The Falcon 
Valley Forge Elementary School's PTO Newsletter 
Issue 2
September 16 , 2017  
Greetings from the PTO President
Well, it's the end of week three, and the honeymoon phase of Back to School has officially ended in our house. We are settling in to our new routines, and I feel I am doing the same as PTO President. It was wonderful to meet so many of you at the Back to School Social and I hope you enjoyed it as much as my family did! 

One thing I am quickly learning in this position is that it truly takes a village, and our wonderful school community is no different. The PTO relies on almost 100 parents every year to volunteer. And this does not include the 150 parents that make up homeroom parents or library parents, nor the Spring Fair. From ongoing commitments like VP of Socials (PTO Board position) to brief but no less important positions like Bike/Walk to School Chairperson, our school is unique in how involved our parents are. Interested in becoming an integral part of our school? Click here to learn more!

But, Heather, you say, I work full time, and I can't be at the school during the day. What about me? To you, I say, I have PLENTY of volunteer opportunities. Want an ongoing position where you can volunteer from home? The Publishing Center is right up your alley! Want a brief but rewarding volunteer event after school hours? We need a Scary Gym Set up and Break Down Coordinator. Is running a hobby? The Falcon 5K is coming up! Click here to learn more about all the ways you can volunteer from home or after school/weekends!

If you are reading this and none of this applies to you, that you prefer to volunteer through your checkbook, no shame at all in that! Because of parents like you, we can do all of the wonderful things we do as a school. I simply say thank you, and if you are so inclined, please click here.

Finally, I would be remiss to not personally thank our VP of Volunteers, Amanda Ivory. She has tirelessly worked for years to beg, plead, and beg some more for parents to get involved. I have been very grateful for her guidance, her ability to coordinate so many volunteers, all with a smile on her face, and asking how else she can help. She will be passing the torch to the very capable hands of Shilpa Gupta at the end of this year, as she moves on to the middle school. Valley Forge Elementary School has been lucky to have her.

Have a great rest of September, and start your training for the Falcon 5K!


Best,
Heather "Still the Editor of the Falcon because we need two volunteers" McConnell

School News 
SCHOOL STORE IS OPEN
 
EVERY FRIDAY 9:45-11:15 IN THE LOBBY

TOYS, PENCILS, ERASERS, GIFT CERTIFICATES AND MORE
ALL ITEMS $0.25-$3.00
QUESTIONS OR TO PURCHASE GIFT CERTIFICATES PLEASE EMAIL brookeestein@yahoo.com
(All proceeds benefit the 4th grade end of year party)



Falcon 5K and 1 Mile Kids' Fun Run
Sunday November 5th.

Save the date!
The 2017 Falcon 5K will be held on Sunday November 5th at 9:00am in Wilson Farm Park.
Registration details will be posted shortly.
See you there!



October 9th - The PTO presents New York Times Bestselling Author,  Gregory Mone . He will be visiting grades K-4. In collaboration with Bill Nye, the Science Guy, Gregory created Jack and the Geniuses series. The series features real world science along with action and adventure that will leave kids guessing till the end. Keep an eye out for book order forms being sent home. Jack and the Geniuses books 1 and 2 will be available for preorder. Please return  your  form no later than Friday, September 22nd.
Gregory will personally autograph your child's book!


Fall Clubs 2017!

The PTO is excited to offer 15 clubs for Fall! Clubs will begin October 2 and run for 6 weeks.   Sign ups will open 8am on Monday, September 18! Registration closes on Sunday, September 24 at midnight.
For questions regarding the overall club program, please contact Doug Wilson, VP of Clubs at vpclubs@vfespto.org




Don't forget to join us on Facebook! Search for the Valley Forge Elementary PTO - it's a closed group, so you need to request to join.
Community News 

Calling all boys  K-5th grade! Interested in joining Scouts? "Join Scout Night" is coming up Thursday, September 28th at 7:00pm in the cafeteria at VFES.  

Valley Forge Pack 81 offers boys entering K through 5th grade year-round hands-on opportunities in camping, hiking, rock climbing and much more!  Bring your son(s) and see what scouts has to offer you and your family! 


For more information you can email  recruiting@valleyforgepack81.org













Girl  Scouts... so much more than cookies and crafts!
Girl Scouts... building girls of courage, confidence, and character!

Come discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls together!
Monday, October 2, 6:15 - 7:30 pm at VFES.

If you have a girl who would like to join Girl Scouts, please email GSEPSU637@gmail.com.


 
One of the Greatest Gifts You Can Give Is Your Time
Volunteers Needed!
The following positions are open and ready for volunteers:
*VP of Socials - PTO Board Position
*Bike/Walk to School Chairperson
*Falcon Newsletter Editors (2)
*Online School Directory Coordinator
*Scary Gym Set Up/Breakdown Coordinator
3rd Grade Bee Program Coordinator
Homeroom Parent Coordinator-K
Kindergarten Activities Coordinator
Yearbook Events & Activities Coordinator
Yearbook-3rd Grade Coordinator
Pizza Bingo Coordinators (2)


*Denotes urgent vacancy!


Gratitude Corner
As VFES returned to school the week before  Labor Day, families in Houston were recovering from the effects of Hurricane Harvey.  Students there missed many days of schools while families, teachers, and school staffs were tending to the destruction damage brought on by Harvey.
Students at VFES decided to respond to those in need by raising money for the American Red Cross by participating in Hats for Harvey.  Third Grade teacher Mary Fanelli Lund suggested that staff and students wear hats on September 1 (VFES Spirit Day) and bring in $1.00 to be donated to those affected by Hurricane Harvey. All kinds of hats including helmets and wigs were worn in support of Hats for Harvey!
True to their team spirit, students and staff raised $1244.14 for the American Red Cross.



In This Issue
Greetings from the PTO President
School News
Community News
Call for Volunteers
Gratitude Corner
Upcoming Events

 
9/19 Picture Day

9/18 - 9/24 Clubs Registration

9/21 - NO SCHOOL!

9/26 BTS Night, 7 PM, Grades 3 & 4

SAVE THE DATE!

10/2 - Clubs start 

10/5 - PTO General Meeting, 7 pm - Large Group Room

10/23 - 10-27 Book Fair

10/30 Scary Gym

11/5 Falcon 5K, 9AM, Wilson Farm Park
Useful Links
  
  
Falcon Publishing Dates

See schedule here
Quick Links

 

Valley Forge Elementary School                          

99 Walker Road, Wayne, PA 19087                       

(610) 240-1600                               

Fax (610) 240-1615                                

Absentee Calling # (610) 240-1600 ext 5