Einstein Elementary Ottermail -- Oct. 31, 2011 -- Issue 10

We had SO much fun last week at the dance! Thank you all for coming!! It was fun to see so many kids dancing their hearts out to the various dance routines they learned. I hope you all enjoyed the Thriller routine in particular! The kids worked hard to learn that complicated routine. A big thanks to Mrs. Plate for organizing. I must admit, I learned a thing or two myself. Prior to the dance, I did not know the Macarena! Now, thanks to the great instruction provided by Mrs. Plate and Mrs. Seong, I'm a Macarena expert!!!

In addition to all the fun we have and the incredible things we accomplish academically, one of the things I love so much about the Einstein Community is our generosity. Einstein was fortunate to get an incredible amount of school supplies donated by various community groups and individuals this fall. We have put those supplies to good use but unfortunately we are already running out of a few things. With the implementation of our netbook program, we requested that students bring in their own set of ear buds (headphones) to use when on the netbooks. For sanitary reasons, it has been recommended that students not share ear buds. While ear buds can be purchased for less than $5 in many stores, this is more than some families can afford. For this reason, we are seeking donations of inexpensive ear buds to be kept at school and assigned to specific students. If you are in a position to donate a new pair or two, please drop them off in the office or send them with your student with a note attached. We are also in need of photocopy paper. If you have an extra ream of paper around the house, we would be happy to take if off your hands. Thanks in advance for your generosity!

Have a fantastic week! Can you believe it is already November?!!
Melissa Pointer

Principal

Versións en español que se encuentra aquí

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** SCHOOL NEWS **

Curriculum Update: 2nd Grade

It has been a busy time for second grade! The students have been working hard on their addition and subtraction strategies during math. They have learned how knowing "doubles facts" and "making 10" can aid in adding single digit numbers as well as larger numbers. During reading time, we have been learning the components of the Daily Five, increasing our stamina and independence. The students have also enjoyed honing their writing skills by working on stories and constructing some fabulous 3 and 4 part sentences to share with their classmates.

The kids have especially enjoyed the many creatures inhabiting our class this year. We have been observing and learning about mealworms, caterpillars, and milkweed bugs. They are learning about each insect's life cycle and behaviors. Last month, we were lucky enough to have a visit from Nature Vision where the kids were able to see walking sticks! We have quite a group of scientists.

We are looking forward to our Harvest Party today as well as Math Night on November 17. Mark your calendars! We would love to see you there!

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LWSD Resource for Shifting Grades

Did you know that LWSD.org has a section dedicated to Shifting Grades: The Move to Middle Schools and Four-Year High Schools? Keep up to date on stories and announcements on the Middle and High School plans.

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** PTSA NEWS **

Your PTSA Dollars at Work

Here are some important programs your PTSA dollars funded in the month of October:

IXL Math Curriculum
RazKids Online Curriculum
Otter Grant for Occupational Therapy Equipment
Otter Grant for PE Equipment
PTA Council Membership Dues
Principal Award Program
Volunteer Appreciation
Teacher Grants
Spelling Club

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Reflections: Judging and Reception Details

Thank you to all who submitted entries for the Reflections competition! Judging will occur on Tuesday, November 8.
A Reflections Reception will be held in the school library on Thursday, November 10, from 7:00-8:00 pm to view all entries.

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Another Way to Raise $$ for PTSA: Smith Brothers Farms

Through December 31, 2011, every five people who sign up with Smith Brothers Farms for milk delivery will earn funds for the PTSA and a $20 credit for your first delivery! (5 new customers = $250 for Einstein PTSA)

Just follow these 3 steps:

Visit www.smithbrothersfarms.com and click on "Home Delivery."
Click on "sign up for service" and enter "PTA" for the Promo Code.
A customer service representative will follow up with you to get the name of your school, so that we can give you and your PTSA credit.

Pricing details for Smith Brothers Products.

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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.

Remember to Vote: Nov 8 King County General Election

This is an all-mail election. Instead of going to a polling place, ballots are sent to all registered voters. Completed ballots must be postmarked by November 8.

For more information on the election and issues, please visit the General Election page. Additionally, there is a very interesting online resource called the King County Video Voters' Guide. It is designed to make information about the November 8 General Election more accessible, and assist you in making an informed choice.

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Love and Logic Parenting Series: Mondays thru Nov 28

"BECOMING A LOVE AND LOGIC PARENT" facilitated by Leslie Fields, designed by the Cline/Fay Institute; begins Monday, October 24. Please fill out the form linked above and submit per the instructions provided to register for the series.

Location: Redmond Elementary School Library
Dates: Mondays, October 24 through November 28 (except October 31)
Time: 6:30-8:00pm

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LWSD Non-Discrimination Policy Statement

The Lake Washington School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, gender, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran, military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability, in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Complete policy statement.

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