Your Monday Morning Roadrunner from Strandwood Elementary

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A Strandwood PTA Publication

APRIL 11, 2011

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 PTA and school websites. 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.

If you no longer wish to receive these electronic communications please use the "Safe Unsubscribe" link at the bottom of the newsletter.

In This Issue

Staff Appreciation Week

Read and Dream Deadline changes

Strandwood Make a Wish

Spring Photos

Hawaiian Day Spirit Day

Cutting Edge Career Night

Spanish for Kids

Parenting Tip of the Week

Education News and Information

Flyers Available in the Office

Dates, Times and Places

Staff Appreciation Week

THANK YOU, STRANDWOOD COMMUNITY, FOR MAKING STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK A SUCCESS FOR OUR HARD-WORKING STAFF MEMBERS!

Thank you parents, grandparents, family members, and community for your generous donations of food, supplies, and flowers to help make our staff feel appreciated last week. Your efforts to recognize our well-deserving staff were very much appreciated. We are fortunate to be part of such a giving community!

(Please note: Serving dishes and utensils used during Staff Appreciation Week are available for pick-up in the PTA Room.)

Rose Bargmann and Evellyn Barrera PTA VPs - Hospitality

Read and Dream Schedule Changes

Due to Spring Break and 3 scheduled school furlough days, the Read and Dream schedule has changed and will be as follows:

For the month of April, Read and Dream logs will be due on Monday, May 2. Awards will be given out on Friday, May13.

For the month of May, Read and Dream logs will be due on Thursday, May 26. Awards will be given out on Friday, June 3.

Please mark the changes in your calendars. Thank you for your flexibility.

Questions: Please email Noga at nogakessler@yahoo.com or Suzie at silvacrew@aol.com

Distinguished Flag

Photo courtesy of the Bargmann family.

Calendar
Click the image below to go directly to the monthly Strandwood PTA web calendar.

What is it?

What is the object in the close up photo below?

Thermometer

Thermometer

Find the answer in the Dates, Times and Places section at the bottom of the newsletter.

A Chance to Help Out A Strandwood Family

We have a family in our Strandwood community that is experiencing very difficult times as the dad is sick with stage 4 cancer and the doctors don't feel that he has much time. We would like to do something as a community to help make things a little better for them as well as to let them know that they are not alone. Our plan is to do a collection for them that would cover a trip to Disneyland and San Diego for the 5 of them (the 3 kids have never been and that has been a dream that they would go together) for about a week.

We understand that times are tough right now for so many, but if you are able to contribute anything at all, it would be very much appreciated. If you can't donate money but have access to Disney hopper passes, please email Debbie Wilson at the email address below.

Please make checks out to "Tami Wilson". You may give donations to Debbie Wilson (no relation) after school in front of the MU during the week of April 11th, leave your donation in the box in the school office, or contact Debbie at Mommymook1@comcast.net and she can pick up your donation if that helps.

Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity.

Spring Photos

Standwood spring photo proofs were delivered to your child on Friday. Please check your child's backpack to see their lovely smiles. Orders are due back to school by the 14th.

Hawaiian Day is This Wednesday

HawaiianShirt

The Strandwood Student Council's next Spirit Day is this Wednesday, April 13th. The theme for this spirit day is Hawaiian so get out your colorful shirts and shorts and look the part.

Cutting Edge Career Night

Pleasant Hill Education Commission presents..Cutting Edge Careers

What do YOU want to be when you grow up?

Thursday, April 21, 6-9 p.m. College Park High School Multi-Use Room

Already have a career path in mind after high school or college? Or looking for a little inspiration? Whether you're an elementary student just starting to dream or a high school student searching for the beginning of a new path, join us as a distinguished panel of special guests puts a spotlight on some of today's most interesting-and varied-career choices!

Listen to and engage with a wide-ranging panel of speakers from...
·    Pixar
·    Facebook
·    Fit 2 The Core
·    KTVU Channel 2 News
·    Marin Legal Aid
·    Local Business Owners
·    Contra Costa Firefighters
·    Squidgrip Gaming Company
·    Pleasant Hill Police Department
·    Alice Radio

For more information, go to: www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us/careers
(Note: this links to the Education Commission Facebook page)

Spanish For Kids

What: Spanish language classes lead by experienced teacher - Classes are specially designed to
encourage and support daily use of the Spanish language. We cover themes that are relevant to
your child's life and learn words and phrases that are easy to remember and use outside of
class. Program uses a full-immersion approach, and children learn while singing songs, playing
games, and doing art projects.

When: Tuesdays and Thursdays - Kindergarten: 1:50 - 2:40pm 1st - 5th Grade: 3:00 - 3:50pm

Dates: Apr. 12 - May 26 (12 classes)
Where: Strandwood Elementary School - room TBD
Tuition: $168 (10% discount for second sibling; one scholarship available)
Registration: Deadline Apr. 10, 2011. Registrations are confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis. Please
click here for the registration form and fax/mail the bottom with payment to Viva el Español at the address listed.

Parenting Tip of the Week
From www.parents.com

Set A Good Example and Get Fit

Full-Body Playground Workout

If your kid sees you work out, he's more likely to be active too. Take him to the playground and get in shape while he plays. Target your abs on the swing, work your biceps with jungle gym pull-ups, then move to a bench and do triceps dips.

Click here for the article. Remember to click through all the pages of information by clicking Next.

Education News and Information

Opportunity to Be Informed, Be Involved

From www.strandwood.mdusd.org

The State budgeting process is complex. Although we really do not know what is going to happen we do need to come together as a larger educational community to plan for the worst. The worst would be an additional reduction of $850 per ADA per student - a total of $28 million dollars. Rather than wait to see what will happen, our school district is being proactive.

Dr. Lawrence, our Superintendent, has asked every school to send representatives to a series of budget meetings. The purpose of these meetings is to learn about school budgeting, learn about the impact of the State budget on our local schools and provide input on how to meet the educational needs of students in a time of dwindling state resources.

Each school will send a team to participate in the committee meetings.If you are interested in participating in these meetings as a representative of Strandwood please let Mrs. Kim know.The meetings will begin the week of April 18^th. They will continue for 4 to 5 weeks (skipping Spring Break). There will be a choice of either:

Mondays 4:30 to 6:30 PM at Loma Vista in the Multi Use Room

Wednesdays 6:30 - 8:30 at Loma Vista in the Multi Use Room

We need to have two parent representatives. Ideally we will attend as a team. A classroom teacher and a classified staff person will be members of our team as well as myself.

If you are interested please contact Mrs. Kim at kime@mdusd.k12.ca.us

___________________________________________________

MDUSD Board of Education Meeting - Tuesday Night

Click on the item number/description for read more about the item.

15.4 Revise Calendar for the 2011-2012 School year.

The 2011-12 School Calendar, which was approved on January 25, 2011, is being revised to have students begin one day earlier, August 30 instead of August 31. Students will not attend school on January 30, 2012. Teachers will lose one in-service work day on August 30 but will gain that in-service work day on January 30, 2012. This change in schedule will allow for more flexibility in scheduling possible furlough days during the 2011-2012 school year. At this time, the number of furlough days necessary to balance the budget must be negotiated in the fall. MDEA has reviewed this change in the schedule for the 2011-2012 school year.

15.5 Request to Approve Tentative Agreement between Mt. Diablo Education Association (MDEA) and Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD)

A attached tentative agreement was reached between the bargaining teams. This tentative agreement is a one year successor contract.

Other agreed upon tentative agreements referred to in the Agreement:

Article 6 Class Size - Clean up language that says if grievances are filed for class size overages on or after the 19th student day, the grievance will be filed at Step II.

Article 7 Work Year - Parties begin bargaining in September for the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 sucessor agreement and discuss furlough days.

Article 8 Job Shares - Clarifies that job shares are to be comprised of permanent employees with limited exceptions.

Article 13 PAR - Pilot Program for 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 permits the PAR panel to interview and select an eligibility pool of TSA applicants for teacher coach positions. Principals would then select TSA's from that pool.

Article 15 Outdoor Education - Clarifies that teachers who do not attend Outdoor Ed with their class can exchange assignments with another unit member at the site. If the principal does not agree with the intended exchange, he or she can assign the unit member teaching duties at the site.

Article 19 Personal Necessity Leave - "Discretionary Days" - Assuming unit members have sufficient accumulated sick leave (10 days of which can be converted to personal necessity leave annually), they can use three (3) days of personal necessity leave annually at their discretion. Unit members must provide three (3) days advance notice to the principal.

Article 26 Summer School - If teachers are selected to teach summer school and it is necessary to reduce the number, the reduction will be based on seniority.

Click here for the entire agenda for the meeting that includes reduction or discontinuance of classified employees, budget reductions and school closure transitions.

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FLYERS

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

Foundation for Pleasant Hill Education
Annual Campaign - Help Schools Thrive - Give $55

Spanish Immersion Day Camps

Viva el Espanol offers week-long Spanish Immersion Camps designed to give children a unique opportunity to learn or improve their Spanish language skills over the summer. During each week students participate in interactive games, music and movement activities, and art & craft projects that center around a specific theme. Each week culminates with a sing-along and presentation, where the kids get to show off what they learned. Ages 4+. Classes grouped according to age and fluency. Students may sign up for any number of sessions

This summer we will be learning vocabulary and participating in activities related to these fabulous themes:

· Mysterious Water

· Bugs' Life

· Pirates of the "Caribe"

· Crazy Chemistry

· Discovering the Flavors of Latin America

· Lighten Up! Discovering the Science of Light

· Drama Camp

Camps run Monday - Friday from 9am-noon (half-day) or 9am-3pm (full-day).

Cost: $225 / $349 per week (half-day/ full-day). Camps offered in Lafayette, Piedmont, Pleasanton and Richmond. Please see registration form for dates/themes offered at each location.

For questions please e-mail us at info@vivaelespanol.org, or call us at 925-962-9177. You can download a registration form by visiting http://www.vivaelespanol.org/documents/SpanishSummerPrograms2011.pdf

Strandwood Students Receive a Free Ticket To Diablo Ballet

Diablo Ballet wants our youth to be exposed to the arts!

Diablo Ballet of Walnut Creek is pleased to offer children ages 4 - 13 a free ticket to our upcoming May 6th & May 7th performances.

Diablo Ballet's Inside the Dancer's Studio performances are Friday, May 6th 7:30 PM, and Saturday, May 7th 2 PM and 7:30 PM at Shadelands Arts Center - 111 N. Wiget Lane in Walnut Creek.

In addition, we're offering a special discount $20 ticket for an adult or guardian to accompany the child (children 12 years and under must be accompanied by an adult at all Diablo Ballet performances).

Also, students are welcome to join us on Saturday May 7th 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM at Shadelands for a special event, Diablo Ballet's Be A Ballerina! Diablo Ballet dancers will take you into the rehearsal studio and show you what it's like to be a prima ballerina. You'll learn ballet terms, see some amazing ballet costumes, learn a short and easy dance, and participate in a mini- ballet class! Ages 4 - 13 welcome. Movement during the class is light, easy, and basic. Admission is free with a ticket to any May performance.

To receive this offer, the parents must sign up the child for Diablo Ballet's Prima Ballerina Club. This free club for boys and girls ages 4 - 13 brings children up-close to all the action of our dance company with special member-only events and offers. For more information on the club, please click here.

Diablo Ballet's Inside the Dancers Studio is the acclaimed, innovative series that combines a fully staged dance performance with audience participation, where you become part of the performance. Interviews are conducted by celebrity moderators. These interactive programs are followed by an exclusive complimentary gourmet reception to meet the artists. For more information on Diablo Ballet, please click here.

Deadline to sign up and receive this offer is Tuesday, May 2nd 8 PM or when we reach capacity.

We hope to see you at Diablo Ballet!

BandWorks Summer Camp

For registration and more info about BandWorks Summer Camp, please contact us today at

ariel@bandworks.com , 510.THE.BAND (843.2263), or visit the BandWorks website at

BandWorks School of Rock Summer Camp

Dates, Times and Place

April 12 - School Site Council - 3"15 pm in the Library
April 13 - Student Council Spirit Day - Hawaiian Day
April 14 - Field Trip - A1 - C5 (2nd graders) - Chabot Space and Science Center
April 15 - Field Trip - B-7 - Chabot Space and Science Center
April 15 - Talent Show - Strandwood Multi-Use Room
April 22 - Field Trip - All 4th Grade - California State Railroad Museum
April 25 - April 29 - SPRING RECESS

View the calendar on the Strandwood PTA website by clicking here.
Visit the Strandwood Elementary School website by clicking here.

dates

The photo is of Dental Floss

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