Central Elementary School PTO

It's Time for Summer Reading!

2011-05-31T10:30:00.000-04:00

We all know that summer is a great time for kids to unwind from the rigors of the schoolyear....but did you know that students can lose up to one month of their literacy achievement during the 'summer slide'?

Here are some tips to help you keep up the good work that your student accomplished this school year!

Top Ten Tips for Turning up the Heat on Summer Reading:

1. Make reading a part of your daily routine. Set a specific time - after lunch; while mom or dad is prepping dinner; before bed. Include the whole family in reading time!

2. Be sure to stock your shelves with books. Visit the library and the bookstore, or borrow books from friends and neighbors. Visit readingrockets.org for suggested book lists, and be sure to visit the section especially for parents!

3. Use websites like amazon.com as a tool to find other great books your child will love. Search for a book s/he has previously enjoyed, and browse the suggestions that appear at the bottom of the page. Ask friends for recommendations, too!

4. Encourage your kids to talk about books! Form a casual book club - you and your child can read the same book and talk about it, or your child and a friend could do the same. Encourage your kids to look for connections between what they're reading and their everyday lives.

5. Make sure a book isn't too difficult for your child to read independently: Listen to your child read the first page of a book. If s/he cannot read more than 3 words (out of about 100 words) on the page, the book is too hard for him or her to read independently. Help your child find an easier book and save the harder book to read aloud together.

6. Set a goal - either individually or as a family. Could your child read 20 books this summer? Could your family read 100? Challenge yourself and find out! Consider keeping a paper or online log of books you’ve read, or a paper chain listing the titles, or even a “virtual bookshelf” displayed in your home.

7. Going on a road trip? Stop by the bookstore or the library and pick up a book on CD that the whole family might enjoy. (You might even be so lucky as to avoid the inevitable “Are we there yet?” if you choose several captivating stories to hear)

8. Once your child has finished a book they have enjoyed, invite them to call, email, or Skype with Grandma and Grandpa to tell them all about it. Better yet – give Grandma and Grandpa the book title in advance and they can talk about the book together.

9. Remember that reading is reading. If you have a reluctant reader in your house, keep in mind that any practice is good practice. Encourage them to read an easy book to a younger sibling or neighbor, or the directions off the brownie mix you’re preparing; hand them the comics section from Sunday’s newspaper.

10. The best way to become a better reader is to read. Think of reading as an investment – the upfront cost is free, yet the dividends are enormous.

“TV. If kids are entertained by two letters, imagine the fun they'll have with twenty-six. Open your child's imagination. Open a book.” -Author Unknown

-Tips by Anne Carter

Papa John's Pizza Night Flyer

2011-03-23T12:26:00.000-04:00

24 Game Tournament Volunteers NEEDED

2011-03-23T08:24:00.000-04:00

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

WHO: Fluvanna County Public Schools

WHAT: Needs about 30 volunteers to run the 24 Game Tournament to celebrate the wonderfully-talented elementary and middle school students who love math so much that they want to spend time after school in a math competition!

WHEN: On Thursday, March 24, 2011. 3:45-5:30p.m.

WHERE: At Fluvanna Middle School’s Gymnasium.

HOW: If you would like to support kids who love math, sign up to help!

Contact Brenda Gilliam, 589-8208. bgilliam@mail.fluco.org

The 24® Game involves a deck of cards, each showing four whole numbers between 1 and 9. When presented with a card, the players strive to be the first to combine the four numbers to make 24 using only addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. In addition to supporting pattern recognition, mental-math, and problem-solving abilities, this game has proven to elicit a high level of interest and excitement in Math from students. For more information, visit www.24game.com.

Grades 3-8 are participating in this academic tournament. The top 4 students per grade level will be presented with awards, and will go on to compete in the Regional 24 Math Tournament at Prospect Heights Middle School in Orange on April 14, 2011. All students who participate in Fluvanna’s tournament will receive a certificate of recognition.

Volunteers are needed to monitor the tournaments, keep score, and uphold tournament rules.

No math skills necessary!

We look forward to your support of our students in this wonderful opportunity.

Donate Glue Sticks!

2011-02-23T14:09:00.000-05:00

Ten little gluesticks on a cart

Look so pretty and warm my heart

Nine little gluesticks come right back

Ready to serve when I pack

Eight little gluesticks still work well

Two didn?t even say farewell

Seven gluesticks getting sticky

Kids complain that they are icky

Six little gluesticks wearing out

They might not make it, that I doubt

Five little gluesticks roll around

Hoping sadly not to be found

Four little gluesticks left in the cart

Not enough to do their art

Three little gluesticks lose their tops

We can?t find ?em, call the cops!

Two little gluesticks lose their moxy

And get recycled in the boxy

One little glue stick all alone

All used up and on its own.

It's that time of year. We are disastrously out of gluesticks.

Send them in to the main office attention the ART DEPARTMENT, Thanks!

2010-12-08T17:09:00.000-05:00

Central Elementary School is having the Annual Holiday Bazaar this Saturday---with Santa Pictures, a Santa Store and a Pancake Breakfast for only $2 (pancakes, sausage and a drink)---you can't get that at McDonalds.

Help is still needed though!!! We need parents to take hour long shifts----help support the school and come flip pancakes, work the Santa Store, etc. Your help is GREATLY APPRECIATED!! If you can help, please contact Aimee Carter at aimeeecarter@hotmail.com

Central Elementary PTO Annual Holiday Bazaar is THIS Saturday!

The Holiday Bazaar will be held Saturday, December 11

9:00 a.m.— 12:00 p.m. at Central Elementary

Pancake Breakfast 9:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m.

$2.00 per plate: includes pancakes, sausage links and a beverage

Children’s Gift Shop
most gifts under $10 for parents, siblings, grandparents and pets

Free Pictures with Santa

And over a dozen local vendors and crafters

Volunteer Shifts Still Available:
contact Aimee Carter at aimeeecarter@hotmail.com

Clothing Needs

2010-11-23T17:59:00.000-05:00

Clothes Needed for the Nurses Station:

The number one need is for new or genlty used underpants for both boys and girls, sizes 4/5 up to 7/8.
They could also use some elastic waist sweatpants or leggings, sizes 4/5 up to 7/8.
Socks would also be helpful, sizes from kids 10/11 to 4/5.

Again, if you are able to donate these items there will be boxes in both the main office and west wing office marked for 'Nurses Station Clothing Needs', or feel freet o take them directly to the nurses station located by the main office.

Thank you so much for your help!

Food Drive Totals

2010-11-21T22:25:00.002-05:00

Thank you to everyone who brought in food for the Food Bank. Thanks to your WONDERFUL donations we collected over 4000 items.

The winning classes are:

K---Strickland with 223 items

1--Whitesell with 139 items

2-- Eldridge--141 items

3--Barnett--122 items

4--Powell--276 items

5--Switzer--260 items

Thank you to ALL of the students and staff who helped to provide the food bank with a HUGE supply of food. You should all be very proud of yourselves. Stay tuned to the date with Mrs.Valentine will have a pie thrown in her face.

Food Drive....Last Week

2010-11-16T06:52:00.000-05:00

We are in the last week of our Food Drive. All food must in be in by Friday. At this time we have collected 1, 618 food items.

The leading classes for each grade level are:
K--Cooper--41 items

1--Whitesell--103 items

2--Denby--24 items

3--Sissler--40 items

4--Powell--205 items

5--Switzer--144 items
At the end of this week the winning classes in each grade level will receive a popcorn party. Our goal is 2,600 items. If we reach our goal of 2, 600 items, a student will get to throw a pie in one of your principal's face. So lets work hard this week to reach our goal. Bring in that food!

Food Drive Update

2010-11-08T16:46:00.002-05:00

We are in the 2nd week of our Food Drive. Please continue to bring in your unexpired food items for the Fluvanna County Food Bank. The Food Drive goes until Friday, Nov. 19. As of Friday, we've collected 710 items. The following classes are leading for each grade level:

Kindergarten--Edwards--8 items

1st--Whitesell--60 items

2nd----Denby--19 items

3rd--Williams--14

4th--Powell--77

5th--Switzer--92

Just a reminder that the winning class for each grade level will receive a popcorn party so keep bringing in your items. Help us reach our goal of 2600 items.

DO YOU HAVE AN EYE FOR ART?

2010-11-03T12:52:00.002-04:00

If you are interested in helping the PTO judge the Red Ribbon Week T-shirt Designing entries please email nicipfeiffer@embarqmail.com. We plan to meet at Central on Monday (11/8) at 10:45 to judge!

Food Drive Volunteers

2010-11-02T10:13:00.000-04:00

The PTO needs volunteers to help with the Food Drive at Central. We are going to each classroom on Fridays (11/5, 11/12, and 11/19) to collect the boxes of food that they have brought in. We need volunteers to help us collect the boxes and give each class a new one. If you are available to help please let me know my email nicipfeiffer@embarqmail.com

3rd Annual Special Needs Conference and Resource Fair

2010-11-02T09:55:00.000-04:00

PREP/Parent Resource Center, in collaboration with the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), will sponsor a free conference and resource fair for parents, families, and community members who are involved with children with special needs.

The conference will take place on Saturday, November 13, 2010, 8:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Parent Resource Center/Ivy Creek School Building, 225 Lambs Lane, Charlottesville. The conference will highlight issues such as Writing Successful IEPs, Assistive Technology, Parent Advocacy, Family Dynamics, Sensory Strategies, and Understanding Educational Testing.

In addition to the conference, a resource fair will take place throughout the day. The fair will provide participants an opportunity to meet with many local agencies and organizations that provide services and support for individuals with disabilities. Continental breakfast and lunch are provided, giving parents an opportunity to network with each other.

Limited childcare and translation services are available. For more information call (434) 975-9400 ext. 68032 or sblech@k12albemarle.org

Donations needed

2010-11-01T07:35:00.000-04:00

For the upcoming Veteran's Concert (Nov. 9) we are seeking donations of 2-liter bottles of ginger ale to be used in the punch at the reception following the concert. If you are able to donate these please email Melissa Kraft at melissakraft25@yahoo.com

On Nov 12^th, we will be showing our appreciation for the custodial staff at Central Elementary by having a chili lunch for them. We need a few items donated, if you wish to help. Currently, we need: cornbread, chili toppings (such as sour cream and cheese), tortilla chips, soda and dessert. Also, we plan to present each one of them with a $10.00 Wal-Mart gift card. We currently have two gift cards and need 5 more. If you wish to contribute to the lunch, please contact Charli Nolan at charlinolan@yahoo.com or Melissa Kraft at melissakraft25@yahoo.com.

Yearbooks

2010-10-31T14:02:00.000-04:00

Just a reminder to order your yearbook now for the best rate.

$17 cash/check to Central Elem or $16 if ordered online at http://www.jostensyearbook.com/

Prices will increase in January.

If you have any photos from the beginning of school, Fall Festival, field trips, or simply visits to classrooms please forward them to kreidham@comcast.net.

You can also post your photos directly to http://www.images.jostens.com/

ID: 400052032

Password: yearbook

Food Drive at Central

2010-10-27T18:35:00.000-04:00

CENTRAL PTO FOOD DRIVE

Help Support the Fluvanna County Food Bank

November 1st—November 19

Goal: 2,600 items

Please send only non perishable and
unexpired food items (no glass).

Items Needed:

*Thanksgiving items
*Muffin/Bread/Pancake Mixes
*Hot &Cold Cereals &Granola Bars
*Boxed/Canned Potatoes & Soups/Stews
*Canned Vegetables &Fruits
*Tuna Fish, Pasta, Rice, Beans
*Peanut Butter &Jelly (no glass)
*Snack Items
*Any other non perishable
and unexpired food items

The classes that bring in the most items per grade level will receive a popcorn party!

Contact Melissa Kraft (PTO Hospitality Chair) for questions:melissakraft25@yahoo.com
434-227-4090

Use your Voice!

2010-10-11T20:46:00.000-04:00

Use your voice to support the teachers and staff of Central at the next School Board Meeting on Wednesday, October 13th at 7 PM

This meeting will be to speak about Federal allocations which could be spent for salaries that were reduced, the cost of increased health care, and possibly new positions -we need another Assistant Principal. This position was cut last year and not filled. In addition, we are in need of additional staff members such as SPED teachers, which we've lost one for the past five years without filling which means increased caseload sizes and more difficulty in meeting these student's needs. We also only have one full time secretary for 1400 students. The other outstanding individuals you see in the main office are instructional aides. Lastly, we have two guidance employees for 1400 students. These are the "big" request that we plan for the following school year budget. Central staff are under a lot right now with being in school of improvement and the increased workloads that have been placed on all teachers throughout the country, but especially in schools of improvement.

Bus Driver Appreciation Breakfast

2010-10-05T08:17:00.002-04:00

On October 15th, we are showing our bus drivers how much we appreciate all that they do by having a breakfast for them! For this event, we need food that the bus drivers can “grab n’ go” as many of them have other jobs and time constraints. Items like muffins, granola bars, donuts, bagels, breads & mini quiches, fruit (apples, oranges, bananas, etc), and small bottles or cans of juice are ideal. If you are interested in contributing items or you would like to help hand out breakfast for the drivers, please contact Charli Nolan at charlinolan@yahoo.com.

October is Disability Awareness Month

2010-09-29T17:49:00.000-04:00

Kick off Disability Awareness Month in October with

pre–school friends and family at

Central Elementary School

Friday, October 1, 2010

8:30 am—9:15 am in the Atrium

Listen to a story and enjoy a movie about adventure,

courage, and teamwork! Free, refreshments served

Sponsored by PREP/Parent Resource Center

(975-9400 ext 68032) or www.prep-prc.org

Box Tops

2010-09-26T21:16:00.000-04:00

Hello Parents and Guardians,
Welcome to another great year at Central Elementary! My name is Christine Kreitzman and I’m the volunteer coordinator for Box Tops for Education. Our goal is to help raise money for Central’s PTO. Last year we raised almost $3,000!
Box Tops offers three easy ways to earn cash for our school through everyday activities such as buying groceries, shopping online and purchasing books.

Clip — Clip Box Top coupons from hundreds of participating products and send them to school. Box Tops are worth 10¢ each when our school redeems them from Box Tops for Education. Just cut the box top off the box and send to school with your child. You can find box tops on all General Mills cereal boxes, Kleenex tissues (on bottom), Pillsbury items and many more.

Shop — Shop at your favorite online stores through the Box Tops MarketplaceSM (btfe.com/marketplace). Up to 8% of each qualifying purchase is automatically donated to our school. There is no additional cost to your purchase and many exclusive deals and discounts can be found!

Buy books — Purchase books online at Barnes & Noble through the Box Tops Reading RoomSM. Our school will receive 6% of your new book purchases and 3% of all other online purchases.

One of the easiest ways you can help is to sign up to support our school at btfe.com. You will learn about new and easy ways to help our school earn the extra cash it needs.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at: ckreitzman@mail.fluco.org

First PTO General Meeting of the Schoolyear!

2010-09-20T20:56:00.000-04:00

The PTO will have it's first general meeting on Tuesday, September 28th from 6:45 to 8:00 PM

You won't want to miss this meeting....

The new principal of Central, Mrs. Amy Barnabei will be there to answer your questions!!!For your question to be answered at the meeting please email it to nicipfeiffer@embarqmail.com by the 26th!
Also, students from each grade will be presenting what will be accomplished this year!
The IHOP General Manager will bet here to present the money the PTO earned from the first IHOP School night!

See you there!

Volunteer Opportunities

2010-09-12T16:30:00.000-04:00

The PTO has 2 events this month that we need parent volunteers for! If you are able to help out with the following please email Charli Nolan, the PTO Volunteer Coordinator at charlinolan@yahoo.com

The United Way Day of Caring is Wednesday, September 22nd. For this event approximately 30 volunteers from companies in our surrounding community take time from their busy schedules to volunteer their time for projects. Central Elementary School has submitted 4 projects this year for volunteers to come out the school and complete. The PTO provides breakfast and lunch for the volunteers that arrive on the 22nd to give them the energy to work hard to help our school. We need parents to help by providing breakfast items that can be eaten quickly (muffins, biscuits, fruit, etc.). We also need parents to volunteer their time that day from 7:30-9:30 to set up the breakfast items, check in the United Way volunteers, and then clean up from breakfast, and also from 11:15-12:45 to set up lunch, serve lunch, and then to help clean up. If you are able to help with these things please contact Charli Nolan at charlinolan@yahoo.com
Friday, September 24th is Cafeteria Workers Appreciation Day. We would like to show our Cafeteria Workers how much we appreciate all they do for our children by serving them Brunch. We are looking for parents to provide brunch type items (breakfast casseroles, quiches, fruit salads and breakfast breads) for the 20 workers. Please contact Charli Nolan at charlinolan@yahoo.com if you can provide something for the brunch. We will also need a few parents to help set up,serve, and clean up from 9:30-11:30 am that day.

Thanks so much for the wonderful parents at Central Elementary School, you are so awesome at lending a hand and supporting the staff at the school!

IHOP School Nights

2010-09-10T07:34:00.003-04:00

ANNOUNCING: School Nights at IHOP! The 3rd Wednesday of each month (except December) from 4-9 p.m.

Join Central Elementary School’s PTO on the 3rd Wednesday of each month for School Night at Spring Creek IHOP behind the Best Western at Zion Crossroads

Wear your Central gear to show your spirit!

Eat between 4-9 PM, present this flyer when you pay to give back 25%* of your total to Central’s PTO!

School Night Dates:

September 15th

October 20th

November 17th

January 19th

February 16th

March 16th

April 20th

May 18th

We will have tables in front of the resturant where you can purchase Central T-shirts and other merchandise to show your spirit!!!

Volunteer!

2010-09-08T07:34:00.000-04:00

Parents if you can volunteer in ANY capacity...
help the PTO know when you are available by taking this QUICK survey
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JBN2HDT

Piedmont Regional Education Center (PREP)/Parent Resource Center

2010-09-06T21:27:00.000-04:00

Hello Central Parents,
Parents play a vital role in their child’s education. Studies show a strong correlation between family involvement and student outcomes, including student achievement. This relationship holds true for families of all economic, racial/ethnic, and educational backgrounds and for students of all ages, with and without disabilities.

The Parent Resource Center operates on the philosophy that parents are a valuable resource in planning the education of their special needs childs. Schools can be more effective when parents actively participate in the process.

At the Parent Resource Center you can:

Learn how special education works
Learn how to work with the school system effectively and how to solve problems
Meet other parents of children with special needs
Borrow materials from our lending library, which is available to the general public
Learn what having a child with special needs means to a family
Learn about the many different ways, from self-contained to inclusive classrooms, special education services can be provided
Connect with resources in the community for children with and without special needs

Our phone number is (434) 975-9400 ext. 68032 and email is sblech@k12albemarle.org . I am available to meet with you individually, or talk by phone or email. Evening hours by appointment.
Sign up here for our monthly email newsletter! sblech@k12albemarle.org

You can find us online at www.prep-prc.org , where you can view a listing of library books and videos, upcoming events and trainings, and information about community resources. The Parent Resource Center offers free workshops and training, information about parent support groups, and in-person and telephone/email support and consultation. Our services are available at no charge to parents, guardians, community agencies, and others with (or who work with) children ages birth to 21, regardless of whether enrolled in public school, private school, preschool, or at home.

The Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) which advises the School Board about issues concerning students with special needs is always looking for new members. For more information contact your Special Education Director.

Save The Date! Free Parent Conference, limited childcare available.
3rd Annual Live and Learn Parent Conference and Resource Fair

Saturday, November 13, 2010, 8:30 am – 1:30 pm

Sessions include Sensory Strategies, Assistive Technology, Family Dynamics, Writing Successful IEPs, and more! Network with other families; browse our resource fair with 40+ local agencies represented.

For more information call (434) 975-9400 ext. 68032 or sblech@k12albemarle.org . This event is sponsored by PREP/Parent Resource Center and your Special Education Advisory Committee

This post written by Sarah Blech, Coordinator PREP/Parent Resource Center 225 Lambs Lane

Charlottesville, Virginia 22901
(434) 975-9400 x 68032
www.prep-prc.org

Supplies Needed for Nurses Station

2010-09-06T21:18:00.000-04:00

The nurses station is in need of gently used, clean clothing sizes 4-12....specifically from the nurses the need is for underwear, shorts, and pants....they have a pretty good supply of shirts at this time.

If you are able to donate please send them in to the Nurses Station and know that they are greatly appreciated!