The Ribbet Review

Newsletter of the HD Thoreau Elementary PTA Unit 2.8.60

PTA Co-Presidents: Polly Blanchard and Helen Garcia w Editor: Sarah Cuplin

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Monthly PTA Newsletter

June 2005

Issue # 9

In this issue:

President’s corner

Parenting Tips

Teacher Spotlight

Last Year Recap

Next Year's Highlights

Legislative Updates

Top Frogs

Student Contributions

PTA board members

Upcoming events:

· Band Concert

@ FHJH Gym

Thursday, June 9

· Frog Day

Friday, June 17

· 6^th Gr. Graduation

Monday, June 20

· Last Day of School!

Tuesday, June 21

More info for all events at:

wwwtho.lwsd.org

President’s corner

Polly Blanchard and Helen Garcia, Co-Presidents

Another great year!

This year has been another great year at Thoreau. Our PTA board and volunteers have loved bringing events and enrichment programs to the students.  We feel very privileged to belong to a very unique local school community. In our busy and diverse lives the local school community really can provide the anchor and "roots"

that a child and their family need. It takes a Principal, teachers, support staff and parents to come together to provide the optimum experience for our children. We have the best of all of this at Thoreau. Our small student base leads to small class sizes to enhance student learning, and also it is easy to get to know students and their families. Principal R has effective leadership and always shows kindness and vision when interacting with families.  Our teachers have the experience and put out the extra time and energy to maximize students learning experience. The support staff cares about this community and its students. And the parents take time to participate and share in their child’s education. What more really could you ask for in public education? New families at Thoreau are impressed and feel lucky to be part of this community.

Sincerely,

Polly and Helen

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Teacher Spotlight

Interview with the Editor

Mr. Mark Hayward, Physical Education

Hi! Can you tell us about yourself?

I am third generation Kirkland born. I graduated from Lake Washington High School and Central Washington University. I am the father of two sons. Alex is a senior at Juanita High, and Steve is a sophomore there as well.

Tell us something interesting about you that no one would guess.

I am the first born in my family. I was followed by two sets of identical twin sisters. In my family,

babies always seemed to come in pairs.

When did you first decide to work with kids in physical education?

My Kirkland Junior High PE Teachers and my high school coaches served as my mentors. I knew early on that I would like to spend my days the same way they did.

How long have you been doing this?

This is my 26th year as an Elementary Physical Educator. I am completing my 22nd year at Thoreau.

For the parents or students who may not know, tell us about Frog Day.

Frog Day is what most of us remember as, “Play Day” or “Field Day”. Students have several fun events to participate in. This is a ½ day event, which ends with popsicles for all!

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Last Month’s Events – School Year Recap

PTA Board and Committee Chairs

Chess Club
	Thoreau’s first year with a chess club was a huge success! A total of 29 students enrolled and 27 made it to the end of the 6-month program.  Next year we are planning to have two classes: One for beginners and a separate session for more experienced players.  Chess club will be held on Mondays after school until 4:30pm. Chess club begins in October and finishes at the end of April, when chess “season” ends (the annual state championships are usually held around this time). If you or someone you know has chess experience and is interested in teaching our advanced class please contact Regina Bock at 814-6292.  Chessmates pays $30.00 per class, and offers the teaching tools needed.
Study Club
This was a valued program by many parents. It really gave children a chance to do homework or get additional study time in after school. Next year it will be offered on Tues and Thurs. after school until 4:30pm. Mrs. Guthrie will continue as the supervising teacher. We’ll be re-naming it the “Homework Club”.
Art Classes
We were so impressed at the artwork produced by our students after these programs! This year, Mrs. Freese hosted after school art sessions. She taught the students how to make clay pots, she taught a drawing class and a painting class. Next year, Mrs. Freese has graciously agreed to teach these classes again.  We will have the exact times and class details in the "Guide to Student Activities" booklet which will go home with students in their First Day Packets.

Art Docent

The Art Docent program has been absolutely fantastic! This is our first year in implementing the program; and our committee chairs, Suzanne Morris and Margaret Adams, really took the lead and put an incredible amount of effort into making this happen. Next year, Mr. Turner, joined by other teachers, will be reviewing the district guide in order to incorporate other forms of art (music, movement) to enhance this program. For more details about Art Docent, please read the article under “Next Year’s Highlights” and check it out on the school website!

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Next Year’s Highlights

Art Docent program

This year our teachers took on the task of beginning to incorporate a new art curriculum that is offered by the school district.  With our new building came a new art room that is great, but we didn’t have many supplies.  So the PTA took on the task of paying for the initial supplies and I got the opportunity and fun of researching all the supplies and buying and stocking the new art room!  It has a linoleum floor, 6 large tables and three sinks that allow for good cleanup.  In the closet is a set of supplies that are clearly marked and ready to use.  One of the teachers told me that she feels like it’s Christmas and she and the other staff has gotten a lot of great gifts! 

I have always been interested in art and love to do it when I get the opportunity.  In the classroom in which I’m docent the teacher does the teaching, but I add things that I know as we go along in the lesson.  We have been following the lessons closely and the students have really enjoyed them.  I love working with the students and watching their faces when they make something totally new to them.  They are amazing!  It’s been very fun working with a variety of mediums – watercolor, wire sculpture, oil pastels, tempera, printmaking, etc.  I probably spend between 2-4 hours a lesson doing prep, helping and cleaning up.  Each teacher does the lessons in their own timeframes, so sometimes its once a month and in my class we’ve been doing them almost every week the last 2-3 months. 

If you like art, but don’t know a lot about it, you can still help with preparation and clean up.  If you really want to teach there are teachers that want that, too. Mostly, I think that art and developing the right brain (for most people) is so important.  Studies have shown that when art is incorporated into learning that students learn faster and better.  So, that’s why I took on being the art docent chair as well as being a docent.  I hope more of you can have the opportunity to help as a docent because it’s so fun and rewarding! 

P.S. I’m looking for a co-chair for next year, so please let me know if you are interested!

- Suzanne Morris

slg.morris2@verizon.net -or - 821-3505

The Art Docent Experience – Interview with Laura Doerflinger, Parent/Art Docent

How did you decide to become an art docent?

I became an art docent because I wanted to continue volunteering for my children's classes, I wanted to expand my experience in art, and I wanted to work with children directly in a program that I thought offered them something unique and powerful.

Where did you learn art, or have you just been following the lessons?

For the most part I have followed the lessons in the art book. My knowledge of art is limited and in reading the lessons I realized how much I had to learn!

How did you become the one to teach the lessons?

In one class, I had the opportunity to teach the lessons because I offered and the teacher let me. In the other class, I assisted, which was fine because the lessons were much more complicated.

What has been the most enjoyable part of being a docent?

The two most enjoyable parts of being a docent is working with the children and being the one to offer such an enjoyable lesson. I love it that the kids are excited to see me because that means it is art time!

What has been the most difficult?

The most difficult thing about being a docent is that some of the lessons are unclear or I do not know the art terms.

How much time do you spend a month being a docent?

For the class in which we finished the program, I volunteered as a docent 3-4 hours a month while we pushed through the program. The other class where we rarely worked on the docent program, I volunteered maybe 8 hours in the year.

Would you do it again? Would you recommend it to other parents?

I would definitely volunteer as a docent again. I would like more training and better lessons for the older grades. I would also recommend the program to other parents. It's nice to be the good guy and see the kids all excited to see you!

Are there any other things you would like parents to know about being a docent?

The most important thing about being an art docent is encouraging kids to do their best - to be unique - to incorporate mistakes. It is important to watch for the kids who have trouble with art so that you can encourage their creativity. I'll never forget this one little boy who was privately crying over the mess he'd made of his project. His best friend was clearly the artist and even though this kid like art, he felt frustrated that his project was not turning out like his friends’. I worked with this child to see his own art as unique and wonderful. He continued at every lesson to feel proud of his work and show it off to me when he had the chance. This was what being an art docent was all about.

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Parenting Tips

By Laura Doerflinger

10 Summer Tips

When we were kids, summer was a free for all. I remember playing with neighbors, going to camp and certainly forgetting about school for three months! Today, children still play, go to camps and most forget about school. Studies show, however, that kids lose 40% of their educational progress in the summer! Additionally, siblings rival more often and parents find summer time rules beget slack behavior. So how do you cope with the summer and still have FUN? Here are ten tips:

1. Run a "mommy or daddy school". On Tuesday and Thursday mornings or evenings, make time for brush up on academics but do it creatively. Go on a field trip, play math games at the store, or deconstruct an old electronic (unplugged of course).

2. If you cannot teach your children, hire a tutor for once a week summer brush up. Kirsten Jackson, M. Ed. will come to your house and tutor your children for a reasonable price. Call her at 425-398-1873.. Have a family meeting at the beginning of summer (see Positive Discipline by Jane Nelson for suggestions) to line up rules and expectations. Kids like to know the summer game plan.

3. Your children will want more time and attention from you during the summer. Instead of being overwhelmed by their requests, schedule out time for togetherness versus alone time. As long as they know they will get a piece of you, they will feel calmer about your time to yourself.

4. Remember that vacations have rules too. Line up your expectations with your co-parent and your children before you leave this should include rules, budget, and schedule.

5. Summer is a great time to un-clutter your home. Have a garage sale, help your children earn money toward vacation, and bring your home into working order before the hustle of school and sports in the fall. There are professionals to help you with this too. Call for referrals.

6. With children running this way and that, nutrition can take a beating. Make sure to have lots of water and fruits available for the dehydrated child. Children’s moods can turn sour if they are not eating right!

7. Don’t forget to take a break for yourself. Ask another parent to watch your kids so that you can have some time to breathe. The summer can be overwhelming!

8. Weeks before school starts again, help your children organize their fall schedule and prepare for the next school year. This is a hard transition for them and hopefully by keeping them up to grade level on academics and having some rules in the summer the change won’t be as difficult.

9. Say goodbye to summer! Have an end of summer party. There is a sense of loss for many children at summers end. Help the transition by acknowledging the loss.

Please join me for Emotions Management: Teaching Your Children the Essential Tools on May 28 at 10 am to 12 pm at the Parent Education Center at 8752 122nd Ave NE Kirkland. Sign up by going online at www.parenteducationgroup.com. And in June, I will offer Emotions Management Workshop for KIDS.

Laura Doerflinger, MS, LMHC is a Child and Family Therapist,

Freelance Writer and Parent Coach and Educator.

Visit Laura online at: www.parenteducationgroup.com

Or call her at 206.300.2550

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Legislative Updates

Tracy Hoien, Legislative Chair

2005 Wrap Up: Successful Voices!

EDUCATION SUCCESSES!

Student Achievement: Several funding changes were approved during the session, with the goal of driving more money to those students at risk of not being successful in the currents standards-based learning environment:

§ A budget item of $3.2 million for assessment System changes that will provide for district grants for WASL re-takes, state development of alternative assessments, and creation of appeals process for WASL;

§ The Learning Assistance Program funding formula is changed to use a factor of 100% poverty. Previously the formula used a mix of 50% test scores and 50% poverty;

§ Initiative 728 step-up is fully funded - changes from the current level of $253 to $300 in the ’05-06 school year; and $375 in the ’06-07 school year;

§ Focused Assistance for Schools -- $2.0 million (with a matching grant of $2 from the Gates Foundation) to support schools in need of improvement; and

§ WASL Results must be returned to schools and parents by June 10^th of the year test were taken.

School Funding Study

After several years of advocating for a legislative school finance study, the 2005 Legislature enacted SB 5441, directing a comprehensive education finance study. This study will look at all three sectors of education – early learning, K-12, and higher education.

K-12 School Facilities - The final Capital budget includes $600 million for K-12 construction, which is $217 million more than the current funding level. This represents a 20-year high for state level school facilities support. Among the enhancement items included in the Capital Budget:

§ Increased state-match for student space allocation and area cost allowance;

§ Significant resources for school modernization, skill center equipment and buildings; and emergency repair grants;

§ Grants for “”High-Performing” school buildings.

Support for Highly Capable Programs

Funding of the per-student allotment for highly capable programs was not only maintained, but also increased. During the first year of the biennium funding is $347.25 per student and second year is $349.48.This is a total increase of $14.59 over the current funding of $334.89.

Graduation Rates and Dropouts

§ The Superintendent of Public Instruction will review and evaluate promising programs for dropout prevention. The Superintendent will report to the legislature by Dec. 1, 2005 and recommend most promising comprehensive dropout prevention programs.

§ A joint select committee is convened to study the basic structure of middle schools and high schools and to report back with recommendations for more effective organizational structures.

HEALTH AND WELL-BEING SUCCESSES!

§ Children’s Health Care Access -- Premiums are delayed; several administrative barriers are removed; and healthcare coverage is restored to over 38,000 immigrant children who lost coverage in the last biennium.

§ Children’s Mental Health Services Mental Health – $80 million of lost Medicaid revenue for community mental health services is restored; $20 million is provided to implement the mental health omnibus act of 2005; and the Mental Health Parity was enacted early in the session.

§ Life-Threatening Allergies and Asthma – Mandates a uniform policy for all school districts regarding the training of school staff about children with asthma, and adoption of policies regarding asthma rescue procedures and prevention policies. Plus, all elementary and secondary schools must authorize any student to self-administer medication to treat his or her asthma or anaphylaxis where appropriate.

§ Children’s Protective Services Program Improvements - $10.1 million is provided for improving child protective services by implementing 24 hour responses to allegations of abuse and neglect and for 30 day face-to-face visits with children in foster care.

SAFETY SUCCESSES!

§ An Internet Safety Education program is funded;  

§ A bill regulating parent information regarding the rating system for video and computer games is enacted; 

§ The School Mapping project is funded for the 2^nd phase (middle/junior high schools); 

§ The Washington Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect will conduct a proactive, public information and communication outreach campaign concerning the significance, signs and treatment of postpartum depression; and

§ The Dept. of Transportation is directed to issue a license plate recognizing efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect – Keeping Kids Safe license plates will be available soon.

BUDGET AND REVENUE SUCCESSES!

§ Child advocates successfully worked to ensure a final budget that balanced program cuts with new revenue;

§ A total new revenue package of $481 was adopted, primarily for the purposes of funding education initiatives. This was the third year the state began session with a budget deficit, and there were no further child-related programs that could sustain severe cuts without compromising the quality of life for children in our state; and

§ The adopted tax package uses a combination of taxes and fees, which are generally progressive rather than regressive taxes.

PARENT AND FAMILY INVOLVEMENT SUCCESSES!

§ Many bills included PTA specifically as members of task forces and/or study committees. Additionally, parent friendly language was included in various education bills;

§ The Family Leave Act was introduced, and will be worked during the second year of the biennium. The bill establishes and administers a family leave insurance program and family leave insurance benefits as directed in the act.

Thank you to everyone who worked this year in support of PTA's legislative advocacy goals!

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Top Frog A.C.E. Awards

Principal Roetcisoender

June 2005

Every month, one student from each class is nominated by their teacher for the Top Frog ACE Award (Academics, Citizenship and Excellence). Winners get to eat lunch at a special table with Mr. R., are awarded a certificate and have their picture taken! These are students who consistently work hard at their schoolwork, follow the rules and strive to do their best. This month’s awards were presented to:

Shelby T

Nick S

Devin L

Dylan D

Sarah E

Jordan E

Emily J

Connor O

Amanda W

Andy C

Shandon L

Tom Z

Allison N

Kaela M

Maria J

Gloria H

Dylan E

Samantha B

Kayla S

Cameron K

Marco H

Congratulations!

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Student Contributions

Entries from Mrs. Guthrie’s 3^rd grade class

Autobiographical Poems

Katie Friendly, kind, sweet and tall Sister of Christopher and Tristan Lover of fish, cats, people Who feels sad when teased, happy when playing with Tristan and mad when Tristan scratches me Who needs love, hugs and family Who gives attention, love and happiness Who fears snakes, BooBahs and drugs Who would like to see no more wars, no fights and no more guns Kirkland, Washington	Jonathan Funny, nice, handsome, friendly Brother of Jacob, Dani, Ben David, Kaleb and Sonny Lover of soccer, cheetahs and cats Who feels happy when playing soccer with friends Who needs candy, math booklets Who gives kittens, loving dogs and cares Who fears sharks, poisonous snakes and bumblebees Resident of Bothell, Washington	Jordan Nice, quiet, sweet and calm Sisters of sister Brandy Lover of dogs, cats and rattlesnakes Who feels sad when I think about my aunt who died, happy when I’m running and excited when I get cake Who needs love, friends and family Who gives love, caring and presents Who fears lightning, darkness and seeing shadows when the lights are off Who would like to see dolphins, horses and tigers Resident of Bothell, Washington
Jim Nice, sensitive, intelligent and joker Brother of Jesse, Joey Lover of chocolate, family, math Who feels hurt when I get hit, someone lets you down, when tripped and cheated, friend chooses someone else Who needs acceptance, caring, warmth Who gives fairness, best effort, patience Who fears darkness, heights and spiders (sometimes) Who would like to see peace, no pollution and fairness Resident of Bothell, Washington	Kari Smart, kind, trustworthy and nice Sister of Kaley and Una Lover of horseback riding, animals and parties Happy when I get 100% on spelling test, sad when Miranda gets mad at me, and excited when Mr.Johnson gives me candy Who needs love, care and shelter Who gives love, care and friendship Who fears fire, the devil and drugs Who would like to see no more drugs, oil spills and war Resident of Kirkland, Washington	Fred Happy, computer nerd, intelligent and mathematical Brother to Stephanie and Rebecca Lover of computers, math and friends Who feels happy when seeing Rebecca, sad when alone and proud when I get 100% on papers Who needs computers, happiness and parents Who gives helpful information, things to people in need and friendship Who fears drugs, burning and fear itself Who would like to see happiness among all people, no fighting and no hunger Resident of Bothell, Washington
Andy Funny, fast, cool and handsome Brother of Jessica Who feels good when doing well, cool when I play baseball well and happy when playing with my friends Who needs family, love and caring Who gives care, kisses and hugs Who fears robbers and spiders Who would like to see caring, peace and happiness Resident of Kirkland, Washington	Amanda Loving, funny, cheerful and fashionable Sister of Tanner Lover of dogs, football and tennis Who feels happy when seeing my dog, excited when I get home and free at recess Who needs love, friends and family Who gives laughter, care and kindness Who fears illness, sharks and snakes Who would like to see no one homeless, no one starving and no dogs running away Resident of Bothell, Washington	Aurelie Loving, friendly, brave and trustworthy Sister of nobody Lover of dogs, cats and gymnastics Who feels happy when I am seeing my friends, sad when hurt and angry when getting teased Who needs love, acceptance and shelter Who gives care, love and help Who fears fire, robbers and sharks Who would like to see no wars, no orphans and no divorce Resident of Bothell, Washington

Andrew Tall, nice, fun and funny Brother of Tim Lover of snakes, dogs and sharks Who feels nice when helping, sad when lonely and angry when dogs bite me Who needs water, food and trees Who gives effort, hugs and friendship Who fears wild monkeys, sharks & snakes Who would like to see no wars, car bombs and no drugs Resident of Kenmore, Washington	Thomas Funny, smart, cool and handsome Brother to Emily Lover of Yu-gi-oh, my deck and my hamster Who feels happy when I get a new card when it’s powerful and it’s new when I never had it Who needs powerful cards, a PSP and rare packs Who gives Yu-gi-oh cards, candy and love Who fears drugs, yucky wine and old houses Who would like to see no wars, no hungry children and no orphans Resident of Bothell, Washington	Rachel Friendly, caring, smart and strong Sister of Bianca Lover of puppies, sports and laughter Who feels happy when around friends, sad when someone hurts me, gloomy when it rains Who needs to be loved, cared and cuddled Who gives friendship, trust and effort Who fears forest fires, large spiders and no family Who would like to see no orphans, no poor people and friendship everywhere Resident of Kirkland, Washington
Lukas Short, small, weird and friendly Brother of Joe, Kyle,Leo, Kasper, Keith Lover of cats, dogs, aliens Who feels nice when doing something nice, excited when I hit a home run and happy when I strike someone out Who needs care, friendship, animals Who gives friendship, fairness, help Who fears bridges with water under, falling off of a cliff and spiders Who would like to see no animal cruelty, no orphans, no wars Resident of Kirkland, Washington	RJ Tall, funny, cool and mathematical Brother of Moses and Vivian Lover of girls, basketball and baseball Who feels happy when I hit a ball, sad when I’m in trouble and mad when Moses is mean to me Who needs love, family and care Who gives care, help and friendship Who fears spiders, rated R movies and the Devil Who would like to see no more wars, no orphans and no people on the street Resident of Bothell, Washington	Sarah Kind, brave, funny and cool Sister of Breanna and Andrew Lover of sports, animals and music Who feels shy when new kids or guests come, happy when I go on vacation and sad when people die Who needs pets, a swimming pool and new clothes Who gives friendship, help and fairness Who fears Nick. Jr. scary movies and GIANT dogs Who would like to see Mexico, California and Canada Resident of Bothell, Washington
Carter Funny, smart, good at hockey and friendly Brother of Amanda Lover of hockey, food and football Who feels scared when it’s dark; afraid when lonely; and hungry when sleeping Who needs food, a house and money Who gives care, toys and respect Who fears robbers, sharks and snakes Who would like to see world peace, no more people begging for money and food, no more homeless people on the side of the road Resident of Bothell	Moses Smart, nice, friendly and quiet Brother of Viv and R.J. Lover of sharks, the ocean and cheese Who feels happy when I’m alone in the attic, sad when R.J. is mean to me; and mad when R.J. says “You’re weird!” Who needs jalapeno peppers, friends and shelter Who loves, trusts and cares Who fears spiders, fear itself and smoking Who would like to see no more smoking, no more drinking and no more stealing Resident of Kirkland

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What is PTA?

Our Mission:

To support and speak on behalf of children and youth in the schools, in the community and before governmental bodies and other organizations that make decisions affecting children;

To assist parents in developing the skills they need to raise and protect their children;

To encourage parent and public involvement in the public schools of this nation.

Click here for current PTA Board Members and contact information.

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Have a great !