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for all the news, notes, and more
about Fern Bluff PTA!

PTA Meeting Monday Oct 5th

AGENDA

Fern Bluff PTA Meeting

October 5, 2009

I. Call Meeting to Order

II. Approval of Minutes

III. Report of Officers

a. Treasurer’s Report

b. Budget Report

c. Vice Presidents

d. President’s Report

IV. Principal’s Report

V. Report of Committees

a. Reflections

VI. New Business

VII. Announcements

10/7/09 – Pizza Hut Night

10/12/09 – School Holiday

10/13/09 – Direct Donation Drive Begins

10/14/09 – Fuddrucker’s Night

10/15/09 – Principal’s Coffee – 8:00 am

10/16/09 – Field Day

10/22/09 – Snack Shack

10/23/09 – Family Movie Night – 6:30

11/19/09 – Family Literacy Night

PTA PROGRAM –

SWINE FLU/ FLU PRESENTATION

Sept 25th Bobcat Tracks ENews

PTA PLANNING MEETING Friday, October 2 at 8 AM in the Cafeteria. The PTA Planning Meeting is designed to discuss action items and needs required for support of PTA programs, events, and activities. Bring your ideas and enthusiasm!

PTA GENERAL MEETING Monday, October 5 at 7 PM in the Cafeteria. Join us for the general membership PTA meeting which will be followed by "Flu/Swine Flu: What Every Parent Should Know" presented by Dr. Mark Katalenas of the Pediatric Center of Round Rock. These are immediately following the Health & Safety Fair.

HEALTH & SAFETY FAIR Monday, October 5th 5-7 PM School-wide.

TYLENOL RECALL With the illnesses on the rise, many parents want to safely use pain relievers for their children. Nurse Brandy has checked the lot numbers against all of the Tylenol products left by parents in the clinic for as needed use. If you have Tylenol products at home and want to check the lot numbers, check this website: http://www.tylenol.com/page.jhtml?id=tylenol/news/subpchildinfantnews.inc

MOVIE POLL Family Movie Night is October 23rd. What should we show? Indian in the Cupboard Bedknobs & Broomsticks, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, or Swiss Family Robinson. Cast your vote today! http://fernbluffelementary.blogspot.com

PICTURE DAY Tuesday, September 29th!

ACADEMIC NIGHTS Adults Only Please SECOND Grade: Tuesday, September 29th at 6:30 PM in cafeteria. FIRST Grade: Thursday, October 1st at 6 PM in cafeteria.

DENIM DRIVE Donate your gently used Jeans! Clothes Closet is collecting your denim as well as new socks and underwear from September 27th to October 13th for Round Rock ISD families in need.

TEXAS PTA DAY AT THE BALLPARK Houston Astros special pricing Sunday, September 27th for Texas PTA members. Contact Joe Schiavi 713-259-8314 or jschiavi@astros.com. http://www.txpta.org/documents/Events/astros.pdf

SCHOOL DIRECTORY If you would like to advertise your business or service in the 2009-2010 Fern Bluff School Directory, send your business card and $10 check payable to FBE PTA. Contact Jennifer at jmbanks@austin.rr.com

MARATHON KIDS KICK-OFF Plan to start your first marathon mile with other central Texas families at 11 AM Saturday, October 3rd at the UT Mike Myers Track & Field Stadium.

FERN BLUFF SUPER HEROES FIELD DAY Friday, October 16th Volunteers are needed to make this day happen! Find another parent with whom you can job-share the morning and/or afternoon shift. Without community support, this fun day will not be possible! Contact Pam Pritchard at 428-2127. Grades K-2 9AM—11:30 AM Grades 3-5 12 PM– 2:30 PM

ATTENTION: Kinder Parent Social Postponed

Due to weather, the Kinder Parent Social will be postponed. The new date is Friday, Otober 2, 2009 at Fern Bluff Park right after school (2:45 PM).

Superheroes Field Day Support Needed!

ATTENTION ALL Fern Bluff Parents, Grandparents, Aunts/Uncles

The Physical Education Dept. is very excited about our upcoming Field day scheduled for Friday, October 16th. Our theme this year is "Fern Bluff Superheroes".

Once again, we count on your support to make our field day successful. We need SEVERAL volunteers to assist at the 12 stations. The student sessions are split. Kinder, 1st and 2nd grades are in the morning from 9:00 – 11:30am. 3rd, 4th and 5th grades are from 12 noon – 2:30pm. We know you enjoy watching your child participate in the various activities, so we suggest you sign up to work the shift when your child is not outside. You can also find a parent with whom you can job-share a shift so you can do both!

You will be receiving a volunteer and equipment donation letter in your child's Tuesday folder in the next 2 weeks. Our biggest need is for water balloons for the catapult station – we never have enough! Generally, all equipment donated will not be returned.

Please call us at 428-2127 to let Pam Pritchard know you can help out on Field Day or send in the volunteer form when you receive it in your child's Tuesday folder.

Thank you,
Pam Pritchard, Ruben Dones, Bryan Thompson
PE Faculty

Kinder Social This Friday

At our last PTA meeting a request was made to establish ways to meet new parents especially at the Kinder level. As a result, we will have a Kinder Social Friday, September 25th. We will meet right after school at Fern Bluff park so the kids can play and parents can chat.

WANTED: Parent, Student, & Faculty Reporters

So much greatness is happening at Fern Bluff Elementary, there is no way for one newsletter editor to keep track of it all. Help us get the word out about the fun, achievements, and highlights at our school by submitting an article for the October 1st edition of the FBE PTA Bobcat Bulletin.

Deadline is end of day, Thursday, September 24th.

Email lisamack@austin.rr.com

Get published!

Chick-fil-A Night Results

Last Monday was our first quarterly Chick-fil-A Night. Fern Bluff Elementary PTA received 15% of all sales and will receive $123. Thanks to all who participated in Chick-fil-A night and big thanks to our restaurant partner, Chick-fil-A.

Weekly Email Hands Down

We asked, "How do you most want to learn about what's happening with our students and PTA?" You answered:

• 83 % Weekly Email
• 8 % Tuesday Folder
• 8 % Check Website

Bobcat Tracks ENews

SCHOOL SPIRIT STORE – Tuesday, September 22nd immediately after school in the main lobby. All kinds of treasures available!

STUDENT DIRECTORY –If you would like to advertise your business or service in the 2009-2010 Fern Bluff School Directory, send your business card and $5 check payable to FBE PTA. Contact Jennifer at jmbanks@austin.rr.com

SCIENCE ENRICHMENT PROGRAM – Help needed! No experience necessary . . . Work with the science kit program, help plan a science family fun night, and more. Contact Ruma: rumasingh@hotmail.com

GET PUBLISHED – Grade-level reporters needed for PTA Bobcat Bulletin monthly newsletter. Great things are happening on campus! Help us share the story with our entire school community. Contact Lisa: lisamack@austin.rr.com

ACADEMIC NIGHTS – † TAG: Tuesday, September 22nd at 6 PM in TAG classrooms. † Fifth Grade: Thursday, September 24th at 6 PM in classrooms. † ADULTS only please.

DESTINATION IMAGINATION – Registration forms are due by Monday, September 21st. http://fbe-studentenrichment.wikispaces.com/Destination+Imagination

RESOURCE ROOM –Do you need to clean out your playroom? Our parent support specialist is looking for a few toys for the resource room. They must be clean and in good condition. Bring them by or contact Holly: holly_stueve@roundrockisd.org

PARENT SUMMIT – Saturday, September 26th at McNeil High School includes FREE Parenting Workshops, FREE Childcare, and a FREE Lunch with programs such as Advice for Parents on Bullying, International Families: Raising Children in Multi-Cultural Environments, Science Fair 101 for Parents, Pre-School Readiness, What Every Elementary Parent Needs to Know About Curriculum-What is Taught and Tested in RRISD, Child Lures Prevention (presented by Fern Bluff’s Counselor, Suzanne O’Brien), Ending the Parent Child Feud at Home, Love and Logic Introduction, Raising Financially Responsible Children, Journey Through a Child’s Eyes – a Dyslexia Simulation Workshop, Kindergarten Readiness. Register on-line at www.roundrockisd.org or contact Holly at 428-2195.

Toys for Young Children Needed

Our parent support specialist is in need of small toys for the Parent Resource Room. This is the room for our "Bobkittens" (the siblings of FBE students) play while their Moms or Dads volunteer their time. If you are planning on cleaning out and have some toys that are in good condition and clean that you would like to donate, please either contact Holly Stueve, holly_stueve@roundrockisd.org or drop them off at the Parent Resource Room. Thanks in advance for your donation.

Chick-fil-A Restaurant Night... TONIGHT!

Monday, Sept 14th, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM go to Chick-Fil-A (620 location only) for a quick dinner or snack and 15% percent of sales will benefit Fern Bluff PTA! Your receipt must be put in the receipt box located near the registers. If you drive thru, ask your server to do this for you.

9/11/2009 Bobcat Tracks ENews

Keep up with campus news!

http://fernbluffptaenews.blogspot.com

If you don't currently subscribe to Fern Bluff Elementary's Bobcat Tracks ENews and want to, send your email address and grade of students at FBE to lisamack@austin.rr.com.

AGENDA: PTA Meeting "Getting To Know You"

Thursday, September 10, 2009
Cafeteria
7 PM

Come Get to Know Fern Bluff PTA!

I. Call Meeting to Order
II. Approval of Minutes
III. Report of Officers

• a. Treasurer’s Report
• b. Budget Report
• c. President’s Report

IV. Principal’s Report
V. New Business
VI. Announcements

• 9/11&14/09 – Grandparent’s luncheon
• 9/14/09 – Chick-fil-A Night
• 9/16/09 – Early Release
• 9/17/09 – Principal’s Coffee – 8:00 am – Teacher’s Lounge
• 9/29/09 – Picture Day
• 10/2/09 – PTA Planning Meeting - 8:00 am - Cafeteria
• 10/5/09 – Health & Safety Fair
• 10/5/09 – PTA Meeting – 7:00 pm – Cafeteria – Presentation on the Swine Flu/Flu
• 10/7/09 – Pizza Hut Night
• 10/13/09 – Direct Donation Drive Begins
• 10/14/09 – Fuddrucker’s Night
• 10/16/09 – FBE Field Day Program

PROGRAM: PTA and You!

News & Notes

Check out this week's PTA ENews in our Bobcat Tracks section: http://fernbluffptaenews.blogspot.com/

Read Dr. Wilson's note in our Prinicpal's Corner section:
http://fernbluffprinicpalscorner.blogspot.com/

Fern Bluff Elementary Recognized for Excellence

THIS IS POSTING FROM THE RRISD WEBSITE:

8 RRISD schools named to TBEC Honor Roll
Posted Date: 9/3/2009

Eight Round Rock ISD schools have been named to the Texas Business and Education Coalition (TBEC) 2009 Honor Roll. Selected for their sustained academic excellence are: Cactus Ranch, Canyon Creek, Fern Bluff, Great Oaks, Laurel Mountain and Spicewood Elementary Schools; Canyon Vista Middle School; and Westwood High School.

"Fern Bluff Elementary is elated to be a TBEC Honor Roll recipient for 2009. This accomplishment can only be attributed to the hard work of our students, dedication and commitment of our teachers, staff members, and unwavering support of our parents and school community," Fern Bluff Principal Dr. Elizabeth Wilson said. "At Fern Bluff, we strive to meet the varied needs of our students, promote higher level thinking and cultivate a lifelong love of learning. As a campus team, our top priority is to help all students reach their highest potential...whatever it takes!"

The list represents less than 4 percent of all public schools in Texas and includes 13 High Schools, 35 middle schools and 206 elementary schools. In analyzing every public school in Texas TBEC considers only the school’s commended performance, the state’s highest standard for academic achievement, and sets specific targets for schools based on grades served and student demographics.

The 2009 standards were by far the toughest in the 10 year history of the award. All schools were expected to improve their commended performance from 2008 and every school was required to have a minimum of 20 percent of students tested performing at the commended level on all tests for 2009.

A reception and dinner for school honorees will be held on Nov. 9 in San Antonio.

Pizza Hut Restaurant Night

Last evening 20 Fern Bluff Families participated in Pizza Hut Restaurant Night and earned a total of $88.28 for our school! Thanks to those who participated and thanks to Pizza Hut! Funds from Restaurant Night will be collected through out the year and will be used to fund things like Field Trip Transportation, New Library Books, Workroom Supplies and Staff Continuing Education/Training. Look at our Restaurant Night Calendar to find out when you can plan your next night out!

Reminder Forms Due

• 4th Grade Drama Program Registrations Due Thursday, Sept 3rd
• Math Pentathlon Registrations Due Friday, Sept 4th
• Grandparents Lunch Form Due Friday, Sept 4th

Round Rock ISD Parent Summit

Mark your calendars to be a part of the 4th annual Parent Summit on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009 at the RRISD Performing Arts Center, 5800 McNeil Road, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and explore how schools, the business community and parents can work as partners to keep children safe and healthy.

The Summit is sponsored by RRISD, the RRISD Council of PTAs and the Safe Schools/Healthy Students grant and is designed to explore how schools and parents can work as partners to keep children safe and healthy and help them succeed in school. More than 30 parent-focused workshops are available focusing on wellness, special education, education, parenting and bullying. Some sessions will be offered in Spanish.

Register online or contact a Parent Support Specialist at any campus for help. Childcare is available on a limited basis for children from 18 months to 12 years of age.

For more information, contact Maria Rosas Garcia at 464-5614 or by email at: parent_summit@roundrockisd.org. On-site registration will be available.

Pizza Hut Night

Present your Pizza Hut coupon (above) on Wednesday, Sept. 2nd (delivery or carry out) and Pizza Hut will donate 20% back to Fern Bluff Elementary PTA.

Bobcat Tracks ENews

Keep up with the 411 on school news and events! Read the weekly PTA ENews online here (see link on right) or get it delivered to your email inbox each week by subscribing now. Email your contact information to our newsletter editor Tonja Eaton at tonja@austin.rr.com.

4th Grade Drama Club

Last year a team of parents staged the production, "Character Matters," with students in the 3rd grade. We had a great amount of fun introducing theatre to 30 kids. This fall we are staging the production, "The Case of the Missing Paragraph," which is a show that explores the topic of composition. We picked it because we thought it would be of help to the 4th graders whose focus will be on writing. The script is fun and the songs are catchy.

Show Description
It was a sweltering afternoon when she knocked on the door. She was looking for a detective. Someone to find her paragraph. It was missing. No the dog had not eaten it. She'd come to the right place: The Expository Detective Agency. It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.This 35 minute musical play is a fun way for students to learn about the tricks and rules of punctuation and grammar. No music or drama experience needed. You can read more about the show below or click on this link to read the first third of the play and listen to the music. http://www.badwolfpress.com/Paragraph.htm

If your student would like to be a part of the 4th Grade Stage Crew, please email Heidi York at jay_heidi@hotmail.com for a rehearsal schedule and registration form. For more information visit: http://fernbluffdramaclub.blogspot.com/.

Enrollment is open now through Thursday, September 3rd.

Tears & Cheers Breakfast

Sending your child off on his or her first day of school is hard! Summer fun is over and school routines have to be established all over again or for the first time. If it's your 5-year old just starting Kindergarten, the first day of school can be filled with many emotions: hope, anxiety, sadness, even relief! No matter what, the morning comes with a great big . . . SIGH. . . .

The Fern Bluff PTA is hosting a Tears & Cheers breakfast for moms and dads of Kindergarten students at 7:45 AM in the school library. We'll be there to share your tears and help cheer you on to remember that Kindergarten is a fabulous, giant, scary, exciting, step for your child.

We want to meet you! Come join us for a short while after school drop off on Tuesday morning, August 25, first day of school.

WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL!

Back to School Night events were exciting as students got to meet their teachers, deliver school supplies, see their friends from last year and make new ones, purchase school t-shirts, and sign up for PTA, scouts, watchdogs, and the green team.

If you missed any of these amazing opportunities, look for more information in a future Tuesday folder and e-newsletter.

Not sure you are on FBE PTA ENews? Want to get more information about a school program or volunteer for a future event? Send a note to fernbluffelementary@gmail.com.

WELCOME BACK!

Math Pentathlon Pre-Registering Students Now

Check out the Fern Bluff Math Pentathlon blog to find out how you can pre-register your child for Math Pentathlon to be held on Thursdays after school for 2009-2010.

http://mathpentathlonbobcats.blogspot.com/

Fern Bluff Elementary Kinder Social

Fifteen families and their incoming Kinder Bobcats met at Fern Bluff Park on Saturday, June 6th. It was a great way to for the Kinder kids to meet each other and for new and current parents to learn more about what to expect in Kindergarten. Join us for the next Kinder social scheduled for Sunday, June 14th at 5:00 PM at Fern Bluff Park (located next to the school on Park Valley Drive). For questions, contact Alexia Thex: ajthex03@thexfamily.com.

Share your time and talents! NEEDED:

Marketing & Communications Committee Members

email: lisamack@austin.rr.com

Bobcat Bash Co-Chairs & Committee Members
Restaurant Night Coordinator
Family Fun Night Coordinator

email: ajthex03@thethexfamily.com

GO GREEN Team Co-Chairs & Committee Members
Cultural Arts Coordinator
Partners in Education Coordinator

email: jennifer@thejacksonzoo.com

Volunteer Coordinator
Watchdogs Coordinator

email: jay_heidi@hotmail.com

2009 National Champions

Photo by Nate Myers




There is only one school in the United States that can claim the title 2009 Math Pentathlon National Champions and it's Fern Bluff Elementary. Now there are one-hundred thirty-six students who will always be able to say, "We were National Champions!"

The celebration and awards ceremony was incredible and lovely in the school courtyard! Dr. Wilson, Principal, welcomed the crowd and introduced Lisa Mack, campus coordinator for the program. She shared her thanks for the strong parent support of the program and her pride in the kids growth and sportsmanship. Round Rock ISD Director of Curriculmn, Suzanne Burkman spoke on behalf of Superintendent Dr. Chavez in congratulating the students for their incredible achievement. Dr. Lorenzo Sadun of the University of Texas who is the advisor to a collegiate math team spoke about real world applications of the math program and how how hoped to meet them again in 10 or 15 years at UT. Jarrod Weaver presented a certificate of special congressional recognition on behalf of Congressman John Carter and finally, Rene LeBlanc, national director of the Pentathlon Institute honored Fern Bluff Elementary students with a trophy presentation.

Students then marched through the halls in the Parade of Champions getting high-fives from their classmates before getting their individual trophies in the gym.

5th Grade Graduation

Flowers, chocolate, cameras, and smiles were in large supply at the 5th grade graduation ceremony. Congratulations to all our fifth grade friends as they move to Junior High!

Party, Party, Party

Snow cones, circus, water slides . . . so much fun to be had at the end-of-year parties today!

Love & Logic Seminar

For: Parents of children ages 0-18
Presenters: Jenna Fleming and Joan Russell, school counselors
Date: Thursday, June 11, 2009
Time: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Berkman Elementary School, 400 W Anderson Ave, Round Rock, TX
Fees: Class is FREE and Lunch is provided.
Registration Phone: (512) 464-4112

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Fern Bluff Elementary Named 2009 Math Pentathlon National Champions

Yesterday, Rene LeBlanc, Associate Director of the Pentathlon Institute, announced that once scores had been counted and confirmed for all schools nationwide, the Kinder —5th grade team at Fern Bluff Elementary took the Championship with 352 points.

“This is truly an incredible achievement for our kids and our coaches,” said Lisa Mack, Fern Bluff Elementary Math Pentathlon campus coordinator. “We know our kids are truly special and now the whole country knows.”

Tournaments have been held for the past 31 years with national championships awarded since 1994. Texas has been hosting tournaments since 1997 and this is only the 2nd time a school in Texas has won the national championship. Thousands of schools around the US have Math Pentathlon games in the schools either in the classroom or as an extracurricular enrichment program. In 2008-2009 there were 219 schools that participated in the national tournament.

What9 9s even more astonishing about the win is that this is the first year Fern Bluff Elementary has even had Math Pentathlon on campus. “Clearly the dedication of the coaches, rule experts, and parent volunteers working with the kids each week has made a huge difference on that campus,” noted Mr. LeBlanc. “They have an exceptional program, an exceptional staff of parents running the program, and exceptional students.”

At 8:00 AM on Wednesday, June 3rd, the campus will celebrate their victory with a presentation by Mr. LeBlanc followed by a parade of champions and reception for the pentathletes. Parents welcome to attend!

Tears at Kinder Assembly

There's nothing like the end of Kindergarten. . .

Of course there were the required tearjerker moments: a touching slide show and a fantastic performance by all the kinder students of Louis Armstrong's "What A Wonderful World" with sign language. It was moving and beautiful.

Millions of thanks to the Kinder teachers for such a lovely program and super year!

E-Fair Held Today!

The fifth grade students are hosting an Entrepreneur Fair at 8:45 AM for the fourth and fifth grade students. The fourth graders were given a set amount and the fifth graders had to budget for their spending money. Super stuff!!!

Survey Reminder

Have your voice heard! Please complete the FBE PTA Survery.

The PTA needs to know which programs, which activities, which events, and which services Fern Bluff parents and teachers feel are most important. Please take 15 minutes right now to make your opinions count!

Just a reminder:
The PTA survey is only online through this Friday, May 29th.

FBE Cookbook

WANTED: 500 Recipes from Fern Bluff Parents, Teachers, & Staff

Have a dish-to-pass to die for? Got a casserole that will become every household's Monday night special? Share your quick and easy as well as your long-but-worth-the-wait recipes with the rest of our school community! Help make the best ever cookbook with your favorite recipes!

For more information on how-to, email Betsy Melton at sbmgmelton@austin.rr.com

But hurry, the deadline is quickly approaching . . .

Destination Imagination

Does your child crave creativity? Does your child work well on a team? Does your child have what it takes to be part of a truly unique experience?

If the answer is yes, then consider joining Destination Imagination. Thousands of students across the United States and around the world create solutions through collaboration on teams comprised of up to seven members. There are five levels of competition from Rising Stars up to the university level. The teams are given one of five challenges to solve called the Central Challenge as well as an Instant Challenge.

If you are interested in having your child participate or becoming a team manager, contact Sheryl Witschorke at Sheryl_witschorke@roundrockisd.org or 428-2189. Teams will be formed in August with meetings beginning in September. The meeting day is tentatively scheduled for Tuesdays after school for about an hour. For more information about the program and the challenges visit www.idodi.org.

Student Awards Assemblies

Thursday, May 28
First Grade at 8:00 AM

Friday May 29
Second Grade at 9:30 AM
Kinder at 1:30 PM

Monday June 1
Fourth Grade at 8:00 AM
Third Grade at 1:00 PM

Math Pentathlon DIV III Tournament on Saturday

Orginially scheduled for Saturday, May 2nd, the fourth and fifth grade students in Math Pentathlon at Fern Bluff Elementary have waited a long time for their tournament which was rescheduled for May 30th due to the H1N1 virus cancellation of activities. They will compete with over 400 students from around Texas; playing five math-based games. Wish them the best of luck!

Memorial Day NO SCHOOL

Make Your Opinion Count: PTA Survey in Progress

We NEED your feedback! The PTA has to be responsive to our current economic times and plans to make significant cuts to the budget for next year. We need your input to help determine which programs will continue to receive financial support and which programs will no longer be funded. We would also like to know how to better focus our volunteer efforts to benefit our students.

The survey will be online until Friday, May 29th. If you haven't been emailed personally to complete the survey, let us know so we can get you involved! We truly need your input to make the best decisions. Thank you for your time, energy, ideas, opinions, and efforts! Our school is truly a fantastic place to be because of our parents and teachers.

Kelly Moreno
Fern Bluff Elementary PTA President

Character Matters

The 3rd Grade Stage Crew performed the show "Character Matters" for the students at Fern Bluff Elementary at day time assemblies and for their parents and friends in a final evening performance tonight. The show featured advice from the Fairy Tale Advice Council for situations dealing with forgiveness, honesty, and the Golden Rule.