The Annual Fund drive is well underway! To date we have collected in excess of $55,000 with more than 58 percent of our families supporting the drive.

Our Annual Fund supports the initiatives that are funded through the PTA. This year our allocation of funds is different from previous years because we are choosing to direct over $10,000 towards our STEM initiative. Every student will benefit from STEM instruction because of the money that PTA is directing towards STEM at Vanderlyn.

The budget will be fully funded when we meet our goal of $80,000, which means our PTA can purchase additional tablets for group instruction during the school day. There are so many teaching apps available for K-5 instruction, and we truly need more tablets to make these amazing apps available to our students. Currently, we have 20 tablets, which accommodates about 4 classes.

If you are capable of supporting the Annual Fund now, please do so! When we reach our Annual Fund goal, we can immediately execute our plans for the benefit of our students and teachers. Again, any donated amount is gratefully received!

Have a great week!

Christine Kelemen and Julia LeDoyen 

Ice Cream treats will be available on Fridays. Treats are $.60 and must be purchased with exact change. Mylunchmoney.com cannot be used.

The Fall Book Fair is almost here. Please mark your calendars for the following dates:

Wednesday, September 18, 2:30 to 5 p.m.

Thursday, September 19, 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. 

There are lots of treasures waiting to be discovered at this fun family event. Find new books, easy readers, chapter books, series favorites, and so much more. Don't miss out on this opportunity to excite your child about reading, and support the media center at the same time.

We can also use volunteers to make this Oasis a splashing success. If you can donate your time please visit the sign-up here:  http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0949A4AD23A64-fall  

Any questions? Email Sheryl Bomar.

See you at the Fair!

Sheryl Bomar, Kim Sims, and Kelly Ballard

PTA Book Fair Chairs 

An informational meeting will be held on September 23 from 2:45 to 3:30 p.m for all 4th and 5th grade students interested in finding out more about Track Club. The meeting will be held in the gym and students will be brought to the bus turnaround at 3:30 p.m. for pick up.

"Believe, Dream, Inspire"-what does that mean to you?  It's time to once again grab art supplies, cameras and dance shoes and show the world your interpretation of this year's theme for the Reflections Contest.  Students will be able to submit works of art in the following categories:  Musical Composition, Literature, Dance Choreography, Film Production, Visual Arts and Photography.  This year's contest also features separate awards for Special Artists in all categories.  Awards will be given in each grade and category and the 1st and 2nd place winners will go on to compete at the county level, with the possibility of advancing to the state and national levels.  All entries are due at 8 a.m. on Friday, October 4. Please see the Vanderlyn PTA website for further details on entries, including mandatory entry forms and packaging requirements. Please contact jlboss@bellsouth.net or Camilyn Germann with any questions.

We have discovered an additional way you can support the Annual Fund without opening your wallet! Give With Target has launched their second annual campaign to support schools nationwide. Participation is incredibly easy: follow the Facebook link, cast your vote every 4 days, and as the votes increase, so will Target's financial support of Vanderlyn! It's super easy to vote on a smart phone, too! Spread the word to neighbors, grandparents, your students, etc. It's free money for our terrific school!

Be sure to check out Vanderlynpta.com website to discover opportunities in the area for summer fun and camps! These items are posted regularly to our website as we reserve Viking Views for school-specific news.