Picnic Point PTA
7.5.17

Fifth Grade Parents - take a look at the volunteer opportunities page to see how you can help out at the Barnes & Noble fundraiser on December 5th.

Click here for the electronic version of the November newsletter.  We also send out periodic information ("e-news") via the Picnic Point Listserv email service.  If you are not already signed up, see the info below to learn how.

November 20, 2009

Would you like to provide treats to your child's class on your child's birthday but want an alternative to cupcakes?!  Look no further!  The PTA is now offering popcorn parties for classroom birthday celebrations!

For only $10, a bag of popcorn will be delivered to your child's classroom (we'll even throw one in for the teacher!).  All you have to do is fill out a request form, submit it with payment & your party will be scheduled.  That's it!

Forms can be found in the office or print one right now! 

This year we will be having a toy drive as our contribution to the district-wide  program that collects items for needy families from our area schools.  In the past we have collected household items as well as asking for age/gender specific toys, etc.  In an effort to reach as many children as possible we are focusing on collecting as many toys as we can.  This is a great and easy way to get your child involved in giving. There are no specific parameters to fufill, just ask them to choose a toy that another child might love to get for the holidays!

If you would like to participate but prefer to make a cash contribution instead, we will accept gift cards, checks & cash which we will then use to shop for items.  In the past we have also collected blankets and other winter-related personal items for children, if you would like to donate these types of things, that is ok too!  There are always more families than donations, so nothing will be turned away.

Being a district-wide program, six families from our school will benefit as a result of the various "drives" at our district schools.

Toys will be collected in each classroom, so if you would like, you can just send your item(s) in with your child or drop them off yourself.  We will also be collecting toy donations at Arts & Crafts Night in the gym on Thursday December 3rd.

Thank you, in advance, for your generosity!

In October's Panther Press we asked students to create posters showing us how to stay healthy during the cold/flu season.  We received some awesome posters!  Thank you to Girl Scout Troop 2044 (Megan G., Mandy, Kate N., Jenna, Kaylee, Katie R., Hannah, Rebecca, Megan, Hailey, Sydney, Emily & Noelle) and to Mrs. Hanberg's 2nd Grade class for creating such great posters reminding us of things like washing our hands, not picking our noses, covering our mouths...you get the idea! 

If your creative kid wants to do one, just turn it in to the office with their name & teacher on the back.  These "public service announcements" can be viewed in all of the restrooms at Picnic Point!

Have you sent your blue PTA membership form in yet?  Now is the time!  Memberships are $12 per person/$24 per family.  Click here for membership form.  On there you will find a brief summary of what the PTA does.  Take a look around this site for more information on what we do at Picnic Point or for a bigger picture, go to the Washington State PTA site or the National PTA site.

This year's goal is to increase our membership by 10%.  Virtually all of the teachers & staff have joined this year - THANK YOU for your support!!  We are only 11 members away from reaching our goal!  Send your membership form in today!

If you are not already aware, our school district and school have an electronic notification system called "Listserv".  This is an email distribution system that parents can sign up for to have school district information and school-specific information sent to them via email. 

If you are not already receiving email notices from either source you can register your email address on the school district's website:  http://www.mukilteo.wednet.edu/community/community.cfm?ref=1&lref=112.  Simply check the box for Picnic Point to be on our school's list.  You can also check the box for Mukilteo School District Information.  This is also the link you can use to unsubscribe or change your email address.

Some families find it helpful to enroll both parents, other family members or caretakers so everyone is in the loop!

Here are some flu resources available:

·         PTA’s Resources on H1N1 - http://www.pta.org/2940.htm.  Information that can be found on this site includes:  (1) Talking to Children About Swine Flu, (2) Parent Tips – H1N1 Flu, (3) article from Our Children and (4) information on Let’s Fight Flu Together.

·         http://www.flu.gov/ - A one-stop location for all concerns regarding influenza, including seasonal flu and H1N1.   Although it is spearheaded by the US Department of Health and Human Services, 10 other federal agencies contribute as well.

·         Preparing for the Flu (Including 2009 H1N1 Flu) Toolkit –A useful toolkit for individuals and families is available at http://www.flu.gov/individual/index.html.  

Want to know all about PTA?  Click here to go to the National PTA website to learn more about PTA.

While you're on the PTA site, make sure to sign up for the e-newsletter, the PTA Parent.  It contains timely & informative information for parents.  This month's edition discusses video games, summer safety, texting, current national PTA happenings and some great resources.

Where else can I get information about public education?  We have several helpful links on education in Washington State and other education related issues.  See our links page for a list of websites.

Would you like to find out more about the Washington State PTA's role in Legislation?  Navigate over to their website at http://www.wastatepta.org/ - there is also a link on this page that takes you to an online petition in support of meaningful education finance reform as well as an "action center" where you can further address this topic to your specific representative(s).

To find out more about the Washington State PTA's campaign "It's Basic" please click here.