Enews
The First Walnut Acres' eNews of 2020! Check it out!
What's Happening at Walnut Acres - Mark Your Calendars! 1/14 PFC Meeting - Library 7pm 1/16 Science Fair Project Forms Due 1/20 Martin Luther King Jr. Day - NO SCHOOL 1/30 3rd Grade Show "Go Fish" 2/3 TK/K Registration Info Night - MUR 6pm 2/4 TK/K Registration 2/6 Science Fair 6:30pm-8:00 2/10 Teacher In-Service Work Day - NO SCHOOL 2/11 PFC Meeting - 7pm MUR 2/14 School Recess - NO SCHOOL 2/17 President's Day - NO SCHOOL
* * * * *  I thought public education was free. Why am I being asked to donate? We fundraise to bridge the gap between public funding and the true cost of our children’s education at Walnut Acres. Over 80% of our PFC budget is used for staff positions that would not exist at Walnut Acres Elementary without PFC funds. Still haven't donated to Jag Fund? Through parent donations, the PFC is able to fund many of the things that make our school unique. Check out the PFC website for more information and please help us meet our goal. The suggested donation is $650 per student, which can be contributed in monthly payments if you prefer.The only donation too small...is no donation at all. Please contribute what you can! Donate Now * * * * * After School Enrichment Classes
* * * * * Science Fair Forms Are Due By This Thursday, Jan. 16th! WALNUT ACRES STEM & Science Fair, Thursday, February 6th, 2020  Get ready for the 2020 STEM and Science Fair! Walnut Acres students, grades K-5, are encouraged to think like young scientists and submit a project in any science-related or engineering field. Entry forms are due on January 16th! Click HERE for the form and make sure you send your child's form to sciencefair@walnutacrespfc.net and/or drop it in the Science Fair box in the office before the 16th. For more details and resource ideas check out the STEM & Science Fair PFC Page HERE. * * * * * Is Your Wine Rack Overflowing? * * * * * Auction Is Coming! Here's How You Can Help!  Walnut Acres Auction needs your help!!! The PFC depends on a strong Auction to fund 1/4 of our annual budget. The money we raise at Auction this spring will determine how many of the current programs we are able to sustain in the next school year. Help us avoid program cuts and even build on our already strong support for all that is possible at Walnut Acres by contributing items, experiences and wine to the Auction. For information on what kinds of donations work, please visit the Auction Site HERE. Once you are ready to donate an item (you don't need to have the physical item in hand, you just need to provide a description of your donated item), go HERE to log your donation.* * * * * 1st Grade Parents - 1st Grade Parents: For the month of January, please help us in the Drive Thru line as we open doors and greet students while they are arriving at school. As like last year, we are having each class level help out at the Drive Thru during specific months. We would appreciate 2-4 helpers each day. Can you help for 20 minutes in the morning, 7:40 - 8:00 am? If so, please sign up! Click HERE for the 1st Grade Drive Thru sign ups. * * * * * 5th Grade Families! Congratulate your 5th grader and express your pride and love with an ad in the 2020 yearbook. - Go to www.yearbookordercenter.com and enter school code: 10053 Any questions contact: yearbook@walnutacrespfc.net * * * * * * * * * * 2020-2021 PFC Committees
Recycle Club News
* * * * * Kid and Parent Buy-In Parties Needed
Interested in a fun way to support our school? We need you! We are looking for hosts for Seasonal/Winter buy in parties for all grade levels! Take advantage of the beautiful fall weather and host an activity to celebrate the season. Autumn has so much to offer: hikes, scavenger hunts, crafts, costumes, changing colors of leaves, sports and more! Consider hosting a kids party/movie night, an afternoon of ice skating, a winter holiday craft day, Frozen 2 movie outing, ring in the new year with a kids New Year’s Eve party, or indoor play time at a local facility. Our team can help with planning and making your party idea a reality! All money from ticket sales of buy in parties goes directly to our PFC – so get party planning! It’s for the kids! Contact Sarah Waters at kidbuyinparties@walnutacrespfc.net Don’t forget that PARENTS like to have FUN too! If you’re interested in hosting a parent buy in party, contact Danielle Getty at parentbuyinparties@walnutacrespfc.net * * * * *
Support the PFC and put a smile on your child's face! For $25.00, the greeting “Happy Birthday ‘Your Child’s Name’” will be on display on the Walnut Acres' electronic Marquee from 7am-9pm on your date of choice. Click HERE to purchase. The deadline for submitting an order is one week prior to your child's birthday. Questions? Email Pat Mitsch at marquee@walnutacrespfc.net. * * * * *   Bronco Baseball Academy is back for our 20th season offering summer baseball camps in Walnut Creek! This summer we will again be offering four week-long camps at Foothill Middle School for kids ages 5-12 years old. Registration is open now, and our Early Bird Discount is available through the end of February. On March 1st, the cost of camp goes up from $275 to the regular rate of $350, so register today to reserve your spot at our discounted rate. Visit www.BroncoBaseballAcademy.com for all the details and to sign up today! |
Are you interested in getting more involved with the fun committees and events that happen at Walnut Acres? Is there an event or committee
A big thanks to everyone who has dropped off empty chip bags, bar wrappers and pouches to be recycled via TerraCycle last week. Please be informed there will be a regular TerraCycle collection in the same week as the CRV collection, first full week of every month. Drop off will be in the same spot as the CRV drop off, to keep it fast and simple. There will be a marked can for "CRV" and one for "TerraCycle". You can find more information 
eNews - December 10, 2019
What's Happening at Walnut Acres - Mark Your Calendars! * * * * * I thought public education was free. Why am I being asked to donate? We fundraise to bridge the gap between public funding and the true cost of our children’s education at Walnut Acres. Over 80% of our PFC budget is used for staff positions that would not exist at Walnut Acres Elementary without PFC funds. Still haven't donated to Jag Fund? Through parent donations, the PFC is able to fund many of the things that make our school unique. Check out the PFC website for more information and please help us meet our goal. The suggested donation is $650 per student, which can be contributed in monthly payments if you prefer. Donate Now* * * * * Math Kangaroo Registration Deadline is this Sunday (12/15)!  This year, the competition will take place all over the world on Thursday, March 19, 2020. Registration is now open online at Math Kangaroo Registration.To register your student, log into your account (or create a new one if you don't have one already.) Once you log in, click on the 'By invitation' tab right above 'Participation Centers'. Enter one of the following invitation codes: CAWALNU0003518@20MK (3 pm session) or CAWALNU0003528@20MK (7 pm session). Then click 'enroll', and follow the instruction for payment ($21 per child). The last day of registration is Dec 15, 2019. If you have trouble with registration or would like to know more about Math Kangaroo, please contact Chao Yang at chaoathome@yahoo.com. * * * * * Reminder... Parent-Teacher conferences will be held this week and next week. We will have early dismissal both weeks. Please see the chart below for each grade level’s dismissal times. Teachers' will contact you regarding your appointment times.
* * * * * WALNUT ACRES STEM & Science Fair, Thursday, February 6th, 2020 Get ready for the 2020 STEM and Science Fair! Walnut Acres students, grades K-5, are encouraged to think like young scientists and submit a project in any science-related or engineering field. Entry forms are due on January 16th! Click HERE for the form and make sure you send your child's form to sciencefair@walnutacrespfc.net and/or drop it in the Science Fair box in the office before the 16th. For more details and resource ideas check out the STEM & Science Fair PFC Page HERE * * * * * 5th Grade Families! Congratulate your 5th grader and express your pride and love with an ad in the 2020 yearbook. Size: 1/8 page: $20 - Go to www.yearbookordercenter.com and enter school code: 10053 Any questions contact: yearbook@walnutacrespfc.net * * * * * 5th Graders Yearbook Cover Contest
* * * * * 2nd Grade Parents - 2nd Grade Parents: For the month of December, please help us in the Drive Thru line as we open doors and greet students while they are arriving at school. As like last year, we are having each class level help out at the Drive Thru during specific months. We would appreciate 2-4 helpers each day. Can you help for 20 minutes in the morning, 7:40 - 8:00 am? If so, please sign up! Click HERE for the 2nd Grade Drive Thru sign ups. * * * * * Auction Team Needs Your Help! Hello Parents! Tickets for the Live Auction Gala sold out quickly, but that doesn't mean you can't get in on the Auction Action!!EVERYONE (parents, grandparents, friends and neighbors) can shop for incredible deals and exclusive experiences through the Online Auction. The Online Auction will run from Feb 21, 2020 - March 2, 2020 and raises money to keep programs like Reading and Math Intervention and the STEM lab running. We Need The Help of The Entire Parent Community! A successful auction depends on GREAT auction items and experiences. Parents, we need YOUR help in securing donations of gift cards, tickets to events, goods, services, or a unique experience like a behind-the-scenes tour or other event. Click here to find out how you can help! * * * * * Got Aluminum Cans and Plastic Bottles?
* * * * * Kid and Parent Buy-In Parties Needed
Interested in a fun way to support our school? We need you! We are looking for hosts for Seasonal/Winter buy in parties for all grade levels! Take advantage of the beautiful fall weather and host an activity to celebrate the season. Autumn has so much to offer: hikes, scavenger hunts, crafts, costumes, changing colors of leaves, sports and more! Consider hosting a kids party/movie night, an afternoon of ice skating, a winter holiday craft day, Frozen 2 movie outing, ring in the new year with a kids New Year’s Eve party, or indoor play time at a local facility. Our team can help with planning and making your party idea a reality! All money from ticket sales of buy in parties goes directly to our PFC – so get party planning! It’s for the kids! Contact Sarah Waters at kidbuyinparties@walnutacrespfc.net Don’t forget that PARENTS like to have FUN too! If you’re interested in hosting a parent buy in party, contact Danielle Getty at parentbuyinparties@walnutacrespfc.net * * * * *
Support the PFC and put a smile on your child's face! For $25.00, the greeting “Happy Birthday ‘Your Child’s Name’” will be on display on the Walnut Acres' electronic Marquee from 7am-9pm on your date of choice. Click HERE to purchase. The deadline for submitting an order is one week prior to your child's birthday. Questions? Email Pat Mitsch at marquee@walnutacrespfc.net. * * * * * Registration for the 2020 Walnut Creek Little League Season is Now Open! We invite you to join Walnut Creek Little League for the 2020 Baseball and Softball season! Baseball, Softball and Challengers teams are now forming for the Spring and Summer. Take advantage of early registration and sign up today!
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ALL Walnut Acres 5th grade students are invited to enter the yearbook cover contest. Theme is Mission Walnut Acres I'm Possible. Entries are due by December 20th 2019. More info can be found 
Walnut Acres PFC eNews, November 19, 2019
What's Happening at Walnut Acres - Mark Your Calendars! * * * * * The Jaguar Fund donation request of $650 is too big for our budget. Did you know that you can make recurring payments in Konstella? Konstella will automatically charge your credit card each month. That could be a payment of $65/month for 10 months. Still haven't donated to Jag Fund? Through parent donations, the PFC is able to fund many of the things that make our school unique. Check out the PFC website for more information and please help us meet our goal. The suggested donation is $650 per student, which can be contributed in monthly payments if you prefer. Donate Now* * * * * Lost and Found - TODAY! Our Lost and Found items will be laid out on the picnic tables Tuesday, 11am-3pm. On Wednesday, the Student Council will lay the items out from 12:30-2pm, collect all remaining items, and donate them to the fire victims in the Napa area. * * * * * Saddle Up & Read! Read-a-Thon!
* * * * * Annual Toy and Clothing Drive
* * * * * PFC HOLIDAY PARTY - Dec. 3rd!
Please bring an appetizer, dessert, or a bottle of wine to share with your fellow Walnut Acres parents and our lovely teachers. All Walnut Acres parents and teachers are invited! * * * * * Reminder... Parent-Teacher conferences will be held December 9-13 and December 16-20, 2019. We will have early dismissal both weeks. Please see the chart below for each grade level’s dismissal times. Teachers' will contact you regarding your appointment times.
* * * * * Auction Team Needs Your Help! Hello Parents! Tickets for the Live Auction Gala sold out quickly, but that doesn't mean you can't get in on the Auction Action!!EVERYONE (parents, grandparents, friends and neighbors) can shop for incredible deals and exclusive experiences through the Online Auction. The Online Auction will run from Feb 21, 2020 - March 2, 2020 and raises money to keep programs like Reading and Math Intervention and the STEM lab running. We Need The Help of The Entire Parent Community! A successful auction depends on GREAT auction items and experiences. Parents, we need YOUR help in securing donations of gift cards, tickets to events, goods, services, or a unique experience like a behind-the-scenes tour or other event. Click here to find out how you can help! * * * * * 2nd Grade Parents - 2nd Grade Parents: For the month of December, please help us in the Drive Thru line as we open doors and greet students while they are arriving at school. As like last year, we are having each class level help out at the Drive Thru during specific months. We would appreciate 2-4 helpers each day. Can you help for 20 minutes in the morning, 7:40 - 8:00 am? If so, please sign up! Click HERE for the 2nd Grade Drive Thru sign ups. * * * * * Got Aluminum Cans and Plastic Bottles?
* * * * *
Want to share your amazing pictures for the yearbook?
Any questions contact: yearbook@walnutacrespfc.net * * * * * Kid and Parent Buy-In Parties Needed
Interested in a fun way to support our school? We need you! We are looking for hosts for Seasonal/Winter buy in parties for all grade levels! Take advantage of the beautiful fall weather and host an activity to celebrate the season. Autumn has so much to offer: hikes, scavenger hunts, crafts, costumes, changing colors of leaves, sports and more! Consider hosting a kids party/movie night, an afternoon of ice skating, a winter holiday craft day, Frozen 2 movie outing, ring in the new year with a kids New Year’s Eve party, or indoor play time at a local facility. Our team can help with planning and making your party idea a reality! All money from ticket sales of buy in parties goes directly to our PFC – so get party planning! It’s for the kids! Contact Sarah Waters at kidbuyinparties@walnutacrespfc.net Don’t forget that PARENTS like to have FUN too! If you’re interested in hosting a parent buy in party, contact Danielle Getty at parentbuyinparties@walnutacrespfc.net * * * * * Math Kangaroo Registration is Open This year, the competition will take place all over the world on Thursday, March 19, 2020. Registration is now open online at Math Kangaroo Registration.To register your student, log into your account (or create a new one if you don't have one already.) Once you log in, click on the 'By invitation' tab right above 'Participation Centers'. Enter one of the following invitation codes: CAWALNU0003518@20MK (3 pm session) or CAWALNU0003528@20MK (7 pm session). Then click 'enroll', and follow the instruction for payment ($21 per child). The last day of registration is Dec 15, 2019. If you have trouble with registration or would like to know more about Math Kangaroo, please contact Chao Yang at chaoathome@yahoo.com. * * * * * Registration for the 2020 Walnut Creek Little League Season is Now Open! We invite you to join Walnut Creek Little League for the 2020 Baseball and Softball season! Baseball, Softball and Challengers teams are now forming for the Spring and Summer. Take advantage of early registration and sign up today!
* * * * * The 27th Annual Turkey Trot is here- Run, jog, walk or volunteer to help support Northgate schools and have fun at this community tradition!  Thanksgiving and the Walnut Creek Turkey Trot are fast approaching! You can help support Northgate schools by running, jogging or walking in the race - and you can save money by registering early! There are several races to choose from including Kids Fun Runs, 10K Run* and 5K run or walk, and festival areas with costume contest! Participating is a great way to start your Thanksgiving holiday. Race sponsor, FORMA GYM has named PEAK Education Foundation - which supports all 5 Northgate schools - a beneficiary for the 8th year in a row. PEAK will receive a donation back for every participant when you use the fundraising code“PEAK19” at registration. Don't forget to use the code! The race takes place Thanksgiving Morning, Thursday, Nov. 28, 8:00 am at Civic Park. For more information and to register CLICK HERE. Volunteers are also needed to help on race day and a few days beforehand. Click here to volunteer |
Get ready to clean out your closets and go Marie Kondo for a good cause! Monday, December 2nd through Thursday, December 5th Walnut Acres will be collecting gently used toys and clothes for families of Shore Acres Elementary in Bay Point. The families use these items to help give gifts for the holidays or for their personal use. Items to be collected include new or gently used toys (with all pieces intact), games, clothes, warm jackets, shoes, kitchen items, jewelry and home decor. Items may be dropped off in front of the main office 12/2-12/5.
Join the Walnut Acres PFC as we celebrate the Holidays and our amazing school community with an adults-only affair at the lovely home of Ryan & Catalina Franklin. Official invite to come with more details!eNews - October 8, 2019
What's Happening at Walnut Acres - October 8, 2019 Mark Your Calendars! * * * * * Still haven't donated to Jag Fund? Through parent donations, the PFC is able to fund many of the things that make our school unique. Check out the PFC website for more information and please help us meet our goal. The suggested donation is $650 per student, which can be contributed in monthly payments if you prefer. Donate Now * * * * * Today is the LAST Day to Register for Community Service Day!!  Saturday, October 12th, 9 am to 12 pm. Please join us to beautify Walnut Acres campus. There is something for every age, interest and ability! Take a peek at some of our projects: Clean the outdoor lunch tables, the play structure, and the library bookshelves, chairs and tables; Repaint the two buddy benches; Add drought-tolerant plants to planters; Pick-up trash; Sort and organize emergency supplies. Plenty of work for all! Many hands make light work. Please bring: Gardening tools; trash bags, brushes/rags/sponges, buckets; work gloves; a couple of dollies and/or a rolling platform; your own refillable water bottle. And don't miss this treat from the City of Walnut Creek: Start the Day with pancakes and a t-shirt! Location: Heather Farm Community Center at 7:30 a.m. for a free pancake breakfast, cooked by the local Lions clubs. If you come to the breakfast, you get a free, commemorative t-shirt, too! For online registration, click HERE. All Community Service Day volunteers MUST turn in a signed waiver before participating. * * * * * Parent's Halloween Party - Get Tickets!
HOSTS: Spooky Shankers & Eerie Eyerlys * * * * * Halloween Costume Drive
Please donate any costumes that are clean and in good condition. * * * * *
* * * * * 4th Grade Parents - 4th Grade Parents: For the month of October, please help us in the Drive Thru line as we open doors and greet students while they are arriving at school. As like last year, we are having each class level help out at the Drive Thru during specific months. We would appreciate 2-4 helpers each day. Can you help for 20 minutes in the morning, 7:40 - 8:00 am? If so, please sign up! Click HERE for the 4th Grade Drive Thru sign ups. * * * * * Buy your 2019-2020 Walnut Acres Yearbook for $25
Want to share your amazing pictures for the yearbook?
Any questions contact: yearbook@walnutacrespfc.net * * * * * Chill Out Zone - Volunteers Needed
* * * * * Library Volunteers Needed! Do you love books?
Proctor - Wednesdays: 11:15-12:15 If interested, please contact Dulce Conley or Vickie Palmer, Library Co-Chairs, through Konstella or library@walnutacrespfc.net. * * * * * Recycle Club Update
Thank you from your Walnut Acres Recycle Club * * * * * Amazon Purchases Can Benefit Walnut Acres! Use our link and WAPFC may receive up to 10% proceeds from your purchases.  Click HERE to use our affiliated link to access amazon.com before placing any orders and (depending on the category of the items purchased) Walnut Acres will receive up to 10% of the purchase price. Unlike the previous program of linking your account and going directly to smile.amazon.com (which donated 0.5% of sales) you must click our link to Amazon before each purchase for WAPFC to receive funds, so don't forget! The link is also found on our homepage at www.walnutacrespfc.net. TIP- If you have Amazon.com bookmarked, we recommend changing that link to go to the PFC website as a reminder to use our Amazon Affiliate link so we can earn while you shop!
The 27th Annual Turkey Trot is here- Run, jog, walk or volunteer to help support Northgate schools and have fun at this community tradition! Thanksgiving and the Walnut Creek Turkey Trot are fast approaching! You can help support Northgate schools by running, jogging or walking in the race - and you can save money by registering early! There are several races to choose from including Kids Fun Runs, 10K Run* and 5K run or walk, and festival areas with costume contest! Participating is a great way to start your Thanksgiving holiday. Race sponsor, FORMA GYM has named PEAK Education Foundation - which supports all 5 Northgate schools - a beneficiary for the 8th year in a row. PEAK will receive a donation back for every participant when you use the fundraising code “PEAK19” at registration. Don't forget to use the code! The race takes place Thanksgiving Morning, Thursday, Nov. 28, 8:00 am at Civic Park. For more information and to register CLICK HERE. Volunteers are also needed to help on race day and a few days beforehand. Click here to volunteer |
Walnut Acres Parents: The most excellent decade and most entertaining holiday come together for an epic night! Please support Walnut Acres and have a totally awesome & spooky good time at the 2019 Halloween Bash! Devilish libations will be served! 80’s jams will be pumping! And, a funky fresh food truck will be serving! (either apps or dessert) Don't forget your bodacious 80's costumes in full effect! There will be a totally rad awards ceremony for best costumes!
Spirit Wear Orders are currently being assembled for distribution this Thursday, October 10th - just in time for Spirit Day Friday! All orders will be delivered to your child's class room. Remind them Thursday morning to bring home their new Jaguar Gear and check their backpacks Thursday night to make sure everything was delivered. You can review your Spirit Wear order on Konstella by clicking on "Your Orders." 
Then the Walnut Acres Library needs you! The Library utilizes parent volunteers throughout the school year to assist the librarian with book circulation, sorting and shelving books, and helping students find books for check-out. Volunteers shifts are every other week for approximately one hour throughout the school year during your students’ class time in the library. The classes that are still in need of volunteers are listed below. 
May 28, 2019 Enews
What's Happening at Walnut Acres - May 28, 2019 Mark Your Calendars! * * * * * Walnut Acres Yearbooks Delivered Thursday May 30th! Pre-purchased yearbooks will be passed out to students in their classes onThursday May 30th. If there are any issues with the book please contact yearbook@walnutacrespfc.net no later than Sunday, June 2nd. We plan to sell any extra books Monday, June 3rd before school starts at 7:30 AM, $35 cash only. We have a VERY limited amount for sale. * * * * * Student Council Spirit Day
Student Council Spirit: Twin Day! * * * * *
As the last day of school approaches, we would like to remind you that your child’s medication(s) need to be picked up by a PARENT/GUARDIAN on the last day of school. Medication cannot go home with your child unless they are authorized to self-carry their medication. Medication left at school will be properly disposed. Please remember, medication orders must be renewed by your healthcare provider each school year. * * * * *
Open House was a great success for Recycle Club and we couldn’t have done it without your help! With the shiny new green bins and the clear signage on our trash stations we made it possible to properly compost and recycle at the Walnut Acres Open House. Events are the biggest trash contributors because it is hard to control what is put in each bin, so we rely on you to properly recycle and compost. This event has shown us it is possible when we all work together. * * * * *
Save yourself some time and order your school supplies via our online partner, School Tool Box. Not only is this a fundraiser for the school (the PFC gets a small proportion of your purchase back), but School Tool Box donates a meal to a child in need for each box sold via the Feed My Starving Children program. Ordering your kit is easy! Simply visit www.schooltoolbox.com, search for Walnut Acres Elementary and pick the kit that matches your grade level.
Just a few more days of school, let's keep it safe! * * * * * 1st and 2nd Grade Parents! Please assist at Drive Thru
See fewer than four parent helpers at Drive Thru one morning? Anyone can jump in and help out! * * * * * School Site Council Parent Representatives Would you like to help shape the School Site Plan and Safety Plan, discuss the school vision as well as successes and challenges, and brainstorm ideas to enhance growth with the new principal? We need 3 parents to join the School Site Council for school years 2019-2021. School Site Council members meet on the first Thursday of each month from 3:00-4:00 p.m. Email me at dowdc@mdusd.org or call (925) 939-1333 if you would like to commit for a two-year stint as a SSC parent representative. If I get 3 volunteers within the next 2 weeks, we can vote on membership before summer vacation. * * * * *
Community Service Day at Walnut Acres Saturday, October 12 (9am-12pm). Bring the whole family to spruce up and beautify the campus. Stay tuned for more details.  * * * * *
* * * * * 2019 Northgate HS Youth Football Technique Camp June 12-15, 2019, 9:30am-12:30pm. Once again, the Northgate HS Football program is offering its amazing summer youth football technique camp! We welcome campers of all skill levels to attend and learn proper football technique to play the game smarter and safer. While the camp focus is on Football Fundamentals, it is also designed to develop individual confidence within a team philosophy. Campers will be instructed by Head Varsity Coach Ben Ballard, and the Northgate Football Coaching staff using the most current football techniques recommended by Heads Up Football, CIF North Coast Section, and Practice Like the Pros organizations. We will also be using Guardian Caps for further safety during camp. Camp features: Camp shirt, Daily Fundamentals and Techniques, Daily Competition, Daily Offensive & Defensive Instruction, Individual Awards, Personal Written Evaluation, and Professional Trainer On site. Cost is only $150.00 per participant. More Info and Register Here: https://www.northgatebroncos.org/page/show/479857-bronco-youth-camp |
May 14, 2019 Enews
What's Happening at Walnut Acres - May 14, 2019 Mark Your Calendars! * * * * * Darcie Jones Book Drive This Week! This community service drive was named after Darcie Jones, a Walnut Acres parent who started a book drive in the Spring of 1994 to benefit the summer reading program at Meadow Homes Elementary School in Concord. After she died of cancer on December 31, 1996, the PFC renamed the book drive “The Darcie Jones Book Drive” and planted a tree outside the 3rd grade wing in honor of all that she had contributed to Walnut Acres Elementary School. Please help us continue this tradition of collecting new and gently used books to benefit the Meadow Homes Elementary School summer reading program. Drop off your books in the collection bins in front of the school office Monday May 13th thru Friday May 17th. * * * * * The Walnut Acres Elementary Open House Festival Please join us for this fun family event that takes place at Walnut Acres. In addition to visiting your child's classroom, check out this lineup of events... * * * * * Open House Festival Bake Sale benefiting MDUSD HOPE The Walnut Acres PFC is hosting a Bake Sale during the Open House Festival (Thursday, May 23) to benefit the MDUSD HOPE Program. The Homeless Outreach Program for Education (HOPE) supports homeless students (Pre-K through 12th grade) and families in Mount Diablo Unified School District. HOPE helps to provide meals for students, transportation to school if needed, and referrals to resources in the community. * * * * * Student Council Spirit Day Friday, May 31st And ALL DRESS the SAME * * * * * Walk & Roll Day Wrap Up! Congratulations to Mr. Grebe's class for winning the popsicle party for having the highest percentage of their class walking and biking to school on Walk and Roll Day! * * * * * Recycle Club/Sustainability Committee and Planet Renu Planet Renu would like to thank everyone that has supported Planet Renu online and at International Day. They will always donate 10% of all sales of their eco-friendly products back to Walnut Acres PFC and the Recycle Club. To date, they are happy to donate $40 to our school. They will give another donation at the end of August, after back-to-school shopping. Visit: www.planetrenu.com * * * * *
Save yourself some time and order your school supplies via our online partner, School Tool Box. Not only is this a fundraiser for the school (the PFC gets a small proportion of your purchase back), but School Tool Box donates a meal to a child in need for each box sold via the Feed My Starving Children program. Ordering your kit is easy! Simply visit www.schooltoolbox.com, search for Walnut Acres Elementary and pick the kit that matches your grade level. * * * * * 1st and 2nd Grade Parents! Please assist at Drive Thru for May and June.
See fewer than four parent helpers at Drive Thru one morning? Anyone can jump in and help out! * * * * * School Site Council Parent Representatives Needed for 2019-2021 Would you like to help shape the School Site Plan and Safety Plan, discuss the school vision as well as successes and challenges, and brainstorm ideas to enhance growth with the new principal? We need 3 parents to join the School Site Council for school years 2019-2021. School Site Council members meet on the first Thursday of each month from 3:00-4:00 p.m. Email me at dowdc@mdusd.org or call (925) 939-1333 if you would like to commit for a two-year stint as a SSC parent representative. If I get 3 volunteers within the next 2 weeks, we can vote on membership before summer vacation. * * * * *  Say Happy Birthday on the PFC Marquee! Support the PFC and put a smile on your child's face! For $25.00, you can say “Happy Birthday (Your Child’s Name)" on the Walnut Acres electronic Marquee from 7am-9pm on your date of choice. To purchase, go to theBirthday Marquee Sales Page in Konstella. The deadline for submitting an order is the 25th of the month prior to your child's birthday. So if your child has a birthday on February 1st, please place your order by January 25th. Questions? Email Pat Mitsch at marquee@walnutacrespfc.net. * * * * *
The LCAP (Local Control Accountability Plan) Speaker Series is offering one final opportunity for the community to attend sessions designed to educate and inform regarding topics pertinent to all parents. The last Speaker Series session is: * * * * *
* * * * * 2019 Northgate HS Youth Football Technique Camp June 12-15, 2019, 9:30am-12:30pm. Once again, the Northgate HS Football program is offering its amazing summer youth football technique camp! We welcome campers of all skill levels to attend and learn proper football technique to play the game smarter and safer. While the camp focus is on Football Fundamentals, it is also designed to develop individual confidence within a team philosophy. Campers will be instructed by Head Varsity Coach Ben Ballard, and the Northgate Football Coaching staff using the most current football techniques recommended by Heads Up Football, CIF North Coast Section, and Practice Like the Pros organizations. We will also be using Guardian Caps for further safety during camp. Camp features: Camp shirt, Daily Fundamentals and Techniques, Daily Competition, Daily Offensive & Defensive Instruction, Individual Awards, Personal Written Evaluation, and Professional Trainer On site. Cost is only $150.00 per participant. More Info and Register Here: https://www.northgatebroncos.org/page/show/479857-bronco-youth-camp |
Enews, April 30, 2019
What's Happening at Walnut Acres - April 30, 2019 Mark Your Calendars! 5/6-10 Teacher Appreciation Week 5/8 Walk/Bike to School Day 5/13-17 Darcie Jones Book Drive 5/16 First Grade Performance, "How Does Your Garden Grow" 7 PM 5/21 PFC Welcome to Kindergarten Meeting, 6 PM MUR 5/21 PFC Meeting, 7 PM MUR 5/23 Open House Festival 5/29 Sing Out, 8 AM For the entire calendar, please see: PFC Key Dates 2018-19 * * * * * Remember to Thank Your Teachers Next Week... Monday, May 6: Teachers and staff enjoy their beautifully decorated doors and breakfast in the lounge. For more details, watch for announcements from your Room Parents! * * * * *
Walk and roll to school in your teacher's favorite color on Wednesday, May 8! Walk, bike, or scoot to school! It is healthy, helps the environment, and is fun! * * * * *
Save yourself some time and order your school supplies via our online partner, School Tool Box. Not only is this a fundraiser for the school (the PFC gets a small proportion of your purchase back), but School Tool Box donates a meal to a child in need for each box sold via the Feed My Starving Children program. Ordering your kit is easy! Simply visit www.schooltoolbox.com, search for Walnut Acres Elementary and pick the kit that matches your grade level. * * * * * 1st and 2nd Grade Parents! Please assist at Drive Thru for May and June.
See fewer than four parent helpers at Drive Thru one morning? Anyone can jump in and help out! * * * * *
At the beautifully organized 2019 International Fair, our WA Recycle Club was amongst the exhibitors. We were able to show what the kids have been working on over the past couple of months to make Walnut Acres a more environmentally conscious school. The kids displayed our “ColorCycle” and “Food Pouch” recycle program, and we played a game to estimate the number of ziploc bags the recycle helpers collected at our lunch at the MUR in one day. The winner of the raffle was Krish from K1, who is now the proud owner of a Walnut Acres spork pouch and bamboo spork, which he can bring to lunch from now on and help keep plastic cutlery out of our landfills. Go Krish! * * * * *
Since April Walnut Acres has been working in collaboration with a local supplier for environmentally friendly lunch packaging and accessories. You can order your eco friendly lunch supplies for your kids’ lunch under the following link: Planet Renu Planet Renu will donate 10% of all sales back to Walnut Acres PFC and Recycle club. * * * * *
We wanted to share some fun, final details from the 3rd annual Walk-A-Thon that took place on Friday, April 19th.
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California law requires that only those who have a handicapped placard or license plate may park in special parking spaces for the disabled. Those with disabled person parking privileges may park in any space that has the wheelchair symbol (International Symbol of Access) and along a blue curb where handicapped parking is indicated. Please do not park in these spaces and along the curb that is painted blue in the Drive Thru unless you are disabled. * * * * * Support the PFC and put a smile on your child's face! For $25.00, you can say “Happy Birthday (Your Child’s Name)" on the Walnut Acres electronic Marquee from 7am-9pm on your date of choice. To purchase, go to the Birthday Marquee Sales Page in Konstella. The deadline for submitting an order is the 25th of the month prior to your child's birthday. So if your child has a birthday on February 1st, please place your order by January 25th. Questions? Email Pat Mitsch at marquee@walnutacrespfc.net. * * * * *
The LCAP (Local Control Accountability Plan) Speaker Series is offering one final opportunity for the community to attend sessions designed to educate and inform regarding topics pertinent to all parents. The last Speaker Series session is: * * * * *
* * * * * 2019 Northgate HS Youth Football Technique Camp June 12-15, 2019, 9:30am-12:30pm. Once again, the Northgate HS Football program is offering its amazing summer youth football technique camp! We welcome campers of all skill levels to attend and learn proper football technique to play the game smarter and safer. While the camp focus is on Football Fundamentals, it is also designed to develop individual confidence within a team philosophy. Campers will be instructed by Head Varsity Coach Ben Ballard, and the Northgate Football Coaching staff using the most current football techniques recommended by Heads Up Football, CIF North Coast Section, and Practice Like the Pros organizations. We will also be using Guardian Caps for further safety during camp. Camp features: Camp shirt, Daily Fundamentals and Techniques, Daily Competition, Daily Offensive & Defensive Instruction, Individual Awards, Personal Written Evaluation, and Professional Trainer On site. Cost is only $150.00 per participant. More Info and Register Here: https://www.northgatebroncos.org/page/show/479857-bronco-youth-camp |
Enews April 16, 2019
What's Happening at Walnut Acres - April 16, 2019 Mark Your Calendars! * * * * *
1,2,3 Ready, Set, Go! 1. Donate! Go to your student's personal page on 99Pledges to donate by credit card, or drop a check off at the school office. Either way, it's for the kids! 3. Cheer Them On! Following is the walk schedule by grade. Mark it on your calendar and come on over to the school to cheer them on! Walk 1: 2nd & 3rd Grade, 8:45 am-9:45 am * * * * * PFC Volunteer Want Ads Specific Need to Consider: PFC Treasurer. Do you love numbers and keeping the books? We need YOU to join our Treasurer team!! Email Jill at president@walnutacrespfc.net or Brooke atvpcommunications@walnutacrespfc.net to be nominated for your favorite volunteer position for next year! * * * * *
THIS Friday, April 19th, in the Walnut Acres MUR * * * * * Thank You From 5th grade Girl Scout Troop 33570! Thank you to everyone who participated in Water Bottle Wars! Troop 33570 created this project for their Bronze Award - a girl-led project to benefit the community. Here are the results: Winners of Extra Recess (Most Raised Per Grade): Top Three Classes School-wide: The Bronze Water Bottle (3rd place) goes to Ms. Carella’s class with $89.80! * * * * * Parent Volunteer Appreciation Event at Sing-out on April 25th - 8:00 am The Walnut Acres staff would like to thank parent volunteers for supporting Walnut Acres Elementary School. The celebration will be part of the Sing-out on Wednesday, 4/24, at 8:00 am. and again around 8:30 am. Every parent who ever volunteered in a classroom, on a field trip, or from home, who worked in some capacity to raise money for school programs or personnel, who opened car doors at drop-off or student thermoses at lunch - you are invited to be recognized and officially thanked by the staff, teachers, and students of Walnut Acres. We hope you will join us as our community celebrates your spirit of volunteerism! * * * * *
Friday April 26th: International Fair! "Small World, Big Dreams" "Small World, Big Dreams" will introduce our students to some of the amazing cultures and countries represented here at Walnut Acres. To date, we have 33 countries that will be represented at this year's fair. New this year: Wonderful performances by our students, as well as some terrific raffle items! If you'd like to get involved (and make sure your country of origin is represented), please sign-up HERE. * * * * * 3rd Grade Parents! Please assist at Drive Thru for the month of April! CLICK HERE to sign up. For the month of April please help us in the Drive Thru line as we open doors and greet students while they are arriving at school. It's a fun way to start the school day! Just like last year, each month a different grade will be asked to help out at the Drive Thru. See fewer than four parent helpers at Drive Thur one morning? Anyone can jump in and help out! * * * * * On-Campus Safety Reminders After School Pick Up Car Line Reminders: - stay in your car, No Dogs Allowed On Campus: * * * * * Support the PFC and put a smile on your child's face! For $25.00, you can say “Happy Birthday (Your Child’s Name)" on the Walnut Acres electronic Marquee from 7am-9pm on your date of choice. To purchase, go to the Birthday Marquee Sales Page in Konstella. The deadline for submitting an order is the 25th of the month prior to your child's birthday. So if your child has a birthday on February 1st, please place your order by January 25th. Questions? Email Pat Mitsch at marquee@walnutacrespfc.net. City of Walnut Creek’s Rethinking Mobility Strategic Plan The City is drafting a transportation strategic plan called Rethinking Mobility to reduce single-occupant vehicle trips and peak-period traffic congestion, as well as manage parking demand while enhancing access for those walking, bicycling, and using public transit. For more information about the project and to access the online report, please visitwww.RethinkingMobilityWC.com. We welcome and appreciate your participation in this plan effort. If you have any questions or interested in learning more about how you and your organization can be more involved, please contact the City’s Project Manager, Ozzy Arce, Associate Planner, at (925) 943-5899 x2166 or arce@walnut-creek.org. * * * * * 2019 Northgate HS Youth Football Technique Camp June 12-15, 2019, 9:30am-12:30pm. Once again, the Northgate HS Football program is offering its amazing summer youth football technique camp! We welcome campers of all skill levels to attend and learn proper football technique to play the game smarter and safer. While the camp focus is on Football Fundamentals, it is also designed to develop individual confidence within a team philosophy. Campers will be instructed by Head Varsity Coach Ben Ballard, and the Northgate Football Coaching staff using the most current football techniques recommended by Heads Up Football, CIF North Coast Section, and Practice Like the Pros organizations. We will also be using Guardian Caps for further safety during camp. Camp features: Camp shirt, Daily Fundamentals and Techniques, Daily Competition, Daily Offensive & Defensive Instruction, Individual Awards, Personal Written Evaluation, and Professional Trainer On site. Cost is only $150.00 per participant. More Info and Register Here: https://www.northgatebroncos.org/page/show/479857-bronco-youth-camp * * * * * |
Enews - March 26, 2019
What's Happening at Walnut Acres - March 26, 2019 Mark Your Calendars! 3/27 Sing Out, 8-9:00 AM, MUR * * * * *
Please Complete the California Healthy Kids Survey Before Spring Break Begins! The California Department of Education requires that all districts assess school climate and parent engagement. To meet this requirement, the district is again requesting that parents/guardians and community members complete the WestEd’s California Healthy Kids Survey. Go to: www.mdusd.org for the link to the survey, which can can be taken in English or Spanish. All responses should be submitted online. * * * * * Register for Spring After School Enrichment! We are pleased to offer a selection of activities to enhance your children's mental and physical development. Classes begin between April 8 and 15 and run through the end of the school year. Register by Friday, April 5 to ensure your spot: Spring Enrichment Schedule MONDAYS Black Dragon Chess: Learn to play this fascinating game in a supportive environment. Bricks 4 Kids: Design and create movable machines. TUESDAYS Soccer: Improve your soccer skills while having fun! Girls on the Run: Ongoing running class for girls THURSDAYS Flag Football: Learn this engaging and challenging game! FRIDAYS: Toyology: Build toys to learn scientific concepts. * * * * * Save the Date(s)! Our Walk-A-Thon is Just a Jog Away! * * * * *
PFC Volunteer Want Ads -U had a great time with your friends at the Gala Auction Evening, and you want it to happen again next spring -U love PFC-run community activities like the Back to School Coffee, the Ice Cream Social, the Book Fair, Read-A-thon, Walk-A-thon, Open House festivities and more -U support academic events like the Science Fair, the Art Show, the International Fair, monthly Art Awareness in every classroom, and After School Enrichment Programs -U think it’s important to have math and reading intervention specialists, science aids, TK-1st instructional aids, vocal music, and site techs for the Co-Lab. Over 82% of the PFC budget goes to these salaries -It's rewarding, it's for the kids, and it's fun to volunteer at Walnut Acres -All of the Above! All it takes is parent volunteers, like YOU! Please check out some of our open roles, or email Brooke at vpcommunications@walnutacrespfc.net, or Jill at president@walnutacrespfc.net to secure your favorite volunteer position for next year! * * * * * 3rd Grade Parents! Please volunteer at Drive Thru for the month of April! CLICK HERE to sign up. For the month of April please help us in the Drive Thru line as we open doors and greet students while they are arriving at school. It's a fun way to start the school day! Just like last year, each month a different grade will be asked to help out at the Drive Thru. * * * * * Parent and Kid Buy-in Party Tickets Available! Calling all golfers and merrymakers…Great parties await for you to attend! Sip, socialize, sourdough, succulents, summer bbq, halloween, and swing that golf club! It’s hard to speakeasy! Come find out how much fun we put in to fundraising. Get more info on all of our fabulous parties and purchase your tickets here.  Golf Tournament Deadline Alert!! The Golf Tournament Benefitting Walnut Acres is coming up on Friday, April 12 at Boundary Oaks Golf Course. Sign up as an Individual or Foursome! Sign-up deadline is Sunday, March 31.
Questions? Contact the Buy-in Party Team. * * * * *
NEW DATE! The International Fair: Small World, Big Dreams, has been moved to Friday, April 26. Please mark it on your calendars! New this year: Wonderful performances by our students, as well as some terrific raffle items! If you'd like to get involved (and make sure your country of origin is represented), please sign-up HERE. We need lots of help with the event as well as donations of specific items. * * * * * Do You Have Old Color Markers to Recycle? Since the end of last year Walnut Acres has been part of “Colorcycle”. We have been collecting dried up markers in the classroom. Please check your home for old markers you would like to keep out of the landfill and recycle them in the “Colorcycle” boxes provided in your kids’ classroom. If you can’t find the box in your kids’ classroom, ask the teacher or send a message to sustainability@walnutacrespfc.net. * * * * *
Share Your Pictures with the Walnut Acres Yearbook! We know many of you take pictures at school events and would love to share them with the yearbook. Please upload them to the yearbook website following these directions. Remember the more pictures we have from you the more pictures we have of your student!!
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SAVE the DATE: Walnut Creek Community Service Day is Saturday October 12, 2019 * * * * * Happy Birthday Wishes on the Marquee Support the PFC and put a smile on your child's face! For $25.00, you can say “Happy Birthday (Your Child’s Name)" on the Walnut Acres electronic Marquee from 7am-9pm on your date of choice. To purchase, go to the Birthday Marquee Sales Page in Konstella. The deadline for submitting an order is the 25th of the month prior to your child's birthday. So if your child has a birthday on February 1st, please place your order by January 25th. Questions? Email Pat Mitsch at marquee@walnutacrespfc.net.
March 26th: "How Parents Social Media Presence Affects Their Children and School Communities" Part of the MDUSD LCAP (Local Control Accountability Plan) * * * * * Feeder Pattern Instrumental Music Concerts: March 26 and 27 4th and 5th grade BAND members will join other instrumentalists in a feeder pattern concert at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, 3/26. ORCHESTRA members will do the same on Wednesday, 3/27. Both concerts will be held at the Northgate High School gym. Students are asked to arrive at 6:30 PM for a short rehearsal. Performers should wear concert clothes, white on top & black on bottom. * * * * * Documentary “Straws” will be shown at Northgate Walnut Acres Recycle Club is working in collaboration with the Foothill ECK Club and the Northgate Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) to organize a public showing of the documentary “Straws”. This event will take place at the Northgate Little Theatre on April 12th from 6 - 7:30 PM. All Walnut Acres, Foothill, and Northgate families, as well as residents of the neighborhood are invited. Stay tuned for more information. |
Enews - March 12, 2019
What's Happening at Walnut Acres - March 12, 2019 Mark Your Calendars! * * * * *
Walnut Acres Art Show this Thursday! Welcome all Artists and WAE Community! We invite you to join us at the annual Walnut Acres Elementary Art Show reception thisThursday, March 14th from 6-8pm. Our talented artists have been hard at work at home and in the classroom. The show will feature work by every student, with individual submissions and Art Awareness projects from every class. Every child will be represented. Please join us for this incredible evening supporting the artist in all of us! We're still looking for volunteers for set-up day on Wednesday, 3/13 and bakers to bring treats to the evening reception. Please see the Sign-up if you're able to help out. * * * * * Food Drive benefiting MDUSD HOPE Pantry: March 18-22nd Please help us collect nonperishable “Open and Eat” food items for the MDUSD HOPE Food Pantry. Drop off your items in the collection bins in front of the school office Monday March 18th thru Friday March 22nd. Please focus on "Open and Eat" Items. See the PFC Food Drive list on the website. Canned foods are also welcome, but some families lack access to kitchens. MDUSD Homeless Outreach Program for Education (HOPE) is a district-wide program serving legally homeless children and their families. HOPE offers assistance with transportation to/from school, meals, and assistance to obtain health care and needed services. The Food Pantry provides food to families in need within our school district. We also need volunteers (adults and students) to assist in sorting donations before HOPE staff picks them up. Watch for a Konstella announcement to sign-up to volunteer to sort donations. * * * * * 4th Grade Parents! Thanks for volunteering at Drive Thru for the month of March! CLICK HERE to sign up. For the month of March please help us in the Drive Thru line as we open doors and greet students while they are arriving at school. It's a fun way to start the school day! Just like last year, each month a different grade will be asked to help out at the Drive Thru. * * * * *
We Need Your Input! California Healthy Kids Survey The California Department of Education requires that all districts assess school climate and parent engagement. To meet this requirement, the district is again requesting that parents/guardians and community members complete the WestEd’s California Healthy Kids Survey. The live link can be found on the homepage of the district websitewww.mdusd.org and can be taken in English or Spanish. All responses should be submitted online. The survey window is open from March 1-31, 2019 Thank you for taking a few minutes to provide your input about Walnut Acres to MDUSD, and ultimately, to the CA State Department of Education. * * * * * NEW DATE! The International Fair: Small World, Big Dreams, has been moved to Friday, April 26. Please mark it on your calendars! New this year: Wonderful performances by our students, as well as some terrific raffle items! If you'd like to get involved (and make sure your country of origin is represented), please sign-up HERE. We need lots of help with the event as well as donations of specific items * * * * *
Share Your Pictures with the Walnut Acres Yearbook! We know many of you take pictures at school events and would love to share them with the yearbook. Please upload them to the yearbook website following these directions. Remember the more pictures we have from you the more pictures we have of your student!!
Remember to buy your yearbook for $35.00 at www.yearbookordercenter.com. Enter school code: 10053 to purchase with credit card. * * * * * Happy Birthday Wishes on the Marquee Support the PFC and put a smile on your child's face! For $25.00, you can say “Happy Birthday (Your Child’s Name)" on the Walnut Acres electronic Marquee from 7am-9pm on your date of choice. To purchase, go to the Birthday Marquee Sales Page in Konstella. The deadline for submitting an order is the 25th of the month prior to your child's birthday. So if your child has a birthday on February 1st, please place your order by January 25th. Questions? Email Pat Mitsch at marquee@walnutacrespfc.net.
March 26th: "How Parents Social Media Presence Affects Their Children and School Communities" Part of the MDUSD LCAP (Local Control Accountability Plan) Speaker Series This session will take place at College Park High School from 6:00-8:00 p.m. * * * * * Have a great science morning! All students are welcome to walk through the displays at Willow Creek Center. A good opportunity to see science exploration from other schools in the District. Students representing Walnut Acres at the Showcase are the 3rd grade 1st and 2nd place winners; 4th grade 1st and 2nd place group invention winners and 5th grade 1st place winner and 1st place winning group for the Chariot Challenge. Location: |
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