UCFSD Celebrates American Education Week
American Education Week (AEW) spotlights the importance of providing every child in America with a quality public education from kindergarten through college, and the need for everyone to do his or her part in making public schools great. This 88th annual American Education Week will take place November 15–21. Click here for a schedule of the district's American Education Week activities, including a special message from Superintendent Parker.

New Traffic Patterns at UHS and CFPMS - UPDATE
The opening of the new access road from Doe Run Road to the middle school cafeteria parking lot has been delayed. When the road does open, there will be new traffic patterns for access to the campus. Please click here for a full description of the new procedures.

Veterans' Day Activities
On Wednesday, November 11 students participated in a series of special Veterans' Day assemblies. Special guest speakers included Lt. Col Mike Pollock, Lt. Col. Don Quinn, 1st Sgt. Kathy Walsh Shell, Col. Denis McKnight and Mr. Richard Moyer. Everyone at Patton Middle School would like to thank these veterans for spending the morning with us and sharing their expereinces in serving our country. View this presentation as we recognize those in the Patton family who have proudly served in the defense of our country.

FOCUS Presents a Parenting Round-Table Discussion
Please join us for an informative and enjoyable evening as FOCUS presents a Parenting Round-Table Discussion on Wednesday, November 18 from 7:00-8:30 pm at the Patton Middle School Library. Parents of Elementary, Middle, and High School students are welcome to come and learn, share, and support each other while discussing everyday parenting dilemmas during this Q&A with parenting professionals from our community. The event, sponsored by FOCUS (Family Outreach Committee of U-CF Schools) will include door prizes and refreshments! For planning purposes, if you intend to come please RSVP (not required) to Cara Malone at (610) 793-1201 or tcmalone@comcast.net

UHS Football Notches Upset Win!
Congratulations to Mr. Kelley as the UHS Football pulled off one of the more monumental upsets in the history of the District 1 Class AAAA playoffs. The No.15 Indians stunned No. 2 Pennsbury, 12-7, on Friday night. It was the Indians' first-ever win in the Class AAAA playoffs. The team now faces No. 7 Ridley in the next round. Good luck!

Report Cards Go Paperless!
With the 1st marking period now over. report cards will be available for viewing on our Student Access Manager -- better known as SAM on Friday, November 20th. You are reminded that paper report cards are no longer sent home. Should you require a hard copy report card you may make that request through SAM by following the directions on the parent log in page. Please direct any questions that you may have to your son or daughter’s guidance counselor.

Student Led Conferences, November 23-25
Student Led Conferences will be held on November 23, 24, 25. Parents are asked to enter the school by the main office doors. All parents/guardians must have a name tag while in the school building.

Pumpkins, Pumpkins, Everywhere!
The great pumpkin decorating contest was held at Patton Middle school on October 30. Pumpkins were distributed to each prime time and the creative juices started flowing. Students worked together to decorate their prime time pumpkin. As adults we see jack-o-lanterns in pumpkins; but middle school students can see pigs, birds, Medusa, Albert Einstein, doctors, The Hulk, or hippies in a pumpkin. The imagination that these children have is just amazing! Judges, Sharon Parker, Jim Fulginiti, and Lele Galer had the difficult task of determining a winner. Prizes were awarded to prime times for Team Spirit, Curriculum Tie in, and 2009 Theme (Exercise in 2009 for a strong body and mind). There were body builder pumpkins, Phillies inspired pumpkins and swine flu pig pumpkins. The PTO would like to thank Willowdale Produce, Marlborough Valley Corn Maze and Barnard's Orchard for their generous donation of 85 pumpkins. A special thanks as well to our two Pumpkin Art Witches, Mrs. Little and Mrs. Ferron. Click here to see all the amazing creations!

Homework Requests
With the flu season here already, parents or guardians are reminded that they may call the office at 610-347-2000 before 9:00 AM to request homework if a student has been absent for two or more consecutive days. We ask that you speak directly with a member of the office staff when making this type of request. Please do not leave requests for class and/or homework assignments on staff members’ voice mail systems or staff members' e-mail. Parents are asked to collect all materials in the office to insure that all assignments reach the student. School personnel will retrieve needed books and materials from lockers.

It's Science Fair Time!
For all the latest Science Fair information, visit www.societyforscience.org. This link includes all the necessary forms for 2009/2010 and examples of past projects. All students who are designing a science fair project must complete forms 1, 1A, 1B and the Research Plan prior to experimentation. Remember . . . KEEP A LOG BOOK DETAILING ALL YOUR WORK! The Middle School Science Fair will be held in January 2010. See Mrs. Schuster or Mrs. Knauer if you have questions.

From the School Nurse
6th grade physical forms and 7th grade dental forms are due! If your child had an examination last spring or over the summer, remember to send the form in to the school nurse. If your child’s examination is in the near future, please return the form as soon as the examination is complete. Forms are available in the download section of the middle school website. These examinations are required by PA school law. New students to the State, regardless of grade, are required to submit both the physical and dental forms.

Protect A Life from Food Allergies
Many kids are severely allergic to certain foods, especially peanuts, tree nuts (like walnuts, pecans, and almonds) milk, eggs, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish. Sometimes if they eat, touch, or even breathe a tiny amount of the food they're allergic to, they can become ill. That's why kids who have food allergies need all of us to help keep them safe. In this brochure are some of the ways you can be a PAL and Protect A Life from food allergies, or you can read more at www.faankids.org.