February 2016 MUM copy.pages

Montecito Union Monitor
February, 2016
MONTECITO UNION MONITOR
February 2016
2/18 - Food Drive, Front Lot
8:00 a.m. -9:00 a.m.
2/20 - MUS GALA
6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Coral Casino
2/22 - Parent Education
MUS Math Curriculum
8:40 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
2/23 - Spanish Cultural Day
2/26 - MUS Carnival Poster
Contest Entry Deadline
March 2016
3/3 - PTA Meeting
8:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Rm 19
3/4 - Walk ’n Roll/Friday Flag
Assembly
3/7 - 3/14 California Arbor Day
3/7 - Parent Education
Book Study Series
8:40 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
3/11- 6th Annual Enchanted
Evening
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
FOR MORE CALENDAR INFO :
montecitou.org
Next PTA Meeting: Thurs. 3/3/16@
8:45 a.m.
Room 19
From the desk of our President…
I am feeling the love this February. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever
imagine that interviewing your kids for the Gala video would have been this
fulfilling. Here I was explaining to the kids from Kindergarten to 6th that we
need to fund the programs they are enjoying this year for next year and simply
asked them how they felt about the PTA funded programs. It was overwhelming.
Your kids LOVE these programs. In their own words, they told me just how
much. It was adorable, inspiring and made me realize exactly why I am doing
this. Your kids are incredible; generous with their hearts and spirits. You are
raising amazing humans and it makes me so hopeful for our future. It is no
wonder because they have astounding role models. Last month I asked for
volunteers to step up and help the community make Stone Soup. And WOW
what a soup we have made together! Parents I have never met, stepped up and
brought in incredible donations. I have met some of my favorite people in this
community and am truly feeling the love. Thank you. I need to give a shout out
to our teachers who continue to give our kids the love and support they need to
grow into the future. I have spent a considerable amount of time on campus
recently and have been asking how it is we are so lucky and without hesitation
the teachers say time and again it comes from the top. The teachers recently
honored the administration team in appreciation of their support. It is amazing
when you have a superintendent like Tammy Murphy who I caught on camera
climbing on top of the wall in her high heel shoes to straighten the shed sign or
Nick Bruski supporting our teachers or Ryan Gleason tirelessly helping us raise a
generation of thoughtful, focused citizens of the world. To say I am grateful is an
understatement. In my experience I have never dealt with an administration that
truly cares about the welfare of the children more than these incredible
professionals. We are very fortunate to have them. Thank you all for your
continued support of the PTA programs and our wonderful school. We will see
you all at our exciting Gala coming up this Saturday evening February
20th at the Coral Casino!
Sandy Toye, 2015/2016 PTA President
and proud mommy of Jayna ~ Sabrina ~ Melody
All parents are welcome
and encouraged to attend. Want more info? Contact Kate
Murphy: [email protected]
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Montecito Union Monitor
February, 2016
MUS GALA
This weekend!
Saturday, February 20th
6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Coral Casino
The Gala is the biggest fundraiser for the MUS PTA. We are excited to bring you fun, festive memorable
Galas, year after year. It is all for our children. It isn’t too late to purchase a ticket. Come join in the fun!
Go to http://mus-gala.org to purchase tickets, view auction items, and find out more event details. The PTA
gives a BIG WAVE thank you to our generous sponsors! You make the difference! We are so grateful. SEE
YOU THERE! Mahalo! For event details, or questions on sponsorship or auction items, contact Mary Kirkhart
at [email protected]
A few Auction items include:
Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji
Grade Level Artwork
Four Seasons O'ahu at Ko Olina One Bedroom Ocean Front Suite for 3 nights
Montecito Union Monitor
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Montecito Union Monitor
February, 2016
UPCOMNG EVENTS
SPANISH CULTURAL DAYS
The MUS PTA and our wonderful Spanish Teachers are celebrating Mexico for our Cultural Day.
Tuesday, February 23rd. Our students are invited to come to the black-top to be introduced to the
Mexican Culture. They will be learning about Mexico, sampling traditional foods and doing a typical
arts and crafts all while listening to Spanish music and practicing their Spanish. K - 3rd grade
11:30am-12:00pm, 4th grade - 6th grade 12:00pm-12:30pm. At 2:00pm our 2nd graders - 6th graders will
see a traditional performance in the auditorium. Come by and see our “fiesta”.
2016 MUS Carnival Poster Contest
THEME: “Old Fashioned Carnival”
It’s MUS Carnival time! Popcorn, games, face painting, candy
and all things carnival! Use your imagination to create the
poster for our 2016 MUS Carnival.
Poster contest sheets were in last week’s Friday
folder, February 11th (Thursday because of the long weekend!).
Remember no computer graphics are allowed. All other
mediums (marker, crayon, pencil, etc.) are accepted. All entries
must be submitted on an 8 1/2 x 11 sized sheet of paper to be
considered for the contest.
6th Annual Enchanted Evening
March 11, 2016 from 6-8pm. An evening
of fun and dancing for daughters with their
fathers, or bring an adult who is special to
you! There will be a DJ mixing tunes and
Photo booth photos. Contact Bryan de
Ponce([email protected]) or Jeremy
Schweitzer([email protected]) with any
questions. 6th annual
Enchanted Evening
The poster must include the following information - 2016
MUS Carnival, Saturday, April 23, 2016.
The winner will be announced at the March Flag assembly and
will receive a wristband for unlimited rides at the Carnival.
Grade level winners will also receive recognition at the March
flag assembly.
Daughters with their Fathers,
or bring an adult who is special to you!
Friday, March 11th
6:00-8:00 PM
MUS Auditorium
Please return all entries to the MUS front office by Friday,
February 26, 2016.
If you have any questions, please contact Kristin McWilliams
at [email protected] or 805.455.5001.
Email Contact:
Fathers Name:
_____________ # Attendees X 25.00 per person=_______________
Amount Enclosed:_______________
suggested donation
Checks can be made out to the MUS PTA and put back in your Friday Folder, or place in the PTA box in the front office.
Please contact Bryan de Ponce([email protected]) or Jeremy Schweitzer([email protected]) if you want to help with the event or have any questions.
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Montecito Union Monitor
February, 2016
UNSUNG HERO! This month some of our sixth graders interviewed and wrote the unsung hero
article. We are so proud of our students and this unsung hero…
THE DREAM MAKER
Written by Hana Nishimura , Allie Murphy, Blake Ekeler, Liliana Brownell, and Kylie Moro
6th Grade Leadership Members 2016
Our school has many unsung heroes, Alfredo Martinez is one of them. He’s the one that came up
with pathways that fits everyone’s interest at lunch. The pathways are activities at lunch such as sports on the
terraces, lego club, STEAM, and many more. We were curious about his job so we interviewed him and celebrate
what he does here. He enjoys his job very much because the first thing he said was about the kids, everything led
back to the kids. We’re so glad he came to MUS to be with us and to help us improve. Plus, kids have always been
his main interest because of the joy they bring him.
“How did you come up with the different pathways?”
“So we first had lunch sports and a bunch of activities so we wanted to grow it and add new ideas and activities
because some kids don’t really like sports. We came up with the creativity pathways which involves students to
display their creativity. Now we’ve implemented service learning pathways for students opportunities to create
things that give back to the community. ”
“What do you enjoy about our school?” “I enjoy everything about this school, we have great smiley kids here,
the staff they're all very friendly, and welcoming for me on my first year.”
“What inspired you to work here”
“When I was in college I worked with kids, when I moved back to California I realized I wanted to work with
children and I wanted to continue that so, I saw this opening online, so I took it.”
“Why do you want to work with kids?”
“I want to work with kids because I want to help them grow and learn. Kids will be running the United States,
they will run the future, they’ll run my future.”
“What did you do before this?”
“Before I was at MUS I was working at Carpinteria High School, with the English learners I was the translator
from English to Spanish and Spanish to English.
We said “So you’ve always been working with kids?”
He responded “ Yes they’re wonderful to be around, when I’m having a bad day, then they always find a way to
make me smile.”
“What’s your favorite pathway and why?”
“Well I’m a huge sports fan, so I like the sports one personally. But I also love the other two, but if I had to choose
my favorite so far it would be the service one just the idea that kids get to help out other adults and the
community and globally with the kids.”
As you can see, Alfredo Martinez is definitely an unsung hero. He has been so welcoming in our years
and has been amazing to all of the staff and students. He is truly one of the most inspiring Montecito Union staff
members. He has made our school the best it can be. We would like to thank him for making everyone welcome at
MUS. Also being such a great person at our school and making it the safest place for every kid and adult on
campus.
Montecito Union Monitor
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Montecito Union Monitor
February, 2016
PTA VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES!
Looking for ways to volunteer at school? There are so many different opportunities to help out:
February
18th Thurs. Food Drive – Donate goods to the Santa Barbara Food Bank at drop-off. Every
little bit helps! Contact Alissa Briggs: [email protected].
20th Sat. MUS Gala. There are a million ways to help with MUS's biggest fundraiser of the
year! Contact Mary Kirkhart: [email protected].
23rd Tues. – Spanish Cultural Day. Students celebrate a Spanish-speaking country with native
music, dance, and cuisine. Contact Lucia Engel: [email protected].
March
11th Fri. – Enchanted Evening Dance. Fathers, grandfathers and special friends accompany
MUS girls to this popular annual event. Contact Bryan de Ponce for more information:
[email protected].
15th Tues. – 3rd Grade Staff Lounge Fairy. 3rd grade families honor our amazing 3rd grade staff
by providing sweets or snacks to the staff lounge. Contact your room parent for more
information.
23rd Wed. – Kindergarten Welcome Night. Prospective families attend this informative
evening to learn about MUS's standout Kindergarten program. Contact Heidi Winston for ways
to help: [email protected].
17th Thurs. – Food Drive. Donate goods to the Santa Barbara Food Bank at drop-off. Every
little bit helps! Contact Alissa Briggs: [email protected].
18th Fri. – World Water Day. The MUS Green Committee promotes awareness of water
conservation and provides resources to families.. Contact Heidi Winston for ways to help:
[email protected].
Your dedicated PTA Board in action!
Contact Lisa Aviani for more information about volunteering at [email protected]
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Montecito Union Monitor
February, 2016
GREEN NEWS
GREEN NEWS
Green News for February
Inspired Activists Arrive at MUS on Bikes
Two pretty cool guys, outdoor educators and environmental enthusiasts, Mike
and Sam of California Water Cycle, biked over to Mr. Ghersen's 4th grade
science class last week to talk to students about their 1,500 mile cross country
bicycle journey through California. The goal of their trip has been to fully
explore many of California's waterways and to help build support for more
water conscious communities. The classroom discussed basic water
conservation techniques like turning off running faucets, simple methods for
keeping our waterways pollution free, and some of the ideas behind recycling
water for agricultural uses. However, the team's main message was to
encourage budding scientists to get out and explore Santa Barbara's many
wonderful water sources, like our numerous canyon streams and our backyard
water playground - the big blue Pacific. www.californiawatercycle.org
WALKING AND ROLLING IS IN THE AIR
MUS families are living up to their health minded resolutions for 2016. In
January and February many families Walked and/or Rolled to school. Almost
40% of the student population has participated, a terrific start for the New
Year. And if you can’t hoof it to school, don’t forget, CARPOOLING
COUNTS!
Many thanks to all the volunteer parents who make it work. Your
commitment adds so much to the experience.
MUS is a Brighter Shade of Green in 2016
A few years ago, the California Department of Education implemented the
California Green Ribbon Schools program to recognize environmental
excellence in public schools and districts. In 2015, MUS was recognized with a
Bronze Level CA-GRS award for the unified commitment to being green from
the staff to the students, and families too. Our school entered an application
again this year, and the State Superintendent will be announcing the new
honorees in the next week. Keep your eyes peeled for an improved status.
The efforts that you make to model sustainability for our children help to
make our school as good as gold.
For more Green News & Photos please visit: http://www.montecitou.org/Page/612
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