Dear Pennekamp Families,

            The onset of the month of October generally triggers the realization that the fall season is now upon us. Perhaps it’s the slight, yet unmistakably perceptible differences in the weather pattern, with cooler nights punctuating the still-warm days. Perhaps it’s the first signs floral change, with subtle shifts of color and growth rate. More than likely, it is the allure and fascination that the mere mention of “October” conjures up in our minds.

            For elementary-age children, October truly is an exciting time. At school, as well all around town, the day-glow colors of summer have given way to the dazzling earthtones associated with fall season. Along with the obvious environmental changes comes a change in energy as the laid-back summer mode gives way to a more energetic pattern as we gear up for the exciting times that lay ahead.

Over the course of the next four weeks we have many noteworthy events to look forward to here at Pennekamp, as well as in our town. This coming weekend brings the 30^th annual Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair (Whatever happened to the “Old” part?), a wonderful, celebratory event which showcases the unique and special culture of our fine city. The following Saturday, Oct. 13^th, will be Pennekamp’s Pride Day in which students and parents are encouraged to come out to help beautify our school. Other noteworthy school events will include our first Cultural Assemblies and Flag Ceremonies of the year, as well as Red Ribbon Week (Oct. 23-31), a national effort to educate children about the benefits of a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.

Unquestionably the most anticipated event of October is Halloween. The children are already looking forward to the Annual Pennekamp Halloween Parade, which will occur on Wednesday, October 31^st at 8:45 a.m. on the PK Field. Parents and younger siblings are encouraged to attend. On that day students will wear costumes to school, ands bring a change of regular school clothes to change into after the parade. As always, we stress that costumes should be in good taste, with particular attention paid to avoid morbid or risqué themes. Again this year, PTA will be sponsoring a Costume Closet in which gently used, appropriate costumes can be purchased at a reasonable cost.

On Sunday, October 28^th, the Pumpkin Races will be held at Manhattan Beach Pier for the first time. Originally started as a PK-area event by the Holliday family, the Pumpkin Races is now expanding to a city-level extravaganza. This is a wonderful event for the entire family which will take place from 1:00-7:00 p.m. Join in the fun!

As you can see, October promises to be quite an exciting month. We encourage you to get into the spirit (pun intended!) and enjoy the fun and festivities.

 

                                                            Sincerely,

                                                            Dale Keldrauk  

 

Volunteers at School – Pennekamp truly appreciates the capable assistance we receive from parent volunteers. As per current MBUSD policy, all volunteers must sign in at the PK Office and wear a Volunteer Badge. All volunteers must have an up-to-date TB test on file with Gale Davis in the PK Health Office. In addition, we now require volunteers to fill out forms, which we will keep on file in the school office. More information will be forthcoming in next week’s Green Sheet.

Special Programs Offered – MBUSD’s Student Services department is offering the folowing great new programs for students and parents: 1. First Friday Speaker’s Series  2. Discussions and Solutions  3. Social Clubs. Flyers are available on the MBUSD website, as well as on the Pennekamp website.

P.E. Family Night  - Thursday, Nov. 8^th from 5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. Theresa Tower will be conducting a PE class for parents and 1^st – 5^th grade students.  Come out and join Coach Tower for some fun and games.

GATE Workshops – David Ghoogasian, expert in gifted and talented education, will be presenting two parent workshops.  All elementary, middle and high school parents are encouraged to attend.  The first workshop is “Learning and your Child’s Brain,” to be held on Oct. 11^th from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Grand View Performing Arts Center located at 2617 Bell Ave.  Fro more information, please go to the district website at www.mbusd.org. under “Programs,” click on “GATE news,” where you will find the link to the flyer that highlights these events.

STAR Education – Classes are beginning this week.  The new STAR Director is Beverly Powell (not Dawn Kohn as previously announced).  Beverly may be contacted at (310) 877-9047.

Dragon E-news – You can get the majority of your information electronically by subscribing to pkpta@hotmail.com and reducing our paper usage.  Every Monday night receive the latest information about what’s happening at PK and get your Tuesday envelope electronically.  It’s a great way to be “in the know”.

Special Programs Offered  - MBUSD’s Student Services department is offering the following great new programs for students and parents: 1. First Friday Speaker’s Series  2. Discussions and Solutions  3. Social Clubs.  Flyers are available on the MBUSD website, as well as on the Pennekamp website.

Tuesday Envelope Reminders – Please be sure to return your Tuesday envelope each week.  This helps ensure all communications get home to you.

Blood Drive  - Pacific School will having a blood drive on Oct. 23^rd in the Art Room from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  To make appointments, please email patti.bundy@gmail.com or call her at (310) 545-1646.

Gift Wrap Sale – The Gift Wrap deadline has been extended to Friday, Oct.5^th.  There is still time to get those orders in before we have to “wrap it up”.

Volunteers Needed – We need parents to help with Vision and Hearing screening on Oct. 9^th.  Please contact Gale Davis in the Health office at ext. 5803.

Writer’s Workshops – Parents are invited to attend the “Writer’s Workshops” being presented by 5^th grade teacher Dawn Curry on Oct. 9^th from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. in the Pennekamp cafeteria.  This class will include writing format, producing an expository essay and tips on how to “help” your child.  You will be actively involved in the writing process, so be sure to bring a pen or pencil, paper and a clipboard.

Please Remember – to keep your child at home if they have been vomiting or are running a fever.  Your child must be fever free (without medication) for 24 hours before returning to school.

Absences – Make sure to call the office or send a note in to your child’s teacher whenever they are absent, whatever the reason.

 

                                    IMPORTANT DATES

·          Tues., Oct. 9^th – Vision and Hearing      Screening- Grades DK, K, 2^nd and 5^th      

·          Tues., Oct. 9^th – Writer’s Workshop  6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

·          Fri., Oct. 12^th – Cultural Assemblies “Imagination Machine” 9:00 a.m. = 4^th & 5^th grades / 10:00 a.m. =   1^st, 2^nd & 3^rd grades

·          Sat., Oct. 13^th – Pride Day      9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

·          Tues., Oct. 16^th – School Photo Make-ups

·          Oct. 23^rd - 31^st – Red Ribbon Week

·          Wed.,Oct. 31^st – 8:45 a.m. – Halloween Parade – Pennekamp Field