Beagle 
Bugle
PTA Newsletter 
12.07.15
    Website: 
In This Issue
Principal's Letter and Toy Drive Info
Choir Performances
Library Computer Avail to Parents
Art For Kids - Winter Semester
Mock Spelling Bee Practice
Congrats & Thanks - Math Tournament
Math Challenge #5
IXL Math Prizes
Heritage Night
Chess Tournament
Vision & Hearing Screening
Extra, Extra - Little Pieces of News
Quick Links
IMPORTANT DATES
(Filtered for Rockwell)

Dec. 7, Monday at 3pm
Lottery Deadline for Winter Semester of Art for Kids due in the office - See article below for details

Dec. 9, Weds
Redmond Region Elementary 
Orchestra Concert
7-8pm @ R.M.S. Gym

Dec. 14, Mon
Toys due for Hopelink Toydrive

Dec. 21st - Jan.1st
No School - Winter Break
(School resumes on Jan.4th)
PRINCIPAL'S LETTER AND HOPELINK TOY DRIVE INFO

Dear Rockwell Families,
 
Wow, this year is flying! As we head into December, we celebrate:
 
Kindness and Generosity: Our school community will be collecting toys and gifts this week to bring to Hopelink. Hopelink supports families in need who may be struggling with homelessness or economic hardship. We will be collecting New, Unwrapped Toys in the donation boxes around school from  December 7 through December 14 - please see this link to the flyer for more information. You can learn more about Hopelink at  www.hope-link.org. Thank you to Karen Williams and the fourth grade team for launching this effort!
 
Gratitude: The veterans that were able to join us gave meaning to last month's Veteran's Day honor ceremonies. I realized this at Thanksgiving when my 6 year old told us what he was thankful for: "The veterans who gave us freedom." We appreciate what they gave for us, and what they continue to give by modeling selflessness and helping us understand what it takes to keep all of us safe.
 
Creativity: This lives and thrives in an elementary school, every day, but I saw a great example of this when I walked into Mr. McElrea's classroom during the recent power outage. His flashlight batteries had died, so he was continuing to teach using a toy lightsaber as a light source. It's wonderful to know that whatever it takes, to grow kids, keep them safe, and promote learning, our teachers will find a way to get it done!
 
Curiosity, and Perseverence: It takes curiosity to wonder, and perseverance for students - and teachers - to see a task through. I am so impressed on a regular basis with watching our students develop into thinkers and explorers, trying new things that do not necessarily come easily, and learning that hard work and perseverance WILL yield growth. As a staff, we have been learning about the Growth Mindset and how seeing challenges as opportunities helps all of us grow. I celebrate teachers and students willing to try new things!
 
Unity: We have an amazingly diverse school community, and we are honored to work with families from all over the world and to learn about the many cultures and histories that have come together under one roof. There are many places of unrest in the world, and I am grateful that we are all able to come together and build a place of safety, acceptance, and love of learning.
 
I wish for you a safe and happy vacation for all of you (No School from  December 21- January 1), and time spent with those you love.
 
Principal, Norman Rockwell Elementary School
UPCOMING CHOIR PERFORMANCES

Come support our Rockwell Choir as they sing at the following locations this season:

-Sat. Dec. 12 at Noon  at Redmond Town Center
-Thurs. Dec. 17 at 11:00 am  at Crossroads Mall
-Friday Dec. 18  - two assemblies at Rockwell  8:45-9:15  and  9:30-10:00 am.

It's always nice to see familiar faces in the crowd!

COMPUTER AVAILABLE FOR ROCKWELL FAMILIES

If you (or a Rockwell family you know) is in need of access to a computer with internet (for signing up for school programs and registering for school events etc...) please know that a computer in the Rockwell library is available for your use during school hours. Just check in at the office before you head to the library and touch base with the librarian prior to use. Thanks! (Also, note that the Redmond Library allows computer use as well). 
ART FOR KIDS - Winter Session Lottery Deadline is Today
Art for Kids School will be offering after school art classes at Norman Rockwell Elementary for the Winter/Spring 2016 semester. Because of the great interest in these classes, spaces in the classes will be chosen by a drawing from those who have submitted registration forms.
 
Classes will take place after school on :
  • Mondays from 3:10-4:10 pm (ages 5-8), 4:25-5:25 pm (all ages) 
-or-
  • Wednesdays from 1:45-2:45 pm (ages 5-8), 3:00-4:00 pm (ages 9-12), and 4:15-5:15 pm (all ages). 
Please visit the Art for Kids page on the PTA website for full details & information, semester dates, pricing, and to register for the lottery.

You may register for the lottery online (at the above link) -or- print a registration/lottery form and return it to the Art for Kids box in the school office.
 
Registration deadlines for the lottery:  
Monday, December 7 at 3:05pm (hard copy lottery registration due in the office).

*(Online Lottery Registration was due Sunday night and is now closed)
 
For more information on the registration/lottery, please contact: 
PTA Art For Kids Chair
 
One parent/guardian MUST volunteer to be at the school during at least one art class during the semester for each student attending an AFKS class. This is required under the PTA program rules.
MOCK SPELLING BEE PRACTICE SESSION

The next MOCK BEE session will be on Thursday Dec. 10th from 3-4:15pm in the school library. This session will provide students with important tips and practice for the Final School Spelling Bee. Please remember to check www.youthspellingbee.com regularly for schedule and information.
MATH CHALLENGE TOURNAMENT CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations to all the students who participated in the Math Challenge Tournament last Friday night. We had around 100 students attend and everyone did an amazing job.

A HUGE thank you to Kavita Prakash, Meghana Sathe, Nasia Khan, Sunanda Venkatesh, Taeok Park, Xudong Guan, Gunjan Jain, Jing He, Rachna Rs,Rajneesh Kumar, Tuhina Lal, Ramya Ramakrishnan, Veena Sridhar, Mandy Ning, Kristina Mccrady, and Elly Sarwono for volunteering. The tournament could not have run so smoothly without your help.

Thank you to the following students who stayed behind and helped clean up after the tournament: Fredo G, Sidharth G, Udhay G, Ian C, Lachlan C, Kashvi P, Timason W, and Winson W.

The final result of the tournament will be available the week of  December 14th

Thank you,
MATH CHALLENGE #5

Math Challenge #5 is now available  here . For this challenge, 12 qualified submissions will be randomly selected for the prize.  Grab some friends and family and work on challenge together!

The challenge due date is  Thurs, Dec. 10th (before  3pm). 

Let the challenge begin!
IXL MATH PRACTICE - MORE PRIZE WINNERS

IXL math practice continues and the following students were given prizes for points earned since the last prize check. Prizes will be checked one more time before winter break. Keep up the great work. Parents - thank you for helping to develop a culture of math here at Rockwell. Thanks to the Lake Washington Schools Foundation for IXL subscriptions for all students and to the Rockwell PTA for purchasing the prizes. Parents - please visit www.mathinaction.org to learn more about Math at Rockwell.

-Parent IXL Math Coordinators

Kindergarten - Maximillian (B), Anya (D), Alexandra (E), Michael (B), Juiana (A), Ahana (C), Neel (F), Sriyashvi (E), Saanvi (A, B, C), Lila (A), Nidhi (A), Harishkumar (E), Boris (A), Roshni (D,E), Aarav (A), Vivian (B), Katie (C), Licia (A), Chase (A), Ryfah (A), Kaira (A), Ella (A), Kristina (E), Wesley (A,B)

1st Grade - Mahum Z. (A), Tharan S. (B), Pragyan S. (D), Vladimir P. (A), Alanna P. (A), Ayaan K. (A), Anthony C. (D), Ayush B. (D), Adhrith V. (C), Raina T. (C), Riya K. (E), Atul V. (C), Kai T. (B), Isha S. (C), Sonia L. (B), Sri Sahasra K. (B), Leisha M. (A, B), Saket L. (A, B, C, D), Aditi K. (A, B), Jennifer G. (B)

2nd Grade - Arda K (A, B, C), Prisha K (A), Shelby R (A), Liya S (A, B), Abhigya S (A), , Winson W (B, C), Lachlan C (D), Shravant D (A), Vaidehi H (C), Sai Sahasra N (B), Vidhur P (C), Akahay B (B), Murali C (B), Shriya K (B), Shiri M (B), Matthew S (D), Sravya T (A, B), John W (A), Romy Y (B), Alvin C (B), Ameera G (B), Dhruv I (B), Mara P (D), Daven Z (A)

3rd Grade - coming soon

4th Grade - Aditya B (C), Caitlin B (B), Maia J (E), Inaya K (A), Shaunak L (B,C), Serena M (A), Ebru S (E), Todd B (E), Hiyori H (C), Uzair K (C), Jacob M (A), Takashi O (B), Shriya T (C,D), Timason W (B,C), Peter X (C), Catalina P (A), Saiharichand P (A), Jordan K (A), Annabelle H (B), Luis G (A), Aseela G (A), William S (B)

5th Grade - Nikita C (D), Maria D (D), Mitchell E (C), Ryan H (D), Louise L (F), Abdulrahman M (D), Emma W (D), Janelle C (E), Hannah C (D), Ron G (C), Shivas K (F), Emily L (D), Katie H (B), Maila P (B), Sam T (A), Aika I (EF), Claire M (A), Bryson T (D), Amol V (F)
HERITAGE NIGHT - SPONSOR A COUNTRY/BOOTH
Rockwell's Heritage Night is quickly approaching on Jan. 22nd and is a wonderful opportunity for our families to learn more about our diverse community!

Approximately 15 "Country of Origin" tables/booths are available for anyone interested in participating. Participants will be given a tri-fold presentation board to decorate with interesting facts and artifacts from the country. Sharing music, games, and traditional clothing is also encouraged. There will be no food or potluck table this year (only prepackaged food or food prepared in a commercial kitchen is allowed). 

Please contact Jennifer Myrick if you would like to sponsor a country/booth. Space is limited. This would make a great project for the winter break. More information and volunteer opportunities coming soon from the Heritage Night Chairs!

Thank you,
Jennifer Myrick/PTA CO-VP Events
CHESS TOURNAMENT AT ROCKWELL - SIGN UP INFO AND VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Rockwell will host a chess tournament on Saturday,  January 9, 2016
 
It's open to any student in grades K-6. 
Levels are K-1, 2-3 and 4-6 grades.
 
There is discount for early registration. Please follow this link for tournament details and registration information.

**VOLUNTEERS NEEDED** 
Parent volunteers are needed to help this tournament run smoothly. We will not be able to run the tournament without the help of volunteers (and we might have to cancel it if we don't find any)! Shifts are available in set-up, clean up, concessions, and registration. Sign up here asap!

Thank you,
Rockwell Chess Club Chair 
VISION AND HEARING SCREENING DAY VOLUNTEERS

Rockwell's Vision and Hearing Screening Day will be on 
Thursday, January 14th.  MANY parent volunteers are needed to make this day go smoothly for students and staff.  No experience is necessary.  School nurses from the district will train parent volunteers in screening.  A school nurse will recheck any child with a questionable screening result.  The only requirements are your time, willingness, and being an approved volunteer with the district.  Sorry, but no preschoolers/toddlers/infants are allowed to come along for this volunteer opportunity.  
 
We are in need of volunteers for a morning shift (8:15-11:15am) or an afternoon shift (11:45am-2:00pm), or come for the full day (8:15am-2:00pm) for double the fun!  Lunch will be provided for full day volunteers. 
 
You can sign up to volunteer here on the Rockwell PTA Website.   

Please contact us  with any questions.

Thank you,
Jan Stemple and Karen Hernan
VHS Co-Chairs
EXTRA, EXTRA!!  LITTLE PIECES OF NEWS...

*THIS WEEK: DANCE CAMP at RHS. The Dance Team at RHS is offering a dance camp for kids in 1st - 8th grade - starting THIS Weds. Campers perform a routine during halftime of the RHS basketball game on Friday 12/11. Camp starts this week - sign up ASAP. More info HERE

* Redmond High School's first annual Mustang Holiday Bazaar will be held at RHS on Saturday December 12 th  from  10am to 4pm . Items for sale include jewelry, hand-made soaps and lotions, greeting cards, purses, handbags, stained glass ornaments, hand-made wooden pieces, Mary Kay, Glassybaby, flameless pillar candles, baked goods, clothing, hand-made toys and many more. Entertainment will be supplied by the wonderful RHS band and Santa will be making an appearance.  There will be some great raffle prizes and it will be a great place to support local businesses and buy your holiday gifts. See our Facebook page 'Redmond High School's Mustang Holiday Bazaar' for more information.

*Parents of 5th grade students: Middle School Information nights are coming up, both at Redmond Middle School ( Jan. 26 at 7pm) and at the district's variety of Choice Schools.   Link to brochure on Choice Schools with descriptions of schools, DATES for all the info nights, and registration info. Most are in January, but EAS (Environmental and Adventure School) is coming up on 12/15.

*5th Grade Skiing Families: 5th Graders in WA State can apply for a free season ski pass to Steven's Pass. Find out More Info HERE

*Holiday Musical Theater: The Happy Elf features a cast of youth actors from elementaries, middle and high schools all over Redmond/Education Hill (including a current Rockwell student and at least 5 recent Rockwell alumni). This jazzy show written by Harry Connick Jr is full of music and fun with 5 performances Dec. 17th-20th at R.H.S. Performing Arts Center. More info found here

*LARGE TABLE NEEDEDThe table in the teacher's lounge is on its last leg. Literally.  A new (or slightly used) table is being requested by the staff to replace the current unstable table. Ideally, a table that seats 10+ is needed. If you have a table or funds to donate, please contact Stacy Hatch
QUICK LINKS - IN EVERY ISSUE
- AmazonSmile:  Give a little back to Rockwell PTA by using
our  AmazonSmile link!   Bookmark it and use the link every time you shop. The holidays are coming...use the Amazon link!
 
-Volunteer Application:    LWSD Volunteer application. It's easy to complete and is good for 2 years. Fill yours out or check your renewal status today!

-Rockwell PTA Facebook Page:  Stay connected and updated on  Rockwell PTA & school info.  Stop by and "Like" us!  

-Bookmark & Register for your account on our  
New PTA  Website. Calendar info, announcements, forms, ordering yearbooks and spiritwear, and much more!

- Submit Photos to the YearbookPlease upload them directly to the secure LifeTouch website by visiting LifetouchRegister and use our NEW school  access code: PHEBEV
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Bugle Article Submissions Welcome
  
The Beagle Bugle welcomes article submissions from students and parents.  Student journalists may submit articles about current events, students opinion-editorials and poems or short stories.  Parents may submit articles about PTA events and school related topics. 

Any article that is unrelated to PTA or Rockwell must be approved by the Lake Washington School District, and, upon approval, will be posted in the Peachjar eflyer system.  The Lake Washington School District website has more information on the submission and approval process.

Short pieces will be edited for inclusion in the Bugle, longer pieces will be posted on the website with a link in the Bugle.  The Deadline for submissions for the next weekly Bugle is the preceding Thursday.  The Bugle Staff reserves the right to be selective regarding the materials that are publicized.

Contact the Bugle staff or submit articles at rockwellbugle@gmail.com
  
Sincerely,
Angie Ballas
Beagle Bugle Editor
Norman Rockwell Elementary PTA