APPLE NEWS
Franklin Elementary
May 2008

CULTURAL EXTRAVAGANZA

Later this month, APPLE families can travel around the world inside the Franklin gymnasium.

Early in the school year, APPLE students were divided into groups that allowed them to explore the culture, food and history of a chosen country. The students spent many Friday afternoons learning traditional dances, eating exotic foods and listening to stories about countries such as Ireland, Rwanda, Italy, China, Zambia and Kenya.

The students will celebrate their knowledge with a cultural fair May 30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Franklin gym. From booths representing the nations studied, students will offer activities, crafts, food and demonstrations. The students will spend scheduled times in their booths and have time to visit other displays. Parents are encouraged to come to help or visit and see all that their children have learned.

Parents who can help in a booth should contact Merrie Dehmer at kdehmer@att.net or 448-7159, or Brian Leaver at cbleaver@comcast.net or 535-2873.

APPLE TELEPHONE DIRECTORY UPGRADE

We've simply gotten too big for legal-sized paper.

So next year, Franklin APPLE is moving to a bound telephone-and-email directory complete with family photographs. Not only will it be easier to use, it may help strengthen community.

Bronwynn Shew is compiling the directory, and she needs the following information:

• First/Last name of parents in APPLE
• Name and grade of child(ren) in APPLE
• Email Address(es)
• Phone Number
• Cell Phone Number
• Family Photo
• Optional Information: Family specialty such as "interior design" or "construction"

For ease of tracking, please send all the information at one time. Families who do not want information in the directory should let Bronwynn know. Families who are co-parenting should specify how they want information listed.

Please email the information to Bronwynn@comcast.net.

SPRING EVENT

Here's a rundown on the event:

1. Venue.
   Spring Event will take place at Chase Middle School. The event will be held June 7 (Saturday) from 12:30 to 6 p.m. Please arrive by 12:15 p.m.
2. Schedule for the day
   Set-up time: 10:30 to 12:30 p.m.
   Opening ceremonies: 12:30 p.m.
   Games begin: 1 p.m.
   Set 1 of APPLE games/sibling games: 1 to 2:15 p.m.
   Short snack break: 2:15 to 2:30 p.m.
   Set 2 of APPLE games/sibling games: 2:30 to 3:45 p.m.
   Longer snack break/community-building time: 3:45 to 4:15 p.m.
   Family games begin: 4:15 to 5:30 p.m.
   Closing ceremonies: 5:30 to 6 p.m.
   Clean-up time: 6 to 7 p.m.
3. All sign-up forms for Spring Event need to be returned immediately to either your child's teacher or emailed to Ashli Myers at ashli-ibex@hotmail.com. Please return the form even if you are not planning on attending.
4. There are still some volunteer openings for the event. Every family in attendance is expected to volunteer one hour during the day. Please sign-up ASAP in the core room. As we get closer to the event, we will start contacting families who have yet to sign-up in order to fill the spots.
5. We need the following items for Spring Event. Please contact the designated volunteer if you have any items we may use for the event and make arrangements to get your items to that person before May 27.
   • If you have any of the following items, please let Jodie Pierson know at piersonfamilyis@comcast.net:
     • 20' rope (1)
     • hula hoops (5)
     • rubber chickens (5) I know there are a few of these lying around out there :)
     • Extra large rubbermaid-style bowls (2)
     • 2-liter bottles (20)
     • cardboard tubes, such as from wrapping paper (15)
     • swim noodles (16)
     • small orange cones (8)
   • If you have any of these items, please let Pamela Adams know at eyegoofygolfer1@msn.com:
     • frisbees (10)                             ♦  large buckets, paint style (4)
     • large rubber boots (4 pr)            ♦  jump ropes (6)
     • suitcases (6)                             ♦  hats (6)
     • men's gloves (6 pr)                    ♦  old sunglasses (that you don't care to have returned (5)
6. If anyone is looking for some extra hours, please contact Ashli Myers (327-3978). The committee will soon have some busy work, and we are looking for extra hands to help.
7. Confirmations will be mailed via U.S. Mail to each family about a week prior to the event. Information included on the forms will be: volunteer times and positions for parents and any older siblings, younger sibling(s) participation, and family game participation. Enclosed will also be a brief description of your volunteer requirements.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding any aspect of Spring Event, please feel free to contact Ashli Myers at 327-3978

From Ashli Myers

AND SPEAKING OF SPRING EVENT

After several years of dedicated service, Sarah Malm and Ashli Myers are stepping down as co-chairs of the Spring Event Committee. They are looking for one or two people who are able to take over so that Spring Event can continue to be an integral part of the APPLE experience. Ashli is willing to help ease the transition by serving on next year's committee. If you are interested, please contact Ashli Myers at 327-3978.

OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

The Franklin Apple Community is a member of the Albertson Community Partners. With this membership, we have been issued Partners Cards. Using these cards during checkout at Albertson's Grocery realizes a fraction of the sale in donation to the APPLE Program. Each year, we earn cash - as much as $400. Every little bit helps.

Over the last six years, I have managed this program, which entails essentially twice a year sending out email notice with regards to the program and providing cards to the APPLE families who use Albertson's Grocery. Sadly, I am unable to continue this program, so we will be looking for volunteers to take over this service.

Please email me at jwilkeyrn@hotmail.com if you are interested in accepting this small task.

From Jim Wilkey

There are two new committees forming next year. One committee will review and update the Franklin APPLE bylaws. The other, the accountability committee, will help ensure that families are fulfilling their 90-hour volunteer commitment. Contact a member of the Executive Committee if you are interested.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

• Merrie Dehmer and Erik Smith were elected to APPLE's Executive Committee for the June to June terms. Congratulations! And a heartfelt thank you! to outgoing committee members Lori Naylor and Lisa Regehr for their service this past year.
• Several families have fallen behind on their 90-hour volunteer commitment. Please contact your classroom coordinator to learn ways you can catch up.
• Thank you to all the APPLE volunteers who helped at the Franklin carnival. A great time was had by all, and their help was much appreciated.

From Ann Michel

APPLE CLASSROOMS MOVING CLOSER

In an effort to get the APPLE classrooms closer, many teachers will relocate this summer. Mrs. Gadau will move into Mrs. C's room so that the five/six classrooms are closer. Mrs. Calkins will move into 206 (above Mrs. C's old room). Mrs. Nessen will move into 205 (above Mrs. Jordan's room). And Mrs. C will move into 210 (above Mrs. Calkin's old room). The APPLE program will have full access to the big hallway, as well as Mrs. Brady's old office, which will serve as a parent workroom/student/small-group space

Franklin at-large teachers Mrs. Danica, Mrs. Burns and Mrs. Norton will be moving. All these teachers will need help packing this spring and unpacking and setting up the room this fall. A later email will details dates when parents can help these teachers prepare for the big move.

Mrs. Jordan and Mrs. Clayden will stay in their current classrooms.

CLASSROOM NEWS

Combined First, Second, Third News

Parents of first, second and third grade students met in the library to discuss plans for next year. Next year's supply list and a parent interest survey will be included with report cards in the last-day-of-school envelope.

Summer is a good time to begin to think about how your role in APPLE will look for next year. Parents were asked to think about helping with the move and collecting boxes since the district will not supply them for this move. We talked a little about varying instructional models for our kids and how exciting the 5/6 model will be for next year. Our overall goals for the program are for all students to have the best learning experiences possible and for all students to spend time working with all teachers in some capacity.

The final activity for the classroom meeting was to spend a few moments reflecting on the past year and looking toward next year. Each parent listed three stars and a wish. Everyone shared one star and then handed in the survey for compilation. Listed below is an overview of the responses:

• Cross-age activities were mentioned frequently. Parents value opportunities like Buddy Reading, APPLE Shuffle, cross-grade art, writing and reading activities and, especially, the country study groups spearheaded by Program Planning.
• Parents also commented on the feeling of community. Getting to know other parents, families and students has really added to the sentiment that we are all in this together for all of our children. Relationships, student-student, teacher-student, parent-student and parent-teacher, are all valued.
• Enrichment opportunities like the Maasai, Missoula Children's Theater, field trips and thematic units add a special dimension to children's learning.
• Parents feel welcomed into the classrooms. There is an understanding that parent participation is the heart of APPLE. Involvement opportunities include classroom time, committee time and special project time.
• The auction was cited many times as not only a great fund raising opportunity but a very fun social activity.
• High expectations for our students and an enthusiastic, cohesive teaching team make for amazing growth both academically and socially.

Some wishes for next year include:

• More clarity on how parents can be effectively involved in the classrooms and on committees.
• Better, clearer lines of communication among the parent group and from classrooms to parents/caregivers/guardians/all involved adults.
• More cross-age activities.
• More hands on learning/field trips.
• More opportunities for community building/social time both large scale (whole APPLE) and small scale (classroom or familiy groupings).
• Continued work on classroom behaviors, conflict resolution and community building so that no child loses learning time to social issues.
• More parent involvement on a larger scale.
• Parent voice in big decisions.
• APPLE kindergarten.

Thanks to all the parents who attended and gave some thoughtful time to this reflection.

If there are other parents who would like to fill out a three stars & a wish form, they can pick one up from me.

From Beth Calkins

Third-Grade News

Mark your calendars: The kids will be taking a field trip on June 4. Events and times will soon be determined. Look for more info to follow!

WELCOME and THANK YOU to Heather Roberts and Katie AlHafian. They will be team classroom coordinators next year for Mrs. Clayden.

Look for family interviews in the next classroom newsletter.

Please let me know if you have any questions, or if you did not receive last week's newsletter.

Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the WARM weather!

From Bronwynn Shew, third-grade classroom coordinator

Fourth-Grade News

Thank you to all of the parents who showed up for the meeting on Tuesday evening with Mrs. Jordan and Mrs. Gadau to discuss the structure for the 5/6 classrooms next fall. It was very informative and encouraging. If you were unable to attend, please contact one of the teachers or me, and we would be happy to go over everything that was covered in the meeting. It will be a very exciting year of learning, and it is hard to believe that we are finally fully expanded.

There are so many opportunities for volunteering as we are near the end of the year. Please remember to sign up to help at the Program Planning event on May 30 and Spring Event on June 7. There will be information coming out before the end of the year about helping all the teachers in the building move their classrooms. Four Apple teachers will be moving as well as several Franklin teachers, so be on the lookout for how you can help out.

The 4th graders are trying to stay focused with the sun out! Hop into the classroom and take a look at the bulletin board as they have decorated it with their Coastal and Plateau Native Americans. They will be tackling more Social Studies before the year ends, as well as continuing with their long division and multiplication and problem solving. Only one month to go!!

From Christa Arguinchona, fourth-grade classroom coordinator

Fifth/Sixth Grade News

The 4th and 5th grade parents met to discuss the structure of next year's 5th and 6th grade classes.

Tama Jordan and Nicki Gadau will take a team teaching approach by having two 5/6 combo classes. They will each specialize in grade specific curriculum at both the 5th and 6th grade level. The kids will move back and forth between teachers for certain subjects such as math and social studies. This will allow the teachers to offer more specific curriculum at each grade level.

Mrs. Jordan will keep her existing classroom, and Mrs. Gadau will move into Mrs. Corigliano's room. Grades 1-4 will be located on the 2nd floor.

From Kimm Hill, fifth/sixth classroom coordinator

Sixth-Grade News
or
SIXTH- GRADE EVENT GOES BACK TO THE LAKE

After deliberations at the Tuesday classroom meeting, the 6th grade parents overwhelmingly agreed that the 6th Grade Event would best be staged at the lake. This seemed to be the best option to accomplish the true goal of the event - one last chance for the 6th graders to hang out TOGETHER! Although the weather may not be ideal (but we can HOPE), there is plenty of warm indoor space, hot tub, games, etc. There will also be swimming, tubing, skiing, slide, golf, lawn games, etc.

Who: 6th Grade Graduing Class of 2008!!! (And families and siblings are invited too)
When: Saturday June 14th
Where: Ellen Wilkey's Lake Cabin in Kidd Island Bay, CDA Idaho.

We will meet in the Franklin school parking lot (east of the building) at 11 a.m .to carpool and caravan to the cabin, which is just 45 minutes door to door. I will also send maps to all the families, in case there are some who will be arriving late.

What to Bring: Towel, swimsuit, life vest if you have one, any lawn games you might have, any water toys you want to use, camera, sunglasses, sun screen (I'm getting really optimistic about the weather here!), and any folding lawn chairs you can bring so we have plenty of seating. We also have a floating golf green for those adventurous folks who want to try their hand at chipping off the beach for a hole in one!

Please RSVP to Angie at amh@randanco.com with the number of people in your family who will be attending so we can get an accurate count for food, and whether you will be meeting at 11 a.m. for the caravan so we don't leave anyone behind from the parking lot! If a parent can't come, but your student can, please let me know so we can arrange a carpool ride for them! (And vice versa - if your student can't come, but the parents can, that works too! This is as much of an event for the parents as the kids!!!)

If anyone would be willing to assist with the shopping, please let Angie know - we have a BBQ for some grillin' and a fire pit for s'mores. More information will follow to the sixth-grade families. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Angie Hayes at 536-1789 or amh@randanco.com (email is best).

From Angela Hayes

LEADERSHIP MEETINGS

The next Executive Meetings take place June 17 at Lance and Bronwynn Shew's home, 2724 E. 14th Ave. Look for more details in an upcoming email. The meeting is open to committee chairs, executive members and interested Apple parents.

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

• Becky Davis: 536-5651
• Merrie Dehmer: 448-7159
• Lance Shew: 536-1629
• Erik Smith: 532-1363

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 the May 13, 2008 APPLE Action Meeting
Submitted by: Kris Morehouse

Meeting was called to order at 8:01 p.m.

Merrie Dehmer reminded parents that the final event for cultural studies is set to take place May 30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Franklin gymnasium. The students will be doing crafts, serving food and performing traditional dances from the countries they've visited.

Parents are needed to man the booths and help set up beforehand and clean up afterward.

Brian Leaver said Merrie Dehmer is stepping down after five productive years as the chair of program planning. Brian plans to stay on, joined by Sally McKen as co-chair. Brian added that he would like to see program planning elevated to the level of the auction, with parents volunteering as much as 2,500 hours to the effort.

Mandy Edwards introduced the curriculum for next year's program planning. The service-learning project will allow the students to explore what it means to be a community. The curriculum will cover topics such as the electoral process and important U.S. historical documents. Many parents will be needed to bring the student-lead project to fruition, particularly those with an interest in law or history who can volunteer to help the children on their "road map to civic"

Ashli Myers said she and Sarah Malm are looking for one or two people to chair next year's Spring Event.

Ashli also said she still needs volunteers for this year's Spring Event, which takes place June 7 at Chase Middle School. People who need hours could also help out by helping in pre-event preparations.

Merrie Dehmer and Erik Smith were elected by ballot to the Executive Committee.

Jessica Hieronymus asked parents if they were interested in a Fall Campout, and many parents indicated they were. The campout is slated for the first weekend after school starts in September.

Lisa Regher said there will be two new ad hoc committees for next year. One committee will help review and update the Franklin APPLE bylaws.

Lance Shew said the second is an accountability committee that will help families fulfill their 90-hour volunteer commitment.

As of now, 37 percent of APPLE families have their 90 hours. Twenty-two percent are on track to complete the commitment. Fifteen percent can still make it. For 10 percent the goal is doubtful, and for 12 percent, it's extremely unlikely.

Several APPLE teachers will be moving this spring and will need help packing their gear. Times and dates will be sent out by email.

Brownwynn Shew volunteered to put together a bound telephone and email directory with family photographs.

The Executive Committee recognized several departing sixth-grade families for their years of commitment to the APPLE program. The parents included Gladys Evans, Angela Hayes, Cole Brooks and Janine McAlister, Ann Michel, Dave Horton and Samantha Russell, Jim Wilkey.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:04 p.m.

Mark Your Calendar

MAY

May 22              -   9:30 a.m. start
                         -   Art Walk at 6:30 p.m.
May 26              -   Memorial Day (No School)
May 29              -   9:30 a.m. start
May 30              -   APPLE Cultural Fair, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
                         -   Reception for incoming parents and students at 3:15 p.m.

JUNE

June 5               -   9:30 a.m. start
June 7               -   APPLE Spring Event, 12:30 to 6 p.m.
June 9               -   Kindergarten Fruit Salad Picnic
                             10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
June 11             -   PTG meeting at 6:30 p.m.
June 12             -   9:30 a.m. start
June 13             -   Last day of school, 11:15 a.m. dismissal
June 20             -   FIRST DAY OF SUMMER