Einstein Elementary Ottermail -- Oct. 3, 2011 -- Issue 6

Wow! How quickly the weather can change! I'm sure you are well aware that kids spent some time outside playing in the rain during recess last week! Students in our school district have recess every day except during severe rain, snow, lightning, or high winds. As a reminder, children should be dressed for our Northwest weather, including some sort of headgear and a raincoat.

Information related to things like recess and many other important topics can be found in the Einstein Parent/Student Handbook that was recently sent home. The purpose of this handbook is to proactively inform students and parents of the expectations at Einstein Elementary, because we want everyone to be successful and have a safe school year.

At the beginning of the year, the staff at Einstein took time to go over the Student Management expectations with students and will continue to review them throughout the year. We ask that you take a few minutes to review that section of the handbook with your child too. After doing so, please sign and date the contract on the last page of the handbook and return the bottom portion as soon as possible.

Have a great week!

Melissa Pointer

Principal

Versións en español que se encuentra aquí

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** SCHOOL NEWS **

Correction to Last Week's Principal's Message

There was an incorrect Web site address printed in last week's Principal's Message. To go to the State Report Card for "...tools you can use to do more thorough analysis" on AYP scores, the correct link is here.

Our apologies for the error and any inconvenience!

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Reading is Out of this World

This week is the "Reading is Out of this World" Book Fair, October 3-6. We are open in the library during recess times and from noon until 4:00 on M-T-TH; 2-4 on Wednesday.

Remember you can also order books online this year. Visit this link to view our book fair page: http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/ein.

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Join "Walk to School" Day on October 5

Einstein students and parents are encouraged to join families around the world to celebrate the benefits of walking to school. We're joining this international, annual event this Wednesday, October 5, for several reasons:

Promote physical activity and friendlier neighborhoods, as families get out and interact with one another.
Improve neighborhood safety.
Increase awareness of how walkable a community is and take back neighborhoods for people on foot.
Reduce traffic congestion, pollution, and speed near schools.

Tips for parents who live a long distance from school:

Park at a friend's house that lives closer to Einstein and walk together.
Park at PCC and walk up the hill to Einstein along 116th. Give your family plenty of time because it is a steep hill.

For family safety during the event, please walk along sidewalks and cross only at corners or marked crosswalks. Contact Karen Williams for more information at 425-558-9369 or visit http://www.walktoschool.org/.

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Elementary Quest Program for Highly Capable Students (Grades 2-5)

The Elementary Quest Program is accepting applications for students who enter grades 2-5 in the 2012-13 school year. Applications are available from October 3 until October 28, 2011 at 4pm.

Parents are invited to attend one of the Quest Information Nights. Details can be found at http://www.lwsd.org/quest. Attendance at this meeting is not required to apply. Contact the Quest office at 425-936-1238 or quest@lwsd.org with questions.

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** PTSA NEWS **

Final Day for Otter Grant Applications

Have a Great Idea that just needs funding? Today is the final day to submit an application to the Otter Grant program. Parents, teachers, or staff members can apply to fund projects, programs or materials that would benefit the students at our school.

Program guidelines cover everything you want to know about the process. Applications are due today, Monday, October 3.

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Northwest Gift Collection Drive Is Underway

Our Fall Fundraiser kicked off last week with an assembly for all the students. The new catalog is filled with great gift ideas--wrapping paper, candy, magazines, and much more.

The fundraiser only runs until October 13, so get your shopping in early. Items purchased will be delivered before the Thanksgiving break. Happy shopping!!

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2011-12 Reflections Program Theme is "Diversity Means..."

The Einstein PTSA is proud to once again be participating in the National PTA Program Reflections. The program offers students the opportunity to create works of art for fun and recognition.

Encouraging your child to submit an entry this year is one way you can promote the arts in your home and at our school. Students K-6 can submit works of art in 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).

The deadline for entry is 4pm on October 28. Rules and application documents can be found here. For more information, please contact Laura D'Urso at reflections@einsteinptsa.org.

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Your PTSA Dollars at Work

Here are some important programs the PTSA has funded in September:

Art Enrichment
Teacher Grants
Classroom Chess
Staff Appreciation
Volunteer Appreciation
Dance Night
Spelling Club

Thank you for your support!

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** COMMUNITY NEWS **

Lake Washington School District (LWSD) does not sponsor, endorse or recommend any of the organizations, services, or activities described in these materials.

Northwest Glass Pumpkin Patch: Issaquah, Oct. 8

Free Event Sponsored by the Tacoma Glassblowing Studio! Admission is free; pumpkin prices range from $35+. More details.

Featuring 2000+ hand-blown glass pumpkins crafted by local glass artisans; wander through a dazzling array of one-of-a kind glass pumpkins in a variety of colors, shapes, sizes, and price ranges. These glass art pumpkins are perfect for the autumn season, yet beautiful enough to display year-round. This event is RAIN or SHINE!

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Contacts

Einstein Elementary School

Principal: Melissa Pointer, MPointer@lwsd.org
Office Manager: Judy Norman, JNorman@lwsd.org

Secretary: Bobbie Jo Connors, BConnors@lwsd.org

Phone: 425-936-2540

Albert Einstein Elementary PTSA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization

PTSA President: Deva Demeter
PTSA Newsletter Editors: Candice Giffin, Lisanne Schliemann, & Mala Mehta