B
The Beaty Gazette January 2014, Volume 12, Issue 5 1717 Nevada Drive - Plano, TX 75093 -Tel: (469)752-4200 - Fax: (469)752-4201
Principal’s Pen Welcome back to the second semester of the school year. I hope you had a wonderful winter break and that your children are happy to be back in school. As always, it is exciting for us to begin anew after having some time to rest and reflect. I am very grateful to be a part of the Beaty community and to be the administrator of an exceptional school. Although I appreciate many things about our beautiful school, I know that what really makes our school great is our teachers. The teachers are the determining factor between a good school and a great school. At Beaty we are fortunate to have outstanding teachers and support staff. Each year the Plano ISD honors a Teacher of the Year from each campus. Although we think all of our teachers are deserving of this title, we are excited to announce our Beaty Teacher of the Year who will represent the school at the district level. It is with great pride that we announce Mrs. Heather Schmitt as our Beaty Teacher of the Year.
Congratulations, Heather Schmitt! Beaty Teacher of the Year 2013 - 2014 Mrs. Schmitt is a teacher who truly cares about her students and their success and she is well deserving of this honor. During her three years at Beaty, Mrs. Schmitt has made a positive impact on her students, her families, and her colleagues. She is viewed by her colleagues as someone who is results oriented and open minded. Although she leads her students to high levels of academic performance, she also sees the “whole child” and nurtures each child’s social emotional development and independence. Her goal is to help her students be successful in kindergarten and beyond. Mrs. Schmitt is a leader both within the classroom and in our school. She is always willing to help others and inspires others to be better teachers for your children. Please join me in congratulating Mrs. Schmitt. She is an asset to the teaching profession and I hope that she will continue to share her gift of teaching with students for many years to come. Please, also join me in thanking each staff member at Beaty for the many hours that they devote to the success of our students. Every Beaty teacher is Teacher of the Year in my eyes! Happy New Year!
Susie. Vaughan Principal, Beaty ECS
1
President’s Post Dear Beaty Parents, Happy New Year! Time flies, and it’s exciting to reflect upon how much our children have grown since school started in August. We have some exciting events in store for you and your family as we recover from the holiday season and gear up for Spring. For starters, please join the entire Beaty team at: Family Fun Night, on Thursday January 16th at 6:00 P.M. Not only will you see some of the rooms your child enjoys during the day, you’ll meet other Beaty families and experience fun learning activities. Don’t miss it! It is also time to start thinking about being part of next year’s PTA board! If you are returning to Beaty next Fall, consider being a Board Member. It is such a fun way to volunteer and serve not just Beaty, but our children. For me, it has been a great way to meet other Beaty families and get to know the important people in my daughter’s daily life. I have learned so much that will ultimately help me be a better parent, and made lasting friendships along the way. Welcome, too, all new families who are joining us this month. I became a new Beaty parent exactly a year ago, and I know how overwhelming it can be starting school mid-year. Reach out to any PTA member or parent, or check out our newly redesigned website at
www.beatypta.org.
It is such a great resource for information about our Beaty
community. If you have any questions, ideas or feedback about any of our programs or events, please e-mail me at: BeatyPTAPresident@gmail.com. Make it a great 2014!
Dana Withers Beaty ECS PTA President
2
Library Lines SPRING SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR
It is mitten weather in the library! We will talk about winter activities and warm clothes as we read The Missing Mitten Mystery by Steven Kellogg or One Mitten by Kristine George. Then we will play the mitten match game by finding the friend with the same mitten pattern to make a pair. Ask your child to name other items that are worn in a pair (shoes, socks, earrings). Some other classes will create a snowman after reading Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner or Mouse’s First Snow by Lauren Thompson.
IN THE LIBRARY IS
Reviewing our favorite nursery rhymes such as “The Three Little Kittens Lost Their Mittens”, “Jack Be Nimble”, “Hey Diddle Diddle” and “Jack and Jill” will be fun. Some books that mention several nursery rhyme characters are The Missing Tarts by B.G. Hennessy and If the Shoe Fits by Alison Jackson.
FEBRUARY 18 – 21, 2014
We will also read Monkey: a Trickster Tale from India by Gerald McDermott and discuss the bold collage illustrations of cut and torn papers. Ask your child if the Page 2 monkey or the crocodile was trickier. As the students begin checking out books again, we will review taking care of our library books. Remember to send the book back in the “Bee a Reader” white library bag each week. Other good winter books are:
N
The First Day of Winter by Denise Fleming Snowballs by Lois Ehlert Frozen Noses by Jan Carr Winter by Cynthia Klingel and Robert B. Noyed Elmer in the Snow by David McKee Corduroy’s Snow Day by Don Freeman Winter Walk by Ann Burg Winter Friends by Carl Sams Stranger in the Woods by Carl Sams Snow by Manya Stojic ¡Me Gusta el Invierno! by Bob Barkly El invierno by María Rius The Snowy Day/Un Día de Nieve by Ezra Jack Keats The Mitten by Jan Brett
Dennise Schuler Librarian
“The more you read, the more you grow.”
3
…
Nurse’s Note Dear Beaty Families, Happy New Year! I hope you enjoyed the winter break. Please help keep the children at Beaty healthy by following our illness guidelines. Do not send your child to school if they have had any vomiting, diarrhea or fever within the last 24 hours. They must be fever free, without the use of any medication (e.g. Tylenol or Motrin) in order for them to come back to school. At this age it is difficult to minimize exposure to all of the different illnesses that occur during the winter months. If your child has a significant cough, please consider keeping your child at home a day or two until they are able to participate in activities without a persistent cough. Meaningful learning is difficult for your child if they do not feel well. Reinforce the “coughing into your elbow” technique with your child on a regular basis. Remember, practice leads to compliance. If your child is sick, please call the child safe line each day that they are sick and send in a written note regarding their absence the day they return to class. I know all of you have very busy lives and I thank you in advance for your assistance. The winter weather can often bring breathing concerns. I wanted to share some helpful information on asthma from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and Children’s Medical Center. Please see the next page for more information.
Desiree Peterson, RN School Nurse
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CHILD IS SICK 1. Call Beaty’s Child Safe Line at 469-752-4200 each day that your child is ill. Select option 3, and follow the directions. Please be sure to give the reason that your child is absent. 2. Upon returning to school, you must send a written note within 3 days, in order for your child’s illness to be documented as an excused absence. 3. If your child is ill 5 or more consecutive days, please send a note from your physician in order to excuse the absence. In order to return to school your child must: 1. Not have any vomiting or diarrhea for a full 24 hours prior to returning to school. 2. Be fever free for 24 hours WITHOUT the use of any medication to reduce a fever (this means no Tylenol or Motrin given for 24 hours prior to returning to school). In addition: If your child is diagnosed with an eye infection, he/she must be on the medication prescribed for a minimum of 24 hours and show an improvement in the amount and color of the eye drainage, before returning to school. If you have any questions regarding these guidelines please contact Desiree Peterson, RN at 469-752-4209. 4
Many doctors begin to use the term, “asthma” around the preschool age. If cough and cold symptoms coupled with inhaler or nebulizer treatments have been prescribed over the past few years, your doctor may begin to discuss treatment options. Understanding asthma symptoms and medications can help you be prepared for those conversations.
What is Asthma? Asthma is a disease in which the airways become blocked or narrowed. These effects are usually temporary, but they cause shortness of breath, breathing trouble, and other symptoms. Three things happen in the airways during an asthma attack or flare up: 1. The muscles around the breathing tubes (airways) tighten or squeeze. 2. The inside (lining) of the airways gets swollen and sensitive. 3. Thick mucus is made and blocks the airways.
What are the Symptoms of Asthma? • coughing • wheezing • tight chest • shortness of breath These symptoms may be worse after running or playing or at night. Your child does not need to have all of these symptoms to be diagnosed with asthma, and the symptoms may change over time.
Are There Different Degrees of Asthma? Yes. Asthma symptoms can be present all the time or symptoms may come and go. Asthma is classified based on whether or not the asthma is “under control.” “Under control” means your child is not coughing, wheezing or having shortness of breath. If your child’s asthma is controlled he or she should be able to run, play, and sleep without difficulty. They should use rescue inhalers or nebulizer treatments less than two times per month.
Understanding Asthma Medications There are two main types of asthma medicines:
Controller Medications o
Ex: Flovent, Pulmicort, Asmanex, Advair, Symbicort, Singulair, Accolate
Reliever/Rescue Medications o
Ex: albuterol, Xopenex, levalbuterol, Proventil, Ventolin, Pro-Air, Maxair Controller medicines help prevent swelling inside the airways. They should be taken EVERY DAY even if your child is not having symptoms. They prevent asthma symptoms like fluoride toothpaste keep cavities from developing.
Reliever medicines help relieve asthma symptoms by making the muscles around the airways relax and stop squeezing. Relievers are used ONLY when your child has SYMPTOMS. They relieve symptoms for asthma like a filling relieves a cavity in a tooth. The reliever medicine should be kept with your child at all times where ever they go. This includes school, home, visiting family or friends. For more information on Asthma visit www.asthmapact.org or www.childrens.com
5
Counselor’s Corner I hope you enjoyed the holidays and are beginning the New Year with renewed energy and optimism. During the week of January 13 - 17 all of the schools in Plano ISD will celebrate College Week. The daily themes at Beaty ECS are listed below:
Jan. 13th- “School is important for my future” Show your school spirit by wearing your Beaty shirt. th Jan. 14 - “Teachers celebrate their school spirit” Teachers share information about their college or career with students. th Jan. 15 – “College Suits me to a T!” Wear your favorite college t-shirt, hat, or colors. th Jan. 16 - “When I grow up I want to be…” Dress to represent the job you would like to have as a grown-up. th Jan. 17 - “Color a bright future for yourself” View the hallway displays and learn about the world of work. During guidance classes we will discuss college, careers, and school as an important part of making our dreams for our future become a reality. I will be sharing a variety of books with the children including: Shhhhh! Everybody’s Sleeping by Julie Markes What Do I Do? by Jane Wolfe Guess Who? by Margaret Miller When I Grow Up by P.K. Hallinan ABC of Jobs by Roger Priddy You can support learning at home by discussing your dreams for yourself and your children. Tell your children about your job and how you prepared for it. Let them know that you think school is important for their future and help them to explore what they may want to be when they grow up. Consider allowing your child to help you with the chores. There are some simple jobs preschool children can do at home, such as: setting the table or feeding the pets. Participating in chores builds self-esteem by letting the child know that he/she is an important part of the family. With preschoolers it is sometimes more work for the adult to have the child involved in the chores, but one day you will be amazed that their “help” is actually becoming very helpful. Thanks for all you do to support our school.
Jan Hughes Counselor 6
PTA Order Form Forma de Venta del PTA de la Escuela Pre-Escolar de Beaty www.beatypta.org Parent(s) Name (Nombre de Padres): __________________________________________________ Student Name (Nombre de Estudiante):_________________________________________________ Email (Correo Elect):_______________________________________________________________ Teacher Name (Nombre de Maestra):_________________________________AM or PM: _______ Address (Domicilio):__________________________________Phone (Telefono):_______________ PTA MEMBERSHIP (Membrecia para PTA) Membership (Membrecia)
Price (Precio)
Quantity (Cantidad)
$10.00
FAMILY MEMBERSHIP
Membership Subtotal
Beaty Spirit Wear T-Shirts (Camisetas) Color Pink (Rosa) Blue (Azul) White (Blanco)
Size (Tamano) Youth XS (4) Youth SM (6-8) Youth Med. (10-12)
Quantity (Cantidad)
Price (Precio) $10.00
T-Shirt Subtotal
Decals (Calcomania de Auto) Price (Precio) $1.00
Quantity (Cantidad)
Decal Subtotal
School Supplies (Materiales Escolares) Price (Precio) $35.00
Quantity (Cantidad)
Supply Subtotal
Please make all checks payable to “Beaty ECS PTA� (Por favor haga el cheque a Beaty ECS PTA). All returned checks are subject to a $40.00 return check fee. (Todos los cheques devueltos por el banco por insuficiencia de fondos generaran una multa de $40.00 a cargo del signatar).
For Use of the Beaty PTA (Para el uso del PTA) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quantity (Cantidad)
Subtotal
Membership (Membrecia) T-Shirts (Camisetas) Decals (Calcomania de Auto) School Supplies (Materiales Escolares) Grand Subtotal
Payment Method Name on Check:
Check #
Circle One: CASH/CHECK
Order Completed By ________________________________________
7
Date Delivered _________________
WHAT IS SAGE? Dear Parents, Welcome to Beaty! You are in a wonderful place where your child will learn, grow, and be given the tools to be successful. When my son Colin was admitted into Beaty and we were advised of his suspected Autism Spectrum diagnosis, it was extremely difficult for my husband and me. I was so grateful that the staff members at Beaty have been totally accessible and committed to helping Colin. They have been immensely helpful to my whole family! As the Special and Gifted Education (SAGE) chair at Beaty, I understand the mixed emotions that come with trying to process all of the information you have just received, as well as your need for a safe network of parents and educators that are ready to fight for your child! SAGE is designed to be a parent driven resource center where we offer vital information and support that is pertinent to children with special needs and children with giftedness.
SAGE stands for Special and Gifted Education. The Plano Council of PTAs established the SAGE committee to provide an opportunity for families and teachers of students who learn differently to share resources and friendship. Visit www.planoptasage.org for more events and information about SAGE. If you or someone you know has a child who participates in Special Education, the PACE Gifted and Talented Program, or who simply is an exceptional diverse learner, this committee is your chance to come together with others. I would like to invite you to a Parent Coffee at 8:15 AM and 12:30 PM on Thursday, January 30th. I would love to meet you! Know that our commitment is not only for our children, but also for you as parents. We are stronger together, and together we will create a culture where all of our children don’t just survive, they THRIVE! Please contact me at: SAGE@BeatyPTA.org. I am here if you need me!
Shammah Kinchen Beaty PTA SAGE Chair
8
The Beaty PTA and SAGE invite you to a
Parent Coffee
January Dates to Remember:
Thursday, January 30th 8:15 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
January 7 Welcome Back January 13-17 College Week January 14 Pajama Day January 16 Family Fun Night, 6:00 PM January 20 MLK, Jr. Holiday; No school January 24 Staff Birthday Celebration January 30 Parent Coffee, 8:15 & 12:30 January 31 Custodian Appreciation Day
We welcome all parents and friends of Beaty to join us for refreshments and a chance to:
Visit with other Beaty parents Get Information about SAGE Network with others Answer the question, “What are some resources that may help my child?”
Coffee and refreshments will be served. We will be in the Multipurpose Room.
Join us!
Beaty ECS PTA Cash Flow Report 11/06/13 – 12/13/13 Year to Date Totals Beginning Balance – 11/06/13
Total Receipts
$829.00
Total Disbursements
$547.40
Ending Balance – 12/13/13
9
$4,742.44
$5,024.04
Custodian Appreciation Day Friday, January 31st We would like to thank our custodial staff for keeping our school clean, safe and comfortable. We appreciate your intensive hard work every day. Thank you for making our school ! If you would like to be involved with Custodian Appreciation Day, please contact Melinda Castellon at: mkcastellon@att.net.
Pajama Day BEATY ECS Is On
FACEBOOK!
Tuesday, January 14th Wear your pajamas (or sweat suits) to school.
Like us at: Beaty_Butterflies
National School Counseling Week February 3 - 7, 2014 School counselors are an important part of the educational leadership team and provide valuable assistance to students. At Beaty, our wonderful counselor Mrs. Jan Hughes spends time in the classroom of our children at least every other week to teach them valuable personal, behavioral and social skills to prepare them for the challenges ahead. Early identification and intervention of children’s academic and personal/social needs is essential in removing barriers to learning and in promoting academic achievement. Our school counselor is a great person to turn to when you or your child needs help. They know how to listen and can help kids with life's challenges. Counselors have special training in how to help kids solve problems. The knowledge, attitudes and skills that our kids acquire in the areas of academic, and personal/social development during these early years serve as the foundation for future success. At Beaty, Mrs. Hughes has led many Parent Education seminars targeting topics relevant to the Beaty early childhood community. This is our opportunity to thank her for all her valuable assistance to our families. If you would like to help with Counselor Week celebration, please contact your Staff Appreciation Chair, Melinda Castellon at: mkcastellon@att.net.
10
ATTENTION BEATY PARENTS!!
Staff Birthdays!
Staff Appreciation Week is May 5 -9, 2014 It is not too early to start thinking about Staff
Let’s show appreciation for our teachers and staff members by letting them enjoy delicious desserts!
Appreciation Week. Staff Appreciation Week is May 5 - 9
If you would like to help with dessert donations for Staff Birthdays, please contact Ashley at:
We will need a LOT of help and are looking for volunteers for all kinds of jobs, both big and small. We will be showering the Beaty teachers and staff with gifts and niceties that they deserve all week. We graciously accept any donation, big or small.
Ashley.Wheeler11@live.com January birthdays will be recognized Friday, January 24th.
If you have anything you would like to donate or know of any businesses in the area that would like to donate goods/services to our wonderful staff, please contact Melinda Castellon at: mkcastellon@att.net
Plano ISD Education Foundation 18th Annual Benefit Gala
FRIDAY IS SPIRIT DAY!
Saturday, January 25th 6:30 PM
Every Friday is “Spirit Day” at Beaty and we encourage the children to wear their Beaty T-shirts or the school colors of blue, green or purple. JOIN THE FUN!
Southfork Ranch www.skiplano.org
Get your shirts from the PTA!
Benefitting the students, faculty, staff and schools of Plano ISD.
Join Us For Family Fun Night
Thursday, Jan. 16th 6:00 – 7:30 P.M. 11
NO SCHOOL Monday, January 20th Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
Beaty Early Childhood School February 13, 2014
12
Dissemination of Non-School Information Our school has designated an area in the front office for the placement of information from any organization that is not a school, campus, or district-designated school support group or governmental entity duly formed under the laws of the State of Texas or the United States. Through these means, we will make available information of interest to parents and students. Policy GKD (Local) and FNAA (Local)
HAVE YOU MOVED? HAS YOUR ADDRESS CHANGED?
Safety Reminders Please hold your child’s hand when you are walking to/from school. It is very busy at arrival and dismissal and we want your child to be safe. Do not leave your child or siblings in the car unattended if you need to come into the building. Please drive carefully as you approach the carpool lane. Again, safety of all children is our priority. Please refrain from using your cell phone while you are in the carpool lane.
If so, please remember to send in new proof of residency. THE FRONT OFFICE CANNOT OFFICIALLY CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS UNTIL THIS PROOF IS RECEIVED. Examples of proof would include gas or electric bill, or lease. Thank you, Front Office Staff
Weather Closings School delays or cancellations because of weather are reported as follows:
Television: All major television stations, including KDFW Ch. 4; KXAS Ch. 5; WFAA Ch. 8; and KTVT Ch. 11 Web: www.pisd.edu Radio: Major radio stations, including KHKS 106.1 FM; KPLX & KLIF 99.5 FM and 570 AM; KRLD 1080 AM; KVIL 103.7 FM; and WBAP 820 AM
13
Cell Phone Use
Bus Reminders Students should be at their designated bus stop 10 minutes prior to the pickup time. Some students arrive late and have to run to catch the bus. This creates a very dangerous situation. Once the bus is in motion they cannot stop for late students. Also, please be at the designated bus stop 10 minutes prior to your child’s drop off time. Parents picking up students, please remember to bring your car tag with you.
Please refrain from using your cell phone when dropping off or picking up your child. A driver using a cell phone is likely to be distracted, whether they are using a hand held cell phone or a hands-free set. Let’s err on the side of safety for ourselves, our students, and our staff. Thanks so much for your cooperation.
Thank you for helping us keep all of our students safe.
RECYCLE! SAVE THE ENVIROMENT AND HELP BEATY SCHOOL! Donate your cell phone and ink cartridges!
Grocery Store Rebates This is a great way to provide additional funds to the school by doing something that you probably already do at least weekly. There is NO additional cost to you!! Every time you purchase something from one of the participating grocery stores (Kroger or Tom Thumb), a portion of your purchase will be given back to the PTA. For more details check out: www.beatypta.org
To participate in the recycling initiatives just drop off your cell phone and cartridges in the labeled container outside the PTA Room. It is that simple! For more details check out: www.beatypta.org
Beaty ECS http://k12.pisd.edu/beaty-earlychildhood-school Beaty PTA http://www.beatypta.org Plano Independent School District http://www.pisd.edu Texas PTA http://txpta.org National PTA http://www.pta.org/
14
WE CAN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOUR HELP! Beaty ECS has many opportunities for volunteering. To get started: Fill out the volunteer application online at: www.pisd.edu/volunteer If you have any questions about volunteering, please contact Shanda at: beatyptavolunteers@gmail.com
Our volunteers are greatly appreciated and have a tremendous impact on our school!
It’s time to give something back… If you have a staff member to whom you want to say "Thank You", this is all you have to do:
Write a quick note of thanks (it can be a just few sentences or a long letter ... whatever you want to do to thank these great people) Include your name and your child's name Include the name(s) of the staff or teacher(s) you want to recognize
You can email it to: beatynewsletter@gmail.com. Please put "Thank You" in the subject line. You can also send it in an envelope in your child's backpack. Please print clearly: "Beaty PTA – Thank you" on the envelope.
The Beaty Gazette is a monthly publication of the Beaty PTA. Send contributions to: Beatynewsletter@gmail.com.
15