March 18, 2008

Dear Pennekamp Families,

            In like a lion – Out like a lamb! So goes the old adage about the month of March. While originally coined in reference to astrological signs (Leo and Aries), it is often used to describe the weather pattern that accompanies the mid-month seasonal change. The coming of Vernal Equinox this Thursday, officially demarcates the end of winter and the beginning of spring. All around Pennekamp, one can readily see that spring has sprung, as evidenced by the profusion of colorful flowers beginning to bloom, as well as the appearance of green leaves on the many sycamore trees that grace our campus.

            Historically the coming of spring has held the connotation of reawakening or rebirth, from both a seasonal and human spirit perspective. Much like Old Man Winter shaking the last vestiges of slumber from his body and waking up refreshed, the pulse of the community seems to quicken and folks seem re-energized and ready to tackle new things. Nowhere is this more evident than in the school setting.

            It is very evident that Spring Fever has arrived at Pennekamp. Throughout the school, one can see a palpable increase in the level of energy. Much like the seasonally-driven rejuvenation of the landscape, a natural re-energizing seems to occur in children this time of year. Certainly the warmer weather and longer days play a part in it, but it may also be fueled by the realization that we are now into the final trimester of the school year. Regardless of the causal factors, the outward manifestations are unmistakable. Spring is definitely in the air! Our task as educators and parents is to continue to channel the children’s newly-awakened energies into productive endeavors.  

            The month of March is certainly an eventful time at school. New student registration for 2008-08 began two weeks ago, and our kindergarten numbers are looking healthy for next year. Report cards for the 2^nd Trimester, which were sent home last week, acknowledged the outstanding scholastic achievements of our students. Last Friday’s highly successful Pennekamp Parent Party showcased the incredible school spirit, camaraderie and generosity of our community. Yesterday was quite an eventful day, as children and adults got into the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day by dawning green attire, and partaking in exciting classroom activities, such as younger students setting leprechaun traps. This morning, we had a great turn-out for a 2008-09 Kindergarten Parent Orientation meeting.  We also have a number of classroom field trips, performances, and interesting classroom activities taking place this month.

In the upcoming weeks of spring, we have many more school events which we can look forward to with anticipation. Please take note of the following activities and announcements. 

School Holiday - March 21^st – Enjoy the day off this Friday!

Pride Day Rescheduled – New Date: Saturday, May 10^th (was March 29^th)

Science Fair – The 2^nd annual PK Science Fair is coming! Our 4^th and 5^th grade students will once again have the opportunity to participate. On Monday, March 24^th, students will receive information on this worthwhile venture. The Science Fair is scheduled for Wednesday, June 4^th in Room 25, with projects also being on display for Open House the following evening.

Parent Basketball Tournament – Saturday, March 29^th, MBMS Gym – Game times listed in next week’s Green Sheet. Kids are encouraged to come out to root on the PK Dragon dads in this fundraiser.

PK Blood Drive – Wednesday, April 2^nd – More information to follow. 

Pennekamp Jogathon – Wednesday, April 3^rd. This is one of our biggest fundraisers. Look for information in the Tuesday Envelope. 
Jogathon Pledge Sheet

Spring Break – April 7-11 – It’s only three weeks away!

 

Sincerely,

Dale Keldrauk

 

 

 Instrumental Music Mini Concerts – On Monday, March 31^st, our instrumental music students will be performing mini concerts throughout the school day.  Parents are invited to attend these informal concerts which will showcase our strings, recorders and band students. The concerts will be in the Pennekamp Cafetorium and will last about 35 minutes each. The schedule is as follows:  8:20 a.m. = 3^rd gr. recorders and strings (Hooper, Moreno) /  9:00 a.m.= 3^rd gr. recorders and strings (Horowitz, Hunt) /  10:30 a.m. =  4^th gr. strings and band /  12:50 p.m. =  5^th gr. strings and band.  Please contact Ms. Johnson at BandisFun.com or Mr. Mollick at mbstrings@gmail.com with any questions.

Green Ideas – Shop Locally- An Iowa State University study found that people who switched to buying 10% of their produce from local sources produced 5 -17 times less CO2 overall than if they had purchased non-local items. Most conventional foods travel an average of 1,500 miles before ending up on your plate.  Buying in your own backyard saves energy and supports the local economy.  Some Farmer’s Markets in the area include: El Segundo = Main Street – Thursdays 3 - 7, Hermosa = Clark Field on Valley Dr. – Fridays 12 - 4, Manhattan Beach = Morningside and 13^th St. – Tuesdays 12 - 4, Redondo Beach = Veteran’s Park – Thursdays 8 - 1, Torrance = Wilson Park – Thursdays & Saturdays 8 – 1.  Take your kids on a fun field trip and visit a local farm or farmer’s market by checking out http://localharvest.org/ You can even try growing some produce of your own. Even better!

Talent Show DVD’s for sale! – Did you miss the show or want to have a keepsake of your talented student that you will treasure forever? We have many DVDs available!  Download the order form through the PK website or contact Karen Cavallo at cavallo5@verizon.net. Talent Show DVD Order Form

Scrip News – Our March Madness contest is here!  Help your child earn free ice cream on Ice Cream Friday!  We will track each order for the entire month of March, and the class that buys the most scrip will earn a free ice cream. The teacher of that class will also receive dinner and movie tickets.  Let’s help our school!  Your children and their teachers could also benefit!  Thank you so much for supporting the scrip program.  If you have any questions, please contact Christy Mancilla at (310) 679-2093. 
Scrip Order Form

Camp and Vacation Expo – Saturday, March 22.  Stop by MBMS and see more than 50 camps and programs available to help you plan for summer vacation.  Programs include sports, art, science, reading, music and more. There will be prizes, food, entertainment and a silent auction.  Admission is free! 
Camp and Vacation Expo Information

Asthma Education Program – We are pleased to announce that the American Lung Association is hosting an asthma education program for 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th  grades at no charge to MBUSD students.  The program “Open Airways for Schools” is conducted in six sessions of about 40 minutes each. Each session includes written communication with parents.  If you are interested and have not received a letter, please contact District Nurse Colleen Egan RN (ext.6525) or Tami Simmons RN (ext. 6520) for more information.

Box Top Winners – Congratulations to Mrs. Cannon’s and Mrs. Schepis’s classrooms for turning in the most box tops for the month of February.  Each class won an ice cream party!  Keep saving those box tops. Each one is worth 10 cents!  If you have any questions or would like to help with this fundraiser next year, please contact Patricia Koester at (310) 318-1259

IMPORTANT DATES

·          Tues., March 18^th – Kindergarten Parent Orientation for 2008-2009 at 9 a.m. Pennekamp cafeteria

·          Wed., & Thurs. March 19^th and 20^th – 4^th grade GATE

·          Fri., March 21^st – Local Holiday / No school

·          Tues., March 25^th – 1^st gr. field trip to Santa Monica City College Planetarium 8:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

·          Wed., March 26^th – Room 29 (4^th) field trip to American Pride, Long Beach 8:15 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

·          Thurs., March 27^th – Room 31 (4^th) field trip to American Pride, Long Beach 8:15 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

·          Fri., March 28^th – Room 27 (4^th) field trip to American Pride, Long Beach 8:15 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

·          Sat., March 29^th - MBAF Parent Basketball Tournament at MBMS gym –schedule forthcoming

·          Mon., March 31^st – Kdg. field trip to El Camino 9:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

·          Mon., March 31^st - Instrumental Mini Concerts – Pennekamp Cafeteria, 8:20 a.m. = (Hooper, Moreno) / 9 a.m.  = (Horowitz, Hunt) / 10:30 a.m. = all 4^th grade /  12:50 p.m. all = 5^th grade

·          Wed., April 2^nd – PK Blood Drive – More information to follow

·          Thurs., April 3^rd – Jogathon – 10:00 a.m. PK Field