May 16, 2008
Parent & Community Volunteers
Friday Harbor Elementary School is a strong learning community due to the incredible efforts of adults who support education in this school. We have highly qualified and caring teachers, paraprofessionals, and support staff members who work to bring your children from their present set of knowledge and skills to continuously growing levels that prepare them for success in school and in life. Much of what we are able to offer to students in support of their individual needs is augmented by our classroom and building volunteers. We are more than a school of learners and teachers – we are collaborators and friends.
Our PTA board and parent volunteers who support the board continue to make a positive impact on our school climate, academics, and funding. We appreciate our PTA and their response to our needs every single time we ask. Many of you have worked in the building at the request of these hard working moms who make up our board. From school photos to lice checks, reading buddies to research assistants, our volunteers keep our important needs met. Kim Ott, Liz Seaton, Shanar Fox and Jan Bolwinkle-Smith make up our PTA board. Please take a moment to thank them for the tremendous energy they have brought to the PTA. They certainly are positive “movers and shakers” in our community.
Our volunteers make us strong. The thread that ties all of our volunteers together is the service they provide for our children and their teachers. The list of supporting acts is so long that not all volunteers can be highlighted in this message. On Thursday, May 22nd our school community will extend our appreciation to our volunteers. Please join us Thursday, May 22nd at 8:30 a.m. to be honored for your much needed and much appreciated contribution to our school.
Thank You for Your Appreciation
Last week our staff was celebrated by children bearing gifts of flowers and by parents bearing platters of food. The children streamed into our building last week with beautiful blossoms destined to our lucky staff members. Notes and words of appreciation have been expressed throughout the year to our staff. You can only imagine how wonderful it feels to be acknowledged for the hard work that each person does in this building. We are so lucky to be appreciated and supported by our PTA and families who actively involve themselves in our school. Many thanks!
The PTA Carnival is Almost Here!
Cathy Kromer and numerous parent and community volunteers have worked endless hours to bring back a cherished tradition – the school carnival – with an exciting and upbeat twist. Imagine carnival games to delight all ages, inflatable bouncing big toys, games of chance, karaoke and even a dunk tank. Add delicious foods and a silent auction and you you’ve got a winning family excursion for a sunny San Juan Saturday on May 31st. Located at FHES the fun begins at 11 a.m. and lasts until 3 p.m. Watch for the PTA Newsletter for more information, and don’t miss this delightful family event.
Spirit Day / Word of the Month – Our student council is sponsoring Spirit Day on Friday, May 23rd. The theme is “Grade Level Color Blast!” On May 23rd children are encouraged to display proudly their grade level color: Kindergarten – purple; 1st grade – red; 2nd grade – orange; 3rd grade – yellow; 4th grade – green; 5th grade – blue. Our word of the month is compassion. Children have been showing their compassion for each other, for people they know and don’t know and for nature. They will explore compassion further during a special end-of-the-year assembly on May 27th.
Anti-Bullying / Magic Assembly – Nationally recognized James Warren will entertain and inform our students at a special assembly on May 27th. Our 3rd, 4th and 5th graders will gather with Mr. Warren at 9 a.m. and our kindergartners, 1st and 2nd graders will join him at 10 a.m. This assembly has been made possible through the passion and dedication of parent Debbie Fincher who worked with many people in our community to fund this special event. We thank the following sponsors: San Juan Island Community Foundation, San Juan Island Prevention Coalition, Elements Hotel and Spa, Inter-Island Medical Center, San Juan Island Fitness, Dr. Jerry Wickman, San Juan Healthcare, Islanders Insurance, and Lopez Islander Resort. Without their generous donations this incredible opportunity would have been missed. Thank you!
Student Council Book Swap – Our student council is sponsoring a book swap during the month of May. Students may bring in books to swap from now through May 23rd. The children will receive tickets for each book they bring. Tickets can be swapped for other books during lunch on May 28th, 29th or 30th. Spice up your summer reading with a few new titles for your bookshelf at bargain prices (free!).
Attention Parents! Your children have talent! Save the date: Friday, June 6th, 2008 6:30pm-8:30pm for the FHES Talent Show. These kids are amazing! This year we have 30 acts auditioning. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved for parents, grandparents or older siblings who want to be a part of this memorable event. Contact John or Kira Sable 378-6060 or email saybull@centurytel.net
Advantage Basketball Camp – If you like to play basketball and are serious about developing fundamental skills then you need to get registered for the Advantage Basketball camp coming to Friday Harbor in June. Informational flyers have already been handed out to many students and extras are available in the office. Further information can be found at www.advantagebasketball.com. To locate our specific camp click on “look at our list of camps for summer 2008” then click on “WA” and scroll down until you see the two different Friday Harbor camps. There are separate two-day camps divided by age: June 16th – 17th from 9 am until 5 pm for ages 12 – 18 and June 18th – 19th from 9 am until 5 pm for ages 5 – 11. This camp is for kids who truly want to develop their game and are willing to work hard at it. There is a substantial discount if you register on or before May 17th, so hurry and sign up today! For more information call Eric Jangard at 378-6228.
School dates to remember:
May 19 Mr. Westphalen’s class goes to American Camp for Habitat Study
Students may bring in books to swap
May 20 5th grade Growth & Development classes
Students may bring in books to swap
May 21 Regular-start Wednesday; school begins at 8:15 a.m.
4th grade Beach Seine (a.m. & p.m. groups)
5th grade Growth & Development classes
Students may bring in books to swap
May 22 Volunteer Assembly / Tea at 8:30 a.m. in the FHES Gym
Mrs. Pasik’s & Mrs. Sandwith’s classes visit the Whale Museum 9:15 – 11 a.m.
May 23 Spirit Day
May 27 5th grade Growth & Development classes
Anti-Bullying / Magic Assembly 9 a.m. for 3rd – 5th grades
Anti-Bullying / Magic Assembly 10 a.m. for Kindergarten – 2nd grades
Staff meeting at 3 p.m.
May 28 Regular-start Wednesday; school begins at 8:15 a.m.
Mrs. Clemo’s class visits the Whale Museum 9:15 – 11 a.m.
5th grade Growth & Development classes
3rd grade Cultural Fair 3 – 4 p.m.
May 29 Room 10 Open House
Title I Open House
May 31 PTA Carnival 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at FHES