Middle School Honors Program Presentation

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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!

Kids Korner Daycare Next Week

Kids Korner will offer daycare on Wednesday, November 24 (no school that day) - IF 45 students sign up and pay ($28) by: Monday, November 22.  We need a minimum of 45 students signed up and PAID by this coming Monday in order for Kids Korner to provide daycare.

Yolanda Mortensen

McGaugh EDCC Supervisor

December PTA Meeting and Holiday Luncheon

McGaugh PTA Meeting and Holiday Luncheon

Please join us

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Finbars Italian Kitchen

 620 Pacific Coast Highway, Seal Beach

10:30am meeting immediately followed by lunch

(Meeting and lunch will conclude by 12:00 to allow for 12:25 pick up at school.)

Cost:

$18.00 per person

includes food, drinks, tax & gratuity

Menu- Family Style

     Tuscan Salad, Finbars Chopped Antipasto Salad, 

Penne with Bolognese Sauce, Chicken Tequila Fusilli, Cinque Formaggi Pizza

Questions please contact Kristi Weissinger

Artwork for Education Online

OSBC - Artwork for Education

Notecard Fundraiser Update

It's not too late to order notecards!

We are no longer accepting catalog orders at school, but did you know that you can purchase your child's art cards online?  It's true!  You can even purchase cards from past years!  Simply go to wwww.artworkforeducation.com.  Click on the tab marked Schools.  Then enter McGaugh in the "Search for a School" box.  Each year's catalog is online arranged by grade/teacher.

Yes, it's that easy!

40% of your purchase of any McGaugh students' cards goes directly back to the Outdoor Science Booster Club, which helps us keep our wonderful 5th grade Outdoor Science School program in our district.

For those who have purchased cards through our catalog sale, thank you and your cards should be arriving in 2-3 weeks.

In addition, Worldwise Education has started a retail program.  Three of McGaugh's very own students have had their artwork chosen for retail sale.  To view their cards, see attached.  Sarah's cards are for sale in the Ralph's grocery store on Seal Beach Blvd.!!!  Congratulations to all three on being chosen for the retail program!  For each set of cards purchased at retail sites, McGaugh will receive $2 back to OSBC, and for each single card purchased, OSBC will receive 50 cents.  See attached for a list of all of Worldwise's retail partners.

A Message from Mrs. Palmer

As the holidays approach we are all feeling the stress and need to hurry from one thing to another. Possibly as a result we are having some problems with the reserved parking spaces in the front circle. Please respect the reserved spots. The Chen Family donated a large amount to have the privilege to park in their "Marked" parking spot daily, and anytime of the day. Please do not park in that parking spot. Additionally, although there are days when the office and the administrators are off campus all day, more often then not we return from meeting. When our parking spots are taken we have to find other parking, after dealing with the traffic in the circle in trying to get to our parking spots this make getting to meetings on campus challenging to say the least. Our health clerk generally arrives at 9:00 but there are days when she must come in early due to special health screenings. Please be respectful of all reserved parking, this is especially true for the special reserved spots for our upcoming concerts that were auctioned off.

I have a personal request and message that I would very much like you to share with your family and families of McGaugh Alumni. As many of you know, for years we have allowed and enjoyed the tradition of fifth grade students who have toilet papered our home the weekend prior to promotion. We understand that celebration and have actually been fairly impressed with some of the talent, however once a year is the tradition. Our home has been toilet papered three times since school started, one time it happened on the night preceding a brunch shower I was giving for 36 people, and most recently it was done this passed Saturday night. I do not know if these are current students or alumni, but I would appreciate parents sharing that our house is not to be toilet papered. Please remember that we have raised our own teenagers and helped them clean up toilet paper from their friends, and while I am very happy to allow our fifth graders to continue this ANNUAL tradition, I ask for your help in getting out the word that the Palmer home is really not toilet paper friendly.

Please take time this holiday season to enjoy the special gifts from your children. At the elementary age the things they say and do could fill a book of memories that will cause you to laugh about for years to come. I will never look at a pumpkin pie without remembering our son deciding climbing on the counter to reach something could not possibly result in a footprint in the pumpkin pie. I am laughing now remembering his face and foot covered with pumpkin filling. I never even missed that pie but treasure that moment when his small voice called for help. Enjoy all the things that really make life important, our families and time making memories together. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving enjoying with people you love and enjoy.

Daryle A. Palmer

Principal, McGaugh Elementary School

Artwork for Education Notecard Orders

The deadline for the Outdoor Science School Booster Club Notecards has been extended to Wednesady, November 10th.  Extra catalogs and order forms can be found in the Main Office.  Orders must be received before 10am to be processed in time.

McGaugh Art Fair

Don't miss out on our first McGaugh Art Fair
"Marvelous Me" - a Gallery of Self Portraits
Thursday, November 18th 6pm - 8pm in the gym
The students have been working on their masterpieces during Art Lab sessions.
You are invited to see your child's artwork framed and on display.

Invitations are being sent home and are due back to the office no later than
Monday, November 15th.
Please note we have extended the RSVP deadline due to the Veteran's Day Holiday.
If you have any questions please contact: Jen Haynie or Maj Harmon.

Hope to see you at the Art Fair!!

Chamber of Commerce is Seeking 4th and 5th Graders

On Behalf of the Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce, they are looking for some 4th and 5th grade volunteer Elves to help Santa at the Annual Tree lighting Ceremony on Saturday November 27^th from 4 -7 pm at Pier.

The Elves will wear Santa's special elf hat while helping out for 30 minutes while Santa takes photos with all the girls and boys.

They will need two elves per shift, Opportunities are on a

FIRST COME FIRST SERVE

2 elves from 4:00-4:30

2 elves from 4:30-5:00

2 elves from 5:00-5:30

2 elves from 5:30-6:00

2 elves from 6:00-6:30

2 elves from 6:30-7:00

That's a dozen elfin opportunities!  Please call the Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce to schedule your time to help.

Los Al Educational Foundation Community Tile Drive

The Los Alamitos Educational Foundation, in partnership with The Shops at Rossmoor, is conducting a Community Tile Drive.  Your family's artwork will be unveiled at The Shops at the Grand Opening of a new building, and proceeds benefit LAUSD students.  Please see the attached flier for more information about the drive and how to reserve your tile.

Motions for Expenditures

To all McGaugh PTA Members:

At today's PTA General Membership meeting, two motions were brought to the membership that will be voted on at the next PTA Meeting -

1. A motion was made 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.

2. A motion was made to fund the purchase of 16 new computers,  estimated to cost $7,600 but not to exceed $8,000. Further information about this purchase request is attached.

Our next General Membership meeting is our PTA Luncheon on Thursday, December 2nd, at Finbar's on PCH. The meeting portion will take place before the luncheon, and all are welcomed to attend. Further discussion and the voting will take place then. RSVP's for the luncheon portion will be sent later this month.

PTA General Meeting Tomorrow - 11/04/10

McGaugh PTA Members,

Tomorrow is our November General Membership meeting, being held at 8:15am in the Auditorium.  We will be discussing various items of business, including the success of our Carnival and Silent Auction, and upcoming events.  There will also be an open forum to ask questions of Mrs. Palmer and/or Mr. MacDonald, so a perfect opportunity to ask any of those questions that other parents probably have, too.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Lisa Berry
PTA Vice President

2010 Reflections Winners

Congratulations to all the McGaugh students who are heading onto the next level of competition for reflections!

Congratulations also to all the students who received an "Award of Merit" for an outstanding job.  Your pieces will not be moving onto the next level of competition but will be recognized and displayed at the district's Reflections Gallery in January.

Thank you to all of the students who participated in PTA Reflections "Together We Can"!  We had some amazing entries.  This years work will be displayed in the computer lab until the end of the school year. If your student would rather have their artwork returned, please contatct Michelle Samuelson and it will be returned to their teacher.

Thank you also to our judges from the community and to all the McGaugh staff who supported and promoted our program.

Gift Wrap is Here!

**  Gift wrap is Here! **

Gift wrap orders will be delivered this Wed. Nov 3rd to the student's classrooms. If you have larger orders please make arrangements to come to the gym by 9am Wednesday morning or to your childs classroom at pick up.

If you have any questions please contact

Laura Sterbentz or Jen Haynie

Thank you for supporting Project SEEK!

State PTA Supports Props 24 and 25

Election Day is Tuesday, November 2nd.  The California State PTA has taken positions on 2 propositions, Yes on 25 (Simple Majority Vote for State Budget) and Yes on 24 (Tax Fairness Act).

For more information and a detailed analysis of these propositions and the candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction Candidates, go to http://www.capta.org/sections/tools/whatsnew-review.cfm?WhatsNewID=1452

The California State PTA has taken a SUPPORT position on Proposition 24, an initiative statute, repealing recent legislation that would allow businesses to lower their tax liability, which will appear on the November 2010 general election ballot.

When California has cut billions from public schools, colleges and services for poor children, and when the state is facing more budget deficits, it is not the time to grant huge tax breaks to a small number of large corporations. In these tough economic times, everyone must pay his or her fair share.

Every year, budget gridlock and political games hurt schools, threaten vital services and cost taxpayers millions. Prop 25 reforms this broken system, holding legislators accountable when they fail to pass the budget on time.

Proposition 25 does 3 things:
1.      Reforms California's broken budget process by requiring a majority vote on the state budget – like 47 other states.
2.      Hold legislators accountable for failing to do their jobs. If they fail to pass a budget on time, they don't get paid. And they can't pay themselves back later.
3.      Preserves the two-thirds vote required to raise taxes.

For more nonparisan election information and online polling place look-up, CA PTA suggests the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund's Smart voter Guide, at http://smartvoter.org/
 

Help Celebrate Veterans Day!

McGaugh Elementary School, along with the Los Alamitos American Legion Auxiliary, will be collecting toiletry and other items for homeless veterans in the area.

Please read the attached notice to see how you can help, too!

Teacher Donation Raffle Winners

Attached is a list of the winners of the Teacher Donation Raffle.  Your child will receive a certificate in their class on Monday, October 25th notifying them that they have won.  Thank you for supporting McGaugh PTA!

Dining for McGaugh

Join us for a fun night out

Dining For McGaugh

Starting Tuesday, October 26th through Saturday, October 30th, THE MAIN STREET WINE CELLAR 302 Main St., will give 20% back to our school. Just stop by for some tasty food and/or wine and let your server know you are from McGaugh. (No flyer needed)
Some of the favorite foods from the menu are swordfish tacos, the crimini mushroom sandwich, sliders and the crab po-boy sandwich. Tell your friends and your significant other. It's sure to be a fun and relaxing week at the Wine Cellar!

WEEKLY SPECIALS
TUESDAY- Grilled Cheese Night ( Extensive grilled cheese menu all $5)
WEDNESDAY- 2 for 1 Wine Flights ( That's 6 Half Glasses for $15)
THURSDAY- Winery Sponsored Tastings from 6:30- 8:30p  Just $5
FRIDAY- All $8 glasses just $5 from 12-6p
SATURDAY- Live Music or DJ from 7:30p

Halloween at McGaugh

HALLOWEEN

IS COMING TO MC GAUGH

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29, 8:15 on the flag deck area

The ghosts and goblins of McGaugh School will parade their finery for Halloween.  The community is invited to view this fun, exciting, and spectacular event.

To participate in the parade, students need to follow these simple rules.

1.    Students should wear their costumes to school with clothes underneath.

2.   Each child should bring a clearly labeled bag in which to place his/her costume after the parade for the remainder of the day.

3.   Costumes should be simple and easy to put on and take off.

4.   No make-up is to be worn, this includes coloring put in hair.  Students may not bring inappropriate "props" (i.e. toy guns, swords, Dracula's blood, etc.) to school.

SHARE YOUR TREATS!

As you know, Halloween is always a big day for elementary students.  Many children collect more candy and treats than they can eat, so we are hoping students will "share their treats."  We are collecting portions of candy from our students to donate to the Rossmoor Woman's Club project for disadvantaged youth/families.

The treat is included in "care" type packages that also includes items that families may need. "Share Your Treats Week" is  Monday, Nov. 1^nd - Friday, Nov. 5^th.   Students should bring wrapped candy and other wrapped treats in a bag; there will be a container in the office.  Thank you very much for sharing.

Cyber Bullying and Internet Safety Class

Dear Parent/Guardian:
As many of you already know, the Internet can be a challenging place for any student to negotiate.  In fact, providing the appropriate balance in cyberspace can also be one of the most challenging issues for parents.  Many parents ask, How do I protect my student from the dangers and distractions on the Internet, and still reap the benefits it provides? 
The Los Alamitos Unified School District is pleased to present a parent/guardian education night on Cyber Bullying and Internet Safety.  This night promises to provide information and strategies to help your student safely use the Internet and is designed for parents and students who are in the fifth grade and above.

Daryle A. Palmer

Principal, McGaugh Elementary School

H.U.G.S. For All

The October 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

Carnival is Saturday!

The Carnival is Saturday October 23rd from 10:00 to 4:00.

Great Food including zpizza, Chronic Taco, Lions Club with O'Malley's and Hennessey's BBQ, Bogarts coffee, Javatinis Gelato, Funnel of Love Funnel Cake, Kettle Corn, Dippin Dots, Hawaiian Shaved Ice
Great Games featuring all the old favorites, plus new ones like a GIANT slide, Boom Blasters, and inflatable skeeball and baseball
Great Prizes - even more than last year
Greatest Memories to last for years!

Celebrate the Magic of Storytelling

**Available for bid this weekend at the Silent Auction**

Baker B     Buttons    Disco     Knock Knock     Taps

Summons a McGaugh Jester to

your home or special event

Celebrate a birthday party or

Get into the spirit of the holidays

Cuddle up to a special bedtime story

This magical experience will include:

·      The Jester of your choice

·      A book with a personal dedication as a keepsake

·      A reading of up to three stories to captivate your audience

Time and place based on Jester availability

Silent Auction is Coming

Silent Auction is Almost Here!

Join us Friday, October 22nd at 12:30 in the gym to browse through a selection of over 500 items available for purchase.  We will be open all day Saturday during the Carnival as well! Remember, 100% of money raised goes back to the McGaugh PTA!

We have LA Kings and LA Lakers tickets, beautiful jewelry, tickets to museums, concerts, Disneyland, the San Diego Zoo, and a chance to spend a week at a luxurious ski chalet in Whistler, British Columbia!

The Silent Auction catalog is available for preview on the McGaugh website.

See you on Friday and Saturday!

Tickets to the Fun

It's Here! Ticket Pre Sale!

We will be offering a very special rate of $25.00 worth of tickets for just $20.00

You may take advantage of this great deal on
Thursday, October 21
and
Friday, October 22

Before school- 7:45am-8:30am
After school - 2:00pm-2:30pm
Kindergarten pick up- 1:00pm-1:30pm

You may buy tickets at 3 locations: Flag Pole, Pool Parking Lot, and West Gate
**Please note that you may only take advantage of the pre sale price on the above dates and locations**
If you have any questions please contact Kristi Weissinger

Red Ribbon Week

Dear McGaugh Parents and Families,

We will be celebrating Red Ribbon Week October 25th through the 29th.  There will be an assembly on Friday October 22nd 8AM-11am on the McGaugh field that all students will be attending, and we welcome parents and families to join us.  This assembly will be presented by the Seal Beach Police Department, along with SWAT units, mobile command, and possibly a visit from the LBPD helicopter, discussing the importance of this celebration.

For those who are not aware of what Red Ribbon Week stands for, here is a little history,

     Red Ribbon Week is a very important tradition for the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) as well as our drug prevention community.  It was launched in 1985 to honor U.S. DEA agent Enrique (Kiki) Camerena who spent years risking his life to stop drug related crime in the U.S and in Mexico.  As the story goes, Kiki had just exposed one of Mexico's largest Marijuana dealers and seized their crops.  Because of this, there was a hit put out for him and on an afternoon in February, five men were seen shoving Kiki into a beige Volkswagen in Guadalajara, Mexico.   One month later, his body was discovered in a shallow grave.
     Within weeks of his death, in March of 1985, Camerena's fellow DEA agent and High school friend, Henry Lozano, and his congressman, Duncan Hunter, launched Camerena clubs in Imperial Valley California, Camerena's home.  Hundreds of club members pledged to lead a drug free life to honor the sacrifices made by Camerena and others on behalf of all Americans.

Today, millions of people, young and old, across the nation celebrate Red Ribbon Week, the last week in October, helping preserve the efforts of Kiki Camerena to make our communities free from drugs and crime.

For our celebration, we will be focusing on "Making Better Choices".   Please use these opportunities to speak to your children about making good choices, to eat healthy, to respect others, and to work together to make their surroundings safe and healthy.  We will be asking the kids to share in our celebration by dressing as their schoolmates do through the week to honor our school and community.  Attached is a calendar of events to remind you and your children what to wear each day to be a part of this celebration.   For those who have questions or concern, please contact Anjie Whitman, PTA Health & Wellness Chair

Teacher Donation Raffle

Here's your opportunity to save a bit of time!   Purchase Teacher Donation Raffle Tickets Now!

Every year, the PTA holds a "teacher donation raffle" during Carnival.  Check out our cool selections – Principal for the Day!  Ice Cream Trips! Lunch Bunch Parties! Take a look and see what creative adventure your child's teacher has donated!

Attached are the Raffle Rules, Teacher Donation Summary and Raffle Ticket Order Form for your paperless review! Parents need only print out the attached Raffle Ticket Order Form, fill it out and return to their teacher or the PTA box in the main office, along with their check made payable to "McGaugh PTA"!

Pre-Carnival Tickets must be purchased no later Wednesday, October 20th.  But don't worry if you miss the pre-carnival sale – come by and check out our display of teacher pictures on each raffle box and buy your tickets in the gym during the Silent Auction on October 22nd and 23rd!

If you should have any questions, feel free to email Sue Dunbar

Congratulations!

Congratulations to our new School Site Council Members: Kosta Duncan, Terry Krieger, and Dr. Leland Ronningen who were elected by parents to be our parent representatives on our School Site Council.

Michele DeVivo, Stefanie Haering, and Mike Remland are our alternative representatives, who are welcome to join the Council for all meetings, however, they may only vote if a parent representative is not in attendance at the meeting.

Thank all of you for volunteering for representing parents on our School Site Council. Our first meeting will be on Thursday, October 21^st at 2:30 in the MediaCenter. I greatly appreciate all of your support.

Daryle A. Palmer

Principal, McGaugh Elementary School

PTA Reflections Submissions

PTA Reflections due soon!

Monday, October 18^th, is the date of submission for "Reflections" art program.  The theme for 2010 is "Together We Can".

Please submit your artwork in the school office from 7:35-8 am or 2:15-2:30 pm.

Any questions?  Contact Michelle Samuelson.

More information can be found at the PTA Reflections website at CA PTA.

PTA Meeting Reminder, Agenda and Handouts

Hello PTA Members - just a quick reminder that our general meeting is tomorrow at 8:15 in the McGaugh Auditorium.  There will be plenty of good information including updates on the Carnival and Silent Auction, now just two weeks away!

The agenda and other relevant handouts are attached. On behalf of the board, we hope to see you tomorrow morning!

Best Regards,

Tom Motter, President

J. H. McGaugh PTA

Pumpkins Pumpkins Everywhere

Remember McGaugh Families, there will be PUMPKINS AT OUR CARNIVAL!

Along with the other fun stuff to do at Carnival on October 23rd, you can also buy pumpkins for your Fall decorating.  Our "Pumpkin Patch" boasts pumpkins that will be Priced to Sell!  Pumpkins were donated by a McGaugh father, so we guarantee bargain prices. 100% of proceeds go to McGaugh School of course!

Thanks

Kimberly Haber

Carnival Shirts are Selling Out

Get them while you can!

  There are only a limited amount of our awesome carnival t-shirts ordered each year.  Due to an overwhelming rush to get shirts this year, we have sold out our inventory for a second time and we are about to place one final order.  If you would like to guarantee your chance at owning one, get your order form and money turned in to the office no later than Friday morning, October 8th.  The order is being placed ON FRIDAY.  Attached is the order form for anyone that needs it.  Forms are also available in the Main Office.  Once this order is sold out, only the red J.H. McGaugh shirts and sweatshirts will be available for the rest of the year.

See you at Carnival on Saturday, October 23rd!

It's Silent Auction Time

IT'S PTA SILENT AUCTION TIME!

We need you to ensure a successful Silent Auction on October 22nd and 23rd!

*  Donate items to be sold at the Silent Auction! Here are some ideas:

·     Do you enjoy entertaining?  Donate a party at your home
·     Buy a gift card to a local business and donate it in your family's name!
·     Do you have a corporate connection?  We love donated products!
·     Get some friends together and buy a bike, electronics, surfing items, or other big ticket item to donate
·     Do you have a condo or cabin to share? Donate a week
·     Do you have a spa connection?
·     You name it…it can be sold to raise much-needed money!

Complete the attached donation form; donation deadline is October 8th!  Remember, every donation is tax deductible!

Contact us with questions or donations:

        Michelle Gillespie                          
               Liz Dubin

Kindergartners clothes donations

Lets keep our children dry!

We are asking for donations of new or used shorts, sweats and underwear to fit our kindergartners if they should have an oops!

(sizes 3-6)

Please give all donations to Kathy in our Wellness Office. Thank You.
--
Anjie Whitman

Fall Artwork Drive for CASP

Hello McGaugh Friends and Family,

Each year the California Association of School Psychologists (CASP) holds an annual convention, providing school psychologists the opportunity to gain valuable skills to bring back to their districts. I am very excited as, for the upcoming 2011 convention in April, I have the opportunity to contribute as Convention Co-Chair and help organize a number of convention events.

As part of our convention theme, Excelling Together: Linking Home, Schools & Community, we are reaching out into the community for student artwork to display at our Awards event and Raffle & Wine reception. Our hope is to create a gallery at the event, displaying artwork from students across Orange County.

We are conducting a Fall Artwork Drive. If you would like to donate your child's artwork to our gallery, please drop off the painting, photography, drawing, and/or sculpture to room 41 by November 31st, 2010. All artwork will be recognized with a label that includes the student's first name and grade level.  Due to this being a large event, donated artwork will not be returned to the student. 

Thank you so much for participating in what will be a fantastic event!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Belisle, M.A., Ed.S

School Psychologist

2010 Student Art Calendars - Extended Deadline

Dear Parents:

Student Artwork Calendars are still available to order, and the deadline has been pushed to October 8th. Most of the important McGaugh dates are listed on the calendar, which includes priceless pieces of art from our young and talented students; it makes a wonderful keepsake.  The attached Order Form has more information, but must be turned in no later than the new deadline of October 8th.

Thank you for your support!

Flavory Fun Awaits

From October 1st through October 17th, Flavory Yogurt at 347 Main St #B (corner of Main and PCH) will donate 20% of their sales to McGaugh PTA!  Go in as often as you would like for some delicious treats, and don't forget to mention McGaugh to the cashier.

No flier needed!

Give Me a H.U.G.S.

The September 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

 

McGaugh School Site Council

Parents, If you missed the nomination form and are interested in serving on McGaugh's School Site Council, just send in a note or email to Mrs. Palmer. The Council meets four times a year, generally on the third Thursday of month from 2:30 to 3:30 in the media center. We need equal representation of parents and school employees. At this time,we have three parent positions, and only one parent has expressed interest. We need to fill all three positions. For additional information you can read about the council and the responsibilities on McGaugh's Web Page. I greatly appreciate your support and would welcome your participation as part of this Council.

Daryle A. Palmer

Principal, McGaugh Elementary School

Wrap up the Fun

Attention McGaugh Families,

Just a reminder that our gift wrap fundraiser is ending this Friday, September 24th. This year our catalog features quality gift wrap, household items, and unique gifts for friends and family. Project SEEK is eager to continue its fund-raising efforts to ensure the continuation of enrichment programs at our school.


Also, make sure to stop by our table at the Ice Cream Social tonight. We will have a sample of gift wraps and items featured in the catalog.


Thank you for supporting Project SEEK.

 

Galleria of Prizes

Have any new toys laying around taking up space?

Spare emergency gifts stuffed in the closet or

unopened Happy Meal toys filling a drawer?

  

The PTA Carnival Prize Booth

is always looking for greater diversity

and everything is useful.  Please bring any

new, unused toys to the PTA Resource Room

(at the back of the Media Center) before or after school

-so as not to interrupt any classes or studying-

 

For more information or if you have questions,

contact Dawn Caviola

Family Portrait Fun

                                   

Dear McGaugh Family and Friends,

Join us for beautiful beach family portraits at the Seal Beach Pier.  Sittings can be scheduled for:

Sunday, October 3^rd 8-11:00am

or

Saturday, October 9^th 8-11:00am

More details can be found on the attached flier, including how to reserve your family's sitting.  Sorry, no walk-in times.

Tell a Friend ~ Everyone is welcome to participate!

Dining For McGaugh

Join us for a fun night out with family and friends!

Dining for McGaugh
As a McGaugh family, you can enjoy a great meal at a local restaurant and our school will receive 20% of the proceeds.  Just print the attached restaurant flier or pick one up at the front office, then bring the flier in to the restaurant to show that you are from McGaugh.

September's Restaurant:


Tell your family and friends to eat at Islands on Monday, September 27th.

More details are on the flier.

Questions or suggestions, please call:
Andrea Crammer

 

Hear Ye, Hear Ye

Calling all volunteers!

On Monday, September 27th, our school needs about 12 volunteers working in 2 hour incriments between 8am and 4pm.  Your job will be to escort groups of kids from each room to and from hearing tests.  Anyone interested please email or call to sign-up.

Thank you.

Anjie Whitman 

Let Your Groceries Donate for You

Check Your Pavilions Receipt!     

 Is your Club Card linked with eScrip?

Register Today so McGaugh/Project SEEK will continue to receive contributions to help fund important programs for our kids !!

http://www.escrip.com/

Any questions please contact Bianka Kelley 

The Gift of Storytelling

"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 a short time 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.

Please contact Cari Ledgard with questions.

Time to Reflect - Together We Can

Does your child enjoy creating?

Each year, the PTA invites students to create art inspired by a theme in a program called "Reflections".

The PTA Reflections Program is designed to increase student achievement, foster student talents and promote the arts in your home, your school and your community.

The program is divided into grade divisions and into different areas of art including:
  •dance choreography
  •film production
  •literature
  •musical composition
  •photography
  •visual arts

The theme for the 2010-2011 school year is "Together we can…"

For more information and examples please visit CAPTA.org or PTAreflections.org.

The competition is held at local, then regional, then national levels with recognition and prizes at each level.

To save paper and avoid copying the entire packet, we ask that you request which category or categories you would like to participate in.

Your child will be sent a list of the rules for their category and the required entry form.

Please contact Michelle Samuelson before Sept 23rd (deadline extended).

Entries are due by Monday, October 18th before and after school in the front office.

Questions?  Contact Michelle Samuelson, PTA Reflections Chair

The District’s Operation Steering Committee Wants You!

A message from Daryle Palmer: Our parent representative for the District's Operation Steering Committee can no longer serve as McGaugh's representative since her child has moved on to middle school.

What is Operations Steering Committee?

This is an advisory committee comprised of staff, parents, and community members.  Its purpose is to work together to recommend goals and direction to the LAUSD Board of Education on matters of finance, facilities, lease agreements, bonds, Districtwide fund raising, enrollment, and governance issues such as communication/ collaboration processes.  As an active member of our school-community, you most likely are aware of the budget issues facing the State and, therefore, California school districts.  These issues will be the primary topic of discussion at our upcoming meeting.

What are the obligations of a representative?

The Operation Steering Committee meets 3 to 4 times a year in the Board Room of the District Office, 10293 Bloomfield Street, Los Alamitos. The meetings begin promptly at 6:30 and conclude no later than 8:00. The meetings are generally held in October, January and March. Occasionally there is a meeting in early June. The dates for the meeting have not been determined at this time.

Who can be a parent representative?

Any parent who has a child attending McGaugh Elementary School is welcomed to be a member. Parents who are not selected as McGaugh's Representation (each elementary school has one official parent representative) are welcome to come to these meeting if they are interested.

If you would be interested in attending these meetings and representing McGaugh, please email or call Mrs. Palmer. The district is asking that school have representative and their contact information sent to the district office by September 30^th.

Back to School Child Care

McGaugh Elementary

Back to School Night Child Care Request Form

 

Kids Korner located in Room 49 will provide child care for McGaugh students (K – 5) during Back to School Night. The cost is $4 per student.  Students can be dropped off as early as 6:15 pm and will need to be picked up no later than 8:30 pm on Tuesday, September 14^th.

 

If you are interested in daycare during Back to School Night, please print and complete the attached form and return it to Kids Korner by Monday, September 13.

CA PTA Legislative Alert

Take Action: Urge the Governor to sign SB 847, so schools can receive $1.2 billion in federal funds now!

As expected, the Legislature adjourned late last night without passing a state budget. As we told you last week, the California Department of Education needs legislative authority to disburse the $1.2 billion that California will receive from the federal government as a result of the passage of the Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act.   SB 847 (Steinberg), an urgency measure strongly supported by PTA, passed out of the Legislature yesterday and is now on its way to the Governor's desk.   Call the Governor's office today to urge him to sign SB 847 now, so that these funds will begin flowing to schools as quickly as possible.  Click here to contact the Governor.    SB 847 specifies that the funds are to be disbursed to school districts, county offices of education and charter schools, on the basis of revenue limits, within 14 days of the passage of this act or notification to the state of a federal funding award, whichever is later.  As per the federal legislation, the funds are to be used only for compensation, benefits and other expenses necessary to retain existing employees, to recall or rehire former employees and to hire new employees providing school-level education and related services.  Funds must be used before September 30, 2012.   Two additional bills of interest, also needed to allow for the timely disbursement of federal dollars to school districts, were passed and sent to the Governor in the waning hours of the legislative session. Both are also urgency measures. AB 184 (Block) extends the authority for the Superintendent of Public Instruction to allocate funds for the special disabilities adjustment (SDA) formula for two additional years. AB 185 (Buchanan) authorized the disbursement of School Improvement Grant (SIG) and federal State Fiscal Stabilization Fund (SFSF) Phase II dollars.