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The
Friday Flyer Newsletter from
Bennett Elementary PTSA 2.3.22
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YSW hosts a variety of activities during this weeklong
event at the end of March to bring enriching science activities and hands-on
opportunities to the Bennett community. All students are
encouraged to contribute to the science gallery by displaying a science
experiment they tried at home.
Family Science Night draws a huge crowd with hands-on
science experiments/ experiences that are fun for kids of all ages,
ending with a rousing science assembly with Mad Science.
The Egg Drop Contest is always a hit as students cheer
each others egg contraptions on their 70-foot fall from a fire truck
ladder. And, each grade enjoys an accompanying classroom workshop
that enhances their current curriculum.
We need your help brainstorming new ideas for Family
Science Night and Egg Drop Contest. Although the event occurs in
March, we'd like to get a couple of new ideas in flight now and will re-convene
meetings at the first of the year. We are open to new ideas!
Please join us at:
YSW committee "launch" meeting:
Date: Wednesday, November 7th
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: Bennett Library
Please contact the co-chairs, Karen Dawson (karend11@msn.com) or Amy Doran (amy.doran@comcast.net) if you have any
questions! We look forward to seeing you there.
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Bellevue Schools Foundation
Bellevue Schools Foundation - Job Openings
Announcing
2 part-time positions at the Bellevue Schools Foundation:
1) Development Database Technology Associate and 2)
Accountant. Both are part-time, year around jobs and are open
NOW.
Please check our website www.bsfdn.org/About/Jobs for the job descriptions and
further details.
Questions or inquiries, please contact Sherry Ladd ,
Executive Director, Bellevue Schools Foundation, email: sherry@bsfdn.org, tel: 425.456.4199.
Curriculum Enhancement & Music Grants
A
variety of schools have been awarded Music grants for upcoming events
during the school year. Grant projects include: purchasing new ¾ size violins
for the 5th grade orchestra program; inviting guest teachers/experts
for orchestra and band clinics; and participating in community parades
and festivals from Ocean Shores to Vancouver, BC .
Curriculum enhancement grants for Fall will be announced
on Wednesday, November 7, 2007. The complete listing will be
posted on the BSF website www.bsfdn.org/grants.
Don't Forget. . .
Phonathon
- October 22, 23, 24, 2007
Monies raised during BSF's Phonathon help to fund writing, science,
student support programs and more.
You can
make a difference for the children in our schools!
- Volunteer
to make calls on any or all of Phonathon dates
- Make
a generous donation when volunteer parents from your school call
For more
information about Phonathon, check out the BSF website www.bsfdn.org/Events/phonathon.asp. All donations welcome!
Just go to the BSF website home page (www.bsfdn.org), click on the Amazon.com
link, and BSF will receive over 7% of each sale. Remember, you
must always go through the BSF website link for us to get credit for
the order. Thank you!
Did you know???
Since 1999,
BSF has directed $1,081,563 toward improvements in the language arts
curriculum in the Bellevue School District . This funding has
come in large part from parents like you and is the type of support
your Phonathon donation provides - Thank you!
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President's News
by Marian McDermott and Sue Bentsen
Thank you for supporting the Bennett Book Fair.
Money raised from this event goes directly to purchasing books for our
library. Thanks to your support and the passion of our librarian,
Jean Bolivar, and her team of library volunteers, we have an excellent
book collection in our library for all our kids.
We hope many of you were able to enjoy Math Bingo on
October 17. How many of you observed your children having fun
doing math? Adding fun into math equations is part of what the
PTSA Math Committee is doing. If you are interested in helping
with some of the other exciting math activities, such as Math Olympiad,
Math Geocache, and the Math Carnival, please contact Andrea Pohle at andreapohle@yahoo.com
The end of October can be a spooky time with ghosts and
jack-o-lanterns appearing around the neighborhood. Please take
care that these are the only things startle us. As the days get darker
and wetter this season, remember to be extra cautious when driving your
vehicle to or near school. Look carefully and STOP for the
crossing guard/safety patrol kids. They are trying to help others
cross safely, but are still children themselves and may not be the best
judges of your speed when they step off the curb. Never speed or
travel greater than 20 mph near the school.
Be mindful of the safety cones the safety patrol kids put
up. Never drive through the cones or try to "beat" the
cones as they are being placed by the children. If you are driving
through the pick-up corridor in front of the gym, use only a single
line. Do not pull around and pass cars in front of you. Help keep
the drivers behind you from getting frustrated - do not park your car
in the drive through lane and leave your car or wait for more than 4
minutes for your child to appear. Be mindful of rules and regulations -
do not even think about parking in the bus lane, driving into the
parking lot the wrong way (marked with an EXIT ONLY sign), parking illegally,
or encouraging your children to cross the street away from the marked
crossing areas.
This may sound heavy handed, but these are unsafe
practices that many parents, teachers and students have witnessed at
out school. Children are small (most cannot be seen over the hood of an
SUV) and can move in fast and unpredictable ways. If we drive
safely, obey the rules, and keep awareness that at any moment a
kindergartener could dart in front of our car, we can help keep kids
safe.
If you have concerns you would like the PTSA to help
address, ideas to help enrich our school environment, or would like to
volunteer, but are not quite sure how, please contact us at ma_mcdermott@hotmail.com or sue@bentsen.us
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Principal's Post
by Chris Thomas
Parent-Teacher Conferences
In November, we will be hosting Parent-Teacher
Conferences. The conferences are approximately 30 minutes in length
and are intended for teachers to inform parents of their child's
progress. As a parent, I also know you may have a question or two
for teachers, to learn more about ways you can best support your child
at home. I encourage you to formulate your questions before going
to the meeting and also bring a pad to write notes. Overall, it
can be a big time-saver! By now, you should have received
information for your scheduled appointment. If you have any
questions please give us a call at 425-456-4800.
Emergency Preparedness
Each
month, our students and staff practice responding to emergency
situations. Our goal is to be completely prepared for unexpected
situations and, I can tell you, we are getting really good. In
the event of a real emergency, parents are welcome to take their own
child off campus, but it is necessary to check in at the Parent/Student
Reunion table set up by the breezeway (between the main building and
the cafeteria). From there, a staff member will arrange for your
child(ren) to meet you at the table. As you can imagine, we need
to verify the whereabouts for each child and this process will be a
great help. Also, it is important that we keep the Velcro on the
doors of classrooms free of posters and signs. Teachers use this
space to inform emergency teams of important information. *If you
would like to post information at the school, please check in with
Margie in the office. Thank
you.
School Parking Lot
As we
head into the third month of the 2007-08 school year, I would like to
give you a few reminders to keep our parking lots
safe.
· The
Cones~ Each morning, orange cones are used as a boundary to keep
vehicles from moving in and out of the main parking lot (In front of
the offices). Please do not drive your vehicle through the
cones. I realize at times the cones leave just enough room for
small vehicles to pass through, but please resist the temptation.
· Child Drop-off and pick up~ If you transport your child
to or from school, please use the West parking lot. Another
option is to park your vehicle alongside the raised sidewalk on NE
16th. Using these two drop-off points will not only keep
you from blocking buses, it will also lower the risk factor when
students and staff walk in the main parking lot.
· Drive
Slowly~As you are driving through the neighborhood and school
parking lot, please be aware of the unexpected. While we always
encourage students to use sidewalks and crosswalks, it may not happen
100% of the time. The best way to protect walkers, especially
when they make poor choices, is to drive
slowly.
Thank
you for your cooperation!
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State PTA Seeks Your Input
PTA Members and Leaders: Your input is needed for
the November issue of Washington State PTA's magazine, The Child
Advocate. We are looking for quotes from PTA leaders on the topics
below. If you feel that you have some information you can share
on one or more of these topics, please send your feedback directly to kfandersen@wastatepta.org and include your name, your
local unit and the city you live.
We are looking for tips on after-school safety.
- More
specifically, what guidelines do you give your children to keep
your kids safe on their way home from school, at play-dates,
sleepovers, after-school sports, or while they are at home alone?
- How
do you help your children make healthier food choices, for example
for breakfast, after-school snacks and while they are at school?
- What
are some actions that your family takes to stay healthier during
the winter months?
- More
specifically, what preventative actions do you take to keep cold
and flu viruses from spreading from one family member to another,
what are some things that you do to prevent food-born illnesses,
and what are some ways you help your sick children feel better
sooner?
Please
send your comments to kfandersen@wastatepta.org
Thank you for your input!
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Librarian's Corner
The Global Reading Challenge has begun!
There are 54 fourth and fifth graders participating this
year! As teams
these students will read, discuss, study, and learn the
following ten books. Feel free to read them too. It would
be wonderful, if you'd like to write up questions (and answers) on
index cards for the teams to study. The question goes on one side
of the card, the answer on the other. See me or Mr. Drugge for more
information.
- Children
of the Longhouse by Joseph Bruchac
- Dragon Rider by
Cornelia Funke (Last years Sasquatch winner)
- Fish by
L.S. Matthew
- Hannah West in
the Belltown Towers by Linda Johns
- Ida B by
Katherine Hannigan
- Junebug by
Alice Mead
- Listening for
Lions (A Young Reader's Choice nominee) by Gloria Whelan
- The Penderwicks
by Jeanne Birdsall
- White Star: a
dog on the Titanic by Marty Crisp
- The Year of the
Dog by Grace Lin
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Volunteers are needed on Thursday, October 25th to
facilitate vision screenings at Bennett.
Email Kelly Malcolm at: glenn.malcolm@comcast.net if you are available to help
either during the morning session 8:45 - 11:45am or afternoon session
12:30 - 3:25pm.
2007 WALKATHON WINNERS
by Walkathon Committee
Congratulations to all the students, parents, and staff at
Bennett who helped to make "POWERWALK 2007", this year's
walkathon, a huge success! Together, we have raised over $51,000
through this year's fall fundraising drive.
The students were recognized for their outstanding
achievements and generous contributions at Wednesday's all school
assembly. Medals and prizes were awarded to many students as a result
of their outstanding efforts at this year's walkathon.
The following students were awarded medals at Wednesday's
assembly for walking/running the most laps in their class: Lise
Arrouye, Jenny Borgens, Andrea Rosenwald, Michelle Daniels, Adrian
Fleuchaus, Lucas Allen, Nick Bentsen, Tom Bentsen, Madelyn Chandler,
Felicia Poteet, Junya Yamamoto, Austin Ball, Logan Feaster, Takuma
Osawa, Baptiste Arrouye*, Grant Cole & Althea Poteet
*Baptiste Arrouye was awarded a personalized Bennett
sweatshirt for achieving the most laps of the entire school!
The following students, listed alphabetically, received
prizes as our school's top four fundraisers: Olivia Coron (2nd
grade) received a Zune, portable media player, Katherine Kester (1st
grade) received a Razor scooter, Nick Schleiff (5th grade) received a
Wave Street Surfer & Amy Shell (Kindergarten) received a bicycle.
Congratulations and thank you to Catalina Romo (1st grade)
who won the t-shirt/theme contest held last spring.
Thank you to all the families who have supported our fall
fundraising campaign. Your generous donations are vital to
enhancing educational excellence at Bennett.
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Community Service Announcements
Did you see?
Did anyone witness a red-colored vehicle hit a dark gray
Infiniti-I30 ? It was parked on NE 16th by the school during the hours of
8:55am - 11:55am on Tuesday Oct. 16th. Any information would be greatly
appreciated. Please contact Lisa Robinson at 425-641-0135
Highland Middle School PTSA is helping. . .
Some of our parents and PTSA members are helping to
organize and work at an event at Crossroads Mall this Saturday, from
noon to 5 p.m. If you would like to help and enjoy, please come!
Thank you, Karen Campbell, HMS PTSA Health &
Wellness Committee Member and Bellevue PTSA Council North Area VP.
EASTSIDE LATINO LEADERSHIP FORUM
Presents:
THE ANNUAL FIESTA POPULAR LATINA & Free Health Fair
@ Crossroads Bellevue
Saturday,
October 20, 2007 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Entertainment
includes:
Mariachi
Juvenil Voces de Mexico 2006
(Children's
Mariachi Group)
Latin
sounds from: Ocho Pies and Miho & Diego Duo
And
the extraordinaire dance group: Bailadores de Bronce
The
Health Fair is a collaboration between the Consulate of Mexico , Sea
Mar Community Health Centers, Public Health - Seattle King County , the
City of Bellevue , Crossroads Bellevue , and the Eastside Latino
Leadership Forum.
The
fair will offer FREE health screenings for cholesterol, glucose,
hypertension, and diabetes, as well as dental exams and fluoride
varnishing. There will also be information about HIV, mammograms,
mental health, nutrition, flu shots, long term care, tobacco cessation,
voter registration, and much more.
For
further information CONTACT: Spence Comstock spencecomstock@seamarchc.org 206-788-3200 or Irma Farsch
- irmafarsch@seamarchc.org 206-764-4700.
Luis
Gonzalez (ELLF) 425-301-7562 or Cecilia Contrears 206-736-8061.
International School is having fun...
Family Fun at International School
IS Oktoberfest
Saturday, October 27th, 2007
6:00 to 8:00 pm
Friends and Family Welcome!
$7.00 per plate
Entertainment provided by the Enzian Schuhplattlers - a
local organization dedicated to promoting Bavarian folk dancing,
culture and costumes.
Buffet includes Bratwurst, Hot Dogs, German Potato Salad,
Sauerkraut, German Pretzels, Fresh Fruit, Apple Cobbler, Water and
Coffee.
Come visit our school while enjoying the tastes and sounds
of Germany!
All profits will benefit the IS Intern Program
. Please RSVP by Friday, October 19th
**** clip on dotted line and return ****
Yes! We will attend IS Oktoberfest.
Name:_____________________
Number attending: ___ x $7.00
Please
make check payable to ISPTSA
Return
forms with payment to the IS office in an envelope marked IS
Oktoberfest. International School, 445 - 124th Ave NE, Bellevue,
WA 98005
*****
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GREAT GALLOPING
GOBLINS...
HALLOWEEN'S
ALMOST HERE!
Friday, October 26, 2007, 5:30 PM
at The Library Connection @ Crossroads
DAY
OF THE DEAD (Dia de Los Muertos)
in Story and Song
Marco Cortes, Chilean teacher and singer
cordially invites you to celebrate the "Day of the Dead" (Dia de los Muertos), a
popular celebration throughout Mexico and Central America.
For children & families
Wednesday, October 31, 5:00 PM -8:00 PM
SAFE & SWEET (TRICKS) & TREATS at
participating Crossroads Merchants
Polaroid Photos of costumed children - $3 or 3 cans of food
Stop the flu
before the flu stops you!
October 27-28, 11AM-5PM
November 10-11, 11AM-5PM
Nov. 17-18, 11AM-5PM
$25 (Cash or check
only)
Crossroads
Mall, South concouse by Pier 1 Imports
(Medicare Part B; present
card to nurse.)
Pneumonia vaccinations also
available $40
Provided by Prevention MD (425.739.0700 ext. 203)
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Community Calendar
October:
19th Homecoming Football
Game, IHS v Sammamish, IHS Field, 7:30pm
22,23,24th BSF Phonathon
26th Jenni Eicher's birthday
26th Sarah Slatt's birthday
27th Chris Thomas' birthday
31st Halloween class parties
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Red Ribbon Week
October
23-31 is Red Ribbon Week.
The Red Ribbon Campaign is the oldest and largest drug prevention program
in the nation reaching millions of young people each year. It is an ideal
way for parents and communities to unite and take a stand against drugs.
There are many ways parents could use this week to re-dedicate their
family's commitment to a drug-free lifestyle and a drug-free community. This
could be as simple as declaring Friday,
October 26 as Wear Red Day or Red Ribbon Day to show your
support for the Red Ribbon Campaign. For more information about the
campaign, go to www.nfp.org.
You may
also want to incorporate some of these parenting tips for protecting your
children from substance abuse into your daily routine:
Talk
with our children about drugs and alcohol. Kids who learn about the risks of drug abuse from
their parents or caregivers are less likely to use drugs than kids who do
not. Setting a firm rule of no drug use will help your children navigate
peer and other pressure to use drugs.
Know
what your children are doing -their activities and how they spend their
time. Get to know their friends and
their friends' parents. Check up on your children every now and then to
make sure that they are where they say they are.
Build a
warm, positive relationship with your children. Be involved in your kids' lives and praise and
reward good behavior. Keep the lines of communication open.
Set
limits with clear rules and consequences for breaking them. Involve your children in the setting of rules
whenever possible, and discuss the reasons for rules with them. Make sure
they understand what you expect and the consequences for disobedience,
and then enforce rules consistently.
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Celebrate the Arts All Month Long
by PTA Parent Newsletter
October is National Arts and Humanities Month and Americans
for the Arts encourages you to support the arts and culture in your
community. Attend an event, make a donation, talk to your elected
leaders, or simply be inspired.
Like PTA, Americans for the Arts
believes parents are the best and most powerful supporters of arts
education. National Arts and Humanities Month, during which PTA Start the
Art Week falls, is a perfect time to advocate for arts education. The
Americans for the Arts public awareness campaign Art. Ask for More.
provides you with tools to ask for more art in your school, and tips on
how you can incorporate the arts in your child's life.
Studies show that there is a
direct link between the arts and student achievement. Students who study
the arts develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving techniques,
and a drive for excellence.
For more information about
National Arts and Humanities Month and Art. Ask for More. visit www.AmericansForTheArts.org.
Americans for the Arts supports
PTA Start the Art Week.
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Toy Safety Basics
While dangerous toys have been in the news lately, toy
safety is something families need to think about at all times. Here are
some guidelines from the Consumer Products Safety Commission for keeping
your children safe when they play with toys.
Choking
Choking is the greatest hazard for children under three
years old, who like to put objects in their mouths. Do not buy marbles,
balls, or games with balls or parts that have a diameter of 1.75 inches
or less for children this age. Look for well-made toys whose parts can
not be pulled or twisted off.
Cuts and Abrasions
To prevent cuts or abrasions, avoid toys that are made of
thin plastic that could splinter and break, as well as toys with sharp
edges or points. Have your children use rounded scissors for art
projects. Head Injuries Head injuries are a risk with bicycles, inline skates,
roller skates, skateboards, and foot-propelled scooters. Helmets and
protective padding for elbows, arms, and knees may be needed; some states
require protective gear for some or all of these toys.
Toxic Materials
Look for household art materials, including crayons and
paint sets that are marked "ASTM D-4236." This means the
product has been reviewed by a toxicologist and labeled with cautionary
information, if needed.
Encouraging Responsibility
In addition to the safety hazards above, instruct older
children to keep their toys away from their younger brothers and sisters.
Teach children to put away their toys after play to avoid tripping over
them.
Bypassing Danger
Parents should check toys periodically and repair or
discard damaged or dangerous toys. To avoid a tragic mistake, ensure toy
guns are brightly colored so they cannot be mistaken for real guns.
Finally, to learn about other problems with toys and other items, look
for product recalls at http://recalls.gov/.
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The Friday Flyer
Newsletter | Bennett Elementary PTSA 2.3.22
Information
contained in directories, newsletters, or membership lists published by
The Friday Flyer may not be used for solicitation, commercial, political,
ideological, or any other purposes not consistent with the Washington
Congress of Parent and Teacher by-laws.
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