Thank you to those who have volunteered and were elected at the last general meeting to serve as PTSA Secretary, Treasurer, and Vice President for next year. However, I want everyone to be aware that we still do not have a President for the coming school year. Without a full Executive Board, the PTSA money cannot be utilized - programs cannot be implemented. This matters to you because events and programs, such as Field Trips, Science Week, additional instructional support in the classrooms, will all vanish next year without a complete Executive Board; specifically someone willing to serve as President. The PTSA bank accounts would literally be held in a dormant state until the time that a full Executive Board could be elected.

Now that I have your attention, I encourage you to come to the next PTSA general membership meeting, Tuesday May 13th at 7PM (complimentary childcare is provided). The topics include electing the President to complete the Executive Board as well as discussing the budget for 2008/2009 school year.

This meeting is important because the 2008/2009 school year budget does not have the luxury of entering the year with a large saving balance. In 2007/2008 expenses equaled $100,005, with fundraising at $76,746; the difference was intentional and by design. In 2008/2009 the expenses will need to equal our fundraising. With this in mind, the budget will likely need to be cut. I'll be proposing a few out of the box ideas. Without members (or your) input, funding for the event or program you cherish could be eliminated or reduced. This includes but not limited to: Math Night, Multi-Cultural Night, Science Week, 5^th grad graduation, field trips, Reflections, Art Night, Field Day, field trips, library funding, additional instructional aide time, play ground equipment or any of the other PTSA sponsored programs and events. I hope to garner some solid feedback from the teachers and staff about what budget items they view are important to them, the kids and our community. I also plan to send a parent survey home via backpack mail. Please take the time to complete and return it to school by May 1^st.

With all this said, I tried to pick on all the programs not one area. The Bennett PTSA's Budget is not mine; it is yours. I only have the honor of writing checks that help make the great programs happen. I too am charged with the hard task of balancing the budget. It will make a difference in our children's educational experience if you come and give your input.

I wish we did not need to drop programs but without a change in the level of involvement and increased financial support we will. If you and your family have an opinion of what you like and want to continue, please come to the next general membership meeting Tuesday, May 13th at 7pm in the library. Complimentary childcare is provided. If you are assuming the same 15-25 parents will continue serving on your behalf, please don't - Come, Join-in and be Heard.

It takes a village - not a hut. If you do not participate in the process, your voice will not be heard.

President's News
By Marian McDermott and Sue Bentsen

Welcome back from a refreshing school break! We hope the time off from school helped kids get ready to "WASL". This is week 1 of WASL testing for Bennett 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th graders. Thank you parents for making sure your test takers get plenty of sleep and eat a healthy breakfast! Thank

you also to the many parents that have brought in class snacks to refuel kids in between test sessions. If you have not done so already, check with your teachers to see if they need more snacks to get kids through to May 2 (end of WASL).

The Bennett PTSA is still seeking parents willing to serve in leadership positions on next

year's executive committee. This service is critical to keep our PTSA strong and continue our

commitment to enrich the learning experiences for every Bennett student. If you are interested

or if you have questions about what the service entails, please contact the PTSA nominating committee or a current member of the PTSA executive board (see contact information below).

PTSA Committee News

We still need a president for 2008-2009 school year

Please contact any of the following people on the nominating committee if you or someone you know are interested in volunteering. Without a president there will be no PTSA (see above message). Money cannot be given out for anything regardless of people willing to take on the events themselves. The nominating committee members are:

cwist2@gmail.com

sarahpenrose@comcast.net

mike-doran@comcast.net

kristinnash@hotmail.com

sheila.killeen@comcast.net

Speaking of open positions...Want a fun PTSA experience?

The membership committee needs someone to take the lead for next year. This is another position that needs to be filled because without a person to solicit for and enter the data, there is also no PTSA for Bennett. There is only two months (Sept and Oct) where there is a busy time and requires the most committment. The rest of the year is very minimal with less than 1/2 hour of your time a month. The current chair is willing to help next year and provide guidance if needed. Please email thefridayflyer@yahoo.com if you have any questions, would like more information on the job, or are ready to jump in and go for it!

The other committee that needs attention is the Friday Flyer! The editor (chairperson) is looking for a replacement for next year. If you would like to take on this fun PTSA job, please contact thefridayflyer@yahoo.com The Friday Flyer is published every other week and takes a couple of hours to put together each time. It is really a fun position and doesn't require a lot of computer experience, but some familarity would be a plus. If no one steps up for the job, there will be no newsletter next year.

Young Scientist Week Wrap Up

Thanks to all the students, teachers and staff, volunteers, and families who helped make this year's Young Scientist Week a great success! The student experiments were top-notch this year, keep up the good work!

Egg Drop a huge success!

Thanks to all of the students who participated in this year's eggs-citing egg drop contest! As always, the Bellevue Fire Department added to the fun with their daring fireman atop the 70-foot ladder truck dropping our fantastic contraptions. Also, thanks to Trader Joe's who donated the eggs to our event.

Many thanks to the parent volunteers who chased and opened the contraptions after their fall: Andrea Pohle, Deborah Neel, Mike Doran, Yoko Suzuki, Jennifer Kays, Jill Wagner, Marian McDermott, Karen Black, Carol Baker, and to the super-secret identity of the Bennett Chicken!

So many hands-on experiments to try out, programs to see, and student displays to check out! Thank you to all the student and parent volunteers that are too numerous to name individually here...please know that your efforts are very much appreciated (especially those of you that we grabbed at the last minute!) and helped us make the night the success it was!

Special thanks go to our visiting exhibitors: City of Bellevue (Police CSI, Recycling, and Stream Team), Pacific Northwest Herpetological Society, Northwest Biodiesel Forum, Interlake HS Robotics, International School Robotics, Highland MS Robotics, King County Health Department (hand washing), Friends of Issaquah Hatchery.

The evening could not have been complete without the food sales provided by the tireless efforts of the 5th grade teachers, students, and parents and the water provided by Joe Mehlhoff. Joe is trying to increase awareness about the Water For Life program and is raising money to provide clean water world-wide (check it out at http://www.playpumps.org and talk to Joe).

Outreach

Each class had an outreach program visit their classroom that matched up with their district science curriculum. Thank you to the parent volunteers who helped out with the set up and clean up. Ask your student what they experienced!

And Finally. . .

Many thanks to the Bennett PTA and the Bellevue Schools Foundation for their support of our efforts. We appreciate the teachers and staff who make Young Scientist Week a part of their week and help us provide the time and space for these activities. We would like to give a BIG thank you to the efforts of the Young Scientist Week committee members who helped pull this all together: Marian McDermott, Cathy Cudd-Allen, Phil Allen, Karen Black, Aaron Coe (aka Liquid Nitrogen Man), Wilbert deGraaf, Lee Bodin, Yoshiko Suzuki, and Andrea Pohle.

Karen Dawson and Amy Doran
Science Week co-chairs

WHAT IS THAT THING?

Did you know Bennett has an emergency container? It is the big white metal box on the west side of the gym. It contains supplies that may be needed in the event of an emergency and is a key part of Bennett's Emergency Preparedness. Bennett's emergency supplies are similar to your home emergency supplies just in bigger quantities! First aid kits, food blocks, water and blankets are kept on site just in case they are needed.

Can you find Bennett's container? What would you put in the emergency container?

The contents of Bennett's Emergency Container are supplied and maintained by the PTSA Health and Safety Committee and the Safe and Civil Schools Committee.

For additional information on how you can prepare for an emergency, click on the links below:

www.redcross.org

www.seattle.gov/emergency

www.doh.wa.gov

GOLDEN ACORN AND VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARDS

It's that time of year again when the PTSA honors those who have exemplified outstanding volunteer service to Bennett and the outside community. All PTSA members have an opportunity to nominate one or more candidates who deserves the "Golden Acorn" and "Volunteer of the Year" awards.

1. The "Golden Acorn" award is sponsored by the Washington State PTA for recognition of a volunteer who has given outstanding service to our Bennett students and to youth in our community.

Do you know of a person at Bennett who has stepped up to volunteer at many different events over the course of their years here? Has that person also been involved in community youth activities such as Scouts, coaching sports teams or church youth groups?

If you know one or more people who fit this description, please nominate them for a Golden Acorn award:

- send me the person's name and email address (if known),

- list all volunteer positions at Bennett and in the larger community,

- describe why you think the person deserves the award (optional)

2. The "Volunteer of the Year" award is designed to recognize and celebrate an outstanding volunteer, whose efforts this year have truly made a difference in the lives of Bennett students.

Is there a person you have observed this year at a particular PTSA event that went the extra mile as a volunteer?

If you know one or more people who fit this description, please nominate them for the Volunteer of the Year award:

- send me person's name and email address (if known),

- list all of the volunteer activities they have participated in this year,

- describe why you think this person deserves the award (optional)

** PLEASE EMAIL THE NAMES OF ALL NOMINEES BY FRIDAY, MAY 9 TO:

Terry Morrison, PTSA Scholarship & Awards Chair

tdmorrison@comcast.net

** Awards will be presented at the last PTSA General Meeting on Tuesday, May 13.

From The Office

Note to Parents:

· Relocation Plans- Please be sure to fill out a form available in the office if your child is not attending Bennett or is leaving the Bellevue School District for the 2008- 09 school year.

· Going on vacation for more than 3 days? Please remember to fill out a pre-arranged absence form available in the office.

· Don't forget our attendance line-- 425-456-4801

· Please be sure to let the office know if there are any changes to your address or phone numbers.

· Relocation Plans- Please be sure to fill out a form available in the office if your child is not attending Bennett or is leaving the Bellevue School District for the 2008- 09 school year.

Summer School 2008

It is time to think about Summer School again. Summer School is a tuition based program that focuses on strengthening reading, writing and math skills, for students who are starting Kindergarten through those entering 5^th grade. This four-week program begins July 7^th and runs through August 1^st from 8:00am to 1:00pm. Included are limited bus service, breakfast, and lunch. Further information and registration are available in the office.

Students entering 6^th grade can participate in the Middle School Jump Start program. This tuition program covers the core subjects of middle school-Math, Science, Language Arts, and Social Studies. Students will not only practice their skills in these subject, but will also be exposed to middle school expectations for work in the classroom, homework, tests, quizzes, and what it means to change classes, among other middle school experience. This four-week program begins July 7^th and runs through August 1^st from 8:10am to 12:25pm. Included are limited bus service, breakfast, and lunch. Further information and registration are available in the office. Scholarships are available, see Margie Landreth.

Bellevue School District Needs YOU!

We are currently hiring on-call Educational Assistants, Secretaries, Instructional Assistants, Child Care Aides, and Special Education - Para Educators.

On-call work allows for flexibility. You tell us what days and times you are available. Shifts are usually 4-6 hours in length. Apply on-line at www.bsd405.org

Information orientations are held Thursday morning, April 24th and May 1st, at 9:00 AM in the District'sHuman Resources Department at 12111 NE 1st Street.

All positions require an on-line District application. A minimum of three references will be checked by telephone. If hired, all employees must be fingerprinted.

Principal's Post
by Chris Thomas

Help us Plan for 2008-09

Please remember to return your "Help Us Plan for 2008-2009" form. This was the green form that was sent home with your child (only or oldest) to help us make enrollment projections for next year. We have received many of the forms, but we would like to hear back from as many parents as possible. Thanks for your help. The forms can be returned to classroom teachers or Margie Landreth in the office.

Math Expressions

Elementary school children will be learning mathematics from a new curriculum starting in the fall of 2008. The school board adopted this new program at its March 18 meeting. The decision was made after piloting two math programs during the first trimester of the current school year, soliciting teachers' opinions on each, and comparing student assessment results on selected items. The new curriculum is called Math Expressions. In both areas, student performance on assessments and teacher opinions, Math Expressions ranked the highest.

If parents want more information, you can reference them to the district website http://www.bsd405.org/ <https://webmail.bsd405.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.bsd405.org/> where we have posted the entire Elementary Math Report.

We also have one set of the Math Expressions materials housed in the Curriculum Department. While they are not available for check-out, interested parents are welcome to come in and review them.

Student Placement for 2008-09

It's time to start thinking about student placement for next year. Can you believe it?

In a few weeks, your child will be sent home with a packet that includes an explanation of our placement process and related policies. A Parent Input Form will also be included to help us learn more about your child's needs as we work to create balanced classrooms for next year. If you feel there is pertinent information for us to know about your child, please submit this form no later than Tuesday, May 9.

Thanks ahead of time for your support during this process. As the principal and parent of an elementary aged child, I understand how important this process can be for you and yours. Please know we have everyone's best interest at heart!

Librarian's Corner
by Jean Bolivar

WE NEED POSTCARDS FROM AROUND THE WORLD FOR OUR THIRD GRADE STUDENTS

On your next trip, thanks for taking the time to send postcards. Please include some of the following information on the postcard and then mail it to your school Library Media Specialist:

1. Select a card that illustrates something about that country (architecture, geography, customs, people, foods, etc.)

2. Record the date you wrote the message on the card

3. Include in the message....
    Weather?
    Customs?
    Sights to see?
    Food?
    Entertainment?
    Transportation?
    Customs?
    Other helpful information?

4.  Sign your name

Thank you for your continuing support!

Community Service Announcements

Have Your Voice Heard When It Comes To Head Lice!

Please participate in an important University of Washington survey of parents/caregivers of K-6 kids, regarding head lice policies in schools. The survey is anonymous and takes less than 5 minutes to complete.

In order for us to learn more about this bothersome problem it is important that as many parents/caregivers as possible respond. You can see the survey at:
https://catalysttools.washington.edu/webq/survey/tiffad/48839

For Spanish version see
https://catalysttools.washington.edu/webq/survey/tiffad/49806

Washington State History Museum

On view April 13, 2008 through Jan 24, 2009

The Great American West may have been opened up by ox-drawn wagons, but it was the railroads that created the West as we know it today. Bringing infrastructure, trade, and a slew of newcomers, railroads connected the modern world to the West and the West to the modern world. From the 19th century to the present, The West the Railroads Made traces the role railroads played in shaping the image and reality of this part of the country. The exhibit features artifacts and photographs, including railroad ephemera.

Expose your family to another language and culture!!

HOST FAMILIES NEEDED (Sponsored by BCC)

August 5- August 12, 2008 (eight days only). Students are from Japan , Ages 14-16 yrs old. A Stipend is provided to help cover the cost of room and board. Students will attend BCC during weekdays and spend time with families evenings and weekends. Students are required to share culture such as cooking and language. For more information please call #425-806-4678 Email: info@ushomestay.com

News from The PTA Parent Magazine

Lend a Hand During National Volunteer Month

This April and beyond, show your children the value of volunteering and the value of their education. Find time this month to get involved in their schools and fulfill the PTA Three for Me commitment. Help out on the playground, make classroom decorations, chaperone a field trip or school dance, attend a school beautification day, work one-on-one with a child, help set up a PTA event. . . the opportunities are endless. And your children will benefit.

Talk to the school and PTA about your availability and their needs, and visit pta.org for family involvement tips. Points of Light & Hands On Network- the leader of National Volunteer Week, April 27-May 3-can help you and your family find even more volunteer opportunities; visit pointsoflight.org

Thank a Teacher!-
Celebrate PTA Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4-10. Find out how!

Managing Anxiety
If your child is nervous about giving a speech or presentation, tell him or her to try to act relaxed. They should not mention they are nervous to the audience or the audience will begin to feel it. As a rule, people have empathy for a public speaker and want them to succeed. They generally don't know how nervous a speaker may be. For more study tips, go to www.studytips.org.

Physical Fitness: Are You Up to the Challenge?
Shake off the winter doldrums, take advantage of the warmer weather, and ease your whole family back into a regular exercise routine.

Start with small steps: Walk 2,000 steps a day, and work your way up to 10,000 a day. Take a walk break as part of your coffee break at work. Park further from store entrances. Walk your dog as a family.
Give your garden some much-needed care.
Set up friendly games of tag, basketball, tennis, baseball, etc., with other families in your neighborhood. Or, just toss the ball around with your child or play one-on-one after dinner.

Remember, consistency in exercising is more important than intensity.

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:

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

Join Our Mailing List!

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