Pennekamp Families,

            Welcome back after yesterday's Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday. Hopefully you had a pleasant day, and took pause to acknowledge the significant contributions of this great American for whom the holiday is commemorative. You are all undoubtedly familiar with Dr. King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech. We all owe him a debt of gratitude for his vision and leadership in forging positive and peaceful social change.

            The months of January and February are noteworthy in terms of recognizing famous Americans who have placed their unique, indelible stamps on the fabric of our nation. In addition to this month's recognition of Dr. King, February demarcates the contributions of Presidents Lincoln and Washington vis-à-vis recognizing their birthdays as National Holidays. Not altogether coincidentally, all three of these historical figures are perhaps most renown as champions of human rights. At school, we endeavor to weave lessons and activities into the curriculum that help children to better understand the unique contributions of these individuals. Hopefully the children come away with a sense of appreciation for these great men that goes beyond merely appreciating having days off from school on their birthdays.

            Over the course of this week and the month of February, we have many noteworthy things occurring at Pennekamp. With your kind permission, I would like to mention these events, and share a few announcements.

Going Green – Last week we successfully initiated our campaign. During lunch and snack times kids are learning how to recycle and reuse items. Trashless Tuesday and Walking Wednesday both had great participation. Kudos to parents and kids for supporting our Going Green efforts!

Staff Appreciation Luncheon – You spoiled us once again last Thursday! A big “Thank You!” to 5^th grade parents for donating the delicious Chinese cuisine from Chong’s, the incredible homemade desserts, and the terrific door prizes. Thanks also to the parent volunteers who set up the luncheon and hosted the event impeccably.

Science Lab – What a great addition to our school! Students are enjoying the motivating, hands-on lessons presented by Mrs. Christina Ibrahim, our Science Specialist. Christina could use some volunteer help in the Lab. See the flyer in this week’s Tuesday Envelope.
Science Lab Calendar and Signup Form

Authors’ Week - At Pennekamp we are currently gearing up for Authors' Week, which runs from January 31^st – February 4^th. This weeklong celebration of reading and writing is unique to Pennekamp and has become an annual event for more than a decade. It promises to a fun-filled week that includes assemblies, classroom activities, mystery readers and poetry breaks.

Talent Show – Mark your calendars for Friday, February 29^th from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Mira Costa Auditorium. The Dress rehearsal will be from 3:00-6:00 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28^th  at MCHS Auditorium. The next rehearsals are at Pennekamp  Tuesday, Feb. 5th from 2:15-4:00 for K-3^rd grades, and Thursday, Feb. 7^th from 3:00 pm. – 5:00 pm. for 4^th & 5^th grades. If you have any questions, contact event coordinator, Gail Goldstein, at (310)376-1931.  

Ed Foundation Drive – The annual MBEF drive concludes at the end of January. We encourage all parents to donate to this worthwhile cause which benefits all MBUSD children. Donations give by the end of next week will count toward PK’s contribution in the drive.
MBEF Annual Appeal Participation at PK by Class as of 1/21

 

         As you can see, the remainder of January and the month February promise to be an eventful time. As always, we encourage parents to participate in school activities. Don't miss out on the fun!

Sincerely,  

Dale Keldrauk

 

5^th Grade Meet & Greet –There will be meet and greet session for parents of 5^th grade students at Pennekamp.  The presenters will be Beverly Rohrer, Superintendent, Carolyn Seaton, Executive Director of Educational Services, Amy Howorth, Board of Trustees, John Jackson, Principal, MBMS, Julie Ruisinger, Principal MCHS and Gail Currey, Parent, MBMS.  Please come with any questions you may have about the middle school or high school.  This meeting will take place on January 31^st, at 8:30 am. in the Pennekamp Cafetorium.  All  parents of 5^thh grade students are welcome to attend.

Silent Auction – On Friday, March 14, 2008, Pennekamp will host its annual Parent Party and Silent Auction.  In the past Pennekamp parents have been invaluable in making this event a success.  We need your help again this year!  If you work for a company that can donate goods, tickets or services, or if you can personally make a donation, we could use your help. Electronics, toys, apparel, travel, gift certificates, etc. are all appreciated. Donations can be placed in the Silent Auction box in the office. Remember all of the proceeds of this event go directly to the PTA in order to fund programs our children currently enjoy here at Pennekamp.  All donations are a charitable contribution to a 510(c)(3) organization and are tax deductible.  A donor form will be provided for tax purposes.  Please contact us for questions or donations: Shannon Coyle (310) 941-1988, shannoncoyle1638@msn.com or Zena Cronyn (310) 766-68577, zcronyn@gmail.com
Silent Auction Donations by Grade Level

Green Ideas – As Pennekamp gears up to “Get on Board, Go Green”’ we will be featuring weekly tips and information on how you can go green in your own home.  Our first “green” idea is about saving while shopping.  Did you know that scientists estimate it takes from 5,000 to 10,000 years for a plastic shopping bag to decompose?  One of the easiest ways to start saving our environment is to start using recyclable shopping bags.  Pennekamp will be selling reusable bags with the Pennekamp logo on ice cream Fridays.  Use them when you shop, wherever you shop.  If you have any questions or tips to share, fell free to contact Heather Spadone at teamspadone@yahoo.comm.  Happy Greening!
PK Go Green Information

Neptunian’s Annual Art Contest – This contest is open to children of all grade levels.  All work must be original.  Entries must be received by Wed. Feb. 13^th.  For more information, pick up an entry form in the main office.

Author’s Week – Volunteers are still needed to help with Author’s Week (Feb.4 – 8, 2008).  We need people to coordinate lunches for the authors, to help with Mystery Readers, etc.  If you can help out, please contact Shirley Ritter: at (310) 798-7932 or SCANDC@aol.com.
Mystery Reader Volunteer Form

Parent Workshop  We are pleased to announce that David Ghoogasian, expert in gifted and talented education, will be presenting his next parent workshop on Tuesday, February, 12, 2008 from 6:00 pm. – 8:30 pm. at the Grand View Performing Arts Center located at 2617 Bell Avenue.   Parents and teachers are encouraged to attend.  For more information please go to the District’s website at www.mbusd.org 
Information on David Ghoogasian's 'Emotional Intelligence' Presentation

Friday Ice Cream Update – We realize how much the kids (and parents) look forward to Friday Ice Cream!  We are planning on continuing the tradition, however, there will be some slight changes in what is being offered.  Based on the District’s mew Wellness Policy, we will be eliminating some of the usual choices (such as malts), but we will still offer several choices of cold treats.  We hope that everyone understands the nutritional changes that are being made are for the well-being of our kids.

Parent Party – The PTA needs empty baskets of all shapes and sizes for the silent auction at the Parent Party.  Please drop off baskets in the front office. Thank you.

Correction – The price of one Pennekamp Dragon shopping bag is $4.00 and 3 for $10.00.  Sorry for any confusion.

 

IMPORTANT DATES

·          Mon. Jan. 21^st – Martin Luther King Holiday – No School

·          Wed. Jan. 23^rd – Special Ed Task Force meeting 9:00 am District Office

·          Fri. Jan. 25^th – Assembly “Environmental Defenders”

·          Wed. Jan. 30^th – Board meeting District Office 6:30 pm

·          Thurs. Jan. 31^st – 9:00 am. 5^th  Grade Parent ‘Meet and Greet’ with Dr. Rohrer and MBUSD administrators Pennekamp Café

·          Wed. and Thurs. Jan. 30^th and 31^st- 4^th Grade GATE

·          Feb. 4^th – 8^th – Author’s Week

·          Tues. Feb 5^th – Talent Show Rehearsals K – 3^rd 2:15 pm. – 4:00 pm. Pennekamp Cafeteria

·          Thurs. Feb. 7^th – Talent Show Rehearsals  4^th & 5^th grades 3:00 pm. – 5:00 pm Pennekamp Cafeteria