HOLIDAY WISHES

MWPTA would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, a Joyous Hanukkah, a Festive Kwanzaa, and a Happy, Healthy and a Prosperous New Year. Thank you for your unwavering support to our wonderful little school, we appreciate all you do. Enjoy the time off with your beautiful children and we'll see you back at school Monday, January 9th 2012.

While you are on break and doing your holiday shopping please remember all the ways you can support Mt.Washington Elementary:

• Fresh and Easy Shop for Schools - save your receipts of $20 or more till December 31st, then bring them to the office or parent center when school resumes. Our school gets $1 for every $20 you spend. So far we have over $3,000, if we are the top spending school, our school will get an extra $5,000 from Fresh and Easy. 
• Americana Holiday Gift For Schools - Mt. Washington gets 5% of your purchases till Dec. 31st, from ANY vendor, including restaurants, kiosks and the movie theater. Please take your receipts to the concierge located in the parking lot lobby behind the glass elevators. 
• Amazon School Rewards - if you do online shopping through Amazon.com, please click on the link on our homepage at www.mwpta.org to credit our school, then shop on Amazon's website as you normally would. Our school gets at least 4% of your total purchase. 
• Green Team Recycling- please remember to save your recycling from your celebrations and otherwise, and bring them to school on Monday, January 9th. 

Have a Wonderful Winter Break!

MOVIE NIGHT THANK YOUS

Thank you to Cecilia Vazquez for chairing our Holiday Movie Night.  Thank you to Tony LaPlante for setting up our AV equipment and for running the movie.  Thank you to Mary Gaillard, Lia Hayes and the Mt. Washington Children's Chorus for their wonderful performance before the movie, and to our Mt.Washington Drill Team under the leadership of Andrea Zoltany for their holiday cheers.  A huge thank you to all of you for your support and the great turnout we had to watch "Elf".

TOYS FOR TOTS THANK YOUS

Thank you to Mari Mejorado for bringing this charity to our school, and for showing our children the importance of giving back.  Thank you to all the families who donated toys, you have made many children very happy this holiday season, collectively we gave over 270 toys.  Congratulations to Rm.11, Mrs. Barnes' 4th grade class for bringing in the most toys, they won a cupcake and milk party which they can enjoy after the break.

MOVIE NIGHT, FRIDAY, DEC. 16TH 6-8 PM IN THE MPR

MWPTA proudly presents:  ELF.  

This holiday season discover your inner Elf.  Free Family Movie Night, Friday December 16^th from 6-8pm.  The movie will be preceded by the Mt. Washington Children’s Chorus performance at 5:00pm,  followed by some holiday cheers from our Drill Team.  The movie will start at 6:00pm.

Watch the classic holiday comedy with your friends and family. Bring your low-back chairs, pillows and blankets and wear your pajamas!  Hot dogs, pizza, tamales, hot chocolate and other treats will be sold.  Pre-sale tickets for a “Buddy Box” (hot dog, popcorn, drink, candy & raffle ticket) will be sold on Dec. 12th only in the Parent Center for $3.00

Drop off your Toys for Tots donation and receive free popcorn!  Announcement of winning classroom by the U.S. Marines will also happen that night!

PARENTS! This film is Rated PG. All children must be accompanied by an adult. NO DROP-OFFS PLEASE!  Supervision is not provided. Please do not allow children to play outside on the yard

COMPOSTING MEETING - MONDAY DEC. 12TH AT 8:15 AM

Composting...Please spread the word!

We are ready to start planning our composting project at Mount Washington and would love your help developing the system.  Our goal is to compost the garden waste in both the upper and lower school gardens as well as the compostable scraps from the children's daily snack and lunches. 

We are very fortunate to have a new parent, Cathy Larson, who has volunteered to spearhead this project.  Cathy is looking for parents interested in this idea, and would like to help implement a school wide composting education program.  If you have skills to share on this project please email Cathy at liteon@hotmail.com.  This includes carpentry skills for the actual construction of the compost bins as well as the development of the system itself, experience composting, etc.  RSVP to let her know if you can make it on Monday a.m.  December 12th.

Agenda:

To discuss the development of the system, the building of the compost bins and the possible funding sources for necessary materials, including compost bins, pitchforks, worm bins, educational posters, recycling containers, wheelbarrows, etc.

Hope to see you at the meeting Monday,    

Krista Ebert

FRESH AND EASY UPDATE:

Our earnings are up to $3,010.  Only three (3) weeks left for this fundraiser.  Please turn in all receipts that are $20 or more and that are dated between September 15, 2011 and December 31, 2011.  Be sure and pickup a Fresh & Easy Coupon of $5 off $25 in the School Office or Parent Center. 

EASY WAYS TO SUPPORT MT. WASHINGTON TILL THE END OF 2011

Every time you shop at the places below our school gets a kick back.

• Fresh and Easy- gives $1 for every $20 spent.  All you have to do is turn in your receipts of $20 or more, dated between Sept.15th to Dec.31st to the office or the parent center.
• The Americana at Brand – gives 5% of your total purchase to our school.  All you have to do is show your receipt to the concierge desk, located in the parking lot lobby behind the glass elevators, and say that you are supporting Mt.Washington.
• Amazon School Rewards Program – if you do some online shopping this holiday season don’t forget to utilize this program.  They give at least 4% back, depending on the amount; the more you shop the bigger the give back.  All you have to do is utilize the Amazon School Rewards link on the right side of our home page. Click on it so our school can get credit, then navigate through Amazon as you normally would.

AMERICANA NIGHT: SATURDAY DEC. 10TH, 6-8PM

“Come All Ye Faithful...and support the best school in town!”

• Listen to holiday story reading by Mt. Washington Elementary parents while you shop for that special book, 
• watch the fabulous Ballet Folklorico dance their winter performance while grabbing those gift-certificates, 
• enjoy a beautiful holiday concert from our own MWE Chorus while you pick-up that stocking stuffer, 
• check out the Reflections Showcase from all of our talented kids ~ all while getting 5% back from Barnes & Noble. 

While you’re there do some shopping!  Any purchase from any retailer in the Americana gets MWE an additional 5% back when you bring your receipt to the Concierge desk in the Lobby of the parking structure and say “you’re supporting Mt.Washington Elementary!” Happy Holidays Everyone!

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS DURING PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCE WEEK OF DEC. 5TH

School will be dismissed every day at 12:50pm, except on Tuesday when the kids will get out at 1:30pm.

• Homework Club for Monday, Wednesday & Thursday is 1:00- 2:00 and on Tuesday 1:30-3:00 
• Science Class New Session begins Wednesday the 7th; first session 1:00-1:30, 2nd session 1:45-2:15
• Art Class is from 1:00-3:00 on Monday 5th 
• Chorus will begin at 1:00 on Thursday 8th 
• Chess club will begin at 1:00 on Friday 9th 
• STAR Nova will follow the school's schedule, and their supervision will start at dismissal 

Carlin G Smith's after school care however, will stay on their regular schedule.
Please make arrangements accordingly due to the shortened school days.

Any parent available to volunteer in Homework Club the week of December 5th would be greatly appreciated. We will only have one aide available to assist the students.  Please come to the library after school if you are able to help.

UPDATING EMERGENCY KITS IN CLASSROOMS

This coming week, PTA is accepting contributions that go towards updating emergency kits in classrooms. LAUSD does not cover in classroom kits, they provide, emergency water, food, and medical supplies for the school. 2 of our classrooms do not have an in classroom kit at all.

We will have a board up during the week with post-its of needed items. If you take a post-it, please write your name on the sign up sheet next to the number with what you are committing to purchasing. After this past week we know what it is like to not have what you need, especially in an emergency. Having these extra kits in classrooms, helps our children be a little bit safer and feel more comfortable in an emergency.

TOYS FOR TOTS: DON'T FORGET TO BRING TOYS BEFORE 12/16

Don't forget to bring a new, unwrapped toy and drop it in the Toys For Tots box located in each classroom!

*collection will conclude at the December 16th Holiday Family Movie Night in the MPR~ All participants will receive free popcorn*

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to e-mail Mari Mejorado, Chair at mejorado@earhlink.net.  As always, thank you for your support!

GARDENING WORKSHOP THIS THURSDAY THE 8TH AT 8:30AM IN THE MPR

Come to the MPR and participate in an informative q & a session on various gardening matters.  

TOYS FOR TOTS: KICKS OFF MONDAY 11/28

Mt. Washington PTA has partnered with the United States Marine Corps by participating in their annual toy drive.  Toys for Tots collects new, unwrapped toys during each Holiday season to help less fortunate children throughout America.  Bring joy, and a message of hope, by donating any new, unwrapped toy during this holiday drive as a gift for needy children in our communities.  From November 28th through December 16th, bring a new, unwrapped toy and drop it in the Toys For Tots box located in each classroom!

*collection will conclude at the December 16th Holiday Family Movie Night in the MPR~ All participants will receive free popcorn*

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to e-mail Mari Mejorado, Chair at mejorado@earhlink.net.  As always, thank you for your support!

VOICES WITHIN CULMINATION CONCERT: TUESDAY, NOV. 29TH, AT 9:15AM IN THE MPR

You are invited to Magical Patterns - Six songs about math.

Our 5th graders and some of our 4th graders have been working hard for the past 12 weeks with the Los Angeles Master Chorale through a program called Voices Within. Three teaching artists, a composer, a lyricist and a performer - bring together two 5th grade classes to collaborate on writing songs and then organize a concert where the kids perform their songs for family and friends. Every 12 week session has a theme that relates to the 5th grade curriculum. Past themes have included The Civil War, Coming to America and The Body, but this session our kids were challenged with something more abstract... MATH!

This program was made possible by the fundraising efforts of the Mt.Washington PTA and Friends of Mt.Washington School. Please join Ms. Lowery's 5th graders and Ms. Convey's 5th and 4th graders for what is sure to be an unforgettable performance. On behalf of all those children and parents, we thank you for your generosity and your unwavering support!

Please read the article written by Mt. Washington Patch writer, and former Mt. Washington Elementary parent, Kim Axelrod Ohanesson,  Mount Washington Students Express 'Voices Within'.  

REFLECTIONS ARTS SHOWCASE

Reflections Arts Program 2011 entries will be showcased on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 29 and 30, and Thursday, December 1, at the MPR.  Stop by and see the entries in the categories of Visual Arts, Literature, Film Production, Photography, and Music, submitted by our talented students.  The entries will also be showcased on December 10, 2011, at the Barnes and Noble Book Fair Night, at the Americana at Brand.

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS SCHEDULE DURING PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCE WEEK OF DEC. 5TH

That week will school will be dismissed every day at 12:50pm, except on Tuesday when the kids will get out at 1:30pm.  Please check our blog for the Homework Club schedule for next week.

• Science Class New Session begins Wednesday the 7th; first session 1:00-1:30, 2nd session 1:45-2:15. 
• Art Class is from 1-3 on Monday 5th. 
• Chorus will begin at 1 on Thursday 8th 
• Chess club will begin at 1 on Friday 9th 
• STAR Nova will follow the school's schedule, and their supervision will start at dismissal. 
• Carlin G Smith's after school care however, will stay on their regular schedule. 

Please make arrangements accordingly due to the shortened school days.

MWE MERCHANDISE

THE WAIT IS OVER!  New Mt. Washington Wolves hoodies & t-shirts in fabulous fall colors are here!  Be one of the first to get yours.  They'll be on sale in front of the school Monday, Wednesday and Friday until they're gone.  They also make wonderful Holiday gifts!

FOOD DRIVE THANK YOUS

MWPTA would like to say a special thank you to Kwame Dow for chairing the Food Drive, to Jackie Cahill and Anvi Kevany for helping bag the food.  Together we collected over 2,500 cans and boxed food items, which allowed us to help 31 families, who were very happy and grateful to receive the donated food items.  In addition, Kwame and Matthew Reichman delivered food that was given to families at Irving Middle School and Aldama Elementary.  Thank you for helping Kwame with this great effort; please know that your generosity touched the lives of many families, and helped make their holiday special.  Congratulations to Ms. Kehoe's 1st grade class in Rm.8, for bringing in the most cans and therefore winning the Pizza Party - Enjoy! 

FRESH AND EASY UPDATE

Our total school fundraising is up to $2,791. Continue to turn in your receipts, we can accept receipts dated up to December 31, 2011.

A Fresh & Easy tip:  You can use multiple coupons, if your total order qualifies.  For example: if your total order is $100.00, excluding certain items such as dairy & alcohol, you can use two (2) coupons of $10 off of $50.  That's a savings of $20.00 if you use both coupons.  Before you shop, make sure to check the school office and/or parent center for coupons.

AMERICANA HOLIDAY GIFT FOR SCHOOLS

A reminder of *Holiday Gift For Our School* at the Americana at Brand, from Nov. 14 through Dec. 31.  The Americana at Brand continues their Holiday Give Back to Schools program and Mt. Washington Elementary School receives 5% of every receipt turned into the concierge desk, located in the lobby of the parking structure close to H & M...don't forget to say you are supporting Mt. Washington Elementary!  5% of the total receipt will go to our school...EVERY PURCHASE AT THE AMERICANA COUNTS!  The Grove counts too, in case you do some shopping on the west side.

And a reminder of *Americana Night* at Barnes & Noble - Saturday, Dec. 10th, Barnes & Noble will donate at least 10% of all purchases made that evening - gift cards count too! - to our school. Get ready to be entertained with Holiday story reading by MWE parents, a spectacular performance by our own MWE Chorus and a finale danced by Balletfolklorico...you won't want to miss a minute! 

REMEMBER YOUR RECYCLING FOR THE GREEN TEAM

After a wonderful Thanksgiving could everyone please remember to bring in their recycling! Perhaps it will be a great week after a great long weekend of family celebrations!  Hang your bag of recyclables on the front door Sunday night as a reminder to grab them on your way out Monday morning.

Thank you from the Green Team.

SAVE THE DATE: GARDENING WORKSHOP ON THURSDAY THE 8TH, 8:30 IN THE MPR

An informative presentation and q & a session for our garden committee, but all are welcome to come and learn.  More information in next week’s Blog. Child care will be available.

A TIME TO GIVE THANKS AND BE GRATEFUL

The Mt. Washington PTA would like to take this moment to reflect on all that we have and for all that we are able to provide to our children and school community.  Because of your help and support in our fundraising efforts we are able to maintain the standard and environment we want our school to have and are able to have a positive impact on our community.  We are grateful for the many many hours you spend volunteering your time, whether it's one event a year, one hour in the classroom, on a weekly basis or for some - on a daily basis, it is that kind of commitment that sets our school apart.  We are grateful for our incredible teaching and administrative staff who enrich our children's lives daily and whose dedication to quality education helps our children thrive.  We are grateful for our children who are the greatest gifts to us all and for whom we do all that we do.  

One parent's generosity described the spirit of the season the best.  It was last week during the canned food drive, when she brought in several cans and said - we don't have a lot, but we have enough to help those who have less.  It is that kind of generosity that makes our community a great place to live and Mt. Washington Elementary such a special place to be.  We give thanks for all that we have because of your support, and we wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!

HOMEWORK CLUB

Homework Club begins Monday 11/21 at 2:45 in the school library. Attendance will be taken and the upper and lower grades will be divided into two groups.  We have extended hours on Monday and Wednesday (2:45-4:30), early hours on Tuesday (1:30-3:00), and a shortened day on Thursday (one aid from 2:45-3:45 only).  Our Homework Club will be run by qualified aide Jennifer Cathey-Roberts and supported by Joyce Lee, a Jr. at Occidental College majoring in education and minoring in biology.  Homework Club will be in session this Wednesday the 23rd.  All those who have signed up for Homework Club will be receiving an email conformation as well as information on early dismissal for the week of Dec. 5th. If you have any questions please contact Nicole Thomas at programs@mwpta.org.  

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE VOICES WITHIN CULMINATION CONCERT ON TUESDAY, NOV. 29TH, AT 9:15AM IN THE MPR

You are invited to Magical Patterns - Six songs about math.
Our 5th graders and some of our 4th graders have been fortunate enough to partake in a 12 week program with the Los Angeles Master Chorale, called Voices Within. Three teaching artists, a composer, a lyricist and a performer - bring together two 5th grade classes to collaborate on writing songs and then organize a concert where the kids perform their songs for family and friends. Every 12 week session has a theme that relates to the 5th grade curriculum. Past themes have included The Civil War, Coming to America and The Body, but this session our kids were challenged with something more abstract... MATH! 

This program was made possible by the fundraising efforts of the Mt.Washington PTA and Friends of Mt.Washington School. It is these types of programs our children get to benefit from because of the generosity and the tremendous support from our parent body. Please join Ms. Lowery's 5th graders and Ms. Convey's 5th and 4th graders for what is sure to be an unforgettable performance. On behalf of all those children and parents, we thank you for your unwavering support! Please click here to view the Concert Flyer

FRESH & EASY UPDATE

We have our totals for our Shop Night, our 5% of sales totaled $977 and the receipts we collected for the night totaled $667, plus our weekly collection of receipts at school are up to $1,032, bringing our Fresh & Easy Grand Total Fundraising to $2,676.  Great job everyone!!!   Fresh & Easy Gift Cards make a great Holiday Gift for  friends and family.  Fresh & Easy Gift Card purchases count towards our fundraising, so don't forget to turn these receipts in too.  We can still collect receipts up to December 31, 2011. Look for coupons for Fresh & Easy in the Main Office and the Parent Center.  Let's try and win the $5,000 bonus giveaway, we can do it, if we are the highest fundraising school in California. 

A great big THANK YOU to Kim Ragno, she was inadvertently left off as one of our Fresh & Easy Shop Night Volunteers and for printing our beautiful Mt. Washington banner we had at our table.

MIDDLE SCHOOL FAIR THANK YOUS

We would like to extend a special thank you to Jackie Cahill and Nicole Thomas, for doing a great job organizing the Middle School Fair, to Donna Cullen and Gina Antestenis for helping answer questions about the Choices Brochure (2011/12 Choices Application is due Dec. 16th and is online at http://echoices.lausd.net/, paper copies of the brochure are available in the school office) and lastly our own Mrs. Sosa and her spectacular 6th grade class who took time to share with parents some of their favorite projects as well as the benefits of culminating 6th grade from Mt. Washington Elementary.

SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR: THANK YOU!

To everyone who came to our Book Fair, and to all who helped make it a great experience, a big thank you! Keep on reading, and we’ll see you at our next Fair!  

SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR, TUESDAY , NOV. 15TH THROUGH THURSDAY, NOV. 17TH

The whole school is excited about our upcoming Book Fair. An amazing selection of books is headed our way! 

At the Book Fair you will find the latest and finest titles for kids, as well as books of interest to parents.  Mark your calendar for the Middle School Fair on November 16, when you can do some shopping for the family, as well as contribute books to your child's classroom library.  The Book Fair is a great way to get everyone excited about reading. See you  there!  Please visit our Scholastics Book Fair page by clicking here for more information.

Love books? Volunteer to help at the Book Fair. You can decorate and set up, help kids select books, work on refreshments, give a book talk, or help pack up.  

There are lots of ways to participate.  Please click here to sign up on line.

PTA GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING, WEDNESDAY, NOV.16TH 6PM-6:30PM

Join us for our 2nd PTA Association meeting, this Wednesday at 6:00pm in the MPR.  Topics will include our upcoming events, our fundraising efforts to date, and changes to our calendar.  Come hear what we have to say, share your thoughts and ideas, then stay to learn about your choices after Mt. Washington, at our Middle School Fair starting at 6:30pm.

MIDDLE SCHOOL FAIR, WEDNESDAY, NOV. 16TH, 6:30-8:00 PM

Where will your child go from here?  Come explore the options at our Middle School Fair, this Wednesday from 6:30pm to 8:00pm in the MPR.  Featuring representatives from a wide range of public, magnet, charter and independent schools.  We will also have a table set up to answer questions on how to fill out the LAUSD Choices Application.

CANNED FOOD DRIVE ENDS FRIDAY, NOV. 18TH

Our efforts are off to a great start.  Our goal this year is 3,000 cans.  We will continue to collect cans throughout the week, so bring them on in.  You can drop them off with Kwame Dow by the gate in the mornings, or in the collection bags in your child's classroom.  What a great opportunity to show our gratitude and thankfulness for all that we have, by giving back to local families in need.  MWPTA has partnered with a local food bank to help collect canned and non perishable foods.  Let's come together as a community, ask your neighbors, family and friends to help us reach our goal.  Non perishable food items only please.  Also no dented cans or glass jars please.  The winning class will get a pizza party!!!!!

FRESH AND EASY UPDATE

We had a great Shop Night thanks to all the volunteers and those last minute parents that jumped in and helped out when we didn't have enough helpers. A special thanks to Diane Jackson, Anvi Kevany, Nicole Thomas, Rosalba Mendez, Rachel Livingston, Alan Palmer, Alan's son Aaron Palmer-Carter, Natilie Erwin, Monique Austria, Kim Ragno and last, but not least, Angel, who even helped Fresh & Easy clear some backed up check-out registers.  We also don't want to forget our little helpers/students who diligently collected receipts from our Fresh & Easy patrons.  A very special thank you to Jackie Cahill, our Fresh and Easy Chair for her great leadership.

Thanks to all the parents, teachers and our principal, who came and shopped.  We don't have our Fundraising amount for the night, but we collected receipts for the night worth $667.  Our weekly collection of receipts at school, now totals $843, plus the receipts we collected at our Shop Night, now puts our grand total at $1,510. 

Congratulations to Rm.10 for having the highest turnout at 38% for shopping night.  Fresh and Easy will donate an ice cream party for them to enjoy.  Remember that this fundraiser is ongoing till December 31st, so continue to turn in your receipts of $20 or more to the parent center or the office.  Our school gets $1 for every $20.  Thank you for your continued support.

HOLIDAY GIVE BACK FROM THE AMERICANA AND THE GROVE, STARTS MONDAY NOV.14TH

It’s the perfect reason to pick up gifts for family, friends and your favorite teachers. Dash off to a movie or enjoy delicious dining at your favorite restaurant. Between November 14th and December 31st, 5% of your total purchases will be donated as a holiday gift to our school!  In the past two years our school earned over $1,000 from this great program.
Follow these simple steps to stuff Mt. Washington's stocking.

• Shop at the amazing stores and restaurants at The Americana at Brand in Glendale or The Grove between November 14th and December 31st, 2011. 
• Take your receipts to Concierge Services, located in the parking lobby closest to H & M, and let them know you are supporting Mt. Washington Elementary School. 
• They'll provide a check to our school in January 2012.

Ask your family and friends to do the same thing to earn a little extra money for our kids.  You can forward this link from The Americana to explain how this program works.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR SAFETY VALET

Our valet team could use a few more volunteers, if you can sign up please sign up by clicking here .  To insure the safety of our families and to keep traffic moving smoothly please observe the following rules.

• Have backpacks on and make sure your child is ready to get out when you pull up to the curb.
• Do not make u-turns near the school or in the valet area.
• Do not go into school driveways to drop off recycling.  Please park, and if you need assistance, ask one of our Green Team volunteers to help you.
• Please obey speed limits!

Thank you for your cooperation.

The Safety Valet Team

HOMEWORK CLUB

The Homework Club will be starting up on Monday, Nov 21st, 2011 for 1st grade through 6th grade students.  A flyer will be going home for those parents that are interested.  Space is limited, please fill out the registration form and return it to school.  All students that register will be meeting on Monday, Nov. 21st in the Library at 2:45pm.

SCIENCE CLASS SIGN UPS FOR NEXT SESSION STARTING THIS WEEK

High Touch High Tech Science classes will be cancelled this coming Wednesday and on the 23rd.  The last class for this session will be moved to November 30th.  The new session will begin on December 7th.  Look for a sign up flyer in your child's backpack this week.  After school science is open to students in 1st through 6th grade.

GO GREEN FOR MT. WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY

There’s a new group in town: The Green Team lead by dedicated parent, Libby Morris.  Every Monday morning, she and members of the Green Team stand outside the school gate with bins to collect recyclables.  Their goal is to raise $5,000 for the school this year and in the process help the environment.  The community, as well as MWE kids are encouraged to join in this effort and bring recyclables to the school on Monday mornings.  Each and every soda can and water bottle is worth 5 cents.  Plastic and glass bottles are also worth cash.  So far, The Green Team is well on its way to a very successful year; collecting $60 - $70 a week.  They are aiming for $100 a week and are sure the community can rise to the occasion.  So far the kids response has been amazing, especially the 4th & 5th graders.  


If you are able to help out with this worth while cause, please sign up to volunteer by clicking here.

FRESH AND EASY SHOPPING NIGHT, WEDNESDAY NOV. 9TH, 4-8PM

Join us at our local Fresh and Easy at the corner of Eagle Rock Blvd. and El Paso Blvd. for our biggest fundraising effort through Fresh and Easy.  ALL SALES between 4pm and 8pm will count towards our total.   We can double our earnings by buying gift cards in one purchase then using those gift cards to pay for our groceries.  Our total to date is over $750.  If our school is the top spending school, we get the coveted $5,000, which would be a huge boost to our fundraising efforts.  With the holidays right around the corner, make Fresh and Easy your holiday grocery store.  To make this deal even sweeter, Fresh and Easy will treat the class with the highest turn out for our shopping night, to an ice cream party, so remember to check in at our sign in table in front of the store.  We will need several volunteers for our shopping night, please check for an online volunteer sign up form in your weekly room rep email.

CANNED FOOD DRIVE KICK OFF, MONDAY NOV. 7TH

This Monday kicks off our annual food drive, from Nov. 7th to Nov. 18th.  What a great opportunity to show our gratitude and thankfulness for all that we have, by giving back to local families in need.  MWPTA has partnered with a local food bank to help collect canned and non perishable foods.  Last year our goal was 2,010 cans in 2010, we exceeded it by 205 cans.  This year has got to be bigger, let's bring in 3,000 cans.  Let's come together as a community, ask your neighbors, family and friends to help us reach our goal.  Non perishable food items only please.  Also no dented cans or glass jars please.  The winning class will get a pizza party!!!!!

PTA MEMBERSHIP DRIVE EXTENDED TILL THE END OF NOVEMBER

Your awesome PTA wants to give away those Lakeshore Learning gift cards to your teachers.  We have several classrooms very close to 100% participation, so it would not take much to get there.  Even if your class is not doing so well, it is not too late to rally.  Second place (a $75 gift card) and Third place (a $50 gift card) are still up for grabs.  Take a look at your standings below.

Membership Totals:

Room 1     84%

Room 2     74%

Room 3     77%

Room 4     70%

Room 5   100%

Room 6     60%

Room 8     54 %

Room 9     35%

Room 10   50%

Room 11   55%

Room 12   37%

Room 13   64%

Room 15   62%

Room 17   74%

Thank you to everyone who has joined our PTA this year!

GREEN TEAM UPDATE

Thank you for your continued support of The Green Team. So far we have collected over $450 in recycling and continue to collect about $60-70 a week. However, we are aiming for over $100 per week to reach our goal for the year. In order to do this, please consider asking friends, family, coworkers, neighbors etc. to save their recycling for us and collect it from them. Click here for a downloadable flyer to give to them.  Libby Morris, our Green Team chair and initiator, could use a little more help sorting recyclables and cashing them in.  Please look for an online volunteer sign up form in your weekly room rep email.  Remember - this is FREE money!!  Let's go for it!! 

AMAZON.COM SCHOOL REWARDS IS BACK

Amazon has decided to extend their school rewards program in California for this school year.  Great timing for the holidays!  Through SchoolRewards, we receive up to 10% of every Amazon purchase as long as shoppers use our SchoolRewards link to access Amazon. You can bookmark   http://www.amazon.com/?&tag=mwptaorg-20 or click the Amazon logo on the right side of our home page at www.mwpta.org . This unique SchoolRewards link takes you directly to Amazon.com, where you can browse and shop just as you normally would.  Pass the link on to your family and friends to get a little extra money for our school.  

A MESSAGE FROM OUR SAFETY VALET

Our valet team could use a few more volunteers, if you can sign up please sign up by clicking here .  To insure the safety of our families and to keep traffic moving smoothly please observe the following rules.

• Have backpacks on and make sure your child is ready to get out when you pull up to the curb.
• Do not make u-turns near the school or in the valet area.
• Do not go into school driveways to drop off recycling.  Please park, and if you need assistance, ask one of our Green Team volunteers to help you.
• Please obey speed limits!

Thank you for your cooperation.
The Safety Valet Team

SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR FROM NOV. 15TH THROUGH NOV. 17TH

Our fall book fair is right around the corner.  Our students look forward to picking their favorite books, making their wish lists and shopping with their peers as well as with you.  Click here to see our Scholastics home page.
Look for a flyer in backpacks this week, and for more information in next week's Blog.

SAVE THE DATE MIDDLE SCHOOL FAIR AND PTA MEETING, NOV. 16TH

Here is your chance to learn about choices after Mt. Washington Elementary School.  Look for a flyer in backpacks this week, and for more information in next week's Blog.

MWE STAR NEWS

STAR NOVA II classes begin November 28th - (continuing 8wk. classes) skateboarding, hip-hop, theater & ECOStation WildLife!  And also...GET READY, GET SET, BUILD ~ introducing LEGO classes on Tuesdays!   Check in at the STAR Room for details.   You'll also want to watch for upcoming news about their Winter Performance.  

 *reminder*STAR 2011-12 Galaxy Installment Plan payment #4 is due Friday, November 18th.

SOLDIER'S ANGELS CANDY DRIVE, TUESDAY 11-1 to Friday 11-4

Happy Halloween!!!  After all the tricking and treating is done, remember to put some aside for our Soldier's Angels Candy Drive.  MWPTA is partnered up again this year with the Soldier's Angels organization, to put your excess candy to good use as a reminder of home for our troops far away, and as something they can give out as a symbol of America's generosity. Look for a Soldier’s Angels box in the parent room starting on November 1st.  Please don't send any chocolate as it won't do well in hot temperatures.

REFLECTIONS ARTS CONTEST – DEADLINE IS THIS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH

Entries for this year’s Reflections Arts Contest must be submitted by this Friday, November 4th. The theme this year is “Diversity is…” Students may enter original entries from the six categories: Literature, Photography, Film, Visual Arts, Dance and Music. Please click on the link to obtain the complete description of the rules, and copies of the entry forms: bit.ly/2011reflections. For more information, email Anvi Kevany at reflections@mwpta.org.

COOKING 101 WITH DONNA CULLEN – THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3 (8:15-10:15) IN THE MPR

Donna Cullen , local cooking instructor, will be presenting a Cooking 101 Course which will include meal planning, cooking basics, help with school lunch and lots more great tips and tricks on Thursday, November 3. Please join us at 8:15am in the MPR. Childcare will be provided.

FRESH AND EASY WEEKLY UPDATE

Thank you so much for your continued support. Our tally for the week is $609.00. We have the potential to earn an additional $5,000 for the school if we are the top school in California, so please keep bringing in those receipts. Remember, a great way for the school to earn double sales is by purchasing a $25 or $50 gift card and then do your shopping with the gift card.


Make sure to mark your calendar: Wednesday, November 9th is our Fresh & Easy Shop Night. Our school earns 5% of all sales between 4pm to 8pm. So make sure and save your grocery list for that day and stock up on everything you’ll need.


We are need of volunteers to help on Shop Night so please sign up at the Parent Center or click on the following link: http://www.mwpta.org/volunteer.html to volunteer.

CARNIVAL OF THE HOWLING WOLVES WAS A SUCCESS

Thank you Mt. Washington Community for making the Carnival of the Howling Wolves a howling success! Thank you to everyone who volunteered as well as everyone who attended. The event was a hit and the kids really enjoyed it.

GREAT TIPS FROM FAMILY LITERACY NIGHT

Thank you to Mrs. Valentino and our hard working teachers for putting on a wonderful event. Families were treated to workshops where they participated in fun-filled activities based on literacy concepts. Here are a few “literacy” websites that you and your child can access to play educational games:

http://treasures.macmillanmh.com/california/students

www.starfall.com

www.storylineonline.net

CARNIVAL OF THE HOWLING WOLVES, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29TH, 1-5PM

Please join us for our annual Pumpkin Festival, this Saturday the 29^th, from 1-5pm on the main yard.  This ultra fun event is sure to please the entire family, with lots of game booths, food booths, entertainers, bands and a spooktacular Haunted House.  Admission is free, the game and food booths will require tickets.  You can avoid the long lines at the festival and get your booth tickets early.  They will be on sale every morning this week, starting on Monday by the Parent Center.  This is an extremely volunteer intensive event, and it can only be a success with your help.  Please sign up for your class booth with your room rep, and look out for emails from your rep regarding items needed for your class booth.

PTA MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

Our membership contest is down to the last week.  Rm. 5, Mrs. Mori’s class won first place, but 2^nd and 3^rd place are still up for grabs.  The second place winner will receive a $75 gift card to Lakeshore for their teacher, and third place will receive $50.  Please look for your room rep’s email to see how your class is doing.

REFLECTIONS ARTS CONTEST – DEADLINE IS NOVEMBER 4TH

This is the last week to work on those wonderful Reflections entries. The deadline for the Arts Contest is November 4th. This year’s theme is “Diversity is…”  Students may enter original entries from the six categories: Literature, Photography, Film, Visual Arts, Dance and Music.  Please click on the link to obtain the complete description of the rules, and copies of the entry forms: bit.ly/2011reflections. For more information, email Anvi Kevany at reflections@mwpta.org. 

FRESH AND EASY WEEKLY UPDATE

Our tally for the week is $488.00.  Thanks for the support.  We can earn double sales by purchasing a $25 or $50 gift card and then do your shopping with the gift card.  Make sure and turn in both receipts.

SOLDIER’S ANGELS CANDY DRIVE, NOV.1ST-4TH

Have lots of fun Trick or Treating next Monday, then save some of your candy and send it over seas to our soldiers.  This is a great way for our children to share their abundance with those far away for a little reminder of home, and something for our troops to share with children who have so little, as a sign of goodwill.  Look for a Soldier’s Angels box in the parent room starting on November 4^th.  Please don't send any chocolate as it won't do well in hot temperatures.

PTA ASSOCIATION MEETING MOVED TO FRIDAY 10/21, AT 8:15am

Please join us for our first association meeting of the year, this Friday at 8:15am in the Parent Center.  Come and enjoy a cup of coffee and some pastries while you find out all that we have planned for this year.  Meet our Board, ask questions and share your ideas.  All members are encouraged to attend, we would love to meet you.

CARNIVAL OF THE HOWLING WOLVES: SATURDAY 10/29 1-5pm

Our Pumpkin Festival committee has been busy planning this sure to please event for several weeks now. If you would like to find out what they have been brewing and get involved in the planning of it all, our next committee meeting will be on Wednesday the 19th at 8:20am in the Parent Center. This year's festival will take place on Saturday the 29th, from 1-5pm. All the classrooms will host their own booth, your room rep will have all the information along with supply and volunteer needs this coming week. Tickets will go on sale the week of the festival, starting Monday the 24th. The Haunted House is back by popular demand; the plans have been drawn, now we just need a few good, handy men and women to help us bring it to life. If you are able to help, please contact Nancy De Leon at ndmeeker@sbcglobal.net . Looking forward to a great event!

ORGANIC GARDENING, TUESDAY 10/18, 8:15-10:15AM IN THE MPR

The Garden Committee invites you To "Organic Gardening 101" with Master Gardener Jenn Su on Tuesday Oct.18th at 8:15 - 10:15 a.m. in the MPR.  Learn everything you need to grow an edible garden in your own backyard, and bring this enhanced knowledge to our very own school gardens.
We invite you to join us this year as we work in the garden, and we hope that through this workshop you will be encouraged to join your class room Garden Representative as we plant, tend, harvest and learn. A flyer with more information will follow and child care will be provided. To RSVP for childcare or for more information contact nicolethomas101@earthlink.net

LITERACY NIGHT MOVED TO WEDNESDAY, 10/26 5-7pm

Please join Mrs.Valentino and several of our teachers for this great, FREE event for the entire family.  Learn about literacy concepts through fun activities in a workshop setting, enjoyable for all.  The evening will start off in the MPR where you will get to choose your workshops and with an introduction from Mrs.Valentino, then you will move into the classrooms for fun and games in the workshops of your choice.  Food will be available from your caring PTA in the MPR, starting at 4:30pm.  Look for a flyer coming home in your child's backpack this week.  Please return the rsvp portion to the office or your child's teacher prior to 10/26.  Hope you can make this great event!

KINDERGARTEN BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT IS ON WEDNESDAY 10/19 AT 4:30pm

Kindergarten Back to School Night and literacy activities will be held Wednesday, October 19th,  beginning at 4:30pm in the MPR, moving into smaller classroom sessions at 5:00pm.  Come and find out what your child will be learning this year then participate in some fun games with your child, deigned especially for Kindergarten.  Child care will be available on the main yard while parents are attending the Back to School Night portion of the evening, prior to all the Literacy fun.

PTA MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

Even though we have a 1st place winner, 2nd and 3rd place are still up for grabs. Hurry and sign up, because our membership drive ends on October 31st. The 2nd place classroom will win a $75 gift card to Lakeshore Learning for their teacher, and 3rd place will win $50.

Room 1 71%
Room 2 74%
Room 3 77%
Room 4 70%
Room 5 100%
Room 6 55%
Room 8 54%
Room 9 35%
Room 10 47%
Room 11 55%
Room 12 37%
Room 13 56%
Room 15 62%
Room 17 58%


Thank you to everyone who has joined our PTA. Our first association meeting will be this Friday, the 21st in the Parent Center at 8:15am.

FRESH AND EASY UPDATE

As of 10/14/2011, we are up to $364 earned. Keep up the good work and keep shopping. In order to double our earnings, it may not be a bad idea to purchase a $25 or $50 gift card at Fresh & Easy prior to doing your normal shopping. Do your shopping and use your Fresh & Easy gift card (you just purchased) to pay for your items. Then you have two receipts to turn in at school. No current Fresh & Easy coupons, but as soon as we get them, we'll make sure and have copies in the Main Office and Parent Center.

Make sure and save the date: Wednesday, November 9th is our Fresh & Easy Shop Night. Our school earns 5% of all sales between 4pm to 8pm. So make sure and save your grocery list for that day and stock up on everything. We also get to collect receipts for that day for additional earnings.

FREE MONEY FOR OUR SCHOOL

Box Tops for Education:
Keep clipping those Box Tops. We just turned in $53.00 worth of Box Tops. We can also earn eBox-Tops-for-Education for our school. Just visit: www.btfe.com/marketplace you can do all your on-line shopping and Holiday shopping and our school gets $$$. eBox-Tops-for-Education has some great vendors: JC Penney, Walmart, Target, Best Buy and several others. We have a drop off box in the Parent Center.

Labels for Education:
Keep clipping the UPCs Labels for Education. Our school just turned in 1,200 points worth of labels. These points can be used for a $100 field trip credit, classroom supplies, art supplies, science supplies or yard play equipment. The following products qualify: Campbell's Soups, Dannon Yogurts, Pace products, Pepperidge Farm, V8 beverages, SpaghettiOs, Swanson, Post Cereal & Treats, Franco-American, Prego brands & BIC writing instruments. Check http://www.labelsforeducation.com/ if you need more details. Remember, we need the UPC from the above mentioned products. The UPC labels can be turned in at the Parent Center or Main Office.

GREEN (TEAM) THE NEIGHBORHOOD

We are happy to report that our recycling program has made another $54 for our children.  To meet our goal of $5,000 for the year, we need to make over $100 each week.  Ask your neighbors to help us out by telling them about our recycling program and offering to pick up their recyclables for our Monday drop off.  Please click here for a downloadable flyer to give to your neighbors.  Help the environment by helping our school!

REFLECTIONS ARTS CONTEST

Reflections Arts Contest 2011, "Diversity Means...": The deadline for the Arts Contest is November 4th. Students may enter original entries from the six categories: Literature, Photography, Film, Visual Arts, Dance and Music, and each entry must be based on this year's theme, "Diversity Means..." Please click on the link to obtain the complete description of the rules, and copies of the entry forms: bit.ly/2011reflections. For more information, email Anvi Kevany at reflections@mwpta.org.

Reflections Theme Search Contest 2013-2014: National PTA is looking for a theme for the 2013–2014 Reflections Program year. The student who submits the winning entry will receive $100, and his or her theme will be presented at the 2012 National PTA Convention. The submission form has been sent to all students on Friday, October 14th, through the backpack mail. Please review the past themes listed on the back page. Repeat themes will not be considered. Only signed original forms will be considered. Click on the link for a copy of the form: bit.ly/2011themesearch. Forms must be mailed directly to the California State PTA, Attention: Reflections Coordinator, 2327 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95816, by November 1, 2011.

Good Luck to all of our students. Can't wait to see your wonderful entries for this year.

WE HAVE A MEMBERSHIP CONTEST WINNER

Congratulations to Rm.5 and Mrs. Mori for being the first class to reach 100% participation for our membership drive. Second and third place are still up for grabs, so you still have a chance to win a $75 and a $50 gift card to Lakeshore Learning for your teacher. Here is how everyone is doing:

Room 1      67%
Room 2      65%
Room 3      73%
Room 4      65%
Room 5    100%
Room 6      35%
Room 8      42%
Room 9      35%
Room 10    41%
Room 11    52%
Room 12    37%
Room 13    56%
Room 15    57%
Room 17    52%

Thank you to everyone who has joined the MWPTA.

CARNIVAL OF THE HOWLING WOLVES: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29th

The Carnival of the Howling Wolves is screaming upon us!  Saturday, October 29th, 2011 SAVE THE DATE!  Join us for MWE's Annual Pumpkin Festival - an event you definitely don't want to miss!  Volunteers are still needed in all areas!  Please join us for our weekly Wednesday meeting in the Parent Center immediately after morning drop-off/assembly at 8:15am!  We need you - see you there!

Be on the look out for emails from your room rep describing your booth for your class.  Please help out by signing up for a shift and helping to make this great event for our kids possible. 

DIRECT APPEAL CAMPAIGN

Please stop by Monday morning at our "Thank You for your contribution and/or pledge table" in front of the school.  Enjoy a cup of coffee with a sweet treat...and if you haven't contributed or pledged yet to support Mt. Washington Elementary School's "It Takes A Mountain...Our Mountain!" campaign you can do so then.  We look forward to shaking your hand in support and personally thanking each and every parent for their donation as well as taking the opportunity to answer any questions parents may have regarding contributions and/or participation opportunities available.  Thank you to all the families who have made contributions so far.

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS STARTING THIS WEEK

If you have enrolled your child in Plein Air Painting (Monday at 3pm) or Yoga (Tuesday at 1:45pm), please remember both these classes begin this week, and will be meeting outside of the MPR.
Chorus meets on Thursdays and Lea Hayes and Mary Gaillard will still happily take in all Chorusters who wish to join. Chess Club is on going every Friday and it’s early enough in the school year that your child can still join if they wish to do so.

THE GREEN TEAM IS ON A GREEN ROLL

The grand total for The Green Team to date is $98.54 in just about two weeks. 38 families remembered last Monday, up from 7 the previous week. Grade 4 is in the lead as the most prolific collectors of recycled cans and bottles! We are aiming for $125 each week to hit our target of $5,000 for the school year. It can be done with a little more effort, so please remember to put that bag of cans and bottles next to the back pack on Sunday night. Each big bag of cans is worth about $5 - it's amazing how it adds up.
Interested volunteers can reach Libby Morris at waysandmeans1@mwpta.org

HELP WANTED!

We need specific volunteers to help us out! If you have website programming skills in html and can spare a few hours for our web efforts please contact Susanne at communications@mwpta.org Our current website chair will work with you to catch you up to speed in hopes of turning the management of our website over to you next year.
Still accepting donations of ground coffee, creamer and hot cups in the Parent Center. The Center is open to ALL parents Mon-Fri from am to 10am.

ORGANIC GARDENING: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18th

The Garden Committee invites you to save the date for "Organic Gardening 101" with Master Gardener Jenn Su on Tuesday Oct. 18th at 8:15 - 10:15 a.m. in the MPR.
Learn everything you need know to grow an edible garden in your own backyard, and bring this enhanced knowledge to our very own school gardens.
We invite you to join us this year as we work in the garden, and we hope that through this workshop you will be encouraged to join your class room Garden Representative as we plant, tend, harvest and learn. A flyer with more information will follow and child care will be provided. To RSVP for childcare or for more information contact nicolethomas101@earthlink.net

REFLECTIONS ARTS CONTEST BEGINS MONDAY, OCTOBER 3RD

PTA believes all children deserve a quality arts education and encourages students to pursue artistic expression through participation in its annual arts Reflections Program. The program offers students the opportunity to create works of art for fun and recognition. This year’s theme is “Diversity Means…” All of our students are encouraged to create and submit works of art in any of these six areas:

dance choreography * film production * literature * musical composition * photography * and the visual arts (which includes art forms such as drawing, painting, print making, and collage).

For more than 40 years, the program has encouraged millions of students across the nation and in American schools overseas to create works of art. Look for the rules and an entry form to come home in your child’s backpack this week, you can also download it by clicking here. All entries must be in by Friday, November 4th.

We are looking forward to seeing all of the talent our children have, on display at our Reflections Showcase, scheduled for Thursday, November 17th.

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM DEADLINES

It is the last week to sign up for Painting Class (Mondays from 3:00-5:00 p.m. beginning Oct. 10th) and for After School Yoga (Tuesdays from 1:45-2:30 p.m. beginning Oct. 11th).  Chess Club begins Friday October 7th at 2:30 in the lunch pavilion.  Please contact Dianne Jackson at diannecarrolle@aol.com for further chess related information.

Chorus starts this Thursday (October 6^th).  You can either pre register or have your child bring their application form with them to the first Chorus meeting. Led by Lea Hayes and Mary Gaillard, the Mt. Washington Elementary School Children’s Chorus is amongst the best. The children learn proper singing techniques, and gain valuable performance skills and experience.  The chorus has several performances throughout the school year, including at Barnes and Noble at the Americana, and at SRF.  Chorus meets every Thursday from 2:30-3:45 pm in the MPR, and is open to 1^st to 6^th grade.  Kindergarteners are invited to join as well, but there must be a parent or other adult to help supervise and assist them. 

After school program applications were sent home with your child, they are also available for download by clicking here, or you can contact Nicole Thomas at programs@mwpta.org for more information.