Contact - Paxtonia Elementary PTA

Contact
Paxtonia Elementary School PTA Newsletter
Upcoming Events
NOVEMBER
PTA Meeting @ 7PM
NO SCHOOL-Conferences
Grades K-5 & Fundraiser pick-up
NO SCHOOL Kindergarten Only
Kindergarten Conferences
Book Fair/National Education Wk
YoJo Assembly
Roller Skating Party 4:30-6:30PM
NO SCHOOL-Thanksgiving Break
Santa’s Work Shop 6:30-8 PM
DECEMBER
Santa’s Work Shop 9:30-11 AM
PTA Meeting @ 7PM
Hampstead Players-Treasurer
Island Assembly
Ice Skating Party 4:15-6:15PM
NO SCHOOL-Winter Break
JANUARY
NO SCHOOL-Winter Break
Date
5
6
Remember to visit the Paxtonia Elementary
website to register for e-mail
updates at http://www.cdschools.org/
paxtonia/site/default.asp.
8
9-16
16
18
22-26
30
Date
1
3
21
29
24-31
Date
1
November 1, 2007: Volume 10, Issue 3
Principal’s Message
Dear Parents,
This school year is rushing by as the end of October passes, and November begins.
October was a busy month for all of us. The Kids Stuff fundraiser was held, a
“Drugbusters” assembly was conducted, first grade teachers held a successful “Literacy
Night”, Dads and Doughnuts made a big hit and, of course, all of the Halloween activities
kept us smiling. Paxtonia is definitely a great place to be.
Parents, please know that you are allowed and encouraged to occasionally come and eat
lunch with your child if your schedule permits. You can even order a meal from our
cafeteria if you call and place your order by 9:30 a.m. I am sure your child would love
having you at school. Remember to sign-in at the office before going to the cafeteria.
Bon apetite!
Editor: Yvette Fleming
Whether your child is allowed to bring an electronic game or listening device to school is primarily based upon the
mutual agreement of two people. First, and foremost, you as a parent determine what type of item your child has
permission to bring to school. Secondly, the child’s classroom teacher has final say regarding such items in the
classroom. Please understand that regardless of the joint decision, between you and your child’s classroom
teacher, students bring these devices to school at their own risk. The school will not be responsible for lost or
stolen items.
During November, I look forward to the end of the first marking period, Parent Conferences, an Everyday Math
Night, American Education Week, and Thanksgiving! Make efforts during this special time of year to spend time
with your children. Share with them your interest in education and memories of when you were a child. In short,
love them with all of your heart and count your many blessings this Thanksgiving season.
Sincerely,
T. Toone, Paxtonia Elementary Principal
“Paxtonia is
definitely a great
place to be.”
From the PTA President
Everyday
Mathematics
has developed a web site
to help parents better
understand our program.
Parent Connect
Web Site is available at
www.wrightgroup.com/
parent_connection/
index.html.
PTA Meeting
November 5 @ 7pm
Wow, what a great turnout for
our annual Dads and Doughnuts that was well
organized and prepared by Kathy Spinosa
and Sandy Evans. Thank you, ladies! I also
want to thank Allison Hess and Tina
MacKenzie for coordinating all the volunteers
to come to school and introduce the art work
done by Grandma Moses. We would not be
able to offer these programs to our children if
we didn’t have the support of our parents.
I also wanted to extend my thanks to all who
participated in the fundraiser and Kidstuff
Book sale. I greatly appreciate the many
hours Lisa Kessler and Nicole Hoover gave
towards compiling the Innisbrook fundraiser
orders. The same appreciation is extended to
Cindy Gundy and Kathy Spinosa for
organizing the KidStuff book sale.
Since we are living in time where various types
of information surround our every day living,
as parents, we need to stay current on what is
happening within our school and school district. The only
way to be sure we are getting accurate information is to
attend the monthly PTA meetings and the School Board
meetings. Did you know that the school board meeting
minutes are available on the District website? Please
take the time to read them and know what is happening
at our schools.
As a reminder, don’t forget to get out and vote on
November 6 th for the candidate you think is looking out
for our children’s education. Enjoy your day off on
Tuesday, November 6 th but don’t forget to pick-up your
fundraiser from your child’s teacher. Kindergarten
students also have off on Thursday, November 8 th .
I hope to see you at the next PTA meeting on Monday,
November 5 th at 7PM, as always we provide free
babysitting during the meeting.
Jamie Zuvich; Paxtonia PTA President

Contact Newsletter November 2
We had a HUGE success with fundraiser this year! Paxtonia students raised a
total of $13,000 to support our school - way to go guys!!! A big thank you to all the
volunteers who helped with all the tasks involved in the fundraiser. A couple of
fundraiser reminders, please do not forget to pick-up for items on Tuesday , November 6th during
conferences, and the pig races will be held on November 21st at 2:00 p.m. for all qualifying classes!!!
The Fundraiser Committee
Thank you to all the families
that participated in
the 9th annual Dad's &
Doughnuts on October 19,
2007. Parents’ involvement
with a child's education
is the key to long
term scholastic success. The
opportunity to have a
male figure accompany a
Paxtonia student to this
gathering is rewarding for
all of us. A great time was
had by all as they shared
doughnuts, juice, milk,
and coffee as well as each
others company! There
were many visitors who
took advantage of the
opportunity to see the
classrooms and interact
with teachers. As always,
these events do not occur
without the sponsorship of
local businesses - thanks to
Giant Foods, Starbucks,
and Swiss Dairies for helping
us fund this event.
Many thanks to all the
volunteers who helped
make this day a success. A
special thanks goes to
Mr.Tucker who came in
extra early to help us set
up.
Kathy Spinosa
Come to our Book Fair during National Education Week, from 8:30-4:00pm. Our
children will be visiting the fair during their scheduled Library time. They will
also be able to make purchases before and after school. They can also come in
during their recess time but must get permission from their teacher and librarian.
The Fair will also be open for your convenience Tuesday Evening 6:00-
8:00pm. We accept checks made payable to the PTA and all major credit cards.
If you would be interested in helping out with the Fair this year please contact
Susan Schraf 545-7163 or sschraf@comcast.net. This has always been a
fun way to interact with our kids and other adults. Please let me know if you will
be able to help out this year.
Come Cuddle Up with a Good Book!!!!
Susan Schraf, Jamie Zuvich, Liane Petras
INTERNATIONAL DAYS 2008
This year Paxtonia students will
be introduced to Ireland. Dates
for this years’ event are January
22-24, 2008. Activities include
Irish dancing, music from a harpist
and a bagpipe player, and a
visit from a friendly Leprechaun.
The “Luck O’ the Irish” game
show, a Taste of Ireland, and stories
of history and music of Ireland
are events that will help our
students learn about this beautiful
country.
Thanks to the volunteers who
have signed-up to help. Additional
volunteers are needed to
decorate the school on Saturday,
January 19, 2008 starting at 9:00
a.m. Also, the Taste of Ireland is
scheduled for Thursday, January
24, 2008. Volunteers are needed
to help make soda bread and
Irish stew (simple recipes are
provided). Please call Michelle
Plouse at 652-5373 or Ellen Haist
@ 540-5998 if you can help!
Slan go foil (bye for now)

Contact Newsletter November 3
Back-To-School
Teacher Book Lists
During Back-to-School
nights, Mr. Toone introduced
Paxtonia’s finest
teachers and their favorite
books. By popular
demand, we are listing
some of the top reading
picks over the next few
Contact Newsletters.
“Harry Potter and the Deathly
Hallows” (J.K. Rowling) ; Mrs.
Aaron, Mr. Detrick, Mrs.
Geiselman, Mrs. Krausse, Mrs.
McKelvey, Mrs. McNeil, Mrs.
Merryman, Mrs. Nichter, Mrs.
Selvenis, Mrs. Silver, Ms. Sral,
and Mrs. Epler
“Sam’s Letters to Jennifer”
(James Patterson); Mrs.
Ross; Any book by James Patterson;
Mr. Yanchuk
“A Crooked Kind of Perfect”
(Linda Urban); Mrs.
Haugh
STOPPING RUMORS and GOS-
SIP
• First, get the facts if you hear rumors and gossip
• Tell others it isn’t true
• Tell the truth about the situation
• Ask others to help stop the rumor
TAUNTING/TEASING
• Try to ignore or walk away
• Try not to react or show others you are
upset
• Ask an adult for help
BULLYING
• If you are being bullied
During October we had several special events where we “Teamed” up as
a school with Red Ribbon Week activities, and students brainstormed
ideas on how to “Play It Smart…Don’t Start” for ways to say NO to
illegal drugs, smoking, and alcohol.
Students also learned ways to say NO to Harassment as the second through
fifth grade classes were presented with a video entitled Harassment Hurts:
Gossiping, Rumors, Taunting/Teasing, and Bullying. The video provided
strategies for—
• Try to ignore or walk away
• If you feel safe doing so, speak up with a
group to let the bully know the group
doesn’t agree with their actions. There
is safety and power in a group
• If the bully doesn’t listen or
stop, tell an adult
• If you see someone being bullied
• You have a responsibility to help stop
the bullying
• If you feel safe doing so, speak up with a
group to let the bully know the group
doesn’t agree with their actions. There
is safety and power in a group
• Report the bullying to a trusted
adult
During the month of November, our character education trait TOLERANCE will help students focus on
appreciating and accepting the differences in others. MIX-IT-UP at lunch will be our building wide activity.
Mrs. Merryman, M.Ed., NCC; School Counselor
“A Thousand Splendid
Suns” (Khaled Hosseini); Miss
Brokenshire
“A Walk to Remember”
(Nicholas Sparks); Mrs.
Myer ; “Dear John” (Nicholas
Sparks); Mrs. Brandt
“American Public School
Law” (Kern & M. David Alexander);
Mr. Bogrette
“Forever in Blue” (Ann
Brashares); Mrs. Albright
Look over next month’s lists to
see what the teachers at Paxtonia
are reading!
We had other amazing
year of Art Goes
to School. Thanks
to Julie Marolf, Linda Beck, and Ann Fitzpatrick
for volunteering to educate Paxtonia students
about Grandma Moses. For nine days we had
the pleasure to share this artist with all 31
classes at Paxtonia! At the end of this event we
randomly selected a student, that completed
their work sheet, from each class to receive a
$5.00 gift card to Borders Books. Thank you to
all the student entries. Great Job! The PTA
will also be purchasing a Grandma Moses book
to donate to the Paxtonia library. Thanks again
to everyone that made this event such a success!
Allison Hess & Tina Mackenzie Co-chairs
Santa's Workshop is just around the corner.
Please mark your calendars for November 30 6:30
to 8 pm, and December 1 9:30 to 11 am. It is a
great opportunity for your children to purchase all
of their holiday gifts for their loved ones and a good
time for all as snacks are provided and Santa always
makes an appearance. Also, please consider
volunteering for this event if you have not already
done so. It is a very rewarding event and so much
fun! More information will be coming home with
your children in November.
Lisa McConnell, Cindy Gundy, Tina MacKenzie
Co-chairs

Contact Newsletter November 4
November 16, 2007—10:00 (3-5) & 2:00 (K-2)
Yojo—Treat Your Body Right-- It’s no secret that YoJo enjoys his junk food
binges. He also sees no problem in his couch potato way of life. However, he
quickly realizes that he definitely needs help after some comical fitness challenges.
YoJo learns that being physically active everyday is not only important,
but it can be a lot of fun, too. The show also features the new USDA food pyramid
to illustrate sensible and well-balanced food choices, and is concluded by
your whole audience getting up on their feet to do a fun session of
“YOJOROBICS!”
A Night of Magic
On Friday,
with Randy October 5th,
families
were entertained by magician Randy
Snedden during a special Family
Night Magic Show. This performance
was completely different and unique
from the assemblies held earlier
during the day for Paxtonia students. The "admission
price" for the evening event was a non-perishable food
item. The 125 people who attended allowed us to
collect over 150 cans of food! The food was donated to
the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. A special thanks
to the custodial staff for setting up the multi-purpose
room for Mr. Snedden's performance.
Denise Lopez & Susan Schraf; In-School Assemblies
The Fall Roller Skating PTA sponsored event is upon us!!!
Please join us for a fun-filled indoor roller skating. Mark your
calendar for Sunday, November 18th from 4:30 – 6:30 pm.
The Roller Skating Party will be held at Olympic Skating Rink
in Enola, and admission is free. Skate rental is $1.00 and
rollerblade rental is $3.00. For information about directions
go to www.olympicskatingcenter.com or call 732-9168.
Thanks – we hope to see you there!
Karen Bloom and Julie Marolf
The following are the programs
that Paxtonia PTA is currently
sponsoring, and each has their
own appropriate collection box
located in the front lobby of
the school. Please place the
items in a plastic sealed bag
before placing them in the collection
boxes.
◊ Used Ink Cartridges
Recycling
◊ BoxTop$ for Education
◊ Old Cell Phones
◊ Aluminum Can Tabs
◊ Campbell’s Labels
◊ Tyson’s Labels
◊ Nestle Water Bottle Labels
◊ Karn’s Receipts
◊ Giant A+ Rewards
Just a reminder to start sending in your
BoxTop$ for Education. They are found
on a variety of products including General
Mills cereals, Pillsbury refrigerated
and frozen foods, and Green Giant
vegetables to name a few. For a complete
list, go to
www.boxtops4education.com and register.
By registering on the website, you
will also earn Paxtonia extra points.
Please submit all BoxTop$ ,trimmed at
the dashed lines, to the box located in the
front lobby of the school. Trimming the
BoxTop$ will save time and ensure
quicker submission to General Mills.
Julie Marolf & Karen Bloom
The Ronald McDonald
House sent us a very nice
thank you letter for all the
tabs the Paxtonia Families
have collected throughout
last year. Please continue to
take the moment to pop off
your can tabs and send them
to school. Thank you to Ms.
Whetstone who continues to
take our donations to Hershey.