Newsletter from VFES PTO

The Falcon
Valley Forge Elementary School's PTO Newsletter

Issue 3
October 2, 2015

Message from the PTO President

Dear Valley Forge Elementary School Families

I hope everyone had a productive couple of weeks! Our children have settled in nicely at school and it is heartwarming to see how much they love their school.

A quick reminder about this Sunday's 5K Run/Walk. I hope to see you all there! Our chairs Jo Novelli and Donna Costin have done an outstanding job with organizing this big event as part of the PTO.

Our after-school clubs began this Monday, September 28th. As President, I was involved with the organizing of after-school clubs and cannot say this enough - we are truly lucky to have hard working, dedicated and efficient volunteers who make clubs possible. Thank you Ashka Pandya, VP Clubs, for bringing us some of the best clubs.

Before I sign off, I would like to remind you of our upcoming General PTO meeting (October 7th at 7pm in the Large Group Room). As part of the PTO, you are invited to attend. We will discuss our events, clubs, Scary Gym, etc. We would like to have your feedback and suggestions and I look forward to seeing you!

As always, feel free to email me with any questions, suggestions or comments at [email protected]

Much love,

Rujuta Mandelia

VFES PTO, President

Publishing Center News

VFES Publishing Center Volunteer Opportunites

Last year was another record-setting year for VFES's Publishing Center! Our students submitted an amazing 456 stories, and our volunteers assembled a whopping 761 books!

In order to continue offering a Publishing Center program of this magnitude (the largest such program remaining in the T/E/ elementary schools), we need your help. For those of you unfamiliar with the Publishing Center, 1st through 4th graders write and illustrate original stories, and a group of dedicated parent volunteers help turn those creations into hardbound books. Our staff consists entirely of parent volunteers. There are a variety of volunteer positions available (including typing, proofreading, about the author, titles and laminating, covers, and assembly). Many areas allow you to volunteer from home, while others give you the opportunity to be on-site in school. We are also incredibly flexible - you can volunteer when, and as much time as, your schedule allows.

If you are interested in volunteering in the Publishing Center or if you would like more information, please email Tarin Cataldo at [email protected]. Thank you!

School News

2015 Book Fair Flyer Contest Details

VFES PTO needs you to put that inner artist to work! We are looking for a design that will entice students and parents to this years book fair.

The Book Fair will be held in the Large Group Room from Tuesday October 20th - Monday October 26th. Click on the link to see design entry instructions and rules.

Your design can be submitted on an 8 1/2 X 11 inch paper. A hard copy entry should be submitted via the school red folder.

Please direct any questions regarding the contest to Sarah Culbert (610) 608-8501 or [email protected]

2015 Book Fair Flyer Instructions

PTO Volunteers Needed

We are currently looking for volunteers to help with the following positions, events and activities:

PTO Board Openings:

PTO Co-Vice President of Socials

Chairperson/Coordinator Openings:

3rd Grade Bee Man Coordinator

Recess Laps Coordinator

Yearbook Publicity Coordinator

Yearbook Events & Activities Co-Coordinators (2 volunteers needed)

Scary Gym Set Up/Breakdown (Builders) Coordinator

Scary Gym Startlers/Fix-It Crew/Cafeteria Monitors Coordinator

Publishing Center Front & Back Covers Chairperson

If you are interested in any of these positions or would like more information, please contact Amanda Ivory, [email protected]. Volunteering your time and talents is a great way to meet other families at VFES! Thank you for your consideration.

Walk or Bike to School Day

Tired of the same bus ride or drive to school? Change things up and join us for Walk or Bike to School Day! This fun healthy event is not only good for you but also for the earth.

Walk/Bike to School Day

Wednesday October 14, 2015

7:45 - 8:45 AM for morning Kindergarten and all other grade levels

12:00 - 12:45 PM for afternoon Kindergarten

If you live too far away, just park nearby and enjoy a short walk to school. Parents are welcome to join in the fun while also socializing with other parents and neighbors.

For more information or to volunteer your time contact coordinator Sabrina Payonk at [email protected].

VFES Walk/Bike to School Flyer

Tredyffrin/Easttown Guidelines for Volunteers

Volunteers play an important role in the quality of life in all Tredyffrin/Easttown schools. The assistance and support they offer to staff and students is invaluable and their contributions are part of what make our schools special. Please refer to the below document for the guidelines that have been developed to assist you in serving this unique function. Offering to volunteer in any district school assumes your understanding and agreement with the guidelines.

Volunteer Guidelines for 2015

Mother Goose is Coming to Kindergarten

The Cultural Arts Committee has invited a special guest to visit with our morning and afternoon Kindergarten students on Wednesday, October 7th. Mother Goose will join the students to share her alphabet rhymes! The Kindergartners will hear a different rhyme for each letter of the alphabet. The recitation of nursery rhymes provides an important vehicle to expose young children to alliteration, assonance, rhythm and rhyme. The children will have lots of fun participating in story and action rhymes with Mother Goose and her stuffed pet goose.

Community News

FLITE Partners with Whole Foods to Help Education

The Foundation for Learning in Tredyffrin/Easttown (FLITE) funds programs to help ensure that all students in the T/E schools, especially those who face barriers to their educational success, have the academic tools, opportunities, and support they need to succeed in school.

FLITE is Whole Foods Nickels for Non-profit beneficiary from September 28th through January 17th. Whole Foods in Devon will donate a nickel for every reusable bag.

For more information on the program please see below or contact Karen Reaume at [email protected] .

FLITE Website

FLITE partners with Whole Foods

Gratitude Corner

Thank you to Agnes Kent, Angel McAveney, and the VFES PTO for sponsoring the Back to School Social with Kona Ice. It was a beautiful evening and fun was had by all!

Many thanks to Tereza Keohane, MiJung Vuadens, Mojdeh Pour, Linda Schubert, Allie Richardson, and Peggy McGarrity for making sure all the children of VFES were camera ready for Picture Day at VFES. You all are awesome!

Special thanks' to Health Screening Day Coordinator Peggy McGarrity for undertaking Health Screening Day. We also thank the volunteers Jamie Lynch, Missy Farkouh, Mojdeh Pour, Brooke Stein, Sarah Culbert, Jen Crawford, Allie, Richardson, Raj Shah, Beth Stansfield, Karen Jens. It is such an important part of our children's well-being. Health Screenings would not have been possible without these hard-working volunteers we appreciate it!