ASSEMBLIES
Each year the PTA donates funds to provide three to four onsite assemblies for the first through sixth grade children of Vieja Valley. In the past few years, we have enjoyed storytellers, puppetry, dance, theatre, and musical performances. We also provide artist in residence programs for students to work directly with different types of artists and we work closely with Children’s Creative Project to bring offsite assembly opportunities to our students. In the past students have attended performance by the Santa Barbara Symphony, Alvin Ailley Dance Company, Ballet Folklorico, Ensemble Theatre and more. Committee Chair: Sheri Fay – sherifay@gmail.com, Leslie Dinaberg – ldinaberg@aol.com
September 28 – October 7: Dancing Drums Residency, http://www.dancingdrum.com/homepg/homepg.html
BACK TO SCHOOL PICNIC
This is a themed BBQ to welcome all students and their families. There is usually a nominal fee for the dinner. Alternatively, you are welcome to bring a picnic dinner from home. The week prior to the picnic, dinner tickets will be sold in front of the school. The Back to School PTA Committee organizes this event. Please contact the committee chair if you would like to help. This year, the 5th graders will host a bake sale to raise funds for their science camp. Picnic date - September 24, 2009.
Committee Chair: Patricia Palmer – patriciapalmer@cox.net
BOOK FAIR
Our book fair raises money for our school’s library. The Scholastic Book Fair is held in the library during the week of the Back to School Picnic. During the Scholastic Book Fair, prices for new books and computer games range from $1 to $20. Each teacher will designate a time for his or her class to browse and shop. If you are interested in your child purchasing books without you, send money with them to school (credit cards are accepted). Grades 1 through 6 can buy books at lunch and recess time. Parents are invited to shop at anytime. Each teacher usually has a wish list with books you can purchase for his or her classroom. The 2009-2010 book fair is September 21 – 25.
Committee Chair: Nancy Myers –nmyers@hopeschooldistrict.org
FAMILY FUN NIGHTS
Each year we also host an evening Family Night “assembly” for the whole family, where everyone is invited to enjoy an evening performance. In the past, we have had bingo night, a disco party, running charades, and several movies, including one where families watched an old black & white silent movie accompanied by live piano and free popcorn. Check back on our website for the time and dates.
Committee Chair: Victoria Ricci – stevic@cox.net
GARDEN CLUB
The ABC garden contains barrels for the 26 letters in the alphabet. Each barrel contains plants beginning with its corresponding letter. Next to the “ABC garden” the students plant veggies during the school year. Every Wednesday students and parents are invited to have lunch in the garden. This is a lovely time to have a lunch date with your child and get to know some of his/her friends. You can also stay and help in the garden.
Committee Chair: Laurel O’Connor - laureloco@cox.net
GENTLY USED BOOKS EXCHANGE
This is a wonderful opportunity to clean out your bookshelves! Students donate their old books to the library and then receive tickets to exchange for a different book on the day of the event.
Committee Chair: Nancy Myers – nmyers@hopeschooldistrict.org; Cindy Norman – cindynorman@cox.net
HONORARY SERVICE AWARDS
Awards are presents to people who make a real difference in our school. You can nominate parents, volunteers, teachers, and school support staff. Ballets are counted, and then a committee chooses the recipients. Towards the end of the year, you will find nomination forms on our webpage or in the school paper.
Committee Chairs: Kendre Sanborn – kendre@sanborn.ws; Beryl Schoenfelder – bandent@silcom.com
Nomination Forms
PTA POPSICLE PARTIES
A few times a year the PTA purchases and distributes popsicles for the students of Vieja Valley and their siblings. The first one will be the day of the unveiling: August 26. We also have one near the end of school and perhaps a third one, as a surprise!
Committee Chair: Victoria Ricci - stevic@cox.net
NOCHE MEXICANA
This is a potluck held during the month of May on the school campus. This Community building fun event usually includes a Mariachi band, dancers and prizes for the best food.
Committee Chair: Adriana Olvera – oxiput@verizon.net
REFLECTIONS
This national PTA program is an arts recognition and achievement program. Categories include literature, photography, visual arts, and musical composition.
Committee Chair: Jessica Hill - hill311@mac.com, Marie McQueen - mmqueen@cox.net, Cindy Norman - cindynorman@cox.net
http://www.capta.org/sections/programs/reflections.cfm
SCIENCE NIGHT
Do not miss this event!!! The first through sixth graders magically transform their classrooms into Science labs. Some of the highlights in the past were disassembling a computer with a screwdriver, a touch tank, a live zoo with an alligator, and a simulated airplane ride. Committee Chair: Patrice Mueller – Themuellerfamily@cox.net