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Weekly News from Steele Elementary

01 07 2016   
Contents
From the Principal
School News
PTA News
Community News
Quick Links
Dates To Remember
From the Principal
Call to Arms (or Volunteer)
I am always impressed, humbled and overwhelmed (in a positive way) by the amount of work that our parents do to help Steele be a fantastic place to learn, play, and come to school. The work we do here would not be possible without the support we get from our PTA and parent volunteers.
 
We are in a unique position where the entire Executive Board is turning over next year and we will have five open positions. In addition to these positions, we will have a lot of other opportunities for parents to become involved in committee work that helps our school be a true community.
 
Although I've never been an officer in the PTA, I was the proud husband of a PTA president two years ago. The experience was transformative for my wife. She learned new skills, made new friends, and gained insight into my son's education that neither of us had before. She also had a lot of fun.
 
I encourage folks to look into the open positions we have on the PTA next year and see how you can get involved. It's a great way to get to know your child's school and a fantastic service opportunity that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Plus, you'll make new friends and have a lot of fun.
 
We are having a PTA mixer on January 27. It will be off campus; you can read about the details and Ann Shiveley's experience with volunteer work at the school below. I hope to see you at the cocktail party on the 27th.
 
Thanks for all you do!
 
Cheers,
Kevin
School News
JumpKickoffJump Rope for Heart 
Jump Rope for Heart is coming soon! The Kickoff Assembly featuring the Claim Jumpers jump rope team is on Friday, February 5 right before lunch in the gymnasium.

Parents, we are excited to kick off Jump Rope for Heart! Student become Heart Heroes by taking care of their own hearts, spreading the message of the American Heart Association, and raising funds for lifesaving research. Have your student jump online at heart.org/jump to send emails and ask for donations. Any student who goes online and gets a donation will be recognized and receive the Super Pup and Ninja Star puppies. Students who register at heart.org/jump and raise at least $150.00 online before the Kickoff Assembly on February 5 will be honored at the Kickoff and will receive Toby! To see Toby and the invitation, click here. All donations must be received by 6:00 PM the day before the Kickoff.

We need volunteers! We are in need of volunteers for behind-the-scenes planning, organizing end-of-event prizes, day-of-event station workers, and much more. If you would like to help, contact Tim Welch.

Thank you for supporting the American Heart Association! Click here to join the Steele team today!

After School Enrichment
There are many wonderful after school programs being offered at Steele this spring to allow children to broaden their cultural horizons. New sessions of Sticky Fingers start next week! Girls on the Run is coming soon! Visit the Steele website for further details on these and other programs offered. 
 
ChoiceSchool Choice Information
First round choice deadline is January 29! If you have moved out of Steele's boundary or changed your address, you need to fill out School of Choice forms for the 2016-17 school year (even if your student is enrolled at Steele this year). In order to use Online Choice form -- which saves you time -- you must have an active Parent Portal account. Click here to view the Parent Portal how-to guide. Questions? Contact Melissa in the Steele office.  
PTA News
PTA Logo PTAMixerAn Invitation from the PTA President 
Over the next few months, the PTA Executive Board (EB) will be looking for parents to fill all roles in 2016/17: President, Secretary, Treasurer, VP of Fundraising and VP of Volunteers. So that potential candidates have a casual, no-pressure venue to ask questions and hear from current members what each role entails, the EB is hosting a mixer on Wednesday, January 27 at 6:30 PM. If you'd like to learn more about the event, please read this invitation from PTA president Ann Shiveley. 
 
HTKickoffWash Park Home Tour 2016 Kickoff Meeting: January 14
Meeting TONIGHT, 6:00 - 8:00 PM, to kick off the 2016 Wash Park Home Tour. Be part of Steele's biggest fundraiser! There are a variety of roles available for the Wash Park Home Tour, and we need lots of volunteers to make this year's Home Tour our most successful yet!  Please join us at the home of Danielle Vitale (Wash Park Home Tour Chair), 627 S. Corona St., to learn more about the Wash Park Home Tour. Bring a bottle of wine or appetizer to share. 
 
Home Tour is Looking for a House
The Home Tour Selection Committee is happy to announce that we have four amazing homes secured for the 2016 Home Tour! We just need one more, and are looking to the parent community to help us find it! If you know of a home in the 400, 500, or 600 blocks between Franklin and High that you think would be perfect for the Home Tour, please send an email to Laura Mauck or Laurie Gilbertson.   

SDOSteele Dines Out at The Garlic Knot: January 19
Steele Dines Out at The Garlic Knot! (282 S. Logan, at Alameda) for January!  Dine in, take out, or place a delivery order on Tuesday, January 19 any time between 11:00 am and 9:00 pm. No need to present a flyer or mention Steele Elementary, The Garlic Knot will give back 10% of ALL proceeds from the entire day's sales. Tell your friends and family!
Community News
Merrill Fundraiser for Warabe Family
Habiba, the mother of Merrill 8th grader Farhan Warabe, died in an auto accident on Thanksgiving morning. The entire Merrill community mourns with Farhan and his family. The soccer program, where Farhan shows great skill and leadership, is leading an effort to help. On Saturday, January 16, players from the boys' and girls' Merrill soccer teams will make unique, delicious "loaves of pizza." Called Pizzrollos, they are being pre-sold now in the Merrill school office and at Great Harvest Bread Co., 765 S. Colorado Blvd., where the event will take place. The soccer teams will donate all proceeds (minus ingredient costs) to help Farhan's family. Pizzrollos are available by advance pre-paid order only. Deadline is 6:00 PM on Friday 01/15. For details about varieties and ordering, click here.

Merrill News
To check out what's happening at Merrill Middle School, click here.
To submit information to this newsletter, send it in edited, final-draft format to the appropriate person from the list below by 5 PM on Tuesdays:
For all other questions, please email Cynthia Swanson and Liz Marvan (parent volunteers) at steelestallionpress@gmail.com.