eBlast Nov 20, 2023 - Cherry Chase PTA newsletter

PTA Direct Appeal Campaign

Our Direct Appeal campaign is off to a great start, but we still need your help! As of 11/19, we have received $9,725 in donations from 9% of families. Imagine what we could achieve with 100% participation! Your donations will help us support all students at Cherry Chase through:

• Major funding for the new SimpliScience pilot program ($51,000 budgeted)
• School supplies, teacher grants, field trips, and other in-school programs ($115,000)
• Community-building special events like International Night ($26,300)
• Technology purchases, after school programs, library books, and much more!

We suggest donating $150 per student, but ANY amount is appreciated. Your donation is spent at Cherry Chase and is fully tax-deductible. Thank you for your support!

How to contribute:

• Visit https://www.cherrychasepta.org/e-store/donate/ to pay by PayPal, Venmo, or credit card.
• Checks to CCPTA can also be dropped in the front office in the PTA's drawer.
• Donor advised fund gifts or donations through your company portal can be counted (just email a screen shot to development@cherrychasepta.org).
• And ask your employer about corporate matching

For more information, check out the flyer or visit our Direct Appeal Campaign website.

Direct Appeal Class Competition Update

We will recognize and REWARD the classroom with the most participation through Dec 2. Previous winners have received a pizza party or a special assembly! And all classrooms with >90% participation will win prizes. Any dollar amount counts for participation.

Currently at the top of standings are:

• Mrs. Pierik
• Mrs. Smith
• Mrs. Sproule

but it's a close competition!

Chargerwear Sale Ends Tonight

Get ready to show off your Cherry Chase spirit with our Chargerwear Sale!

Up to midnight November 20th, you'll have the chance to snag some awesome Charger gear. Visit our store at Chargerwear Online Store. Don't miss out - let's rock our school pride!

Questions? chargerwear@cherrychasepta.org

Maximize Your Donation Impact

As you participate in the Direct Appeal campaign, don't forget to check if you can “GET THE MATCH”

from your company. Already donated? You can request a match in the same calendar year.

1)  Apple: https://apple.benevity.org

2)  Google: https://google.benevity.org

3)  Microsoft: https://microsoft.benevity.org

4)  Oracle: https://oracle.benevity.org

5)  Intel: https://intel.benevity.org

6)  Synopsys: https://synopsys.benevity.org

7)  Amazon: https://amazon.benevity.org

For more details, visit our website.

SimpliScience Update

With Cherry Chase PTA's financial support of the pilot of the SimpliScience In-School Program this year, every K-5 student has been participating in hands-on standards-aligned science activities during weekly visits to the science lab. For example, 2nd grade students recently created these biome dioramas. 

In addition, we are requesting about 30 more large, clean shoe boxes for other classes to create similar dioramas. Please bring boxes to the school office by Dec 1.

Volunteering Opportunities

Give your time and make a difference to our community! We are looking for:

• Office copy helpers. Help teachers and the ABC Reader program by making copies. Time commitment: Flexible within school office hours (7:30-3:30). Contact diana.kunze@sesd.org
• Walk-and-Roll Golden Shoe Team. Encourage physical activity and reduced traffic around school by helping the Golden Shoe competition. Tally participants, calculate winners, and/or procure prizes. Monthly, flexible hours from home. Contact president@cherrychasepta.org

See more opportunities at https://tinyurl.com/ccvolunteerpositions

ABC Readers Book of the Month - I Wish You Knew

This month, we will be reading the second book in the Champion year I Wish You Knew by Jackie Azúa Kramer.

A heartfelt story that explores the aftermath of deportation, I Wish You Knew celebrates the power of connection and empathy among children.The story has characters sharing what they wish others knew about them. This thought-provoking book encourages students to consider their own biases and assumptions. It provides opportunities for conversations about compassion, active listening, and perspective-taking.     

Questions? projcornerstone@cherrychasepta.org

Lunar New Year Celebration

2024, the Year of the DRAGON, symbolizes power, nobility, honor, luck, and success in Chinese culture. Don't miss the 8th annual Lunar New Year Celebration at Cherry Chase Multi on the night of February 2, 2024.

Enjoy diverse performances, including chorus, fashion show, and the thrilling return of DRAGON DANCE! The dance master is committed to training students from Grades 2-5. Plus, young artists can participate in a PTA fundraising art sale! To join the fun, HERE is the signup form for performers and volunteers!

Collecting young artists' artwork each morning at the school blue tables from Monday, November 20th to Friday, December 1st at 8:00am - 8:20am.



For more details visit the website, email lunar@cherrychasepta.org for any questions.

Girls on The Run Needs Coaches

Join our fun team and help girls unleash their power and potential! Girls on the Run has been inspiring 3rd through 5th grade girls at Cherry Chase since 2015 and has become one of the largest teams in Silicon Valley.

In order to offer this program to as many girls as possible we need one more coach! You DO NOT need to be a runner. You just need a positive attitude, a desire to be a role model and time to help out. Girls on the Run will meet after school on Mondays and Wednesdays from March 4 until May 18.

For more information text or call Coach Jodi at 408-239-7285 or learn more about the program online at GOTRSV.org.

Playground Equipment Refresh

Thanks to your financial support, our kids have access to a great stock of playground equipment! Working with coaches from Playworks (another PTA supported program), Cherry Chase PTA helps refresh soccer nets, basketballs, and other items for active play during recess and PE.