The Eagle Express
University Park Elementary
December 8th, 2010
Principal’s Corner: I hope everyone had a relaxing, enjoyable Thanksgiving Break! It’s hard to believe that Winter Break is only a few weeks away! Time is really flying with so much to do in such a short amount of time!
I want to thank all of the parents who helped out with the third grade Reading Celebration and the kindergarten Thanksgiving Feast! Both were a great success!
Many thanks to the parents who organized the PTA Open House on Nov. 19th! We had an excellent turnout of parents whose children may be attending UPES in the Fall. Becky Widman, Kris Moss, Imke Ahlf-Wien, Katherin Herberholz, Michelle Hermanson, Jacqueline Bradley Chacon, Lori Farrar, Lily Baker, Maby Palmisano, and Gayatri Varma did an excellent job organizing the event, with delicious snacks, an informative program, and tours of the school!
Muchas Gracias to everyone who came out to Franklin’s Restaurant yesterday for UPES Night! It was fun seeing everyone at dinner! Franklin’s is giving us 20% of the receipts from last night, which is a lovely fundraiser for our students. I appreciate your support!
I was so happy to see so many parents at the PTA meeting on Dec. 1st! A hot topic of conversation was the proposal by the school system for our 6th graders to attend Hyattsville Middle, starting next year. There were many excellent questions that I could not answer, so I’ve asked Pupil Accounting if we can set up a meeting to clarify the proposal. I will let you know when that happens!
The fruit from the PTA Citrus Sale will be delivered tomorrow morning! If you can help unload it, please email our PTA President, Gayatri Varma, at gayatri@umd.edu, or call the school. We need all the help we can get! The fruit will be ready for pick-up tomorrow at dismissal, and Friday during drop-off and dismissal. Thanks for supporting our PTA, where just about every penny goes directly to our academic program!
I am pumped to see the Washington Capitals in our gym this afternoon!! Christy Neff, our fabulous PE teacher, has arranged for the Caps to work with our 5th and 6th graders after school today! It will definitely be an event to remember!
We are getting new lighting throughout the building, and our front office, hallways, outdoor sign, outer doors, and cafeteria have been painted! I have been asking to get all of the classrooms painted as well, especially in the pods – hopefully, that will happen soon!
Our Choir will be performing at PG Plaza tomorrow, Dec. 9th at 12:30 p.m. Stop by, if you get the chance! They sound fantastic! Our Choir, UP Singers, and Band will be performing in our gym on Wednesday, Dec. 15th at 7 p.m. I know it will be an outstanding show! The students have been practicing a great deal, and it has really paid off!
Science Fair backboards are now on sale! White backboards are $4.00 and color boards are $5.00! Please send in cash or checks made out to UPES in a labeled envelope with your child’s name and teacher.
Our Food Drive has been such a fabulous success that we are continuing it until Dec. 17th! Our counselor, Ms. Bennett, is arranging baskets of food for our own UPES families in need for the Winter holidays. Thank you so much for your generosity, it has really made a difference!
Parents, you can check your child’s progress online through the Family Portal on SchoolMax. You can see attendance, grades, discipline referrals, progress reports, report cards, and check the profile page for correct phone numbers, addresses, and email addresses. If you don’t have your secret code to get into the Portal, please contact Mr. Clark (aclark@pgcps.org). He would be happy to help you!
If you shop at Giant Food Stores, please register your A + Bonus Card on line or at the store! Our school code is 00594. The school receives a percentage of the total amount spent. Last year, we received over $900 at the end of the school year! Thank you!
Upcoming Dates:
Dec. 9th – Choir Performs at PG Plaza, 12:30 p.m.
PTA Citrus Sale Items Available for Pick-up
During Dismissal
Dec. 10th – PTA Citrus Sale Items Available for Pick-up
During Drop-Off and Dismissal
Dec. 15th – UP Singers/Choir/Band Concert, 7 p.m.
Dec. 22nd – Wednesday Envelope Goes Home
Dec. 23rd – 31st – Winter Break
Jan. 3rd – Students Return To School
Jan. 5th – PTA Meeting, 7 p.m.
Jan. 17th – No School – Martin L. King’s Bd.
Jan. 20th – Family Gym Night
Jan. 21st – Book Logs Due
End of 2nd Quarter
Jan. 24th – No School – Furlough Day
Jan. 28th – Book Log Event During the Day - Movie
On behalf of the UPES faculty and staff, we wish you a happy holiday and a fantastic new year!