OCTOBER 19, 2009
Good Morning
Every Monday, Email Club members receive important
information regarding upcoming events and communications from The PTA and
Strandwood staff via the Roadrunner. The Roadrunner also provides links to important flyers
and new items on the school website. Do you have any comments about this Roadrunner or suggestions for future Roadrunner articles or features? Drop us a line at strandwood_emailclub@hotmail.com. |
|
From the Desk of the PTA President
By Sue Noack
|
PTA Update
The PTA has had a very busy beginning to the year. We have already completed two of our three big fundraisers for the year (Jump Start Day Student Donations and the Great American Gift Wrap Sale). Both have been great, thanks to all of you.
Several after-school programs have started. The ever- popular chess class is back and after a one year hiatus so are Spanish classes. New this year is Fourth Grade Band run by Village Music (still some room available) and we hope to get Mike Wooldridge and his computer class up and going shortly.
We had Bike Safety Day a week ago and last week was Bike-To-School. Later this week is our first Book Fair and Friday is Fall Fest. I hope all of you will come to enjoy the festivities and do some early Christmas Shopping. And speaking of Christmas, auditions are underway for Nutcracker and there is a  tremendous amount of enthusiasm.
At the beginning of November we will have our Fall Planting Day which takes the place of our autumn Make a Difference Day. We also hope to get our first Movie Night scheduled for early November.
Most importantly we are working with Mrs. Kim to get our Instructional Assistants hired and up and going (we are really just providing the funds and Mrs. Kim is doing the rest). While the IAs for Science and Reading are here. The IA for Art and for the lower grades we hope will be here shortly.
I am exhausted just thinking about all that has been accomplished but I can't take credit for it. Credit and thanks go to the PTA Board members and their volunteers. I know many of you have helped and have volunteered to do more. We will be taking you up on that! Just know that it is greatly appreciated and it has made this school the wonderful place it is. |
Another Successful Bike to School Day
|
 Bike to School Day was once again a great success!!
We thank all of our Strandwood bike riders for coming out and participating on a not-so-sunny day.
We had 84 students ride their bikes to school.
Great job Strandwood!
The Bike Safety Committee |
|
|
|
|
Photo courtesy of the Bargmann family.
|
Calendar
Click the calendar below to go directly to the Strandwood web calendar.
|
Who Is Buried In Grant's Tomb?
What are Camel's Hair Brushes made of? What are lead pencils made of? Who IS buried in Grant's tomb? Check the answer box at the bottom of the page to confirm your answers.
_______________
That is all the Grant's Tomb questions I have. Look for the Fun Facts to return next week.
| |
WHAT IS IT?
|
 |
|
This is a close up of an object. What is it? The Answer is at the bottom of the page.
|
|
|
|
Got symtoms?
|
 Parents and guardians, when reporting an absence either on the Attendance Hotline or by email please include the symptoms for your student's illness. For example, high fever, muscle aches, cough, sore throat, or headache, congestion, etc.). This saves us a phone call and helps us accurately report information to our Student Services Department. Thank you! |
Principal Pizza Lunch
|
The first Principal Pizza Lunch is scheduled for this Friday, October 23rd. if you have 100 blue slips get them turned in by Wednesday the 21st.
|
2009 Red Ribbon Week - October 22nd - 30th
|
Various activities will be associated with Red Ribbon Week including the following.
Thursday, October 22 - "Proud to Be Drug Free" Kick-off*We discussed healthy choices and made special pledgesFriday, October 23 - "Keep the Spirit, Don't Go Near It" (School Spirit Day - Wear Spirit clothing)Monday, October 26 - "You Gotta Have Heart"(Wear Red to School)Tuesday, October 27 - "Don't Let Drugs Sneak Up On You"(Wear Sneakers to school)Wednesday, October 28 - "Living Drug Free Is No Sweat"(Wear sweats to school)*Bring an especially healthy snack.Run/walk a mile with us at 12:00 pm - come and join us!Thursday, October 29 - "Hugs, Not Drugs"(Bring your favorite stuffed animal to school)Friday, October 30 - "Say Boo To Drugs"Thank you for helping us to become more aware of healthy lifestyle choices. |
Nutcracker News
|
 2009 Nutcracker Principal Cast Announced
We had an enthusiastic 27 students turn-out for the fifth-grade principal role auditions and 17 adorable third-grade girls for the role of Clara. We want to thank all of the students who volunteered to participate and congratulate them on their efforts!
This year's cast will feature:
Saturday, 12/5/09 Show One: 10:30am Show Two: 2:30pm Show Three: 4:30pm
Clara: Zoey N. Victoria F. Katelyn D.
Nutcracker: Moira B. Katie R. Jolly J.
Drosselmeyer: Becca M. Carter M. Lucy M.
Rat King: Jake S. Emily S. Christina A.
Mama Mouse: Elise D. Coral M. Isabella I.
Please note the following important dates:
Tuesday, October 20th - 4th/5th grade volunteer permission slips due in office. (Click here to download permission slip)
This is for the following volunteer roles: 4th grade - Arabian dancers, Battle Scene, or Backstage Crew
5th grade - Sugar Plum Fairies, Battle Scene, or Backstage Crew
Monday, October 26th - K-3rd grade Information packet with permission slips will be sent home (see below for details on the packet). K-3rd grade class rehearsals begin.
Friday, October 30th - K-3rd grade permission slips due (return to teachers).
Important Nutcracker packet coming home soon!
Please be on the lookout for the 14th Annual Nutcracker Show Information Packet, which will be coming home on Monday, 10/26! Why is it so important to hang on to this packet? While it may seem a long way off right now, the show will be here in no time! This packet provides information and answers questions you may have about many details of this year's performances. Find out what show your child's class performs in and what their class dance will be this year; dates and time of the Dress Rehearsal and Show Performances; costume and hair basics too! It won't be one to miss.
Questions? Please contact Diane Kastell (dikastell@yahoo.com or 686-4943) or May Hanecak (may_hanecak417@yahoo.com or 934-6828).
|
Destination Book Fair
|
 You didn't get the new "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" book yet? Don't worry. Let's take a journey to Destination Book Fair where you'll find lots of great new books. You'll explore Bestsellers, wander into Mystery, and discover new people, places, and things! Come to the Strandwood Library during the times below:
Friday, October 23rd
2:50pm-8:30pm (same night as Fall Fest!)
6:00pm-8:00pm Hot Choc/Popcorn
Monday, October 26th
11:00am-12:40pm (older students shop at lunch)
2:50pm-8:00pm
6:00pm-8:00pm Hot Choc/Popcorn/Raffle
Tuesday, October 27th
2:50pm-8:00pm
6:00pm-7:00pm Story Time with Mrs. Kim, Mrs. Burns, and Mr. Brown
Wednesday, Oct. 28th
8:10am-9:00am (after drop off)
11:00am-2:00pm
* Special Note: Wednesday Book Fair will be open during school hours to provide parents, grandparents and community a chance to do some holiday shopping without the kids. All profits benefit Strandwood Library.
|
Fall Fest is This Friday
By Alice Burns
|
The feeling of fall is in the air and that means the Fall Fun Fest and Cake Walk are right around the corner. Mark your calendars for Oct. 23, from 5:00 - 7:30 and come join the fun. We will have games, food, pumpkin carving and this year the book fair will be set up in the library from 2:50 - 8:30.
If you would like to help or can organize a game please contact Alice Forsyth, Kelly Gallagher or Wendy Sarrasin.
|
Fall Fest Means a Cake Walk Too
|
The Fall Fun Fest is this Friday and it's time to get busy and create a magnificent cake for the cake walk.
Please drop off your amazing cake at the front of school between 2:30 and 3:10 on Friday, Oct. 23. Be sure to have a note with the child's name and grade attached to the cake tray. We hope to see lots and lots of cakes.
Remember, the more donated cakes we have equals more fun and winners at the Fall Fest!
Contact Alice Burns, 798- 4166 and/or Ruben and Rosie Medina, 937-7679 with questions. |
After School Band
|
 Calling all Strandwood 4th and 5th graders. Strandwood' after school concert band has space available for more band members!!
Tuesdays - 3:00-4:00 in the music room (C7). Instruction provided by Village Music school.
Tuition: $225.00 Lab Fee: $20.00
Try out a saxophone, trumpet or trombone. Choose a clarinet, cornet or bass drum.To register, call Village Music School at 676-8400. All instruments are available for purchase or rent from Village Music School.
|
Foundation for Pleasant Hill Education (FPHE)
Invites You to Our Open House |
 Specifically Designed for Preschool and Kindergarten Parents
Friday, October 23: Choose from two sessions: 9:45 AM or 12:00 PM
Community Room, Pleasant Hill City Hall 100 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill
Children welcome.
Come learn how FPHE is enhancing education in Pleasant Hill. FPHE is a volunteer-led, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to providing financial support to all 11 public schools in Pleasant Hill. FPHE strives to create a quality educational experience that prepares students to compete and thrive both in and out of the classroom. During the 2008-2009 school year FPHE awarded over $14,000 in grant funds to Pleasant Hill public schools. Through grants, FPHE provides teachers and staff with resources to keep schools competitive, continue programs at risk of being cut, and add programs to enhance current curriculum. The Foundation functions independently of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and the City of Pleasant Hill. For questions, email generalinfo@fphe.org. www.fphe.org
In their fall newsletter, you can find a review of our their
first year, news on upcoming FPHE events, and information regarding education
within the CPHS feeder pattern and our community.
Be sure to check out the last page to see various ways to become involved with
FPHE.
Click here to download the newsletter.
|
Halloween Parade
|
| The annual Strandwood Halloween Parade will be held on Friday, October 30th around 10:00am. I'll confirm the time by next Monday. Please come by and see all grades parading around in their costumes. |
Free Pizza Slices
|
Papa Murphy's, who have worked with us on two fundraisers already this year, will be handing out free mini pizzas on Halloween to any
child under the age of 12 in costume (while supplies last).
|
Sutter's Fort Meeting
By Amy Carter
|
Hold the date.
Fourth grade informational parent meeting for Sutter's Fort Environmental Living program will be held November 9th at 7pm.
Details to follow.
|
Fall Planting Day
|
Sunday, November 8, is Strandwood's Fall Planting Day.
Mark your calender. It will take place at Strandwood, from 1:00-4:00pm.
Come out and join other Strandwood parents in helping plant flowers, shrubs and trees around campus. There will be a number of major projects on Fall Planting Day. If you are interested in finding out more about each project or would just like to come out and volunteer that day, please email Noga Kessler at nogakessler@yahoo.com.
Look for more details about Fall Planting Day in next week's Roadrunner.
|
Calling All 4th Grade Parents
|
Calling all 4th Grade Parents. Do you know how to rope some cattle? How about trappin' beavers? Anyone up for loading wagons? These and more questions will be answered at the Sutter's Fort meeting.
We are rounding up our 4th grade parents for a parent only informational meeting on November 9th, at 7pm in the Strandwood Library. See y'all there!
|
Free Technology Equipment for Strandwood By Amanda Szakats |
Help Strandwood win technology equipment from Samsung! All you have to do is submit a 100-word essay (that's just a few sentences) that answers the below questions:
How the consumer electronics, computer equipment and software awarded through Samsung's Four Seasons of Hope could benefit your school? Essays should focus on:
1. How consumer electronics, computer equipment, and software can enhance the education process.
2. How access to these technologies and the use of social networking can change the way that students learn.
3. The unique and innovative teaching methods that are enabled by computer and consumer electronics technologies.
The essays have to be submitted by each individual from their own e-mail address and must be original essays. The more entries, the better for our school! The deadline is Nov. 1. Follow this link and write your essay today!
http://pages.samsung.com/us/4seasons_hope/education.jsp
|
Dyslexia Workshop
|
Could It Be Dyslexia? Course #97529349 Presented by April McMurtrey - Dyslexia Specialist
Tuesday November 3, 2009 7:00pm-8:30pm Mt. Diablo Elementary Multi Use Room 5880 Mt. Zion Dr. Clayton
1 What is the TRUTH about dyslexia?
2. How common is it?
3. How does one get dyslexia?
4. What are the classic warning signs?
5. Is there any reliable research regarding dyslexia?
6. Are there any solutions to their struggles with reading, writing and spelling?
*FREE OF CHARGE* Click here to view the flyer
|
| Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? |
1st Grade Question - Rats and children followed the Pied Piper out of what town?
2nd Grade Question - Which of the following is not a tree? A) Olive B) Maple or C) Moss
3rd Grade Question - Who composed he march entitled "The Stars and Stripes Forever"?
A) Francis Scott Key B) John Phillip Sousa C) George Gershwin
4th Grade Question - Which of the following Native American tribes did NOT live in South America? A) Hekawi B) Incas C) Ashaninka
5th Grade Question - True or False? Sound makes air particles vibrate.
Answers are at the bottom of the page. |
|
Dates, Times and Places |
RED RIBBON WEEK ACTIVITIES
Thursday, October 22 - "Proud to Be Drug Free" Kick-off
*We discussed healthy choices and made special pledges
Friday, October 23 - "Keep the Spirit, Don't Go Near It"
(School Spirit Day - Wear Spirit clothing)
Monday, October 26 - "You Gotta Have Heart"
(Wear Red to School)
Tuesday, October 27 - "Don't Let Drugs Sneak Up On You"
(Wear Sneakers to school)
Wednesday, October 28 - "Living Drug Free Is No Sweat"
(Wear sweats to school)
*Bring an especially healthy snack.
Run/walk a mile with us at 12:00 pm - come and join us!
Thursday, October 29 - "Hugs, Not Drugs"
(Bring your favorite stuffed animal to school)
Friday, October 30 - "Say Boo To Drugs"
October 19 - Field Trip - All 4th grade - Sonoma Mission, Petaluma Adobe and General Valljo's House
October 23 - 28 - Library Book Fair
October 23 - Fall Fest - 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm
October 23 - Principal Pizza Lunch
October 29 - Vision Screening K-2
October 30 - Halloween Parade
November 5 - PTA General Membership Meeting
November 9 - Sutter's Fort Environmental Living Program meeting.
Holidays
November 11th - Veteran's Day
November 23 - 27 - Thanksgiving Break
|
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 E-FlyersE-Flyers are ones that you can click on to view. As more and more organizations go to paperless this will become a popular method of getting notices to folks.. Pleasant Hill Youth
Baseball Online Registration through 12/5/092010 Spring Season Baseball and Softball Sign-ups |
Return To Top
|
 Answers |
1st Grade - Hamelin
2nd Grade - Moss
3rd Grade - John Philip Sousa
4th Grade - Hekawi
5th Grade - True
What is it? Blackboard eraser
Grant's Tomb -
1. Camel's hair brushes are made from the tails of squirrels.
2. The core of the lead pencil is a mixture of graphite and clay. The work "lead" was misapplied to pencils because of it physical resemblance to graphite. Indeed, graphite was originally called plumbago, Latin for "acting like lead".
3. If you said Ulysses S. Grant is buried in Grants Tomb, you're only half right. His wife, Julia, is in there with him.. (Technically, they're entombed rather that buried there)
| |
|
