08/28/2008

We had a great complete week!  Back to School Night was a huge success.  I know that you enjoyed meeting your child’s teacher and seeing all the wonderful he or she has for your children.  Leading by example, and taking the time to show YOU value education by attending, translates to your child valuing education as well.

TAKE THE DAY OFF!  Don’t forget that next Monday is Labor Day!  Hopefully, you’ll be able to enjoy some family time.  We’ll see you back on Tuesday, at 8:00.

COFFEE CHAT:  Our Parent Coffee Chat next Wednesday is going to be postponed to September 10^th.  The focus will be helping your children to be better readers.  I hope you can make it on the 10^th!  We will be looking at reading instruction for grades K – 2, 8:30 to 9:30, and grades 3 – 5 9:30 to 10:30.

GATE TESTING:  We will begin taking parent requests on Monday, September 8^th for the Fall GATE testing. This request form can be completed online or in your school’s office.   Go to the GATE Testing information is now posted on the GATE webpage on the PUSD GATE Website (http://www.powayusd.com/teaching/learning/gate/).

SITE COUNCIL:  Don’t forget that applications for Site Council are due next Friday. September 5^th.  Applications are in the front lobby – Come join the team to make Stone Ranch the best it can be!

THE VALUE OF A DOLLAR:  Ever wonder how to teach your children the value of their allowance?  The best way is to open a bank account for them!  Washington Mutual offers a no fee savings account, and offers Wamu banking here on site. Your children can bring in deposits to SRES.  The first deposit day is Thursday, September 11^th , children simply bring their deposit in an envelope with their names on it and then deposit it at the tables on the playground during their recess.  What could be easier?   Sign up forms are available at our office, or the local 4S Ranch Washington Mutual.

NO LONGER CANCELLED! For those who are in need of an updated TB test you can do it here on site Sept 15 and Read Sept 17.  The Clinic has been reinstated.  If you can’t make it to our clinic, please go to the following website for additional sites:

http://www.powayusd.com/admin/lss/health/PDF/TB%20CLINIC%20SCHEDULE.pdf

Registration for Continuing Students:  Registration for Continuing Students is coming to a close; however, we still have a few families with incomplete registration paperwork. If you are one of these families, it will be sent home with your child today.  Please fill them out, noting any changes, sign, and return them to the front office by Tuesday, September 2.

IT’S BACK – WITH YOUR HELP!  Want to be a part of our highly popular ice cream sales?  5^th graders may be part of the fun starting 9/19.  Fill out permission slip in the front office, and return to the office or your teacher.  All proceeds help fifth grade promotion.  Parents want to help?  Call kris Meyers as kristinemey1@cox.net

A STRONG FOUNDATION:  We all know that every building needs a strong foundation, and we are fortunate enough to have a Foundation with a mission to make sure our children receive a premier education at SRES.   Take the Dollar a Challenge! by going to the website at www.stoneranchfoundation.com to make your contribution!

SAVE THE DATE TO EAT, DRINK, AND RAISE MONEY!  You are invited to a very tasty FUNdraising event at California Pizza Kitchen.  Bring in the flyer that’s coming home to your server when you order and 20% of your check will benefit SRES Foundation! The day is September 17^th – GOOD ALL DAY FOR TAKE OR DINE IN!

PTA Membership  Blaze New Trails with Stone Ranch PTA ~ Join Today! It can’t get any easier than this! One Form ~ One Check!  Four East Steps:  1.  Join Stone Ranch PTA - $10 (includes one membership and 2-for-1 Legoland Coupon). 2.  Contribute Through "Cash for Kids" & Skip the Fundraisers! - $50 suggested min. donation. 3.  Order Hand Tiles (New Students ONLY) - $35 each. 4.  Order Your FULL-COLOR Yearbook(s) at $20 each.  When you join PTA, you are supporting a state and national lobby that fights for funding and support of our children’s education.  We are excited to offer many volunteer opportunities at Stone Ranch Elementary School!  Please consider volunteering your time, knowledge and abilities to enrich our school’s educational programs, contribute to school safety, and strengthen the relationship with parents and the school community.  We are looking for volunteers for the Book Fair, Family Dance, Library Helpers, Red Ribbon Week and more. Stop by the front desk to pick up a volunteer packet or contact Stephanie Brinsfield at: Stephanie.brinsfield@jackinthebox.com . Forms are at the office.