Program Enrichment

 

Art Docent Program

The Newcastle PTSA is excited to continue the Art Docent program for the fourth year.  This is a visual arts program designed to allow children more opportunities to explore their art talents through educational art lessons and creative art projects conducted in the classroom. 

If you enjoy working with students, then this is a wonderful volunteer opportunity for you.  No art knowledge or experience is required.  All volunteers are welcome, from those who have no formal art training to those individuals that have an extensive art background. 

How the Art Docent Program Works

Volunteers sign up to work in a classroom as an Art Docent.  The PTSA sponsors an orientation/training, handbooks, art prints, lesson plans, art reference books, art lesson DVDs, and supplies to enable parents to provide art lessons.  Volunteers work closely with teachers to arrange appropriate dates and times for art lessons.  Art lessons are conducted once every 4 to 6 weeks.

This program promises to be a fun and rewarding experience for the children and volunteers.   The art docent Co-chairs are Janice Curl and Heidi Furman.  If you would like to become an art docent or have questions about the program, please email Janice Curl @ janciecurl@comcast.net or Heidi Furman @ ghfurman@comcast.net.

 

 

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Caring Through Sharing

The PTSA's Caring Through Sharing Program Provides Help To Newcastle Families  

The PTSA sets aside a portion of its budget to help Newcastle students who may need assistance.  The Caring Through Sharing Program can provide students with basic school supplies, including backpacks and other necessities, as well as helping pay for students to attend field trips.  This program is generously supported by the City of Newcastle.  If you need assistance for your student, please see your child's teacher or any Newcastle staff member.  For more information, contact Laura Moore at lmphome@msn.com.

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MaryArt™ Program

Newcastle PTSA is very pleased to once again offer the MaryArt™ program.  In its fourth year at Newcastle, this before or after school program teaches art through Guided Drawing™ to students in grades K-5.   Due to popular demand, the PTSA has added an after school option for MaryArt this year.  Classes will take place before school on Mondays or after school on Thursdays.  Students may choose to sign up for either the Monday or Thursday class.  Each session will run for 6 weeks and cost $90.  Classes are taught by Mary Watson.  Mary graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in education and has been teaching drawing for over 18 years.  Mary offers encouragement and an "I can do it" attitude.  Students will follow a Guided Drawing lesson which they will put their own personal touch on.  Her classes are fun, exciting and use top of the line art supplies.  For more information about MaryArt, please go to www.maryart.com.  For information about signing up for the class, please contact chairperson Julie Monetti @ jmonetti516@comcast.net.

Scholarships are available - please contact the school office for more information.

Click here for MaryArt Program Enrollment form.

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Polar Express & Food Drive

November 2 – December 4, 2009

      vs.       Huskies Mascot Mini Magnet

This holiday season Newcastle Elementary will be continuing the tradition  of  The Polar Express giving program.  Several families in the Issaquah School District have been chosen for the Newcastle PTSA to assist this year. Special giving trees will be located throughout the school with train gift tags describing the needs and wishes of the children.  The Polar Express program gives each of us an opportunity to help these families in need.

 

This year we will also be sponsoring the Apple Cup Food Drive to collect non-perishable food for families in need.  A Husky and a Cougar container will be located on each floor of the school beginning Monday, November 2nd.  The items collected will be donated to the Issaquah Food Bank in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. The food bank is currently overstocked with cranberries and pumpkin and asks that you refrain from donating these items.

 

The Polar Express gift trees will be in the school lobby from November 3rd through December 4th.  The most convenient time to choose a tag will be during Parent-Teacher conferences on November  3rd and 4th.  If you are unable to come to the school, however, you may complete the attached permission slip which gives your approval for your child to select a tag from the school office.

 

After you have purchased the gift, please return it to the school office, unwrapped and with the train gift tag securely attached to it.  Clothing gifts should have the store’s tag intact along with a gift receipt, in case it is necessary to exchange the item for a different size.  All items must be returned by Friday December 4th .

We hope you find room in your hearts to give a gift to someone in need in our school district.  Please consider visiting the Polar Express tree with your child and experiencing the true holiday spirit. Thank You!  For more information, contact Food Drive Co-Chairs: Robin Hopkins @ Robin@rrhopkins.net or Wendy Larkin @ Wendy@thelarkins.org; or Polar Express Co-Chairs: Bridget Todderud @ Jtodderud@yahoo.com or Kerry Johnson @ Kerryrikansrud@yahoo.com.

 

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Reflections Program

 

The National PTA Reflections Program is an arts recognition and achievement program that provides opportunities for students to express themselves creatively and to receive positive recognition for original works of art inspired by a pre-selected theme. The program increases community awareness on the importance of the arts in education.

     

Entries will be due the beginning of November. 

     

Questions, contact Reflections Chair Rachel Handsman @ jeffreywdiana@aol.com.

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Student Banking

Who?  

All Newcastle Elementary Students 

What?  

Students have the opportunity to deposit their money (no matter what the amount—after an INITIAL DEPOSIT of at least $5.00) into an interest bearing savings account!  Monetary incentives will be added to each account depending on the number of times a child makes a deposit.  

When?

Every Thursday


Why?
To promote good savings habits in our kids.

Where?
Deposits will be made at school (on the stage during lunch period) to a HomeStreet Bank representative.

How?

If your child doesn’t have an account at Homestreet bank, then stop by a branch to open one up.

Questions??  
Please contact Mary Pat Reeves at hmpreeves@comcast.net.

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Sunshine Committee

As an integral part of our school community, the Sunshine Committee provides a "ray of sunshine" to any Newcastle family that may need some brightening to their day.  We are there to provide a gesture of kindness that will help to bring a smile during what may be a difficult time (prolonged illness, surgery, etc).  Whether it be in the form of a small gift, card, flower, or food, we are there to show that we care.  If you know of someone in our Newcastle community who may need some sunshine in his or her life, please contact Chairman Laura Moore @ lpmhome@msn.com.

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