Congratulations Tamzin Folz!

May 17, 2012

The results are in and Tamzin Folz has place 3rd in the National PTA Reflections Program, receiving an Award of Merit for her Film entry! 
Llegaron los resultados y Tamzin Folz ha ganado el Tercer Lugar en el Programa de Reflexiones del PTA Nacional. Ella recibio Premio de Merito!

I hope that everyone can join me in congratulating Tamzin on such a high honor. As she says, “that means that Virginia, Arlington, and Claremont beat out 47 other states”. That is true – and it was her work and creativity, and ultimately Tamzin who represented Claremont so well, in Arlington, Virginia, and the USA. 

 

 

Espero que todos me puedan acompañar en felicitar a Tamzin por este honor. Como dijo ella, “eso significa que Virginia, Arlington, y Claremont ganó sobre 47 otros estados”. Es cierto – y fue Tamzin, por su trabajo y creatividad, que representó Claremont tan bien en Arlington, Virginia, y los Estados Unidos.

 

Congratulations Tamzin and thank you once again for representing the creativity of all of our artists at Claremont!
Felicitaciones Tamzin, y te agradecemos por representar la creatividad de todos los artistas de Claremont!

Reminder: Silent Auction Saturday Night!

May 10, 2012

Come party with Claremont parents at the Silent Auction Saturday night! 

Time:  6:30 – 9:00 p.m.

Date:  Saturday, May 12

Place:  NREC Ballroom, 4301 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA

Cost:  $10 per ticket – meal included

There will be free babysitting provided at Claremont…. with tons of games, a movie and snacks for the kids! 

Please come… it promises to be a fun night!

This Week: Math Dice Kudos – Teacher Appreciation Week – Spring Concert – Silent Auction

May 7, 2012

2012 Math Dice Team

Congratulations to our Claremont Math Dice team.  Six 5th graders competed in the county Math Dice tournament over the weekend.  Representing Claremont were Syndey Hanley, Georgia Hazel, Calvin Hendren, Billy Long, Iain Ramsey and Caroline Rogers.  The team played 7 rounds of Math Dice in the individual competition and also competed in a team round.  Start rolling those dice 4th graders to get ready for next year!

This week is Teacher Appreciation Week.  All week long, we’re honoring our hard working teachers with little gifts of kindness like flowers, fruit, cards, sweets and a Friday Fiesta!  The 3rd grade is hosting the party for the teachers on Friday… so 3rd graders… please sign up to bring something for the Fiesta!  All the homerooms will also need to have parent volunteers to staff the classes on Friday from 1:30 – 2:30.  It’s a fun tradition, so please check with your homeroom parents to see if they still need someone to volunteer on Friday afternoon.

Wednesday is the Spring Concert!  Claremont’s musicians will be performing at 1 pm and at 7 pm.  If your child is performing, make sure they wear concert attire … white shirt and black slacks or skirt. 

Friday is spirit day…. dress in patriotic colors!  Friday night… Adelante will be hosting an event to honor Mothers.  It will be held at Claremont from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Last but not least…. our Silent Auction is Saturday!  Homerooms will be displaying their class baskets this week in the library.  If you haven’t donated yet… please get in your last minute donations!  We’re also still looking for some volunteers to help set-up the auction on Saturday from 1  pm – 6 pm.  If you’re available during any of that time, please contact our auction chairperson, Velvet Beard at velvet@redlengua.com   or 571-213-6811.   The Auction begins at 6:30 p.m. - tickets are $10.  That ticket includes dinner and free babysitting at Claremont.  What a deal!  Please come… it’s one of Claremont’s biggest events of the year!

Claremont hosts students from Coyoacan – Welcome!

April 28, 2012

This week, Claremont will host five 6th graders from Coyoacan, Mexico.

The students will sit in on some Claremont 5th grade classes as well as take in some of our area’s famous sites, like the U.S. Capitol, the Washington Mall and our national pastime… a Nats game!  

So if you see some new faces during the week… remember to say “Hola!”  Let’s give our guests a friendly Claremont welcome!

 

PTA Meeting – May 1, 7p.m. – Special Guest – School Board Member James Lander

April 28, 2012

Please join us on Tuesday, May 1 at 7 pm (babysitting and translation services provided) for our PTA meeting. School Board Member James Lander will be sharing his insights with us this month. In addition, we will be finalizing the PTA Slate for the 2012-2013 school year and discussing the Silent Auction.

Vengan a nuestra reunión de la Asociación Padres-Maestros (PTA por sus siglas en ingles) este martes, el 1 de mayo a las 7:30 pm (habrá cuida de niños y servicios de traducción).  James Lander, miembro de la Junta Escolar, compartirá sus observaciones con nosotros.  Además, vamos a ultimar nuestra lista de candidatos del PTA para el año escolar 2012-2013 y habrá discusión sobre la Subasta Silenciosa.

 

Spring Garden Day, April 28th

April 17, 2012

Here is the Vegetable Garden Expansion Plan
(1)  Volunteers Still Needed!  Please check the task list below, and if you can help out with any of them, please let me know!  Many people have expressed an intent to come to the event, but people are still needed for the specific tasks.  Trust me, it’s really not that much work, and even small things make a big difference.  Time is running out, so please let me know as soon as possible.
(2)  Garden Expansion Plan Changes.  Attached is a revised plan for the expansion of the vegetable garden in the back of the school.  The major changes include: (1) the addition of a proposed 15′x20′ arbor that can be covered with vines to provide a shaded work or reading area; (2) more specific measurements and dimensions.  Note that I am still working with APS to find a way to get the split rail fence and arbor constructed. Because APS is very concerned about safety, we either need to go through a contractor approved by APS or do the work ourselves under the supervision of APS.  I am trying to get materials, timing, and cost estimates for the work.  Frankly at this point, I doubt I can resolve this before April 28.  I am considering trying to get the fencing and arbor installed over the summer, and then put in the rest of the garden in the fall.  We would then use the afternoon of Garden Day on April 28 to focus on expanding and improving other areas of the back Courtyard Garden.  That is obviously a change from the current plans.  I am trying to get this resolved as soon as possible, and I will keep the group informed as soon as I know something for sure.
BTW, teachers are already planting with their classes in the raised beds that were put in during last spring’s Garden Day.  None of that would have been possible without your dedication and efforts.  Thank you for your dedication and efforts in making this possible.  I hope you can join in building more possibilities on the 28th!
I’ve been planning for the Saturday, April 28 Garden Day event, and below is a list of tasks that need to be done.  If you can help out with any of these tasks, please let me know!  ”AM” indicates the morning session of 9 am – 12 noon in the Third Grade Garden in the front of the school.  ”PM” is the afternoon session of 1 – 5pm in the Courtyard area in the back of the school. “Lunch” is the break for food between 12 noon and 1 pm.

Greeter (AM)/Greeter (PM):  Sign in volunteers and assign them to tasks.  I’ll provide a list of tasks, the number of people needed per task, and what tools are needed for each task.  Need to arrive a little before 9 am for AM session, and a little before 1 pm for PM session.

Photographer (AM) / Photographer (PM):   Take digital pictures and video of the event, either the entire day or a half-day.  Save the pictures and video to a flash drive so that the committee can archive and use for historical and promotional activities (for example, as part of grant applications).
Drinks (AM):  Bring a big cooler of water and paper cups at 9 am to put out for volunteers while they are working.
Drinks (Lunch):  Bring several two-liter bottles of soft drinks to consume with pizza in the 12-1 pm lunch break.  Bring paper cups, too.  Committee will reimburse for purchases.  Will provide exact quantities to purchase closer to the 28th.
Drinks (PM):   Bring a big cooler of water and paper cups at 1 pm to put out for volunteers while they are working.
Pizza Person (Lunch):  Call in pizza order to Papa Johns (or order online), meet and give money to pizza delivery person, set up pizza on table.  I will provide money for pizza.  Bring paper plates and paper towels.  Will provide exact quantities to purchase closer to the 28th.   Need to place order in time for 12 noon delivery time.  Would be great if supervise clean up of trash into bins at end of lunch.
Head Carpenter/Mentor (PM):  This is the most needed task!!!!  Need someone with contractor or construction skills to supervise assembly of raised beds and possibly a two-bin compost bin.  Beds will be made of pressurized 2″x12″ lumber, connected with lag screws.  Compost bin will be made of 2×4′s and hardware cloth, held together with deck screws. I will purchase materials and deliver to Claremont.  I will also provide plans for construction.  Would be helpful if you could bring miter saw, electric drill/screwdriver, staple gun, and other tools.  Will see if Wakefield students can help with assembly.  Job would be to demonstrate assembly, help students get started, supervise work, and assist in installation.  Can be more than one person!
Children’s Events (PM):  Would be great if one or more parents could volunteer to supervise kids on playground or organize other events while parents work.  We love having children help, but I know they can’t always contribute for the full afternoon.  If someone could stay near the playground so that parents don’t have to divide their attention between helping and keeping an eye on their kids.  If anyone would like to lead a simple gardening lesson for the kids (example, planting beans in a cup) or lead the kids in gathering leaves for the compost bin, that would be great too.  All ideas welcome!  Can (should) be more than one person.  (In AM, I hope to keep all kids busy at work in the Third Grade Garden.  The PM session is a little more intense and has more tasks  suited for grownups.)
That’s all I can think of at the moment.  If you can help with any of these tasks, please let me know as soon as possible.
Thanks again in advance for any assistance you could provide!
Best Regards,
Steve Duall
On Mar 18, 2012, at 11:56 PM, Stephen Duall wrote:
Spring is in the air (and the air temps), so it’s time to think about getting the kids outside to garden at Claremont.

First, the existing gardens are ready for spring planting.  I turned over the winter clover crop in the raised Courtyard beds to replenish nitrogen in the soil.  I’m working with the teachers to have students plant cool-weather crops – radishes, lettuce, and spinach – the last week of March or the first week after spring break in April.  Our committee will provide the seeds.  Teachers can either have the kids eat what they grow, or donate the crops to the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC).  The idea is to plant and harvest before the hot-weather crops (tomatoes, peppers, corn, squash) go into the beds in May.
Second, I am looking to have our Spring Garden Day on the last Saturday in April, April 28.  (This is a change from Sunday, April 29, on the PTA Calendar).  Below is a preliminary schedule for the day:
9 am – 12 noon: Third-Grade Garden Day.  Third-graders and their families -and teachers- are encouraged to come and help clean, weed, plant and mulch the Third-Grade Garden in the front of the school.  We need to clean up for the spring, put in new shrubs and flowers, and get a new layer of mulch down to save on watering in the summer.
12 noon – 1 pm:  Lunch Break.  We’ll have pizza and drinks for those leaving the morning session and those coming for the afternoon session.
1 pm – 5 pm:  Garden Expansion.  We need a lot of volunteers – from Claremont, Wakefield, anywhere – to expand our vegetable garden in the back of the school by adding new raised beds and a composting area, plus spruce up the existing Butterfly Garden and Courtyard Garden areas.
Third, we will need a lot of help to make this event a success.  As I said at the last PTA presentation, the plans we have right now are incredible, but they are too big for anyone person or organization to pull off alone.   I am very pleased to say that the event has gotten too large for me to manage by myself.  There are some great ideas in the works, and we are dreaming big about Outdoor Education opportunities for the kids.  But big dreams don’t happen without big efforts.  Simply put, without help, the plans for the gardens will have to be scaled back, since we don’t want to promise more than we can deliver,or maintain.
I will send out a separate email with a list of itemized, manageable tasks that need to be done to pull off this event.  Most of the stuff is pretty easy, like “buy six 2-liter bottles of sodas” or “wait for pizza guy to deliver pizza.”  Some of the stuff will be bigger: in particular, I need someone with  carpentry or construction skills who can supervise the construction of the raised beds.  If you  know someone for this job and want to volunteer him or her, I promise anonymity when I try to corral them!
Thanks for your continued support of Outdoor Education at Claremont, and I look forward to a great spring!

Superintendent Patrick Murphy’s Presentation

April 12, 2012

We would like to thank Superintendent  Murphy for his presentation at the April PTA meeting. If you did not have the chance to come, we have the PDF presentation here.

This Week: PTA Meeting, School Support Appreciation, Museum Night and Kudos to Odyssey Teams

April 10, 2012

Welcome back from Spring Break!

What a busy week our Claremont students have ahead!

During this week, we are celebrating Administrative Professional Week.  We are honoring the dedicated, caring and hard working staff including the library, counselors, nursing, custodians, and cafeteria/recess staff.  The week is going to kick off with breakfast provided by VPI and Montessori.  We encourage your participation.  Please consider a card, flower or treat for any member of this dedicated group during the rest of this week.

Tuesday night the PTA convenes for its April meeting.  Special guest, Superintendent Murphy will be addressing your questions on any educational issues in Arlington.  Please come to the meeting at 7 p.m.  Babysitting and translation will be available.

Thursday night is Museum Night!  Students will show off their art work, Science Fair projects and other projects Thursday night at 6 p.m.  Be there!

Finally, we’d like to congratulate the 8 teams who competed in the Odyssey of the Mind tournament over Spring Break.  Two teams were awarded ribbons… The Ooo-Motional Vehicle team won 2nd Place and the 5th Grade “To Be or Not to Be” team garnered a 3rd place finish!  Congratulations to them and to all the teams who participated.  The performances were terrific!  Way to go Claremont!

This Week: Eight teams head to Odyssey of the Mind Competition!

March 27, 2012

This Saturday, 8 Claremont teams will head to West Potomac High School to compete in the Northern Virginia Odyssey of the Mind Competition.  The Claremont students have been working hard on their performances since last fall and they’re ready to go!  Good luck Claremont!

Next week is Spring Break.  Enjoy it!  Over the break, some of Claremont’s aspiring scientists will be busy working on projects for Museum Night.  Science projects will be seen at Museum Night in April.

Please remember to download donation forms for the Silent Auction.  Silent Auction donation forms will be accepted through mid-April.  Help make this year’s Auction a success!  We love our volunteers!

Please also note that homerooms will be putting together class baskets.  Please look out for information in the coming weeks and donate!

 

Silent Auction – We need donations!

March 22, 2012

 

NEEDED:

Parent Donations for Claremont’s 2012 Silent Auction

Auction Date:  May 12, 2012

Donation Deadline: April 15, 2012

Are you a great cook? Are you an interior design wizard?  Do you have a timeshare but not enough vacation days to use it?  Do you have unused gift cards lying around?

 

This year’s Silent Auction is coming up quickly and we are looking for donations to help make it a success. We know your homerooms will be putting together baskets but if you can also help out with a personal donation, please fill out the form on the reverse side of this letter and return it to your child’s teacher by April 15th.

 

Here are some ideas of how to share your talents:

  • 3 hours of handyman services
  • Tickets to a sporting event from your season tickets
  • A week at a timeshare or vacation home
  • A 2 hour interior design consultation
  • A 1 hour landscaping design consultation
  • A home cooked meal
  • A home made birthday cake
  • 1 hour music lesson
  • Unused gift cards
  • A family photo shoot

 

Contact Velvet Beard (571-213-6811) with questions.  You can fill out the donation form here.

 

 

NECESITAMOS:

Donaciones de Padres de Familia par la Subasta Silencio

Fecha de la Subasta: 12 de mayo de 2012

Fecha Final par Donaciones: 15 de abril de 2012

¿Es usted un gran cocinera?  ¿Tiene habilidades maravillosas para el diseño de interiores? ¿Tiene un talento que puede compartir?

 

El Subasto Silencio de 2012 viene en camino y buscamos donaciones para hacerlo un gran éxito.  Sabemos que las clases de homeroom van a pedir colaboración para canastas, pero si puede apoyar con una donación personal, hacer el favor de llenar el formulario adjunto y entregarlo al maestro de su niño antes del 15 de abril.

 

Aquí están algunas ideas de cómo compartir sus talentos:

  • 3 horas de servicios de hacer trabajos en casa y arreglar cosas de casa
  • Boletos a un evento de deporte
  • Una semana en una casa de vacaciones
  • Una consultación de 2 horas de diseño interior
  • Un comida hecho en casa
  • Un pastel de cumpleaños hecho en casa
  • Una lección de una hora de un instrumento musical
  • Tarjetas de regalos no usados
  • Servicios de fotografía

 

Artware and Read Across America!

March 6, 2012

Our March PTA Meeting will be held tonight, Tuesday, March 6 at 7 p.m.  As always, there will be babysitting and translation offered.  Please come and participate. 

Artware begins this week!  All of your budding Picasso’s will be preparing a “work” to be printed on a mug, mousepad, t-shirt, throw or some other useful item of your choice.  The items make great gifts for parents, grandparents or just serve as a memento.  So keep an eye out for the Artware catalogue! 

Read Across America is celebrated Friday.  Claremont students are encouraged to wear their “jammies” on Friday so they can cuddle up with a good book all day long.  Guest readers will share their favorite stories in English and Spanish with Claremont students.  It’s always a fun day… so let’s get out and read!

 

Coming Up: Artware and Enrichment / Parent – Teacher Conferences

February 28, 2012

Parent – Teacher conferences will be held this Thursday and Friday.  Claremont students will enjoy a  long weekend of (finger’s crossed!) balmy temperatures.  Get out and enjoy the weather!

The Spring Enrichment Catalogue is out!  With courses on Chess, Lego Robotics, Guitar, Piano and Web Design, there’s something for everyone!  The catalogues can be found online and on the listservs.  There are also hard copies located in the front office.  Sign up!  Registration ends on March 9.

Our March PTA Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 6 at 7 p.m.  As always, there will be babysitting and translation offered.  Please come and participate.  We love our volunteers!

The popular ArtWare by You program is returning to Claremont in a couple of weeks. The art teachers have been working with students to create art pieces that you may order to be put on keepsake items such as mugs, trivets, hats and t-shirts.  ArtWare by You is a PTA fundraiser that benefits programs the PTA supports including after school enrichment program scholarships, grants for teachers and more. Keep an eye out for the ArtWare by You envelope, which will include your child’s artwork and order form. This will be sent home with the Tuesday packets on Tuesday, March 6.

——————
El programa popular, ArtWare by You (Arte por ti), regresará a Claremont en las próximas semanas. Los maestros de arte han estado trabajando con los estudiantes para crear obras de arte que usted podrá ordenar y personalizar artículos como tazas, salvamanteles, gorras y camisetas. ArtWare by You (Arte por ti) recauda fondos que benefician a programas apoyados por el PTA, como becas para los programas de enriquecimiento después de la escuela, concesiones para maestros, y más. Esté atento al paquete de ArtWare by You, que incluirá el formulario y la obra de arte de su hijo/a. Éste se enviará a casa en el paquete del martes, 6 de marzo.

Claremont’s Tamzin Folz heads to State for Reflections Entries!

February 23, 2012

New REFLECTIONS results – It’s official!

Tamzin Folz has been selected for Outstanding Interpretation of the Theme (Diversity means…) at the Northern Virginia District competition, not just in one, but in TWO categories!

Her Dance entry “American Dances Together” as well as her Film “Welcome to Diverse City” were both selected at the Primary Age Division to represent the NoVa District at the State level. She represents Arlington and Claremont well!

Please join me in wishing her the best of luck an d extending her our heartfelt congratulations.

Way to go Tamzin!

 
Nuevos resultados de REFLEXIONES – Es oficial!

Tamzin Folz ha sido seleccionada como la Mejor Interpretacion del Tema (Diversidad significa…) en la competencia a nivel del Distrito del Virginia Norte, en DOS categorias!
Su Danza, “American Dances Together”, y su Video “Welcome to Diverse City” fueron ambos seleccionados en la Division Primaria para representar el Distrito del Virginia Norte en la competencia a nivel del Estado de Virginia. Ella es una excelente representante para Arlington y Claremont!

Le deseamos mucha suerte a Tamzin y la felicitamos!

Bien hecho Tamzin!

This Week: Valentine’s Day Celebrations!

February 13, 2012

This week… Claremont students will be demonstrating their friendships… celebrating Valentine’s Day in the classrooms this week.  Different classes will be celebrating at different times.  If you’re interested in helping out in your student’s classroom, contact your homeroom parent and volunteer.  Volunteers are always welcome!

Next Monday, students will get a break from school in honor of President’s Day.  No classes will be held on Monday, February 20.  To celebrate, it may be a great day to visit Mount Vernon (George Washington’s home) or Ford’s Theater (the site of Lincoln’s shooting).  Both locations are planning special events.

 

 

This Week: PTA Meeting with School Board member Abby Raphael & Movie Night!

February 6, 2012

 

 
 Join us Tuesday, February 7 at 7 p.m. for the February PTA meeting where school board member Abby Raphael will give a short presentation followed by a Q&A session.  Babysitting and translation services provided.
 
And on Friday… movie fans can join their Claremont friends at Movie Night.  “Mr. Popper’s Penguins” will be featured… from 6:30 – 8:30 in the Claremont Multi-purpose room.  Pizza, popcorn and snacks will be for sale.  So wear your pj’s and bring a picnic blanket.  See you at the movies!
 
 

Coming Up: PTA Meeting with Abby Raphael – Movie Night

January 30, 2012

A special thanks to all who came to the International Dinner Friday night.  Students provided musical entertainment and families provided the feast!  Claremont students also got a chance to show off their dance moves in the gym.  What a blast!  Thanks to all who participated.

On Tuesday, February 7, School Board Member Abby Raphael will be featured at our February PTA Meeting.  The meeting begins at 7 p.m. Please come and here from Ms. Raphael the future plans for Arlington County schools.  Babysitting and Spanish translation is available.

Finally, PTA Movie Night is next Friday, February 10 at 6:30 p.m.  So bring a blanket, wear your pj’s and settle in for a movie with your Claremont friends!

 

 

This Week: Winter Concert – International Dinner Ooh La La!!!!

January 24, 2012

Students may have been off of school Monday, but they have a very busy week ahead.

Claremont’s Winter Concert is set for Wednesday night.  Make it a dinner and a concert evening… the fifth grade is selling pizzas and desert before the concert.  The music begins at 7:00 p.m…. but pizza will be served at 6:15 p.m.  Please come and enjoy!

That’s not the only occasion this week to dine out at Claremont.  The school’s annual International Dinner will be held Friday night at 6:00 p.m.  The dinner is pot-luck so please bring a dish from your native land… the PTA will provide the entertainment.  It’s sure to be a fun night!

Viva Verde will meet at Susie Wallin’s house on Tuesday night for an informational meeting.  If you’re interested in the school’s efforts to be green, please attend.  The meeting will run from 8:00 – 9:30 p.m. at the Wallin’s at 5910 N. 19th Street, Arlington 22205.

 

 

 

This week

 

This Week: Geography Bee… Read-a-thon Wednesday.

January 9, 2012

Claremont’s 4th and 5th Grade Geography whizzes will face off Tuesday at 3pm for the Claremont Geography Bee.

Students schoolwide can read about Geography and many other subjects on Wednesday, an Early Release Read-a-thon day.

Although this week marks just the first full week back in class after winter break, students can look forward to two more breaks this month.  There will be no school for students on Monday, January 16 and Monday, January 23.

 Finally, Claremont’s Reflection winners will be honored next Tuesday, January 17 at the County’s Reflections Ceremony.  The program begins at 7 p.m.  Come to Washington Lee High School to cheer on Claremont students and view the wonderful art pieces created across Arlington.

 

 

After School Enrichment Program List

September 9, 2011

Our after school enrichment program is ready to view! Click the link below to see it.

 

Este paquete contiene información sobre las actividades de los programas de desarrollo después de las clases de Claremont,
correspondientes otoño de 2011:

After School Enrichment Program

 

Thank you!

Back to School Social Fun and Huge PTA Turn Out

September 14, 2011

A huge shout out to Susie Wallin for organizing the back to school social! It looked like the kids loved their popsicles and so did some of the parents including me!

Thank you for the fantastic turn out for the PTA meeting last night! It was great to see so many new and returning faces. We are looking forward to a fun filled year for all of us. As I understand not everyone got the calendar in their first Tuesday packet, attached is the school calendar.  We’re also including the volunteer descriptions so you can get a better sense of what each committee project entails.

In English: 2011-2012 School Calendar
In Spanish: Calendar_2010-2011_SP

Volunteer Descriptions

This Week: Back-to-School Night and a Thank You to the Grounds Helpers!

September 19, 2011

As students head into another week, they may notice some freshly tended plants after students and parents turned out this weekend for a Claremont Grounds Planting Day.  Thanks to Steve Duall and his team and all the parents and students who came out to help!

We also want to remind parents to come to Back-to-School night this Wednesday, September 21 at 7:00p.m.  This is a parents event; students are encouraged to stay home.  It’s a great night to meet your child’s teachers and learn what they’re cooking up for the school year.  Mark your calendar!

Finally, forms are due Monday for after school enrichment activities.  If you have a young Picasso at home or if your child may like a little after-school boost in English or Spanish, these classes can help.  They’re filling up fast.  Turn in your forms!

This Week: Enrichment Program Begins… Sally Foster Fundraiser Ends

September 26, 2011

Future thespians, guitar heroes, dodgeball aficionados and who knows, maybe even the next Bobby Fischer… will get the chance to develop their talents after the final school bell rings.  After school enrichment classes begin this week.

The Claremont Science Department is holding workshops this week to help parents navigate goals and expectations for the science program this year.  Parents of students in 3rd – 5th grade can attend a workshop on Tuesday, September 27 from 5:30 – 6:00.  Parents of students in Kindergarten – 2nd grade can attend a workshop on Thursday, September 29 from 5:00 – 6:00.

One of the PTA’s biggest fundraisers, Sally Foster and the Entertainment Books, ends this week.  Students can turn in the money they’ve raised to their teachers or the front office all week long.  The PTA will also have a table set up before school on Thursday morning, September 29.

Finally, a thank you to all the teachers and staff who worked so hard to put the Back-to-School night together last week.  It’s always a pleasure to meet our students’ teachers and see the work our students are doing in school.

This Week: Parent-Teacher Conferences and Social

October 3, 2011

A change in the calendar also brought a change in the weather this week. Brrrr!

But that won’t stop our Claremont students from having fun. Students involved in after-school enrichment activities got off to a good start last week.  Actors are coming up with characters, cartoonists are developing comic books, the Spanish, English and math students are working on homework and building their skills and the chess masters are conjuring up new moves to reach checkmate!

Last month, we had nearly record-breaking attendance at the PTA meeting. The PTA meets again Tuesday night at 7 p.m.  Come beat last month’s attendance record. Childcare and Spanish translation is available. Please come and make your voices heard!

This week will be a short week, with Parent-Teacher conferences on Thursday and Friday. Students will also be off on Monday for Columbus Day. The third grade and fourth grade classes will be honoring the teachers and staff during the conferences by supplying a breakfast and lunch. Thank you third and fourth grade in advance!

Finally, do you ever feel like your children are having all the fun in elementary school? Thursday night, October 6, is a chance to change all that. The PTA is sponsoring a Parent-Teacher Social at Hard Times Cafe in Clarendon. Parents, teachers and staff, come mix it up from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Hard Times, located at 3100 Wilson Blvd.  Childcare is available at Claremont.

 

First PTA Meeting Minutes – September 2011

October 3, 2011

September 2011 PTA Meeting

PTA Executive Committee
President – Sarita Bhargava
Treasurer – Rich Kelly
Corresponding Secretary – Clair Sassin
Social VP – Courtney Holmes
Fundraising VP – Amber Dungan
Communications VP – Karen Hendren
Recording Secretary – Beth Connors

PTA Goal
The goal of the PTA is to foster community, create connections, advocate, fundraise and to have fun with your child during the school experience. The ultimate goal is to have your children love to learn and love coming to school.

Budget Review
Rich Kelly presented the budget income and expenses. The PTA approved the 2011 budget.  The PTA reviewed the teacher grant process.

Social
The Fall FunFest is October 14th from 6:00  to 9:00 pm.  The PTA needs lots of volunteers.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Courtney Holmes. Bring the whole family to this spooky and fun-filled event.  It’s a great opportunity to meet or catch up with other Claremont Families.

After-School Enrichment Program
Information about the after-school enrichment program can be found on the PTA website.   Sign-up is first come, first serve.  The classes last for 8 weeks.  The PTA needs volunteers to help during the first week of the enrichment program.  Email Courtney Holmes if you can help during the first week or with any questions. 

PALS and Math Buddies starts in the Fall.  You will be contacted if your child is eligible.

Grounds Committee
Discussed the great work and progress that the Grounds Committee has made.  The first garden day is Sunday, September 18 from 1-6 pm.  If you are interested in participating in the Grounds committee, contact Steve Duall.  Also, check out the Claremont PTA Grounds Committee Facebook page.

Fundraising
Thanks to Jeannine Raymond for the fabulous Edukit program.  Thank you also to Christine Walyus for agreeing to chair the Claremont Book Fair. The PTA reviewed how the Entertainment books and Sally Foster are being sold this year.  The Entertainment Books cost $30 and Claremont gets $15 from each book sold.  The Sally Foster catalog is going out on Sept. 15th and will work the same as two years ago (very different from last year.)  The Sally Foster fundraiser ends on September 30th.  You can go on the Sally Foster website and buy Sally Foster products or get Entertainment books for other areas of the country.

Translations
Everything is translated into Spanish at Claremont.  The PTA is looking for volunteers to help translate PTA documents.  If you are interested in helping to translate, please contact Sarita Bhargava. 

Reflections
Reflections is a national PTA contest dedicated to promoting the arts.  The theme this year is “Diversity means…”  There are six categories in which a child can enter the contest – photography, visual arts, literature, dance choreography, film and music competition.  The deadline for entries is October 21, 2011.  Ask Michael Swisher any questions. 

List Serv
Please sign up for the Claremont list servs on the Claremont PTA website. The Claremont PTA website address is www.claremontpta.org.  There are two list servs.  Parrots prattle is not moderated.  The PTA list serv is moderated, and is for pta/school business.

Ms. Johnson/Mrs. Burnett Update
There is a teaching assistant from Spain coming to Claremont.  Ms. Johnson needs someone to host the teaching assistant for the year.  If you are interested, please contact Ms. Johnson. 
 
Back to School Night
Please do not bring your children to back to school night. If you do bring them, they will be in the library or in the gym, but there will not be a program for the children.  Back to School night is September 21 at 7pm.

Superintendent’s New Strategic Plan is to instill love and learning and become good citizens
5 goals
Highly engage and challenge students
Recruit good teachers
Good learning environment (school)
Pay attention to whole child
Close gap

Questions
Parent wonders if we can stream PTA meeting via Youtube or something similar?

The next PTA meeting is Oct. 4th at 7pm.

This Week: Fundraiser totals and Fall Fun Fest!

October 11, 2011

Welcome back students from a long weekend!

Our Sally Foster / Entertainment Book totals are coming in… and we’re pleased to announce that Claremont students brought in more than $16,000 in sales!  At a 50% profit, that means a profit of $8,000 for PTA activities.  Great job students!  Way to go!

Thank you to the 3rd and 4th grade classes for treating the teachers to a breakfast and lunch during the conferences on Thursday and Friday.  The food was wonderful and our hard-working teachers really appreciated it.

Thank you to the parents and teachers who attended the Parent-Teacher Social last Thursday.  Turnout was great and it gave Claremont adults a little chance to unwind.  Thank you to Hard Times Cafe for helping to sponsor the event.  Thank you also to the babysitters who helped Claremont students enjoy a Thursday night social of their own!

There’s more fun on the calendar this week, as the PTA hosts Claremont’s Fall Fun Fest on Friday.  There will be music, games, a moonbounce, a spooktacular haunted house and the famous Cakewalk!  The cost is $5 per child, parents are free.  The fun starts at 6 p.m.  Be there!

Fall Fun Fest Fun and Reflections deadline.

October 17, 2011

Fall Fun Fest 2011 was a success.  Claremont students jammed to the dj, dove into the chili bar  and got spooked in the haunted house.  The festivities were also a boon to the fifth graders.  They raised $310 in the cakewalk for their end of the year celebration.  Way to go 5th grade!

Tonight, the PTA Homeroom Parents Committee is meeting in the library from 6pm – 7pm to discuss plans for the year.  Babysitting and translation is provided.

Entries for the PTA Reflections contest are due this Friday.  This year’s theme is “diversity means…” Students can express their ideas on the theme through visual art, writing, film, dance, music and photography.  Turn in those entries!

 

 

 

 

 

This Week: Reflections / Picture Day / Halloween Fun!

October 24, 2011

Wow!  Claremont students head into a busy week this week.  The deadline for Relections entries is today.  Our fearless judges look forward to seeing some beautiful photos, films, drawings and paintings, music, literature and dance from our budding Picasos!

Say Queso!  Picture Day is this Wednesday.  Parent Coordinator Adriane Webb is still looking for volunteers to line up students, brush their hair, etc.  If you have some time to help out, please give her a call at 703-820-5344.

Do you have a budding scientist or performer?  If so, your student may be able to hone those skills on a Claremont Odyssey of the Mind team.  An informational meeting will be held Wednesday night at 6 p.m. in the library.

On Friday, Claremont will be overrun with ghosts, goblins and ghouls!  The fun starts at 9:30 a.m. when our students march with the Wakefield band in costume throughout the Claremont grounds.  Parents are welcome… bring your cameras!  The fun continues in the afternoon as our students dig into tricks and treats in their classroom parties from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Last but not least, on Saturday Claremont will send a team of 86 runners to the MCM fun run.  The runners should arrive between 10:00 - 10:15 a.m. for a 10:30 a.m. start time.  T-shirts will be handed out in class this week.  Let’s cheer on our runners all the way to the finish line!

 

 

PTA Liaison to the School Board James Lander hosts meetings

November 2, 2011

With the school year well underway, PTA Liaison to the APS School Board James Lander is planning a couple of meetings to get together to discuss what is happening at Claremont and other schools and the work of the School Board.  While it may be difficult for everyone to meet at the same time, Mr. Lander has scheduled two meetings, one in the morning and one in the evening.

 The first meeting will be Thursday evening, November 10, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. The second meeting will be Tuesday morning, November 15, from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. Both meetings will be in the School Board office, room 105 in the Education Center, which is located at 1426 N. Quincy Street.

The meetings will be informal, so feel free to arrive and leave as your schedule permits.  The invitation is extended to PTA Presidents, parents, County Council of PTA delegates and ACI representatives.  If you’re planning on attending, please RSVP  by phoning the Board office at 703-228-6011.

This Week: Reflections Judging… Two days off!

November 7, 2011

Many Claremont students headed out of last week showing off their classrooms to their parents in our “Day in the Life of a Claremont Student” event last Thursday night.  Parents enjoyed seeing their students’ school and handiwork.  Students liked showing off and playing teacher for an evening.

This week, students will enjoy staying home for a couple of days.  Classes are out on Tuesday, November 8 and Friday, November 11 for Election Day and Veteran’s Day.

Reflections judges will not be taking a break this week, however.  Judging is underway for the 50 entries our students had in 5 categories:  Visual Arts, Photography, Dance, Literature and Film.  Thirty-eight Claremont students participated in the contest, with some entering in more than one category.  You can check out their work in the hallway at school.  Way to go Claremont students!

 

 

Coming Soon: Rio! Family Movie Night – Friday, November 18

November 9, 2011

Claremont PTA presents Free Family Movie Night & Pajama- Jam showing Rio Friday November 18th 6:30-8:30pm in the Claremont Cafetaria.  Pajamas and picnic blankets welcome.   Pizza, popcorn and snacks for sale.

El PTA de Claremont presenta Noche Gratis con películas para la familia y Fiesta de Pijamas Presentando Rio El viernes, 18 de noviembre de 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Lugar: Cafetería de la escuela Se Pueden Vestir con sus Pijamas y traer un mantel pizza, palomitas de maíz y meriendas para comprar.

The Latest on: Reflections… Reading… Movie Night and Thanksgiving!

November 18, 2011

This has been a busy week for Claremont’s artists and readers!

The results are in for the winners of this year’s Reflections contest.  Thirty-eight Claremont artists participated in 5 categories with 49 entries altogether.

Representing Claremont in the County-wide contest for Visual Arts are Ethan Drake for “The Trail that Keeps on Going” and Alexander Hall for “Acceptance”.  In Photography, our first place winners are  Maya Solis for “Colors of the Rainbow”
and Calvin Hendren for “Diverseacreek”.  In Literature our Claremont winners are Maya Solis for “I love diversity” and
Lukas Wood for “Diversity Birds”.  In the Film category, Tamzin Folz took top honors for “Diverse City” and Danielle Sassin took first place for “Diversity means…”.  Tamzin Folz will also represent Claremont in the Dance category for her work ”American Dances Together (Diversity is Beautiful)”.  Congratulations Claremont artists!

Our Claremont students are hitting the books.  The PTA has awarded grants for two different reading programs – Jr. Great Books and the Third Grade Monthly Reading Night.  Claremont parent volunteers are starting up five new rotating “book clubs” through the Jr. Great Books programs.  So far, the students who’ve started the program seem to be enjoying their books.  On the third grade front, about 50 students and parents gathered in the library Thursday night for the monthly reading night.  The teachers hope that the night will help further engage students in reading and help them unlock the joy of books.  Way to go readers!

Friday night is movie night at Claremont.  The PTA is presenting Rio!  Come and unwind, enjoy some pizza and popcorn and kick back with your friends for a movie!

Finally, Thanksgiving is less than a week away and with that comes the annual Claremont Thankful Lunch.  Parents are welcome to join their children during lunch on Tuesday to help them celebrate Claremont’s observance of Thanksgiving.  You bring lunch, the PTA will provide pie!  Homeroom parents are still looking for volunteers to help serve pie.  If you’re interested in helping out, please contact your homeroom parent.

 

 

 

Winter Concert – Rescheduled for January 25 at 7:00 p.m.

November 23, 2011

The winter concert has been rescheduled to January 25 at 7:00 p.m.

Information about this change has been reflected in the recent Claremont Parrot Newsletter and will be reflected in each Monday Memo until the concert date.  An individual letter is also going home with each 3rd, 4th & 5th grade student.

Picture Day Bloopers – Fixed tomorrow!

December 1, 2011

If your child’s picture day was more of a picture dud… tomorrow’s his or her chance to retake the shot!  Staff, clubs, teams and candids will also be taken Friday.  Say Cheese!

Also… parents and students from the 3rd grade get the chance Friday for some Kudos from Claremont.  The Third Grade Recognition Breakfast will be held from 7:30 – 8:15.  See you then!

 

This Week: PTA Meeting… and holiday shopping at Book Fair!

December 5, 2011

Tired of all the endless lines to wait in and stores to shuffle through while doing your holiday shopping?  You’re in luck!  This week, Claremont hosts the Book Fair!  It’s a great time to pick up some gifts for the holidays while getting your child to read, read, read!  The Fair starts Monday at 8:00 a.m. and lasts all week during school hours.  Families can shop together on Wednesday night, December 7 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. during Family Night.  Claremont is also welcoming a guest speaker from NASA for the evening event.  On a side note, if you want to add a scarf or two to your holiday shopping…. the fifth grade will be selling scarves in Claremont colors.  Come take a look at the fifth grade table!

The PTA meets Tuesday night for it’s monthly meeting at 7 p.m.  Please come to find out what’s planned for the coming months and make your suggestions heard!  Babysitting and translation is available.

Just a reminder, the Winter Concert has been rescheduled to January 25.  Come to the Book Fair instead!

Claremont will host a Chess Tournament on Saturday from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.  Come… bring your best moves!

Finally, a thank you to Adriane Webb and all the folks who helped her on Make-up Picture Day.  Our volunteers make things happen.

Have a great week!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coming Up: Movie Night Tonight – Lean Green Screen Week next week!

April 20, 2012

Looking for a good way to end the school week?  Claremont students can curl up in their jammies at Claremont tonight at 6:30 for Movie Night, featuring “The Muppets.”  Cheese and Pepperoni Pizza is also available… as well as goodies and popcorn!

Next week… it’s Lean, Green Screen-Free Week!  We encourage our Claremont students to go outside… get some fresh air and stay away from the computer, video and tv screens!  Sign a commitment to give up the screens for a week… and enter the raffle.  Eight lucky students will win a $10 gift certificate for their efforts!

Garden Day – Help make Claremont even more beautiful.  Saturday, April 28 is Garden Day!  Help clean up the Claremont grounds and plant some new plants!  The morning session runs from 9 – noon.  Afternoon helpers can pitch in from 1:00 – 5:00.  Help Claremont during Lean, Green, No Screen Week!

Finally… the PTA encourages our students to expand your home library.  Our Spring Book Fair will be held next week from April 23 – 27… with our Family Night on Thursday, April 26.  Students will pick out their favorite choices during the week… so get ready to read!

 

Congratulations to Tamzin Folz – Heads to National Contest for Reflections!

April 20, 2012

Congratulations to Claremont’s Tamzin Folz as her Reflections entry heads to the PTA Reflections National competition.  Tamzin was selected as a VA PTA Reflections Outstanding Interpretation Award earner. As a VAPTA OI winner, her Reflections entry was sent to the National PTA as a Virginia PTA nomination for her category and age group.

Way to go Tamzin!

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