We are excited to launch our newsletter as spring approaches! We hope this newsletter will give you information about the activities and events at Mullen and Riverview, as well as information in school subjects and topics to add to your child's school experience.

We are a few short months away from the grand opening of the new Tonawanda Elementary School. We are excited to take that journey with you and your families. If you have any ideas for topics for our newsletter that would help you or your children, please let us know.

Thank you and enjoy,

Claudia Panaro, Riverview Principal

Robert Ross, Mullen Principal

We are approaching report card time. It’s not too late to establish some routines to help your child be successful this year and in the future. Below are some helpful tips to help keep your child on track for success:

• Create a sleep schedule with 10 hours of sleep each night for your child. Research shows that students in elementary school should be getting at least 10 hours of sleep for their best attention and focus in class.

• Plan for healthy eating. The better we treat our body physically, the better our body is able to react emotionally.

• Set up a homework station. Keep it distraction-free, with school supplies available, and use it at a consistent time. Children thrive on routine and predictability.

• Create an organizational system to help keep track of their belongings (papers, backpacks, clothes, etc.).

• Keep it Positive. When parents show a positive attitude about school, children will follow.

Early Math Matters

We may take for granted that our children will inevitably learn how to add, subtract, multiply and divide, but elementary math lessons do so much more. Everything your child is learning in math right now is helping them think like a mathematician and build the foundation for what lies ahead. They are building number sense, stamina, problem-solving skills and a love for math each and every day, but we need your help. The suggestions below are some quick easy ways you can help us build a love of math in your child:

• Make math “real.” Connect it to the world around you: check and compare prices at the grocery store, drive down the street counting houses on your block or follow a recipe and bake some cookies together.

• Be a math detective. Ask your child to talk about math ideas and situations they see every day: how many more days until your birthday, how much faster can you drive on the highway compared to Delaware Street and why?

• Play Games: There are countless websites, computer games and phone apps to use, but don't forget about traditional board or card games like Uno, Chutes and Ladders or Top-It.

• Be a math person. Avoid talking negatively about math, even if you did not enjoy or excel in math as a child. Having a positive attitude about math can help your child foster their own math enthusiasm.

Be a Responsible Reader

One of the best ways to help your child with reading is to develop daily reading routines at home.

• Set aside a consistent time to read aloud to your child. Even “big” kids love to hear chapter books read aloud!
• Allow your child 15-20 minutes to independently read books of their choice. Let your child see you read during this time, as well.
• Create a comfy reading space in your home.
• Keep a variety of reading materials at home.
• Visit the local library together to choose books that match your child’s likes and interests.
• Have your child read during daily activities: grocery lists, menus, recipes and the like.

Did you know that March 2, 2023 was Dr. Seuss’ birthday? As a way to celebrate, reading PARP (Pick A Reading Partner) will be celebrated in Spring. The goal of PARP is to continue to encourage students to read. Students and parents are encouraged to “synergize” in various reading activities, both at home and in school, as we celebrate PARP Week. PARP will provide students with fun-filled activities to promote and celebrate reading. An informational packet on PARP and its activities will be forthcoming.

Students and families were “Wild About Learning” during Tonawanda Family Night. The event helped promote literacy and math skills. During the event, students were able to rotate through different learning stations. There was a photo booth to help capture the fun at the event, a craft station and a special presentation by Nickel City Reptiles. Students also received a new book to add to their reading library. Special thanks to our AIS Reading and Math teachers for organizing this special event for our students and many thanks to everyone who attended the event. We had over 700 guests!

We are wishing Mrs. Kossow a wonderful retirement. Mrs. Kossow has worked for the district for many years, most recently as the Mullen school secretary. We thank her for all her hard work and dedication to the students, staff and families. Thank you for everything!

Mullen is happy to welcome Ms.Jinal Rogers as the new secretary. Jinal is a welcomed addition and we are happy to have her join the team.

Our students continue to show support for our community through their participation in the Make-A-Wish Spirit Days. Make-A-Wish helps support the wish of a local child. Look for updates on the school calendar for upcoming spirit days. Thank you for working together as a team in making a child’s wish come true.

The students in our schools continue to show their Warrior Pride by giving back to our community. Students worked with art teachers Mrs. Forget and Ms. Sloan in creating special Valentines for the Tonawanda Senior Citizens Center. Over 500 cards were created by our students. These cards definitely brought a smile!

We continue to watch our elementary students grow into Warriors through the district’s Warrior Way motto. Students learn about the Warrior Way each day over the morning announcements. They also learn some of these same characteristics, as well as problem-solving skills and how to work in cooperative groups, during weekly Second Step lessons. During lunches, classes work together to receive Tonawanda “tickets.” These classes are then recognized with an ice cream party. Our students are Respectful, Responsible and Safe. It’s a great day to be a Warrior!

March 17, 2023 - Superintendent's Conference Day, No School

March 22 , 2023 - Elementary Report Cards Distributed

March 24, 2023 - Bubble Gum Day. $1.00 donation to support Make-a-Wish