1. education
2. school

VOLUME 49, #2
NOV+DEC 2009
www.edisonelementary.org
We like to go to the San Pedro
fountain. It is fun to let the boys get
soaked by the spray. Don’t forget to
bring towels and swimsuits.
Dylan Faulhaber’s mom
Keep your kids busy and
engaged in learning during the
winter breaks with these ideas
right in our own backyard!
We LOVE going to the Pt. Vicente Interpretive
Center in Rancho Palos Verdes!! The kids call it
the “whale museum” because of the interactive
model of a whale and the giant whale inlaid in the
concrete. We love it because it is close for us, but
seems a world away to the kids. On the other side
of the Hill they don’t see or hear the city, just lots
of open space and the beautiful ocean. The displays are kid-sized and they can touch everything.
It is perfect for a homemade field trip because it’s
close, free, and gets our kids outside!!
Gavin Hart’s mom
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN
FIELD TRIP
AS TOLD TO THE EAGLET BY PARENTS LIKE YOU
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I think an inexpensive field
trip would be a picnic at
the park. The kids pack
their lunch, take a blanket,
and eat like a picnic. After
the picnic they can have
games to play. Games:
“Simon says” the beach
ball game, the potato
sack race etc…
They can also play at the
playground.
m
mo
s
’
k
Ba
We
ile
y’s
love the
mo
m
tidepool
walks
led
by
O
d
n
the Cabrillo Aquarium.
aa
c
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s
s
It’s
active, free and my kids
Je
have fun seeing the
crazy alienlike
Walk around a college (El Camino is closest,
things living in the
but UCLA and USC are fun too)... visit the
water that they
bookstore, go inside the halls, talk about
wouldn’t notice
going to college and what it’s like. El Camino
otherwise.
is actually pretty fun to walk around on
the weekends... and in the summer. Some
interesting sculpture ...
wa
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Edison Elementary School 3800 W. 182nd St. Torrance, CA 90504
President: Monika Oritz
Principal: Erin Lahr
Da
ph
ne
Edison Elementary School PTA
Torrance Council of PTA
Thirty-Third District PTA
California State PTA
2. Edison Eaglet
Nov.+Dec. 2009
THE PRESIDENT’S LETTER
W
ell we are off to a great start this year. The first couple
of months are always so busy with back to school, our
membership drive, our fundraiser, and Red Ribbon
Week. Students are now going to the library weekly and the first
Adventures in Art projects of the year are underway.
I would like to remind everyone that our PTA membership drive
is ongoing so if you have not yet joined the Edison PTA please do
so. The money is used for the many PTA sponsored activities and
events, as well as the Adventures in Art program and fieldtrips.
You can join anytime. It’s only $6 per membership and you do not
have to commit any time if you are unable to.
As always If you are not on the PTA board, have never
volunteered before, or just have questions about PTA and
volunteer opportunities, please check out the school website
for more information or contact Jill Nowak, our Volunteer
Coordinator. Of course you can always contact any of our PTA
board members and we will be happy to answer any questions you
have.
With the holidays quickly approaching I would like to take this
opportunity to wish all of our Edison families a safe, healthy &
happy holiday season. Enjoy the festivities and the time off. Get
some well-deserved rest.
As always if you have questions, concerns or ideas that you
would like to share please feel free to contact me at
[email protected].
Sincerely,
Monika Ortiz, PTA President
Got news for the Eaglet?
The Edison Eaglet newsletter
is written and produced by
members of the school PTA.
If there’s something you’d
like to know about Edison
or the PTA, or if you have
a suggestion for the Eaglet,
we’d love to hear it! Send
your question or comment to
[email protected].
Eaglet editor: Toni Sciacqua
Web editor: Jill Nowak
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edisonelem
entary.org o
Are you
ready to help?
To be a volunteer at Edison, you
need to have a copy of your driver’s
license, a current TB test and a
volunteer form on file in the office.
Do you have pics
from this year?
We’re putting together the
yearbook, and we’d like to see
your stuff. If you have shots from
Halloween, the jog-a-thon or other
random campus shenanigans,
please email them or send a link to
[email protected].
Got a green thumb?
Did you know Edison has a little
garden patch? Sadly, it’s looking a
little shabby lately and it could use
some love. This would be a great
project for someone who loves
gardening or who wants to help the
school on weekends.
Raise your hand!
If you would like to help at
school, please email Jill Nowak,
our PTA volunteer coordinator
at [email protected]. There
are plenty of jobs large and
small to go around.
3. Edison Eaglet
November
11/6
11/11
Nov.+Dec. 2009
FRIDAY
Reflections Deadline
Reflections is an art
competition sponsored
by the PTA. Students
can create an original art
project in these categories:
• Literature
• Musical Composition
• Photography
• Visual Arts
• Choreography
• Film/Video Production
This year’s theme is
“Beauty is ...”
11/7
SATURDAY
Family Portrait Day,
by appointment
Wilderness Park or
Torrance Beach.
11/10
TUESDAY
School Picture
Make-up Day
Bad hair day the first time
around? Here’s your second
chance.
WEDNESDAY
Veterans Day
No school today to honor our military heroes.
Did you know California has more veterans than
any other state? There are more than 2.1 million
veterans here.
And don’t forget:
Operation Gratitude Deadline is 11/13.
Bring your extra Halloween candy to the office to send to American troops around
the world. The candy is used to lift their spirits and to help them make kids in war
areas a little bit happier.
11/16
MONDAY
Food Drive begins
We’re helping local families
in need have a better holiday
season by donating food
supplies. If you can help,
bring non-perishable items to
the office and put them in the
big donation box. No glass
jars, please!
Here are some suggestions:
• canned fruits and veggies
• canned meat like tuna
• pasta and sauce
• cereal, pancake mix
• rice, beans, flour, sugar
• peanut butter and jelly
• baby food and formula
• $10 grocery gift cards
Bring in your donations by
Nov. 20.
11/16
MONDAY
Book Fair, all week
Your child’s class will
be making a shopping
excursion to the book fair.
11/19
THURSDAY
Family Library Night
Come hear a story and have
a treat. You’ll also be able to
shop at the Book Fair. For
more details, see page 7.
11/25
WEDNESDAY
Thanksgiving break,
Come back to school on
Monday, Nov. 30. Hope
you have a juicy turkey!
4. Edison Eaglet
Nov.+Dec. 2009
December
12/9
WEDNESDAY
Jog-a-thon
The jog-a-thon is a healthy
way to raise money for
PTA activities such as
Adventures in Art and class
field trips. The kids will
have about 15 minutes to
run or walk as many laps
as they can. Pledge sheets
will be coming home about
two weeks before the big
day. Sponsors can pledge
a set amount or per lap.
The child who raises the
most money (one in the
lower grades and one in the
upper) wins a prize.
If you’d like to help,
contact Tammy Clark at
[email protected].
12/11
FRIDAY
Coffee with
the Principal, 9:15 a.m.
Come have coffee while
you pepper Mrs. Lahr with
all your questions.
12/14
MONDAY
Parent/Teacher
Conferences Begin
School will be dismissed
one hour early all week
for grades 1-5. Your child’s
teacher will send home an
appointment time.
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12/18
FRIDAY
Assembly
This year’s assembly, paid
for by the PTA, will be
put on by “Astronomical
Journeys.” Kindergarten
through second-grade
students will see a movie
about kitties in space and
third- through fifth-graders
will get to put on their 3D
glasses for a trip through
the solar system and into
deep space. Learn more at
www.astronomicaljourneys.
com.
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‘Education Matters’ on CitiCABLE
11 a.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Time Warner, Ch. 3 + Verizon, Ch. 31
Every week, CitiCABLE’s “This Week In Torrance”
program features an Education Matters segment,
covering news stories and school events around
Torrance Unified School District. A new show
starts every Thursday at 6 p.m. You can watch past
episodes at www.ci.torrance.ca.us/CableTV/16830.
htm
Source: Torrance Council of PTAs Communicator
12/21
MONDAY
Winter Break Begins
Have a great one and see
you on Jan. 5!
5. Edison Eaglet
Nov.+Dec. 2009
THE PRINCIPAL’S LETTER
Dear Edison Family and Friends,
ello and happy Fall! The School Site Council just approved
our Single Plan for Student Achievement and I want
to thank everyone for their commitment to serving
our school. Teachers and parents put in extra effort recently to
represent our community’s vision for student success. Thank you!
School Site Council elections will be held in November. Several
terms are ending for parents and staff, which will create openings.
Please watch for information in the weekly communicator on
how to become a member. Also, we still need volunteers for PTA,
computer lab, classrooms, and the community garden. Please
see me if you would like to get involved! Edison has had a longstanding tradition of help from
the community and we want to
Ask the
keep that spirit alive!
principal!
On October15 we, along with
If you’re wondering why things are
other schools, districts, families
the way they are at Edison, ask
and business throughout
Mrs. Lahr! Email [email protected],
California participated in the
and she may answer your question
Great California Shakeout.
in a future edition.
This was the largest earthquake
preparedness activity in U.S
history. Due to the rainy
weather, Edison held a Duck,
Cover, and Hold drill without
the Search and Rescue simulations. We will hold monthly drills
for the reminder of the year, including Fire, Shelter-In-Place, and
Evacuation drills. For more information on how prepare for the
“big one” visit www.shakeout.org.
I hope to see many of you at upcoming events in November
and December. Family Library Night is for all families on the
November 19th at 6:30 to enjoy stories, songs, and hot cocoa.
Also, parents please join me December 11th for “Coffee with the
Principal” following flag ceremony. I will share some of Edison’s
plans and how parents can help students at home.
Parent/teacher conferences will be held December 14-18 and
dismissal for grades 1-5 will be an hour earlier all week long.
Conferences are a great time to discuss your child’s strengths and
learning opportunities with their teacher.
It’s a great day to be at Edison! Go forth Eagles…
H
More green =
more money!
Ms. Yacoob coordinates a cell
phone and ink cartridge recycling
program at Edison. This keeps
yucky stuff out of our landfills and
raises money for the school at the
same time.
What you need to know:
• There is a box to drop off items
in the front office.
• No big ink tub cartridges are
accepted.
• Only small inks.
• Any type of old cell phones are
accepted.
• No chargers or accessories, just
old phones.
• This program runs all year
long!
If you have questions, contact
Ms. Yacoob at Ext. 2821, or email
her at [email protected]
Help TUSD be more
energy efficient
TUSD has an initiative to save
the district money by cutting
energy costs. The district Web site
asks for help from the community.
If you see energy being wasted at
school, email energyassistant@
tusd.org. The Web site says the
district will fix the problem.
For more information,
comments, or to follow up, call or
email Tammy Khan at
310-972-6152 or [email protected].
Sincerely, Mrs. Erin Lahr, Principal
6. Edison Eaglet
Nov.+Dec. 2009
How our library
stacks up
$1,000
the total budget for the library
each year. The money comes from
PTA fundraisers, and most of it is
spent on supplies like book tape,
laminating sheets, spine labels
and paper and ink for the copy
machine. None of it goes toward
new books.
15,000
the approximate number of
PTA BEHIND THE SCENES
books the library currently
houses. That works out to about
23 per student. The California
Department of Education
recommends 28 per student,
but the state average is actually
17.9. The CDE also recommends
adding one book per year per
student to replace worn out or
outdated material.
Edison’s
library
According to the California Library School Standards Report,
50
to
100
number of books that are thrown
How it works
Each class has an assigned time during the week to visit the library. Students
are given about 30 minutes to make their selections and check the books out.
They return the books the following week. The library also is open before
school and after until 3 p.m.
out every year because they have
become too tattered to use.
The biggest problem? Mildew.
“They’ll spill something on them
at home and then they sit in a
hot backpack” and are ruined,
Mikkelson said.
40
the average number of books lost
each year. If you lose one, you’re
not allowed to check out another
until you fork over the full
replacement cost.
Intrigued?
You can find out more about
how Edison’s library compares
to others in the district or in the
state on the CDE’s database at
www3.cde.ca.gov/LibrarySurvey/
pages/cdsselection.aspx
dozens of studies have shown “students in schools with good
school libraries learn more, get better grades and score higher on
standardized tests than their peers in schools without libraries.”
That’s why the PTA’s library chairperson Dawn Mikkelson,
and moms Wendy McGuire, Marilyn VanHarlingen and others
collectively volunteer more than 30 hours a week to keep it top shelf.
Most wanted
The most popular books are comic book style such as “Calvin and
Hobbes,” “Captain Underpants,” “Ready Freddy” and “Diary of a Wimpy
Kid.” How-to-draw books also are favorites. Many of the copies are missing
pages, have ripped spines, frayed edges or rubber bands holding them
together, like the one shown above.
Donations of books, used or new, are always welcome, but Mikkelson said
the library especially needs recent releases. The librarians are working on an
Amazon.com wish list to help build the inventory of “high quality” books like
Newbery Award winners.
Volunteering
At Edison, like all elementary schools in Torrance Unifed, the library is run
entirely by the PTA. That means the librarians are all volunteers. Volunteers
spend their time checking in and out books, helping students find a book
appropriate for their reading level and taping up the tattered books. They
also cover donated books and catalog them in the computer inventory. It’s
a slow slog, because there is only one computer for the librarians to share.
That means books that have been donated often sit for weeks before they are
available to check out.
If you’d like to help or donate, contact Dawn at [email protected].
7. Edison Eaglet
Nov.+Dec. 2009
Family Library Night
GAME PLAN
Step 1:
Mark your calendar for Thursday, Nov. 19.
Step 2:
Stop by the Edison
library between
5 p.m. and
6:15 p.m. and shop
for books at the book
fair.
Step 3:
Check the “wish boxes.” Each
teacher will make a list of books
he or she would like to have for
the classroom. If you’d like to
contribute, buy a book on the list
and you’ll get a donor nameplate
to put in the book. The library
will have a list, too.
Step 5:
Inside, grab a cup of hot
cocoa (homemade from
scratch by PTA volunteer
Sugheim Gonzalez)
and scope out a good seat.
Step 4:
Head toward the cafe and
stop off for a snack at the
5th-graders’ bake sale.
Step 7:
Step 6:
Sit back and listen to a few
of our favorite stories, with
a special appearance by
Mrs. Bedrosian’s class.
Head back to the book fair, which
will be open for about an hour after
the last story has been read, and
select a book your child will love.
Remember, PTA gets 25% of the sales
to fund future student activities.
Undecided?
Book Fair coordinator Marilyn
VanHarlingen has contracted
with the vendor Book Safari for
our Fall book fair. Your child will
have a chance to shop during class
time, and you can shop during
Family Library Night. Finding a
challenging book that your child
actually wants to read can be tough.
Here’s help:
1. Reading specialist Jennifer
Thompson has a system she
discusses on greatschools.net.
She suggests a “five-finger test” to
choose a book at the appropriate
reading level: “Have your child
open the book to any page and if
she finds five words that she does
not know; the book is too difficult.”
2. Readkiddoread.com has a
lot of tips from experts, but one
particularly cool feature is the “If
you like ...” section. Enter some info
about your child’s interests and get
recommendations for books.
3. If your child took the STAR
test last year, you should have
received a letter that shows your
child’s reading level. That level
coordinates with a California
Department of Education Reading
List. You can find it at www.cde.
ca.gov/ta/tg/sr/readinglist.asp
4. If you’d like to order from the
Scholastic book order, you might
like the Scholastic Book Wizard.
To use it, enter the title of a book
you liked or the reading level you’d
like your child to be at, and the
Wizard will give you a list of good
choices. Try it at bookwizard.
scholastic.com/tbw.
5. Mrs. Lahr handed out the
LA Times’ annual literacy section
at her October “Coffee with the
Principal.” One of the resources
listed was Reading Is Fundamental,
which has links to many book lists
at www.rif.org/educators/books/
book_list_index.mspx.
8. Edison Eaglet
Nov.+Dec. 2009
The Eaglet Eight
Get to know Mr. Bray!
Over 33 years, Martin Bray has taught all grades, but he believes the
most satisfying have been the past seven in Preppy Kindergarten. After
graduating from Pepperdine University in 1974, he began his career at
Seaside Elementary in Torrance. Over the next few years, he moved to
Madrona Elementary, Fern-Greenwood Elementary, Perry Elementary,
and finally to Edison, where he has taught for the past 28 years. Mr.
Bray has mentored more than 30 student teachers. He was honored
with the ATSA Golden Apple Award in 2004, the PTA Golden Oak
Service Award in 2007, and was named elementary TUSD Teacher of
the Year for 2010.
1. What do you do for fun?
Any of my kids could probably tell you I love singing.
We sing every day in the classroom, and I often find myself
humming “Mister Sun” in the car on my way home. I usually
sing at home more during the summer, because my voice isn’t
so tired from school. I also like making things, like crafts and
greeting cards. The garage is a storeroom of paper, ribbon, glitter
and scraps!
2. Where did you go on your last vacation?
I took a week-long driving trip up the California coast, all
the way to the Canadian border. We stopped at all the sites,
including the Hearst Castle, the California redwood forest,
historic lighthouses, and sea lion caves. And the “Nutty
Narrows,” the only man-made squirrel bridge across a city street
in Longview, Washington.
3. What is your favorite children’s book?
I am torn on this one. “The Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric
Carle has been a favorite because I use it every year to inspire
artwork, writing, science lessons and character modeling.
We’ve presented it as a play, and even as a fruit salad picnic. I
must admit, another favorite is “Bunny Cakes” by Rosemary
Wells because it demonstrates how a child initially learns to
write, from scribbles to picture-writing. I even met Rosemary
Wells and have a signed copy!
4. Who was your favorite teacher when you were
a child. Why?
When I was at Airport Junior High School, I was lucky
to have Richard Parker as the instrumental music teacher. I
had studied the flute since 2nd grade, and I made tremendous
progress with his direction in the orchestra and band. He inspired
us to be the best we could, and he genuinely made rehearsals
and performances fun. I think it was his influence that kept me
playing the flute through college, where I received a full four-year
music scholarship – although my major was biology.
5. What is your fondest teaching memory?
Can I say the “last day of school?” Honestly, no
single event is
as impressive to me as just
experiencing the progress and development
of my students over the course of a year. In the first week
of school, my Preppy kids are grappling with things like
holding a pencil, recognizing their written names, and
walking in a straight line. By their final weeks, they are
dictating stories and spelling out words, writing their
names, adding and subtracting – and looking forward to
learning more.
6. If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be?
When I majored in biology at Pepperdine, my intention
was to continue into medical school and become a doctor.
Four years of memorizing all the muscles and bones in the
human body gave me time to think – my most enjoyable
times were working with children every summer as a
playground director. Within minutes of graduating I made
up my mind – and immediately enrolled at Cal State Long
Beach to get my teaching credential.
7. What tip would you give every parent for
making school a better experience?
Your involvement, every day, is key. Your child benefits each
time you supervise homework, read a story, discuss a lesson,
participate in school events, volunteer in the classroom – or
even make sure your child is at school on time. These are not
small things. They help lock in concepts and strengthen skills.
Even more important, you are creating the positive feelings
your child will always associate with school and learning. At
the Preppy level, volunteering is especially important. Parents
in the classroom reinforce that learning is a fun thing to do. I
encourage you to remain as involved as possible, at school and
at home, because no gift will serve your child better than a love
of learning.
8. What’s your best kid joke?
We laugh all day in the classroom, but I can’t think of a single
joke. Everything we do seems funny.
9. Edison Eaglet
Nov.+Dec. 2009
Who is fabulous enough
to win this year? You decide.
Honorary Service Award
Nominations
Honorary Service Awards are given to very sepcial volunteers who go above and
beyond to help not only our school and our children, but our community as well.
This can be someone who volunteers at school or with sports organizations such
as AYSO, Little League or Softball, at church, with Scouts or anywhere else.
Honorary Service Awards winners are presented with a special framed certificate
from the California PTA, and a donation is made in their name to the California
PTA Scholarship Fund. This year’s presentation will be made on Feb. 18, 2010.
Who do YOU think has shown special commitment to our school or community?
Please take a few minutes to fill out the form below and nominate this fabulous
person for this fabulous award.
NAME: _____________________________________________________________________
CHILD’S NAME + CLASSROOM:____________________________________________
WHY DOES THIS PERSON DESERVE TO BE HONORED?
YOUR NAME (OPTIONAL):_________________________________________________
10. Edison Eaglet
Nov.+Dec. 2009
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Ace your Parent/Teacher Conference
From the National PTA Our Children Magazine
A parent–teacher conference is a time when important people in a student’s life can talk about how
that student is doing in school. It’s a chance for you to ask questions about the class or your child’s
progress. It also is a time for you and the teacher to work together as a team to discuss ways you both
can help your son or daughter.
Before the Conference
Talk to your child. Find out which subjects your child likes best and least. Also,
ask if there is anything your child would like you to talk about with the teacher.
Gather input from others. If your spouse, another care-giving adult, or
someone with pertinent information or insight (doctor, counselor, other guardian)
can’t attend the conference, ask for that person’s concerns and questions.
Make a list. Before you go to the meeting, make a list of topics to discuss with
the teacher. Along with questions about academics and behavior, you may want
to talk to the teacher about the child’s home life, personality, concerns, habits and
hobbies, and other topics that may help the teacher in working with the child (e.g.,
religious holidays, music lessons, or a sick relative).
During the Conference
Establish rapport. As an icebreaker, take notice of something that reflects well
upon the teacher. For example, thank the teacher for having made thoughtful notes
on your child’s homework or for helping your child learn to multiply.
Ask questions. Questions you ask during the conference can help you express
your hopes for the student’s success in class and for the teacher. It’s a good idea to
ask the important questions first, in case time runs out.
Addressing problems. Parent-teacher conferences are a good time to discuss
any difficulties (either academic or behavioral) a child might be having at school.
When problems arise, parents will want to
• Avoid angry or apologetic reactions. Instead, ask for examples.
• Ask what is being done about the problem and what strategies seem to help.
• Develop an action plan that may include steps that parents can take at home
and steps the teacher will take when the problem comes up at school.
• Schedule a follow-up conference and decide on the best way to stay in touch
(phone, e-mail, or letters sent to the home).
Develop an action plan. If the student needs help with a behavioral or
academic issue, you and the teacher should agree on specific plans — that you both
will work on — to help your child do better. Be sure you understand what the
teacher suggests. If it’s not clear, ask him or her to explain. Set up a way to check on
your child’s progress.
After the Conference
When discussing the conference with the child afterward, stress the good things
that were covered and be direct about problems that were identified. If an action
plan is in place, explain to the child what was arranged.
When an action plan is in place, consider the following: Watch your child’s
behavior and check on classwork and homework. Ask how the student feels about
schoolwork. Stay in touch with the teacher to discuss your child’s progress.
Build a continuing relationship with the teacher by saying “thank you” with a
note or a telephone call. When a child knows parents and teachers are regularly
working together, the child will see that education is a high priority.
f
10 great
questions:
• What subject does my
student like most? Least?
• What can I do to help my
student with subjects he finds
difficult?
• How can I help my student
study? Prepare for class?
Improve his work? A good
time to ask these questions
is when the teacher gives
you samples of your son’s or
daughter’s work.
• Is my student trying as hard
as he can?
• Does my student participate
in class discussions and
activities?
• Is my student in different
classes or groups for different
subjects? Which ones? How
are the groups determined?
• How well does my student
get along with others?
• Have you noticed changes
in the way my student acts?
For example, have you
noticed squinting, tiredness,
or moodiness that might be
a sign of physical or other
problems?
• How are you measuring my
student’s progress? Through
tests? Class participation?
Projects?
• What kinds of tests do you
give? What do the tests show
about my student’s progress?
How does my student handle
taking tests?
11. Edison Eaglet
Nov.+Dec. 2009
LOOKING AHEAD
Magruder modernization
A year ago, Torrance voters passed two school bonds to pay for
repairs and updates at our schools. About $9 million of the money
is going to Magruder Middle School. The design phase is already
pretty much done and below is an architect’s sketch of the plans
so you can get a sneak peek at what the campus might look like.
Construction is scheduled right after this school year ends!
Feeling
experimental?
It’s not too early to start
thinking about that fantastic
Science Fair Project! The
Edison Science Fair will be
held on Thursday, March 25,
in the cafeteria. It is open
to all students at Edison,
and each participant will be
recognized with a Science Fair
certificate.
Edison’s own library has books
with ideas for projects, the Internet
also offers help, and some teachers
may have books in their classrooms
with suggestions. The public library
is a great place to start, or just come
up with an “I wonder why...” or an
“I wonder how...” type of question
to get you started. Projects that
need some time to develop (such as
those with growing plants) can be
started and photos can be used to
keep track of your data.
So, if you’ve never participated
in the Science Fair, this is the year
to start! More information and
details will be sent home later, but
if you have any questions, contact
Mrs. Hughes in Room 15 or
Mrs. Branley in Room 11.
What’s been done
• Surveying Complete
• Geological Report Complete
• Construction Documents
• Campus Visual Enhancements
• Quad/Assembly Area Developed
• Classroom Wing Development
• Covered Walkways Designed
What’s next?
• Board Approval of Design
• Final Cost Estimates
• Bidding - Late Spring
• Construction Begins – Summer 2010
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Next B
Update meet ond Construction
ing is schedule
d for
Dec. 16 at
TUSD Board
R
Educational M oom
(EMB), 2nd aterials Building
flo
2336 Plaza d or
el Amo
Torrance, CA
90501
12. Edison Eaglet
Nov.+Dec. 2009
Healthy Eagles
What’s up with those fitness tests?!
One of the biggest surprises at Mrs. Lahr’s “Coffee with the Principal” in October was the results of last
year’s physical fitness test, which is given to 5th graders as part of the school accountability assessment.
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See those sad, sad numbers in the aerobic and strength categories? Mrs. Lahr calls those “areas of opportunity.” The
school immediately ordered a bunch of new sports balls and equipment to beef up the P.E. programs at school, but a
little kickball won’t turn those numbers around on its own. So here are some ideas, excerpted from www.kidshealth.
org on how to build some exercise into your child’s daily routine that might help improve his or her health in those
Aerobics
During aerobic exercise, the heart
beats faster and a person breathes
harder. When done regularly and for
continuous periods of time, aerobic
activity strengthens the heart and
improves the body’s ability to deliver
oxygen to all its cells. Try:
• basketball
• swimming
• bicycling
• tennis
• ice skating
• walking
• inline skating
• jogging
• soccer
• running
Trunk Extension/Strength
Push-ups, stomach crunches,
pull-ups, and other exercises help
tone and strengthen muscles. Kids
also incorporate strength activities
in their play when they climb, do a
handstand, or wrestle.
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Upper Body Strength
Encourage your child to play on the
monkey bars at school. At home, play
the “wheelbarrow game” by holding
your child’s feet and having them
walk along the floor with their hands,
which requires them to support their
weight with their arms.
Keep a variety of games and sports equipment on hand. It doesn’t
have to be expensive — an assortment of balls, hula-hoops, and jump ropes
can keep kids busy for hours.
13. Edison Eaglet
Nov.+Dec. 2009
HEALTHY EAGLES
Why family meals matter
Most families get together around the Thanksgiving dinner table. But what about the rest of the year?
Eating with your family may be more important than you think.
A recent report by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) found that teens who have five
or more dinners per week with their families are less likely to have drug and alcohol problems and more likely to get
good grades.
“The magic of the family dinner comes not from the food on the plate but from who’s at the table and what’s
happening there. The emotional and social benefits that come from family dinners are priceless,” said Elizabeth Planet,
CASA’s Vice President and Director of Special Projects, in a statement from the group. “We know that teens who
have frequent family dinners are likelier to get A’s and B’s in school and have excellent relationships with their parents.
Having dinner as a family is one of the easiest ways to create routine opportunities
for parental engagement and communication, two keys to raising drug-free
children.”
Did you know?
35
minutes
the average length of a family dinner.
62%
of parents say they have family dinners
five times or more per week.
Also...
A Harvard study found
that conversations at the family
table taught children more
vocabulary than they learned
from their parents reading
books to them.
Compared to 12and 13-year olds who have
frequent family dinners,
those who have infrequent
family dinners are six times
more likely to use marijuana,
four times more likely to use
tobacco, and three times more
likely to use alcohol.
Teens who have
infrequent family dinners are
one and a half times more likely
to report getting grades of C or
lower in school.
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Source: National Center on Addiction
and Substance Abuse
Creative Commons license by S Martin
14. Edison Eaglet
Nov.+Dec. 2009
FUNDRAISING
Are you the silent type?
You can support your student without spending a fortune on fund-raisers or taking time out of work to
volunteer. These are great ways to support Edison while going about your daily routine!
Remember all the money raised goes to fund assemblies, field trips, Adventures in Art, the School
Garden and many other student and family activities. Here’s how you can help:
Where
How you sign up
What Edison gets
Albertsons,
SavOn or CVS
Register your Preferred Savings Card at www.albertsons.com.
Click on “In the Community” and then the Community
Partners logo. Our Group ID # is 49000123677, or search by
school name.
Vons, Pavilions
or Safeway
Go to www.escrip.com and register you Vons Club Card. Our
eScrip ID # is 6499258.
Up to 6% back on your
monthly grocery purchases.
HOWS Market
Go to HOWS and pick up a HOWS Market eScrip
Community Card. Register the card at www.escrip.com or by
calling 1-800-931-6258. Our group ID # is 6499258.
Up to 6% back on your
monthly grocery purchases.
Target
Link your Target Visa or Target Red Card to Edison by calling
1-800-316-6142 or going to Target.com, click on “Take
Charge of Education,” and then “Enroll Now.”
Our Target ID # is 36261.
1% of Target Card
purchases made at Target.
1
/2% of all Target Card
purchases outside of Target.
Macys and other
credit cards
Register your credit cards and Macy card at www.escrip.com.
Our group ID # is 6499258.
Up to 6% of your purchases
using these cards.
Ralphs
Go to www.ralphs.com and follow the links through
Community Service. Our nonprofit Number is 91002.
NOTE: Even if you signed up last year, you must do it again
this year. Check the bottom of your receipt to make sure you’re
signed up!
Last year, Edison earned
about $1,300, with only
25 cards registered!
South Bay
Galleria
Bring your original receipts from any purchase made at South
Bay Galleria dated between Feb. 1 and Dec. 31, 2009 to Guest
Services (level 1, Nordstrom Wing).
2 points for each dollar spent
in nondepartment stores and
1 for every dollar spent in
department stores.
Contact Dawn Mikkelson with questions or comments at [email protected]
15. Edison Eaglet
Nov.+Dec. 2009
FUNDRAISING
We’re thankful
for box tops
It’s turkey time! Show your school how thankful you are with 10 Box Tops.
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There’s a lot of cooking going on during the holidays. Check your groceries for
and keep your child busy during the breaks by having them decorate the turkey below,
and bring it back to school in January. Each box top is worth 10¢ for school supplies.
If every Edison student completed this sheet, we’d raise about $600!
It’s tu
5
6
1
1
2
7
2
3
3
4
8
4
9
10
Name
Grade
Name
Teacher’s Name
Thankour
you box
for helping!
Every Box Top
you collect
is worth
10¢ for your
Thanschool.
For more info about
tops program,
contact
Wendy
Carrillo
Grade
For m at [email protected]
ky
ou
ore co
For more collection worksheets and projects, go to www.boxtops4education.com/activitycenter
llectio for helpin
g
n wo r
kshee ! Ever y Box
ts and
Top y
ou c
pro
16. Edison Eaglet
Nov.+Dec. 2009
MEMBERSHIP DRIVE 2009
Just need 184 more!
Mrs. Kastner’s class was the first to hit 100% with 30 total memberships and Mr. Bray’s class also has
hit 100% with 26 memberships. No upper grade class has hit 100% yet.
Children are the Building Blocks of the Future
We all want our children to receive
the best education possible but how?
PTA is Parents and Teachers coming together to BUILD the best
education for our children AND THEIR FUTURE.
With all the budget cuts to education, PTA picks up some of the
MISSING BLOCKS by providing…Adventures in Art Art Education
Program, Bike Safety, fully staffed Library, Family Fun Night, Multi-Cultural
Festival and T-Shirts (just to name a few).
What Can You do to Help?
Join PTA…for $6 you can help.
There is NO TIME COMMITMENT
By Joining PTA you are just saying you support the effort to better educate the
students of Edison Elementary.
It is that Easy!
Prizes for top classes!
GOAL ONE MEMBERSHIP PER STUDENT!!!!
PTA Membership $6
I am enclosing $_____for _____memberships
Name of Student________________________Teacher______________________
Name of Member____________________________________________________
Address____________________________________________________________
Email_____________________________________________________________
17. Edison Eaglet
Nov.+Dec. 2009
Edison T-shirts are back again in limited amounts. We have
adult and child sizes, in gray or white! Simply fill out the form
below, return it to the office and we will deliver it to your
child’s classroom. Look for them at our PTA events as well.
Please include payment with order. Remember! Money from
T-shirt sales goes directly back into PTA to help support
programs! They make great gifts as well. Adult: $10.00 Child:
$8.00. Please make checks payable to Edison PTA. Thank you!
_____________________________________________________
Name- ___________________________
Room Number-________
Size/Quantity/Color:
White
Child/ sml___ med___ lrg___ xl___
Adult/ sml___ med___ lrg___ xl___ xxl___
Gray
Child/ sml___ med___ lrg___ xl___
Adult/ sml___ med___ lrg___ xl___ xxl___
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18. Edison Eaglet
Nov.+Dec. 2009