GW Town Crier 9/15/2014

[GW Town Crier]

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IMPORTANT DATES:

9/16        Deadline for PTA Family Directory

10/2        FUNdraiser @ Curious Grape - 6th Grade Parents

10/4        Art on the Avenue       

10/9        FUNdraiser @ Curious Grape - 7th Grade Parents

10/14      First PTA Meeting 7:00pm (Library)

10/14      Take Your Parent to School Day

10/16      FUNdraiser @ Curious Grape - 8th Grade Parents

11/6        Academic Volunteers Meeting 3:45pm

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LAST CHANCE TO BE INCLUDED - DIRECTORY DEADLINE IS TOMORROW - TUESDAY, 9/16
It's not too late to be included in this year's GW PTA Family Directory, but you must opt in. Please fill out the online form here. Scout's honor, it's really quick and easy. Type carefully - we will use exactly what you provide!

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

It was great to see so many of you at Back to School Night. In addition to navigating our way around the building, we learned that all students had an assembly that day to talk about behavior expectations of GW students. GW has a new Dean of Students, Ms Jeanette Jackson,  whose focus is to proactively promote a positive school culture based on inclusive community building and positive behavior supports. We will hear a lot about PBIS, which will be a key focus of homeroom and also will be integrated in classrooms, lunch time, and even teacher review systems.  Parents also will be called on to support these efforts. Each month, students will focus on a key area, beginning with "Preparation." Watch for more details to come home shortly. We also will reinforce the teachings every month in the Crier.

Help Needed!  

* We are seeking a co-partner to help an experienced parent with Reflections this year. Preferably someone who will be here next year to carry the program forward.  This involves promoting the opportunity to students and organizing ribbons, certificates and other recognition. Projects are judged by an independent committee. 

*The Intramurals team seeks an adult trained in first aid to handle minor injuries after school. Great for a parent or retired health care worker in your family or neighborhood! Need not be available every day as any ability to commit will be helpful.

Interested? Contact gwm...@gmail.com. 

-- Kathy Stenzel, PTA President

GEARING UP FOR AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES 

This week the "late bus" begins with buses departing GW at 4:10 pm,  allowing students the opportunity to participate in after school clubs, homework help, and intramural sports. Clubs are organized by teachers based on interest. Your student can learn more by talking to their teachers or visiting their grade level offices. Each teacher also offers a regular day for after school homework help. Intramural Sports begin September 22 and are open to all students. Parents must complete forms in order for students to participate in Intramurals.  Intramural schedules and forms are attached.

MEETING FOR ACADEMIC VOLUNTEERS

November 6, 2014- 3:45-4:45 pm, Volunteer Interest Meeting at George Washington Middle School's Library-  If you are interested in volunteering at George Washington Middle School, please feel free to attend a Volunteer Interest Meeting on November 6th. Please contact Stacey Thomas, the school's Volunteer Coordinator, at sth...@acps.k12.va.us if you have any questions. Thank you and we look forward to meeting you!

WE NEED YOU AT ART ON THE AVENUE!
Check out the GWMS art project featured on the Art on the Avenue Children’s Activities page! Once you are inspired by last year’s product, you can sign up here to help GW students at the event on October 4th .  Thank you to Gena Alexa, Angela Desperd and PTA President, Kathy Stenzel for getting things started. Can you join us?  We still need additional help, especially with the later shifts.  You can contact Patrice Linehan (703-946-5431) or Angela Lutzker directly … or sign up here.

ATTENTION BAND FAMILIES 

Please join our GW Band Boosters email list by sending a request to gwbandb...@gmail.com. It's a great way to stay informed about upcoming band events, Directors' concert instructions, etc. For more information, or to find out how you can help support the band program this year, please contact Judy Fox at judy...@yahoo.com. Thank you!

HAVE YOU BOUGHT YOUR TICKETS FOR THE CURIOUS GRAPE WINE TASTING YET?
This year we are trying a new, fun way to raise money for our PTA - the parents get to eat and drink, and the PTA gets the money! October may seem like a long way off, but you need to buy your tickets to this fun event before it sells out! It’s a wine tasting at the Curious Grape in Shirlington. Tickets are $50 per person with $20 going right to our PTA. Please see the dates and sign up links below. We have a different day for each of the grade levels.

(6th grade) October 2nd: 
http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=4c84kecab&oeidk=a07e9nx8tnt700b208d

(7th grade) October 9th: 
http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=4c84kecab&oeidk=a07e9o4pjceca0d7428

(8th grade) October 16th: 
http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=4c84kecab&oeidk=a07e9o4q1nbcfe79db1

SCHOOL BOARD's TALENTED AND GIFTED COMMITTEE TO HOLD FIRST MEETING OF THE YEAR - AND SEEKING COMMITTEE MEMBERS

TAGAC will meet Monday, September 15 at 7:00 pm in the Media Center of Minnie Howard School. (Enter from main doors off Braddock Road.) All TAGAC meetings are open to members of the public. There are currently opening for committee members. If you are interested in applying, you can fill out an online application here.  If you have any questions regarding TAGAC, please contact the Chair, Ramee Gentry.