ART EXHIBIT AND RECEPTION

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26^th at 2:30PM

Laurey Levy

You are cordially invited to attend the Art Reception featuring the works of all students at Overland Elementary School for Advanced Studies.  This year, Overland students will exhibit their art that is connected to the country they have studied in their classroom for the International Festival. This theme has produced a myriad of incredible interpretations. Please come join us for this impactful, school-wide project on the grassy area for the ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception!

ART EXHIBIT SET UP

TUESDAY, MAY 25^th Beginning at 12:30PM

Laurey Levy

Attention Art Volunteers and Room Parents:  Please coordinate with parents to hang the art for your class. Laurey Levy will be in the halls starting to hang around 12:30pm if some of you would like to join earlier than 2:30. It would help if you could bring staplers, staples, scissors and hammers. Your area to hang will be clearly labeled in either the annex or main building.  Don’t forget to submit your 100 word description to laurey@sbcglobal.net. Thank you for ALL your hard work. It’s going to be a great show!

MAKING MUSIC AND TELLING STORIES

SPRING CONCERT, WEDNESDAY, MAY 26th

Katherine Williamson

The Spring Concert is this Wednesday in the Overland Elementary Auditorium.  New this Year!

Morning and Afternoon Concerts will be divided into 2 parts.  If you have a student in 3rd, 4th or 5th Grade, come to the 8:40am presentation or the 1:00pm presentation. If you have a Kinder, 1st or 2nd grade student come to the 9:30am or 1:50pm presentation.  You are welcome to stay for entire morning or afternoon presentation.

KINDER TOUR DAY NEEDS

Cynthia Friedman

Children’s Tour Day is Thursday, June 3rd and we need volunteers to work the sign in tables (8:30 to 9:30), to help in the classrooms (9:00-10:15) and to set up the snacks (9:30-11:00).  If you are available to help, please contact Sydney Shelton, sydneyshelton@pacbell.net.

CLEAN UP DAY

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2^nd, AFTER SCHOOL ON THE YARD

Cynthia Friedman

Overland Mini-beautification, Wednesday, June 2, 2:30 pm.  Meet us at the cafeteria tables and help make our school sparkle for the future kindergarteners that will be visiting Thursday morning. Questions, call Cynthia 310-815-9929 or Sydney 310-815-8884.

FRIENDS & FAMILY CAMPAIGN SUCCESS

Thank you to all the parents who contributed and congratulations to the parents who spearheaded this campaign: Craig Silvers, Jeff Creech, Jacqueline Bendy, Lacey Plache, Jeannine Vanian, Cindy Sison, Debra Hochman, Margo Cocea, Steve Herman, Paul Figueredo and Daisy Lalwani. Thanks also to David Wendell and Greg Bartlett for the video and to the FOO Board and Ms. Born for their support.

OVERLAND IN MOTION RECEIVES

SCHOOL HEALTH WELLNESS RECOGNITION AWARD

Thanks to the American Cancer Society for recognizing OIM with this award, and to Risa Okin for submitting.  Congratulations to volunteer Apryl Krakovsky for creating and leading this fantastic program.

DON’T FORGET TO SUBMIT YOUR RECEIPTS

PTA will be balancing the books at the end of the school year.  If you still have outstanding receipts from PTA events, please submit them to Treasurer Apryl Krakovsky.  Check request forms or tax-deductible donation forms are available in the PTA box or on our website.

HELP TEACHERS PACK

All of our teachers will need to pack up their classrooms for the summer.  Medium sized packing boxes are needed.  Please check with your teacher or room parents if you’d like to help your teacher with packing, or Eve Gelb at ptapres@overlandschool.org.

UCLA SURVEY

A survey will be coming home with students in grades 2 – 5.  This is part of a UCLA Phd student’s research on parenting behaviors.  Families who participate will be compensated with either a $15 gift card to Vons, or a $15 contribution to Overland PTA.

LET YOUR VOLUNTEER HOURS BE COUNTED

Karen White, Co-President

In the fall, we challenged parents to commit to 12 hours of volunteer time this year.  I know many of you have already exceeded that total by far; it is useful to us to have a count of those hours.  Please take a moment to estimate your volunteer hours for the school year and email the total to Shawn Thompson at shawntom@mac.com.  It would be helpful to include your name, job (classroom help, Gardening parent, PTA President, etc.).  Any questions, contact Karen at ptapres@overlandschool.org.

FAMILIES NOT INTENDING TO RETURN

TO OVERLAND NEXT YEAR

If your child(ren) are in grades 4 and below and are not intending to return to Overland next year, please notify the office.  It is helpful for us to know all non-returning families in order to set our program as early as possible.  Please contact Ellen Aronoff, Office Tech.

To submit an item for the PTA/FOO Weekly News, email Karen at ptapres@overlandschool.org by noon Monday the day before you’d like it to appear. View our current calendar on the Overland PTA website.

PTA MEETING TOMORROW

Wednesday, May 19^th, 8:15 a.m.

Staff Lounge

Join us to elect our 2010-11 Board and to finalize plans for end of the year activities, including the Art Show and Kinder Tour.  Bring your own coffee cup!  Please note our final PTA meeting date/time has changed to: Wednesday, June 9^th at 8:15 a.m. Look on our website for the Agenda.

FINAL PARENT COFFEE/KINDER PARENT CONNECTION

Friday, May 21^st, 8:11 a.m. Yard

All parents are invited to join us after Overland in Motion for our final coffee of the year.  We also invite current Kindergarten families to join us for feedback on your PTA/FOO experience this year.  Bring your own (unbreakable covered) coffee cup to help us be green!

TESTING REMINDER

Colette Moore

Testing continues this week: grades 2,3, and 5 are holding testing on Tuesday, May 18^th and Wednesday May 19^th.  Make-up testing will be offered at the end of the week for students who were absent.

ART SHOW PLANS

Laurey Levy

Room Parents and Art Volunteers:  By now your class should have completed their art for the art show exhibit and all art can either be brought to the Parent Room on the table or stored at your home or classroom.  Please also email the description that will explain your lesson to laurey@sbcglobal.net if you have not yet done so.

Bring your scissors to come hang your class art on Tuesday, May 25th at 2:30. Organize with your parent volunteers who will be completing this task. Meet at the main building and see Laurey Levy to receive directions and the area to hang the art.

Thank you all so much.

Art Show Reception

Wednesday, May 26th at 2:30pm

Yvonne Zagala

We need your help to bring in baked goods, fruit, cookies, small cakes: all that are easy to take a sampling of.  Also requested: Lemonade, Water and Sparkling Juice, napkins, small plates, cups, and 2 bouquets of flowers, enough for 200 people.  Please drop off your items BEFORE school on May 26 at the Teacher’s Lounge.  To sign up or for questions, contact Yvonne @ yzagala@gmail.com.  Thanks for your help.

OVERLAND YEARBOOK STILL NEEDS PHOTOS

Carl Varnardo

Got photos from the International Festival or parade?  Any and all good quality photos of events from the entire school year will still be considered.  Each photo should be digitally re-named to indicate the classroom number and/or event. To contribute photos, you can burn them onto a CD and leave them in Mr. Varnardo’s mailbox in the main office, OR email them, one at a time (full resolution), to overlandelementary-3b84@post.me.com. Do it today!!

GO “ABOVE AND BEYOND” THIS SUMMER

Debra Hochman

Overland is pleased to introduce a voluntary new summer program – Overland:  Above and Beyond. Students who complete a special workbook over the summer will receive a certificate and be recognized in an assembly in the fall.   All this week before drop off, we will have a table on the playground where you can review sample workbooks and place your order.  You may also return your completed order form with payment to your child’s homeroom teacher, or to the main office.  The deadline for placing your order is Friday, May 21^st.  For more details, please see the pink flier that went home last week, or contact Debra Hochman (arbitrary_alias@roadrunner.com) or Colette Moore (csaidi@lausd.net).

BOX TOPS 4 EDUCATION

Bonnie Lerman

Earn Money for Overland:  Congratulations to Ms. Park (Room 4) and Ms. Yoon (Room 3) who tied for 1st place for the January-March box tops competition.  Both classes turned in 307 box tops!  Way to go!!!  Keep clipping those box tops and turn them into the BoxTops envelope in your homeroom.  Last Competition Deadline this year is Friday 6/4.  Questions please contact Bonnie Lerman.

LET YOUR VOLUNTEER HOURS BE COUNTED

Karen White, Co-President

In the fall, we challenged parents to commit to 12 hours of volunteer time this year.  I know many of you have already exceeded that total by far; it is useful to us to have a count of those hours.  Please take a moment to estimate your volunteer hours for the school year and email the total to Shawn Thompson at shawntom@mac.com.  It would be helpful to include your name, job (classroom help, Gardening parent, PTA President, etc.).  Any questions, contact Karen at ptapres@overlandschool.org.

4^TH GRADE DANCE SUCCESS

Ahnjel Ali

Fun was had by every 4th grader who attended! They danced, they laughed and smiled from ear to ear! Thank you to my committee members: Noemi Rivas, Joy Auerbach, Yvonne Zagala, Knieba Jones-Rodgers, and Cisca Brouwer- you all made this a great event. Thank you so much for ALL your help! Many thanks to everyone who decorated turning the Riddick center into a festive place! And all my chaperones who happily watched all the wonderful kids- you were a great help: Thank you for your time and watchful eyes making this dance possible. Thank you Mr. Brimble and Mr Goldurs for your joyful presence as chaperones. Thank you Anna Born for supporting these great dances for our kids. Thank you Katherine Choe for spending time with us at the dance.

CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL COMMITTEE

Karen White

Great work from set up, to operations to clean up!  From classroom experiences to the Parade of Nations – the IF was a big success.  Kudos to the chairs: Liz Bennett, Yael Prough, Ellie Roten and Eve Gelb and Planning Committee: Cecilia Victor, Sheri Adams, Yael Prough, Julie Paller, Kerrin Clark Pulis, Alisa Griner, Juyoung Chang, Stacey Arnold, Dana Mitchell, Ciza Tahan, Amanda Hernandez, and Joanne LueChin.

Thanks to all our generous supporters who donated items and provided volunteer labor: Overland’s Girl and Boy Scouts, Kappa Delta Sorority UCLA Chapter, LDS Elders, Glodney Construction, Hop Woo BBQ Seafood, Sunnin Lebanese Cafe, Sor Tino Restaurant, Jaipur Indian Cuisine, the Tuch Family, and the Overland Korean Families.

Thanks also to all our room parents and classroom volunteers for all the classroom activities, Tom and Jose for their extra assistance, and Nate Thorns who worked as custodian on the Festival day.

Finally, thanks to all the wonderful parent volunteers who helped set up, clean up and work the festival.

To submit an item for the PTA/FOO Weekly News, email Karen at ptapres@overlandschool.org by noon Monday the day before you’d like it to appear.  View our current calendar on the Overland PTA website.

THE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL IS THIS WEEK

Saturday, May 15^th, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Eve Gelb, Co-President

This event is a FUNraiser (not a fundraiser), that celebrates the many cultures that make up our community.  We have games, crafts, entertainment and food from around the world.  Advance tickets are on sale now.  Look for the form in the office or on the PTA website.  Orders are due today!

VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED:  SIGN UP ONLINE.

Yael Prough, Co-chair

If you have not signed up to volunteer yet, we have made it easier this year with online sign-up. We are in need of volunteers for the following times: Friday (setup), Saturday (am setup), Saturday (Festival- working the booths), Saturday (afternoon clean-up). Remember- please sign up for at least one hour per child at Overland Elementary. The class with the most volunteer hours (as a percent of class size) wins a trophy, so sign up, show up, and have fun!  If you have any questions please contact yprough@ign.com.  Log on at Volunteer Spot and follow the prompts to sign up.

EGGSHELLS AND GRAB BAG ITEMS NEEDED

Yael Prough, Co-Chair

We need your help with two items the kids love- grab bags and confetti eggs. The grab bag booth is a big hit and we are in need of items to fill the bags. So, look around your house for any small safe item/toy- do you have any extra party favors laying around? Happy Meal toys? Anything you think would make a great grab bag item? Confetti eggs are another fun activity at the Festival and we are in need of empty eggshells- so make some quiche, bake some cookies, and save your eggshells. Please try and make the whole small at one end so that the eggshell remains intact and wash the eggshells out. Please bring all items to the Parent Room by this Wednesday, May 12^th.

BAKE SALE TENT AND CAKE WALK ITEMS

We need your homemade, scrumptious, ooey-gooey delicious donations of: Cakes, Cookies, Cupcakes, Danishes, Doughnuts, Lemon Bars, Pastries, Brownies, Blondies, Pies, Fudge, Petit fours, Tarts, or anything else you’d like to bake up!  All bake sale donations (except Pies/Cakes) need to be pre-packed in single servings to be sold.  Please drop off your baked goods on Friday in the Teacher’s Lounge or on Saturday before 10:00 to the Bake Sale Booth.  Thank you in advance for your help and donations!

PARADE OF NATIONS

Thursday, May 13^th, 1:30 p.m. on the track

As part of our International Festival experience, send your child to school with a costume that celebrates his/her culture or any culture.  Spectators welcome!

CLASS SIZE REDUCTION

Jacqueline Bendy

Don’t miss the town hall meeting on Wednesday, May 12, at 5:30 pm in the auditorium. Ms. Born and FOO representatives will be speaking about the impacts of budget cuts on Overland class sizes. It’s a great chance to raise any questions you might have and to learn more about the planned expansion of the program to lower class sizes. Come and support our Overland community. For more information on how to donate, please visit the FOO website.

SCHOOL CENTS WRAP UP

Stacey Shortt & Sara Tippit, Chairs

Please submit your final receipts for any and all Westside Pavillion purchases (including Landmark Theatres and Westside Tavern!).  We have until the May 15th to get all receipts in, so please either bring them to Guest Services on the 2nd Floor at Westside Pavillion, or put them in the collection box outside the office at school.  Thanks to everyone for all your support & submissions – we are currently in 3rd place – a great accomplishment for a school of our size!

LET YOUR VOLUNTEER HOURS BE COUNTED

Karen White, Co-President

In the fall, we challenged parents to commit to 12 hours of volunteer time this year.  I know many of you have already exceeded that total by far, and perhaps others will complete it this week at the International FestivalJ  In any case, it is useful to us to have a count of those hours.  Please take a moment to estimate your volunteer hours for the school year and email the total to Shawn Thompson at shawntom@mac.com.  It would be helpful to include your name, job (classroom help, Gardening parent, PTA President, etc.).  Any questions, contact Karen at ptapres@overlandschool.org.

To submit an item for the PTA/FOO Weekly News, email Karen at ptapres@overlandschool.org by noon Monday the day before you’d like it to appear.  View our current calendar on the Overland PTA website.

OVERLAND YEARBOOK NEEDS PHOTOS

Mr. Varnardo and Ms. Ikeda are working hard with a group of 5^th grade students to create the 2009-10 yearbook, but photos are still desperately needed!  Any and all good quality photos of events from the entire school year will be considered.  Each photo should be digitally re-named to indicate the classroom number and/or event. To contribute photos, you can burn them onto a CD and leave them in Mr. Varnardo’s mailbox in the main office, OR email them, one at a time (full resolution), to overlandelementary-3b84@post.me.com. Do it today!!

ONLINE SIGN UP FOR THE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

Yael Prough

The International Festival is right around the corner – Saturday, May 16^th. You might have seen volunteer sign-up sheets around school; you can also sign-up online, by clicking here.

This is our first time using this website, but we think this will be very convenient for everyone. The site will ask you to register so that they can send you a reminder prior to the event.  In addition the site will send you an email to confirm your email address so please make sure you click the link. And when the window pops up to view offers from their partners you can click the box to skip the offers and be taken to your confirmation page. If you have any questions please contact yprough@ign.com. I think you will find that it is very easy.

We are in need of volunteers for the following times: Friday, 5/14 (setup), Saturday, 5/15 (am setup), Saturday, 5/15 (Festival- working the booths and afternoon clean-up). Remember- please sign up for at least one hour per child at Overland Elementary. The class with the most volunteer hours (as a percent of class size) wins a trophy, so sign up, show up, and have fun!  Thanks for making a difference!

FOO ELECTIONS

Steve Herman, Chair

Monday, May 3rd, 2010, at 6:00 p.m., Friends of Overland School (FOO) will hold its mandated annual meeting which is open to all members.  As Overland parents each one of you is automatically a member of FOO and holds a stake in its management and direction.

The May 3rd, 2010 meeting is held for the purpose of organization, election of a Board of Directors and transaction of other business.  All members (i.e., all Overland parents) are entitled to attend the annual meeting, and to vote for the FOO Board of Directors for the 2010-2011 fiscal year.  Currently the following incumbent directors/officers are standing for re-election:

Mr. Michael Arnold; Mr. Sandy Becker; Mr. Colin Gelb (Treasurer); Mr. Ilan Heimanson; Mr. Steve Herman (Chairman of the Board); Mr. David Huff; Ms. Daisy Lalwani (President of the Board); Mr. John Mitchem (Vice President); Mr. Joey Plager; Mr. Craig Silvers; Ms. Cindy Sison; Ms. Kelly Stackpoole; Mr. Jay Westlin (Vice President).

The following parents have also been nominated: Ms. Dana Mitchell, Mr. Jeremy Ogulnick, Mr. Jeff Creech and Mr. Andrew Thau.

The FOO board can be composed of up to fifteen (15) directors, and every director seat is open for contest.  As members you are invited to submit your nominees for the FOO Board of Directors.  Nominees must be adult persons who during the next school year (2010-2011) will have a child enrolled in Overland. Please submit your nominees in writing to the FOO Box in the School’s office at your earliest opportunity.  Please provide the Nominee’s name and contact information, as well as your name and contact information – and yes, you can nominate yourself!  Nominations can also be made from the floor at the annual meeting.  All nominees who agree to stand for election are requested to be personally present at the May 3rd, 2010 meeting.

PTA MAGAZINE DRIVE CONTINUES

Ciza Tahan

Go to http://www.aphearst.com and put in our school code WC3703 and you can continue to order or renew magazines on-line.  Overland will get 40% of all sales.  This money will help fund programs such as Math and Science Night, Classroom Art and Gardening and much more!  Questions, contact Ciza Tahan, magdrive@overlandschool.org.

FAMILY MATH & SCIENCE NIGHT

Donna Jones and Stacey Shortt, Chairs

A Big FMSN Thank You to all our generous parents, staff & teachers – from everyone that attended to those of you who rolled up your sleeves & greeted, treated, hosted & “feeted”. The evening would not have been what it was without all of you.  A special thanks to our workshop hosts, our table volunteers, our registration volunteers, our coordinators, our generous donors, & to the 5th grade for feeding us!

SAMPLE TEST QUESTIONS

Colette Moore, Instructional Coordinator

If you are interested in seeing some sample test questions of the upcoming standardized test you may want to check out this website: http://starsamplequestions.org/starRTQ/search.jsp

CALENDAR REMINDERS

o     Tuesday, April 27 6:30 p.m. Orchestra concert, Auditorium

o     Friday, April 30, 6 – 8 p.m. 4^th Grade Social, Riddick Center (tickets on sale before and after school on the yard this week)

And the Thank You’s go to:

o     Donna Jones and Stacey Shortt for their tireless work putting together this year’s Family Math and Science Night

o     1^st grade teacher Ms. Kirschenbaum, YSF coordinator Michael Karsh, and all the Sony and Fox mentors for their work on The Big Show

To submit an item for the PTA/FOO Weekly News, email Karen at ptapres@overlandschool.org by noon Monday the day before you’d like it to appear.  View our current calendar on the Overland PTA website.

Parents:  there are many important meetings and events this week, so please read on…

SSC BUDGET MEETING

Tuesday April 13th at 5:30 p.m.

in the library

Debra Silverman

Please join us as we discuss and approve allocation of Overland’s 2010-11 categorical funds (not to be confused with the FOO funds).  We’ll also be addressing the following:  Class-Size Reduction, Arts, and Second Grade Teaming.  Open mic begins at 6:30.  To request a speaking slot please email Debra Silverman (dbsilver77@yahoo.com) before the meeting.

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL NEEDS YOUR HELP!

Thursday, April 15^th at 8:11 a.m.

Staff Lounge

Liz Bennett

intfest@overlandschool.org

The International Festival is looking for volunteers to help with many items: entertainment, food, games, etc. if you are interested in helping out or learning more please come to a quick meeting this Thursday immediately after drop-off in the teacher’s lounge. This is one of the most fun events of the year at Overland so come on out and help us make this special for the kids.

FAMILY MATH & SCIENCE NIGHT

THE BIG EVENT IS

Thursday, April 15^th 5 – 7:45 p.m

Stacey Shortt

fmsn@overlandschool.org

5 PM – Math Mania Games & workshop ticket pick up

6:15 PM – Lightning Demonstration on the yard

6:45 PM – Hands-on Science Workshops

ALL FREE!

Didn’t sign up for a workshop? Don’t worry!  There will be lots of workshop tickets available on Thursday.  Also a light dinner will be for sale by the 5^th Grade students.  Can’t wait to see all Overland families there!  (Remember: no drop off allowed.)

OIM FAMILY DAY & PARENT COFFEE

Friday, April 16^th at 8:11 a.m.

On the yard

Karen White

Come join us for this monthly chance to participate in Overland in Motion and socialize with other parents.

An important issue, class size, will be our focus.  Representatives of a parent committee will be available to discuss the need and process for implementing class size reduction.

And don’t forget to bring your own coffee mug and help us save paper cups!

FOO MINI AUCTION THIS WEEK

Daisy Moore Lalwani

foopres@overlandschool.org

Be on the lookout for a blast email regarding some fabulous auction items that came in too late to be featured at the event!  This week, the auction committee will send a blast email with all the details on available items and how to bid.  Physical items will be on display at Family Day on Friday morning.  The mini auction will run through Monday, April 19.

SIGN THE PETITION, “SAY NO TO CUTS”

Teri Levy, Wonderland PTA president

teri@overamerica.com

Wonderland school parents have created a pointed tongue-in-cheek video, which highlights the many cuts that our governor and legislators are forcing on our schools.  Watch the video and then sign the petition on behalf of all parents, students and teachers in California.

BOX TOPS 4 EDUCATION

Bonnie Lerman

boxtops@overlandschool.org

The February-March deadline has been extended in order to turn those Spring Break Box Tops in.  DEADLINE is Friday April 16.  Please turn in those Box Tops to the envelope in your classroom.  Remember to keep clipping Box Tops.  There will be one more deadline in June for this year!

REFLECTIONS ART WORK

DON’T FORGET TO PICK YOURS UP

Felicity Nove

reflections@overlandschool.org

Parents –- a reminder — if your child’s Relections contest artwork had been sent downtown for the District display, it is now back in the Parent Room.  Please pick it up by this Friday, 2/16, after which it will be recycled.

To submit an item for the PTA/FOO Weekly News, email Karen at ptapres@overlandschool.org by noon Monday the day before you’d like it to appear.  View our current calendar on the Overland PTA website.

FAMILY MATH AND SCIENCE NIGHT

SAVE THE DATE

Thursday, April 15, 2010

5:00 – 7:45 p.m.

Less than 1 month until FAMILY SCIENCE & MATH NIGHT.  Volunteers still welcome & needed!  Will you sign up for Sling Shots or Invent Your Own Video Game this year?  Maybe you’ll choose a favorite from last year like Paper Airplanes or Pop Rockets?  Plan on the best homework-free evening of the year, for both you and your parents – (the 5th grade will be selling dinner)!  Watch for details after Spring Break.    Parents and older siblings can get into the fun if they want to assist with, or do workshops, math tables or set-up.  Please contact Stacey Shortt or Donna Jones, fmsn@overlandschool.org.  Looking forward to seeing you all there!

DINNER DEAL BEFORE OPEN HOUSE

Thursday, March 25^th 5 – 6 p.m.

On the yard

The 5^th graders will be holding a fundraiser for Science Camp scholarships:  pizza, fruit, cookie and a drink for $5.  First come, first served.  Join us!

SCHEDULE REMINDER

Colette Moore

Thursday, March 25^th is a minimum day, ending at 12:40 p.m., with Open House at 6 p.m.

BUDGET CUTS: WHAT WE CAN DO NOW

Karen White

We’ve just had a very successful fundraiser and you’ll be hearing from Ms. Born as to how budget cuts will affect our school, but we can speak up NOW to let our governor and legislators know that funding education is a priority.  CAPTA has sample letters that we have adapted to our school.  Go to the Advocacy page on the PTA website, where there are letters you can print, sign and send to the Governor, our two State Senators and our two Assembly Reps. Every letter counts!

AUCTION COMMITTEE DEBRIEF MEETING THIS FRIDAY

Daisy Lalwani

Our final 2010 auction committee meeting will be Friday, March 26, at 8:15 a.m. (right after drop off) in the Overland Elementary School staff lounge.  The committee will be invited to a special celebration right after Spring Break.  Submitted by Daisy Moore Lalwani.

AUCTION FOLLOW UP

Thanks again to everyone who supported the 21st Annual FOO Gala and Auction.

If you are hosting a theme party or teacher treat, the chairs will notify you of the attendees this week, and will coordinate making any unsold spaces available to parents who couldn’t attend the auction.

There are also a few great auction items that came in late or didn’t sell the night of the event.  We will have a mini auction to sell these items when we return from Spring Break.  Cindy Sison and I would like to give a special thanks to Dana Mitchell, who has volunteered to run the mini auction this year.

For all those who donated items to the auction, the Gavel Group will be sending out receipts in the next several weeks.  For those who attended the event, we are working on creating receipts for the Raise the Paddle donations and any other items that did not get receipted the night of the event.   There is always a lot of post-event reconciliation, so we appreciate your patience.

If you have any questions, please contact Daisy Moore Lalwani foopres@overlandschool.org.

FOO MEETING APRIL 5

Mark your calendars for the Monday after Spring Break.  Friends of Overland’s monthly Board of Directors meeting will be on Monday, April 5, at 7 p.m. in the Overland Elementary School staff lounge.  Submitted by Daisy Moore Lalwani.

BOX TOPS 4 EDUCATION

Jan-March Competition Deadline has been extended!  Please keep clipping those Box Tops and turn them into the envelope in your classroom.  Next Deadline is Friday, April 9th.  If you have any questions please contact Bonnie Lerman, boxtops@overlandschool.org.

To submit an item for the PTA/FOO Weekly News, email Karen at ptapres@overlandschool.org by noon Monday the day before you’d like it to appear.  View our current calendar on the Overland PTA website.

PTA MEETING

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17

8:15 AM

TEACHERS’ LOUNGE

JOIN US!

OVERLAND IN MOTION FAMILY DAY & PARENT COFFEE

Friday, March 19^th at drop off

At the round lunch tables

Join us on the yard for our next parent coffee.  Catch up on school news – see old friends and meet new ones!

It’s Ag week – Dress like a farmer on Friday!

Ginny Sagal

March 15th – 19th all students will learn where the food they eat comes from. Friday, March 19th is Dress as a Farmer Day! In the morning we will have a visit from the Dairy Council with a live dairy cow. In the afternoon the children will have time to visit farm animals at the petting zoo.

International Festival Room Parent Breakfast–Friday, March 19th at 8:15

Liz Bennett, Co-chair

Room Parents:  Join us as we kick off the International Festival activies!  Come to the International Festival Tables on the yard (not at the Riddick as posted on the school calendar.)  Grab some coffee and nosh.  We will have a detailed presentation for new room parents (or those who want to know more) and a brief presentation for experienced room parents.  We look forward to seeing you all there.  If you can’t make it, please make sure at least one representative from each room is present.  Contact Liz Bennett or Yael Prough.

CONGRATULATIONS INTERNATIONAL TEE SHIRT

CONTEST WINNERS

Because so many students entered excellent designs, the committee chose to award runners up, as well as the top winner who will have her design printed on this year’s tee shirt.

The overall winner was Chloe H.

5th Grade Runner Up–Jessica O.

4th Grade Runner Up–Morgan M. and Ori J.

3rd Grade Runner Up–Jalen G.

2nd Grade Runner Up—Emma H.

1st Grade Runner Up–Ariel O.

K Runner Up–Jack H.

FOO AUCTION THANKS

Daisy Moore Lalwani and Cindy Sison, Co-chairs

Thanks to everyone who helped make the 21st Annual FOO Gala and Auction our highest attended and highest grossing event ever! This would not have been possible without an outstanding team of volunteers.

Our auction liaison, Yael Prough, handled a highly stressful job with grace and good humor.

Dana Mitchell did an outstanding job with both ticket sales and registration.  Thanks to the registration volunteers:  Deborah Harju, Joanne LueChin, Eden Yemane, and our information systems coordinator, Kelly Stackpoole.

Jacqueline Bendy masterfully handled all the logistics with the site.

Paul Figueiredo assembled a stellar list of live auction items.

Our Corporate Sponsorship team: Michael Arnold, Kipling Hamilton, Ilan Heimanson and David Huff, more than doubled last year’s take.

No one would have known about all the great things going on with the auction without the work of our communications team:  Margo Cocea and Heidi Huff and their informative newsletters.

Last year’s co-chairs, Danielle Prunier and Steve Herman, shared their wisdom and insights and helped with the event in countless ways.

Steve, Sandy Becker and John Mitchem spearheaded our community outreach efforts.

We had 30 fantastic theme parties to bid on, thanks to Melanie Bartlett, Robin Davids and Jay Westlin.

We had all the old favorites plus new innovative teacher/staff treats, thanks to Deborah Harju and Stacey Shortt.

Thanks to Emily Ford of Ford’s Filling Station, we had amazing top restaurants in the live and silent auction, and Risa Okin ensured all our favorite local restaurants donated.

We had a fantastic selection of wines, thanks to the wine cellar committee:  Courtney Colman, Debra Hochman and Yael Prough.

Everyone who walked into the event was awed by the beautiful class gift baskets created by Hannah Cowherd, Sydney Shelton, Robin Wisdom and their team of volunteers.  We would like to give a special thank you to Nancy Cohen for her donation of ribbons, baskets and the use of her ribbon-making machine; which made our baskets so elegant and professional.

Thanks to our wonderful graphic design volunteers, Vida Tuch and Sherry Lambie, who worked under tight deadlines to create the wonderful look for the event on everything from the invitations to the program, catalog and signage.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house after the amazing video produced and directed by filmmaker Ron Vignone.

As always, Cecilia Victor, managed to create a magical setting on a shoestring budget.  Thank you to all the wonderful parents and volunteers who helped with the set up and clean up.

Thanks to Jacqueline Bendy for coordinating the gift bags and to Courtney Colman, Amanda Marks and Debra Hochman for securing donations.

Last but not least, we would like to thank our essential accounting team:  Colin Gelb and Susan Wahba.

We want to thank all the parents who contacted a business for an auction item, donated an item or service, sponsored a Teacher Ticket, and those who couldn’t attend, but made a cash donation.  Finally, we want to thank everyone, including prospective parents, who attended the event and gave generously to ensure the funding of FOO programs for the 2010-2011 school year.

and our thanks go to Daisy Lalwani and Cindy Sison, for producing an amazing and successful auction!

COOKIE SALE

Vered Mirmovitch

Support Overland Girl Scout Troops and buy cookies on the yard before and after school.

We have Classic cookies such as Trefoils, Tagalongs, Do-si-Dos, and Samoas. For a more specialized palate we have Lemon Chalet, Dulce-De-Leche and a new kind – Thank You Berry Munch (w/cranberries). Last, but not list, we have the all time everyone’s favorite Girl Scout Cookie – Thin Mints!!! Each box only $4. Come to our table next to the south building on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday March 17-19 and get your cookies. This is the last week of sales until next year.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010 – Troop 5585

(3^rd Grade Brownies)

Thursday, March 18, 2010 – Troop 3435

(2^nd Grade Brownies)

Friday, March 19, 2010 - Troop 95

(5^th Grade Juniors)

To submit an item for the PTA/FOO Weekly News, email Karen at ptapres@overlandschool.org by noon Monday the day before you’d like it to appear.  View our current calendar on the Overland PTA website.

FOO AUCTION NEWS

Daisy Lalwani, FOO President

EXCITING NEW TEACHER TREATS & AUCTION ITEMS – JUST IN!

·         Dinner for four at Lucques restaurant donated by chef Suzanne Goin, plus two copies of signed Sunday Suppers.

·         STAR Teacher Treat:  International Lunch with the STAR crew.  Includes homemade enchiladas from Mrs. Gomez’s kitchen, Denise’s Brazilian cuisine and other great foods from around the world.  Adults only; 25 people max.

·         “Jump the Line” for valet parking:  this certificate entitles the winners to move to the front of the valet parking line at the 21^st Annual FOO Gala and Auction on March 13, 2010 (3 winners)

·         “Wipeout” — Explore the stages of ABC’s hit reality game show “Wipeout”.   Six (6) people will be given a VIP tour behind the scenes of “Wipeout” at their Santa Clarita set, watching close up as contestants wipe out on the big balls!  The show will be in production this fall, pending a pick up for next season.

·         “Modern Family” – Be the envy of your friends and win a featured extra (non-speaking) walk-on role on ABC’s hit television show “Modern Family,” which has shot scenes on location right here in Cheviot Hills.  This is a very rare opportunity.

·         Nickelodeon’s Kids Choice Awards – Two (2) amazing seats to Nickelodeon’s Kids Choice Awards.

·         Dinner & Wine Pairing at Stefan’s at LA FARM – Treat your palate and revel in a tasting dinner for six (6) with wine pairings at Stefan’s at LA Farm.

UPDATES ON TEACHER TREATS and THEME PARTIES

·         Ms. Park’s teacher treat:  Korean lunch and a movie (3 winners).

·         Plant Manager and Cafeteria Manager Apprentice Treats:  open to 2^nd-5^th graders only.

·         Date change for Bollywood Dinner and Dance Party:  now set for May 22

IMPORTANT REMINDERS & INFORMATION

·         Don’t get stuck at the door while others are already bidding.  Arrive on time to get your bidding started, as auction item bids will begin to close at 7:45.  Also, there will be no progressive bidding on Theme Parties this year; instead, they will have a set price and will fill up on a first come, first serve basis.

·         Remember to bring your VISA or MASTERCARD (not Amex) to the event.  This will be needed when you check in to get your bidding stickers.

·         The Auction Catalogue is now available online at www.friendsofoverland.org with an additional benefit!  This year you can cut and paste directly from the pdf to craft your own wish list to bring to the auction.

·         Many Live Auction items have multiple participant slots, so grab your friends and bid on them together.

Thanks for getting your RSVPs in early.  This was a big help to the ticket committee.  We look forward to seeing you at the Gala and Auction on Saturday evening!

Family Math & Science Night – Save the date!

Stacey Shortt & Donna Jones, Chairs

This year’s FSMN, Invention, is Thursday, April 15th, 5:00 – 7:45pm.  Join us this Thursday at 8:30am in the parent room to find out more about this fun filled evening and how you can get involved.

Congratulations to our PTA Reflections winners!

Thea Saks, Reflections Co-Chair

We had a wonderful awards ceremony on Sunday!

Visual Arts:

K-2: 1st Place, Parker R. 2nd Place, Leah B. and Jackson H. 3rd Place, Jordan B. Honorable Mention, Audrey M.

3-5: 1st Place, Donna C. 2nd Place, Morgan H. 3^rd Place, Jordyn S., Paul P., and Chloe W.

Literature:

K-2: 1st Place, Audrey M.

3-5: 1st Place, Donna C. 2^nd Place, Rebecca H-F.

Photography:

K-2: 1st Place, Emma D.

3-5: 1st Place, Morgan H. 2^nd Place, Arrow G. 3^rd Place, Hannah Y.

Winners and participants who could not be present at the March 7 ceremony will have their awards and certificates delivered to their classrooms.

Art that did not go downtown to the 10th District will be in the Parent Room for pick-up by families on Wednesday, March 10.

We will keep families posted about when art that went downtown will be returned to Overland. (Meanwhile, feel free to take the color copies of your kids’ work.)

You are welcome to e-mail TheaSaks@att.net with any questions.  Thank you from the PTA and the Reflections team.

And the thank-you’s go to:

Cisca Garcia, Carl Varnardo, Michael Song and Colette Moore for making it possible for our 3 – 5^th graders to participate in World Maths Day last week

Thea Saks, Felicity Nove and Gary Paller for their tireless work on our Reflections program this year

To submit an item for the PTA/FOO Weekly News, email Karen at ptapres@overlandschool.org by noon Monday the day before you’d like it to appear.  View our current calendar on the Overland PTA website.

OVERLAND IN MOTION FAMILY DAY AND COFFEE

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19^TH AT DROP OFF

on the yard

Come on out for this community building morning event:  drop off any last minute donations to the auction, join your children in moving with the music, and then join fellow parents for coffee and conversation on the yard.  Questions, contact Eve Gelb, ptapres@overlandschool.org.

AUCTION NEWS

Daisy Lalwani, FOO President

EASY AUCTION COLLECTION ALL WEEK

Auction Committee Members will be at both the Ashby and the Putney gates each morning this week to collect your auction items.  If you would like to donate while in the drop-off lane, please come several minutes earlier to ease wait times.

REMEMBER YOUR DONATIONS FOR THE GRADE-LEVEL BASKETS

The themes are:

Kindergarten Gourmet Cooking

1st Grade Spa & Relaxation

2nd Grade Summer Fun/Sports

3rd Grade Entertainment

4th Grade Going Green

5th Grade Pick From Any of the Above Themes!

For more details, visit  www.friendsofoverland.org

DONATE TO THE WINE CELLAR

A special drop off area will be open across from the school on Ashby Ave. this coming Wednesday and Thursday (Feb. 17 & 18) from 7:45-8:15am.  Remember, no wine is allowed on campus.

Any questions about solicitations or auction donations?  Contact Yael Prough at parl@overlandschool.org.

WESTSIDE PAVILLION BLOOD DRIVE

EARN 10,000 SCHOOL CENTS POINTS FOR OVERLAND

Tuesday, February 16 & Wednesday, February 17

10am – 3:30pm

Visit the Cedars-Sinai Blood Mobile located in the surface lot outside of Nordstrom to donate. Please make your own appointment by contacting Dave Keys at: KeysD@cshs.org. Mention Westside Pavilion and give your appointment time.

REFLECTIONS AWARDS CEREMONY

SUNDAY, MARCH 7, 3:00 P.M.

RIDDICK CENTER

Thea Saks, Reflections Co-Chair

The entries for Reflections in the categories of visual arts, literature, and photography were evaluated at Overland by a panel of judges who are professionals in the arts. All are welcome to attend this special awards ceremony, and all students who submitted works will be awarded!  We will also congratulate top-scoring students whose work went beyond the Overland level and received recognition at the Los Angeles Tenth District PTA competition.  Students’ artwork will be on display at the Riddick Center for you to see! There will be light refreshments too…

RSVP to Thea Saks at TheaSaks@att.net

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR REFLECTIONS

We need people to help set up for the ceremony, hang the artwork, and clean up afterwards. Set up starts at 1:00.

Please contact TheaSaks@att.net if you can offer us a hand!

BOX TOPS  -  EARN MONEY FOR OVERLAND

Bonnie Lerman, Chair

Thank you very much for turning in your Box Tops!!! The December/January Competition was a close one and in fact ended in a tie!!Congratulations to Ms. Pradia’s (Room 21) and Ms. Cox Simmons’ (Room 5) classrooms who turned in 277 box tops each!  Awesome!  Please continue to clip those Box Tops and turn them into the Box Tops envelope in your classroom.   Next Box Tops Competition Deadline is March 26, 2010.

FARMER’S MARKET FOR HAITI SUCCESS

Cynthia Friedman, Gardening Co-Chair

Overland’s Farmers Market for Haiti, raised $115.  On Friday, January 29^th, the students of Overland harvested their vegetables and flowers from their classroom gardens and held a Farmer’s Market to benefit the children of Haiti.  The $115 raised has been donated to UNICEF to benefit the children of Haiti.  Thanks to everyone that helped with the classroom gardens, harvested and cleaned their vegetables and then purchased the vegetables.

To submit an item for the PTA/FOO Weekly News, email Karen at ptapres@overlandschool.org by noon Monday the day before you’d like it to appear.  View our current calendar on the Overland PTA website.

EVENING PTA MEETING THIS WEEK

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10^TH 7 PM

RIDDICK CENTER

Karen White, PTA Co-President

Please join us for this month’s PTA meeting.  If you are a parent who prefers nighttime meetings, let us know with your attendance! Check out the Agenda and Minutes on our website.  Any questions, contact Karen or Eve at ptapres@overlandschoo.org.

FEBRUARY IS AUCTION MONTH

Daisy Lalwani, FOO President

* Invitations went home last week.  You can leave your RSVP card in the FOO box in the Overland office.

* Please bring in your auction donations, class basket items and theme party forms to the auction box in the office.  If you have bottles of wine to donate, the auction committee will be collecting for our Wine Cellar across the street from the school on February 17 and 18.  Donation forms are available in the office and at www.friendsofoverland.org.

* Have to rush to work every morning?  We will have volunteers collecting donations at the drop-off lane and both gates on Friday, February 19.

For any questions, contact Daisy Moore Lalwani, foopres@overlandschool.org.

AUCTION COMMITTEE TO MEET ON FRIDAY

The committee will meet on Friday, February 12, at 8:15 a.m. in the staff lounge.

VALENTINE DAY CARDS FOR SALE
Mrs. Edwards and Room 7 students

Our class has just finished the unit “Dreams to Jobs” so we have created our own business.  We are making and selling Valentine’s Day cards for students to buy for their friends.  Students can order cards at recess on Wednesday, February 10 and Thursday February 11 on the yard by the girls’ bathroom. Room 7 students will deliver the cards to the friend’s class on Friday.  Each card will cost 50 cents.  (Please don’t spend your lunch money).

EXPO UPDATE

Craig Silvers, Advocacy Chair

On Thursday, February 4, the board of the Expo Authority voted to approve the Final Environmental Impact Report, which means that construction is scheduled to begin this year on the light rail line connecting Culver City to Santa Monica.  Assuming no delays caused by construction issues or legal challenges, the light rail should be operational in 2015.  This light rail line will run very close to our school as it crosses Overland Avenue.  We have formed a Mitigation Group to discuss actions we would like the Expo Authority to take in order to reduce the negative effects of the light rail line on our school.  Please contact Craig Silvers if you would like to be part of the Mitigation Group, advocacy@overlandschool.org.

COMING NEXT WEEK

OVERLAND IN MOTION FAMILY DAY AND COFFEE

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19^TH AT DROP OFF

on the yard

To submit an item for the PTA/FOO Weekly News, email Karen at ptapres@overlandschool.org by noon Monday the day before you’d like it to appear.  View our current calendar on the Overland PTA website.