21   School Closed

25   International Potluck Dinner, 6 p.m.

29   District Spelling Bee

31   Second Grade Performance "The Nutcracker", 6 p.m. 

February  

5     Kindergarten Information Meeting, 6 p.m.

Last Fall Mrs. Crenshaw shared her vision for a Courtyard Classroom with us, and she asked the PTA to explore how we can assist in making her vision a reality. Many planning meetings and unpaid volunteer hours later, the Vanderlyn PTA has a professionally drawn plan for the space and a volunteer project manager committed to assist.

The Courtyard Classroom will allow students and faculty to enjoy instruction in the contained outdoor space in the middle of our schoolhouse. The design for the space features shaded seating, a water feature, sun dial, plant life, water barrel and more. It is fantastic! This transformative project will convert what I like to call the "Prison Yard" to a space dedicated to inspired learning and teaching.

The Vanderlyn PTA stands by our commitment to be responsible stewards of our Annual Fund dollars. Because of that promise, we have solicited "pro bono" work from an architect and construction company. However, much of this project can be completed by folks with strong backs, unskilled hands and willing spirits. We need volunteers NOW to remove the plants and shrubs in the courtyard. Shortly, we will need volunteers to remove some of the pavers. Many hands make light work, and we encourage families to volunteer together.

If you are willing to give your time OR if you know someone in our community who may help with this project, please send us an email. The Courtyard Classroom is a worthwhile project that will touch every Vanderlyn student for years to come.

We will keep you posted on our progress. Have a great week!

Kudos to Adam Boss who came in 2nd place and will serve as an alternate. We are proud of all of our Spelling Bee contestants for all of their hard work in preparing for the competition. Great job!

We hope that your family will join us for our 7th Annual International Potluck and Performance Night. The event is scheduled for Friday, January 25, 2013 from 6 to 8 p.m. and promises to be an enriching and fun experience! We do need your help to make the evening a success!

Click here if you would like to bring a dish that represents your country or culture. 

Click here if you would like to help out with logistics on January 25. 

We really appreciate your support!

Sabrina Rahim and Sangeeta Nainwal 

Co-Chairs, Vanderlyn International Committee

Save the date! Vanderlyn VanderDash 5k and one mile fun run is Saturday, March 23!  

5K starts at 7:30 a.m.

Fun Run at 8:30 a.m. 

More details to come!

Check us out at www.vanderlynpta.com/vanderdash. 

Interested in being a sponsor? Please email vanderdash@yahoo.com.

We'd like to thank our presenting sponsor: Pankey& Horlock, LLC as well as our platinum sponsors: Children's Healthcare of Atlanta,  

M Tech Systems, and No. 9 Thompson!