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Mustang LogoMurwood Elementary

eNewsletter

 

 

 

 Wednesday, December 7th, 2011

Greetings!

Winter Break starts December 19.

In This Issue
Wellness/Healthy Tip of the Week
Character Counts
Principal's Message
From the Office
PTA Corner
WCEF
Calendar
Community News
E-News Submissions

Wellness/Healthy Tip of the Week 

 

A 45 minute walk at a brisk pace can burn

up to 500 calories. 

 

Character Counts

 

Character Trait For December is 

Caring 

 

Soul Shoppe Information 

Principal's Message

In his book The Global Achievement Gap, Tony Wagner identifies 7 survival skills schools should be teaching in order to prepare students for the workplace, lifelong learning and citizenship in the 21st Century. These skills are; Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Collaboration and Leading Through Influence, Agility and Adaptability, Initiative and Entrepreneurialism, Effective Oral and Written Communication, Accessing and Analyzing Information, Curiosity and Imagination. Each school in the Walnut Creek School District is sharing with the Governing Board how they are addressing one of these skills. Murwood presented at the November 28 board meeting how we are teaching critical thinking and problem solving in the area of mathematics. If you attended one of the Curriculum Nights in October then you are already familiar with the instructional strategies we are implementing to teach students critical thinking and problem solving. They are Number Talks and Problem of the Month. During collaboration and staff meetings we are working together to learn how to effectively implement these strategies in classrooms at all grade levels. We know that for some people, learning mathematics as procedures has been successful; but for the majority of people, knowledge of mathematical rules has not allowed them to use math confidently in their daily lives. We want to develop a deeper understanding of mathematics so that our students will confidently approach mathematics and be able to discern whether numbers make sense and are applicable to specific situations and who are capable of communicating solutions to problems.

From the Office 

LOST AND FOUND

We have accumulated a large number of sweaters and jackets in our lost and found. These items will be in the breezeway December 8-16. Please stop by and claim any items your child may have left behind. The items not claimed will be donated to charity. We encourage you to label your child's jackets and sweaters so that they can be returned to your child when lost.

 

TRAFFIC SAFETY

For the safety of our students we ask that you drive responsibly and respectfully both in the school parking lot and the streets surrounding Murwood.  Please obey all speed limits, turn off cell phones and park in designated parking spots only when waiting for your child.  Thank you, your attention to safety will keep all of our students safe and prevent a tragic accident.

 

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 until December 14.  You can find it just inside the front doors.

PTA Corner

HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE 

THANK YOU to all of the amazing volunteers that made Saturday's Holiday Auction and Boutique an overwhelming success!!  Thank you to all who came to shop and have fun!

 

REFLECTIONS UPDATE

Congratulations to Mason G. for having his Photography entry advance to the 32nd District Level in the 2011-2012 Reflection Program!

 

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.

 

FAMILY FUN NIGHT 

Family Fun Night is gearing up for a Movie Night & Sing Along. "The Wizard of Oz" is sure to dazzle and delight!  Friday, January 13th, at6:30 pm in the Multi Purpose Room.

 

FIESTA PARA LA ESCUELA, AUCTION 2012! 

The spring auction is right around the corner, take advantage of our early bird pricing right now.  Tickets available for $55 per person.

 

TICKLE YOUR TASTEBUDS WITH TOFFEE

There are still a few boxes of delicious toffee available for your holiday eating pleasure! Place your order in the office for either milk chocolate almond toffee or dark chocolate almond toffee. Both are available in a handsome half-pound bag for $12.95. Home delivery can be arranged!

WCEF 

 

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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.

 

Congratulations to our top student sponsor runners Amelia K., TJ and Maddie M., they raised additional money for our schools by reaching out to friends and family to sponsor their Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot run.   They each received a Sports Basement gift card for their efforts. If you have any questions about the sponsor program or want to learn about the details for your run next year, contact Eva Santelli at eva@mwa.com.

 

This past weekend was WCEF's Shopping Day and Boutique at Sports Basement. We wanted to thank Sports Basement, our families, friends and boutique business partners and volunteers who came out to support our schools. Remember your Sports Basement purchases benefit the foundation year round and you receive a 10% discount. Just be sure to mention WCEF at checkout.

 

Honey Bear Tree Lot: is now open. Print this coupon and they will donate 20% of your purchase back to WCEF!

Calendar


December

Dec 19- Jan 2

Winter Break

 

Community News 

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

 

Gcamp Galileo

Art, Science & Outdoors

Lafayette and other bay area locations

 

Saint Mary's College Basketball

Spring Break Camp

Grades K-6

 

Walnut Creek Warriors Lacrosse

Spring 2012 Season

Boys and Girls Ages 7-14


Great Books at Great Prices

Looking for special books for holiday gifts without breaking the bank?  The Friends of the Walnut Creek Library's Quarterly Book Sale is on Saturday, December 10 from 10:00AM-5:00PM at the Walnut Creek Library Oak View Room.  Following a break between 2:30-3:00PM, the Bag Sale will be from 3:00-5:00PM.  During this time, you may fill a grocery bag with books for just $3.00.  All proceeds from the book sale are donated to the library for new books and children's programs.  Thanks for supporting your Walnut Creek Library!

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.

 

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