package of antibiotic wipes or lotion. 

Supplies for 8 th graders 

• Two binders - one and a half inch 

• 9 (nine) 2-pocket folders (for core classes, 

music, FCS and computer class) 

• loose-leaf lined paper 

• 1 composition book 

• 2 spiral notebooks 

• 2 sets of colored pencils (one for science, 

one for social studies) 

• 2 packets of dividers (10 dividers total) 

• one box of tissues (please give to homebase 

teacher) 

• #2 pencils, blue and/or black pens 

• 1 red pen and highlighter (For communal use 

in English class) 

• 1 packet of pencils (for communal use) 

• Donations of extra school supplies 

• (especially loose-leaf, pencils, and tissues) 

would be greatly appreciated. 

• Glue stick 

Social Studies 

3-ring binder With 3 

dividers 

Spiral notebook 

English 

Technology 

1” binder 

not to be 

shared 

with any 

other 

subject 

Math 8 

Algebra 

With 4 

dividers 

Physical 

Science 

With 3 

divider 

s 

1 2 2 2 

Earth Science 

With 3 

dividers 

Pocket folder(s) 

10 2 2 1 

Extras 

4X6 index 

cards, 

highlighter 

Graphing 

calculator 

strongly 

encouraged 

1 set of 

colored 

pencils for 

class, 

calculator 

Supplies to share: Colored pencils 

Pens and pencils 

Loose leaf paper 

Ruler 

Hand pencil sharpener 

French/German classes: Binder, Notebook, Pens and Colored Pencils 

Spanish classes: ½ or 1” binder, 3 Dividers, Paper

Page 6 


The Super Duper Awesome Skillage Veggie Garden of Doom and Broccoli: A year end 

update 

Contact: Wayne Gottlieb (phone – 272-4577, e-mail – wgottlieb@yahoo.com 

Parents of incoming 8 th graders are no doubt familiar with the vegetable garden at DeWitt. The 6,000 square foot 

space is hard to miss on the south side of the school. I hope that incoming 7 th graders are excited to be working on 

the garden in science class. Both 7 th grade science teachers (Mr. Gottlieb and Ms. De Boer) will be using the garden 

as part of the 7 th grade curriculum. 

Parents: We invite parents to help out in the garden in many different ways. Our budget is tight, so donated 

materials, grant writing and supervision would always be appreciated. This year, we will be forming a garden steering 

committee. Ideally parents will be part of this committee. If you have garden expertise or interest, please consider 

taking part in this semi-weekly meeting. 

School year update: During the 2010-11 school year, all 7 th graders planned, planted and maintained their own 

3’X10’ plot in groups of 3 or 4. The garden served as a real world background to learn about plant biology, health, 

sustainability and soil biology. It also provided opportunities for students to practice problem solving and critical 

thinking skills in cooperative learning groups. 

Summer garden work: 6 adults and 32 students have been working hard to keep the garden going this summer. 

They have put in a total of 170 hours of garden work. These hours will be used as NJHS credit or Social Studies 

community service credit. In addition to the usual garden work of weeding and keeping crops healthy, we’ve finished 

painting the murals. We are in the process of finishing the gates and reinforcing the fence with chicken wire. 

Harvest: Because crops got a late start this year, we only provided 8 pounds of greens to the cafeteria in the Spring. 

We’ve had a good summer harvest of kale, mustard greens, cucumbers, zuccini, winter squash, beans, peppers, 

strawberries, tomatoes and basil. We’ll be seeing lots more in the lunch line this fall as carrots, potatoes, onions, 

corn, tomatoes, cabbage, peppers, beans, kale, swiss chard, broccoli, salad greens, basil, garlic, pumpkins and some 

squash will be available. Last year we provided 100 pounds of food to the cafeteria. 

Thanks: We were fortunate to have so much help with the garden this year. Teachers, community members, 

parents and students did so much to keep it going. Thanks to Mark Wittig, Anne Herzig, Kathleen O’Neil, Iwona 

Rybus, Helen Evans, Michelle Colbert, Wendy Filmore and Becca Lovenheim for their help with garden 

supervision. Thanks to Liz Falk for her help teaching about composting and making compost bins. Thanks to Wendy 

Filmore, Colleen Kearns, Trish Armstrong, Penny Boynton and Fred Knewstub for their expert gardening advice. 

Thanks again to Dawne Peacock and Joanne Palmer for helping with the woodchips and manure donations. 

Thanks to all the parents who brought in leaves last Fall. We just had enough. Thanks to Kathryn Cernera, Wendy 

Filmore, Liz Falk and Becca Lovenheim for coming every week to help with summer garden fun. Thanks to 

Charlotte Walsh for taking on the shed painting project. Thanks to all of the students who worked hard, had fun and 

learned a lot. Special thanks to anyone whom I’ve forgotten to thank. 

Garden Website (for photos): 

http://www.icsd.k12.ny.us/dewitt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=90&Itemid=127 

For information on ICSD cafeteria 

meal prices, the food program, and 

online account payment, see the 

District website: 

http://www.icsd.k12.ny.us/district/food 

DeWitt Calendar Online 

To check for upcoming events, go to 

http://www.icsd.k12.ny.us 

Click on CALENDARS, then DEWITT 

For Arts and Music events, please check the Fine 

Arts calendar


WEB – WHERE EVERYONE BELONGS 

Hello Parent/Guardian/Caregiver, 

We are very excited that your child will be attending DeWitt Middle School and we look forward to meeting 

him/her on Orientation Day this September 7, 2011! As you may know, our school participates in the 

nationwide WEB Program, an organization whose sole purpose is to help sixth graders feel more 

comfortable as well as help them achieve success in their first year of middle school. 

The WEB sixth grade orientation and transition program is designed to both welcome and support sixth 

graders by assigning them an 8 th grade WEB Leader as a mentor during this first year. This WEB Leader 

is a responsible older student who was hand selected from a large pool of applicants and has met the 

qualifications of being a good role model and a positive leader on campus. Following is some information 

to let you know what you and your child can expect in advance of their first day of school. 

1. Your child can expect to receive an invitation to Sixth Grade Orientation Day in the mail. If 

he or she has not received the invitation by September 5, please call the main office to 

request one; 

2. A day or two before orientation your student will also receive a phone call from his or her 

WEB Leader personally inviting your child to orientation and giving details of where to be 

and at what time; 

3. Your child is encouraged not to bring backpacks, purses or other items as the day is quite 

active; 

4. Because the day is active, please make sure your child wears comfortable clothing that does 

not restrict movement. 

This is a student only function so we encourage you to let your child attend on his or her own. Please feel 

free, however, to attend the informal parent meeting that morning with Mr. Knight who will answer any 

questions you may have: 

Parent Meeting in the Auditorium 

Start Time: 9:05 AM 

This informal Q & A session will last about one half hour because Mr. Knight needs to dismiss 

himself to introduce himself to your children. 

We look forward to meeting you and your child on orientation day! 

Anne Bechert 

WEB Coordinator 

DeWitt Site-Based Shared Decision-Making Council 

Parent and student representatives needed. Council meetings will be held once a month TBD, 

from 4:00-5:00 PM. Please contact Mac Knight (257-3222) if you are interested.

Page 8 


From the Nurse 

Physical Examinations 

Ithaca City School District follows New York State 

Education Law regarding physical examinations. All 

students in Pre-K, 1 st , 3 rd , 7 th and 10 th grades are 

required to have a physical examination. Additionally, 

students who are entering Ithaca City School District for 

the first time must provide proof of a physical 

examination done within the past 12 months by a 

licensed Physician, Physician’s Assistant, or Nurse 

Practitioner. Students are not permitted to participate in 

Physical Education classes, intramural or interscholastic 

sports, or recess activities until this requirement is met. 

As part of a school health examination, a student is 

weighed and his/her height is measured. These numbers 

are used to figure out the student’s body mass index or 

“BMI”. The BMI helps the doctor or nurse know if the 

student’s weight is in a healthy range or is too high or 

too low. Recent changes to the New York State 

Education Law require that BMI and weight status group 

be included as part of the student’s school health 

examination. A sample of school districts will be 

selected to take part in a survey by the New York State 

Department of Health. If our school is selected to be part 

of the survey, we will be reporting to New York State 

Department of Health information about our students’ 

weight status groups. Only summary information is sent. 

No names and no information about individual students 

are sent. However, you may choose to have your child’s 

information excluded from this survey report. The 

information sent to the New York State Department of 

Health will help health officials develop programs that 

make it easier for children to be healthier. 

Immunizations 

NYS Law requires Physician verification of dates for the 

following immunizations for legal entry into any NYS 

school: Please bring a copy of record when registering 

your child for school. 

Diphtheria (DPT or Td) 

Polio (OPV or IPV) 

Measles vaccine 

Mumps vaccine 

Rubella vaccine 

Hepatitis B 

Tdap 

Varicella 

3 doses 

3 doses 

2 doses after 12 months of 

age 

1 dose after age 12 months 

1 dose after age 12 months 

OR physician’s serological 

proof of immunity 

3 doses 

1 dose 

For those entering all grades 

Note: Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine is usually 

given in one injection, listed as MMR. 

A student will be excluded from school if proof of 

immunization has not been received within 14 days of 

entering school. 

Exemptions 

• A certificate signed by a Physician licensed in New 

York State stating the specific reason or condition 

why immunization(s) are detrimental to the child’s 

health. 

• Physician’s certification that the child has had the 

disease, or serological proof of immunity. 

• A written statement signed by the child’s 

parent/guardian that they hold religious beliefs 

contrary to the practice of immunization. The 

statement must describe the beliefs in sufficient 

detail to permit the school to determine that (a) the 

beliefs are religious in nature (not health or 

philosophical) and (b) the beliefs are sincerely and 

genuinely held. 

Students who are exempt from immunization will be 

excluded from school in the event of an outbreak of a 

disease for which the student is not immunized. 

Emergency First Aid and Illness 

Boards of Education, as corporate bodies, are not 

authorized to provide care beyond first aid. First aid is 

given to protect the life and comfort of students until 

authorized treatment is secured. Further treatment or 

diagnosis becomes the responsibility of the 

parent/guardian. The principal and school health 

personnel must be able to contact parents in case of an 

accident or illness in school. Therefore, it is essential 

that parents/guardians make certain the school has the 

ability to contact them. The school must have the 

parent/guardian’s home phone number, work phone 

numbers, beeper or cell phone numbers, and the names 

of two relatives, friends, neighbors or co-workers who 

can act for the parent/guardian in case of emergency.


When a student becomes ill at school, the 

parent/guardian will be called and they are responsible 

for seeing that the ill child gets home safely. All 

parents/guardians need to have a plan to care for sick 

children. Do not send a sick child to school. Children 

with minor illness will not be excluded from school 

unless: 

- The child has a fever (oral thermometer of 100 degrees 

or greater) – students must be fever free for 24 hours. 

- The illness prevents the child from participating in 

school activities 

- The child requires more care than the school staff can 

provide 

- The child has lethargy, difficulty breathing or signs of 

serious illness. 

Parents, please notify the Health Office with the reason 

your child will be absent from school for an extended 

period of time. It is helpful for you to report his/her 

diagnosis. The Ithaca City School District has a policy 

that prohibits students from attending school with a 

communicable disease or condition (such as chicken 

pox, strep throat, impetigo, head lice, pin worms, etc.) If 

you have a question about whether your child can be in 

school with a specific diagnosis, please contact the 

Health Office. In the event of serious illness or injury, the 

School Nurse can help coordinate your child’s 

educational needs and plan for a safe and successful reentry 

into school. 

*All students are to call parents from the Health Office in 

the event they are ill and want to go home. The student 

will wait in the Health Office to be picked up and signed 

out. 

Medication 

When it is necessary for students to have medication 

(prescription or over-the-counter) during school hours, 

the following procedure must be followed: 

• A written order must be received from the doctor 

stating the name of the medication, time to be given, 

effects of the medication, duration of order and side 

effects. 

• The parent must send a written, dated request for 

medication to be given. 

• The medication must be in the original container. If it 

is a prescription, the pharmacist will give you an 

extra labeled container for school. 

• All long-term medication must be renewed annually. 

The Ithaca City School District policy prohibits students 

from carrying medication to and from school. All 

medications must be transported by a responsible adult. 

Students are NOT allowed to self-administer 

medication without a physician’s self-medication 

order. When a physician and parent/guardian determine 

that older students are capable and responsible to selfadminister 

medications (such as asthma inhalers), a 

special self-medication order must be completed by the 

child’s physician and parent/guardian. This order is 

in addition to the original medication order and 

parent/guardian permission. 

Working Papers 

Forms for student employment are available in the 

Nurse’s Office for those 14 years of age and older. 

Screening Procedures 

Hearing, vision and scoliosis screening will be 

done on every student. Parents will be notified 

with any concerns. See the Student Handbook 

for more information. 

Please call the School Nurse at 

266-3510 if you have any 

questions or concerns. 

Physical Education 

Physical Education is an important part of the school 

program as required by law. When it is absolutely 

necessary, a child may be excused from gym for 3 days 

upon the written request of a parent/guardian. A written 

statement from the family physician is essential for any 

prolonged exclusion from physical education. This 

should include the reason and, if possible, the length of 

time for exclusion. No student may return to gym after 

such exclusion, until the school nurse has received a 

return to physical education order from the physician. 

Students who are excluded from gym may not 

participate in interscholastic sports, intramural sports, ski 

club, recess or any other formal physical activity. 

If a student has partial limitation, it is possible to arrange 

for modified physical education. This allows the student 

to remain active with limitation on activities that would be 

harmful to the student’s recovery. Please contact the 

school nurse to arrange for a modified gym program. 

Students who are entering the Ithaca City School District 

for the first time may not participate in physical education 

until the school nurse has proof of a physical 

examination done within the past 12 months by a 

physician, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner 

licensed in New York State.

Page 10 


SEPTEMBER CALENDAR


APPLICATION FOR FREE AND REDUCED PRICE 

SCHOOL MEALS 

(PAGE 1)

Page 12 



SCHOOL MEALS 

(PAGE 2)



SCHOOL MEALS 

(PAGE 3)

Page 14 



SCHOOL MEALS 

(PAGE 4)


*** STAY INFORMED AND GET INVOLVED *** 

Join the DeWitt listserv: This is the best way to get up-to-date information about what’s 

happening at school. To subscribe send a message to DEWITTPTA-SUBSCRIBE@YAHOOGROUPS.COM 

View the DeWitt PTA website at: www.dewittpta.org 

Read BLUE NOTES: The weekly news comes out on Mondays and can be accessed electronically 

via the listserv, or the PTA bulletin board in the front hallway of the school or a paper copy can be picked 

up in the main office. 

Join the PTA: Your membership contribution helps to support student programs at DeWitt whether 

you’re an active member or not. Please see the form in this newsletter. 

Volunteer: There are numerous ways of volunteering at DeWitt. Please see the form in this newsletter 

for more information. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION NEEDED 

Custody Papers: 

Many students in our school reside in split families, often with one parent in legal custody. Please be sure 

to provide the school with any necessary legal documents that define these situations. Lacking 

documentation, we will assume joint custody. 

Emergency Contact Numbers: 

Please be sure we have all phone numbers where you can be reached in case of an emergency. If any of 

these numbers have changed, please contact the Counseling Office at 257-3445. 

Picking up your child during school hours: 

If you intend to pick up your child from DeWitt during school hours, please have your child give a note to 

the Main Office stating what time you would like your child to be waiting for you in the Main Office to sign 

him or her out. When we know in advance, we give your child a pass to leave the class at the specified 

time. This prevents interrupting lessons when having to page into the classroom. 

Bus Notes: 

For your child to be able to use a different bus at anytime during the school year, he or she must have 

written permission from a parent or guardian, and it must contain the following information: child’s name, 

bus number they will take, and the address they are going to. The letter must be signed and dated.

Page 16 


COMMUNICATION FORM

DeWitt PTA News Page 17

Page 18 

DeWitt PTA News


PARENT VOLUNTEERS AT DEWITT MIDDLE SCHOOL 

DeWitt Middle School encourages parents to become involved in the school. One way you can do this is 

by volunteering. If you can volunteer some of your time for school programs and activities, please 

complete this form and return it to either the DeWitt school office (attn: DeWitt PTA) or to Kim Statema, 

PTA Volunteer Coordinator at DeWitt Middle School, 560 Warren Rd, Ithaca NY 14850 by September 27. 

For more information call Kim at 319-0344. A few of these positions are already filled but please indicate 

your interest anyway as there may be a need for an assistant or a future replacement. Thanks! 

Parent/Guardian Name(s) 

____________________________________________________ 

____________________________________________________ 

Email _______________________________________________ 

Phone ____________ 

Phone ____________ 

Child’s Name _________________________________________ Grade ____________ 

Homebase Teacher ________________________________________________________ 

Available to help: _____ School Hours _____ Evening Hours 

I would like to volunteer for the following: 

Academics: 

_____ Making devices for students to use in Technology Class 

_____ Help with DeWitt theatrical productions 

_____ Help in the Library 

_____ Teacher’s Wish List Coordinator 

Advocacy: 

_____ PTA Board 

_____ PTA Council Parent Representative 

_____ Site Council Parent Representative 

_____ PTA Fundraising 

_____ Coordinate Volunteers 

_____ PTA Programming 

Community: 

_____ 8 th Grade Promotion Party _____ coordinate _____ assist 

parents from all grade levels needed 

_____ Staff Appreciation Luncheon _____ coordinate _____ assist 

_____ Back-to-School Picnic _____ coordinate _____ assist 

_____ Provide refreshments for a school or PTA activity 

_____ Be on an interviewing committee for staff applicants 

_____ Chaperone a field trip and/or dance (circle preference) 

Publications: 

_____ Bimonthly Newsletter (preparation for mailings) 

_____ Help with the DeWitt Weekly Newsletter (Blue Notes) 

_____ Solicit Ads for School Directory and Bimonthly Newsletter 

_____ Revise Student Handbook 

_____ School Directory 

_____ Call me when a need arises and I’ll help if I can

Page 20 


INFORMATION FOR STUDENT DIRECTORY 

Each year the PTA publishes a Student Directory and distributes one to each student. 

We receive the information from the school records on file (student’s name, address (the one in the mailing label of 

this newsletter), home phone number, and the name of ONE parent/guardian). 

Students will be automatically included in the Student Directory, unless you let us know by using this form and 

sending it to us before September 23, 2011. If no changes are needed, you don’t need to fill out this form. 

Child’s first name ___________________ Child’s last name _____________________________ 

Grade 6 7 8 (circle one) 

Do NOT list my child or any information about my child in the Student Directory. 

Include my child’s name and grade in the Student Directory, and ONLY the following: 

Home phone number _________________________ 

Address ______________________________________________________ 

Parent/Guardian name(s) ____________________________________________ 

Parent/Guardian e-mail address _______________________________________ 

Check here if you do NOT want your e-mail address added to our PTA listserv. The 

listserv is used only for communication between school and parents/guardians. It is not 

shared with any other group, and it generates no spam. 

Please add a SECOND parent/guardian listing for my child (PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY) 

Home phone number _________________________ 

Address ______________________________________________________ 

Parent/Guardian name(s) ____________________________________________ 

Parent/Guardian e-mail address _______________________________________ 

Check here if you do NOT want your e-mail address added to our PTA listserv. The 

listserv is used only for communication between school and parents/guardians. It is not 

shared with any other group, and it generates no spam. 

Please CONTACT ME. I would like information about placing an advertisement in this year’s Student 

Directory. 

My phone number _________________ My e-mail ______________________________ 

Parent signature _____________________________________________ Date _____________ 

Please have your child return this form to school, or mail it to: the PTA Student Directory, c/o DeWitt Middle School, 

560 Warren Road, Ithaca, NY 14850, NO LATER THAN September 23, 2011. 

FALL 2011 SPORTS 

Your child may be interested in participating in the FALL 2011 Varsity, JV and Modified sports season: 

Golf (Boys V), Football (Boys V, JV, Mod), Soccer (Boys V, JV, Mod; Girls V, JV, Mod), Swim (Girls V, 

Mod), Tennis (Girls V), Volleyball (Girls V, JV, Mod) 

Varsity/JV tryouts on August 15, Modified tryouts on September 8 

Parents/Guardians must complete the Athletic Participation form and mail, fax or hand deliver the 

application to the HIGH SCHOOL HEALTH OFFICE for Varsity, JV, and Modified Sports. Sport 

applications may be picked up at IHS. 

Your child must have documentation of a current physical exam on file in the health office. Students must 

have a physical exam done on or after August 1, 2011 for V and JV sports and on or after September 1, 

2011 for Modified sports. Please call your medical provider and set up an appointment over the summer. 

You may contact the Ithaca High School Health office at 607-274-2172, Fax 607-274-2174, mailing 

address: 1401 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca NY 14850, Attn: Health office/Sports Eligibility


OCTOBER CALENDAR

Page 22 


International Night at DeWitt 

The fourth annual International Night will be held at DeWitt on Friday, November 4, from 6:30 – 

8:30 pm in the DeWitt cafeteria. We welcome your help and participation in this fun event, which 

celebrates our very international DeWitt community! International Night will include food, 

entertainment, and displays from many of the diverse international cultures at DeWitt Middle 

School. 

If you are interested in helping plan International Night, would like to help make a display booth for 

a country, would like to help with a performance at the event, or would like to bring food from a 

country or culture, you are welcome to help! Or, if you have other ideas about things to do at 

International Night or would just like to know more about it, we would also be glad to hear from 

you. 

You can contact Iwona Rybus at 266-8832, Bev Way at 379-6238 or Penny Boynton, Family 

Liaison at Dewitt, at 266-3554, or 257-3222 with your ideas and questions. 

Hope to see you there, 

Iwona Rybus 

International Night co-organizers, Dewitt PTA 

“Bring Your Family to School" Night- October 6 

• In an effort to connect better with families, our “Open House” will have a new format and focus 

this year. To begin with, we are welcoming entire families, whereas in the past, this has been 

an adults-only night. Our School Culture Committee is working hard to draft the new format, 

develop child care options for younger children, and seeking transportation. We strongly 

encourage families to car pool. Not only will this save gas and ease parking, but it also makes 

the visit more environmentally friendly. 

• The evening will include a series of events and activities rather than just having parents and 

guardians go through their child’s schedule. There will be team meetings, grade level 

assemblies, a gathering of non-team teachers such as music, foreign language, etc. Of 

course, there also will be time to meet teachers informally. 

• As in the past, the program will run from 7:00-9:00 PM. Please mark your calendars. Hope to 

see you then.


ASBESTOS NOTIFICATION

Page 24 


PESTICIDES NOTIFICATION


SPORTS NOTES 

Modified sports are generally open to any 7 th and 8 th graders who want to participate. Participating students 

must have had a physical examination within the past year and meet certain academic requirements (see 

below). Although modified sports start on September 1, interested students can join during the first week of 

school. Most modified sports practice every day after school, for two hours. 

If you have any questions now, call the Athletic Office at 274-2155. Once school starts, check with any gym 

teacher at DeWitt for more information. 

SPORTS ELIGIBILITY PROCESS 

(This process meets the NYS Commissioner of 

Education regulation for Interscholastic Athletic 

Programs, Part 135.4(7)(h) ) 

1. A student athlete should have all medical 

forms completed at least one month before the 

first day of practice. This provides time for 

physicals, review of medical records, attention 

to any physical conditions, and processing of 

self-medication orders. Any student who does 

not have completed forms and approval by the 

school physician by the third day of practice 

will NOT be eligible to participate on the team 

for the season. 

2. Medical Sports Forms are to be picked up at 

the School Nurse’s office. 

3. A parent/guardian needs to completely fill out 

the Medical Sport Form in ink. All questions 

answered “yes” need to be explained, with 

dates. This document must then be signed 

and dated by the athlete and his/her 

parent/guardian. 

4. The completed Medical Sport Form is to be 

returned to the School Nurse. 

5. Students must have a report of a physical 

examination that has been done within the 

past twelve months by a physician duly 

licensed in NYS, or a Nurse Practitioner 

working in collaboration with a NYS physician. 

The examination is best done by the student’s 

private physician, who may both diagnose and 

treat. Students who have not arranged for a 

private physician to examine them will be 

examined by the school physician, who by law 

can diagnose but not treat. 

6. If a student will need medication during the 

sport activity, a medication order, with approval 

to self-medicate, is required from the student’s 

physician. Students will need to have their 

own properly labeled medication. Under no 

circumstances should students share 

medication. 

7. The School Nurse will review the Medical 

Sport Form and the student’s school health 

record and, if necessary, will contact the 

parent/guardian with questions regarding the 

student’s health history. 

8. When all necessary documentation is received 

(i.e.: completed Medical Sport Form, physical 

examination report and medication orders if 

needed) the School Nurse will have the school 

physician review and approve the form. 

NOTE: Separate eligibility guidelines need to be 

followed for students in grades 7 and 8 who are 

trying out for a JV or Varsity level sport. 

Academic eligibility is based on the marking 

period prior to the sports season: 

Fall: 4 th marking period 

Winter: 1 st marking period 

Spring: 2 nd marking period

Page 26 


Student Drop-off and Pick-up at DeWitt 

When dropping off or picking up your child at DeWitt, please make use of the 

drop-off/pick-up area at the North exit (parking lot exit). 

It is very important that when doing so, cars pull up as far as possible in the 

drop-off area. Also, it is critical that drivers remain in line rather than swinging 

out of line because the car in front of them has not yet departed. This may 

cause people to wait a minute or two longer but will provide a much safer 

situation during these hectic times. 

Do you enjoy baking? 

October 6th, for the “Bring Your Family to School” 

Night, hundreds of cookies and brownies are 

needed to serve to the parents and teachers. If 

you are able to provide refreshments, please 

contact Penny Boynton at 266-3554.


Dear Parents and Caregivers of Students, 

Did you know that ICSD school have Transportation Liaisons?! Children who participate in afterschool 

events, and whose families are involved in their schooling, do better! Your liaison can help you figure out 

how to get to school meetings and events, and get your child to sports events, enrichment classes, and more. 

Liaisons know the latest news on transportation services and supports to get to school and wherever else you 

need to go. You may see updates in your school’s newsletter or emails. Or call the main office (257-3222) 

to find out how to contact the Liaison directly. Check out the options below: 

FOR INFO: Dial 2-1-1 for information on current transportation services and supports. Or see 

www.way2goinfor.org for more information and tips on ways to get around. 

RED: Rides to school meetings and events by volunteer drivers, as available. Contact RED two or more 

days in advance by emailing redschoolrides@gmail.com or calling Way2Go at 272-2292. Drivers decide 

which and how many rides to offer – even just one ride makes a difference! 

SHARE RIDES: Use dividetheride.com to arrange carpooling among a group of parents, or 

Zimride.com/Tompkins to post ride offers and requests. For more information, call Way2Go at 272-2292 or 

see www.way2goinfor.org. 

TCAT: youth (6-17) semester passes: $30 FOR Sept 7 – Jan 31 or Feb 1 – June 30. A 15-ride pass for 

youth is $10, and can be used over any period of time. 

CITY VAN: Weekday rides between Enfield, Newfield, and Ithaca, including the hospital area, for $3 each 

way for adults, $2 for youth. Within Enfield or Newfield is $2 each way. Call DSS at 274-5022 for more 

information, or 277-7777 to reserve a ride. 

ITHACA CARSHARE: Provides self-serve access to cars, a truck and a minivan by the hour. The lowincome 

Easy access plan is a great deal for qualified families. Call 277-3210. 

TAXIS: Collegetown Cab: 588-8888. Ithaca Dispatch: 277-7777. 

WORKING FAMILIES TRANSPORTATION ASSISTNACE: Up to 2 months of discounted gas cards, 

bus passes or City an rides for qualifying families. Call Cynthia Kloppel at 274-5022.

Page 28 


2011-2012 Dewitt PTA Board & Chairpersons 

DeWitt PTA Board and Standing Committees 

Executive Committee 

Co-President: Esther Racoosin 257-3999 elr605@verizon.net 

Co-President: Vanessa Wagner 257-3380 vwagner@twcny.rr.com 

Vice President:vacant position 

Treasurer: 

Secretary: 

Shivaun Archer 

Tonya Engst 

257-9569 

275-8383 

sda4@cornell.edu 

tonya@tidbits.com 

Executive Board 

Co-President: Esther Racoosin 

Co-President: Vanessa Wagner 

257-3999 

257-3380 

elr605@verizon.net 

vwagner@twcny.rr.com 

Vice President:vacant position 

Treasurer: Shivaun Archer 257-9569 sda4@cornell.edu 

Secretary: Tonya Engst 

PTA Council Rep: Pat Fox 

275-8383 

277-4512 

tonya@tidbits.com 

paf3@cornell.edu 

Kim Munson-Burke 256-4013 munsonburke@yahoo.com 

DeWitt Principal: Mac Knight 257-3222 mac.knight@icsd.k12.ny.us 

Budget Committee -Shivaun Archer - chair 

Fundraising: vacant position 

Direct Appeal Fundraiser: Wendy Salomon w_salomon_1@yahoo.com 

Liz Wood 

lizwood@twcny.rr.com 

Advertising – Diane Orlowski 

dorlowski@twcny.rr.com 

Membership – Connie McCullough 

conniedmc@hotmail.com 

Communications - Tonya Engst- chair 

Blue Notes weekly newsletter – Vanessa Wagner vwagner@twcny.rr.com 

Bi-monthly newsletter – Jenny Barnett 

jennybarnett1@gmail.com 

Website manager – Shawna Robertson 

shawna.robertson@gmail.com 

Listserv moderator – Sara VanLooy 

svanlooy@umich.edu 

Publicity – Christine Becraft 

cbecraft@gmail.com 

School Directory – Diane Orlowski 

dorlowski@twcny.rr.com 

Events/Volunteers 

Volunteer chair-Kim Statema 

kstatema@twcny.rr.com 

Welcome picnic - Vanessa Wagner vwagner@twcny.rr.com 

Bring Your Family to school night – Patricia Sipple psipple@twcny.rr.com 

Ellen Slusar eslusar@conceptsystems.com 

International Night – Iwona Rybus 

idr1@mac.com 

Staff Appreciation Luncheon – Bini Thomas 

8 th Grade Promotion – Michelle Eells 

bini_thomas@yahoo.com 

meells@juno.com 

PTA Site Council Representative 

Representative: Maria Wolff 

mw284@cornell.edu 

PTA Interview Committee Coordinator 

Parent representative: Stephanie Baptist 

Nominating Committee 

PTA board Representatives: Esther Racoosin 

Shivaun Archer 

PTA Association Representative: vacant 

snbaptist@yahoo.com 

elr605@verizon.net 

sda4@cornell.edu


ACADEMIC CALENDAR

Page 30 


JOIN THE DEWITT PTA! 

Our DeWitt PTA is an amazing group. Each year we fund and support six mailed newsletters; a weekly 

newsletter; an e-mail listserve for parents and staff; a Student Directory; parent education programs; 

coordination of volunteers; participation in PTA Council; staff appreciation luncheon; and the 8 th grade 

promotion party and academic enrichment activities. 

Your help is needed for the continuation of these programs. We know that parent involvement in school 

decreases as children become teens. However, studies have shown that parent involvement is critical to 

student success in middle school and high school. Your participation also gives you the opportunity to get to 

know other parents (something that is tough to do at the middle school level). 

Please complete the membership form below to join our PTA. A portion of your membership fee is shared with 

the national and state organizations to support their work as advocates for children, families, and schools. The 

rest of your fee stays at DeWitt and goes directly to funding the programs listed above. 

If you have questions, please feel free to contact me: Connie McCullough, conniedmc@hotmail.com 

Parent/Guardian Name(s) 

Address 

Student Name(s) 

2011-2012 DEWITT PTA MEMBERSHIP FORM 

Grade(s) 

Telephone 

Membership ($5 individual $9 Family $4 teacher) 

$______ 

Additional tax-deductible contribution to DeWitt PTA 

$______ 

TOTAL (check payable to Dewitt PTA) 

$______ 

I would like to join the PTA and have my fees waived (only for those eligible for free and reduced cost meals) 

Mail form and dues to DeWitt PTA Attn: Membership, 560 Warren Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, or put in an envelope 

labeled “DeWitt PTA” and send in with your child to school. Thank you for your support! 

DeWitt PTA thanks 

our Advertisers from 2011-2012 

2012 

The PTA will once again offer advertising opportunities in the 2011-2012 Student Directory, 

as well as in 4 issues of this newsletter. 

If you are interested in placing an ad, please provide your contact information to Diane 

Orlowski, 342-6614, dorlowski@twcny.rr.com. We will be sure that you receive our 

advertiser’s solicitation, to be mailed in late August. Thanks!

DeWitt PTA News - DeWitt Middle School PTA

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