News From Murwood PTA

This week you will be receiving the first edition of the Mustang Gazette for the 2011-2012 school year. The purpose of this newsletter is to give you an in-depth look at some of the special programs at Murwood. In an effort to reach those who may not have email we are sending the newsletter as a paper copy. I hope you enjoy spending time learning more about the happenings at Murwood this fall. You will receive your copy either in your Wednesday Envelope or at your Parent-Teacher conference. If you have not already scheduled your Parent-Teacher conference, please contact your child's teacher today.

From the Office

ENEWS

There will be no eNews next week, it will resume on November 30. Have a wonderful holiday.

NOVEMBER SCHEDULE

During the month of November our school schedule is adjusted for staff development, parent-teacher conferences and holidays.

The following dates are non-attendance days for students:

November 21-25 - Thanksgiving Holiday

The following dates are minimum school days students in grades 1-5 will be dismissed at 12:15:

November 16-18

All Kindergarten students will attend from 8:00-11:50 on minimum days with the exception of Wednesday, November 16 which remains 8:00-11:20.

TOYS FOR TOTS

This year Murwood is participating in the "Toys for Tots" drive sponsored by the Marine Corps. We will be collecting new toys for under privileged children. The barrel will be available for toy drop off beginning November 21 through December 14.

PTA Corner

MURWOOD'S HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE AND GINGERBREAD SHOPPE

Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 3 because the most fabulous event of the season will be happening right here at Murwood. Our first ever Holiday Boutique and Gingerbread Shoppe will be from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Buy local; support 40 different small businesses and talented artisans. Support Murwood; the Boutique will be a family friendly event with a silent auction featuring the class baskets, a cookie auction, a kids-only shopping area (Gingerbread Shoppe) where everything is $10 or less, lunch for purchase, and a fun FREE holiday puppet show. Check out our Facebook page at Murwood Holiday Boutique and Gingerbread Shoppe or contact Shelden Hyde at sheldenhyde@astound.net for more information. All your holiday shopping in one room. This is an entrance free event; please plan to be there, and bring a friend! Here's a sneak peek at our talented vendors and artisans.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR OUR HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE AND GINGERBREAD SHOPPE ON DECEMBER 3

We have loads of fun jobs that only require you and a smile. We need people for set-up, breakdown, cashiers, gift wrappers, shopping helpers, ticket takers, auction supervisors, vendor support and greeters. Please come support our Holiday Boutique by helping us to make it an incredible day of shopping and fun for everyone! Please contact sheldenhyde@astound.net to sign up and thank you in advance for your participation.

BAKERS NEEDED FOR OUR COOKIE AUCTION ON DECEMBER 3

As part of the Murwood Holiday Boutique we will hold a COOKIE AUCTION. This is an opportunity to share your favorite holiday treat with our community, get a jump start on your holiday baking and support our favorite school. Here are the details:

WHO: you and your family

WHAT: Bake 1-2 dozen cookies or other holiday treats, plate and wrap in plastic wrap WHEN: December 3, 2011 is the cookie auction. Please drop them off by 10:00 am

WHERE: Murwood School

WHY: This is an opportunity to get everyone at our school involved in the "FUN"draiser. Whether you are providing the baked goods or bidding on them you are helping our school to reach its financial goals. Your participation will help make this new event exciting and successful! Contact Garnet Shah at garnetshah@hotmail.com with questions or for more information.

TOFFEE SALES EXTENDED!

Due to the huge success of our short toffee sale, we are continuing to sell the most popular toffee items! Here is your order form. This is your chance to reserve your toffee before a limited quantity goes on sale to the general public at the Holiday Boutique. Turn in your order form to the school office. The toffee will be available for pick up at the Boutique. Contact sheldenhyde@astound.net with any questions.

THE PTA IS TOO SKINNY - HELP US FATTEN IT UP

The PTA is looking for volunteers to help with two short-term research projects. If you are interested in helping out with either project or if you don't have time to help out but have some thoughts, please email PTA President Aimee Moss at aimee@mosscpa.com.

1. PTA meeting attendance: We need volunteers to help us collect ideas about how to boost attendance at our monthly meetings.

2. The PTA and Social Media: Should we increase our online presence? We need help researching the best ways of doing that, including the pros and cons of creating an online community group and/or a Facebook page.

RAFFLE ORGANIZER NEEDED

We need someone to chair the raffle this year. Duties included overseeing the Raffle Committee beginning now and finishing up after the March 3rd drawing. If interested please contact Shelden Hyde, sheldenhyde@astound.net or Danielle Scheg, schegd@yahoo.com.

WCEF

Last chance for Turkey Trot, Save the Date, First Friday

It's fast approaching! Walnut Creek's premier holiday event, the 19th Annual Walnut Creek Sports & Fitness Turkey Trot 5K/10K/Kids Fun Runs. Here's how you can join in and support WCEF!

Run! 10K, 5K and Kids Fun Run
Volunteer! We need 200 volunteers to help make this event a success. There are many time frames you can choose from!
Sponsor a Runner! Prizes awarded to the top fundraisers

Save the Date: Sports Basement Holiday Shopping Date to benefit WCEF Saturday, December 3, 9:00 am-7:00 pm.Take advantage of a 10% discount off your purchases and a 10% donation goes to WCEF. Click here for all the details.

Honey Bear Tree Lot: Opens November 22. Print this coupon and they will donate 20% of your purchase back to WCEF!

First Friday!! Click here to view the latest exclusive discounts and special offers from local businesses that support our Walnut Creek Schools. Thank you for supporting our students through WCEF.

We would like to thank all of our families for their continued support and wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends.

Calendar

		November
16-18	Wed-Fri	Short School Days
21-22	Mon-Tue	No School/Parent Conferences
23	Wed	No School
24-25	Thu-Fri	Thanksgiving Holiday
		December
3	Sat	Holiday Boutique and Gingerbread Shoppe

Community News

Please check out the WCSD website to see informational flyers for these events and other happenings.

680 Winter Water Polo

Boys and Girls, Novice - Elite

Walnut Creek on Ice

Ice Rink in Civic Park

November 11 - January 16

Youth League Tennis

Ages 5-14, All Levels

Taming the Worry Monster: Help Your Middle Schoolers Worry Less and Enjoy Life More

Stress and worry are like "monsters" that invade a child's life, negatively impact their mood, and keep them from performing to their potential. On Thursday, November 17, from

12-1:30 pm at the Walnut Creek Intermediate Library, join psychologist Dan Peters. He will help you better understand and combat anxiety.

Quick Links

Murwood School Website Murwood PTA Website

Murwood Keyspot Murwood School Lunch Menu

Walnut Creek School District WCEF - K12

Escrip Walnut Creek Intermediate

Las Lomas High School Las Trampas Creek Council of PTAs

E-News Submissions

To submit an article or announcement for next weeks e-news letter, please send by Friday, 5pm, to: murwoodpta@yahoo.com.

You can easily remove your email address from this weekly newsletter list by clicking on the words "Update your Profile/email address" at the bottom of this email.