I would like to start by thanking everyone that participated with the Walkathon this year! Thanks to the dedication of our Committee Chairs, a great effort by all the Volunteers, and an amazing turnout by the students and parents we were able to not only meet, but exceed our goals! While I don't have the final numbers just yet (sometimes the company matching funds take a while to process) it looks as though we should be in the range of $40,000 brought in!! The fact that we can turn in one of our best Walkathons ever given all the obstacles our school faced is an amazing testament to the quality of students, parents, and staff at Bennett. So thank you all. It is a great start to meeting our aggressive budget goals!

I would also like to really encourage everyone that can to attend our General Membership Meeting that is coming up on November 4th. This will be our first General meeting since school has officially begun, and it's your chance to get information, and give input, about our PTSA. The programs we sponsor and fundraisers we hold in order to sponsor them are sure to affect your child directly this year, and your involvement in that is paramount to our success.
A few things about how I like to run a meeting: My goal is to run a meeting based on the fundamental respect of peoples time and opinions. Out of respect for everyone's time, I will always start the meeting within 5 minutes of our posted starting time. I will also do my very best to keep folks on subject relating to our agenda item, as my goal is to keep every meeting to an hour in length. That may not always be enough time, but I think it's a good goal to keep. That said, it is imperative to me that everyone in the room get to voice their opinion, so I will do my best to make sure everyone that wants to be heard has spoken before moving to the next agenda item. If I begin to move too quickly, by all means, let me know. My goal is efficiency, but not at the expense of inclusion.

I hope to see you all there on the 4th of November! As always, there will be on-site child care for those that need it.

STAFF NEWS
Veteran Volunteer Needed

The Bennett Staff is looking for a veteran within our community to speak about the importance of celebrating Veteran's Day at our Veteran's Day assembly to be held on November 12 at 9:30 AM. If you are interested, please contact Stacey Vaiphei at vaipheis@bsd405.org.

Library Corner
Jean Bolivar

Please support Bennett's Book Fair next week. Our library earns a significant portion of its budget at the fair.

If you are looking for some great book recommendations for your children, here are some lists to consider:

Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders are invited to vote for their favorite of the Washington Children's Choice picture book awards: Bud and Gabby, Cha Cha Chimps, The Cheese, Chester, Chickens to the Rescue, The End, Ham the Astrochimp, Help! A story of Friendship, Ivan the Terrier, A Killer Whale's World, Larry Gets Lost in Seattle, Library Mouse, Louder Lili, Oh, Theodore! Guinea Pig Poems, Peanut, Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly,When a Monster is Born, Wolf's Coming, Would I Ever Lie to You?, Younger Brother's Survival Guide.

The Sasquatch Reader's Award: 4th and 5th graders must read at least 3 titles to vote for their favorite. Voting takes place in March. Looking for Bapu, Diary of a Fairy Godmother, Mr Chickee's Funny Money, The Road to Paris; The Homework machine; Tales of the Cryptids, The World's Greatest Elephant; The Beasts of Clawstone Castle, Archer's Quest, Clementine, Magyk, My Name is Sally Little Song.

The Global Reading Challenge List is now available. If you read these books chosen by KCLS for 4th and 5th grader readers, please let me know. We need question writers to help our teams. Looking for Bapu, Room One: A Mystery for Two, Tale of Despereaux, Inkheart, Rules, Silk Umbrellas, Project Mulberry, Hatchet, Holes, Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell out of a Tree.

I would be happy to recommend titles for your child and/or open a library account for your own use.

Happy Reading,
Jean Bolivar

Access Bennett's catalog: http://weblibr.bsd405.org

PTSA Committee News

PACE

A final reminder about PACE:
I just wanted to say a special thank you to Mike Ducharm and Cindy Mehlhoff for stepping up at the last second and helping me do the "phone-a-thon" last night, reminding folks about the Friday deadline for PACE Memberships. Because of their efforts, the PACE company is granting our PTSA an additional $500 on top of whatever funds we raise through the program! I thought I would also answer the most common questions I got last night:

1) What is PACE?
PACE is a company that has negotiated with local businesses to offer a discount to Members, and a donation to our school everytime our Members shop there. The first time you shop or dine at a PACE sponsored retailer, you will receive a 20% rebate, and the school will receive a 5% rebate. Each additional time you visit, the school will receive an additional 5% rebate.

2) How does it work?
You simply register your Visa or Mastercard online with PACE at www.4pace.com. It takes less than 5 minutes.

3) Is it safe to register my card?
Absolutely. Niether PACE, or the PTSA, or anyone else has access to your card number. It is simply logged into a database held by Visa or Mastercard...your card issuer. Then, when your card is ran at a registered retailer, the transaction is all done automatically by Visa or Mastercard. It is very simply every bit as safe as anytime you use that card.

4) What are the prizes my kids are talkiing about?
All the prizes are purchased from the Pacific Science Center, so they are fun and educational. If a child signs up just one Member, they will receive a glow in the dark globe beach ball. If they are able to sign up 5 Members, they'll get to pick from an assortment of Pacific Science Center prizes.

5) What does it cost?
The initial Membership fee is $25, $10 of which goes directly to Bennett. But remember, you as the consumer get 20% off your first transaction at every retailer in that book, so most folks more than offset the membership fee. Beyond that, there is no charge whatsoever.

So please, help your kids remember to get those packets back by Friday! And thanks again for all of your support!

Joe Mehlhoff

BENNETT BOOKFAIR

What : Book fair at Bennett library
          From Scholastic Co.

When : Wednesday Oct 22nd   from 8 am - 2 pm
           Reopen on Wed night with Bingo night from 6:30 - 8 pm
           Thursday Oct 23rd from 8 am - 4 pm
           Friday Oct 24th from 8 am - 4 pm

Why : To help support Bennett Library also a good opportunity to buy books for your child's classroom from teachers' wish list.

Question : please contact Lee Bodin 425-373-9809 or jirawatch@hotmail.com

Volunteers needed , please sign up in the Library near check out counter

Microsoft Employees: Turn Your Volunteer Hours Into Cash!

Microsoft employees are eligible to request a "volunteer time matching gift". If you helped with this year's walkathon, plan to chaperone a fieldtrip, are helping in the classroom or library, or any PTSA or school sponsored event or activity your time is worth making the extra effort to request a matching gift request. Go to http://schoolbennett.org/ParentInvolvement2.aspx on the Bennett Elementary PTSA website for more information. Every hour of volunteer time equals another $17 which benefits students at Bennett!

PICTURE DAY
Picture day is coming! We need you!

October 28th volunteers are needed to help. We have some volunteers and could use a few more.

We need:
People to get classes, line them up for class pictures (outside if nice out) and then to the gym/lunchroom for individual sittings.

People to sort each class and line up children according to the background colors they have chosen.

And people who will work with children while they wait for class mates to finish.

8:55 to 11:10     We need morning volunteers
11:10-11:40    Lunch time set up begins, any one who can help   staff set up
tables is invited to stay.
11:10-12:30     Break
12:30- until we are finished.

There is an incentive for volunteering. A free picture package.

Please contact Carolyn Stanley at carolynmstanley@comcast.net to volunteer.
Thank you.

MATH BINGO NIGHT

October 22, 2008

6:30-8:00 PM

Bennett Classrooms

The 5th Grade will be having a bake sale and the book fair will be in the library. Come enjoy an evening of fun. There will be number bingo, addition and subtraction bingo, multiplication and division bingo.

We are asking students to bring a can of food for our food drive to benefit Hopelink. Non-perishable items of all types are welcome.

Company Giving Campaigns: Your Donations Can Support Your Child's Education

Double your donations this year through your employer's corporate matching gift program & annual giving campaign!

Is your employer facilitating an annual giving campaign this month? If so, did you know you can give to Bennett Elementary PTSA or the Bellevue Schools Foundation through United Way (or "Giving") campaigns. You can make single donations or divided donations throughout the year using payroll deduction. These "pledges" are eligible for corporate matching making your donations double as long as they meet the minimum threshold as outlined in your company's program (for many that is a minimum donation of $25).
Thank you for your continued support through your contributions and the effort made to facilitate corporate matching gifts. If you have any questions about donations or matching gifts please contact Sue Bentsen at sue@bentsen.us or 425-644-5005.

FALL DRAMA CLUB

Fall Drama Club at Bennett for grades 1-5, Thursdays beginning Oct. 23rd and running through Dec. 18th. 3:30- 4:30pm,
$84.00 per student. Class size is limited so enroll early. Register online or by phone at www.theyoungplayers.com or 206-587-7123.

HEARING TESTS

Help Wanted:
There is a hearing test on 11/10 from 9 - 11:30AM.

Are you available to help the nurse? If interested, please email alihouse@comcast.net.
Thanks, Alison House

From The Office

PICTURE DAY

Picture Day is scheduled for Tuesday, October 28. Mark your calendars! Retakes are scheduled for December 2nd to allow time to receive and review 1st takes.

UPDATED SCHOOL CALENDAR

Please note there is an updated school calendar: http://schoolbennett.org/calendar.aspx

Community News

BELLEVUE SKI SCHOOL

BOARD AND SKI WITH BELLEVUE SKI SCHOOL!

CELEBRATE 2009 with us and Board and Ski at the Summit! It starts on January 10th. All our schools will board and ski at Snoqualmie Pass. The 8-week session for 2nd through 12th grade starts on January 10th through March 7th. The 4-week session start on January 10th and ends on January 31st and the second session starts February 7th through March 7th. The buses will pick up and drop off at a location tbd. Please watch your PTSA newsletters and our website for more information.

Sign up starts on October 1st through December 15th with for discount pricing through November 30th. Get all the details and sign up on our website at www.bellevueskischool.com

START DREAMING OF SNOW AND BELLEVUE SKI SCHOOL!

CHEER CAMP
Interlake High School offers a mini-cheer camp at Interlake High School on October 27- 31, 2008 from 3:30- 5PM. We will perform at the football game Friday night!!
$50.00
Sign-up forms available in the Bennett office or call Linsey Watanabe at 425-681-8863.

Treasurer's Tidbits
Vanessa Swanson

United Way Campaign:

Does your company have a United Way Campaign?? Are you encouraged to contribute? Are you aware you can designate your donation go to Bennett PTSA on the United Way form? You can show your support for United Way and your community; I'd of course love to have it support Bennett PTSA, too. Remember to designate Bennett PTSA. Thank you!

Your PTSA contributions at work

The PTSA wrote the biggest check of the year in August. The membership voted to support the teacher's overwhelming request to increase the Instructional Aide budget from $24,000 to $40,000. It is exciting to have more Instructional Aide time to benefit the children. Your PTSA donations also help support each teacher with $150 grant as well as a $500 grant for Art and PE supplies or equipment. These are only a few of the worthy projects your PTSA funds, thanks to you.

BENNETT ELEMENTARY HOODED SWEATSHIRTS

Show Your Spirit!

Bennett Elementary Hooded Sweatshirts

*    Two Designs to Choose From
*   Navy with White Lettering and Paw Print
* Available in Youth and Adult Sizes
*    Only $16 for Youth sizes and $20 for Adult sizes

Please fill out the form below and give to school office (*Please call me to let me know your order is in the office!) with "Bennett Sweatshirts" on the envelope (checks only please). Delivery time is 2-3 weeks. You will get a call when your shirt(s) have arrived. Questions? Call Chris Douglas @ 425-603-1718.

Youth Size: Small      Medium     Large
Adult Size: Small      Medium      Large      Extra Large
Style: #1 - Large Center Emblem -- or -- #2 - Small Pocket Emblem
Price: Youth $16.00      Adult $20.00

Name:________________ Child's Name:_____________ Teacher:____________

Phone:________________ Email:________________________________________

Circle choices of style, youth or adult sizes: TOTAL
Order #1      Style # 1 or #2      Size: Youth or Adult      S     M      L     XL      ENCLOSED:
Order #2      Style # 1 or #2      Size: Youth or Adult      S     M      L     XL
Order #3      Style # 1 or #2      Size: Youth or Adult      S     M      L     XL      $________
Order #4      Style # 1 or #2      Size: Youth or Adult      S     M      L     XL
Order #5      Style # 1 or #2      Size: Youth or Adult      S     M      L     XL

Bellevue Schools Foundation

Answer the Call - You can make this year's Phonathon the best ever!

Bellevue schools are among the best in the nation, thanks to strong community support.
Our fall fundraiser is critical, because we need to pay for books and training that will be used this year. Community volunteers will try to call every parent who has not already donated to BSF to talk about our wonderful programs!

Bellevue Schools Foundation needs your help to increase academic rigor, support struggling students and improve instruction in every Bellevue public school. See the full list of programs at www.bsfdn.org/programs.

Gifts to BSF impact every school, every classroom, every child - every day.
Our fall Phonathon goal is $280,000. You can help! Make a secure online gift at www.bsfdn.org/donate. Or, pledge your support when volunteers call during the week of November 10th.
To learn more, contact BSF at 425.456.4199 or info@bsfdn.org. If you've already made a donation - thank you!

****************************************************************************************************************
Mathematics
Every elementary student in the district will benefit from the new K-5 math program, Math Expressions. Major investments have been made for the purchase of new textbooks and professional development for teachers. Math Expressions, a comprehensive standards-based mathematics curriculum, offers a focus on computational fluency as well as understanding math concepts. This new curriculum was chosen after a rigorous pilot program last year that involved 100 teachers.
Benefits all students in elementary school, from Kindergarten to 5th grade
BSF is providing $170,000 to fund Math Expressions this year.

*****************************************************************************************************************
Why Support the Bellevue Schools Foundation?
The Bellevue Schools Foundation is a community organization that raises money to support academic excellence for every student in the Bellevue School District.
We raise money because Washington State does not fund our schools adequately We fund programs which help every student, in every class, every day Bellevue has been growing and changing, and our students need even more help than before.

******************************************************************************************************************

Amazon.com
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 go through the BSF website link for us to get credit for the order. Thank you!
******************************************************************************************************************

Did you know?
Since 1979, BSF has invested over $17.4 million in Bellevue public schools by raising funds from parents, teachers, businesses and community members. Learn more about BSF at www.bsfdn.org.
Bellevue Schools Foundation is an independent nonprofit that funds programs to prepare students for success in college and the workplace. Learn more about the programs BSF is funding this year at www.bsfdn.org/programs.
******************************************************************************************************************

For further information on any of the above, please contact:
Gillian Doyle, Bellevue Schools Foundation
tel: 425.456.4199
email: gillian@bsfdn.org

The Friday Flyer Newsletter | Bennett Elementary PTSA 2.3.22

www.bennettelementary.org | TheFridayFlyer@yahoo.com

2008-2009 Editor: Meg Mylan

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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Bennett PTSA Executive Board 2008/09

Joe Mehlholff, President

Cynthia Coron, Vice President

Christie Allemand, Vice President

Vanessa Swanson, Treasurer
Kristin Nash, Secretary

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