The Chesterbrook Chronicle

Chesterbrook PTA
IN THIS ISSUE
President's Remarks
PTA Sponsored Activities
PTA Fundraising Activities
Meet Chesterbrook Staff
Upcoming Events
Update on Full Day Kindergarten
Screening of Race to Nowhere
Rising 7th Grade Events
MHS Cheerleading Clinic
Advertising
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PTA Monthly Newsletter
January 
2011 
PRESIDENT'S REMARKS

So there is snow on the ground, and as I look out the window Friday morning, more coming down, the power is out at school, and the kids are home for a 7 day weekend, but we are thinking of summer anyway. SummerQuest is indeed coming! Thanks to Mr. Kohls and Ms. Sweet and the SummerQuest committee (Holley Remer, Megan Dennis, Maryam Redjaee, and Laura Przypyszny) for working hard to get the information out as soon as possible. See below for additional details. 

 

In case you hadn't noticed, we don't have Passport Days anymore, so we have moved our international enrichment to an evening event. Our first annual International Night, Friday, February 4, 6:30-8:30 pm in the cafeteria, will feature food and fun from 14 countries represented within our own Chesterbrook community. Come out and see who we are! Thanks to Nancy Stuckwisch for developing and organizing our new event.

 

Thanks again to Joy Molony for organizing our Whole Foods event last week. It was fun and yummy! See below for more information about what we learned.

 

Finally, it's time to get ready for our Online Auction and Fun Fair. The auction opens February 13 and we still need help getting ready. This is our biggest fundraiser and if we are going to be able to do some work on our outside track and gym floor, we need another big year! Please contact [email protected] if you can help. Fun Fair is March 12. This is a very fun day for all, but it takes alot of volunteers to help. Please contact [email protected] if you can help on a committee and look out for notices from your Room Parents to volunteer on the day of Fun Fair. Each class is asked to round up about 10 volunteers.

 

Thank you and read on for more Chesterbrook PTA news!

Laurie


 

 
PTA SPONSORED ACTIVITIES

                         cooking demo 1

Healthy Lunch Demonstration by Chef Matt
 

 
In continuation of the PTA's health and wellness focus, on January 20th, parents and kids attended a fun cooking demonstration with Chef Matt Finarelli, to learn how to make easy, kid-friendly recipes.  Chef Matt, a local & organic chef, demonstrated creative and tasty food ideas that appeal to kids and the busy parents who feed them.  The program was set up so that students had a front-row seat as Chef Matt prepared a variety of kid-friendly foods.   With each dish, Chef Matt explained how he was preparing the food and talked about the important nutrients in the ingredients he was using.  As he cooked, Chef Matt asked students about their favorite foods and shared that he had some of the same food preferences!   At the end of the demonstration, students put together a plate of food so they could eat what they had just learned to cook.  Chef Matt sent families home with the following recipes: 

-Farfalle Pasta Salad with Tomatoes, Peppers and Mozzarella

-Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing with Veggie Dippers

-Fruit and Yogurt Dipping Sauce with Fresh Fruit Dippers

-Black Bean and Rice Tortilla Wraps

Chef Matt Finarelli, a Northern Virginia native, has been teaching cooking classes for over 7 years.  His  most recent job was with Open Kitchen in Falls Church, where he helped open the restaurant as the Sous Chef and Kitchen Manager. He then struck out on his own as a private culinary instructor. He now teaches classes at Open Kitchen, at Sur La Table in Pentagon Row, for Fairfax County Adult and Community Education and other private one-on-one classes.  Check out Matt's website at http://www.finarelli.com/culinary.html.  

  cooking demo 5cooking demo 1

Whole Foods Market began with 19 people committed to selling the highest quality natural and organic products available. Since then, though the company has grown it has maintained the strictest quality standards in the industry and its commitment to caring about communities and our environment and promoting the health of our stakeholders through healthy eating education. If you'd like to find out more about the ways in which Whole Foods Market can help you, your family, workplace or school eat more whole foods, contact their local marketer, Claire Montaut at [email protected] or 703-448-1600.

                  whole foods logo

International Night at Chesterbrook

By: Nancy Stuckwisch
 

Mark your calendars! February 4th at 6:30 pm is Chesterbrook's first annual International Night. Join us for tasty treats from countries represented in our amazing Chesterbrook community.


If you would like to participate in our new event (which replaces our old Passport Days) as a representative for a country or as general help, please contact Nancy Stuckwisch.

Cultural Arts


In conjunction with Black History month, Williams and Teasley will entertain and educate Chesterbrook students on Abraham Lincoln and others who shaped American history in the program "Living our History, Tracing our Past" on February 10th.  The first showing will be for kindergarten through third graders at 8:45 am and the second for fourth through sixth graders at 9:45 am.  Parents of afternoon kindergartners are welcome to come to the 8:45 am show as long as they stay to watch with the child. 

 
Questions can be directed to Brigitte Peterson, PTA Cultural Arts Chair.

SummerQuest

By: Laurie Plishker
 

Kurt Kohls and Naomi Sweet have been working with teachers to develop camps around a wide range of topics, including some oldies-but-goodies and some brand new, that span age groups and morning and afternoon sessions for each week. Camps will be held the weeks of July 11, 18, and 25, and August 1, with a special pre-session June 27, just for Chinese. Camps run 9 am - 12 pm, 1 - 4 pm, and a new After Camp Fun time from 4-6 pm for children who enroll in the afternoon session. We are still finalizing the camp list so that we can roll all camps out at the same time without adding news ones as time goes on. Watch out for more information in the coming weeks!
 
PTA FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES

     three lane bungee  bounce fun derby

Are You Ready for Fun?
 

Fun Fair is only six weeks away, on March 12th from 10-2 (cafeteria will be open until 2:45 pm). This is one of our biggest fundraisers and requires a lot of volunteers to make it a success. Funds raised will contribute to ongoing PTA activities, such as grade-based academic grants for upcoming Colonial Day, GRECO Day and others, and school support, such as instructional materials  and staff development grants. We are also hoping to generate funds to renovate our outdoor track and gym floor.

This year we have many new things for both parents and children:

* All day wrist bands - pay one price and go on as many moonbouces (five different moonbouces this year, including one just for children who are in first grade or younger), all the carnival games and limited use for pick-a-pocket and cake walk. Food is not included. The wristbands will be sold only during the presale period.  

*Consolidated purchasing online. You can buy your wristbands, tickets,  and donate to cake walk or the balloon raffle all with one payment.

*All new area just for first graders and younger. Separate moonbounce and three carnival games with instant prizes.

*Four different Moonbounces in the gym for second graders and older. Are you ready for a challenge? Stop by the Three Lane Bungee or the Bouncy Fun Derby. Just want to bounce, slide and have fun? Then stop by one of our combo bounces.

*When you are ready for lunch, visit our cafeteria for pizza and new this year Subway sandwiches! Don't forget that sweet treat at our Bake Sale.

*Parents are invited to stop by our new vendor alley where local vendors will be selling their goods.

*Have your child show you their fish they made to help us decorate for our "Under the Sea" theme.

*We are collecting new or gently used stuffed animals and/or books for elementary age for one of our new games.  Donations are welcome and can be deposited in a box outside the Chesterbrook library.

See You at Fun Fair!!!

Trisha Downey and Kim Johnson, [email protected]
Fun Fair Co-Chairs 

Jack Diamond Morning Show

It's Auction Time!

By: Julia Nelson
 

Our annual online auction is a very important fundraiser for our school.  The auction will open in two weeks!  We really need your help now.  We're off to a good start - as of January 25, we have more than 160 auction items (our goal is 300 or more!)  Families will have a chance to bid on such items as a weekend at the beautiful Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, tickets for two adults to attend the Jack Diamond Morning Show, Ridgewells Catering, a private tour of the National Archives, a variety of children's  books and games, and much, much more.  There are items in all price ranges!  To see the items we have so far, visit our Auction website www.biddingforgood.com/chesterbrook

 

Please consider donating an item or a service or ask someone to do so.  It's great publicity for any donor as we provide an image, such as their logo, and link to their website.  

 

  • We need gift cards to local restaurants, gift shops and salons.
  • Are you a professional?  Donate a couple of hours of your time.
  • Do you have a second home you'd be willing to offer for a weekend or a week?
  • Buy a gift card and donate it.
  • Do you frequent a particular restaurant?  Ask them for a gift certificate.
  • Know a dog groomer who might want great publicity in exchange for a donation?
  • Nintendo products - Wii, DS, DSI and games for them
  • Have tickets to a sporting event, theater or concert that you cannot attend?  Please donate.
  • We'd welcome frequent flyer miles that you may never use
  • Gift card to a florist
  • Might your tax accountant donate an hour or 2 of his or her time?  It's almost that time of year.

You are welcome to check with me first to make sure we haven't already asked or gotten the item you have in mind.  All you need is a Donor Form.  More details about the auction, including the Donor Form are available on the PTA website www.chesterbrook.org/OnlineAuction

 

If you have any questions, please contact Julia Nelson at [email protected]

 

 

MEET CHESTERBROOK STAFF

      Deidra Denson         Allison Parrell
 
          Deidra Denson                                Allison Parrell

Spotlight on Chesterbrook's Band Teachers
 
By: Elizabeth Ende

FCPS provides general music education for all students Kindergarten through sixth grade, orchestra instruction beginning in fourth grade, and band and chorus instruction beginning in fifth grade in every elementary school. In grades seven through twelve a wide variety of music course offerings is available to meet students' interests and ability levels. (source www.fcps.edu)   I thought it would be useful for parents to know a little more about the Band opportunities for Chesterbrook Students.   Read on to find out more about our band directors, Allison Parrell and Deidra Denson, and Chesterbrook's Band Program

How do students select (or get selected for) band?

"Any 5th or 6th grade student can join the band. In fact, we encourage all 5th and 6th graders to join. The more, the merrier!"

Is there a progression (e.g., strings first, then band)? 

"Not necessarily. Some students take strings first in the fourth grade then join band in the fifth. Others start over the summer at Vienna Band Camp. "

Do students need to be able to read music before they join band? 

"Students do not need to know how to read music when they join band. We teach the students everything they need to know to be a successful beginning band member."

How often do students meet with you?  

"Students meet with us once per week for 45 minutes."

When do students perform? 

"The band gives two sets of concerts twice during the school year; an assembly for the school body in the afternoon and an evening concert for parents. This happens once in January and again in June."

Any advice you'd like to share with students/parent on playing an instrument?  

"Playing an instrument is, at first, a physical skill that requires lots of practice. It takes a short while to see your progress, but if you are consistent, you'll see and enjoy the results of your efforts in very little time."

How did you get interested in becoming a band director? 

Ms. Denson- "I was inspired by my high school band director and my experiences  in band in high school."

Ms. Parrell - "I was mostly inspired by my mother. She was also an elementary band director and I was able to see how much she enjoyed her job."

What kind of background is needed to be a band teacher?  

"A band teacher needs to be proficient on at least one instrument. A four-year degree in music education is required as well."

Which instruments do you play? 

Ms. Denson- "My main instrument is the bassoon, though I started out on piano and clarinet."

Ms. Parrell - "I started learning piano when I was seven and joined band in fourth grade, playing the flute! In college, Ms. Denson and I both learned to play most of the instruments of the band and orchestra."

What is your favorite type of music?  

Ms. Denson - "Classical, pop, rock, R&B - you name it."

Ms. Parrell - "I like EVERYTHING from Beethoven to Michael Jackson---even rap!"

Who is your favorite composer? 

Ms. Denson - "My favorite classical composer is probably Beethoven."

Ms. Parrell - "Leonard Bernstein, Chopin and Beethoven are my three favorites."

What is your favorite food?

Ms. Denson - "Pizza"

Ms. Parrell - "Angel Hair Pasta!"

Any personal news you'd like to share with our readers?

Ms. Parrell - "I got married over the summer to Ricky Parrell, a professional saxophonist and private saxophone teacher in our pyramid. We met in music school at George Mason University!"

Are there any upcoming concerts? 

"Our next concerts will be held on June 10 at 2pm and June 14 at 7pm."

UPCOMING EVENTS

January 31, February 1      Teacher workday, student holiday

February 3                        Third quarter starts

February 3, 9:45 am          Sixth Grade Ethics Day

February 4, 6:30 pm          International Night

 

February 7-11                   National School Counselor's Week


February 8, 7:30 pm          PTA General Membership Meeting
 
February 10                      PTA Cultural Arts Program -
                                        "Living our History, Tracing our Past"
   
February 11                      Colonial Day - Fourth Grade

February 16, 9 am             Principal's Coffee
 
February 21                      Presidents' Day - Make up Snow Day

BUDGET NEWS

Update on Fairfax for Full Day Kindergarten
 
By: Jennifer Barrett
 

Parents of each of the 37 remaining Fairfax elementary schools without full-day kindergarten were joined by principals, teachers, local education and community organizations, realtors, and an educational researcher at the School Board budget hearings on Monday, January 24th. Three current or future Chesterbrook parents spoke to the Board, and Principal Bob Fuqua joined 20 other principals in support of Dr. Melanie Mackin, president of the Fairfax Association of Elementary School Principals. 

When full-day kindergarten was initially rolled out there was a three-year plan to cover all of the Fairfax elementary schools.  However, due to economic shifts, that never happened.  Chesterbrook, being on the lower end of the initial risk assessment index, was slated for full-day kindergarten in 2009.  The latest intention of the School Board as discussed in the July 19, 2010 work session is to-expand full-day kindergarten into 32 of the remaining schools in 2014 and the final five by 2016 (due to scheduled renovation).  However, Fairfax for Full Day Kindergarten, a group of parents, teachers, and others recently organized in support of "equity and fairness (in) all Fairfax elementary schools," finds this delay unacceptable and unrealistic and unfair to the thousands of kindergarteners short-changed in the meantime.

The curriculum for full and half-day programs is exactly the same; only half-day kindergarteners are given 517 hours less instruction time to cover the material.  Additionally, one teacher speaking at the Board meeting estimated that 10% of her classroom time must be dedicated to student assessment tests, further decreasing her available instruction time.  Additional concerns raised at the hearings included acceleration of learning (especially as kindergarten curriculum now covers what was once thought of as "first grade"), less time for meaningful assessment of individual students, fewer opportunities for integrated and reinforcing learning experiences, undue stress and anxiety, less time available for coaching social and emotional development, and an overall lesser level of preparedness for first grade.    Teacher workloads are also at issue.  As one Fairfax County kindergarten teacher said, "I have to teach a full curriculum in half the time to twice as many kids."  For working parents there are additional financial and logistical concerns as, in order to cover the same amount of hours as full-day kindergarten, they are paying for after kindergarten care (kindergarten SACC alone is up to $300/week) and in some cases SACC is either oversubscribed or unavailable at their schools.  Last but not least is the basic unfairness of a situation where all county residents are taxed but equal services are not available to all.

Fairfax for Full Day Kindergarten has been growing steadily in recent weeks. "We're on fire. We've grown by a hundred people a day in the last 12 days," said group organizer Shaista Keating. "We've got teachers, parents. We're excited.  We just want to give 5-year-olds the best education in Fairfax County."

To get involved, go to the group's webpage at http://www.wix.com/fairfaxfdk/fulldaykindergarten or Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/FairfaxforFullDayKindergarten or contact Nancy Trainer or Jennifer Barrett.

 

SCREENING OF "RACE TO NOWHERE" ROUND 2

Due to inclement weather, the Safe Community Coalition's (SCC) screening of the film, "Race to Nowhere", was rescheduled to February 2, 2011 at 7:00pm at Langley High School's auditorium, located at 6520 Georgetown Pike in McLean, VA.

Tickets purchased for the original show are automatically switched for the February showing so it is still sold out. Additional screenings are planned for Madison HS in Vienna February on 9. Information about these and possibly additional screenings can be found on their website, www.racetonowhere.com. 

"Race to Nowhere" is a documentary about the pressures and various outcomes experienced by our students and educators: stress-related illnesses, depression, cheating and burnout. Working in partnership with Langley High School, McLean High School and the Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA) of Thomas Jefferson High School of Science and Technology (TJHSST), the SCC is also organizing a post-film panel discussion to encourage a dialogue about these important issues.

Serious themes including depression, drug use, suicide and other stress-related illnesses are discussed. The screening is intended for adults; parental discretion is advised. Resources addressing these topics will be provided.

EVENTS FOR RISING SEVENTH GRADERS

Learn about Middle School Curriculum for English, Science, Social Studies, and Mathematics in the cafeteria at Longfellow Middle School on Wednesday, February 9th from 7 - 8:30 pm. 

Special Education Parents Meeting in the Library from 6:30-7 PM also on February 9th.

ESOL Parents Meeting in the Lecture Hall from 6:30-7 PM alson on February 9th.  Middle School Electives Fair for student and parents at Longfellow Middle School on Tuesday, February 15th from 4 - 7pm. REGISTERING for classes this year will be done at elementary schools.

    * PTA will be selling pizza, cookies and water.

    * PTA membership information will be available.

    * Video: "A Day in the Life of a Lancer Student"      

    * Information on various after school clubs will be available.

    * Longfellow counselors will be available to answer questions

      regarding electives and registration process.

If you have a conflict, you may attend the session for other elementary schools which will be held on Wednesday, February 16. 

Questions on any of these events? Please call Gail Bigio, Director of Student Services at Longfellow MS at 703-533-2600.

MCLEAN HS CHEERLEADING CLINIC

The Mclean High School Cheerleaders will hold the annual Winter Cheer Clinic February 8, 9 and 11 at McLean High School.  Clinic participants will train with MHS cheerleaders on Tuesday and Wednesday from 5-7 pm, and then perform for MHS fans at the Basketball game at McLean HS on Friday evening 2/11. The fee of $80 per participant includes 2 Clinic sessions, admission to Friday's game for participant and one parent and a special T-shirt for the performance.
 
REGISTER BY 2/7  - the registration form is available at http://www.mcleanactivities.org/index.cfm?action=main.teamcamps&id=3784 (look in the Files and Links Section in the Varsity Cheerleading Section, under Camps and Clinics) or can be picked up in the front office at your local school.   They will be have one group for K-6 and a separate group for grades 7-8. 


Questions:  Call 202-459-1185 or email [email protected]
 

ADVERTISING GUIDELINES

If you would like to include an ad in the Chronicle, please email [email protected]. In keeping with our goal to support the Chesterbrook community, classified ads must be relevant and fit within these guidelines.    
  • Ads will be placed on a space available, first come first served basis. We reserve the right to edit or refuse any classified ad. 
  • Ads are offered free of charge to Chesterbrook students, staff, parents, or alumni. 
  • For businesses not associated with Chesterbrook students, staff, parents, or alumni, we only consider ads that have an educational value or would be of benefit to our member community.  A $10 donation to the PTA is requested with each ad.
Disclaimer:  The posting of advertising on this site does not constitute or imply an endorsement by the Chesterbrook PTA of the advertiser.  The content of all advertisements is that of the advertiser alone and the Chesterbrook PTA does not assume responsibility for such content nor does it verify the accuracy of or exert editorial control over such content. The decision to view and/or act upon any advertising is that of the viewer and the Chesterbrook PTA shall not be responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused by or associated in any way with such advertising or any action taken in connection therewith.


 

We Pick Up After School!

 

SMARTplay is a unique, after school youth enrichment program based on the discipline of Jhoon Rhee Tae Kwon Do adapted into a fun learning environment for children. Our program combines fitness and wellness for children, incorporating physical activity with interactive learning designed to empower children to excel academically, athletically, and in life.  SMARTplay is a licensed martial arts school, not a day care center.

 

AM Kindergarten starts in January

PM Kindergarten to 4th grade starts mid February

 

For more information, please call  Chun Rhee

703-237-7433 (Mon -Fri  3 to 7 pm)

[email protected]

www.SMARTplayFC.com 

 
 Write & Read Right!
 

Fairfax County 7th Grade English Teacher available
to tutor 4th grade through 6th grade students.

 

*Expand your child's writing skills

*Strengthen their reading comprehension 

*Increase their vocabulary

*Improve their grammar and spelling

*Prepare them for the SOLs

 

Contact Mary Kay Folk at 703-801-7188 or email [email protected].

 

I have been teaching 7th grade English for 17 years. I have a Master's Degree in Reading and a Master's Degree in English; in addition, I have endorsements in Gifted Education and as a Reading Specialist. I can tutor students at the local library or in the convenience of your home.

Chesterbrook Chronicle Newsletter Disclaimer
 
The Chesterbrook PTA Chronicle Newsletter may contain external links to non-Chesterbrook ES PTA web sites and access to certain third-party services, which may include, without limitation, social bookmarking services. These external links and services are provided as a convenience, and the Chesterbrook ES PTA is not responsible for the content of any linked web site or use of any third-service service. Any external link to a non-Chesterbrook ES PTA web site or service accessed from the Chesterbrook PTA Chronicle Newsletter is independent from the Chesterbrook ES PTA, and the Chesterbrook ES PTA has no control over, and assumes no responsibility for, the content, privacy policy, terms of use and practices of such web site or service.  Any such web site or service has terms of use and a privacy policy different from the Chesterbrook ES PTA's privacy policy.  In addition, an external link to any non-Chesterbrook ES PTA web site or access to a third-party service does not imply that the Chesterbrook ES PTA endorses or accepts any responsibility for the content or use of such web site or service. By using any such web site or service, you expressly release the Chesterbrook ES PTA from any liability arising from your use of such third-party web site and service and any related content

The Chesterbrook Chronicle is published monthly by the Chesterbrook Elementary School PTA. Please submit news or questions to:

 

Elizabeth Ende, Editor

[email protected]

 

Thank you for your contributions to this and future issues!