New Year News

Chestnut has been bustling with activities since the Healthy Lifestyles Program.

The Original Works fundraiser wrapped up successfully. I hope everyone who participated is as happy as I am with the items they ordered.

The Holiday Family night was awesome. Lots of activities and crafts. Miss Beth (from the cafeteria) did a fabulous job painting some large photo boards for us with cut outs for faces. The kids pictures (and some parents) came out great! Thank you to everyone who helped and participated to make the night a great event.

Mrs. Riley was busy have students design possible covers for the 2010-2011 yearbook. We will have a selection available at the February PTA meeting for attendees to vote on and choose this years cover.

We kicked off a fundraiser last week and the kids are excited to earn an opportunity to cover the male teachers with silly string (10 items sold) or a limo ride (20 items sold). All orders and money is due to Chestnut PTA before January 19.

Math Fair is coming! It will be a daytime event again on Wednesday, January 26. K-2 will participate in the morning with 3-5 participating in the afternoon. Planning is being finalized so watch for more info to come. Parent attendance to participate with your child is encouraged.

Box Tops Pod Race 2 is underway and will end February 11. Last year the Blue Pod dominated. The Green Pod won this past fall. Who will be next? The entire school is a winner with this project as we earn 10 cents for every Box Top to support school and family activities.

Thank you for all your involvement and continued support of our students and school. Don't hesitate to contact PTA for more information. ~Amy

Healthy Lifestyles Event: Get Active, Eat Healthy, Promote Community

This years Healthy Lifestyles Event has a three prong approach. First, activity choices: fitness circuits, a backyard game, line dancing, yoga and a walking course. Second, healthy eating: choosing quick or easy to make, yummy food can be daunting to many. Come see our demonstration and try a sample. You may even learn about making better choices in the store. Lastly, healthy communities: rain barrels can help the environment of the community by recycling rain water and they can also be aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Learn more from Soil and Water and purchase a barrel with a purpose. We have also mapped out a walking course around the school. Community members are welcome to use it when school is not in session.

Come learn more, this Thursday, November 18 from 6-7:30pm.

Everything centers on family fun, so don't forget to wear your sneakers and clothes you can move in! We will be learning to line dance to exercise our body and mind. We will learn about the practice of yoga to relax our body and mind. We will learn about healthy eating for healthy bodies and spirit. We will work towards developing a community that encourages healthy living through its actions. See you there! ~Amy

Original Works Fundraiser Information

As I was putting the fundraiser packets together I was continually impressed by the artwork our students created with Mrs. Riley. Original Works will transfer the artwork to various items from magnets to note cards, mouse pads, mugs and more. What great gifts for special family members!

Orders must be turned in by Monday, October 25. Completed orders must include the original ARTWORK, order form and payment (cash, money orders or checks made payable to Chestnut PTA). We are scheduled to receive our orders on December 6, in time for holiday gift giving. Thank you for supporting Chestnut PTA by participating in this fundraiser!

Meeting Items for October 6 at 5pm

This month our meeting will begin with a short information session regarding the Replacement Levy on the ballot this November. Dr. Hanlon and Ms. Denise Ward will lead the session and answer your questions regarding Issue 3 and its importance to the operation of our school system.

Business meeting topics will include:

• information about our upcoming fundraiser with Original Works. Mrs. Riley has done a fabulous job with everyone in Art Class; the works our students have created will make AWESOME keepsakes and gifts for the holiday season. I have had the opportunity to preview the art work and I can't wait for you to see what a great job your child did creating their "Bug on a Rug" or "Under the Sea" or "Lighthouse".
• volunteer opportunities for upcoming programs and events. One specific need is book fair; Kim Miller and Mrs. Dey are in need of people to help during the day and during conferences. The Holiday Family Night needs a Chairperson and committee as well as other upcoming events.

I am working on getting membership cards delivered. Thank you for your patience. Please remember, this is your PTA. I look forward to meeting you again at a meeting or event. See you at school!~Amy

Upcoming Events

The school year is off to a great start. Lots of great things are in the works to encourage our students to succeed in school and grow personally. At the first PTA meeting, two grants were awarded to bring more books to students and their families. First, the kindergarten will be hosting a Family Literacy Night sponsored in part by Chestnut PTA on Tuesday, September 21. Second, all kindergarten through second grade classrooms have expanded classroom libraries partially funded by PTA. This will enable more books to be in the hands of our students for at home reading. Everyone needs to be reading 15-20 minutes every day to further develop their reading skills. Even me! Personally, I've found it very relaxing to say to my kids, "Get a book. We are all going to read quietly for ten minutes and then take turns reading out loud to each other for 10 minutes." I'm catching up on my running and yoga magazines as well as my favorite authors.

The NED Show, a Character Development Assembly will be held Monday, September 20. Your student should bring home a flier.

Market Day order forms have been sent out. Orders are due Thursday, September 23 with order pick up on Tuesday, September 28. We are hoping to raise $100 each month ($1000 in orders) to help fund grants and programs through out the year.

Picture Day is Monday, September 27. Order forms have been sent home.

The first Pod Race of the year for Box Tops for Education collection is under way and ends Friday, October 15. We earn 10 cents for each box top coupon. Please send the box tops to school trimmed, counted and labeled by teacher each week.

The next PTA meeting is Wednesday, October 6 at 5pm in the Music Room. See you soon! ~Amy