The week of Thanksgiving my oldest son turns 10 year old, and I'm not different than most parents who marvel at how quickly the years sped by. I can draw a lot of analogies between being a new mother and a new PTA co-president! At the onset of both responsibilities I felt joy, trepidation, aggravation, anxiety and even a small dose of fear!

Like my 10-year old, our PTA has grown and accomplished a lot this year. Our Annual Fund has generated adequate funds to support our primary obligations, which means we are tackling our "Wish List" items, as approved by the general membership at Curriculum Night. The first of those items is the completion of the fence around the Kindergarten playground. You should see the completed fence as we return to school following the Thanksgiving holiday.

So, scratch the first item off the list, and that brings us to the Science Lab initiative! I had the good fortune to observe DES students learning in their Science Lab and was struck by the students' heightened level of engagement as well as JOYFUL learning. We have a fantastic opportunity to create that same environment for Vanderlyn students!

At this moment, because our other obligations are already satisfied, 100% of every donation that is made to the Annual Fund will be committed to the Science Lab initiative. Please give thoughtful consideration to making your donation now if you have not already done so. Roughly 61% of our families have already supported the Fund, and if we can motivate the remaining 39% to contribute to some level, a Science Lab at Vanderlyn will become a reality for our students! Any contribution is welcome! Please click here to make your donation today! 

Have a great week!

Julia LeDoyen and Courtney Kuriger

 
Veterans Day reminds us how vital it is to support those who put themselves in harm's way to protect our freedoms. To honor the courageous men and women of our Armed Forces, Scouts from across Dunwoody are encouraged to wear their full Scout uniform on Veterans Day, Monday, November 12. If you are a Vanderlyn Girl Scout or Cub Scout, please be sure to wear your uniform next Monday. Plus, uniformed Scouts may join in reciting the pledge of allegiance during morning announcements.

Together we will honor those who have served our great country.

The Kindergarten Performance will be Thursday, November 15 at 6 p.m.   Primm Video will record the performance with multiple cameras. You can order your copy of the DVD the night of the show in the school lobby. The cost for the DVD is $20.00. Cash and checks will be accepted as payment. Videos will be ready for delivery up to 6 weeks after the event. DVDs will come with video cases and covers, and Primm Video will mail videos directly to you.

Want to help put together the amazing 4th annual Vanderlyn VanderDash 5k and one mile fun run being held March 23, 2012? Yes????

Attend the first VanderDash meeting Monday, November 12, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. at the home of Leslie Frohman, 1711 Brandywine Court.   RSVP to vanderdash@yahoo.com.

We are also accepting VanderDash 2013 Sponsors!!!!  Yes, the website is already live, we have great sponsors already committed and our Facebook page is currently being updated!  This is a great opportunity to support an amazing, fun-filled family event!  If you are interested in being a sponsor please email vanderdash@yahoo.com

For additional information, please contact VanderDash co-chairs Leslie Frohman or Carolyn Matulich. 

Retake and Club Picture day is November 15.

If you are a new student, a member of a club at Vanderlyn, or have requested a retake, please dress in bright colors and come with a smile. We will be sending home flyers as a reminder this week.

If you still have your individual or group pictures please return them to your homeroom teacher.   

We have a list of students who have requested a retake.  If you desire a retake of individual pictures, please write RETAKE under your child's name with a black marker on the front of the envelope. If you have already returned your photos, and desire a retake, please email Amy at amygaynor@msn.com with your child's name and homeroom teacher.  

Thank you,

Amy Gaynor and Jen Smith

Yearbook Co-Chairs