February 4 PTSA Updates

QUICK NOTES:

* Late Start Days:  Feb. 6, Feb. 13, Feb. 27.  School starts 9:25am.

* NO SCHOOL, Feb. 16-20, Mid-Winter Break.

* 8th Grade Dance Parents' Meeting, Thursday, Feb. 5, 6:00pm, Nelsen Cafeteria.

* Concert Chorus Dinner Theatre, Feb. 10 -  EVERYONE IS INVITED!!!

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

NELSEN MUSIC ASSOCIATION NEWS

Please Save the Date:
Nelsen Talent and Dinner Theatre Show
 February 10, 2009, 6:30pm

This coming Tuesday, Feb 10, the Nelsen Concert Chorus will be present its annual Talent and Dinner Theatre Show starting at 6:30PM.

You will eat some great pasta, for a great price, and enjoy the wonderful singing of the Nelsen Concert Chorus with solos from the chorus members.  This year the Chorus will present a medley of music from the popular musical ‘The Little Shop of Horrors’ along with other wonderful, challenging and fun choral music.  Plus, there might be a few special guests coming to perform with us….
 
You won’t want to miss out-  No reservation is required - Just come to Nelsen Middle School at 6:30PM on February 10.
 
Dinner begins at 6:30PM and costs $7 for adults, $5 for children/students… or you can feed your family of 4 for $20!
Enjoy pasta, salad, bread and dessert all from local Renton businesses and Concert Chorus Parent.
 
All proceeds go directly to the Nelsen Concert Chorus to support the many activities and performances we do throughout the year.
 
Thank you for your time and we look forward to seeing you at the show-
 
Brian Hoskins and the students of the 2009 Nelsen Concert Chorus
 
Brian E Hoskins
Lindbergh High School/Nelsen Middle School
Choral Conductor
Lindbergh: 425-204-3291
Nelsen: 425-204-3076
brian.hoskins@renton.wednet.edu

Concert Change Update:

Hello 7th/8th Grade Nelsen MS Orchestra Families,

Because of scheduling problems, the 7/8 Nelsen Orchestra/Lindbergh HS Orchestra on Thursday, February 12th   at 7:00 pm at Lindbergh HS, has now been rescheduled to Thursday, April 2nd  at 7:00 pm at Lindbergh High School.  This also gives an opportunity for the Concert to be a 5-12 South Hill Orchestra Festival. 

Thanks for your support to our Orchestra program.  I will send a concert update in email before April 2nd.

Thanks,

Lauren Daugherty
Nelsen Middle School Orchestra
(425-206-3076)

The next NMA meeting will be Thursday, April 16, 6:00pm, in the Orchestra/Choir room.
Thank you for your support. 

Lauren Daugherty
Nelsen Middle School Orchestra
(425-206-3076)

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.  We will have our first 8th grade Parent Meeting on Thursday, Feb. 5, 6:00pm, in the Nelsen cafeteria.  We will need LOTS of help with invitations and decorations.  Hope to see you there!

National Junior Honor Society Ceremony

The induction ceremony will be held on Wednesday, March 4, at 7:00pm, at Nelsen.  Please see the notice below under "Nelsen News" for qualifications. 

The ceremony has become one of the biggest events at Nelsen, and we will need your help.  The PTSA will be hosting the reception, and we need help with:  Set-up of the cafeteria area;  assisting during the reception;  taking down chairs in the gym after the ceremony.

If you will be attending, and can help with any of the above, please contact Carrie at sidekik@msn.com.  Thank you very much!!!

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!

WASL testing is not until April but, 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:

    * February 24, 2009
    * March 17, 2009
    * April 21, 2009
    * May 19, 2009  [General Membership - Elections]
    * 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 - February 2009

ATTENDANCE REMINDER
Flu season is here—please be sure to call the Attendance Office at 425-204-3010 if your student is absent.  Students need to be absent for three days before homework can be ordered.  It then takes 24 hours and may be picked up in the Attendance Office.  Call Luann to order homework or to let her know about an absence.  Thank you!

“THE TRICKS OF SCAPIN”
Stay tuned for the Spring play called “The Tricks of Scapin”.  A very funny play by Moliere about a tricky servant who gets money out of two fathers, whose sons have married without their consent.  Rehearsals will be on Monday thru Thursday.  The play will open in May.  Any parents who would like to help with costumes or sets, contact Ginger Montague at 425-204-3064 or Andrea Sylvester at 425-204-3073.

LITERACY NIGHT  -  Circle the date:   Friday, March 13th
Nelsen’s Family Literacy Night will be held from 6:00—8:30 p.m.  There will be guest readers, bingo, computers and other fun activities.  Refreshments will be provided.  Join us for a fun and free reading event.  

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.

NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY
If your child receives a 3.5 and a 3.5 Citizenship grade, they will be eligible to join Nelsen’s chapter of the National Junior Honor Society.  Invitations for students who qualify to join or qualify to continue as a member will be sent out the beginning of February.  If your student qualifies, and you have not received an invitation by February 13, please call Ms. Ritchie at 425-204-3067.

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!

NO SCHOOL
MID-WINTER BREAK
FEBRUARY 16—20

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. Principal: rebecca.schlosstein@renton.wednet.edu
Renton School District Website      http://www.renton.wednet.edu/

SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

Nominations sought for annual Ahead of the Class teacher appreciation awards
New this year: online nomination

Local business leaders are looking for your help in recognizing Renton teachers. Members of the Renton Chamber of Commerce will honor Renton teachers with the annual "Ahead of the Class" award.

The Ahead of the Class award is truly a unique and wonderful opportunity to honor Renton teaching staff. The recognition is designed to highlight teachers who are the heart of the school system and work to nurture and prepare children for a productive future.
Teachers selected will receive a cash award of $500 and be honored at a community gala on May 5, 7 p.m. at the Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center at Renton High School.
Nominate a teacher online at http://www.GoRenton.com  by February 6.

• Nomination due by February 6
• Teachers submit an application to Selection Committee by March 5
• Selection Committee reviews applications, names finalists and conducts personal interviews from March 23-27
• Award winners announced by April 3
• Community celebration of winners May 5, 7 p.m. at the Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center at Renton High School

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 District announces snow make-up days
Days added to the school year to make up for school closures in Dec.

Students in the Renton School District will attend school this year for at least two more days than planned.  A snow and ice storm that hit the region in December caused schools to close for two days.

Each school year, the district places a snow make-up day on the calendar in case schools are closed due to inclement weather.  This year, students will attend school on that day, Friday, May 22.  Because schools were closed for an additional day, students will also attend school on Monday, June 22.  The original last day of school, June 19, is now a full day for all students.

Snow Make-Up Days at a glance:
· Friday, May 22, delayed-start (90-minutes late start), PM kindergarten only
· Friday, June 19, now a full day for all students, no delayed-start, AM & PM kindergarten
· Monday, June 22, ½-day for students, AM kindergarten
When weather causes school delays, Renton Schools open 90 minutes late

When snow or inclement weather causes a delay in opening schools, the Renton School District will always open schools 90-minutes (1 and a half hour) late.

Renton uses a 90-minute delay schedule on these bad-weather days which mirrors the delayed starts for teacher collaboration time on 30 Fridays throughout the school year. The 90-minute delay allows the district use an established method of offering students and staff a smooth opening using existing plans for transportation, breakfast and lunch, building heating and maintenance, and more.

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

Update!  "Kiss-A-Pig" Fundraiser featured on the Fairwood Community News at: CLICK HERE

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:

http://www.fairwoodcommunitynews.com/About.html
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

RAYS (Renton Area Youth & Family Services)

RAYS (Renton Area Youth & Family Services) is a non-profit organization, providing support to youth and families in the South King County area.

RAYS offers the following classes listed below.  More information can be found at:  http://www.rays.org/

If you have any questions please call (or e-mail) the named program manager, or Darlene Frank, the admin assistant at RAYS, 425-271-5600, or e-mail at darlenef@rays.org
Kinship Care   A program for adult guardians of nieces, nephews, grandchildren etc.  We all have students that are being cared for by a non- traditional guardian.  This is program geared to that individual and the problems they face.  Contact Cynthia Green 206-772-2050, or   cynthiag@rays.org
Healthy Start   A program for first time parents under the age of 22.  They can be pregnant or have a Child up to 6 months of age.  This is a home visitation program and the family may continue in the program until the child is three years of age.  Contact Gabriela Leon at 425-271-5600 x 28, or  gabrielal@rays.org

Parenting for Success Classes   Strengthening Multi-Ethnic Families and Communities.  Spring, Starts March 12, 2009 at East Hill Elementary School - Kent School District.  Contact Billie McKibbon at 206-772-2050, or billiem@rays.org

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MORE COMMUNITY NEWS

CVAC BASEBALL REGISTRATION!

The CVAC Website (www.cvac.org) has been updated with information concerning registration dates and times for the 2009 Spring Baseball and Softball season.

The LAST registration date is this Saturday, 02/07/09.  Registration will be held at Play It Again Sports (Benson Rd/Renton) between 12pm-4pm.

Varsity Sports is also offering a pre-season clinic for ages 9-12.  CVAC will receive a $25.00 contribution for each
player that signs up and list CVAC as the league that they play for.  This is a great way to get ready for the upcoming season and to help the league raise money.  Sign up on-line at http://www.VarsityBaseball.com/specialevents, or call 253-395-5060.

Thanks everybody and get ready to PLAY BALL!

Regards,
Lonnie G. King
CVAC President

CALENDAR

February

2/5        6:00pm        8th Grade Parent Meeting, Nelsen Cafeteria
2/6        9:25am        Late Start
2/10      6:00pm        Concert Chorus Dinner Theatre, Nelsen Cafeteria
2/13      9:25am        Late Start
2/16-20                    No School, Mid-Winter Break
2/24      7:00pm        Nelsen PTSA Meeting, Nelsen Theatre Room
2/27      9:25am        Late Start

Other Important Dates

3/4       7:00pm         National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony
4/2       7:00pm         Orchestra Festival, Lindbergh High School [All Orchestra]
4/6-10                      Spring Break
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