Dear Pennekamp Families,

              As of the time of the issuance of this missive, we are down to the final seven days of the school year. Yes, in just over a week, PK students and staff members will be bidding adieu to the 2007-08 school year, and will be heading off into Summer Break. We truly are down to the final stretch of what has been another banner year at Pennekamp.

            Open House on Thursday of last week was a fitting testimonial to the achievements of Pennekamp students over the course of the 9½ months since the school year commenced in late August of last year. It was certainly a festive evening as both students and parents came in droves, even on the very night that the Lakers launched into the NBA finals. One could readily sense the feeling of pride on the part of parents and teachers as they celebrated the students’ accomplishments and reflected upon the numerous good times that were had over the course of these many months. An atmosphere of festivity and friendship permeated the entire event.

            This morning we had a big turn-out for our annual Volunteer Recognition Tea. We truly appreciate the talents and hard work of the hundreds of parents who unselfishly logged over 30,000 hours of volunteer service to our school this year. Your efforts have greatly enhanced the educational experience for Pennekamp children. 

            Over these last seven school days we will take the opportunity to celebrate the close of the school year, and to enjoy some end-of-the-year activities and festivities. Tomorrow all students from DK through 5^th grade will be treated to a fascinating “Animals Assembly”, compliments of the STAR Education EcoStation in Culver City. They will be bringing out an array of exotic creatures that are guaranteed to regale and fascinate the children. Tomorrow evening will be the STAR Extravaganza, which features a pot-luck dinner and a showcase of STAR Education’s enrichment classes. Students who participated in STAR classes and their parents are cordially invited to attend.

            On Friday of this week, we will be having our final Flag Ceremonies of the year. We will be commemorating Flag Day (Saturday, June 14^th) and recognizing students who have earned Character Counts awards for ”Leadership” during the months of May and June. On Friday we will also be distributing 2007-08 Pennekamp Yearbooks. That afternoon we will be having the always-entertaining 2^nd grade mall from 12:45-1:20 and the much-anticipated 5^th Grade Party from 3:00-5:30 p.m. on the PK field.  Parents are invited to attend both of these events.

This coming Saturday features two district-wide fund-raising events. PK parent, Ross Kay, has organized the 3^rd annual Parent Softball Tournament in which the proceeds will be donated to the Manhattan Beach Athletic Foundation to benefit our schools. Games will be played at Marine Fields starting at 2:00 p.m., preceded by a Home Run Contest at 1:30 p.m. PK’s first game will be at 3:00 p.m. Each MBUSD school will field a team and play at least two games. Come out and support the PK Dragon team which will be composed of parents, as well as Mr. Ahrens, Mr. Warner and Mr. Keldrauk. It promises to be a fun-filled event. Students who come out to support the event will receive Gold Cards. Also that evening, the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation’s Wine Auction, an annual gala event, will be taking place at the Manhattan Beach Country Club.

            Enjoy these final days of the school year. Come  to school and join in the festivities. It is a great way to show your support for the schools and children of our wonderful community. 

 

 Sincerely,

Dale E. Keldrauk

                      

Many Thanks from the Office Staff - There are not enough words to express our feelings of gratitude toward our Pennekamp parents. Your kindness and generosity are truly amazing.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Pennekamp Yearbooks – Great news…the long awaited yearbooks are at the printer as we speak and are expected to arrive this Friday. There are still a few left.  Another order form will be in this week’s Tuesday Envelope.  Don’t miss out! Yearbooks will be delivered to your child’s class in plenty of time to get autographs from teachers and friends.  For questions, please contact Sue Grubman at suegrubman@roadrunner.com or Tiffany King at tippy.king@mac.com.   
Pennekamp Yearbook Order Form

STAR  -   Due to the revised Kdg. schedules last week, Thursday and Friday Kdg. STAR classes will be rescheduled for this Thursday, June 12^th and Friday, June 13^th at regular class times.  Come see PK’s rising STARS at the Spring Safari Extravaganza on Wed., June 11^th from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. in the PK cafetorium.  Enjoy a potluck dinner, dance performances, band performances and displays.  Don’t miss out on this STAR-studded event. Contact Beverly Powell for more information at (310) 877-9047.

Camp VIP – Camp enrollment is in full swing.  Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enroll your children in high-quality enrichment activities this summer.  There are unique classes to ease the transition to 6^th grade.  Why not try Getting Ready for Middle School or Sixth Grade Summer Book Club?  Both classes are taught by MBMS teachers or advisors.  Another exciting option is MBPD Leadership Academy taught by our own school resource officer, Stephanie Martin.  For more information, go to the website at mbathleticfoundation.org or contact Nancy Rosenberg at (310) 376-6115.    
Camp VIP Website                    

MBUSD Summer Enrichment Camp – EDP Camps will be held this year on the Pacific and Pennekamp campuses.  All South Bay residents are invited to join us for some outrageous summer fun! Campers from Kdg. – 8^th grade can register for any or all of the nine, one-week sessions.  Please contact Becky Hausken at (310) 318-7345 ext. 5840 with any questions.
MBUSD EDP Camp Information

Tune Up Your Bicycles – The 47^th Chevron Manhattan Beach Grand Prix and community races are here again on Sunday, June 29^th!  Watch your local paper for sign-in locations before race day or sign up that day at Live Oak Park beginning at 11 a.m.  For information contact the Little Gym at (310) 370-2100 or Ted’s Cycles at (310) 370-2100.

Just A Reminder – Please remember while on your travels this summer, to keep our country clean and litter free.  Please keep up your recycling efforts and try to conserve water and energy as much as possible. Thanks for your support this year.  It means the world to all of us.  The Go-Green Committee

 

IMPORTANT DATES

·          Wed., June 11^th - Eco-Station Assembly –  9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Pennekamp Cafeteria

·          Thurs., June 12^th – PTA meeting and Social 6:30 p.m.

·          Fri., June 13^th – Flag Ceremonies – 9:00 a.m. – 4^th & 5^th grades   10:00 a.m. 1^st – 3^rd grades

·          Fri., June 13^th – 5^th Grade Promotion Party – 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

·          Sat., June 14^th – MBAF Parent Softball Tournament at Marine Fields – 1:30 p.m. Homerun Contest/Games 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

·          Sat., June 14^th – MBEF Wine Auction – Sold Out!

·          June 19^th – Last day of school – Minimum day

·          June 19^th – 5^th Grade Promotion Ceremony -  11:00 a.m. –  12:15 p.m. -  Pennekamp Cafeteria

·          June 23^rd – July 19^th – Summer School

 

Looking Ahead

·          Tues., Aug. 26^th – 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. DK/K Social

·          Tues., Aug. 26^th – DK, Kdg. and 1^st   grade Back to School Night

·          Wed., Aug. 27^th – First day of school 08-09