October McNamara PTA Meeting
7pm, Tues., 10/19
McNamara gym
Hope to see you there!
7pm, Tues., 10/19
McNamara gym
Hope to see you there!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Upcoming SU Parent Advocacy Center (SUPAC) Trainings
This announcement came to us from NYS PTA. Parents of children with IEPs may be interested:
The East Area Family YMCA is proud to offer The Terrific Tuesday Series for parents of children with disabilities or suspected disabilities.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH: UNDERSTANDING YOUR CHILD’S IEP, PART 1
East Area Family YMCA-SACC Room
6:30pm-8:00pm
Presented by Kristine O’Brien, SUPAC Parent Outreach Coordinator
NYSED has recently released a new standardized IEP form that is required for use by all districts. In this seminar we will walk you through the new model form and all the components that are addressed in the IEP. Participants are welcome to bring a copy of their child’s most recent IEP.
Refreshments will be served. Child Care is available through the YMCA. To reserve child care contact Kim Purcell @ 637-2025 x211 a week in advance.
TOOLS FOR PARENTS: CREATING AN ADVOCACY NOTEBOOK
OCTOBER 5, 2010
TWO SESSIONS: 10:00 AM TO 12:00 PM AND 6:00 TO 8:00 PM
SALINA FREE LIBRARY
100 BELMONT ST.
MATTYDALE, NY 13211
PRESENTED BY KAREN BURGWIN, SUPAC PARENT OUTREACH
This workshop will provide parents with a tool to effectively and proactively prepare for the school year and beyond. The Advocacy Notebook will assist parents to work with their school team, organize their records, learn what records to keep, what to put in writing and how to write letters. Every parent will walk away with a notebook filled with information that they can use as an effective advocacy tool as they navigate and advocate in the coming year. Bring your IEP and any current evaluations that you may want to include in your notebook!
Preregistration is preferred. Contact SUPAC at 443-4336 or by email at supac@syr.edu
Or fill in our online registration form @ http://www.supac.org/training/register-for-supac-trainings/
Syracuse University Parent Advocacy Center (SUPAC)
SU Center on Human Policy, Law, and Disability Studies
805 S Crouse Avenue, Room 110
Syracuse, NY 13244-2280
315-443-4336 ● 877-824-9555 (toll free)
Fax: 315-443-4338
supac@syr.edu ● www.supac.org
ABOUT SUPAC
Lisa Finnerty Coggi is Director of the Syracuse University Parent Advocacy Center (SUPAC). SUPAC is a university-based center bringing together faculty, students, and staff with members of the local community to provide parents of children with disabilities with information, resources, expertise, and support necessary to promote meaningful involvement in their children’s education. For more information, visit SUPAC on the web at http://www.supac.org. SUPAC is funded by a grant from Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID), New York State Department of Education and is a project of the SU Center on Human Policy, Law, and Disability Studies.
The East Area Family YMCA is proud to offer The Terrific Tuesday Series for parents of children with disabilities or suspected disabilities.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH: UNDERSTANDING YOUR CHILD’S IEP, PART 1
East Area Family YMCA-SACC Room
6:30pm-8:00pm
Presented by Kristine O’Brien, SUPAC Parent Outreach Coordinator
NYSED has recently released a new standardized IEP form that is required for use by all districts. In this seminar we will walk you through the new model form and all the components that are addressed in the IEP. Participants are welcome to bring a copy of their child’s most recent IEP.
Refreshments will be served. Child Care is available through the YMCA. To reserve child care contact Kim Purcell @ 637-2025 x211 a week in advance.
TOOLS FOR PARENTS: CREATING AN ADVOCACY NOTEBOOK
OCTOBER 5, 2010
TWO SESSIONS: 10:00 AM TO 12:00 PM AND 6:00 TO 8:00 PM
SALINA FREE LIBRARY
100 BELMONT ST.
MATTYDALE, NY 13211
PRESENTED BY KAREN BURGWIN, SUPAC PARENT OUTREACH
This workshop will provide parents with a tool to effectively and proactively prepare for the school year and beyond. The Advocacy Notebook will assist parents to work with their school team, organize their records, learn what records to keep, what to put in writing and how to write letters. Every parent will walk away with a notebook filled with information that they can use as an effective advocacy tool as they navigate and advocate in the coming year. Bring your IEP and any current evaluations that you may want to include in your notebook!
Preregistration is preferred. Contact SUPAC at 443-4336 or by email at supac@syr.edu
Or fill in our online registration form @ http://www.supac.org/training/register-for-supac-trainings/
Syracuse University Parent Advocacy Center (SUPAC)
SU Center on Human Policy, Law, and Disability Studies
805 S Crouse Avenue, Room 110
Syracuse, NY 13244-2280
315-443-4336 ● 877-824-9555 (toll free)
Fax: 315-443-4338
supac@syr.edu ● www.supac.org
ABOUT SUPAC
Lisa Finnerty Coggi is Director of the Syracuse University Parent Advocacy Center (SUPAC). SUPAC is a university-based center bringing together faculty, students, and staff with members of the local community to provide parents of children with disabilities with information, resources, expertise, and support necessary to promote meaningful involvement in their children’s education. For more information, visit SUPAC on the web at http://www.supac.org. SUPAC is funded by a grant from Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID), New York State Department of Education and is a project of the SU Center on Human Policy, Law, and Disability Studies.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Planning ahead to the start of school...
I know that none of us wants to think of summer coming to an end, but inevitably it will and it is time to start thinking ahead. In that spirit, we are starting to put together more of our blog details and information for the coming year.
Teacher assignments will be coming out around August 21st, and then the buzz kicks into high gear!
Take a look at some of the dates that we have also posted on this site and mark your calendars. The author visit is almost finalized and the theme for PARP this year will be "HEROES".
We still have some important PTA vacancies to fill so please consider volunteering some of your time to help our school and our students. Many hands make light work.
Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Teacher assignments will be coming out around August 21st, and then the buzz kicks into high gear!
Take a look at some of the dates that we have also posted on this site and mark your calendars. The author visit is almost finalized and the theme for PARP this year will be "HEROES".
We still have some important PTA vacancies to fill so please consider volunteering some of your time to help our school and our students. Many hands make light work.
Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Take 25 - Conversation Starter 4
Does finding 25-minutes to talk to your kids or your busy tweens and teens about safety seem impossible? Try the follwing discussion starter. In the month of May - we will be posting 25 safety tips for parents and students of all ages.
Remember to Take 25 - 25 minutes, 25 days, 25 messages.
Conversation Starter #4
Targeted for students of all ages
Does your screen name or email address give clues about who you are, such as your name or age? If so, let's come up with a safer one.
Remember to Take 25 - 25 minutes, 25 days, 25 messages.
Conversation Starter #4
Targeted for students of all ages
Does your screen name or email address give clues about who you are, such as your name or age? If so, let's come up with a safer one.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Take 25 - Conversation Starter 3
Does finding 25-minutes to talk to your kids or your busy tweens and teens about safety seem impossible? Try the follwing discussion starter. In the month of May - we will be posting 25 safety tips for parents and students of all ages.
Remember to Take 25 - 25 minutes, 25 days, 25 messages.
Conversation Starter #3
Targeted for students of all ages
Let's make a list of 3 people whom you can call in case of an emergency if you can't reach me. These are trusted people that we can both reach in case we can't reach each other.
Remember to also include 911 in this conversation, and if your child has a cell phone - how they need to hit *911 first. Many children do not know and just dialing 911 on a cellular phone will not work on many phones.
Remember to Take 25 - 25 minutes, 25 days, 25 messages.
Conversation Starter #3
Targeted for students of all ages
Let's make a list of 3 people whom you can call in case of an emergency if you can't reach me. These are trusted people that we can both reach in case we can't reach each other.
Remember to also include 911 in this conversation, and if your child has a cell phone - how they need to hit *911 first. Many children do not know and just dialing 911 on a cellular phone will not work on many phones.
Take 25 - Conversation Starter 2
Does finding 25-minutes to talk to your kids or your busy tweens and teens about safety seem impossible? Try the follwing discussion starter. In the month of May - we will be posting 25 safety tips for parents and students of all ages.
Remember to Take 25 - 25 minutes, 25 days, 25 messages.
Conversation Starter #2
Targets Children 5 to 10
Has anyone ever called or knocked on the door while was busy or not able to answer it? What did you do?
What should you do in the future?
What should you do when you have a baby sitter and I am not with you?
Remember to Take 25 - 25 minutes, 25 days, 25 messages.
Conversation Starter #2
Targets Children 5 to 10
Has anyone ever called or knocked on the door while was busy or not able to answer it? What did you do?
What should you do in the future?
What should you do when you have a baby sitter and I am not with you?
Take 25 - Conversation Starter 1
Does finding 25-minutes to talk to your kids or your busy tweens and teens about safety seem impossible? Try the follwing discussion starter. In the month of May - we will be posting 25 safety tips for parents and students of all ages.
Remember to Take 25 - 25 minutes, 25 days, 25 messages.
Conversation Starter #1
Targeted for students that are ages 5- 9
Could you tell me our home addrees?
What is our home phone number?
Where can you reach us (parents / caregivers) when we are not together? Do you know work numbers and / or cell numbers?
Do you know the name and phone number of a trusted family member or friend also?
Remember to also include 911 in this conversation, and if your child has a cell phone - how they need to hit *911 first. Many children do not know and just dialing 911 on a cellular phone will not work on many phones.
Remember to Take 25 - 25 minutes, 25 days, 25 messages.
Conversation Starter #1
Targeted for students that are ages 5- 9
Could you tell me our home addrees?
What is our home phone number?
Where can you reach us (parents / caregivers) when we are not together? Do you know work numbers and / or cell numbers?
Do you know the name and phone number of a trusted family member or friend also?
Remember to also include 911 in this conversation, and if your child has a cell phone - how they need to hit *911 first. Many children do not know and just dialing 911 on a cellular phone will not work on many phones.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Take 25 - May 1st through May 25th
Take 25 was designed to commemorate National Missing Children's Day on May 25th. The goal of Take 25 is to heighten awareness about children's safety issues. With a focus on prevention the campaign encourages parents, guardians and other trusted adult role models to spend time talking with kids and teaching them ways to be safer.
As a PTA we are taking 25 days in the month of May to bring you 25 safety tips that take less than 25 minutes each day to talk with your children about. The message is safety, safety, safety.
Safety around strangers, on the internet, in the home and in the general course of the day.
We will post conversation starters for parents as ideas and encourage you to bring more awareness to all of our McNamara students to help keep them all safe during their childhood.
If you would like more information now on Take 25, there is a link to the national website to the right of the blog that you can click on.
We have brochures and bookmarks that will be sent home during the month of May also to encourage our students to be safe.
Remember - Take 25 - 25 minutes, 25 safety tips in 25 days!
As a PTA we are taking 25 days in the month of May to bring you 25 safety tips that take less than 25 minutes each day to talk with your children about. The message is safety, safety, safety.
Safety around strangers, on the internet, in the home and in the general course of the day.
We will post conversation starters for parents as ideas and encourage you to bring more awareness to all of our McNamara students to help keep them all safe during their childhood.
If you would like more information now on Take 25, there is a link to the national website to the right of the blog that you can click on.
We have brochures and bookmarks that will be sent home during the month of May also to encourage our students to be safe.
Remember - Take 25 - 25 minutes, 25 safety tips in 25 days!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Art Show / Ice Cream Social this week....
Mark your calendar if you haven't already done so for Thursday, April 29th from 5PM to 7PM.
This is a spectacular event each year! McNamara School is transformed into a magical art museum by Leslie Nicoletti and wonderful Art Room Volunteers. Visit the school and see creative works of art from our students - pottery, painting, drawings and more. Especially fun is the section for our new artisits - the kindergarten area where you can learn all about the artists themselves and what inspires them.
After taking a tour through the artwork, stop by the cafeteria / gym and get an ice cream treat!
This is a very special event, so definately put it on your calendar from 5PM to 7PM.
This is a spectacular event each year! McNamara School is transformed into a magical art museum by Leslie Nicoletti and wonderful Art Room Volunteers. Visit the school and see creative works of art from our students - pottery, painting, drawings and more. Especially fun is the section for our new artisits - the kindergarten area where you can learn all about the artists themselves and what inspires them.
After taking a tour through the artwork, stop by the cafeteria / gym and get an ice cream treat!
This is a very special event, so definately put it on your calendar from 5PM to 7PM.
ELA Testing this Week
It is that important time of the school year when ELA testing returns.
3rd graders will be testing on Monday 4/26 and Tuesday 4/27, while 4th and 5th graders will be testing Monday 4/26, Tuesday 4/27 and Wednesday 4/28.
Remember that a good night's sleep and a healthy and hearty breakfast is a great way to get your student off to a good start with these tests.
3rd graders will be testing on Monday 4/26 and Tuesday 4/27, while 4th and 5th graders will be testing Monday 4/26, Tuesday 4/27 and Wednesday 4/28.
Remember that a good night's sleep and a healthy and hearty breakfast is a great way to get your student off to a good start with these tests.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Family Fun Night
We hope to see you on Friday, April 9th from 6PM to 8PM for Family Fun Night! This is a fun evening for families at McNamara. Carnival Games, Prizes Galore, Food Concessions and a Gift Basket Raffle! Come early and stay late as it is sure to be a great time!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Census Results are in
Wow, we have had some fun over the last few weeks! The results of our first ever McNamara Census are in!
We had 569 students of 589 that participated in the survey. Missing students were either absenses, or music / instrument lessons where we could reach a student. Our fifth grade census workers and Mr. Ashworth were busy working with all of the students to get the survey administered.
Parents and families, now is the time to fill in your real 2010 US Census. We would love for you to post your experience here. Let us know who in your family completed your survey. In many of our households our McNamara students learned so much at school on this program, that they wanted to complete the survey for their family.
Thanks to Mr. Ashworth, Mrs. Manton and all of our students.
Take time to view the results. It is a fun thing to review with your McNamara student.
We had 569 students of 589 that participated in the survey. Missing students were either absenses, or music / instrument lessons where we could reach a student. Our fifth grade census workers and Mr. Ashworth were busy working with all of the students to get the survey administered.
Parents and families, now is the time to fill in your real 2010 US Census. We would love for you to post your experience here. Let us know who in your family completed your survey. In many of our households our McNamara students learned so much at school on this program, that they wanted to complete the survey for their family.
Thanks to Mr. Ashworth, Mrs. Manton and all of our students.
Take time to view the results. It is a fun thing to review with your McNamara student.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Casting Call!
This is a casting call for 2010 / 2011 school year! You read this correctly.....2010 / 2011 planning has begun and we are on the look out for YOU!
We have many positions that are transitioning on our PTA this year and we are looking for new talent to help up keep the excitement going and bring new ideas to the table for the new year. PTA helps brings unique programs and events to our school that the students definately enjoy.
There are many chairperson roles that are going to open as well as some board seats. Watch your Newsletter for more details or return here as we approach the first of April. If you have any interest or want more information, please reach out to us via mcnamarapta@yahoo.com.
We look forward to having you join us again as a returning PTA member, or for the first time as a new parent!
We have many positions that are transitioning on our PTA this year and we are looking for new talent to help up keep the excitement going and bring new ideas to the table for the new year. PTA helps brings unique programs and events to our school that the students definately enjoy.
There are many chairperson roles that are going to open as well as some board seats. Watch your Newsletter for more details or return here as we approach the first of April. If you have any interest or want more information, please reach out to us via mcnamarapta@yahoo.com.
We look forward to having you join us again as a returning PTA member, or for the first time as a new parent!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Census at McNamara
The 2010 Census is coming to McNamara!
The PTA, Justin Ashworth - school Librarian, and Laura Manton - 5th Grade Teacher, have put together a mock census for our students. On Thursday 3/18, Monday 3/22, and Tuesday 3/23 students at McNamara will get to make history.
Using Google Survey, we have compiled a list of 11 questions that each student will be asked to complete. 5th Grade students will be our "census workers" and will be working with the other grades during their Library time to complete this survey. Google Survey technology will allow us to compile results and report back to the students during AM / PM announcements on the results.
The questions are designed for fun to show our students how a census works. Specific information on the government survey will also be posted on the front bulletin board, and information has gone home to our parents on the US Census.
Sample survey questions include questions similar to:
1. Do you buy or bring your lunch?
2. If you buy, what is your favorite school lunch?
3. Do you ride the bus or get a ride from a parent to school?
4. What is your favorite season?
I hope you get excited about the Census! This is a great new program for McNamara this year.
The PTA, Justin Ashworth - school Librarian, and Laura Manton - 5th Grade Teacher, have put together a mock census for our students. On Thursday 3/18, Monday 3/22, and Tuesday 3/23 students at McNamara will get to make history.
Using Google Survey, we have compiled a list of 11 questions that each student will be asked to complete. 5th Grade students will be our "census workers" and will be working with the other grades during their Library time to complete this survey. Google Survey technology will allow us to compile results and report back to the students during AM / PM announcements on the results.
The questions are designed for fun to show our students how a census works. Specific information on the government survey will also be posted on the front bulletin board, and information has gone home to our parents on the US Census.
Sample survey questions include questions similar to:
1. Do you buy or bring your lunch?
2. If you buy, what is your favorite school lunch?
3. Do you ride the bus or get a ride from a parent to school?
4. What is your favorite season?
I hope you get excited about the Census! This is a great new program for McNamara this year.
Science Fair Tonight
The Science Fair is tonight from 5PM to 6:30PM
Our students have worked so hard over the last few weeks, as have our parent and teacher supporters. Come and tour the fantastic projects and see what all the buzz is about.
Parking is at a premium, so remember overflow is at the church just past the school on the right if you are coming from 48, and just before the school on the left if you are coming in from Jones Road side.
Hope to see you all there!
Our students have worked so hard over the last few weeks, as have our parent and teacher supporters. Come and tour the fantastic projects and see what all the buzz is about.
Parking is at a premium, so remember overflow is at the church just past the school on the right if you are coming from 48, and just before the school on the left if you are coming in from Jones Road side.
Hope to see you all there!
New blogspot
This is the newest spot for PTA news for McNamara Elementary in Baldwinsville, NY!
We have a new Green Initiative as part of the PTA programs this school year and we have realized that we kill so many trees with all of the paper that we send home with our students. So, our goal for 2010/2011 is to go paperless! With over 97% of our parents having access to a computer, we thought we would give it a try.
So, stay tuned here as we get this up and running. Sign up to follow our blog and share the link with your friends.
http://mcnamarapta.blogspot.com/
We have a new Green Initiative as part of the PTA programs this school year and we have realized that we kill so many trees with all of the paper that we send home with our students. So, our goal for 2010/2011 is to go paperless! With over 97% of our parents having access to a computer, we thought we would give it a try.
So, stay tuned here as we get this up and running. Sign up to follow our blog and share the link with your friends.
http://mcnamarapta.blogspot.com/
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