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.

Thank You From the PTO
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Thanks to all who contributed food and beverages to the Halloween Mixer last week.  Everything was fantastic and so festive! Our kids had plenty to eat and drink. The Hospitality Committee greatly appreciates all of your help!

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.

Help Our Troops
The Middle school will be collecting T-shirts, underwear, sweatshirts, sweatpants and socks to send to wounded military men in Afghanistan. If you would like to help these brave men, who are fighting for our freedom, please bring your item(s) and place them in the boxes in the front lobby and cafeteria. If you would like to add a note with it, I'm sure the soldiers would appreciate it. Small things can make a big impact. We will collect now through Veterans Day. Thank you for your help!

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.

New Traffic Patterns at UHS and CFPMS
With the opening of the new access road from Doe Run Road to the middle school cafeteria parking lot, there will be new traffic patterns for access to the campus. Please click here for a full description of the new procedures.