News You Can Use
June 19, 2022
Another year is rapidly coming to a close, and I want to personally say THANK YOU to our volunteers and members. Our PTA went above and beyond this year, making an indelible mark on the lives of our children and in our community. Each and every member of the PTA should be incredibly proud of our accomplishments.
While I hope everyone enjoys a relaxing summer, the RES PTA is moving full steam ahead. Our volunteers will be gearing up for Kindergarten playgroups and back-to-school night, organizing and planning our many programs for the upcoming year, brainstorming new programs and initiatives, and fundraising, among many other activities all summer long. We lay a lot of the groundwork for the upcoming year over the summer, and this summer will be no different.
On that note, WE NEED YOU! Our growth and success depend on our volunteers, and we can never have too many. No prior experience is necessary and there is room for everyone to contribute, whether it be talent, passion, energy, or simply time. If you are interested in learning more about volunteering with the RES PTA, please send an email us at respta4kids@gmail.com.
We also want to say congratulations to our fourth graders - we are so proud of you!
We hope you have a wonderful Father’s Day and enjoy your summer with family and friends - see you next year!
Tara Patrick
Welcome 2022-2023 PTA Board
Elections held on June 8, 2022 unanimously elected your PTA Board 2022-2023.
- President – Tara Patrick
- Secretary – Kristi Kearney
- Treasurer -- Jordan Funk
- VP Membership -- Regina Leahy
- VP Fundraising -- Carla Rothberg
- VP Programs -- Meredith Ahlberg
- VP Communications -- Allison Taylor
Report Cards
June Is Pride Month!
RES PTA believes our school should be a safe, supportive and respectful environment for all students. Media Specialist, Sarah Peronace, put together some amazing titles in support of inclusion.
June is PRIDE MONTH.
- The Best Man by Richard Peck - Upper Level Fiction
- What Was Stonewall? - Nonfiction
- Sewing the Rainbow by Gilbert Baker - Nonfiction
- I'm a Girl by Yasmeen Ismail - Picture Book
- Sparkle Boy by Leslea Newman - Picture Book
Mark Twain Library is celebrating Pride Month with reading suggestions and events -- click here to learn more
Click here to read about National PTA Advocacy and the LGBTQ Community
Our Diversity and Inclusion Committee is always looking for new members to share ideas and get involved in school enrichment. Contact Traci Greenberg for more information (tracijgreenberg@gmail.com)
End of Year Teacher, Bus Driver, Staff Member Thank You
Class by class, many parents choose to band together and share a thank you with teachers and staff for the year.
For those who love to create art from home, here's a great free card to color for your teachers and write a special note from the heart.
Redding Social Services Programs — Sign Up Today!
Everyone Deserves Access to Healthy Food
Healthy foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, can be difficult to access due to many barriers including cost, convenience, and availability. Sponsored by the United Way, the Healthy Savings Program offers substantial discounts at the grocery store that help shoppers with limited budgets increase their purchasing power and put more fresh, nutritious food on their tables.
Healthy Savings members can shop with dignity and make their own choices at the grocery store. Shoppers can easily purchase more vegetables, fruits, and other healthy food items for themselves and their families. Older adults on fixed incomes can buy fresh foods that support better health and quality of life.
How the Program Works:
- With a Healthy Savings card or the mobile app, shoppers receive $10 of free fresh produce per week. No minimum purchase or match required!
- Shoppers can also save up to $50 per week (or even more) on pre-qualified healthy food staples, such as lean meats, milk, bread, eggs, yogurt, cheese, beans, and more.
- Shoppers must shop at participating grocery stores. For a list of stores, click here.
To sign up, click here or anywhere on the picture below. For questions or more information, please reach out to Angelica Fontanez (afontanez@townofreddingct.org).
Kindergartener Summer Play Group
Swim Over For Summer Fun At The Mark Twain Library!
FIRST DAY SCHOOL SUPPLIES!
Order next year's school supplies - NOW! Easy, convenient and exactly what your student needs, straight from their teacher's class list. Avoid the rush, the crush and - possibly - supply chain shortages! Order now, and cross it off your summer "To Do" list! Supplies arrive two weeks before school starts. And always free shipping on all orders!
Click here (or anywhere on the picture on the left) to access the RES supply lists by grade (K through 4).
From The National PTA:
Gun Violence: We Are Well Beyond Enough is Enough
- This month, National PTA President Anna King spoke out about the recent and ongoing gun violence in our schools, and about the urgent need to take action. Everyone needs to come together to be there for our nation’s students. Read her blog and join us in urging Congress to take action on commonsense gun reform measures. Over 12,000 messages have already been sent from PTA leaders and advocates!
Announcing the PTA 125th Anniversary Congressional Resolution
- Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) have recently introduced a congressional resolution recognizing families as essential partners in their children’s education, encouraging the input of parents and families in policy decisions, and honoring the historical and continuing impact of PTAs on the occasion of our association’s 125th anniversary! Take action to encourage your member of Congress to cosponsor this resolution and thank Senator Coons and Senator Tillis for championing this effort.
Advocacy Tip of the Month
- For most of August, members of Congress are in their home state or district and available to meet with their constituents. Now is a great time to schedule a meeting or site visit in August with your member of Congress to showcase your school or PTA and highlight PTA’s priorities and what is important to families in your community. Check out more great tips!
A special RES PTA "Thank You":
- Thank you to the talented Rob Mars for designing the 2022 Field Day shirts and Laura Verses for coordinating the printing and distribution of over 500 shirts, separated by grade, color and size.
- A special thank you to the outgoing board of officers without whom the PTA would simply not accomplish over 45 events annually! Cheers to a summer of rest -- Amy Whittle, Heather Hopkins, Stephanie Ortegon, Seana Bedard, Tara Patrick and Lisa Macdonald.
- Thank you to the certified and non-certified staff, every administrator, assistance, manager, technology liaison, custodian, lunch personnel and all staff members. You have navigated our school through the tumultuous waters of the 2021-2022 School Year to a place of growth, learning and respect.
- Thank you to Alexis Gerbracht and Laura Markisz for organizing the Kindergartner Summer Playgroups.
Third Grade -- Yearbook & Fourth Grade Song
- Calling 3rd grade parents / grandparents / guardians! We need parents to coordinate and oversee the yearbook and song for the 2022-2023 rising class. Now is the best time to learn from the experienced teams and work begins right in September 2023. It's a wonderful process working with professionals to complete, and it's fully funded by PTA fundraising efforts. Email: respta4kids@gmail.com if you want to get involved!
Kindergarten Playgroup Organizer (August, 2022)
- We’re looking for a volunteer to organize our incoming Kindergarten play group during the month of August at RES. It would require 2-3 hours of volunteer time. Please reach out if you’re interested or would like additional information.
Join The RES PTA
The RES PTA is a community that aims to make life better for every elementary student. We invite you to join us, either by becoming a member or by volunteering to help out with the work we do (or, hopefully, both!) Your membership supports our mission by funding school enrichment activities, staff grants and community engagement, as well as keeps you in the know about all the events we host throughout the year!
-Angela Caes & Meredith Schuchard
Co-Presidents
Questions? respta4kids@gmail.com
2021/2022 RES PTA Membership Rates
$25 Family Membership | $10 Faculty Membership
For more information on how to join, go to:
RESCTPTA.MEMBERSHIPTOOLKIT.COM
or simply scan the QR code below to get started with your membership!
- Tuesday, June 21: Grade 4 Stepping Up Ceremony 9:30a - Redding Community Center
Tuesday, June 21: Report Cards accessible via PowerSchool (12:00 noon)
- LAST DAY OF SCHOOL - Tuesday, June 21st (K-4 12:50 pm Early Dismissal, Preschool 12:15 pm)