Newsletter – November 13, 2009
November 16, 2009 by Webmaster
Filed under Newsletter, What's New
There is so much going on this week and so many announcements that I hope you read all the way through this newsletter. There is a lot going on!!
2009-2010 Directory
First, we need to recognize all the hard work that went into this year’s directory. The 2009-2010 directory was delivered earlier this week! It is a terrific and useful book, and the result of an enormous amount of work & dedication by the following group of volunteers: Vinci Cheung, for her amazing leadership, Michaela Carmichael for her hard work on scrubbing the data, Susan Safier for her energetic work on many tasks, Afrouz Nosratian for her great sales efforts, Rachel Berman for her great editorial help, and Sara Shuman for designing the beautiful cover. Thanks again!
Food Drive
Kids for Kindness is a program here at Marquez whereby community service is brought to the forefront and helping others in need is instilled in our students as a very important measure of character and social responsibility. Right now the 4th grade is beginning the annual food drive for the Westside Food Bank. Marquez has always been a major contributor to the Food Bank and we want this year to be no different. The barrels are set up at the front of the school by the auditorium. Please bring in any canned or boxed food items. Glass items are not encouraged except for baby food jars. Later, the 4th grade classes will travel to the Food Bank to volunteer in stocking shelves. Please take the time to talk to your children about giving back to the community and make a contribution to the Food Bank.
The Auction Needs You!
We are so excited to announce that on April 17, 2010, we will be celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Marquez Auction with a “Marquez Mardi Gras Madness Auction Gala!” We are having our first Auction 2010 meeting Tuesday, November 17th at 8:15am (right after drop-off) in the cafeteria. We’re seeking volunteers with all kinds of talents and interests. We’ll be serving coffee and treats!
Circle of Giving
If you are one of the many families that has contributed to this year’s Circle of Giving fund raising campaign, make sure to stop by the table in front of school this Friday, November 13 between 1:30-3:30 to pick up your Marquez Garden Sign! The kids love seeing these signs around the neighborhood and in their yards. If you haven’t had a chance to contribute yet, the Circle of Giving team will be there to assist you and you can pick up your sign at the same time! Remember – every dollar donated to Circle of Giving counts towards keeping class sizes down, aides in classrooms, enrichment programs going – just to name a few among the many other benefits to our children that are funded by the Circle of Giving campaign.
Green Thumbs Up!
Many of you have probably heard your child talking about their fun in the garden. Marquez is yet again a leader in this new State initiative. It started two years ago with former parent Wendy Stretten revitalizing the lower growing ground and now it has expanded with thanks to Julie Zeiden, Laurie Krantz, and Selena Sauders. We now have third grade involved and the 5th grade has begun a composting project. This week marks the first active week of the Fifth Grade Composting Project. Each fifth grade class will have a one hour slot with the gardening volunteers from your classroom that have signed up to lead the program. With the help of Jody Norris, the Green Team will begin talking to all the students about the correct way to recycle materials at lunchtime. Marquez continues to be creative and innovative to bring our students an environmentally friendly curriculum.
PTA Meeting
Remember, the next Friends of Marquez/Marquez PTA meeting will be next Thursday, November 19, at 8:30 a.m. in the staff lounge. Join us to discuss fundraising, volunteer opportunities, or to just find out more about what’s going on at Marquez. The Marquez Governing Board will meet on the 19th at 2:00 pm in the library. At this meeting, we will hear from all the parent groups and all the committees. This meeting is open to everyone.
Technology Tour
Next week Marquez will be in the spotlight. On Tuesday, November 17th we will host our first technology tour for this school year. We have quite a few schools that will be visiting Marquez. Our technology program has become quite well known within Los Angeles as the one to replicate. Schools from all over Los Angeles will be here to see how our incredible teachers and students have transformed the curriculum with the use of technology. Then on Friday, November 20th we will host our prospective parent tour. Please let your friends and neighbors know about this tour. It begins at 9:00 am in the auditorium.
CATCH
Caring Adults Teaching Children How is a program where an adult mentor is paired with a needy student in either reading or mathematics. We have children in need of extra support, but are short on mentors!! Please ask around. If you know of a business that is looking for a great visible promotion in the area of community service, with no additional costs involved, please let them know about CATCH. If you have someone, please contact Helene Dameris, thank you Helene, at catch@marquezcharter.org.
STAR Event At Eco Station
Several times a year STAR likes to host events at our Eco Station in Culver City. Each of these events is based on the principle that a child who is enjoying him/herself is more likely to learn. This Sunday STAR is celebrating America Recycles Day by hosting a Super Green Recycling Fair. Children are encouraged to come dressed as super heroes of their own design, with costumes made out of recycled materials. These children can enter a costume contest to win Ipods and other great prizes. STAR at Marquez will also be sending some, art made of recycled materials, which the children have been working on all week. We invite you all to come and enjoy. The Eco Station is located on 10101 Jefferson Blvd. in Culver City. For more information please contact us at Starmarquez@mac.com, or check out the website: www.ecostation.org
STAR Winter Sign-Up
The Winter session of the STAR NOVA classes are now available on the Marquez website. Sign-ups begin at 8:00am Tuesday, November 17. Classes begin the week of November 30. Paper copies of the brochure are available in Room 15. We have some exciting new classes this semester including Fashion for the Holidays, Animal Anatomy, IQ-Go Math & Zome, Young Entrepreneurs Club, Tennis, Gymnastics, Dolly World, STAR Pep Squad and Basketball. For questions please call STAR at (310) 459-4839.
Ms. Arevelo, our fantastic science teacher in grades K, 2, and 4th needs some aquariums (10-20 gallons) and science reading material for young children (including magazines like National Geog for Kids, Ranger Rick, etc). If you are able to be of assistance, please contact Ms. Arevelo at akikoarevalo@marquezcharter.org.
Download Winter Enrichment 09 Classes (pdf)
Hair Raiser
We have a unique fund raising opportunity this week that involves a great new’do. Curious? Check out this link.
As always, you can reach me at phollis@lausd.net.
