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 the Lowell
Log
MARCH 2015
Principal’s Message by Sam Platis, Lowell Principal
Dear Lowell Families,
Since the February edition of the Lowell Log, so much has transpired that continues to
speak volumes about the Lowell Legacy. While highlighting exemplary events and
success stories is always a precarious endeavor when you’re at a school with so many
remarkable things going on, I just had to share two incredible happenings…
v Dad’s Donut Day was once again a tremendous success, thanks to a dedicated
committee of tireless volunteers! The cafeteria was filled to standing-room only
capacity with countless students, dads and staff members enjoying a fun
morning together at Lowell. This is another event that really is a testament to
the value that our teachers, staff and families place on being actively involved
in our school. Just as important to note, Dad’s Donut Day is yet another
example of many of our PTA events that are produced purely to build
community, with no fundraising component – a core mission of Lowell’s
national award winning PTA.
v Our fifth grade student council officers and representatives joined me in touring
City Hall! Thanks to Third District Councilwoman Suzie Price, our student
leaders were provided with an inside look at the important work that our city
leaders engage in. It was especially inspiring to see our kids sitting in the
same seats that our mayor and city councilmembers sit in during council
meetings, knowing that one day they will be the ones leading our great city.
After touring each of the offices for each district, our students and I gained a
new appreciation for both the diversity of our city, as well as how truly fortunate
we are to live in Long Beach.
Thank you, again, for helping our students to develop a foundation for a lifetime of
success, as we support them in achieving the American Dream through a world-class
education!
With Gratitude and Appreciation,
Sam Platis
Principal, Lowell Elementary School
March 2015 Lowell Log 1 President’s Message by Denise Mester, Lowell PTA President
The Luck of Our Sea Stars
Our James Russell Lowell Elementary PTA was first organized on February 19, 1926, which means that
we just celebrated our organization’s 89th birthday! Throughout its history, our Lowell PTA has done its
part to ensure that the Sea Stars who have walked the halls of our school receive the best education
possible. Thanks to the support of countless volunteers and supporters, Lowell’s students have enjoyed a
wide range of programs and events, improvements to their classrooms and facilities, technology
upgrades, additional staffing, and other benefits that supplement and support their education. The
stronger our PTA is, the more our students benefit. This year, our membership has grown, and because
of the generosity and commitment of our membership, we are able to continue the strong track record of
doing amazing things for our Lowell students. What lucky kids indeed.
Our school and its students flourish the more we come together cooperatively, enthusiastically, and
passionately as an educational community. Take the time to be a part of our community this month!
Volunteer your time with Meet the Masters (be sure to attend the training on March 16!) or in the Learning
Garden. Continue to support our programs by attending our two Dining for Dollars events this month, on
March 5 at California Pizza Kitchen, and on March 25 at Ruby’s Diner. Buy your gift cards online by the
5th and the 19th to benefit our school! Participate by attending a meeting or two: Walkie, Talkie, Coffee
with Mr. Platis on March 12; Carnival Committee on March 12 and March 26; and our PTA Association
meeting on March 24, when we will elect the leadership of next year’s Executive Board.
I hope to see many of you throughout the month. Thank you for continuing to provide your support by
being a part of our community!
Warmly,
Denise Mester
Lowell PTA President
[email protected]
March
5
10
10-11
12
16
16
17
24
25
27
March 2015 April
6-10
14
14
17
20-24
23
26
28
TBD
Dining for Dollars - CPK
Executive Board Meeting
Parent Teacher Conferences
Walkie, Talkie with Principal 9:00am
MTM Assembly 2:25-3:10
MTM Training 3:30-4:30
Cabinet Meeting
PTA Assn. Meeting (6:30 Auditorium)
Dining for Dollars – Ruby’s
Mom’s Muffin Morning
Lowell Log Spring Break
Cabinet Meeting
Executive Board Meeting
Movie Night
Book Fair
Earth Day Activities
Summer Camp Fair
PTA Assn. Meeting (6:30 Auditorium)
Dirtbags Baseball Game
2 Lowell Dining For Dollars – March 5th and March 25th, 2015
Lowell Dining for Dollars is the easiest way to donate to Lowell: You Dine, They Donate! This month features
th
th
TWO events: CPK on Thursday, March 5 , and Ruby’s on Wednesday, March 25 . Both restaurants will donate
20% of the proceeds of food purchased by Lowell families and friends. Stay out of the kitchen and let CPK and
Ruby’s cook a delicious meal for you - dine in or take out. Invite your friends and neighbors. Just be sure to
bring the appropriate flyer (paper or electronic).
Fundraiser in support of
Lowell Elementary School
Thursday, March 5th, 2015
(All Day)
California Pizza Kitchen
Long Beach Marketplace• 6417 E. PCH
562.596.2775
Eligible groups include non-profit schools and 501c organizations. Donation amount excludes proceeds from tax,
gratuity, gift card and retail purchases. Valid for dine-in, take-out, online orders, catering or curbside service. Valid for
delivery orders placed directly with CPK. All beverages included. Event proceeds void if flyers are distributed in or near
the restaurant.
Manager, please attach this flyer to the guest check.
Approved SP/DM
March 2015 Lowell Log 3 Ruby's
"Fun"
Raiser!
###
Show your support for your favorite organization by
presenting this flyer to one of our helpful Ruby's Diner
team members. Then, Ruby's Long Beach will donate 20%
of your checks food sales generated during the function
listed below.
* Please forward to a friend that might be interested in helping.
ORGANIZATION: Lowell PTA Dining for Dollars
DATE: Wednesday 3.25.15
TIME: 7 am to 9 pm
LOCATION:
Ruby's Diner in Long Beach
6405 E. PCH, Long Beach, CA 90803
Ph: 562-596-1914
Bring this flyer and present to your server when checking out so your organization will
receive credit. Flyers must be distributed prior to the date and time listed above and may
not be passed out at the restaurant during the event.
*If you know of a group that might be interested in putting on a "Fun Raiser with Ruby's,
please call the location shown below and any manager will be happy to help you.
Approved SP/DM
March 2015 Lowell Log 4 Meet the Masters Update
“When you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it's your world for the moment. I want to give that
world to someone else. Most people in the city rush around so, they have no time to look at a flower. I want
them to see it whether they want to or not. ”
- Georgia O’Keeffe
As our MTM journey continues, we are going to learn about American artist Georgia O’Keeffe (1887-1986), who was
a 20th century American painter best known for her flower canvases and southwestern landscapes. She was born in
Sun Prairie, Wisconsin and took to making art at a young age. She studied at the Art Institute of Chicago in the early
1900s. Symbolism was something that she did not shy away from, and this showed in much of the work she did, and
in many of her designs, which included flowers and landscape features.
Georgia O’Keeffe was very much drawn to the abstract - and the abstracting aspects of flowers. She explored the
elements of color, shape and texture of the objects she painted. She was preoccupied with simple forms from the
very beginning and her earliest flower paintings. Color was often bold, frequently carefully modulated but tending to
come across as somewhat 'flat'.
Photographer Alfred Stieglitz gave O'Keeffe her first gallery show in 1916 and
the couple married in 1924. O'Keeffe moved to New Mexico after her
husband's death, and she was inspired by the landscape to create numerous
well-known paintings. On March 6, 1986 O'Keeffe died in St. Vincent's Hospital
in Santa Fe, having almost reached her goal of living to 100; she was 98 years
old.
Overall her work is important as she did not go through many changes in art
forms like other artists. Not only did she make the large small and the small
large, but she also took serious chances with color, sometimes upsetting
conventions of visual harmony in order to startle the eye into new kinds of seeing. We are excited to present Georgia
O’Keeffe’s work for Lowell’s students.
****SAVE THE DATE***
REMINDER !!!!! This month’s assembly and training date has changed !!! The NEW date is now Monday, March 16
from 2:25-3:10 p.m. for the assembly, followed by the art lesson at 3:30 in the school library.
th
Please note that Lowell students may quietly wait in the library while volunteers receive instruction; non-students
may not attend per school guidelines.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact MTM Chair Andrea Miller at [email protected]
or 562.810.4487.
March 2015 Lowell Log 5 Lowell Gift Cards
Mom’s Muffin Morning
GET READY FOR SPRING BREAK
AND SPRING CLEANING!
Gas Cards
Lowes
Home Depot
Hyatt Hotels
Choice Hotels
REI
See’s Candy
AMC
California Pizza Kitchen
Start your morning off with
a “sweet” gathering of
Lowell’s students and their moms!
Friday, March 27
8:00 - 9:00 am in the cafeteria
Please join us at this great annual PTAsponsored event!
This month’s Gift Card Order Dates:
3/5 & 3/19
Questions? Please contact Michele Sullivan
at [email protected] or 714-315-8860
Order online at:
http:lowellpta.corecommerce.com/giftcards/
The Biggest family event at Lowell
Our 2015 Carnival LEGO MY LOWELL
Saturday, May 30 2015
10:30am-3:30pm
Come and be part of the fun at the Carnival committee’s next meetings: Thursday,
March 12 and Thursday, March 26 at 7pm at the home of Valerie Ruggieri. Look for
information coming to you in the weekly email blast.
All levels of help are welcome and needed!
March 2015 Lowell Log 6 Lowell Career Day
May 29, 2015
Dear Parents,
Lowell will be having its annual Career Day on Friday, May 29th, 2015.
If you are interested in speaking in one of our classrooms on Career Day, please let Counselor
Monica Frank know by completing the following form. Presentations will be made in the classrooms.
Presenters will be placed in classrooms based on the topic and grade level that is most appropriate.
It is possible that you will NOT be in your child’s classroom during Career Day, but you can make
arrangements with the teacher to present at another time. The purpose of Career Day is to expose
students to careers about which they may not be aware. It gives many students the opportunity to
think about future careers.
Please return the completed form to the office. If you have any questions please contact our
counselor Mrs.Frank at 433-6757, or e-mail her at [email protected].
(Return to Mrs. Frank in the office)
Parent Name________________________________________________________
Student Name _________________________Teacher_______________________
Address___________________________________________________________
Phone ____________________________________________________________
Occupation_________________________________________________________
Brief Description of Occupation__________________________________________
Technology at Lowell - TUC Committee Update
The TUC met on February 24th for our first ever online conference call meeting. We plan to build on this success in
the coming months with similar meetings to discuss our 5 main topics for this year:
Inventory: Updating our Technology Hardware Inventory List
Maintenance: Creating a stronger Maintenance & Replacement Process
Training: Building an annual Training Calendar for Faculty, Staff & Volunteers
Curriculum: Developing a Technology Curriculum for each grade at Lowell
Planning: 2015/16 Technology Plan to include needs assessment, budget planning,
and proposals for PTA
We continue to welcome technology savvy parents to join our conversation. The TUC meets during the school year
to discuss the technology we have at Lowell, what is working, what we would like to change, and what we should do
in the future. Join us as we continue to plan for the 2015/16 school year.
Next Meeting: We are looking for a date in late March and will be sending out information soon.
For more information or to join the team email list please contact us at [email protected].
March 2015 Lowell Log 7 5 th Grade Activities – Updates for Our Fifth Grade Families
Please continue to support our 5th grade activities through our fundraisers:
Dippin’ Dots – Enjoy a cool treat after school on the first Friday of each month. A variety of flavors
available for $3 each.
Popsicle Thursdays - After school at the lunch benches.
Important Updates:
Yearbook & Dedications
Please send ONLY 5th Grade Activity pictures to https://lowell5thgradeyearbook.shutterfly.com/.
ALL PICTURES MUST BE SUBMITTED BY MAY 1 - don't wait too long. The Yearbook also includes
dedications to our students. We will be sending a flyer with more information about the dedications soon.
Slideshow - The Slideshow is a compilation of your child's entire illustrious Elementary School career! It
includes their first day of Kindergarten as they waited in their lines to enter Lowell for the first time through
today as a 5th Grader. First and last day of school pictures are great for this along with any other
classroom parties, events, plays, shows, and even time on the playground. At this time we expect to show
the Slide Show on Monday, June 15th on the Lowell Playground. Please save the date!
Slide Show pictures should be sent to: https://lowell5thgrade2015.shutterfly.com
Logo Wear Has Arrived!
Keep an eye on upcoming room rep e-blasts for on-campus opportunities to purchase Lowell
Logo Wear. Also order forms and online purchasing will be available shortly. Please direct
questions to [email protected]
The Lowell Summer Camp Fair 2015 – Sunday April 26, 2015
Please join us for Lowell’s Annual Summer Camp Fair on Sunday April 26, 2015.
It promises to be a stellar Lowell PTA event. The day offers kid-powered
entertainment, at least one food truck, raffles, prizes, and an array of local
summer activities for your family to peruse. It’s a great way for you and your kids
to talk to camp staff and really get a grasp of this year’s summer offerings. We
expect an eclectic mix to exhibit this year.
There are two volunteer opportunities available on the day of the event. We are
doing a fair “passport” and will need someone to help at a table on either gate
side of the event to ensure kids who visit each booth can get a prize. If you are
available to help, please contact Camp Fair Chair Amanda Shepherd at
[email protected].
Summer’s joy starts at the Fair. See you Sunday April 26, 2015
from 10:00am-1:30pm
March 2015 Lowell Log 8 Lowell PTA Budget Update … Please Help Put Our Dollars To Work!
Now that we have reached the midpoint of our school year, we have looked at how we have done with our budget
estimates for the year. Thanks to the generosity of Lowell’s families, friends, and supporters through our
Membership Fundraising Campaign and Jog-A-Thon, as well as unspent monies from prior years’ budgets, we have
approximately $80,000 in surplus funds that are not currently allocated to existing budget items and must be
spent this year.
Our PTA continues to fund and sustain many programs and events at Lowell, but there is always so much more we
can do. Over the next few months, the PTA’s Executive Board – with the input from our administrators and staff, our
Technology Use Committee, the school-site Cabinet, and our PTA members – will consider any proposals for how
we ought to utilize our surplus funds. PTA members: YOUR INPUT MATTERS!
Any PTA member who wishes to present ideas and suggestions for how to utilize our $80,000 in surplus funds – or
to allocate remaining funds – is welcome to present a proposal for PTA’s consideration at our last meeting of the
year, which is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, 2015. Proposals should be presented in the form of a Budget
Amendment form (available on our PTA website at http://www.lowellpta.com/president-msg/pta-financial-info) by
including as much detail and information as possible. Before any proposal may be considered by the PTA
members at the June 2 meeting, it must preliminarily be presented to the PTA Executive Board; also,
anything affecting Lowell during school hours must also be presented to Cabinet. Here are the remaining
available dates for such presentations:
•
•
•
Cabinet Meetings – March 17, April 14, and May 12 at 8 a.m. (contact Principal Sam Platis no later than 5
days prior to be put on the agenda)
PTA Executive Board meeting – March 10, April 14, and May 12 at 6:30 p.m. (contact PTA President Denise
Mester no later than 5 days prior to be put on the agenda)
PTA Association Meeting – Tuesday, June 2, 6:30 p.m. (contact PTA President Denise Mester by Friday,
May 15 to be put on the agenda)
At our June 2 meeting, the PTA Executive Board will review proposals and provide input from the Board, staff and
administration, and Cabinet as applicable, and the Association members in attendance will vote on how to spend our
funds.
If you have any questions about presenting a budget proposal, or if you need additional information, please e-mail
PTA President Denise Mester at [email protected]. The most current version of our PTA budget is posted on the
bulletin board of our PTA workroom should any member wish to review it.
Thank you to our families, friends, and supporters who have continued to give so generously to make Lowell the
special place it is.
Walkie, Talkie, Coffee with Mr. Platis Please join me for a stroll through our beautiful neighborhood. We will meet in the front of our school
and depart promptly at 9:00 am on Thursday, March 12th. Please bring walking shoes, comfortable
attire, and a solutions-oriented mindset. I will be open to any and all questions pertaining to our school. I
look forward to deepening our relationship to benefit all of our sea star scholars.
Warmly,
Sam Platis
March 2015 Lowell Log 9 Honorary Service Awards We are incredibly grateful for all of our volunteers who do so much to help make Lowell the special place that it is.
One way we can acknowledge our most dedicated volunteers is to present them with an Honorary Service Award ...
but we need your help! Who are we looking for? Those volunteers who are the backbone of every event at Lowell,
the ones who seem to be everywhere when there is a job to be done ... the people who just "do" in a way that
enriches the Lowell experience. Although our volunteers do not contribute their time and efforts for recognition or
accolades, the Honorary Service Awards are a way the Lowell PTA can express its sincere gratitude and recognize
parents, families, and staff who continually rise above and beyond the call. Please take a few moments to jot down
the name of one or more individuals who may be deserving of an Honorary Service Award this year - we welcome all
input and suggestions for this important task! Award categories are: • Honorary Service Award (HSA): Presented to an individual or organization in special recognition of
outstanding service to children and youth. Typically awarded to persons who have played a critical part in a
specific project or program.
•
Continuing Service Award (CSA): Presented to an individual or organization in special recognition of
continued service to children and youth. Typically awarded to persons who have been involved in many
projects/programs/activities throughout their years at Lowell - most often honoring the parent(s) of a fifthgrade student as their child/children's time at Lowell is coming to a close.
•
The Very Special Person Award (VSP): Presented to an individual or organization in recognition of their
dedication to children and youth.
•
Golden Oak Service Award (GOSA): The most prestigious award of the California PTA, this is presented to
an individual or organization that has made significant contributions to the welfare or children and youth in
the school or community.
Please note: A person may receive more than one of any of these awards. To nominate individuals for an award, please complete the form below and return in your child's folder or the PTA
lockbox in the workroom no later than April 1. You may nominate as many individuals or groups as you wish. Awards
will be presented during the final PTA meeting of the 2014-2015 year, on June 2. If you are interested in serving on
the Honorary Service Award Selection Committee, or if you have questions, please contact Mary Scott by e-mail at
[email protected]. ---------------------------------------------------------tear------------------------------------------------------------------- In recognition of outstanding service to Lowell, I nominate the following individual(s) for an Honorary Service Award: Name(s): ______________________ Award Category: HSA ___ CSA ____ VSP _____ GOSA _____ Reasons:________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ Nominated by: ______________________ E-mail: __________________________ Please return to PTA Lockbox no later than April 1! March 2015 Lowell Log 10 After-School Enrichment The following programs are offered by organizations that are permitted to use Lowell's facilities.
The PTA does not sponsor or fund these events. The programs are open to all Lowell students. For questions or
suggestions about after-school enrichment programs, or if you would like information about PTA scholarships available
for participating in the programs, please contact After School Enrichment chair Mai Pare at [email protected].
March 2015 Lowell Log 11 March 2015 Lowell Log 12 Lowell PTA
Executive Board
2014-2015
PTA Meeting
February Association Meeting
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
6:30 p.m. in the Auditorium
PTA President Denise Mester
[email protected]
I.
Welcome
• Pledge of Allegiance
• Appoint Volunteers to Approve March Meeting Minutes
• Adoption of Agenda
II.
President’s Report – Denise Mester
III.
Principal’s Report – Mr. Sam Platis
IV.
Officer Reports:
• Treasurer and Financial Secretary – Rebeca Matta/Katie Zinn
o Financial Reports, Approval/Ratification of Bills, Budget Update
• Auditor – Lori Hess
o Jan./Feb. Audit
• Ways and Means – Dawna DeLong/Jenny Kuo
• Membership – Sabine Cain/Danielle Van Divort
• Historian – Cammie Cassiano
V. Report of the Executive Board
VI. Committee Reports:
• Technology Use Committee
• Green Team
• Fifth Grade Activities Committee
• Dining for Dollars
• Dad’s Donut Day/Mom’s Muffin Morning
VII. Committee Announcements:
• Movie Night
• Spring Book Fair
• Summer Camp Fair
• Carnival
• Gift Card Program
• Logo Wear
• Lost and Found/Used Uniforms
VIII. New Business
• PTA Board Elections – Wendy Becker and Jenny Kuo
• Approval of updated/revised PTA Bylaws
• PTA Convention – Approve Delegates and Budget
• Budget Proposal Process – Status and Updates
IX. Guest Speaker: TBD
X.
Adjourn
Mark Your Calendars:
The next PTA Association will be on Tuesday, April 28, 2015
6:30 p.m. in the Auditorium
Low ell Log Deadline
The deadline for the February Lowell Log is Tuesday, March 20.
Please make submissions to Communications Chair Allison Keller at
[email protected].
Stay informed with Lowell's
monthly newsletter. For the
most up to date info
visit us online at
www.lowellpta.com
March 2015 Webmaster:
Shawn Oatey
[email protected]
Communications Chair
Allison Keller
[email protected]
This Log has been approved by Principal Sam Platis and PTA
President Denise Mester. Lowell Elementary PTA is a proud unit
of Long Beach Council PTA, the Thirty-Third District PTA, and
the California State PTA
Lowell Log The mention of any business or service in this newsletter
does not imply an endorsement by Lowell PTA.
Vice President Mary Scott
[email protected]
Executive Secretary Ruth Chao
[email protected]
Treasurer Rebeca Matta
[email protected]
Financial Secretary Katie Zinn
[email protected]
Parliamentarian Wendy Becker
[email protected]
Ways and Means
Dawna DeLong
Jenny Kuo
[email protected]
Membership
Sabine Cain
Danielle Van Divort
[email protected]
Head Room Rep
Cameron Hernandez
[email protected]
Communications Allison Keller
[email protected]
Auditor Lori Hess
[email protected]
Web Master Shawn Oatey
[email protected]
Teacher Rep Pam Parkin
[email protected]
Historian Cammie Cassiano
[email protected]
Green Team
Karen Taylor
Amy Royle
[email protected]
Principal Sam Platis
[email protected]
Lowell Elementary
5201 East Broadway Long Beach,
California 90803
T 562.433.6757 | F 562.438.3264
http://lowell-lbusd-ca.schoolloop.com
A member of:
Thirty-third District PTA
Long Beach Council PTA
California PTA
National PTA
13 Lowell Log Calendar
March 2015
Sunday
1
Monday
2
Tuesday
3
Wednesday
4
Thursday
5
Friday
6
Saturday
7
Gift Card orders
due
Popsicle
Thursday
Dippin’ Dots
Dining for Dollars
CPK
8
9
10
11
Parent Teacher Conferences
12
13
14
19
20
21
Gift Card orders
due
March Lowell
Log deadline
26
27
Walkie, Talkie with
Principal 9am
PTA Executive
Board Mtg
6:30 pm - Library
15
16
17
18
Cabinet Mtg
8am - Library
MTM Assembly
2:25-3:10
MTM Training
3:30-4:30
22
23
24
25
28
Mom’s Muffin
Morning
PTA Association
Mtg 6:30 pm –
Auditorium
29
30
March 2015 Dining for Dollars
Ruby’s
31
Lowell Log 14