March 13 Updates

QUICK NOTES:

* Late Start Days:   March 13, 20, 27.  School starts 9:25am.

* Literacy Night, March 13 - Everone is Invited to Attend!

* WASL Snacks - Help Needed!  [See below]

* Internet Safety Presentation, March 16, Nelsen  [See Community News]

* 8th Grade Orientation, March 18, Lindbergh High School  [See below]

* See Petition for Education Reform [Last Announcement below]

* School District News, Community News, and much more!

 

You’re invited to

Nelsen Middle School’s
Family Literacy Night
Friday, March 13, 2009
6:00 - 8:30pm

Stations will include:
* REI presents Leave No Trace
* Notebook Making with
Knowledge Points
*Cultural Center
* Bingo
* Math Literacy
* Notebook Making with
Knowledge Points
* Mystery Guest Reader

Prizes!        Prizes!        Prizes!        Prizes!        Prizes!

~~~~IT’S FUN AND FREE!~~~~

~Refreshments provided by Starbucks~

 

Parent Volunteers!  We can always use extra adult supervision in the centers during the event.  If you would like to help, please see Kris Vasquez when you arrive.  Ms. Vasquez will be at the check-in table as you walk in the front door.

Thank you for your help!!!

LINDBERGH HIGH ORIENTATION

*  Monday, March 16.  Lindbergh High School Orientation.   Counselors will visit Nelsen to meet with all 8th graders and give out registration materials and elective forms.  Please remember to ask your child for these papers, and note the deadline for return.  If you have any questions regarding class selections, you will have an opportunity to meet with counselors on Wednesday, March 18th (see below),

*  Wednesday, March 18, 6:30pm.  Lindbergh High School Parent Night.  8th Grade Parents are invited for an informational night in the Lindbergh auditorium.  Counselors and staff will be available to answer questions.

NELSEN MUSIC ASSOCIATION NEWS
Greetings-
This is an email reminder for the upcoming March 19 Spring Choir Concert for the NMS Choir Program.  All choirs will participate, Mixed Choir, Treble Choir and Concert Chorus.
The Concert will begin at 7pm and is free to all.  Student should plan to arrive by 6:30PM in the Choir Room.  Formal Concert attire is required for all.
Please bring a donation to place in the bake sale.  All proceeds go directly to music at Nelsen.  Please contact me with any question you have-
Thank you and see you at the Concert!

Brian E Hoskins, Lindbergh High School/Nelsen Middle School, Choral Conductor
Nelsen: 425-204-3076, brian.hoskins@renton.wednet.edu

UPCOMING CONCERT DATES
March 5, 7pm           -  Solo Ensemble Previews, Nelsen Orchestra Room
March 7, All Day      -   Soundview Solo Ensembles, Hazen High School
March 10, 7pm         -    Nelsen Band/Orchestra Concert, Nelsen Cafeteria
March 12                  -   Soundview Band contest (for middle schools), Lindbergh High School
March 19, 7pm         -   Nelsen Choral Concert, Nelsen Cafeteria
March 24, 7pm         -   South Hill Band Festival, LHS Auditorium [Grades 5-12]
March 31, All Day     -   Orchestra Soundview Contest (for Middle & High School), Hazen High School 
April 2, 7pm              -  South Hill Orchestra Cookie Concert, LHS Auditorium
April 16, 6pm            -  NMA Meeting, Orchestra/Choir Room
May 7, All Day          -  Soundview Choral Contest B, Lindbergh High School [Middle school choirs]
May 19                      -  Dessert Auction/Jazz Night, Nelsen Cafeteria [More info TBA]
June 4, 7pm             -  Band Awards Concert, Nelsen Cafeteria
June 9, 7pm             -  Orchestra Awards Concert, Nelsen Cafeteria
June 11, 7pm           -  Choral Awards concert, Nelsen Cafeteria

National Junior Honor Society Ceremony - Pictures, and Thanks
Attention family and friends of NJHS inductees and members:   If you took pictures of the induction ceremony, we are asking that you share those with the chapter.  Pick the top 10 of the pictures you have and burn them on a CD or bring them in on a memory stick to Ms. Ritchie ASAP.  Ms. Stephens will be looking over the pictures that are brought in to pick some to put in the yearbook.  Thank you!
Thank You!!!

Many many thanks to Rebecca Ritchie, Computer Teacher at Nelsen, for all the hard work and hours she has put in to present the National Junior Honor Society Awards Ceremony.  The Ceremony was revived by Ms. Ritchie, after being dormant for so many years.  She was the catalyst and driving force behind every single detail, leading up to an impressive amount of students receiving the Award.  The Ceremony is nearly equivalent to a graduation ceremony, and a right of passage, honoring their academic achievements and citizenship for the year.

If you enjoyed the ceremony, and would like to send a note of thanks to Ms. Ritchie, please e-mail her at rebecca.ritchie@rentonschools.us.  We are all very proud of the students who made it to this level - now we can honor the teacher behind the students' recognition event. 

Thank you also the following staff who helped Ms. Ritchie with organizing, coordinating, set-up, and clean-up:

    Mr. Hiser, Principal
    Ms. Schlosstein and Dr. Love, Vice-Principals
    Ms. Sekreta
    Ms. Barut
    Mr. Zylstra
    Ms. Travis
    Ms. Montague
    Mr. Hoskins
    Mr. David Morton and the Custodial Crew

Much thanks to the parents who helped set up the reception:  Geri and Terry Garl, Julie Okada, Lori Beltran, Cece Callen, and Gina Leonard.

And finally, thank you parents of ALL the Nelsen students, for your encouragement and support to your child throughout the year.

EIGHTH GRADE DANCE NEWS.

The 8th grade dance is scheduled for Thursday, June 18, 2009.  8th Grade Parents are needed to help start planning.  Although the ASB and Nelsen staff take care of most of the arrangements, the parents play a very integral role in making the last dance of the year a memorable, fun event.  Parents help primarily with decorations, miscellaneous items, and chaperoning.  If you are interested, please e-mail your name to Carrie at sidekik@msn.com. 

UPDATE:  The 8th graders have selected their theme and colors.  The theme is "A Night of Enchantment".  The next 8th grade Parent Meeting is Tuesay, April 15, 6:00pm, in the Nelsen cafeteria.  We will need LOTS of help with invitations and decorations.  Hope to see you there!

WASL SNACKS!!!

Nelsen PTSA has been asked to help coordinate snacks for students taking the WASL Tests, but the PTSA's budget alone cannot supply enough snacks for the entire testing period.

We are seeking a few business sponsors, but cannot rely on that.  The people we CAN rely on are YOU, THE PARENTS!  Nelsen families have been fully supportive of the school and all the students, and we know we can count on your help for this!

In order to ensure we have enough snacks for the full six-day testing period, we would like to give families a heads-up now.  On your next trip to the grocery store, if you can get a box of granola bars, healthy snacks (no candy, please), snacks with no peanuts (for allergic students), and bring it up to Nelsen's main office, we can start our collection!  We did it last year, and I am confident we can do it again!

Thank you for your anticipated help!!!

PTSA Regular Board Meetings.

The next meetings will be:

    * March 17, 2009
    * April 21, 2009
    * May 19, 2009  [General Membership - Elections]  - Note:  Date may be rescheduled due to Jazz Concert.  More TBA.
    * June 16, 2009  [Last Meeting]

All meetings start at 7:00pm, in the Nelsen Theatre room.  Everyone is invited to attend.

We will be embarking on a new era for 2009-10, and are in need of new officers to replace members who are "graduating".  If you are interested in playing a more major role at the school, here is your chance!  Please contact Carrie at sidekik@msn.com, to receive more information. 

PORTABLE CD PLAYERS & HEADPHONES WANTED.
Do you have any gently used portable CD players and headphones that you are no longer using, because everyone has iPods, or newer players?  Don't toss them!  The Nelsen Library now has books on CD's.  But in order for the students to use them, they need at least 20 portable CD players and headphones.  If you have players and headphones no longer in use, please bring them to the Nelsen main office.  Any help from the Nelsen families would be greatly appreciated!  Thank you for your support!

SCHOOL NOTES.
Dropping off Students:  Please drop off students only at designated areas, and not in the staff parking lot, or bus area.
Please Drive Safely!  As the days are getting shorter, please drive carefully near the school when dropping students off and picking them up.  Please yield to students in the crosswalk near Spring Glen.

Thank you, everyone, for keeping the kids safe!

LATE STARTS.

Just a reminder, ALL RENTON SCHOOLS will start 90 minutes late on most Fridays during the 2008-09 school year.  For a schedule of all late start Fridays, go to the calendar at the Renton School District website http://www.renton.wednet.edu/, and click on the 2008-2009 School Year Calendar on the right-hand side.

Please remember to visit the District site throughout the school year for transportation news, school announcements, and other pertinent information.  The site is GREAT resource for all Renton families!

Nelsen News Reminders

“THE TRICKS OF SCAPIN”
Rehearsals for  ”The Tricks of Scapin” are underway.  A very funny play by Moliere about a tricky servant who gets money out of two fathers who’s sons have married without their consent.  Snacks and drinks will be sold before the play in the lobby—The Hawks’ Hangout.  The one hour play is part of the Spring Arts Festival, a ten year tradition here at Nelsen.  Mark the dates on your family calendar:  Thursday, May 14th and Friday, May 15th.
  
6TH GRADE AFTER SCHOOL BOYS’ GROUP
Space is still available in the Atlantic Street Center’s After School Boys’ Group .  This is an opportunity for boys to come together to deal with peer pressure, aggressive behavior, gang violence and other issues.  Also, there will be time to enjoy fun filled activities like softball, basketball and flag football.  See Mrs. Fairhart for more information.

 WASHINGTON D.C./ NEW YORK TRIP
If you are planning on sending your student to DC and New York City in June and have not signed up yet, please make a deposit on-line at www.worldstrides.org or have your student pick up a packet from Ms. Rademacher in Room 203.  It is important to get your name on the list to reserve tickets to the museums, plays, hotels, etc.  Thank you! A parent meeting will be held in late May with complete information.

Remember

·  School Start Time: 7:50 a.m.
Students should not arrive on campus before 7:30a.m. No adult supervision is available before then.
·  Late Start Fridays: School Start Time: 9:25 a.m.

Nelsen Administration - Contact Information.

Main Office                         425-204-3000
Attendance                          425-204-3010
Cafeteria                             425-204-3018
Nurse, Sue Pennington        425-204-3002
Registrar, Susan Dean         425-204-3001
Transportation                     425-204-4455, or http://www.renton.wednet.edu/

Rick Hiser, Principal                       rick.hiser@renton.wednet.edu         
Elaine Love, Asst. Principal            elaine.love@renton.wednet.edu
Becky Schlosstein, Asst. Prin.        rebecca.schlosstein@renton.wednet.edu
Renton School District Website      http://www.renton.wednet.edu/

SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
Renton Memorial Stadium, high school track & fields closed during summer for renovations
Voter approval of bond in May 2008 allow for betterment of school facilities
Renton Memorial Stadium will be closed for renovations to the track and field from June through August. The current Astroturf field covering at the stadium has outlasted its warranty and intended life span and will be replaced with a newer generation infilled synthetic turf.
 Additionally, restoration work will close the tracks and fields at Hazen and Lindbergh high schools from late May through the end of August. 
Randy Matheson | Executive Director, Community Relations | RENTON SCHOOL DISTRICT | 300 SW 7th Street Renton, WA 98057 | 425.204.2345 | (Cell) 206.375.0632

SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

Renton School Board seeks nominations for annual Outstanding Employee Awards
Recognize the hard work of a teacher and staff member through Outstanding Employee Award
March 3, 2009—Renton School Board members are seeking nominations for the annual Outstanding Employee Awards. Each year the board recognizes the hard work and dedication of district staff.
The process is simple! Go to http://www.rentonschools.us/Home.aspx, click on "Nominate an Employee", complete each box and e-mail it to Kayla Burton in the Community Relations Office at kayla.burton@rentonschools.us by Friday, March 13.
This is an excellent opportunity to recognize a teacher and support staff member who demonstrates high levels of job performance, dedication and support for students, coworkers, parents and community. Recipients will be honored at the April 15 School Board meeting. Everyone is encouraged to nominate a deserving staff member.
Deadline for nominations is March 13. Nominations can be e-mailed or returned to the district’s Community Relations Office, 300 SW 7th Street, Renton WA 98057
Nominate a deserving staff member today!

Randy Matheson | Executive Director, Community Relations | RENTON SCHOOL DISTRICT | 300 SW 7th Street Renton, WA 98057 | 425.204.2345 | (Cell) 206.375.0632

 

COMMUNITY NEWS

“EXPANDING YOUR HORIZONS” WORKSHOP FOR GIRLS, Grades 6-8

The “Expanding Your Horizons” workshop for girls in grades 6-7-8 will be held from 8-12 on Saturday, March 21 at Bellevue Community College.  This is a great opportunity for girls to attend several workshops on science related careers. This has been an awesome experience for some of our students in the past.  Registration forms are available in our attendance office and online at: http://eyh.pugetsoundcenter.org/

COMMUNITY NEWS

Fairwood News in Real-Time, Any Time

Fairwood Community News, Inc. (www.fairwoodcommunitynews.com) is labeled as the Next-Generation News Source for the greater Fairwood area.   This link is designed as a press release about FCN, located on the left column on the "About" page:

Working collaboratively with the community, Fairwood Community News' Vision is to be the primary resource for online information and news, engaging all residents in the greater Fairwood area.

The term “Fairwood” is loosely defined.  “We’re targeting communities from Maple Valley Highway to the north and as far south as communities just south of Kentridge High School.  Readers should hover over our navigation bar to review the schools and communities we intend to engage.  If more want to be involved, all they need to do is contact us.

This will be a powerful resource for all,” said Tedrow-Howard.

Contact Information
Fairwood Community News
PO Box 58843
Renton, WA 98058
e: info@fairwoodcommunitynews.com
www.fairwoodcommunitynews.com
206.856.1662

MORE COMMUNITY NEWS

TOWN MEETINGS
Last week, over 400 PTA leaders from across the state of WA gathered at the steps of the capital building to rally for education reform.  Now many of our legislators are heading to our neighborhoods to hear your stories!  Please consider attending one of these meetings.  If you would like the talking points regarding Education Reform from the League of Education Voters and a fact sheet to help prepare yourselves, please e-mail Pam at mpteal@comcast.net

Let’s fill the Hazelwood cafeteria!!  See you next Saturday!

Pam Teal
Legislative Chair, Renton PTSA Council
TOWN MEETING SCHEDULES FOR OUR LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

District 11 ~  no meetings scheduled

District 37 ~  two meetings scheduled
            March 14 at 1pm at the Garfield Community Center – Representative Sharon Tomiko-Santos
            March 28 at 3:30 pm, Columbia City Library – Senator Adam Kline

District 41 ~  two meetings scheduled with Representatives Judy Clibborn, Marcie Maxwell and Senator Fred Jarrett
            March 14 at 9:30 am at Hazelwood Elementary
            March 14 at 1:30 pm at Enatai Elementary School

District 47 ~ two meetings scheduled with Senator Claudia Kauffman
            March 13 at 3:00pm, Federal Way City Hall
            March 14 at 10 am, Kent City Hall

COMMUNITY NEWS

Renton Rotary Youth Exchange … “Promoting World Peace Through Understanding”
The Rotary Club of Renton is currently looking for a host family (or families) for Manuel Roman Murgueitio, Jr, an exchange student from Ecuador who is currently attending Lindbergh High School.  Manuel is 17 years old and speaks fluent English.  Manuel will complete his stay with his second host family at the end of April, and will need another host for May through July of 2009.
Manuel is an outgoing young man who enjoys competitive swimming, sports and playing the drums … he joined the LHS boys swim team and excelled!  He is a serious and successful student.  He has already made many friends at LHS.   Host families are expected to provide room and board, transportation, and to include the student in family activities (including typical daily chores).  The Rotary Club provides the student with a modest allowance for incidentals and school expenses.
If you think you might like to host Manuel, please call Nancy Osborn at 425.793.1240 to learn more.

COMMUNITY NEWS

YMCA Summer Leadership Programs.

B.O.L.D. - Boys Outdoor Leadership Development - is now accepting registrations for our summer Mountain School.  Our 5 - 16 day backpacking, rock climbing and mountaineering expeditions provide an opportunity for boys 11 - 18 years of age to develop communication, decision making and multi-cultural leadership skills through outdoor adventure, challenge and fun!  This is a fantastic opportunity for young men to develop the leadership skills necessary to thrive in school, college and life all while exploring the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.  For more information about our exceptional and affordable programs check out www.ymcaboys.org.  The priority deadline is April 30th.

See your counselors for a scholarship recommendation form so they can directly give a deserving student a $250 or $450  scholarship (that's about 80% of the cost). 

I also am currently coordinating school visits and if you would like to have me come to your school or parent meeting and do a 15 minute presentation and slideshow about the BOLD Mountain School and one of my sister programs for girls please call me at the number below.   Many people also ask  "What about the Girls?" Info on similar programs for young women can be found at http://www.ymcaboys.org/girls.php . 

Many thanks for all your help!

Andrew A. Jay
B.O.L.D. - Boys Outdoor Leadership Development
Metrocenter YMCA, Seattle
www.ymcaboys.org - ajay@seattleymca.org – Office: 206.587.6119 – Fax: 206.382.7894

Please Note: YBOYS has changed its name to Boys Outdoor Leadership Development (B.O.L.D.) and our summer expedition program is now the B.O.L.D. Mountain School.

Check out the Diversity in the Outdoors Tour at www.ymcaboys.org/news.php.  See Winona LaDuke and Subhankar Banerjee speak at the Rainier Beach High School at 7 pm on March 18th.

 

MORE COMMUNITY NEWS

Lindbergh Boosters Auction

Please Join Us On

Date: March 26, 2009

Time:           5:00—7:00 PM and for an additional hour after the concert

Place:    Lindbergh High School

Admission:  Free!

Bid Numbers will be preassigned.  Please e-mail Carrie at sidekik@msn.com to receive your bid number!

We are hosting an auction including silent, live and dessert items.  Proceeds from the auction will help support the students of LHS.

Highlights:  Silent Auction, Live Auction, Choir Concert

Contact persons:

Gretchen Guhlke

Phone 425-204-8821

Email: guhlke@comcast.net

Gayle Swannack

Phone 425-430-0720

Email: gayle.swannack@renton.wednet.edu

Carrie Wong

Phone:  425-271-0743

Email:   sidekik@msn.com

MORE COMMUNITY NEWS

INVITATION TO "SOUP SUPPERS" and "SEDER SUPPER"

SOUP SUPPERS
(no cost required - donations welcome)
Every WEDNESDAY Evening
During LENT
(Feb. 25 – April 1, 2009)
6:15p.m. – 7:30p.m.

SEDER SUPPER

THURSDAY, April 9, 2009

6:15p.m. – 7:30p.m.
(Reservations Required by April 3rd, Friday – no cost)
425-255-1255

First Presbyterian Church of Renton

2640 Benson Road South
Renton, WA  98055

 

MORE COMMUNITY NEWS

KNOWLEDGE POINTS!!
Witness a metamorphosis when your child enjoys new confidence, calmer homework times, better report cards and higher SAT scores.  The difference KnowledgePoints makes in the life of a child is truly amazing.  You get a diagnostic assessment in reading or math to pinpoint specific areas in most need of improvement, then tutoring to get your child on their way to success.
An independent, nationwide study found that students enrolled in the KnowledgePoints program typically enjoy MORE THAN ONE YEAR OF PROGRESS IN 40 LESSONS.  Any child Pre-K through grade 12 deserves the chance to realize their highest potential.
Start today to help your child or a child you love.  Call 1-888-74-TUTOR or visit www.knowledgepoints.com/seattle.

MORE COMMUNITY NEWS

INTERNET SAFETY PRESENTATION
Categorical Programs is sponsoring an Internet Safety Presentation for parents on Monday, March 16th, 6:30pm, to be hosted by Nelsen Middle School. 
Parents from Benson Hill, Renton Park, Talbot Hill and Tiffany Park are invited to attend as well.
The presentation will be given by “Look Both Ways” – for more information go to:  www.look-both-ways.com

MORE COMMUNITY NEWS

PETITION FOR EDUCATION REFORM

Please check out the website below and join the 848 people from all over the state of Washington who are signing a petition for education reform.  Send the message  - THE TIME IS NOW, WE CAN’T WAIT!  This petition was written by Lisa Layera Brunkan, Susan McBurney, League of Education Voters, WA Stand for Children and WA PTA and is hosted free of charge at GoPetition.
Our state legislatures’ need to hear your voice.  Make sure Renton is represented in this petition!!

http://gopetition.com/petitions/wakidscantwait.html

Thank you!

Pam Teal
Renton PTSA Council

CALENDAR

March

3/13, 20, 27              9:25am, Late Start Days
3/13     6-8:30pm      Literacy Night, Nelsen School
3/10     7:00pm         Nelsen Band/Orchestra Concert, Nelsen Cafeteria
3/12                         Soundview Band contest (for Middle schools), Lindbergh High School
3/17     7:00pm         Nelsen PTSA Meeting, Nelsen Theatre Room
3/18     6:30pm         8th Grade Orientation, Lindbergh High School
3/19     7:00pm         Nelsen Choral Concert, Nelsen Cafeteria
3/24     7:00pm         South Hill Band Festival, LHS Auditorium (Grades 5-12)
3/31     All Day         Orchestra Soundview Contest (for Middle & High School), Hazen High School

Other Important Dates

4/2       7:00pm         South Hill Orchestra Cookie Concert, Lindbergh High School [All Orchestra]
4/6-10                      Spring Break
4/16     6:00pm         NMA Meeting, Orchestra/Choir Room
5/19     TBA              Dessert Auction/Jazz Night, Nelsen Cafeteria
5/22                         Snow Make-Up Day - School in Session
5/25                         No School - Memorial Day
6/18     TBA              8th Grade Dance, Nelsen Cafeteria
6/19                         8th Grade Field Trip, Henry Moses Aquatic Center
6/22                         Last Day of School, Half-Day

That's it for now!  Thank you, everyone!

Carrie Wong
President, Nelsen PTSA