COUGAR TRACKS November 2013

Volume 4 Issue 3
Upcoming
Hot Lunches
COUGAR TRACKS
November 2013
11/4
11/8
11/11
11/15
11/18
11/22
Nick’s BBQ
Salina’s
Domino’s
Let’s Do Lunch
Salina’s
Panda Express
PRINCIPAL’S CORNER
I hope everyone had a safe and fun filled Halloween. As we
enter November and the weather turns cold, I would like to
remind you to make sure your children are bundled up
before they come to school. Students will be expected to
stand outside and wait to come into school until 7:50 A.M.
and go out for recess unless the temperature and or wind
chill reach 25 degrees or below. Please refer to the parent
information booklet you received at parent information day
for further clarification.
A friendly reminder: ONLY BUSES are allowed access to the school via the
parking lot and bus lane. NO OTHER VEHICLES are allowed into the parking
lot from 7:45 A.M - 8:00 A.M. At 8:00 A.M. the parking lot will be reopened to
accommodate tardy students. I would like to remind you to please park your car
and walk your child into the building to sign them in for the day when they are
tardy.
Another reminder about parking on Everdon during arrival and dismissal. With
the amount of cars driving and parking on Everdon, we all need to be aware of
the flow of traffic. The street is very congested. The children should be walked
to the car at the end of the day.
Important Dates
11/1 No School
11/5 Student Council
Meeting 2:35-3:15
11/7 Picture Retake Day
11/11 PTO Meeting 8:30 a.m.
11/14 Popcorn Day
11/25 No School
Parent Teacher
Conferences 1:00-8:00
Thank you for informing your students’ classroom teach of all the alternate dismissal plans. A note in their folder about the end of the day change in dismissal
helps the teachers and office staff know where your child needs to be.
11/26 No School
Parent Teacher
Conferences 8:00-3:00
The safety of our children comes first at Keller. Thank you for taking the time to
keep us informed.
11/27-11/29 No School
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
I wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving. See you at Parent Teacher
conferences!
Inside This Issue
Mrs. Greene
Principal’s Corner
1
Nurse’s Notes
2
Learning Center News
2
Ghostbuster Race Results
Student Council News
3
3
♫ Music Notes ♫
3
Pumpkin Contest Winners
4
Beginning Band News
4
NOVEMBER NURSE’S NOTES
During the month of November we review the health
condition, Diabetes. The American Diabetes Association
tells us that diabetes is on the rise, even among our
school age population. The Mayo Clinic tells us Type 1
diabetes, once known as juvenile diabetes or insulindependent diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the
pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone needed
to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy.
The far more common type 2
diabetes occurs when the body
becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or doesn't make enough
insulin. Symptoms of diabetes may include increased thirst,
increased urination, weight loss, fatigue, and blurred vision. Diet
and exercise can prevent or delay the onset of type 2
diabetes. Please be mindful of the amount of fat and sugar in your
child's diet and make the plate colorful. Increase the amount of
fruits and vegetables you offer at meals. As the weather gets
colder, we all tend to be less active. Please dress your child according to the weather as we still go outside for lunch recess even
when the temperature is down in the 20's!
LEARNING CENTER NEWS
Thank You to the following students for donating books to the library for their
October birthdays!!
OOPS! Forgot two August birthdays!! Thank you!!
8/2
8/22
Madison Muchowicz 1-3 Be Yourself
Madeline Cortino 5-3 A is for Axel
10/1
10/3
10/5
10/13
10/21
10/23
10/26
10/28
10/29
10/31
Genevieve Kwak K-2 Sofia the First — The Royal Slumber Party
Malik Nasir 1-3 Kel Gilligan’s Daredevil Stunt Show
Ethan Wick 1-2 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles — Robot Rampage
Lana Miller EC-2 Click, Clack, Boo!
Adam Abdelqader K-2 Pete the Cat — Play Ball
Michael Muchowicz 2-3 You Can Be Anything
Amber Kurek K-1 Pete the Cat — Pete’s Big Lunch
Adelynn Kreydich 4-2 Starring Jules
Ayden Maza 5-1 Guinness World Records 2014
Faykeh Razek 3-3 Nancy Clancy — Sees the Furture
PUMPKIN CHASE / GHOSTBUSTER RACE
The Pumpkin Chase and Ghost Buster Race were held on Monday, October 28th. It
was a beautiful day to be outside, and everyone appeared to have a good time.
Congratulations to all of the participants in both events and to our top finishers in the
2-mile Ghost Buster Race:
Boys
1st Place
2nd Place
3rd Place
Girls
Aidan Bressanelli 5-2
Time: 17:40
Andy Beitia 5-3
Time: 17:46
Eric Arroyo 5-2
Time: 18:33
1st Place
2nd Place
3rd Place
Aly Watkins 5-2
Time: 17:47
Bryce Rogge 5-1
Time: 20:15
Gianna Palumbo 5-2
Time: 20:39
STUDENT COUNCIL
HOLIDAY BAG-A-MEAL
Student Council is collecting items for our annual Holiday Bag-a-Meal project.
These Thanksgiving meals will be given to families from our Keller School
Community. Any donations you are able to make are greatly appreciated.
Donations will be accepted the week of November 18th-22nd.
Some suggestions for items include:
Canned Ham
Boxed Pie Crust
Stuffing
Dream Whip
Potatoes
Cereal
Canned Vegetables
Peanut Butter
Jell-O
Jelly
Pudding
Crackers
Canned Pie Filling
Hot Chocolate
Tea
Coffee
Muffin Mixes
Rice
No Refrigerated Foods
♫
Music Notes ♫
Kudos to all of the performers in "Harvest Moon Shines On Me" A Season to Sing. The performers and the
audiences where amazing!!!
November is a busy time of celebrations in the music room. Students will study and celebrate the cultural
music of our Native Americans through singing and playing authentic drums and rattles. This year I will
demonstrate and play a Native American Flute that was hand carved out of Western Cedar Wood by William
H. Crowe Jr.; a Certified wood carver of natural flutes and is a Native American of the Cherokee Nations of
North Carolina. He is also a well-renowned performer that plays various wood flutes for special events
throughout the U.S. Students may bring their own items or clothing of the Native Americans to display in
the music room; such as rain catchers, moccasins, hand beaded jewelry, etc.
As we approach Thanksgiving, there may be some toe-tapping, and clapping with "Turkey in the Straw",
fiddle music, and of course, we can't forget favorite Gobble Gobble songs about Turkeys.
Page 4
PUMPKIN PATCH CONTEST WINNERS
Congratulations to all of the students who participated in the pumpkin decorating contest. The
creativity and originality of the designs was very impressive! The winners of the contest will receive a
certificate for Helen Keller Student Store
WINNERS
Early Childhood
Kindergarten
1st Grade
2nd Grade
Alyssa Kelly EC-2
Madagascar Lion
Eva Urban K-2
Princess Pumpkin
Tamer Mohammad 1-3
Angel Pumpkin
Sarah Cygan 2-3
Nemo
Lauren Janotta EC-2
Rapunzel
Amber Kurek K-1
Peacock
Halina Makowski 1-1
Catepillar Pumpkin
Stephanie Gamboa 2-1
Minion
Blake Lynch EC/K-2
Pirate
Allyson Jeziorski K-1
Candy Mummy
Madison Hullett 1-1
Cinderella Pumpkin
Danya Salem 2-2
Rainbow Fish
Bettie Franek EC/K-2
Lalaloopsy
Thomas Bell K-1
Angry Bird
Jake Monahan 1-3
Peas in a Pod
Christian Diaz 2-2
Cat
3rd Grade
4th Grade
5th Grade
Jordan Ostrander 3-1
Hot Air Balloon
Haley Bissell 4-2
Star Wars Star Fighter
Carlene Sonnefeldt 5-3
Halloween Corn Fish
Katie Cygan 3-2
Penguin
Zack Napoli 4-1
Cat Pumpkin
Bryce Rogge 5-1
Foam Owl
Sean Monahan 3-2
Peppermint Candy
Danny Gill 4-2
Bat Pumpkin in Forest
Kylie Kehlert 5-2
White Bird with Colorful Feathers
Kylie Kutnar 3-1
Cookie Monster
Elizabeth Kooyenga 4-1
Watermelon Pumpkin
Dominic Gracia 5-2
Creepy Eye Balls/Monster Pumpkin
Beginning Band News
The 5th grade band members have been learning to read music note
names, count rhythms, and play simple songs on their instruments.
Ask you child to demonstrate the Count, Clap, Sing, Finger, Play
method for their book exercises. Parents, please be sure to initial
your child’s practice log in the front of the book for their weekly
playing assignment. We extend a BIG thank you to all band members
who contributed to our fall fundraiser. Additional news can be found
at : www.ksd140.org
Mr. Forlenza, Mr. Hodges, & Mr. Szczasny
DID YOU KNOW???
The first Thanksgiving meal consisted of deer, corn, shellfish, and roasted meat. The Native
Americans and English settlers played games, sang, and danced. What are your plans to
celebrate Thanksgiving this year with your family? What are you thankful for?
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
PTO MEETING DATES
for 2013-2014
Box Tops Contest Ends
10/31/13
S.T.A.R.T. Day
10/31/13
9/9/13 @ 8:30 a.m.
NO SCHOOL
11/01/13
10/10/13 @ 6:30 p.m.
HOT LUNCH
Nick’s BBQ
11/04/13
HOT LUNCH
Salina’s
11/08/13
HOT LUNCH
Domino’s
11/11/13
Chick-fil-A Night
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
11/12/13
Great American Opportunities
Due
11/13/13
Market Day Order Due
11/13/13
Dippin’ Dots Order Form Due
11/13/13
Popcorn Day
11/14/13
MANNA Orders Due
11/15/13
HOT LUNCH
Let’s Do Lunch
11/15/13
HOT LUNCH
Salina’s
11/18/13
Market Day Pickup
11/20/13
Dippin’ Dots
11/21/13
HOT LUNCH
Panda Express
11/22/13
11/11/13@ 8:30 a.m.
12/12/13 @ 6:30 p.m.
1/13/14 @ 8:30 a.m.
2/12/14 @ 6:30 p.m.
3/11/14 @ 8:30 a.m.
4/10/14 @ 6:30 p.m.
5/9/14 @ 8:30 a.m.
.
Please be sure to put these dates
on your calendar! We would love to see
all of you there!
All meetings are held in the Commons.
SECRET SANTA is
coming in December. Thank you to
Kelly Collin and Rebecca Howatt for
co-chairing this event. We will be
looking for volunteers soon!
BE A PTO MEMBER AND SCHOOL SUPPORTER!
Parents: Get involved in your child’s/children’s school!!!
Support our PTO programs and goals. We need your
energy and ideas!! Please make your child a top priority.
Sign up and get involved.
Please
contact
Lisa
([email protected]
or
708/533-4224) to find out how you can get involved.
Thank you in advance!
Market Day
Bonus Pie Days!!
Be sure to order your pies
for the holidays. Just add
the pie onto your regular
Market Day order.
More information coming
soon!!
VOLUNTEER!! CAN WE COUNT ON YOU IN NOVEMBER?
We would like to thank the following people who have volunteered for Keller this year:
Manaal Aldabbagh, Corinne Arroyo, Kim Bowman, Kelly Bressanelli, Jamie Carbone, Kelly Collin, Pina Dahmesel,
Nicole Devine, Nancy Droszcz, Andrea Eassa, Michaelene Evans, Cynthia Garay, Kim Gill, Nicole Gordon, Cheryl Haj,
Lynda Harrison, Michelle Hill, Jorilyn Hirsch, Holly Janotta, Deb Jennings, Nina Jeziorski, Lisa Kelly, Priscilla Kooyenga,
Jen Kurek, Bridget Lynch, Sabrina Matariyeh, Amy Menconi, Kate Napoli, Kristy Randall, Erika Perry, Summer Salem,
Mariann Stanton, Mary Tarasiewicz, Heather Tkach, Leesa Ulcigrai, Summer Urban, Jaime Viau, Christine Watkins,
Rhonda Zurek,, I’m sorry if I missed you; contact me and I will add you next month. Thank you for all your hard work!
We really appreciate it!
If you would like to volunteer at Keller for anything, please contact Lisa ([email protected] or 708/533-4224).
We would like to thank KATE NAPOLI and
KRISTY RANDALL for volunteering their time
to chair Market Day. Reminder: Orders due
November 13, 2013, with a delivery of
November 20, 2013.
The PTO would like to express our
sincere thanks to NANCY DROSZCZ
for her years of volunteer service with
the Keller PTO. It is with great sadness
that we say good-bye to Nancy as she
goes on to pursue her work endeavors.
We would also like to thank KRISTY RANDALL
for volunteering her time to chair the fundraiser for
Yankee Candle! This fundraiser was very lucrative
for Helen Keller and we would like to thank
everyone for their participation!
HEATHER TKACH is moving up to the
position of vice president.
Another thank you to LYNDA HARRISON for
volunteering her time to chair the Great American
Opportunities fundraiser. Don’t forget: The orders
are due November 13, 2013.
At the same time, we would like to
welcome KaDRIA OVERTON to the
PTO. She will be the new secretary. We
are very glad to have KaDria on the PTO
this year.
Thank you to the following people who helped with
the Halloween Party: DENNIS RAK, KIM RAK,
JAY URBAN, SUMMER URBAN, DAVE TKACH,
HEATHER
TKACH,
CHRIS
WATKINS,
CHRISTINE WATKINS, MARIANN STANTON,
CLAUDIA
GONZALEZ,
LISA
KELLY,
MICHELLE HILL, BILL HILL, RICH CYGAN,
MICHAELENE EVANS, KATE NAPOLI, KELLY
COLLIN, LEESA ULCIGRAI,
CORINNE
ARROYO, CHERI McLAUGHLIN, KAREN
PAVELKA, DEB ROBSON, AMY MENCONI,
SUHAILA ABDELQUADER, JENNY KUREK,
JOE BRESSANELLI, KaDRIA OVERTON, and all
the other helpers for helping with the Halloween
party. Without the help of all the volunteers, our
party would not have been so great!
A special PTO THANK YOU to Claudia
Gonzalez for the delicious cotton candy again
this year!! The kids absolutely LOVED it!
The Hot Lunch program will be getting two new chair people:
Angie Jones and Priscilla Kooyenga. Please join us in
welcoming them!! The current chairperson is also our PTO
President, Mariann Stanton, and while she will be continuing
to help Angie and Priscilla, please bear with us as we might go
through some slight growing pains during this transition.
2012-2013 Executive Board
Mariann Stanton, President
Heather Tkach, Vice President
Corinne Arroyo, Co-Treasurer
Christine Watkins, Co-Treasurer
KaDria Overton, Secretary
Lisa Kelly, Public Relations Administrator