McNear PTA Newsletter
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MASC (McNear Art and Science Center) Update
Here's an update from the MASC committee on all of the great stuff happening in the program, including site improvements and upcoming events! The MASC program was generously funded by parent pledges at our last two Wish Benefit events. Here are your contributions in action:
MASC Space
- LCD Screen, sounds system, and flexible tables/seating are being installed this month to create a more seamless connection between the standard teacher classroom, and the MASC Center.
- Contractors from the school district will be completing finishing touches on the construction of the space, including securing of cabinets, placement of additional whiteboards, and remaining aesthetic touchups.
MASC Usage
- Teacher professional development was delivered for in the Fall, and will be repeated in a tailored fashion in the spring related to the use of STEM materials acquired from last year's PEF grant.
- Art Docent lessons are transitioning into the MASC space to leverage the additional materials and resources present, as well as familiarize teachers with the space.
- The McNear Robotics Team (Year long after school enrichment course), is in the middle of its second season, with practices every Tuesday, from 4pm-5pm. 15 members deep (grades 4th-6th), the team has its first competition against McKinley's 7th-8th team on Tuesday, 12/11, from 4pm-6pm in the MASC and Multi. McKinley's team members will also serve as mentors for the younger McNear team members, with this event kicking off this invaluable relationship and partnership between our two schools.
- Art Club is hoping to launch again during the winter and spring ASE sessions with expanded offerings and additional classes, instructors, and curriculum.
- Winter ASE will feature a new course to the MASC center: Fashion Illustration taught by McNear parent, Rose Poulson.
- Science Olympiad will be offered again this year in the MASC during the winter and/or spring ASE session by parent Jay Roberts.
MASC Initiatives
- The MASC Committee was formed from interested members of the McNear Community.
- The MASC Committee is in the process of developing a catalog of MASC Lessons (Lessons that Integrate Art and Science) aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards, that parents could partner with teachers to facilitate during the school day. Lessons leverage the various expertise of committee members. The program will be modeled after the Art Docent program. A prototype of the catalog is complete and Ramsey Musallam will be meeting with McNear administration to facilitate next steps and share with teachers for implementation.
- Members of the MASC committee, in collaboration with teachers and administration, are looking into programs and teacher development to integrate Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) into the classroom curriculum, and initiatives that emerge from the MASC Center.
PTA Funds School Literacy Efforts
En la reunión de la PTA del lunes, la asociación votó para poner $ 10,000 para la compra de libros de lectura temprana para estudiantes de Kindergarten y Primer Grado. La asociación escuchó una presentación del Comité de Alfabetización en noviembre con una solicitud para financiar estas colecciones de salones de clase, con el objetivo de mejorar el acceso a una amplia variedad de estos importantes libros de lectores antiguos y emergentes.
Jingle Bell Jog
El jueves, 20 de diciembre, sacaremos las ondulaciones antes de las vacaciones de invierno con una pequeña celebración antes de la escuela llamada The Jingle Bell Jog. Haga que su hijo llegue al campus a las 8 am, se reúna en la parte superior negra para atar un cascabel a su zapato y correr una vuelta alrededor del patio de recreo. Los participantes recibirán una pequeña golosina y una bebida caliente antes de ir a clase. Se anima a los padres a unirse a la diversión.
Staff Parking Lot Reminder
Un recordatorio amistoso, el estacionamiento trasero está estrictamente designado como estacionamiento del personal solo durante el horario escolar. No se le permite dejar a su estudiante en el círculo por el área de la bicicleta. Conducir en el estacionamiento trasero durante las horas escolares es un problema de seguridad, ya que los niños deben poder viajar con seguridad en el estacionamiento y guardar sus bicicletas. Utilice los lugares de entrega designados en la parte delantera de la escuela o solo en el cruce peatonal de McNear Park. ¡Gracias!
McNear 5th & 6th grade Chorus and Band Winter Music Share
There will be two separate music performances in the multi at McNear School on:
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Chorus Winter Share 9:30 - 9:55 am
Band Winter Share 11:00 - 11:30 am
The McNear fifth and sixth grade music students are looking forward to performing some fun songs and pieces for a student audience and the school community. Family and friends are also invited to attend. We are looking forward to seeing you there!
Habrá dos actuaciones musicales por separado en el multi en McNear School en:
Miércoles 12 de diciembre de 2018
Coro Winter Share 9:30 - 9:55 am
Banda de Invierno Compartir 11:00 - 11:30 am
Los estudiantes de música de quinto y sexto grado de McNear están ansiosos por interpretar algunas canciones y piezas divertidas para el público estudiantil y la comunidad escolar. Los familiares y amigos también están invitados a asistir. ¡Esperamos verte allí!
2019-20 McNear Elementary School Registration Info:
It is that time of year! The 2019-2020 priority registration window will be open November 26, 2018 through February 26, 2019. This year Petaluma City Schools has a new online registration process. Visit here to start enrolling new students for next year: https://petalumacityschools.schoolmint.net/signup.
Note: this is only for students new to our school for the upcoming year such as new kindergarteners, younger siblings, students wishing to transfer from other schools etc. Students already in school at McNear are all set.
Please encourage interested friends and families to sign up for a school tour by calling the office. Additional information about our school and the registration process, including registration packets, will be provided during each school tour. If you would like to pick up a registration packet early, or are not attending a tour, you may pick up a packet from our office.
Upcoming Tour Dates:
1-6 Monday December 19 8:45-9:45AM
TK/K Thursday December 13 8:45-9:45AM
TK/K Tuesday December 18 8:45-9:45AM
TK/K Thursday January 10 8:45-9:45AM
1-6 Monday December 19 8:45-9:45AM
TK/K Thursday December 13 8:45-9:45AM
TK/K Tuesday December 18 8:45-9:45AM
TK/K Thursday January 10 8:45-9:45AM
Upcoming Events
Jingle Bell Jog - Thursday 12/20, 8-8:30am
Early Release - 12/21, 12pm
Winter Break - 12/24-1/7
School Resumes - Tuesday, 1/8