Recognizing Acts of Kindness

Save the Date: 2012 Talent Show, Friday, March 23, 6-8PM

Donations to the TUSD Clothing Bank Welcome

Dear Fruchthendler Families,

Since we returned January 3, many activities have taken place; GATE testing, K-2 Spelling Bee, our 100th day of school, and preparation for Spring testing.  Please keep a close eye on the monthly calendars as things will continue to really come up fast. We have the science fair, track and field, and AIMS testing, just to name a few. Please take a moment to review the new, recently adopted calendar for the 2012 -2013 school year. As you plan your summer, please note that the newly scheduled first day of school for students will be August 2, 2012.    Fruchthendler Elementary School has reapplied for A+ status. This started with a written application process. We have advanced to the next level which will involve a site visit. Once the dates are set we will keep you informed. I wish to thank the A+ Committee for their hard work and commitment to our success.
Congratulations to Liam Moher for representing Fruchthendler Elementary School in TUSD1’s City Spelling Bee Grades 3-8. Liam placed fourth. Way to go Firebird! 

Wednesday, March 14, 2012 is scheduled to be our “Kindergarten Round-Up”.  The program will start at 9:30 AM.  Information will be provided for parents of new kindergarten students while their child rotates through the kindergarten classrooms and enjoys some fun planned activities. If you have a new future kindergarten student or know of a family that does, please notify the office so we can send you the pre-registration packet of information. This will also be an opportunity for possible future Open Enrollment families to bring their kindergarten students. Remember, if you have a kindergarten student that will attend through Open Enrollment, they need to go through the Open Enrollment process.
When parking in the front parking lot, please avoid blocking the handicap parking places or using them even for a “moment”.  These slots are to be used by vehicles with handicap plates or tags only. There is a hefty fine for violators. Drivers also need to comply with the No Parking or Student Drop Off signs in the front Bus Bay along Cloud Road. This too is illegal and can warrant a fine.

For the safety of our students and following District policy, remember dogs are not permitted on campus. Bringing a dog on campus can create extra anxiety for some students who have a fear of dogs. It is also not fair to the dog if a child should approach it with unwanted attention.

REMINDERS:
*When parking in the neighborhood during school programs, please DO NOT block driveways or mailboxes.
*Please check the lost and found in the cafeteria. We have a large number of sweaters, jackets, coats, and lunchboxes.
*Parents, be sure to sign in when you are volunteering. We want to maintain accurate records of our volunteer hours.
*Drivers along Lodge, please comply with directions from the Parents on Patrol, as they assist in keeping our students safe. Many parents are making illegal U-Turns after picking up or dropping off their child.
*Students not picked up immediately after-school will be sent to the office for their safety until they are picked up. Remember, Wednesday is early dismissal, 2:14 pm.

Finally, I want to thank the many volunteers who continue to give their time to help our students receive the very best educational opportunity. The PTA, SITE Council, Parents On Patrol, Art Enrichment Parents, Room Parents, Room Volunteers, the many committees, and so many others who contribute to our success. With your help, Fruchthendler continues to be an Excelling School. Thank You and Happy Early Valentines’ Day! See you at the RODEO Pancake Breakfast, February 22!

Cordially,
John Heidel, Principal

Parents, please remember that students may not carry medication.  Parents are required to deliver/pick up medication to the health office and sign a medication permit sheet.  All medication must be in the original container.

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” ~ Aesop

Please contact Debbie Brooks @ dlbrooks@att.net by February 3 if you want to enter your chili into the contest. The winner will receive bragging rights and the ultimate prize of the Firebird Spoon.  
While tasting boot stomping chili, listen to a story teller from the Friends of Sabino Canyon or learn a few Square Dance moves brought to you by the Square Dance Association of Southern Arizona.  

HOWDY Y'ALL!!!  Yes, it is that time again, come one, come all to the Annual Rodeo Breakfast on Wednesday February 22nd from 0730-0900.  Tickets will be available for sale prior to and the day of the breakfast.  We will have Pancakes, bagels and cream cheese, fresh fruit, coffee and juice.  We can't wait to see you all there!
 
Also, I would LOVE to have any volunteers!  I need help with shopping, preparation, set up and clean up.  Please contact me for further information and to sign up to volunteer, Keli Ann Lawton 749-0096, or email: Kelinp2b@hotmail.com.
 
 Keli Ann Lawton, Rodeo Breakfast Chair

Please consider volunteering to work a shift-- it's lots of fun. Look for more info in the next newsletter, or email carolinelambert@comcast.net.

Our PTA Treasurer, Yvonne Phelan, is termed out and is currently seeking her replacement for the 2012-13 school year. Previous experience not necessary, but if you know Quick Books...that's BONUS. :)

The Science Fair is just around the corner!
Projects will be due Monday, February 27 by 9AM,
and the award ceremony will be held on the evening of
Tuesday, February 28 at 6:30PM.

If you would like to volunteer to help with this year’s science fair,
please contact Science Fair Chair, Missy Root at randmroot@gmail.com.

Missy Root, Science Fair Chair

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

Guess who is turning 100 years old? Yes, it is our very own state of Arizona!

Fruchthendler will be participating in Arizona's Centennial birthday celebration. Students have created projects related to all things 'Arizona'. It is not too late for your child to be a participant in this event. Projects will be on display in the front entry way of the school from February 13-17.

If you need further information, please contact me at 241-0004.

Bob Koehler

As taken from the TUSD Website:

The Tucson Unified School District Governing Board voted Jan. 24 to adopt a new calendar for the 2012-2013 school year.
 
The calendar reflects new vacation periods, including a full spring break in March and a new one-week fall break in October. The changes were prompted after receiving input from parents, community groups and schools who sought an improved calendar for students.
 
A TUSD calendar committee – assembled from school officials and community members – worked together to create the calendars. Two calendars were presented to the governing board for consideration, in addition to the option of rolling over this year’s calendar. The board adopted what had become known as Calendar A.
 
Here are the details:
 
The school year will begin Aug. 2, 2012 and end May 23, 2013.
 
Vacation dates are as follows:

• Sept. 3 – Labor Day
• Oct.1-5 – Fall Break
• Nov. 12 – Veteran’s Day
• Nov. 22-23 – Thanksgiving Holiday
• Dec. 24 – January 4 – Winter Break
• Jan. 21 – Martin Luther King Holiday
• Feb. 21-22 – Rodeo Holiday
• March 25-April 1 – Spring Break

Schools are also closed for the following grading days:

• Sept. 28
• Dec. 21
• March 15
• May 24

2012-2013 Calendar (in PDF) 

It's that time again to start getting ready for another award winning track season. 
Track try outs are open to all interested 3rd -5th grade students who have a passion for running, jumping and throwing, and who aren't afraid to work hard. Our track team consists of 5 events; 500 meter run, 100 meter sprint, high jump, running long jump and the softball throw. A 4x100 relay team is made up of those students that qualify for the team. 

All students are placed in a "GROUP" either A, B, C, D. These groups are determined by size and NOT grade level. For example, students in group C may be in 3rd, 4th or 5th grade however they are all the same size. 

Try outs are held during lunch recess and sometimes in PE classes, they are not held after school. Because this is a try out team, I cannot take everyone. I am only allowed to take the top 4 best scores in each event for each group. Try outs are long and usually go until the week of March 1st. All scores will be posted in the hallway across from the health office. At this time I do not know when our regional meet will be but I do know that the TUSD City Final track meet for elementary schools will be on Saturday, April 21st. 

If you have any questions or would like to help with try outs, please contact me at ejnkimbo@comcast.net or 404-8212.

Kim Spitzer, Track Coach

All PE classes will take part in the “Jump Rope for Heart” the week of Feb. 13th.
All classes have been working on short rope skills, as well as long rope group activities, Skip Its and Chinese Jump Ropes. Not only is the Jump for Heart a great way to end our Jump roping unit, it's also a great way for our student to be informed about the importance of a healthy heart. Students will be receiving a packet from the American Heart Association the week of Feb 1st. Raising money for the AHA is not mandatory, although it is encouraged. Fruchthendler has taken part in the Jump for Heart over the last 5 years and as a result, has received new jump ropes every year as well as almost $1000 for new PE equipment. As an extra incentive, class prizes will be given out for the, most Online entries, the most pledges collected and the highest number of students collecting pledges. Regardless whether your student collects pledges or not, everyone will participate in our Jump Rope for Heart. Please join me and my family and help support the American Heart Association. 

Think your teacher is super kind? What about a member of the front office staff? Or Miss Eleanor or Ms. Leyva? Frank and John do a great job keeping things looking great in our school. Ms. Eva and Ms. Jeanne are always there when there’s a scrape or a tooth that’s come out sooner than expected. There are so many kind people at Fruchthendler that this list could go on and on!

Saying “thank you” is always great, but sometimes we want everyone to know just how kind a particular teacher or staff member at our school is to all of our students, parents and families. That’s why beginning this month, students are encouraged to nominate a teacher or staff member to be recognized with the monthly Mini-Bell Award. Recipients will receive a certificate along with the most compelling nomination(s), and a mini Ben’s Bell will hang in recognition of the individual for one month before we select the next recipient.

Nomination forms will go home soon and are to be placed in the bright green box located just outside of the front office. Forms can also be downloaded here: http://www.bensbells.org/KindKids/2011-2012/October/16%20Color%20-%20nomination%20form.pdf