McGaugh PTA

* Blog Closing *

2011-07-06T10:15:00.000-07:00

(Posted to the McGaughPTA Blogspot only)

To anyone following this blog feed via RSS or on the web, the McGaugh PTA Blogspot Account will be closing. No further postings will be made on this account. Please follow McGaugh school news and updates at the new website - http://www.mcgaughconnect.com/

Thank you.

Out of Sight, Not Out of Mind

2011-06-29T07:12:00.001-07:00

Just because it is summer doesn't mean the PTA isn't still on the job. While your McGaugh PTA is preparing for the next school year here in Seal Beach, your California State PTA is watching the state budget process and how it might affect education. For further information and their analysis, you can read their latest Legislative Information Alert and the CA PTA website.

Now enjoy your summer, and we look forward to seeing you back at the school beside the ocean on Wednesday, August 31st.

(As of sending, that is just 63 days according to the countdown clock on McGaughConnect.com)

Presenting - McGaugh Connect

2011-06-29T07:12:00.000-07:00

Your McGaugh Volunteer Organizations are pleased to present McGaughConnect.com!

We hope to make McGaughConnect a helpful tool in conjunction with the official school website in keeping you informed about our school, the district, and the non-profit organizations that operate together to help make McGaugh great. McGaugh Connect is part of our ongoing efforts to keep you informed and included in all that goes on at our school. Although the website is ready to be viewed, some of the features of McGaughConnect will be rolling out over the summer as the 2011-12 school year approaches.

Some features of McGaughConnect.com:

Sea Lion Spotlight will feature articles about or by our amazing students
Feature the Teacher will feature articles about or by our top-notch McGaugh staff
Calendar of McGaugh events
Volunteer Opportunities helping the school, PTA, and Project SEEK
Fundraising information for seasonal and ongoing fundraising efforts

In connection with the new website, this Schoolwide Email list will be updating and expanding next year to further our goal of going "paper-less" while keeping you informed and involved. Families returning to or starting at McGaugh next year will be offered the option during signup of receiving additional emails from community organizations that have a direct impact on our McGaugh students.

Thank you for all you do for our school and students. Have a great last week, an awesome summer, and we look forward to seeing you when we return on August 31st.

Reflections

2011-06-07T21:56:00.000-07:00

Reflections 2010-2011

Thank you to all of the students that participated in the PTA Reflections program last year. Reflections is a national PTA program that inspires students to express themselves through a variety of media and increases awareness of the importance of the arts in education.

The fifth graders who had entries on display have picked them up from the media center/computer lab, but we would like to continue to display the entries of the kindergarten through 4th graders until the fall when we receive the next set of entries. If, however, you would like your child's artwork from this years program returned now, just drop me an email or stop by the media center and talk to one of the teachers in the media center and pick up your child's artwork before the school year is out. We'd love to continue to display it, however, and their artwork will be returned when the new entries are posted.

***The theme for 2011-2012 PTA Reflections is "DIVERSITY MEANS…". This is a great summer project! You can work on an entry in photography, dance choreography, film/video production, literature, musical composition, and visual arts.

The guidelines for the entries are posted at www.capta.org/reflections.

The entries for the school level are due usually in mid-October in order for the competition to continue to a national level throughout the school year. You will receive more information from the Reflections Chair in the fall.

Thank you!

Michelle Samuelson

2010-2011 Reflections Chair

Lost and Found Turnaround

2011-06-06T15:22:00.000-07:00

Parents please come check the Lost & Found for your child's missing jackets, sweatshirts, sweaters, backpacks, lunch boxes, etc.

Any items not collected by the end of this week (Friday, June 10th) will be donated to charity.

The Lost & Found room is located next to the lunch tables.

Seeking All 5th Grade Parents

2011-06-04T17:07:00.000-07:00

REMINDER

5^th Grade Parents - It's Party Time!

PROMOTION PARTY IS TUESDAY, JUNE 14^TH

^{(Invitations are coming home June 3rd!)}

WE STILL NEED MORE

BEACH CHAIRS &

VOLUNTEERS TO HELP DECORATE

Monday, June 13^TH 6 p.m. UNTIL????

please contact Cari immediately

No need to reply if you have recently been contacted

McGaugh PTA Year End Survey

2011-06-03T08:52:00.001-07:00

Please take a moment to fill out a short survey for the J.H. McGaugh Elementary PTA. Your input is invaluable as we prepare for the new school year.

McGaugh PTA Survey

Box Tops for Education

2011-06-01T11:20:00.001-07:00

Project SEEK is proud to announce the return of

Box Tops for Education at McGaugh!

With Box Tops for Education, McGaugh can earn up to $20,000 just by turning in the tabs from the products you already buy, from food to office supplies. So start saving those tops now, or shop online through the Box Tops Marketplace. Box Tops collection boxes will be placed in the Main Office and the Media Center for convenience. And check out these activities worksheets to make collecting Box Tops fun for the whole family, even over the summer!

Meeting and Installation Luncheon Thursday

2011-05-31T21:58:00.000-07:00

McGaugh PTA Members,

Thursday will be the final PTA Membership meeting of the school year, and there is still plenty to discuss. Most immediately, there is a motion before the membership regarding the school gift:

It is moved that the McGaugh PTA carry over any funds, in excess of committed funds and normal yearly reserve funds, to be gifted next year at the direction of school administration and discretion of the membership.

Among other topics, we will be discussing next year's activities and budget proposal, and an exciting new online experience for McGaugh families. All members are welcome at the meeting portion at Walt's Wharf at 11:00 am; you do not need to stay and pay to attend the luncheon, although you are of course welcomed to RSVP by tomorrow.

2011-12 School Supply Packs at Huge Savings

2011-05-31T12:48:00.000-07:00

Attention McGaugh Parents

Huge Savings!!!

New this year! McGaugh Elementary School will be joining Brick By Brick Education Fund and Office Depot in a pilot program to launch a new national school supply savings program.

For the 2011-2012 school year, McGaugh families will be given the opportunity to purchase school supply kits directly from Brick By Brick Education Fund. In doing so, McGaugh families will save on average 44% per kit. Kits will be delivered to your child's teacher the first week of school.

Attached is our new order form. Hard copy of this order form AND grade level supply list will be sent home with your student in the next couple of days. So be on the look out!

Don't be late and miss out on this GREAT savings opportunity!! Turn in your order by June 14th.

For any questions or comments please contact:

Suzanne Guillen Farwell

School Supply Mom

Partnering with:

Enjoy the View

2011-05-25T15:50:00.000-07:00

McGaugh Families,

Please take time to walk down our main walkway and see our beautiful tiles that are finally hung for the world to see. Although it was a long time in coming to reality, through the help of our own "Mr. C" Michael Clements and the Crivello Family, all of the tiles are placed beautifully on the Media Center Wall. I want to publicly thank both families for their time and commitment to the task. I am sincerely grateful to see the tiles shining in the sunlight.

Thank you, Daryle Palmer, Bill MacDonald, the staff, students, and families at McGaugh

Daryle A. Palmer

Principal, McGaugh Elementary School

Hot Off the Presses

2011-05-24T20:11:00.000-07:00

201 Eighth Street · Seal Beach · CA 90740 · 596.1404 ph · e: sbtv03@gmail.com · www.sbtv3.org

Funded by the Seal Beach Cable Communications Foundation

MCGAUGH VIDEOS AVAILABLE AT SBTV-3

The programs shot during the school year 2010 - 2011 are:

3^rd Grade Concert (November 2010)

1^st Grade Concert (Jan 2011)

Pageant of the Arts (April 2011)

4^th Grade Concert (June 2011 – will be available in summer '11)

These programs are available to order now.

Please email your information to: sbtv03@gmail.com.

And all other programs shot by SBTV-3

during the previous years are also available to order.

Open House is Thursday

2011-05-23T09:50:00.001-07:00

Open House at McGaugh

Thursday, May 26th

All students are released from school at 12:25

Doors for the classrooms open at 6:30p.m. until 8:00

The Book Fair is open throughout the week and during Open House until 8:30p.m.

Daryle A. Palmer

Principal, McGaugh Elementary School

Dining for McGaugh - May

2011-05-23T09:50:00.000-07:00

It's Dining For McGaugh Night At The Abbey!

The kids are almost out of school and summer is almost here! Why cook on Tuesday Night......Instead, come to The Abbey on Main Street for take-out or dine-in! Dining for McGaugh will get 20% of your food and non-alcoholic beverage purchases. Come relax with the family, meet friends and have fun! You won't want to miss out on their favorite food items; The Abbey Burger, Super Sliders, or Pizza from the wood-burning oven!

No Flier Needed.....Just let your server know you are from McGaugh!

Date: Tuesday, May 24th

Time: 11:30 am - 8:00 pm

The Abbey at 306 Main Street

Seal Beach ~ (562) 799-4246

www.theabbeysealbeach.com

Prepare for Fun

2011-05-21T23:11:00.000-07:00

Family Fun Night!

Please join

friends and teachers

on Friday, June 10, from 5 to 7 p.m.

for an end-of-year ice cream social. Your

favorite flavors and toppings will be provided

free of charge by the PTA, and Mrs. Palmer will be

on hand to dish out lots of hugs and handshakes,

as she prepares to retire from education and enter

a new chapter of her life. Come enjoy a scoop

on us, catch up with friends and neighbors,

and wish Mrs. Palmer a fond farewell.

We are the greatest YeeHaw McGaugh We are the

greatest YeeHaw McGaugh One and all we're

walking tall At the school beside the ocean

that's the coolest of them all We are the

greatest YeeHaw McGaugh We are the

greatest YeeHaw McGaugh One and

all we're walking tall At the school

beside the ocean that's the cool

est of them all We are the grea

test YeeHaw McGaugh We ar

e the greatest YeeHaw Mc

Gaugh One and all we're

walking tall At the sch

ool beside the ocean

that's the coolest

of them all We

are the gre

atest Yee

Haw

Friday, June 10, 5 to 7 p.m.

Help Us Show Our Appreciation

2011-05-19T22:59:00.000-07:00

Parents! We need your help!!!!

Teacher's Appreciation Week (TAW)

JUNE 6-10

For the supply day (Tuesday, June 7th) we will present the teachers with gift bags of supplies! In order to do this, we need to collect supplies! We are looking for donations that our wonderful teachers use regularly:

Post-its (any color or size)

Glue & Glue Sticks,

Paper Clips

3M Mounting Strips

Large Pink Pearl Erasers

Note Cards (Thank You Notes)

Black and Colored Sharpies

Dry Erase Markers

Reams of Copy Paper

This year we are trying to focus on supplies, and we need your donations to make this day a success! Supplies will be distributed on Tuesday, June 7th. All donations can be brought to the office and placed in the box marked "TAW". Supplies need to be in the office by Thursday, June 3rd.

Also, if anyone is interested in donating items for a raffle, please let us know! We are looking for items such as Lakeshore Learning Gift Cards or other items that can be useful in the classroom. Cash donations will also be accepted to be put towards these raffle items. You can leave all cash or gift card donations in the office in the appropriate box. Thanks for your continued support!

If you have questions, please contact

Melanie Tsamous

Beth Chen

Calling all Bakers

2011-05-19T09:35:00.000-07:00

Calling all bakers!

Project SEEK will be selling coffee and baked goods at Open House next Thursday, May 26th, to support our wonderful Art and Media Center teachers at McGaugh. Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf has graciously donated coffee to our cause- now we need some yummy goodies to go along with the coffee. Baked goods can be dropped off before or afterschool at the ball room by the gym on Thursday, May 26th. Individually wrapped items are appreciated, tags indicating if they contain nuts or other allergens are also a plus! Gluten Free items would also be appreciated.

Please contact Emily Ledterman should you have any questions. Thank you for your help, our children are ever so grateful for the continued support of these essential programs at McGaugh!

Book Fair Volunteers Needed

2011-05-18T14:03:00.000-07:00

Monday, May 23, 1:40 to 3:30pm

Wednesday, May 25, 1:00 to 2:00pm

Thursday, May 26, 5:00 to 6:00pm

Thursday, May 26, 6:00 to 7:00pm

Thursday, May 26, 7:00 to 8:00pm

Parents who are available to work at Book Fair please send your

Melanie Tsamous

Name, day & time(s) available, and email address to:

Please consider volunteering for these shifts:

June PTA Installation Luncheon

2011-05-16T06:26:00.000-07:00

McGaugh PTA

Installation Meeting & Luncheon

Please join us Thursday, June 2, 2011 at

Walt's Warf

201 Main Street, Seal Beach

The meeting begins at 11:00am immediately followed by lunch.

All members are welcomed to attend the meeting - Lunch is not required

Luncheon Cost- $22.00 per person

Includes bread, entrée, beverage, tax & gratuity

Please RSVP by May 26 using the attached form

UPDATE - RSVP by Wednesday, June 1st for lunch

Book Fair Gift Certificates

2011-05-13T22:21:00.000-07:00

Book Fair Gift Certificates Available

Surprise a student, teacher, or friend with a gift certificate!

Forms must be turned in by Friday, May 20th.

McGaugh Parent Support Meeting

2011-05-11T17:23:00.000-07:00

Please join the McGaugh Parent Support Meeting in an open discussion regarding parent concerns related to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) with Dr. Phil Theriot, and a presentation by Mary Irons, M.A., School Psychologist Intern, on collaborating with the school and helping your child at home when they are being bullied.

Thursday, May 19th 2011

For more information and details on how to RSVP, please see the attached flier

Your Ticket to Read

2011-05-11T16:27:00.000-07:00

The Book Fair is returning to the McGaugh Auditorium! Our students will be going through with their classes, and you are invited, too.

Monday, May 23rd: 7:30am - 3:30pm

Tuesday, May 24th: 7:30am - 3:30pm

Wednesday, May 25th: 7:30am - 2:00pm

Thursday, May 26th: 7:30am - 1:30pm AND during Open House 5:00pm - 8:00pm

Tuesday, May 31st: 7:30am - 9:30am

Open the attached flier or go to our Book Fair website at http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bookfairs/cptoolkit/publish/mcgaugh for more information.

Motion Before the Membership

2011-05-05T23:26:00.000-07:00

Good evening McGaugh Families,

If you missed the Membership Meeting this morning, you missed an interesting conversation regarding this year's PTA gift to the school. Based on the desires of school administration and the wishes of our members, the following motion was made:

It is moved that the McGaugh PTA carry over any funds, in excess of committed funds and normal yearly reserve funds, to be gifted next year at the direction of school administration and discretion of the membership.

Please join us at the June meeting for any further discussion and a vote on this motion. Our June meeting will take place at Walt's Wharf, and more details will be coming soon.

Like Sands Through the Hourglass

2011-05-04T16:26:00.000-07:00

Welcome to May, McGaugh Families!

As our time in the 2010-11 school year comes to a close, your PTA is working hard to prepare for the 2011-12 year. And we could use your help! Our next Executive Board has been elected, and most of the Committee Chairs have been appointed, but there are still openings in our slate to fill. And for those who would prefer to work behind the scenes, your PTA is always looking for volunteers to help coordinate and facilitate. Becoming an assistant to a Chair is a great way to shadow and learn the roles to be prepared for the 2012-13 school year.

For more information about positions and opportunities in the PTA, come to the General Membership Meeting tomorrow, Thursday, May 5th, at 8:15am in the Auditorium. Attached is the agenda for tomorrow's meeting, as well as the minutes of the April meeting and the Treasurer's Report for the month.

Thank you, and we hope to see you there.

PTA Convention Opportunity Thursday

2011-04-23T21:40:00.000-07:00

· All PTA members can walk the Exhibit hall at the CA State PTA convention Free on Thursday, April 28th between 9 AM and 4:30 PM

· Shop for the latest and greatest in fundraising and school support programs and ideas

· Close by this year at the Long Beach Convention Center

· Bring your PTA Membership card for identification

SEEKing Surveys

2011-04-20T22:00:00.000-07:00

Your feedback is needed!

As part of an effort to improve fundraising for Project SEEK, we are asking you to take just five minutes and complete a survey regarding The Event, SEEK's major annual fundraiser. Whether or not you attended The Event this year, this survey is relevant and will give SEEK board members invaluable information for future fundraising endeavors. Please give us your feedback by Wednesday, April 27th. Thank you in advance for taking the time to complete the survey!

To complete the survey, please use the following URL: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JGF25FV

Last Call for Book Dedications

2011-04-19T15:03:00.000-07:00

Honor Someone Special with a Book Dedication

LAST CALL FOR BOOK DEDICATIONS IS FRIDAY MAY 19^TH

All book dedications need to be conducted by June 1^st to prepare for media center closure.

Forms will be coming home this week and are available on

McGaugh's website, in the media center, and in the front office.

Dessert Orders

2011-04-15T22:42:00.000-07:00

Families of McGaugh students,

This message is a reminder to those that ordered desserts and snacks from our recent fundraiser.

Your students order will be delivered this Monday, April 18th, from 1:00pm - 4:00pm in the McGaugh gymnasium. Please make arrangements for pick-up of all orders, as we do not have refrigerated storage on campus.

Please call Laura Sterbentz with any questions.
Thank-you.

Pageant of the Arts Raffle

2011-04-15T08:04:00.000-07:00

50/50 raffle!

It's your chance to win ½ ...and help the 5^th grade promotion activities.

Raffle Tickets on sale before "The Pageant of the Arts" show – both Friday and Saturday nights. One winner each night!

1 ticket $5 / 5 tickets $20 (buy 4, get 1 free)

April is the Month of the Military Child

2011-04-14T08:43:00.000-07:00

McGaugh Families,

April is the month of the military child. McGaugh military children are encouraged to show their military spirit by wearing their branch of service t-shirts on WEDNESDAY APRIL 20, 2011. Children that are not military kids will be provided with yellow ribbons to wear if they choose, to show support for their friends.

I'd also like to encourage military kids to create a poster at home depicting their military family and branch of service to display in the classroom the week of April 18, 2011.

On behalf of the McGaugh PTA, I'd like to say a heart felt "Thank You" to our McGaugh Military Children and Families.

Best Regards,

Brenda D. Suarez

Dining for McGaugh - April

2011-04-13T09:31:00.000-07:00

Thursday, April 14th is Dining for McGaugh at Woody's Diner!

Come to Woody's Diner in Seal Beach any time on Thursday for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Dining for McGaugh will get 20% of the proceeds and everyone will have fun with family and friends. Print the attached flier and bring it with you to Woody's. Enjoy!

Thank You!

2011-04-12T16:57:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Everyone who participated in Project SEEK's Event this year!

The Event was a huge success!

Together, we raised $56,596.93 - a marked increase over last year's Event!

Red is In

2011-04-11T21:23:00.000-07:00

Does your son want a McGaugh shirt for an upcoming field trip? Has your daughter's McGaugh sweatshirt suffered from being worn every School Spirit Friday? You're in luck!

PTA is still proudly selling official Sea Lion Apparel. You can print the attached order form, or pick one up from the front office, and your order will be delivered to your child's class often as soon as the next day. You can also purchase that new shirt or sweatshirt in person this Wednesday, April 13th, at pick-up (1:00 pm), or Thursday, April 14th, at drop-off. Apparel will be on sale both days at the front of the school.

PTA Agenda and Attachments for 4-7-11

2011-04-05T22:07:00.000-07:00

PTA Members:

Attached is the agenda and attachments for the April 7th PTA meeting. This meeting is especially important. We will be voting on the new slate of executive officers for the 2011-2012 school year. The slate is attached and nominations can also be made on the floor during the meeting. Also, please take note of the openings available for Committee Chairs. In addition, Connie Weinman and Bill MacDonald will introduce the District Bullying Program and curriculum.

Please do your best to attend.

Best regards,

Tom Motter
President, JH McGaugh Elementary PTA

Parent Survey Time

2011-04-05T17:18:00.000-07:00

Dear Parents,

Once again, we are gathering input from parents through a K-5 parent survey. This same survey is being shared with parents throughout the district and will allow us to gain information on areas of success and those areas that we might want to consider doing differently. Currently, you can access this survey on McGaugh's web page and you will find it right on the 'Home' page. You can complete the survey online. Additionally, I have hard copies available in the office for anyone who would like to complete a hard copy. The surveys are anonymous and only request information regarding the school your child(ren) attend and the grade levels. We would sincerely appreciate you taking the time to complete the survey and provide us with information for continued improvement.

Thank you.

Daryle A. Palmer

Principal, McGaugh Elementary School

The Event - Opportunity Raffle Winners

2011-04-05T15:10:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to "The Event" School-wide Opportunity Winners!!

Color Nook: Jillian Sorenson
American Girl Doll: Elizabeth Tsamous
Xbox 360 with Kinect: Trevor Isabell
iTouch: Tessa and Tobias Murphree
Nintendo 3DS: Mrs. Salmones (with a ticket purchased for her by student Anneliese Marsh)

Thank you to everyone who supported our first ever school-wide Opportunity Drawing. Thanks to your generosity, we raised an astounding $4,720 in support of McGaugh's exceptional enrichment programs!

Pageant of the Arts Tickets

2011-04-05T13:42:00.000-07:00

Yes, seats are still available for both shows, but they'll go fast !!!!!!!
Don't wait
Get your tickets NOW and come see this amazing performance !!!!!!!

Simply fill out and return the attached order form to the front office this week.

For those who've already pre-ordered tickets, your tickets will be sent home with your child on Monday April 11th. So make sure you check his/her backpack!

Questions? Contact: Cindy Duncan

_________________________________________________________________
McGaugh Elementary School and Splash are proud to present...

The 2011
Pageant of the Arts

featuring

View of Arco
By
Albrecht Durer

Performances
April 15 and 16 at 7:00 p.m.
Ticket price is $5.00 each for Adults and Children

One Night Only

2011-03-30T17:10:00.001-07:00

So many great items, so little time!

Take a look at the wide range of items available at this year's Event, coming up on Sunday, April 3rd. You can only win these items if you are at The Event, so join the fun and get some treats for yourself and your family!

Like sports? How about Angels and Dodgers tickets, golf outings, or Lakers playoff tickets?

Plan your family summer vacation with packages to La Quinta, San Diego, Temecula, and Kauai!

Celebrate with restaurant gift certificates and party packages!

Give your kids a treat with one of our fabulous Teacher Donation prizes!

Have you heard about the adorable Golden Retriever puppy that's available?

And there are lots of other ways to pamper yourself too!

You can only purchase these great items at The Event! So join us on Sunday, April 3rd – tickets are still available and will be sold before and after school every day this week!

Shine Your Light!

2011-03-30T11:55:00.001-07:00

In addition to all the other wonderful classes being presented this summer, the Los Al Educational Foundation is offering "Shine Your Light!", an elementary school level show choir camp for students who will be entering grades 3-5. Check the attached flier for more details, including how to register before the May 13th deadline.

Decathlon Tomorrow

2011-03-30T11:55:00.000-07:00

Due to the weather last week, the Outdoor Science School Booster Club Decathlon and Jog-A-Thon was delayed. It will be taking place tomorrow, Thursday, March 31st.

We are looking for a few more volunteers to run the various stations in shifts from 8am to 11:45. Shifts are around one hour long and volunteers are still needed for all three shifts (8:00-9:00, 9:00-10:15, and 10:30-11:45) at the various events. So come out and help us cheer for our McGaugh Decathletes as they put themselves through their paces.

Also, have your child turn in their Jog-A-Thon / Decathlon pledges to their teachers; the contest between the classrooms is on! The Pledge form is attached if you need a new copy.

H.U.G.S. Keep Marching

2011-03-29T16:25:00.000-07:00

The March H.U.G.S. Newsletter is attached and contains information for and about the McGaugh Elementary School special needs students and programs.

HELP * UNDERSTANDING * GROWTH * SUPPORT

Countdown to The Event

2011-03-29T15:48:00.000-07:00

The Event is this Sunday, April 3rd!

Buy your tickets or Premier table this week at pick-up and drop-off, along with raffle tickets for Opportunity drawings like an iPod Touch, a Nook, and the new Nintendo 3DS! And we have great auction items for sale at The Event, including Lakers playoff tickets and an adorable Golden Retriever puppy!

So join the fun – buy your Event ticket this week!

World Autism Day - Further Information

2011-03-29T05:44:00.000-07:00

Dear Parents, after announcing that McGaugh would be observing World Autism Day, I received this letter. Mrs. Maddux was kind enough to allow me to share it with you so that you would all have access to the links below, which she has found very helpful. Remember; wear blue on Friday instead of our regular red! Daryle Palmer

Thank you for this. My nephew is autistic and I am one of his primary caregivers thereby I have a very special interest in autism awareness. I have 3 links that maybe of interest,

the first is a group that has given my family support in out fight for James http://www.talkaboutcuringautism.org/index.php

another is a charity run that I signed up for before they signed on to support TACA, a great way of raising money for autism awareness and have fun at the same time http://www.gladiatorrocknrun.com/what.html

finally there is autism speaks, they are a great resource for motivation as well as being key in bringing this important cause to the fore front of attention in their "light it up blue" cause http://www.facebook.com/autismspeaks

Thank you again for your attention to this important cause.

Sincerely,

Renee Maddux

~~~~

Daryle A. Palmer

Principal, McGaugh Elementary School

Dining for McGaugh - March

2011-03-28T10:06:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, March 30th is Dining for McGaugh at Finbars Restaurant!

Come to Finbars in Seal Beach any time on Wednesday. Dining for McGaugh will get 20% of the proceeds and everyone enjoys themselves with family and friends. Print the attached flier and bring it with you to Finbars; An Italian Treasure! See you there!

World Autism Day

2011-03-24T20:52:00.000-07:00

McGaugh Parents:

April 1^st is the official Autism Awareness Day. Because this disorder continues to have a growing impact on children in our world and affects many of the students at McGaugh Elementary School, we will be observing World Autism Awareness Day on April 1^st.

Here is more information about this event worldwide.

World Autism Awareness Day

This is the 4th year and everyone is gearing up for April 1 and 2. Buildings around the world will turn their lights blue to shine a light on autism. Internationally, look for the Sydney Opera House in Australia and Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil. In Los Angeles we will see LA Live (Staples Center and the adjoining hotels) and LAX go blue!
Here are some ways you can participate;
- Turn your porch light blue during April
- At McGaugh we will be encouraging all staff and students to wear blue instead of our red on Friday, April 1^st.

Event Opportunity

2011-03-24T20:43:00.000-07:00

Opportunity raffle tickets will be on sale all next week at Flagpole during drop off and pick up. You can win one of 5 great items! See the attached flier for details on the great prizes and ticket prices.

Last Call for Donations to The Event

2011-03-24T07:39:00.000-07:00

Have any last-minute donations for The Event? Our deadline for donations is tomorrow, Thursday, March 24th! If you have gift cards, new items, or want to host a party, get your donation to us and help raise money for Project SEEK! Contact Michelle Gillespie with questions.

The Event will feature a new auction item this year – Invest in McGaugh. It's a chance to directly fund enrichment education, and in return, you get your name engraved on a plaque backing one of the McGaugh Auditorium chairs! Show your support for enrichment education at McGaugh!

See you at The Event – April 3rd at Tantalum!

Celebrating a Promotion

2011-03-22T16:42:00.000-07:00

HELP 5^th Grade Parents HELP

We need supplies for the

5^th Grade Promotion Party

We need to decorate the gym on a tight budget

Theme (please keep as a surprise):

Under the Sea Beach party

WE NEED TO KNOW TODAY

WHAT WE CAN BORROW

FROM YOU ON JUNE 14^TH

WE NEED:

· Beach Chairs – as many as you can lend (need 50+)

· 10 Chaise Lounges

· 10 Large Market Umbrellas and Umbrella stands

· A Tiki Bar

· Multi-colored paper lanterns

· Any large beach or ocean props you may have

· Any access to discounted or FREE beach towels (120 needed to give each student to keep - preferably solid or striped)

If you have any of these items for us to use on June 14^th please contact

Cari Ledgard

A S S O O N A S P O S S I B L E !

The Event Approaches

2011-03-21T15:29:00.000-07:00

Tickets to The Event will be on sale this week - Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday!

We will be at Flag Pole and West Gate at drop-off and both Kindergarten pick-up and 2:15 pick-up, so come by to get your tickets to the biggest Project SEEK fundraiser of the year!

We still have a Premier table available as well – get your friends together and enjoy transportation to and from The Event, exclusive seating, wine and other extras at Tantalum!

See you at Tantalum on April 3rd!

Cyber Safety Information Night

2011-03-18T01:44:00.000-07:00

The District/Community Bullying Prevention Task Force has selected a curriculum to help all students learn about internet safety. There are many dangers associated with using the internet, and we want our students to learn how to use technology properly and safely, beginning in kindergarten. The curriculum is grade-level appropriate and will be implemented in late May. A preview of the curriculum will be presented on April 4, 6:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at Los Alamitos High School. Please see the attached flier for more details. Thank you for your ongoing support of Los Alamitos Unified School District.

Sherry Kropp, Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services

Cheer for Our Decathletes!

2011-03-17T07:39:00.000-07:00

Volunteers Urgently Needed!

We need help running the various stations for the McGaugh Decathlon, Thursday, March 24 from 8am to 11:45. Shifts are around one hour long and volunteers are still needed for all three shifts (8:00-9:00, 9:00-10:15, and 10:30-11:45) at the various events. So come out and help us cheer for our McGaugh Decathletes as they put themselves through their paces.

Also, have your child turn in their Decathlon pledges to teachers as soon as possible; the contest between the classrooms is on!

Contact Nancy Blasi if you can help.

Meeting for McGaugh Tomorrow

2011-03-14T13:38:00.000-07:00

I just want to remind and invite all parents/guardians to join Superintendent Dr. Greg Franklin and Assistant Superintendent Eamonn O'Donovan tomorrow, Tuesday March 15^th at 8:15am in the auditorium. They would like to meet with parents to gather their input as a beginning step in the hiring process for the McGaugh Principal. Please join us if possible.

Daryle A. Palmer

Principal, McGaugh Elementary School

SEEKing a Successful Event

2011-03-14T06:16:00.000-07:00

Project SEEK Needs Your Help to Make

The Event A Success!

The Event, being held on Sunday, April 3^rd, is Project SEEKs largest annual fundraiser. The Event committee is dedicated to making this a special night of exciting auctions and tantalizing fundraising!

Project SEEK depends on the generosity of local businesses, McGaugh parents and friends of Project SEEK to donate goods and services for the auctions. With these successful auctions Project SEEK is helping to keep McGaugh a one-of-a-kind school.

Project SEEK is looking to McGaugh parents for donations of items to be auctioned at The Event. Some examples of what we are looking for are:

Performing Arts Tickets

Sports Event Tickets

Electronics

Lodging/Hotel gift certificates

Vacation Home Stays

Hosting a Wine-Tasting

Hosting a Progressive Dinner

Looking for a FREE way to donate to The Event! Cash in unused points on credit cards, including airline-based and store-based cards. Turning those points into gift cards, airline certificates, or store certificates won't cost you anything but will be invaluable to our auction!

We also welcome other creative suggestions and donations. We have limited space and time to auction items the night of The Event, so we are looking for items that have the greatest impact.

Do you know of someone who might be able to provide such a donation? If so, please contact Lauren DeNinno. Donations can also be mailed to:

Project SEEK

PO Box 626

Seal Beach, CA 90740

Your donation is tax deductible to the extent of the law

Ticket Sales Begin

2011-03-10T14:06:00.000-08:00

Ticket Sales Begin!

The Event is Sunday, April 3^rd

Tantalum Restaurant, Long Beach

Tickets go on sale Monday, March 14th, before and after school at the flag pole and west gate.

Tickets are $100 per person

Cash or checks only please

Looking to make this night extra special? Purchase a Premier Ticket. Your Premier Ticket will provide:

Transportation to and from The Event

Premier Seating with your party of 10

Wine at your Premier Table

Opportunity to win a Devynn's Garden Center Piece

Bypass check-in

Premier tickets are $200 per person and must be purchased with a party of 10. Premier tickets are limited and sold on a first come, first served basis.

Questions, contact Michelle Gillespie

Sea Lion Mural Sponsorship

2011-03-08T06:12:00.001-08:00

You can have your name, or child's name, added to a permanent plaque honoring all the sponsors who help to bring back our Seal Beach Icon. Check the attached flier/sponsor form to see how you can make a tax deductible donation to The Sea Lion Fund.

Javatini Week for McGaugh

2011-03-07T09:04:00.000-08:00

This week is McGaugh/Project SEEK week at Javatinis!

Get your morning coffee, midmorning snack, afternoon treat, or dessert at Javatinis and Project SEEK will receive 25% of the proceeds!

This is good all week, Monday the 7th through Friday the 11th, any time during operating hours.

Flyer must be presented at time of purchase, so be sure to print this out and bring it with you to Javatinis! Treat yourself and give back to McGaugh students!

2011-12 PTA Board Nominations

2011-03-04T15:06:00.000-08:00

Attached are the proposed nominees for the PTA Board and Committee Chair positions for the 2011-12 School Year. As discussed at the General Membership Meeting yesterday, the Board Member nominees will be voted on at the next General Meeting on April 7th. If you would like to be a nominee for next year's Board, it is not too late for you to nominate yourself. Please come to the April 7th meeting and ask to be added to the ballot when the position is announced. Or, if you would prefer, there are still a number of Committee positions that could use a dedicated Chair. Everyone is welcomed and all volunteers are appreciated!

2011 Jog-A-Thon / Decathlon

2011-03-03T20:11:00.000-08:00

The Outdoor Science School Jog-A-Thon/Decathlon will be taking place on March 24th, from 8:00am to 12:00pm, and the pledge drive starts today. The survival of the LAUSD Outdoor Science School program depends on each family supporting the program since funds ensure participation for future fifth graders, not this year's. Please reach out to your friends, family and corporate sponsors to support our Jog-A-Thon/Decathlon and keep our OSS program alive! For more details and the pledge form, see the attached flier.

Thank you for your support!!

A Special Message from Principal Palmer

2011-03-03T20:02:00.000-08:00

A Message from Daryle Palmer: It is with a wave of emotion that I announce my retirement from McGaugh on June 30, 2011. I can not explain all the conflicting emotions I am currently experiencing; excitement, fear, sadness, mourning, challenge, and anxiety, just to name a few. For the past nine years I have had the very special privilege of being part of your lives and sharing in your most important role of parenting and raising your children. I have had the joy of sharing hugs, helping to dry tears, and making bad feelings go away. I have felt like superwoman when a bandage and an ice pack have made the pain go away, or when holding my hand as we walk to class seems to make everything okay in the world. I have watched your little kindergartners blossom into young people ready to spread their wings and take off to middle school. All of these experiences have enriched my life.

I do look forward to a more flexible morning schedule; you all know I hate alarm clocks. I am an excited about my new challenge as I return to support the Hemophilia Community, which many of you know affects my family. I will be working to bring a Chapter of the National Hemophilia Foundation to Orange County and providing resources to families.

My retirement date is not until June 30^th and I can assure you that McGaugh will continue to be my number one priority until that day. The district is committed to making this a very positive and smooth transition for everyone. I am committed to that same goal. I will keep you informed as the process moves forward and have no doubts that someone amazing will take my place and bring their own special gifts to this campus. The process for finding a new McGaugh principal will be timely and will include all stakeholders, staff, parents, and community members.

I want to express how very grateful I am to end my career in education at McGaugh. This is an incredible community that truly embodies the saying "It takes a village to raise a child". This community has come together to support each other and the school in remarkable ways. You have shared your talents, sacrificed countless hours, and provided generous financial support to make McGaugh such a remarkable school. I hope that I have added to the specialness of McGaugh during my years here. Please know that while I can leave McGaugh, it is simply impossible to take all that is McGaugh out of me. To say thank you seems incredibly insufficient for all the joys you and your children have added to my life.

Sincerely and with love, Daryle Palmer

March PTA General Meeting

2011-03-02T13:33:00.000-08:00

Please join us Thursday morning at 8:15 am in the auditorium for our next PTA General Membership Meeting. Attached, among other things, you will find the minutes from the last meeting as well as the agenda for this meeting.

Other items attached: Treasurer's and Financial Secretary's Reports, Nomination Committee Slate for 2011-12 PTA Positions, Report from the PTA Legislative Conference in Sacramento, and fliers for a lecture from Sir Ken Robinson and the Summer Enrichment Institute. Also attached is a copy of the Outdoor Science Decathlon volunteer sign up sheet. Please take a look and see when you might be able to assist.

Thank you!

5th Grade Parents - We Need Your Pictures!

2011-02-27T22:48:00.000-08:00

Wanted….DUE FEBRUARY 28

Your child's pictures for the 5^th Grade Yearbook

We are collecting 5 – 10 pictures of your child for the 5^th grade yearbook. The yearbook will be given to all 5^th graders on June 14, 2011 at the 5^th Grade Promotion Party.

One picture per year K – 5… if possible.

Pictures should be from McGaugh events –

not home pictures, birthday parties, or sporting events.

Photos submitted electronically OR on a disk are preferred!

Send pictures electronically to your classroom rep below OR

put pictures/disks in this envelope and place in classroom collection box.

Label pictures or disks with the following information:

1. Parent name/phone #

2. Child's name and room #

3. School year of each picture (K, 1^st, 2^nd, etc.)

4. The event that the picture is from

5. Names of the students in the picture

Collection Boxes are in the classrooms!

Gaw: Penny Homan-Muise

McClellan: Terrell Frazier

O'Brien: Michelle Samuelson

Salmones: Lori Brandt or Heidi Marsh

Kostrzewa/Smith: Shelley Drisko

NAME OF CHILD___________________________________________

TEACHER_________________________________________________

Please go to the McGaugh Website, under Parents, then 5th Grade Promotion. Forms are available to print out and send in to the class collection boxes.

http://www.losal.org/mcgaugh

Remember - our yearbook needs production time! We need your pictures as soon as possible!

Thank you!

You'll Want to Save This Date

2011-02-24T12:43:00.000-08:00

Sunday, April 3^rd

Join us for a memorable mingle of fine food, exotic cocktails, and exciting auctions at Tantalum.

Looking to make this night extra special? Purchase a Premier Ticket. Your Premier Ticket will provide:

Transportation to and from The Event

Premier Seating with your party of 10

Wine at your Premier Table

Opportunity to win a Devynn's Garden Center Piece

Bypass check-in

Project SEEK would like your assistance in making this year's auctions the best ever. Please contact us with your tax deductable auction donation. The money raised goes directly to maintain enrichment programs at McGaugh.

Want more information; contact Michelle Gillespie

2011-12 Class Placement

2011-02-24T10:28:00.000-08:00

A message from Daryle Palmer: March seems to be the month when parents' thoughts flip into September and the beginning of school. Parents start asking questions about the next grade curriculum and teachers at the next grade level. I would like to review the issue of parent request for placement.

Placement for each and every child at McGaugh Elementary is done through a very extensive process by the teachers and administration. We work to create balanced classes with three different academic levels. This allows classes to have three primary skill level groups. By grouping in this manner, the teacher can have two groups working independently while he/she is working with the third group and meet with each group in rotations. We also create balance in the classes' social/emotional levels. A class filled with lots of talkative students can be very challenging. We also work to balance the maturity levels and genders. This process requires we look at all academic, work habits, study skills and citizenship areas of each child as we place them in classes. There are also discussions about the best environment for the child in terms of the teacher's personalities. While some students thrive in a very strict and organized environment, others are more comfortable in a more relaxed teaching environment.

There are two classes for which we will accept parent request. These are the Community and the Gateway. Parent request/permission to be in these classes is due to the unique nature of these classes. The Community is taught by 2 highly skilled teachers, Mrs. Nash and Ms. Caldwell. In the class there are 10- 14 students with IEP's and 24 regular education students in K-1. In the Gateway, 2-3, Mrs. Eckert and Mrs. Bailey teach 24 regular education students and approximately 12-14 students with IEP's. The concept of these blended classes contains the following attributes:

· These are continuity classrooms. Children at the lower grade, in both of these class settings, stay with the Community/Gateway teachers for two years, thus providing continuity for student learning.

· Two teachers, one regular education and one special education, work together throughout each day to provide integrated experiences for the special education and regular education children for the mutual benefit of all children assigned to the class.

· Students are separated by grade level for the academic instruction.

· Instructional aides are assigned to both classroom to provide support for students

with IEP's and lower the adult/student ratio.

Parents who are interested in having their child considered for placement in either of these classes should send a letter expressing their request for such a placement to the office prior to March 31^st. Currently, I have received a number of request for these classes, and if you have already sent in a request you do not need to send a new request. Following the March 31^st deadline, we will review the list of interested students with parental request and determine the best placement for each of these students. Because we make decisions on the best educational placement for each of our students, the date on the letter of request will not be a determining factor in who will be placed in this class.

McGaugh is blessed with amazing teachers at all grade levels, and while these two classes are unique opportunities, placement in these classes is not always the best educational placement for each child.

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

2011-02-23T21:00:00.001-08:00

You're invited to a Birthday Party for Dr. Seuss on March 2nd at the Mary Wilson Library. See the attached flier for more details.

Dining for McGaugh

2011-02-23T21:00:00.000-08:00

It's Dining for McGaugh Time
at

6405 E. Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach
562.596.1914

Thursday, February 24, 4-9pm, enjoy a relaxing dinner and delicious dessert with family and friends.
Our school will get 20% of the proceeds, which will benefit our kids!
Just print the attached flier or get a flier from the front office and hand it to your server.
See you at Ruby's!

Spanish Language & Cultural Enrichment Program

2011-02-17T23:28:00.000-08:00

The Los Alamitos Educational Foundation's Language Enrichment Institute will be offering beginning level Spanish Language Classes beginning in March at McGaugh.

Attached is a flier with more information.
If you are interested please contact the Educational Foundation.

Legislative Advocacy

2011-02-12T00:41:00.000-08:00

McGaugh Families:

This Thursday, February 17, celebrates the 114th year of the National Congress of Mothers. Today, we know that organization by its newer and abbreviated name - PTA. As adopted most recently in 2007, "The mission of the California State PTA is to positively impact the lives of all children and families by representing our members and empowering and supporting them with skills in advocacy, leadership, and communications".

The state of our State is unpredictable at best, especially where educational matters and the budget are concerned. PTA representatives from all over the state, including our own 1st Vice President, met with legislators in Sacramento last week in their Advocacy capacity to fulfill our motto of "Every Child, One Voice" in expressing concerns and offering opinions and solutions.

If you would like to know more about the State PTA's research and positions on state legislative actions, please visit their website at http://www.capta.org. Most recently, the State PTA issued an "Information Alert" regarding their position on the Governor's budget proposal and the Parent Trigger Law.

The McGaugh PTA continues to work hard for our J.H. McGaugh Students, and we appreciate the support of our volunteers, member parents, and school staff. We welcome your input at our Membership Meetings in the Auditorium at 8:15am on the first Thursday of each month. While our official position cannot reject State's guidance, we understand that there are many viewpoints and opinions. Together we can continue to keep McGaugh a wonderful learning environment for our children and grandchildren.

Thank you again for your support and interest in our school. For more McGaugh information and "school to home fliers", visit the school's official website at http://www.losal.org/mcgaugh.

The Gift of Storytelling

2011-02-09T23:10:00.000-08:00

"Once upon a time, in the kingdom of McGaugh, the court Jesters were called upon to entertain the royal children with the gift of storytelling…."

Let's Celebrate and Grow our Media Center!

Dedicate a book to your Student or teacher

for a birthday, special occasion or

just because you love them.

Ø All dedicated books have a special plaque inside with a personalized message from you.

Ø The dedicated book is read to your child and their classroom by one or our jesters in costume.

Ø The book will be enjoyed at home for one week and then will remain in McGaugh's Media Center throughout time for all to enjoy.

Ø A colorful bell, with the child's name, is hung on the Jester wall in the Media Center for all to view!

Ø The cost is $20 per dedication and Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles are encouraged to participate!

Jester Dedication Forms are available in the media center and on-line through the McGaugh Website under the Media Center channel. Books for dedication are available to choose in the parent resource room located in the media center.

Please contact Cari Ledgard with questions.

2011 All-District Choral Concert

2011-02-09T23:08:00.000-08:00

Los Alamitos Unified School District presents the

2011 All-District Choral Festival

Monday, March 7th at 7:00pm

Advanced tickets can be purchased prior to event date at the
Los Alamitos Unified School District Administration Office on:
February 22, 23, 24 and 25 from 8:00am-11:00am and 1:00pm-3:30pm
See the attached flier for more details on tickets and location

Honorary Service Awards

2011-02-08T09:16:00.001-08:00

The Honorary Service Award (HSA) is an honor conferred upon an individual, organization, or business, in special recognition of outstanding service to children and youth. Please take a moment to fill out the attached nomination form and recognize someone for all their hard work and dedication. Nominations are due by Monday, February 28th.

zpizza Night

2011-02-08T09:16:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, February 9th is McGaugh Night at Zpizza!

Looking for a mid-week treat? Don't want to make dinner Wednesday night? Come to Zpizza on Main Street any time Wednesday, for dine-in, delivery, or take-out! Project SEEK will get 20% of the proceeds, our students will benefit from the dollars we raise, and everyone gets some yummy pizza! Print up the attached flyer and bring it with you! See you at Zpizza on Wednesday!

Legislating Success

2011-02-05T16:39:00.000-08:00

Dear McGaugh Families,

Thank you for your generous financial support to Project SEEK; their Call to Action was a success and you donated enough money to fully fund the computer lab, media center and art lab. Our kids are so fortunate to have such dedicated, talented people investing so much into their futures.

We now need your ideas. Your PTA representatives are meeting with state legislators on Tuesday, February 7th, after our yearly legislation conference in Sacramento. We know that more budget cuts are coming, so we need to be practical and work with this reality – how do we run things more efficiently?

For example, we could remove the strings attached to state funding, such as required testing and reporting; we need to focus on the basics now and bring back additional testing when we have more money to pay for this. Also, we currently must spend about $1,000 per classroom to mount an Elmo projector – even if the hardware is already installed and it's just a matter of moving already existing equipment around in the room. Parents could easily volunteer to do this so we could save that money for teachers.

Please give our state representatives, Assemblyman Silva and Senator Harman, ideas on how we can protect our kids' education and stretch our educational dollars a bit further. Send your thoughts to Tammy Metzger by Monday, February 7th, and she'll incorporate your responses into her letter.

Or, send your thoughts directly to Assemblyman Jim Silva through his website at http://arc.asm.ca.gov/member/67/ and Senator Tom Harman at http://cssrc.us/web/35/default.aspx. If you send Tammy a copy of your letter, she'll hand deliver it to their offices and will mention key points of various letters during the meetings. A well written letter -- that is read by a high level staffer -- is one of the best ways you can make a difference and affect policy.

Thank you for your support!

Books Before Bedtime

2011-02-05T02:32:00.000-08:00

McGaugh Parents and Students:
Mark your calendars....

Books Before Bedtime is Thursday, February 17th. Don't miss this fun event.

It's pajama night at school. Kids can wear their favorites, come to the McGaugh media center to hear bedtime stories and songs performed by their favorite jesters! Many wonderful gently used books will be available for sale. Refreshments will be provided.
All books will be sold for .25 cents each!!

6:30-8:30pm
(Storytime will be from 7:00-8:00pm)

Please help PTA collect books for this event. Bring any gently used children's books to the school office for donation.
contact Jeanna Mingram with any questions

PTA Meeting Tomorrow (2/3/11)

2011-02-02T17:33:00.000-08:00

Our February PTA meeting is tomorrow morning, 8:15, in the Auditorium. Among other PTA business, we will continue discussion and call for a vote on the motion put forward at our last General Meeting to gift funds to Project SEEK toward Forward Funded Positions at the school.

Hope to see you all there!

H.U.G.S. in the New Year

2011-02-01T17:04:00.000-08:00

The January H.U.G.S. Newsletter is attached and contains information for and about the McGaugh Elementary School special needs students and programs.

HELP * UNDERSTANDING * GROWTH * SUPPORT

Every Child, One Voice

2011-01-25T21:15:00.000-08:00

Dear McGaugh Families,

The PTA will soon be selecting its Board and Committee Chairs for the 2011-2012 school year. There are a variety of positions available and truly every person and position makes a difference.

We would personally like to encourage you to get involved with the PTA by taking a position or volunteering for a committee next year. At McGaugh, the PTA positions are selected through self-nomination. Everyone has an equal opportunity to participate. On the attached page you will find a list of positions. Please take time to review these positions and determine which may be a good fit for you. Please feel free to contact current President, Tom Motter, or current Parliamentarian, Elena Osti, should you have any questions about any of the positions.

The PTA is the oldest child advocacy organization in the United States. The rights of children and opportunities for children continue to be the highest priorities for the PTA on local, state and national levels.

We look forward to having you be a part of McGaugh PTA and to another successful year. Please join us for our next PTA meeting on Thursday, February 3^rd, in the Auditorium.

Thank you for your support!

Elena Osti, McGaugh Elementary Parliamentarian

Project SEEK is Almost There

2011-01-24T11:20:00.000-08:00

CALL TO ACTION

January 23, 2011

McGaugh Families:

The Call to Action continues. As we enter the last week before we must forward fund to the district, we remind you all that there is still time to make a donation to help Project SEEK maintain the media center and computer lab at McGaugh Elementary School.

Thank you to all the generous families that have already donated. Due to your contributions, we are pleased to announce that we are just over half way to reaching our goal of raising $40,000.00 to save these important enrichment programs.

Remember no donation is too big or too small, every penny counts, so please make a donation today. Donations can be dropped off in the school office or mailed to Project SEEK at PO Box 626, Seal Beach, CA 90740.

Dining for McGaugh

2011-01-23T20:59:00.000-08:00

DINING FOR MCGAUGH

PRESENTS

On Tuesday, January 25th, Chronic Tacos will donate 20% of the profits to our school. Print your flyer and stop by for some food and fun between the hours of 3:00pm and 7:00pm. Chronic Tacos is located at 6602 E. PCH in Long Beach (in the same plaza as Whole Foods, PetCo, and Mimi's Cafe). Tell your family and friends and don't forget to bring your flyer. You won't want to miss their delicious signature tacos!

Help Bring Back the Sea Lion Mural

2011-01-20T21:33:00.000-08:00

Cadette Girl Scout Troop 674, on behalf of The Sea Lion Fund, will be selling McGaugh Rocks! shirts and Sea Lion decals between January 24th and February 4th. All proceeds and donations will go directly to The Sea Lion Fund and will be used to have the Sea Lion Mural repainted on the front and back of the McGaugh Gym.

Seminar for Parents and Grandparents

2011-01-20T21:31:00.000-08:00

The Los Alamitos Child Development Center and School Readiness Program will be sponsoring a seminar for parents and grandparents at the District Office on February 23rd titled "Raising Responsible Kids" featuring Dr. Darrell Burnett. Check the attached flier for more details.

Help Send Them Off

2011-01-14T17:52:00.000-08:00

We Need Temperature Takers for Outdoor Science School!

Prior to leaving McGaugh for OSS, our 5th graders must have their temperatures taken. We need 10-15 volunteers on the morning of January 24th immediately after dropoff to assist. It should only take 30 minutes if we get enough volunteers.

Please respond to Anjie Whitman Asap if you can help. Thank you.

Reflections Gallery Tonight

2011-01-14T03:37:00.000-08:00

Please Join McGaugh "Reflections" Winners at the

Los Alamitos District Reflections Gallery

Friday January 14, 2011

McAuliffe Middle School

Multi-Purpose Room

4112 Cerritos Avenue

7 pm- 8:30 pm

Please join us and enjoy the creativity of McGaugh and other Los Al District students who have received an award for "Reflections".

"Reflections" is a national PTA program that celebrates art and encourages students to explore their artistic talents. It recognizes them for their artistic efforts in dance, film production, literature, musical composition, photography and visual arts. The contest is held nation-wide from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Each year, more than 500,000 students participate! This year at McGaugh, we had 34 students participate and 9 student entries were advanced to the next level of competition.

Join us tonight at McAuliffe and celebrate our creative students!

Michelle Samuelson

2010-2011 Reflections Chair

Project SEEK Needs Your Help

2011-01-11T23:31:00.000-08:00

McGaugh Families and the Seal Beach Community-

As you are all aware, McGaugh Elementary School provides a wonderful learning environment – an educational community complete with a fully equipped media center, an art lab, and a hands-on computer lab. We believe all of these are an essential part of the well balanced education that we all want for our children. Unfortunately, state and district budget cuts are threatening the continuance of these vital programs. WE NEED YOUR HELP! Please do not let our computer lab and media center close.

We would like to encourage you to help keep McGaugh Elementary the first-rate school our community has come to expect. A five-time winner of the California Distinguished School honor, we are proud of the academic excellence our school demonstrates on a daily basis.

For the past 17 years Project SEEK (Seeking Educational Excellence for our Kids) a non-profit fund-raising foundation has raised money to support school enrichment programs. This year SEEK's fundraising has not produced enough money to continue to fund the credentialed teachers in the art lab and media center and the two computer center and media center aides that it has funded in the past. We are $40,000.00 short of our goal! With the joint effort of PTA, the McGaugh community and the local Seal Beach community we are hopeful we can reach our goal and continue to provide these programs for our children.

So, how can you help right now? Please donate to this worthy cause. No dollar amount is too large or too small, every penny counts. We are hopeful that with your help our children will continue to enjoy the incredible education they deserve.

Thanks in advance for your support. We know the children of McGaugh will appreciate your donation too.

Sincerely,

Christie Berg Tom Motter

President, Project SEEK President, McGaugh PTA

Letters Home to Parents and Students

2011-01-07T10:37:00.001-08:00

January 6, 2011

Dear McGaugh Families,

As you may know, the salaries of many of our enrichment staff, including the art and media Center teachers, are paid by Project SEEK, our school fundraising group. In order to fund these positions, the Board of Education asks that the money for next year's salaries be set aside for forward funding by February 1^st of the current year. This year, in spite of numerous fundraisers and generous donations from our families and community members, we find ourselves short of the money required to fully fund all of our current positions.

The total amount needed to fund all the current positions at McGaugh (two teachers and two instructional assistants) is $136,000. Last night, at a joint meeting between Project SEEK and the McGaugh PTA, it was reported that Project SEEK could forward fund $80,000 of this total. PTA generously offered to contribute, contingent on a vote by the membership. Additionally, the school can set aside $15,000 from this year's budget to support this cause. This still leaves the school $40,000 short of the total needed to fully fund all the positions in the media center and the art lab. The impact of this shortage would be the closure of Media Center for two days a week due to a lack of staffing.

In the next week, you will be receiving information from Project SEEK and PTA as we try to collect the additional $40,000 needed so that our media center can continue to operate five days a week with qualified staff to support the instructional program. I cannot stress enough how vital our art and technology programs are to our students. Research continues to validate the importance of arts education programs and their positive impact on creative problem solving, spatial reasoning, and confidence. Moreover, technology and media fluency are increasingly prerequisites for access to higher education and meaningful employment.

I encourage you to consider making any donation that your family can afford during these challenging times. Given our current state budget, it is evident that in order to maintain art and technology programs at McGaugh, and in other California schools, we will have to support these vital programs as a community.

Our community has been amazing in contributing to our enrichment programs in the past and for that we are all most grateful. I hope that you can find it possible to contribute to this year's final push to fully fund our art and technology programs. Please watch for more information from Project SEEK and PTA.

Sincerely,

Daryle Palmer

Middle School Visits

2011-01-07T10:37:00.000-08:00

Attention 5th Grade Parents,

McAuliffe and Oak Middle Schools will be hosting Parent Tours and Parent/Student Social Dates in February. The tours are an excellent opportunity for parents to visit classrooms and to learn about instructional and extra curricular programs. This social event is a pleasant time for the parents and students to visit one or both of our middle schools. Some classrooms, the computer labs, the media centers, and the technology centers will be open. For more information, including dates, times, and who to contact, please read the attached flier.

Motion for School Gift

2011-01-07T10:36:00.000-08:00

At this morning's PTA Membership Meeting, an important motion was made that will be further discussed and voted upon at the next PTA Meeting on Thursday, February 3rd.

The motion was made for PTA to gift to Project SEEK up to $34,609. This gift would then be used to assist in securing the Forward Funded Positions for the 2011-12 school year. The school has four such positions, including the Art program instructor, the credentialed Media Center instructor, and two Media Center/Computer Lab aides. You will be hearing a lot about the Forward Funded Positions in the coming weeks as Project SEEK strives to meet their financial goals, and a contribution from the PTA would assist them but not fill the gap completely. To date, the PTA Membership has voted on and gifted $7,600 for the purchase of 16 new computers using gift funds carried over from last year. If the motion is approved and the full amount is gifted to Project SEEK, no other school gift is likely for this school year.

Chinese Language & Cultural Enrichment Program - Updated

2011-01-05T20:37:00.001-08:00

The Los Alamitos Educational Foundation's Language Enrichment Institute will be offering beginning level Chinese/Mandarin Language Classes beginning in February.

Attached is a flier with more information as well as the registration paperwork if you are interested.

PTA Membership Meeting Tomorrow

2011-01-05T18:29:00.000-08:00

Please join us tomorrow for our first PTA Membership Meeting of the new year! We have some important issues to discuss, including a report from Principal Palmer on the status of the Forward Funded Positions (Art Lab and Media Center) for the 2011-2012 school year.

Middle School Honors Program Presentation

2010-12-18T04:43:00.001-08:00

Attention: 4th & 5th Grade Parents

Please mark your calendars for a very important district presentation.

"Honors Program at Your Child's Middle School"
Monday, January 10th at 6:30pm
Los Alamitos High School Performing Arts Center

Presented by:
Dr. Sherry Kropp, LAUSD Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services Ondrea Reed, M.Ed., LAUSD Program & Assessment Specialist

An information flier is attached for your reference.

Ondrea Reed, M.Ed.
LAUSD Program & Assessment Specialist, Educational Services-Technology Los Alamitos Educational Foundation, Executive Director

Chinese Language & Cultural Enrichment Program

2010-12-18T04:43:00.000-08:00

The Los Alamitos Educational Foundation's Language Enrichment Institute will be offering beginning level Chinese/Mandarin Language Classes at McGaugh beginning in January on Tuesday afternoons.

Attached is a flier with more information as well as the registration paperwork if you are interested.

Get Your Name in the Auditorium Foyer!

2010-12-09T09:49:00.001-08:00

Remember to get your plaque in the Foyer of the Auditorium at McGaugh! (See image below)

Print the following PDF file and return with your check to the Main Office by Dec. 15th
Gift certificates available to give as gifts this Holiday Season. The plaques will be hung in the Foyer in January.

***Plaques are a timeless memory they will treasure forever!***

Kids Fun Run Race Design Contest

2010-12-08T19:56:00.000-08:00

The Seal Beach 5/10K and Kids Fun Run Race Committee is looking for designers to create their t-shirt for the 2011 Kids 1K Fun Run! Once again because of the support of our local Seal Beach businesses, they have AWESOME PRIZES for the 1st place winner and the 2 runners up! Winners will be announced in January! More information and the Entry Form is attached.

Thanks for your support!

Any Questions. Please contact Michelle Samuelson

H.U.G.S. and then some

2010-12-07T09:08:00.000-08:00

The November H.U.G.S. Newsletter is attached and contains information for and about the McGaugh Elementary School special needs students and programs. This month's newsletter also includes a presentation titled "Strategies for Parents: Homework Support and Study Skills".

HELP * UNDERSTANDING * GROWTH * SUPPORT

RIF Giveaway Volunteers

2010-12-02T21:35:00.000-08:00

RIF SIGN-UP

Reading Is Fundamental

Please sign up for the RIF Book Giveaway!

The McGaugh PTA gives a book to each student, purchased by the PTA from the Book Fair profits. Each child gets to pick out their own book from a large selection of new books! As a volunteer, you will be helping children choose their books as they come in by class. Please join us!

Dates and Times that volunteers are needed:

Tuesday, December 14th
       8:15-10:15am
     10:30-12:30pm
     12:30- 2:15pm
Wednesday, December 15th
       8:15-10:15am
     10:30-12:30pm
Thursday, December 16th
       8:15-10:15am
     10:30-12:30pm
     12:30- 2:15pm

To sign up, please email Cindy Duncan and include your name, phone number, and when you would be available to volunteer.

Math is Sum Fun

2010-12-02T21:34:00.000-08:00

DimensionU.com is offering an online mathematics game for students grades 3-8. From November 15, 2010 through May 1, 2011 students may sign up and compete for over 1,000 prizes including scholarships for the national champions. Finalists and prize winners are announced every two weeks and participation is free.

This is an opportunity for additional mathematics practice in a motivating medium that may encourage mathematics outside of the school day. A flyer is attached and more details can be found on the O.C. Department of Education Connectivity Resource Center at:
http://instructionalservices.ocde.us/Connectivity_Resource_Center.htm and at the DimensionU website

While this is a highly competitive national event, each student can benefit in improved math skills through gaming competition.

LAEF is all Ears

2010-12-01T19:49:00.000-08:00

The Los Alamitos Education Foundation is interested in hearing from parents and community members on goals and ways to take the Foundation to the next level. There will be a meeting on December 8 at Oak Middle School, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to gather information from parents and community members. While the invitation states you must RSVP by December 1, that date has been moved to December 6^th.

Daryle A. Palmer

Principal, McGaugh Elementary School

Parent Workshop at McGaugh

2010-12-01T13:34:00.000-08:00

McGaugh Parent Support Group Workshop

"Building Social Skills Through Language"
Special Presenter: Jeanne Ruiz, Speech/Language Pathologist

Thursday, December 16, 2010
1:00 - 2:00 pm
Location: TBD

Please RSVP

Jeanne Ruiz, SLP, will present on social thinking and how it relates to developing social skills across the school environment.

PTA Meeting Agenda and Minutes

2010-12-01T13:26:00.000-08:00

McGaugh PTA Members,

Attached is the agenda for tomorrow's PTA general membership meeting which begins at 10:30 AM, at Finbars Italian Kitchen, followed by a family style lunch at 11:30 for those who have pre-registered and paid for the luncheon.

Also, attached are minutes from the last two general membership meetings. The minutes from the October meeting were approved by the membership with minor edits at the November meeting. The November minutes will be approved at our meeting tomorrow.

As a reminder, during the November meeting, two motions were put forth to be voted on at tomorrow's meeting. The membership was noticed of these motions in a school-wide email on November 4, 2010. The motions are as follows:

1. A motion to pledge $795.36, the amount raised last year by the Fifth Grade Activities Committee and remaining after their expenses, to be paid toward the repainting of the McGaugh Sea Lion mural on both sides of the gym; and

2. A motion to fund the purchase of 16 new computers, estimated to cost $7,600 but not to exceed $8,000.

I look forward to seeing you at our meeting tomorrow which begins at 10:30 AM, at Finbars Italian Kitchen, followed by a family style lunch at 11:30 for those who have pre-registered for the luncheon.

Happy Holidays!

Tom Motter
President, J.H. McGaugh PTA

Anyone Need a Tree?

2010-11-20T20:53:00.000-08:00

The Los Alamitos Youth Center will be selling fresh, fragrant, affordable trees once more and donating $5 of each tree back to the school directly. Sales will begin Saturday, November 27th, and delivery options will be available. Check the attached flier for more details.

So, if you buy a tree, where are you going to get yours?

Dining for McGaugh

2010-11-19T18:01:00.000-08:00

DINING FOR MCGAUGH

Tuesday, November 23, O'MALLEY'S at 140 Main Street will give 20% of the proceeds to our school. Take a break and save the cooking for Thanksgiving Day! Stop by for some yummy food. Print the restaurant flier from this school-wide email or get a flier from the front office. Then bring the flier into the restaurant to show you are from McGaugh. Tell your family and friends to eat at O'Malleys! Print the attached flier for details, tell your family and friends, and be sure to show it to your server.
McGaugh Families, we thank you for your support!