Shabbat Schmoozer

Friday, August 19th, 2011

SHABBAT SHMOOZER . . .

Congratulations to the Kosowsky family on the birth of Riley, sister for Ethan.

WELCOME BACK

The teachers were really busy during teacher training.  We had some great training sessions and worked so well as a team.  I am excited to introduce our staff:

Ros Slovin –  Office Manager

Pamela Steen –  Infants

Annmarie Pearlstein  –   Infants

Blythe Lipman –   Infants

Bithia Philo  –   Toddlers

Nicki Lasky  –   Twos

Hadassah Sokol –  Twos

Melissa Denton – Threes

Julie Sholem – Threes

Nora Elias –   Pre-K

Rachel Boegner  –  Pre-K (part-time)

Han  –   Custodian

 On Wednesday of Teacher Training we all attended workshops according to the age level taught.  I attended the toddler group with Bithia, where our very own Blythe was the workshop specialist.

It is always good to be amongst other educators, especially when they hear some of our ideas and want to emulate them!

 KABBALAT PANIM (MEET & GREET)

It was gratifying to see so many families present.  This year’s turnout made us all proud to see such dedicated and involved parents.

        FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL

Really?  You would think that this was our 2^nd or 3^rd week already.  The children comfortably moved into their new classrooms with their new teachers.  Over the next couple of months, our infant room will be growing and we can’t wait to have our new babies join us.  We all know how much they are loved by the staff and the kids.

 OUTDOOR CLASSROOM

During Open House I presented the concept of the Outdoor Classroom to the parents present, and it was great to see their enthusiasm and eagerness to help.  So far we have raised $4,000 and need $1,000 more to bring the design team out.  The architect-educator team works closely with our “Dream Team” to create a unique concept plan for our outdoor space.  As well, we will be trained on how to run it.  Their research-based workshops for educators are being used in school systems across the country, and we will be the only school in the Valley who will be certified.

WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN OUR “DREAM TEAM” MADE UP OF TEACHERS AND PARENTS, AND/OR TO MAKE A DONATION TOWARDS THIS PROJECT.

 LUNCHES

Starting next week we will be offering lunches from King Solomons  Pizza every day of the week (including pizza on Fridays as we’ve always done).  Menus are available in the office.

 UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Our new web page is still a work in progress but should be up and running sometime next week.  We will then send out an email with our new web address.

 IT’S A WRAP

Our Innisbrook wrapping paper sale has now officially started.  You have until Monday, September 12^th to place your order.  This is a great fundraiser as 50% of proceeds go to our school – all you have to do is order and tell your friends, neighbors and family as well.  Orders can be placed online at www.innisbrook.com.  Just follow the easy steps on the sheet.  All checks should be made out to the Beth El PTO.  We’d like to thank Amanda Garcia (Halle’s mom in the 2’s class) for coordinating this project.  Questions can be emailed to Amanda at bethelecepto@gmail.com.  Our goal this year is to raise $3,000.  The family who brings in orders totaling the most money will win the display.

 EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

We offer ballet on Mondays, starting September 12^th.  We also have a Yoga specialist who teaches a class on Thursdays from 12:10 – 12:40 p.m.  Tom is going back to school but his partner, Janine is taking over for him.  This class started on Thursday.  There is still space available for both classes for children to sign up.

SIGN ON THE DOTTED LINE

Please remember to sign your child in/out of school each day that your child is here.  It is very important that the books match our classroom attendance sheets in case of an emergency.  It is also mandated by the Arizona Department of Health.

 TRAINING WHEELS

Beth El, the Bureau of Jewish Education and the Hadassah organization are teaming up this year to bring “Training Wheels…Cycling through the Jewish Year” to our Beth El families with children ages 3 – 6.  They meet at 5:30 – 6:45 p.m. once a month on Wednesdays (Sept. 14, Oct. 5, Nov. 9, Dec. 7, Jan. 25, Feb. 22, March 21 and April 18).  The program offers songs, creative activities, and cooking to help make the Jewish holidays come to life for children.  Parents need to accompany their child.  Please take a flier in the office for more details.

 PTO (PARENT/TEACHER ORGANIZATION)

All parents at our school are automatically members of our PTO.  Many schools charge a fee to join but we do not.  However, we cannot have a PTO without a President (or 2 vice presidents), along with other officers.  I would like to thank those parents who have already signed up.

Attached to the sign up board in the office are job descriptions.  Please take a look and select an available position.  Without a PTO there can be no fund-raising or year end auction to raise money for the school to benefit your children.  A portion of the money raised last year will be used for our Outdoor Classroom.

 DATES TO REMEMBER

Wednesday, August 24

PE

Friday, September 2

All School Shabbat

Monday, September 5

Labor Day – no school

Wednesday, September 7

PE

Monday, September 12

Wrapping paper sale ends

Wednesday, September 14

Curriculum night

Wednesday, September 21

PE

Wednesday, September 28

Erev Rosh Hashanah – noon dismissal

Thursday & Friday, September 29 & 30

Rosh Hashanah – no school

Shabbat shalom and have a great weekend.

SARI

 10 WAYS TO GET INVOLVED IN YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATION

1.         Talk with your child every day about his or her school experiences, successes, and worries.

2.         Read the school handbook and all notices that the school sends home.

3.         Meet your child’s teacher and attend parent-teacher conferences when they are offered.

4.         Consult your child’s teacher or school staff whenever you have concerns.

5.         Attend open houses, school events, programs for parents, and school board meetings.

6.         Stay aware of your child’s academic progress.

Praise all earnest efforts and accomplishments.

7          Review homework assignments each day and help your child organize time and work.

8.         Provide learning experiences.  Visit museums, watch educational TV shows, and have books and other learning     materials available at home.

9.         Join the school’s parent-teacher organization and participation in its activities.

10.       Volunteer at school.  From classroom assistance to field trips, school fairs, and fundraisers, there are many   opportunities to offer your services.