Our families are answering the call to support the Annual Fund! We have collected donations from additional families, increasing our fund and reducing by 2% the number of families who have not participated in the fund! Thank you!

Meanwhile, we have entered one of the busiest months in the year! Extra demands on our time make it easy to justify the procrastination of some tasks, but your PTA is methodically at work. Currently, we are busy with several meaningful projects:

• The Grounds Committee has completed the enclosure of the kindergarten fence!
• The Academic Enrichment Committee is cooperating with teacher sponsors to prepare Vanderlyn students to compete in SIX academic competitions!
• The Grant Writing Committee is applying for grants to fund the Courtyard Classroom and purchase a dance room floor.
• The Literacy Committee is preparing to host children's author Diane Shore.
• The Field Trips Committee is organizing amazing educational experiences for our students both on- and off-campus!
• The International Committee is planning the Potluck Dinner, including food, fellowship and entertainment for this fantastic school-wide event!
• Our Environmental Committee is publishing the Eco-Newsletter and recycling shoes and other items!
• The Citizenship Committee is facilitating the collections and deliveries of food, coats and toys for various organizations in need!
• The VanderDash, Merchant Rebate and Spirit Wear Committees are planning ways to generate Viking Spirit AND passive income in 2013!
• The Yearbook Committee is coordinating a HUGE volunteer effort to meet their first deadline!
• The Directory Committee is evaluating ways to improve their process in 2013! These ladies get a special shout-out for planning ahead!
• The Grade Level Production chairs are organizing costumes and working with our teachers to ensure our kids are ready for "Show Time" in 2013!
• Field Day chairs are getting creative with ways to organize a fantastic day with a small budget!
• The Gardens Committee is tending lettuces and then preparing the beds to rest!

And of course, our informational committees work around the calendar, disseminating information via our website, Viking Views, and marquees. Similarly, our Lunch Bunch, Teacher Appreciation and Traffic Committees are constantly managing their tasks to take care of our remarkable students and amazing teachers! The New Families and Parent University Committees work around the calendar to keep parents "In the Know", as well!

What a terrific school community! Time to get back to work!

Have a great week!

Julia LeDoyen and Courtney Kuriger

The last month of the year typically brings increased opportunities to volunteer at school. Please remember that Georgia code identifies school house volunteers as mandatory reporters of suspected child abuse. The Dekalb County School District is requiring all volunteers to view a BRIEF on-line presentation and then certify that the training is complete. Please click here to comply with the mandatory training requirement for school volunteers.

Food Services is featuring broccoli as the farm-to-school vegetable for December. Students who purchase lunch Thursday, December 13, will have broccoli as one of their vegetable choices. The Wellness Committee will provide broccoli samples free of charge to students and staff who bring their lunch that day. Wear GREEN on Thursday and remember to EAT YOUR BROCCOLI. Please contact Tina Wilkinson at if you have questions or would like to help.

Teachers, parents, and students, do you want to see your pictures in the yearbook?  If you have pictures to share, please edit them to find your ten best, and contact Amy Gaynor  for instructions on how to easily download onto the Lifetouch website. Our first deadline is approaching, and we need your pictures.  Please only download photos taken with a camera, no phones please!  We would love to include your photos in the 2012-2013 yearbook!