Polar Partners
Partnering for Success
March 17, 2017
Volunteer Spotlight
This week we celebrate volunteer Joyce Erickson. Joyce
has been volunteering in Mrs. Riggio’s class since her
grandson was in the class 13 years ago. She is a retired
preschool teacher who started volunteering before she
retired and was always willing to help with field trips, art
activities, and special projects when available. Once she
retired she started volunteering more and has been
averaging 5 days a week since her granddaughters started
school 11 years ago. In Mrs. Riggio’s class she does many
things including designing the t-shirts and helping
kindergarteners make them. In July she helps with Ready,
Set, Read Tacoma and in August she helps with Jump Start
Kindergarten. Mrs. Riggio says, “She is a big support,
resource, and friend to me and my kindergarteners.”
In addition to kindergarteners, her dedication has
influenced the lives of first and second graders also. She
does sight word testing, helps with art projects, and goes
on field trips. According to Mrs. Rossman, “She was the
master of reading fluency,” when she organized the
second grade reading volunteers because reading scores
sailed. Mrs. Severson sums it up with, “She is a wonderful
volunteer.”
Thank you for making a difference by sharing your talents
and passion for learning with the students of Point
Defiance Elementary School, Mrs. Erickson!
Explosive fun!
Math and science can be a blast when you get your facts right
and the lava flows!
Volunteer Opportunities
Reading Nook Volunteers: This is a weather
dependent opportunity from 11:00-12:45. Need
volunteers to cover Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Also need volunteers to cover rainy days when
regular volunteer cannot make it. Call our family
liaison, Peggy Olsen at 253-571-6909 to be added to
the list.
Thoughtful Thursday: Every Thursday Point
Defiance parents come together to work on
miscellaneous projects to support the teachers. The
fun begins at 9 a.m. in the staff room. This is an
enjoyable, relaxing atmosphere that allows parents
to connect, support the school and make a
difference for Point Defiance.
Killer Whale Tales!
Last week 5th
graders at Point
Defiance were
inspired to take
an active role in
the conservation
of Pacific
Northwest killer
whales and their
habitat through
a program called
Killer Whale
Tales.
Grief Camp
Applications are now being accepted for Pierce
County Camp Erin scheduled for June 16-18th. Camp
Erin is a three day camp for children between the
ages of 6 and 17 who have experienced the death of
a loved one. This experience is facilitated by
professional staff and trained volunteers and
provides grief support and camp activities at Camp
Seymour. Applications and more information
available at http://www.multicare.org/camperin or
by calling 253-403-1966. Campers will be notified in
May so it is best to apply as soon as possible.
Family and Community Learning Academy
Saturday March 25th 10am -2pm at Birney Elementary 1202
S. 76th St. Free sessions for parents to sharpen their
skills to help their children succeed in school. Free lunch,
free family photo, raffle prizes, and a carnival. Register
online at www.tacomaschools.org/partnerships/pages/fcla.aspx or
call Peggy Olsen at 253-571-6906. You can also register
when you arrive. If you preregister you will be entered
into a drawing for $100 Target gift card.