Beagle 
Bugle
PTA Newsletter 
04.18.2016

  Website: 
In This Issue
Principal's Letter
SCHOOL BOND - REMEMBER TO VOTE ASAP!
SCHOOL BOND - PTA ENDORSEMENT
MOD Pizza - Dine Out for Rockwell
Ecology Run
Spring Teacher Bday Lunch
Musical Tickets On SALE!
Musical Program Sponsors
Art Showcase/Ice Cream Social/Used Book Sale
Used Book Sale
Book Signing
Spirit Wear Coming Soon
Family Movie Coming in May
Extra Extra!
Math Challenge 13 Available
Math Challenge 13 Available
Math Challenge 13 Available
2016/17 PTA Roles Open
Quick Links
IMPORTANT DATES
(Filtered for Rockwell)

April 19, Tues
LWSD-PTSA Special Needs Group Mtg

April 19, Tues
Dine Out for Rockwell - all day
MOD PIZZA (See below)

April 20th & April 27th
Lake Washington Schools Foundation Luncheon and Breakfast Fundraisers 

April 21st, Thurs
Rockwell Spring Teacher Birthday Luncheon

April 23, Sat
Seussical The Musical Jr.
Rockwell's 4th & 5th Grade Musical
Redmond High School Performing Arts Ctr. (RPAC)
3pm & 7pm 

April 26th, Tues
Send your ballot for the School Bond in by this date!!

May 5th, Thurs
Art Docent Showcase, Used Book Sale and Ice Cream Social
6pm - 8pm
A NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL - KIRSTEN GOMETZ
Dear Rockwell Families,

Spring is an exciting and hectic time. As we begin to wrap up this year and think about next year, we have some exciting and bittersweet news. Three of our veteran staff members will be retiring this year and leaving Rockwell for their next adventures. While we will miss them terribly, we are excited for them to have time to relax, see the world, and bask in the knowledge that they have touched hundreds, and  even thousands, of lives in the past years.
 
Suzanne Newport, Kris Beaver, and Kerry Bauman will all be retiring from service this year. While we have yet to determine how we will celebrate each of them at the end of this year - and we will, indeed, fete each of them and celebrate their works - I wanted to let you all know that we will be bidding them farewell at the end of this school year. I know many of you have been touched by their efforts with our children over the past many years. Please join me in thanking them and wishing them well when you see them. None of them wants to be the center of attention, but all deserve our deepest gratitude for the years they have spent in the service of children and families.
 
Principal, Norman Rockwell Elementary
LWSD Bond Measure on April 26 Ballot
Lake Washington School District has proposed a bond measure to reduce overcrowding and enhance student learning. This measure would raise funds to provide classroom space for 3,000 more students. Projects include two new elementary schools, one new middle school, and rebuilding and enlarging Juanita High School plus Kirk and Mead Elementary Schools. Because the district is paying off past bonds and construction levies, the tax rate would remain the same as the 2015 rate. Complete information on the measure is available at www.lwsd.org. 

Please remember to vote by April 26.
 
Kirsten Gometz
Principal, Norman Rockwell Elementary School 
ROCKWELL PTA ENDORSES SCHOOL BOND! 
"Norman Rockwell PTA is proud to endorse and support the upcoming Lake Washington School District Bond, which will address our overcrowded schools. This bond will NOT raise taxes, yet it WILL help each and every child reach their full potential by helping to create learning environments that support, nurture and motivate each student." Ellie O'Rourke and Cari Scotkin, Rockwell PTA Co-Presidents


SCHOOL BOND BALLOTS ARE DUE NEXT WEEK BY APRIL 26TH!
You can either mail them or drop in the "ballot box" outside of Redmond City Hall by April 26th (next Tuesday)!  Don't delay!

PLEASE HELP SPREAD THE WORD...EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT CURRENTLY ELIGIBLE TO VOTE!
  • Print a sign for your car & office windows
  • Post on Social Media! Change your profile picture for a week, share links endorsing the bond, and educate your friends and neighbors!
  • Email information to your neighbors and homeowners associations with this information and encourage them to vote yes.
Remember: This bond will NOT raise taxes.  Find about more about the Bond here and please remember to vote YES by April 26!  
APRIL 19TH (TUES) - DINE OUT AT MOD PIZZA FOR ROCKWELL!

DINE OUT TOMORROW (Tues April 19th) at MOD Pizza 

Join your friends, family and Rockwell Staff 
at MOD Pizza ALL DAY!
Download MOD Dine Out Flyer 
onto your phone for a digital copy 

or 

look for the paper flyer in kid mail. Flyers must be presented at the Bella Bodega MOD. VALID ALL DAY!


20% of your total will go to PTA.


Share this with your coworkers, neighbors or sport teams! Everyone benefits! Tuesday, April 19th MOD Pizza will be serving up "Simple food for complex times".
NORMAN ROCKWELL ECOLOGY RUN IS THIS WEDNESDAY!!!
Please Support the Norman Rockwell Ecology Run

Every spring, the fifth grade classes get to attend "Outdoor Education", a three-day camp, where the students receive lessons in exploring ecosystems, understanding natural resources, and improving outdoor skills. The cost of this camp to our families can be a burden, so we hold this annual fundraiser to offset some of the expense. It is a one-day fun run to raise money for every fifth grader, and whatever is raised is divided evenly by the number of students to reduce the cost for every family. 
  • The funds raised by ALL students will help 5th graders go to camp this year, where they learn about our northwest ecology!
  • The primary (K-2) class that raises the most money will win an extra 20 minute recess
  • The intermediate (3-5) class that raises the most money will win an extra 20 minute recess
  • The kindergarten through fourth grade class that raises the most money overall will earn a PIZZA PARTY!
  • Students will collect flat pledges prior to running laps at the Ecology Run. 
    • Students who raise $25 or more will receive an Ecology Run Spirit wristband
    • Students who raise $50 or more will receive the wristband and a 2016 Ecology Run T-shirt
    • Students who raise $100 or more will receive the wristband, the T-shirt, and their name will be added to the "Hall of Fame" plaque by the office
  • All donations are eligible for corporate matching - if your company participates in a matching program, please consider matching your gift.
    • Simply note: "ASB-Outdoor Education" to designate the payment to the correct account.
The donations are all flat donations - they are not based on the number of laps that are run. We encourage every child at Rockwell to participate if possible - because eventually every child will become a fifth grader and receive these benefits for their own Outdoor Ed camp experience. In the past we have raised over $10,000 - which is an amazing help to offset the cost of the trip!
 
The fifth grade teachers will be outside during lunch recess on Wednesday, April 20th to facilitate the run. (AM Kindergarten students will run during their morning recess.) All pledges need to be received by Friday, April 22nd.


If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Weinmeister or Mrs. Honkawa.
 
Thank you so much for supporting our students and participating in the Ecology Run!
 
The Fifth Grade Team
SPRING TEACHER BIRTHDAY LUNCHEON - APRIL 21ST
Twice a year we feed the Teachers and Staff to celebrate birthdays! 
We will be having a SPRING
 PICNIC
 THEME Birthday luncheon on April 21st and we need your help!  We ask the parents whose teachers have a birthday from January to June to participate in this one, yet anyone can volunteer to bring items. 


The PTA will provide the 'picnic' sandwiches, but help is needed with other items. Please sign up to bring a food dish(s) or other items needed. In addition, we will need assistance with set up and clean up. All food needs to be at the school by 10:45 am on Thurs, April 21st.  Don't forget to label your dishes with your child's name and teacher and we will return them to you via your child unless you opt to pick them up at 2:00 pm.

SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL is THIS SATURDAY
 TICKETS ON SALE NOW!


SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL, Jr. 
Saturday, April 23rd
R.P.A.C. (Redmond Performing Arts Center at RHS)
3pm & 7pm

Don't miss our 4th & 5th grade cast perform Seussical the Musical Jr. live on stage. These talented kids are currently hard at work rehearsing to put on a fabulous show. The Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, a Sour Kangaroo, Thing 1 and Thing 2, Jungle citizens, Who citizens, and lots of birds and other creatures will all sing and dance their way into your hearts!  

**Tickets are on sale now via our PTA Website (through April 21st)**

Family Purchase/those with students at Rockwell (options to pay online or by check)
-or-
Guest Purchase/Friends & Family without a student at Rockwell can order online as a guest

*Paper order forms will also be going home this week if you prefer that method

AFTER SCHOOL SALES THIS WEEK: Tickets will also be on sale "IN PERSON" after school on Thursday and Friday of this week at the flagpole from 2:45 - 3:15pm.

*Any available tickets will be sold at the door (but are on a space-available basis and are not guaranteed)
STAR GRAMS TO CONGRATULATE THE SEUSSICAL CAST!

Congratulate your Seussical STAR with a Star Gram!
Star Grams are a special way to congratulate a 
member(s) of the cast! 

STAR GRAMS are back, and for Seussical they are bookmarks! It's the perfect keepsake to remember this fantastic show. 

Star Grams bookmarks will be available to purchase before, during intermission, and after each show in the R.H.S. Performing Arts Center (RPAC) foyer. Write a personal message to your special star on the back. Make it extra amazing by adding a rose, a favorite candy, or both!

Get one for your Seussical STAR, their friends, your neighbors - everyone in the cast and crew will be thrilled to receive Star Grams!

In addition, there will be a PRE-BUY during the evening rehearsals at the PAC on Thursday, April 21, and Friday, April 22, from 5-6pm in the foyer.

Star Grams will be delivered to the recipients after the 7pm performance.

Star Gram Price range:
$1 - Star Gram
$2 - Star Gram + Dr. Seuss Pencil
$3 - Star Gram + candy
$5 - Star Gram + Dr. Seuss Pencil + candy

NOTE: Proceeds from Star Grams help offset some of the costs of this year's Rockwell musical production. And the kids LOVE receiving them!

Thank you for your purchase!
ART SHOWCASE, ICE CREAM SOCIAL AND USED BOOK SALE!
Three events in one on May 5th!  Rockwell's annual Ice Cream Social is fast approaching. (This event runs concurrently with the Art Docent Showcase and Used Book Sale.) 

Come enjoy an evening of ice cream, YOUR student's artwork, and the used book sale! Read on for details:
 
What: Ice cream sundaes served by Rockwell teachers, YOUR student's Art work on every wall of the school, and used books for sale in the library!
When: Thursday, May 5th from 6:00 to 8:00
Who: All Rockwell students and families
Where: Rockwell gymnasium (ice cream), library (book sale), and interior courtyards (art show)
Why: Because it's fun and ice cream is only $1.00/pp!
 
Michael Dorman and  Kristian Aasgaarden
Ice Cream Social Co-Chairs

**Set Up/Clean Up Volunteers and Ice Cream runners needed, please email Kristian if you can help!
USED BOOK SALE - MAY 5TH
We're down to the last few weeks before our 12th Annual Used Book Sale on Thursday, May 5th, but there's still time to do your spring cleaning and donate your gently used books! We're accepting donations in the Rockwell library until Friday, April 29th. We already have an awesome assortment of books ready to sell. You'll find quite a variety - books for kids and adults alike. Be sure to tell your family, neighbors and friends to empty out those piggy banks and bring all that loose change to the sale. Prices start at 10¢ and few items are more than $1! All proceeds go toward the purchase of new books for our Rockwell Library. The evening will be fun with great deals on books, a gallery of children's art projects, and, of course, yummy ice-cream!

Diane Davenport
Teacher Librarian
USED BOOK SALE - SPECIAL BOOK SIGNING - MAY 5TH


May 5th 5-7pm Special event: Book Sale and Book Signing by local author!

Owner of Frankie's Pizza & Pasta - Frank will autograph his cookbook just for you! 5-7pm in the library (during the Used Book Sale). Make plans to attend Rockwell PTA's special event book signing with our favorite restauranteur & Rockwell grandparent!

$15 for a single book or 2 for $25! Frankie's Italian Cook Book Sale and Signing.
Stacy Hatch
NEEDED: 4TH GRADERS FOR SAFETY PATROL
Attention fourth graders!  Are you interested in joining Safety Patrol?  Mrs. Mobley is currently looking for fourth graders to join Morning and Afternoon Safety Patrol.

Morning patrollers need to arrive to school by 8:05 each morning, so you wouldn't be able to participate if you have to ride the bus, unless of course, your parents can give you a ride to school.  If you participate in band or orchestra, that's not a problem, as I can set up a substitute for you the two mornings you would be gone for those activities.

Afternoon patrollers are finished by 3:15, so you wouldn't be able to participate if you need to ride the bus home.

One of the qualifications for Safety Patrol is that all members must be at least 10 years old to join.

If you are interested in joining Safety Patrol, please attend the meeting this Wednesday during your morning recess.

If you have questions, please contact Mrs. Mobley at mmobley@lwsd.org.
SPIRIT WEAR COMING SOON!
SPIRIT WEAR COMING SOON!

Nothing shows school spirit more than wearing our school colors - Purple and Yellow! But why not add PINK and BLACK for spring? 

Spirit wear orders will be processed ONLINE using the PTA website.
Please go to the PTA website and create your account IF you have not already done so. (Tip: This is necessary for next years' back to school packet, too.)

Paper order forms will be made available in the school office and will be sent home in kid mail. Online orders are preferred for better efficiency and organization. Checks must be attached to paper forms; payable to Norman Rockwell PTA.

Spring Spirit wear - - it's coming soon!!

Please THANK Julie Odle - Incoming Spirit Wear Coordinator for volunteering her time and energy to ensure the students/staff of Rockwell reflect Beagle pride!

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT/HOPELINK FOOD DRIVE - MAY 20TH
Family Movie Night- MAY 20th 6-8:30pm 

Norman Rockwell PTA is proud to sponsor our next movie night -
Featured Presentation: UP! 
(Rated PG) Parental Guidance is required.

In exchange of admission, donations to Hopelink are requested. ONLINE reservations must be made in advance. Seating is limited to 125 attendees. You are asked to bring your donations to movie night. Doors open at 6pm.

Check the PTA website starting the week of May 2nd to reserve your spot for movie night - May 20th.

For those not coming to the movie, donations will be accepted during the week. We hope to fill our neighbors' pantries for summer meals!

Parental Guidance is required during the movie.
This is not a drop-off event for children - -only non-perishable food can be dropped off!
EXTRA PIECES OF INFORMATION - IMPORTANT DATES & MORE

  • TEACHER/STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK will be celebrated at Rockwell during the week of May 16-20. More information to come soon.
  • Sign up here to volunteer for recess Running Club - spring is here and the kids want to run!! Tues/TH at lunchtime. Volunteer whenever you can!
  • Keep saving Box Tops and Labels for Education for the next collection! Every bit helps.
SBA TESTING INO

State Testing Starts Soon

Each spring, all Washington public school students in grades 3-8 are assessed in English Language Arts (ELA) and math using Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA). Students in grades 5 and 8 are also assessed in science using the Measurement of Student Progress (MSP). Results from these assessments provide meaningful feedback and data that teachers and other educators can use to help students succeed. In addition, the results provide data to help evaluate school-level and district-wide instructional strategies, initiatives and other programs. 

Students in LWSD will begin testing at the end of March. Each school has a different testing schedule: students at Rockwell Elementary will be tested on these dates.

Learn more about the state assessments on the district website.
VACCINES FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL

Attention 5th Grade Parents
 
Students turning 11 years old before Sept. 6 (entering 6th grade!)  are required to have an additional TDaP Booster  to help prevent tetanus, pertussis and whooping cough. Ensure a smooth transition to Middle School and get this vaccine after  your child turns 11.  Please bring a copy of the vaccine to the front office, so we can update your student's profile.
 
Student Records Secretary
MATH CHALLENGE WINNERS

Congratulations to the following winners:
 
Maggie W, Mihir M, Vidhur P, Erica P, Sydney K, Saanvi T, Cameron F, Janelle C, Shivas K, Kashvi P
 
The second to last Math Challenge will be available online April 29th before 3pm.

ANNOUNCING PTA ROLES AND NEEDS FOR 2016/17

Rockwell Parents: 

Your help is needed to keep our PTA Board and enriching programs running next year for our students and school community!
 
Your child and the whole school benefits when parents are involved with the PTA.
 
Your kids are the future of our school and so are YOU! 

Some open positions for 2016/17 include: 
  • Fundraising VP (Board) Oversees the Fall Pass the Hat Fundraiser and assists fundraising chairs (movie nights, spirit wear, restaurant nights) as needed. 
  • (Non-board Chairs) Yearbook Chair, Movie Night Chairs, Reflections Art Contest Chair and more!!
CLICK HERE to view all open positions. LET'S GET THEM FILLED! THANK YOU!
QUICK LINKS - IN EVERY ISSUE
-View Rockwell's Peachjar E-Flyers - a great resource for community events, classes and camps.

-AmazonSmile: Give a little back to Rockwell PTA by using
our AmazonSmile link!  Bookmark it and use the link every time you shop. 
 
-Volunteer Application:   LWSD Volunteer application. It's easy to complete and is good for 2 years. Fill yours out or check your renewal status today!

-Rockwell PTA Facebook Page: Stay connected and updated on  Rockwell PTA & school info. Stop by and "Like" us!  

-Bookmark & Register for your account on our  
New PTA  Website. Calendar info, announcements, forms, ordering yearbooks and spiritwear, and much more!
Subscribe!
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Bugle Article Submissions Welcome
  
The Beagle Bugle welcomes article submissions from students and parents.  Student journalists may submit articles about current events, students opinion-editorials and poems or short stories.  Parents may submit articles about PTA events and school related topics. 

Any article that is unrelated to PTA or Rockwell must be approved by the Lake Washington School District, and, upon approval, will be posted in the Peachjar eflyer system.  The Lake Washington School District website has more information on the submission and approval process.

Short pieces will be edited for inclusion in the Bugle, longer pieces will be posted on the website with a link in the Bugle.  The Deadline for submissions for the next weekly Bugle is the preceding Thursday.  The Bugle Staff reserves the right to be selective regarding the materials that are publicized.

Contact the Bugle staff or submit articles at rockwellbugle@gmail.com. 
  
Sincerely,
Angie Ballas
Beagle Bugle Editor
Norman Rockwell Elementary PTA