Foothills Elementary PTA: October 2011

Newsletter Correction The Picture make up day for A/B is on the 17th, not the 15th as appeared on the PTA newsletter.

What's Happening in Your Grade in November? KINDERGARTEN Welcome back A-track, good bye D-track! We owe a big thank you to all the parents who came and helped us with our Halloween parties. The parties were a success and were enjoyed by all. This month in kindergarten we are working on a letter a week and learning many new sight words.

FIRST GRADE is proud to present our "Happiness is Going to First Grade" program on November 16. It will start at 6:30 in the Foothills gym. November is a month of Thanksgiving. We will be doing many activities that focus on Thanksgiving. We will be studying nutrition and learning about the food pyramid and learning about what kinds of things make a healthy lifestyle. We will also be learning about hygiene cold prevention. First grade teachers always encourage our students and their parents to read at home to reinforce the skills taught at school.

During the month of November SECOND GRADERS will count coins in sums up to one dollar and read all kinds of graphs like pictographs and bar graphs. They will be reading from a variety of genres and writing stories using dialogue. You can help your child by continuing to read with them each night and having them count money. Also, have you considered having your child write in a personal diary once a week? That will reinforce what we are going at school.

The THIRD GRADE is excited about all the awesome things coming up! We have conferences for A and B track on November 9th and 10th. We also have Thanksgiving break coming soon as well. The Rotary Club came and donated dictionaries to each 3rd grade student. We wrote thank you notes to the Rotary Club. Even though the holidays are approaching we are still working harder than ever and need your support in having your child at school. Thanks so much for your support!
P.S. Why don't you let a turkey get near corn?
Answer: Because they will gobble, gobble, gobble it:)

FOURTH GRADE
In November we are grateful for many different things.
We practice all our math facts, and are on time when the bell rings.
We're glad to meet with parents on November 9 and 10
For A and B Track Conferences, we hope to see you then.
Watch for recorder notes to be sent home sometime soon,
You'll want to have a recorder to play a beautiful tune.
We're grateful for our coats and hats and scarves and pairs of gloves,
For when cold weather comes again we're snug as a bug in a rug.

FIFTH GRADE would like to thank all of the volunteers who helped out for Halloween. The kids had an excellent time! Many of us are focusing on memorizing state locations, abbreviations, and capitals. They need to get 100% in order to pass them off for the Young American Award. For Math the focus is on division. In order for the kids to do well on division, it helps if they know their multiplication facts. Practice at home with flash cards or use one of the fun Math websites from the Foothills websites.

The SIXTH GRADE star party on Sept. 29th was a huge success! We had several telescopes from the Utah Astronomical Society, delicious treats, and great attendance. Thanks to all who came to this educational evening! C/D tracks have just finished their Parent/Teacher Conferences. We appreciate all the support we receive from parents. Students have set goals for 2nd term to achieve high grades. A/B track conferences are Nov. 9,10.

Box Tops & Soup Labels Contest Winners!

** BOX TOPS/LABELS **

Our Fall Box Tops/Labels Contest ended on October 8th.

The winning class was Mrs. Joffs (1st grade)!
Second place went to Mr. Welcker (6th grade),
third place was Ms. Shumway (1st grade),
fourth place was Mrs. Finlay (4th grade),
fifth place was Mrs. Colvin (PM Kindergarten)
sixth place was Mrs. Colvin (AM Kindergarten).

The top six classes all received mini pumpkins for their hard work! Over 100 mini pumpkins were donated by Petersen Family Farm in Riverton (11887 South 4000 West). With this Fall Contest we raised $2090.40 from Box Tops!! Wow!

We also submitted 7,385 Campbell's Labels! Thanks so much for your outstanding support. Our Girls vs. Boys Contest will begin January 9th so keep cutting those Box Tops and Labels out!

UPDATE: The teachers at Foothills Elementary were recently told they each get to spend $2 per student (in their class this year) on whatever they choose. Your children get the reward from all your hard work cutting and collecting Box Tops! As the teachers spend their money we will report to you what each teacher purchases for their classroom. Here's what a few more teachers have purchased:

Weldy (3rd grade): Pencil sharpeners, pencil grips, rewards/incentives.
Droz (3rd grade): Various reading incentives from Zurchers.
Haynie (4th grade): Folders and composition books.

Capri Suns Recycle Program Ended

** CASH FOR CAPRISUNS - BE GREEN/EARN GREEN **

The PTA did an experiment for one month trying a new recycling effort to help earn extra money. (We would be given $0.02 per CapriSun pouch that we mail in.)

After seeing what we could collect in a month and deducted shipping fees, this program would not be cost effective for our school/PTA.

The black garbage can that was collecting CapriSuns in the cafeteria has been removed. We appreciate your support through the trial run.

McDonald's Night November 7th

Our next Foothills Elementary McDonald’s Night is November 7th!

There will be more checkers to help out and orders from the drive thru count toward the proceeds!

This was very successful last time—let’s see if we can make it even more so!

To the Book Fair and Beyond Nov 9&10

Join us for our Scholastic Book Fair (AGAIN!) on November 9 and 10 held during Parent Teacher Conferences (between 4 and 8 pm).

Find us on the stage! Come before or after your visit with teachers and find some great books for kids—our yourself!

If you’d like to know more about it, visit this webpage.

If you can’t get to the school to see us, then check out this webpage to order books online!

Box Tops & Soup Labels Contest Winners!

We’d like to announce the winners of our Box Tops/Labels Contest. Less than $10 separated the top six classes so all of these six classes are getting mini pumpkins this week:

First place: Mrs.Joffs (1st grade)

Second place: Mr. Welcker (6th grade)

Third place: Ms. Shumway (1st grade)

Fourth place: Mrs. Finlay (4th grade)

Fifth place: Mrs. Colvin (PM kindergarten)

Sixth place: Mrs. Colvin (AM kindergarten)

The real winner is Foothills since we raised $2000 dollars! Thanks for all your support! (The November PTA Newsletter will give the exact amount of Box Top money earned as well as the grand total for Campbell's Labels.)

A Big THANK YOU to Petersen Family Farms (11887 South 4000 West, Riverton) for donating over 100 mini pumkins to our school!

www.petersenfamilyfarm.com

Reflections Time is Here!

2011-2012 theme is: "Diversity means..."

Entries Due October 19th for B & D, October 28th for A & C

What is Reflections?

Reflections is a nationwide arts program sponsored by PTA. The program “provides opportunities for students to express themselves and to receive positive recognition for their artistic efforts.” (www.pta.org)

Who May Enter?

· Every student is invited to enter as many or as few of the seven categories as they would like (only one entry per category). The categories are: Literature, Musical Composition, Photography, Visual Arts, Dance, Film/Video, Theater*, and 3D-Art*.

· Reflections projects are generally done outside of the classroom. Though teachers may encourage students to submit class work as Reflections entries.

· All Reflections entries must be the work of only one student.

How Do I Enter?

· Read the official rules for the category you would like to enter. Official rules are available from a link found at the Utah PTA website or copies are provided at the front office.

A summery of the category requirements and specific links to rules and entry forms can be found on this website.

· Follow the guidelines carefully so that you don’t get disqualified.

· Do your very best work! (Students must do their own work.)

· Completely fill out the entry form, include signatures.

· Turn in your entry by the due date.

How Are Entries Judged?

· Each entry is judged in three areas: creativity, artistic merit and interpretation of theme.

· Entries receiving Awards of Merit will move on to compete at council, regional, state and national* levels.

· The Grade Divisions are as follows: Primary K-2; Intermediate 3-5; Middle/Junior 6-8.

Remember, this is a fun chance to be creative and to express artistic talent. Not every entry can win, but everyone is a winner by entering. Have fun!

*3D-Art and Theater are Utah PTA pilot programs and do not go on to national competition.
Did you know that in 2007 Utah had more per-capita national Reflection winners than any other state?

Reflections Rules and Entry Form Links

Summery of Reflection Categories and Links to Complete Rules and Entry Forms

Theme: "Diversity Means..."
Due October 19th for B & D, October 28th for A & C

***Entry Form (PDF)***
***Consent Form Instructions (PDF)***
***Consent Form (PDF)***
*** Media Release Form (PDF) ***
*** Artist Statement (PDF) ***
*** Entry Guidelines for All Categories ***

Entry Form in Spanish

Complete rules can be found at the links below. Please read through official rules before entering to be sure your entry will not be disqualified. The following summery is provided only for convenience. Each student is responsible for following all the official rules of participation.

A List of General Participation Rules Can be found at the National PTA site AT THIS LINK

Rules Summaries

Literature
Link to Offical Rules. Please read before entering. (PDF)

· May be fiction, nonfiction, prose, poetry or drama (not a collection)

· May not exceed 2,000 words

· Submit one original and two copies, Number all pages, paper clip pages

· Illustrations may be included but only the writing will be judged

· Paper not to exceed 8 ½ x 11 inches

·Detailed labeling and submitting information available at the above link.

Photography
Link to Official Rules. Please read before entering (PDF).

· Original black-and-white, color, or group of images.

· All images included must have been taken by the student. Collages of photos not taken by the student should be entered as Visual Art.

· Not to exceed 11 x 14 inches

· Mount on cardboard mat or poster board, do not frame (must be 2D)

· Protection with shrink wrap or plastic cover is highly recommended

· Detailed labeling and submitting information available at the above link.

Musical Composition
Link to Official Rules. Please Read before entering (PDF).

· Voice, instruments or combination. Lyrics or instrumental

· No longer than 5 minutes

· Entire composition must be the original work of the student.

· Use of notation software is permitted in the printing of the score. Midi or algorithmic composition software is not permitted.

· Student doesn’t have to be the performer.

· Notation required for Middle/Junior level (6th grade), not required for primary level or intermediate level.

· Record the performance on CD and saved as a .mp3 (not a CD/DVD movie)

· Detailed labeling and submitting information available at the above link.

Visual Arts
Link to Official Rules. Please read before entering (PDF).

· Paint, drawing, print, collage, photographic collage, etching, punch work, fiber work or computer-generated artwork.

· Must be flat no more than 3/8 inch thick

· Not to exceed 24 x 30 inches including mat.

· Mount on cardboard mat or poster board, do not frame (must be 2D).

· Protection with shrink wrap or plastic cover is highly recommended

· Detailed labeling and submitting information available at the above link.

Choreography/Dance
Link to the Official Rules. Please read before entering (PDF).

· Must be original choreographed dance (your own moves and combinations)

· Recorded on DVD as a .flv file. Recording should be saved as a file, NOT AS A DVD MOVIE.

· The choreographer doesn’t have to be the dancer(s).

· No longer than 5 minutes

· Detailed labeling and submitting information available at the above link.

Film/Video
Link to Official Rules. Please read before entering (PDF).

· Animation, narrative, documentary, experimental, media presentations. No PowerPoint!

· Student must be director, screenwriter and cameraperson

· If using computer, the student must do the work

· No longer than 5 minutes

· Acceptable Format: .flv file. Recording should be saved as a file, NOT AS A DVD MOVIE.

· Detailed labeling and submitting information available at the above link.

Theater
Link to Official Rules. Please read before entering (PDF).

- Individual Storytelling, Pantomime (playwright must be one of the performers), Molologue, One Act

· All script, costumes and sets must be the work of the student.

· Up to three performers may be used, the student does not have to be one of the performers (pantomime exception).

· No longer than 5 minutes

· Recorded on DVD. .MPG/.MPEG, .MOV/.QT (quick time), .WMV (windows media). Recording should be saved as a file, NOT AS A DVD MOVIE.

· Write name, grade, state and year on cardboard or plastic container of CD

· Pack CD in large envelope with a copy of the script

· Secure Entry form in sheet protector to outside of envelope

Thee Dimensional Artistic Creations
Link to Official Rules. Please read before entering (PDF)

· Any art having length, breadth and depth

· Sculpture, Jewelry, Visual Arts, Ceramics. (no kits, or precast ceramics)

· No size limit but must be movable.

· Attach copy of completed Entry form in a sheet protector. List materials used, and process.

· Photographs of advancing 3-D art entries will be taken by the PTA for the next level of competition.

October School Lunch Menu

Click on the image of the lunch menu to enlarge it for printing.

On the information bar above is a link to a printable lunch deposit slip. Deposit slips are also available in the front office.

"When making lunch deposits, students must bring cash or check and a deposit slip in a sealed envelope or baggie. The following information should be included on a deposit slip: Student's first and last name, personal lunch account number, grade, teacher, check #, and total dollar amount for each child. You can fill out one deposit slip for all of your children with one check." Foothills Cafeteria

Cost for a lunch is $1.75 per day or $8.75 a week. Reduced lunch is $.40 per day or $2.00 a week.

Please note that payments through the online "Pay Pams" service can take several days to process. Please make online deposits a week in advance.

What's Happening in Your Grade in October? In KINDERGARTEN we are working really hard at learning our alphabet letters and the sounds they make. This practice is going to help us blend letters to make words. We are also learning many new sight words. We have started our Gingerbread Man Unit. Throughout this unit we will learn about the helpers in our school, make gingerbread man, graph and read different variations of the gingerbread man. We are also learning about the seasons and what happens in the fall. We in kindergarten would like to thank the PTA for the generous box top money we received.

Our FIRST GRADE students will be doing lots of exciting things in October. We will be talking about fire safety and the season of fall. We will be doing activities for Red Ribbon Week and doing pumpkin and ghost math. We will be practicing our program for November 16. Thanks to all the parents who helped out with the Jog-A-Thon!

In October SECOND GRADERS will be on their way to becoming confident writers while working on Narratives! In Math they are working on comparing numbers using greater than, less than, equal to, and recognizing ordinal numbers. They will also be sharpening their time telling skills using analog clocks. In Language Arts they will be studying verbs, adverbs, poetry, fairy tales and tall tales. In Science they will be studying Rocks and the Rock Cycle.

The THIRD GRADE is falling in love with Fall! We are excited about the Jog-A-Thon, box tops, and lots more. We are really digging into the "Common Core" too. Our students have been learning a lot about Native Americans and are studying "Trickster Tales." We are excited to see some of you at conferences in October and the rest of you in November! The Third Grade Rules!!!!!!

FOURTH GRADE

Observe the weather report and dress appropriately for outside recess.
C/D track Parent Teacher Conferences. Be sure to sign up for a time.
Turn all of your homework in on time!!
October 19, D track will be celebrating with Halloween costume parties.
Be sure to remember: Halloween is celebrated on Friday, Oct 28 this year!!
Everyone's invited to the 4th grade A/B/C track Halloween Program Oct 28 at 10:00.
Remember to read 20 minutes every day!!

FIFTH GRADE is having a fabulous fall. We have started our safety patrol duties and appreciate the 6th grade and especially Mr. Stirland for helping us at the beginning of the year. In science some are finishing up with our Earth's Changing Surface unit and started the "attractive" unit on magnets. We continue to learn and implement the Language Arts Common Core and we feel like our RTI/Flex time is beneficial. The DARE program is having a contest for a T-shirt design and many have entered. Keep up the good work and don't forget to read!

On September 13th SIXTH GRADE went on a field trip to the Utah State Fair! Surprisingly, not very many of our students had attended a fair before. Fairs began as the year's final judging contest for farmers and ranchers. The crop season, cattle raising, 4H Club activities, etc were all celebrated. Food, rides, and entertainment were added later. Today, it is a symbol of American tradition. We had a super time seeing the art and craft exhibits, photography, animal shows (Kangaroos of Australia and the seals), and experiencing the atmosphere. Thanks so much to the parent volunteers that assisted us!

Capri Suns Recycle for Cash

** CASH FOR CAPRI SUNS - BE GREEN/EARN GREEN **

The PTA has started a new recycling effort to help earn extra money for Field Trips/Teacher Appreciation Week/Assemblies/etc. We are given $0.02 per Capri Sun pouch that we mail in. There is a giant black garbage can in the cafeteria (clearly labeled "Cash for Capri Suns") to let the students drop in their empty Capri Sun pouches after lunch. If you use them at home PLEASE save them and drop them off at school. Thanks for your support! We will keep you posted with how much we raise and what the money is used for.

Box Tops & Soup Labels Contest Ends Oct 7

Hey - - cut that out and bring it in! The Box Tops and Campbell's Labels Fall Contest will end at the start of school on October 7th! Get your scissors out and get clipping Box Tops and Campbell's Labels! Glue/staple the Box Tops and Labels to collection sheets or simply put them in a ziploc bag and turn them in to your teacher! Find a link to a collection sheet on the bar above. The winning class will receive mini-pumpkins. (Feel free to ask your grandparents and other relatives to help your class win!)

UPDATE: The teachers at Foothills Elementary were recently told they each get to spend $2 per student (in their class this year) on whatever they choose. Your children get the reward from all your hard work cutting and collecting Box Tops! As the teachers spend their money we will report to you what each teacher purchases for their classroom. Here's what a few more teachers have purchased:

Webster (3rd grade): Notebooks and items for class store: Prizes/treats.
J. White (4th grade): Playing cards for math homework box, medals for rewards, bouncy ball prizes; star student pencils
M. Brown (4th grade): Folders, notebooks, treats

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