Dear Parents,

I am excited to launch a new initiative called the Principal's Book of the Month (PBOM). Every month, I will be selecting a book for the entire school to read that has a special message or theme and reflect on how the selection connects to student experiences and the greater society. I will inform everyone prior to beginning the book and share the message behind the story. Every grade level will have a copy of the book and either I or the teacher will be reading it to the students. Mystery Readers are also encouraged to read the PBOM to the students. The goal of Principal's Book of the Month is to foster a love of reading, promote literacy skills based on Common Core State Standards, build community, promote a positive school culture and highlight character traits.

November's Book of the Month is Miss Alaineus: A Vocabulary Disaster, by Debra Frazier. As one of the funniest books I've ever read, Miss Alaineus: A Vocabulary Disaster a hilarious romp through the usually not-so-funny world of vocabulary. Sage misses school due to a cold, and from there the misunderstanding begins. Mistaking the word "miscellaneous" for the person, "Miss Alaineus" leads to a classroom catastrophe-vocabulary hilarity. But "miscellaneous" is finally revealed for the word it truly is, and Sage manages to redeem herself in a marvelous and inspiring creative leap when she arrives on the Vocabulary Parade school stage as Miss Alaineus, Queen of All Miscellaneous Things-and thereby proves that her mother was right. There IS gold to be found in every mistake! I chose this selection as a wonderful way to teach robust vocabulary, thoughtful word choice and as a fun and creative way designed for collecting words!

As a kick-off to our PBOM initiative, we will celebrate by hosting our first ever Vocabulary Parade on November 1 at 8:30 a.m.  Each student will be selecting a word which will become a costume. Put on your thinking caps! How would you show the word "adrift", "shortsighted", or "zigzag"? From A to Z, consider the entire dictionary your playground! Help us make vocabulary building into a Parade of Words! A letter was sent home in VIP detailing the specific details regarding student costumes. For more costume ideas, please visit  www.debrafrasier.com.

The most important reason for The Principal's Book of the Month is to share exceptional books with students and enjoy them. Students learn to love reading when we love reading great books together! We invite you to join us in reading the books with your children at home and by providing time and space for talking about the issues we will address in our readings. I hope you enjoy this Principal's Book of the Month.  

Your Principal and Partner,   

Mrs. Crenshaw 

The Vanderlyn PTA Grounds Committee would like to thank the Dunwoody United Methodist Church (DUMC) volunteers that helped beautify the grounds on Saturday, October 19.

Our main focus was to spread topsoil and mulch in the front beds of the school, as well as around various trees on the property. DUMC donated two new planters to our school and filled them with pansies. Thankfully the rain held out until all of our work was complete!

A big thank you to all of the DUMC volunteers and the Grounds Committee volunteers! We would also like to thank Northside Tree for the mulch deliveries and DeKalb County School System for the topsoil delivery.

If you are interested in joining the Grounds Committee, contact Dawn Weterrings or Sarah Parrish. 

Students, don't miss out on your chance to win $100 and a trip to Austin, Texas for the annual PTA Convention next June.  The Reflections Theme Search Contest for 2015-2016 ends this Friday, November 1 at 8 a.m.  Entries can be left in the box marked "Reflections Theme Search" on the table in front of the school office.  Details about the contest can be found on the Vanderlyn PTA website.  Please don't forget to fill out the entry form completely and contact Louisa Boss or Camilyn Germann with questions. 

Be sure to check out Vanderlynpta.com website to discover opportunities in the area. You find fun family activities, fundraisers and sports activities! These items are posted regularly to our website as we reserve Viking Views for school-specific news.

Wicked people never have time for reading. It's one of the reasons for their wickedness.  

- Lemony Snicket

Click here to find out how to submit your photos to be the Yearbook Committee.

You MUST use your camera, as pictures from phones do not enlarge well.  

We are looking for shots with groups of kids!