Grass Valley News-February 4, 2011 - Camas School District

Dear Families,
February 4, 2011
I hope you will all mark Wednesday, February 23 rd , on your calendars and plan to bring the whole family to
our . This annual event gives us a chance to spotlight some of the wonderful work your
children have been doing this winter. Every year we have more and more families attend and we see how
thrilled our students are to show their parents (and grandparents and siblings) how hard they’ve been
working. Ask your children to tell you what’s being showcased in their classrooms—they are busy getting
ready!
In an effort to make this event more relaxed, we’ve made some changes in the schedule so you have more
time to visit classrooms and can be closer to the stage for the musical performance. We encourage you to
visit your own children’s classrooms and visit the grade above for a sneak preview of what’s ahead next year.
Everyone is invited to the fifth grade States Fair upstairs in their classrooms. And, our spring Book Fair will
be open in the library throughout the evening. This year we have divided the musical performance into two
sections. You are welcome to enjoy both or just come for the one featuring your child. Please make your
own dinner plans since we will not be offering dinner at Grass Valley.
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We look forward to seeing all of you!
Sincerely,
Patricia Erdmann
Don’t forget!
All unclaimed Lost & Found will be donated to a local charity at the end of every month.
PLEASE put your children’s names on their belongings and/or be sure they bring home
whatever they take to school Thanks.

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Kids Day Camp
Grades: K-5
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Students will participate in a variety of fun activities on their day off of school. Snacks provided by us. Lunch
provided by parents.
Monday, February 21 st , Hours available: 7:00 AM-5:30 PM,
Full day, over 5 hours: $45.00 or Half day, 5 hour of less: $30.00
Location: JDZ Extended Day Room Call (360) 833-5544 for more information
This class is offered by East County Community Education

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Box Top Contest!!
Two Ways to Win!!
Win your class an EXTRA RECESS by turning in the most Box Tops February 7- 18 th 2011!
Remember to ask your neighbors, friends and family to give or send you all of their Box Tops!! Make a donation box
to place at your parents work (with permission of course!). Be Creative!! Every single Box Top for Education raises
money for our school. Box Tops turned in through Friday, February 18 th will qualify for this contest. The winning
class and students will be announced on Friday, February 25 th .
~ PRIZES ~
The Top Donating class will win an EXTRA RECESS with Ms. Erdmann and Ziggy!!
The Top Donator from each class will win a PICTURE taken with Ziggy, Pencil and Bookmark!!
Packaging: You may affix them to a collection sheet OR you may bag them. If you bag them fill out the form at the
bottom of the page and place it inside the zip lock bag. Students will receive full credit as long as the collection sheet
is completely filled and the form is filled out completely when it is deposited. You can make as many submissions as
you wish during the contest period. Additional collection sheets are available in the office or printable from the
weekly newsletter.
Sincerely,
Alysha Ruse
PTA Box Top Coordinator
alysha.ruse@gmail.com
360-608-5380
Student Name: Grade:
Teacher Name: Total # of Box Tops:

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When the need for additional playground equipment was brought to the attention of the Grass Valley PTA,
our attention first turned to acquiring a shiny new plastic and metal play structure. However, after
considering the focus of our school’s design on providing innovative educational opportunities through
sustainable and environmentally friendly interactions, we thought those ideals should be present in the design
of our playground as well. As we researched, we found just what we were looking for; the Natural
Playground.
The best way to understand the Natural Playground is to understand the relationship children have with the
simple cardboard box. How many times have we seen the new toy discarded for playtime with this box? The
reason is, unlike their toy, the box becomes anything their imaginations can create. It never gets old since
their imaginations are limitless. A Natural Playground works the same way. It provides areas with rolling
hills, tall, native grasses to run around, music made from kid created wooden xylophones, bridges that cross
wood chip rivers, stepping stone labyrinths and recycled tire forts; all designed to encourage and expand their
imaginations through play. Concept drawings of other schools and parks can be found in the front hallway,
under the stairs, to illustrate what Natural Playgrounds can look like.
This is an extremely large project in both size and involvement, so the PTA has approved the board to move
forward in a relationship with a landscape architect who specializes in Natural Playground design to guide
our efforts. Furthermore, this project will certainly require the involvement of our amazing Grass Valley
Elementary Community. Parents, teachers and the children themselves will all be an active and engaged part
of the design and building process. So, please watch for updates where our school community’s input is
needed. We would love to hear from you.

Ages 5-8
Tuesdays
February 12 February 22
March 1 March 8
Cost is $35 for 4 weeks.
4:00PM-4:45PM
LaCamas Swim and Sport
Please contact Lisa Ackerman to
sign up
360.980.0022

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2011 Phone-a-thon Information for school Newsletters and other Publications
The 9 th annual Camas Education Foundation Phone-A-Thon will be held Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday, March
1-2-3 from 6:30-8:30 pm at the new District Offices. Student and adult volunteers will call households in the
Camas School District to ask for financial support.
CEF has raised more than $163,000 in the events’ first eight years. This year we’re hoping to raise $25,000 and
are looking for corporate or individual donors to match pledges received over the phone.
Funds raised go to our schools for innovative curriculum enhancements in the areas of basic reading, math and
science, writing and literature, foreign languages, arts, social studies, history and more.
A few specific grants recently have been awarded to:
Academic Coaching for Learning Success - Elementary schools
Reality Care Babies – Liberty Middle school
Live performing arts, artists and authors in residence
The Jungle – Elementary schools
High School Challenge Day
Science Olympiad- elementary, middle, and high schools
High School Math/Science Magnet program
These programs would not be in existence without individual donations given through CEF.
Your volunteer phone caller will be prepared to tell you more about CEF and its support of our children’s
education in Camas. Please consider making a donation; every penny is appreciated.
We need volunteers to make this event a success. If you’d like to help, please contact Marybeth Johnson at
334-0726.
For more information you can look us up on the web at www.camascef.org