One Night Only

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

                                              

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!