Friday Blast
Maple Ridge Elementary
Friday, Oct. 11th, 2024
THIS WEEK
Many students have been exploring feelings and actions of gratitude and appreciation this week as we look ahead to the Thanksgiving holiday on Monday. We are very appreciative of our family volunteers! Many of the field trips to pumpkin patches and farms planned for this month wouldn’t happen without our parent and caregiver drivers. Thank you!
NEXT WEEK
Monday, Oct. 14th
Thanksgiving – School not in session
Tuesday, Oct. 15th
10:00 am: Fire Drill
Recycling Workshops
2:20 pm – 4:30 pm: After School Theatre Program (for those who registered)
Wednesday, Oct. 16th
9:30 am: Fire Drill
2:20 pm – 4:00 pm: After School Create & Play Program (for those who registered)
Thursday, Oct. 17th
9:00 am – 10:20 am: Grade 6 Immunizations
1:50 pm: Shake Out Drill
2:20 pm – 4:00 pm: After School Coding Program (for those who registered)
2:45 pm: Primary Cross Country at the Albion Sports Field
Friday, Oct. 18th
10:00 am: Fire Drill
10:00 am – 2:00 pm: Div. 10 & 11 Taves Family Farm
2:20 pm: Popcorn Sale – Gr. 7 Quebec Trip Fundraiser
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm: PAC Halloween Dance
MORNING ROUTINE
Your student’s teacher is eager to welcome them at their class’s allocated outside door in the morning. This start to students’ daily routine helps to build relationships and class community. Class line up and entry locations are carefully planned and help keep the front doors and hallways clear during one of our busiest times of day. We kindly request that students refrain from entering the school through the front doors until after 8:30 am. Thank you for your support!
GRADE 7 LEAVING COMMITTEE
There will be a Grade 7 Leaving committee meeting in the MRE library before the PAC meeting on Oct. 21st at 5:30 pm.
FRIENDLY REMINDERS
We recognize we have a busy community of parents and caregivers and that friendly reminders are sometimes helpful. You may find a little note on your windscreen attached to out ‘Drive to 5’ map in the morning. We would like to focus on remaining in vehicles when dropping off students in the driveway. Thank you!
The driveway at the front of the school is open in the morning for student drop off. This is the “kiss n’ go” option. Please pull over to the right (do not exit your vehicle) and allow your student(s) to exit your vehicle. If your student needs more time to say goodbye in the morning, or you need to exit your vehicle for any reason, utilize “neighbourhood parking” option. Please avoid stopping to pick up your student(s) on River Rd. A photo of available local parking is attached for your convenience. Let’s work together to keep our children safe.
PICK UP
The driveway at the front of the school is closed to vehicles at the end of the day to prioritize student safety, except for buses and vehicles with an accessibility decal. Please avoid stopping to pick up your student(s) on River Rd. A photo of available local parking is attached for your convenience. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring student safety.
NEW CROSSWALK LIGHT
We are happy to announce the new “light only” crosswalk button to cross river road in front of the school. This is another layer of student safety at MRE.
HALLOWEEN
As Halloween is approaching, and students are planning their costumes, please keep the following in mind:
–Be kind and consider the school community. Costumes that could be offensive or perpetuate the stereotype of someone’s gender identity, culture, race, religion, age, or disability must not be worn.
–Be thoughtful and safe. Costumes that depict violence, alcohol or drugs are not appropriate. Similarly, replica weapons (e.g. guns, knives, etc.) must not be brought to school.
Many students will be wearing costumes to school on Thursday, October 31st. After Halloween we encourage you to limit the number of treats your child brings to school.
YOUR GREEN KITCHEN FUNDRAISER
You can support our school by participating in our “Your Green Kitchen” Fundraiser ending today. Your child will be coming home soon with a postcard containing a QR code that you can scan which will take you directly to the ordering site. Just make sure you enter Maple Ridge Elementary into the school area.
PRO D DAY CAMP
SD42 COMMUNICATION
The school district does not pay medical/dental costs arising from injury sustained by a student while on school grounds or while participating in school activities. Such costs are the responsibility of the parent or guardian. If needed, parents or guardians may purchase coverage from organizations that offer student accident programs. Examples of such vendors include: https://insuremykids.com/ or https://www.studyinsuredstudentaccident.com/
HEALTH AWARENESS
We are continuing to practice Health Awareness this year for everyone entering our school – this includes staff, students, and visitors. Health awareness includes checking regularly for any symptoms of illness (including, but not limited to, COVID-19 symptoms) and staying home when sick.
ATTENDANCE
If you know that your child is going to be late or absent from school, please let us know through either the parent portal, by calling us at 604-467-5551 or by emailing mre_reception@sd42.ca. If you know your child will be absent multiple days in a row you can enter them all at once so that you do not need to update it each day.
PARENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Hope to see everyone at our next PAC meeting Monday Oct 21st 6:30pm in the MRE library. All are welcome! If childcare is needed please let us know by emailing pac.mre@gmail.com or on our facebook page Maple Ridge Elementary PAC.
The Strange and Unusual is coming to MRE on Friday October 18th!
We hope to see you at our fall dance.
MRE Book Fair will be at the school November 4th-6th. In addition to students going with their class we will also be open to parents after school.
If you would like to help out with any of the PAC events, please sign up to volunteer on our sign up page: https://signup.com/go/dgsaFVo
Ongoing fundraisers:
Save on Foods receipts – collected outside the front office
Maple Ridge Liquor Store – mention MRE at the counter
https://mabelslabels.ca – select the MRE fundraiser when checking out
IN OUR COMMUNITY
City of Pitt Meadows Fall Programs
Browse the City of Pitt Meadows Parks, Recreation & Culture Fall Guide for a variety of activities and programs for all age groups! Fall programs run from September through December. Register for fall programs at pittfitandfun.ca.
Low-Cost Activities at Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre
Parent & Tot Mini Gym 0-5Y
Looking for an indoor activity? PMFRC offers low-cost Parent & Tot Mini Gym in the gymnasium on Mondays and Wednesdays (10:05-11:45 am) and Saturdays (9-11 am) for only $1 per child.
Value Times at the Fitness Centre
Work out at the fitness centre during our value times. It’s only $1 for youth (13-18Y) and seniors (60Y+) and $2 for adults (19-59Y). Value times are: Tuesday 10-11:30am, Wednesday 8-9pm, Thursday 6-7am and Saturday from 3-6pm.
FREE Family Lounge Drop-In Program
Drop by the Constable Rick O’Brien Youth Lounge with your family! The Youth Lounge will open Sundays, starting September 22, from 3:00pm to 7:00pm for a time of unstructured activities for you and your children. Enjoy a variety of activities including billiards, ping pong, video games, retro arcade and board games. Our Recreation team will be on hand to supervise, but please remember that this is a parent-led program. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Older siblings (11Y+) are also welcome, but must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
FREE Workshops
Emergency Support Services Info Night – Join the Emergency Support Services (ESS) Volunteers and be a beacon of hope in times of crisis! Whether responding to house fires or opening Reception or Group Lodging Centres for larger disasters, our ESS volunteers play a critical role in providing immediate support to those affected by disasters. The Justice Institute of BC provides free comprehensive training, preparing volunteers for various roles such as ESS Management, Registration & Referrals, and even Meet and Greet and Pet Services plus many more. Learn more and become a part of our dedicated ESS team! Register at https://pittfitandfun.ca/copm/public/booking/CourseDetails/13410
Disaster Preparedness Workshops – Take control of your safety and well-being by learning essential disaster preparedness steps. Join us for a unique, in-person Disaster Preparedness Workshop that will empower you and your family to face any challenge that comes your way. You will learn what makes a great Disaster Plan, how to connect with your family when phone lines are down, essential supplies to have in your family and work disaster kits, how to make your home safe and how to prepare for your pets for disaster. Register at https://pittfitandfun.ca/copm/public/booking/CourseDetails/13409
Foundry News
The Foundry provides mental health care, substance use services, physical and sexual health care, youth, and family peer supports, and social services to youth aged 12-24 years of age. It provides drop-in counselling as well as various social events that your child can attend. This is a terrific way to build positive connections with others within the Maple Ridge community.