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In This Issue
PTA Officer Election and Budget Amendment
Jump Rope for Heart Event
Spring Book Fair - A Big Success!
Summer Fun at Summer Quest!
School Supplies Collection
The Brain Show - June 8th
Chesterbrook PEP Grant
Help Wanted
Open Classroom Workday- June 8th
Venus Transit - June 5th
McLean SHARE Project
Arlington Animal Welfare League
Lost and Found Overflowing
Upcoming Events
Digest PLUS editors
Quick Links
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FAQs

Q: My child lost a sweatshirt earlier this year.  Does Chesterbrook have a Lost and Found? 

      

A:   Yes, there is a small lost and found in the front office and for larger items (clothing, lunch boxes and books) in the cafeteria.

Have a question you'd like to have answered? Send your questions to Ask Chester and we'll answer them here and/or on our website. Check out our new FAQs section on the website for more as the year goes on.

 

 

 

 

 

  

Chesterbrook Business Friends

 

 

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 Fall Outreach 2011   

 

Chesterbrook PTA Digest PLUS  


May 30, 2012

 

Dear Chesterbrook Families, 

 

It has been a wonderful year and I can tell it is almost over because the school is buzzing with activities! 

 

I am happy to report that Transurban Fluor has awarded the Chesterbrook PTA a $1,000 grant through its 495 Express Lanes Community Grant Program.  The money from the grant will be used to help repair the railroad tie staircase from the park to Chesterbrook's playing fields.   Thanks to Elizabeth Ende for her work in helping the PTA secure this grant.   

 

Next month, we will bid a sad farewell to Laura Przypyszny who has served as PTA Treasurer for the last four years.  She has been a terrific steward of Chesterbrook PTA money.  During her term as Treasurer, the job has grown exponentially as the PTA has helped fund a number of major capital purchases such as the renovation of the gym floor, an outdoor volleyball court, computers and other technology for the classrooms, classroom sound fields, musical improvements (a new piano) and much more!  We will miss you, Laura!  

 

Beth Mahood,
President Chesterbrook PTA 

PTA Officer Election and Budget Amendment - June 12

We will hold a brief (five minute) PTA General Membership Meeting in the cafeteria just before the Band Concert on Tuesday, June 12th at 7 pm.   

 

Please join us for the election of officers: Delia Swigart, Treasurer (new) and Kate Garcia, Secretary (second term).  Click here to read more about Delia and Kate.    

 

Many thanks to Beth Mahood, President; Julia Nelson, VP for Fundraising; Laura Przypyszny, Treasurer; Maryam Redjaee,  VP for Membership; Kate Garcia, Secretary and Laurie Plishker, Immediate Past President for their work on the PTA Executive Committee this year. All but Laura, will continue in their positions next year.    

 

We will vote on the following budget amendments:    

 

Stage Enhancement: To acquire and install stairs to the stage. Cost estimated not to exceed $7,500.  Awaiting an estimate on hanging the speakers and housing light and sound equipment for the stage.  Awaiting estimate from the county, not expected to exceed $3,000. 

 

Repair Outdoor Staircase: To replace and rebuild the railroad tie stairs from the park to the playing fields. Cost estimated at $7,200.  (Note, the Chesterbrook PTA has been awarded a $1,000 Grant to help fund the restoration of the staircase.)

 

Cafeteria Curtain Maintenance: To repair and clean the curtains in the cafeteria. Cost estimated at $2,000.

 

Coffee Makers: To acquire, install and connect to water lines office grade Keurig coffee makers in the teachers' lounge and staff kitchen. Cost estimated at no more than $1,500.   

 Jump Rope Event Raises Awareness and Money!! 

jrfh logo

Chesterbrook students in grades 1-6 participated in the Jump Rope For Heart Program this spring.  Many of those students jumped in honor of a loved one and helped to raise more than $5,000 for the American Heart Association (AHA).  $300 worth of PE equipment will be donated to Chesterbrook by U.S. Games because of the Chesterbrook students' donation to AHA.
Spring Book Fair - A Big Success!
  book fair 3 spring 2012book fair2 spring 2012

A HUGE thank you to all our wonderful parents, teachers and kids who supported the Spring Book Fair.  Whether you lent your time volunteering at the Fair or came in to purchase books, our fair was a huge success - thanks to you!  It always does our hearts good to hear the kids pass by the library and exclaim, "The Book Fair is here! AWESOME!"  

 

Media Specialist, Marsha Moseley, is thrilled to have funds to help purchase a charging/updating cart for iPads used to support her library curriculum. County funds cannot be used for technology, so the book fair money is essential.  If you missed all the fun, please join us for the Fall Book Fair, which will be held the week of October 22nd.   

 

Happy reading!

 

Marsha Camp and Beth Stewart, Book Fair Coordinators

Still Planning Your Summer? Check out Summer Quest!
summerquest window

This year Summer Quest runs from July 9 through August 3. We are offering a variety of fun and educational activities including: science, music, sports, art, cooking, and more! There are am and pm sessions. Kids registered for both may bring a lunch. There's also after camp fun to make a full-day.


Classes are $130 per session, plus listed supply fee. Check out the reference chart which lists camps by week, with morning (9 am-12pm) or afternoon (1-4 pm), grade levels (rising K through rising 7), camp name, and supply fee. The full program adds a description for each camp.
 
Click here to register your kids for some summer fun!
School Supplies Collection for Needy Kids

The PTA School Outreach Committee's Spring Collection of new or gently used school supplies and grocery gift cards for students at schools within the McLean HS pyramid, as well as Carlin Springs in Arlington is underway. We are not collecting clothing at this time. 
 
Specific requests for local schools include:
  • Pencils
  • Children's scissors
  • Black ball point pens
  • Colored markers (fine and wide)
  • Jumbo glue sticks                * Wide-ruled composition notebooks
  • Hand sanitizer                     * Kleenex
Please leave donations in the marked bins outside the Library through the end of May. Questions on the local outreach collection should go to Emily Ludwikowski.  

We will continue to collect school supplies (new and used) through June 22nd.  The supplied collected after May 31st will be sent to a group home for abused or at-risk girls in Managua, Nicaragua. Please tear out all used pages from notebooks. Any questions on the Nicaragua program should go to Ann-Marie Turnage.
Back by Popular Demand--The Brain Show

brain show logo

June 8th - 6 pm

  

DON'T MISS CHESTERBROOK PTA'S LAST FAMILY FUN EVENT  

OF THE YEAR!! 

 

Families "Compete" Against Families In A Fun Trivia Game Atmosphere.

 Parents: There are questions only your kids may be able to answer.

Kids: Be surprised how smart your parents really are! 

 

The Brain Show is taking the country by storm. This interactive trivia game, which is a big hit with all ages, offers authentic fun and excitement of a real live TV game show including colorful podiums featuring computerized lights and sounds.

FCPS wins the Carol M. White PEP Grant

 

fitness 3 may 2012 

By: Adrienne West   

 

Earlier this year, Chesterbrook Elementary was one of 22 elementary schools in the county chosen to benefit from Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) grant. This three-year grant project from the U.S. Department of Education will help fund the 'Living Fit in Fairfax' project by improving the health and fitness literacy of our students.

 

Chesterbrook Physical Education teacher, Jay Levesque, discussed the benefits he has seen so far. "It's really amazing how much the kids have learned already from this program," he says. "Kids learn better when they are moving around and having fun, and these new games have made a difference." After attending four days of training sponsored by the program's chosen company, Focused Fitness, he now has a new arsenal of creative activities to supplement his current curriculum. These games and information teach the students not just about the importance of physical activity, but offer a more well-rounded approach to overall fitness, nutrition, and health prevention.  

  Fitness Equip 1 May 2012 

Eventually our students will have access to an online account where they will track and report their progress, and teachers will be able to assess their needs. Our school was also given a "shopping list" of fitness equipment and chose items that were still needed. Chesterbrook recently received pedometers, hand weights in different increments, and medicine balls to round out their impressive inventory.  Click here to learn more about Living Fit in Fairfax.

 

jay 1 may 2012Jay Levesque played soccer while getting his masters in Special Education at GWU. He has been very active with the US Nationals Team for Australian Rules Football. During his three years at Chesterbrook, he has also been the safety patrol monitor, helped with the QR codes program and Fitness Trail, recorded exercises that are shown on the morning news, and promoted his love of soccer.

Want to Get More Involved at the School?
We are still looking to fill positions on the PTA Board for next year. Don't wait for us to find you! We don't know who is ready to step up until you tell us. Please review and consider any ways you can help. If there is something you'd like to do that is not on the list, then please let us know by emailing [email protected].  Working with the PTA is rewarding and a great way to make new friends!!

Weekly Digest Editor(s): Prepares and sends weekly email to PTA members about upcoming Chesterbrook events and noteworthy news. This can be done by several editors, alternating weeks or separating aspects of production. Contact [email protected] for more information. 

 

Fun Fair: We are looking for volunteers to join the Fun Fair committee to help plan and coordinate next year's event. There are a wide range of volunteer opportunities available.  This is our biggest on-site fundraiser, a terrific way to meet other Chesterbrook parents, make friends and a lot of fun! Contact [email protected] for more information.

Auction: If you are interested in helping out with the online auction next year, please contact Julia Nelson [email protected]. We are making some changes in how we run the auction and welcome all new ideas! Its a fun team! 

Hospitality: Co-Chair needed to help coordinate several events for school staff throughout the year: Back to School Night supper, Holiday treats, Teacher Appreciation Luncheon. This position allows for a ton of creativity and can be taken in many directions in the future. We have a graduating parent who has done this job for many years and would love to have someone start gradually and spend some time "in training" over the next year. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

After School Drama Manager: Coordinates with instructor on schedule, assists webmaster with registration and emergency forms. Does not require attendance at drama classes. For more information, please contact [email protected].   

Special Education Coordinator: Coordinates informational programs for special education families and teachers. This is a loosely defined job and allows for a lot of flexibility and creativity on the part of the coordinator. Contact [email protected] for more information. 

Cultural Diversity Liaison: In the past, the liaison has worked with ESOL and students new to our country and their families to help navigate school programs and processes and to act as a resource for any questions.  It is a great way to reach out to our international families!  For more information, please contact [email protected].    
Chesterbrook Open Classroom Needs Volunteers

 

Outdoor Classroom May 2012

Please consider volunteering to help Falls Church Water Authority, Lands and Waters, and other community organizations as we gather to work on the open classroom located across the street from our school on June 16th from 9 am-12 pm. This is a community effort to recreate a natural habitat where students can work and learn.  Sessions will resume again in the fall on the third Saturday of the month from September-November.  All community members are welcomed, especially our alumni and friends from Longfellow or McLean.  It's a great way for your child to earn community service hours.  For more information on the Open Classroom click here.  

2012 Rare Event - Venus Transit!  June 5th 6 PM

transit of venus The rare event, known as the Venus Transit, will not occur again until 2117. This year, observers on all seven continents will be in position to see it.

The transit occurs when Venus passes directly between Earth and the sun. Viewers will see Venus as a small dot gliding slowly across our nearest star. Historically, viewed by Captain James Cook and even Benjamin Franklin, this rare alignment is how we measured the size of our solar system.  There have been 53 transits since 2000 B.C. The last time the event occurred was on June 8, 2004.

 

On June 5th, join ISS astronauts, Solar Observatories, and millions around the world to view the Venus transit. If you are interested in watching from Chesterbrook Elementary, a group will assemble at 5:50 pm in the kiss and ride parking lot. Please email Naomi Sweet  if you plan to attend so we can save the appropriate number of viewing glasses.  You can experience the transit of Venus safely, but it is vital that you protect your eyes at all times with the proper solar filters.  Click here for information from NASA on safe viewing.  You can also contact Naomi Sweet if you are interested in obtaining commemorative glasses that can be used for the viewing on your own (but hurry, because there are limited quantities). 

 

For more information on the venus transit visit http://venustransit.nasa.gov.

Girl Scout Troop 2958's Bronze Project to Help SHARE
gs troop may 2012
Chesterbrook's 6th grade Girl Scout Troop 2958  kicked off its year in September with a tour of the local food bank, SHARE of McLean.   The troop did a food drive prior to the visit and had loads of bags to stock the shelves.   There were still shelves empty, and Bonnie, our SHARE representative, mentioned that they were completely out of ketchup, coffee, and many items not listed on their website. 

Our troop decided that we should solve this problem.  We decided to make this our Bronze Project, which is the first level of Girl Scout awards.   Our troop developed a PowerPoint presentation to educate others about SHARE.   We created a website - www.CareForShare.com   - which shows what SHARE need most urgently.   Each girl from the troop updates the site monthly.  We created postcards, which we will post around town advertising the site.  Last, we will send neighborhood emails telling neighbors to go to the site to see what SHARE needs now.    In this way, we hope this project gets empty shelves filled, shelves which aren't listed on the regular SHARE website.   

Our troop just bridged to Cadettes, and we will work on our Silver Award next year!
Girl Scout Troop 1765 Visit Animal Welfare League
girl scouts visit animal welfare leagueEarlier this year, Chesterbrook's 5th grade Girl Scout Troop 1765 visited the Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA), a nonprofit Humane Society. The girls were impressed with the shelter and the services it provides and wanted Chesterbrook families to know the following facts: 
  • The AWLA takes in puppy mill puppies and helps get them used to humans. The shelter also take strays and owner returns (animals which get returned because the owner can't take care of them).
  • The shelter takes in wild animals which have been injured. Once the animal recovers, it is sent out to the wild again.   
  • Kids can volunteer (with a parent) to walk dogs or to work with animals to get them used to humans (so they can be adopted).
  • If you find a lost animal, you should send it to AWLA to see if they can contact the animal's original owner (it may have a microchip). 
  • If your animal is lost, call the AWLA. They will look as hard as possible to find your pet!
  • If you find a hurt animal, you should send it to AWLA because if they don't have enough space, they will not kill it, but will send it elsewhere so it can get adopted.  (AWLA is a no-kill shelter).  
  • In addition to sheltering animals, AWLA hosts Rabies and Microchip Clinics.  
  • Interesting in helping them out?  They are located at 2650 South Arlington Mill Drive in Arlington and their phone number is 703-931-9241.  Click here to view AWLA's donation wish list.  

Our troop is now finalizing work on our Bronze Project.  This involved spending more than 285 hours organizing summer art and education kits for 375 students at Stanton Elementary School. The kits can be used by students to work on fun educational activities over the summer. Stanton ES is located in economically disadvantaged Ward 8 in Southeast DC and more than 90% of the students qualify for the free lunch program. 

Check out the Lost and Found Before School Ends

lost and found may 2012
The Lost and Found Cubby in the cafeteria is overflowing! Before school ends, please stop by the cafeteria and check the rolling closet to see if there is anything in there with your child's name on it. There is a Lost & Found area for smaller items in the school's front office.  If you haven't picked up your serving plate or utensils from the Teacher Appreciation Luncheon, check on top of the refrigerator in the Staff Lounge.  

 

At the end of the school year, unclaimed items will be donated to a local charity.

 Upcoming Events

May 31 --    Cultural Arts performance

Grades K-3       8:45 am
Grades 4-6       9:45 am   

 

June 5-7 --   End of Year Art Show at McLean HS


June 7 --     5th Grade Global Awareness Day and 2 pm Choral Concert


June 8 --     Field Day and the Brain Show

          The Brain Show Family Edition 6-8:30 pm


June 11--    1st and 5th grade end of year parties


June 12 -    4th grade end of year party

                 Band Concert 9:45 am and 7 pm

                 Final PTA Meeting and Election of New Board Members 7 pm


June 13--    Strings Concert 2 pm and 7 pm

                 2nd grade end of year party


June 14--   6th grade party  

                SCA Roundup (Grades 2-6)  


June 15--   3rd grade end of year party

                Moving Up Ceremony 8:45 am

                Last Day of School (full day)


June 18/19 -- No School for Students 
 

The Digest PLUS is co-edited by Elizabeth Ende and Gina Manning.
If you have a story idea or any comments, please share them with us at [email protected]. Thank you!  


Chesterbrook PTA Newsletters Disclaimer

The Chesterbrook PTA Newsletter (Weekly Digest and Digest PLUS) may contain external links to non-Chesterbrook ES PTA websites 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 website or use of any third-service service. Any external link to a non-Chesterbrook ES PTA website or service accessed from the Chesterbrook PTA 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 website or service.  Any such website 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 website 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 website or service.  By using any such website or service, you expressly release the Chesterbrook ES PTA from any liability arising from your use of such third-party website and service and any related content.