The Brentwood Bulletin
Expectation of Excellence ~ Friday, November 21, 2014
A Message from the Principal...
As I reflect on the many things for which I am thankful, I want to take this opportunity to share just a few of them with you: I am thankful for our students who come to school every day ready to learn – you give us all a daily reminder of what is important and why we are here. I am thankful for the support of the parents in creating an outstanding partnership for our students. I am thankful for the teachers and support staff who really care about student achievement and have the best interests of our students at heart. I am also thankful our volunteers who enthusiastically contribute so much to our schools.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Ms Vamos
Students of the Week
Be the Change You Wish to See in the World
What is the true meaning of the word “volunteer”? Merriam-Webster defines it as someone who does work without getting paid to do it. That just doesn’t seem to "enough" of a definition to define the wonderful volunteers we have at Brentwood Elementary!
“Thank You” just doesn’t seem like enough when we think of how HUGE their devotion is to us. This week, as Thanksgiving looms on the horizon, we give THANKS to three of our veteran volunteers who have donated a combined 21 years of service to help organize activities, read and write with students, right down to wiping tears, giving congratulatory hugs, and tying shoes – all the while encouraging and teaching.
Many of our families here at Brentwood have had stories come home about how Mrs. Regester prepared the materials for 81 kindergarteners’ Thanksgiving crafts. And how Mrs. Hesson helped them finish a worksheet they were having trouble with before she planned and ran their holiday party on her own! And how Mrs. Shellenbarger’s face lit up when a child shared an accomplishment with her in Mrs. Kennedy’s class! They have touched countless children's lives throughout their volunteer years.
You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you GIVE.
-- Winston Churchill
Mrs. Doris Shellenbarger - 7 years faithful service
Mrs. Shellenbarger has been volunteering in Mrs. Kennedy's kindergarten classroom since it was housed at the Kindergarten Center and moved with her over to Brentwood 4 years ago! Mrs. Shellenbarger credits Mrs. Kennedy's "love and total dedication to teaching" as the reason she has continued coming back every year.
Mrs. Shellenbarger lives with her youngest daughter, granddaughter, and two great-grandchildren in Plainfield. Other family members are another daughter and son (her oldest son passed away in 1997) as well as two sisters in Georgia and California. Doris was born and raised in the Boston, Massachusetts area, has lived in Ohio, Tennessee, and New Hampshire before calling Indiana home 24 years ago!
Doris is a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts. She currently serves as the Girl Scouts' Plainfield Organizer, is on the Cookie Committee, is a trainer of Adult Girl Scouts, as well as a volunteer at Day Camp! WHEW! She enjoys crocheting baby hats for the hospital, afghans for friends, and she LOVE mystery novels - but nothing gory! Additional topics she enjoys reading are books on history or biographies. She is a member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church.
Doris misses the ocean and mountains in New England. She stays true to her roots by being an avid fan of ALL sports New England: the Boston Red Sox, the Boston Celtics, the Boston Bruins, and the New England Patriots (whilst living in Colts Country!). She also enjoys watching her great grandson play football.
When helping at stations years ago a boy asked Mrs. Shellenbarger if she was a grandma, to which she said yes, she was a grandma. He then shared with her how he had lost his grandma and wondered if she would be HIS grandma. She said, yes, of course. That little boy should be in 5th grade now and she still smiles as she recalls that day! "I really enjoy being with the young people and hope I make a positive impact on them and their lives." She says.
Mrs. Shellenbarger says that one thing that has changed in all the years since her children were in school that is good is the need for preschool and all-day kindergarten. "All the curriculum they teach now! It is so wonderful watching them (students) develop confidence when they know they can do something they thought they couldn't is amazing!" One thing she misses in the curriculum is cursive writing and she warns of the negatives of some technology: "I know technology can be an important educational tool, but I don't like to see people, especially young people, with their noses stuck to a screen of some sort. So much is lost when not having face-to-face conversations."
Mrs. Connie Regester - 6 years of faithful service
Mrs. Regester started volunteering in Mrs. Rogers' kindergarten class when her grandson was a student there. He moved on, however, she never did!
Connie has one daughter and three grandchildren. She has always called Indiana home, living in Sullivan, Terre Haute, and Indianapolis. The best vacation she recalls is when her parents took her and her 2 sisters and brother to Epcot center in Florida when it opened. Connie enjoys walking, spending time with her grandchildren, and helping people in any way she can.
Connie taught 2nd grade in the 1970s in a little school in Hall, Indiana. There were only 5 teachers in the school when she started, by the 3rd year it had doubled to 10 teachers. She remembers having a VERY long blackboard (with chalk!!!) and 7 bulletin boards that she ALWAYS kept full! "Even though I am no longer in the classroom, I am still a teacher at heart." says Connie.
One day last year Mrs. Regester walked into the Discovery Zone and a little girl said "I know you! You make the things we do. Thank you." It warmed my heart! One thing Mrs. Regester says that has changed in all the years since her children were in school that is good is the computer. It has brought about the greatest change for the children. Something she misses from today's curriculum is cursive writing. "I wish that it had not been eliminated," says Connie.
Mrs. Madalyn Hesson - 5 years faithful service
Mrs. Hesson started volunteering when she retired from teaching 8th grade math. Madalyn and her husband Larry have 3 children (Elise, Liane, and Brett) as well as 8 grandchildren who have all attended Brentwood Elementary School. Madalyn has always lived in Indiana. She has lived near Camby and Greenwood before calling Plainfield home in 1971. "Larry and I are IU sports fans, but our favorite teams are the ones our grandchildren play for!" They also enjoy their grandchildren's sports, music programs, academic teams, and robotics. Madalyn also enjoys reading and crocheting, especially blankets for babies.
Madalyn and her husband are avid travelers who have enjoyed many lovely trips together. When looking back on her years of volunteering she fondly remembers a day in Mrs. Kennedy's class when she interviewed children on their favorite song for a project. As expected children were naming popular songs, Christmas songs, etc... Finally, Jared Beasley, a budding pianist, answered, "Ode to Joy". Madalyn smiled and told him, "That's my favorite too." And it was the absolute truth!
Mrs. Hesson says that one thing that has changed in all the years since her children were in school that is good is that technology has changed many aspects of education. Children and families are able to more quickly communicate with teachers and able to track students' progress. Lessons are sometimes adjusted to individual needs and students can often work at different places and levels - even at home with a computer program. Information of all kinds is readily available anywhere: school, home, even in the car! A drawback she sees nowadays is, "sometimes it seems with the many opportunities for activities, families and children are so busy that children have little time to just be kids."
Mrs. Henry, Brentwood 2nd grade teacher writes, "Mrs. Hesson is wonderful! I have had the privilege of having 7 of her grandchildren! She spends countless hours helping the teachers and is absolutely wonderful with the students. She is so kind and patient with them and takes the time to make sure they understand the concepts we are working on in class!"
Mrs. Rogers, Kindergarten teacher says, "Basically our kindergarten program would look a lot different if it weren't for them. We are able to have materials organized and prepared for us so we can spend more time teaching. We appreciate all that they do for us and love them dearly. Thank you is not enough."
In closing Mrs. Shellenbarger says, “Thank you for letting me be a part of your lives. I hope to be able to do this for many more years.” To all three of these special ladies we here at Brentwood second that sentiment! We love you! You are at the heart of Brentwood!
Looking for Classified Ads for Bulletin Board
Thanks in advance for any assistance you can give us on this!
Third Grade Author Pens Book Series!!!
Drew says book one in his series is his favorite so far! Read his first book here : The Mysteries of Frankie and Buttercup #1: The Mystery of the Stolen Sphere.
Meet our Staff MVP of the Week ~ Mrs. Nakia Slone, 5th Grade Teacher
Our staff Most Valuable Player this week is Mrs. Nakia Slone a fifth grade teacher here at Brentwood! An interesting fact Mrs. Slone shared with me for this feature is that her name "Nakia" is a Hawaiian flower!
How long have you been a teacher? Mrs. Slone has been a teacher for 5 years.
Where did you grow up and go to school? I grew up in a small town called Olney, Illinois "Home of the White Squirrels"!
Tell me a little about your family and pets. I have been married for 17 years to my husband Kevin. He is an accountant for the State of Indiana and a varsity football coach at Plainfield High School. I have two daughters: Ashton-16, sophomore, Alyssa 14-8th Grade. I have a dog named Winnie and a cat named Gordo.
Mrs. Slone Favorites:
Color: Pink
Movie: Grease
Book: Anything written by Patricia CornwellMusic: all country
Restaurant: Texas Roadhouse
Candy: Anything Chocolate
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t teaching at Brentwood? I enjoy traveling with my family, watching my daughter, Ashton and her travel softball team play ,watching my husband coach high school football and work together with my daughter Alyssa on arts and crafts.
As an elementary school teacher and mother, what advice do you have for parents of school-aged children on how they can become involved in the education of their child? Always read to your child no matter how old they are. Make sure you are asking questions all the time about school and are always readily accessible to help or listen at any time. Always communicate with your child’s teacher with any questions or concerns you might have. It takes an army to raise children these days.
Some Fun Facts about Mrs. Slone:
I graduated from the University of Evansville as a registered nurse. Worked in the medical field for 3 years and decided that field wasn’t for me. Stayed at home to raise my girls until they started 1st grade. Then I went back to school at the age of 31 to get my teaching degree. Also, my daughter Ashton has verbally committed to play Division 1 college softball on an athletic scholarship at Miami University (OH) in 2017.
Mrs. Vanderbush, fellow fifth grade teacher says, "Mrs. Slone is an amazing teacher. She does everything with love, compassion, and with what is best for her students in mind. She is very dedicated and driven to be the best at what she does. She is a truly wonderful person. I am lucky to be on the fifth grade team with her.
"Nakia is a well liked teacher that always puts her students first. Nakia has high expectations for her students. She helps her students begin making the transition from elementary to middle school by encouraging organization and proper study habits." Mr. Osborne, fifth grade teacher says.
After-School Four Square Club (4th & 5th Grade Students)
The purpose of these clubs is to give students an additional opportunity to be active and participate in organzied games, sports or physical skills. All 4th and 5th grade students have a goal of being active for 60 minutes every day and this club can help! Students have participated in Four Square during physical education classes so every student should be familiar with the rules.
The Four Square Club will take place on Wednesdays. Students stay after school and need to be picked up by a parent at 4:30. Parents should park outside the gym doors to pick them up. Students who are walkers may walk home with parent's permission. If you are unable to pick your child up promptly at 4:30 please do not sign your child up for this activity.
Dates of Club:
December 3rd
December 10th
December 17th (Last Day)
Please contact Mrs. Eakes with any additional questions!
4th & 5th Grade Students at Brentwood Participating in the Play 60 Challenge
Play 60 Challenge Week 3 top minutes:
Fifth Grade Kristi Kress with 1690 minutes
Fourth Grade Alyssa Rinehart 1290 minutes
Great job Girls!
The Play 60 Challenge is up and running. For the next 6 weeks all 4th and 5th grade students are required to keep track of their physical activity minutes on the tracking paper being sent home each Friday. The previous week activity log is due on Monday with a parent's signature. If for some reason the original paper is lost please create your own. Mrs. Eakes is posting the completed minutes in the gym. Your goal is 60 minutes of physical activity each day or 420 minutes each week. Even if you do not meet your daily or weekly goal of active minutes your parent signed tracking sheet is due each Monday.
**The Play 60 Challenge is part of your physical education grade for the second nine week grading period.**
2nd Annual Harlem Wizards Extravaganza
Contact Rochelle in the office at Brentwood for more information!
Tri Kappa Gingerbread Christmas Craft Show
Date: Saturday, December 6th from 9:00 a.m. - 3 p.m
$3 admission (proceeds to charity)
A limited menu is served throughout the day & strollers are welcome!
A Hometown Holiday at Hummel Park
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2014 -- 12:00-4:00 pm
- Free Prizes
- Train Rides
- Pony Rides
- Photos with Santa
- Face Painting
- Story Time with Mrs. Claus
- Crafts
- Cookies & Cocoa
- Much, Much More!!!
Visit www.hummelpark.net for more information!
Major Saver Cards back at Brentwood!
Brentwood's October Value of the Month Student ~ Chandler Suprano
Congratulations Candler!
November & December at a Glance
1st Grade Fancy Nancy Literacy Night
November 27 – 28, 2014
Thanksgiving Vacation
Monday, Dec. 8th
Harlem Wizards vs. Plainfield Renegades
Friday, Dec. 12th
PTO Staff Lunch
Monday, Dec. 15th
Hot Box Pizza Fundraiser Night
Wednesday, Dec. 17th
Kindergarten Field trip to the Children's Museum
Thursday, Dec. 18th
End of 2nd Grading Period
Last Student Day
December 19, 2014 - January 4, 2015
Christmas Break
Our Student Council THANKS YOU!!!
Email: rbarker@plainfield.k12.in.us
2015-2016 Board & other PTO Positions Avialable
Board positions - including our PTO President position!
Grade Reps - Find classroom parents for Fall & Valentine parties, Send home PTO grade-specific info periodically, attend monthly 1 hour long meetings, help organize grade specific auctioned theme basket for Carnival.
Market Day Rep - Oversee Market Day flyer distribution, orders, pick-ups
Box Top Rep - Collect box tops, trim box tops, send out box tops, track box tops
Please email Andi Solero if you have any questions!
Helpful Information
Tardy Bell - 8:40 a.m. (Students must be in classroom when bell rings)
Dismissal Bell - 3:40 p.m.
11:00 - 11:30 - 2nd & 3rd Grade Lunch
11:35 - 12:05 - 4th & 5th Grade Lunch
12:10 - 12:45 - K & 1st Grade Lunch
With colder weather upon us we just wanted to remind you that if your child is late to school an adult DOES still need to accompany them into the office to sign them in. Please do not send them in unaccompanied.
Email: rclark@plainfield.k12.in.us
Website: http://www.plainfield.k12.in.us/bw
Location: 1630 West Oliver Avenue, Plainfield, IN 46168, United States
Phone: 317-839-4802
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Brentwood-Elementary-PTO-Plainfield-IN/117589201654914?fref=ts
Twitter: @bwquakers
Childrens' Sports Info
Girls Winter League Basketball (Grades 2nd - 6th)
Registration Options (Location - Plainfield High School Fieldhouse):
- Wed. Nov. 19th (5:30-7 p.m.) ALL GRADES (2nd - 6th)
- Thurs. Nov. 20th (5:30-6:30 p.m.) Grades 2nd, 3rd & 4th
- Thurs. Nov. 20th (6:30-7:30 p.m.) Grades 5th & 6th
For more information please contact Coach Curt Benge at 317-839-7711 or by email.
Volunteer News & Information:
- Volunteer Background Agreement
- Volunteer Confidentiality Agreement (ask at front office the first time you come in to volunteer)
- Read & understand our Emergency Procedures Handout (ask for your copy at the front office)
- Read & understand our "Facts about Bullying" handout (ask for your copy at the front office)
Some guidelines to follow when volunteering at Brentwood (please refer to our handbook for more):
- You may only take photos of your own child. Photos may not be taken of friends or other students and should NEVER be posted on social media sources without the consent of the classroom teacher and the other parents.
- You should avoid taking or making phone calls while supervising students unless for an emergency or communication is needed on a field trip.
- You should not bring other children along on a field trip.
- You must immediately report incidents or suspected incidents of bullying, physical, and/or verbal aggression to a teacher.
"Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer." ~Author Unknown
Join our PTO
If you would like more information please contact Andi or Rochelle!
Email: brentwoodpto@att.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Brentwood-Elementary-PTO-Plainfield-IN/117589201654914?fref=ts
Twitter: @bwquakersPTO
Transportation & Dismissal Info
All car riders arriving in the morning should be dropped off in our car rider lane NOT in our Visitor Parking lot. This ensures they are not crossing over any traffic. If you child is being dropped off late an adult must come into the office with them to sign them in.
If your child rides the bus to school and will be eating breakfast in the cafeteria please talk to them about going straight to the cafeteria to get their breakfast. This will give them the most time to eat a healthy breakfast possible.
Dismissal Changes:
- If you need to change your child's dismissal instructions the best way to do this is to send a signed note into your child's teacher.
- If this is impossible please call the office NO LATER THAN 3:00 p.m. to ensure the dismissal change gets to your child's teacher in a timely matter.
Transportation:
If you are permanently changing how your child goes home or if you move please notify our office at 317-839-4802, as well as Transportation at 317-838-3632, and submit a new Transportation Form to the office.
Email: rclark@plainfield.k12.in.us
Phone: 317-839-4802
PTO - Market Day Fundraiser
Order Pick-Up Dates:
12/2
1/13
2/10
3/10
4/14
5/12
6/9
Please contact our Market Day Representative, Kathleen @ 317-821-0613 for more information.