Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Link your Target Credit Card to Evergreen

Evergreen Family:

The Evergreen PTO wants to remind you about Target’s Take Charge of Education Program, which allows you to earn money for Evergreen every time you use your Target Credit Card, at no extra cost to you.

At the moment, there are 4 Target credit card holders that have designated Evergreen School as their school of choice and the last check the school received from Target was for $250.62. In a school with over 500 students, we think we can do even better.

Here’s how it works. If you already have a Target credit card, simply visit Target.com/tcoe or call 1-800-316-6412 to designate Evergreen Elementary School/ Plainfield NJ. Our Target ID# is: 73861

If you don’t have a credit card yet, but plan on getting one, now is a perfect time because Target will give you a discount on your first purchase, AND you can designate Evergreen School as your Take Charge of Education at the same time.

When you use your Target RedCard, Target will donate up to 1% of your purchases to Evergreen. You can track Evergreen’s progress anytime at Target.com/tcoe.

Thanks!

Evergreen's PTO
Maria Pellum

Friday, August 14, 2009

Principal's Welcome Letter to 2009-2010 School Year

Dear Evergreen Families,

Welcome to a new school year! The Evergreen Eagles are perched and ready to soar to another successful and fabulous year! Our first day of school is September 3rd. A new school year is always exciting. Once again, our focus will be on providing each child with new challenges that will result in a rewarding school experience. Academic emphasis on the core content areas of Literacy, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies will remain a priority as well as providing a learning program that builds on each year to reach Plainfield Public Schools and New Jersey State Standards. Instruction in the Fine Arts, World Language, Physical Education and the infusion of Technology complete our program providing each student with the opportunity to develop areas of interest and skill.

Our goal is to challenge your children intellectually, grow them socially, and guide them toward independent thinking and problem solving. As we strive to promote healthy development in all aspects of each student's life we also strive to develop a student body of good character; students who make good choices and decisions resulting in successful and healthy outcomes.

Please make every opportunity to attend our Back-to-School Night on September 15th beginning at 7:00 PM this will be a great opportunity to meet your child’s teacher and continue to build the vital home-school partnership that drives student success. We encourage you to join us at school activities and be part of our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO).

Here is some information that we would like you to keep in mind.

School Uniforms:
As the Plainfield District moves towards mandatory uniforms for students, the Evergreen Elementary School will maintain its uniform policy for the 2009-2010 school year. Therefore, our students are expected to wear uniforms. School uniforms may be purchased from any retail store, such as Bus, Rainbow, Kids Place or Shopper’s World. The uniforms are navy blue or khakis plants for boys with white shirts; navy blue or khakis skirts or slacks for girls with white blouses.

Picking up children from school:
It will be necessary for you to send a signed note or call the school when you will be picking up your child from school. Be sure that when you call or send a note, you must list the time at which you will be picking up your child. Also, be sure to tell us who will be picking up the child. We will only allow the child to leave with the person who has permission from the parent. This is a safety issue, not a privacy issue. Please note, a change this year will be that all calls to pick up your child or any transportation changes must be made by 2:00 PM, in order to have your child and homework assignments ready. The school’s phone number where you can leave a message about picking up your child is 1 (908) 731-4255. During AM and PM drop offs, there is no parking in the front of the school building. During inclement weather, the designated drop off area is the parking lot. Please adhere to these guidelines – keeping in mind that safety is first!

Entering the building:
Anyone entering the building must enter through the main entrance and must report directly to the office. If you are at the school to pick up your child or drop something off for your child, go to the office and your child’s teacher will be notified by the office staff of your arrival. Please do not go directly to your child’s classroom. Once again, this is a safety issue, not a privacy issue.


Parent/Teacher Conferences:
If a situation should arise that you would need to have a conference with your child’s teacher during the school year, please contact the school office and an appointment will be arranged. When a situation arises that you would like to talk about with the teacher, simply contact the school. We know that a strong line of communication between the school and home will aide in your child having a positive educational experience. Your encouragement, support and concern of your child’s education will help your child know that you value his or her education.

Late Arrivals/Leaving Early/Returning to School:
At any time when you are bringing your child in late, taking your child out early or bringing your child back to school, you must sign your child in or out in the office.
Please notify your child’s teacher as early as possible so daily homework can be gathered and sent with them. At Evergreen Elementary, we offer our students a quality education that is led by an excellent educational faculty and staff. Each year our school proves what a great job our students, faculty and staff do by striving to meet and exceed all state tests given during the school year.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call. I look forward to working with you and your child throughout the school year to provide a productive and safe learning environment that supports student success.


Let’s have a great year together!


Wilson Aponte, Ed. S

Summer Learning 2009

This newsletter attempts to record some of the highlights that our students experienced during the six weeks Summer Enrichment Program. Before going into detail, a big thank you to our host the Emerson Elementary School which provided the beautiful setting and modern facilities to make this year’s program technologically enriching.

This summer, the Fourth Grade students were introduced to activities based on the AVID Elementary Model (Advancement Via Individual Determination) which concentrates on students demonstrating a high level of learning skills that consisted of: Writing; Inquiry; Collaboration; Organization; Reading and Student Success. The summer’s core novel A House on Mango Street provided students the opportunity to demonstrate their capacity to ask thought provoking questions; make personal connections; and related to world events.

Students reinforced their math skills in the areas of multiplication, division, decimals and fractions. Technology was infused by the implementation of the Smart Board and the computer lab.

The Imagineering Program, introduced students to the basic concepts of engineering. Students were enlightened to the many careers that relate to engineering and the beautiful creations that engineers are responsible of achieving. Students were divided in groups of four and each group worked in a collaborate effort to overcome obstacles that engineers face on a daily routine. Towards the closing stages of the program, each team planned and designed a roller coaster model using the basic engineering concepts that were introduced during the program.

Our Fifth Grade students were very busy, as well. Mathematics focused on both problem solving and skills. Students worked on many topics using math games and the Smart Board. In addition, students worked on multiplication and division of two and three digit numbers as well as addition and subtraction of fractions with unlike denominators. In algebra, students continued to work on pan balance and double pan balance problems to lay a foundation for solving algebraic equations and spent time reviewing data landmarks.

In Language Arts, the fifth graders read Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Using the book to work on different themes such as standing up for what is right and being honest. In addition, the book was used to focus on skills, such as topic sentences, finding details, root words and word endings, and character traits. As a culminating project, some students created a skit of a scene, while others worked on a written project such as turning the book into a children’s picture book. In addition, students read Misty of Chincoteague, which gave them awareness on how to incorporate figurative language and interpreting text.

Our Bilingual First and Second Graders have been busy reading and responding to great literature, brushing up on their mathematics skills, writing a research report on animals, and creating a travel brochure to showcase their native countries. Their brochures highlighted their country’s main attractions, food, sports, and fun activities. The brochures included a map of their country as well as airfare and hotel costs for those who wish to visit.
In the afternoon, a group of students worked on designing and building a model roller coaster via the Imagineering Program. While the other group focused on making connections between Art and Science, creating art by using recyclable materials and objects found in nature.

The Art & Science Enrichment Project provided appropriately challenging experiences that enhanced learning and development outlets for creativity, problem-solving, and higher thinking skills. Students worked effectively, both independently and cooperatively, on projects that integrated visual arts with the science curriculum. The class also built upon each student's strengths in literacy. Students participated in the Plainfield Public Library's Photography Contest. Other projects included environmental art & art with recycled, reusable materials.

Special “Thank you” to our Summer School Staff:

Ms. Amy Brown, Ms. Monique Smith, Ms. Melinda Sooby, Ms. Shirley Clore, Ms. Amelia Betancourt, Mr. Kevin Coleman, Mr. Steve Stibich and Mr. Juanpablo Jimenez.

Friday, July 03, 2009

Have a Great Summer!

We will be working to update this blog during this summer in order to be ready for September!

Have a great summer and don't forget to read!

Sincerly,

Your PTO Board


Thanks to the PTO Board and the School Administration for helping this
small garden happen!



Friday, March 06, 2009

MARCH HAPPENINGS

FROM YOUR PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION'S DESK:

March always is a herald of Spring, and here at Evergreen we are not immune to the soon to start new re-birth of all that is green!

If you haven't been to the school, come and check our Community and School Calendars, located at the Main Entrance, both have been beautifully dressed and decorated by one of our K-moms volunteer, Ms. Sadiqa Petty.

Another set of volunteers we are lucky to count with are Ms. Amanda and Ted, both from the Kindergarten Grades. Both have been instrumental in getting our flyers and Movie Night going, which we are happy to report that at the first Movie Night $178.00 were collected, money that will be used to continue improving Movie Nights. We are looking to purchase a larger screen and a better sound system, so prepare yourselves, for next Movie Night is schedule for March 20th at 7 PM!

We continue working hard to help out improve the school experience by both students and teachers, thanks to parents' strong support we were able to purchase this past February the following for the school:

Movie Mate Projector
Basketball Team Uniforms

We know how hard the economy is today and we, and the students and teachers, appreciate the efforts of all those ones who have supported the PTO fundraisers, which brings me to remind all that a Fundraiser is under way this month. Ms. Kim Juarez, Vice President and Chair of the Fundraiser Committee, has organized a new, and delicious, fundraiser through Miss Chocolate. The monies raised this time around will be directed to pay for Field Trips, Speakers, and Performers, that will enhance the learning experience of our children.

The PTO is encouraging those who would like to help in one way or another to reach out to us, we now have a Comments and Mail Box at the Community Room, which is located right across the Main Office, there you can drop us a note with your comments, suggestions, or concerns. We are all here to work together.

As a last note, please, remember to check your child's backpack for school, district, and PTO notices. Keeping informed of school, district, and PTO affairs is often one of the best ways to help your child!

Wishing you a Happy Spring beginning and looking forward to continue serving you:

Most sincerely,

Your PTO Board

Thursday, February 05, 2009

FEBRUARY'S HAPPENINGS

FROM YOUR PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION'S DESK:

Wow! February is here and the countdown to June has started at many of our homes, but the work of our Parent Teacher Organization is really just beginning as we are preparing to launch a few new ideas.

Soon you'll be invited to participate in the new Beautification Committee, you will be invited to come and enjoy a Movie Night with your child at our school's auditorium, and let's not forget the new free Raffles at our PTO meetings where you get to take home beautiful and/or useful household products!

Finally, we encourage you to give the gift of your time, to come and meet old and new friends, and to remember that our school can only be better if you become an integral part of the school.

Be informed, Be present, and Be Well!

Your PTO Team


FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK:

Dear Parents/Guardians and Friends of Evergreen Elementary School Community:

Evergreen Elementary is excited about Teaching, Learning, and Creating (TLC)! This month we will celebrate African American Heritage Month by teaching and learning about how these famous Americans have contributed to the American landscape and by creating our own...

To keep reading the Principal's letter, please click HERE.

DATES TO REMEMBER THIS MONTH:


February 3-5: DIA Testing (District Interim Assessment 3rd to 5th Grade)
February 3: PTO Meeting (Due to the weather PTO Meeting has been re-scheduled) February 9: "Bring Your Parent to School Day"
February 10: Re-scheduled PTO MEETING See Agenda HERE
February 13: SCHOOL IS CLOSED DUE TO STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAY
February 16: SCHOOL IS CLOSED: PRESIDENT'S DAY

Check soon for more oncoming dates to remember!

FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT'S DESK:

Click HERE to read this month's letter from Dr. Gallon III.

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

PTO MEETING HAS BEEN RE-SCHEDULED!

Although a late notice -I apologize- this is to let our Evergreen School Neighborhood know that our PTO Meeting has been re-scheduled to next week, February 10 at 7 PM.

We hope to see you there next week! Today, stay in, stay warm, and enjoy the snowy view from your window.

Thanks!

Maria Pellum
Evergreen PTO

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

UPCOMING PTO MEETING'S AGENDA

Please click on the picture to enlarge image. Thanks!



Saturday, November 01, 2008

November Happenings at Evergreen Elementary School

Para EspaƱol, haga CLICK AQUI!

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK...Mr. Wilson Aponte
-----------------------------------------------

Dear Parents and Friends of the Evergreen Elementary School Community,

Wow - it’s November already!

Here at the Evergreen Elementary School we are excited about the teaching, learning and all of the wonderful things that are happening at our school. For example, this month once we come back from our week off (November 3-7) it’s American Education Week. During the week of November 10-14 parents can come in and observe the instruction that’s taking place in their child’s classroom. On Tuesday, November 11th and Wednesday, November 12th, students in Grades 3-5 will take a mock NJASK test. Parents please make arrangements to attend our monthly PTO Meeting on Tuesday, November 11th at 7:00 PM, the theme will be Preparing for Parent Teacher Conferences.

Parent Conferences are scheduled for Tuesday, November 18th from 1:00 – 3:00 and from 7:00 – 9:00 PM and on Wednesday, November 19th from 1:00 – 3:00 PM. Please keep in mind, that on November 18th and 19th there will be an early dismissal at 12:10 PM!

Please, also mark your calendars that on Monday, November 24th – it’s Picture Day! Then on Wednesday, November 26th there is another early dismissal at 12:10 PM followed by our annual Thanksgiving Recess on Thursday, November 27th and Friday, November 28th schools will be closed.

November is a short month but a busy month packed with exciting activities for students, parents and teachers! Therefore, I encourage you to come in and enjoy our school and to be part of the educational process.

Once again, I thank you for your support, assistance and your presence!

Respectfully,
Wilson Aponte, Principal
DATES TO KEEP ON MIND...

November 11-13, Evergreen's 3-5 Grade Students will be taking the Acuity Test, better known as a practice test for the on-coming NJASK Test. This will be the first of four practice test, so that the students get familiar with the process and the teachers get an idea of the areas of strenghts and concerns. The format will follow the NJASK.

If you would like additional information on the NJASK, please click HERE for the NJ Department of Education Historical Context.
MONTHLY EVENTS
CLICK HERE FOR NOVEMBER'S CALENDAR OF EVENTS