APPLE NEWS

Franklin Elementary

December 11, 2006

  What’s New or Happening....

**REMEMBER EVERY THURSDAY THE SCHOOL DAY STARTS AT 9:30AM**

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OPENING 

We’ll be voting for a new executive committee member at the January Apple Action Meeting.  The new member would take over starting in January 2007.  Pat Arguinchona & Lance Shew were both nominated.  You must be present at the meeting to vote. 

HOURS UPDATE

Sometime during the last week of school in December you will be receiving a letter from your Classroom Coordinators or Jodie Pierson showing the number of hours and meetings you have accumulated through October 31, 2006.   Please review carefully and contact our hour’s coordinator Jodie Pierson for any discrepancies.

SERVICE PROJECTS

We are still collecting pop can tops for the Ronald McDonald house.   Please send them in with your child if you have a “full house” by Friday, December 15, 2006 so that we can turn them in.  Thanks!

PARKING LOT IN SNOW

Parents we realize that when it snows the lines are covered, however they haven’t moved.  There are 3 rows of parking.  Please park correctly so that everyone can get in and out for picking up and dropping off children.  Thank You!

COMMITTEE OPENINGS STILL AVAILABLE!

We are in need of a recorder / minute’s taker for our monthly meetings.  If you are interested in this job please contact an executive member. 

ICE SKATING CELEBRATION

This year the annual all APPLE Ice Skating Celebration will be from 10am - 12noon on Friday, December 15, 2005.  We will be departing Franklin at 9:30am and return from River Front Park at 12:30pm. All Students will be riding the school bus both ways. 

I would love to reiterate the need for our students to bring warm snow clothes for the ice skating party on Friday.   Parents need to make sure they're child has a hat, helmet, snow gloves, snow pants all clearly marked with last name, and knows their shoe size. Also, we are looking for volunteers to chaperone on the ice that day. We would love to have some parents bring snacks for that morning too. APPLE is providing the cocoa & cider.

 We ask parents to pack with their child a healthy finger food type snack like string cheese, grapes, granola bars, etc to share.  Please try to have snacks without wrappers. Please clearly mark snack if there are peanuts in it for those children with severe peanut allergies. Apple will be paying for all ice-skating chaperones, students and teachers. If you wish to bring younger siblings, and you are not volunteering as a chaperone on the ice, you need to pay Denise $3.75 per sibling the morning of. Please pack a lunch for your child that day to eat with their reading buddy when they return to school. It is pajama day at Franklin that day so their child could wear their PJ’s under their snow clothes or change when they return to school. Let's work together to have a happy and safe annual skate party this year!

Children must bring: Snow pants / Snow Gloves (maybe even 2!) / Hat / Helmet

Warm clothes (long sleeves) / Healthy snack for all to share (clearly marked if contains peanuts) / Sack lunch (doesn’t need to be disposable)

Please call Denise Wagner if you are interested in chaperoning!

AUCTION FOOD MEETING

Apple Auction Menu Meeting - to decide the menu for the buffet Monday, December 11, 6:30 p.m. Deb Skalabrin's house.  A list was passed around at the Apple Action meeting to sign up to cook or bring food to the Auction. Anyone proposing new food for this year's auction needs to bring a sample (or arrange to have a sample brought) to this meeting for consideration. Any APPLE parent/teacher is welcome to come help decide the menu.

ALL ATTENDEES - Please RSVP in advance

 DROP OFF / PICK UP TRAFFIC SAFETY LETTER

November 17, 2006

Dear Franklin Parents and Guardians,

In our review of safety procedures at Franklin, there is an issue we need to work on and that is traffic safety before and after school.  As you already know we have a lot of traffic as parents drop children off at school in the morning and pick them up in the afternoon.  Additionally there are many children crossing 17^th Street and Mt. Vernon at the same time. 

The biggest concern right now, is the dropping off and picking up of students.  We CANNOT continue to use the parking lots to temporarily park and wait for students.  Vehicles are backed up, tempers flare, and sometimes people try to drive around without being able to really look for children on foot.  Sometimes we have vehicles turning into the driveway that leads to the playground, which is very dangerous.  It is only a matter of time before someone gets hurt.

I know there is not a good place for drop off and I am currently visiting with the district safety office to figure out some alternatives.  In the meantime we ask you to please park a block down on 17^th (towards Lincoln Park) and let your children out of the car.  Have them walk on the sidewalks and cross at the crosswalks.  After school, please communicate ahead of time about which side of the street you’ll be on and have your students walk back to the car using the sidewalks.  You might even prefer to walk to and from the school to your car with your child/children.   Do not sit and wait directly in front of the school or in the driving lanes of the parking lots.  The risk for our children and adults is too great.

I know you will understand that SAFETY HAS TO COME BEFORE CONVENIENCE.   I appreciate your helping keep Franklin children safe by avoiding parking in front of the school and by keeping the driving lanes of the parking lots open at all times. 

Sincerely,

Mickey Hanson, Principal

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Spokane Public Schools complies with all federal rules and regulations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, and disability.  This holds true for all students who are interested in participating in educational programs and/or extracurricular school activities.  Inquiries regarding compliance procedures may be directed to the district Equal Opportunities office, Ivan Bush,

 (509) 354-7344.

 APPLE COMMITTEES

AUCTION COMMITTEE

  Kimm Hill, Chair

The 2007 Auction is approaching and its time to roll out the procurement paperwork. If you attended the Dec. 5th Action meeting you probably received the forms to get you started with procurement. If not, have no fear! The Auction Corner will be set up early this year and will be one stop shopping for auction forms, procurement ideas, and other information.

The procurement forms and donor letters will be available in the Auction Corner next week. We will also have past auction catalogues and some information on ideas for donations if you are stuck.

Remember, if you get an item donated from a business they will most likely request some additional information on APPLE, as well as our Tax ID number, since we are a non-profit organization. Please provide the business with a copy of the donor letter (printed on APPLE letterhead) as well as one of the business donor forms.

All procurement paperwork should be completed (meaning if you solicit something from a business, friend, non-APPLE family, etc., PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE get all of the necessary information on the business donor form, including address, phone number and contact person. This is essential
information as we keep this all in a data base so that we may include the donor's name in the Auction catalogue, and send them a thank-you message after the auction is over).

Please complete and turn in your paperwork as you procure your items - keep the paperwork coming! This makes it MUCH easier for the data entry person to keep up on the flow of paperwork, and give the auction committee a more accurate picture of how many items we have procured to date. So, if you have only one item to list on your item donation sheet at a time, that's okay! Just fill out what you have, turn it in, and take another form for the other items as you procure them. The completed paperwork will be picked up daily.

REMEMBER YOU GET 2 HOURS FOR EVERY ITEM you procure, AND DOUBLE HOURS IF YOU GET YOUR PAPERWORK IN BEFORE January 31^ST.

And as always, if you have ANY questions about how to complete the paperwork or just need ideas, call or email Angie Hayes or Kimm Hill .


 

OTHER AUCTION NEWS

Attention: Classroom Project Coordinators - If you have not done so, please email me, Kimm Hill, with your project idea and proposed budget.  If you are stuck for ideas please contact me and I can give you some some great ones!
Reimbursement forms will be available at the Auction Corner. Please fill them out, attaching your receipts and turn them in to the Auction mail slot in the back of the office. If will make sure the Treasurer gets then
and forwards you a check for your expenses. If you are unsure of where the auction mail

I would like to thank the following families for their generosity in sponsoring the with wine for the 2007 auction: Kim Erickson & Darla Eaton, Kurt & Merrie Dehmer, Mark Iverson & Michaele Dietzel
Pat & Christa Arguinchona, Greg and Ann Jones (Alumni)

Stay tuned for more auction information to follow in the next few weeks.  As always if you have any questions regarding the auction or procurement please contact Kimm Hill 

 

CELEBRATIONS COMMITTEE

Denise Wagner, Chair

The Celebrations Committee had their first meeting on Friday, December 1^st.  Thank you to all who attended.   The committee is planning lots of “Social” events for both “Adults” and “Family”.  We hope to have at least one event that you can attend each month.  With APPLE getting so big this will be a great way to remain connected!  Stay tuned for our first event, which hopefully will be in January! 

CAC

Gladys Evans

This coming Monday everyone is invited to the CAC meeting at Libby Center at 7pm.  Please note that due to the construction at the admin bldg downtown that they are conducting School Board meetings “on the road” and holding them at different schools.

ENROLLMENT COMMITTEE

Lori Naylor

The beginning of the lottery process for Apple starts with the orientation meetings, Feb 22 and Feb 26th. Anyone interested needs to attend one meeting. It doesn't mater which one. Please encourage families with older kids, (3/rd and 4/th graders are needed). Also enrollment is looking for some new blood on the committee, anyone interested can talk to Jodi Pierson or Lori Naylor.

 NEWSLETTER

  Lisa Regehr

Thank you for the opportunity to write the newsletter for the past 7 years!  I will be relinquishing my duties to Chris Moorehouse starting in January 2007!

HOURS               DISTRICT COMMITTEE             KITCHEN

Jodie Pierson                         Becky Davis                         Stacy Eckert

Nothing new to report for above committees

 PROGRAM PLANNING

Merrie Dehmer & Darla Eaton

Join us for Wildlife Expeditions

This year’s program theme is Wildlife Expeditions and will include outings to local habitats, visits to the West Valley Outdoor Learning Center and classroom activities.  Students will study the topic with their grade-level peers, their reading buddies and as a whole community.  Please contact Merrie Dehmer  to volunteer or get additional details.    Save the Dates!!

Mammals visit to the West Valley Outdoor Learning Center.  Students will explore hibernation/migration, adaptations and sort animals by characteristics.

1^st & 2^nd 1/12 from 11:30-3} sack lunch

3^rd & 4^th 1/5   from 11:30-3} sack lunch

5^th & 6^th   alternative field trip TBA soon

Habitats visit to the West Valley Outdoor Learning Center.  Students will experience distinct habitats on the site, identifying features and components of habitat.

1^st & 2^nd 2/9 from 11:30-3} sack lunch

3^rd & 4^th 2/15 from 11:30-3} sack lunch

5^th & 6^th alternative field trip TBA soon

SPRING EVENT COMMITTEE

Sarah Malm & Ashli Myers

The Spring Event will be at Camp Sweyolakan the first weekend in June for 1 night!  Thank you to our Spring Event committee as they worked very hard and scored a great deal with the Camp for APPLE!  More details will be coming! 

ORIENTATION / MENTORING COMMITTEE

STANDING POSITIONS

CHILDCARE AA MEETINGS

Bronwynn Shew

CLASSROOM NEWS

 2/3 Classroom Update

Jessica Hieronymus

Here is some 2/3 news with possibly more to come from Beth.........

Thank you to all of the parents who volunteered to sew for the student book bags. More info coming soon as to what we are needed to do. If you would still like to help, please contact Jessica Hieronymus.

Our 2nd Grade Auction project has been decided!!!! The students will be making a bookshelf, hand decorated with "bugs and other creatures". We are then going to have all families donate 1 book on the environment, wildlife or nature. A big thanks to Lynn Caruso for the idea and Carol Waldenberg and Jared Frye (and his father) for helping facilitate this project. If you are able to help in the making of the bookshelf or lend your hand in the decorating of it, please contact Carol or Jared. Parents of 3rd graders, please contact Wendy Smith for information on their auction project.

5^TH & 6^TH GRADE UPDATE

Lisa Regehr

Wanted to get the ideas for the 6th grade end of the year trip out to all of you who were not able to make the meeting last Monday. Here are the four that all those attending the meeting could agree on, and that I would like to present to the kids

1.      bike riding, Hiawatha or Coeur d'Alene trails

 

2.      Triple Play waterpark in Hayden followed with pizza at a nearby restaurant

 

3.      Swimming at the YMCA (valley) and overnight

1.       Canoe/kayak trip down the Little Spokane with (possibly) overnight camping at Riverside State Park.

If you have a STRONG objection to any of these suggestions, as in my child will not participate, please let me know and I will eliminate it. Please get back to me soon, as I would like to present this to the kids and have a decision made before Christmas break. Thanks, Michaele 

Reading
We are reading Tuck Ever Lasting and working on a project called Wonder Balls, where we cut out circles and draw the setting, characters, problem, conflict, solution, resolution, and the theme. We are finishing the last 3 chapters and are on our sixth circle. There is an independent book group who doesn't have to discuss their work with Mrs. Jordan every day. The students in the independent group are, Alex, Natalie, Sarah, Emily, Davi, Xannie, Jamal, Caleb, Karsten, and Devin. We already had two projects finished by Alex and Natalie. Alex's was a newspaper and Natalie's was a poster.

Art
In art we are working on drawing deciduous trees, which are what the trees look like in the fall. We use paper and pencil to draw the deciduous trees. Ms. Schmitz says that our classes bubble letter posters are very creative. They are displayed in our classroom windows if you'd like to take a look.

Math
In math we are doing TAI math on band and strings days, where we go to the
center room where we quietly do TAI math. Just a week ago we started doing
TAI math for homework. We are also doing math facts and the highest test
someone is on right now is test 6. We are also working on prime and composite numbers. Mrs. Jordan taught us the GCF and the LCM, and we frequently do factor strings to help us find the GCF and the LCM.

Social Studies
We are reading about Mesopotamia and the Fertile Crescent, and why the Sumerians wanted to settle there. There is an independent group that is doing non-fiction reading on places, science, etc. We are currently doing a 3-entry diary of a Sumerian child.

Science
On Monday Mrs. Alm came to the 5/6 classrooms to teach us about cells, to talk about the red, and white cells, and platelets. Then we looked into a microscope and saw dry and wet blood cells, the dry cells looked like little violet dots. The wet cells looked like connected sugar cubes. Mrs. Alm made us a delicious pumpkin spice cake, THANK YOU!

Other
About a month ago we went to SCC to see the Mexican Folklore dances. This
group is trying to keep the traditional Mexican dances alive by traveling around the world and performing.  October 13th the 6th graders went to Chewelah Peaks for the 6th grade camping trip. Kids were separated into 4 different groups and 2 went to do challenge courses and the others went to do science. Then we switched. The challenge courses taught you the importance of teamwork and how to overcome your fears.

By Sarah and Emily

 

APPLE ACTION MEETINGS

FOR 2005-2006 SCHOOL YEAR!

Here are the dates for our monthly meetings. Remember you are REQUIRED to attend 4 out of 7 APPLE ACTION MEETINGS.  These meetings are from 7pm -9pm. The classroom meetings are held first from 7pm -7:15pm with either your classroom teacher or the classroom coordinator down in the gym area.  It is in your best interest to attend ALL meetings so that you can keep abreast of events happening in the APPLE Program! 

All meetings are held on Tuesday Evenings in the Gym area

September 19, 2006 / October 24, 2006 / December 5, 2006

January 16, 2007 Election Night / February 20, 2007 / April 17, 2007   

May 15, 2007 Election Night

Election nights are when we vote for new executive members.  

Childcare is available in the hallway under the classrooms during these meetings.  If you use the childcare then you will need to volunteer for ONE night of babysitting.  You will receive 4 apple hours.  A sign up sheet was passed out at the first Apple Action Meeting.  There is a schedule included in the newsletter.

Jim Wilkey updates the APPLE Website. You can find last year’s newsletters and info on each of the Teachers classrooms.  It is updated monthly.  Go ahead and take a look to familiarize yourselves!

WHO YOU GOING TO CALL? 

Unsure, need questions answered???

They following parents are here to help you make your school year a successful one!

Classroom Coordinators 2006-2007

First Grade Coordinator                      Sarah Malm 

Second Grade Coordinator                 Jessica Hieronymus 

Third / Fourth Grade Coordinator        Lori Naylor 

Fifth / Sixth Grade Coordinator            Lisa Regehr 

Executive Committee

 Jim Wilkey       Darci Bierman    

Pamela Adams 

Apple Newsletter contact:   Lisa Regehr   

Apple Website: http://www.sd81.k12.wa.us/franklin/Apple/appleweb.htm

IMPORTANT DATES

  MARK YOUR CALENDARS

DECEMBER 2006

December 13 - PTG Meeting 6:30pm

December 14 - School starts at 9:30am

December 15 – All APPLE Ice Skating 10-12noon

December 18 – January 1, 07 – Winter Break

JANUARY 2007

January 1 – Happy New Year

January 2 – Back to School!

January 4 - School starts at 9:30am

January 11 - School starts at 9:30am

January 15 – Martin Luther King Day / NO SCHOOL

January 16 – APPLE Action Meeting 7-9pm

January 17 - - PTG Meeting 6:30pm

January 18 - School starts at 9:30am

January 22 – 26 – Missoula Children’s Theater

January 25 - School starts at 9:30am

January 29 – Semester Break / NO SCHOOL

FEBRUARY 2007

February 1 - School starts at 9:30am

February 2 – Groundhog Day

February 8 – School starts at 9:30am

February 14 – Valentine’s Day

February 15 - School starts at 9:30am

February 16 – Learning Improvement NO SCHOOL – 4 Day Weekend!

February 19 – Presidents Day – NO SCHOOL

February 20 – APPLE Action Meeting 7-9pm

February 21 – PTG Meeting 6:30pm

February 22 - School starts at 9:30am

MARCH 2007

March 1 - School starts at 9:30am

March 1 – PTG Reading Night 6:30- 8:30pm

March 15 – School starts at 9:30am

March 22 – School starts at 9:30am

March 26-30 – Conference Week

APPLE Minutes
Apple Action Meeting 

10-24-06

Jim Wilkey called meeting to order.
Jim presented the proposal for restructuring the Executive Committee.
The proposal is as follows:
The Executive Committee shall consist of four members elected to serve for 12-month terms. Two members will serve from June 15th to June 15th and two members will serves from February to January. Once their
term is complete, members will continue to serve in an advisory capacity for two months. Each member of the Executive Committee will be granted 90 hours for his or her service. The member whose term runs from February to January will receive 45 hours each school year their term covers. Adopting this proposal will require a change of the by-laws and will be voted on at the December meeting.
Darci presented information from the CAC (Citizens Advisory Committee.) Gladys Evans is the CAC District Co-chair but was unable to be at this meeting. Darci explained what the CAC is and encouraged everyone to attend the upcoming? Conversations with the School Board? discussions to be held before school board meetings. The School Board will not be holding meetings at their downtown location this year (due to remodeling.) Meetings instead will be held at various schools.
Vita White, Franklin Volunteer Co-Coordinator, reminded all volunteers
to sign in at the front desk (to record hours) and to wear their volunteer name badges.
Dan Pierson reviewed the budget proposal. (See in newsletter) Budget
will be voted on at the December meeting.
Deb Skalabrin presented information/concerns about Apple’s
identity/CORE. (See summary in newsletter) Committee Fair- Representatives were available from the various APPLE Committees and each presented information on the type of volunteer help they need. The meeting was then halted so everyone would have an opportunity to sign up for a committee.
Tonia Olson, PTG Vice-President gave a quick update about PTG. The
Fall Fun Run was a success and earned around $5,000 for PTG.



 

APPLE ACTION MEETING MINUTES

DECEMBER 5, 2006

The meeting was called to order at 7:40pm in the gym.  All present grouped in a circle following their classroom meetings that began at 7pm.  Minutes by Pamela Adams.

Jim Wilkey opened the meeting and discussed the Technology Committee at Franklin and that they will be purchasing all overhead projectors for all the teachers.  We want to amend our budget proposal from last month and vote to approve laptop computers for Mrs. C & Mrs. Jordan.  The Gateways are adaptable to the new projectors.  They are $1600 a piece for a total of $3,200. Teachers Calkins/Nessen have laptop computers for they have agreed to be apart of a special program that they are involved in so only 2 laptops are needed. The Gateways need to be purchased through District #81 to have a proper school warranty. The monies will come out of Apple surplus funds that we already have. The motion was brought by Jim Wilkey and it was 2^nd.

Jim proposed to add additional Executive Member in January and one in February as well.

This was motioned and 2^nd. Darci explained that we are asking for nominations tonight.

One will be nominated in Jan and one in February. Lisa Regehr nominated Pat Arguinchona for Jan. Pamela Adams nominated Lance Shew for Feb. These were both 2^nd.

Mickey Hanson, Principal was present and discussed the improvements that have been made in regards to traffic issues.  She says that overall this problem has improved and she along with the Franklin PTG are speaking with appropriate people to create an additional turn-around although it should be noted that this would not be complete until the near future. Just a reminder that there is not at any time an allowance to block any lanes in the parking lots but you are allowed to stop briefly and drop off/pick up in these areas.

Jodie Pearson addressed Apple Hours.  She explained paperwork route and Internet route for submitting hours and reminded all that 90 hours in the agreement per family as well as attending classroom and action meetings.  At this time every family should have at least attended 1 classroom/1 action meeting and have 20 hours turned in.  If you need assistance in catching up please do so at this time and contact Jodie for ideas.  Keep up the good work!

Denise Wagner addressed the Ice Skating event to be held on December 15, Friday.  This is also Franklin Jammies Day.  Jammies will not be allowed on the rink so bring a change of clothes if you want to participate in both please. Packing warm clothes for outdoor winter weather is a must! Appropriate snacks for students will be provided as well as their skate rental.  Sibling’s fees will need to be paid by the parent.  If you are bringing siblings you are not able to sign up to chaperone for this event. Please bring a sack lunch for this day.

Lori Naylor spoke in regards to Enrollment Committee.  This year there will be a change in the initial location of intro to Apple Program.  There will be one meeting at Garfield Elem on Feb 22^nd and one at Franklin Elem on Feb 26^th. New inquiries are only required to attend one of these meetings. Please spread the word that these dates are coming up and let your neighbors, friends, etc. know.

Gladys Evans let us know happenings in regards to the CAC and that the Legislature body would be invited to an upcoming forum. New news that preliminary report card status is changing along with all day kindergarten.  This coming Monday everyone is invited to the CAC meeting at Libby Center at 7pm.  Please note that due to the construction at the admin bldg downtown that they are conducting School Board meetings “on the road” and holding them at different schools.

Dan Pearson motioned to approve the budget report from the last meeting and this was unanimously approved.

Spring Event will be held at Sweyolakan for at this time one evening. It will be held from June 1 to June 2^nd. Perhaps another night will be added to this event. Coach buses will be used to transport attendees from Spokane to Independence Point.  One parent per family must attend event with student. A flyer will be sent out to families to fill out in regards to attendance and housing preference.

Kimm Hill & Angela Hayes discussed Apple Auction.  They went over forms and also met individually with new Apple parents in regards to auction prior to action meeting. This year

Kim Erickson & Darla Eaton, Dehmer. Naylor and alumni apple Buckley-Jones family will be making our wine donations.  A special Thank you!  Please note that Feb 12^th classroom projects are due. Attendees were advised to begin the process of gathering their procurements and that 3 are needed per Apple family. Our APPLE Auction will succeed with everyone’s help and that we will provide people, tickets, food, wine and “stuff” to sell to make this happen! Also remember that for every auction item that you produce you receive 2 APPLE hours and we DOUBLE DOG DARE YOU to get it all done by Jan 30^th and you will receive double hours for each item!

Deb Skalabrin talked in regards to the Auction Food.  The food again will be made and ingredients will be donated by APPLE families. If you have a desire to help with this most important task please contact Deb. Deb is also looking for an APPLE Auction Food mentee for this year.

Darla Eaton discussed this Friday Dec 8^th field trip to Higgins Point on Lake Coeur d’Alene Lake. Please have your students wear warm clothes for winter weather and they will be outdoors for 1 ½ hours exploring an Eagle’s habitat.  Packed lunches will be eaten prior to leaving school grounds at 10:30. DRESS WARM!