October 23, 2007

Dear Pennekamp Families,

           Don’t you just love autumn in Southern California! OK, so we don’t have the dramatic burst of deciduous-tree color that the denizens of the New England states experience this time of year. On the other hand, you won’t find those folks still walking around in shorts during the day, and still able to take twilight strolls in shirtsleeves without shivering. With the onset of slightly cooler evenings, it is nice to be able stoke up the fireplace while reading a good book, or perhaps watching the World Series or a football game in the comforts of one’s own living room. Yes, life is good in Manhattan Beach! 

With Halloween just a week away, both children and adults are gearing up for the fun and festivities surrounding this highly-anticipated holiday. Each day excited children can’t wait to tell us about their costumes, and inevitably ask, “What are you going to wear for Halloween?” I for one get a rather mischievous pleasure from smiling and coyly replying, “Oh, you’ll just have to wait and see.” It drives them nuts! The anticipation will continue to build right up until the big day arrives next week.

Obviously, this is a very busy time of year, with a great many things going on here on the “home front” at Pennekamp. Please take note of the following messages.

Staff Appreciation Luncheon – Last Thursday our very supportive parents once again spoiled the PK staff with a delicious spread, as well as great door-prize gifts for a number of lucky winners. A huge “Thank You” to the event coordinators and 2^nd grade parents who hosted this wonderful event!

Red Ribbon Week – Oct. 23-31. This nationally recognized event is designed to raise children’s awareness of the effects of drug and alcohol use, and to encourage healthy lifestyles. Students will be given red wristbands with the slogan “Drug Free, You & Me!”, as well as bookmarks. Classrooms may also be doing activities (pictures, writing, etc.) which are age-appropriate.

Special Ed. Meeting  –  Monday, Oct. 29, 8:15-9:00 a.m. in Room 10. Dr. Beverly Rohrer, MBUSD Superintendent, and Ellyn Schneider, MBUSD Director of Student Services, invite all Pennekamp parents of students in Special Education to a “Meet and Greet”. We hope to see you there!  

Halloween Parade – Wednesday, Oct. 31 at 8:45 a.m. on the PK Field. Students may come to school dressed in costumes (Remember to keep them in good taste!), but should bring a change of regular school clothing to wear after the parade. Parents, siblings, etc. are cordially invited to come out to watch the parade.

*All DK & Kdg. students will attend from 8:00-11:20 on Oct. 31^st. (K Plus =8:00-1:00) 

Pumpkin Race – Sunday, Oct. 28 from 1:00-6:30 p.m. at Manhattan Beach Pier. This great event which was started by PK’s own Holliday family has now gone city-wide. In addition to the entertaining and highly competitive races, there will be food, game booths, etc. Come out and enjoy this unique family event.

Candy at School – In the aftermath of Halloween parties and/or trick-or-treating, children may well have easy access to sweets. Our school policy forbids children from bringing candy to school. Please respect this policy.

PE Family Night – 5:00-5:45 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 8^th on the PK Field. “Coach” Theresa Tower invites students and parents to take part in this fun session of games and activities. Weather and sunlight permitting, we hope to conduct this entire event outdoors.  Rain will cancel this event.  Hope to see you there!

Volunteers – All volunteers must complete the necessary forms and submit proof of TB Skin test by the end of November. Forms are available at the PK Office or on our school website. Please understand that this MBUSD policy was instituted as a protection for your children.

 

       Exciting times lay ahead as the autumnal season shifts into high gear. Enjoy the fun and festivities of the upcoming weeks, and plan on attending the events here at Pennekamp and around our wonderful town. See you at the Pumpkin Race and Halloween Parade!     

Sincerely,                                  

Dale Keldrauk 

 

Clothing and Toy Drive – Our annual Clothing and Toy Drive is scheduled for November 5^th – 9^th, so don’t toss away those old clothes as you get ready for cooler weather. We will be collecting gently used adult, children and infant clothes, as well as toys and school supplies for our adopted school.  .More details to follow.  Volunteers are most welcome!  Contact Kim Friedman at jkefriedman@earthlink.net or Lisa O’Donoghue at lisacullenod@gmail.com with any questions. 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.

“Shopping for Students” fundraiser – Don’t forget to log in your receipts from the Manhattan Village Mall dated Sept. 1^st, 2007 through April 30^th , 2008.  Pennekamp earns five (5) points for every dollar spent at any store.  If you can’t make it to the mall, drop off your receipts in the PK office. Receipts will not be returned.  Contact Christine Dillon for more information at cdillon7466@aol.com.

Soccer Sign found – A Green Goblin soccer sign was found blown down from the fence that borders Peck Ave. near the playground.  The owner may pick it up in the Pennekamp office.

PTA “Reflections” – The theme this year is “I Can Make a Difference By…”  Students may submit an entry in any of the six areas, which include: Literature, Musical Composition, Photography, Visual Arts, Dance Choreography or Film/TV Production.  Submissions are due by Friday, November 16^th.  Registration forms are in the PK office.  For more information, please contact Marjie Block, hey.yall@verizon.net.

Music Notes – Our music teacher Ms. Jordan has created a school notes page to help teachers and parents keep informed about what their students are learning.   This page can be found at www.schoolnotes.com/90266/jjordan/html. Also, if you have any classroom instruments that are not being used and would like to donate them to our music program, please contact Ms. Jordan at jjordan@mbusd.org or drop them by the music room.  Thank you!

              

Important Dates

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

·          Wed. and Thurs. Oct. 24^th & 25^th – 4^th Grade GATE

·          Sun. Oct. 28^th – Pumpkin Race 1:00 p.m – 6:30 p.m. – Downtown MB

·          Tues. Oct. 30^th & Nov. 1^st – 5^th Grade GATE

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

·          Nov. 5^th – 9^{th –} Clothing and Toy Drive        

·          Thurs. Nov. 8^th – PE Family Night 5:00 – 5:45 p.m. – PK Field

·          Mon. Nov. 12^th – Veteran’s Day – No school

·          Nov. 19^th – 23^rd – Thanksgiving Break       

·          Tues. Nov. 27^th – Report Cards go home