APPLE NEWS
Franklin Elementary
January 2008

AUCTION SEASON IS UPON US

With holiday season behind us, auction season is officially here. Here's a list of things every APPLE family should know:

• The auction takes place at 5 p.m. on March 1 at Centerplace, 2426 N. Discovery Place (near the Valley YMCA).
• Tickets are $20 each and include a buffet meal and two drinks.
• If possible, each family needs to sell six tickets. Money and unsold tickets need to be returned by Feb. 19. Everyone who attends the event must have a ticket.
• Each family needs to donate two hours to the auction. To sign up for a job, contact Dan or Jessica Hieronymus at 747-3967, Jlynn30@comcast.net or djhieronymus@comcast.net, or Andrea Heidenreich at 863-4892, or hahhheid@yahoo.com.
• By Feb. 19, each family needs to procure at least three items for the auction. If you need ideas, contact Andrea Heidenreich at 863-4892 or hahhheid@yahoo.com
• Paperwork for donated items is available in the closet off the core room behind Mrs. Calkin's room.
• The auction food committee would like to borrow serving trays and chafing dishes for the night of the auction. Call or email Amy Garvin at 448-4491 or Steveandamygarvin@msn.com
• If they need help preparing the dish or information about quantity, families preparing food for the auction should contact Amy Garvin or at 448-4491 or Steveandamygarvin@msn.com or Tania Olson at 533-1071 or Taniaolson@yahoo.com
• The procurement committee needs baskets for donated items. Baskets can be left in the closet off the core room.
• Andrea Heidenreich will bring a truck to Franklin before and after school on Feb. 14 to pick up large items. Small items can be left in the closet off the core room.
• Congratulations to Bryce and Denise Walker for turning in paperwork for three items within three days of December's APPLE Action Meeting.

LET'S CELEBRATE

APPLE'S Celebrations Committee has set aside days for community building. They are:

• Feb. 8 - Mom's night out at Twigg's Bistro on Regal, from 6:30 to 9:30.
• April 18 - Couple's night out (bowling?)
• May 16 - Family night at Franklin (movie night?)

ENROLLMENT

Enrollment questionnaires for the 2008-09 school year are due Feb. 10. Please put them in the envelope in the core room. Thanks to those who already returned their family's form.

If the backpack express failed to deliver the form, don't fret. An electronic copy will arrive soon.

Please tell friends and family about the APPLE orientation meetings in February. The meetings take place Feb. 19 at Garfield and Feb. 28 at Franklin. They start at 7 p.m., and interested families can attend either meeting.

While we expect lots of interest in the lower-grade openings, we hope to generate more interest than usual in grades 5 and 6 so that we can complete the expansion process.

To be eligible for the APPLE enrollment lottery, interested families must complete a three-step process:

1. Attend one of two APPLE Orientation meetings, complete paperwork, and sign up for an observation/tour of Franklin APPLE.
2. Attend the scheduled observation/tour.
3. Attend the Meet and Greet at a date to be determined.

Thank you for helping to get the word out,
Jodie Pierson and Ashli Myers, Enrollment Committee

NEWS YOU CAN USE

We have a winner in the APPLE T-shirt Design Contest. Jesslyn Bierman's entry, "APPLE: I got more than just this crummy T-shirt," will soon be available on T-shirts. Stay tuned for details.

The Public Service Committee is collecting money for the Global Meal Project through Monday (Jan. 27). Families writing checks should make them out to Franklin APPLE and write "Global Meal" in the memo line.

APPLE photos can be shared more conveniently now that there's a secure, password-protected account at the Web service Shutterfly, http://www.shutterfly.com/. Julie Cordero has agreed to maintain the site. The password will be changed periodically for security reasons.

Information about how to access the site will soon come home in backpacks and be sent out by email. Families will be asked to sign a permission slip saying they agree or decline to have their child's photos included on the site.

Spring Event will be a one-day event held Saturday, June 7, at Ferris High School. The kids will participate in "Olympic" games and be in groups representing the country they are studying this year. We will also have games for siblings, and we will wrap up the day with family-style games for full participation! Opening ceremonies begin at 12:30 p.m., and the games should be wrapped up by 5:45 p.m. (The Spring Event Committee has decided to forgo a meal afterwards for logistical reasons).

More information about the event and volunteer opportunities will be available as we get closer to the event.

Kudos to volunteers. The Franklin PTG hosted the KSPS Telethon held in December. KSPS would like to say thanks to those who helped with the campaign. While the Franklin PTG was on air, KSPS was offered $49,570 in pledges. We would like to thank those who helped KSPS and Franklin PTG and especially these APPLE/Franklin PTG parents: Pamela Adams, Lisa Figg, Darci Bierman, Terry Morehouse, Gina Linke, George Critchlow, Rick Edwards, Erik Smith, Mark Becker, Jessica Hieronymus, Andrea Heidenreich, Ann Michel, Ava Becks, Jill Morgan, Carrie Lipe.

Congratulations and thanks to Lance Shew and Becky Davis for their elections to the Executive Committee. They will serve from January 2008 to January 2009.

CLASSROOM NEWS

First-Grade News

A big thank you to Amy Mapes, Jill Morgan and Tonia Karunaratne for volunteering during the "All APPLE" Friday afternoon recess.

Our Auction Project is almost completed. The Bistro table top is finished, and the students are going to do the mosaic Saturday, Jan. 26^th from 2-4:15 p.m.and next Saturday, Feb. 2, from 2-4:15pm. If you were not at the classroom meeting and want to sign your child up to help, please call Jessica Hieronymus at 747-3967 ASAP. There are a few 45-minute slots left from 3:30 - 4:15 p.m. on both days.

Turn in your procured AUCTION items, a minimum of three per family. Small items along with any paperwork can be brought to the "Auction Closet" in the CORE area outside of Mrs. Calkins room.

From Jessica Hieronymus, first-grade classroom coordinator

Fourth-Grade News

The 4th graders are busy learning during what Mrs. Corigliano says is "our best learning time of the year!" Students have been reading choice books in groups and having literature discussions at school together. Math instruction is focused on problem solving, double-digit multiplication and long division. Homework has increased some, so be on the lookout for that and continue to encourage students during homework time. The biography book report (everyone's favorite) will be assigned earlier this year and should be coming home soon.

Cindy and Joe Ochsner are heading up our classroom auction project. The kids will be working on the project at Cindy and Joe's house on Saturday, Feb. 2. There is a sign-up sheet on the fourth-grade bulletin board in the core area. The Ochsners will be taking groups of four kids at a time, so plan on your child being there for two hours. Students are making two sets of iron yard stakes that are candle holders (very cool). Cindy and Joe will involve the kids in two steps of the process. Their address is 3703 East 8th. If you have any questions, call them at 536-8216.

Look forward to seeing you all at the auction March 1.

From Christa Arguinchona, fourth-grade classroom coordinator

Fifth- and Sixth-Grade News

What's happening in the 5/6 classroom this month?

• 13 Colonies Project - kids are divided into three groups of nine students each. They will be studying the different regional colonies, and each student will study and develop expertise on a particular colony and make a presentation to the class. Parents/family will be invited to watch their student's presentation, so look for more information soon.
• Reading Project - this is an independent project for this trimester. While there is no specific due date, the project will be due at the end of the trimester. Students will select a novel, non-fiction work or other book. They will be monitoring deadlines for the project and completing a plan of action to accomplish and complete the project by the end of the trimester.
• Science Unit - The human body/ Human Growth & Development unit. Thank you Merrie Dehmer for your help with this unit! Tama was very pleased with the kids. They asked appropriate questions and expressed appropriate curiosity!

Modified fall enrollment opportunity

• Proposed to the district.
• Would be in addition to normal spring enrollment - If there is space in APPLE come fall, prospective families could go through the same enrollment process (meeting, site visit, lottery, etc) but the process would be condensed into a three-week time frame. This modified enrollment opportunity is only available if there is extra space in the program.

Relocating APPLE classrooms so that they are all in the same area and re-arranging class lunch times to be as close together as possible

• Proposed to Mickey Hansen.
• Why is this important? We want the kids to be closer physically to enhance learning opportunities, flow between the classes, and increase chances for the older and younger kids to interact.

On-call Friday recess parents

• Would anyone like to sign up to be an on-call volunteer for Friday recess (from 2:15 to 2:45 - all APPLE recess) in the event that the regular volunteers are unable to make it? If you are interested, please contact Tama, or Kimm Hill.

Volunteers needed for the Franklin Bloomsday training

• Six-week program, two days per week - You do NOT have to commit to every training session. Just sign up for what fits your schedule. The program starts in mid-March, six weeks before Junior Bloomsday.
• Volunteers will run with the kids and supervise runners and parking lots to make sure the kids stay on the course.
• For more information or to sign up, contact Ava Becks or Gina Linke at 536-7943.

Silverwood tickets for readers

• Jan. 25 - Mar. 25
• Complete 10 hours of EXTRA reading, outside of class requirements.
• Earn a free admission ticket to Silverwood.

From Kimm Hill, 5/6 Classroom Coordinator

LEADERSHIP MEETINGS

Executive Meetings take place at 7:30 p.m. at Franklin on the Tuesday of the week prior to the APPLE Action Meeting. The meeting is open to committee chairs, executive members and interested Apple parents.

Upcoming leadership dates:

• Feb. 12
• April 8
• May 6

Committees meet at 6:30 p.m. prior to the Leadership Meeting. Check with your committee chair for more information.

QUESTIONS?

The following parents can help make your school year a success:

Classroom Coordinators 2007-08

• First Grade Coordinator             Jessica Hieronymus, 747-3967
• Second Grade Coordinator         Amy Haghighi, 534-4237
• Third Grade Coordinator            Bronwynn Shew, 536-1629
• Fourth Grade Coordinator          Christa Arguinchona, 448-9457
• Fifth / Sixth Grade Coordinator   Kimm Hill, 532-9275

Executive Committee

• Pat Arguinchona: 448-9457
• Lori Naylor: 443-0623
• Lisa Regehr: 534-2945
• Lance Shew: 536-1629

Apple Newsletter contact: Kris Morehouse at krisanter@comcast.net

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

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, disability. This holds true for all students 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 at (509) 354-7344.

Minutes from Jan. 22, APPLE Action Meeting

Pat Arguinchona called the meeting to order at 8:01 p.m.

Pat introduced interim Spokane District 81 Superintendent Nancy Stowell, who talked about the district's budget. A nearly $11 million shortfall last year required deep cuts in programming. She did not expect such a large shortfall this year, but the district is waiting for final numbers from the state Legislature.

Stowell also talked about the need to educate students for options after high school, noting that, to earn a living wage, every student needs additional education or opportunities after graduation. Stowell said the district is hiring a demographer to study population trends. This study will help the district prioritize construction/rehabilitation plans for schools.

Eba Farzana, who tracks APPLE hours, reminded families to note whether they attended classroom and action meetings on classroom forms and hours' forms.

Pat noted that Yoene Palmer earned 103 hours in October.

Dan Hieronymus of the Auction Committee reminded families that the APPLE Auction is the program's sole financial support. Each family needs to give two hours of time to the auction. The procurement committee needs baskets. The food committee needs serving platters and chafing dishes.

Jessica Hieronymus reminded families to sign up for auction jobs. Available jobs include selling drink tickets, cleaning up after the event and transporting large items that night or the next day. Tania Olson said the auction tickets cost $20, and each family is asked to sell six tickets. Everyone who attends the auction needs a ticket.

Amy Garvin commended her committee for the full buffet planned for this year's auction, which includes a Korean dish, quiches, dolmades and baklava.

Andrea Heidenreich said she had only 31 items for the auction. She asked people to drop off small items in the auction closet. She urged families to get their items in as quickly as possible so that the data entry people could get to work. She applauded the Wagner, Krise-Baurge, Nelson, Michel and Gadau families for turning in their paperwork for three items.

Cyndi Ochsner said there will be a Mom's Night Out Feb. 8 at Twiggs on Regal.

Jodi Pierson urged families to turn in their APPLE enrollment forms by Feb. 10 and spread the word about the program to potential famiies.

George Critchlow of the public service committee asked families who participated in the Global Meal Project to turn in their money.

Ashli Myers of the spring event committee said the June 7 event will involve field games modeled after the Olympic games.

Pat Argunichona called for a show of hands on elections for the executive committee. Lance Shew and Becky Davis were elected with majority votes

Mark Your Calendar

JANUARY

Jan. 31             -   9:30 a.m. start

FEBRUARY

Feb. 1               -   Semester Break (No School)
Feb. 4               -   Franklin Family Reading Night
Feb. 7               -   9:30 a.m. start
Feb. 8               -   APPLE Mom's Night Out
Feb. 12             -   Lincoln's Birthday
                        -   APPLE committee meetings at 6:30 p.m.
                        -   APPLE leadership meeting at 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 13             -   PTG meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 14             -   9:30 a.m. start
Feb. 15             -   Learning Improvement Day (No School)
Feb. 18             -   Presidents' Day (No School)
Feb. 19             -   APPLE Action Meeting at 7 p.m.
Feb. 21             -   9:30 a.m. start
Feb. 27             -   Franklin Science Fair Grades 4-6
Feb. 28             -   9:30 a.m. start

MARCH

Mar. 1               -   APPLE Auction at Centerplace, 5 p.m.
Mar. 6               -   9:30 a.m. start
Mar. 9               -   Daylight savings begins
Mar. 12             -   PTG meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Mar. 13             -   9:30 a.m. start/End of second trimester
Mar. 20             -   9:30 a.m. start
Mar. 24-28        -   1 p.m. dismissal
Mar. 27             -   9:30 a.m. start
Mar. 31-Apr. 4   -   Spring Break