Superstars Newsletter - Arlington Elementary

Superstars Newsletter
www.arlington.tusd.org
March/April 2014, Issue 3
Dear Arlington Families:
Here at Arlington, we’re all about a great education for our children! Reading is one key to
educational success, and we have been Reading, Reading, Reading! After the Lakers Read to Achieve
program in January, we celebrated Dr. Seuss Day and joined with others to Read Across America in
February, led by Aleah Sawai, as readers shared the timeless classics of Dr. Seuss with our students. In
March, we had Reading Incentive Week, with the theme “Reading Takes You Places,” coordinated by
Gina Mullin. Students had a great time reading hours and hours! You can find the results for everyone
on the board in the cafeteria, and our top readers are listed right here in this issue! Thanks to Aleah and
Gina for their work to help our students grow a love of reading, and to all our special readers!
Our staff put on a superb Common Core presentation to update parents on the new standards that
are being implemented. It began with an overview by Dr. E. Don Kim from TUSD, and our own
principal, Dr. Vicki Hath, followed by six of our Arlington teachers who brought to life how the Common
Core curriculum is being put into action at our school! A true testament to the great education our
students can receive here at Arlington! Information will continue to be provided so you can be informed
and assist your child in this transition to deeper learning.
At the heart of our success at Arlington PTA are the volunteers who make everything happen!
Congratulations to our Honorary Service Award winners, Janet Kaneshiro, JoAnn DuBay and the Miyako
Hybrid Hotel! Read on in this issue about all that they have done! It’s people like these, and many
volunteers like you, who make Arlington a great place to learn!
Speaking of volunteers, we had scores for our recent Jog-a-thon! Thank you to all of you who
came out to help and for all your generous contributions, which enable us to continue providing great
programs for our students! It was a fun time for everyone! Thanks to Jolene Morita for coordinating yet
another successful event!
We also had a great turn out at our Bike Rodeo – kids and volunteers alike! Special guest police
officers and bike helmet fittings by Mr. Thom and his son, along with tests of their riding skill and
knowledge of bicycle safety made it a blast! Read more about it in this issue.
COMING UP: we have a lot more in store this spring! New this year, we will be having a
family Astronomy Night! Come out for a little star-gazing with the family and some yummy treats! Our
annual ice cream social will have a new date, with galactic frozen treats as well! In addition, more
educational fun will be had with a Family Mad Science Night!
Our fifth graders will host a used book drive to support children at schools less fortunate than
ours who don’t have resources for their library. Start checking your old books to see if you have
something to share with someone less fortunate than you!
At the end of April, we will show our teachers how much we appreciate them during Teacher
Appreciation Week. I can never say enough how fortunate we are to have such great teachers and staff
here at Arlington! Think of some creative ways you can show them how much you appreciate them.
It is a privilege to be a part of all the learning, sharing, and caring that goes on here at Arlington!
You Superstars ROCK!!
Working together to make our STARS shine BRIGHTER!
Diane Wang, PTA President
Arlington Elementary
17800 Van Ness Avenue
Torrance, CA 90504
Dr. Vicki Hath, Principal
Arlington PTA
Torrance Council of PTAs
Thirty-Third District, California State PTA
Diane Wang, PTA President
Cayme Momita Newsletter Editor
Page 2
March/April 2014
Hello Arlington Families – Happy April!
I hope all of our families and friends have a relaxing Spring Vacation! I am so
excited to have some time away to relax and rejuvenate for a strong end to our
year! We will see you back here - same time, same place - on Monday, April 14th.
Principal
News for 3rd – 5th Graders – Pilot assessment for Smarter Balance State testing:
When we return to school students in grades 3rd – 5th will be preparing for
participation in the new State testing pilot. There are THREE big changes to
know about. The first big change = 2nd graders will no longer be taking the State assessment. Only
students in grades 3rd – 5th. The second change that is for this year = there will be no student
results generated. Since this year is a pilot year, students will not receive score reports like in the
past. Again, this is for this year only. The intent of the pilot will strictly be to give feedback to
Smarter Balance - the company that generated the test. The third change = no more pencil and
paper! The Smarter Balance Assessments will be 100% computer based. If you would like to take a
look at a sample assessment please visit
http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sa/practicetest.asp
When visiting the site, you will notice – on the language arts assessment for example, students will
need to read a passage on a split screen, where one half of the screen will have the passage and
the other half will have questions to answer. There will be tools available for students to highlight
or annotate while they read. The same for math, students will need to click on “scrap paper” to
work problems out.
As you can imagine, testing time will require a lot of focus, so having a balanced breakfast with
some protein-based food or high-fiber will help students concentrate as well as getting plenty of
sleep – 10 hours is the recommendation for children of elementary age. Arlington State Testing is
May 5th – 16th.
Arlington High-Fives
Congratulations to the Bike Rodeo participants and winners who will participate in the District
Rodeo. We will be cheering you on and know you will represent Arlington with PRIDE!
Summer School News
It’s not too early to start thinking about summer school! Torrance Education Foundation is proud to
present the TEF South Bay Enrichment Academy. You may now start looking at classes and
enrolling. I invite all of you to take a look at the Summer 2014 Class Schedule now available at
http://www.tefsbea.org
Until next time……Have a great month!
Vicki Hath, Ed.D.; Proud Principal
Arlington Logo on Page 1 - Original artwork by Chris Mason
Principal Clip Art from www.mycutegraphics.com.
Page 3
2 3 7-11
17 21-22
21-25
24 25 28 29 -
March/April 2014
Reading Incentive Prize Day
PTA Board Meeting (3:30p)
District Science Fair
Spring Break (No School)
Jog-A-Thon Reward Day
Supperstars Club at Yogurtland
Kindergarten Round-Up (2:00p)
Earth Week
Environmental Defenders Assembly
Spring Picture Day
5th Grade Panoramic Picture
Five-Star Club Meeting (3:15p)
Teacher Appreciation Week Begins
Supperstars Club at CPK
st
th
Earth Week is coming April 21 -25 . Be on the
lookout for more details in your student’s folder
or on the website as it gets closer. Some things
to look forward to are the return of Environmental Defenders, green and blue spirit wear
day, waste free lunch day and more.
Gina Mullin
Environmental Committee Chair
April & May Clip Art - Graphics/fonts copyright DJ Inkers, www.djinkers.com.
Earth Day Clip Art - PTO Today www.ptotoday.com.
Teacher Appreciation Clip Art - PTO Today www.ptotoday.com
1 2 -
PTA Board Meeting (3:30p)
Teacher Appreciation Week Ends
Teacher/Staff Appreciation Luncheon
Astronomy Night/Ice Cream Social
(7:00p-9:00p)
3 - District Bike Rodeo
5-16 Smarter Balance Pilot Testing
6 - Kindergarten Round-Up (2:00p)
8 - Mad Science Family Night (6:00p-8:00p)
9 - Five-Star Club Meeting (3:15p)
12-16 Blue Ribbon Week/Book Fair
16 - AIA Gallery (6:00p—8:00p)
- Book Fair Family Night (6:00p-8:00p)
22 - PTA Association Meeting/Open House
23 - Five-Star Club Meeting (3:15p)
26 - Memorial Day Holiday (No School)
29 - Supperstars Club at McDonald’s
Teacher Appreciation Week
is coming up soon!
It will be the week of
April 29-May 2nd.
Please be on the lookout for
information from the PTA.
Thank you!
Page 4
March/April 2014
Hi Arlington Families!
Astronomy Family Night
Friday, May 2nd, 7:00-9:00pm
Come out with your family and check out the stars!
Bring your own telescope or use one that is provided.
There will be fun activities
and a presentation by an astrologist!
Our Ice Cream Social will be transformed
into Galaxy Goodies!
Don’t miss out on this NEW fun event!
Students have been enjoying Project
#4 Golden Icons. I hope you had a
chance to see some of your students
bring their sculpted hieroglyphic tiles
home. If not, you will get to see them in our Art
Gallery coming up on Friday, May 16th, 6:00p.m.8:00p.m. or perhaps at Open House in their classroom.
Speaking of Art Gallery, VOLUNTEERS are needed
to assist in putting the gallery together. If you'd like
to help out, then please contact me at
[email protected] .
The FINAL Project #5 for April is entitled Between
the Pages by local artist Marianne Coble. It's a 'book
art' project which uses Model Magic, Mod Podge, and
acrylic paint.
Thank you!
Robyn Musick
AIA School Chairperson
Supperstars Update
Great job Supperstars on another great restaurant meeting. We went to Islands on February 28th and
had a really great turn out. We were able to raise over $500.00 for our intervention program.
Please save the date for our next upcoming meetings on:
•
•
•
•
March 26
April 17
April 29
May 29
-
Kings Hawaiian and Local Place
Yogurtland
California Pizza Kitchen
McDonalds
After the Islands fundraiser, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place classes are very close:
1st place - Mrs. Christie $1,397.37
2nd place - Ms. Hargenrater $1,392.27
3rd place - Mrs. Shintaku $1,295.48
For a listing of the other classes, please see the list posted in front of the office. Keep up the good work!
Kristin Ishida
Restaurant Nights Chairperson
Adventures in Art Clip Art from Adventures in Art Torrance.
Page 5
March/April 2014
“Help Save the Earth” Poster Contest
ARLINGTON SUPERSTARS,
With Earth Day coming up in April you are all invited to participate in Senator Barbara Boxer’s “Help Save the
Earth” poster contest. This contest is completely voluntary and you do not have to participate if you don’t want to.
Here are the rules: ONLY ONE ENTRY PER STUDENT
1. Each entry should be a hand-made illustration (on 8 1/2 x11 in. paper) that includes a description (in 50
words or less) of one way to “Help Save the Earth.”
2. All contestants should clearly write on the back of their poster:
Name
Teacher’s name
School name
Grade Level
School Address: 17800 Van Ness Ave, Torrance, CA 90504
3. Entries will be collected on Monday, March 31st from your classroom.
4. Descriptions must be clearly written or typed.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at [email protected].
Regards,
Gina Mullin
Environmental Committee Chair
Hello Parents,
Over the next month, the fifth grade Five Star Club, is joining forces with BookEnds organization to help
organize a book drive at Arlington Elementary School. The book drive will help our Five Star students enhance
their pillars of character and help support our community.
BookEnds, a nonprofit organization based in Southern California, is about Kids Helping Kids. BookEnds recycles
children's books through student-run book drives and places them in schools and youth organizations in need of
books. BookEnds believes that a literate child is the foundation of a thriving community. By providing access to
books, BookEnds gives children the resources to develop literacy skills and to experience the joy and imagination
of reading. -BookEnds.org
So over the spring break we are asking students and parents to collect old books for the book drive. Last day of
book collection will be Friday, April 25th.
On behalf of Five Star, and our fifth grade class, thank you for your Help!
Nick Pepper
5-Star Coordinator
Earth Clip Art - Microsoft Word
Star Clip Art - Original artwork by Chris Mason
Student/Book Stack Clip Art - PTO Today www.ptotoday.com.
Page 6
March/April 2014
Congratulations to Arlington Elementary's 2014 Honorary Service Award Recipients!
The Honorary Service Award (HSA) is awarded every year to recognize individuals or
organizations for their outstanding and exceptional service to children and youth in our community.
Arlington Elementary is truly fortunate to have many people that truly fits this criteria. Recipients
are nominated by their peers and then voted upon.
Please help me congratulate this year's awardees......
JoAnn DuBay
Janet Kaneshiro
Miyako Hybrid Hotel
These dedicated awardees were surprised, honored, and presented with their awards at our HSA/
Founders' Day Night that was held on February 20th.
Thank you to the HSA Committee that consisted of Diane Wang, Cayme Momita, and Kristin
Ishida.
Congratulations!
Sharon Sawai
1st VP Programs
2014 ARLINGTON ELEMENTARY HONORARY SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS
JOANN DUBAY - JoAnn DuBay has been a fixture at Arlington for the past 7 years. She currently volunteers her time in the library or with
her younger daughter’s class in Adventures in Art and on field trips. Last year she was the co-chairperson for our 5-Star service club for
her older daughter’s 5th grade class. Arlington students also know Jo as Ms. DuBay the substitute teacher and noon supervisor. Outside of
school Jo volunteers her time with her daughters’ club soccer teams as well as the leader for her older daughter’s Girl Scout troop.
Wherever help is needed Jo can always be counted on to assist. We have been very fortunate to have such a wonderful volunteer in
JoAnn DuBay.
JANET KANESHIRO - Keeping financial books in order requires a keen eye for detail, organizational skills, and a sense for perfection.
Arlington Elementary School’s 2014 HSA nominee possesses all of these traits and then some. Janet Kaneshiro kept our financial books in
impeccable order as she served as our PTA Treasurer. If one “book” wasn’t enough, she served as Casimir Middle School’s PTA
Treasurer during the same term! Aside from being a part of our financial team, Janet was also the Newsletter Editor, 5th Grade Yearbook
Editor, and continues to lend a helping hand wherever is needed. A busy mom of three, Janet finds the time to be the Team Mom of her
daughter’s basketball team, coordinates events for the Care Ministry, assists in Sunday School at Victory Fellowship, and all the while
working full time at Faith Methodist Church. While Janet’s youngest child will be leaving Arlington Elementary in June, it is without a doubt
that Janet will remain a valuable asset to the children, schools, and community throughout the South Bay! Congratulations Janet!
MIYAKO HYBRID HOTEL - Our neighbors, The Miyako Hybrid Hotel, have been great supporters of the children in our community. As
Arlington’s business partner for the past 3 years, Miyako Hybrid Hotel has contributed to our community and provided for our student needs
in numerous ways. They have generously provided entry rugs for our classrooms and cafeteria to keep the floors clean, and treats of
mochi ice cream for our jog-a-thons and other events. When the students requested relief from the heat of the day, they responded to the
call by providing umbrellas for our lunch benches to keep them out of the sun. They have shown their commitment to promoting education
by providing donations to help with funding for our intervention teachers, and hosting field trips for our fifth graders to learn about alternative
energy. They have been active participants in our community, judging our Red Ribbon Week window contests and science fair projects,
and reading to students on Dr. Seuss Day. They have even worked together with us to reach out to children across the globe in Myanmar
with donations of goods to orphans for the holidays. It is our privilege to partner with the Miyako Hybrid Hotel, who is most deserving of this
award for their service to children.
H.S.A. Clip Art - www.pta.org
Page 7
March/April 2014
2014 Jog-a-Thon
Our Jog-a-Thon finished successfully and it was all due to our awesome teachers, staff and
parent volunteers. It was a very warm morning but the students were able to enjoy the Dasani
water donated by the Chance Family and the cold ice pops donated by the Hamasu Family
after their run. A huge thank you to them both for their generosity! Our Arlington Superstars
are fortunate to have such wonderful sponsors.
I would like to thank a few people for donating so much of their time and efforts during the
day. They include our terrific leader Diane Wang as well as Cindy Moromisato, Gina Mullin,
Sharon Sawai, Paul Sawai, Rob Sawai and Mike Asahara. Also many thanks to the Station
Managers: Jennifer Petty, Jennifer Watanuki, Yuko Felde, Christine Wycoff, Donna Minson,
Julie Honda, Pamela Semple, and Stacey Ishimaru. You kept things running smoothly! A
special thank you goes to Susan Kamida & Carol Tamanaha who acted as volunteer greeters
and to Kristie Moriya, the PTA Room Parent Coordinator.
There is also Todd Yamatsuka, who helped me deliver the water to all the classrooms, Jean
Yamatsuka, who punched holes and put safety pins in all the lap cards, Mr. Mason, who did an
awesome job at MC duties and of course, Dr. Hath for her cheerful greetings to all the
students.
There is one more group to thank and that is the parents who helped count the money from
our generous donors: Diane Wang, Jan Hirata, Cindy Moromisato, Kristin Ishida, Gina Mullin,
Pamela Semple, Diana Luis and Wendy Terao.
And to all the Room Parents, parent volunteers, teachers and staff: you are what make this
school so great. Your dedication and commitment to our students is unbelievable and we are
so lucky to have you! You are the best!!
Jolene Morita
2nd VP – Ways & Means
Jogathon Clip Art - PTO Today www.ptotoday.com.
Page 8
March/April 2014
Attention Parents!
Lost and Found
Are you wondering where that fancy jacket you bought your child went?
How about that new lunchbox?
Each and everyday, Arlington students leave these items on the lunch benches and the
playground - each and everyday they are collected and added to the LOST & FOUND rack.
Almost ALL of these items go unclaimed.
You would be amazed at how many jackets, etc. are collected every week!
Lost items are routinely donated to charity several times a year, so if you don’t want to see your
hand earned money go to charity, PLEASE take a few minutes and look at the rack
and see if your child’s missing jacket is there!
The Lost & Found rack is located near the front gate near the café!
Thanks!
Chris Mason
Noon Supervisor
March 10-17th the students participated in Reading Incentive Week. This year’s theme was “Reading Takes
you Places.” The students did a great job doing lots of extra reading and getting their logs in.
Congratulations to the following readers who were the top readers in their grade:
Kindergarten:
Abigall Winger
Bradley Saiki
Blake Ishida
Dylan Semple
1st Grade:
Jenner Hirata
Karen Villena
Riker Nishihira
Aaliyah Powell
Kaydee Tani
2nd Grade:
Franz Powell
Mitchell Shirota
Ginna Gray
David Kim
3rd Grade:
Madelyn Winger
Kylee Narasaki
Evan Ito
Marina Nagashima
4th Grade:
Olivia Semple
Noah Tran
Emily Hettinger
Isabella Feng
5th Grade:
Julianne Lim
Shune Kawaoto
Nicolas Shinozaki
Congratulations to several more students who have been invited to participate in the Reading Incentive
Week reward luncheon on Wednesday, April 2nd. Those invitations have gone home; please remember
to return the bottom half to the office by Tuesday, April 1st.
Gina Mullin,
RIW Committee Chair
Student Reading Clip Art - PTO Today www.ptotoday.com
Page 9
March/April 2014
The Arlington Bike Rodeo results that took place on March 21st are in!
Thank you to Torrance Police Officers Scott and Garver for talking to
the students about bike safety and awareness. And a special thanks to
Officer Scott, who took his time to show the students what the course
requirements were and for being a good sport wearing pink helmets and
riding pink bikes!
I would like to thank the following parents and volunteers for helping out
at the Bike Rodeo: Diane Wang, Paul Sawai, Don Hirabayashi, Ms.
Tran, Lori Cahitas, Karina Kim, John Hettinger, Tish Une, Britt Prince,
Diana Luis, Gabby Dominguez, Jen Watanuki, Linda Terao, and Wendy
Terao. My apologies if any other names were left out.
Special thanks to Mr. Thom and his son for doing safety and fitting
checks on all the kids’ helmets, and providing new ones for those who
needed one!
We had a great turnout of 70 students participating from 3rd to 5th
grade, with 26 students from the 3rd grade, 17 students from the 4th
grade and 27 students from the 5th grade.
Officer Scott shows the students the
requirements for each event.
Congratulations to the following students who placed 1st and 2nd and will be representing Arlington at the District
Bike Rodeo that will take place at Victor Elementary on May 3rd from 9:00a-12:00p. We wish them good luck at
the Torrance PTA District Bike Rodeo!
Bike Rodeo Chair
K.L. Chok
Arlington Bike Rodeo Winners for 2014 for each grade
3rd Grade
4th Grade
5th Grade
Boys
1st Place - Chris F. Rm. 16
2nd Place - Gianni F. Rm. 16
Boys
1st Place - Jack K. Rm. 21
2nd Place - Jordan M. Rm. 21
Boys
1st Place - Colby H. Rm. 19
2nd Place - Brennan T. Rm. 26
Girls
1st Place - Kylee N. Rm. 18
2nd Place - Adithya K. Rm. 16
Girls
1st Place - Emily H. Rm. 21
2nd Place - Kayla N. Rm. 20
Girls
1st Place - Natalie V. Rm. 26
2nd Place - Mona M. Rm. 29
Photo of Officer Scott - Taken by K.L. Chok
Photo of Bicycle Rack - Taken by Ryan Momita
Page 10
March/April 2014
Results for All Bike Rodeo Participants
3rd Grade Boys
Name
Room
Score
Chris F.
16
518
Gianni F.
16
513
Enrique M.
18
512
Nabil A.
18
508
Kaden T.
14
504
Ryan T.
18
496
Gavin S.
14
488
Armando L.
16
480
Justin T.
18
480
Paul M.
14
476
Sean L.
18
467
Hanboyl L.
18
466
Charlie S.
18
465
Grant P.
14
415
4th Grade Boys
Name
Room
Jack K.
21
Jordan M.
21
Austin K.
20
Filip D.
20
Alex
21
Riku O.
20
Randy T.
20
Kenneth
21
Joseph A.
21
3rd Grade Girls
Name
Room
Score
Kylee N.
18
516
Adithya K.
16
501
Vanessa C.
16
499
Kayla L.
16
485
Ally W.
18
480
Nicole F.
14
477
Isabella T.
18
475
Tiffany K.
18
470
Ashley S.
18
464
Marina N.
14
458
Ava J.
18
411
Alyssa M.
14
401
4th Grade Girls
Name
Room
Emily H.
21
Kayla N.
20
Aivy N.
29
Kassandra S.
23
Reyna S.
21
Angel P.
21
Kayla C.
29
Clara B.
29
Bicyclist Clip Art - www.thegemcity.org
Score
549
498
493
475
467
465
446
399
391
Score
526
525
508
491
448
438
437
429
5th Grade Boys
Name
Room
Colby H.
29
Brennan T.
26
Anthony C.
19
Ethan S.
19
Kapono L.
29
Haru I.
22
Ryan H.
29
Matt P.
22
Darin M.
22
Ethan G.
22
Farris A.
22
Seth M.
22
Logan M.
22
Leo H.
22
James S.
29
Nathan L.
19
Nico S.
22
Henry M.
26
Eli M.
19
Score
563
561
537
537
531
530
516
515
510
500
502
497
493
489
467
462
460
410
398
5th Grade Girls
Name
Room
Natalie V.
26
Mona M.
29
Kurea T.
22
Isabella N.
19
Cassandra M.
19
Miranda S.
26
Brianna V.
22
Angela C.
29
Score
543
540
526
512
499
466
438
404