Dear Pennekamp Parents,

It is hard to believe that a mere two days of school remain! As the 2007-2008 school year draws to a close, Pennekamp staff members find ourselves in the throes of ambivalent emotions. At the end of that last day, as the students exit their classrooms for the final time, our first inclination is often to ecstatically wave our arms and bellow out a Fred Flintstone-like “Yabba Dabba Doo”, as we herald the arrival of our summer. Then as the unwinding process begins, we are at once filled with gushes of pride and excitement, as well as with twinges of melancholy as we recall the memorable experiences we have had with children over the course of the year.    

While we take great pride in another successful year for Pennekamp and eagerly anticipate the halcyon days of summer, we also realize that we will be bidding a fond farewell to dear friends, both young and adult, who will be leaving our school or community. Whether they are students who will be matriculating on to higher schools, families moving away, or staff members who will be leaving PK, we wish all the very best in every way. Best of luck to a great group of exiting 5^th graders, as they enter a new and exciting phase of their school lives!

Through the eyes of a child, a year seems like such a long time. Amid all of their experiences; the wonderment, the joy, the laughter, and even the tears, children collect a treasure trove of experiences that ultimately meld together to shape their lives. From the time they enter school in late August until the last bell rings on the final day of school, so much growth and so much change transpires that they are hardly the same people as when the school year began. In their world, a year is a veritable eternity.

            By contrast, from an adult perspective the years fly by before our very eyes.  It seems as if only yesterday we were opening our doors to droves of wide-eyed children excited about the new school year, and now in the blink of an eye, we are almost down to the last day. One can't help but wonder, "Where does the time go!"

In looking toward to the next school year, we eagerly anticipate the exciting days and events that lie ahead. We look forward to meeting the new students and parents who will soon be Pennekamp Dragons. Despite the difficult challenges that we currently face in the world of education, we have high hopes for another banner year. The staff remains committed to continually providing the same high-quality educational program that has long been the hallmark of Pennekamp School. With the help of our incredibly talented and supportive community, I am confident that we continue to can remain focused on our common purpose: To help children to become the best that they can be.

             As the final curtain draws on the 2007-2008 school year, I am at once struck by the thought that the days of youth are both magical and ephemeral. Joyous times of elementary school, toys, games, and childhood friends will all-too-soon give way to the realities and responsibilities of adult life. Our children grow up far too quickly. The finite period of time that we are able to enjoy the days they spend under our own roofs is the penultimate privilege of parenthood. I urge you to soak up all of it that you can!

We who work in education have the good fortune of always keeping one foot rooted in the wonderful world of children. What a great place to be! On behalf of the entire Pennekamp Staff, I would like to thank you for allowing us the privilege of working with your children, and of witnessing them learn and grow daily. Have a wonderful summer. See you in late August.                                                                        

Sincerely,

Dale Keldrauk

 

 

Looking Ahead

Fri., Aug. 22 – 5:00 p.m. Class Lists posted – Pennekamp School Office

Tue., Aug. 26^th – 2:00-3:00 p.m. Kdg., DK and New Family Orientation

Tue., Aug. 26 – DK, K & 1^st Back-to-School Night

                        6:00-7:00 = DK & K / 7:00-8:00 = 1^st grade

Wed., Aug. 27 – School Begins for 2008-09

Thurs., Sept. 11^th – PTA meeting and 2^nd – 5^th Back-to-School-Night

 

Lost and Found- Please come and check the lost and found bin near the cafeteria for items that your child may have forgotten.  We have enough clothes there to outfit a small army.  Anything not claimed will be donated to various charities.

 Camp VIP – Camp enrollment is in full swing.  Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enroll your children in high-quality enrichment activities this summer.  There are unique classes to ease the transition to 6^th grade.  Why not try Getting Ready for Middle School or Sixth Grade Summer Book Club?  Both classes are taught by MBMS teachers or advisors.  Another exciting option is MBPD Leadership Academy taught by our own school resource officer, Stephanie Martin.  For more information, go to the website at www.mbathleticfoundation.org   or contact Nancy Rosenberg at (310) 376-6115.               

MBUSD Summer Enrichment Camp – EDP Camps will be held this year on the Pacific and Pennekamp campuses.  All South Bay residents are invited to join us for some outrageous summer fun! Campers from Kdg. – 8^th grade can register for any or all of the nine, one-week sessions.  Please contact Becky Hausken at (310) 318-7345 ext. 5840 with any questions.

Tune Up Your Bicycles – The 47^th Chevron Manhattan Beach Grand Prix and community races are here again on Sunday, June 29^th!  Watch your local paper for sign-in locations before race day or sign up that day at Live Oak Park beginning at 11 a.m.  For information contact the Little Gym at (310) 370-2100 or Ted’s Cycles at (310) 370-2100.

Just A Reminder – Please remember while on your travels this summer, to keep our country clean and litter free.  Please keep up your recycling efforts and try to conserve water and energy as much as possible. Thanks for your support this year.  It means the world to all of us.  The Go-Green Committee

Odyssey of the Mind – Incoming first graders (and their parents) who are interested in participating or receiving information about this program, please contact Ann Lin (310) 318-2212 or Micki King (310) 798-3827. This will be an after school program beginning in September 2008.

Successful Softball Tournament – The 3^rd annual MBAF Parent Softball Tournament was a big hit!  Pennekamp made it to the semi-finals before losing to eventual champion, Robinson. The Pennekamp Dragon team consisted of Captain Ross Kay, Scott Millington, Mike Horrow, Kevin Welk, Steve Pavone, Bob Julius, Bill Ahrens, Mike Warner, Garrett Romines and Dale Keldrauk. A big “Thank You” to Ross Kay for organizing this event that raises funds for MBUSD schools.

 

IMPORTANT DATES

·          June 19^th – Last day of school – Minimum day – All K & DK = 8:00 a.m. – 11:20 a.m. 1^st – 5^th = 8:15 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

·          June 19^th – 5^th Grade Promotion Ceremony -  11:00 a.m. –  12:15 p.m. -  Pennekamp Cafeteria

·          June 23^rd – July 18^th – Summer School