Newsletter – September 24, 2008

Back To School Fun

First thing, let me thank everyone for such a great back to school night event.  Tuesday evening was very well attended and I know it was appreciated by everyone, including the classroom teachers.  Thank you to STAR for supplying everyone with free coffee in addition to a preview of some of the programs that will be offered by STAR this school year.  Now I feel as though we are really off to the 2008-2009 school year.  Whenever you have questions or concerns you should now know how to contact your teacher and should also know the expectations for the grade level as well as the unique program that is offered here at Marquez.

Important Fundraising

Last week I included a list of the four different donation funds that are part of the Marquez program.  The Circle of Giving is the biggest fund, earmarked specifically for school-wide programs including Physical Education, Art, Music, Teacher Assistants and our award-winning technology program.  The teacher classroom fund supports specific classroom supplies that might not be covered by the school district.  The grade level fund supports various grade level activities, and the PTA membership supports the health and safety of the students of Marquez. Please plan to participate in each program if you haven’t already done so.  Your children and Marquez benefit directly from your donations.

Picture Day

Picture day was this past Wednesday. Everyone had their picture taken even if they didn’t have a payment or photo selection envelope. You can go online to www.ultimateexposeures.com to order pictures and can call 818-781-9530 extension 10 for customer service questions.  There will be a make-up day in a few weeks for students that require make-up pictures.  This date has not yet  been determined, but I will let you know as soon as I find out the date.

Music Program

Our award-winning instrumental music program from the Children’s Music Workshop will begin on October 1st.  If you are interested in having your 1st-5th grade child grade participate in the program, be sure to register online at www.jointheorchestra.com.

Ralphs & Gelson’s Card Program

A simple and easy way to support the school is by registering your Vons and Ralphs card online.  Remember you need to do this on a yearly basis.  We all go grocery shopping and just by registering your card, Marquez benefits from a portion of the sales.  Additionally, if you shop at Gelson’s, the first order for Gelson’s scrip is October 1st.  It is simple and fast to sign up and if you are interested. Please call Daniela Winter at (310) 454-3655. Thank you Daniela for your work.

>>Learn More About Ralphs >>Learn More About Gelson’s

Parent Education Classes

Our parent education classes have begun—each Wednesday as listed below. This is a parent meeting in the staff lounge at 8:15 a.m. that will give advice and answer questions on specific topics.  The topics include: October 8—Nobody Wants to Play With Me; October 15—Parenting and the Strong-Willed Child; October 22—Building Positive Self-Esteem; October 29—Enhancing Family Relationships Through Improved Communication.

Recycle Your Birthday Fun

I am sure that at some point this year you will be part of some kind of birthday celebration or party in your child’s class.  Did you know that instead of using up and tossing away so much trash, that the school has a reusable Party Pack?  This pack contains enough cups, plates, bowls, forks, spoons and cloth napkins for an entire class.  All you have to do is sign it out, use it, take it home, wash the dishes and napkins, return it and—poof! we have made Marquez even a little bit more green.  The pack is available by contacting Jody Norris at (310) 573-4171.  I would hope that everyone will want to use this renewable resource and that we may even have to purchase more packs because of its popularity.

Next Tuesday is a Holiday!

Don’t forget that next Tuesday, September 30th is Rosh Hashanah and school will be closed.  For those of you in the 5th grade, please mark your calendars for October 23 which is the first Paul Revere Tour day.  As always, you can reach me at phollis@lausd.net

Calendar for Next Week

TUESDAY, SEPT. 30th

• No School—Rosh Hashanah