Dear Pennekamp Families,

            It has been said that cats have nine lives. If we humans possessed this proverbial longevity attributed our feline friends, I assuredly would devote several of my lives to the pursuits of reading and writing. Particularly during these cool winter months, there is nothing quite like hunkering down in a warm, comfortable spot and getting lost in a captivating book, or unleashing one’s creative juices in coining our own prose or verse.

            This week we are very fortunate to once again celebrate the joys of reading and writing during our annual Authors’ Week, an event that is unique to Pennekamp. This year, our Author-in-Residence is Michael Wright, author/illustrator of the currently popular children’s book Jake Stays Awake and the soon-to-be-released Jake Starts in School. If our author’s name sounds familiar to you, it is because he is the parent of three former Pennekamp students. In addition, Michael and his wife Cheryl coordinated PK’s Talent Show for many years.

In addition to being a talented author and illustrator, Michael is also an engaging speaker. Yesterday he regaled students from all grade levels, K-5^th, during entertaining assemblies in our Cafetorium. Also, he will also be conducting “Meetings with the Author” in our Library for each individual class at the school throughout the week.

This year we are again fortunate to have the services of Karol Hoeffner-Shrodes, who will be teaching her always-well-received “Screenwriters’ Workshop” to our 5^th grade classes. Karol is a published screenwriter, who like Michael, is also a former PK parent. In years past, students have won awards for their screenwriting pieces that were generated during Karol’s workshops.

Mystery Readers, a traditional Authors’ Week favorite, are once again weaving their magic this year. Throughout the week, parents and other supportive adults are visiting classes dressed in costume to read their favorite children’s stories to spellbound children. So don’t be alarmed if you visit the campus and see some of your otherwise-dignified friends and neighbors on campus wearing outlandish garb. It’s all part of the culture and charm of Authors’ Week.

As if all these activities aren’t enough, upper grade students will be performing “Poetry Breaks” in which they dash into classrooms unannounced, read their favorite poems, and dash out as quickly as they came.

                As you can see, we are well on our way to having another successful Authors’ Week here at Pennekamp. We owe a big debt of gratitude to all Authors’ Week participants, as well as to Shirley Ritter who has very skillfully orchestrated this weeklong event, and to Stacia Costa, our erstwhile Library-Media Specialist, who has been so supportive of this venture. Also a big “Thank You” to the Pennekamp PTA and to all whose generous donations make this event possible every year.

                 Now as the finishing touches are added to this missive, I find myself reflecting upon the fact that the active, stimulating processes of writing and reading are so much more rewarding than passively staring at the tube. As the final words are penned (actually pecked on a keyboard), I eagerly await my next venture of curling up in my favorite chair with my cat Billy Bob on my lap, breaking out an enthralling novel and getting swept away in the wonderful world of words until falling into a gentle slumber. I encourage you to do the same. Yes, life is good – all nine of them!

 

                                                            Happy Reading,

                                                            Dale Keldrauk      

 

Valentine’s Day – is Thursday, February 14^th.  As you know, adults and kids look forward to it. Valentine’s Day is not one of our two-PTA sponsored class parties, and as such, we will not be providing food items. We do recognize this holiday, and teachers may undertake classroom activities to celebrate it. If they choose to do so, students may bring in Valentine Cards to give to classmates, provided that they give them to all classmates in order to avoid hurt feelings. Cards only – no candy!

Waiting-on-Playground Issue – Many parents come to school to pick up 1^st-3^rd grade children at 2:15 p.m. and then go the playground after school. We welcome parents to do so, provided that they monitor children carefully while school is still in session until 2:45 for Kpm, 4^th and 5^th grades. Please be respectful of classes still in session and of our EDP program, by making sure your kids are near you and not disturbing school activities.      

Silent Auction & Parent Party – 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. We are also accepting basket donations in the office as well. 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. Ticket forms are also available in the main office.  Please contact us for questions or donations: Shannon Coyle (310) 941-1988, shannoncoyle1638@msn.com or Zena Cronyn (310) 766-6857, zcronyn@gmail.com 
Silent Auction Class Basket Donation List   Parent Party Ticket Order Form

STAR Winter Classes – The STAR Winter enrichment classes have begun. The classes will be more exciting than ever!  Although many of the classes are filled there is still space available in the following: Eco Station, Leg Building, Kinder Spanish, Art, Woodworking, Science, We Play Pokemon, Soccer, Martial Arts and Literacy.  We have added a new Jazz/Hip-Hop class on Thursdays to replace gymnastics.  Our Spring session brochure will be coming out mid March.  Please contact Beverly Powell, STAR Director at (310) 877-9047 or by email at  pennekampstar@hotmail.com for class information.    

Green Ideas – Create a Trash-Free Lunch – L.A. County throws away enough trash every day to fill Dodger Stadium.  This amounts to 45,000 – 50,000 tons per day.  Packing children’s lunches using reusable food and drink containers can save a lot of trash from ending up in our landfills.  Check out www.laptolunches.com     and www.reusablebags.com for earth-friendly ideas. Please contact Heather Spadone for any questions or suggestions you may have at teamspadone@yahoo.com. 
PK Go Green Info  Go Green Shopping Bag and Water Bottle Order Form 

Daffodil Days – February 5^th – February 15^th marks the return of this annual fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.  Please join our Pennekamp community by ordering this first flower of Spring to support lifesaving patient services, educational programs and research that provides hope for a world free from cancer. Orders will be taken in February and delivered in March.  Please contact Tracie Haber with questions at (310) 374-5561. 
Daffodil Days Order Form 

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.

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.  
Parent Workshop with David Ghoogasian Information 

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 new 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.

Many Thanks – Thank you Pennekamp families for all of the love and support we have received during this difficult time.  It will not be soon forgotten.  Lynn, Jeff and Alex Burr

IMPORTANT DATES

·          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

·          Wed. & Thurs. Feb. 6^th and 7^th - 5^th Grade GATE

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

·          Tues. Feb. 12^th – MBUSD Parent Education session – “Emotional Intelligence”, 6:00 pm. – 8:30 pm. at the Grand View School Performing Arts Center

·          Feb. 18^th – 22^nd – Mid-Winter Break – No School

·          Wed. Feb 27^th – Registration packets for 2008-2009 available in PK office

·          Fri. – Feb. 29^th – 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Pk Talent Show at MCHS Auditorium

·          Wed. March 5^th – Kindergarten registration begins.