Eastshore Elementary School

May News

May 8, 2013

It is so hard to believe that the month of May is upon us and swiftly moving along! This is a very busy time of year for students and staff but also so much fun…

HONORS CONCERT: On April 24th, the 31st Annual Donald Bren Honors Concert was held at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. The concert was an amazing display of our very talented youth. We are so fortunate to have such an outstanding music program here in Irvine – thanks to the Irvine Public Schools Foundation!

CST TESTING: As you know, this week started our standardized testing for all 2nd through 6th graders. Please be sure to send your child to school well fed and well rested. Testing occurs in the morning and we kindly request that you do not take your child out of school during the testing block. Regular instruction will continue, however you may notice less homework this week and next. We ask that all students arrive to school on time so as not to disrupt the testing.

BOOK FAIR IS COMING!! Starting Friday, May 17th and through the week of May 20th, Eastshore’s Book Fair will be open! Students will have an opportunity to browse for books and other reading materials during their regularly scheduled library time. The Book Fair will also be open during Open House on Thursday, May 23rd from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The Book Fair will include a raffle and gift cards will be sold to help students shop. Access to the Book Fair will be through the media center doors at the front, left of the school. Our school benefits from the proceeds of this event so please shop for some summer reading!!!

OPEN HOUSE: Please join us for this fun filled night where your child will act as tour guide and share his or her accomplishments with you! Students and staff have been working hard to prepare a fantastic showcase of student work and progress for you and your family to enjoy. Open house is on Thursday, May 23rd from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Reminder- students are on a minimum day bell schedule.

OUTDOOR SCIENCE SCHOOL MEETING: Immediately following Open House, parents of all 5th graders planning to return to Eastshore next year are invited to an informational presentation about Outdoor Science School at the Catalina Island Marine Institute. The trip takes place in March 2014 for 6th graders and the meeting will provide general information about cost and preparation. Parents of 5th graders are encouraged to gather in Room P-4 at 7:30 on May 23rd for this meeting.

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!!! As we traditionally do this time of year, the Eastshore teaching staff is planning to honor all of the volunteers who work so hard, providing support to our students and staff all year long. Invitations will be sent out this week so please save the date and join us on Wednesday, May 15th from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the multi-purpose room for some treats and recognition!

RETIREMENTS: We have several staff members retiring this year. The Eastshore staff and students thank them for their years of service to our community. We wish them well as they start a new chapter and appreciate their legacies at our school!

Congratulations and best wishes to Sue Sutton, Jan Strahl, Irene Kroesen and Chris Kroesen!

OUTSTANDING TEACHERS: On behalf of the teachers and staff, thank you for the recognition and very special treatment this week! We all feel very fortunate to serve this community and we appreciate all you do to make our school the best!

Kudos to two of our teachers who have earned some special recognition. Kim Allen received an Innovative Teaching Grant from IPSF which will allow us to purchase additional iPads for our school. Mrs. Allen was honored at a reception on Thursday, May 2nd. Patricia Goheen has been recognized as an Outstanding Arts Educator in Orange County and was honored at a reception on May 6th. As you know, Bill Brooks was named as our Teacher of the Year representative and will be honored at the annual Exchange Club banquet on May 10th. We are so proud of our honored teachers!!

HOMEWORK SURVEYS: Parents are asked to participate in a very brief survey related to our school and district homework policies. Please take a few minutes to complete and submit the survey by following this link:

http://surveys.hanoverresearch.com/s3/5a7b46cc7d5d

The link will be operational until Friday May 10th.

P.T.A. NEWS: This is a busy month for our P.T.A.! They are honoring our teachers and staff this week by providing wonderful treats each day and a luncheon on Friday. Students recognize their teachers and support staff with cards and flowers all week which makes everyone feel greatly appreciated!

We also have the Carnival this month (Friday May 31st) which is a favorite end of the year event. Information will be coming home all month related to purchasing tickets and volunteering – WE NEED LOTS OF VOLUNTEERS FOR THIS EVENT so please plan to work a shift and be part of the team that puts this beloved event together!

There will be no P.T.A. meeting this month so business planned for May will roll over to the June 13th meeting. Gavin Huntley-Fenner, our School Board Representative will be in attendance to address current IUSD issues and answer your questions. Please plan to attend the June 13th P.T.A. meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the multi-purpose room.

Thank you to Scott Kopecky for his leadership this year and to the Executive Board and all Committee Chairs and Members! Your support of our school is amazing and we are grateful for your leadership and gift of time!

UPCOMING EVENTS

• May 6-17 CST testing
• May 6-10 Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week
• Friday, May 10th Progress Reports
• Wednesday, May 15 Volunteer Tea
• 2:00-3:00 in the MPR
• Sunday, May 19 Irvine Junior Games
• May 20-23 Book Fair
• Thursday, May 23 Open House-6:30-7:30 p.m.
• Minimum Day Bell Schedule
• Book Fair – 6:00-8:00 p.m.
• Friday, May 24 K-8 Holiday-No school
• Monday, May 27 Memorial Day Holiday-No school
• Tuesday, May 28 Staff Development – No School for Students
• Thursday, May 31 Carnival