Maplewood School

Maplewood Families~

Can you believe the incredible weather we have had this week?  With the dry weather we have been able to get all students outside for fresh air and physical activity.  They need the movement because daylight savings time brought some sleepy students to school this week.

Thanks to Suzanne Smith and the fifth grade students for organizing the Oregon Food Bank Food Drive.  The school raised 590 pounds of food (that’s up from last year which is exciting).  Students discussed the food drive with each classroom, made and put up posters to advertise the drive, and collected food all week.  Way to go Team Maplewood.

We have three weeks left of the third quarter grading period.  I just want to give a gentle reminder that attendance is very important.  We need to have your children at Maplewood each and every day. 

BOOKBAGGERS - The buzz has started and 3^rd through 5^th grade students are very excited for the April Bookbaggers event.  For those of you new to the school, Bookbaggers is an incredible opportunity for students in 3^rd through 5^th grade.  Students come back to school at 7 pm and move through literacy based station activities, enjoy a snack and a visit from a magician.  Students spend the night in the gym with many parent volunteers and get to read books with a flashlight.  It’s a popular event.  Permission slips for 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th grade students were sent home last Wednesday and are due back on Wednesday, March 20^th.

TIME TO ENROLL FOR KINDERGARTEN FOR FALL, 2013 - We are now at the stage where we are planning for Kindergarten staffing and classroom space for next year; please send in your enrollment paperwork if you are going to enroll your child.  Please do so, as soon as possible, to help us know how many students (and classrooms!) we should be preparing for!

PTA - The PTA Board had a productive meeting last night.  They approved carpet installation and asbestos abatement for the final three classrooms in the main hallway.  The replacement rugs are the rug areas in classrooms where children sit for instruction and read alouds.  A big thank you to the PTA Board, PTA members and the larger Maplewood Community for supporting the fundraising efforts of the PTA.

CRESTON DENTAL CLINIC - The Creston Dental Clinic is available to any PPS student who doesn’t currently have insurance or is on the Oregon Health Plan.  The cost is only $10 (suggested donation only) for kids that are on the free/reduced lunch program. Dentists and hygienist volunteer their time and are amazing with children.  If your family or another family you know that could use the Creston Dental services, please give them the contact information.  Creston Dental is located at 4701 SE Bush and you may reach them at 503-916-5808, or by email Crestondirector@gmail.com

The clinic is 2 blocks south of SE Powell Blvd. Take SE 42nd Ave. to SE Francis St.; go east 5 blocks up the hill. Creston Elementary School is on the left side of the street.

PTA - The PTA Board had a productive meeting last night.  They approved carpet installation and asbestos abatement for the final three classrooms in the main hallway.  The replacement rugs are the rug areas in classrooms where children sit for instruction and read alouds.  A big thank you to the PTA Board, PTA members and the larger Maplewood Community for supporting the fundraising efforts of the PTA.

LEPRECHAUNS - showed up at Maplewood today!  If you have students in kindergarten, ask them about Lucky who visited your child’s room.  They might have a tall tale to share.  2nd grade students built traps to catch the leprechauns.  I don’t know if any were caught today, but there is a little extra green everywhere I look.

Have an exceptional weekend,

Principal Annie

 Upcoming events/dates: 

Mar 18-22:       Maplewood Spirit Week

Mar 20:            2 Hour Late Opening

Mar 25-29:       SPRING BREAK!

Apr 11:             Grading Periods Ends

Apr 12:             Teacher Planning Day – NO SCHOOL

Apr 16:             McMenamins Fundraising Night

Apr 18:             Earth Day, Walk/Bike Celebration

Apr 19:             Native Plant Sale

Apr 23:             Run for the Arts

Apr 26:             Bookbaggers