February 28, 2011
Dear Helen Baller Families,
Helen Baller Elementary
1954 NE Garfield Street
Camas, WA 98607-1143
Phone: (360) 833-5720
Fax: (360) 833-5721
www.camas.wednet.edu/helenballer
I hope you had a wonderful February. I did! The Packers won the Super
Bowl and I am very happy about that. It was fun to see all the kids wear
their favorite team colors on our spirit day. We had a good month here at
Helen Baller.
Principal: Aaron Parman
Secretary: Margaret Rhode
We finished benchmark testing all of our students. The data from the tests
are entered into a secure, national database where we can see how Helen
Baller students are learning compared to their classmates, other Camas
students and their same-age peers throughout the country. We use the information to help support all of our students. This is an incredible tool we
have to evaluate our teaching and learning! If you have any questions
about the testing, please do not hesitate to contact me.
District Office: 335-3000
Transportation: 833-5585
Student Services Coordinator:
Michelle Morse
Staff emails:
FirstName.LastName
@camas.wednet.edu
We also celebrated Valentine’s Day and the primary students celebrated the hundredth day of
school. I know the kids enjoyed both days. Thanks to all of the kids for their Valentine’s cards and
gifts. They were fun to look at and read.
Here is what we have coming up in the near future:
On Tuesday, March 8th at 6:30 we will be hosting a kindergarten and Title Reading
Literacy Night. More information will be coming soon. Hopefully we see you there!
On Friday, March 25th we will be holding the Spring Program at Camas High School from
6:30 to 8:30. I am working on my dance moves! I need all the help I can get.
April 4th to April 8th – Spring Break
On Saturday, April 16th from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. we are holding a Fun Run to help
raise money for a track that would go around the Helen Baller playground. A track
would be great for our students and our community. More information will be coming
home soon.
We are still having students show up at school well before 8:30. Please do not drop off or send
your child/children early. They are unsupervised until 8:30. It is a huge safety concern. We appreciate your support with this matter.
The Helen Baller staff appreciates all of the support we get from our families and community. We
wouldn’t be the school we are without your support. If you ever have any questions or concerns
please do not hesitate to contact me by phone, 335-3000 ext. 78006, or email,
[email protected].
Have a great March!
Aaron Parman,
Principal
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
PTA Board Nominations
PTA & Volunteer Info
2
Year Book Information
2
Counselor’s Corner
3
Box Tops
3
Success Book Roll Call
4
Monthly Birthday Table
4
Jungle Memories
and PE information
5
Spirit Wear Update
6
Art in the Garden
7
Character Counts Trait
7
Health Room Reminders
8
Calendar of Events
8
5th Grade Happenings
8
Spirit Wear Order Form
9
PTA Volunteer Opportunites
for 2011/2012 School Year
10
Prevention Walk
11
Avocados
12
The Helen Baller PTA is taking nominations this month for next year's
PTA board. Nominate your favorite parent volunteer(s) for
President, Vice President, Secretary, or Treasurer.
Candidate qualifications for these positions are as follows:
1. Will have children in attendance 2011/12 school year at Helen Baller
2. Will be a PTA member for a minimum of 30 days prior to taking office
3. Agree with the mission of the Helen Baller PTA
You can submit your nominations in 3 ways (deadline March 18):
1. Email your nomination(s) to [email protected] .
2. In writing to the front office in an envelope marked 'PTA nominations'
3. Write in your nomination on the ballet that will be sent to all PTA members
(after nominations are closed).
Ballots will be sent out via email in the beginning of April. Please print and turn
in your ballots at the front office drop box. Instructions will be attached to the
ballots sent.
Elected persons will be announced in the May newsletter and introduced at the
May PTA General Membership meeting.
Helen Baller PTA -- vote, volunteer, get involved!
Current PTA Board and Contact Information
2010/2011
Yearbook Information
This year's yearbook will be a
40 page FULL COLOR soft
cover book crammed full of
photos of all of the great events
and activities here at Baller. The 5th graders are voting
on the cover choice. The books
will be available for only
$10.00. And you can even personalize your book with your
name and up to 4 icons for an
extra $3.00. What a deal!
Watch for your order forms in
your student's backpacks early
this month. Order forms have
to be returned (with payment)
to school by Thursday, April
28th. Checks need to be
written to Helen Baller PTA.
PTA Website:
www.helenbellerpta.com
PTA President: Kathi Hansen
[email protected]
Vice President: Diana Sterle
Secretary: Amy Sturbelle
Treasurer: Kelli Lawson
Fundraising: Seth Sjostrom
Spirit Wear: Diane Sterle
[email protected]
Volunteers Needed!
•
Committee members to help plan a fun run that will raise money for a track
on the Helen Baller campus. First Meeting will be Thursday March 10 at
12:15pm. Please RSVP with Kathi Hansen at [email protected] or by
calling her at
608-8106 and she can verify the exact location of the meeting.
•
Committee members to help plan a Spring Family Dance.
•
Volunteers to help maintain Helen Baller’s garden.
Let us know if you want to help with either of these upcoming events or in the
garden. All will be lots of fun and if you would like to be involved, and possibly
want to drag a friend with you, send a quick email so we can add you to the email
group. If you think you might be and just want to test the waters that is fine too!
Email [email protected] to get involved with one of these committees.
Thank you for your support!
2
10 Ways to Get Your Kids to Talk to You
By Mark Brandenburg MA, CPCC
Parents can often be frustrated by their kids’ unwillingness to share their lives with them.
Whether your kids are toddlers or teens, there will be times when it’s difficult to “break through” and find
out what‘s really going on. Here are ten ideas on how to create opportunities for your kids to open up
and share their lives with you.
1. Don't try so hard to get them to talk
The harder you try to get them to talk, the more they'll resist you. When you relax the pressure a bit, they’ll sense it,
and be more ready to talk.
2. Slow down your own life and be available
Kids have a keen sense of how busy you are. If you're providing enough down time for you and your kids, they'll be
more likely to feel comfortable talking to you.
3. Engage in a physical activity that they enjoy
Some kids are more comfortable when they’re moving. Shooting baskets, playing soccer, or a game of catch may
have your child chattering away. Moving the body can serve to move the mouth as well!
4. Be as non-judgmental as possible
If your kids feel they won't be judged when they talk to you, they'll have no reason to hold back. Have a sense of curiosity and wonder about what they’re saying, and limit the lectures about what’s right or wrong.
5. Use open-ended questions
Questions that begin with "why" tend to create defensiveness, and yes or no questions won't get much of a response.
Learn to use questions that stimulate conversation. “What did you notice about that picture?” works better than, “Did
you like that picture?”
6. Use the car as a place for conversation
You've got them and they can't get out! Don't allow video games or music to interfere with your opportunity to talk with
them.
7. Reflect back what you hear from them
It's still the best way for your kids to feel heard, and the best way to encourage them to expand on the subject.
8. Talk to them while they're coloring, painting, or drawing
Using these activities to allow your kids to express themselves can help them communicate to you as well. And joining
in on the activity yourself can produce an even greater sense of connection and sharing.
9. Provide opportunities for fun and excitement
When your kids are doing something they love to do, they'll want to share it with you. Provide these for your kids, and
listen to them talk about it afterward!
BOX TOP CONTEST REMINDER
Please keep turning in those BOX TOPS. Be sure to have your child put his/her name
and room number on each box top and turn them into the RED BOX TOP box in the
office (next to the chance ticket box). At the end of each month we will draw 10 box
tops and each winner will receive a coupon for a free ice cream cone from Top Burger.
3
Monthly Birthday Table
Success Book Roll Call
Come have lunch with your
“Little Leprachan”!
Below is a list of students who have signed the
Success Book during the month of February.
Any Helen Baller staff member can have a student sign
the Success Book for being successful with academics,
behavior or work ethic. Several of the students
signed the Success Book multiple times, but I have
only listed their name once.
Way to go Helen Baller Bears!
We are proud of you!
Mckayla Cowgill
Luc Sturbelle
Jefferson Jackson
Alex Gilbertson
Ethan Hanson
Nils Brainard
Bree Mcclelland
Edward Kovalenko
Ian Pinch
Nico Swanson
Nicole Gilstrap
Bella Distante
Grace Varsek
Bradley Brasher
Christiana Durkee
Netsie Robertson
Ryan Brown
David Koroteyev
Sammy Geiger
Annika King
Makenna Kinkead
Lizzy Wing
Zander Samodurov
Josh Orfield
Jazzy Gillespe
Hayley Jade
Sidney Fiermenick
Madison Kemp
Michael Vigil
Ryan Whiteis
Mackenzie Sibley
Nolan Ouchi
Shile Wen
Kara Coleman
Tyler Henry
Devin Villenueva
Taylor Narno
Grace Orfield
Kailee Neyer
Rylee Cook
Grant Harward
Claire Burch
Ethan Hansen
Max Fossett
Anna Chronister
L.J. Floyd
Jonathan Bautista
Elley Lyman
Lisette Rinnen
Tyra Schroeder
Kaira Briscoe
Dillon Personett
Catherine Johnson
Trinity Conde
Abigail Olsen
Mikaila Forrester
Dillon Giel
Josh Liksakov
Drew Youngman
Grant Heiser
Eva Brizuela
Sophie Smith
Sophia Johnson
Josh Likasov
Kylia Caesar
Solvej Lourens
Cassie Jones
Eman MCclain
James Dinh
Hayden Sjostrom
Ethan Gieker
Ella Shannon
Noah Dangerfield
Darian Williams
Corissa Cassity
Emma Gilchrist
Joy Marsh
Brenna
Theresa Clark
Adin Rackham
Kylie Loewen
Francesca Sosky
Rachel Real
Christian
Geigenmiller
Leo Cousineau
Kayleigh Brough
Janessa Terry
Shakyah Boggs
Lucian Ray
Joseph Collins
Taylar Bellamy
Brady Carrick
Emma Dean
Timmy Trimble
Riley Robbins
Russell Roaldson
Laura Burton
Sierra Craft
Kaeli Rackham
James Price
Cyenna
Luke Lambert
Emma Bliss
Sarah
Ethan
Eoin
Kolten Hogan
4
Students who have birthdays during the month of March will be celebrating at the Birthday Table on
Friday, March 18th from 11:25am to 12:20pm. If
you have a child who will be attending the birthday table, please feel free to join him/her during
his/her lunch only or you may join all of the birthday kids for the entire lunchtime. The kids love
having a family member there to help celebrate!
Note: All health concerns and allergies are being
closely monitored and can be accommodated
for your child to participate in the birthday table.
If you have any questions, would like to volunteer your time or donate ice cream treats for the
event, please contact Cheryl Johnson at 8445797 or email her at [email protected].
You may also sign up at Signupgenius.com and
enter [email protected] in the search.
Ben Floyd
February
Birthday
Table photo’s
Emily Barber & Mom
Zachary Lyon with Mom
Happy Birthday
to our Teachers
Amy Wing on March 12th
Annie Eeds on March 16th
Monkeys, and Lions, and
Baller Bears!!
The 2011 Jungle was a HIT! Kids swung, flipped, twirled, and
climbed through the Jungle leaving the gym with an incredible
workout and HUGE smiles! They used every muscle in their
body! We even had teachers who couldn’t resist going through
the challenging obstacle. Until next year…….
Currently in P.E.
Spring Program Routines
Jump Roping, Striking, Cooperative Games, Throwing and Catching
Mark Calendars for Family Events!
Spring Program: Friday, March 25th at 6:30pm
(more info. coming so check emails and backpacks)
Family Fun Run @ DOC Harris: Saturday, April 16th
from 9am-10:00am
5
Jungle Night & PTA meeting
at Helen Baller
A huge success
Kristin Singleton won the $25 gift certificate from Haley's Flowers!
And Mrs. Flowers was in attendance to see us give it away.
Mrs. Gola's & Mrs. Doyle's classes tied for the class with the most parents attending the parent board meeting. They both had 8 families in attendance tonight. A total of 75 families were represented at the meeting.
170 students attended the Jungle Night. It was a smashing success!
Those kids sure love your jungle Amy!
Spirit Wear Update:
Winter apparel items are available until March 15th.
This is the last chance for fleece vests, knit beanie hats, & girl's headbands. Next Fall a new line of winter apparel will
be introduced, so get your orders in now for that fleece vest you've been wanting. Order forms are at the end of our
newsletters (page 9) and at the front desk principal's window. You can also email for a copy @ [email protected].
Bear Patch Deal -- The patches are making great vest patches for your troops/groups/organizations. Send us an email
with how many patches you would need and we'll let you know your quantity pricing.
Spring new items will be introduced after spring break. And remember, you can always order logo hoodies, tees, &
sweats anytime! And donating to the Bear Buddies program (in any amount) helps purchase logo tees for students. We've been able to supply spirit wear to many students in the past year because of this program.
Thanks for your donations!
Dare to be a Baller Bear!
Spirit Wear Team
6
Art in the Garden!
The Camas Roots Garden will be
sponsoring an Artist in Residence program for
Helen Baller second graders this spring.
The
students will work with ceramic artist Sarah
Ferguson to create insect-themed tiles.
The tiles will be mounted to posts to display in
the Camas Roots Garden and at Helen Baller.
If you are interested in volunteering to help
with this fun project, please contact
Elisa Wells at 833-0925 or
eswells(@ sign)comcast.net.
March's Character Pillar is Respect.
DO:
•
RESPECT THE DIGNITY, PRIVACY AND FREEDOM OF OTHERS
VALUE AND HONOR ALL PEOPLE FOR THEMSELVES, NOT FOR WHAT THEY
CAN DO FOR YOU OR TO YOU
•
•
RESPECT OTHERS’ PROPERTY AND TAKE GOOD CARE OF PROPERTY
YOU ARE ALLOWED TO USE
DON’T:
•
USE OR MANIPULATE OTHERS-ABUSE, DEMEAN OR MISTREAT ANYONE
COLOR – YELLOW
Motto: think of the Golden Rule
Quote: DR. BENJAMIN CARSON SR.
(Physician, philanthropist, mentor…led groundbreaking surgeries to separate conjoined twins)
“…You have the ability to determine where you are going.
You have the ability to formulate your dream and put in motion
all the building blocks that will help you achieve it.”
7
Health Room Reminders:
5th Grade Happenings
♦
Parents please continue daily head lice checks at
home and call the health room with any questions
about this.
On Monday, February 14th, the 5th graders celebrated
their last Valentines day at Helen Baller Elementary.
♦
The health room could use donated girls pants
of all sizes
** Please alert the health room any time your child receives an immunization so we can update their record.
Thank You
Angela Bourquin
On Friday, Feb 25th, the 5th grade performed songs
and readings to celebrate Black History Month.
Helen Baller
Calendar of Events
There will be a meeting
Monday, March 7th to
continue planning on their
end of year celebration.
And Please remember to
send in your child’s
baby photo!
March
15 Tues Last day to order Winter Spirit Wear Items
16 Wed Helen Baller Musikers perform at
CHS Theatre 5:30-7:00 pm
18 Fri
Birthday Table 11:25-12:20
19 Sat
Helen Baller Musikers perform at
Rock the Liberty Theatre 4:00-4:15pm
**This CEF benefit concert runs from 4-10pm**
25 Fri
Annual Spring Program
Camas School District
Student Health Advisory Council
Prescription for Health
Camas High School Gym 6:30-8:00 pm
April
4-8 Mon-Fri
Spring Break — No School
16 Saturday
Family Fun Run !!
Doc Harris Stadium 9-12 am
27 Wed
CEF Camas Iron Chef
28 Thur
Last day to order a yearbook
May
30 Mon
Memorial Day Holiday
June
1 Wed
5th Grade Track Meet
9:30-12:45 at Doc Harris Track
8 Wed
Junior Rose Parade - all Team kids
10am - 3:30 in Portland
11 Sat Camtown Festival - HB Musikers Perform
8
Iron on Patch
Logo Sticker(removable)
Great on cars, windows &
more!
Show your school & City
Everywhere you go!
9
Adult T-shirt Color Choices
10
Community Choices and PREVENT! Coalition invite you to join us for a 5k Walk/Run
Registration
Walk/Run Kick-Off
Youth
Adult
Family
$5
$15
$30
7:30-9:00 am
9:00 am
Registration includes:
t-shirts for first 500,
Community Fair with
prizes, water and
Camas School District does not endorse or promote this event
Register at www.active.com, or contact Sondra Storm at [email protected]
11
12