PRINCIPALLY SPEAKING
A Message from Lisa Zimmer
Dear Family,
Last week was designated Administrator's Week and I was surprised and thankful for all the lovely signs, notes and cards that students made for my office. I was also served delicious breakfasts and lunches! What an incredible week. I am so fortunate to lead a school community of such wonderful families and staff. A special thank you to coordinator Michelle Zimmermann and all contributing parents!
We just wrapped up the Dr. Seuss Reading Café, which honors "Read Across America" week and Dr. Seuss's birthday. This event is an Edna favorite! Students enjoyed a variety of books "served" by very skilled fifth grade waiters and waitresses. Thank you to organizer Janie Karp, and all her café managers and other volunteers. The week culminated with a Dr. Seuss Trivia Contest between two teams of teachers, the "Star Bellied Sneetches" and the "Cats in Hats." The teams answered trivia questions written by third- to fifth-grade students who had read the books to find questions that might stump these very smart teachers. Whenever the teachers didn't know the answers, they called on eager student friends in the audience. The Cat in the Hat conducted the contest with plenty of antics, and a great time was had by all!
Best Regards,
Lisa Zimmer
EOS Quartet Performs at Edna
Craig Reiss (dad to Kindergartner Julian and 3rd grader Alana) and his group the Eos Ensemble will perform two educational concerts sponsored by KIDDO! at Edna Maguire on Monday March 16th. Parents are invited to join us in the Multi Purpose Room as the children learn about melody, harmony and rhythm from a professional string quartet with a lot kid participation. Times are as follows: Grade Kg-2 1-1:30pm, Grade 3-5 2:00-2:30pm.
See's Candy Drive Success!
The results are in for the See's Candies Valentine's Day Fundraiser. Thanks to the dedication of students and their families, the school raised $2,822! Thank you Janet Fox, our sweetheart organizer of this event. The award for greatest classroom sales went to Mrs. Sprague's class, who raised $1,083. Way to go fourth graders! The top salesperson was Maggie del Castillo from Ms. Barry's class, who sold $423.50 worth of candy and received a stuffed bear with a See's candy-filled heart. Thanks to all who walked their neighborhoods, solicited at the office or bought for a friend. It was a "sweet" thing to do, and Edna Maguire will truly benefit from your hard work.
Family Dance – A Rockin' Success!
On Saturday, February 28th, Edna's fifth grade hosted the annual Family Dance, and it was a smashing success! We heard a great set from "The Band Formerly Known as Chasing Maya," featuring fifth grader Reed Felder. Then the "Jonas Sisters" — that's principal Zimmer and PTA co-presidents Katrina Kehl and Leslie Lewczyk — gave us "We are Family" and "E.D.N.A" to the tune of "Y.M.C.A." They were aided by Peter Wynn, Kimo Karp, Eliza Ross and Stella Bastian. The night's headliner, "Close Enough" featuring dad Chris Newell, put on an amazing show with some great dance songs! See some great photos of the night here.
Mill Valley-based charity Common River will receive $1,000 of the evening's proceeds to provide school supplies, chickens, and a milk cow to the village of Aleta Wondo, Ethopia. Be sure to check out the "Thank You" poster in the school office to see the pictures of Aleta Wondo and the classroom that was built with funds from last year's Family Dance.
This dance was organized and supported by fifth-grade parents Nancy and Ron Felder and made possible by the hard work of the entire fifth grade class. Special thanks go out to Aidan C., Misha K., Zeke, Sarah, Nick, Ben, Ethan, Peter, Olivia, Mirabel, Leo, Connor, Blake, Claire, Eliza, Kyla, Jake, Diego, Jordan, Reed, Kimo, Bennett, and Claire. Finally, a huge thanks to Athena (Tyler's mom) for running the popcorn machine, Tracy (Leo's mom) for running the bake sale, and Luchi (Martine's mom) for selling her beautiful crystals and donating all of the proceeds to the cause.
Week of the Administrator Thanks!
The first week of March was the Week of the Administrator and volunteers treated our beloved principal to a week of delicious breakfasts and lunches. Upon arrival to school on Monday, March 2nd, Ms. Zimmer saw the door to her office covered in greetings and drawings by her cherished students. Inside, there were fresh flowers and more student art. Thanks to the breakfast beauties Teresa Baradaran, Negissa Araghi, Christina Friedman, Cheri Chamberlain and Tina Zachariou, and the lunch ladies Karen Olsen, Tina Taylor, Amy Sherman, Mari Allen and Katrina Kehl. Finally, thanks to the interior decorators extraordinaire and master planners Michelle Zimmermann and Teresa Baradaran. Ms. Zimmer loved her week of appreciation!
Marin Theatre Company Performed at Edna
The multipurpose room was transformed last week when the Marin Theatre Company's School Touring Program presented "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." We stepped into "the magic circle" with the two actors as they skillfully transported us to the land of Narnia. Afterward, the actors stayed for a stimulating Q & A session with the children. See the photos here.
Revolution Foods Tasting Friday, March 13th
At lunch time on lucky Friday the 13th, Revolution Foods will be passing out samples of spaghetti and meatballs, a new version of nachos, and honey chicken. Samples will be passed out in the 2nd-5th grade lunch area. The kids will be asked to fill out a survey after they try the food so that Revolution Foods can receive their feedback. Please encourage your kids to try the food and ask them if they like it. Revolution Foods is continually updating their menu and adding new dishes. You can place orders now for March and April here.
Dr. Seuss Café Kudos
A BIG thank you to the following parents, students and staff for making the Dr. Seuss Reading Café come alive: Cathy Wilmoth, Yonni Cassel, Georgia Pung, Kira Keane, Hiroko Helmer, Julie Kennedy, Susie Drysdale, Karen Olson, Margaret Krivoruchko, Deborah Huber, Julie McCrady, Meera Dolasia, Anne Jeffery, Caryn Johnson, Suzanne Alpert, and Merrie Jaffe. Thanks also to Christine del Castillo for the goldfish, Justine Whitehead for the new art board, Mrs. Hoffman's class for the great Dr. Seuss art, the Jaffe Family for new Dr. Seuss decorations, Mr. Frierson for the heavy lifting, and all the fifth grade waiters for their hard work. A special thanks to Ms. Shern and her class for cleaning up the Café and to Ms. Monge and Ms. Fretes for getting us all of the great Dr. Seuss books and loaning us the library for the week. Finally, thanks to Janie Karp for organizing this beloved event.
Yearbook Sneak Peek
The theme of the 2008/09 Edna Maguire yearbook is "The Art of Learning." This year, each child will have the opportunity to create a piece of artwork to be featured in the yearbook. Don't miss this chance to see your child's masterpiece along with all the photo memories of the school year. Take an early peek of what's coming. If you'd like to order a yearbook or don't remember whether you ordered one earlier in the year, contact Jackson Butler at belv@comcast.net.
Variety Show Auditions Coming Soon
Variety Show auditions are Thursday April 2nd and Friday April 3rd from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the multipurpose room. Please have acts practiced and stage ready. Detailed information is available in the office for students and parents, as well as on the Edna website. Please review the information sheet with complete schedule and permission slip.
Child Safety Resources
In recent weeks, in some Marin County communities, there have been incidents related to children being approached by suspicious adults. While not related to each other, they are cause for concern and for further education. The MV School District has provided some resource links below to further educate families on child safety. Please take time to discuss with your children what to do if approached or confronted by a stranger.
You can visit the Mill Valley Police Department's Child Safety web page for helpful tips on keeping your child from harm. Scroll down to see a variety of information about child safety.
For additional information please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children or the Polly Klaas Foundation.
Community Connection
"10 Americans," A Presentation about Toxic Chemicals
March 17th, 6:30 p.m. at Fort Baker
The Nutrition and Wellness Committee wants you to know about "10 Americans" who unexpectedly found themselves harboring 287 different toxic chemicals in their blood stream. We are told that we won't believe who they are! This event is sponsored by the Environmental Working Group, EcoMoms, MOMAS, and the Richardson Bay Audubon Center and Sanctuary. Join us on March 17th at 6:30 p.m., at Cavallo Point, 601 Murray Circle, Fort Baker, Sausalito. Admission is free but seating is limited, so please RSVP online here: www.ewg.org/marin.
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