Enews
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: |
Enews - February 26, 2019
What's Happening at Walnut Acres - February 26, 2019 Mark Your Calendars! * * * * * NEW! Walnut Acres Elementary Website Walnut Acres Elementary has a beautiful new website, with a new address. To access it, please go to: walnutacres.mdusd.org. It can also be found on the MDUSD website under the "Schools" tab. Just a friendly reminder to bookmark the new address for easy access! You can easily find great information like online absence reporting, upcoming events, current news, and our Twitter feed. * * * * *
CUYT presents... Aladdin Come support our 4th and 5th graders as they perform the final performances of this classic! London Cast Performances: Friday, March 1 New York Cast Performances: Thursday, February 28 and Saturday, March 2 All performances begin at 7:00 pm. $8 at the door. Tickets will be available at the door each night or they can be ordered online. Go to the PFC website's CUYT page. Online orders are open through noon on Wednesday 2/27. Place your order soon to secure the best available tickets. GENERAL SEATS ($8 each) - Best seats available will be assigned in the order that ticket orders are received. Tickets ordered online will be available for pick up at the box office table (outside the MUR) starting at 6:15 on the evening of the performance. Payment options: * Pay by Venmo to CU YT (note there is a space between the U and the Y) * Drop Checks to CUYT in the box in the Walnut Acres office by noon on the Wednesday prior to the show (Thursday, Friday or Saturday). If payment is not received, your order will not be filled. Please note that ticket sales are final and cannot be traded for another day once seats are assigned. Questions - CUYTBoxOffice@gmail.com * * * * * Calling all Artists! Deadline to Sign Up for the Art Show is THIS Friday! It’s time to enter your masterpiece into the Walnut Acres Art Show! Every student may enter one piece of art in addition to participating in the class project. Deadline to participate is Friday, March 1st. You may submit your registration in the office (print forms off the PFC website or pick up in the office) or online at: https://goo.gl/forms/RyER6hGmL8NlHD7i1 For more information, including sign up sheets and project requirements/instructions, visit the ART SHOW page on the PFC website. Please be sure to read the INDIVIDUAL art show entry guidelines prior to submitting your paper or online submission form. ***Parents, this great event is volunteer run so keep your eye out for a Konstella sign-up. We'd especially love your help for set-up day on March, 13th!*** * * * * * Starting March 1st: Breakfast is now available at Walnut Acres Elementary! Food and Nutrition Services will be serving breakfast at Walnut Acres Elementary every morning recess except for Wednesdays for the month of March. The cost for breakfast is $2.00. If you qualify for free and reduced price meals, you also qualify for the breakfast program, with no additional paper-work. Breakfast is available during your child’s morning recess. An entrée, fruit and milk will be offered. If your child has a Titan account for lunch, they can now use it for breakfast. If they do not have a Titan account, your child can bring in $2.00 to purchase the breakfast meal. * * * * * Online Auction The Walnut Acres 2019 Online Auction ends next week. There are so many great items to bid on from a special outing with your child’s favorite teacher to parent parties and one-of-a-kind experiences. There were new items added just this week so if you haven’t looked in a couple days head back to the site to check it out. There is something for every family and remember, every dollar spent goes right back to our school and kids! The auction closes March 4th at 11 p.m. so get your bids in now.
Midnight in Paris – Live Auction Our Auction team has a few volunteer spots to fill on March 8th at the Midnight in Paris Live Auction event. We need a “dessert minder” for our first ever Dessert Dash and help with collecting bids and making sure prize packages go home with the winners. If you missed out on getting tickets, this is a fabulous way to attend, bid and dance the night away (after your shift is over). Click here to sign up for a shift. * * * * *
5th Grade Parents - We have one more week! CLICK HERE to sign up! 4th Grade Parents! It's your turn to volunteer 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. * * * * * 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. * * * * * Small World, Big Dreams! March 22nd The Walnut Acres International Fair is coming soon on March 22! New this year: Wonderful children performances and some terrific raffle items! Please sign-up HERE to help with the event or donate items. * * * * * Share Your Walnut Acres Pictures with the 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: |
February 12, 2019 Enews
What's Happening at Walnut Acres - February 12, 2019 Mark Your Calendars! * * * * * Support Our Dine and Donate at Jack's Urban Eats, February 13th, 4PM-8PM * * * * * Will Your Class Win an Extra Recess? Water Bottle Wars are in full swing, and so far, these classrooms are on track to get an extra recess... K - Kading; 1st - McGoldrick; 2nd - Cowles; 3rd - Perham; 4th - Myers; 5th - Clark But your class can take the lead by filling up the water bottle in your classroom with more spare change! Check out the Water Bottle Wars standings here to see where your class stands: http://bit.ly/waterstandings! Our 5th grade girl scout troop organized Water Bottle Wars to raise money for our water fountain near the playground to get a water bottle filler & filter (and one for a a sister school, too). They've counted up last week's change and so far have raised $342 out of their $1600 goal. Just bring in your change (or bills) to the water bottle in your classroom by THIS THURSDAY, Feb 14th. Who will win?!Each top fundraising classroom per grade level will win extra recess! The top 3 classrooms in the whole school will win special trophies! And, we all win with cleaner water and environment. * * * * * Walnut Acres Stem and Science Fair 2019 Congratulations to all our Walnut Acres scientists who participated in the STEM and Science Fair. There was a vast array of experiments, inventions, models and demonstrations to enjoy Thursday night at the Open House. Student Council also sold baked goods to fund raise for a larger reptile aquarium for Fergus the classroom turtle. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners, as well as honorable mentions were announced to the school, and you can view the winners on the PFC STEM & Science Fair web page. BIG thank you to Carollo Engineers, Inc who served as the judges for the Science Fair. Their time spent with the students during the judging interview process was invaluable. Recognition to Kathy Vendel and her real estate team for their financial support and thanks also to the parents who volunteered their time with set up, break down and general logistics to help make the 2019 STEM and Science Fair a tremendous success. Great job to all - keep being curious! * * * * * Online Auction Begins February 18th! More Ways To Help... CUYT is proud to present... Aladdin Come support our 4th and 5th graders as they perform this classic! London Cast Performances Thursday February 21 Saturday February 23 Friday March 1 New York Cast Performances Friday February 22 Thursday February 28 Saturday March 2 All performances begin at 7:00 Tickets will be available at the door each night or they can be ordered online. Go to the PFC website's CUYT page. Online orders are open through noon on Wednesday 2/20 and then again from Sunday 2/24 through noon on Wednesday 2/27. Place your order soon to secure the best available tickets. GENERAL SEATS ($8 each) - Best seats available will be assigned in the order that ticket orders are received. Tickets ordered online will be available for pick up at the box office table (outside the MUR) starting at 6:15 on the evening of the performance. Payment options: Pay by Venmo to CU YT (note there is a space between the U and the Y) Drop Checks to CUYT in the box in the Walnut Acres office by noon on the Wednesday prior to the show (Thursday, Friday or Saturday). If payment is not received, your order will not be filled. Please note that ticket sales are final and cannot be traded for another day once seats are assigned. Questions - CUYTBoxOffice@gmail.com * * * * * After School Enrichment: Girls On The Run is back at Walnut Acres! Enroll your daughter in this fun group which inspires girls "to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experienced-based curriculum which creatively integrates running." At Girls on the Run, we believe that every girl can embrace who she is, can define who she wants to be, can rise to any challenge, and can change the world. Girls 3rd – 5th grades, come have fun with us and take part in games that help you feel positive and good! This is NOT a competitive running program; it is a celebration of doing things you never thought you could. Physical activity is woven into our program to inspire an appreciation of fitness and to build habits that lead to a lifetime of health. Join us each Tuesday and Saturday to move, jump, have fun and celebrate yourself! The 10-week session includes healthy snacks at each lesson, a t-shirt, a water bottle and entry to the end of the season Girls on the Run 5K on Sunday, May 5th in San Francisco. * * * * * The Walnut Acres Parent Faculty Club presents Attention all artists! It's time to get ready for the annual Art Show happening on Thursday, March 14th. This is a non-competitive and non-fundraising event showcasing artwork from all grades at Walnut Acres. For this event, the MUR will be transformed into a Modern Art Gallery where each class will be represented with artwork made during Art Awareness classes. In addition, we will also be displaying individual submissions by any student who wishes to participate. Drawings, sculpture, painting, fiber arts, mixed media, computer animation and collage are just some of what you can expect to see this year. Students will tour the "museum" with their classes during school hours on Thursday March 14th. That evening, parents, family and friends are invited to attend the artists reception from 6pm-8pm. All artwork will be returned to the students. Please note the following important dates: Questions or want to volunteer to help at this fun event? * * * * *
5th Grade Parents! Sign up to Volunteer at Drive Thru for the month of February! For the month of February, 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.
Walnut Acres Safety Reminders When walking to/from school, please use sidewalks and crosswalks, DO NOT cut across car line For drivers using the morning drive thru/car line:
Afternoon drive though should flow as children are picked up. * * * * * Small World, Big Dreams! March 22nd The 2nd Walnut Acres International Fair is happening on March 22! Let's face it-whether you just moved the United States, or your ancestors came here generations ago, most of us come from somewhere else! We all have an interesting culture, and this is a unique opportunity to teach our children about our heritage as well as share the rich global diversity we have at our school with other families. Over 33 countries have volunteers for the fair, and we would love for you to join your country's team or start a new team if your country isn't represented yet. We are looking for all countries, but a few countries who currently have only one representative so far are: Argentina, Australia, Columbia, Estonia, El Salvador, France, Gambia, United Kingdom, Hungary, India, Holland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Palestine, Scotland, Sweden, Taiwan, USA. Please sign up by February 25th:Country Sign Up A parent-run event like this cannot happen without many helpers! We are seeking volunteers to ensure the fair runs smoothly as well as provide donations of drinks and other necessities. Volunteer Sign Up "Every person is a new door to a different world." Anonymous * * * * * Share Your Walnut Acres Pictures with the 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.
From the Ice Age to The Simpsons: Meet Writer and Producer Mike Reiss Emmy-winning writer Mike Reiss will discuss his thirty years on THE SIMPSONS, with special emphasis on Jewish themes, episodes, cast members and celebrity guest voices. Reiss will be coming to us directly from his engagement writing for the Oscars, so he should have some Oscar stories (and possibly swag!) to share. * * * * * 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: |
January 29, 2019 Enews
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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 theJanuary 15, 2019 E-news
What's Happening at Walnut Acres - January 15, 2019 Mark Your Calendars! * * * * * * * * * * Calling all Donations! deductible and feels great to help our school! * * * * * Want a Diet that Works? * * * * *
* * * * * Walnut Acres After School Enrichment Program, Winter, 2019 Registration is now open! Please visit the PFC website to view the individual flyers and registration information. Please be aware there are no classes on school holidays. MONDAYS: * * * * * MDUSD Parent and Community Survey English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MDUSDparents * * * * *
A Few Friendly Drive Thru Reminders to Get Back into the Swing of Things This New Year! morning drive thru. Click here to sign up! For drivers using the morning drive thru/car line:
* * * * * STEM and Science Fair Thursday, February 7th Interesting science fact from Furgus the Science Lab Turtle, "Did you know that sea turtles have special glands which help remove salt from the water they drink?" What are you curious about? * * * * * Bake Sale! Student Council Supports the STEM and Science Fair During the Family Open House on February, 7th 2:30-4pm and 6:30-8pm Student Council will sell baked goods. Have a favorite recipe? Please drop off baking Thursday, February 7th in the MUR (after school preferred) Please label baked goods if they contain peanut, dairy or gluten. Baked goods will sell for $1.00 each with funds raised going towards STEM and Science Lab. Questions contact Faye Mettler at mettlerf@mdusd.org. * * * * * Random Acts of Kindness Week February 10-16 * * * * * Small World, Big Dreams! The International Fair is March 22 https://sites.google.com/a/walnutacrespfc.net/walnut-acres-pfc/activities/carnival * * * * * Share Your Walnut Acres Pictures with the 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.
LCAP SPEAKER SERIES continues January 22- “Social Media’s Impact on Young People’s Self Image” Experts say young people view social media through the lens of their own lives. If they’re struggling to stay on top of things or suffering from low self-esteem, they’re more likely to interpret images of peers having fun as confirmation that they’re doing badly compared to their friends. Please join us on Tuesday, January 22, starting at 6 p.m. at Mt. Diablo High School, as we welcome back Speaker Series favorite, Thomas Dodson with Above the Fray to give families the tools they need to begin meaningful dialogues about the digital lives of young people, the pitfalls and the positives. Spanish translation will be provided! |
Enews December 4, 2018
What's Happening at Walnut Acres - December 4, 2018 Mark Your Calendars! * * * * * This Week! Donate to our Annual Toy and Clothing Drive With the holidays upon us, it is time for Walnut Acres to reach out to the larger community with our Annual Toy and Clothing Drive benefiting Shore Acres Elementary School. We will be accepting donations of gently used toys and clothing today until Dec 7th in front of the office. All sizes and types of clothing (except undergarments) for infants to adults are requested as well as toys and books. We kindly ask that clothing be free of stains and tears. As a guide, donate only what you would be comfortable giving to a friend. We also need volunteers (adults and students) to assist in sorting donations December 8th and 9th and delivering the donations to Shore Acres in your minivan or SUV on Friday, December 14th. Please email communityservice@walnutacrespfc.net to let us know how you can help and check the Community Service page of the PFC website for volunteer details. * * * * * Come Celebrate! PFC Holiday Party Tonight! Our annual PFC Holiday Party is Tuesday, December 4thfrom 7:00pm - 9:30pm. All parents and faculty are invited, so take a night off and enjoy some light appetizers, drinks and great company! If you are able to bring a snack or beverage, sign up at PFC Holiday Party. Otherwise, just come join the fun! * * * * *
Our first "Walnut Acres Wednesday" Dine & Donate opportunity isTHIS Wednesday, December 5 at the Round Table Clubhouse on Treat and Oak Grove. Round Table will be donating 15% of all proceeds all day, including take out and delivery to the PFC! Get lunch for the office, or rally friends and family for fun dinner or after school snack and help raise funds for the school while enjoying a night off from cooking and cleaning the kitchen! * * * * * Register by December 15th for the Annual International Math Kangaroo Competition  This spring (for the second year in a row), under the leadership of Walnut Acres parent, Chao Yang, Walnut Acres is participating in the International Math Kangaroo Competition for students in 1st-12th grades. Math Kangaroo's goal is to encourage students to learn mathematics by presenting them with problems that are interesting and by rewarding their efforts. This year, the competition will take place all over the world on Thursday, March 21, 2019. 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@19MK (3 pm session) or CAWALNU0003528@19MK (7 pm session). Then click 'enroll', and follow the instruction for payment ($21 per child). The last day of registration is Dec 15, 2018. If you have trouble with registration, please contact Chao Yang at chaoathome@yahoo.com. * * * * * Shop and Earn for Walnut Acres!
Special Holiday Shopping dates with 20% off at Sports Basement just for Walnut Acres Basementeers! Join their Basementeer program and select Walnut Acres Elementary and receive 10% off all purchases, plus 20% off on December 16th-19th! Get some holiday shopping done or gear up for snow season while helping out our school. * * * * * 2nd Grade Parents! Sign up to Volunteer at Drive Thru for the month of December! 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. 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. * * * * *
Student Council Sponsored Spirit Day Wednesday, December 12th * * * * * Science Fair 2019 - Date Change!
Please note the Science Fair has been moved from January 30, 31, February 1, to FEBRUARY 6,7,8! * * * * * Share Your Walnut Acres Pictures with the 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.
Mt. Diablo Hope (Homeless Outreach Program for Education) Holiday Drive 2018
If you want to make a real impact in the life of a local child, please contribute to Mt. Diablo HOPE. Mt. Diablo HOPE is a Homeless Outreach Program for Mt. Diablo Unified School District. There are children living near you who do not have enough to eat, stable housing, or parents in their lives. We really appreciate your help!
* * * * * Calling all 1st Graders! Are you interested in joining Cub Scouts? Our local Pack 210 is recruiting 1st graders to join and form a "Tiger Den." You will get to participate with Dens from other grades in camping, service projects, overnights, and the annual Pinewood Derby. So grab a friend and join the fun! Our Pack accepts all children in grades K-5 into Cub Scouting. If interested, contact our Membership Chair, Sarah Waters, at sarahsin70@hotmail.com. |
Enews November 6, 2018
What's Happening at Walnut Acres - November 6, 2018 Mark Your Calendars! * * * * * Join us now at the Walnut Acres Book Fair! The Walnut Acres Book Fair is going on NOW in the MUR. All your favorite books are available for purchase from November 5-9. It’s the perfect time to stock up - right before the Read-A-Thon starts - and you'll be raising money for our school at the same time! Please also consider sponsoring a book from our Teacher/Library Wish Boxes - ask the cashier for a name plate at the register, and the book your purchase will forever be a cherished part of our school or classroom library. Check out our open hours below - we are open TWO evenings this year and all week long after school. Monday: 2:00-4:00 Tuesday: NEW TIME! 2:00-7:00 Wednesday: 11:30-2:00 Thursday: 2:00-4:00 & 5:00-7:00 Friday: 2:00-3:00 ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ If you are not able to check out the Book Fair in person, you may also order books and gifts at the OnlineBookFair. Items ordered through the online sale will be delivered to your student's classroom. * * * * * Last Chance to order your Walnut Acres Spirit Wear! Many parents asked for one more chance to order Spirit Wear, so we have opened up sales for one last time. All sales must be completed by Saturday, November 10.
Please contact us at spiritwear@walnutacrespfc.net if you have any questions. * * * * * CUYT Winter Production of Aladdin CUYT’s winter production of Aladdin is open to current Walnut Acres 5th graders and 4th graders (as ensemble members). Online registration is currently open and closes November 9th. For more information, go to: Curtains Up Youth Theatre on the Walnut Acres PFC website. Questions? email CurtainsUpYouthTheatre@gmail.com. * * * * * the GREAT Walnut Acres READ(a-thon) starts next week! November 13 - 30, 2018 The Read-A-Thon is one of the PFC's largest annual fundraisers that challenges students to use their most important academic skill, READING, to directly support their school. The money raised goes to sustain PFC-funded initiatives such as grade-level aides, reading specialist, science aides and vocal music. More information and your student's personal 99Pledges Fundraising Page will be coming next week! * * * * * Science Fair Ideas Workshop on November 13th * * * * *
WOW! Weather! Assembly with Meteorologist Paul Deanno Visits to dozens of Bay Area schools, including Walnut Acres, inspired many of the stories found in Paul Deanno’s “WOW! Weather!” book series. His latest book, “WOW! Weather! Hurricanes”, will teach your child all about how the biggest storms on Earth form, how they get their names, and how they make the ocean rise as high as a giraffe! Bring your copy of “WOW! Weather!” or “WOW! Weather! Hurricanes” to Paul’s weather presentation & book reading at Walnut Acres Elementary on November 14th… and Paul will sign it for you! Find it on Amazon. * * * * * 3rd Grade Parents! Sign up to Volunteer at Drive Thru in November! For the month of November, 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. * * * * * Vote for Walnut Acres to Receive this Fall’s Community Waste Reduction Grant from Contra Costa Recycles! Thanks to Dr. Dowd and Marci Cole Ekberg, the Recycle Club submitted an application for this year’s Fall Community Waste Reduction Grant. Our project is #5, titled: Promoting Conservation Awareness and Skill at Walnut Acres – Walnut Creek. You can VOTEfor our project! Go to: https://contracostarecycles.com/grant_vote.cfm. Voting closes November 30th. * * * * * Walnut Acres Sustainability - Order a Spork Pouch! If you missed out on ordering a Walnut Acres Recycle Club “Spork Pouch” last time around, now you get the chance. The pouches are designed and made lovingly by Walnut Acres moms to be an active change towards helping our environment by not using the plastic cutlery provided at our lunches and keeping trash out of our landfills. They are custom crafted with the Walnut Acres Jaguar and Recycle Club logo. Please fill in an order form and drop it off in the provided box at the WA office. Please include cash or a check made out to Monique Pickering. Thank you for your support of the Recycle Club and being a part of the change! 100% of the proceeds go to the Recycle Club to bolster awareness, sponsor field trips, and buy Recycle Club supplies for our school. Keep your eyes open for the Terracycle https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/ boxes we will provide during lunches to recycle bar wrappers and food pouches! If you have questions, send a message to sustainability@walnutacrespfc.net or check out the PFC page https://sites.google.com/a/walnutacrespfc.net/walnut-acres-pfc/sustainability. * * * * * Intradistrict Transfer Request for the 2019-20 School Year Beginning Monday, October 15 through November 15, 2018, the district will accept Intradistrict Transfer Requests. Intradistrict transfers are for students who reside inside the MDUSD boundaries requesting transfer to another MDUSD school. All applications must be made online through the MDUSD website. * * * * * Share Your Walnut Acres Pictures with the 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 MarqueeSupport 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.
Calling all 1st Graders! Are you interested in joining Cub Scouts? Our local Pack 210 is recruiting 1st graders to join and form a "Tiger Den." You will get to participate with Dens from other grades in camping, service projects, overnights, and the annual Pinewood Derby. So grab a friend and join the fun! Our Pack accepts all children in grades K-5 into Cub Scouting. If interested, contact our Membership Chair, Sarah Waters, at sarahsin70@hotmail.com. * * * * * The 26th Annual Forma Turkey Trot, will be here before you know it and registration is open! Register early for best pricing. This family fun event, brought to you by Forma Gym, is a great way to start your Thanksgiving holiday and show support for your schools! There are several races to choose from including Kids Fun Runs, 10K Run* and 5K run or walk, and festival areas with costume contest! Fast & Sweet - you're home in time for football, turkey and pumpkin pie! |
Enews- October 23, 2018
What's Happening at Walnut Acres - October 23, 2018 Mark Your Calendars! * * * * * 2018 Parent Survey- Make Your Voice Count Teachers and students are completing the survey now and your input is crucial, so that we have data from across our community as we assess our progress. To encourage parent participation, we will provide extra recess time to every class that earns a response rate of 75% or higher and a treat from Dr. Dowd for any class that has a response rate of at least 90%. So, share your insights, support our growth, and make your child happy! The results of the teacher, student, and parent surveys will be analyzed and shared at a future staff meeting and with various school/community teams to inform our work. Results will also be posted on the school website for you to review. * * * * * International Math Kangaroo Contest Informational Meeting - We are participating again in the International Math Kangaroo Contest thanks to the leadership of parent, Chao Yang.The competition will be held on Thursday 3/21/19. Children can participate n a 3 p.m. or 7 p.m. test session. Registration is open now and will close on There will also be an information meeting for all interested parents on Wednesday evening, 10/24/18, at 7:00 p.m. in our library. Come hear about the engaging, collaborative Saturday math practice sessions that will be held to prepare students for the 3/21/1 Math Kangaroo Contest. * * * * * Buy Your Yearbook before Wednesday, October 31st Prices Go Up for the 2018-19 Walnut Acres Yearbook! Buy it now for $25, or for $35 after October 31st. Go to: www.yearbookordercenter.com and enter school code 10053 to purchase with credit or debit card. * * * * * Halloween Sing Out and Parade Details On Wednesday October 31, Walnut Acres will have our monthly Sing-Out to celebrate the life skill of Responsibility. The Sing-Out begins as usual at 8:00 a.m. with our 3rd-5th grade students in the MUR. As the older grades Sing-Out ends, we will call all students to the playground for the Halloween parade. After the parade, the TK-2nd grade students will head to the MUR for their Sing-Out. Parents and younger siblings are welcome to attend these events! * * * * * The Walnut Acres Book Fair is coming! * * * * * CUYT Winter Production of Aladdin CUYT’s winter production of Aladdin is open to current Walnut Acres 5th graders and 4th graders (as ensemble members). Online registration is currently open and closes November 9th. For more information, go to: Curtains Up Youth Theatre on the Walnut Acres PFC website. Questions? email CurtainsUpYouthTheatre@gmail.com. * * * * * Science Fair Ideas Workshop * * * * * Walk and Bike to School Day Results! We had 225 students who registered the morning of Walk and Bike to School day. Several parents reported how quiet the drive thru area was. Thanks to everyone who participated! * * * * * Community Service Day at Walnut Acres was a Success! A BIG THANK YOU to all the hard working volunteers (26 families, 78 people) who helped at our school on Community Service Day! Lots of work was accomplished, including: * * * * * 4th Grade Parents! Sign up to Volunteer at Drive Thru in October! 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. 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. * * * * *  Happy Birthday Wishes on the MarqueeSupport 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. * * * * * Intradistrict Transfer Request for the 2019-20 School Year Beginning Monday, October 15 through November 15, 2018, the district will accept Intradistrict Transfer Requests. Intradistrict transfers are for students who reside inside the MDUSD boundaries requesting transfer to another MDUSD school. All applications must be made online through the MDUSD website. Northgate Area Choral Music Festival
Thursday, October 25, 2018 at 7 pm * * * * * Calling all 1st Graders! Are you interested in joining Cub Scouts? Our local Pack 210 is recruiting 1st graders to join and form a "Tiger Den." You will get to participate with Dens from other grades in camping, service projects, overnights, and the annual Pinewood Derby. So grab a friend and join the fun! Our Pack accepts all children in grades K-5 into Cub Scouting. If interested, contact our Membership Chair, Sarah Waters, at sarahsin70@hotmail.com. * * * * * Homework Help Program at the Ygnacio Valley Library! Are you an elementary or middle school student that needs help with homework? Our Homework Help program employs local high school students to help you with your homework! There is no registration, drop-ins are welcome, and it's free! Meet in the meeting room from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on most Thursday afternoons. Check the Walnut Creek website to confirm dates. * * * * * The 26th Annual Forma Turkey Trot, will be here before you know it and registration is open! Register early for best pricing. This family fun event, brought to you by Forma Gym, is a great way to start your Thanksgiving holiday and show support for your schools! There are several races to choose from including Kids Fun Runs, 10K Run* and 5K run or walk, and festival areas with costume contest! Fast & Sweet - you're home in time for football, turkey and pumpkin pie! |
sday, October 24th
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