McNear PTA Newsletter
stay connected
GREETINGS McNEAR FAMILIES
I spend a lot of time talking about parent engagement and volunteering, so this week I'd like to take a moment to highlight the work of one volunteer who has made an impact on every single McNear family. Early in the school year, Courtney Spears, mom of Claron (4th) and Angelina (5th), volunteered to help put together the PTA newsletter, and I think everyone can agree that she does a tremendous job. Each week she pulls together the numerous updates from all the different PTA programs, writes excellent copy, stays on top of all of the dates of upcoming school and PTA events and gets input from the Board and myself. She then makes it all look very smart using our email platform, as well as gets the whole email translated for our Spanish-speaking families, never missing our Friday morning deadline. She does all of this with a super-positive attitude that represents the best of McNear Falcon spirit. If you see her at school, please join me in thanking her for her efforts to keep the school community highly-informed.
See you at school,
Neil
ANNOUNCEMENTS
NOMINATING COMMITTEE MEETING
As briefly mentioned last week, we're required to vote on next year's PTA Board at the April meeting, which means we'll need to have nominees in place by then. The job of finding those nominees falls on a nominating committee of three people who meet early in the year to identify and recruit people for open roles. Without a nominating committee, roles will go unfilled, which next year will include the presidency. Without a president, the PTA will not be able to operate, since budget and spending approval can't happen.
Committee members will meet once, draw up a list of potential Board members and then meet with each of them,. The time commitment is very small. Committee members should be parents who have a good-sized network within the McNear community.
On a related note, if you feel like you might be a candidate for the President role, please email us at mcnearpta@gmail.com
WEST SIDE CHORUS FESTIVAL
We request that all 5th/6th chorus students complete and return the sheet.
CURRENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
The Wish Benefit is less than 100 days away, so it's time to start pulling together items for the live and silent auctions. Do you own or work in a business that can donate items, services or experiences? We're always looking for things like wine, jewelry, sports tickets, gift certificates, tours and more. Please reach out to Kennon Fleischmann with your donation ideas: kennonpyle@sbcglobal.net.
- Wish is still looking for someone to manage food and beverage and someone to step in to coordinate planning for the event. Find out more by emailing davidfelix@gmail.com and come to our next meeting on January 23rd at 8:00pm at TAPS.
- We would love to have volunteers help with Junior Art Club, a new ASE offering for TK and kindergarten, where we will be exploring a variety of materials including painting, drawing, sculpture and nature exploration. Classes will be held Wednesdays from 11:45-12:45 in the Masc Room. Dates are 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, and 2/19. Contact Catherine Sky at catrsky@gmail.com if you are interested!
- The Science Challenge team would very much appreciate volunteers each week to help with practices. Students work either in the MASC room or the Multi, where they hone their skills in events such as building catapults/towers/airplanes, or learning about nature, or playing science games like Jeopardy or Pictionary. Practices are on Mondays after school 1/13, 1/27, 2/3, 2/24, 3/3 (90 minutes each), and the main event is on Saturday March 7 in Rohnert Park. Contact Jay Roberts if you are interested in helping out (ljayr88@gmail.com).
Recess Renaissance in the past has been a great refuge for kids from the lunch recess to have a chance to explore art, dance and other activities. More information will follow but please contact Davidfelix@gmail.com if you are interested in facilitating recess renaissance.
SPRING PERFORMING ARTS - PETER PAN JR
If you still need to register, you may register online at: http://bit.ly/paspring20 or get paper forms in the office.
We are also looking for parents to join our team of directors, please let us know if you are interested in giving us a hand!
For more information contact Donnie Frank, Director, at 707-481-8384 or mcnearperformingarts@gmail.com.
UPCOMING PTA EVENTS
Martin Luther King Jr Holiday - No School
Monday, Jan. 20th
McNear Kindness Campaign Parent Education Night: Bullying Basics
Wednesday, Jan. 22nd from 6 PM - 8 PM
Kindergarten Classrooms
Wish Benefit Organizing Committee Meeting
Thursday, Jan. 23rd at 8 PM
TAPS
PTA Meeting
Monday, Feb. 3rd at 7 PM
Lincoln's Birthday - No School
Monday, Feb. 10th
Petaluma City Schools Westside Chorus Festival
Wednesday, Feb. 12th from 12 PM - 7 PM
Petaluma Junior High School Gym
Washington's Birthday - No School
Monday, Feb. 17th
Spring Parent Teacher Conferences - Early Dismissals
Monday, Feb. 24th - Friday, Feb. 28th