Falcon Flyer November 2009 
President's Message
  We have a lot to be thankful for at Fremont.   Our children go to this unique high performing school whose faculty and staff address the needs of the whole child and not just their ability to take a standardized test.   At Fremont we value community, learning and raising well rounded children.  In an era when many schools are hyper focused on test scores and budget cuts have forced them to cut out all but the basics, our kids still have field trips, art, music, drama, PE, a science lab, technology and class size reduction in Kindergarten through 3rd grade.  
 
Unfortunately due to the bad state of the economy and the even worse state of educational funding in California, our kids may no longer be able to enjoy some of these gifts.    Since 2005 the Fremont PTA and community have been funding 100% of the salaries of our Science and Technology teachers.   In 2009 we had to start paying for these teachers benefits.   The current cost to maintain those teachers at Fremont is $136,000.   Those of us on the PTA Executive Board and who have been involved in fund raising believe that we can no longer sustain this financial commitment.   
 
We have asked the faculty and principal to make a recommendation on how to reduce our financial commitment to these programs while maintaining their integrity.    We are asking for your opinion too.   Please take our Science and Technology Survey by 11/6/2009.   Please note, you can only take the survey once from one computer.   So if you and your partner each want to take the survey you are going to have to use seperate computers.   
 
The board will then review your responses  and the recommendation from the faculty and formulate a proposal to present to our general membership at our PTA meeting on Tuesday 11/17/2009 at 7:00pm.   Although everyone will be surveyed only PTA members will be able to vote on the future funding of these programs.   If you are not a member yet please JOIN THE PTA .  Not sure if you signed up this year?  Contact Carol Mort carolxmort@aol.com.  
 
The Long Beach Unified School District is going to have make further cuts.   A big blow would be loss of class size reduction in the primary grades.  Not only would the class size increase, we would lose some of our amazing teachers.   Please vote YES on Measure T today (11/3/2009) in the special election.   The passage of this measure will not stop the bleeding but will help staunch the flow and may allow us to maintain class size reduction.   
 
We are thankful that our kids go to this amazing school that has maintained a standard of excellence in the face of huge yearly budget cuts.   We are thankful to our parents and community  because of their consistent support of the school.   The partnership between the school, parents and community will help us to weather this storm. 
 
Susan Tanaka
2009-2010 PTA President
 
Principal's Message
Days of Taste1Now as we enter the month of November, we can truly give thanks for the opportunity to work with your children this school year. Recently we had a member of the community as a principal for a day at Fremont Elementary School. From his observations following visits to the classrooms, our guest was able to come to the conclusion that the students were "not shy" as seen in their ability and willingness to share what they were learning. Also noted was the spirit of "camaraderie" that was seen throughout the school. These were wonderful compliments for the Fremont family.
 
Parents, family members, and friends of Fremont are continually partnering with the school in the education process. There are many opportunities in which to be involved, and we love our volunteers. If you are not yet a VIPS (Volunteer in Public Schools), now is a great time to become one. Simply complete an application form from the office and have a current TB test verification. Once a VIPS, you are ready to work with students in the classroom and assist with the many varied activities that go on at Fremont Elementary School. As a bonus, you will have your own VIPS badge that is displayed in the office awaiting your next time to sign in at the office and go out to support our students. VIPS are valuable volunteers as well as very important people.
 
As we well know the cold and flu season is upon us. Please assist us as we take precautionary measures to guard the health of our students and others in the school community. Do reinforce and remind your children to wash hands frequently as we strive to do likewise at the school. Each classroom has also received hand sanitize dispensers for ongoing use. Please have your child stay home when sick and if a fever is present to return to school only after a 24-hour period of no fever. When your child is absent, remember to provide specific information to the school as we work to keep updated records of reasons for student absences.
 
Soon you will be meeting with your child's teacher for parent/teacher conferences, which this year are being held November 16-23. This is a key time to discuss your child's progress thus far and chart a plan for a successful remainder of the year. Once again thank you for working together with us as we see our children learn and grow.
Holiday Food Drive
 
Our school will once again participate in the Holiday Food Drive. Collections began October 19 and will continue until December 11. Due to a much larger need this year, the collection period has been extended. Please bring in any non-perishable goods you can throughout the timeframe. Most needed are canned fruits and veggies, canned meats like stew, hash, spam, canned pasta in sauce, powdered milk, cereal, peanut butter (not in glass jars), juice boxes, instant potatoes and instant stuffing. There will be a large cardboard box in your classroom for your donations which will be emptied regularly.

Thanks so much,
Jackie McKay
Fremont Holiday Food Drive
Spanish Club
 ¡Bienvenidos! ¡Ole!


After many years Spanish Club returns to Fremont!!!! ¡Que bueno!


Our introductory meeting will be Wednesday, Nov 4 at 2:30 in the auditorium.
We will be meeting weekly from 2:30 to 3:10 on Wednesday afternoons.


The goal is to learn introductory Spanish but we will also be having special sessions to learn about the different Latin American countries.


Adults are welcome to attend. We will need plenty of adult volunteers since there might be a large number of attendees varying from kinder to 5th grade. ¡Magnifico! Adults can learn Spanish AND assist in facilitating the learning. If you already speak Spanish please join us to help teach and even help with lesson planning.

We hope to see you on Nov 4 for our introductory meeting. Hasta luego.


Dr. Mark Dressner
aka Doctor Dressner, Don Marcos, or Trevor's dad
GEPAC-GATE/EXCEL
     Parent Advisory Meeting
We have 5 meetings scheduled for this school year. Anyone is welcome to attend.
 
They are held at the:
Teacher Resource Center (TRC):
1299 E. 32nd St. Signal Hill, CA 90755 Room #4
10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Friday, October 9th, 2009
Friday, December 4th, 2009
Friday Feb. 5th, 2010
Monday April 26th, 2010 (Summer in the City)
Friday, May 21st, 2010
 
Purpose of the Parent Advisory -
to share information about the GATE program between the GATE office, the teachers, and the parents and families.
 
Upcoming conferences:
OCCGATE - GIFTED EDUCATION:
Riding the Wave of Change
Sat. October 24, 2009,  8:00 - 1:30 UCI
Sandra Kaplan, keynote speaker
See website www.occgate.org
for more information
PAGE - Professional Advocates for
Gifted Education (Los Angeles)
Parenting Gifted Children
Dr. James T. Webb,
Mon., October 26th, 6:15 pm
Performing Arts Center, Baldwin Park
 
See website www.cagifted.org
for more information.
Information about the topics discussed
and Gate program can be referenced
on the GATE website.
Go to
www.lbschools.net - choose "G" and then "GATE" to access. Or contact Marcia Lee at mlemmon.lee@verizon.net
Fremont Community Partner Spotlight
Xump - Science Toys
 
Xump - Science Toys is a multichannel science education retailer. We sell science supplies, educational kits, toys and gifts. We sell our products online via Xump.com website, via printed catalog and via our physical retail stores.
 
Xump.com is one of the most popular online science stores, and the leading destination to locate fun and cutting-edge toys, games and gadgets. Xump.com is owned and operated by an enthusiastic scientist who continually strives to find new and innovative ways to expand interest in science to children of all ages.
 
Xump.com is staffed 24 hours, seven days a week by a dedicated team ready to assist by phone. The corporate headquarters is located in Signal Hill, California. It is our mission at Xump.com to provide excellent quality, highly educational products that promote the comprehension of science. We at Xump constantly search for new and innovative products that will help to inspire children's outlook towards the many fields of science. Our approach at Xump is a simple one. The best way to learn about something is to make it fun. All of our products that we sell have been carefully screened and selected by our on-staff scientist, to maximize learning and fun. It has been reported in the national news recently that many public schools have had to reduce funding to math and science departments due to stringent budget cuts. If new and innovative solutions are not soon met, it will be our children and the future generations who will ultimately suffer the most. We need our youth to show an interest in science and mathematics in order for our country to stay competitive on a global scale. Furthermore, it should be of particular interests to parents that it is those children who take an interest in math and science who typically go on to earn top pay once they have graduated from college.
 Xump.com is here to help! Once children have access to our products, an interest in science will occur. Our products are fun and educational! Once a child plays with any one of our many science games and/or kits, the spark of learning science in a fun and understandable way will be unleashed. This in conjunction with a balanced classroom curriculum is a giant step in the right direction towards a well-rounded and inspirational education for your child.
 
As a Fremont Community Partner, Xump.com will donate 10% of Fremont sales back to the school! Make sure to put "FREMONT SCHOOL" in the comments section. www.Xump.com 
Roxie and the Hooligans
by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor by Aladdin
Paperback
List Price: $4.99
Our Price: $1.59
Buy Now
 
Fremont Community Partners
Check this list out first before you go looking for products and/or services. These folks give back to Fremont with every purchase! 
 
Agilis Fitness: Isaac Chenevey provides an array of fitness training options including: Personal training, Boot Camps & Wellness Training. Go to his website for more in-depth information atwww.agilisfitness.com. Sign up to shape up with Isaac and he'll give back 5%.
562-537-4013 or izak@agilisfitness.com

Artistic Edge Art & Framing: Kristina Suhr will beautifully frame anything from photos to fabric and give 10% back to Fremont. Her prices are very competitive and her work is amazing. 2105 E. 4th St: 433-5169

Art Smart Studio for Kids: Fremont mom, Carola Whitlow, provides high-quality art classes for children and adults alike. 10% of all Fremont-generated registrations will come back to the school. 3823 E. 7th St: 439-4777

Athletics West Training: Fit Fremont Dad, Chuck Sobol, will whip you into shape with his personal training techniques. Want to work in a group? He can help AND help the school: 547-6059

Back In Line Chiropractic: Discover what other Fremont parents have found: quality chiropractic service for your whole family! 100% of the first office visit ($50) goes to Fremont. Call Dr. Rochelle Neally at: 987-5507 or stop by 3645 4th St.

Bare Skin Spa: Visit this comfy day spa at 341 Redondo near 4th St. and leave your cares behind you. Plus 10% goes to Fremont! Call Christine McDowell for an appointment:
438-7885

BC School Outfitters: Dress your student in quality uniforms at competitive prices year 'round! Beth Cicero has the latest in school uniforms. Every Fremont purchase returns 10% to the school. Beth Ciceri
www.schooloutfitters.us
Please enter "Fremont" into the Special Instructions section of the order form so we can receive the credit.

Beauty by the Beach: Elizabeth Ramos is making Long Beach beautiful, one client at a time! Visit her salon for an array of services at 2234 E. Broadway, Long Beach and she will give Fremont 10% back! Call Elizabeth at: 434-5990

Burr Photography: Commercial photographer Michael Burr knows how to capture that perfect photo! Now, he is offering his services to the public! With an extensive clientele and portfolio, you'll be thrilled with your photos! 10% comes back to Fremont. Contact Michael at: 562-439-5753
www.mburrphoto.com

Cindi Rogan - Century 21 Beachside: Fremont mom, Cindi Rogan is committed to helping you realize your real estate goals! She's been recipient of countless awards for sales quality and service. $1,000 comes back to Fremont when you buy/sell a home, contact her at: 562-260-8395

Clements Chiropractic: Align your back, massage your muscles, or strengthen your spines with these fine family specialists. Mention Fremont for 5% back to the school:
3720 Anaheim: 986-2865

Domino's Pizza (Belmont Heights): The name says it all - anytime is a great time for pizza and Domino's on Redondo in Belmont Heights has the best! Be on the lookout for special "pizza nights" where all orders will give Fremont a 20% return! If you can't wait till then, call them tonight ... your tummy will thank you! David Khazan 393 Redondo Ave, 90814 at:
562-434-9971

ENEKE: Is your child struggling?Get them the help they need!ENEKE offers online tutoring services for grade school age kids! Need help with Math, Reading and Writing skills? Contact Fremont parent Reggie Akpata at 562-397-1444 for further information. 10% goes back to Fremont!
.
JMB Builders: Residential Custom Home Builder & Fremont Dad, Jay Caffey has done several home remodels for Fremont families, so you don't have to go far to view his work. Want to build your dream home from scratch or freshen up your current humble abode, call Jay at: 562-987-9663

Kimberley's Catering: Don't have time to get a nutritious dinner on the table? Fremont mom Kimberley Foley is here the help! She can cook up a weeks worth of meals for you to freeze and serve in minutes! Plus 10% goes back to Fremont! Call her at (562) 234-8400 or
kimberleyspcs@msn.com

Metal Muses: Artistic mom, Cathleen Yampolsky, donates 10% of Fremont generated jewelry & accessories sales to the school. Call her at: 310-2757

Once Upon a Story Bookstore: This phenomenal on-line children's bookstore donates 10% of your purchase to Fremont. Check out the amazing selection at
www.OnceUponaStoryBooks.com
or for additional help, call Cindie Kalina at (562) 673-5777

Primal Alchemy Catering: Call Chef Paul and wife Dana Buchanan for your next party. They will cater a feast using natural ingredients and seasonal specialties. Your guests will be amazed! Fremont gets 5% from every Fremont referral: 400- 5659

Ruiz Family Quality Daycare: Fremont mom, Doris Ruiz, will donate 10% of all daycare contracts from Fremont parents. Looking for quality all-day or after-school care?
Call Doris at: 434-5117

"S Team" Real Estate (A Re/Max College Park Agency): Agent Sheila Pope will donate 10% of her commission on every sale, purchase and referral from Fremont. These generous friends also underwrite our "Meet the Masters" art program every year. Need a place to call "home"?
Call the "S" Team! 577-5118

Thrift & Vintage/Cystic Fibrosis Shop: All profits fund Cystic Fibrosis research, but this shop of wonders supports Fremont by essentially being our PTA closet:
433-0493 located at 4003 4th St.

Viento y Agua Café: Remember to visit this unique coffee and art house and mention Fremont as you order your coffee or tea and enjoy the local art on display. 10% of all Fremont sales back to the school. 4007 E. 4th St: 434-1182

The Wireless Group: Get all your communication service needs taken care of! Fremont Dad, Alan Brawer can connect you to Verizon FIOS, Direct TV and Sprint Wireless. All Fremont referrals will generate $20 back to the school!
4147 Norse Way, Long Beach: 938-8005

Xump.com: Is a popular online science store with fun and cutting-edge toys, games and gadgets. Xump.com has new and innovative ways to expand interest in science to children of all ages. When ordering on line - make sure to put "FREMONT PTA" in the comments box on the online shopping cart during check out!
10% of all sales go back to Fremont! www.xump.com
Next PTA Meeting
 
Tuesday, November 17
Please join us!
Free child care in
Kids Club bungalow!
 
IMPORTANT REMINDERS!!!!
 
Jog-a-thon donation envelopes are due TODAY!
 
Vote YES on Measure T in the special election TODAY! 
 
In this issue:
 
 *Principal's Message 
 
*Holiday Food Drive
 
*Spanish Club
 
*GEPAC-GATE/EXCEL
 Parent Advisory  
 Meetings
 
*Spotlight on Xump.com
 
*Community Partners
  
*Reflections Night 

*Family Fun Night

*PTA Membership 
 
*Dominos Pizza
Fundraiser
 
*Blood Drive 
 
*******************
Reflections
 
 
You are invited to REFLECTIONS NIGHT
"Art Show at Fremont" 
 
Come meet the artists and applaud their work Thursday, November 5  at 6:30 in the cafeteria. There will be an award ceremony to honor all participants and announce the winners.
Enjoy great hors d'oeuvres while you cruise the art gallery (aka the Caf) in search of what beauty is...
For now take a bow all you artists, photographers, writers and composers:
Ariela Collins
 Arin Aalan
 Ava Robinson
 Belen Collins
 Brynn Anderson Camila Blattler
 Canon Carillo
 Chloe Pullman
 Cindi Rogan
 Dillon Malloy
 Eitan Marcus
 Fiona O'Leary
 Gabriel Sanders Hannah Burlin
 Henry Pryor
 Issac Sanders
 Jaden Redman
 Jake Malloy
 James Colin
 Joshua Rosnick
 Kyle Gautschy Lindsay Carlson
 Lucia Farrow
 Mathieu Mongeau Merrick Williams
 Sarah Freeman
 Sasha Pullman
 Sydney Carlson
 Taylor Ross
 Tessa Anderson 
 
*******************
 
 
Family Fun Night
 
On Tues. Nov. 10- come out and play,
because we don't have school the next day!
Veteran's Day is
 Wed. Nov. 11.
 
On Tuesday night- Fremont will take over 2nd St. starting
at B.J.'s Pizza for dinner and then Powell's for dessert (they have great gelato in addition to
 the walls of candy).
 
Be on the lookout 
 for flyers...
 closer to the date. 
 
Both establishments will donate 20% of sales back to Fremont PTA. 
We get a night out and Fremont makes $ -everyone wins!!
     
 Any questions- contact Joslyn Semichy: Deltalfy@aol.com
 
******************* 
 
Fremont PTA 
 
PTA Membership Coffee Morning 
 
 Tuesday, November 10 at 7:45 am

The PTA would like to thank all 310 people who recently joined the PTA.  Members are invited
 to enjoy coffee with breakfast goodies
in the Library on
Tuesday, November 10
at 7:45 am.  
Please mark your calendar.  

If you're not a PTA member, you can still join for as little as $10.  Membership allows you to vote on funding for important programs like Science and Technology.  These two programs cost $136,000 annually and are completely funded by
 the PTA through your donations. While they are highly valued,
funding is becoming increasingly difficult.
The Fremont Staff is developing a proposal to alter the Science and Technology programs and reduce the PTA's financial commitment.
 
On November 17, PTA members will vote on the proposal.  Please consider joining so you can be a part of this important decision.  Membership envelopes are available
in the office.
 
 Thanks for your support and hope to see you for coffee on November 10th.
 
 *******************
 
  Domino's Pizza

Dominos Pizza
Fundraiser Night
 
date to be announced
 
Our Fremont community partner, Dominos Pizza is teaming up with us to earn cash for our school. Order anything off their menu and Fremont will get 20% of your order back!
 
You must have a flyer to give to your cashier
or driver.
 
Offer good only at Dominos Pizza
393 Redondo
562-434-9971
 
or order online at:
  
******************* 
 
. Red Cross  
 Dear Fremont friends
and families, 
Thank you to everyone who was able to donate blood at our second annual Sue Schrickel Memorial Blood drive on Oct 15th.
 
Together we donated 24 viable pints of blood !
Each pint of blood can potentially save up to six lives. There is no
better deed than that! 
 
If you wanted to donate
but were unable to be
there on Oct 15th,
Rogers Middle School is having a blood drive on November 16th at 6:00 .p.m.
 
Thank you again and STAY HEALTHY!
Raquel Landworth-Kleinhenz
 
*******************
 
 
Days of Taste1
 
John C. Fremont 
 Elementary
 4000 E. 4th Street
Long Beach, CA 90814
 
562-439-6873
 
Questions?
Comments?
Suggestions?
 
contact Susan at: