Stay on top of the latest Internet Safety information

If you enjoyed our Internet Safety speaker Lori Getz this week please sign up for her free monthly newsletter at lorigetz.com by clicking on the mailing list tab. Stay on top of the latest Internet safety information all for free!

• - CEC brings Internet education to children and parents across the country. It's mission is simple, to bridge the gap between a young generation of Internet user and their teachers and parents.
• - CEC has an online Parent Resource Center at lorigetz.com that keeps parents one step ahead with the latest trends in technology and speaks to kids about the "Truth about the Internet" so that they are able to make well-informed decisions about their online use.
  

Marathon Kids Running Program is up and running

This week, thanks to Mrs.Mori, Mrs.Ryan and several parent volunteers, our school was able to implement a morning running program tied in with Marathon Kids.  The children will have till March 5th, to complete 26.2 miles, the final mile celebration will take place at UCLA's Drake Stadium on March 5th.  Use the morning running program to help your child achieve their goal;  your child can also accumulate miles on their own, just make sure to log them in their Marathon Kids mile log. As an incentive, interim rewards will be given out; for every 20 laps (1 mile) completed your child will receive a "fast pass" for lunch.  To sign your child up, all you have to do is walk them down to the running track on the playground, one morning between 7:40-8:00am and fill out a Marathon Kids packet.  If you are already signed up for Marathon Kids, just add in the miles your child has completed so far and use this opportunity to encourage your child to stay focused on their goal and run with their friends to make it even more fun.


We have a few parent volunteers, but to ensure the success of this program,  we could use a few more.  We are only asking for a 20 minute commitment one day a week from 7:40-8:00 am.  If you are able to help us out, please contact Anvy Kevany (volunteers coordinator) at volunteers@mwpta.org .  Healthy kids are happy kids!

Americana Night Update and Thank Yous

Thank you for a simply fantastic Americana Night! We had a spectacular turn out! Our total percentage earned for the night from Barnes & Noble-ALONE was $511!   Pretty good for one evening of fun with parents, family & friends! We will receive our total from the School Holiday Program which includes a percentage from all retailers & restaurants during November 17th - December 24th in the following weeks, so be on the look out for an update!


I would like to specifically, thank those who’s time and energy were given to make the Americana Night a success. So a HUGE Thank You  to Matthew Reichman for sharing the fabulous book "The Snowy Day". To Nicole Dow for stepping in and up when her husband Kwame became ill.  To Doug Young for his beautiful reading of "The Night Before Christmas". To  Mary Gaillard and Lea Hayes for leading our Choristers in another spectacular performance. The kids were a joy!  And finally, to Pilar Buelna for bringing her “Ballet Folklorico” group to us. They were the perfect finale!!


It was a pleasure to chair this event, and I must say … I’m looking forward to next year! 
Sharen Steele Herran


The PTA wishes to thank Sharen for her leadership, dedication and commitment to this event.  Job well done!

Coffee with the Principal, Friday, January 14th at 8:15am

Please join us for coffee with our wonderful new Principal, Mrs. Valentino, once a month.  The first one will be held this coming Friday, the 14th at 8:15 am in the Parent Center.  It will be in an informal setting where you will have the opportunity to chat with Mrs. Valentino about issues, concerns, up coming events and share ideas about our school.

Fresh and Easy Receipts Due By Friday, January 14th

Thank you to everyone who has supported the Fresh and Easy Fundraising program.  To date, the total amount collected is $2,463.48.  If you still have receipts to turn in, the last day is Friday, January 14, 2011.  Please make sure to only turn in receipts dated between September 15th, 2010 to December 31st, 2010.  Please turn them in to your classroom teacher, the office or the parent center. Thank you to Michelle Perez for coordinating this program.

Cyber Safety for Kids, Monday January 24th, 8:15am in the MPR

Everything you need to know about your child and the Internet!  Don't miss Lori Getz, a noted Internet Safety Expert, who will address crucial topics like cyber bullying, texting, Internet predators and social networking.  Join us on Monday, January 24th at 8:15am (immediately following the morning assembly) in the Smith Center (MPR).  Refreshments and childcare will be provided.  For more information please contact Natasha Stanton at programs@mwpta.org or Kathryn McGuire at programs1@mwpta.org .  Hope to see you there.

Calendars and new merchandise for sale

Calendar Sale!  $15 for the calendars this month in the Parent Center… because everyone needs a new 2011 calendar, why not support our school and students with a custom MWE version!
We are well stocked with T-shirts and some long sleeve shirts to show off your school spirit. T-shirts starting at $10, come to the parent center to make a purchase or look for us at our next event.

Save the Date. Valentine's Dance: Friday, February 11th

Save the date for our annual Valentine's Dance coming up on Friday, February 11th.  It's a great opportunity for the entire family to dance together, have fun together and add to your collection of great memories of your child's elementary years.  Look for a flyer and more information, coming your way soon.

Cyber Safety for Kids

Lori Getz, a noted Internet Safety Expert featured on the Today show, will be back at our school to address cyber bullying, texting, Internet predators and social networking, from Club Penguin to Facebook. Everything you need to know about your child and the Internet! If you missed her last year, here is your chance to catch this fantastic speaker. If you did see her last year, come and upgrade your cyber awareness to the latest version.  She will be speaking to our parents January 24th from 8:30am-10:00am in the Parent Center. Refreshments and child care will be provided. Then from 10:15am-11:30am she will address the 5th and 6th graders in an assembly. By subscribing to the free newsletter at lorigetz.com, you will receive a bi-monthly newsletter from the Parent Resource Center.

Take the CEC Challenge:

   Did you know there is no such thing as privacy on the net?  Even our e-mails, IMs and text messages aren't truly private and NEVER leave cyberspace.

   Did you know 75% of our kids report being Cyber-bullied and the majority of them said it was by someone they know?

   Did you know that 70% of our kids admitted to being part of a sexting incident (either sending or receiving nude photos via cell phone or other electronic communication) and that sexting between minors is considered child pornography?

   Did you know predators spend years grooming our children; developing relationships built on a sense false trust and loyalty.  Did you know this grooming process starts in places like Club Penguin, X-box Live, and on Social Networking Sites?

Are you talking with your children about these issues?  If not, it's time to start!  CEC brings Internet education to children and parents across the country.  It's mission is simple, to bridge the gap between a young generation of Internet user and their teachers and parents.

CEC has an online Parent Resource Center at lorigetz.com that keeps parents one step ahead with the latest trends in technology and speaks to kids about the "Truth about the Internet" so that they are able to make well-informed decisions about their online use.

By subscribing today you are assisting your school in bringing this Internet education to your entire community!  Make sure to include your school's name when you sign up to credit your school with your participation.

Subscribe to CEC

By subscribing to CEC, you will also receive a bi-monthly newsletter from the Parent Resource Center.  All of this at NO COST to you!  CEC feels strongly about protecting your identity so they will never share your information or use it for advertising purposes.  Thank you for subscribing to CEC today.

Free Family Movie Night: Dec. 17th from 6:00pm-8:00pm

Join us to watch the new animated feature Toy Story 3 with the entire family on the 17th, in the Smith Center (MPR). Get comfy, come in your PJs if you’d like, bring a blanket or camp chair and relax with your kids. Dinner plates, popcorn and snacks will be sold (cash only). Parents, you must accompany your children, no drop-offs please. In the spirit of the holiday season, we ask that each family bring a new, unwrapped toy to be donated to children in need through Spark of Love. Thank you Cecilia Vazquez for coordinating this event.

Americana Night: Dec.11th 6pm-8pm

We have partnered with the Americana once again this year to help raise funds for our children. Join us for a fun night out for the entire family. Barnes and Noble is donating 15% of all of their sales on the weekend of Dec. 11th and 12th as long as you mention Mt.Washington Elementary. On Saturday, Dec.11th, from 6pm-8pm you will be entertained by the Mt.Washington Chorus, story time by our great parent volunteers and several other Mt.Washington student performers at Barnes and Noble. You can enjoy dinner before or after the Barnes and Noble event, due some Holiday shopping, then take all of your receipts to the concierge desk in the parking lot lobby to get 5% of all of your receipts donated back to our school. Also, every Tuesday, Ameci Trattoria is giving 10% back to our school on checks $40 or more. The American Holiday Gift for Schools is ongoing till Dec.24th. Thank you Sharren Harren for coordinating this event.

Fresh & Easy Fundraiser Night: Dec. 8th from 4:00pm-8:00pm

Mt.Washington gets 5% of all sales that night during our time slot.  Save your receipts as well, as on top of the 5% we still get $1 for every $20 spent.  Tell your friends and family and help us spread the word to bring people into the store.  The more money the store makes, the more they are able to donate to our school.  Look for more information on volunteer opportunities from your room rep, and our blog. Thank you Michelle Perez for coordinating this event.

Holiday Arts & Crafts: Tuesdays Dec.7th & 14th

All students are invited to join us on Tuesdays Dec.7^th & 14^th  from 1:30pm-2:30pm in the Lunch Pavilion.  Students will have the opportunity to make gifts and wrap them for their family and friends for a nominal fee.  Look for a flyer in your child’s backpack soon to sign them up for this activity.  Volunteer sign ups will be posted shortly, please sign up if this is an event that you would like to help with.  Thank you Holly Shuck and Gina Antestenis for coordinating this event.

Scholastic Book Fair: December 1st -2nd, Family Night on the 2nd

Dec. 1st-2nd. An amazing selection of books is headed our way! Mark your calendar for our Family Night, on Thursday December 2nd from 5:00pm-7:00pm in the Jack & Denny Smith Center (MPR) where the whole family can join in the fun. Join us for a wonderful performance by our amazing Mt.Washington Chorus, view the showcase of all the entries from our Reflection’s Art Contest, and listen to stories read by our talented parent volunteers. We can still use a little extra help, so if you are able to help out during the day, on family night, or with clean up on the 3rd, please sign up by the parent center or at MWPTA.org. Thank you to Anvi Kevany for coordinating this event.

PTA Reflections Arts Contest: November 1 to November 30

2010-2011 "Together We Can"

The National PTA Reflections Program is an arts recognition and achievement program for students. The Reflections Program provides opportunities for students to express themselves creatively and to receive positive recognition for original works of art inspired by a pre-selected theme, while increasing community awareness on the importance of the arts in education.

The Reflections Program was established in 1969 by National PTA board member Mary Lou Anderson. Since that time, more than 10 million students have participated in the program. The program's longevity and participation figures attest to its strength. The excitement and enthusiasm that the program generates for children, parents, schools and communities is unmatched.

Participation and appreciation for the arts is the Reflections Program's goal. Although the Reflections Program follows a "contest" format, winning should not be the emphasis.

Participation in the Reflections Program is a great way for students to explore and learn about various art forms. Creating art is a valuable learning process that challenges students to use their critical thinking skills as well as their creative talents to create art that supports a specific theme.

Students may submit an entry in any of the six arts areas listed below. Only original works of art are accepted. Students may enter more than one work of art. The six arts areas are as follows:

• Literature
• Musical composition
• Photography
• Visual arts
• Dance Choreography
• Film/Video Production
• 
  

Reflections Entry Form Packets will be available for distribution from your child's teacher, the office, Parent Center, or download the forms at capta.org, or mwpta.org.