news from our pta president
TRANSCRIPT
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 2 OCTOBER 2016
IMPORTANT DATES: 10/4– Howdy Night and
General PTA Meeting
10/5– Walk or Bike to
School Day
10/6– Life Touch Fall
Pictures
10/7– Early Dismissal
10/10– Student Holiday
10/16– Sister School Shoe
Drive Ends
10/14– Report Cards
10/18-21– Fall Book Fair
10/19-21– Reflections Art
Drop Off
10/24-28– Red Ribbon
Week
10/28– Field Day
IN THIS ISSUE: 2– Howdy Night and
Field Day
3– Red Ribbon Week
5– Sister School
7– Greenback PTA
Fundraiser
9– Reflections
10– PVSA Information
11– Life Membership
12– PTA Membership
13– Volunteer at the Ranch
14– Watch DOGS
15– Recycle at the Ranch
16– Open PTA Board
Positions
17– Spirit Store and Box Tops
18– Heart Screenings and
Veteran’s Day
News from our PTA President
Vineyard Ranch PTA Website: www.vineyardranchpta.org
The calendar says it’s fall, but at 90oF it’s hard to think
about sweaters and long pants. Hopefully we will get
some cool autumn air soon. We are starting our second
month of school now and your Vineyard Ranch PTA has
been very busy! We have lots of events and volunteer op-
portunities available for you and your family.
To start off October, our first General PTA Meeting &
Howdy Night will take place on the first Tuesday of the
month. Come learn about ways to become involved on
campus. Mrs. Elizondo will also be sponsoring a fundrais-
er to benefit the music program. A pre-order form came
home in the backpack. The Spirit Store will also be open.
Wednesday, October 5th is International Walk to School
Day. The Environmental Committee of PTA would like to
see lots and lots of walkers participating this year. So hit
the sidewalk with your happy feet and get on down to the
Ranch.
Individual school picture day will take place on Thursday,
October 6th. A few volunteers will be needed to help in
the gym that day.
Field Day will be on Friday, October 28th. Volunteers will
be requested. We are keeping our fingers crossed for
great weather!
The first book fair of the year will take place October 18th-
21st. The library will need volunteers to help out during
the fair.
Finally, the month of October will conclude with Red Rib-
bon Week. Stay tuned for a list of the week’s activities by
checking the PTA website or look for a flyer coming home
via backpack mail.
We would love for you to become a member of Vineyard Ranch PTA. You can read about the benefits of member-ship at http://www.vineyardranchpta.org/join-pta.html. Dues are $6 per person and can be paid by cash or check to Vineyard Ranch PTA or online at the link above. We need YOU to help Back the Future in Texas. Christy Garber
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Please mark your calendar for Friday October 28th and send any questions to
Randy Crider at [email protected]. A sign-up will be sent in up-
coming weeks for shift assignments. Thank you for all of your support!
Howdy Night and General PTA Meeting is on October 4th
at Vineyard Ranch!
Prepaid Pizza Orders Served at 6:00pm
PTA Meeting starts at 6:30pm
Meet, Greet, and eat!
Meet the staff, get to know other parents, and come to PTA!
this is an informative FUN night event at Vineyard Ranch!
bring your children!
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Bottled water will be available for sale at the event for $1 each
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2 PAGE 3
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INTRODUCING THE 2016 NATIONAL RED RIBBON WEEK THEME ®
Information on daily dress up themes to come!
Please contact Rita for more information at: [email protected]
Alcohol and Drug Education, Prevention, and Training (ADEPT) is a National program that promotes a drug free environment and life for our students. Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug prevention cam-paign in the country. Although the start end dates can vary slightly depending on the organization and source, Red Ribbon Week generally takes place the last full week in October, with the weekends before and following the last full week included as appropriate celebration dates. Red Ribbon Week serves as a vehicle for communities and individuals to take a stand for the hopes and dreams of our children through a commitment to drug prevention and education and a personal commitment to live drug free lives with the ultimate goal being the creation of drug free America.
A Fun Filled Week
Full Of Dress Up, Prizes and Spirit Sticks!
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VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2
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For questions, contact Monika Cruzen 2nd VP Ways and Means at
Vineyard Ranch PTA’s main
fundraiser for 2016-2017 is the
Greenback Giving Program www.vineyardranchpta.org
Greenback Giving: Be the Leader in Your Child’s Education.
Donate Today.
Put your child first. No selling or buying merchandise is required. Just
make a donation! 100% of your donation stays at Vineyard Ranch, di-
rectly benefiting students with over 25 unique programs. These include
but are not limited to: Meet the Masters art program, author visits, Red
Ribbon Week, Bike Rodeo, Field Day, National PTA’s Reflections art pro-
gram, and special performances.
100% of your Greenback donation is also tax deductible. For 2015-2016,
Vineyard Ranch PTA spent almost $50 per student in delivering enrich-
ment programs and activities not included in the school curriculum budg-
et. Synergize! If we work together, we can do better: Double your Green-
back Giving with your corporate Matching Gift Program. Learn the 7 Hab-
its of Greenback Giving on our PTA website.
Fill out the Greenback Donation section of the Welcome Back Form in the
PTA packet. Return with payment to your child's teacher.
Double your Greenback gift with your
company's Matching Gift Program! Since Vineyard Ranch Elementary PTA is a 501(c)3 charitable organiza-
tion, it may be eligible to receive a matching donation from your compa-
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What does the Vineyard Ranch PTA Support?
Our PTA is a Non-Profit Organization. Our PTA raises money every year in order to
support the above programs. When you are giving a Greenback or Purchasing Spirit items you are helping your school and students every year.
Donations are accepted all year at the spirit store and at www.vineyardranchpta.org/greenback-giving.
Greenbacks are 100% tax deductible The PTA truly appreciates all your help and so do our Students!!!
$6,000
LEARNING A-Z / RAZ KIDS -
IXL MATH
$12,000
Spring Carnival –Held EOY
$15,000
SPIRIT ITEMS
$1,000
FIELD DAY
$2,700
HOSPITALITY
$1,500
WATCH D.O.G.S.
$700
ENVIROMENTAL
& BEAUTIFICATION
$300
BIKE RODEO $300
PVSA AWARDS
President Volunteer Service Awards
$2,100
PTA PRESENTS &
PTA PERFORMANCES
$500
MEET THE MASTERS
$300
ARTS IN EDUCATION
$2,700
LIBRARY
$1, 000
RED RIBBION WEEK
$4,500
5TH GRADE ACTIVITIES
$750
Room Reps
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VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2 PAGE 9
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Reflections info:
Forms and guidelines posted outside
the cafeteria
Drop off October 19-21 from 7-7:30am
NO extensions
Location: The Atrium
No clay or 3-D Models permitted
To enter, there must be at least 1 PTA
member (dues paid) in their household
Questions?
Contact Sheila at: [email protected]
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Presidential Volunteer Service Award Update
The Presidential Volunteer Service Award is awarded to Vineyard Ranch students who complete the required
number of hours before March 31st 2017. Successful students with get an official pin, certificate of achieve-
ment and a congratulatory letter from the President of the United States, all which is presented at a school
award ceremony in April.
BRONZE SILVER GOLD KIDS (5-10) 26-49 HR 50-74 HR 75+ HR TEENS (11-15) 50-74 HR 75-99 HR 100+ HR
In subsequent newsletters, we’ll interview students working towards awards and find out what activities they
do which count towards to award. If your student would like to be interviewed, please email me at
Toby Pim, Age 9, 3rd Grade, Teacher Ms. Montelongo
What PVSA award are you currently working towards this year and do you already have
any PVSA awards? I got my bronze award when I was in 1st grade, my silver when I was in
2nd and I’m hoping to get my Gold this year.
What kind of activities do you do which count towards your PVSA hours? Once a month I
volunteer at mobile loaves and fishes making sandwiches which are then given to people
who need them. Sometimes I go out on the truck giving the sandwiches out. I also fill condiment packs at
home which are given out. To find out more, visit www.mlf.org
Why do you like helping others? It makes me realize that I’m lucky to have what I have and it makes me feel
good when I’ve done my bit.
Any words of advice for new students wanting to volunteer? Find something you enjoy doing and get your
friends to do it too. It’s more fun that way.
To log your hours, please follow directions on the PTA Website at www.vineyardranchpta.org If you have
questions, please email Talia Pim at [email protected]
PAGE 11 Honorary Texas PTA Life Membership Nominations
Do you know someone who:
Has gone the “extra mile” for our children?
Is a valuable volunteer?
Is an exceptional teacher, dedicated to education?
Is an outstanding staff member?
Is a Community Member who shares his/her resources and expertise for the benefit of all children?
The Vineyard Ranch family is made up of many wonderful and dedicated teachers, administrators, staff members, and parents. We are so lucky to have such support within our school! Now is your chance to show your appreciation to those who work so hard for our children. The Vineyard Ranch PTA Life Member-ship committee is accepting nominations for the Honorary Texas PTA Life Membership award. This prestig-ious award is presented to a person who continuously demonstrates a dedication to the welfare of children.
Please consider nominating an individual for the Texas PTA Honorary Life Membership Award. They could be a parent, faculty, staff, or a community member who has made a worthwhile contribution for the well being of the children and youth of this community. It is not necessary that this person be a member of the Vine-yard Ranch PTA.
If you know someone who you feel is deserving of such an honor, please complete the information listed below and email your nomination to [email protected]. You may also return your nomination (in an envelope), labeled “Life Membership,” to the front office.
Please submit your nomination by October 21.
Awards will be announced and presented at the Vineyard Ranch PTA December General Meeting (Tuesday, December 6 at 6:30 pm in Vineyard Ranch Cafeteria).
Thank you so much for taking the time to submit a nomination!
Questions? Contact Alissa Hatch at [email protected].
Nominee: ____________________________________ Nominated by: ___________________________
Your Phone Number and/or email: ________________________________________________________
Reason for nominating this person: (Please include a short paragraph on why you feel this person should
receive this award.)
VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2
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Membership: $6.00
Join the Vineyard Ranch Elementary PTA
Your PTA membership helps support school activities and programs
With your membership, you are given exclusive discounts! Here are just a few places you can score yourself
a deal! Team up with us today and be your kid’s favorite fan!
http://www.vineyardranchpta.org/join-pta.html THE BRONCO GAZETTE
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Lunchroom Shift One: 10:45am—11:55am
Shift Two: 11:55am—12:55pm
All volunteers must have DPS clearance.
For questions or information, please e-mail Elizabeth at [email protected]
You may sign up for shifts online at:
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4baaad23aaf58-lunchroom1
*Special Lunch Hours (Early Dismisal) Oct 7 and Nov 1-2
Shift One: 10:00am—11:10am
Shift Two: 11:10am-12:10pm
Volunteer Opportunities
The Book Fair is coming to the Ranch!!
October 18-21, Hours TBA
We are looking for volunteers to:
Decorate: Thurs., Oct. 6 and Fri., Oct. 7
Set Up: Wed., Oct. 12
Picture Day— Thursday, October 6th Volunteers please contact Heidi for more information at: [email protected]
Red Ribbon Week October 24—28 For questions or to volunteer, contact Rita at: [email protected]
Watch Dogs
If you are able to help please sign up here:
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d45aeae2ca6f94-watch
Sign Up here for Library Shifts: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d45aeae2ca1f58-library
Sign up here for Book Fair Shifts: http://www.signupgenius.com/
go/10c0d45aeae2ca1f58-october
Library
For more information please contact Alice Ench at [email protected]
Daily Shifts Available:
8:30-10:30
10:30-12:30
12:30-2:30
We would like to have a visible presence of Watchdogs at the
Ranch to assist with the arrival and dismissal arrangements.
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Kindergarten through 5th Grade is an important and exciting time for our children and you can make a difference by serving as a positive role model in an educational setting.
How to be a Watchdog Appointments are available between October 3, 2016 and May 19, 2017. Requests must be made online. You may volunteer one day for each of your students at the school. Watchdogs must complete a background check before signing up.
Watch D.O.G.S. Website Visit the Watch D.O.G.S. website for lots more information about the program, including links to request an appointment and obtain a background check.
http://www.vineyardranchpta.org/watch-dogs.html
Tim Broughton Top Dog [email protected]
Watch D.O.G.S.
Los grados Kínder al 5to forman parte de momentos importantes y emocionantes en las vidas de nuestros hijos. Sea un ejemplo positivo al servir de voluntario en un entorno educativo.
Como convertirse en un Watchdog Las fechas disponibles son durante el 3 de octubre 2016 y el 19 de mayo 2017. Las solicitudes deben ser llenadas por el sitio web. Puede servir de voluntario un día por cada uno de sus niños en la escuela. Todo Watchdog debe de tener su verificación de seguridad lista antes de registrarse como
voluntario.
Sitio Web de Watch D.O.G.S. Visite la página web de Watch D.O.G.S. para más información acerca del programa, incluyendo enlaces web para solicitar fechas y verificación de seguridad. http://www.vineyardranchpta.org/watch-dogs.html Tim Broughton Top Dog [email protected]
Watch D.O.G.S.
Dads of Great Students
Papás de Estudiantes Geniales
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Hey Broncos! Time to start recycling again and reduce the amount of waste we create.
Below is a list of items that we collect. These items can be turned into the classroom or
Cafeteria. For more information contact [email protected] or visit
the PTA website!
Cell phones, MP3, iPods, and Laptops
Inkjet Cartridges
Select Toner Cartridges
Pens and pen caps
Mechanical pencils
Markers and marker caps
Permanent markers and caps
Glue sticks and caps
Glue bottles and caps
Aluminum and plastic drink pouches
(no need to remove straws) (empty of liquid)
GoGo Squeeze and other similar items
Solo Cups
Please DO NOT turn in batteries to the school. We do not accept these items as the city
itself has a great program for accepting batteries.
Recycle At Vineyard Ranch!
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We need YOU!
Seeking PTA Board Members
Would you like to delve further into the word of volunteering? Vineyard Ranch PTA could use your talents!
The following Committee Chair positions have not yet been filled. There are a few requirements for being
a PTA Board Member:
Must be a dues-paid member of Vineyard Ranch PTA
Must attend all monthly board (usually 2nd
Tues @ 9:30 AM) and 5 general PTA meetings (usually 1st
Tues @ 6:30 PM in Oct, Dec, Feb, April, May)
Must complete online or in-person training class, Foundations: Leader Orientation, (once in your PTA
“career”; cost reimbursed by PTA) by Oct. 15.
If you are interested in one of these positions, or can recommend someone, please contact Christy at
Open Committee Positions:
Life Membership/Founders’ Day
Create committee and oversee selection of honorary Texas PTA Life Membership awardees. Attend
workshop from NE Council of PTAs, coordinate invitations/pins/certificates and present awards to hon-
orees at PTA general meeting in fall/winter. (Founders’ Day Celebration, Thurs. Feb. 4, 2016 at Churchill
HS)
Special Education Attend Special Education meetings and share information about opportunities and issues. Update and maintain Special Ed section of PTA website thru out school year.
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PAGE 17 VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2
Have you been collecting your BoxTops?
Please make sure that you submit them to your teacher
BEFORE OCTOBER 21, 2016!
To receive your Spirit Sticks, Announcement Recognition,
and entry for the Popcorn Party:
Please turn in box tops, in sets of 50, to your child’s
teacher. Please enclose box tops and your child's name,
teacher's name, grade and the number of box tops you
are submitting in a zip lock baggie. One baggie per child,
please. Expired Box Tops do not count!
Need help? Questions? [email protected]
The class that turns in the most BoxTops
will get to have a POPCORN PARTY to
celebrate!
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AugustHeart is offering FREE heart screenings for teens on Saturday, October 22, 2016 from 9am-10:45am at the Piper-Bass Memorial Student Center (PBSC) located within the Virgil T. Blossom Athletic Center.
To register your son or daughter, please visit the August Heart Screening Sign-up Page
Do you have a teenager?
For more information, please visit http://augustheart.org/
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