Prairie Trail STAR
PRAIRIE TRAIL TEXANS
Volume 17, Issue 4
January 26, 2012
PRESIDENT’S PEN Happy New Year to the Prairie Trail Family!
In this Issue: President’s Pen
1
Principal’s Notes
2
Spring Fest
3
Parent Meeting
4
WOW Students
5
Library
6
Calendar
8
PTA Board
8
I always look forward to the New Year because it gives me a sense of “new beginnings” and some motivation to get going on projects that need some attention. As I think about what that means for our PTA, we have some projects to get excited about. We have a number of great programs coming up during our PTA meetings for everyone to enjoy. February’s program will be centered around math and helping parents to understand the new ways that our kids are learning concepts along with fun math activities for the kids. Join us and everyone will learn and have fun! April’s board meeting and program will be separate this year (more info on that to come later) so that we can devote the whole evening to the Talent Show! Can’t wait to see all the wonderful talents of our Prairie Trail kids
– they are always amazing! April also holds our Spring Fest and the committee is hard at work with new ideas for fun for that event. We need volunteers for a number of areas and we’re looking for help with donations. There is information in this newsletter and watch for more info coming soon. May’s program will feature our STARS concert and if you’ve not had a chance to hear this group perform, you should not miss this opportunity. In addition to the above programs, your PTA board is working on rewriting our bylaws to make them current with Texas PTA standards and we are looking to streamlining our board committee structure so we can better meet the needs of our parents and all of our kids. We will be looking for interested parents to take on board positions and committee positions, so watch for
STAY CONNECTED! Want to know what’s going on at Prairie Trail Elementary? Stay connected on Facebook! Our page is updated regularly with important announcements, reminders, event info and more! Visit facebook.com/ PrairieTrailPTA today!
our nominating committee to be formed in February and if you are interested in taking on a board role, please let us know! There is a position for every talent and interest and we need many voices to speak for all our kids, so we’re looking for YOU! There are many other activities going on with YOUR PTA this spring - Book Fair, Book Share, Accelerated Reader, Teacher Appreciation, Senior Breakfast, much more. Watch for info coming out, join the PTA as a member if you haven’t already so you get the latest information and join us for all the fun. We’re excited to be working with such a great Prairie Trail family! Regards, Jill Zielinski PTA President
Find us on Facebook Prairie Trail Elementary PTA Facebook.com/ PrairieTrailPTA
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Prairie Trail STAR
PRINCIPAL’S NOTES
Prairie Trail Elementary Principal, Mrs. Chellie Adams
We are back in the full swing of school after our Holiday break! I hope all of you had a wonderful vacation with family and friends! During the break, I had the opportunity to read Overcoming Dyslexia, by Sally Shaywitz, M.D. Dr. Shaywitz’s book is a wealth of information regarding dyslexia and also contains excellent suggestions for parents of any student who want to be actively involved in helping their child become a better reader. I would like to share some of the information from her book with all of you. During the early stages of reading, instruction focuses on phonics skills, breaking words apart, building words, decoding and reading words accurately, but accuracy does not automatically result in skilled reading. Skilled readers read accurately with good fluency and comprehend what they read. Fluency forms the bridge between decoding words and comprehending text. Children acquire fluency word by word as they have repeated exposure to the word and pronounce it correctly. Shaywitz’s research indicates that at least four correct
From our Principal, Mrs. Chellie Adams
readings are necessary for automatic recognition of a word. Repeated reading of familiar text with corrective feedback from an adult helps children gain the repeated exposure to words that is needed to become fluent readers. Parents can play a tremendous role in helping children become fluent readers through a technique referred to as guided repeated oral reading. Below are the steps to follow in implementing this technique with your child: -- Choose a book at your child’s independent reading level. The child should be able to read 19 out of 20 words in a passage correctly. -- Start by reading out loud to your child as they follow along in the book so they hear the correct pronunciation of words and hear fluid, expressive reading. -- Have your child join you and read the same passage orally together -- Have your child read the same passage out loud and gently provide feedback by correctly pronouncing any word they have difficulty with. -- Take turns reading orally as you read a book together. These simple steps can
help a struggling reader develop fluency and help competent readers develop a better grasp of the rhythm and flow of the text, which aids in comprehension. The National Reading Panel has found guided repeated oral reading helpful for children through grade five and beyond grade five for struggling readers. To be effective, you do not need to spend long periods of time practicing guided repeated oral reading. Fifteen minutes four times per week can help children become confident, fluid readers. You don’t need to do each of the suggested steps in every session and you can vary the ways you read orally together to keep it fun. The important part of the process is receiving feedback from a caring adult and having fun while reading. Happy Reading Prairie Trail Texans! Warmest Regards, Chellie Adams
Prairie Trail campus. Also, please remember that if you have your dogs on the playground after school hours that kids will be playing on that same playground the following day. Please clean Just a reminder that LISD does not up after your dogs and please remind your allow dogs on campus due to the neighbors to do so also. We have had unpredictability of dogs around children. instances of kids finding dog “presents” with If you walk your dog when dropping off/ their shoes while playing on the picking up your children, please meet them playground. Let’s keep our playground safe on one of the street sidewalks that border the for all our kids. Thank you!
We LOVE our furry, four-legged family members but we must abide by our school policy.
Volume 17, Issue 4
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The #1 Reason to join the Prairie Trail PTA is to support your student and school PTA is America’s #1 resource for family engagement at school including free parent programs, links and articles on timely topics and networking with other families. PTA is your #1 way to connect with your school through volunteer opportunities, involved decision making and communication about what is happening at school. Don’t forget the discounted member benefits from La Quinta, T-Mobile, Fiesta Texas, Sea World and Schlitterbahn to name a few!
IT’S TIME TO GET CONNECTED…print off the membership application HERE and join PTA today! Members include Moms, Dads, Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents and community members. Attach cash or check and return the application to the Prairie Trail Office – We Appreciate Your Support!! Questions? Contact Marie Siebert: marielsiebert@gmail.com
SAVE THE DATE—SPRING FEST 2013!
Friday, April 19th. prairietrailstampede@gma il.com Spring Fest will have vendors this year. If you are a vendor or know someone who would like to be a vendor, please contact Kristi Denton @ jkdenton@verizon.net We need donations for our silent auction--if you have a business and would like to donate something or would be willing to help get silent auction items please contact Amy Allen @ lelandsmommie@yahoo.com Spring Fest wristbands will go on sale next month--keep your eye out for more information Looking for DADS to work the PTA food cookout on April 19th Sponsors are needed for rides and games. Please contact Shelby Love @ johnandshelby@theloveteam.com if your family or business would like to sponsor a ride or game. Looking for a 5th grade parent(s) to organize the dunk tank at Spring Fest this year contact Kristi Denton for more information Anyone have access to a Cotton Candy machine? Consider allowing Spring Fest to borrow it for the evening of April 19th If you would like to join our team, please jump on board! We look forward to making this the best Spring Fest ever. Questions? Contact Amy Allen, Kristi Denton, Shelby Love Spring Fest Co-Chairs 2013
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5th Grade Parents - Get the tissues out! Your babies are growing up. You’re invited to a Parent Meeting for incoming 6th Graders. Lamar Middle School Gym Tuesday, February 12th at 6:00 PM. Information will be provided about next year and you’ll have a chance to meet the principal, the counselor and ask questions. Students will be receiving their enrollment folders during the school day. Please bring these to the meeting! TEAM! Together Everyone Achieves More
DAD’S COMMITTEE UPDATE Attention Dads (Step-Dads, Grandpas, Uncles, etc) Our Dad's committee will be meeting soon so please watch your e-mail for this announcement. If you are not on the Dad's e-mail list, please send an e-mail to jessicamarick@gmail.com so we can get you added! In the mean time, it is very important that all of you have completed your background check through LISD. You can do this by visiting www.lisd.net and do the following:
Click "Parents" Click "Volunteer/Background Check" Click "Apply Now" This committee is quickly growing, and it is anticipated that it will become the most active group in our school! If you have any questions about the Dad's Committee, please contact the Volunteer Chair, Jessica Marick at jessicamarick@gmail.com
Volume 17, Issue 4
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WRANGLER OF THE WEEK 3RD SIX WEEKS Congratulations on being a WOW Student! Keep it up! Emily Kincaid – Anderson
Marley Leach - Hackett Colton Boyd - Pulliam Cora Siebert - Whiteley
Gracie Franz - Hale Ben Mayberry - Phoenix Jessica Ostiguy - Rosendahl
3rd Grade
Kindergarten
1st Grade Miranda Racca - Callahan Maddie Busch – Nanny Vanessa Jenks - Ogle Coleten Bazan - Pearson
Jeremy Carson - Backus Dezarae Evans – Erickson Hannah Babbidge - Franks Kaitlyn McLeod - Hudson Julien Gaudet - Morgan 4th Grade
2nd Grade Catherine Blenov - Bigham Abby Adams - Domzalski
Landi Lane - Kelley Maher Sandhu - Moon Rahu Hanumandhu - Parker
FROM THE NURSE’S OFFICE All of our kids end up visiting Nurse Carson at some time. There are many items that are not provided for the clinic that she needs to care for our kids. Let’s pitch in and help stock the clinic! Items needed are: Clorox wipes Kleenex Lotion (fragrance free) Hand sanitizer Baby wipes Office Supplies (Binders, dividers, folders – if you can contribute these, please contact Nurse Carson for specifics at carsond@lisd.net) Youth clothing, especially for boys and especially young boys sizes (Don’t forget shoes!) Please send all donations to Nurse Carson’s office. THANK YOU for your support!!
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Prairie Trail STAR
Prairie Trail PTA Lifetime Membership Awards One of the highest honors made available by the Texas PTA is the Honorary Texas Life Membership. This award honors individuals who show continued dedication and outstanding service to the children and youth of our schools and community. Prairie Trail Elementary is fortunate to have amazing families, volunteers and teachers that work hard to create a wonderful school for our kids.
2012 - 2013 Lifetime Member Honorees Prairie Trail PTA JANA BACKUS NANCY PHILLIPS ANDREA RODI
CONGRATULATIONS to Jana, Nancy and Andrea! These wonderful women will be honored at a banquet on February 28th at the Marriott DFW Airport Hotel. We THANK YOU and APPRECIATE all you do!
Our Library Fundraiser is underway! Our Library kicked off the Magazine Renewal/Sale Fundraiser on Wednesday, January 23. Our Library receives 40% of every dollar spent on our program. The money will be used to purchase new and updated books.
There are four ways to participate to support the library: Complete at least 7 postcards to different addresses to out-of-town adults. These cards will be collected and mailed to support the fundraiser. Send emails from the GAO website to family and friends inviting them to help our school. All orders placed online will be credited toward the student. Shop online (digital subscriptions available). Go to www.gaschoolstore.com and use Our School Store ID: 2494144. All orders placed online will be credited to student. Manual Sales. Show the catalog to people and ask them to renew old subscriptions or purchase new ones. Collect payment with every order. Make checks to GAO (Great American Opportunities) Turn in days: 1/29 turn in Day 1; 2/1 turn in Day 2; 2/6 final turn in day
Students will earn ducks for their sales and can wear them at school for chances to earn cash, prizes and privileges. There are also prizes for top classrooms and for turning in your postcards. See the sheet coming home with your kids for this info! Thank you for your support of our Library!
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Prairie Trail STAR
Rally Day 2013
We’ve Saved Your Spot! RSVP by February 11! The next Legislative Session is here! Texas PTA encourages all of our members to attend Rally Day at the Capitol to advocate for the PTA agenda with legislators. We’ll show you how; it’s EASY! Be the voice for Texas children! RSVP by February 11 to order your complimentary t-shirt. We’ll see you in Austin! www.txpta.org/events/rallyday You can sign up your entire group with one form, using the link above. Legislative priorities, information, and tentative Rally Day schedule can be found at www.txpta.org/events/rallyday. If you have any questions, emailcommunications@txpta.org.
FRIENDLY REMINDER ABOUT PARKING When you are in a hurry to bring your child to school, please remember to park only in unrestricted zones. In addition, set a good example for your children and cross in the crosswalk. No jaywalking, please! Please remember traffic and parking rules so that everyone is safe and our drop off and pick up runs smoothly.
Please drive slowly and carefully around our school, especially during drop off and pick up.
We need all drivers to avoid parking in the loading/unloading zones in front of the main en-trance or the cafeteria entrance during the posted hours of 7:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Please remember to abide by the passenger loading zone regulations. Use the zone as designed, for dropping off and picking up. Not for parking! Please stay in your cars. Thank you so much for your assistance!.
UPCOMING EVENTS/SCHOOL HAPPENINGS January 28 - February 1 College and Career Week
PRAIRIE TRAIL TEXANS
5555 Timber Creek Road Flower Mound, TX 75028 prairietrailstar@gmail.com
January 29
McTeacher Night at McDonald’s on 407 - 6 - 8PM
February 6 - 8
Book Fair Preview
February 7
Teacher Luncheon
February 11 - 15
Book Fair
February 11
Chick-fil-A Spirit Night from 5 - 8 PM
February 12
Valentine’s Party for 1st and 4th Graders
February 13
Valentine’s Party for 2nd and 5th Graders
February 14
Valentine’s Party for K and 3rd Graders
February 20
Chili’s Spirit Night from 5 - 8 PM
February 22
Spirit Day
WE’RE ON THE WEB! www.prairietrailpta.org www.PTAvenue.com
2012-2013 PTA BOARD Meet your PTA Board Members. Please feel free to contact any of the Board Members with any questions or concerns you may have. President: Jill Zielinski jill@fourzs.com
VP, Membership: Marie Siebert marielsiebert@gmail.com
VP, Programs: Christian Mathis christian.mathis@verizon.net
VP, Budget & Finance: Jay Dee Denton jdenton@twincreeks.com
VP, Communications: Amy Kenney amy.kenney@verizon.net
VP, Volunteers: Jessica Marick jessicamarick@gmail.com
Secretary: Lacy Dreger Lacy.dreger@yahoo.com
Treasuer: Shaunna McNatt mcnattsm@verizon.net
Historian: Brandy Moon bnbmoon@hotmail.com
Parliamentarian: Dawn Zanagar dawn.zanagar@verizon.net
Council Delegate: Marta Dunlap dunlapmm@tx.rr.com
Council Delegate: OPEN
Principal: Chellie Adams adamscs@lisd.net