april/may 2011 pawprint

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La Mariposa Elementary School Pawprint Newsletter— Page 1 La Mariposa Pawprint Member of Camarillo PTA Council, Twelfth District PTA, California Congress of Parents, Teachers, Students, Inc. and the National Congress of Parents and Teachers La Mariposa School 4800 Corte Olivas, Camarillo, CA 93012 (805) 987-8333 www.LaMariposaTigers.org DINNER DANCE DINNER DANCE & AUCTION & AUCTION RAISES $34.5K! RAISES $34.5K! (Page 4) 4 TH TH TH ANNUAL ANNUAL ANNUAL SCIENCE SCIENCE SCIENCE NIGHT NIGHT NIGHT (Page 6) April / May 2011 FUNDRAISING FUNDRAISING FUNDRAISING UPDATES UPDATES UPDATES (Page 11 & 12)

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April./May 2011 Pawprint

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Page 1: April/May 2011 Pawprint

La Mariposa Elementary School Pawprint Newsletter— Page 1

La Mariposa Pawprint Member of Camarillo PTA Council, Twelfth District PTA, California Congress of Parents, Teachers, Students, Inc. and the National Congress of Parents and Teachers

La Mariposa School 4800 Corte Olivas, Camarillo, CA 93012 (805) 987-8333 www.LaMariposaTigers.org

DINNER DANCE DINNER DANCE & AUCTION & AUCTION RAISES $34.5K!RAISES $34.5K! (Page 4)

444THTHTH ANNUAL ANNUAL ANNUAL SCIENCE SCIENCE SCIENCE NIGHTNIGHTNIGHT (Page 6)

April / May 2011

FUNDRAISING FUNDRAISING FUNDRAISING UPDATES UPDATES UPDATES

(Page 11 & 12)

Page 2: April/May 2011 Pawprint

La Mariposa Elementary School Pawprint Newsletter— Page 2

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

TEACHERS I love teachers. If I listed my top 10 favorite people, half of them would be teachers I had growing up. Mr. Olson, who taught me to

love science and that more can be learned from doing than from reading. Mrs. Ayersa who taught me that with hard work and dedication I could change my world. Mr. Buddhu who bridged the words of classical novelists to the lyrics of modern music. Ms. Craig, who helped me discover my voice and taught me to consider the context of an author’s life and the bias it brings to what they write. And finally, my fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Rueckert, who never put limits or labels on what we could learn and made everyday and every subject something we wanted to dive into and swim around in. My guess is most of these people will never know the impact they made on my life or the person I’ve become because of them. The economic crisis in the last few years has put a great burden on both school staff and teachers. Recent cuts mean they get paid less, work fewer hours, and handle more students. Yet, every morning, they greet our children with a smile and exceed the ever growing expectations of parents, administrators, and state standards. They are consummate professionals that certainly rival my Top Ten List of Favorite People. Each May the La Mariposa PTA sponsors Staff Appreciation Week. It’s a time to show not only our teachers, but also the support staff of La Mariposa, how much we love them. Your children will have the opportunity to write special notes and bring in flowers. They will be treated to breakfast and a luncheon with a menu prepared by parents. I’m sure our committee also has a few other surprises up their sleeves. I encourage that we parents also take a few minutes from our day to jot down a note of appreciation for someone that has made a difference in our children’s lives. I am forever grateful to my teachers and to all the teachers that follow in their foot-steps and stand on their shoulders. Someday my children will look back to their youth and count their teachers as some of their favorite people. Sincerely,

Kamala Nahas

STAR TESTING: 5 Ways to Set Your Child

Up for Success by Kamala Nahas

1. Make sure your child gets to school and stays at school...at least until lunch. STAR Testing week is not a week to schedule dentists appointments or family trips. 2. Make sure your child gets a good, balanced breakfast--toast and cereal is not enough. They need some protein and a little fat to make that food stick with them and get their brains focused. And while you're at it, pack 'em a good snack, too. 3. Make sure your child gets enough rest. Yup, that means no late practices that week and no staying up late reading books. Most experts agree school age children need about 10-11 hours of sleep per day. So get 'em to bed before 9:00.

(Continued on page 3)

On the Cover: Brinley discovers a bird skull during owl pellet dissection at the 4th Annual Science Night! More Science Night Photos on Pages 6 & 7.

Parent Survey is available from 4/4 - 4/15. Click here to complete the survey.

Dinner Dance 4

Science Night 6

Class Activities 8

Field Trips 9

Assemblies 10

Fundraisers 11

Box Tops Update 12

Animal Shelter Drive 13

IN THIS ISSUE

Page 3: April/May 2011 Pawprint

La Mariposa Elementary School Pawprint Newsletter— Page 3

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL In the wording of many school and district mission statements, you’ll hear about developing students into “lifelong learners.” The goal for most teachers, especially at La Mariposa, is to instill in students a desire to learn even when they don’t have to. In the classroom, engaging activities and meaningful content help create a learning environment that builds this love of learning. It is important to note, however, that La Mariposa teachers also have a desire to continue learning. I believe that teaching is a craft, and one that requires continuing learning and reflection. Thankfully, opportunities abound for our teachers to grow as professionals. This growth and learning for the teachers results in improved learning opportunities for our students. It is my goal and responsibility to make sure that teachers have the opportunities to learn and grow. Some of the learning opportunities for teachers are multi-day conferences. For instance, our Kindergarten team recently attended the Kindergarten Conference, a yearly meeting focused exclusively on teaching and learning in the California Kindergarten classroom. Our team returned from their weekend conference full of new ideas and practices ranging from the use of technology to assess students to creative ways to keep the class focused during instruction. They shared their ideas with the other primary grades, and are already using their new skills and strategies. Other grade level teams attend classes together, such as our 1st grade team, which has been attending SMART board classes one evening a month at the Ventura County Office of Education. Over the summer, they also attended a 2-day class in a neighboring district to learn about their new technology. The team has used the class as a launching point for their innovative lessons and ever-growing repertoire of skills in the classroom. Members of our 2nd grade team have attended math workshops on evenings and weekends, while one of our 2nd grade teachers has attended a series of Saturday classes on how to infuse the arts into the content areas. This teacher received a scholarship for this series from the Ventura County Arts Council, which means she is able to attend the courses at no cost to the school. Our 2nd and 3rd grade teams have used their expertise to increase the knowledge of other grade level teams in the District. They have lead meetings throughout the year focused on writing, assessment, and technology. We are very proud of the leadership shown by La Mariposa staff. Teachers in the 4th and 5th grade have participated in various classes and workshops as well. While some teachers have attended classes on “visual thinking,” one 5th grade teacher is participating in a year-long program Called Teachers of American History, which focuses on creating a deeper understanding of our nation’s history. Our entire 4th and 5th grade team has also visited a neighboring district to learn more about the use of technology in the classroom. The path of learning does not end once someone graduates with a degree. As professionals, La Mariposa teachers continue to grow their skills and develop new ideas to make their classrooms engaging and unique. I am proud of their desire to learn, and I hope that you find the time to recognize their hard work as they strive to give your children the best learning opportunities possible. Mr. Jay Greenlinger

4. Create a stress-free morning. It happens in my house, too: Where's your shoes? Why are you wearing your little brother's jacket? Rush, rush...too late to walk...get in the car...GET IN THE CAR. When my family is on the top of our game, we prepare for the morning the night before. I call it mitigating the mad-ness. Pack lunches, lay out clothes, locate shoes...kinda like the first day of school. Maybe this is a good idea for everyday? ...and finally 5. Walk to school. Studies show that twenty minutes of moderate physical activity, like walking to school, i n c r e a s e s a t t e n t i o n s p a n , concentration, and specifically the ability to answer tougher questions accurately. No surprise this increased focus leads to higher achievement (equivalent to as much as a full letter grade) on standardized tests. Live too far away? Park at Pitts Ranch Park or a friends house and walk from there. Click here full article.

(Continued from page 2)

GOT TALENT?

La Mariposa is having our very

1st Talent Show!!! • Do you play an instrument? • Do you love to sing or dance • Are you a poet? • Do like to give speeches?

Important Dates April 15: Permission Slips Due April 27: Act Preview (Auditions) May 26: Dress Rehearsal June 2: TALENT SHOW, 6-8pm

Sign up for the Talent Show today!!!!

Click here to sign up.

Page 4: April/May 2011 Pawprint

La Mariposa Elementary School Pawprint Newsletter— Page 4

TOGETHER WE RAISED $34,500! The La Mariposa dinner dance and auction was a HUGE success. Thank you to our teachers, parents, and friends who so generously donated their time, money and talents. All who participated had a great time for a great cause. We could not have had such an amazing event without all the hard work of everyone who volunteered to help. We would like to thank the following parents for all their help. Business Solicitations: Romy Henderson, Natalie Swarts, Kelly Widerburg,

Katherine Gregory, Cindy Laudato-Wong, Kamala Nahas, Kerri Bowers and Beth Sassower

Basket Assembly: Sheryl Chan, Romy Henderson, Pam Holtorf, Kathryn Masci, Beth Sassower, Denise Bolish, Staci McSkimming, Kelly Widerburg, Lisa Carrawy, Keiko Chun

Decorations: Keiko Chun Programs: Patti Stouch Registration: Kari Wetter and Carol Chavez Reservations/Banking: Jenny Chikasawa, Derrek Michelson, Linda Karolus Spreadsheets/Info.: Kathryn Masci Teacher Coodinator: Jill Heybl Classroom Coordinator: Aaron Laskey Student Helpers: Emily Henderson, Kiley Borchard, and Christine

Carero Set-up/Clean-up of event: Allen Sadowsky, Romy and Dave Henderson, Kim

Woolley, Pam Holtorf, Staci McSkimming, Kamala Nahas, Beth Sassower, Linda Karolus, and Jenny Chikasawa

We would like to thank our sponsors for all their generous donations: Double Platinum Sponsor: Caulfield Consulting Group, L.L.C Sponsor: Cal Coast Motorsports, Cool Pak, Sweet Success,

RMP, CruiseOne #1 in cruising Nationwide, Luggage of Love.

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Romy Henderson and Beth Sassower (Dinner Dance Coordinators)

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La Mariposa Elementary School Pawprint Newsletter— Page 5

Page 6: April/May 2011 Pawprint

La Mariposa Elementary School Pawprint Newsletter— Page 6

More that 150 students participated in this year’s 4TH Annual Science Night. Truly a community event...labs were led by the CSUCI Chemistry Department, LM alum from Camarillo High School and Las Colinas, parent volunteers, and a few of our own 5TH grade students. It was an unforgettable night of discovery!

SCIENCESCIENCE

Special Thanks to Committee Members: Jennifer Flittie, Stu Long, Natalie Swarts, Denise Bolish, Brian and Patty Stouch, and Cathy Kim.

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La Mariposa Elementary School Pawprint Newsletter— Page 7

NIGHTNIGHT

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La Mariposa Elementary School Pawprint Newsletter— Page 8

Fourth grade students had their annual Gold Rush Day on Friday, March 25. As a culminating activity to go with their study of the California Gold Rush, the students dressed up in mining attire and participated in a two hour, hands on history simulation. First, “The Widow”, a local merchant, welcomed them to the mining town of Git Up and Get. She took them into her supply shop and gave them some information about California. She shared her story of how she came to be a local shop owner and read some letters sent to miners. From there the students learned just how expensive mining supplies were and placed their grubstake orders. A miner who was indebted to “The Widow” then showed them how to wash clothes the old fashioned way with a washboard and basin, write with a quill pen and ink made from walnut shells, and sing mining camp songs. The students then learned to pan for gold in our gold river. As excited as they were to find the paydirt, they weren’t expecting to find that only two of them could actually afford to pay off their debt for their supplies and continue to mine. Olivia Gaiser from Mrs. Wallace’s class and Jonathan Suhr from Mrs. Sadowsky’s class were the two lucky ones who found the “chicken nugget”, the largest nuggets of the day. It turned out that it was far better to be the merchant than the miner. In addition to the hands-on gold rush experience, the students had a few other gold rush related activities. They watched the movie “Bullwhip Griffin” which was based on the novel By the Great Horn Spoon. They had just finished reading the book and had a great time comparing the movie with the novel. For a snack, students ate beef jerky and cornbread muffins with apple juice. Then for lunch the students had hot dogs (to represent sowbelly) and oatmeal cookies. They ended the day with a costume contest for the mightiest miner, the excellent entrepreneur, and the roughest rogue in each classroom. It was a very memorable day.

G O L D R U S H !G O L D R U S H !G O L D R U S H !

Page 9: April/May 2011 Pawprint

La Mariposa Elementary School Pawprint Newsletter— Page 9

By Brandon Trotter (Student) All the third graders took a field trip to The Santa Barbara Natural History Museum on March 9th. We went to the planetarium and learned all about space. Did you know that if the city lights weren’t on, we would see more stars than we do now? We also studied about the Chumash Indians at the museum. Did you know that the main foods they ate were acorn cakes and fish? The Chumash also had lots of plants they would use to survive. We really had fun and learned a lot on our field trip.

SB NATURAL MUSEUM - 3RD GRADE

F I E L D T R I P SF I E L D T R I P SF I E L D T R I P S

In February our fourth grade classes visited the Olivas Adobe as part of their study of the California Rancho Period. Docents dressed in the attire of the era led the students on a tour of the historic adobe house and provided them with many facts about the Olivas family and the history of the property. The students also learned how to grind corn the old fashioned way. Then, using a metal tortilla press, the students then made palm sized corn tortillas which we all got to eat at the end of the field trip. Another fun activity was learning to rope the resident bull Bernardo (don’t worry, he’s fake). The students earned points for their teams by roping the bull’s horns. The highlight of the day was when the students took off their shoes and socks to enter the adobe mud pit to make adobe bricks. The docents were sure to hose them off and let them towel dry before they put the shoes and socks back on their feet.

OLIVAS ADOBE - 4TH GRADE

Page 10: April/May 2011 Pawprint

La Mariposa Elementary School Pawprint Newsletter— Page 10

ASSEMBLIES BRING FUN LEARNING TO STUDENTS

Acclaimed Storyteller, Jim Cogan, kicked off the 2010-2011 Assemblies in October for La Mariposa students. Mr. Cogan performed two assemblies about the dangers of bullying for each age group by using memorable characters, lots of wacky expressions and audience participation. For the students in kindergarten through second grade, Mr. Cogan told the story about a brave little rooster who wouldn’t back down to the bullying pirates. For the students in the third through fifth grades, he shared a story set in a private Catholic school where a jealous bully learned how to be a better friend. He emphasized friendship, kindness, compassion, and standing up for each other. Julliard-trained pianist Beth Sussman presented her musical show entitled “Who’s Afraid of Classical Music” in both assemblies for the younger and older students in February. She showed students that they already know a lot of classical music by playing famous excerpts from movies, cartoons, and commercials. She also asked her audience to actively listen for differences in some of the songs that she played. Students were able to identify changes in tempo, volume, and rhythm. Ms. Sussman concluded her performances with an original piece of music that she composed. Children’s author Alexis O’Neill presented engaging and interactive assemblies for the students in March. Ms. O’Neill invited student volunteers from both assemblies to help act out key scenes for the audience from two of her books: The Recess Queen and The Worst Best Friend. She explained how rhythm plays a big role in reading, and recommended that students should always read their work aloud, something that she always does with her own work. Ms. O’Neill also used personal examples to encourage students to persevere with their writing. She showed an original, marked up draft of one of her books and explained how it can take several years for a story idea to finally become a published book. She said that an author must often face many rejections before finding someone who will buy a story, and told students to stay positive, because all of the constructive criticism ultimately helps them improve their writing. Ms. O’Neill also led four Q&A sessions with the fourth and fifth grade students where she shared more fun anecdotes and encouraging writing tips. The finale of the La Mariposa Assembly Season will feature the On Ensemble and Taiko Drums at the end of May. The On Ensemble combines the musical and dance talents of its four members into fun performances that will introduce students to Taiko drumming, rhythm, and its Japanese roots. Students will learn and participate in the oral tradition of Taiko, learning rhythms by vocalizing them.

Congratulations to the Fabulous Four (William Davis, Jack Holden, Jaime Jaquez, and Andrew Wetter) of the 4th Grade Camarillo Dons traveling basketball team for their championship victory in the Ventura County Youth Basketball Conference. The league is comprised of eight teams throughout the county and they secured the title by defeating the previously undefeated Westlake team. The Junior Girls team also won the Championship. Camryn was the only representative from La Mariposa because the team is comprised mostly of sixth grade girls. BASKETBALL STARSBASKETBALL STARS

Page 11: April/May 2011 Pawprint

La Mariposa Elementary School Pawprint Newsletter— Page 11

100TH DAY PTA Coordinator, Maryann Ketchum La Mariposa’s sock fundraiser for the 100th day of school on February 14th was a huge success! With everyone’s help, we donated a total of 1843 new pair of socks to Child Protective Services of Ventura County. They are extremely thankful. We donated a variety of sizes and color. We have been donating socks since 2005, and with your help, we have placed socks on many children in Ventura County. The generosity of our students really shows.

JUMP ROPE FOR HEART We raised $1617.01 to support the American Heart Association. 76 students returned donations and we also received online donations. All Around Winners • 3rd Grade - Dutch Utterback • 4th Grade - Brandee Smith • 4th Grade - Victoria Nunez • 5th Grade - Gracie Utterback Connor Beautrow Natalia Rodriguez

Thanks for your participation! We raised $260 during the Swirl Fundraiser!

GET READY FOR THE UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR…

Purchase your child’s School Tool Box The School Tool Box will provide your child with the school supplies needed to start the school year. The supplies listed on the suggested classroom supply list are included in the brands and quantities the teachers have requested (except: the $10 donation for art supplies and pictures, the SSR books and backpacks). In addition, you can give back to our community. For only $11, you can purchase school supplies for a student at one of the Project Understanding Tutoring Centers in Ventura County. These centers service academically at r isk students, grades K-8, in low-income areas. The goal of Project Understanding Tutoring Centers is to bring their students to grade level at which time they “graduate” from the program. If you decide not to purchase a School Tool Box for your own child, please consider purchasing one for a Project Understanding child. 2011-2012 School Tool Box Prices: • Project Understanding - $11 • Kindergarten - $28 • First Grade - $40 • Second Grade - $56 • Third Grade - $42 • Fourth Grade - $33 • Fifth Grade - $37 For more information, please contact Cindy Laudato-Wong or Denise Bolish.

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La Mariposa Elementary School Pawprint Newsletter— Page 12

WINTER CONTEST 

Congratulations to the following classes for  collecting the most Box Tops: 

Kindergarten Mrs. Celic

1st Mrs. Elliott

2nd Mrs. Huntting

3rd Mrs. Alvarez

4th Mrs. Espinoza

5th Mrs. Hudacko

Each class listed above will receive the Box Top Trophy and special Box Tops Recess! Thank you to everyone

for collecting Box Tops through out the year!

Keep collecting Box Tops the next contest will be in September!

Remember to be sure all your box tops have your name and your classroom on them so you get credit for them!

Keep collecting those Box Tops on the Collection Sheets available online.

For questions or general information

Contact Aaron Laskey at [email protected] or Kim Dawson at [email protected] . Please be sure to sign-up online to support La Mariposa at the Box Tops website!

www.boxtops4education.com

Page 13: April/May 2011 Pawprint

La Mariposa Elementary School Pawprint Newsletter— Page 13

ANIMAL SHELTER DRIVE April 5-15

As parents, it’s important to not only set an example for our children, but also provide them opportunities to care for and serve our community. This past Fall, La Mariposa hosted a Food Drive, in support of Food SHARE. As a school community, we collected hundreds of pounds of food to donate to our hungry neighbors. This Spring, we decided to turn our attention to a different kind of neighbor – animals! Ventura County Animal Services’ main animal shelter is located right here in Camarillo, on the Camarillo airport complex. The facility was built in 1985 and can house approximately 400 animals with accommodations for birds, livestock, and exotic animals as well as

their most frequent guests: dogs and cats. The Camarillo Shelter houses impounded stray, abandoned, lost and homeless animals and provides veterinary care, housing and board while the animals await reclaim or adoption. They provide a wonderful service to our community but they need our help! They would like to have the following items to improve the animal's play area at the shelter and help encourage adoptions:

Dish Soap New Sponges Dog Walks Tunnels A Frames Hurdles Kong Toys Metal Benches or chairs Cat Trees Bandanas and collars Sheets of Plywood 2x4 Boards Hardware Cloth Wood Screws Sheets / Blankets Towels Newspaper Pet food

These items can be new or used! It’s the time of year that most of us Spring clean. As you go through your house, please keep in mind that your old items can make a big difference for some four-legged friends living in Camarillo. Do you have old, frayed towels? Sheets that are torn or have lost their elasticity? Pet supplies, but no pet!? Start setting aside your daily newspaper to turn in for the animal shelter. We will be collecting items from April 5-15. Boxes will be located outside the library.

Animal Services reminds pet owners: “Nearly every animal that comes through our door has one common bond: lack of owner identification. As much as we care about your animal, we would rather not care for it here. By identifying your pet with a valid license tag and microchip implant, you will do your pet, and your community, a great service.” As we care for our neighbors and serve those in need (including animals!), we help to build a stronger community. Thank you for any items you can provide! If you would like more information on the animal shelter, please visit their website @ http://www.vcas.us.

Ventura County Animal Shelter 600 Aviation Drive

Camarillo, CA 93010 (888) 223-PETS