Tiger Times

Central-Emerson School and PTA Newsletter

Central-Emerson Community: A Safe, Caring Place to Learn, Grow and Make Friends

February 2011

Craig Church, Principal Emerson Elementary Main Office: (360) 563-7150 Attendance Line: (360) 563-7156

Heidi Rothgeb, Principal Central Primary Center Main Office: (360) 563-4600 Attendance Line: (360) 563-4602

PRINCIPALS MESSAGE
Dear Central-Emerson families, Happy February! We can hardly believe that the year is at the midway point. Our semester ended at the end of January and report cards are sent home the first week of February. We wanted to remind you of a change that was made regarding grading periods and reports about student learning. All grade levels (elementary and secondary) have two report card grading periods. The first is at the end of the first semester, and the other at the end of the school year. Mid-term conferences and progress reports between families and teachers will be held in October and March. This change makes student grading and reporting consistent across all grade levels. Families and students are an active part of the reporting process. Today we have better tools for communicating with families, and teachers have better tools for recording and monitoring student learning. As always, families are encouraged to communicate directly with their students teachers as particular concerns arise throughout the year. Both Central and Emerson hosted Family Nights in January. Centrals Family Learning Night on January 11th was a spaghetti dinner for families with Literacybased games to play and take home. Emerson had a Pajama Reading Night on January 13th. A guest author addressed the group and there was time for reading together and refreshments. These nights are a great way to spend an evening with your children in our schools and give parents a chance to see and learn more about our programs. We hope you were able to make it and look forward to hosting more Family Nights before the school year ends. As we start to plan for the spring one thing that comes up is PTA elections for next year. We are so very grateful for the work of all our past officers, and want to extend an invitation for others to join in. Our PTA works solely for the purpose of supporting our students and our schools. It is a fun group who enjoys working together and we encourage you to consider joining us. There are opportunities for involvement at all levels. Come to a meeting or talk with a member about how you can make a contribution to your childs PTA. Thanks for your consideration. Warm regards,

Sincerely, Heidi and Craig

The Snohomish School District has agreed that this information can be distributed through its schools. The District does not, however, assume sponsorship of, or responsibility for, the actual content of any of the activities offered. Parents have the right to request information on the professional qualifications of their student's classroom teachers.

PTA
Central-Emerson PTA Corner
Central-Emerson Community: A Safe, Caring Place to Learn, Grow and Make Friends

February 2011

Danielle Thompson, Judy Nolan Co-Presidents Central-Emerson PTA

Join The PTA Now! We need members now more than ever!

Its your childs school in your community. You are directly connected to your childs school, giving you insight into what is happening. You are part of a national organization that has a proven record of advocating for the education and well-being of EVERY child. To join today, please contact Jolyn Grant (360) 563-2707 JolynGrant@frontier.com

Next PTA Board Meetings:

Board Meeting: February 9, 9:00 a.m. Emerson General Meeting: February 9, 6:30 p.m. Emerson

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Please contact Sue Lutz at: sue.lutz@frontier.com

Thank you to everyone that has turned in box tops so far this year. We received our first check for this school year and it was for $832! We are $68 away from our goal for the year and I know we can reach it! The next submission date is February 28th, so keep clipping! Make sure and send any Box Tops into your child's school by February 22nd, so we can count and ship them. As for Campbells Labels for Education, we submitted 10,629 labels. We have surpassed our goal of 4,500! The schools will be able to redeem those points for some great equipment that will benefit our children. We are only 1,489 label away from earning 2,203 bonus labels! Thank you for taking the time to save Campbells Labels for Education & Box Tops!

Visit us on Facebook Central Primary-Emerson Elementary PTA

Thank you to Upper Case Books for their donation to our 2nd Grade Family Learning Night. Uppercase Books & Collectables
611 - 2nd St Suite L Snohomish, Washington 98290

Central-Emerson School News

Purchase your Yearbook Now thru February 9th
The Central & Emerson yearbook will be combined as in the past and will be in color. We have several dedicated parents busily working on the yearbook. The yearbooks may be purchased for $13 each if ordered by Wednesday, February 9th. Our yearbook order is based on the number of pre-orders, so to be sure that you receive a copy please order early. A limited number of yearbooks will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the end of the school year. Please make checks payable to your schools ASB (Central Primary ASB or Emerson Elementary ASB). Cash is welcome, but please send the exact amount since we are unable to make change. Additional envelopes are available in the office.

Snow & Ice ~ School Closure Information

When winter arrives, the possibility of school closure or a two hour delay in starting time due to weather or road conditions must be considered. In the event closure or change in starting time is necessary, radio station KRKO, (1380 AM) and KING, KIRO, KOMO radio and TV will be requested to make announcements between 5:30 AM and 8:00 PM. Information is also posted on the Public School Emergency Communication System website at www.psecs.wednet.edu or www.schoolreport.org and on the Snohomish School District website at www.sno.wednet.edu . IF THERE IS A 2 HOUR LATE START ALL PRESCHOOL AND ECEAP CLASSES WILL BE CANCELLED. The All Day Kindergarten classes will follow the two hour delayed schedule. Unless you hear an announcement to the contrary, Snohomish schools are open, and buses are operating as close to a normal schedule as possible. *Limited Transportation for Central and Emerson means the following transportation changes: 1. Lord Hill E Lord Hill Pick up and drop off on Snohomish-Monroe Hwy 2. Nevers Rd Pick up and drop off on Short School Rd 3. 127th Ave - Pick up and drop off on Snohomish-Monroe Hwy Treosti Turn Around Pick up and drop off on Short School Rd

We've discovered a terrific way to raise funds for our school. It's super-easy, and all you have to do is use your Target Visa, Target Card or Target Check Card. We will receive a percentage of the amount of each purchase in the form of a cash donation from Target through the Take Charge of Education program. It's easy. Just visit target.com/tcoe, or call 1-800-3166142 to designate our school. So if you're shopping Target anyway, please consider designating Central Primary Center or Emerson as your school of choice. Big thanks to those who are already doing their part to make a great school even better. Grandparents, alumni, neighbors and friends can take part, too. (School ID 106555) Central Primary (School ID 106556) Emerson

Central-Emerson News Continued... Get Free Tax Preparation and E-filing for Fast Returns
United Way is offering free tax preparation and e-filing for a fast refund to help more low- to moderate-income individuals and families claim tax refunds and credits. Certified volunteers will prepare and e-file simple tax returns. All information is strictly confidential. No appointment necessary. Call 425374-5500 or 2-1-1 and ask for a Free Tax Site near you. Although no one will be turned away because of income level, the primary purpose is to help low- and moderate-income working families claim federal tax credits they may not even know they qualify for, said Deborah Squires, United Way spokesperson. One such creditthe Earned Income Tax Creditcan be worth up to $4,824 cash back for eligible families with children. The Earned Income Tax credit has been credited with lifting more children out of poverty than any other federal program. Even individuals and families who dont earn enough to have to file a claim may receive money back, but only if they file. It is estimated that as much as $10 million in Earned Income Tax credits goes unclaimed each year in Snohomish County alone. Last year, over 87 percent of families who received the credit spent it on items such as food, housing, utilities and health care. That promises a huge potential to increase families ability to afford the basic needs for themselves, and positively impacts the local economy by of bringing federal dollars into the community. Tax clients need to bring: A valid picture ID W-2 forms and 1099s showing all income Social Security cards(s) OR Individual Tax Payer Identification Numbers (ITIN) for you, your spouse, children and other dependents Bank account information for a direct deposit or tax returna copy of a valid check (a bank account is not needed to get a refund) Only basic individual taxes are prepared: no businesses and no rental income. United Way has volunteers who speak a number of languages.

Need help? Want to help? Dial 2-1-1.

2-1-1 is the telephone number that connects you to health and human services in our community. Looking for help with rent assistance, job training, food, shelter, affordable housing options, or support groups for yourself or children? These are just some of the hundreds of social services 2-1-1 can help you access. Want to volunteer or give items? 2-1-1 has the answer. Whether you are looking to find help or give it, when you call 2-1-1, you reach a trained call specialist who can connect you to the right source.

Central Primary School News

Heidi Rothgeb, Principal Laura DeMinter & Tammy Johnson, Secretaries Main Office: 360-563-4600 / Attendance Line: 360-563-4602

Central Primary Center Information:

School Times:

8:05 Breakfast is available 8:10 Book Club opens 8:20 Classrooms open to students 8:30 Class begins and students arriving after 8:30 will be considered tardy 3:10 Classes dismiss

Dress for the weather Parents, please help make sure your student comes to school dressed appropriately for the weather.
Is your child too sick to attend school?
Please keep your child home if they have: A fever of 100 or greater. Your child should stay home for 24 hours after the fever is gone and is symptom free. An earache, sore throat, red-burning-itchy eyes, green or yellow drainage from the nose, or a persistent, productive cough. Sleepiness or lack of interest in playing, eating, or participating in typically enjoyable activities. Diarrhea or vomiting (especially if more than once) within 24 hours of the start of the school day. Again please follow the 24 hr symptom free rule. Thorough HAND WASHING is the first line of preventing the spread of disease. Remembering also to cover a cough with an arm not the hand, and keeping the hands away from the face. Any child returning to school after an illness should be able to participate in all normal school activities, including recess.

Informacion para padres de habla Hispana. Juanita Stafford, interprete del Distrito Escolar de Snohomish esta disponible para ayudar a padres de habla Hispana que tienen hijos que asisten a la escuela Central para contester preguntas, interpretar, informacion, recursos, o alguana otra cosa. Para mas informacion llame a 568 563-4600 los miercoles de las 8:00-10:00 A.M. Estoy en la cafeteria los miercoles por la manana , y despues en la oficina.

Central Primary News Continued... A Change In Your Students After School Plans
Please plan ahead and send a note in the morning with your student. If plans change during the day, please call the office as early as possible so we can make sure the teacher and the student are notified in time to make the right connection.

The attendance line number is (360) 563-4602. Upcoming Calendar Dates:

February 2011 Feb 3 Feb. 17 Feb. 18-21 March 2011 Mar 1 Mar 2 Mar 9 Mar 17 Mar 28-April 1 Apr 4- 8 Report Cards come home in Thursday Folders 100th Day Mid Winter Break

7 pm Kindergarten Concert Dr. Seuss Day Class Pictures 9-10:30 am Principals Coffee 7 pm 1st Grade Concert Conference Week/Early Dismissal @ 11:40 all week Spring Break

****Calling all Watch Dogs****

We have lots of open days for Watch Dogs to sign up and spend the day at school with us. Our Watch Dog volunteers make a very positive impact on our school community. If you have a volunteer clearance on file (they are good for two years) just call Tammy at 360-563-4600 to schedule the day you would like to come. If you have not signed up before, call us and we can get a packet right out to you. We look forward to having you at Central and the students absolutely LOVE having a Watch Dog on campus. We hope to see you soon!

Kindergarten Registration

Kindergarten registration for the 2011-2012 school year will held Monday-Thursday, March 28th 31st in our school office from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. We will also be open Monday and Tuesday evenings, March 28th and 29th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM for registration. To be eligible to begin Kindergarten, your child must be 5 years old by midnight August 31, 2011. When registering, please bring your students birth certificate (we can make a copy for you), current immunization information, and proof of residency in Centrals attendance area (a utility bill, rental agreement, drivers license, etc.) and your new kindergartner. These documents are required before your Kindergartner can begin school in the Snohomish School District. Please share this information with friends and neighbors that have upcoming Kindergartners.

Emerson School News

Craig Church, Principal Michele Heim & Penny Kendrick, Secretaries Main Office: (360) 563-7150 / Attendance Line: (360)563-7156

Get Your Newsletter Online at: http://emerson.sno.wednet.edu/index.php/school-newsletters/

Emerson February Dates

Parent Night 17 Movie Night, 6:30 18-21 Mid-Winter Break
END OF DAY CHANGES? If you must contact us about bus passes or change in pick-up plans, please call the office at least a half hour before dismissal. We cannot guarantee your child will be notified of changes if you call later in the school day. Thanks for your help to make sure our students arrive home safely! Main Office Line: 360-563-7150

15

Healthy Snacks: Quick tips for parents

Healthy snack ideas

Ants on a log (celery with peanut butter and raisins) Fresh or canned fruit (in 100% juice, not syrup) with low-fat vanilla yogurt Whole grain crackers with low-fat cheese Frozen grapes (rinse and freeze grapes overnight) Whole wheat bread or apple slices with peanut butter Quesadillas (low-fat cheese on a whole-wheat tortilla) Unsalted pretzels or air-popped popcorn Baked tortilla chips and salsa Whole wheat pita bread with hummus Low-fat milk or water instead of sugary fruit drinks and soda Put fresh fruit in a bowl at eye-level in the refrigerator or on the kitchen counter. It will be easier for kids to see and grab.

On the go
Put dried fruits and nuts, fresh veggies, or fruit in small baggies. Pack some low-fat string cheese sticks.

Set the rules

Teach your kids to ask before they help themselves to snacks. Eat snacks at the table or in the kitchen, not in front of the TV. Serve snacks in a bowl. Dont let kids eat snack foods directly out of the bag or box.

Mrs. Stowells Strategies:

Using the internet for practicing reading and math at home. We are all aware that a child that reads at home does better at school. But what if you have a child that does not want to read at home? How can you get them reading? Hook them on reading on the computer.

Here are some free safe websites for reading on line: American Girl http://www.americangirl.com/fun/ Between the Lions http://pbskids.org/lions/storieshtml BookPals http://www.bookpals.net/storyline/ Cyperchase http://pbskids.org/cyberchase/how_started.html Good Sites for Kids http://www.goodsitesforkids.org/literacy.htm Harry Potter http://harrypotter.scholastic.com/ Im Ready http://www.starfall.com Kids Read http://www.kidsread.com/ My Hero http://myhero.com/home.asp National Geographic http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/ Seussville http://www.seussville.com Time for Kids http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/ Zoomplayhouse http://pbskids.org/zoom/activities/playhouse/
Does your child need practice in math but it is hard to get him/her to do any homework? Children are more engaged and interested when they are playing games and they associate math with positive feelings. So have your child practice math on the computer.

Free websites for math games on line: http://www.mathplayground.com/percent04.html http://www.oswego.org/ocsd-web/games/Mathmagician/mathsadd.html http://www.playkidsgames.com/games/mathfact/mathFact.htm http://www.mathplayground.com/ http://www.gamequarium.com/math.htm http://www.gamesgames.com/games/math/math.html http://www.math-play.com/Elementary-Math-Games.html http://www.dr-mikes-math-games-for-kids.com/online-math-games.html http://woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/Games/ http://www.primarygames.com/ Have fun reading and doing math!