A big Bennett cheer to the Social Committee and their volunteers for putting on the Bennett Sock Hop! We appreciate events where kids and families have fun together and, in the process, make connections to build a strong community.

We have many busy young scientists working hard on their experiments and projects for Young Scientist Week. Thank you for supporting your children at home as they make new discoveries (and perhaps make a few messes in the process). Please consider supporting the entire community of young scientists by signing up to volunteer for Family Science Night and the Egg Drop Contest. Over 100 volunteers are needed for the combined events! A volunteer sign up board is located next to the Bennett office or click here to send an email to the volunteer coordinator.

We look forward to seeing all of you at Family Science Night on March 26!

PTSA Committee News

Young Scientist Week

Don't forget to sign-up to help with Science on Wednesday, 3/26, with the Egg Drop (11:30 to 12:30) and/or Family Science Night (5:30 to 8:00). The sign-up board is across the hall from the office, or call or e-mail Cathy Allen 885-1646, cathycuddallen@aol.com.

Last chance to buy a board to display science projects: lunch break, Wednesday, 3/19.

Thanks from the Young Scientist Committee!

For questions regarding volunteering for Young Scientist Week contact Cathycuddallen@aol.com or 425-885-1646

BSF Grant Awards

The Bellevue Schools Foundation awarded eight Curriculum Enhancement Grants (aka Classroom Grants) to Bennett teachers this year totaling $4,500. These grants help to fund some of the important education enrichment programs at our school. The grants awarded include:

Erin Salman (K) Kindergarten Toy Workshop

Brenda Norby (2^nd) Putting Fun into Balance & Motion

Brenda Norby (2^nd) Interacting with Bugs

Jenni Eicher (3^rd) Geology Adventures

Daveen Cordell (4^th) Oceanography Experience

Dave Halsted (4^th) Magnetism & Electricity Toy Workshop

Dave Halstead (all school) Young Scientist Week

Wendy Shol (all school) Bennett Recess Club

Congratulations! Many of these grants were successful thanks to the assistance from the PTSA Grants Committee, Carol Davis and Monica Parikh. For more information on the Bellevue Schools Foundation, go to the BSF web site at http://www.bsfdn.org/ .

Cleaning Supplies Drive

Our cleaning supplies drive to benefit the Eastside Women's Center at the Redmond YWCA is continuing!.

The YWCA housing programs in East King County offer safe, affordable housing and support services for homeless women and families. YWCA staff members partner with residents to develop and work on self-sufficiency plans to help them reach their goals and build better lives.

Every variety of cleaning supplies are needed! This drive will be ongoing throughout the remainder of the school year, so next time you are at Costco, pick up an extra item and drop it off in the box outside the office. The Social Concerns Committee thanks you!

End Summer Hunger

March 10-14th our students will be participating in Hopelinks'

End Summer HungerCoin Drive. This is Hopelinks' most important campaign this spring.

There are nearly 11,000 low income and homeless children in Hopelinks' service area who receive free and reduced-fee breakfasts and lunches during the school year. During the summer months these meals are not available and families already in crisis are presented with a serious problem--putting food on the table for their children. The End Summer Hunger campaign makes sure that families do not have to choose between paying the rent and busying groceries.

The program's focus, "kids helping kids," is a way to show that children can help make a lasting change in our community. Students will be given coin collection bags the week of March 3rd, and are asked to bring in spare change to deposit into their grade's coin receptacle. The kids wanted to make this a little more competitive this year, so the grade level that raises the most money will receive a Special Party!

Look for those collection bags and join in the fun!

From The Office

Note to Parents:

Remember to write a permission note to the office/bus driver if your child is riding the bus to a friend's house (no note = no ride).
Please remember to use the attendance line to report all absences (425-456-4801).

· Thanks to the first grade parents for the yummy buffet lunch!! Bennett staff feels appreciated!!

· Please be sure to check the mountain of lost and found clothing for any lost articles. (Lost and Found clothing located in patrol closet by room 23)

Here comes the WASL!

The Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) will take place April 14^th through April 30^th. Students in grades 3-5 will be assessed in reading and mathematics with the addition of writing for 4th and science for 5th. These two weeks will demand a great deal of student energy. To help your child be at his/her best, we offer the following recommendations:

Be sure your child gets plenty of sleep throughout the two weeks (8-10 hours a night should suffice)

Be sure your child gets a healthy breakfast every morning (small snacks will be provided each day during a break)

Have your child wear comfortable clothing

Make sure your child gets to school on time

Please do not schedule early dismissals or appointments for your child

We appreciate your help.

Safety Corner

By Roger Allington

Let's talk about crosswalks Part 2. Last issue we left off with the question: So, why mark crosswalks at unprotected locations, specifically near Bennett School?

In general, crosswalks are marked to indicate to the pedestrian the best places to cross a traffic way; street or parking lot. Near Bennett, the crosswalks across NE 16th Street and 177 Ave NE, although generally classified as "unprotected", are actually "protected" crosswalks when student crossing guards are in place during times students are using these crosswalks. When the guards are in place these locations are the best place to cross. Students and parents should not cross at other location during these periods when guards are in place.

The crosswalk on 180th Ave NE at NE 16th Street has no guard but the location on the south leg is the best location to cross. Southbound traffic on 180th Ave NE turning to head west on NE 16th Street, can and does take the corner very rapidly due to the large curvature of the curb line at this location. This makes pedestrian crossing of the 180th Ave NE north leg less than desirable and the crossing of NE 16th Street is even less desirable due to the restricted sight distance.

In addition to being the best location at this intersection, the City of Bellevue has narrowed the roadway width at the crosswalk location and made it a raised crosswalk. This change in street design has definitely caused auto traffic to slow and makes drivers aware of the presence of the crosswalk at all times.

In addition to crosswalks on public streets, Bennett has marked crosswalks in the traffic lanes in front of the school. Students should use these marked crosswalks whenever possible. In the drop-off area by the multipurpose room, the crosswalk use will take students in front of the vehicles where they can be more easily seen by drivers. In the bus lane and parking area in front of the school, the crosswalk is located at the west end of the bus lane and leads from NE 16th Street to the sidewalk in front of the school. Again, this places the crossing students in front of the drivers where they can be more easily seen. Drivers who use the parking lane to drop off students should drive through the parking area and discharge students adjacent to the marked crosswalk so they can use that crosswalk to reach the school proper.

In summary, marked crosswalks should denote the safest place to cross a traffic-way and should be used rather than an unmarked location. However, no paint developed as yet will stop a vehicle. So, be alert and look both ways. Remember Rule Number 1 for crossing traffic-ways; Make sure the car will stop before crossing!

Principal's Post
by Chris Thomas

Not at Bennett!

Last Monday, a stranger entered our school and stole wallets from the purses of two teachers. The stranger also took an LCD projector out of our library. While it's hard to believe something like this can happen at Bennett, it just goes to show that no school is immune to these types of crimes. As you can imagine, our staff has discussed the incident and we plan to respond by heightening our security measures even more. More specifically, we plan to make sure all parents and visitors check into our main office before entering the school hallways, classrooms, gym, portables or playground. This is a way to separate those who have a good purpose for being on campus from those who don't.

As people check into our office, they will be asked to sign a clipboard and wear a visitor's pass. On behalf of the Bennett students and staff, please help us make our campus safe by following this very important policy. Thanks for all you do to make Bennett a great place to be safe, secure and learn.

Student Attendance

As much as possible, it's important for students to be present and on time to school. We have approximately 180 days to help each child grow as much as possible and "spotty attendance" can stand in the way of them reaching their potential. Also, teaching students how to have a good attendance record will help them succeed in life. Parents, if your child has a good attendance record (an average of 1 or less tardy/absence a month), nice going. If not, please do your best to help your child improve. Thanks!

Opportunities for Parent Involvement

** VIP Lunch Club ** - Thursdays from 11:45 - 12:30 (indoors). Contact Regina Feinberg, Bennett's Speech and Language Specialist at feinbergr@bsd405.org, 425-456-4840

** Playground Volunteers ** - Before school & during lunch recess. Younger siblings are welcome. Contact Margie Landreth, Bennett's Office Manager landrethm@bsd405.org or 425-456-4800

** Staff Appreciation Coordinators are needed for the following classrooms ** - Tews, Norby, Bauman, Stewart, Silver-Hill. Contact Mary Kay Westmoreland, PTSA Staff Appreciation Committee Chair, thewestmorelands@hotmail.com, 425-653-1641.

Information about VIP Lunch Club: Every Thursday, Bennett students are invited to our VIP lunch club. The students meet together for lunch and conversation and then we play group board games. Favorites are Apples to Apples Jr., Whoonu, Kids on Stage and UNO! Invitations are made by the Bennett teaching staff and participation is optional. Lately, new students come by and ask if they can participate! This is a special treat for those kids who want the opportunity to enjoy peer activities in a smaller, quieter setting during lunchtime. The kids are making connections with other kids, listening and taking turns. They are learning to be good sports and practicing not having to always be first! It's a lot of fun! We rotate our 1st and 2nd graders and our 3rd-5th graders. Most kids end up coming once or twice each month. With volunteers kids could come more often.

Information about Playground Volunteer Opportunities: Bennett has two fantastic staff members who cover the entire playground before the bell rings and during recess. More adults equal safer students and children making smarter choices. Parent volunteers on the playground make a significant difference with their presence alone. If you are able to commit as frequently as once a week or as infrequently as once a month - we need you! Volunteer to help before school (8:40-9:05) or during lunch recess (11:40 - 12:35).

Information about Staff Appreciation Coordinators: Facilitate appreciation activities from the class during Staff Appreciation Week (May 19th - 23rd). Plan a luncheon for the Bennett teachers and staff along with other staff appreciation coordinators from the same grade level. Luncheons remaining are:
   March - Kindergarten team
   April - Fourth grade team
   June - all coordinators

Librarian's Corner
by Jean Bolivar

Parents are welcome to use the Bennett library!

I encourage you to come in and sign up for a parent card. You can check out up to 12 items at a time. An account is a great way to make sure your children always have enough to read. Plus, you can take advantage of the Parenting collection with all sorts of tips including homework and local hikes that are great for the whole family.

Community Service Announcements

Attention Teachers and Parents ! SEEDS OF COMPASSION is a 5 day event being held in Seattle (April 11th-15th)with the Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, Andrew Meltzoff, Daniel J. Seigel, John Gottman, and many more luminaries in the fields of academic, social and emotional development. On Monday Mar. 17th a full lineup of live broadcast and web streaming channels will be announced. This will allow you to participate regardless of your location. Tickets/Passes are available for sponsors at every level. Please visit www.seedsofcompassion.org for complete info. Any futher questions contact Cynthia Coron: c.coron@comcast.net

The Bennett Foreign Language Program (BFLP) is seeking a Secretary and Treasurer to serve on next year's parent run board. The BFLP has had the privilege of serving our community by offering Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and French classes. We have professional teachers, supportive parents and eager children. If you are interested in serving on next year's board - please contact Alison House at alihouse@comcast.net.

Curriculum Conversation for all K-12 Parents

Tuesday, March 25^that 6:30 PM.

International School

An opportunity for teachers and parents to discuss how the district curriculum impacts BSD students.

Sponsored by the Bellevue Education Association

2008 Lake Hills Soccer Club recreational fall league registration opens April 1st.

Registration for Recreational Fall Soccer for kids age 5-18 starts April 1st. For the competitive player age 12-18, Club Select tryouts start March 19th. Please visit our web site at www.lakehillssoccer.org for detailed program information and online registration. No internet access? leave a message on voice mail at 425-643-1029 and a registrar will contact you. Scholarships are available.

Lost iPod Nano

My son Théo was bringing his new light blue iPod Nano home and thinks it may have been misplaced at school. If you or your child have found a blue third-generation iPod Nano (shaped like a square), please contact Yves ("Eve") Arrouye at 425 445-4234 or yves@arrouye.net.

Théo's nickname and last name (Arrouye) as well as an email are engraved on the back of the iPod. Thanks for your help!

Youth Eastside Services is proud to announce the first seminar in the Microsoft Parenting Lifeline Community Speakers Series - Safe Surfing: Protecting Your Kids Online. We hope that you will take advantage of this resource YES is offering to the community - and pass this information on to other interested parents, co-workers and other people interested in learning about the challenges facing youth and families.

The first of three seminars to be held in 2008, Safe Surfing presents community experts to discuss the risks present on the Internet, the real-life impact cyber-threats have on the lives of young people, advice on how to regulate online time and valuable tools that can help keep your kids safe on the web.

This educational event is free and open to the public on March 18, 2008 at Cadle Theater, Lake Washington High School from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Additional seminars will be held in June and October 2008. For more information visit www.youtheastsideservices.org

Teen Relationships: Friends, Associations & Cliques

When: Thursday, March 27th at 7 PM   Location:  Redmond Junior High Commons Ken Wong, Administrator, Teen Programs, City of Redmond will focus on what teens are thinking when they are developing relationships; why they choose the groups they do; what are common teen group dynamics; and how parents can help to create positive opportunities for teens.

The presentation will include:
·        Adolescence as the crucial age of fitting in with others
·        What teens need in social relationships as they mature
·        How teens establish who they are in relation to those around them
·        Being caught in and out & everything in between
·        What is normal teen social behavior and how do parents know
·        What you can do when your teen is involved in what you perceive as an unhealthy group

Ken Wong is a passionate and dynamic speaker with more than 20 years of experience working with youth. Here is your opportunity to learn the mysteries of the teen world and hear some tips & tricks to help navigate the secondary school years with your teen.

This presentation is sponsored by the Redmond Junior High PTSA in collaboration with the City of Redmond, Teen Program. If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact:Joanne Hall, Chair, Parent Education, RJH PTSA at jjjahall@juno.com or (425) 882-1388

Parents of 6th grade students who will enter Junior High next year are encouraged to attend.

Viva Las Vegas!

You are cordially invited to attend Viva Las Vegas! The 14th Annual Interlake High School Auction benefiting all student programs including Sports, PTSA and Music. Glendale Country Club 13440 Main Street, Bellevue, WA Saturday, March 29, 2008 $58 per person After March 9, $65.00 Doors open at 4:30pm for Silent Auction and Happy Hour First Silent Auction Closes at 6:00pm Dinner at 7:00 pm - Live Auction at 7:30pm The evening concludes at 10:00pm Register online at http://ihsboosterclubauction.maestroweb.com/

Pacific Northwest United Water Polo

A local, non-profit water polo club, based at Edgebrook Pool in Bellevue . The Club provides year-round training for ages 10 through 18, tournament play on a local, national, and international level, and is a feeder for high school water polo teams in Bellevue and beyond. The program emphasizes hard work, integrity, respect, confidence and sportsmanship. SPRING SESSION STARTS FEBRUARY 25, SUMMER SESSION STARTS MAY 19. Beginners welcome!!
Want to have fun in the water?? Play one of the fastest growing team sports in the country!
Check out our website or register at: www.unitedwaterpolo.org or call coach Tim Reed at 425-896-0495

Recycle Your Electronics and Support Tillicum 8^th Graders!

It's spring cleaning time . . . get green! Bring your recyclable electronics to Tillicum Middle School parking lot @ 16020 SE 16^th Street, Bellevue on Saturday, March 29, 2008 from 10 am to 4 pm. The list of recyclable items and fees can be viewed on the Tillicum PTA website: http://www.tillicumpta.org/TMSContent.asp?ID=658 Tell your friends, neighbors and businesses! We accept cash or checks only. A portion of your fee will benefit Tillicum's 8^th grade class.

News from The PTA Parent Magazine

Small Changes Produce Big Results

National Nutrition Month® reminds us to pay attention to what we eat and how much we eat. Patti Howell, founder and editor of Health-E-tips newsletter, says people can make more healthful choices with very little effort, in most cases. These little changes can produce significant results for you and your family. Here are few ideas from Howell to get you started:

Be Fad-Free - The best path to better nutrition is to be free of fad diets and to choose a plan that is appropriate for lifelong health.

Put Kids In Charge - Get kids involved in the grocery shopping. Let kids pick out their favorite vegetables and help prepare their choices for dinner. They will be very excited to have the whole family eating what they have chosen and prepared.

The Eyes Have It - Leave fruit and cut-up vegetables on a plate in plain sight on the counter for easy snack options. Family members are much more likely to grab what they see instead of digging for an alternative from the pantry.

Stick a Fork in It - Keep your dressings on the side. Dip your fork into the dressing first before stabbing the greens. Save hundreds of calories and avoid unwanted fat.

Switch Hands - Did you know you will snack less when you are munching if you use your non-dominant hand because you will have to think more about what you are doing. Try it.

Count colors not calories - Have at least one fruit and one vegetable that is green, red, purple, orange, and yellow each day.

Bellevue Schools Foundation (BSF)

Curriculum Enhancement Grants - Students and Teachers

In the Fall of 2007, almost $70,000 in curriculum enhancement grants were awarded to schools throughout the Bellevue School District . The grant proposals, written by school teachers and administrators, provide extra opportunities for Bellevue student enrichment, promoting cultural diversity, development of physical and social skills, and appreciation of the arts in our community. This is in addition to the $200 for new materials awarded every year to each of the district's new teachers!

During the Winter 2008 grant cycle, an additional $23,000 in similar grants have been awarded by the Bellevue Schools Foundation (BSF) to students at all the various grade levels. Here is a sampling of some of the opportunities students can look forward to this year:

Elementary - Students at Bennett Elementary will board the oceanographic vessel the "Goodtime 1" to collect and study drifting organisms, conduct water samplings, and explore Puget Sound marine life.

Middle - Odle Middle School students will participate in a celebration of Chinese heritage with the ensemble Chinese Acrobats, which will lead students through a high energy, interactive performance.

High - A professional print artist will demonstrate techniques for making monotypes and help students at the International School make their own prints. Students there will also explore the world of mail art and Artist Trading Cards to teach a variety of art techniques.

Students will benefit this year from the $1.5 million in district-wide programs funded by BSF, in addition to these curriculum enhancement grants. Since 1979, parents and community members who have donated to BSF can take pride in the fact that through your generosity, BSF has awarded over $1.6 million in curriculum enhancement grants and more than $14 million in overall funding - THANK YOU!

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.

The following are publication dates for the remainder of the school year:

Mar 28, Apr 18, May 2, May 16, May 30, and Jun 16

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