prairie trail pta 3rd six weeks newsletter
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Prairie Traile PTA - Prairie Trail Star NewsletterTRANSCRIPT
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, Accel-
erated 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 infor-
mation and join us for all the fun. We’re excited to be work-
ing with such a great Prairie Trail family!
Regards,
Jill Zielinski
PTA President
Happy New Year to the Prairie Trail Family!
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 par-ents 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 meet-
ing and program will be sepa-rate 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 volun-
teers 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 com-
mittee positions, so watch for
PRESIDENT’S PEN
STAY CONNECTED!
Want to know what’s going on
at Prairie Trail Elementary?
Stay connected on Facebook!
Our page is updated regularly
with important announce-
ments, reminders, event info
and more! Visit facebook.com/
PrairieTrailPTA today!
PRAIRIE
TRAIL
TEXANS
January 26, 2012 Volume 17, Issue 4
Prairie Trail
STAR
Find us on
Prairie Trail Elementary PTA Facebook.com/
PrairieTrailPTA
President’s Pen 1
Principal’s Notes 2
Spring Fest 3
Parent Meeting 4
WOW Students 5
Library 6
Calendar 8
PTA Board 8
In this Issue:
We are back in the full swing of school after our
Holiday break! I hope all of
you had a wonderful vaca-tion 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 be-come 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 compre-
hend 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
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 be-yond grade five for strug-
gling readers.
To be effective, you do
not need to spend long
periods of time practicing
guided repeated oral read-ing. 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
PRINCIPAL’S NOTES From our Principal, Mrs. Chellie Adams
Page 2 Prairie Trail STAR
Prairie Trail
Elementary Principal,
Mrs. Chellie Adams
We LOVE our furry, four-legged
family members but we must abide
by our school policy.
Just a reminder that LISD does not
allow dogs on campus due to the
unpredictability of dogs around children.
If you walk your dog when dropping off/picking up your children, please meet them
on one of the street sidewalks that border the
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
up after your dogs and please remind your
neighbors to do so also. We have had
instances of kids finding dog “presents” with their shoes while playing on the playground. Let’s keep our playground safe
for all our kids. Thank you!
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 deci-
sion 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. At-
tach cash or check and return the application to the Prairie Trail Office – We Appreciate Your Sup-
port!!
Questions? Contact Marie Siebert: [email protected]
prairietrailstampede@gma
il.com
Friday, April 19th.
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 @ [email protected]
We need donations for our silent auction--if you have a business and would like to do-
nate something or would be willing to help get silent auction items please contact Amy Allen
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
@ [email protected] 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
SAVE THE DATE—SPRING FEST 2013!
Page 3 Volume 17, Issue 4
Page 4 Prairie Trail STAR
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
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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]
DAD’S COMMITTEE UPDATE
Page 5 Volume 17, Issue 4
WRANGLER OF THE WEEK
3RD SIX WEEKS
Kindergarten
Emily Kincaid – Anderson
Gracie Franz - Hale
Ben Mayberry - Phoenix
Jessica Ostiguy - Rosendahl
1st Grade
Miranda Racca - Callahan Maddie Busch – Nanny
Vanessa Jenks - Ogle Coleten Bazan - Pearson
2nd Grade
Catherine Blenov - Bigham
Abby Adams - Domzalski
Marley Leach - Hackett
Colton Boyd - Pulliam Cora Siebert - Whiteley
3rd Grade
Jeremy Carson - Backus
Dezarae Evans – Erickson Hannah Babbidge - Franks
Kaitlyn McLeod - Hudson Julien Gaudet - Morgan
4th Grade
Landi Lane - Kelley
Maher Sandhu - Moon
Rahu Hanumandhu - Parker
Congratulations on being a WOW Student!
Keep it up!
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 [email protected])
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!!
FROM THE NURSE’S OFFICE
Page 6 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 pro-
gram. 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 subscrip-
tions 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 turn-ing in your postcards. See the sheet coming home with your kids for this info!
Thank you for your support of our Library!
Page 7 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, [email protected].
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!.
5555 Timber Creek Road Flower Mound, TX 75028
January 28 - February 1 College and Career Week
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
PRAIRIE TRAIL
TEXANS
UPCOMING EVENTS/SCHOOL HAPPENINGS
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 VP, Membership: Marie Siebert
[email protected] [email protected]
VP, Programs: Christian Mathis VP, Budget & Finance: Jay Dee Denton
[email protected] [email protected]
VP, Communications: Amy Kenney VP, Volunteers: Jessica Marick
[email protected] [email protected]
Secretary: Lacy Dreger Treasuer: Shaunna McNatt
[email protected] [email protected]
Historian: Brandy Moon Parliamentarian: Dawn Zanagar
[email protected] [email protected]
Council Delegate: Marta Dunlap Council Delegate: OPEN
Principal: Chellie Adams