the PENN NEWSLETTER
9/6/19
Teaching Mrs. Heffner Suminagashi,
Surprise!
Friends. Creating together.
Penn Pride: We have. We are. Together.
Together ...
Today I sat with a group of six 5th graders during their art class. They were all diligently working on their art project and chatting with each other. They were eager to tell me about how the installation of their individual pieces would all come together to create one masterpiece. Six kids who were at ease, laughing, and still concentrating. They were all new to me, but I would have never guessed that they hadn't grown up together since kindergarten. I learned, though, that these six students had attended 5 different schools last year and none of them had been at Penn!
I walked with a new, new student to class earlier this week. It was his first day. He was nervous about being in a new school and starting so many days after everyone else. We got to his classroom and we did introductions. I asked all the kids who were new at Penn this year to stand up. His grin was huge as 8 kids jumped up from their seats. And everyone shared a laugh. Two students pointed to an empty seat between them and said, "Come sit here, we've been saving this spot for you."
This is a unique year. Of course it has not all been easy or without complication, but we're all in this together. There are children, extending a welcoming greeting, offering friendship, learning and playing together throughout the school: at lunch, on the playground and in their classrooms!
Our PRIDE is growing!
MILEAGE CLUB
Mileage Club is a great, voluntary opportunity for kids to get moving during recess. We encourage them by punching their mileage club card every time they make a lap. This is why we need volunteers ... to punch the cards and encourage the children. Could you help?
The mileage club is held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday during lunch recess. Please take a look to see if you can help. Thank you!
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/9040b4badae28a57-penn1
SILENT AUCTION CLASSROOM DONATIONS REQUESTED
Hello Penn Families-
Penn PTO is gearing up for our largest fundraiser of the year – FUN NIGHT!
A large part of fundraising at Fun Night comes from the silent auction and raffle events. This is where we need your help in putting together baskets. Grade baskets are a very popular item, please help Penn PTO increase the fun of our silent auction by bringing an item for your student’s grade. Items may be sent with your child to the classroom or dropped off at the office.
PLEASE BRING ITEMS BY FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13th
K-2: Disney/Nick Jr, Superheroes, Hot Wheels, Barbie, Pet supplies/toys
Grades 3 & 4: arts & crafts, Harry Potter, Legos, Nerf (no guns), board games, puzzles
Grades 5 & 6: sports/sports teams, coding/robotics, Legos, science toys, grilling/cooking/baking items
We are always looking for experiences or unique ideas for the silent auction. Are you a talented baker or chef, a knitter or musician that would offer a lesson? Are you a woodworker, crafter or sewer that has a handmade item to offer? Do you have a business and would like to put together a themed gift basket? Does your neighborhood or family wish to sponsor a gift basket? We would love to hear from you!
Please contact our Amber Fraser, Fun Night Silent Auction and Raffle Chair directly at amberEmiller@gmail.com
We Look forward to seeing all our Penn Pride and their families at Fun Night on Friday, September 20th from 5:45-8pm for games, prizes, food and fun!
Who knew storm drains could be a source of pride?
PTO Catalog Fundraiser
Through these fundraisers PTO is able to provide Penn with special programs, field trip transportation, clubs, family nights, teacher requested materials, fun events, playground structures, iPads, chrome books and so much more!
Students will earn prizes for selling things, but we feel very strongly that students should not go door to door by themselves.
Thank you! Your support is very much appreciated.
Hello, this is Penn Elementary ....
Marge is another example of someone experiencing change this school year. She just transitioned into this position in August after working at Penn for 7 years in the library. However, she has been part of the Penn community for even longer since both her sons attended here.
Feel free to call with any questions or to let us know about your child's absence: 319-688-1150 or email hartman.marge@iowacityschools.org.
So, you might want to go on a field trip or volunteer at school ....
Do note, the link will take you to a page that looks like you're applying for a job in the ICCSD, but that is the right place to start the volunteer application. Thanks.
HEALTHY SNACKS
Some reminders about the the district wellness policy. You can read the policy and administrative guidelines at: https://www.iowacityschools.org/Page/1167
You can see the list(s) of examples of foods that are acceptable to share with other students for classroom celebrations or classroom snacks at: https://www.iowacityschools.org/Page/1165
A few things to remember:
1. All foods that are brought for classroom snacks, classroom celebrations, etc. must meet the Smart Snack Guidelines.
2. No home-baked foods for classroom celebrations or classroom snacks (to prevent exposure to food allergens).
3. Birthday treats must adhere to these guidelines or we won't be able to share them.
Looking Ahead
- FUN NIGHT: Friday, September 20, 5:45 - 8:00 pm
- PTO: Tuesday, October 1, 7pm