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The Twain Times
A weekly newsletter from Mark Twain Elementary School
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In This Issue
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PTO President's Letter
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Post-Bash Items for Sale
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International Festival Planning Meeting, 2/15
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Box Tops due Tomorrow, 2/15
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Parent Enrichment - Healthy Cooking, 2/16, 8:15am
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Race to Nowhere Film, 2/16
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Dad's Golf Tournament, Friday 3/30
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UIL Competition, Meeting (2/9) and Applications Deadline (2/15)
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+Works Talk IV, 3/1
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5th Graders Music Message from Mrs. Bardin
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Lanier Middle School Spring Tours
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Students NOT returning to Mark Twain Fall 2012 - fill out form
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Community News and Events: HLSR Half-price Carnival Tickets, West U Softball Carnival, Willow Pool, and Arboretum Camp
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Order Your Birthday Grams
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Rewards Programs
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Mark Your Calendar |
February
2/15 - Box Tops for Education deadline
2/15 - International Festival Planning Meeting, 8am
2/15 - Deadline for UIL applications
2/16 - Parent Enrichment: A Healthy Family on Any Schedule, 8:15am
2/17 - Last day for Post Bash Items
2/17 - Monthly Staff Appreciation Luncheon
2/25 - International Festival, 1:00-4:00pm
March
3/1 - + Works Talk: Raising Resilient Children, Roberts Elementary, 6:30-8pm
3/6 - PTO Meeting, 6:30pm
3/12-16 - Spring Break |
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Thank You to Our
2011-2012
Corporate Sponsors |
Tom Sawyer Level
Huckleberry Finn Level
Toni Rodriguez Salon
Samuel Clemens Level
Aunt Polly Level
Becky Thatcher Level
Evans and Mossman CPAs
smossman@jbecpa.com
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February 14, 2012 | |
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Dear Parents,
This week the fourth grade students will be administered a practice STAAR test. We will be simulating the actual STAAR test that will take place in March. The STAAR test is timed and the students will have four hours to complete the test. We will adjust ancillary schedules to accommodate testing. The last week of February we will also be administering practice tests in reading, math and science in the same manner. Please make sure that your child has a healthy breakfast, arrives to school a few minutes early so he/she has time to get settled, and is well rested!
I would like to personally thank Dawn Koenig and Kathryn Shultz for coordinating the Huckleberry Bash. Great job! And to those of you that attended or helped in any way, thank you!
Have a wonderful week!
Melissa Patin, Principal
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| PTO President's Letter | | |
Dear Mark Twain families and friends,
What a weekend! It was so enjoyable to see so many of you (parents, teachers, sponsors, administration, friends) dressed in your Hollywood finest on Friday night...I was able to dance with Paris Hilton, sing along with Amy Winehouse, enjoy food and drinks with Scarlett and Rhett, hang out with Marilyn Monroe and Ingrid Bergman and mingle with many bridesmaids, T-birds and Pink Ladies, and other stars throughout the night. Everyone looked FANTASTIC! The best part is that the Mark Twain community came together to raise money for the school and had a LOT of fun doing it!
If you were not able to come to the Bash on Friday night, please take a moment to look at the Post Bash sales for items that were either donated after the deadline or didn't sell at the Bash. They will be on sale all week after school. A HUGE THANKS TO THE ENTIRE BASH COMMITTEE AND EVERYONE WHO HELPED TO MAKE THIS EVENT A WONDERFUL SUCCESS! During this time when drastic budget cuts for public education are looming, it is amazing to see and experience our community come together in support of our school.
At the February PTO meeting last week, we voted and approved the 2012 Nominations Committee. Many thanks to Shelley Rota (chair), Sarah Callahan Baker, Amy Haight, Stormy Hayes-Knipe, Aaron Roffwarg, Ashlyn Tankersley and Jennifer Williams for agreeing to serve in this capacity. The Nominating Committee will be responsible for recruiting members of the Mark Twain community to serve on the PTO Board for the 2012-2013 school year.
Specifically, the Nominating Committee shall make every effort to submit a slate of representatives reflective of the school enrollment groups. The consent of each candidate must be obtained prior to being placed in nomination. The final slate of officer nominations shall be presented to the Board for approval. The ballot shall reflect that slate approved by the Board, as well as any interested candidates.
Nominating Committee Deadlines: April PTO meeting - present executive slate (officers) to the PTO Board for approval May PTO meeting - present entire slate to the PTO Board for approval.
If you are interested in serving on the Board, please feel free to reach out to any of the Nominations Committee members. There will also be a nominations form sent home in the weekly folders, available on our website and in the Twain Times in upcoming weeks that you can fill out as well. If you have any questions, please let me know.
As always, thank you for your support!
Best,
Deanna
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| Bash Wrap-up and Post Bash Items for Sale | | |
Huckleberry Bash was a wonderful event Friday night and we thank everyone for their support of Mark Twain Elementary.
Post Bash sales began today for socials and auction items that were either not sold at the event or have been added since Friday. Bid sheets are posted in the hallway by the school store. If you choose to sign up for any of the children's and/or adults' parties or any other fixed price item, you will be required to pay for those on the spot. Please feel free to place as many bids as you would like on all other auction items throughout the week. Winning bids will be final on Friday and the winning bidder will need to pay for their items at that time. There are some terrific items and parties available so please take this opportunity to look at the bid sheets and see if anything interests you!
There are a few invoices that weren't picked up at the Bash. Please see Christina Kouzounis before & after school if you would like your copy.
It appears that a flashing bulb went missing on Friday night. That item was rented and must be returned in good condition. It would be very helpful to the school if we could get the bulb back. If anyone would like to anonymously put it in the Bash Box in the workroom, we would greatly appreciate it.
Lights, Camera, Bash! is drawing to a close. The fundraiser was a huge success and it was a fun evening for all! We had over 400 people attend the event and we raised over $90,000 for our beloved school, Mark Twain.
The post-Bash sale will end on Friday, February 17th.
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International Festival Planning Meeting,
2/15, 8am | | |
Come celebrate the diversity of the cultures and backgrounds represented in our school with a festival of performances and country displays.
As of 2/13/12 the following countries will be represented at the festival:
Argentina, Belgium, China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, India, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Jamaica, Korea, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, Vietnam
If the country you love is not on this list, please consider hosting a table for it!
We will have our next planning/informational meeting on Wednesday, February 15th at 8:00 a.m. in the cafeteria. Please join us!
Don't have time to come to the meeting?
If your child wants to walk in the "Parade of Countries" at the opening of the Festival, please have them be in the 2nd grade hallway @ 12:45 on the day of the Festival!
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| Box Tops for Education Deadline, 2/15 | |
All Box Tops are due tomorrow, February 15, 2012. Please turn in any remaining Box Tops in the designated collection containers in your child's classroom.
Thanks for clipping!
Questions, contact Amy Allen at amy.allen@comcast.net or 281.501.3544.
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| Parent Enrichment - Healthy Cooking, 2/16, 8:15am | |
 Mark Twain Parent Enrichment
February 16, 8:15 am
Healthy Cooking Techniques for Quick and Delicious Weeknight Meals, Twain Cafeteria
Are you frustrated with not having enough time to get dinner on the table, much less a healthy meal? Are you tired of the whining and continuous food battles with your children over eating anything other than chicken nuggets or pizza? Healthy food does not have to be a battle and it does not have to take more than 15 to 30 minutes to get healthy and delicious food on the table. Join Aimee Taylor as she shares healthy cooking techniques for quick and delicious weeknight meals, as well as tips on getting your kids to eat more healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Click here to view the flyer.
If you cannot attend the event, I strongly encourage you to sign up for Aimee's blog through her website at http://www.greenpeasandblueberries.com/
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| Race To Nowhere Film @ Lanier MS, 2/16 | |
Lanier Middle School PTO is showing the must see film Race to Nowhere on Thursday, February 16 in the Lanier Auditorium. The first screening is 8:15-10:15 a.m.; the second is 6:00-8:00 p.m.
The event is free, but you must register to attend. You may register at the door, but to avoid a line, the preferred method of registration is to click one of the links below:
(Morning Screening) Thursday, February 16, 2012, 8:15-10:15 a.m.
http://rtnlaniermstx.eventbrite.com/
(Evening Screening) Thursday, February 16, 2012, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
http://rtnlaniermstx6pm.eventbrite.com/
If you have any questions about the Race to Nowhere screening events, contact Joanna Watson at jojoandtim@att.net or Chrysi Polydoros at gcpolyjr@aol.com.
You can check out the film's web site http://www.racetonowhere.com/
and the trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uem73imvn9Y
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| Annual Dad's Club Golf Tournament, 3/30 |
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 The annual Dad's Club golf tournament is set for Friday March 30th with a 1:00 PM shotgun Start at Wildcat Golf Club.
This tournament is a good way to spend a Friday afternoon in the Spring with a bunch of Twain parents. Individual tickets can be purchased for $95.00 and all players are treated to hot or boxed lunch prior to play, green fees, and open bar after golf for 1 hour.
Hole Sponsor ships are $500.00 and includes a foursome to the event, lunch, open bar after event, hole sponsor sign and event recognition. This is great way to sponsor a team and host new players or for 4 dads to get together and share a foursome.
Keep up to date on the event by checking the PTO website or the Twain Times. I am in the process of setting up an event registration link and will get that out to all parties as soon as available.
Please contact me if you want to discuss or volunteer at: 713-240-8282 or samsmith@fnf.com.
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| PTO Nominations 2012-13 | |
It is that time of year when the PTO nominations committee is assembling a slate of Executive Directors and taking nominations for Director positions for the 2012-2013 school year. Click here to view a letter from the nomination committee and click here for the process by which all this takes place. The PTO encourages everyone to be involved in the process by nominating, voting and attending PTO meetings during this time. If you have any questions, contact Shelley Rota (shelleyrota@hotmail.com).
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UIL Competition (3/31) |
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The next UIL Tournament is scheduled for March 31st at Davis High School. Below are the events by grade level. Each competition will have 4 contestants and 2 alternates. Preference will be given to those children who attended the UIL Tournament on January 28th.
We are hoping to have a parent volunteer for each of the events in an effort to help coordinate practice/informational meetings prior to competition. If you can help out, please contact Susana Monteverde at monsing@swbell.net. Mr. Castillo (5th Grade) will be coordinating the academic events and Mrs. Zamarripa-Hicks (5th grade) will be coordinating the performance events. In the meantime, a blog has been created for the Mark Twain Community at http://marktwainuil.blogspot.com/ for updates and information.
Academic Competitions
- Art 4/5/6th Grade
- Creative Writing 2nd Grade
- Dictionary Skills 5/6th Grade
- Ready Writing 3/4th Grade and 5thrade
- Listening Skills 5/6th Grade
- Social Studies 5/6th Grade
- Maps, Graphs & Charts 5/6th Grade
- Music Memory 3/4th Grade and 5Grade
- Number Sense 4/5/6th Grade
Performance Competitions
- Oral Reading 4/5 (English/Spanish)
- Public Speaking K-2nd Grade and 3-5th Grade
- Solo Acting K-2nd Grade and 3-5th Grade
- Spelling 3/4th Grade and 5/6th Grade
- Storytelling 2/3rd Grade (English and Spanish)
- Impromptu Speaking K-5th Grade (English and Spanish)
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+Works Talk IV: Bounce Back - The Importance of Raising Resilient Kids (3/1) |
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120 people attended the last +TALK on Cybertechnology, Will you join us for the next + conversation?
+WORKS ANNOUNCES +TALK IV: BOUNCE BACK - THE IMPORTANCE OF RAISING
RESILIENT KIDS
THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2012
6:30-8:00PM
Roberts Elementary School
6000 Greenbriar Street, Houston 77030
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: MRS. CATHY MUSCO GARCIA-PRATS
We will be giving a FREE +PARENTING GUIDE CD TO ALL ATTENDEES! ALL ARE WELCOME.
"It all comes down to resilience." We hear this from educators and even employers of recent college grads. To be productive, happy adults, kids need to learn to bounce back from life's hard knocks - and to deal with life's everyday mundaneness. To do this, we, as parents, need to get out of the way.
Join us as we explore the observation that our generation of parents can and should do a better job of raising resilient kids. Why do so many of us rush into the sandbox when a shovel is taken away, into the teacher if our child is teased once or twice, or into the principal's office with a lawyer's approach when our child has been caught making a mistake? Is this a reaction to the way we were raised? A byproduct of today's hypercompetitive society? Both - or something else? How can we support each other as parents, schools, and a community so that we can raise kids ready to face the world as adults - with verve? Please bring your reflections and questions and join in a +Community discussion entitled: BOUNCE BACK: The Importance of Raising Resilient Kids.
Our keynote speaker will be MRS. CATHY MUSCO GARCIA-PRATS, mother of ten sons and author of several books, including GOOD SONS DON'T JUST HAPPEN, and with her husband Dr. Joseph Garcia-Prats, GOOD FAMILIES
DON'T JUST HAPPEN. Our distinguised panel will include:
* DR. ADIAHA FRANKLIN, Asst. Professor of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine; Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Meyer Center for Developmental Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, and +Parenting/+Teaching Guide contributor
* MRS. RITA GRAVES, Principal, Roberts Elementary School, HISD
* MR. JOHN MORRIS, LMSW-ACP, LMFT, marriage and family therapist and +Parenting/+Teaching Guide contributor
ADMISSION FREE to +Roundtable schools parents/staff:
* St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School * Mark Twain Elementary School * St. Paul's School * Pershing Middle School
* Durham Elementary School * St. Michael Catholic School * Kolter Elementary School * Roberts Elementary School
* The Awty International School
ALL ARE WELCOME. ADMISSION $5 for other members of our community.
Come to this +Talk, the fourth in a series of five this school year, and find out why it is important that we ALL - Dads, Moms, teachers, coaches, principals, students - take time to get informed in order to get AHEAD of bullying and create +Upstanding Communities.
For more information, please contact: Sarah Fisher, CEO, +Works, aware@positivethinkingworks.org
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| 5th Graders Music Recorders Message from Ms. Bardin | |
Dear Fifth Grade Parents,
I am so excited to share with you that your Fifth Grade Student is learning to play the recorder in music class. I have enough instruments for one classroom so I clean the instruments everyday before the next class. I have ordered some recorders if you would like your child to have his\her own.
The recorder can be purchased for $5.25 from the school store.
School store hours are: Monday-Friday 7:45-8:15a.m. and 2:45-3:15 p.m.
Janet Bardin
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| Lanier Middle School Spring Tours | |
Lanier will be hosting several tours this spring:
- Thursday, March 22 at 9:00am
- Thursday, March 29 at 9:00am
- Wednesday, April 4 at 6:00pm (school tour and 6th grade teacher meet and greet)
- Thursday, April 5 at 9:00am
- Thursday, April 12 at 9:00am
www.purplepups.org
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| Students NOT Returning to Mark Twain Form for Fall 2012 | |
Dear Parents,
Please inform us of your plans for the 2012-2013 school year. Forms went home in the Tuesday folders. If you could please fill them out if you will not be returning in the fall and please check the reason. This will help us plan for the next year. Please return to your child's teacher this week. If you're returning to Mark Twain for the 2012-2013 school year, you do not have to fill out this form. Thanks so much for your assistance.
Sincerely, Melissa Patin
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| Community News and Events | | |
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo 2012 Half-price Carnival Tickets
Each year the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) committee sells half-price carnival tickets. Click here to view the order form in English. Click here to view the order form in Spanish. For more information, contact Alicial Laidler at hlsr.carnival.tickets@gmail.com or Alicia.Laidler@chevron.com. You can also purchase online at https://secure.rodeohouston.com/carnivaltickest/?salescode=1118434.
West University Softball Opening Ceremonies and Carnival
West University Softball welcomes all to attend their Opening Ceremonies and Carnival, Saturday, February 11th from 9am -2pm. Attractions this year include: Climbing Wall, Mechanical Bull, Dunk Tank, Inflatables, Petting Zoo, Karaoke, Confetti Eggs and MUCH MORE! Come out and let the kids run around and have fun! Wristbands for the games are $20 and include a James Coney Island Lunch. The Carnival will take place on the softball fields behind West University Elementary School.
Willow Pool Board Needs the Community's Help
Dear Community Member,
The Willow Pool board was recently informed that there is an interest in buying the land that the pool currently resides. As many of you may not be aware, Willow Pool is on a piece of property that is owned by the city. The plot of land is leased to the pool, by the city, at a predetermined monthly rate and has done so since the 1960s. In fact, the pool was built by neighborhood people using their own funds.
Because of the recent interest in the land, we are asking that all community members write a letter to Council Member Larry Green at districtk@houstontx.gov by Monday, January 30th or ASAP. We are also asking that you cc: a copy of your email to Julia Floyd, VP Willow Pool Board at 4511floyd@msn.com.
So that the city knows exactly what we are asking for, please include the below bullet points in your email:
I am specifically requesting that the city:
- Protect Willow Pool's lease by extending it for 20 years.
- Not allow Willow Pool's lease to be sold privately, or at auction, to an entity other than Willow Pool.
- Protect this community asset from permanent change that would damage strong, growing Houston neighborhoods.
It is unclear if, or when, the issue will be presented to Council. Your timeliness in the manner is greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Willow Pool Board
Arboretum and Nature Center Spring Break Camp
The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is holding a Spring Break Camp for kids, ages 5-12. Click here to view the flyer.
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| Don't Forget to Order your Birthday Grams! | |
Do you want to make your child or a teacher feel special at school on their birthday?
Then sign up for a Birthday Gram to be delivered to their classroom! Information and forms are available in the Parent Workroom or may be completed online.
Click here to order online now! (Please allow 4 days notice if ordering online.)
All proceeds go towards the 5th grade end of year activities. Please support Mark Twain's 5th grade classes this year!
Questions or interest in helping to deliver B-day Grams please contact: Bea Davies at (713) 667-4644, beadavies@yahoo.com OR Marta Fonseca at (713) 667-3394, ed-n-marta@att.net.
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Rewards Programs
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Help with Fundraising through Rewards Programs. The PTO is grateful to participate in programs which reward our school based on the customer loyalty and patronage of our families. A percentage of the proceeds spent are donated back to the school! For detailed information, visit our PTO website rewards page at: http://marktwainpto.org/fundraising/rewards-programs/
Here are some highlights:
- Box Tops - Clip these box tops and turn them in; see related article in this week's Twain Times.
- Kroger Rewards - Link your Kroger card to Mark Twain Elementary
- Randall's - Designate Mark Twain as a beneficiary on your Remarkable card
- Target Rewards - Go online to link your Target card to Mark Twain #98794
- Balance Meals To Go - They will give 10% of all purchases made by Mark Twain families back to Mark Twain Elementary. Balance Healthy Meals To Go, is a new store in the Braes Heights Shopping Center on Bellaire Blvd. Balance makes individually portioned healthy meals and snacks for take-away. To ensure Mark Twain receives proper credit, tell the store "I attend/work for Mark Twain!" at the register while checking out. www.balancemealstogo.com Phone: 281.501.1968
- School House Partners - Use a School House Partners home maintenance service provider and designate Mark Twain as your school. This local owned business connects homeowners to dependable, pre-screened home maintenance providers; painters, plumbers, landscapers, most everything pertaining to home maintenance. Schools receive 20% of what SchoolHouse Partners earns from referrals fees paid by the home maintenance provider.
- Office Depot - Link the Twain Elementary code #70097851 to your Office Depot reward card and the school gets 5% back.
- Champion Energy Services - Special Rates for You and a $25 Donation to Mark Twain Elementary School. With your switch to Champion Energy for your residential electricity service using the promo code MARKTWAIN, you will receive a special rate. In addition, Champion Energy will make a $25 donation for each enrollment and renewal. Click here: http://www.championenergyservices.com/promo.asp?promo=MARKTWAIN
- Bouquelle Cleaners - A percentage of the purchases made by Mark Twain families and Staff will be donated to Mark Twain Elementary PTO. Bouquelle Cleaners, (Schnelle Family) has been providing dry cleaning and laundry services for 14 years in the Bellaire area located at 5118 Bissonnet (HEB Shopping Center); Bellaire, TX 77401 or call 713-666-3450.
- Drink Pouch Brigade® - Every year BILLIONS of drink pouches end up in dumpsters and landfills across America. TerraCycle, Capri Sun® and Honest Kids® are working together to put an end to this awful loss of resources. As an eco-friendly innovator, TerraCycle converts the drink pouch material into unique from tote bags and pencil cases to plastic lumber and pavers! TerraCycle is proud to team up with the largest producer of drink pouches in the country, Capri Sun, and a young organic entry into the market, Honest Kids, to help address this problem! Together with your help we CAN make a difference! For information, contact Liliana McKean at lmckean1@comcast.net
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