BEAGLE BUGLE - ROCKWELL PTA AND SCHOOL NEWS
SEPTEMBER PRINCIPAL'S LETTER

Dear Rockwell Families,

Welcome back! Thank you to those of you who joined us for Meet the Teacher and Curriculum Night. I know it was a very busy week and I truly appreciate the time you were able to spend with us. If you were not here, we look forward to meeting you soon. Please join us in the office at your earliest opportunity to complete the paperwork we need from you to start the year.

As many of you know, Kerry Bauman retired on August 31 after thirteen wonderful years at Rockwell. We will miss her very much, and are excited to announce that Inez Mobley is our new Student Records Secretary. Inez has been a part of the Rockwell family since 1994, when her two oldest children enrolled. She joined our staff in 2009, and several of you know her as the smiling face that greets your family as you arrive in the parking lot each day. Her email address is  mmobley@lwsd.org; please contact her as well as your student's teacher in the event of absences or tardy arrivals for any reason. Welcome Inez!

Other new staff we are welcoming this year:
Ryan Scott, Associate Principal
Shelby Arndt, Psychologist
Kristin Bauer, Counselor
Joleen Komlodi, Safety Net
Megan Johnson, Special Education
Meghan Welsh, First Grade
Meredith Rapp, First Grade
Shelby Yasuda, Third Grade
Helena O'Meara, Paraprofessional
Miral Chokshi, Instructional Assistant
Carrie Mussey, Instructional Assistant

The parking lot looks different this year, with good reason. We have changed eight of our parking spaces into visitor parking, not to be used during drop off and pick up. This gives us a much larger zone for loading before and after school. Please ensure that your kids ONLY exit and enter the car from the right, passenger side doors. This is imperative for safety. Student arrival is between 8:15 and 8:25 every day, and once you are in the loading zone between the end of the drop off area and the mailbox, students may exit your cars - you do not need to wait for us to open the door, though we will be there to help if necessary. Please do NOT drop off students before 8:15. ALL pedestrians must use crosswalks. We dismiss every day at 3, and the line usually clears by 3:15.

Please remember to never block the bus lane; wait at the road curbside if necessary. Plan for extra time, and bring your patience and kindness. Thank you ALL for keeping our students safe.

Additionally, we have made a few changes in our students' day. We have added a short, afternoon recess, so that students now have three opportunities for unstructured, outside play every day. Research supports how important this time is for kids, both in helping them recharge and in developing the social/emotional skills like cooperation and conflict resolution that are essential to future success. Also, we have reduced our homework expectations, in response to extensive research completed and published by Harris Cooper and endorsed by the NEA and NPTA. This year, we ask the following:

*        Kindergarten Read every night with an adult
*        First grade Read with an adult and Words Their Way Spelling
*        Second grade Read and Wednesday Math Sheet
*        Third grade Read and Independent Skills Practice
*        Fourth grade Read and daily math page or other skill practice
*        Fifth grade Read and math page (practice or enrichment)
*       Occasional Special Projects

We believe that students are working hard every day at school and while reading is essential in developing all skills, we will strive to make any additional homework meaningful and manageable. We believe that well rounded kids grow up to be well adjusted adults, and encourage the following activities in that time freed by reduced homework: service projects, unstructured play with peers, time outside, building things or creating art, playing an instrument or a sport, and time spent away from screens. Please limit screen time to about an hour a day, and make sure they get enough sleep! Kids in elementary school need 10-12 hours to perform at their best. Finally, as we discussed at Curriculum Night, it is okay allow them to be bored - boredom spurs creativity. We are excited about this change and hope that you are too.

If I haven't met you yet, please introduce yourself the next time you are at school. Welcome to a wonderful year. We are so happy you are here!

Principal, Norman Rockwell Elementary School
BACK TO SCHOOL COFFEE 

It's that time of year when kids get to go back to school and parents get to enjoy a cup of coffee while it's still hot. Please join us on  Tuesday, September 6th for a quick "cup of Joe" and some treats after the morning school bell rings. It's a great time to say hello to familiar faces and to meet some new ones. 

* Kindergarten Parents - please join us on YOUR first day of Fri. 9/9 for coffee/treats right after the bell rings!

We will see you first day of school in front of the school - near the flagpole.

This event brought to you by Rockwell PTA!

The Welcome Back Committee
Melissa Sutton, Kelly O'Brien, & Lara Lockwood
HELP LOAD/UNLOAD THE BUS THE FIRST WEEK:

We need a couple more helpers to mark students' hands as 
they exit buses in the
morning and to ensure students load the correct bus after school.

Available shifts: Tuesday, Wednesday and next Monday morning 8:05-8:25.
Wednesday, Friday and next Monday afternoon 2:50-3:20.

Volunteers contact President@NormanRockwellPTA.org 

Please contact Stacy Hatch if you are available at any of these times. Thank you!
Back to School BBQ is now 
Back to School Family Food Truck Night!

Things are changing this year! School Hamburgers and Hotdogs are the thing of the past, this year we have FOOD TRUCKS! Come hang out for the evening with Rockwell Families and Staff to celebrate the new school year.

When: Friday, September 16th, 2016 5:00-7:30pm
Where: Rockwell covered and uncovered black top area *Rain or Shine*

There will be 3 food trucks and one dessert truck:
* Buns on Wheels serving great local burgers 
* Mobile Mayan serving awesome street tacos 
* 314 Pie serving Australian Hand Pies 
* Daddy's Donuts serving amazing mini donuts 

There will be something for everyone! Trucks will accept cash and credit cards. Hope to see you there!

Volunteers Needed:
Thank you to those who expressed interest as potential helpers on the website. The actual shifts are now listed...please sign up here for your shift today.  Lots of helpers needed to set up, clean up, and patrol the playground. SHORT SHIFTS.

Are you approved yet as an LWSD volunteer? See link below in Quick Links to get volunteer approval. Thanks!

Chairperson - Family Food Truck Night
HEALTH ROOM VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Our Rockwell health room gets many visits from our students each day. If a parent volunteer isn't present to help the students our office staff must deal with these interruptions to their work day. The Rockwell staff does a wonderful job of taking care of our kids, but it would be wonderful if parent volunteers could help alleviate some of their work load and at the same time get to know many of our wonderful students.
 
Volunteering in the health room is a flexible volunteer position. Many volunteers help one day a week, but you can volunteer a couple times per month if that works better for your schedule. The health room high traffic times are during lunch and recess, so those are the volunteer hours most needed.
 
We will be doing a training for all interested volunteers    later  in the month. If you have any questions or you are interested, but are unsure please contact Tedra Stratton and she can give you the scoop on what it is like to be a health room volunteer! 
UPDATE YOUR PTA WEBSITE ACCOUNT TODAY 
WITH YOUR TEACHER'S NAME:

Don't forget to update your account on the PTA website ("My Account" on the left side) with your teacher's name. We need your teacher's name so we know where to deliver your student directory, yearbook, spirit wear, etc to you throughout the year.  Delivery via "Kid Class Mail" is the fastest in the West!! (While you're in there, make sure that your other info is up-to-date as well such as emails and phone numbers.)

If you do not have an account on the PTA website, you can create one today! We still need your child's teacher's name even if you do not have a PTA website account - Please email your child's name and their teacher's name to our Directory Chair,  Leslie Edmunds. Go Beagles!
**PTA'S FIRST DAY PACKET IS NOW ONLINE**


  • The PTA's online First Day Packet is still online and ready to be completed if you haven't already. Click here to complete yours today! You can order (and pay for) your PTA membership, Yearbook, Spirit Wear, and donate to our yearly Pass The Hat Fundraiser all in one place - it only takes a few minutes!
PASS THE HAT FUNDRAISER

A big Thank You to everyone who has already donated to our Pass the Hat fundraiser!

Pass the Hat is our one big fundraiser for the year. We don't ask our 
parents and
students to sell or buy cookie dough, magazine subscriptions, or carwash tickets. Instead, we are asking you to donate directly to our PTA. Your donation helps to fund the 40+ programs the PTA sponsors throughout the year - everything from Chess Club to the Art Docent program to field trips to the All School Dance. Your donations to Rockwell are crucial to the academic enrichment of our student population.    

Don't forget to  double your donation  to Rockwell PTA if your company offers a Corporate Matching program! Many local companies such as Microsoft, Boeing, and Google will match your donation 100%. What an easy way to increase your donation to our school! Instructions are available on the PTA website.

Norman Rockwell PTA is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, so your donation is tax-deductible.

You can donate online at anytime! Click on  Pass the Hat to get started.
 
If you'd prefer to write a check, please use a Pass the Hat envelope (available at the Front Office waiting area) and have your child submit it to their teacher, or place it in the Pass the Hat bin at the front office.

The suggested donation of  $85 per student is the best way to ensure that we will have the necessary funding for our programs this year, but any amount you are able to give is helpful.

Rockwell PTA truly appreciates your financial support! Without it, we could not sponsor all the amazing programs at our amazing school.

Thank You. :)
PTA - Fundraising VP
ROCKWELL SPIRIT WEAR IS NOW AVAILABLE!!

Nothing shows school spirit more than wearing our school colors of PURPLE
and YELLOW...and maybe some  PINK !! This year we have a great offering of Spirit Wear for both kids and adults.

The easiest way to shop all of the great styles available and place your order is ONLINE at www.normanrockwellpta.org (if you haven't already, please go to the website and create your account.)

If you prefer to order via paper order form, they can be found here or in the office.

Spirit Wear orders will be accepted NOW thru FRIDAY SEPT. 16th!

GO BEAGLES!

Julie Odle - Spirit Wear Coordinator
YEARBOOK PHOTOS - FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

We know it's early - but work on the yearbook has already begun and we
need your help.

We need first day of school photos - and lots of them. Before school, after school, getting on the bus, walking to/from, riding bikes and waiting in line for the classroom doors to open.

In the next Bugle, we will have instructions that will allow you to upload your
photos directly to LifeTouch.

We look forward to seeing all of the great moments you capture this year!

Thanks,
Yearbook Staff
ORCHESTRA INFORMATION - 4TH & 5TH GRADERS

Redmond Region Elementary String Orchestra classes for 4th and 5th grade students!
  • Level  1 - Beginners (4th graders who have never played before)
Plan to attend the parent AND student information meeting on Monday, Sept. 12th at 7:30pm in the Rockwell gym  and watch for a flyer the first week of school with more information. Classes are before school from 7:35-8:20am on Mondays and Wednesdays (for violin and viola), Wednesdays and Fridays (for cello). All classes are held in the Rockwell gym.
 
  • Level  2 (mostly 5th graders who have completed at least one year of instruction)
Classes are on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7:35-8:20am in the Rockwell gym. The first class will be on Tuesday, Sept. 13th. Bring all music from last year, a folding music stand, emergency form and $5 materials fee. The book to purchase for Level 2 is "Sound Innovations for String Orchestra" Book 2.
 
Rockwell Elementary General Music and Choir
Redmond Region Elementary String Orchestra

AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT CLASSES

We have some exciting after school enrichment programs coming your way this fall:

* Coding for Kids (grades 2-5)
* Chess 4 Life (grades K-5)
* Lego Club (grades K-5)
* Smart with Art - new vendor! (grades K-5)

Stay tuned in the Bugle for upcoming registration dates and further details!

PTA - VP Academic Enrichment
ELLIPSIS MATH AT ROCKWELL

Calling all 4th grade and 5th grade mathletes!
You are all invited to take a free placement test for joining the Ellipsis Math 4 and Ellipsis Math 5 programs we have at Rockwell.

At Norman Rockwell, Ellipsis Math classes are available for our fourth and fifth graders. The programs focus on math topics and practices in which prepare students to compete in a number of local and statewide math competitions. Students will work  independently as well as in teams. All interested students are invited to take a placement test on  September 13 (Tuesday) at the school library from 3:15-4:15PM.

The program is implemented at an accelerated pace. Students must be self-motivated and ready to learn and participate. There will be weekly assignments, and students are responsible to complete them on time. Assignment may take about 1 to 1.5 hours per week. Many topics discussed will be above their current grade level. 

Enrollments will be based on test results. This program requires a year-round commitment.

To see schedule and sign up for the placement test, click here.

For questions, email Elly Sarwono
BE A CLASSROOM ART DOCENT

Do you want to: 

- Volunteer in your child's classroom?
- Get to know your child's teacher and classmates?
- Do something that all the kids really enjoy?
- Get a little messy and have a lot of fun?

If you answered "Yes" to any or all of the above, it means you'd make a great Art Docent!  This is a fantastic way to give quality volunteer time in your child's class.

It's a once-a-month lesson, and you coordinate with the teacher 
regarding the
date/time--so it's a flexible and fun volunteer opportunity for both stay-at-home and working parents alike. It takes about an hour to do the class, plus some set-up and clean-up. When you see how much the kids get out of it, you will see why it's one of Rockwell's most enduring and popular programs.

You don't need to be an Art expert whatsoever--the curriculum is already set out for you.  You don't need to be a Picasso--very little, if any, artistic talent is needed.  All you really need is some time, some patience, and a good sense of humor and fun :)  

There will be an evening orientation on  Monday, September 26th at 7pm. Art Docent lessons begin in October and run through May/June. The highlight is the annual Art Showcase/Ice Cream Social in May, when the students' masterpieces will be on display for the entire school to enjoy!

Please contact your child's teacher, or me directly, if you are interested or have questions.

Looking forward to a fantastic year of Art Docents!

Art Docent Chair
ATTENTION ROCKWELL CHAIRS: 

Did you know that while people are signing up online for their first day packets, they are also selecting what they interested in volunteering for at our school?  Our webmaster Pam Teh can instruct you on how to run a list of interested volunteers so you can follow up with any interested helpers!  

As your event approaches, rather than creating your own sign up for more volunteers, our webmaster will be able to create a sign up form in the website and provide you with a link for your Bugle articles etc!!  We are hoping you all use the PTA website for your signups.  Chairperson Training on 9/27/16.
CHAIR A PROGRAM!

PTA is looking to fill some positions for next year. Can you help keep these programs running at our school? 

-Bingo Night Chair
-Ice Cream Social Co-Chair
-Update the Reader Boards
-Nominating Committee

and more....please check here for the list of positions and email us with any questions!
THANKS TO THE DOG DAY VOLUNTEERS

Thanks to the parents who gave their time either in planning and/or during the Dog Day/Business Day event to keep the lines moving while hundreds of parents completed their back to school business! We couldn't have done it without all of your help! Thanks to: Cari Scotkin, Ellie O'Rourke, Leslie Edmunds, Glenda Alderete, Stacy Hatch, Taunya Covington, Kit Craig, Adelina Popescu, Beth Batig, Nithya Nagarajan, Shilpa Asrani, Liz Kwan, Myriam Pollock, Ruhina Taj Karthikeyan, Ami King, Angie Ballas, Melissa Sutton, and Christine Welton. 
QUICK LINKS - IN EVERY ISSUE

AmazonSmile: 
Give a little back to Rockwell PTA by using  our  AmazonSmile link!   Bookmark it and use the link every time you shop.

View the flyers targeted to Rockwell from local organizations...sports tryouts, after school classes, and community events. 
*This week has Redmond Select Boys Basketball tryouts

Volunteer Application:  
It's easy to complete and is good for 2 years. Fill yours out or check your renewal status today! Do it now and be ready to volunteer when school begins!
 
Rockwell PTA Facebook Page: 
Stay connected and updated on  Rockwell PTA, school, and community info. 
Stop by and Like Us! Don't miss any posts...after liking us, make sure to hover over the Liked Button to turn on notifications.

Bugle Article Submissions Welcome
  
The Beagle Bugle welcomes article submissions from students and parents .  Student journalists may submit articles about current events, students opinion-editorials and poems or short stories.  Parents may submit articles about PTA events and school related topics. 

Any article that is unrelated to PTA or Rockwell must be approved by the Lake Washington School District, and may be submitted to the Peach Jar E-flyer system.  The Lake Washington School District website has more information on the submission and approval process.

Short pieces will be edited for inclusion in the Bugle, longer pieces will be posted on the website with a link in the Bugle.  The Deadline for submissions for the next weekly Bugle is the preceding Thursday.  The Bugle Staff reserves the right to be selective regarding the materials that are publicized.
Contact the Bugle staff or submit articles at
Angie Ballas
Beagle Bugle Editor
Norman Rockwell Elementary PTA
Norman Rockwell Elementary - Redmond, WA