March 2009
Message from the President
New video debuts at Kinder Round Up; Fun Run and Fun Fair coming; Spring Art shows student creativity
Yee haw partners! A big thank you to Patti Molloy and her crew as four hundred of our finest cowboys and cowgirls enjoyed a great breakfast and wonderful rodeo break last month. Now it’s time to get back into the swing of things… with only 2 ½ months left of school. Ten science fair projects are headed to SARSEF, and congrats to all who did projects and those who will be representing Fruchthendler.
Kinder Round Up was a big success, with 71 future kinders visiting our school, and many thanks to those parent volunteers who made our great video that made its debut. Look for it in the office, and also there will be a link on our website. Our Fun Run will be on March 21, and National Walk and Roll to School Day and our Fun Fair on March 27… get ready to learn some bike safety tips and enjoy the obstacle course! Enjoy an evening of culture, great food, and spectacular pieces of art on March 24 as our Spring Art Show shows off the artistic talents and creative minds of our students.
Please remember that we are looking for new members for our board, and those that will lend their hearts and minds to our collaborative effort.
A DREAM IS YOUR CREATIVE VISION FOR YOUR LIFE IN THE FUTURE—DENIS WAITLEY
Marcy Briggs, PTA President 2008-09
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Letter to Fruchthendler Families from Principal John Heidel
Dear Fruchthendler Families,
February was a busy month. Kindergarten Round-Up corralled over seventy families that visited our campus with plans of attending Fruchthendler for the coming 2009-2010 school year. The “new” students had the opportunity to rotate through our three kindergarten classes while their parents learned about Fruchthendler’s program.
Many of our students were showcased at Townsend Middle School as they performed their talents learned from our OMA program. It was fun seeing our young stars perform and visiting with their proud parents. Classes (K-2) also had the opportunity to attend a field trip to UAPresents sponsored with OMA.
I hope everyone had the opportunity to visit our Science Fair. We had over ninety entries this year (over 100 participants). The projects were outstanding and exemplified our students’ hard work. I want to thank Mrs. McNerney and Mrs. Giampapa for their hard work in planning, organizing, and recruiting the judges for the fair. Ten of the projects will go on to represent Fruchthendler at the Southern Arizona Regional Science and Engineering Fair (SARSEF) this month. We wish them luck. Go Firebirds!
Congratulations to Kolbe Riney for recognition in the Young Authors competition this year in the city. She placed in the top five (no particular order) out of 173 entries. Congratulations Kolbe!
I had a wonderful time at the Rodeo Pancake Breakfast. It was the perfect time to visit and relax with good friends and good food. A special thank you to Mrs. Molloy and her committee. Their hard work in planning and setting up the breakfast was most evident. I also want to thank the teachers and staff for their pancake flipping expertise. I believe it was the largest turn out we have had. A GREAT time was had by all.
Thank you parents for complying with the limits outlined by cones in the parking lot and not parking in unassigned areas. Lodge still continues to be a problem with parents parking in no parking areas or student drop off areas. Please follow the signage and keep the area safe for our students.
Please remember to make after school arrangements before school with your child. We are overwhelmed with the number of message requests just before the bell rings. We can’t guarantee those messages will reach their intended recipients.
With the recent warm weather, our lost and found has been growing by leaps and bounds. Please check the rack located in the cafeteria for any misplaced sweaters, jackets, etc.
March brings about the end of third quarter. Remember that March 13 is a grading day for teachers. (Students have it off.) The last two days of March starts the State testing for our students. Be sure to send them well rested and after having a good breakfast. Please avoid being tardy during this time.
I want to thank all the volunteers that continue to support our students’ success. Fruchthendler is such a wonderful place to work thanks to all your care and concern. Our strong parent support continues to make Fruchthendler A+.
Cordially,
John Heidel, Principal
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Site Council seeking members
Help wanted! The Fruchthendler Site Council has three positions to fill for the next school year. Here’s your chance to help guide school policy and shape the future of Fruchthendler.
Two council memberships are opening:
- Intermediate parent. This member must have a student at Fruchthendler in grades 3, 4, or 5 and may not be a TUSD employee working at Fruchthendler.
- Community representative. This can be any community member who does not have a student attending Fruchthendler and is not a TUSD employee working at Fruchthendler.
Also needed is an SCPC representative. The School-Community Partnership Council meets about one evening a month to work on school-community issues. This person attends SCPC meetings and reports to the site council but is not a voting member of the site council.
March 6 is the deadline for written nominations for these positions. For more information, or to submit a nomination (yes, you can nominate yourself!) please contact Mr. Heidel or Michael Rule, council facilitator, by March 6.
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SAVE Spirit Week begins Mar. 23
This year SAVE will be having a spirit week during National Youth Violence Prevention Week. This is the week of March 23 through 27, 2009.
The spirit days this year will be:
Monday, March 23rd - Crazy Hair Day - "Remember to keep a cool head!"
Tuesday, March 24th - Black and White Day - "Reminding us to think of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and be a friend to everyone."
Wednesday, March 25th - Clashin' Fashion Day - "Don't Let Violence Mix You Up!"
Thursday, March 26th - Career Day - "Don't Let Violence Ruin Your Dreams!"
Friday, March 27th - Peace Day - "Stop the Violence Pump Up the Peace" (Wear Orange and Purple)
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Fruchthendler Fun Run Saturday, Mar 21
Mark your calendars for an enjoyable morning of walking, running, and jogging. The annual Fruchthendler Fun Run will be held on Saturday, March 21. This “fun” event provides a great opportunity to promote physical fitness with our children. You can choose the 1 mile or 5K (3.1 mile) course; both begin and end at the school. Bagels and Eegees will be waiting for all the hungry participants. Check in for the jog/walk will be at 8:15 a.m. and the run will start at 8:30 a.m. The event will end around 10 a.m. Sign up sheets are provided in your Firebird Folder. The cost is only $2 per person. If you have questions or would like to help out on the morning of the race, please call Karen McWhirter, 751-6795.
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Thanks for animal care donations
Dear Firebirds and Firebird families,
Thank you for your donations for the Pima Animal Care Center. They will be greatly appreciated. We, the F.C.C., and you the students of Fruchthendler, raised pounds and pounds of food for cats and dogs. If you were wondering, we raised 208 lbs. of dry dog food, 70 oz. of canned dog food, 26 individual dog treats, 5 leashes, 5 collars, 26 dog toys, 76 lbs. of dry cat food, 136 individual canned cat food, 81 individual cat treats, 16 cat toys, 12 galvanized buckets, 16 towels, 1 blanket, 2 cat beds, 2 litter boxes, 2 scratching posts and 1 BIG basket donated by Petco!
For those of you that did not donate this time there’s always next year! Those of you that did, again thank for caring and for your generosity!! The animals appreciate it and we do too!!
We are grateful for your donations!
Fruchthendler Community Council
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Library Lines
Thanks to PTA and Festival of Books coming to UA
Thanks to the PTA, Mrs. Hardt, Mrs. Saucedo, Mrs. Tinsley and Mr. Saucedos' classes who were able to attend our annual visit to Sabino High School for a drama presentation. District finances were not available this year and the PTA generously came to our rescue by providing funding for the buses. This event is always a fun time, and as usual we discovered we have Firebirds that could become future Oscar winners.
Be sure and put March 14 and 15 on your calendar. The Festival of Books at the University of Arizona will be taking place on those days. Parking is free. The program starts at 10 a.m. on March 14. Local childrens' authors will be present. Adult authors will also be present. Artists will be speaking and there will be poetry readings and crafts. Food and drinks are available for purchasing. It sounds like an educational and family fun weekend.
Our library schedule is a busy one. Students are reading and returning their books. Thank you for being so supportive. YOU ARE THE BEST!
Mrs. Liverman, Librarian
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Counselor’s Corner
Parenting Tips that work!
We all strive to be the best parents we can be. When things are going well then it’s easy. It’s the times when we are feeling stressed, rushed and frustrated with our own personal situation that we are challenged to be that “best parent” possible.
That being said, there are ways for us to “be prepared” for the time when things are hard. www.LoveAndLogic.com is a website that offers great parenting tips, as well as wonderful books, and an email newsletter. Its premise is letting your child learn from “natural consequences.” Of course, the first part is the supportive loving statement to commiserate with your child who has made a mistake or misbehaved . “How sad!” might be your regular empathetic statement that reminds your child know that you care, and then they also know that consequences of their behavior are going to be something they will have to deal with! It’s a great system that works with kids, and gets you out of the cycle of threats, punishment and unhappiness. Love and Logic is easy to use, raises responsible kids, and changes lives.
Feel free to call the counseling office if you need help!
Lianda Ludwig, M.S., Counselor
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Do your share for the Clean Air Fair!
Join Fruchthendler’s 7th Annual
Walk ‘n Roll to School Day
On Friday, March 27, get to and from school by walking or rolling your way. Try something new like a bike, skate board, scooter, razor, or roller skates! There will be give-a-ways and prizes for the classes with the most participation, and this year a bicycle raffle for all participants!
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School Spanish language instruction feedback sought
Fruchthendler’s Site Council is interested in your feedback regarding our current Spanish language program. In order that we may gather input from parents, the Site Council has included a survey in this month's Firebird Folder. Your responses to the survey along with any additional comments will help us to determine the level of focus and attention we should be placing on the delivery and content of Spanish instruction at our school. Please look for the survey and take a few moments to respond. We would like to receive all completed surveys on or before March 13. Please return the survey to your child's teacher or to the Fruchthendler front office.
Thank you for helping us with decisions that shape the future of our children’s education at Fruchthendler.
Sandra Lueders, Site Council Member
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Donations for clothing bank welcome!
This year, the TUSD Clothing Bank is experiencing a shortage in donations. Clothes and shoes of all sizes will be welcomed by needy TUSD families. Please leave your donations in or by the red clothing bank donations box, which is located in the Fruchthendler entry hall, outside the office. There is no deadline. Used clothing is always welcome in the Fruchthendler health office as well. Thank you!
Jeanne Dunbar, Health Assistant, 731-4417
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Over 100 Extraordinary Scientists Participate in School’s Science Fair!!
Congratulations to all 105 budding scientists who entered the Science Fair this year. We had a total of 86 projects, including three class projects by Miss Konrath and Mr. Scott’s kindergarten classes and Mr. Rule’s fourth grade class, and 16 team projects. All of these students earned a “Distinguished Science Fair Award” ribbon. All of these students deserve recognition for their hard work! We hope you had a chance to view some of these great projects.
Thanks and appreciation goes out to all of the judges for their time and dedication! The last pair of judges didn’t leave until 10:30 p.m., and they arrived at 5 p.m.!
The top 10 projects selected will go on to SARCEF (Southern Arizona Regional Science and Engineering Fair). SARCEF will be held March16-20 at the Tucson Convention Center. The best of luck to all of our SARCEF nominees!!
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Picture Day Thursday Mar. 5!
Spring Pictures will be taken on Thursday, March 5th!! Remember to look your best! Pre-orders will not be taken, so everyone has their picture taken. Pictures are purchased upon the receipt of proofs.
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Allergies, the flu and ear infections too, are making their way around the school…
If your child has been feeling a bit under the weather and/or is just not feeling able to participate in PE class due to those nasty allergy symptoms, asthma or even an injury, please let Mrs. Spitzer know. You can write a note, send an email or even call to make sure your child receives an excused absence in PE class.
For all 3-5th grade students trying out for the Track Team, I will always arrange a make-up for any student with an excused absence.
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Spitzer, 404-8212 or ejnkimbo@comcast.net
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Track and Field try-outs are underway
We’ve begun try-outs for our 2009 Track Team. Try-outs are opened to all 3rd – 5th grade students and are held during lunch recess on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from now until the end of March. The five events include: high jump, running long jump, softball throw, 100 meter dash and the 500 meter run. The relay team is made up of students that make the team. The top three athletes in each event plus one alternate are chosen for the track team. A student is only allowed to participate in a total of three events. We have just finished the high jump event and will be moving into the running long jump try-outs this week. All scores are posted on the Track Team wall by the nurse’s office. Our Regional Track Meet is scheduled for April 14th, the Tuesday we return from Spring Break. If you have any questions or would like to come help with try-outs, please contact Kim Spitzer at 404-8212 or ejnkimbo@comcast.net
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It’s time to get jumping…
Fruchthendler Elementary School will participate in the American Heart Association –Jump-For-Heart the week of March 2nd – 6th during each PE class. The students have been practicing for the last couple of weeks with single ropes, long ropes, double-dutch and skip-its. Jump-For-Heart packets will be going home this week. Please take the time to go over the packet with your child. Not only does the American Heart Association benefit from donations raised, but so does our school. Last year, we were able to purchase free equipment for the PE program such as new short and long ropes and a jump rope stand. Jump roping is a fun and easy way for kids to get exercise and have a great time with friends. So, let’s get jumping! Any questions please contact Kim Spitzer, 404-8212
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DOOLEN/TOWNSEND ACADEMY PROPOSAL
What kind of school do you want?
A choice school designed to provide the best qualities of two campuses
A school designed to support the specific developmental needs of students
A school that is safe, where students feel confident in the relationships they have with teachers
A school where students acquire the skills they need for the 21st Century
A school where students learn about other cultures and communication across the world.
Two years ago, Townsend started the HOUSE program at the sixth grade level as an option for students and their families. This program is based on integrated blocks of instruction, a smaller group of student and core teachers, emphasis on technology, Spanish instruction, and the primary importance of building relationships.
This program has been very successful and as a result, we will expand the program to the entire sixth grade starting next year. We are also beginning a partnership with Doolen Middle School. Together, we are planning a comprehensive 6-7-8 program between the two sites, and hope to develop into the Doolen/Townsend Academy over the next three years.
The vision is that Townsend will continue its focus on the sixth grade HOUSE and will increase enrollment in the sixth grade in order to accommodate all interested Townsend and Doolen families. We anticipate that as we move toward a sixth grade-only campus, many members of our community will see that as a very attractive and unique option. Doolen will focus on seventh and eighth grade. Upon completion of sixth grade at Townsend, the entire student population, including key staff and faculty, will move to the Doolen campus for 7th and 8th grade. Doolen offers an array of high school credit and advanced coursework for the seventh/eighth grade so that students can “specialize” in an academy. For the Doolen/Townsend Academy, we are developing ideas in aeronautics, technical/industrial arts, and medical science. The two campuses are working together to develop an international school focus.
If you are a parent of a current Townsend student, you will have the option of either moving your child to the Doolen campus for seventh and/or eighth grade, or remaining at Townsend. However, the HOUSE will only continue in the sixth grade, because we will focus primarily on that grade level as we continue to develop the Doolen/Townsend Academy.
We were pleased to meet with the Fruchthendler community regarding the Academy proposal on 2/3/09. We have held eleven similar parent meetings at various sites thus far and will continue to schedule more. Feel free to call me (232-7904) or email me (barbara.kohl@tusd1.org) with any questions or ideas you might have. I know that we share a common interest in securing the best for our children, and I know that our continued partnership will help us reach our goals.
Barbara Kohl, Principal, Townsend Middle School
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Now accepting nominations for 2009-2010 PTA Board
We will be accepting nominations for 2009-2010 PTA Board! Please let a board member know if you are interested or have any suggestions.
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Important dates
Mar 4 Firebird Folders go home
Mar 5 Spring Picture Day
Mar 13 No School-Grading Day
End of 3rd quarter
Mar 16-20 SARSEF 2009 at TCC
Mar 19 Spring Art Show entries due
Mar 21 Fruchthendler Fun Run
Mar 24 Spring Art Show
Mar 27 Firebird Footnotes deadline for submissions
Mar 27 Walk ‘n Roll to School Day
Mar 27 Fun Fair
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