October 4, 2019

Welcome to Autumn and October Markham Families,

The unusual and recent change in the weather lets us know the season has changed.  Wearing layers is always a good idea for in the classroom and outside.

Though the weather temperature is lower than normal for this time of year, it did not disappoint for FUN RUN.  All grade levels were able participate with dry ground underneath their feet.  It just started to sprinkle at the very end of the 5^th grade run and at that point, our runners welcomed the raindrops.  A big THANK YOU to our PTA, students, parent volunteers and all who sponsored a runner or two. 

It was so good to see so many parents at Back to School Night.  If you were not able to attend and sign up for a parent/teacher conference, please be sure to contact your child’s teacher to secure a date and time that will work for your family.  Conferences are scheduled to run from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Monday and Tuesday of November 25^th and 26^th.  There is also no school on November 27^th, 28^th and 29^th in celebration of the Thanksgiving Holiday. 

Thank you PTA for supplying the staff with delicious pizzas and salads on Back to School Night. 

October Sharing with Shawn is Friday, October 18^th from 9:00 to 10:00 in the Neighborhood House Head Start classroom, Rm. 113.  This is an informal get together where school information is shared, questions answered, as well as ways to get involved at school.  Come and get important information about your school while meeting other Markham parents.  SUN School sponsors childcare for this event.  Thank you Markham SUN School!

The Markham Carnival is this month!  Mark your calendar for Friday, October 25^th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM!  This is one of our top attended PTA sponsored events.  Each year is filled with memorable fun.  Students and adults are able to wear costumes to the night of the carnival, so costumes are not worn during the school day.  Please no weapons, masks or gore.

UPCOMING TRANSFER CYCLES

The transfer application timelines for the 2020-21 school years are:

• Middle & High School applications available November 5-December 3
• K-5 applications available February 5-March 6

Please note: Middle school lottery transfers will be on the same schedule as high school transfers this year.

Ecology Outdoors has received a $3,000 grant to continue their work with Markham.  This will allow them more opportunities to work with classrooms in our learning garden.  Thank you Ecology Outdoors for your efforts in supporting our students to become more ecologically aware and responsible.

The NNAT3 (Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test) will be given to all 2^nd Graders through our Talented and Gifted Department on Tuesday, October 22^nd in the morning.  This test will determine eligibility for TAG.  Another date will be determined for other students in other grades who have turned in a completed IDPF (Identification Permission Form).  More information will follow.

Another cart with 30 Chromebooks will arrive on Monday thanks to our PTA and their endless efforts to secure funds to support our students.  Many, many thanks, Markham PTA!

Reminders:  

• State Wide In-service Day on Friday, October 11^th – No School.
• Please fill out a meal application with nutrition services if you have not already. You can apply online at https://www.pps.net/Page/2464 or receive a hardcopy from the school cafeteria or office.
• Attendance Matters – Every Day, On Time, Ready to Learn!

Our 2019-2020 school year is off to a great start and we have you to thank.  Thank you Markham Families for your continuous support in working together on behalf of each of our students. 

Here’s to a wonderful autumn,

Shawn Garnett

Principal