Mr. Mann's Memo

I have several items to review with you today...

a)  Reach for the Stars fundraiser.  This is the first of our 5th grade fund raisers for this school year.

Why do we need the money?  We hope to be able to take all of the students on two very special trips this year.  The first trip is to the Platte River State Park on April 18, 2013.  We will spend the day participating in outdoor events sponsored by the Nebraska Game and Parks Department.  Then on May 16th, we are planning to head to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo for the day.  We will need to arrange for transportation to the state park and to Omaha.  Plus we will need to pay the admission fee to visit the zoo.  Overall, it will cost us nearly $2000 to attend both of these trips.

So back to Reach for the Stars.  Right now, the students should be recording their individual reading times on their chart.  I want them to read at least 30 minutes for 10 days.  Students then should collect pledge money from family and friends of the family for their reading.  We have set a goal of $60 per student in pledge dollars.   All pledge dollars and reading records are due Monday, November 5th.

Please remember that for every dollar that is raised in pledges...students will receive 50% of those funds to purchase books for their home library.  30% will go towards the buses and admission fee of the zoo trip.  20% will be used to pay for the prizes (students who raise $100 or more have a special prize choice) and to purchase additional books for the class library.


b)  Wednesday Folders.  We are going to start using a Wednesday folder this week.  I'm finding too many of the notes from the PTA, office, or other agencies/organizations ending up in the trash, recycling bin, or the students' desks.  So those messages are not getting home to you.  Please review the items in the folder, sign the front, and then have them back at school on Thursday.


c)  1st Quarter Progress Reports.  Look for them in this week's Wednesday folder.  Please sign the front of the report card envelope and return to school.

d)  Student Vote.  This Thursday, November 1st, all Meadow Lane students will participate in Student Vote 2012.  Many thanks to Caleb for serving as our class's election commissioner.  The students will be make their choice for President, US Senator, 1st Congressional Representative, and member of the State Board of Education.  In addition, students will be voting on  their favorite movie for Meadow Lane's Movie Night.  Stay tuned for the school's final results. 

e)  Thumbs Up!  I'm so very proud of this class.  There are 19 of the 25 students who have earned their 'Thumbs Up' award.  These students have consistently shown good choices at school, completed their work, and have been responsible for their planners.  Congratulations to:  Justin, Amal, Amelia, Bradi, Tina, Olivia, Colby, Chase, Diego, Lauren, Sophia, Alyiah, Joe, Kamryn, Caleb, Wyatt, Xavier, Brina, and Marissa.