Stinson Star Tracker - January 2011

The Star Tracker

A publication of Stinson Elementary School PTA

Volume X, Issue 3

December 2010

Community Partners 10

From the desk of… 2

Grade Level News 6-8

Junior Investor 3

Literacy Corner 5

Treasurers Report 4

President’s Pen

January 2011

One of the most important things we can do as parents is set a good example. It starts within

the home; saying please and thank you, being considerate and consistent, and solving conflict

without anger. Our Stinson Cares campaign has given weekly opportunities to discuss kind-

ness with your children. This month reminds us also to be thankful for what we have, and to

help those less fortunate; great lessons for our kids.

At our schools, the example we set impacts, not just our children, but other children who are

watching us. Following the school rules shows the children you respect the school and ad-

ministration. Crossing only at the cross walk, parking only in non-reserved parking spaces,

and going through the carpool line all show the children you respect the school, and you un-

derstand everyone deserves the same treatment. Breaking those rules shows children you

think it is ok to break the rules when it is convenient for you, and when you think you will not

be caught. I know that is a lesson I do not want my children to remember when they are

teenagers!

It is important to show children how to help others and give back to the community, and I am

so proud of how the Stinson family always rises to the opportunity to help others. We’ve had

a coat drive and a clothing drive this year, both very successful. The school held a canned

food drive; my daughter raided the pantry every morning.

Donations of used goods and monetary donations should be discussed with even small chil-

dren. November always brings many opportunities not just to donate items or money, but

time. Community service with you leading the way, will instill in your children a life-long love

of helping others.

There are many small and large opportunities to be a good example every day. Watch for

them and take advantage of the easiest character building you’ll ever do for your children.

Thank you,

Julie Richard

From the

Desk

of

Mrs. Salamone

The Star tracker

A Monthly Newsletter of the Stinson Parent Teacher

Association

Principal Barbara Salamone

Assistant Principal Tricia Lancaster

PTA President Julie Richard

Newsletter Editor Jennifer Neves

Stinson Elementary School 4201 Greenfield Drive Richardson, TX 75082

School Office 469-752-3400

School Website k-12.pisd.edu/schools/stinson

Stinson PTA Website www.stinsonpta.org

PISD Website www.pisd.edu

All correspondence should be directed to the PTA Newsletter Editor at the school

address or [email protected]

HAVE YOU JOINED THE

STINSON PTA?

GO TO

WWW.STINSONPTA.ORG

UNDER ACTIVITIES TO

SIGN UP.

Order your Yearbook now!

For a limited time get the early

bird pricing of only $20! Hurry

that pricing ends on November

24th.

We have some fantastic programs available at Stinson.

Go to www.stinsonpta.org to learn about:

♦ Junior Investor program

♦ After school programs

♦ Watch D.O.G.S.

♦ Stinson Cares

Go to

www.stinsonpta.org

to sign up for the Star

to Star eNewsletter

Career Day is January 20, 2011. Our theme is "Preparing Today's Youth." Grades K-2 pres-

entations will be in the morning and grades 3-5 will be in the afternoon. We are looking for

speakers in order to make this day a success. This year we are anticipating many speakers

from a variety of fields so that our students will gain more knowledge about the possibilities

that await them in the future. If you would like to participate, please contact Carita Lyons

(469) 752-3415 or Bryan Smith (469) 752-3412 as soon as possible.

Letter from Mrs. Salamone

will be on a separate page.

Silent Auction meeting- Friday, November 19 @ 1pm

Lori Downey’s house 4729 Ravendale

[email protected] with questions

please join us if you are interested in helping

REMINDER

Please check the lost and found for jack-

ets, books, lunchboxes, scarves and

gloves.

Thanks

HEROES of the HALLWAYS

Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) is the father involvement initiative of the National

Center for Fathering that organizes fathers and father figures in order to provide positive

male role models for the students and to enhance school security. Who are WatchDOGS?

Fathers, grandfathers, step-fathers, uncles, and other father figures who volunteer to serve at

least one day each year in a variety of school activities as assigned by the school principal or

other administrator. If you think this would be the perfect spot for you, let Gerry Sam know

and he will get you signed up right away! For more information, got to www.stinsonpta.org.

See page 11 for additional information

Choir rehearsals and

concerts are as follows:

November

Thursday, Nov. 18th, 2010 2:45-3:45 P.M. Choir Rehearsal

Tuesday, Nov. 23rd , 2010 NO CHOIR! Thanksgiving Holiday

Tuesday, Nov. 30th, 2010 2:45 – 3:45 P.M. Choir Rehearsal

December

Field Trip TBA Black & White Performance Dress

Thursday, Dec. 2nd, 2010 2:45 – 3:45 P.M. Choir Rehearsal

Tuesday, Dec. 7th, 2010 2:45-3:45 P.M. Choir Rehearsal

Thursday, Dec. 9th, 2010 2:45-3:45 P.M. Choir Rehearsal

Thursday, Dec. 9th, 2010 6:30 P.M. Dress Rehearsal (wear black &

white)

7:00 P.M. Concert for Family & Friends

Friday, Dec. 17th, 2010 8:15 A.M. Concert for Stinson Staff & Students

(wear Star Choir shirt and jeans)

Six Flags READ TO SUCCEED is coming!!

Stinson Stars…let’s all READ TO SUCCEED and earn a free ticket to Six Flags!! How you

ask?? It’s easy! Each student that completes six hours of outside reading can qualify. This

does NOT include reading for school or homework assignments. Students keep a log of

what they read and for how long…remember to have a parent/guardian or teacher initial

each entry. Once you’ve read for six hours, return the signed reading log to your teacher.

All forms must be turned in on or before February 25th

– no exceptions! Look for the read-

ing logs and instructions to be distributed before Winter Break.

The next monthly Junior Investors Day will be Friday, December, 3rd. We’ll be there to take your children’s deposit outside of the school office at 7:30a.m. You can also pick up your piggy bank if you

haven’t already done so. Investors should also be encouraging their friends to start saving. Bring your child to school; it only takes 5 minutes and $5 to open an account with Capital One Bank. Money saving concepts for kids:

Introduce the concept of “needs vs. wants.” Instilling good money values can begin very early

Help the children understand that money is required to pay for both needs and wants

Junior Investor Days are Jan 7, Feb 4, Mar 4, Apr 1, and May 6.

The Stinson School

Store

Open Tuesdays and Thursdays

7:20am-7:40am

Buy fun school items and Spirit Wear

Small bills only please

Need to go to the school store before 7:30? The see Ms.

Gee about getting a pass.

CHICK-FIL-A NIGHT

Chick-fil-A will be hosting Stinson Spirit Night on Thursday,

December 8, 2010. Please say that you are supporting Stinson

when you order, and 15% of sales will be donated to Stinson

from the Chick-fil-A at Garland Rd. and George Bush Highway.

Book Fair

Once again our annual Fall Book

Fair was a great success. A big

thank you to all the volunteers

that helped set up, clean up, con-

stantly put the books back up

and helped tear down. A special

thank you to this years co-chairs,

Alpa Barevadia and Shalini Ka-

poor for all of their hard work.

The book fair may only last a

week, but these kids will remem-

ber it for a lifetime.

Volunteers needed to help with Thursday packs.

If you are interested please contact Katherine Gotcher

at [email protected]

Stinson Elementary PTA

Financial Report

October 7 - November 4, 2010 Total

Operating Fund Beginning Balance 26,985.54

Total Income 16,474.12

Total Expenses 7,117.94

Operating Fund Ending Balance 36,341.72

Escrow - State and National Dues - Beginning Balance $1,332.25

Receipts and Adjustments $96.00

Payments $1,332.25

Escrow - State and National Dues - Ending Balance $96.00

Escrow - Sales Tax - Beginning Balance $224.60

Receipts, Refunds and Timely Payment Discount $466.85

Payments $0.00

Escrow - Sales Tax - Ending Balance $691.45

Cash in Bank $37,129.17

Petty Cash $100.00

Total Cash on Hand 11/5/10 $37,229.17

Please see www.stinsonpta.org for further detail on income/expenses.

Please contact Maria Abraham, [email protected] with any questions

FROM THE LITERACY CORNERFROM THE LITERACY CORNERFROM THE LITERACY CORNERFROM THE LITERACY CORNER

Have you ever wondered how to help your child be a better reader? Well there is good news. Strong

language can make your child a better reader, writer, and all around student. And the even better

news is that you can build those skills just by talking to your child. Try these ideas!

Narrate everyday activities like driving or cooking. The use of unfamiliar words in your conversa-

tion will help your youngster understand words in books. Remember, if he doesn’t know the

word to be sure and explain it.

Encouraging your child to join in the family conversations further develops his vocabulary. Ask him

questions to help him expand his answers. For example you can ask “Why do you think so? or

“What else happened?”

A Language Rich Home

Fun with Words (Newspaper Learning)

Newspapers are a great way to build your child’s vocabulary and proficiency in reading. With

thousands of words in each issue, there are many activities that you can do together to sharpen those

skills.

Matching Game: Have your child cut out several photographs and their captions sepa-rately. Mix them up. Matching the captions with the photos will improve her reading

comprehension. Scavenger Hunt: List items in the newspaper (car ad, crossword puzzle, weather forecast)

and ask your youngster to find and circle each one. She’ll build research skills as she looks through the pages.

ABC Order: Together, find the names of 5-10 countries, states, and cities in headlines or stories. Let your child copy each one onto an index card and arrange the cards in alpha-betical order. This will help her practice spelling and learn about geography.

Read the Articles: Read the stories in the paper together and discuss what is going on in the article. This helps to build comprehension.

Happy Learning from your Literacy Specialist!Happy Learning from your Literacy Specialist!Happy Learning from your Literacy Specialist!Happy Learning from your Literacy Specialist!

Carolyn AtkersonCarolyn AtkersonCarolyn AtkersonCarolyn Atkerson

The above ideas are from Resources for Educators.

Kindergarten Korner

2nd

Grade

Scoop

Here’s what’s coming up

for the

weeks before winter

break:

Reading:

When reading a story, we

teach your child to

look for context clues to

help him find meaning in

what he is reading. Please

continue to listen to your

child read every night and

then ask them questions

about the

story. Challenge your child

by asking him questions

where he will have to

search for the answer or

even make inferences

based on what he read.

Math:

In math, students will

learn more subtraction

strategies. Students will

continue to work on solv-

ing story problems using

addition and subtraction.

We will also introduce

measuring items with non-

standard units of measure-

ment. We would like to

encourage

our students to practice

counting to higher num-

bers and finding missing

numbers to solve an equa-

tion.

First

Grade

Flash

Our second graders have been working very hard on a variety

of different projects, skills, and activities. Here are some things

that will be coming up in our curriculum:

*Language Arts/Writing skills: creative expression, summariz-

ing, context clues, making inferences, drawing conclusions,

main idea, supporting details, cause and effect, compare and

contrast, fluency, plot, setting, character, commas, punctua-

tion, combining sentences, synonyms, using a dictionary , ac-

tion verbs, present-tense verbs, past-tense verbs, prefixes,

ideas, word choice, narratives, expository writing, critical char-

acter, object, and setting.

*Math skills: addition, subtraction, number strings, story prob-

lems, multiple addends, combing groups, equal groups, place

value, number lines, 100 chart, doubles, near doubles, counting

groups, tens/ones, time, temperature, money, odd/even, and

exploring a variety of ways to solve problems.

It is hard to believe that our first semester of school is com-ing to an end. Kindergarten students have been working very hard to learn many new things. The students did a wonderful job performing at the Thanksgiving program. The teachers feel lucky to be teaching such “Super Tur-keys”!

In the coming weeks, here are some major objectives we will be working on in Kindergarten3

Language Arts:

• Action words (verbs)

• Writing sentences with spaces and correct punctuation

• Counting syllables

• Increasing our word bank of sight words

• Continuing to read books in small group settings

Math:

• Creating and extending patterns

• Problem solving

• Using computer programs to explore graphs

Integrated:

• Continuing our unit on Systems (parts working together

to do a job)

• Discussing ways we communicate with each other

(continued on page 8)

4th

Grade

Fun

5th

Grade

Facts

4th

grade is having a great time learning

and growing! Math is fun because we

are learning about volume and capac-

ity. We can use both customary as well

as metric units for measurement. In IC

we have been studying about renew-

able and non renewable resources and

the importance of conservation. In

writing we have learned that entertain-

ing beginnings provide a hook and el-

aborative details help create pictures in

the minds of our readers. During read-

ing we are able to identify various text

features such as sequencing and cause

and effect. We can state the main idea

of the story and provide supporting

details to prove it.

We've started our newest Connected Math unit called

Bits and Pieces.

It is all about Fractions, Decimals, and Percents. Like

our CMP unit

Prime Time, there are vocabulary words that need to

be memorized and

students are to keep this book in their binder at all

times. However,

there is no project tied to this unit. Also, be sure to

have your child

continue to study their Math facts, as it is essential

that they know

these to successful this year.

Language Arts and Reading rocks as our MIGHTY fifth

graders present

their Unit 2 Research Reports on their "-ology and -

ologist." Students

discovered interesting and unique facts about their

scientists as they

integrated the "worlds" of Science and Language

Arts. Using the laptops

is always a highlight to research, take notes and sum-

marize. As usual,

students read a variety of texts weekly and analyze

and discuss them.

Recently, we have finished persuasive compositions

about topics that

show our true "voice." Well-done fifth graders!!

In Integrated Curriculum the fabulous fifth graders are

doing a lot of

activities in class as they learn more about properties

of matter -

using triple beam balances measuring mass, graduated

cylinders to

measure volume, also experiments about density,

magnetism, and

solubility. One fun activity is building a boat out of

aluminum foil

that holds an increasing amount of pennies!

The Winter Party, Valentines Party, &

End of Year Party Schedule:

Kindergarten: 1:00 - 2:00 PM

1st Grade: 1:45 - 2:45 PM

2nd Grade: 10:00 - 11:00 AM 3rd Grade: 12:30 - 1:30 PM (recess moved to 2:15)

4th Grade: 1:30 - 2:30 PM 5th Grade: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

3rd Grade Tracks will be available

next month

(continued from page 6)

2nd Grade Scoop

Integrated:

“Events Over Time” is our third inte-

grated unit. It

will consist of mostly science lessons

and activities.

Students will learn about matter, solid,

liquid, gases,

light, heat, energy, and magnetic force.

PARENTS!

Do you have your

Stinson Library Card?

PARENTS OF STINSON STUDENTS

may borrow books from

the Stinson Library.

Not only do we have great

books for your children –

but for you we have fun fiction,

educational non-fiction

and a Parenting Library as well.

Come in

soon.

5th Grade CAMP at the Collin County Adventure

Camp was a fun and exciting time for all as students were involved with hands-on

exploration of the forest ecosystem. They practiced journaling, data collection, and

deepened their understanding of how forest organisms are adapted to forest con-

ditions. During their water lab and canoeing adventures, students studied the wa-

ter cycle and gathered water samples to determine what life they discovered. Then

they identified it using

microscopes! Can you imagine the ooohhh's and ahhhhhh's during this activ-

ity? One of the favorite activities was the challenge course and archery station.

Students were presented with physical and mental challenges as they solved prob-

lems as a team. The staff taught the children carefully how to use a bow and ar-

row. Pictures were taken, smiles were made and minds were thinking! Talk about

5th Grade Camp

WHAT: Spelling Bee Final Round

WHO: Final round contestants

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 7, 2011 (8:00-approx. 10:00)

WHERE:(held in the gym)

*School winner advances to district level (time/date TBA)*

PACE deadlines:

Kindergarten referral deadline was November 9, 2010

(assessed in November/December)

*PACE results mailed on Wed., Feb. 23, 2011*

Grades 1-5 referral deadline - March 10, 2011

(assessed in March / April)

*PACE results mailed on Friday, May 13, 2011*

For more information about PACE (thorough overview), please visit the

following website:

http://www.pisd.edu/parents/advanced.academics/gifted.pace/index.shtml

Contact information:

Heather Brzezinski

PACE Specialist

Stinson Elem.

PISD

[email protected]

469-752-3469

ext.23469

Ideas for Teaching Your Child About Giving Thanks

Written by: Jennifer LeMaire

Think Beyond the Turkey and Help Kids Understand the True Meaning of the Holiday

Teaching your child about giving thanks and being grateful for what they have is one of the most important lessons you can teach

them this holiday season. Children don't learn about giving thanks from abstract ideas or having discussions. Children learn best by

doing, hearing, seeing and experiencing. Here are some ways you can teach your child about giving thanks this year.

Model Giving Thanks

It is a well known fact that kids do as you do and not always as you say. Modeling thanks and gratefulness to your children shows

them how to turn thankfulness into meaningful actions. Say thank-you to others, give hugs and kisses and write thank-you notes.

Make sure your child sees these expressions of giving thanks from you. Explain to your child the reasons why you are grateful and

why you show thanks to people in the ways that you do. Teach your child about giving thanks this holiday season by giving some

thanks to others yourself.

Create a Chain of Thankfulness

Children understand abstract concepts like giving thanks better when you can turn it into some tangible item. A great idea for

teaching your child about giving thanks is to work together with them to construct a thankfulness paper chain. We have all made

paper chains in school. First, cut strips of paper about one half inch wide. Then have your child write one thing that they are thank-

ful for on each paper strip. Discuss your child's choices with them. You may have to write for younger children. Then connect the

strips together to form a chain. See how long you can make your paper chain.

Bryan Smith, Counselor

Who: 4th

& 5th

Grade Students

What: Geography Bee

When: *5th

Grade preliminaries are Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010 (in the grade level)

*4th

Grade preliminaries are Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010 (in the grade level)

*Grade level teachers determine the time

*Final/Championship round is Monday, Dec. 13, 2010 @ 8:00 a.m. -? (Rm. 201/PACE)

Where: Stinson Elementary

*Useful websites to test your geography knowledge:

www.nationalgeographic.com/geobee

www.nationalgeographic.com/geospy

www.nationalgeographic.com/news

www.nationalgeographic.com/studentatlas

http://www.infoplease.com/atlas/

STINSON COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Partners, We are looking forward to a fantastic 2010-2011 school year thanks to your contri-

butions to the STINSON PTA!!! We appreciate you so very much!

When you are on the website,

www.stinsonpta.org, be sure to look in the

Thank You section near the bottom of each

page where more information about many

of our Community Partners is available.

The Star to Star eNewsletter highlights

more of our partners as well.

Platinum Star Part-

ners

($1,000 OR More)

• Children’s Dental Care,

Dr. Dane Hoang

• Dentek Systems, Inc.

• Joyce Lynn Chandler,

Keller Williams

• Tiemeyer Team Realtors,

Keller Williams

• The Thomas Group, Remax

Gold Star Partners

($750 or more)

• Aloha Mind Math

• Breckinridge Park Animal Hospital

• FastERcare

• Primrose School of Breckinridge

Park

• Home Team Mortgage, Tammie

Mitchell

• SureSmile, OraMetrix, Inc.

Silver Star Partners

($500 or more)

• Carson Insurance – Farmers

• Russell Downey, M.D.

• Fesler Orthodontics

• Reliable Chevrolet

• Alan Yedwab, M.D. and Betty Ruiz-Yedwab,

M.D.

Bronze Star Partners

($250 or more)

• Baylor Family Health Center at Richardson

• Richard H. Daniel, M.D., Reese A. Mathieu, M.D.,

Julie D. Poole, M.D. Pediatrics

• Elvebak Orthodontics

• Kids R Kids

• Mathnasium of Murphy-Plano

• Mogio’s Gourmet Pizza

• Springhill Veterinary Clinic

• Texas Plumbing

Shooting Star Partners

($100 or more)

• Campbell Park Vet Hospital

• Family Medical Center at Garland, Becky Chan-

dler, MD

• Yoga Synergy Spa

Co-Chairs for the 2010-2011 school year are

Michelle Schroeder and Jamie Moore. If you

desire to be a Stinson Community Partner or

want to make a donation to the PTA, please

contact them at

[email protected].

All about WATCH D.O.G.S.

Background

WATCH D.O.G.S.® is the father involvement initiative of the National Center for Fathering that was founded by Jim

Moore, a concerned father who chose to take action in response to a 1998 middle-school shooting in Jonesboro, AR.

Moore wanted to help prevent violence from occurring at his children’s school or at any school. The first program was launched at George

Elementary in Springdale, AR, the school of Moore’s oldest child. Today, more than 1,500 programs in 36 states and New Zealand participate

in WATCH D.O.G.S.®

Program Goal

To help every school in America be positively influenced by the committed involvement of fathers and father figures in

lives of their children and students.

How WATCH D.O.G.S.® Works

WATCH D.O.G.S.®, a K-12 program, invites fathers, grandfathers, uncles, or other father figures to volunteer at least one day all day at their

child/student's school during the school year. Individuals sign up at a kick-off event such as a Dads and Kids Pizza Night; or Donuts with Dads

or in the office at any time throughout the school year. The program is overseen by a Top Dog; volunteer who partners with the school admin-

istrator to coordinate scheduling and identify opportunities for WatchDOGS to provide assistance at the school. WatchDOG volunteers per-

form a variety of tasks during their volunteer day including monitoring the school entrance, assisting with unloading and loading of buses and

cars, monitoring the lunch room, or helping in the classroom with a teacher's guidance by working with small groups of students on home-

work, flashcards, or spelling.

Program Effectiveness

- During 2003, WATCH D.O.G.S.® conducted a survey of 50 participating schools nationwide. Key findings:

- 89% agree that WATCH D.O.G.S.® is a valuable component of the school's efforts to promote a safe and positive

learning environment for students.

- 79% agree that since implementing the WATCH D.O.G.S.® program, the school has experienced an increase in father involvement in areas

other than WATCH D.O.G.S.® (parent-teacher conferences, volunteerism in the classroom or after school, PTA/PTO involvement).

Program Recognition

In its relatively short history, WATCH D.O.G.S.® has proven to be influential and effective in a number of venues:

- Involved in the U.S. Department of Education Father Involvement In Education Project beginning in 2005.

- Invited by the National PTA to be a founding member of the MORE Alliance (Men Organized to Raise Engagement).

- Recognized on the floor of Congress as a program that "can be a great tool in our efforts to prevent school violence

and to improve student performance because it can increase parental initiative and involvement in their childrens’ education." Congressional

Record, Feb. 7, 2000, page S-392.

- Involved in the U.S. Department of Education P.F.I.E. (Partnership For Family Involvement In Education).

- In 1999, invited by the United States Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to participate in a

nationwide teleconference called Fathers Matter.

- Recognized as a best practice; by Joyce L. Epstein, Ph.D., Director of Center on School, Family, and

Community Partnerships, Johns Hopkins University.

FATHERS.COM

December 2010 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2

3

Jr Investor Deposit Day

PTA Board Mtg. 9am

2nd grade filed trip and

choir @ North Park Mall

4

5

6

7

8

9

Choir concert

7pm

10 11

12 13

Final Geography Bee

14

15

16

Class parties

17

Donuts with Dads

7-7:30AM

Early Release 12 noon

18

19 20

21

22

23

24

25

26 27

28

29

30

31

1

New Years Day

2 3

Teacher work day/

student holiday

4

Classes resume

on January 4th

WINTER BREAK

WINTER BREAK

Stinson Star Tracker - January 2011

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Transcript of Stinson Star Tracker - January 2011