October 20, 2006

Evergreen SchoolScene

Family Literacy Night a hit at Cedar Grove Elementary School

On Tuesday, October 2, the Cedar Grove Elementary School library was packed as students and their families participated in Family Literacy Night.

Al, the big bad wolf (Principal Brian Martes), sits with Cedar Grove Elementary School students during Family Literacy Night on Oct. 2, during a reading of “The True Story of the Three Little Pigs.”

Even before the event began at 6:30 p.m., families eagerly awaited outside of the library despite the cool weather. Inside the library, teachers made final preparations on all of the evening’s activities. Cedar Grove’s new principal, Brian Martes, was there dressed up as Al, the big bad wolf, to greet students and families.

Once the doors opened, families were given information packets on reading strategies and tips to use at home with their children. Each student that attended received a raffle ticket that would be used at the end of the night to award 14 lucky students with a $5 Scholastic Book Fair Certificate. First grade teacher Trinh Tran quickly passed out handouts and tickets as families poured into the library.

Inside the library, families rotated through three of the facility’s literacy support areas. Nestled in the Cedar Grove computer lab was a family reading area, where grade level appropriate books were laid out on tables for families to read and enjoy together. In another part of the library was the reading activity center. Here students created their own storybooks and reading promotional buttons. In the center of the library, Al, the big bad wolf (Principal Martes) entertained students and families by reading “The True Story of the Three Little Pigs.”

Cedar Grove students particularly enjoyed making artwork for the button-making machine at Family Literacy Night on Oct. 2.

Although Al, the big bad wolf was a hit, the real center of attention was the button-making machine. Students and families patiently waited in line as kindergarten teacher Rachna Varshnay pressed their artwork into the button-maker. Third grade teacher Mike Fong and First Grade teacher Vicky Ouyang were busily cutting out extra button circles throughout the night to provide one for each student who attended.

The Family Literacy Night committee was overwhelmed but happy to see such a huge turnout.

“We had a little over 80 families attend. We only expected 30, so it was great to see so many families come to share the joy of reading,” said first grade teacher Elena Li.

The night was deemed a success and big plans are in store for next year’s Family Literacy Night.

Cedar Grove will also be hosting a “Step Up To Writing Night” on Wednesday, October 18, to help inform parents about the school’s writing program. Other upcoming family events will be a “Family Science Night” on Tuesday, January 23, 2007 and a “Family Math Night” on Tuesday, February 13, 2007.

School Briefs

Millbrook Elementary School 3rd Annual Shopping Extravaganza and Craft Faire Nov. 4
Millbrook Elementary School is hosting their 3rd Annual Shopping Extravaganza and Craft Faire on Saturday, November 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the school’s Multipurpose Room.

This year, there will be over 30 vendors that will fill the multipurpose room. Don't miss the great shopping! Scholastic Book Faire, candles, jewelry, scrapbook ideas, rubberstamping, handmade crafts - quilts, blankets, scarves, and much more will be featured at this one-day event.
 
In past years Millbrook School has offered a one stop shopping experience in their multipurpose room. Over 200 shoppers come by throughout the day. Bring the entire family – there will be food concessions and a Children Arts & Craft Area.

This event is sponsored by the Millbrook Elementary PTA and all proceeds will benefit Millbrook School. Admission and Parking is free.
 
Millbrook Elementary School is located at 3200 Millbrook Drive, San Jose.

For those interested in selling crafts, please contact the Event Coordinator, Laura Quisenberry at Millbrook School (408) 270-6767. Space availability is limited.

Mt. Pleasant High School 2006 Cardinal Winter Holiday Fest Dec. 7
Come and join the students, staff and community at Mt. Pleasant’s Annual Winter Holiday Festivities. Bring the family and enjoy a craft faire, music, food, dance, drama, and pictures with Santa!

The event will be held on December 7 from 4-8 p.m. at Mt. Pleasant High School, located on 1750 South White Road. Start the Holiday Season meeting and making new friends while sharing the spirit of the season.

Anyone interested in reserving a table to sell crafts is encouraged to contact

Rebecca Palmer at: palmerr@esuhsd.org or call (408) 937-2896.

Crafts table reservations are $15 per table. Deadline to reserve a crafts table is December 3rd.

Rita Ledesma Elementary School Electronic Waste Collection Event Oct. 28
Rita Ledesma Elementary School will hold an Electronic Waste Collection Event on Oct. 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the school’s parking lot.

Computers (CPUs) Monitors, VCR Players, Printers, Fax Machines, Stereo Components, Telephones, Microwaves, TVs, Mice, Keyboards, Radio, DVD Players, Speakers are all accepted for electronic waste recycling and is at no cost to anyone wishing to recycle old materials. The donations will go toward raising funds for Rita Ledesma Elementary School, which is located at 1001 School House Road, San Jose, CA 95138.