McNear PTA Newsletter
February 9, 2018
NEWSLETTER CHANGES
I know … the newsletter usually comes out on Sunday nights. After considering statistics on when emails are most likely to be viewed, as well as the purpose of our newsletter, we’ve settled on a new time/day: midmorning on Fridays.
That also means that if you want something to go in the newsletter, you need to inform me by Thursday at noon.
Another change with this newsletter is that people no longer have to opt in to get the newsletter. Rather, when families register at McNear their email addresses will be imported to our list and they will automatically receive a newsletter. Bonus!
THANK YOU!!
McNear Reads!
Last week when I thanked everyone who helped out with the kick-off breakfast for the schoolwide reading of Because of Winn Dixie, I neglected to give props to the bakeries that hooked us up with treats. So a huge McNear thank you goes to Bright Bear Bakery and CBC Café, which were totally amazing and should get the loudest shout, as well as to Della Fattoria and Karina's Mexican Bakery. Petaluma is blessed to have such wonderful options!
Project Gratitude
It’s an understatement to say that the fires that hit our area last fall were devastating. Homes were destroyed, people were displaced, jobs were affected, and we were all reminded how strong Mother Nature really is. In the face of that, our community stepped up to help those who needed it. In these divisive times, it was a wonderful moment of cohesiveness. And it was definitely an exercise in gratitude.
One way McNear helped our children process the fires was through Project Gratitude. Led by retired kindergarten teacher Margaret Potts, our kids wrote thank you letters to the first responders who came from far and wide to do battle with the fires. Margaret not only had this great idea, but she gathered a team of volunteers, brought in classroom facilitators to lead the letter writing, and did everything it took to get those letters in the mail and document the whole project. (The results of this team’s work can be seen in the Library. I seriously suggest you go check it out!)
Also a huge THANK YOU to all the people who made this happen. The classroom facilitators included Millie Green, Deborah DeMartini, Kathie Rose, Shelley Kincaid, Mary McBroom, Janet Hayes, Judy Sovel, Margaret Potts, Eva DeLucia-Zeltzer, and Theresa Paris. Anne Diggs helped create the mailing list and organized the envelope addressing (which was done by hand by 6th graders). Kellee Young created the map that kids put marks on to show where the letters went, and Theresa Paris created the letterhead for the letters and designed the side panels for the map (see the Library display). Mrs. Grossman’s donated stickers. Ian and Aaron Potts constructed the classroom mailbox and mailed the letters.
And the people who helped problem solve, did the leg work, listened, and planned included Lucy Medeiros, Loretta Kruusmagi, Kate Sheehy, O’Meara Cover, Jon Dole, Rocky Neilsen, Laura Bussey, Deborah DeMartini, Millie Green, Anne Diggs, Kellee Young, Theresa Paris, our McNear teachers, and our retired teachers. Sheila Garvey provided encouragement, expertise, and helped in every way.
And finally, thank you to all the students who wrote such heartfelt letters. You’ve made us proud!
FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES
Box Tops
Turn in those Box Tops! Just put all non-expired Box Tops in a baggie, write your child’s teacher’s name on the bag, and turn it in to the office or teacher. Easy Peasy! The final deadline for this school year is FEBRUARY 20.
Wish Benefit
Welcome to Camp McNear - Your 2018 Wish Benefit!
Spend an evening under the stars and in front of the campfire with us. This year's Wish Benefit will take place on Saturday, April 21 from 5-10pm at The Block. This is an adults-only event, so book your sitters!
A BIG thank you and welcome to all of our new Wish Benefit Committee members! We have TEN new faces on the committee this year and we are so excited to have them bring fresh, new ideas and energy to this event. It's not too late to join! We are very much IN NEED for a point person to plan the Live Auction. This role is a good fit for someone who is organized, detail-oriented, and fairly computer savvy. We have an experienced team of volunteers that will provide support for this person. If this sounds like a good fit for you, we would love your help! Please reach out to Sarah Shah at sarahbjohnson@gmail.com for more information. Lastly, did you know that the Wish Benefit Committee is not just for women? Men are welcome too ... so dads out there, don't be shy - jump on board!
WAYS TO HELP:
This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and it would not be possible without the support of our entire McNear Community. Here are ways you can contribute:
1. Source or Provide Auction Items - We are in need of donations both big and small. Think things like "experiences" (wine tour, rock climbing, cooking class etc) as well as physical items such as artwork, jewelry, sporting event tickets, gift certificates, etc. We are also searching for some "big ticket" items. Do you have a vacation home you'd be willing to donate for a weekend? Airline miles or points that are transferable? Access to a week at a local summer camp? The ideas are endless, and this event can't succeed without all the wonderful donations our community pulls together. For questions regarding donations, please contact Leslie Buerger at lesliebuerger@gmail.com.
2. Do you have a print shop connection? We are looking for help with covering or discounting the cost of our print materials. Please contact Carrie Messner at cemessner@gmail.com
3. Help Plan/Host a Buy-In Party - These events are hosted and sponsored by McNear families and participants can "buy in" at the event with the proceeds going to McNear. Examples of past events include the infamous Beer Fest, Moms Night, Wine Tasting, Poker Night, etc. Remember: An event can be hosted by multiple families, making the cost and planning more manageable. If you are interested in hosting one of these events or have an new idea for a Buy-In Party, please contact Leigh Felix at lfavret@gmail.com.
4. Coordinate or help with Class Projects. These are projects led by parent volunteer(s) that the entire class collaborates on and is sold at the silent auction. If this sounds like something that interests you—it is both fun and very rewarding—contact Nicole Pattison at nicolepattison@yahoo.com for more information.
Questions or Suggestions? Don't hesitate to reach out! Sarah Shah - sarahbjohnson@gmail.com
TREASURER'S REPORT
At our February PTA meeting, the association voted to buy all 3rd graders keyboards to use with their iPads. That’s $2500!
WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS WEEK
Lincoln’s Day Holiday
There will be NO SCHOOL on Monday, February 12 due to the holiday.
TB Testing
If you plan on volunteering at school, you need to complete a TB assessment. The next date offered is February 14 from 3-4pm at the District Office (200 Douglas St.). An assessment must be done every 4 years. If you aren’t sure what your current status is, please check in with Loretta in the office.
Garden Committee Meeting
There will be a Garden Committee meeting on February 15 from 3-4pm at the garden shed area. We will be discussing exciting topics including:
1. Updates in main garden area: installing new sink and food prep area; seating platform on bed 11
2. Irrigation updates & plans for pumpkin patch area and front habitat garden
3. School garden grown produce into cafeteria movement possibilities
4. Earth Day
5. Garden Classes begin March 5th!! Learn how you can come help!
Plus much, much more!! Please join us and spread the word!
WHAT'S COMING UP
Drink & Donate
Save the date! On February 18 The Block is sponsoring a fundraising event for McNear. The fun starts at 4pm and continues until they close. See you there!
Washington’s Day Holiday
There will be NO SCHOOL on Monday, February 19 due to the holiday.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
They’re coming up! Students will be released early February 26-March 2. Not all students will have conferences. TK and K will be released at 11:45 every day; grades 1-3 will be released at 1:30pm every day except Wednesday (which is at 12:35pm); and grades 4-6 will be released at 1:40pm every day except Wednesday (which is at 12:40pm).
PTA Meeting
The March meeting will be on Monday, March 5 at 6:30pm in the Library. Childcare will be provided in the Multipurpose Room.
CONTACT ME!
Please feel free to contact me anytime with questions or comments. To submit an event or announcement to the weekly newsletter, please contact me by Thursday at 12pm.
Korren Farkas
PTA President
mcnearpta@gmail.com