Arcado PTA January News
connecting parents, students and teachers
Please Support Arcado's Fundriaser! The Bookfit Bowl!
Every year we depend on successful fundraisers to provide funds necessary to continue offering the best educational opportunities for Arcado students. Financial needs of the school cannot only be met with the current school budget. Because the PTA's fundraisers do not generate the same amounts as it did in the past, the school has needed to host its own fundraiser. If you have any awesome fundraising ideas, please consider volunteering your time with the PTA fundraising committee. Ms Young has agreed to answer the following questions regarding the Bookfit Bowl.
Why are we having a school fundraiser and why do we use a fundraising company to host school fundraiser?Each school year, schools across the country partner with fundraising companies to host fundraising events. The partnership between the school and the company benefits both. The faculty and staff at schools have an academic focus and count on fundraising companies to provide the framework to host successful fundraising events. It is their business and they have an effective business plan that promotes school spirit and monetary reward for the school. In addition, I respect that you as parents are busy with your day to day lives while supporting your student's learning that asking you to take on the task of planning and
executing a fundraiser would be too much.
Why the Bookfit Bowl? There is a plethora of fundraising companies out there that offer different types of fundraising events. The Arcado school staff intentionally selected a company with an academic focus. First and foremost, The BookFit Bowl focuses students' attention on increasing their time reading for enjoyment. Secondly, the bowl's intention is to raise money for school initiatives. School fundraisers allow school staff to select and promote a school initiative. Without school fundraisers we would not be able to supplement the core materials provided through tax payer dollars with school initiatives like classroom libraries.
Why classroom libraries?
Books, books, books! What school community would not want their students to have more books in the classroom. Books are the tools needed for reading and reading is the vehicle for learning. Each classroom will receive a class set of quality fiction and non fiction books. These books become the property of the school and will remain at
Arcado Elementary School.
What about parents that are not in favor of fundraising companies?
I understand that some people are not in favor of school's partnering with fundraising companies. Please keep in mind the school staff could not host such a fundraiser without it impacting the quality of instruction. We must focus our planning and work time on teaching and learning. As your principal, I know that you do not want school staff to take time away for teaching and learning to run a fundraiser.
Boosterthon does all the work for us!!!
The students are excited about raising money for their school! Part of fundraising is helping your student realize the great impact they can have on their school. Support your student's excitement and pride for Arcado!!! Parents shared with me how excited their children were to call family members and ask for a donation. They were also excited to tell the family member that they were reading more during the BookFit Bowl.
EXCITING NEWS ----- As of Monday, January 11 we have reached 77% of our
$15,000 goal. WOW!!! Arcado Pandas Are AWESOME!!!
Box Tops already brought in over $1200 this school year!
Clip Box Tops coupons from hundreds of participating products found in your local grocery store and send them to your school. Your school earns 10ยข for each Box Top redeemed.
2016 Box Top Prizes
25 Box Tops= Ice Cream Coupon, 75 Box Tops=Chick-Fil-A ice cream coupon, 150 Box Tops= 'No Homework' Pass(not good on projects), 250 Box Tops= Lunch with a Staff Member, 400 Box Tops=Pass to earn a pizza party and gift card.
Send in your Box Tops in groups of 25, and we will keep a total. Prizes are announced and given out 1-2 times a month. Your name and teachers name should clearly be marked on your bag or envelope. Expired Box Tops do not count.
Smencils for Sale Soon!!!
Smencils are No. 2 scented pencils made completely from recycled newspapers. They come in awesome scents like root beer, grape soda, watermelon, cotton candy, and more. These high-quality products have a scent that lasts for up to two years, and children love to collect the various designs and scents. We will be selling Smencils on Tuesdays starting in February for a $1.
The funds raised will go towards Teachers Appreciation.
Arcado's 20th Annual Fun Run Needs Volunteers!
Ms Penny Palmer Young, Your Principal!
What was your first job? My first teaching position was a Special Education Teacher. I taught part time at both Hopkins & Rebecca Minor Elementary Schools.
How long have you been a principal at Arcado? This is my 8th year as a principal. My 6th year at Arcado.
Who or what inspired you to become an educator?
I was 7 years old when I decided I wanted to become a teacher. My parents were good friends with a couple in our neighborhood. The couple had 2 year
old twins that would play with my sister, who was also 2 at the time. One of the twins has Down Syndrome. I loved "teaching" him. He inspired me to love all children no matter ability or disability.
If you were not an educator, what would you be?
Good question...I cannot imagine working in another profession. Honestly!!!
What is your personal motto or favorite quote?
What are your hobbies?
I am a sports enthusiast! I love attending my niece and nephews sporting
events!! I enjoy reading, traveling to new places, spending time with family and friends and going to the beach.
What book are you reading now?
Start With Why by Simon Sinek
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Favorites:
Book: All books written by Nicholas Sparks
TV Show: Scandal
Childhood Cartoon: The Muppets
Atlanta Restaurant: PF Changs
College Sports Team: Georgia Southern University Eagles
Color: Green
Children's Book: Oh, The Places You Will Go by Dr. Seuss
Falcons or Braves? Both--- love both sports
Mountains or Beach? BEACH
Meet Ms Young's new puppy, Paris Claire!
My children told me that you recently got a puppy? Yes, I did get a puppy in December. She is a pure breed Shih Tzu. I named her Paris Claire. She is precious!!! Last Friday, she came to school with me. I introduced her to the children on the morning announcements.
What message would you most like to share with Arcado parents and students?
Serving as your principal is truly a blessing in my life! Your children are such great people and I love seeing them everyday! I challenge them to
learn something new each day. Be open to learning from others is such an important quality to have in life. The teachers and staff here at Arcado are truly passionate about teaching and learning. They work so hard to
provide a rigorous curriculum with engaging instructional activities aligned to quality assessment. Teamwork is critical for student achievement and success. Parents, we cannot do it without you! Thank you for supporting Arcado. Truly, Arcado is a very special place!!!