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APRIL 20, 2009
Good Morning 
Every Monday, Email Club members receive important information regarding upcoming events and communications from The PTA and Strandwood staff via the Email Blast. The Email Blast also provides links to important flyers and new items on the school website. The deadline for submitting your article is Thursday at 5:00pm. All submissions should be sent to strandwood_emailclub@hotmail.com.
In This Issue
Turn Off TV Week
Make a Difference Day
Earth Day Art Contest Winners
Early Learning Conference
PTA Budget Information
Pleasant Hill Student Schwcase
Measure D Information
Classroom Flower Barrels
Are you Smarter Than a 5th Grader
Dates, Times and Places
Flyers available in the Office
Turn Off TV Week
Turn off TV Week This week is the week to be Unplugged from the TV and other electronic toys!!!

Strandwood will be decorated with amazing posters about what you can do when your unplugged. What creative activities are you going to do this week?

We can't wait to hear about your adventures! So, be Unplugged this week!!!

Forms will be available in the office to let us know if you were TV free and what you did instead of watching!!

mddMark your calendars. Make A Difference Day is this Saturday, April 25th, from 8:30 am to 5 pm.  It's time to do a little spring now. 

Even if you only have an hour or two to spare, please bring your kids and come help pull weeds, spread wood chips and complete the paver walkway in front of D-2.  The list of jobs is long and we need your help to get it done.  We're looking for a few parents to install eye bolts and bungee cords for earthquake preparedness.  We especially need parents with weed whackers.

Bring your weeding tools, work gloves, shovels, rakes, wheelbarrows and weed whackers. (It's always a good idea to mark all your tools)

Questions?  Contact Lisa Ellis  988-0725  lisa_ellis@prodigy.net  or Beth Macy  256-4112  macys@comcast.net

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Distinguished Flag
Photo courtesy of the Bargmann family.
Calendar
Click below to go directly to the Strandwood web site calendar.

2009 calendar
Fun Facts

Sapphires come in all colors but red.

Tetanus is less common in desert areas.

In some desert regions of Chile, no rain has ever been recorded
Strandwood Earth Day Art Contest - Results
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Earth Day Art Contest sponsored
by Allied Waste. All the entries were very creative. Allied Waste said that "it was agonizing trying to judge them as they were all amazing."

Congratulations to EVERYONE who particpated and showed "What Earth Means to Me."

Below are the results of the contest. Toys R Us gift certificates for 1st, 2nd,
and 3rd place winners will be handed out later this week. All art pieces will be
returned.

All winning art pieces will be on display at tonight's PH City Council meeting where Allied Waste and the City will recognize local schools and businesses for going above and beyond their recycling efforts.

Congratulations to everyone!
5th grade
1st place - Jeremy G.
2nd place - Magdalena F.
3rd place - Caleigh S.

4th grade
1st place - Andrew S.
2nd place - Kaytlyn K.
3rd plcae - Seth D.

3rd grade
1st place - Dominic H.
2nd place - Will B.
3rd place - Courtney T.

2nd grade
1st place - Zack T.
2nd place - Jacob S.
3rd place - Sophie C.

1st grade
1st place - Lukas M.
2nd place - Tara G.
3rd place - Anna S.

Kindergarten
1st place - Nate K.
2nd place - Molly T.
3rd palce - Zoe F.

Honorable Mentions:
Aarushi C., Siddartha A., Mia H., Jarod B., Charles B., Eva M., Gracie G., Katie E., Kendyl L., Bella B., Emily D., Marisa I., Eliza R., Caroline T., Jason E., Skye D., Rachel C., Natalie M., Jessica B., Victoria F., Iris M., Lucy D.., Matteo F. Cassie S. Halle C, Jessica Q., Sophia H., Rebecca W., Talia C., Gracie L., Griffin W., Isabella P., Gabby S., Abigail B., Claire C., Alexandra F., Theo A.
Early Learning Conference
The Contra Costa Child Care Council is having its 15th Annual Early Learning Conference this Saturday, April 25th. The keynote speaker is Dr. Ross A. Thompson and he will speak from 8:30am to 9:45am. More information on the conference is available at www.cocokids.org or you can click here to view the conference flyer.
Strandwood PTA Budget

In past articles the MDUSD and state budget crisis have been mentioned.  It is now time for the PTA to make some crucial decisions as to how we can help.  We have been very fortunate to have had an exceptional fund raising year this year and last.  Consequently, we have nearly $40,000 in funds we can use to help the school acquire necessary resources; assist in paying for instructional support and/or to maintain as reserves for potential budget shortfalls in the future.

The PTA budget for 2009-2010 is available on the website. You can view it by clicking here. It includes our original budget, year-to-date results through the end of March and projected year end results.  I would like to encourage everyone to take a look at the budget.  See where our money is spent and think about what you would like to see continue, what you might consider not funding in order to support other needed programs and resources and where else our funds might be used. 

The Executive Board along with the Board-elect will be meeting later in April to work through these issues and then we will be bringing our thoughts to the May 7th General PTA meeting.  I hope as many of you will attend as possible.  If you are unable but wish to share your thoughts, please e-mail me at smargriet@comcast.net.

Minutes of last month's meeting are also available on the website or by clicking here

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Student Showcase Schedule
April 29 - May 1, 2009
Pleasant Hill Showcase

Student Musical Showcase in Downtown featuring all Pleasant Hill Schools

The Pleasant Hill Education/Schools Advisory Commission is proud to announce the 6th Annual Student Showcase from April 29 - May 1, 2009. This event will highlight the exceptional musical talent throughout the entire student body of all the public schools in Pleasant Hill. The Showcase will be staged in Downtown Pleasant Hill in the pedestrian area adjacent to Sweet Tomatoes Restaurant.

Performing Wednesday, April 29 will be the Pleasant Hill Elementary Chorus, the string ensembles from Strandwood, Gregory Gardens, Valhalla, Sequoia and Fair Oaks Elementary Schools; the string ensembles from Sequoia, Pleasant Hill and Valley View Middle Schools, and finally the College Park High School string ensemble.

On Thursday, April 30, the showcase will feature bands from all of the Elementary Schools as well as the 6th grade band from Valley View Middle School. On Friday, May 1 the event will feature the jazz bands from each of the three Middle Schools followed by the College Park Jazz band as the grand finale.

Mark your calendar and join the festivities showcasing the musical talent of Pleasant Hill students! For more information contact Martin Nelis at (925) 671-5229 or email mnelis@ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us. Yuo can also click here to view and print the flyer.

TIME                             GROUP                        ENSEMBLE
APRIL 29
3:30 - 4:15 PM  PLEASANT HILL ELEMENTARY - CHORUS
4:30 - 5:00 PM  STRANDWOOD/GREGORY GARDENS/FAIR OAKS /VALHALLA AND
                        SEQUOIA ELEMENTARY - STRINGS
5:15 - 5:45 PM  SEQUOIA MIDDLE SCHOOL - STRINGS
6:00 - 6:30 PM  PLEASANT HILL MIDDLE SCHOOL - STRINGS
6:45 - 7:15 PM  VALLEY VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL - STRINGS
7:30 - 8:00 PM  COLLEGE PARK HIGH SCHOOL - STRINGS

APRIL 30
3:30 - 4:00 PM  HIDDEN VALLEY ELEMENTARY - BAND
4:15 - 4:45 PM  GREGORY GARDENS/STRANDWOOD AND
                        FAIR OAKS ELEMENTARY - BAND
5:00 - 5:30 PM  VALHALLA/SEQUOIA ELEMENTARY - BAND
5:45 - 6:15 PM  GREGORY GARDENS ELEMENTARY - SONG FLUTES
6:30 - 7:00 PM  VALHALLA ELEMENTARY - CHORUS
7:15 - 7:45 PM  VALLEY VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL - 6th GRADE BAND
 
MAY 1
4:00 - 4:45 PM  PLEASANT HILL MIDDLE SCHOOL - JAZZ BAND
5:00 - 5:45 PM  SEQUOIA MIDDLE SCHOOL - JAZZ BAND
6:00 - 6:45 PM  VALLEY VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL - JAZZ BAND
7:00 - 7:45 PM  COLLEGE PARK HIGH SCHOOL with guest artists - JAZZ BAND
Measure D Needs Your Support

Measure D signs are starting to sprout up all over Pleasant Hill and the new parcel tax measure is popping up in conversations from playgrounds to soccer fields.  Still, there are many questions and myths swirling around about this important ballot measure and many parents are wondering how to help.  Here are some easy steps you can do to get informed and get involved.

1. Educate yourself about Measure D.  We have our very own website for the College Park feeder pattern schools at http://cpprotectourlocalschools.homestead.com/index.html  - Register to receive weekly emails and updates. The site has many ways for you to help out and stay informed.

Home Page - Learn about the campaign and become involved. Site captain contact information for each of our schools is available. Note: we still have a few yard signs left, so please email your site captains if you would like one.
 
Volunteer Now Tab - Here you will find a sign up sheet for each school in our area.  Fill out the form and your school site captain will contact you directly for volunteer opportunities.
Volunteer Toolbox Tab -You can print out FAQ's, download flyers and artwork, and obtain tools you may need to assist you in your efforts.

Calendar Tab -  In addition to volunteering at your school site,  there are many community events listed on the calendar tab where you can volunteer to spread the word.

Action Plan Tab - Here you will find information on specific meetings, upcoming events and action items.  This is updated frequently.

2. Spread the word to family, neighbors and friends.  Visit the above website for key talking points and important facts about the parcel tax.

3. Volunteer your time - we are looking for volunteers to assist with phone banking, table staffing at local events (i.e. Farmer's market), lawn signs and precinct walking.

4. Order a pizza (dine in or to-go) from Rocco's Pizza in Walnut Creek between Tuesday, April 28th and Thursday, April 30th (mention "Measure D" when ordering) and Rocco's will donate a portion of each sale to the Measure D campaign.

5. Make a financial contribution - more lawn signs and mailers are needed.

6. Vote YES on Tuesday, May 19, 2009.  We need at least a 2/3 yes vote for this measure to pass.

With just one month until the election, your support is crucial.  Together we can make a difference! 

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Classroom Flower Barrels

So how does the flower barrel in front of your child's classroom look?  Most of our flower barrels look great, but a few are looking neglected and are in need of a parent volunteer to plant and water them.  As the weather warms up, the barrels need to be watered twice weekly.  Please ask the teacher before making any changes to the barrel outside their classroom.

Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader Will Return Next Week. 


Dates, Times and Places
The 2009-2010 school year calendar has been approved and is on the MDUSD website. Click here to view that calendar. School starts on August 31st. 

April 20 - Hearing Screening - K-2, 5
April 22 - 3rd grade Science Day
April 22 - DARE Graduation - 6:30 pm
April 24 - Talent Show - 7:00 pm
April 25 - Talent Show - 7:00 pm
April 27 - Hearing Screening K-2, 5
April 29 - Volunteer Tea - 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
April 29 - Pleasant Hill Student Orchestra (Strings) Showcase - 4:30 pm
April 30 - Pleasant Hill Student Band Showcase - 4:15 pm
April 30 - Spring Photo Day

May 5 - May 15 - STAR Testing
May 12 - Site Council - 3:15 pm in the Library
May 14 - Kindergarten Orientation
May 21 - Open House

Field Trips:

April 21 - Kindergarten to the Smith Family Farm - 8:10 - noon
April 23 - 3rd Grade, A-1 & C-5 - Chabot Space & Science Center
April 24 - 3rd Grade, B-7 & C-6 - Chabot Space & Science Center

May 11 - 1st Grade, C-1, C-4 - Botanical Gardens and Little Farm, Tilden Park
May 12 - 1st Grade, B-2, B-3 - Botanical Gardens and Little Farm, Tilden Park
May 21 - 3rd Grade, B-7, C-6 - Black Diamond Mines - 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
May 28 - 3rd Grade, A-1, C-5 - Black Diamond Mines - 8:30 am - 3:00 pm

Holidays:
May 25 - Memorial Day

In the Office
Flyers regarding the following items are available in the office this month. You can also click on the link, if there is one, to go directly to that site

Buena Vista Swim Club Membership information 944-0700

Diablo Valley College "College For Kids"   www.dvc.edu/college4kids

John Muir Mountain Day Camp www.muircamp.org

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