April 24, 2008 

IMPORTANT CALENDAR DATES

If you have items to add to the calendar, please e-mail the date and time along with a description to calendar@pacificaschool.org

6/7/8 PARENTS – RENAISSANCE FAIRE FIELD TRIP INFO

Calling all Chaperones! We need ALL chaperones to attend one of the following Chaperone Information meetings. It is VERY important that all adults planning on attending the trip come to this meeting to hear all the limits and guidelines pertaining to the trip. The meetings dates and times are: THURSDAY 4/24/08 AT 3:30 PM OR FRIDAY 4/25 AT 8:30 AM

If for some reason you are not able to make either of these times please check in with Brandy ASAP. Also, if you need to check in about food costs at the faire and how we can help, or if you did not receive a packet of information/guidelines to review with your child, check in with Brandy as soon as possible.

COMPACT FLUORESCENT LIGHT BULB FUNDRAISER

Just in case you've missed the box stuffers, etc., here's an explanation of our current fundraiser:

We’ve found a company that sells only environmentally friendly cleaning products along with low energy use compact fluorescent light bulbs. We put order forms in your box, but if it got lost, you can get another from the box right underneath the big poster by the front door. This is another of our attempts to offer items that you might buy anyway so you can support our school without spending extra money. So, jump on the bandwagon and buy a light bulb or cleaning product, and feel free to get your friends and neighbors involved, too!  Remember: all order forms are due by May 20th.

ATTENTION PARENTS OF SCHOOL PLAY PARTICIPANTS

If your child is participating in the school play, "Hooray for Diffendoofer Day!", taking place on Saturday, June 7th, please send your contact information to Justine Slater: justineslater@ca.rr.com so she can coordinate rehearsal schedules with you.

SPRING JUBILEE

Mark Your Calendar Now! The Spring Jubilee is right around the corner! Things to buy, things to do, things to eat, things to hear and see… Plan for loads of Pacifica fun on Saturday, May 31st!

Please think about how you would like to participate. You can run a booth of your choice, offering a service (face-painting?), an activity (bean bag toss?), something for sale (used books?), or any other idea you can think of. We ask for a donation: $40 for a booth OR 40% of your sales. You keep 60%! You are also free to donate the full amount to Pacifica as this is a fundraising event. If you know of outside vendors that might be interested, just talk to us (Fundraising Committee or Chair, Stephanie Balikos) first about who it is and what they offer and they can have the same deal.

You might also want to provide food for sale. We would love to have a variety of food options available.

Maybe you just want to help staff a booth or activity…we could really use the help.

SOOOOO, there will be a sign-up sheet at the school. Please sign-up soon so that we can make our plans.

BAKED GOODIES AT CAFÉ PACIFICA

Café Pacifica now features baked goodies! In addition to your morning coffee, you can now also purchase snacks and baked goods when available. Feel free to donate some as well. Please, if you are willing for your child to buy these goodies, come to the table with them and let Amanda or Ijeoma know. You may also send a note, if you are unable to come by. Most items are $1, just like the coffee!

PARENT PARTICIPATION PROFILE: MARY WHITE

As part of our effort to acknowledge parent participation here at Pacifica we will be regularly highlighting one of our amazing parent volunteers.

You may have seen Mary White at the Art Party or on many of our beautification days. She and her son, Anthony (5th grade), have been at Pacifica for almost five years. When not volunteering at Pacifica, Mary is a full time counselor and therapist for students with mental and behavioral disorders through a nearby non-profit mental health agency, Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services. Anthony can be seen in the upcoming Pacifica Production, Hooray for Diffendoofer Day! in the role of Mr. Snow. Mary took some time to answer our questions about volunteering at Pacifica.

You’re a working mom, yet you manage to put in a lot of time at Pacifica. Where do you find the time?

There are certain things I really enjoy doing, like participating in the Art Party. When I find something I really like, it is not as hard to find the time. But I do have to work after hours, send lots of emails, and consult by phone to fulfill the participation commitment. I use evenings and weekends to get things done.

Which volunteer roles do you find most fulfilling?

The Art Party is one of my favorites. I love the art and the festive atmosphere of the occasion. I actually get a lot of my hours by coordinating with Darby and coming to the “beautification” days.

Do you have any advice for parents who are struggling with finding ways to participate at Pacifica?

We have to be creative! Ask others what they do, and remember it is not an all or nothing dilemma. One week, you may find you are under the given hours of participation, but others over the usual number. Ask if they need help in the office, and be sure to ask Darby. There are always things that need to be repaired or cleaned.

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The Parent Participation Committee would like to thank Mary, and all the other parents for the work you do to keep Pacifica strong and growing!

COMMUNITY MEETING re: STATE TESTING

Thursday, May 1^st we will be holding an all community meeting at 6:30 pm regarding the upcoming state testing in May. This meeting is particularly important if you have children in grades 2 through 8. We will discuss why testing is important, share ideas in strategies to help calm testing fears and answer any questions you may have. Hope to see you there.