McNear PTA Newsletter
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GREETINGS McNEAR FAMILIES
Thanks to everyone who reached out with words of support after the focus on volunteering in last week's newsletter. We are still short of help for the Wish Benefit, especially in the auction area, so to make it easier we've put together a Sign-Up Genius where you can indicate how you can help: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040f49a9a622a3fc1-wish
We have until the next PTA meeting in early February for the organizing committee to make enough progress to decide to move ahead with Wish.
It's the season of giving, so I'd like you to consider the most important gift: your time.
Neil
START SOMEWHERE
SOME THOUGHTS FROM A VOLUNTEER VETERAN
Last week when I read the PTA newsletter addressing our need for volunteers it made me think back to when I was a new parent at McNear. We had just moved from Oakland, my older son started the first grade and my little guy was only two and still took a long afternoon nap every day. I had never volunteered through a PTA before, and when I braved the first meeting of the year, I sat at the back of the room pretty feeling pretty intimidated by the parents of older kids who seemed to know how everything worked.
At that meeting they kept encouraging the newbies like me to take on a role, any role, just to get involved. I reluctantly put my hand up to help coordinate box-tops and e-Scrip donations, not a big job, but something. Seven years and several volunteer roles later, I’m now one of those old timers that knows how everything works. I even led those PTA meetings for a year.
I want to say to all the families of younger kids, to both moms and dads, just do it, start somewhere, put your hand up and volunteer. You’ll meet your best friends, you’ll be a part of the community, and in doing so you’ll also ensure that this school continues to be the incredible hub for creativity, opportunity and inclusiveness that drew you to it in the first place.
Heather Jennings, Former PTA Co-President
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ELDER'S DAY GRATITUDE
MORNING DROP OFF ROUTINES
Thank you for helping smooth transitions in the morning and ensuring student safety. It is wonderful to see so many families walking and rolling to school. If you use the drop off zone on Sunnyslope Avenue, please remember to pull forward before allowing your child to exit your vehicle. Our goal with the long drop off lane is to prevent a back-up of cars on Sunnyslope.
If you walk to school, it is always a good idea to make sure cars see you before crossing a street, even in a crosswalk. The front lot is closed to parking until after school starts.
The “G” St. parking lot is for staff parking, and is not to be used for student pick drop off or pick up. “G” St. is a great entrance for TK and Kinder families coming in to read in the mornings. Parking is available on the street. If you walk to campus via the “G” Street entrance, please make sure you use the sidewalk and do not walk through the parking lot. Thank you!
SCHOOL SITE & SAFETY PLANS
AMAZON SMILE REMINDER
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And Thank You!
UPCOMING PTA EVENTS
Winter Band & Chorus Music Share
Tuesday, Dec. 17th
9:30 AM - 9:55 AM Band
2:25 PM - 2:45 PM Chorus
Multi
Winter Fun Run
Friday, Dec. 20th
Winter Break
Monday, Dec. 23rd - Monday, Jan. 6th
Spring Performing Arts Auditions
Thursday, January 16th
Martin Luther King Jr Holiday - No School
Monday, Jan. 20th