Newsletter, May 23, 2018

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Book Swap on Friday
The Summitt Elementary Library will host the 2nd Annual Summer Book Swap on Friday, May 25.

What’s a book swap?
A Book Swap is free event in which students can bring in a book that they have already read, and swap it for a book that another student has brought in. This is a great way to get a few more miles on some of those book fair books you bought back in the fall.

How do I participate?
Bring in up to 5 books any time before, Friday, May 25. Mrs. Richey will give you a Golden ticket for every book you bring for the swap. On Friday, May 25, Mrs. Richey will call students down to the library to cash in their tickets for a “new-to-you” book.

Who can participate?
Any Summitt elementary student, teacher, or parent

Can I bring ANYTHING?
Please bring in reading books only–no sticker, color, or work books–that are in decent condition.

School Supplies for next year

It’s not too soon to think about next year – order your school supplies now and you won’t have to worry about it over the summer! We have collaborated with 1st Day School Supplies to help parents and teachers get the exact supplies needed for the school year without the hassle and aggravation of shopping at Wal-Mart, Target or HEB. This is convenient, easy and hassle free, plus the prices are competitive! So this summer as the temperature hits over 100 degrees and lines at the checkout counter are a mile long … make sure you have purchased school supplies from the comfort of your own home! Order by June 30.

Guinea Pig Time Share
Have you always wanted a guinea pig? They’re so cute and cuddly, and much friendlier than hamsters or gerbils. But who’s got the time? And, are we ready as a family for the extra responsibility? If you’ve ever toyed with the idea, but hesitated to pull the trigger, now is your chance to enjoy all the fun of owning a guinea pig, without any long term commitment. Sign up to babysit the charming dynamic guinea pig duo from the Summitt Library, Mouse and Whiskers. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0e49a9aa2fa5f58-guinea

You can decide your level of engagement from one week to several, and Ms. Richey is only a phone call away if something goes wrong. What’ve you got to lose?!! Don’t miss out on a chance to love on some furry friends this summer with the Guinea Pig Summer Time Share!

Message from Crossing Guards
Please remember that children are trying to cross the streets safely and need all drivers to stay off their cell phones and drive the speed limit of 20 mph. Parents need to be patient and be courteous to other drives who are dropping off/picking up students in the lanes.

Fifth grade graduation pictures
Inter-State has partnered with Shootproof.com to take pictures during 5th grade graduation on May 30. You will be able to view and purchase your photos from the gallery of photos that were taken on the occasion. Photos will be available for viewing on June 1st at https://interstatestudioaustintx.shootproof.com/gallery/6672586/home

Box Tops collection
Please help Summitt continue to earn money over the summer by collecting your Box Tops!  This week’s Monday folders included a Box Tops collection sheet. For every collection sheet turned in your student will earn a small prize. Thank you to everyone who trimmed and turned in Box Tops this year!!

Need moving boxes
Next school year, a majority of the teachers will move to a different classroom. Our teachers will need to move everything from their classrooms. They will need moving boxes, boxes with lids, storage containers, packing tape, big markers for labeling, etc. Please leave them in the office or Great Hall. Also, talk to the teachers to see if they need help packing.

Got the time?
This section features volunteer opportunities with specific time estimates. Check here each week to see what’s needed. That way, if you “got the time,” you can help out regularly for 5 to 15 minutes, or for a couple hours on a one-time project. If you have an extra hour, stop by the library to help remove Summitt identification from old books. Or collect books from the library to do the work at home. Email [email protected] for more information.

  • If you have anywhere from 15 minutes to two hours, please stop by the teacher workroom. Teachers need help laminating, die cutting and copying before the end of the year.

  • If you have time at 8 am on Friday, May 25, please help open front doors for those attending the fourth-grade talent show.

 

Summitt Lab is Getting New Computers
Great news! Our Summitt Technology Lab will be getting new computers this summer. That means the old ones need to go. We don’t have a date when the new ones will arrive, but when they do, we’ll need volunteers to help take down all the computers and stack them in a location for pickup. If you are interested in assisting with this, please send your name and email address to [email protected]. We will reach out when a date is set to see if you are available to help.

Join Girl Scouts
Interested in Girl Scouts? Then, please join us in at the park! Come learn all about Girl Scouting from the current Summitt Elementary troops. We will provide a snack, and the girls will learn some new songs and games. Information will be shared with parents regarding Girl Scout registration and troops.

Date:  Saturday, June 16, 2018 or Saturday, August 11, 2018
Time:10 am to 12 pm
Where: Balcones District Park (near the playground) 12017 Amherst Dr., Austin, Texas 78759

For additional information, please provide your contact information through the following link: https://goo.gl/forms/D0rTfmssyRWSwAbE2

Lost and Found
Please take a look in the lost and found for your student’s possessions. It is full of coats, clothing, backpacks, lunch boxes and water bottles. The lost and found is located to the right of the front doors, in the music hallway, after you enter the building. All items not claimed by Thursday, May 30, 2018 will be donated.

Follow Maestra Cormack on her travels
Maestra Cormack, the World Language Spanish Teacher for 1st grade, and Mr. Cormack, Austin ISD Casis Elementary teacher, were awarded a grant through Fund for Teachers to travel South America this summer. The Cormacks would love their students to experience their travels along with them this summer. It is easy to do! Visit their website and YouTube channel to see where they are, pictures, and videos of their experiences. The Cormacks will answer any questions from students during their travels via comments or by email. Their travel itinerary includes Argentina, Uruguay, Perú, Bolivia, Colombia, and Panamá (Central America). The Cormacks will be traveling from May 25-Aug. 3rd. Follow on www.cormacktravels.weebly.com, Email: [email protected], YouTube: Cormack Travels

Fifth Grade News
Murchison transition camp introduces incoming 6th graders and newly registered students to many teachers, the building, shared areas such as the cafeteria, library, and gymnasium, and MMS traditions. It’s an opportunity to make new friends and connect with old ones. They invite and encourage all incoming 6th graders to attend one of the two sessions they will offer this summer.

The dates are as follows:
Session 1: Wednesday, August 1 – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, August 2 – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Session 2: Wednesday, August 8 – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, August 9 – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Attendance is free. Additionally, during the Transition Camp, incoming PTA President Julie Choyce and Principal Clark will hold a Transitioning to MS for Parents meeting for parents of incoming students. Details TBA.

 

AISD and Community Events

 

Austin ISD proposed curriculum meeting
Parents are invited to attend an information night on the new AISD proposed Human Sexuality and Responsibility Curriculum. It will be tomorrow, Wednesday, May 23, at Austin High School Cafeteria.

5:30 p.m. dinner served
6 – 8 p.m. meeting
Childcare available

On the agenda:
Participants will review the proposed curriculum
Share opinions and ideas for roll-out
Learn about AISD’s research and data
Learn about policies and procedures related to the curriculum

RSVP to Jennifer Vasquez at 512-414-0726. This is regarding the TEKS for Health Education, found at Texas Education Agency – 19 TAC Chapter 115. http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/rul…/tac/chapter115/index.html

Book Fair at Murchison this week
Murchison Middle School is hosting a “BUY ONE, GIVE ONE” book fair for the Anderson vertical team! Pick up another book or two for your Eagle readers before summer vacation. By participating, the “Give One” books are donated by Scholastic to AISD’s Buford the Book Bus. Buford travels around Austin in the summer to reach kids who don’t have access to public libraries and/or the means to purchase books. The book fair continues through the rest of the week at the Murchison Middle School library (3700 North Hills Drive):

Wednesday, May 23, 8 am to 6 pm
Thursday, May 24, 8 am to 6 pm
Friday, May 25, 8 am to 4 pm

Milwood Library Summer Events
Milwood Library has a summer full of events for the community. The first one is on Saturday, May 26, from 10 am to 2 pm – Celebrate Día this Memorial Day weekend with Elizabeth Kahura’s African Safari, and an international storytime featuring stories in Mandarin Chinese and Spanish with a guest performance by staff from the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center. We will have face painting and snacks. Other events include pajama party time, celebrating Asian dragons, learn about geneology, Lego lab, etc. More info for Youth is here. Events for adults is here.

AISD Task Force
In response to the growing budget deficit, Austin ISD is forming a Budget Stabilization Task Force. The group will meet Wednesdays this summer to explore a how the district might balance the budget in the next two to three years. The product of this work will be the development of annual deficit reduction targets and options, and a summary of findings, with rationale, for the superintendent’s consideration. Task force membership will be a combination of board nominated and non-nominated individuals with the intent of ensuring representation from diverse backgrounds, perspectives and expertise, reflective of the AISD community at large. Please consider submitting an application to participate in the Budget Stabilization Task Force. This is open to campus communities, parents, partners, faculty and staff to apply.

Tentative meeting schedule: 5:30–8:30 p.m. June 20, July 11, July 25, Aug. 8 and Sept. 19 in the Austin ISD Board Auditorium, 1111 W. Sixth St. Applications can be submitted at: austinisd.org/advisory-bodies/application.  Please do not hesitate to contact Ali Ghilarducci at 414-4487 with any questions.

Ballet Austin dance classes
Ballet Austin will have dance classes on June 18 – July 29, for children ages 18 months to 10 years. Our six-week summer program will engage your child in the joy of dance through imaginative stories, music and games at the younger age levels and introduce them to formalized ballet training at the older age levels. Our curriculums are strategically designed to enhance physical, mental and emotional development, appropriate for your child’s age. Young students develop life-long skills associated with academic success including self-discipline, self-confidence and the ability to concentrate and collaborate.

  • Ages 18 months to 7 years: classes meet once per week for 45 minutes (ages 18 months to 6 years) or 60 minutes (age 7)

  • Ages 8 to 10: Classes meet twice per week for 60 minutes (Level 1) or 75 minutes (Level 2)

  • Classes are available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays,* Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

  • Busy summer schedule? Not a problem! Make-up classes are available.

*Wednesday class dates are June 18 – August 1 due to 4th of July holiday.

Two convenient locations!
DOWNTOWN (for ages 18 months to 10 years)
Ballet Austin  501 W. 3rd Street | 78701

NORTHWEST (for ages 18 months to 7 years)
Ballet Austin @ the J – Jewish Community Center | 7300 Hart Lane | 78731

Stunt Ranch Summer Camp
The Stunt Ranch will have summer camps for students ages 8-15. They will learn about movie stunts, special effects, go zip lining, wall climbing, etc. More info here.

Tech STEAM Camp
The Austin STEAM Camp will be at Anderson High School this summer for students entering 3rd-9th grade. The camp provides the type of engagement, excitement and hands-on activities required for successful early STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) education. Camp attendees will use tools like DSLR cameras, laser cutter/engravers, 3D printers, robotics kits, hydrology display boards, Adobe Creative Suite and Labview software to explore, design and create. They will be taught by professional staff assembled through Austin Independent School District and Boy Scouts of America. More info here: http://www.techlab.camp/

SafeKids Day
SafeKids Austin hosts Summer Safety Fest on Saturday, June 9, 9-11 am at Seton Northwest Hospital. More info here.

Diving lessons
Austin Diving Academy offers diving lessons this summer at pools throughout the city. The closest one to this area is at Walnut Creek Pool. This is for students 8-18 years old. More info here.

Camps at Anderson High School
There are many camps this summer at Anderson High School. Many are for students in elementary school. Here are a few of them. More are listed on here: https://www.andersononline.org/apps/news/article/843850

Cheer Camp
Anderson Cheerleading and Mascot Summer Camp 2018 – Learn cheers, dance routines, drum-line dances, stunts, and the Trojan fight song routine, all specifically choreographed by age level. Craft projects and snacks provided too! Register online now – http://www.trojancheer.org/cheer-camp-1/2018

When: JUNE 25 – 28 (note earlier dates this year!)
Time: 9am – 4pm
Where: Anderson Gym (now with working AC!)
Who: Kinder – 8th (grade level as of Fall 2018)
Cost: $235

Belles Camp
June 18 – 21, Grades K-5th (9 am-4 pm), Cost $200 online; $215 check by mail; $250 at camp; Grades 6th-11th (12:30-4 pm), Cost $115 online, $130 check by mail, $165 at camp; www.trojanbelles.com  or  [email protected]; Please contact Angie Doucet at [email protected] with any questions. REGISTER NOW

Girls basketball camp
Calling all girls entering grades 3 – 9! Girls Basketball Camp at Anderson High School this summer! June 4 – 7. For more details and to register, visit Anderson High School website, Athletics Tab, women’s basketball FORMS. OR see this link: http://www.leaguelineup.com/handouts.asp?url=hal

School boundary maps
AISD has a website that allows families to see exactly what apartments, duplexes, streets, etc are in each school attendance area. If you want to know if a certain apartment complex or house on a certain street is in Summitt’s school zone, there is a website that will help. Go to http://mobilityblueprint.net/, click on Go to Map, and you can either register or just sign in as a guest by putting in your Zip Code. From there, you can enter in an address or school to find out the schools in that area.