More than the name of the pattern of our quilt square, “Hands All Around” represents the mission of Marion Elementary School. 

The bright colors represent the children, while the fanned design represents the hands of the people encircling the school.  The center set of hands represents the students and staff working together surrounded by the other set which represents the support of parents, PTO and the community.   

This is the 109^th quilt block on the McDowell County Quilt Trail which is sponsored by the McDowell Arts Council Association.  For more information including maps and images of the area quilt blocks see McDowellQuiltTrail.org

Research shows that students who independently read material of their own choosing have greater comprehension and fluency than those who read only assigned material.  Accelerated Reader is a challenge program to encourage kids to read what they like and to earn points for it.  Because our school stongly believes in the positive effect of home/school communications, we have subscribed to an enhanced version of Accelerated Reader which includes Renaissance Home Connect. 

Renaissance Home Connect keeps you up to date with your child's Accelerated Reader goals and progress.  You can view your child's quiz results and even sign up to get e-mail notices when your child has taken an AR quiz.  Quizes can not be taken at home. Click here to view Home Connect login page. Log in with your child's AR user name and password.

Already have a book and don't know if it's an AR book or what the reading level of it is?  Search the Accelerated Reader Book Finder at www.arbookfind.com.  Book Finder searches the AR database for test information and reading level.  Results don't necessarily mean that our school has that book.  Use the Destiny library catalog to find a book our school has. 

At Marion Elementary, your child has access to over 9,000 library books and 125,000 AR quizzes.  Make reading a scheduled part of your child's day.

If you have a student at Marion Elementary and do not currently receive Blackboard Connect-Ed phone calls from the school and central office alerting you to weather-related school closings and special events, please contact the School office at 652-2141 so that we can update your home or cell phone number in the system.

Link your grocery cards to Marion Elementary and help raise money for the school each time you shop!  Cards must be re-linked each year. Don't forget to link your grocery store cards for the 2011-2012 School year!

• Bi-Lo Bonus Card -- See customer service at Bi-Lo about connecting your bonus card with Marion Elementary so the school will receive 1% of your purchases.
• Ingles Advantage Card - Ingles will give a portion of their sales back to the school to purchase equipment

• Box Tops ~ Students, we are still collecting box tops from General Mills products. Each coupon is worth 10 cents to the school. Be sure and save your box tops over the summer and turn them in when school starts this fall. Become a member at BoxTopsforEducation and earn extra points!

Hard work and good grades deserve perks.  Check out these offers from businesses at Good Grade Rewards or Google "report card incentive programs" and look through the results.

"Hit the Books" program at Asheville's Fun Depot
Students who bring in their report cards will receive $2 for every "A" and $1 for every "B" on their Boxcar Bucks card. Valid ONLY for the current grading period.  Value not to exceed 7 classes or $14. An employee will stamp or initial the back of the report card for validation purposes.

Here are some things you can do to ensure that your child is prepared and that he/she wants to come to school:

• Let your child know that going to school is important - a good education lays the foundation for a good life.
• Set a regular homework time to ensure that your child is prepared each day.
• Show interest in your child's work.
• Make sure your child gets enough sleep each night.
• Don't give in to vague complaints that your child doesn't feel well.  Speak positively abut the teacher and school activities.

Contact the school immediately if you suspect your child is being bullied or harassed.  Don't expect your child to handle it alone. Don't hesitate to ask for help.  Share your concerns with your child's teacher - your child may need extra help.