SCHOOL NEWS
September 14, 2007

FANTASTIC WEEK OF SCHOOL
I want to thank every parent for their cooperation and patience to make our first week of school so successful. Your young scholar comes to school with a smile on their face and ready to learn because you have taken the time to make sure that they are prepared.

BACK TO SCHOOL DISMISSAL WILL BE SEPTEMBER 27 11:50 grade 1-5 & all K’s 7:45 to 10:28
Thursday, September 27 the PTA will have a brief association meeting in the MPR from 6:00 to 6:30 pm.

6:30 to 7:15 pm for K to 2nd grade and 7:15 to 8:00 pm for 3rd to 5th grade.

Teaching your child is a partnership between you and your child and your child’s classroom teacher. In many ways, Back to School Night is the most important opportunity for moms and dads to come to school all year. At Back to School Night you will learn all about what your child will be expected to know and be able to do at his or her particular grade level. Teachers will share the content area curriculum in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. Teachers will also review important classroom procedures so that we’re all on the same page. Parents who attend Back to School Night will also have the opportunity to sign up for a wide array of volunteer opportunities in and around the classroom.

YMCA CHILD CARE FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT
The YMCA will be providing childcare for Back-To-School night from 6:00pm to 8:15pm in portable Y1. All Don Juan Avila students and siblings, grades K-5 are welcome. Pizza dinner will be served. Cost is $5.00 per child. Reserve your spot today at 949-360-5907.

FOOD DRIVE, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
South County Outreach’s shelves are bare of food for needy families. We would like to help to fill their shelves. Look for a flyer to come home with information on what is needed. You may bring items during school hours or at Back-to-School night. Thank you in advance for you support.

REFLECTIONS STARTS SEPTEMBER 21 to OCTOBER 5th
The National PTA Reflections Program is arts recognition and achievement program for all students from Kindergarten - 5th grade providing an opportunity for them to create works of art inspired by a theme. This year's theme is "I can make a difference by...." There are 6 categories to enter: Visual Arts, Photography, Literature, Video/Film Production, Dance Choreography, and Musical Composition. The program will officially start September 21st and all entries are due October 5th. Please check the PTA Reflections website for more information, 

BOX TOPS
Thank you to everyone who turned in box tops from the summer. Remember; please turn the box-tops in to your classroom teacher with your teacher's name on the outside of the bag or envelope. We want to make sure each class gets their credit for the monthly challenge. Visit http://www.boxtops4education.com/ for promotions and money saving coupons too!

DON JUAN and PTA Website: 
Our website, was complemented at the PTA Council meeting this week. Thank you to Mike Niedringhaus, our webmaster for doing such a great job. Have you checked out what all the fuss is about? Please do!

CORE TESTING DATE
Core Testing, for grade 2 to 5, is October 1 to October 5.

SMOOTHIES ARE BACK
A healthy treat right after school on Wednesdays will be smoothies for $3.75

MARK STUDENT LUNCHES and THINK HEALTHY SNACKS
Parents please mark your student lunches with their name and room number. We would like to encourage parents to have healthy snacks for their students. "Data from the most recent National Health and Nutrition Survey indicate that the prevalence of overweight and obesity among American's youth has more than doubled in the past 20 years.  Just like overweight adults, children and adolescents also experience an increase in health risks.  More than 60% of overweight children between the ages of 5 and 10 years of age already have at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease.  Other health risks include glucose intolerance, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, respiratory problems and bone and joint pain."

STUDENT PARTIES
Parents if you would like to bring healthy treats for your students’ classroom it is important for you to make arrangements with the teacher at least one week ahead of time. Also, you should find out if any students have allergy concerns before passing out the healthy treats. THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!

 We have listed some creative ideas for parents to use in place of food to recognize their child's special day.
Birthday favors:  Erasers, pencils, stencils, rulers, read their favorite book to the class, card (bought by parent) signed by Mrs. Samuels, teacher or classmates