March 24, 2014 - Henry J. Kaiser, Jr. Elementary School

SCHOOL & COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
MARCH 24, 2014
Dear Kaiser Families, “We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community... Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own.” Cesar Chavez Next week we celebrate Cesar Chavez and for that reason I chose his quote for this week’s Pink. When I first arrived here at Kaiser one of the first things I asked myself was, how do I manage traffic behavior in the circle? The answer became clear that I could not manage traffic behavior. However, as a community we could manage traffic behavior. With families cooperating in the circle and our safety patrol providing door service; traffic in the circle has decreased. This has had a positive effect on our school. Now it is time to spread this cooperation the neighbors of Kaiser! Recently many of our neighbors have become concerned with Kaiser parents parking in the red zones and making U-­‐turns in their driveways. Just as years ago my first thought was how do I manage traffic behavior. And just as before I can’t, but we can. Therefore I’m asking everyone to please not park in the red zones on Hiller Drive and to not make U-­‐turns in neighbors’ driveways. If everyone could follow this request, our neighbors will learn what I learned years ago – that the Kaiser community is the most cooperative and caring community in the Oakland Unified School district! Thank You,
Darren L Avent
Getting In The Know
KAISER CALENDAR
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE log your hours
in the front office - including, but most
especially, those hours you spend doing
something for the school at home, and
whenever you are on campus helping the
classrooms, the front office, the garden, the
library, the lunch hour, the playground, the
Dad's Club, the PTA meetings, the SSC
meetings, all the events, potlucks and so
much more that we know our community
does for Kaiser Elementary.
We are a school that functions on our highly
involved parent community however,
whenever, wherever you donate time.
Please take the time, the next time you are at
the school, to record any past volunteer time
you have provided for the school.
How to be in the Pink Panther
The Pink Panther comes out every other week.
Look for it in your child's backpack on or around
4/8, 4/29, 5/13, and 6/3.
We welcome submissions from everyone in the
Kaiser Community. To include your story or
information in your school newsletter: forward
your news, questions, or article to both of the
editors by 5 p.m. on Sundays via e-mail:
[email protected] – Jolie McRae
[email protected] – Joanna Fraguli
Please put “Pink Panther” in the subject of your
email to ensure that it is not deleted accidentally!
Pink Panther’s PTA Sponsors
PTA President: Jennise Mendoza
Pink Panther Staff
Co-editors: Jolie McRae / Joanna Fraguli
Copy
editor: Wendy Harcarik
DATE / DAY
EVENT
March 31
No School – Caser
Chavez Day
April 2
Kaiser ALIVE Kick-Off
Assembly
April 14-18
No School – Spring
Break
April 25
Evening of Art & Music /
Math & Science Night
May 3
Walk-a-thon
May 5-9
Teacher Appreciation
Week
May 16
ALIVE Booklets DUE
May 30
Kaiser ALIVE Picnic
The Pink Panther is also available at
www.KaiserElementary.org.
Check out the complete 2013-2014
school year calendar at
www.kaiserelementary.org/calendar
How to Reach Kaiser School
Our phone number is (510) 549-4900
(includes a 24-hour message service).
To participate in the school community
group, go to (and join) this website:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/
kaiserelementaryschool_group/
2 PTA President’s Corner
Hello Kaiser Families,
Thank you families for your generous support of our pledge drive. Your financial support helps pay for our
programs that benefit all the students at Kaiser. As many of you are aware, the state/district can only pay for
the basic necessities for our school (school facility, books, facility, etc.), so if we want to provide more for our
students (i.e. music, art, computers, field trips...), then schools are relying on the parents to help pay for these
services through groups like the PTA. Thank you to many of the families that have donated. Your support is
greatly appreciated. Please remember that no donation is too large or too small.
Thank you Michael Louden for coordinating a very successful Spaghetti Night Dinner. The food was great! It
was a fun filled event that everyone seemed to enjoy. Thank you to the African Dancers for the entertainment.
Thank you to all the parents that helped out that night and thank you to everyone who showed up to support our
school.
Kudos to Josh Simpson, Carolyn Douglas, Lisette Bahamondes and Christine Kizziah to name a few that
participated in the Oakland marathon or half-marathon. It is great to know that we have parents supporting
Oakland while being role models for our students especially in light of our Kaiser ALIVE kick off. Way to go
Kaiser parents!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS since we have a few more fun filled events coming up:
April 25th - Evening of Art and Music / Math & Science Night. Learn about the art and music programs
that your child is involved with at Kaiser. See what the PTA funds support. Plus, the students can get involved
with some math and science experiments.
Month of April & May - Kaiser A-Live. Help your child learn how to live a healthy lifestyle while
supporting the greater Oakland community. Children have a chance to earn small prizes for their efforts. The
event is finished off with a picnic at Lake Temescal scheduled for Friday, May 30th.
Saturday, May 3rd - Kaiser Walk-A-Thon. This is one of Kaiser PTA's big fundraisers. Keep an eye out for
information in April and plan on attending the event on May 3rd.
Week of May 5th - Teacher Appreciation Week - Let's show our appreciation for all the work the teachers
and staff have done throughout the year. This is the week, where families decorate the teacher's door and bring
breakfast and lunch for all the teachers and staff to eat.
NEED YOUR HELP: The election of the new PTA Board is coming up. If you are interested in serving on
the Board next year, please contact Monte McClain ([email protected]). The following positions will
be voted on (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Membership and
Fundraising). Each position is held for 1 year with the option of holding a position for 2 consecutive years.
Go Panthers!
Jennise Mendoza
[email protected]
3 Kaiser Elementary School
PTA Board Meeting
Date 2/25/2014, Time 630pm, Location: Lisa Cartolano’s basement
Minutes Summary
Principal's Report We were expecting EIA (Economic Impact Aid) from the state. In the past, we have received money in the Fall and additional funds in the Spring. Unfortunately, there appears to be no money coming in the Spring and Kaiser was counting on that money (approx. $30,000.00) for classroom and office staff salaries. Kaiser is now going into the red. by approximately $22,000.00. Principal Avent filled out a Budget Change Form, which should help address the shortfall and be our record of acceptance from the District. We still need money to keep operating as we currently are (without significant cuts to staff or programs). Glenview Elementary is moving to a new, temporary location for about 3 years while their school is under construction. We may see an increase in new students when this construction begins. II.
President’s Report A hearty thanks to the fundraising team and the pledge/membership mavens. III. Financial Report See Financial Report (available to members in the office) IV. Reports of Committees See Treasurer’s Report, Financial Secretary’s Report, Fundraising Report, and Membership Report (available to members in the office) Fundraising: We need help with Warriors tickets. Lawrence will look into Warriors fundraising, as he has a contact that should be able to help. Art and Music Evening-­‐ Monte McClain and Hilary Jackson We committed to Innisbrook for a Fall sale and earlier dates will be secured. Jim Armstrong set up new spirit wear coordinator (Jim Armstrong) with Square access It is very hard to use our iPhone credit card reader on campus. Perhaps we can use the phone as a hot spot. We can do this, but we need an access code. Josh to follow up with code. Membership: none Teacher: Teachers were not very comfortable with the feedback form for the contractors. We will need to find another way to obtain feedback. 4 V.
none Old Business VI.
New Business We need new Board members, as it is time to time to fill next year’s PTA Board. Filling of various PTA positions (aside from Board positions) should begin earlier. Process will be discussed at next meeting. Annie to bring list of positions to be filled. VII. Announcements Next meeting date: Thursday 3/27/2014. Location TBD. Minutes prepared by Stacey Sundarrajan, Historian KEEP YOUR CHILD SAFE
Please be aware of your child’s safety before and after school. There is
no supervision for Kaiser Elementary students before 8:30 am and
after 3 pm. It is the parent’s responsibility to watch their child before or
after school hours. If a student’s legal guardian cannot be available to
watch the child, then it is the legal guardian’s responsibility to make the
necessary arrangements (Adventure Time, caregiver, etc.) to make sure
their child is properly supervised. Children are not allowed on the
playground before 8:30 am (they need to wait for the teacher to be on the
playground first) or after 3 pm without proper supervision. We appreciate
your cooperation with this matter.
5 Traffic Guidelines for Drop-off/Pick-up Zones at
Kaiser Elementary
PUBLIC SAFETY OF OUR STUDENTS IS
OUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY.
All parents are expected not to park and to use the circle as drop off zone from 8:30am –
9:30am, 2:30pm – 3:30pm and 1:00pm -2:30pm on minimum days. This drop off zone will
utilize Safety Patrol members and parent volunteers as workers and coordinators, respectively.
Accordingly, all parents will be expected to follow appropriate traffic rules when dropping off and
picking up their children from our school site.
•
Unless you have a handicap permit, parking in a handicap zone is ALWAYS prohibited. This
includes the blue handicap zone in the circle. You can and will be cited by school and city
police authorities.
•
Parking and leaving your vehicle unattended in the circle during drop off times is prohibited. You
can and will be cited by school and city police authorities.
•
Parking in/blocking teacher parking spaces is prohibited; you will be towed.
•
Always let your child out of the car in the drop off zone near the sidewalk;
o
o
DO NOT let your child out of the car in the far lane of the circle.
DO NOT let your child out on the driver’s side of the vehicle without an adult escort
•
You are strongly encouraged to park on Hiller Drive. By parking on streets or areas other than
the circle, you reduce traffic congestion and can safely walk your child to the school campus.
•
Be courteous to drivers at all times; everyone is or may be trying to drop-off/pick-up their child
at the same time.
•
Be courteous to Safety Patrol, volunteers and staff. They are here to assist you with safely
arriving and leaving the school site.
Consequences for Traffic Violations:
•
You will be cited (ticketed) by traffic authorities, if you violate traffic rules and regulations.
•
The Oakland Police Department Traffic Division has been notified to heighten citations effective
September 4, 2012.
•
Blocking teacher parking lots can result in a parking ticket and your vehicle being towed.
•
Any towed vehicle must have all fees paid prior to release. This includes all previous violations,
tow fees, and all other applicable fees.
All parents will be expected to adhere to these policies.
6 KAISER FUND UPDATE
We have raised $13,299.50!!!
A fantastic start. Let’s keep the momentum going!
The Kaiser Community has stepped up to the plate. (as you always do). To those who put their
dollars in the pot after school, thank you!! Thank you!! Every little bit counts.
We are getting closer to our $25,000 Goal! Remember this is to ensure we can continue Art,
Music, Computers, Reading Intervention, Classroom Support, Library. The PTA funds these
programs and we need your help to ensure that they are fully funded.
A HUGE Thank You to the Kaiser Dads Club!!! They raised $2,241.54 at the Movie Night
for Kaiser!!! Thank you so much Dads Club for your amazing support of Kaiser
Thank you for your donations! We are moving toward our goal. Let’s get there together.
One special thank you I want to give is to Samuel Hunter, Ms. Hunter's dad. He provided a very
generous donation to help us reach our goal.
Thank you for those who have donated!!! We appreciate it very much!
Roy Rensch
Thuy Ha & Jay Pham
Scott Waters
Leora & Rebecca Barzell-Weber
Joseph Brown & Andra Koeing-Brown
Patrica & Aka Sayarad
Jon & Jennifer Fojtick
Sierra North & Celia Carter
Kris Bradbun & Jolie McRae
Howard Green
Steve & Susy Hovland
Alejandro & Isabel Estrada
Margaret Crecy
Elizabeth Gumas
Stephanie Trapps
Caroline Stern
Jim & Jenisse Medoza
Dara Leon
Brent Sugimoto
Alexandra Hernandez
Christine & Stephan Kizziah
Chris Gaw & Cindy Hobbs
Christine Baker
Jocelyn Evans Thurm
Alysia & Pat McDonough
7 WAYS TO DONATE TO KAISER PTA:
Think of Kaiser PTA when you shop online. Go to
www.kaiserelementary.org and click on the Amazon button on the
home page.
Shop at www.escrip.com or sign up your Safeway and credit
cards with eScrip. % of your purchase goes directly to Kaiser
PTA. Every year you need to designate Kaiser Elementary
School PTA, Oakland, CA as the beneficiary. ( ID: 139262109)
Sign up for a Target REDcard and designate Henry J. Kaiser, Jr.
Elementary School as the beneficiary. Every time you use your
REDcard, 1% goes to Kaiser PTA. (ID: 33866)
Don’t throw away your old ink cartridges! Kaiser can use them to
raise money. Drop off your old ink cartridges in the school office.
Questions, contact Lisette [email protected].
Please clip & save Box Tops for Education labels and place
them in the Box Tops box in the school office. Questions,
contact Lisette Bahamondes [email protected].
Ask your company if they provide a company matching program.
Some companies will match your donation, some will match a
portion of your donation, some will donate if their employee
donates their time to the school. If your company needs
confirmation of your donation, have them submit their request to
[email protected].
8 Oakland A’s Step Up to the Plate for Education with Kaiser Elementary!
Kaiser Elementary is excited to participate in the Oakland A’s Step Up to the Plate for Education program for the 2014 season! Students, parents, and their friends and families have the opportunity to purchase special fundraising tickets for select A’s games. A portion of each ticket will go directly back to the school. To purchase tickets and view the available games, please visit our school’s personalized link below: www.athletics.com/kaiser Tickets for the select games are limited – to participate in this special offer, we recommend purchasing tickets ASAP to reserve the best seats. There are 6 dates to choose from including giveaway days, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, and a game vs. the Boston Red Sox. Opponent Date Time Athletics vs Seattle Mariners Saturday, April 5 1:05 pm Back-­‐to-­‐Back AL West Champs Fleece Blanket Athletics vs Houston Astros Saturday, April 19 Athletics vs Washington Nationals Sunday, May 11 Promotion 1:05 pm Josh Donaldson Diorama Bobblehead 1:05 pm Breast Cancer
Awareness Day Athletics vs Detroit Tigers Monday, May 26 1:05 pm Elephant Batting
Practice Cap Athletics vs Boston Red Sox Thursday, June 19 7:05 pm Patelco Throwback Thursdays Sunday, August 3 1:05 pm Athletics vs Kansas City Royals Game times subject to change. Tickets are subject to availability. All game times are listed in Pacific Standard Time (PT). Pricing: Plaza Outfield -­‐ $15 Field Level -­‐ $25 If you are unable to purchase your tickets online, here are a couple of options: • Organize with another parent to purchase your tickets together and have that parent make the online purchase. • Your room parent may want to organize the whole class, collect the money, and pay online (this is the best if you want to sit together). Special Note: If you want to sit with certain people you should p urchase tickets together (in the same purchase) Deadline to Purchase Tickets: April 30, 2014 9 March 2014
Dear Kaiser Walkers and families,
Spring is here and it’s time for the Kaiser walk-a-thon. This year will mark our 36th annual
walk-a-thon, which will be on Saturday, May 3rd from 10:00AM to 3:00PM.
The walk-a-thon is the fundraiser where Kaiser kids raise money for their school. Our kids
get pledges and walk the laps to earn money from their sponsors. This event usually brings
in about $22,000 in sponsorships, which makes it one of the top fundraisers for Kaiser and
our kids do most of the work! We also need the support of parents – approx. 60 volunteers
are needed to make this event a success. We look forward to this collaborative event in
which the kids, parents, and staff all contribute to support our school.
The proceeds from the Walk-a-thon will support the art program, music, computer
lab/instruction, our teacher’s aides, and Second Step. It also supports PTA sponsored events
and much needed school supplies. All donations are tax deductible. As you know, the PTA
programs and the money required to support them, are important to Kaiser School.
Walk-a-thon packets will be passed out on March 28th. They will contain information
about parent volunteer opportunities, permission slip, prizes, and a sponsor sheet. Please
take a minute to look over the packet to see that you have received all the forms.
Please remember:
Complete and turn in your permission slip and volunteer sign-up to
your child’s teacher by: Friday, April 25th .
Use a ballpoint pen on the sponsor form.
Turn in sponsor form and any money pledges at check-in on the day of walkathon.
Every student/walker will receive a free t-shirt with a minimum of $25 in pledges.
Bring a water bottle; we’ll have water stations so you can refill your bottle and
sunscreen. We’ll also have a limited amount of water bottles for sale.
Bring the whole family to cheer on your walker or walk with them!
However, we ask that you please leave the family dog at home (Oakland Municipal Code).
The Walk-a-thon route starts at the circle by the multi purpose room. The kids walk around
the building to the upper playground, behind the multi-purpose room and back again. There
will be lap check-in stations and water station along the way. We will also have the Kaiser
Cafe – delicious food will be available for sale- so stay and have lunch manned by the Dad’s
Club.
So, put the date on the calendar...Saturday May 3rd between 10:00AM and 3:00PM… come
to walk, help out, catch up with friends, visit the book faire, and enjoy a day of Kaiser
Community. See you there!
Sincerely,
Susy Hovland and Jennifer Sedlachek
Walk-a-thon co-Chairs
10 Laura Sherman has an opening for a new piano student on Tuesday
from 4:30 - 5:00 PM. If you are interested contact:
[email protected] or 510-388-2245
FREE Craft Activity
at the Diamond Library
The little squeaks you hear in the flowers you just made at the Pop-Up-Spring next
Saturday, March 29th 1:00-2:30 at the Library, might just be a little mouse running
through your garden. Make your water-free fantasy paper garden FREE at the
Diamond Library. Create new species of flowers, hopping rabbits and little squeaky
mice to celebrate the Pop-Up, Hop-Up Spring!
Robin Goodfellow
Paper Fantasies
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