Scribd Logo
Upload

Welcome to Scribd!

  • 185 views

    Volume 12 Issue 10 (June)

    Uploaded by

    SCESAdministrator
    This newsletter provides information about upcoming events at Sligo Creek Elementary School and recognizes student and parent achievements. It discusses the school's challenges with budget cuts but emphasizes maintaining a positive outlook. It announces new PTA officers and lists students who have advanced in the recorder karate music program. The principal's letter addresses classroom placements for the next school year and thanks the community for their support during a time of transition.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    Volume 12 Issue 10 (June)

    Uploaded by

    SCESAdministrator
    185 views4 pages
    This newsletter provides information about upcoming events at Sligo Creek Elementary School and recognizes student and parent achievements. It discusses the school's challenges with budget cuts but emphasizes maintaining a positive outlook. It announces new PTA officers and lists students who have advanced in the recorder karate music program. The principal's letter addresses classroom placements for the next school year and thanks the community for their support during a time of transition.

    Copyright

    © Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)

    Available Formats

    PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    Did you find this document useful?

    Is this content inappropriate?

    This newsletter provides information about upcoming events at Sligo Creek Elementary School and recognizes student and parent achievements. It discusses the school's challenges with budget cuts but emphasizes maintaining a positive outlook. It announces new PTA officers and lists students who have advanced in the recorder karate music program. The principal's letter addresses classroom placements for the next school year and thanks the community for their support during a time of transition.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    185 views4 pages

    Volume 12 Issue 10 (June)

    Uploaded by

    SCESAdministrator
    This newsletter provides information about upcoming events at Sligo Creek Elementary School and recognizes student and parent achievements. It discusses the school's challenges with budget cuts but emphasizes maintaining a positive outlook. It announces new PTA officers and lists students who have advanced in the recorder karate music program. The principal's letter addresses classroom placements for the next school year and thanks the community for their support during a time of transition.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    You are on page 1of 4

    Sligo Creek Elementary School

    PTA Newsletter
    Volume 12, Issue 10 Friday, June 10, 2011
    difference between saying (to another Sligo Creek parent, a neighbor, or a friend at a soccer game): "our school is having problems," versus "we're doing pretty well, all things considered, and we're working on the other stuff." The former makes us feel bad about our school and ourselves and gives us an (undeserved) bad reputation in the neighborhood and among elementary schools. The latter recognizes that we've got challenges, but keeps us grounded in what's good about our community of parents, teachers, and kids. We want to keep the challenges we face in perspective. To that end, let's talk about something else: HOW ABOUT THAT FIELD DAY!!! We had a flood of parents come out to help more than one parent per activity (and there were more than 30 activities), which is great! Mr. Brinson has told us that what he loves about the parents here is how we show up when we're needed and do what needs to be done. Indeed, that's the case across the board weve had great showings for teacher appreciation week, beautification day, and so on. So whether you have volunteered for ten minutes or for days at a time, THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS SO GENEROUSLY GIVEN OF YOUR TIME AND TALENT TO MAKE THIS YEAR'S PTA A USEFUL AND VITAL PART OF SLIGO CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. (continued on page 2)

    PTA Presidents Corner


    We have a great school for our children. We have excellent, professional teachers who pay close attention to our kids, who teach well, and who care about their students. We have a dedicated principal who stands behind our teachers and their work. We have a great staff that keeps our facility clean and running smoothly. And we have super, dedicated parents who give their time and attention directly to the school and by way of the PTA. We've spent a lot of time lately discussing issues of school administration, including the budget and budget cuts, boundaries, class sizes, teacher frustration, and academic differentiation. Some of these are broad problems facing all of MCPS and Montgomery County. Others are local problems that are specific to our school which have been exacerbated by the County's budget woes. These issues have taken up quite a bit of attention and time this school year, and will continue to do so next year. But these are challenges, not fate. It's not a disaster. The PTA is doing our best to meet these challenges by hunting for additional resources from MCPS, raising our concerns with the school board, and developing plans within the PTA to directly support programs at school that have been cut by MCPS. We see another challenge: keeping a positive outlook in the face of these challenges. It's the

    Principals Letter
    Dear Parents, I am not sure why this month is filled with so much to do. This year has been filled with change, uncertainty and an unstoppable desire by the staff to move forward, maintain our focus and press forward with our vision for children. A community meeting was held earlier this week related to many changes for the upcoming year. A copy of the notes from the meeting will be posted on the Sligo Creek list serve. Please contact [email protected] if you do not have access to the list serve and would like a copy of the meeting notes. Our master schedule is in place for the coming year and while there are some changes in our schedule they are minimal. Prior to the opening of school, our master schedule will be posted on our website. There will be several changes in classroom locations for next year so that grade level teams are in close proximity. To make that possible, we are moving the science lab down on the main hallway. (continued on page 2)

    Page | 1

    (Principals Letter continued from page 1) rd th This will allow all 3 and 4 grade classes to be near each other. This is the first time in years that we have been able to do that. This is also the time of year when parents begin calling and emailing requests for classroom placement for the coming year. There is a great deal to be considered when placing students in a class. We look at many factors in making placements. We consider the total make up of the class as well as the teaching style of the teacher and the specific learning styles of students. Student profile sheets were sent home so that we have an opportunity to gain additional insight from you related to your child. I respectfully request that parents refrain from requesting a specific teacher. We do not consider parent requests in making classroom decisions. To honor one request would mean that we should honor all requests and that is just not possible. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Post cards will be send home in early August from your childs new teacher. With our boundary changes, we will sadly be telling some of our second grade students good bye (PTA Presidents Corner continued from page 1) Over the summer, we'll be planning our activities for next year. We're thinking big - what about starting a PTA-sponsored outdoor classroom that would eventually have a fish pond, plants, paths, and shaded spots for classes to sit and count butterflies? What about a PTA-curated science lab, (at least until we have a dedicated science teacher) with fully stocked supplies (so teachers don't have to worry if there are enough test tubes), and an

    when school closes. They recently visited their new school, Piney Branch and were greeted with open arms. With the many challenges that have resulted in the boundary changes, we still have had an extremely successful year. Careful planning has gone into the coming school year. We have reallocated resources, adjusted roles and responsibilities and have the utmost confidence that you child will receive the quality instructional program that we all expect. The PTA has continued to work with MCPS and Sligo Creek to be supportive and collaborative throughout this time of transition. We will be available throughout the summer with adjusted summer hours. Please feel free to contact us with questions or concerns over the summer. Just call first. As always, this is truly a time for your family. The elementary years are a short span in the life of your child, but critical ones. Enjoy the special opportunities that summer affords. We will see you in August. Sincerely, Diantha Swift

    aquarium to hatch native fish to restock Sligo Creek (like we used to do). And of course, we'll continue our successful programs such as the book fair, the science speakers, staff appreciation, fall festival, socials, mini-grants, and so forth. Thanks again. See you in 11 weeks or so. Diane Kelleher & Stuart Kern PTA co-Presidents

    A Note From Mme Gouin


    I want to take this opportunity to say good-bye to the Sligo Creek E.S. community for an excellent 11 years as an educator at Sligo Creek E.S. It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with the students, the staff and the parents of this school for the past 11 years, and with the immersion program for 31 years. I have made many important and valuable friendships both within the staff and within the parent community; I have met and taught smart, interesting students from whom I have learned a lot; I have been the fortunate recipient of a generous PTAs bounty, both with food, financial support for staff and with appreciation gifts. Thank you all! I look forward to the next stage of my life, but It is hard to say:

    Au revoir et merci!

    Upcoming PTA and School Events


    Friday, June 10 Art Show and PTA End of the Year Social, 6:00 8: 00 pm Wednesday, June 15 5th grade Promotion party Thursday, June 16 Last day of school for students; half day
    Page | 2

    Friday, June 17 Professional day for teachers Thursday, June 23 Report cards mailed

    PTA Officers for Next Year


    Nominations for the 2011-2012 PTA Officers were presented at the June 7th PTA meeting. All nominations were accepted and the following people were voted in as our incoming PTA officers. Thank you to everyone who helped with the nomination process and congratulations to our new officers! Co-Presidents: Diane Kelleher and Stuart Kern Vice President for Communications and Outreach: Debbie Boger Vice President for Events and Fundraising: Susan Dahiya Vice Presidents for Academic Support: Gabe Gonzalez and Alice Vorosmarti Treasurer: Andrew Schulman Secretary: Open

    Recorder Karate Music Program Update


    Third, Fourth, and Fifth grade students are continuing to make progress toward reading musical notes and songs, while studying how to play the recorder instrument. The students listed below have achieved Black Belt status because they have mastered nine different songs. Each Recorder Karate Song gradually increases a level of musical skill and introduces a new musical concept. After each song is tested/performed by a student, they receive a different color belt for each song that they have mastered. Many of our 4th and 5th graders who have passed the Black Belt requirements are working on advanced recorder music in a duet format. Students who successfully pass/test for each duet, receive a master Twister Belt. In the Twister Belt sequence, there are 8 different colored twister belts, and once that is completed, there is a silver and gold belt, awarded to students who play in different meters and genres. Congratulations to all of members of our 2011 Recorder Karate Black Belt Team! Congratulations also to the students who have achieved Gold Belt Status. Keep up the great work! You are awesome! Black Belt Team Alex Gramaglia Alex Mentzell Alex Robbins Allegra Levone Allison Duenas Anja Prien Anna Hosh Avi Krishan Belen Floreza Betselot Shifferraw Bianca Hernandez Bitanya Zewdie Caitlin Buckley Callum Vicary Camille Valentine Caroline Neff Carroll Swain Celia Montes-Sharp Charlery Kentiaus Charles Edwards Chaylin Henderson Chinh Nguyen Chloe Palmer Claire Haeberle Cooper Abrahams Drew DeShano Edgar Alcocer Elijah Schulman Elizabeth Isaacson Elizabeth Kelley-Kern Ella Gilligan Ella Glass Ellie Williams Elliot Verburg Emma Jennings Emma McIntyre Emmett Adler Erick Difiore Ethan Litmans Evan Hall Gabrielle Jakobsberg Garrett Kerns Hanan Delil Hayley Cheek Henry Haley Goldman Henry Yuan Ian Becker Jackie Marquez Jackson Hawkins Jackson Lee Jackson W. Hall Jacob Benda Jacob Yank Jonathan Harris Joseph Gabriele Josephine Briand Julian Drumwright Julian Gray Kayla Jocktane Kevin Lemus Lauren Finlay Marike Pinsonneault Marlena Tyldesley Matthew Rice Max Spiegel Maya Hammond Michelle Malcioln Mikaela Moore Morgane Thompson Noelle McKoy Olivia Gonzalez Olivia Speaks Olivia Swain Pavithra Vaidyanathan Quinn Buckley Rachel Martin Raviv Levone Reina Coulibaly Richman Maia Samantha Ebong Sebastien Kraft Sophia Lindsay Talia Appelman Tiama Essama-Ayi Tobias Pasternak Tristam Dorr William Speaks William Tawamba William Young Wilver Jimenez Ziad Lien Zoe Drajem Gold Belt Alahna Smith Ally Ratkowski Howe Elizabeth Joseph Jason Salazar Louis-Paul Bama Madeline Merrill Molly Kramer Nicolas Lage Pierre Moglen Rachel Martin Remy Obriani Will Donaldson

    Page | 3

    Second Grade Performance: An American/French Musical Tribute!


    All of our 2nd graders performed an American/French Musical Tribute on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 and on Thursday, June 9, 2011. This American/French Tribute featured all of our 2nd grade students in a choral setting where they sang and moved to childrens French Folk Songs and American Patriotic Songs.

    Two Awards for Mrs. Hochkeppel


    Sligo Creek music teacher, Mrs. Mary Hochkeppel, was recognized with two honors during the Educators Serving the Community (EduSerc) Awards Red Carpet Ceremony at the Strathmore Music Center: Educator Serving the Community Award to an Individual Educator Industry Award in Entertainment / Arts to an Individual

    The EduSerc Program strives to highlight the value of education. For more information on this EduSerc Awards organization go to: http://www.eduserc.org/awards/nominations/nominee.asp?vaac=12

    French Immersion Second Grade Regatta


    French Immersions Grade 2 annual Regatta occurred with the uncontrollable exhilaration of winning accompanined with the agony of defeat and no small amount of splashing, rock throwing and general mayhem along the sunny banks of Sligo Creek on Friday, May 27th. Our student nautical engineers each created boats of 4 wine corks, a few rubber bands and an inspiring sail - guaranteed to charm a win in spite of uncooperative rapids and whirlpools. Following the photo finish twin win, Mme Robinsons and M. Zarbos champions both coming in first, the children and many wonderful, very helpful moms and dads enjoyed a grand djeuner sur lherbe - lunch on the grass - and timeless moments of park fun and frolic. Best of all, there was not a single injury! Recognizing this as Mme Robinsons last regatta and in commemoration of her developing this annual multidisciplinary outing, by unanimous ayes, the event is henceforth to be named La Coupe Robinson Rgate, The Robinson Cup Regatta! Aye, aye!

    SLIGO CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PTA Sligo Creek Elementary School 500 Schuyler Rd Silver Spring MD 20910 PTA Web site: http://www.scespta.org/ Alice Vorosmarti, Newsletter Editor [email protected]

    Diane Kelleher,co- President Stuart Kern, co-President Andrew Schulman, Treasurer Suzanne Chartol, Secretary Jennifer Calvert, Vice President for Events & Fundraising Andrea Savoye, Vice President for Communication & Operations Laura Foradori, co-Vice President for Academic Support Alice Vorosmarti, co-Vice President for Academic Support

    *****Please Note*****
    Next year, in an effort to go green, the PTA Newsletter will be distributed online instead of as a paper copy coming home in the Friday folders. For those families who prefer to continue receiving a paper copy of the newsletter, a paper copy will provided. More information on this will be coming over the summer and in the fall. As always, current and past issues of the newsletter are available on the PTA website. WWW.SCESPTA.ORG

    Page | 4

    You might also like