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Family First Week

There are several opportunities for our families to connect with Curtin.  Start with Grandparent/Parent Lunches for Grades 5 & 6 on Tuesday. Grade 4 families are welcome to A.) Come back for another day or B.) Join us for the first time tomorrow!  Parent teacher conferences are slated for Wednesday and Thursday of this week...please join us.  Below are some scenes from today's family-focused fun.

THE APRIL PTO MEETING HAS BEEN CANCELLED!

The Book Fair Begins....Tomorrow.

With the Scholastic Book Fair in town, that can mean one thing...Grandparents Lunch!  If you can't make it on the dates listed below, please come at a time that is convenient for you and yours.
April 14th: Grandparents/Parents Lunch for Grade 4 (12:30)
April 15th: Grandparents/Parents Lunch for Grade 5 (11:30) and Grade 6 (12:00)

Service Above Self

While our country, and yours truly, has been immersed in the Cinderella stories of March Madness – in fact, it might be on in the background as I write, as if pulling my thoughts together at the monthly deadline wasn’t hard enough – two major league baseball players signed contract extensions totaling over $450 million. That’s right, just two.  Now don’t get me wrong, I understand these gentlemen are quite skilled at their craft and millions of us will spend our hard-earned money to see athletes such as them perform. However,  I can’t help but wonder which areas of our country could use that $450 million, or just a portion of it, and some may be more deserving than others.
This is where it gets personal.  About a month ago, I received a phone call that many of you may have experienced and most of us dread.  I heard from my wife that my parents were in an auto accident, with my 3-year-old son in the car.    She quickly informed me that Cortland was OK (actually, he was really excited to have the police, ambulance and fire crews with him) and my parents were OK, too; banged up, but in the BIG picture OK.
In the hours, and subsequent days that I spent in the hospital, I was reminded of the true heroes in our world; not the modern-day gladiators of the sports industry, but those who have dedicated their life to service: from the emergency responders, the trauma staff, the nurses (like my mother) and the doctors who provided genuine care not only to my family but to all who found themselves in the hospital. While their purpose is beyond their paycheck, perhaps some of the $450 million could be sent their way.
Of course, this line of thought then extends to the servicewomen and servicemen who spend, or spent, months, even years, of their lives away from their families (like my father) so we can live freely with ours.  Those individuals, and the collective military branches consisting of each, are the real-life heroes, not the professional or amateur athletes who make the circus catch, or game-winning shots (that the kid from Kentucky just hit). While these individuals will not see a dime of the aforesaid salaries, I am proud AGC takes a moment each day to pledge our allegiance to them, even if it is only a small token.
Finally, as we are in the midst of the PSSA’s marathon, I would be remiss if I did not mention my pride in the students and staff of Andrew G. Curtin. During our first week of testing, our students have put forth a tremendous effort to do their best (which is all we can ask). Our staff, meaning EVERYONE, has stepped up to serve our children and create an environment in which EACH child is valued as our own.  The testing will cease in a few weeks, but our commitment to the spirit of service will exist for decades, which is why it is enshrined on our auditorium wall.   Our performance on high-stakes testing may one day impact our compensation; one cannot put a price tag on the payback from seeing our students believe they can do or be anything. Onward AGC!
To those who serve, and your families,  I simply would like to say thank you on behalf of the Andrew G. Curtin Community. You may never receive the home-run salary, but your impact on our society is nothing less than a grand slam.
With gratitude,
Mr. Michaels

Put Us On Repeat

It's Happening at Hoss's...Today!

Dear Friend of Curtin Intermediate School:
We are excited to team up with Hoss's Steak and Sea House to raise money for a very worthy cause. Please consider visiting the Hoss's location(s) listed below on 3/25/2014 to aid us in raising money to benefit Curtin Intermediate School.
Print this email and present it on 3/25/2014 at Hoss's in Williamsport, PA Williamsport
Hoss's will then donate 20%* or 25%** of your total check paid to Curtin Intermediate School
*To qualify for the 20% payout, our group must have a minimum of $300.00 in total pre-tax food and beverage sales.
**To qualify for the 25% payout, our group must have a minimum of $1,200.00 in total pre-tax food and beverage sales.
This applies to a one-day, single location, pre-scheduled event. The purchase of gift cards is not included as part of your organization’s community fundraising totals.
DISTRIBUTING INVITATIONS ON HOSS’S PROPERTY IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED AND WILL DISQUALIFY OUR ORGANIZATION! Thank you for your cooperation!
Group #22493
Please print and present this post when ordering.

Hey, Curtin Community...

Let's Go

Here is a video to get us in the right "place" for this month's PSSA's!  Click HERE to view it.

HAPPY TO HEAD TO HOSS'S (AGAIN)

Dear Friend of Curtin Intermediate School:
We are excited to team up with Hoss's Steak and Sea House to raise money for a very worthy cause. Please consider visiting the Hoss's location(s) listed below on 3/25/2014 to aid us in raising money to benefit Curtin Intermediate School.
Print this email and present it on 3/25/2014 at Hoss's in Williamsport, PA Williamsport
Hoss's will then donate 20%* or 25%** of your total check paid to Curtin Intermediate School
*To qualify for the 20% payout, our group must have a minimum of $300.00 in total pre-tax food and beverage sales.
**To qualify for the 25% payout, our group must have a minimum of $1,200.00 in total pre-tax food and beverage sales.
This applies to a one-day, single location, pre-scheduled event. The purchase of gift cards is not included as part of your organization’s community fundraising totals.
DISTRIBUTING INVITATIONS ON HOSS’S PROPERTY IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED AND WILL DISQUALIFY OUR ORGANIZATION! Thank you for your cooperation!
Group #22493
Please print and present this post when ordering.

BEHOLD THE POWER OF PI

Our students are getting ready for PI day on Friday, March 14th (3.14). Students are asked to wear a t-shirt with numbers or pictures of a food or brand.

Hey Ladies...You Think You've Got Game?

Don't miss your chance to sign up for the upcoming girl's basketball program!

Read Across America Recap

Our Read Across America week is over but our spirit will live on. Proud to be AGC!

OH, THE PLACES WE WILL GO

Tomorrow, Andrew G. Curtin Intermediate students are asked to wear clothing denoting a place they have been, or may go.

LET'S GET WILD

Tomorrow is animal print, picture or just plain wild day in honor of "If I Ran the Zoo!"

Today is Stripe Day @ AGC!

Perspective From the Bench

I recently wrapped up a gig as the coach of my son Cameron’s third-/fourth-grade basketball
team. Our season ended with our team losing both games of a doubleheader against two separate opponents. As much as the “High School Harry” (uber-competitive) side of me wanted to send my players out on top by stacking my lineup, I believed the lessons on individual growth and development we shared at the end of the games were greater than the thrill of a single team victory. It might just take our players 20 years to realize it.
After stewing over my lineup decisions for a few minutes (perhaps hours . . . I told you I am competitive), I began to equate my gaming experience to the forthcoming PSSA’s. As head coach of the Andrew G. Curtin Intermediate team, I have continually emphasized the importance of a strong showing on the impending state assessment tests. Perhaps it also can be considered our own version of March Madness. While our preparatory efforts have been nothing less than Herculean, we still have a great deal of work to do before and after the testing windows. As a building, we are
ready. Now we will ask you and your child to play your parts this month and beyond.
Much like the child (and/or the parent), who wonders and complains about not getting the ball, not getting playing time, nor remembering how to execute the plays, I want to remind you it is imperative that our children to do their part by working hard in and out of the classroom each day. If learning stops as our students exit the building, we are failing as a community in our call to develop life-long learners. Our coaching staff has worked tirelessly to put forth a tremendous game plan, but without our students studying and executing it, our performance will be lackluster. As a parent, and contrib- uting member of the Curtin theme, we remind you if you have questions about your child’s perform- ance or our expectations, please call a time out and set up a meeting with his/her teacher. Also, feel free to join our community on Monday, March 10th as we explore the PSSA’s in what we are calling, the “Battle of the Ages.”
In closing, what we do each day at AGC is not teaching to a test, it is coaching our students to be suc- cessful in the game of life while also keeping in mind that you win some, and you lose some. Now, if I could just remember this.
Game on,
Mr. Michaels
PS: Please be sure to peruse the rest of this month’s newsletter for more pre-game strategies.

Tomorrow is Green Day @ AGC.

“READ ACROSS CURTIN”: LET’S SWAP A GOOD STORY!

WHAT:  Book Swap
WHEN:  Friday, March 7th
WHY: You may have books at home that you no longer read or want.  The book swap gives you the opportunity to trade books so you have new books to read.
HOW: Please bring to school up to 3 “gently used” age-appropriate books (no rips, tears, marks or toddler books please). You may bring your books on Wednesday, March 5th and/or Thursday, March 6th (give them to your teacher).  On Friday, March 8th, you will select “new” books to take home. Happy Hunting!

CURTIN WILL CELEBRATE “READ ACROSS AMERICA” WEEK

Dear Parents/Guardians,
During the week of Monday, March 3rd – Friday, March 7th, students at Andrew G. Curtin will celebrate Read Across America week. This week is designed to encourage and celebrate reading while also honoring the March 2nd birthday of Theodor Seuss Geisel or Dr. Seuss. Curtin is planning a weeklong celebration of Dr. Seuss’s books, beginning on Monday, March 3rd. 
Let’s show some “Seuss Spirit”!!
Thank you for your support,
The Curtin Staff
MONDAY: GREEN DAY – Green Eggs and Ham. Wear as much green as you can.
TUESDAY: STRIPE DAY – Wear as many stripes as you can.
WEDNESDAY: ZOO DAY – If I Ran the Zoo. Dress wild! Wear animal prints, clothing with an animal on it, or mismatched clothing.
THURSDAY: T-SHIRT/SWEATSHIRT DAY – Oh, The Places You’ll Go. Wear t-shirts or sweatshirts with a place to visit on them.
FRIDAY: RED, WHITE, and BLACK DAY – The Cat in the Hat. Wear red, white, and/or black.

Deadline Extended

WOLFGANG ORDER FORMS ARE DUE ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24^TH.

IT'S AN HONOR

All-District Honor’s Orchestra students should remember to bring their instruments to school on Monday as they are traveling again to the HS. Students should check in to their teachers and then report to the auditorium with aforementioned instruments!

A Bit of Fine Tuning

Our fourth grade band "informance"begins in 17 minutes.

WASD is on 2 Hour Delay

Keeping Our Head in the Game

The Harlem Wizard's "Road Runner" stopped in to make AGC students aware of the hurting his team is about to put on the out-manned Millionaire Magicians.  Here our guests shows our student body how to keep their heads in the game.

A Make Up with the Magicians v. Wizards

It is going to be #Slamtastic! Doors open at 5:30. Game Tips @ 6:30.  While the poster says 2/5...it was snowed out. It is TONIGHT!  Game on!

Take in the Wizards before Our Mini-Blizzard

REMINDER: Just a few more days to get your advanced tickets for Monday's Harlem Wizards game against our teachers and administrators! They'll remain on sale through 10 a.m. Monday morning at $5/student and $8/adult.
The game begins at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17, with doors opening at 5:30! Tickets at the door will be $6/student and $10/adult.
You can purchase your tickets online at www.harlemwizards.com or at the Genetti Hotel, WAHS and District Service Center!

Thank You (Mother Nature), Now We Have Another

According to the district calendar the make-up day for Thursday, February 13, 2014  will be Tuesday, April 22, 2014.

WASD is closed Today.

Info on the "Informance"

The Curtin Band will hold an “Informance” on Tuesday, February 18 at 7:00 p.m. In the CU auditorium.  This program will feature students that started playing a band instrument this fall and a few select 5th and 6th grade students that will perform solo/ensemble selections.  The beginner group is comprised of mainly 4th grade students.

Please note:

1. Snow date for this event is Feb. 25th.
2. The program will be about 30 minutes long.

Tomorrow is Spring Picture Day

Please be sure to send your child with his/her photo envelope. Photos are optional. Honors Orchestra students should report to the auditorium at 8:15 if possible. If not, they will have their photos taken prior to their departure to WAHS.

PUT SOME SCIENCE IN YOUR SCHEDULE!

PTO MEETING TONIGHT!

Please join us in the library this evening (7 PM) as we prepare for the final push in our school year.

THE WEEK AHEAD

Monday: PTO Meeting in Library at 7 PM
Tuesday: Grade 6 PSSA ELA Field Test
Wednesday: Spring Pictures & Honors Orchestra to Williamsport Area High School
Friday: Wear RED for HEART HEALTH
On-going: Spring Fundraiser, Packets are Due on February 21st.

SNOW MAKE UP DAYS:

According to the district calendar the make-up day for Tuesday, January 7, 2014 will be Friday, May 23, 2014. The make-up day for Wednesday, February 5, 2014 will be Tuesday, May 27, 2014.

No School on Friday, February 7th

REMINDER: There is no school tomorrow. It is a teacher in-service day. We will be back in action on Monday, February 10th.

LOOK WHAT JUST POPPED UP!

All WASD fifth grade students will be heading to the CAC on February 26 to see Pop Artist Charles Fazzino | Master of 3D PopArt. Check out this link for more information. http://www.fazzino.com/

WASD IS CLOSED TODAY. BE SAFE.

The Wizards Will Have to Wait

Due to tomorrow's forecast and travel involved with the team, the Harlem Wizards game has been postponed until Monday, February 17.  The game will take place at the same time and place, 6:30 p.m. at the high school gym.  Doors open at 5:30.
If you get any questions about tickets, which have already come up:
*  If you purchased a ticket, it remains valid until the night of the game. 
*  If you or someone you know can no longer go, I would encourage you to find someone that is willing to buy them so that the sale stays active.  If not, we can refund the money.
*  Advanced tickets will remain on sale at the same locations up until 10 a.m. Feb. 17.

Lessons From Loss

In life, there is loss. In loss, there are lessons. Perhaps at the time, unpleasant or unknown, but lessons nonetheless.
Over the last 12 months, I have experienced my first major tragedy as a school administrator as well as watching colleagues, community and family members experience the loss of a loved one. Some of which I have known well; others, not so much. But all have left an impression on me to the point where I want to put it on paper and share it with you. My hope is that like me, these lessons will provide a reminder of what is important in life, and allow you to share these with our children.
Maximize Each Day: Just about a year ago, the Williamsport community lost Ryan and Karen English in a tragic, senseless auto accident. While our community still mourns their loss, we can certainly honor them and their three beautiful children by doing the most good, every day. Ryan and Karen would want it that way.
Instill a Sense of Service: In November, our nation and community lost a leader: Gen. Fred Marty, former com- manding general of Fort Sill, Okla., and a man dedicated to serving our country. While his presence has passed, his legacy will remain intact through his children and grandchildren, all of whom serve our schools and commu- nity in a multitude of ways. It is also a premise inscribed and embodied in our daily activities as we expect our children to enter to learn and go forth to serve.
Laugh, A Lot: Nothing kills the buzz of Christmas joy like bad news. I received such news late last year when I received an e-mail that my mother and father’s friend of 40+ years “Smitty” died. As I called my always stoic father to check in, I got the predictable “I am fine” but I knew better. This was confirmed by his written tribute to “Smitty” published in the Bloomsburg newspaper the next day. I took two things out of Smitty’s passing. The first, if the police chief in a college town can find a way to laugh, and laugh he did, each day, then we can, too. The second, a sense of connectedness to my own father to find, like him, I tend to express my emotions through the written word. Which made me wonder, what will I pass on to my children? Hope this does the same for you.
Simple Things Bring the Most Joy: Recently, a colleague of mine and his wife lost their son. As parents, I think you would agree that there is nothing we fear more than having to find the strength to endure the loss of our child. Still, these two individuals endured their sorrows to share lessons learned from their son. One of those lessons I am now sharing with you: True joy in life is not found in material items, they are found in smiles on the sand and the surf, street-side at a Fourth of July parade or just unplugging from our daily grind and connecting with our loved ones.
In closing, I ask you to join me and live a life that honors the memories of those we have lost, both, in our family and our community.
YOLO,
Mr. Michaels