October 2016 Bear Pause is the Clara Byrd Baker Elementary ... · School monthly newsletter....
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October 2016 The Bear Pause is the Clara Byrd Baker Elementary School monthly newsletter. Welcome to the first edition of our newsletter for the 2016-17 School Year. We hope you find the articles, PTA info and listing of important dates helpful to your knowing all that is taking place at Clara Byrd Baker. A link to the newsletter will be sent via School Messenger each month. Also, a flyer will be sent home with students announc- ing when the newsletter is available on the CBB website (http:// wjccschools.org/cbb/families/pta/) .
Transcript of October 2016 Bear Pause is the Clara Byrd Baker Elementary ... · School monthly newsletter....
October 2016
The Bear Pause is the Clara Byrd Baker Elementary
School monthly newsletter.
Welcome to the first edition of our newsletter for the 2016-17
School Year. We hope you find the articles, PTA info and listing
of important dates helpful to your knowing all that is taking
place at Clara Byrd Baker.
A link to the newsletter will be sent via School Messenger each
month. Also, a flyer will be sent home with students announc-
ing when the newsletter is available on the CBB website (http://
wjccschools.org/cbb/families/pta/) .
October 2016
Clara Byrd Baker Elementary School Newsletter
Dear Clara Byrd Baker Ele-
mentary Families,
I am honored to be able to take this opportunity
to briefly introduce myself. My name is Michael Hurley
and I have the privilege of being the principal of Clara
Byrd Baker Elementary School. Before joining CBB, I
served in a variety of teaching and educational leader-
ship roles over the past twenty-three years including
serving as the Assistant Principal of Toano Middle School
and Matoaka Elementary and teaching at Matthew
Whaley, James River and Dunbar Erwin in Newport
News. While the majority of my teaching experience is
at the elementary level, my time at Toano Middle School
provided me a unique insight on what it takes to be suc-
cessful at the “next level”. My professional experience
has involved working with diverse populations of stu-
dents including general education, gifted, English as a
Second Language Learners, and special education stu-
dents. From the moment I interviewed for the position
at Clara Byrd Baker Elementary School, I remember go-
ing home to my wife and discussing the excitement and
energy I felt about the opportunity to lead such a won-
derful school and to work with the families to create a
positive, safe environment.
Welcome to the school year Clara Byrd Baker families! I am pleased to introduce myself as your PTA President! Like most of us during the start of something new, I am excited (and a bit overwhelmed) but am honored to serve our school in this way. I am encouraged by the dedicated and giving families, teachers, and staff in our Clara Byrd Baker community.
There’s so much that we do for our children to help them learn and grow, and supporting our PTA is a small, but important, way of doing that. As we settle into the school year, thank you for your involvement! Simply joining the PTA makes a difference. As your schedule allows (and life often has other plans), please participate in PTA and school activities. By donating hospitality treats for our teachers, joining your child for lunch, providing classroom support, “chairing” a committee, or cheering on our awesome kids during the Walkathon, you make CBB a great place to be! Your time and talents are appreciated! THANK YOU!
Many of us are (or have been) members of other organi-zations that inspire new ideas – different schools, sports teams, community groups, etc. Please share your ideas and feedback! All are welcome!
I look forward to what this year will bring – let’s make it a great one! Go Baker Bears!
Sincerely,
Heidi Pfister
Bear Pause
PTA President, Heidi Pfister Principal, Michael Hurley
Welcome back! I am, Mrs. Szczypinski (“Sa-pin-ski”), the school counselor for all grade levels. In Sep-
tember I have been busy welcoming newcomers, providing support to students who are having difficul-
ty adjusting to “back to school”, visiting each classroom to explain the role of the school counselor, and
scheduling fifth graders for their center rotation based on which music class they are taking.
I will be looking forward to meeting the parents of our new students at the PTA sponsored New Family
Dinner on October 12th. Look for your child’s picture on the Newcomer Board my office.
Classroom guidance lessons are provided 9 times during the year on a monthly basis. In all classes we
will be learning how to be super students, who work and play well with others. Look for updates in this
newsletter about what your child is learning in classroom guidance.
I also offer individual counseling as needed based on parent, teacher, or student referral. Later in the
year I will offer small groups for feelings management, friendship, positive thinking, changing family,
grief and loss, military kids and school success.
If you have a concern about your child and would like some support please contact me at 221-0949 and
select 3 or email me at [email protected]. You are also welcome to stop by the
office and ask if I am available.
October is Bully Prevention Month. A guidance lesson will be taught in each grade level to help stu-
dents understand bullying and how to respond to it. October 19th is Unity Day, encourage your child to
wear orange to stand against bullying. Parents, please wear orange too. Let’s unite for kindness ac-
ceptance and inclusion!
Attendance Counts: Did you know missing 18 days or more in a school year is considered chronic absen-
teeism? Frequent absences or tardiness limit your child’s achievement. Good attendance in elementary
school sets the pattern for your child’s school career. Show your children that school is a priority by al-
lowing absences for illness and family emergencies only. Whenever possible schedule routine appoint-
ments before or after school or during school breaks.
Ginnie Szczypinski Ed.S
School Counselor
Counseling Corner
Please review our procedures regarding illness and when to keep your child at home. Please keep them home if they have a fever >100 degrees; they can return to school 24 hours after the temperature has returned to nor-mal without the use of Tylenol or Advil products. Also, please keep them home if they are vomiting, have diar-rhea or have a persistent cough.
Screenings
State mandated screenings will be completed this fall. These screenings will be conducted on all kindergarten-ers, third graders, and transfer students (NEW to WJCC public schools). I will be coordinating with the teachers of these students to conduct the screenings and hope to have them completed by the end of November. You will be notified if your child does not pass a particular screening.
Head Lice
Every year, our school children can be exposed to a variety of illnesses and condi-tions. Not uncommonly, we see occasional isolated cases of head lice, and this school year is no different. Head lice infestations are common in the United States, particularly between the ages of 3 to 12. Head lice are not a health hazard or a sign of uncleanliness, and they do not spread disease. The most common symptom is itching and children may be persistently scratching the head and the back of the neck. If you suspect your child has head lice, please do not hesitate to give me a call to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Tdap- Immunization required for entry into 6th Grade
5th Grade Parents – please provide your child’s shot record to me as soon as your student receives this vaccination. Children can receive this vaccination if it has been 5 years or more since their last booster (DTap – Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis). This vaccination is required for entry into sixth grade.
Food allergies
We currently have students with these life-threatening allergies in all grade levels. Please
check with your child’s teacher before bringing in any food to share. The most common
food allergy is peanuts or nuts, followed by milk and eggs. Thank you for helping keep all
of these students safe. The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network has a wonderful website
to learn more about these allergies. www.foodallergy.org
Please feel free to call or drop by the clinic with any questions or concerns!
In Good Health,
Margaret Bitler, RN
Clinic 221-0949 option 1
Parents of 4th and 5th Graders
Watch your child’s folder for news about Battle of the Books sign up. Battle of
the Books is a competition between the elementary schools in Williamsburg
to see which school knows the assigned BOB books the best. Our Club will
begin meeting in October to practice and talk about the books. At the end of
January, the Club will choose the 5 person team to represent the school in the
competition. The book list is as follows:
The BFG by Roald Dahl View a trailer about this book
The Original Adventures of Hank the Cowdog by John R. Erickson View a trailer about this book
Charlie Bumpers vs. The Teacher of the Year by Bill Harley View a trailer about this book
Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson View a trailer about this book
Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer by Kelly Jones View a trailer about this book
Masterminds by Gordon Korman View a trailer about this book
A Dog Called Homeless by Sarah Lean View a trailer about this book
The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher by Dana Alison Levy View a trailer about this book
The Doublecross by Jackson Pearce View a trailer about this book
Clementine by Sara Pennypacker View a trailer about this book
Hamster Princess: Harriet the Invincible by Ursula Vernon View a trailer about this book
One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia View a trailer about this book
All the books are available at the Williamsburg Regional Library and CBB Library.
If you have questions please feel free to contact me at
Mrs. Bell
CBB Librarian
Battle of the Books!
Clara Byrd Baker PTA Presents
Reflections Contest
Get Creative!
Categories include:
Literature, Photography, Film Dance, Visual Arts, Music
Special Artist
Applications and Entry forms available in the main office and completed entries must be turned in to the main office NO
LATER than Friday, Oct 21st
Contact Jana Brultz with questions Email: [email protected]
cell: 804-787-0496
October 6: Spirit Night at Menchie’s, 5:00-9:00pm
October 13 : Welcome Dinner for New Families, 6:00pm
October 20: PTA Meeting, 6:00pm Media Center
October 21: Reflections Contest Entries Deadline
October 21: Early Release
November 4: Walkathon
November 8: Election Day—no school
Box Tops —Are You Clipping?
Collect your BOX TOPS and return to CBB!
Let’s get clipping Baker Bears!
By sending in clipped Box Tops your child can feel that they are a part of making our school the amazing place it is.
If you have any questions or would like to help out with collection or counting, please contact me. Re-member to clip the Box Tops, send to your child’s teacher and you are done!
Kristen Hooker-Watkins, Corporate Fundraising/Box Tops
Welcome new 2016 - 2017 Clara Byrd Baker Families!
The PTA invites you to be our guest at a welcome dinner Thurs-
day, October 13th from 6:00pm - 7:30pm in our school cafete-
ria.
All families of Pre-K, Kindergarteners, and those new to the
school are invited to enjoy pizza and conversation with other
new CBB families, school administration, teachers and PTA
members.
Please RSVP BY October 7th with the flyer that came home in your child’s folder.
We hope to see you there!
Principal Michael Hurley Asst Principal Angel Washington EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President Heidi Pfister First VP Winter Clapsaddle 2nd VP Open Treasurer Leanne Holley Corresponding Secretary Dennis Monk Recording Secretary Darcy Williams COMMITTEE CHAIRS Beautification Isaac Zortman Book Fair Nicole Samuels Laura Coletrane Corp. Fundraising Box Tops Kristen Hooker Spirit Nights Leigh Mims Marta Sanderson Cultural Arts Ai Blackhurst Families at Sarah Ortego School Week 5th Grade Promotion Open Hospitality Amy Elliot Katy Loy Italian Dinner Open Membership Sarah Herzog Jen Gilfillan PAPA Bears Open Production Kelly Sousa Heather Onizuk PTA Council Rep Heidi Pfister Publicity/Facebook Nicole Samuels Reflections Jana Brultz SHIP/Garden Open Spelling Bee Megan Rhyne Spirit Wear Jill Steward Thank You Amy Campbell Volunteers Kim Dilday Walkathon Michelle Loiacono Mike Loy Welcoming Christy Jensen Yearbook Anne Croyle
Clara Byrd Baker 2016-2017
PTA Executive Board
2016-17 Approved PTA Budget
Below and the next page is the 2016-17 PTA Budget as approved by the PTA Membership
at the PTA Meeting on Back to School Night (9/29/16).
INCOME
Beginning Balance $3,863.56
Fundraising Walk-A-Thon $8,500.00
Art to Remember $1,500.00
Book Fairs Fall $4,000.00
Spring $4,500.00
Programs Spaghetti Dinner $1,500.00
Corporate Fundrasing Box Tops $2,500.00
Spirit Nights $800.00
Shoparoo $100.00
Other $20.00
Spirit Wear $2,500.00
Membership Income $325.00
Yearbook Income $100.00
Donations $50.00
Cash Box Deposits $800.00
TOTAL INCOME $31,058.56
EXPENSES
Fundraising WAT $1,500.00
Art to Remember $0.00
Book Fairs Fall $3,500.00
Spring $3,500.00
Misc snacks, etc $200.00
Programs Spaghetti Night $1,500.00
Arts Night $100.00
Corporate Fundraising $100.00
Spirit Wear $1,500.00
Membership Dues $75.00
Beautification $500.00
Cultural Arts $5,000.00
Hospitality $2,500.00
Production (variety show) $100.00
Publicity/Marketing $25.00
Reflections $150.00
School Enrichment 5th Grade Promotion $800.00
Families at School Week $200.00
Spelling Bee $300.00
Mini Grants (Total) $1,893.56
Volunteers $100.00
Welcoming Committee $500.00
Admin Expenses Audit $105.00
2016-17 Approved PTA Budget
Continued from previous page
Bank Fees $100.00
Square Fees $50.00
Copies $50.00
Insurance $285.00
PTA Council $75.00
Recognition Gifts $500.00
Software $100.00
Supplies & Postage $500.00
Training/Conferences $400.00
Yearbook $50.00
Cash Box Withdrawls $800.00
Reserves for 2017-2018 $4,000.00
TOTAL EXPENSES $31,058.56
NET INCOME $0.00
MEMBERSHIP
260 members $5 $1,300.00
# members $1.25 revenue to CBB $325.00
# members $3.75 dues out $975.00
CBB Walk-a-Thon: November 4th
Super Heroes, Super Bears Unite!
On November 4th, Clara Byrd Baker will hold its 9th Annual Walk-A-
Thon. This is our school’s largest fundraiser! Thanks to the generosi-
ty of our students, staff, and parents, we have raised over $80,000 in
the last 8 years!!
Thanks to our generous sponsors, every student who submits pledg-
es of $25 or more by October 25th, will win a Walk-A-Thon t-shirt to
wear at the walk.
Very shortly, your child will bring home pledge sheets and more de-
tailed information about the Walk-A-Thon.
We will also post a copy of the pledge sheet on the CBB website:
http://wjccschools.org/web/cbb
Also, donations can be made at our CBB online store:
https://squareup.com/market/clara-byrd-baker-elementary-school-pta-2
You can also email this link to friends and family member so they can
pledge online and support our students.
Your family’s participation in this event will
help the PTA enhance the academic experi-
ence of all students at Clara Byrd Baker!! In
addition to pledging your support, we hope
that you can join us the day of the event –
November 4th – and watch or participate as
the kids walk to support our school!!!
Clara Byrd Baker PTA is now accepting credit/debit card payments using
Square Readers and Square Market Square is an electronic payment service, provided by Square Inc. A Square Reader is a portable credit/debit card transaction reader, which allows us to process PTA related purchases such as PTA Memberships & Spirit Wear. This small pocket-size device allows our organization to accept all major credit card payments with our smartphones during events such as Back to School Night, by swiping the card on the Square device with the ability of the cus-tomer to sign for the transaction with their signature. Credit card information is encrypted at the moment of swipe and is secure. Square Market is an online store where you can purchase PTA related items or donate to events such as the upcoming CBB Walk-A-Thon. Again, credit card information is encrypted and secure. If you use the on-line store please remember to enter your child’s name, teacher and grade in the note section in order for us to process the purchase and deliver purchased items as neces-sary.
The website for the CBB PTA On-Line Store is:
https://squareup.com/market/clara-byrd-baker-elementary-school-pta-2
Items currently for sale on the website are: PTA Memberships and Walk-A-Thon Dona-tions (be sure to add your child’s name and teacher name in the notes section)
Please be aware that all transac-
tions will incur a 2.75% processing fee.
Questions can be directed to Leanne Holley,
Treasurer ([email protected])
Clara Byrd Baker
HELP SUPPORT THE CBB PTA AT OUR FIRST SPIRIT
NIGHT OF THE YEAR!
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6TH FROM 5-9PM
Settlers Market
4645 Casey Boulevard
Suite 100
Williamsburg, VA 23188
Make sure you mention you are supporting Clara Byrd Baker PTA so that
20% of all sales will go to supporting our school through the PTA.
Help Our School Earn FREE Equipment!
Our school is participating in the Farm Fresh 123-4
Community Program.
Your grocery store receipts will help our school earn much needed free
educational equipment and supplies.
What do you need to do?
Hopefully you received the key tag at Back To School Night or it was sent home with your child. Simply give the cashier the tag to scan. Or tell the cashier you would like the rewards to go to Clara Byrd Baker.
Fundraising to Support CBB
We need your help in making a great yearbook! If you take any photos at CBB
events, in classrooms or on field trips, please email them to:
Photos taken from digital cameras or IPhone 5 or higher (or equivalent) will
produce the best images in the yearbook.
Yearbook
What Is Shoparoo? Shoparoo is a hassle-free way to turn pictures of your everyday shopping re-
ceipts into cash donations for your school. Available as a free mobile app for iOS and Android devices,
Shoparoo participants simply snap pictures of their receipts with the app and earn immediate rewards!
How Can Shoparoo Afford To Pay These Donations? Major consumer goods companies
pay us to turn the receipt data into anonymous market research reports. For example, these companies
pay for information such as, "Families in the Phoenix area are 20% more likely than the rest of the coun-
try to shop for laundry detergent at a supercenter than a traditional grocery store." You can always rest
assured that all research data is ANONYMOUS.
Sounds Too Good To Be True... Is Shoparoo A Scam? Not at all! We are former teachers
and retail industry executives who have found a novel way of matching schools' needs for financial sup-
port with major consumer brands needs for market research. Your receipt data along with the answers
you provide to optional surveys is made anonymous and summarized in market research reports that
brands purchase. It is these proceeds that flow through Shoparoo to your designated school or charity.
What Type Of Receipts Are Rewarded? Shoparoo participants earn rewards for both gro-
cery and non-grocery receipts. For your receipts to qualify for rewards, they must be submitted within 14
days of the transaction date and time, and your submitted picture(s) must include 4 details: store name,
purchased items with prices, purchase date, and transaction total. Grocery receipts are awarded Roo
Points while non-grocery receipts earn Sweepstakes Entries. Gas-only receipts, service receipts, credit
card slips, movie ticket stubs, or any receipts missing the 4 details mentioned above are not rewarded.
How Can I Participate In Shoparoo?
Simply download the app: http://www.shoparoo.com/, create your account (feel free to create your user
name as “Anonymous” if you have any concerns about your personal information being dis-
played/shared) & choose Clara Byrd Baker Elementary as your school.
Start submitting receipts to earn donations for CBB!
It’s estimated that we could earn $10-$15 per year per CBB family that participates, which could
mean several thousand dollars for CBB!!
Another Way to Earn Money for CBB
2016 – 2017 CBB PTA Membership
Build Your Child’s Tomorrow in Today’s PTA.
Membership is just $5 per person and is needed
every year. Membership card will be provided
for access to the member discounts program.
Each parent, grandparents, other relatives,
teachers, other school staff, neighbors, and
friends are encouraged to join.
You don’t have to volunteer your time, but
your membership is still needed and will go a
long way. Help us qualify for awards for male
membership levels, high teacher and school
staff participation, and continued overall
growth.
To join, complete the form below and
return with cash or check payable to
CBB PTA via your child’s teacher.
_____ Member(s) at $5 Each ($10 Per Family) = $______ Enclosed (Cash/Check)
Please print clearly.
Name 1____________________________________________________________
Name 2____________________________________________________________
Phone _____________________________________________________________
E-mail(s) ___________________________________________________________
Child’s Name________________________________Teacher_________________
Child’s Name________________________________Teacher_________________
For questions, please contact PTA Membership Chairs:
Jen Gilfillan at [email protected] or Sarah Herzog at sa-
Your Clara Byrd Baker Elementary PTA:
o Helps welcome new students and families in from Day 1 at kindergarten registra-
tion and helps send them off to middle school at the end of 5th grade with a pro-
motion ceremony and reception.
o Improves communication by coordinating production of the school’s Bear Pause
newsletter, keeping the entire school community informed of current events, is-
sues, and accomplishments.
o Organizes various “hospitality” functions throughout the year in heartfelt appreci-
ation of teachers and other school staff.
o Provides avenues to get parents involved and helps develop a closer relationship
with parents. Kids do better when parents are involved. Grades are higher. Test
scores improve. Attendance increases.
Hosts school events, such as the welcoming dinner for new CBB families, family
movie night, Italian dinner, and the variety show.
o Has access to ready-made, easy-to-use programs with proven success records,
such as the annual Reflections art program.
o Through fundraisers -- like the Walkathon, Fall and Spring Book Fairs, Spirit Nights
at local businesses, and the collection of Box Tops --supports school programs, edu-
cational events, and mini-grants for teacher-initiated proposals, including the fol-
lowing during the last school year (2015-16):
Library and classroom books, art and band supplies, science and math
teaching tools, the spelling bee, visits from the Teeny Tiny farm and the ice
cream truck, and special field trips like the 3rd grade Nutcracker Ballet.
o Does all of the above and more!
Why Support the CBB PTA?
Be a school volunteer! Just a small amount of time makes a difference and is
appreciated! There is an opportunity for everyone! Please indicate your interest(s)
below and return to school. Your name will be shared with the designated PTA Chair or
Lead. Thank you!!!
____ Walk-A-Thon (fall) – help plan event, collect donations or sponsorships, cheer on students
during event, or organize class parties.
____ Book Fair (fall/spring) – set up, help students select books, serve as cashier, or help pack up.
____ Hospitality – provide refreshments for teachers and staff, volunteer at hospitality events.
____ Corporate Fundraising – help separate and count Box Tops.
____ Cultural Arts – select and organize a variety of school performances.
____ Italian Dinner - help with sign in, serving line, or cleanup.
____ Lost and Found - sort and return labeled items to students.
____ Media - check in and shelve library books.
____ On-Call Volunteer - be available to occasionally help as needed.
Your name(s)____________________________________________________
Email__________________________________Phone___________________
Any questions/comments, please contact:
CBB Volunteer Committee Chair—Kim Dilday
Clara Byrd Baker Volunteer Opportunities
