The Eagle Express

University Park Elementary

February 9, 2011

     Principal’s Corner:  Many of you have heard about the proposed budget cuts for our schools next year.  They are deep and devastating – there is no doubt that the cuts will affect our students.  Some of the highlights are:

·       ½ day Pre-Kindergarten

·       Camp Schmidt and Owens Science Center being closed

·       Reading Recovery eliminated

·       Media Specialists reductions

·       Higher class sizes

·       No Cost of Living increases, step increases, or degree advancement for employees.

The list is extensive.

     WE NEED YOUR HELP!  You can make a difference!  To save our students, save our schools, and save our staff, please call Governor Martin O’Malley (410-974-3901) and Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown (410-974-2804) or fill out the online Email form at http://www.governor.maryland.gov/mail/!  Please tell them that level funding education hurts Prince George’s County more than any other school system in the state.  Ask them to fully fund education to help PGCPS continue to make the gains in student achievement that helped make Maryland #1!

     Congratulations to our choir!  They received perfect scores at the Winterfest Competition!  They are also going to perform the Star Spangled Banner at the Bowie Baysox game on Saturday, June 4^th (yes, that’s a change from April 15^th!)  There will be fireworks after the game!  We’ll be selling tickets in May, so stay tuned!

     Many thanks to the parents who came to the State of UPES Address on January 28^th!  They asked outstanding questions and gave us many excellent suggestions, which we will be discussing at our next School Improvement Team meeting!  Many thanks to Ms. Caulkins and her daughters for keeping the kids busy in the gym while the adults listened, and to Mr. Springer, Mr. Booker and Mr. Spitzberg for their help!

     Our students did an excellent job at our Science Fair!  Their projects were very impressive, and I could tell all of the support they received at home and at school!  Many thanks to the wonderful folks who judged our Science Fair:  Sabrina Ghiz-Zhir, Sharon Maloney, Joseph Novello, Carmen Booker, Mary Hanlon, Pam Wilkerson, Mayor John Tabori, George Ho, Hugh O’Donnell, Santiago Bernal, Patty Boyd, Dee Barham, Brad Carpenter, Cheryl Axenfeld, Jens Herberholz, Teddi Shropshire, Michele Woods, Ray Moore, and Robert Moss!  Muchas gracias to the PTA parent volunteers who provided a lovely breakfast and lunch to the judges: Karen Ahalt, Suzie Whelton, Lori Farrar, and Carmen Booker!

     I hope you will come to the Black History Month Instrumental Concert tonight at 7:30 p.m.!  Mr. Spitzberg and the instrumental students have been practicing faithfully, and they sound fantastic!  It’s a wonderful evening that you won’t forget!

     Peace Week has been designated for the week of February 14-28, 2011.   We will wear a different color each day of the week to represent peace.  A theme will be announced each day.  The GOLD TEAM will be collecting pennies for this week to purchase a Peace Tree.   When spring arrives, they will have a ceremony to plant the Peace Tree and reaffirm the school's commitment to peace.  Thank you for your support!    

     The Community Builders’ Coat Drive was a huge success!  They collected 340 coats, thanks to your generosity!  Zips Dry Cleaners were kind enough to clean the coats for FREE!  Ms. Neff is bringing the coats to the International Rescue Committee, where they will help adults and children in need. 

     Honor Roll assemblies for the second quarter will take place at the following times:

• Second Grade – Feb. 18^th at 9:00 in the cafeteria

·       Third Grade – Feb. 18^th at 8:30 a.m. in the third grade pod

·       Fourth Grade – Feb. 14^th, 8:15 a.m. in the cafeteria

·       Fifth Grade – Feb. 15^th, 1:20 p.m. in the cafeteria

·       Sixth Grade – Feb. 18^th at 8:30 a.m. in the library

The assemblies only take about 15 minutes, and you are most welcome to attend!

    The PTA's Wine and Cheese Silent Auction is going to take place on Saturday, Feb. 26th at Wallace Memorial Presbyterian Church on Metzerott Road from 4 - 6 p.m.  This is one of their major fundraisers, and just about every penny comes back to the school!  They need everyone's help to keep funding art, the library, and after school enrichment at UPES!  Donations come in all shapes and sizes - Local businesses can see this as an opportunity to connect with a great potential customer base - a win-win for everyone!!  Donating some homemade dinner or great child-care can be just the thing to help our busy neighbors!

     You can help your child win a pizza party!!  The classroom that brings in the most donations (number of donations, not monetary value) will win a pizza party!!  If you are contributing to your child’s grade level basket, this is the week to send in your donation!  Thank you so much!

For any questions, please contact Carrie Davis Murphy at carriedmurphy@mac.com, or Kris Moss at 301-277-1340.

     We are holding our Career Day on Wednesday, April 27^th from 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.!  If you would be willing to speak during Career Day, please fill out the flyer included in the Wednesday Envelope and send it in!  Even if you only have a half hour to spare, we’d love to have you!

     Save the date – April 9^th – for the 10^th Anniversary Azalea Classic!!  We will also be celebrating the 75^th anniversary of University Park!   Look for flyers coming home for the event – it was a huge success last year!   

     Valentine’s Parties will take place on Feb. 14^th at 1 p.m.!  Your child’s teacher will be sending home a class list and more information soon on how you can contribute to the party! 

Upcoming Dates:

Feb. 9^th – Black History Month Instrumental Concert,

                 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 14^th – Fourth Grade Honor Roll Assembly, 8:15 a.m.

                 Valentine’s Day Parties, 1 p.m.

Feb. 18^th – ½ Day for Students – Professional Dev. For

                 Teachers (Dismissal at 10:55 a.m.)

Feb. 21^st – No School – Presidents’ Day

Feb. 23^rd – Wednesday Envelope Goes Home

Feb. 26^th – PTA Silent Auction

Feb. 28^th – March 3^rd – MSA Spirit Week

March 4^th – No School – Furlough Day

March 8^th & 9^th – Reading MSA

March 9^th – Wednesday Envelope Goes Home

March 15^th & 16^th – Math MSA

March 17^th – Family Square Dance at night!

March 23^rd – Wednesday Envelope Goes Home