Read Across America
February 26, 2010

Hey Newcastle, it's time to kick off "Read Across America" with our Newcastle Family Lit Night.  Come celebrate literacy with your kiddos on Friday,  February 26 from 5:45-8:00 in the commons.  There will be great entertainment for the whole family.  Charlie Williams, "the noise guy," who is known world-wide, will perform his "crazy and wacky" noise show that will captivate all ages!  Our other special guest entertainer is Jeff Evans, who will entertain us with his "Reading Magic" program!  Both of these guests perform all around the country and we are lucky enough to have them both on the same night at our school!  Pizza will be served starting at 5:45 with our program to follow!  Let's show our kids how important reading is!  See you all there! Contact Kim Sherman kimmycancan@gmail.com with questions. 

2010 Golden Acorn Nominations Due February 12th

Each year our PTSA awards the Golden Acorn to individuals who have given outstanding volunteer service to the children and youth in our school community. The Golden Acorn is special and given for continued and dedicated service. This is an excellent way to honor our volunteers that have gone “above and beyond”! Award winners receive the Golden Acorn Award Pin and a special certificate from the Washington State PTA. The Council also contributes in the winner’s name to the Washington State PTA Scholarship Foundation, which provides scholarships to selected high school students entering post-secondary education.  Please take a few minutes and complete the form that is attached below to nominate someone who is making a difference in our children’s lives.  If you are unable to open the below attachment; you can also pick up a form in the PTSA office.  Send the completed form to the PTSA,  ATTN: Golden Acorn through kidmail by February 12.  The Golden Acorn Committee will make the final selections. Questions? Contact: Heidi Furman, at ghfurman@comcast.net; Sarah Herr at sarah.herr@comcast.net or Lynn Bisset at lynnb@barbeemill.com.

Golden Acorn Form

Help our Library Grow

Help our library grow with the Gift-A-Book program.  It is a great way to recognize your child, or a loved one.   And will help keep our school’s library supplied with new and exciting quality books.  By donating to Gift-A-Book, your child will: 

• Be recognized in a special display in the library
• Have a personalized book plate in the selected book

How do you participate?  Donations can be made in two ways:  Select a heart with a book title and dollar amount from the display in the school library or donate a dollar amount for the librarian’s choice.  Hearts will be available throughout the month of February.

If you have any questions regarding Gift-A-Book, please feel free to contact Kathy Nolan @ Kathy.Nolan@comcast.net.

Auction Co-Chairs Needed

 The next Newcastle auction is scheduled for Spring 2011 and we are looking for 2 or 3 people to co-chair this biennial affair. The Auction Co-Chairs provide leadership for the auction and they oversee and coordinate all aspects of the event.  The location and date will need to be determined soon and the co-chairs would have an opportunity to be an integral part of that decision.  If you’re interested or would like to learn more about the job, please contact Edana Peacock (one of last year’s auction co-chairs) at edanatish@aol.com.

We hope that you will become a member of the PTSA.

We met our goal of a sixth consecutive year of 100% membership.  This means one adult member for each child enrolled at the school. Each family that joins the PTSA this year will receive a complimentary copy of the student directory, a membership card, and a water bottle. 

Let’s Communicate!

So, you found the PTSA Website! There are also other ways the school and PTSA can get information to you.

E-GROUP EMAIL

Sign up for our PTSA E-groups email.  It contains brief updates and notices about events in the upcoming week.  You also have the option to receive legislative updates.

            Print E-groups Form

THE LIONS’ PAGE

The Lions’ Page is a joint school/PTSA bi-weekly newsletter.  A paper copy will be distributed to every student during the month of September.  Starting in October, the Lions’ Page will go paperless.  Each edition will be distributed via email reminders only and posted on the school website for you to read or print out.  If you do not have access to a computer, you can request a weekly paper hard copy of the newsletter.  Additional copies will be available in the school office. 

Exciting Programs & Events

We have some exciting programs and events planned for this school year.  Watch for more information coming soon:                

• Art Docent Program – Parent volunteers work in the classroom to bring art education to the students.
• Reflections Program – A National PTA arts competition where students work at home to create an artwork.
• Student Banking – Students learn about savings by making weekly deposits at school.  (Students must open an account with HomeStreet Bank).
• Mary Art – Students are introduced to guided drawing in this weekly extracurricular program.
• Health and Family Fitness Night – On October 9^th, this event will focus on ways to stay healthy and fit.
• Literacy and Jammies – Join us for our surprise literary event!  Wear your jammies.
• Book Fair – Fall and spring stock up on your favorite reading material!
• Dance – Beat the winter blues at this family dance event coming in February.

Want to participate?  Fill out the Volunteer Form and return it to the school.  WE LOVE OUR VOLUNTEERS!