The LuxLetter
A Publication of the Luxmanor PTA
What’s Up
This Month
December 1
PTA Meeting
December 10
Staff Appreciation
Luncheon
December 24 - 31
No School
Winter Break
January 1
No School
Winter Break
December 2015 Issue
From the PTA President
We’ve had our first big chill and our first report cards, and winter is
definitely on its way. I hope everyone had a safe and happy Thanksgiving
and enjoyed the long holiday weekend. November was a fairly quiet
month for PTA activities, but our school was still busy.
If you have joined the PTA, (and you should, if you haven’t) you should
have received your fabulous 2015 – 2016 Luxmanor Student Directory.
Kudos to Barbara McGolrick our Directory Chair, for getting the data for
all of our students and families into the directory. The students are listed
by family as well as by class. There is also some useful information for our
families. The directory is a huge help when planning play dates and
birthday parties! Thank you to Debbie Corwin, our membership chair, for
sorting and distributing all of the directories to our PTA member families.
We started off November with our first Eat a Rainbow Week of the year.
The kids enjoyed it so much last year, that our Health & Safety Chairs,
Cynthia King and Wendy Hookman-Vassa, are planning to have two
this year! The kids tried new fruits and vegetables from the different
colors of the rainbow and collected colorful wristbands each day they
participated. We’re helping them to make good food choices and get a
complete range of nutrients while making it fun!
If you happened to stop by the school during the day on Thursday,
November 5th you might have seen our first cultural arts assembly of the
year. Kate Bradshaw, our Cultural Arts Committee chair, arranged for a
visit from Snowday A Cappella Group. The kids loved it!
Hopefully you all had a chance to meet and talk with your children’s
teacher during the Parent-Teacher conferences on November 11th and
12th.
We’re ending the month of November and rolling into December with our
first Screen Free Week of the year. This was another successful program
that was started by our Health & Safety Chairs last year and we are all
looking forward to our kids having a little less screen time.
…
The LuxLetter, Page 2
The LuxLetter
Published monthly
during the school
year by the
Luxmanor PTA
***
Principal
Ryan Forkert
December 2015
(continued from previous page)
Please join us for our next PTA Meeting on Tuesday, December 1 st at
7:30 pm in the Media Center. We will have a principal’s update from
Mr. Forkert, and have a business meeting to discuss PTA and school
issues.
Assistant Principal
David Nguyen
On Thursday, December 10th, the PTA will host a Teacher
Appreciation Luncheon in the Staff Lounge for all our wonderful
teachers and staff. Beth Bobb and Karen Greenfeld will be looking
for volunteers to bring in yummy treats to show our appreciation for all
the exceptional things that our Luxmanor teachers and staff do for our
children.
PTA President
Debby Orsak
I wish all the best to you and your families and I wish everyone a safe
and happy holiday season!
PTA PresidentElect
Marcie Peters
Newsletter Editor
Meta N Awuah-Offei
Debby Orsak, PTA President
-x-
Dress The Snowman!
Submissions
Deadline
The 20th of every
month.
E-mail submissions to
[email protected]
Or place in the
LuxLetter box in the
School Office.
All submissions are
welcome!
***
Luxmanor
Elementary School
6201 Tilden Lane
Rockville, MD 20852
PHONE:
301-230-5914
FAX:
301-230-5917
http://www.montgomerysc
hoolsmd.org/schools/luxm
anores/index.aspx
At Luxmanor Elementary School, we have started an exciting
campaign called, 'Dress the Snowman.' It benefits the Children's
Inn at NIH! Please help by donating **BRAND NEW** warm
winter wear so that children/families coming to the Children's Inn
at NIH have the appropriate clothing to stay warm while they are
here undergoing treatment. Often times, children and their
families are coming from warm weather climates and don't have
scarves, hats, gloves, jackets, vests, mittens, ear muffs,
etc.........please help them stay warm in this colder weather!
You can drop off *BRAND NEW* jackets, vests,
scarves, mittens, gloves, hats, earmuffs, etc......in the
boxes by the MAIN office!
The collection of winter wear will be until December 11th!!!
The LuxLetter, Page 3
December 2015
Teacher*
You're the heart of every classroom
The soul of every school
The mind behind the message
That learning is cool.
Your patience and understanding
Cannot be undersold,
Your courage and commitment
Is that of legends told.
Each day you teach our children
Is a day to rejoice,
Because of you our children
Will have their own voice.
So thank you dear teacher
For passing knowledge
Through the years.
You thought you were merely teaching,
When you were eliminating fears.
!!!Thank You Luxmanor Teachers!!!
*http://poem4today.com/teacher-poem.html
-x-
The LuxLetter, Page 4
December 2015
The LuxLetter, Page 5
December 2015
The LuxLetter, Page 6
December 2015
DECEMBER NOTES FROM YOUR COUNSELOR
Gloria Silverberg
Teaching Children to Be Good Winners and Good Losers
How do we, as adults teach our children about sportsmanship? Whether the activity is a sport, video game,
dance recital, school play, or an academic competition, the same rules apply.
 Be a role model to your child. When you are at an event or at home, be careful not to yell at, belittle, or
be overly critical of your children or others’ children. Help your children learn ways to work on their
skills and to play fairly.
 Do not bad-mouth coaches, teachers, or referees. If you have a problem with the way things are
handled, speak privately and respectfully with these adults. This teaches our children to show respect as
well.
 Be a positive spectator and teach your children to be the same. Cheer for everyone on the team, not just
your own child.
 Try not to live out your dreams through your children. Children have to be themselves to find their own
happiness. Guide them in finding their own unique interests, talents and abilities.
 Encourage your children to say positive things to others, such as:“good game, congratulations, job well
done!” Model other ways to be a good sport when playing games with your children, such as taking
turns, congratulating successes, and showing empathy for losses.
 If your child begins to argue, cheat, or tantrum, address these behaviors immediately, reminding them
that winning is not everything.
 Demonstrate gratitude. If your child wins a game or gets a part in a school play because of the help of a
coach, music teacher or dance instructor, make sure they appreciate the support and guidance they were
given.
 Congratulate the parents and children on opposing teams and encourage your child to do the same.
 When your child wins, teach him about humility, and not to brag or taunt the other team.
 Have fun! Good sportsmanship isn’t always about winning or losing. It is about making and keeping
friends, learning skills, keeping healthy, building character, and making memories. Even if your child is
not great at something, it doesn’t mean they are not having fun doing it and feeling good about
themselves as a result.
 After a game, deemphasize winning. Emphasize how much fun they had.
 Look for opportunities to talk about good sportsmanship in professional athletes, Olympians, music and
dance competitions.
 We do not build self-esteem by giving them an award for everything. Children who learn to cope
effectively are better prepared to overcome life’s challenges. A resilient child realizes they can control
the outcomes of their decisions and actions, and bounce back!
…
The LuxLetter, Page 7
December 2015
(continued from previous page)
BEING A GOOD SPORT
1. Be polite to your teammates and the opposing team.
2. Cool down when you are upset.
3. Don’t show-off or be a ball hog.
4. Don’t argue with a teacher, teammate, opponent, or referee.
5. Know the rules of the game.
6. Be fair to everyone.
7. Never cheat.
8. Try your best and have fun!
Thank You to the Following Speakers Who Helped to Make Luxmanor’s 2012 Career Day Fantastic!
. Former Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Squad’s Jon Krespan
. Montgomery County Police Officer Michael Prather
. Karzan Karate’s Coach V (Mr. Ranasinghe)
. Luxmanor Parent Dr. Veronica DiFresco
. Potomac Almanac ‘s Mrs.Colleen Healy
. National Center for Coastal Science’s Marine Biologist Dr. Susan Baker
. Washington Suburban Sanity Commission’s (WSSC) Ms. Kimberly Knox
. Research and Test Reactor Licensing Branch’s Engineers Ms. Schroer & Mr. Duke Kennedy
. Therapist Mrs. Marilyn Spenadel
. Luxmanor Parent Mrs. Stephanie Oshinsky, NIH Nutritionist
. Shapiro and Duncan’s Architect Stacey Ehring
.U.S. Airways Pilot Steve Holloway
Wishing all of our Luxmanor Families a Healthy, Happy and Peaceful New Year!
-x-
The LuxLetter, Page 8
December 2015
LUXMANOR PTA 2015-2016
Executive Board Officers
Office
President
President Elect
Vice President
Recording Secretary
Corresponding Secretary
Treasurer
MCCPTA Delegates
(2)
Diversity Chair
Office Holder
Debby Orsak
Marcie Peters
Lori Scherr
Debbie Berger
Ilene Steinberg
Rachel Singer
Wendy HookmanVassa
Rebecca Rudich
Nermine Demopolous
Phone
301-770-2289
301-770-4346
301-230-1435
301-793-0711
301-564-5111
301-564-6267
301-564-6044
Email
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Chair/s
Debra Cohen
Lesley Potash
Stacey Moses
Debby Orsak
Wendy Rhein
Kate Bradshaw
Barbara McGolrick
Bruce Dincin
Robyn Rogers
Phone
301-530-6334
301-468-2922
240-753-0033
301-770-2289
404-290-1751
301-230-5914
301-230-5914
301-530-6120
301-770-5668
Ryan Forkert
VACANT
Sharon Plotnick
Michelle Raynes
Cynthia King
Wendy HookmanVassa
Nermine
Demopolous
Sheila Franks
Robert Oshinsky
Barbara McGolrick
Meta N Awuah-Offei
Debbie Corwin
301-230-5914 [email protected]
301-564-1963 [email protected]
240-888-9789 [email protected]
Committee Chairs
Committee
Bake Sales
Calendar
Cluster Representative
Community Outreach
Cultural Arts
Directory
FAB Dads
Family Disco Night/Red &
White Dance
Fifth Grade Events
Fun Fair
Geography
Bowl
Health & Safety
International Night
Kindergarten Orientation
Listserv Moderator
Luxbucks
Luxletter
Membership
301-897-7395
301-816-0676
301-828-6205
301-564-6044
Email
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
240-888-9789 [email protected]
301-231-7677
301-493-6018
301-230-5914
916-213-5337
301-881-4097
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
The LuxLetter, Page 9
New Book Fairs
Open House Popsicle Party
Room Parent Coordinator
School Supply Kits
Science Fair
Silent Auction
Spirit Wear
Square One Art
Teacher Appreciation
UNICEF Drive
Used Book Fair
Variety Show
Webmaster
December 2015
Stacey Cooperman
Sangita Pradhan
Sheri Weiss
Runaka Anderson
Debby Orsak
Cynthia King
Ashlei Lowery
VACANT
Kate Proger
Runaka Anderson
Beth Bobb
Karen Greenfeld
Wendy Rhein
Sutton Ragheb
Marc Israel
Amy Kleponis
301-255-0032
301-984-4171
301-881-2633
240-543-4531
301-770-2289
301-828-6205
210-323-2243
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
301-881-3909
240-543-4531
301-468-8940
301-881-8234
404-290-1751
301-770-4034
301-806-7043
301-230-5914
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Please let the Chairs know if you would like to help with their committee by calling
or emailing them directly. To volunteer for a vacant position, please email Debby
Orsak at [email protected].
Thank you.
******************************************
The Luxmanor Website
http://www.mcps.k12.md.us/schools/luxmanores
The Luxmanor Website is not only very informative, but also includes links to
numerous educational sites, many of which have fun and educational computer
games for kids. The Website is updated regularly. Be sure to check it out and
add it to your bookmarked sites.
The LuxLetter, Page 10
December 2015
Announcements
Luxbucks
Earn FREE CASH and Equipment for Luxmanor!
Welcome to all new and returning Luxmanor families! School will soon be in full gear, and so are the opportunities for us to help
improve the resources available to our children and teachers. Luxbucks enables us to take advantage of the programs offered by
various businesses/merchants, to that we can earn $$ for the school without spending anything extra…just as a part of our normal
daily routines… Here’s how you can participate:
Keep your eyes open for a flyer in your child’s backpack, fill it out, and I will take care of registering for you at Giant,
Safeway, Harris Teeter and Bloom OR:
1. Register your Giant BonusCard in the A+ BonusBucks Program and designate Luxmanor, School Code 0725. This
program earns CASH to the school. To register on-line go to www.giantfood.com (select A+ Bonus Bucks, Designate Schools).
Last year we earned over $8,000 with this program! EVEN IF YOU REGISTERED LAST YEAR YOU MUST REGISTER
AGAIN THIS YEAR!
2. Register your Safeway Club Card for their Education program and designate Luxmanor, School Code 6531272. AGAIN,
even if you registered last year. YOU MUST RE-REGISTER and DESIGNATE LUXMANOR AGAIN THIS YEAR. To
register go on-line to www.escrip.com. The web site will walk you through the steps to either renew your designation or register
for the first time.
3. Register your Harris Teeter card with me. Send me your VIP number on the back of your store card along with your last
name. I will be glad to key into their website. We earned almost $500 this past year with 57 active cards. I know there must be
more active people to add to our earnings. Everyone must re-register their VIP card every year.
4. Clip/Send General Mills “Box Tops for Education” logos from MANY participating products. Each logo earns 10 cents.
Besides General Mills products, some of the other products are Avery labels, Betty Crocker, Nature Valley, Pillsbury, Yoplait,
Cottonelle, Viva, Poise, Hefty Ziploc, to name a few. Before you send the Kleenex box to your child’s teacher, take off the
labels.
5. On-line shopping, visit Onecause.com and link to some of your favorite stores. Choose Luxmanor to receive on-line
rebate. At least 400 participating merchants will donate a percentage (up to 30%) to Luxmanor.
6. Bloom grocery store now has program to earn school products. So if you forward to me your Bloom number on the back of
your store card along with your last name, I will be glad to key into their website. I know there must be more active people to
add to our earnings. I can’t be the only Luxmanor person who shops at Bloom.
7. Use your Target VISA Card, or apply for one. If you find yourself shopping at Target more these days, this would be a
great time to open a Target account. Target will give us 1% of in store charges and ½ percent anywhere else you use your card.
Apply at www.Target.com or at the store.
This year, with your participation, we have the opportunity again to bring great results. The key is for each family to
register/collect, get the kids involved, and get relatives, friends, co-workers and neighbors to help too! This means free cash for
our school. It’s free. No cost to you! Nothing to sell! Nothing to buy! It’s like recycling … if we don’t do it, we are wasting
valuable resources. We are going to buy stuff anyway, so let’s make it count!
Please call Barbara McGolrick at 301-230-5914 if you have any questions. Thanks for your enthusiastic support and cooperation!
The LuxLetter, Page 11
December 2015
2015-2016 Luxmanor PTA
School Calendar
2015
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
28
31
Open House, 2:00 - 2:45 p.m.
Popsicle Party, 2:45 p.m.
First Day of School
3
7
8
11
14
16
16
17
22
23
28-30
30
Back to School Night, 7:00 p.m.
No School - Labor Day
PTA Meeting & Volunteer Fair, 7:30 p.m.
Back to School Picnic, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
No School – Rosh Hashanah
Parents Meet & Greet Breakfast
Silver Diner “Run the Diner” Night
ESOL Back to School Night, 7:00 p.m.
Room Parent Orientation, 9:30 a.m.
No School – Yom Kippur
New Book Fair
Teacher Read Aloud
1-2
2
7
9
12
16
23
28
30
30
New Book Fair
Early Dismissal, 12:55 p.m.
International Walk to School Day
Fall School Picture Day
MCPS Open House & PTA Bake Sale
No School, MSEA Convention
FAB Dads Breakfast, 7:45 a.m.
California Tortilla/Baskin Robbins Night
Halloween Parties and Parade, 2:00 p.m.
1st Marking Period Ends
2
11
No School, Professional Day
Early Dismissal, 12:55 p.m. - Parent
Conferences, Report Cards Distributed
Early Dismissal, 12:55 p.m. - Parent
Conferences, Report Cards Distributed
Early Dismissal, 12:55 p.m., Thanksgiving
Holiday
No School - Thanksgiving Day
No School – Thanksgiving Vacation
12
25
26
27
Dec.
2016
Jan.
1
14
18
22
25
28
No School – Winter Break
Science Fair, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
No School - Martin Luther King Day
2nd Marking Period Ends
No School – Professional Day
Science Fair (Snow Date), 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Feb.
5
3
5
12
15
23-24
26
PTA Meeting, 7:30 p.m.
Report Cards Distributed
Red & White Dance, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Valentine’s Day Parties, 2:15 p.m.
No School – Presidents’ Day
Geography Bowl
Early Dismissal, 12:55 p.m.
Mar.
11
15-16
18
23
24
25-31
International Night, 7-9:00 p.m.
Used Book Fair
Silent Auction (Tentative), 7:30 – 11:00 p.m.
3rd Marking Period Ends
No School – Professional Day
No School – Spring Break
Apr.
1
14
14
18
20
25
26
27
28
29
No School – Spring Break
Report Cards Distributed
Variety Show Act Approval, 3:30 p.m.
Variety Show Rehearsal, 3:30 p.m.
Variety Show Rehearsal, 3:30 p.m.
Variety Show Rehearsal, 3:30 p.m.
No School, Primary Elections
Variety Show Rehearsal, 3:30 p.m.
Variety Show Dress Rehearsal, 3:30 p.m.
Variety Show, 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
May
3
4
10
11-13
18
22
30
PTA Meeting, 7:30 p.m.
Staff Appreciation Luncheon
5th Grade Class Picture, 1:45 p.m.
2-for-1 Book Fair
Silver Diner “Run the Diner” Night
Spring Fun Fair, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
No School - Memorial Day
June
7
16
PTA General Meeting/Elections, 7:30 p.m.
5th Grade Promotion Ceremony, Clap Out
and Party
Early Dismissal, 12:55 p.m. - Last Day of
School
Report Cards Mailed
1
PTA Meeting
10
Staff Appreciation Luncheon
24-31 No School – Winter Break
17
27