The Eagle Express
University Park Elementary
November 18th, 2009
UPES: Unity, Pride, Excellence, Success!
Principal’s Corner: Thanks to so many of you for coming to meet with our teachers last Wednesday, on Parent Conference Day! We had an excellent turnout, and we very much appreciate your support in your children’s education!
The second H1N1 FluMist Vaccine will be given at University Park Elementary in January, 2010, only to those students who are 9 or younger. That age range needs a second dose in order for the vaccine to be effective. The exact date is unknown at this time, but we will notify you as soon as we find out. Consent forms will need to be signed again, and we’ll send them home before Winter Vacation.
School boundaries have been a hot topic lately, as the system looks to reduce overcrowding, and increase the student population at under enrolled schools. At UPES, since the state learned about our newer wings in the building, our capacity was increased, and we are slightly under enrolled. Looking at the pre-proposal boundary maps on the PGCPS website, it appears that we will pick up a small portion (40 students) of Riverdale Elementary’s. Hearings took place last night, and the board should be voting on the proposal in January. We will keep you informed!
Thanks to parents and staff for supporting our UPES Fundraiser Nights at Three Brothers’ Restaurant last Wednesday and yesterday! The owners said they were the busiest nights they ever had! It was a lot of fun, and great seeing so many people there! We will be having a fundraiser night at Chevy’s Tex Mex Restaurant in December – more info to come home soon!
We hope you’ll join us for Parent Visitation Day on Thursday, Nov. 19th between 8:00 and 11:00 a.m.! Your children’s teachers have sent you an invitation with their schedule – even stopping in for 15 minutes is great! The PTA is also holding an Open House for prospective parents in the library from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Spread the word!
Our UPES t-shirts are flying off the shelves! Show your school spirit and don’t be left out – they are only $10.00! Our next UPES T-shirt and Jeans day is this Friday! The profit from this fundraiser goes to the Principal’s Staff Support Fund!
Our fifth graders are going to Camp Schmidt on Dec. 3rd – 4th! Parent chaperones are needed for this memorable trip – you must be fingerprinted in order to attend. Please let Robert Carter know if you can join us!
The new dismissal procedures are working very well! Thank you for your patience as we tried to find the best way to dismiss our students safely. We have put in work orders to blacktop/cement the dirt square in front of the doors in the back, and to build a staircase from Underwood down to the basketball courts. Parents, please remember not to park in the Cul de Sac on Wells Parkway in order to pick up your children – it is a no-parking zone.
Great news!! Mr. Booker, one of our fourth grade teachers, won the Gazette's "My Favorite Teacher" contest! We are very proud of him, and honored to have him on our staff.
Our Principal for the Day, Liam and Owen Roy, will be joining us tomorrow! He will be visiting all of the classes, and will be giving out Honor Roll certificates to students in grades 2-6! Give him a wave if you see him tomorrow!
The Boundary Meeting tonight at Northwestern High School will be taking place at 7:30 p.m., instead of 6:30 p.m. They will be discussing the new proposed boundaries for University Park Elementary - we are looking to gain about 40 students from Riverdale Elementary, if the changes are passed.
Before the Boundary meeting, we are having UPES Night again at Three Brothers Restaurant! Please bring your flyer - we hope to see you there!
PTA Spotlight
The PTA is pleased to announce Tony Zaun as our spotlight volunteer. Tony was very involved in helping to secure items for the Silent Auction.
How long have you been involved at UPES?
"1 year."
Who was your most memorable teacher?
"My high school English teacher, Ernie Gulner. He was a demanding teacher, but very helpful and supportive. He made you want to work.
What do you like best about UPES?
"The community. I fell like when you walk into the school people know your child and you feel like you belong"
Why should people volunteer at UPES?
"Because parent involvement can make the school successful"
Dates to Remember
Nov. 19th – Parent Visitation Day, 8-11 a.m.
Open House for Prospective Families, 8:30 – 10 a.m. in the library
Nov. 25th – 27th – Thanksgiving Break
Dec. 1st – PTA Meeting, 7 p.m.
Dec. 2nd – Wednesday Envelope Comes Home
Dec. 3rd – 4th – Camp Schmidt for 5th Graders
Dec. 4th – UPES T-shirt and Jeans Day
Dec. 9th – Band and Choir Concert, 7 p.m.
Dec. 16th – Wednesday Envelope Comes Home
Write-a-Book Entries Due
Dec. 18th – Second Quarter Progress Reports Released
Dec. 24th – Jan 1st – Winter Break
Jan. 4th – Students Return to School