We are back!  School is finally in session and most kids are ready to get back into the swing of things.  The 2009-10 school year ended with a few changes many of which were very unexpected.  Obviously, the biggest change is Blue Grass Elementary is welcoming a new principal, Mrs. Conrad.  Be sure to stop in to introduce yourself and say “hi” and prove to her Blue Grass has the best students and parents around.

PTA membership is only $5.  What do you get for your dues?  You GET CONNECTED; there is no better way to know what is happening in our school.  You DISCOVER GREAT RESOURCES; PTA offers a variety of programs designed for parents and students.  You TAP INTO A NETWORK; PTA functions are opportunities to meet other parents and teachers allowing you to build rapport and discuss issues that are on your mind.  You can share ideas, concerns, and experiences.  You WATCH YOURSELF GROW; by volunteering with PTA, you put your skill and hobbies to use for a noble cause – your child and all children in our community.  You SPEAK UP; PTA can be a way for you to more effectively suggest change at our school.  You WITNESS IMPROVEMENT; by getting involved at school you’ll be a part of the solution, by helping make positive changes.  You BECOME A ROLE MODEL; you’ll be demonstrating to your child the importance you place on their education. 

Davenport Community Schools is now requiring a VOLUNTEER APPLICATION FORM to be filled out by anyone who volunteers in the school.  If you are volunteering in the classroom, on study trips, or during an event please stop in the office to fill out this two sided form.  They will remain on file and will need to be renewed annually.  Thanks for your cooperation.

Last year, Kim Downing, owner of Mane Image Salon graciously donated $1/student haircut to our PTA.  She donated a check for $50 at the end of the school year.  Thank you Kim!  Let’s continue to support her business!

Market Day order forms are in your folder.  The first pick-up is 9/8 @ 5:15.  Orders must be received no later than Friday 9/3 at 11:00 p.m.  Check out the online ordering for some great saving opportunities.  Volunteers are always needed to help fill these orders on the day of delivery.  Plan to arrive at 4:30 to help!

No TV Tuesday starts immediately.  Please keep fill out NO TV Tuesday slips and encourage your children to play outside, read or spend time with family instead of using computer games or TV one day a week.  Return the slips with your Thursday folder or to your child’s teacher any time.  Prizes will be awarded for participating students.

Our teachers will pass out Thursday Folders at the end of the school day each Thursday.  Please review all communications within the folder and return it empty on Friday.  This is an easy way for our school to ensure each student receives necessary communication.  We are going to try something new this year in an attempt to reduce waste.  One set of school forms will be sent per family (sent home with your youngest student).  Additional copies will be available in the office should you need them.  Each student will still bring home a Thursday folder with communication from their specific teacher so be sure to empty them!

If you missed out on the chance to volunteer for a committee at “Unpack Your Backpack Night”, please contact any board member or chair person to volunteer or to get your questions answered.  Help is ALWAYS appreciated and ALWAYS needed. 

Get connected.  Currently, in addition to our monthly newsletter (sent home in Thursday Folders) you can connect with PTA at www.justbetweenfriends.com – sign up for calendar and news reminders and volunteer opportunities (group invitation code 4073tok).  The more we have sign up the better communication we will have!  We will continue to use Facebook as a way to reach out– search for Blue Grass Iowa PTA.

Upcoming Events:                      
-Early Dismissal 8/19 @ 1:20
- Early Dismissal 8/20 @ 1:20
-No School – Labor Day
- Market Day Pick-up 9/8 @ 5:15
-First PTA meeting in LMC 9/14 @ 6:00