We have many things to be thankful for in our Bennett community. High on the list are our caring teachers that work hard every day to teach, challenge, and support our children.

Please take a moment to send your child's teacher a note or an e-mail letting them know how much you appreciate them. If you would like to help with the December staff appreciation lunch, contact Mary Kay Westmoreland at thewestmorelands@hotmail.com

This Friday, November 30th, at 6:30 pm Bennett will celebrate the diverse cultures in our community at the annual Multicultural Heritage Festival and Potluck. We invite you and your family to enjoy an abundance of international foods and entertainment from some of our very talented students. If you did not get the chance to respond to the flyer sent home before the Thanksgiving holiday, no worries - come anyway! This is a free family event, but we request that you bring a main dish, salad, or dessert to share.

The Bennett Family Art Night and Gallery Walk is next Wednesday, December 5, from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. The evening will include art workshops, led by talented staff and parents (watercolor painting, photography, origami, clay, and music), and viewing of Reflections entries and art projects from all grade levels.

The 5th Grade class will be having a BAKE SALE during the event to help raise money for their overnight fieldtrip.

Bring the whole family to have fun learning new art techniques. This is a free family event, but please bring cash to satisfy your sweet tooth and support the 5th Graders.

Mark your calendars - the PTSA Board of Directors and Committee Chairs & Room Parents will meet on Tuesday, December 11th at 7:00 pm in the library. The meeting is open to any interested parent or PTSA member.

PTSA Committee News

Multicultural Event "Oh yeah how about that?"

Over 300 people come to this event each year. Our Annual Multicultural Potluck will be November 30th, from 6:30 to 8:30 in the Multi-Purpose room (Gym). Bring your families and a dish to pass. Enjoy musical entertainment and talent from students in our school community.

Our choir and first grade will be performing this year. There will also be heritage posters from second graders who volunteer to share their family with us. See you there!

The Multicultural Committee carolynmstanley@comcast.net

Bennett Multicultural Food Drive to benefit Hopelink

Is your family looking for a way to make a difference this holiday season? In celebration of Bennett's Multicultural Potluck, please consider bringing a food donation to school anytime between November 26 - December 7 to benefit Hopelink. Your children will be bringing home flyers next week with suggested food items, though all non-perishable items will be gladly accepted.

For more information about Hopelink, visit www.hope-link.org

Did You Know...

Bennett's PTSA is fortunate to have an annual operating budget capable of contributing funds to make a significant difference at our school.

This year, of the operating budget, over $65,000 is allocated for education enrichment.
A total of $17,000 has been allocated to fund field trips for Bennett students this year.
For the past several years, as well as this year, over $25,000 was granted to the school to fund supplemental instructional aide time in the classrooms.
On average, only 15-25 PTSA members attend PTSA meetings that determine how money is allocated.

Please join PTSA and use your vote to decide how to best use the money raised to enrich the education of every student at Bennett Elementary.

Bennett Math Committee

Is to meet Tuesday Dec 4 @ 7pm in the Bennett Library.

If you enjoyed the Bennett Math Bingo Extravaganza or missed it and would like to help plan the NEXT family math event join the Math Committee, Tuesday Dec 4 @ 7pm in the Bennett Library.

The Bennett Math Committee will plan the Extraordinary Bennett Math Carnival to be held February 1st, 2008. This promises to be a very fun meeting because we will be playing all the games to be used in the Carnival and adding a few of our own.

At the last PTSA meeting Principal Thomas announced a new math enrichment program for K-3 students to begin in January 2008. In addition to playing games, the Bennett Math Committee will wrap up plans to spearhead or assist in this program. Join the committee to help make this program a great asset for our students.
Question, Comments, Concerns: andreapohle@yahoo.com or clayd43@msn.com

BENNETT ART NIGHT

Dec. 5th Time: 7pm-8:30pm (some workshops will end at 8pm)

Come view our student's wonderful Reflections Artwork. Students can put their name in the Magic Hat for cool art related doorprizes throughout the evening.

Participate in Interactive Art workshops including:

Aqua Media on Paper with Mrs. Goesling
Clay and Pottery with Mrs. Ray
Poetry with Mrs. Bolivar
Photography with Mr. Bolivar - Bring your digital camera for this one!
Instrument Petting Zoo- Courtesy of Mills Music
Ballet with Mrs. Norby with Mr. Panther on the Piano

The 5th Grade class will be having a BAKE SALE during the event to help raise money for their overnight fieldtrip. Bring the whole family to have fun learning new art techniques. This is a free family event, but please bring cash to satisfy your sweet tooth and support the 5th Graders.

Spirit Wear!
Show your school spirit!

Bennett hooded sweatshirts are available for purchase at the Multicultural Potluck on Friday, November 30, and at Family Art Night on Wednesday, December 5.

You can also print an order form from the Bennett web site at www.bennettelementary.org and drop it in the office with payment (checks only made out to Bennett PTSA).

The sweatshirts are priced at cost at $16.00 for youth sizes and $20.00 for adult sizes.

Choices include:

· Hooded Sweatshirt Style #1: Large Center Emblem,
· Hooded Sweatshirt Style #2: Small 'Pocket' Emblem
· Navy with White Lettering (both styles)
· Available in Youth Sizes (S, M, L) and Adult Sizes (S, M, L, XL)

Questions? Call Chris Douglas, PTSA Volunteer, at 425-603-1718.

Principal's Post

By Chris Thomas

This note is to inform you of several changes made to Elementary Grade Reports. More specifically, there are new terms used in the area of math and science, as well as a new area of evaluation in all core subject areas called "disposition." Please see descriptions below:

New wording in the area of Mathematics

Concepts: How well a student understands concepts from the math units taught in the trimester (e.g. when to use addition/subtraction; the understanding of factors, fractions...)
Procedures: The ability to use accurate, efficient and flexible strategies to solve a problem (e.g. addition, subtraction, multiplication, finding factors ...)
Problem Solving: Applying understanding of concepts and procedures in the context of a problem (e.g. creating and solving word problems)
Reasoning: Thinking logically about math concepts and procedures (e.g. Interprets data, estimates answers correctly)
Disposition: A student's attitude and effort as a learner of Mathematics

New wording in the area of Science

Concepts: How well a student understands the concepts presented. (e.g. things that plants and animals need to grow)
Inquiry: The level of student engagement in the scientific process (e.g. makes detailed observations about organisms, explains the findings of an experiment...)
Reasoning: The ability to apply scientific concepts and inquiry results to various problems (e.g. employs the set-up of growing bean plants to design a new experiment related to growing plants)
Disposition: A student's attitude and effort as a learner of Science

Disposition

In the past, students were graded for their effort in all core subject areas. This year, the grading category of effort has been changed to "disposition."

What is it?

Disposition is the level of importance a student places on a particular subject area. More specifically, does the student believe that the skills and concepts apply to everyday life? Are they interested in learning new skills and concepts related to the particular subject area?

A student's disposition also includes how they view themselves as learners in a particular subject area. Are they confident that they can learn the necessary skills and concepts? Are they willing to take the necessary risks to learn? As you can see, there are several things to consider when grading a student's learning disposition. As a staff, it has been helpful for us to think about it as the combination of Effort and Attitude. We hope this description will be helpful for you as well.

Student Grades

Each grading period, we receive questions from parents about grades. As a staff, we decided to present you with the following description:

4 - Student exceeds all objectives outlined for the grading period and they do so with consistency and independence. The student never needs a second explanation about concepts and needs lesson extensions to be appropriately challenged in the subject area.
3 - Student clearly meets all objectives outlined for the grading period. A common misconception is that a 3 means that a student is "almost there." This is not the case. If a student received a three, they "have arrived."

2 - Student meets some of the objectives outlined for the grading period. They sometimes need further demonstration of concepts and assistance while trying to accomplish tasks independently.

1 - Student is unable to meet the majority of objectives outlined for the grading period. Support services are usually being given/ provided/recommended.

If you have any questions regarding your child's performance in school, please contact your child's teacher. If you have questions regarding changes to the report card, please contact Chris Thomas or Curriculum/Tech Coach Jessi Sheerin at 456-4800.

From the Office

Safety News
By Roger Allington

As the volunteer yard monitor in front of Bennett Elementary School from 8:40 until 9:00 each school-day morning I am able to observe behavior of students, parents and drivers coming to the school. As a general rule, the motorists at Bennett are some of the most courteous and safe drivers I have observed.

However, there are some things of which that some drivers need to be reminded.

When operating a motor vehicle in the school parking or load/unload areas, do not back up! With the mix of students and vehicles one cannot be sure whether a small child is or is not immediately behind the car, out of sight of the driver. If stuck behind another vehicle, wait until it moves so you can proceed forward where you can see. If it is absolutely necessary for you to back up, get the attention of the yard monitor so the monitor can stand to the rear of your vehicle and make sure there are no students behind the vehicle while backing.

Community Calendar

Calendar December

1st - 2nd Bellevue Philharmonic 40th Anniversary concert

2nd Redmond Lights kickoff

4th Math Committee meeting

5th Bennett Art Night

7th - 9th Miracle on 34th Street at Meydenbauer Center by BYT

Now - Dec 9th Evolution of the Art Quilt at WA State History Museum

Now - Dec 9th Keeping Boats and Culture Afloat at WA State History Museum

Now - Dec 24th Snowflake Lane @ Bellevue Square

Now - Dec 31st Garden d'Lights Bellevue Botanical Garden

26th - Jan 1st 12th Annual Model Train Festival at WA State History Museum

Now - Jan 6th Group Health Ice Arena @ Bellevue Downtown Park

Community Servive Announcements

SKI SCHOOL COUNTDOWN!
Bellevue ski school is starting on January 5th. Sign you student and your whole family up NOW and receive the discount until December 3rd! All registration is online so, check out our website for ski school dates & great information at www.bellevueskischool.com. Registration ends on December 15th . Please COME and ENJOY the SNOW, SKIING and BOARDING with your friends and family!

BELL
Registration is now open for Bellevue East Little League Spring 2008 baseball and softball programs. You can visit the web site at www.bellevueeastll.org for more information. Mandatory evaluations for AAA/Majors levels will be held February 2nd and 3rd. AA evaluations will be held on February 9th and 10th. Scholarships are available.

Bellevue Schools Foundation News

Want to help Schools while Shopping on amazon.com?

With the holidays approaching, here's a quick reminder to use the Bellevue Schools Foundation website link for all your Amazon.com online shopping, now and throughout the year.

Access Amazon.com through the Bellevue Schools Foundation (BSF) website and BSF receives a percentage (over 7%) of each amazon.com order. It's simple: go to the Bellevue Schools Foundation website at www.bsfdn.org and click on the amazon.com link/icon on the home page - that's all it takes!

Please note you must go through the BSF site (www.bsfdn.org) for BSF to get credit for the order. Unfortunately, bookmarking the link or going directly to Amazon.com won't identify the purchase as a BSF order.

On behalf of the students and teachers of the Bellevue School District , thank you for your support!

Snow's Here - Take It Slow

By City of Bellevue

With the first snowfall of the season forecast for Cougar Mountain and the Lakemont area this week, Bellevue has joined a state and national campaign --"Ice and Snow, Take it Slow" -- to raise awareness about winter driving.

Winter conditions call for different driving tactics, including slower speeds, slower acceleration, slower steering and slower braking. Residents are encouraged to give themselves extra time to reach their destinations safely.

The "Take it Slow" the campaign is particularly relevant for Bellevue, which has a 1,200-foot elevation range from Lake Washington to Cougar Mountain, the most of any city in the region. In January, dozens of drivers had to abandon their cars on a long, steep stretch of Lakemont Boulevard because of ice.

The city Utilities Department prepared for accumulations of 1 to 2 inches of snow expected Thursday and Saturday at Cougar Mountain and Lakemont.

The Take it Slow message includes the following common-sense winter travel tips:

Check conditions: When you see an extreme forecast, plan ahead. Talk to your employer, local school or day-care center. How will they provide you information? Check road reports and roadway temperatures on the state Department of Transportation website.
Prepare: Before leaving home, prepare your vehicle and give yourself extra time to reach your destination. Also, stock up on household items. The 3 Days 3 Ways website offers more information.
Driving tips: The faster you're going, the longer it will take to stop. Accelerate gradually on snow or ice to avoid slipping. Never slam the brakes. If you have anti-lock brakes, press the pedal down firmly and hold it. If you don't, gently pump the pedal. Either way, give yourself plenty of room to stop.
Black ice: Roads that seem dry or just wet may actually be slippery with ice. Take it slow when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges or shady areas -- all are likely spots for black ice.
Snowplows: Give snowplows room to work. The plows are wide and can cross the centerline or shoulder. Don't tailgate and try not to pass. If you must pass, take extreme caution and beware of the snow cloud.

Bellevue's Utilities Department prepares early for snow season by getting equipment ready, stockpiling supplies and training staff for emergency responses.

Bellevue owns 15 trucks that can be configured as snowplows or sanders, nine one-ton, four-wheel-drive trucks and six dump trucks. During a major snow storm, sets of up to 20 employees will work 12-hour shifts, around the clock.

Under certain conditions prior to an expected ice or snow storm -- when the forecast calls for dry conditions and temperatures between 12 and 21 degrees -- workers put down an anti-icer called calcium magnesium acetate, a liquid that prevents ice from forming. Environmentally friendly, it won't harm fish habitat if it washes into streams.

Snow response and snow route maps are available on the Bellevue website; the state DOT winter tips web page has additional information on winter travel.
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Librarian's Corner

By Jean Bolivar

WOW! BENNETT ROCKS! WE HAD A SUCCESSFUL SISTER SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE!

Thanks to each and every student and family that donated to the Sister Schools Uganda Supply Drive! We completely filled the Sister Schools Pick Up Truck! Way to go Bennett! An awesome participation level from a school our size! Plus, we collected over $700 to help purchase a solar powered generator. Interested in helping sort donations? Check out the website at sisterschools.org. Thanks again for all the great supplies and clothing donations! Each and every item will be cherished and utilized!
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The Friday Flyer Newsletter | Bennett Elementary PTSA 2.3.22

www.bennettelementary.org | TheFridayFlyer@yahoo.com

Editor: Denice Malone

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.

The Friday Flyer is a bi-weekly newletter distributed via email. Articles need to be submitted to thefridayflyer@yahoo.com by the Wednesday before publication Articles may be edited for content.

                           Bennett PTSA Executive Board 2007/08
Marian McDermott, Co-President, ma_mcdermott@hotmail.com 425/653-1235
Sue Bentsen, Co-President, sue@bentsen.us  425/644-5005
Vanessa Swanson, Treasurer, vswan@lynden.com  425/641-6626
Heather Gibbs, Co-Treasurer, heather@thegibbs.us  425/746-3483
Kris Moazez, Secretary, krism@mmpunion.com  425/643-8396
Clay Dawson, VP Education, clayd43@msn.com  425/643-6298
Alison House, VP Fundraising, alihouse@comcast.net  425/653-5411
Michelle Ball, VP Community, michball@winisp.net  425/564-8315

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Bennett Elementary PTSA | 17900 NE 16th Street | Bellevue | WA | 98008