Dear Pennekamp Families,

            Congratulations to all – students, school staff, and parents – for a terrific first week of school! The opening of school was characterized by a plethora of smiles, laughter, hugs and high-fives, as children and caring adults reunited for the 2007-08 year. Speaking for the school staff (and possibly the rest of you!), I feel safe in asserting that once we came to terms with the stark reality that summer is now over, we actually found ourselves happy to be back at Pennekamp. The children in particular seem energized, bubbling over with enthusiasm, and ready to tackle the exciting learning opportunities that lie ahead.

            As is always the case, the PK community went above and beyond the call of duty in helping us to get ready for the new school year. Our incredibly supportive PTA, under the leadership of co-presidents Cathey Graves and Denise Ellis, worked tirelessly not only in getting PTA business organized to the nth degree, but also in assisting the office in preparing for the rigors of the opening of school. We couldn’t have done it without our volunteers! The MBUSD Maintenance and Operations team did a great job of spiffing up the campus. Last, but certainly not least, the PK teachers once again rose to the occasion and transformed their classrooms into stimulating, child-centered learning environments.

            The PK staff and community have the highest of hopes and aspirations for another banner year. For starters, students at Pennekamp once again showed their academic prowess by reaching new heights on last spring’s state testing. For now, suffice it to say, “Pennekamp Dragons rocked!” – academically speaking, of course! Over the course of the year, we have many exciting, celebratory activities planned. Look for specifics in subsequent missives. For the present, I’d like to share the following messages: 

1^st-5^th Grade Back-to-School Night – Thu., Sept. 20^th –Please take note of the following schedule

6:15-6:30 – 1^st, 2^nd & 3^rd parents go to Cafetorium for important info from PTA & MB Ed. Fdn.

6:30- 7:15 – 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd parents go to Classrooms

7:00-7:15 – 4^th & 5^th parents go to Cafetorium for PTA & MBEF info (unless you went at 6:15-6:30)

7:15-8:00 – 4^th grade parents go to Classrooms

7:15-8:30 – 5^th grade parents go to Cafetorium

*For parents with students at 2 grade levels that meet at the same time (e.g. 2^nd & 3^rd), we suggest that you “divide and conquer” by having one parent go to each class.

** Please calendar this event. It is for parents only.

School Photo Day – Tue., Sept. 11^th – You received a flyer/order envelope in last week’s Tuesday Envelope. Be sure to select your choices, place a check/cash/money order in the envelope, seal it and return it with your child on Photo Day. Make-ups will be taken on Tue., Oct 16.

PTA Meeting – Tue., Sept. 25^th, 6:30 p.m. We cordially invite you to come out to meet the PK Staff and PTA Executive Board. Good company! Great Refreshments! Childcare provided!

Parking, Drop-Off & Pick-Up – All lots are for staff parking only. Please do not leave cars unattended in designated drop-off/pick-up zones.

Emergency Information – Please be sure that you have filled out the green Emergency Cards thoroughly, using up-to-date information. This is critical in the event that a child becomes ill or injured at school. We encourage parents to provide cell phone numbers where they can be reached at any time, as well as the names and numbers of relatives or trusted friends in the area who could be of assistance when parents are unavailable. Please notify the office promptly whenever any change of information (phone #, emergency contact person, etc.) occurs.

Tuesday Envelopes – Just another reminder to carefully read the contents of your children’s Tuesday Envelopes each week. Please review the contents, complete any forms, orders, etc. Sign and date the envelopes, and have your children return them to their classes ASAP. We always like getting them back by Wednesday if possible. 

Articles for the Green Sheet – Any articles that you wish to have included in the Green Sheet must be submitted to Debbie Snook, our Office Mgr., by Thursday of the week prior to Tuesday. All submissions must be brief and are subject to being edited. Please be aware that we cannot send out flyers that are submitted by parents unless they are for PTA, MBEF or receive district approval. 

 

            We are looking forward to a great year in 2007-08! In closing, I would like to extend our heartfelt wishes for a wonderful school year for all Pennekamp students and families. Go Dragons!

                                                                       

                                                                                    Sincerely,

                                                                                    Dale Keldrauk

 

Important Dates

·          Tue., Sept. 11 – School Photo Day

·          Tue., Sept. 11 – Patriot Day (required observance)

·          Thu., Sept. 13 – No School – Local Holiday

·          Fri., Sept.  14 – Staff Dev. Day – No School for Students

·          Mon., Sept 17 – Constitution Day (required observance)

·          Tue., Sept. 18 – Gift-Wrap Assemblies (15-20 minutes)

   9:40 = 4^th & 5^th  /  10:00 = 1^st, 2^nd& 3^rd  -  Cafetorium

·          Wed. & Thu., Sept. 19 & 20 – 5^th Grade GATE

·          Wed. & Thu., Sept. 26 & 27 – 4^th Grade GATE

·          Thu., Sept. 20 – 1^st-5^th Back-to-School Night

·          Tue., Sept. 25 – 6:30 PM - 1^st PTA Mtg. - Cafe

·          Tue., Oct. 9 – Vision & Hearing Screening – Gr. K,2,5

·          Fri., Oct. 12 – Cultural Assemblies

   9:00 = 4^th & 5^th  / 10:00 = 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd  

·          Tue., Oct. 16 – School Photo Make-Ups

·          Oct. 23-31 – Red Ribbon Week

·          Fri., Oct. 26 – Flag Ceremonies

          9:00 --  4^th & 5^th   / 10:00  - 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd

·          Wed., Oct. 31 – 8:45 a.m. – Halloween Parade