Newsletter, Feb. 27, 2019

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Community Night at Chik-Fil-A  – TONIGHT

Wednesday, February 27 from 5-8pm at the MoPac/Parmer Location

Come join us and enjoy dinner with other Summitt families. DON’T FORGET to tell them you’re with Summitt so a portion of the sales benefit the Summitt PTA.
 


TODAY: Kinder Parents – Kinder Rodeo Planning Mtg

Kinder teachers will be having a Kinder Campfire Rodeo Chat for Kinder Parents.  It will be held on Wednesday, February 27th from 3:15-3:45 pm in the Kindergarten Commons. This will be a brief meeting to discuss ideas and planning for Kinder Rodeo which will take place Friday, March 15th from 8:00-11:30 am.

Summitt Eagle Fun Run on Friday

Let’s give one last push to help raise funds for our classrooms and programs! The Apex Fun Run challenge is this Friday!! Family members are welcome to join the fun and come cheer for their favorite Eagle runners.  To sign up to volunteer, please click here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0C45A4A929A1FB6-summitt

Race times are:

  • 8:00am: 4th & 5th Grade
  • 9:00am: 2nd & 3rd Grade
  • 10:00am: Kindergarten & 1st Grade
  • 11:30am: Pre-kindergarten

Please remember that all visitors need to check in at the office and have a valid ID.  To skip the line and have your badge pre-printed, please click on the link and complete our form. 
After School Enrichment starts Friday 
Learn more about Summitt’s new informal learning opportunities called Fabulous Fridays. This is an afterschool enrichment program where Summitt students will engage as a small group with one of Summitt’s teachers to learn, play, and have fun outside of the formality of the academic school day. Students can choose one, 6-week class from a variety of offerings. Each week from 3:00 to 4:30 pm. Classes will begin, Friday, March 1. To learn more about classes and fees, please see the class descriptions.  For more info and to register your child, please click on the LINK!

PTA Summitt Town Hall

Join us at the PTA Town Hall on Monday, March 4, 5:30-6:30pm in our Summitt Library.
Do you have ideas to enhance your student’s learning environment? Come share your ideas at the March 4th Summitt PTA Town Hall! Teachers, parents, grandparents, community members are all welcome. We will be brainstorming ideas, both big and small, to benefit our school.

We will have stations set up devoted to “outdoor facilities ”, “instructional materials and curriculum”, “indoor facilities”, “fine arts”, “athletics”, and more! Come share your ideas and help Summitt PTA achieve our mission “to make every child’s potential a reality”.


Library News
Next week our Eager Eagle Readers will be celebrating reading 100 books with an afternoon performance by the Magnificent Magician Black Bert. Parents are welcome to attend. The show will be in the library on, Friday, March 8, at 1:30pm


Save the date: Camp Summitt this summer
Registration is happening soon for our 2 one-week camp sessions being held at Summitt the weeks of June 3 – 7 and June 10 – 14.  Early morning and late day care will be available.  Camps for all ages–cooking, art, games, crafts, and more.  Watch for more news on Camp Summitt soon!


Help fund the Summer Reading Initiative
Last year, we received a grant and help from Summitt to give each student 3 books to read over the summer. We would like to do it again this year and we need your help. Help Fund Summitt’s Reading Initiative by making a small donation: http://give.livingtree.com/c/summitt-summer-reading-initiative. You can give as little as $3 to pay for 1 student or sponsor an entire class! Here is info on Research regarding the summer slide.

 

Academic Specialists Appreciation Week is March 4-8
Next week, let’s shower our Academic Specialists – Heather Doyle and Marion Horowitz – with many “thank yous” for helping our students.  Here are two simple ideas on how you can do that:
 –      Send a note/gift with your child that they give directly to them.
 –      Write a note then drop it off in the office OR write an email and send it to [email protected]. We will happily include these in the Academic specialists’ gift basket or put them on the special poster outside their doors.


Postcard Love Letters Needed
We still need your postcards! PTA members dropped off the first round of postcards on Monday at Texas PTA Rally Day. However, we still need many more to reach our goal. The Summitt PTA included two postcards in your student’s Monday folder a few weeks ago. These postcards are for you to write your legislators in the Texas House and the Texas Senate. You can find your legislators here. Please include your name and address so they know you are a constituent. If you need additional postcards, there are some in the table in the Great Hall or you can print them yourself here.

Postcards can be sent back to school in your student’s folder or can be delivered to the box in the Great Hall. Check the paperwork in Monday folders for more information or email Heather Roell Oshman at [email protected].

What should you write about? There are several Texas PTA Legislative Priorities ranging from school finance to meaningful assessments to health and safety. Find one that speaks to you and why you support this issue. A couple of sentences is all you need. An example for meaningful assessments* would be something like: “I’d like to see reduced emphasis on state-mandated testing. The current system is only a limited snapshot of a student’s academic work. Students should be evaluated on the full portfolio of their proficiency and growth.” For meaningful assessments, bills HB 108, SB 837, HB 525, HB 671, HB 736, SB 96, HB 1480, and HB 1687 are already filed! If you find one or two you like, mention your support on your postcard and email your legislator. The more contact the legislator has on the topic, the louder the collective voice becomes.



PE News

  • Sat., March 2nd – 5th grade Volleyball Playday at EXPLORE UT
  • Thurs., April 4th – CATCH Family Fun Night/Book Fair/Fine Arts Night
  • Sun., April 7th – Cap10K
  • Thurs., April 25th – Field Day for K-2
  • Fri., April 26th- Field Day for 3-5


Take the AISD Family Survey 
Our school needs your input to continue to improve and grow! So please don’t forget to take a moment to provide your valuable feedback to AISD on the Annual Family Survey (formerly Parent Survey)!  Your opinion is VERY important so please complete the survey below NOW and forward this on to others! Complete one per child.

Surveys must be completed by March 8, 2019.

Karneval: Support our Koblenz Exchange!

If you are interested in supporting our Koblenz Exchange and enjoying a German tradition that has made its way to Austin, TX, please join the fun! Austin-Koblenz Sister City Committee, in partnership with the German-Texan Heritage Society and Austin Saengerrunde brings this more than 800-year old German tradition to Texas! Koblenz Karneval – Austin Style is a family friendly event, and the evening’s program is wide and varied and features authentic German food, student performances, costume contests, German live music, and much more. Saengerunde Hall is located on the same location as Scholz Garten with free parking across the street in the parking garage. The goal of the event is to raise funds for the ongoing Austin-Koblenz, Germany student exchanges.

Tickets include admission, food and 2 drink tickets and lots of fun.  Festivities are set for Saturday, March 2nd from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Mark Your Calendars for Spring Fling!
Spring Fling will be on Saturday, May 4. Spring Fling is an adult-only silent auction fundraiser made up of donations from local area businesses.  All proceeds from the event go directly back to Summitt to enrich and enhance all students’ learning experiences at our wonderful school.  Parents, neighbors, businesses and community groups are invited to participate – whether it be by donating an item, volunteering your time or by attending Spring Fling.  To learn more, check out the Spring Fling page or email [email protected].


Mark Your Calendars for these PE Events

  • February 18th-March 1st – 5th Grade Volleyball after school practice
  • Saturday, March 2nd – 5th grade Volleyball Playday at EXPLORE UT Thursday, April 4th – CATCH Family Fun Night/Book Fair/Fine Arts Night
  • Thursday, April 4th – CATCH Family Fun Night/Book Fair/Fine Arts Night
  • Sunday, April 7th – Cap10K
  • Thursday, April 25th – Field Day for K-2
  • Friday, April 26th- Field Day for 3-5 

Box Tops for Cash! Did you forget? That’s ok! Put them in your kid’s folder Today!
Thank you for collecting and submitting Box Tops!



Pictures for Yearbook & 5th Grader Baby Pictures
We still need your pictures! If you took pictures of students at any event at Summitt, the yearbook team would like to put them in the yearbook! Please send full size pictures with event name, student grade (and teacher if possible) to [email protected].
 


Take the Facility Master Plan Survey

Austin ISD is embarking on its update of the Facility Master Plan, a long-range roadmap to modernizing all district facilities. We want to hear from you and for you to promote the survey on your campus and in the community. Take the online survey to help us shape our #AISDFuture.  We want your insights and perspectives on how the district can best support and strengthen district-wide priorities in the areas of: athletics and fitness; Career and Technical Education, career preparation; and, fine arts and creative learning. To fulfill the promise of a high-quality public education for all our students, we are seeking input from academic department personnel, as well as school and community stakeholders. We endeavor to better understand the needs of our communities and help guide the development of future capital improvements. The survey will be open from February 8th, 2019 to February 28th, 2019.

Enroll Your Child for 2019-2020 School Year TODAY

Enroll NOW (scroll to the bottom for returning)! It is quick and easy! AND helps Summitt prepare accurately for the upcoming school year to minimize having to shift kids and teachers at the last minute! Thanks!!

Food Services Survey
Take a minute & fill this out with your kid! There is also some good info, you might be surprised to learn!  https://austinisd.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0iAsEfWXOsVPgBn

This survey allows us to review dining preferences, as well as address specific issues at particular campuses. The information collected will be used to help create future menus to best accommodate the needs of our communities. Past feedback has helped to create more balanced menus featuring healthier versions of student favorites paired with new, global dishes.  Please consider giving some feedback for our Food Services department in AISD!

Goodwill:

Got the time?…

This section features volunteer opportunities. Check here each week to see what’s needed. That way, if you “got the time,” you can find the perfect option.

  • The front office could use help answering phones and opening the front door during the weekly staff meeting. If you have time on Fridays from 8-9:30 am (approx.), please talk to Shana ([email protected]).
  • If you have time to help in the library with shelving books, passing out overdue notices, and processing new books, please contact Mrs. Richey ([email protected]; (512) 414-4249) to set up a time for a few minutes of training.

Do You Use Amazon.com?
PLEASE switch to Smile.Amazon.com with PTA Texas Congress 856 Summitt Elementary as the benefactor!  It is free and easy and effortlessly raises funds for our Summitt Kiddos!

AISD and Community Events:

Mulch Time at Anderson High!
It’s MULCH TIME!  Support the Anderson High School Trojan Band and Dance Guard, by placing your order online at http://andersontrojanband.com/mulch by March 26th.  Deliveries on April 6th!
We are offering two of the most popular types of mulch – Hardwood and Black Label. Bags of mulch are priced at $5/each, including FREE delivery (10 bags or more) to homes zoned to Anderson High School. Pick up at Anderson High School is available if you live outside of our delivery area. Thanks for supporting the Anderson High School Trojan Band and Dance Guard! Please e-mail Julie at [email protected] with any questions.

Is Your 5th Grader Interested in Theatre?
Do they love acting in plays?  Or doing behind the scenes tech? 
Murchison Middle School Advanced Theatre Production class is now accepting applications for the 2019-2020 school year.  This class is a year-long elective with class time devoted to preparing and presenting one-act plays.  See your school counselor or email Theatre teacher Mrs.Owens @ [email protected] for an application.  Students can apply to be an actor or a behind the scenes technician.  Applicants will be contacted to audition/interview.  All individually motivated risk takers with a love for the theatrical process should apply!  More Info: murchisonmatadors.org/owensFree Parent/Child Communication Workshop:   STARTING NEXT WEEK!  Parents and guardians will learn about the impact of modeling healthy communication skills with their children and skills to enhance communication with their children. This workshop is suitable for caregivers of children from elementary to high school. Thursday, March 7, 2019, 6-7:30pm atAustin Child Guidance Center, 810 W. 45th St *Free childcare for children over 2. Space is limited, so please contact us to reserve a spot.
Register NOW
Social Skills and Friendship Group:
The Austin Child Guidance Center (ACGC) is offering their popular Social Skills and Friendship Group again, for children 7-9 years old. This group will help teach kids to learn about body language, communication, and socially appropriate interactions.  The class will take place every Tuesday from Feb 26 to April 23 (8 sessions) from 6-7:30pm.  It will take place in the ACGC conference room at Austin Child Guidance Center at 810 W. 45th St, Austin, TX 78751.  The cost is a sliding fee based on income and family size. Childcare for children over two while space is available is free. Please contact please contact Sandy Perwein to register: [email protected] or at 512-451-2242.

Join your friends at these Milwood Library events
Check out these upcoming Kid Events to help foster reading and learning!

Walk-In Clinic
The Austin Child Guidance Center (ACGC) is also offering their Walk-In Counseling Service Clinic.  Children up to the age of 17 as well as other family members can be seen without having to wait for an appointment. Caregivers can be seen without their child to consult about problem behavior, seek advice or get direction. Family members can for be seen for one walk-in session or return for more. Services can be provided in English or Spanish.
WHEN: Tuesday: 4:00 – 6:00PM (English) Friday: 2:00 – 4:00PM (English & Spanish)
 *Clients are seen on a first come, first serve basis
WHERE: Austin Child Guidance Center 810 W. 45th St., Austin, TX, 78751
BY WHOM: Qualified mental health professionals who are specially trained to work in this 50-minute format
FEE: Sliding fee scale  
FOR ADDITIONAL INFO: (512) 451-2242

Texas Assoc. of the Gifted & Talented Scholarships
TAGT offers 4 student scholarships: Summer Enrichment Scholarship: Grades K-12; Education in Action’s Lone Star Leadership Academy Scholarship: Grades 4-8; Laura Allard Future Vision Scholarship: Graduating high school senior; & Adelle McClendon Young Leader Scholarship: Graduating high school senior.
For applications and more information check here. If you are interested in applying for any of these scholarships, please let Denise Richey ([email protected]) or Greg Rohde ([email protected]) know so they can help you get a TAGT member sponsor. If the application has a TAGT member sponsor, it gets “extra credit”!

City of Austin’s Art Poster Contest for 1st to 8th Graders
Encourage your students to participate in the 14th Annual Flood Safety Poster Contest which helps educate students about the risk of flooding and raise awareness about the importance of making safe decisions when floods occur. “Turn Around – Don’t Drown!” Guidelines for the poster contest are here.  Deadline is Thurs., March 28, 2019. For more info: www.austintexas.gov/floodposters