Falcon Flyer

March 2012

Spring Event Header Image
President's Message
 
It's that time of year again, when school budgets are discussed, and unfortunately, addition cuts are considered.  It's stressful, wondering how much deeper into our children's educational experience the decision makers will need to go. 
  
As it stands now, California ranks 47 out of 50 for per pupil expenditures and 50 out of 50 for our large class size.  Over the past 3 years, the state has cut $20 billion from education and over 40,000 educators.  Our superintendent, Chris Steinhauser, has warned that more cuts are on the horizon if funding does not increase.
 
Three different state initiatives that would provide funding for schools are in the process of getting the required number of signatures to be included on the November 2012 ballot.  All involve some form of tax increase and differ significantly in their methodology.  I do not know enough about all of them yet, and intend to learn as much as I can between now and November, before I choose what to vote for.  I encourage you to do so, as well.  Our votes could greatly impact the funds our schools have to provide a solid education to our kids. 
 
I've included a link here, that you may find helpful with this process.  It presents a comparative matrix, with an extensive list of links for further information.  I'm sure there are other sources out there; these are just the initial ones I've looked at.  

The California State PTA, has decided to participate with the drafting of and support for one of the initiatives, "Our Children Our Future."    After a bit or research, it appeals to me; but, I do intend to look deeper into all of the options out there.
 
The main components of the "Our Children Our Future" measure include: 
  • Funding of  programs that have been cut: class size reduction; science, engineering, math and technology instruction; counselors; librarians and libraries; nurses; PE, music, and art instruction; technological and college training; and teacher training.  Early education/preschool programs are also included.  
  •  Local Control:  Funds are placed in a trust account, independent from all legislature control, and are distributed on a per pupil basis throughout the state to school districts. 
  • School boards will decide how each school site will use their money by having community forums with each school site's parents, teachers, and administrators.
  • Funds must be spent by each school site and cannot be absorbed into the district's general fund.
  • An average amount of $1,100 will be received per student. Projected Funding For Fremont; Projected Funding for Rogers Middle School; Projected Funding for Wilson HIgh School
  • Funds generated through a sliding-scale, after-deduction income tax, ranging from 0.04$ for incomes below $35,000 to 2.2% for incomes over $2.2 million. 
 To find out more about the initiative, please follow the link.   
 
For an explanation as to why California PTA is endorsing the measure: CaPTA Initiative Support

 

California PTA has asked all local PTA's in the state to assist with acquiring signatures to get the initiative on the November ballot by asking our members, friends, and families.  Over the next few weeks, petitions will be available at various events and different days of drop off or pick up.  The first opportunity will be tomorrow morning.  Stop by the table at drop off,  located by the school entrance near the valet area on Vermont Street, if you'd like more information or to add your signature.  Look for future email blasts to tell you other times the petitions will be out. 

 

Interested in taking a petition and getting 6 more signatures?  We'll have extras available for those who wish to ask their friends and family to support getting the initiative on the ballot.  Can't make it then? Please contact me at [email protected] to arrange an alternate time. 
 
That's the news out there beyond our gem of a school!  In direct relation to that, our local effort to fund our Science and Technology Labs is deeply underway.  Thank you to everyone who has donated thus far.  If you have not had the opportunity to do so yet, please show your support for these proven, valuable programs by giving a donation in any amount.  Thank you!

 

Michelle Anderson
PTA President, 2010-2012

 

In This Issue
Principal's Message
Calendar
SOS
Lab Night
Teacher of the Year Essay Contest
E-waste Event

Also in this issue:

 

*PTA Meeting

*Dominos Night

*Family Fun Night

*Beach Greens

*Meet the Masters

*Jog-a-thon Committee

*Fresh & Easy

PTA Meeting

 

Tuesday,

March 13

 

7:00pm

in the library

 

Please join us for our March PTA meeting. We will be voting on the PTA Board for the 2012-2013

school year.

 

Free childcare will be provided in the Kids'Club Bungalow.

*tips are appreciated*

Dominos Pizza Night

 

Tuesday,

March 13

 

Don't fuss with making dinner before the PTA meeting!
Call Domino's and have your favorite pizza delivered to your home!
Not in the mood for pizza? Domino's also has delicious pasts and salads, so there's something for
everyone!

20% of the night's sales come back to Fremont,
so be sure to tell them you're from Fremont!  They've given back nearly $400 to Fremont this year through this program!

393 Redondo Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90814
562.434.9971

 Domino's Pizza

Family Fun Night

Come out to raise funds for Fremont and enjoy dinner at Super Mex!

 

Tuesday, March 27

2nd St. location

Beach Greens

New to Fremont
 
this year - Beachgreens!
If you haven't
 
already tried it,

get fresh, organic

and seasonal fruit

and vegetables

delivered to

school. It's a

smart and easy

way to eat

healthy - plus,

you support local farmers, a local business and the school! Farm

boxes include 7 different types of vegetables, 2

herbs, and 2-3

different types of

fruit. Only the

freshest in-season produce will be harvested and

packed for you. Deliveries also

come with

recipes, delivered

by email. Choose

a weekly [$120]

or biweekly [$60] delivery which can

be conveniently

paid through

paypal at

www.fremont-pta.org

 
For more

information about

the produce go to

www.beachgreens.com

or email Sophie,

beachgreens@fremont-pta.org
 
With our busy schedules this is

a great way to

eat healthy!

Beach Greens 

 

Meet the Masters

 

 Toulouse Lautrec is our March Meet the Master artist. On Thursday, March 25th, our own Fremont artists will learn about this French late 19th century, post-impressionist painter. They will see slides of Parisian performers and nightclubs, and learn of Toulouse Lautrec's ability to capture the real life drama of the time.

 

Meet the Masters is a Southern California company that presents age appropriate histories of artists in a multi media, interactive assembly format. After learning about the artist, our teachers and in-class volunteers, are presented with an art project in the style of the master. Later, they have the opportunity to create the project with their students.

 

Parent participation is always needed to help with these projects; instruction is provided to teachers and volunteers at 1:30 on the same Thursday as the assembly.

 

If you'd like to offer your help (no artistic talent needed, really!) feel free to contact your child's teacher or Roberta Jeannette at [email protected]

 
  

 

Jog-a-thon Committee

 

Looking for

some Fall Fun?

 

 Fremont needs
 
a 2012-2013

Jog-a-thon committee!

The prior year's

team wants to

meet with you

and pass on the

Jog-a-thon's

well worn

road/handbook

to success.

 

Please send an

email to Brenda Sheridan at

[email protected]

if you're interested.

Fresh & Easy

Our final Fresh and Easy totals are in!
We raised a total of $1,025 between shop for schools night and the receipts turned in!
This is $300 more than last year!  Next year our goal is $1300!
We will receive our check from Fresh & Easy in May.

Mrs. Aimeretto's class turned in the most receipts and will be rewarded with a special surprise.

Thank you everyone who put receipts in the box, came to shop at our shop for schools event, and volunteered to bag groceries. 

Lemonade Stand


Kinders, Sophia Sanders and Samuel Orr, along with his brothers, AJ and Ben and mom, Elizabeth, had a lemonade stand to raise money for SOS!

 

Girl Scouts at LBLL Opening Day


5th Grade Girl Scouts  sang
the National Anthem at Long Beach Little League's opening day ceremonies!
Way to go girls!!!

 

5th Grade

Bake Sale


Many of our 5th
 graders were also at Long Beach Little League's opening day holding a fundraiser for SOS. They made a total of $327!!!
Great job!

 
Principal's Message 

Each year, the Fremont Elementary School community bands together to raiMr. Hammondse funds to retain two important educational programs, the computer lab and science lab.  These two programs serve all the kindergarten through grade 5 students.  Both programs are thoughtfully designed and taught by credentialed teachers to support the core curriculum program and to provide worthwhile enrichment activities while giving students learning experiences that progress through the grade levels and build on prior learned skills.  In the computer technology program students are taught to apply and extend literacy skills, think creatively, communicate effectively, solve problems wisely, and manage information skillfully while producing their own projects. The science lab gives students opportunities for hands-on experiments, activities, and investigations.  The four focus areas are physical science, life science, earth science, and scientific reasoning.  Both programs strive to give the students the knowledge, experience, and skills to be successful now and in the future.  Thank you for your continued support for the important SOS (Support Our School) fundraising efforts to keep these valuable programs alive and well.

On behalf of our school community, we express our appreciation to all of our volunteers.  You provide service to our students and offer your giving spirit and abilities in many varied ways.  Volunteers are preparing classroom materials, working with students individually and in small groups, helping on field trips, involved in special after school programs, encouraging students to read through the Home Reading Club, heading up and offering assistance with enrichment programs, serving on committees, planning school events, and much more.  Much of the volunteer participation is a result of individuals seeing a need and taking the opportunity to get involved.  If you want to become a VIPS (Volunteer in Public Schools) or you're interested in attending an upcoming workshop opportunity on literacy skills for students "The Joy of Reading" on March 14 at 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., please check with Elizabeth Dilts in the school office.  We can't tell you enough how much our volunteers are appreciated and our students benefit from your time and talents.

 

 

Calendar of Events

March:

6 - SOS Check Drive Ends 

13 - PTA Meeting - Elections (7:00pm)

13 - Domino's Pizza Night

21 - Science Fair Projects Due

24 - 5th Annual Family Lab Night & Science Fair Project Viewing

27 - Family Night Out at Super Mex

27 - Beach Greens Produce Orders due

28 - PTA Executive Board Meeting

29 - Meet the Masters

 

April:

2-6 - Teacher Appreciation Week

5 - Staff Luncheon

9-13 - Spring Break - no school

17 - PTA Meeting & Domino's Pizza Night

21 - Boy Scout Pancake Breakfast,

Tomato Plant Sale, Used Book Sale

23-27 - Book Fair & Turn Off the TV Week

24 - Family Night Out at Frisco's

25 - PTA Executive Board Meeting

27 - Beach Greens Produce Orders Due

 

May:

1 - STAR testing begins

8 - PTA Meeting & Domino's Pizza Night

19 - Carnival & Silent Auction

24 - Open House

28 - Memorial Day Holiday

30 - PTA Executive Board Meeting

 

June:

1 - 3rd Annual Pasta Potluck Family Night/ PTA Founders' Day Celebration

5 - PTA Calendar Planning Meeting (6:30p)

5 - Domino's Pizza Night

7 - Home Reading Club Celebration

8 - PTA End of Year Celebration

13 - 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony

14 - Last Day of School 

 

Please check the calendar on www.fremont-pta.org regularly for updates and revisions.

SOS (Support Our School)
The "Check Drive" Ends March 6th!!!
Save Our Labs! Support Our School!
SOS Logo
HOW DO WE PREPARE OUR KIDS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY?
"A DOLLAR A DAY FOR AN EDUCATION OF A LIFETIME" 
 
CHECK OUT OUR INSPIRING VIDEO
Fremont SOS
Fremont SOS
 
 
We have raised $23,000.
We have 23% participation.
*particpation % does not include coin jar collection
 
A "big thanks" to our artists Elizabeth Orr and Priscilla Sanders for creating this thermometer!
 
Questions? Please contact Lauren Friedman SOS Liaison at [email protected]
or at 562-506-3352.
 

Science Fair

Fremont Falcon Scientists! 

There is still time to get your Project Selection Forms into one of the Science Fair boxes in the office or Mrs. Malloy's classroom! 

Parents, family, and friends are welcome to view Science Fair projects in the cafeteria throughout Science Fair, open Wednesday March 21 thru Friday March 23rd during school hours - and at Family Lab Night, Saturday March 24th, 4-7pm! There will be over one hundred Science Projects to view!

See you at the Science Fair!

 

  

 

Family Lab Night
 

Teacher of the Year

Essay Writing Contest

Fremont's teachers are the main reason that this is such an amazing school!  How about taking the time to recognize one or more of the teachers your child has been fortunate to have during their time here?  You can do so by submitting an essay to the annual Teacher of the Year Essay Contest, sponsored by the Long Beach Council PTA.  Essays may be written by a parent or student...or a joint effort!  Even alumni students looking back fondly on their time at Fremont can submit an entry.   Take the time to let a teacher know what they have meant to your child/family and how much you appreciate them.  All entries will be shared with the appropriate teacher, who will certainly be grateful for your thoughts.

 

Please follow these specific guidelines carefully:
 

Formatting:

Typed in black ink

Double spaces with 1" Margins

2 single-sided pages max

 

Please answer the following questions in your essay:

1.  What qualities make the Teacher outstanding?

2.  How does the teacher exemplify being a good role model?

3.  What techniques does the teacher use to be able to reach all students?

4.  How does the teacher provide a positive learning  environment where all students can thrive?

5.  How does the teacher make learning fun?

 
 
 All entries are due by 2:30pm on Wednesday, March 28th, in the PTA mailbox, located in the office.  The selected essay will be sent to the Long Beach Council PTA for further consideration. 

 

A committee will be meeting immediately after morning drop-off (8:00 a.m.) on Tuesday, April 2nd in the cafeteria, to review the essays and select this year's winner.   If you are interested in participating on that committee, please contact Michelle Walker [email protected]

 

VIPs Literacy Training

 

The district is providing another VIPS Literacy Training, "The Joy of Reading."  The training will include specific early literacy support for classrooms.  The training will include:  (1) using hands-on, age appropriate activities to engage students in reading, (2) reading with a student or class and asking comprehension questions, (3) teach blending strategies with Open Court Wall Cards, and (4) teach high-frequency words/Power Words.

 

The training is scheduled for

Wednesday, March 14th

from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

at the Administrative Building,

Community Room 143, 1515 Hughes Way. 

 

Enrollment is limited and is on a first-come

first-served basis.  If parents are interested they should call Elizabeth at the

Fremont School office. 

Drama Wrap-up

  

As my 2nd year as the PTA Drama Club Chairperson comes to a close,I wanted to take a moment to reflect of the past year. It is truly amazing to me how the Drama Club can take some words on a page and turn them into the incredible production that made us smile, laugh, and really feel that sense of accomplishment for a job well done. It is a true blessing to be able to witness this amazing group of kids go from being nervous and unsure on the first day of rehearsals to the strong confident actors who walk on to the stage and do things that many of us never have the courage to do.

 

Please let me thank the parents who truly over achieved this year by giving of their time and talents to make show day seem so effortless.

 

Mr. Hammond

Ms. Elizabeth

Jennifer Scharnikow

Anne Mette Smith

Susan Tanaka

Michelle & Rob Anderson

Kelly Sullivan

Lisa Edminson

Nicole Littleworth

David & Marci Aimerito

Marky Morel

Kim Foley

Michelle Walker

Brenda Sheridan

Jackie McKay

Mary & Dave Moore

Michelle Pryor

Elizabeth Ramos

Cathy Triassi

Sarah Gomez

Alex Cooper

Dorothy Rosnick

Jean and Gary Newkirk

Wendy Reiboldt

Lisa Dempsey

Berna Cliff

Justin Langlois

Scott Longwinter

Franklin Farrow

Ron Smith

Alan Mongeau

Margarita Lynch

Vanessa Grant

Rhea Stewart

Samantha Morrison

Jelena Sprintsanu

Roberta Makura

Joslyn Semichy

Roberta Jeannette

Dana Conley

Jill Brubaker

Stephanie Luis

George Tanaka

Teresa Bohman

Danielle Chung

Allison Denney

Laura Malloy

Theresa Hamilton

Karen Aviles

Dana Buchanan

Katie Cotter

And the entire Fremont Family.

 

Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of this beautiful experience.

 

 Kathleen Turner

 

Date Night Wrap-up

Thank you for coming Date Nighters!!!

 

The goal of Date Night was to bring our community of parents, alumni and friends of Fremont together for a fun adult night out while supporting our SOS program. 

Based on that goal alone Date Night was a huge success!  I saw many new faces, a lot of alumni and parents from younger grades. 

Of course it was made possible by the support of sponsors and commitment from Fremont helpers. 

 

I'd like to acknowledge the following people who so greatly contributed:

 

Sponsors:

Amy McCleery (Fremont parent) of SAVOUR, dessert catering

Brian Chou, Attorney at Law and his firm BEZAIRE, LEDWITZ & BORNCAMP, APC, financial contribution

Bradneys (former Fremont parents) of SOUTHERN, alcohol

Denise M. Kuper, ESQ (Fremont parent) of LAW OFFICES OF DENISE M. KUPER, photo booth

Dr. Mark Vidor, DDS, financial contribution

Jolie Dionisio and Nellie Cooper (Fremont parents)

of KUT & SOW, dinner catering

Lisa Lowe (Fremont parent)and her company ORE DESIGNS, party favors

Pam O'leary and Fr. Bernie of St. Bartholomew's Church,

for use of the Church Hall

Seaside Printing, printing

 

Fremont Helpers:

Andrew Walker, Bartending

Connie Polite, Alumni Liaison

Dana Conleyaka, "Candi", Cocktail Hostess

Danielle Chung, Staff Liaison

David Aimerito, Technology

Gail Schack,  Staff Liaison

Greg Haeseler, Silent Auction Donorship

Jean and Gary Newkirk, Treasury, Registration and Set-up

Jennifer and Rick Anaya, Silent Auction Management and Donorship

Jennifer Scharnikow, School Communication and Clean-up

Jill Brubaker, Room Parent Communication

Joey Singman, aka, "Trixi", Cocktail Hostess

Joslyn Semichy, Bar Management, Bartending, Clean-up and Consulting

Kayo Shirakawa, Decorating and Set-up

Kevin O'Leary, Bartending and Clean-up

Kim Foley, Bar Management, Alcohol Sponsorship and Consulting

Lauren Friedman, Sponsorship

Matt Hammond, Technology, Greeter

Michelle and Rob Anderson, Photo booth Props,

Communication, Consulting

Noel Llopis, Technology, Set-up and Clean-up

Robin Jones, Silent Auction Management and Donorship

Samantha Morrison and Kids Club, Signage, Childcare

Scott Longwinter, Technology

Silvia Nakano, aka "Bambi," Cocktail Hostess

Susan Tanaka, aka "Brandi", Cocktail Hostess Manager, Hostess, Alumni Liaison, Webmaster, Consultant

Tanya Williams, Alumni Communication

Tom Sullivan, Consulting, Clean-up

Yael and Richard Marcus, Co-Mastermind, Ticket Management, Set-up, Registration, Clean-up

 

And thank you to all parents who donated to our silent auction!!!

 

If you'd like to join our talented team for next year...

please let me know. 

I'm specifically looking for help with sponsorship.

 

 

 heart for date nightFremont!

 

Sincerely,

Kelly Sullivan

Date Night Instigator

 

Michelle Pryor, Graphic Design, Signage

and Consultation

 

E-waste Event

Fremont Families Invited to Participate &

Support Wilson HS...

WILSON HS E-WASTE AND SHREDDING DRIVE - A SCHOOL-WIDE FUNDRAISER FOR PTA AND SCHOLARSHIPS 
FREE...ELECTRONIC WASTE (E-WASTE) RECYCLE
The more receivable e-waste and shreddable documents you bring,
the more money Wilson earns. No cost to you AT ALL!
 
 
SATURDAY, MARCH 24 - 9am-2pm
4400 E. 10th Street,
Corner of 10th and Park 

We want to encourage EVERYONE to support our Wilson e-waste and shredding fundraiser by participating and passing the word along to their friends, family, coworkers, and businesses, etc. Safely and Properly dispose of your e-waste products. We are reaching out to as many business and facebook pals as we can, so please spread the word! This has the potential to be a huge success and could really make a difference at Wilson. We get paid a percentage on tonnage for the e-waste so computers, TVs, printers, etc are greatly appreciated.
 
The shredding is free but we will happily accept monetary donations. I will have a couple of big jars for cash or check donations.

If Saturday, March 24 is inconvenient, you can drop any e-waste off on Wednesdays at Omni-Tech (Located directly behind the
Sizzler Restaurant across from Los Alamitos High School on Spring and Los Alamitos Blvd). Wilson will still get the credit. If a business
has a big donation, Omni-Tech will also pick-up e-waste.
 For more information, call (562) 627-1910.