McDonald's Night November 7th

Our next Foothills Elementary McDonald’s Night is November 7th!

There will be more checkers to help out and orders from the drive thru count toward the proceeds!

This was very successful last time—let’s see if we can make it even more so!

To the Book Fair and Beyond Nov 9&10

Join us for our Scholastic Book Fair (AGAIN!) on November 9 and 10 held during Parent Teacher Conferences (between 4 and 8 pm).

Find us on the stage! Come before or after your visit with teachers and find some great books for kids—our yourself!

If you’d like to know more about it, visit this webpage.

If you can’t get to the school to see us, then check out this webpage to order books online!

Box Tops & Soup Labels Contest Winners!

We’d like to announce the winners of our Box Tops/Labels Contest. Less than $10 separated the top six classes so all of these six classes are getting mini pumpkins this week:

First place: Mrs.Joffs (1st grade)

Second place: Mr. Welcker (6th grade)

Third place: Ms. Shumway (1st grade)

Fourth place: Mrs. Finlay (4th grade)

Fifth place: Mrs. Colvin (PM kindergarten)

Sixth place: Mrs. Colvin (AM kindergarten)


The real winner is Foothills since we raised $2000 dollars! Thanks for all your support! (The November PTA Newsletter will give the exact amount of Box Top money earned as well as the grand total for Campbell's Labels.)

A Big THANK YOU to Petersen Family Farms (11887 South 4000 West, Riverton) for donating over 100 mini pumkins to our school!

www.petersenfamilyfarm.com

Reflections Rules and Entry Form Links

Summery of Reflection Categories and Links to Complete Rules and Entry Forms

Theme: "Diversity Means..."
Due October 19th for B & D, October 28th for A & C

***Entry Form (PDF)***
***Consent Form Instructions (PDF)***
***Consent Form (PDF)***
*** Media Release Form (PDF) ***
*** Artist Statement (PDF) ***
*** Entry Guidelines for All Categories ***

Entry Form in Spanish

Complete rules can be found at the links below. Please read through official rules before entering to be sure your entry will not be disqualified. The following summery is provided only for convenience. Each student is responsible for following all the official rules of participation.

A List of General Participation Rules Can be found at the National PTA site AT THIS LINK

Rules Summaries

Literature
Link to Offical Rules. Please read before entering. (PDF)

· May be fiction, nonfiction, prose, poetry or drama (not a collection)

· May not exceed 2,000 words

· Submit one original and two copies, Number all pages, paper clip pages

· Illustrations may be included but only the writing will be judged

· Paper not to exceed 8 ½ x 11 inches

·Detailed labeling and submitting information available at the above link.



Photography
Link to Official Rules. Please read before entering (PDF).

· Original black-and-white, color, or group of images.

· All images included must have been taken by the student. Collages of photos not taken by the student should be entered as Visual Art.

· Not to exceed 11 x 14 inches

· Mount on cardboard mat or poster board, do not frame (must be 2D)

· Protection with shrink wrap or plastic cover is highly recommended

· Detailed labeling and submitting information available at the above link.



Musical Composition
Link to Official Rules. Please Read before entering (PDF).

· Voice, instruments or combination. Lyrics or instrumental

· No longer than 5 minutes

· Entire composition must be the original work of the student.

· Use of notation software is permitted in the printing of the score. Midi or algorithmic composition software is not permitted.

· Student doesn’t have to be the performer.

· Notation required for Middle/Junior level (6th grade), not required for primary level or intermediate level.

· Record the performance on CD and saved as a .mp3 (not a CD/DVD movie)


· Detailed labeling and submitting information available at the above link.



Visual Arts
Link to Official Rules. Please read before entering (PDF).

· Paint, drawing, print, collage, photographic collage, etching, punch work, fiber work or computer-generated artwork.

· Must be flat no more than 3/8 inch thick

· Not to exceed 24 x 30 inches including mat.

· Mount on cardboard mat or poster board, do not frame (must be 2D).

· Protection with shrink wrap or plastic cover is highly recommended

· Detailed labeling and submitting information available at the above link.



Choreography/Dance
Link to the Official Rules. Please read before entering (PDF).

· Must be original choreographed dance (your own moves and combinations)

· Recorded on DVD as a .flv file. Recording should be saved as a file, NOT AS A DVD MOVIE.

· The choreographer doesn’t have to be the dancer(s).

· No longer than 5 minutes

· Detailed labeling and submitting information available at the above link.

Film/Video
Link to Official Rules. Please read before entering (PDF).

· Animation, narrative, documentary, experimental, media presentations. No PowerPoint!

· Student must be director, screenwriter and cameraperson

· If using computer, the student must do the work

· No longer than 5 minutes

· Acceptable Format: .flv file. Recording should be saved as a file, NOT AS A DVD MOVIE.

· Detailed labeling and submitting information available at the above link.



Theater
Link to Official Rules. Please read before entering (PDF).

- Individual Storytelling, Pantomime (playwright must be one of the performers), Molologue, One Act

· All script, costumes and sets must be the work of the student.

· Up to three performers may be used, the student does not have to be one of the performers (pantomime exception).

· No longer than 5 minutes

· Recorded on DVD. .MPG/.MPEG, .MOV/.QT (quick time), .WMV (windows media). Recording should be saved as a file, NOT AS A DVD MOVIE.

· Write name, grade, state and year on cardboard or plastic container of CD

· Pack CD in large envelope with a copy of the script

· Secure Entry form in sheet protector to outside of envelope



Thee Dimensional Artistic Creations
Link to Official Rules. Please read before entering (PDF)

· Any art having length, breadth and depth

· Sculpture, Jewelry, Visual Arts, Ceramics. (no kits, or precast ceramics)

· No size limit but must be movable.

· Attach copy of completed Entry form in a sheet protector. List materials used, and process.

· Photographs of advancing 3-D art entries will be taken by the PTA for the next level of competition.

What's Happening in Your Grade in October?

In KINDERGARTEN we are working really hard at learning our alphabet letters and the sounds they make. This practice is going to help us blend letters to make words. We are also learning many new sight words. We have started our Gingerbread Man Unit. Throughout this unit we will learn about the helpers in our school, make gingerbread man, graph and read different variations of the gingerbread man. We are also learning about the seasons and what happens in the fall. We in kindergarten would like to thank the PTA for the generous box top money we received.

Our FIRST GRADE students will be doing lots of exciting things in October. We will be talking about fire safety and the season of fall. We will be doing activities for Red Ribbon Week and doing pumpkin and ghost math. We will be practicing our program for November 16. Thanks to all the parents who helped out with the Jog-A-Thon!

In October SECOND GRADERS will be on their way to becoming confident writers while working on Narratives! In Math they are working on comparing numbers using greater than, less than, equal to, and recognizing ordinal numbers. They will also be sharpening their time telling skills using analog clocks. In Language Arts they will be studying verbs, adverbs, poetry, fairy tales and tall tales. In Science they will be studying Rocks and the Rock Cycle.

The THIRD GRADE is falling in love with Fall! We are excited about the Jog-A-Thon, box tops, and lots more. We are really digging into the "Common Core" too. Our students have been learning a lot about Native Americans and are studying "Trickster Tales." We are excited to see some of you at conferences in October and the rest of you in November! The Third Grade Rules!!!!!!

FOURTH GRADE

Observe the weather report and dress appropriately for outside recess.
C/D track Parent Teacher Conferences. Be sure to sign up for a time.
Turn all of your homework in on time!!
October 19, D track will be celebrating with Halloween costume parties.
Be sure to remember: Halloween is celebrated on Friday, Oct 28 this year!!
Everyone's invited to the 4th grade A/B/C track Halloween Program Oct 28 at 10:00.
Remember to read 20 minutes every day!!

FIFTH GRADE is having a fabulous fall. We have started our safety patrol duties and appreciate the 6th grade and especially Mr. Stirland for helping us at the beginning of the year. In science some are finishing up with our Earth's Changing Surface unit and started the "attractive" unit on magnets. We continue to learn and implement the Language Arts Common Core and we feel like our RTI/Flex time is beneficial. The DARE program is having a contest for a T-shirt design and many have entered. Keep up the good work and don't forget to read!

On September 13th SIXTH GRADE went on a field trip to the Utah State Fair! Surprisingly, not very many of our students had attended a fair before. Fairs began as the year's final judging contest for farmers and ranchers. The crop season, cattle raising, 4H Club activities, etc were all celebrated. Food, rides, and entertainment were added later. Today, it is a symbol of American tradition. We had a super time seeing the art and craft exhibits, photography, animal shows (Kangaroos of Australia and the seals), and experiencing the atmosphere. Thanks so much to the parent volunteers that assisted us!

Capri Suns Recycle for Cash

** CASH FOR CAPRI SUNS - BE GREEN/EARN GREEN **

The PTA has started a new recycling effort to help earn extra money for Field Trips/Teacher Appreciation Week/Assemblies/etc. We are given $0.02 per Capri Sun pouch that we mail in. There is a giant black garbage can in the cafeteria (clearly labeled "Cash for Capri Suns") to let the students drop in their empty Capri Sun pouches after lunch. If you use them at home PLEASE save them and drop them off at school. Thanks for your support! We will keep you posted with how much we raise and what the money is used for.

Box Tops & Soup Labels Contest Ends Oct 7

Hey - - cut that out and bring it in! The Box Tops and Campbell's Labels Fall Contest will end at the start of school on October 7th! Get your scissors out and get clipping Box Tops and Campbell's Labels! Glue/staple the Box Tops and Labels to collection sheets or simply put them in a ziploc bag and turn them in to your teacher! Find a link to a collection sheet on the bar above. The winning class will receive mini-pumpkins. (Feel free to ask your grandparents and other relatives to help your class win!)

UPDATE: The teachers at Foothills Elementary were recently told they each get to spend $2 per student (in their class this year) on whatever they choose. Your children get the reward from all your hard work cutting and collecting Box Tops! As the teachers spend their money we will report to you what each teacher purchases for their classroom. Here's what a few more teachers have purchased:

Webster (3rd grade): Notebooks and items for class store: Prizes/treats.
J. White (4th grade): Playing cards for math homework box, medals for rewards, bouncy ball prizes; star student pencils
M. Brown (4th grade): Folders, notebooks, treats

Book Fair Coming Oct 12-13

Join us for our Scholastic Book Fair October 12 and 13 held during Parent Teacher Conferences. Find us on the stage! Come before or after your visit with teachers and find some great books for kids—our yourself! If you’d like to know more about it, visit this webpage.

If you can’t get to the school to see us, then check out this webpage to order books online (Oct 7-17th)!

Fun Run Map

Click on the picture for a printable map.

WHEN: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2011

WHO: ALL STUDENTS, ALL TRACKS

TIME: K starts @ 9:00 a.m.

1st starts @ 9:10 a.m.

2nd starts @ 9:20 a.m.

3rd starts @ 9:30 a.m.

4th starts @ 9:40 a.m.

5th starts @ 9:50 a.m.

6th starts @ 10:00 a.m.

K (p.m.) starts @ 12:00 p.m.

Fun Run Times and Info

WHEN: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2011

WHO: ALL STUDENTS, ALL TRACKS

TIME: K starts @ 9:00 a.m.

1st starts @ 9:10 a.m.

2nd starts @ 9:20 a.m.

3rd starts @ 9:30 a.m.

4th starts @ 9:40 a.m.

5th starts @ 9:50 a.m.

6th starts @ 10:00 a.m.

K (p.m.) starts @ 12:00 p.m.

WHY: The Jog-a-thon is the ONLY PTA fundraiser we do each year. The money we raise supports Reflections, Field Trips, Assemblies, Teacher Appreciation, Field Day, and more.

DONATE: It is not too late to donate to the Jog-a-thon! We are only half way to our fundraising goal. If you forgot to return your packet or didn’t get a chance to donate yet, you can still send in your donation to either your students teacher or to the front office. We really don’t want to cut programs. Every dollar counts!

Thanks to all who have donated to the Jog-a-thon! Your support makes a BIG difference in running the PTA programs successfully!

If you have not returned a Permission Slip, your child will not be able to participate in the event.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Participant Permission Form

I hereby  give/  do not give my permission for ______________________________________ (student’s full name) to participate in the Foothills Elementary Jog-a-Thon and will not hold Foothills Elementary School, PTA, or Riverton City liable for any injuries that could occur. My child’s teacher is ____________________. My child’s grade is _____.

_____________________________________________________________

Parent’s Signature Date

What's Happening in Your Grade in September?

In KINDERGARTEN this month we have been working with our Alphafriends to write and read our letters. We have also been representing numbers in different ways and sorting things. We love the activities with the different books that our classes have been reading. If you have never climbed a tree with the alphabet you should try it. You can if you read "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom."

FIRST GRADE: no report.

SECOND GRADERS are all abuzz about fall. During the month of September they will learn about the features of informational texts and even write some of their own. Not to mention the seasonal poetry they will read and write using unique adjectives and verbs. In Math they will learn about <, >, = signs and how they can use them to compare numbers and create equal equations. They will also practice using ordinal numbers and writing numbers in expanded form. In Science they will learn about seasons, plants and animals.

The THIRD GRADE is studying about Native Americans and Trickster Tales. We are learning a lot. We are starting our new math intervention groups, where we can focus and reteach concepts. We are excited to have a spectacular September!

By now you've gotten the hang of school.
Our FOURTH GRADE teachers are really cool.
Remember to always practice math facts,
You want to get so you are really fast.
Read every day and write it down,
Fill out a vacation form if you go out of town.
Be on time to class every day...
And your teachers will cheer HIP HIP HOORAY!!

FIFTH GRADE is off to a flying start! We are learning the new Language Arts common core and have been studying and writing some cool poetry. In our Flex time we are learning to write great sentences that will help prepare us for the DWA test in February. Although our classrooms this year are spread apart we are together in planning for a great year! Parents please remember to have your students read 100 minutes a week and keep up with the daily homework as well as book reports and poems.

With "D" track recently joining us, SIXTH GRADE is in full force! We're implementing our new Common Core math program. It's full of investigation, hands-on and student verbal explanations. There may be a few hiccups along the way but nothing we can't work through. Our Guided Reading program is up and running smoothly. We've got our noses and brains stuck right in the middle of some great literature. In Science we are studying microorganisms, constellations, moon phases and the structure of music. A few dates to put on your calendars: Sept. 13 is our trip to the State Fair; 23rd will be our first Mustang Market; and the 29th will be our Star Party from 7:30-9:00 PM. More information coming on those events. We appreciate your support!

Teachers Seeing Benefits of Box Tops

Hey - - cut that out and bring it in! The Box Tops and Campbell's Labels Fall Contest started Aug 22nd! It will end at the start of school on October 7th! Get your scissors out and get clipping Box Tops and Campbell's Labels! Glue/staple the Box Tops and Labels to collection sheets or simply put them in a ziploc bag and turn them in to your teacher! (Links to Box Top collection sheets and Campbell's Labels product lists can be found at the Foothills PTA website.) The winning class will receive mini-pumpkins. (Feel free to ask your grandparents and other relatives to help your class win!)

UPDATE: The teachers at Foothills Elementary were recently told they each get to spend $2 per student (in their class this year) on whatever they choose. Your children get the reward from all your hard work cutting and collecting Box Tops! As the teachers spend their money we will report to you what each teacher purchases for their classroom. Here's what teachers have purchased so far:


The 1st Grade Team: Literacy Books to use with Common Core
Shumway (1st grade): Chinese books
Eastman (2nd grade): Labels, two pocket folders for centers and writing workshop, ziploc bags, candy/cereal for math and the class store
Burnett (2nd grade): Craft supplies, school supplies, treats for incentives
Craven (2nd grade): Time Manipulatives and other math helps
Adams (2nd grade): Extra crayons & scissors for rotations; incentives for behavior
Alm (5th grade): Folders, notebooks, crayons, colored pencils, glue sticks and items for the Friday's Drawings
Kovacs (5th grade): Greek & Latin root workbook, cursive workbook, incentive charts & other classroom items
Stirland (6th grade): Crayons, incentives, science materials, instructional media

Utah PTA Asks for Members to Get Involved in School Lunch Issue

Dear Utah PTA Members:

We could potentially lose the work that has been done in our efforts to provide nutritious lunches to our students this school year.  Please contact your Senator and encourage them to support USDA's efforts to improve school meals.  This is very important to our kids. 


Our two senators are Senator Orrin G. Hatch and Senator Mike Lee.  The information that will help you access the two senators can be found in the National PTA Alert.  Thank you again for your quick response.  Your voice is important to every child.


Sincerely,
Tibby Milne
Utah PTA Federal Legislative Chair Appointee

Urge Congress Not to Stand in the Way of Healthier School Lunches

As our children head back to school, some members of Congress want to roll back progress on improving school lunches, despite the sky-high childhood obesity rates.

PTA members, we need your help to send a loud and clear message to Congress that we want healthier school meals.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has proposed common-sense nutrition guidelines to improve school lunches and breakfasts, including more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat milk and less salt, unhealthy fats, and calories.

Unfortunately, Food interests are working to get Congress to stop USDA from finalizing these sensible school nutrition standards. The House of Representatives has already included a rider in its Agriculture spending bill urging USDA to start over from scratch and propose a new set of school meal standards—even though tens of thousands of parents and organizations supported these important improvements.

If industry is successful in convincing the Senate to do the same, the goal of seeing healthy school lunches in cafeterias across the country will be in jeopardy.

Please send an email to both of your Senators today asking them to support USDA's efforts to improve school meals.

For more information on this topic, visit the National PTA Action Site.

Teacher's Night at McDonalds

This Monday, August 22, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm is Foothills Elementary Teachers Night at our local Herriman McDonalds.  Come see some of your favorite teachers greeting and serving you at Mc% of the profits will be donated to Foothills! We expect it to be crowded so McDonalds asks that we be courteous and leave the restaurant promptly after eating so that new guests can have an open table.

PTA General Meeting Aug 15th 9:00 am

We are going to vote on the PTA budget for this school year at a General PTA meeting at 9:00, August 15th.  The budget is posted on the PTA bulletin board. You can find it by the kindergarten rooms by the front door of the school.  

What's Happening in Your Grade in August?

Welcome to KINDERGARTEN! We are so excited to be starting a new year! This month in kindergarten we will be doing assessments, exploring our school, learning each other’s names and working in our ABC books.

Welcome to FIRST GRADE! We are excited to spend a WHOLE day at school with you this year! We will spend our first few weeks learning routines and procedures, enjoying lunch, and making new friends. As your first grader gets ready for this transition, start establishing routines at home now to make long term success. Some habits are: eating breakfast, getting to school on time, reading time, homework time, a study area, and getting to bed on time. Setting routines early will help your child to develop good habits.

SECOND GRADERS are off to a great start!  This month they will learn how to write more effectively using “Who, What, Where, When and Why”.  They will focus on the writing process learning about characters, setting, problems and solutions.  Additionally, they will work on punctuation, capitalization, sentence structure, nouns and pronouns.  In Math, they will learn about odd and even whole numbers and place value to 1000.  They will learn the associative and commutative properties as well as addition and subtraction strategies.  We will also learn about plants. animals and seasons.

The THIRD GRADE is excited to start off another school year at Foothills Elementary!  We are excited to meet our new students and parents!  Teamwork is the key this year amongst the parents, teachers and students.  We are so glad that we get to work with you and be part of your team.  Let's give a cheer for  a great school year!!!!

Welcome back to school and welcome to FOURTH GRADE.  We are looking forward to a great year!  Please continue practicing your multiplication facts--you will need to know these this year.  Remember to be to school on time every day so our classes can earn a lot of rewards for our attendance.  Parents, please check your child's planner every night so you know what homework to expect.  We are excited to get to know you and your child.

We are all excited about starting the 2011-2012 FIFTH GRADE school year. In fifth grade the kids get the opportunity to join Safety Patrol, graduate DARE, earn the Young American Award, and learn new curriculum. We focus on responsibility and accountability to prepare the kids for the year's ahead. We can't wait to get started!

SIXTH GRADE is up and running!  We jumped right into curriculum on the first day! Our new math program this year is going to require clear teaching, student dedication, and parent support.  We really stress student responsibility.  Students are to use their planners effectively, follow through on all assignments, and work hard to earn good grades.  We have a lot of fun activities planned this year, (Western Dance, Mustang Market, Star Party, Guidance, Crash activities,  field trip, etc.) to go along with all our hard work!   Thanks for your support!

Note from the PTA

We are excited for the new school year! Hope you all are, too. Please consider volunteering a bit of time and/or joining PTA this year. Our parent volunteers are what make our programs work! Your kids love to see you at their school and in their classrooms and you would be helping in their education as well. We will be voting on our PTA budget August 15th at 9:00 am in our general meeting (held at the school).  Please come and be a part of how PTA spends money in behalf of your kids!

August is the month that we kick-off our fundraiser (look for upcoming information about the Jog-A-Thon happening in September).  This is a fun way for the kids to show school spirit!  We will also be sending home school T-shirt order forms.  Support the school and show your school spirit by ordering one!

Box Tops 2011

Hey - - cut that out!!! Get your scissors out and get clipping Box Tops and Campbell's Labels! We are having a contest for 7 weeks, starting August 22nd, to see which class can collect the most! Glue the Box Tops to a collection sheet or simply put them in a ziploc bag and turn them in to your teacher! Cut the Campbell's Labels UPC code off of participating products, such as: Campbell's soup, Spaghettio's, Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Crackers, Prego Sauce, V8 & V8 Splash caps and Swanson broth/stock/canned chicken. (Links to Box Top collection sheets and Campbell's Labels product lists can be found at the Foothills PTA website.) Turn in Box Tops and Campbell's Labels UPC codes to your teacher. Contest ends at the start of school on October 7th. The winning class will receive mini-pumpkins! (Feel free to ask your grandparents and other relatives to help your class win!)

FYI: Watch the PTA website and future newsletters to see what last year's money was spent on. During the 2010-11 school year we raised $3,907 (cash!) from Box Tops. Last year Foothills Elementary was ranked #9 of #996 schools in the state of Utah for most Box Tops collected. The teachers at Foothills Elementary were recently told they each get to spend $2 per student (in their class this year) on whatever they choose. Your children get the reward from all your hard work cutting and collecting Box Tops! We will be reporting to you what each teacher/grade purchased with the money and how it will benefit the students. We have earned over 22,000 points with Campbell's Labels over the last three years which is used towards their merchandise. We "banked" all these points and will adding to our total this year. We hope to earn enough points so when we redeem them it allows every classroom to get something they can use, such as PE equipment, art supplies, etc.

(The #1 ranked school in Utah for earning Box Tops money is from a nearby neighborhood, so it's very possible we can move up to the top 5 or even become #1 this year! We only have to collect an additional 200 Box Tops this year to become the top earning Box Top school in Utah!)

First Day Open House

All parents and students are invited to the "First Day Open House".

Tracks A/B/C - July 26, 2011
Track D - August 15, 2011

Doors to the school open at 7:50
Session 1 - 8:00-8:15
Session 2 - 8:20-8:35
Session 3 - 8:40-8:55
Students line up at 9:00
PTA General Meeting at 9:00

Students may stay with parents during the open house or students may play on the supervised playground (non-elementary aged children must stay with their parents).

The first day for Kindergarten is A/B/C tracks August 3, D tracks August 23.

First grade students meet with students in small groups on July 26 A/B/C tracks, or August 16 for D track.

Class Lists Posted on School Doors Today

Class lists are posted on the school doors now. A link to the online lists will be added here as soon as they are listed.

Notes From a Librarian: Picture Book Recommendations

Here are some summer reading picture book recommendations.

Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel

At a gathering last week, my sister-in-law suggested I review Bad Kitty because it was her 6 year old son's favorite. I am not surprised. It is a very funny book. In fact, the 1st and 2nd grade age group find it hilarious. In the book, the Kitty is a good Kitty, until its master runs out of kitty food and tries to make it eat an alphabet of vegetables (e.g. Asparagus, Beets, Cauliflower...). Then it becomes a Bad Kitty. As the Bad Kitty, it does a bad thing for each of the letters of the alphabet. It "Ate my homework, Bit Grandma, and Clawed the curtains," etc. Just when the kitty is done with the Bad alphabet, the masters come home with an alphabet of delicious cat food. Then the cat goes through the alphabet again with ways of repairing the bad deeds. By the time you finish the book, you have gone through the alphabet 4 times. The illustrations and text are so silly, it is a delight. Especially funny are the pictures of the cat, first in the throws of horror at having to eat vegetables, and then in the ecstasy of delight when it gets the good food. This is a great one to share together, or for a child to read on their own. The pictures are a help with word decoding, and there is a lot of good vocabulary.


The Best Birthday Ever, by Charise Mericle Harper

Here is another picture book. It is Lana Kittie's birthday and she feels like the queen of the world. Yet Lana knows that a birthday is more fun if everyone, including the birthday girl uses their best manners. This is a great book to read a week before a child's birthday party. Lana Kittie demonstrates appropriate ( and inappropriate) ways to greet guests at the door, show appreciation for a gifts and other essential birthday behaviors. She also suggests that the birthday child practice birthday behaviors with stuffed animals and other toys before the big event. Harper illustrates the book with very fun and feminine cartoons of Lana Kittie and her toy friends. There is even glitter on the bow on the cover. This book is likely to appeal to the children who enjoy Fancy Nancy and is a great way to get a preschool-2nd grade girl ready for the big day.


Bad News for Outlaws by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

I love picture book biographies. They give just about right amount of information I want to know about a person. This one is about a Federal Marshal in the Indian Territories in the late 1800's. It is a fun book. It is written like a tall tale, with lots of superlatives and western jargon so it would be hard to read it out loud without assuming a western twang. But in reality, the facts portrayed in the book are true. Bass Reeves was an incredible marshal, using stratagem and even disguises to "get his man." He was also a religious man and always preached repentance to the criminals while he was bringing them in. He was a marshal for about 30 years, and brought about 3000 criminals to jail. In that time he only had to kill 14 of them. It is illustrated with great oils. It has more words per page than a typical picture book, so it takes maybe an hour to read, but it could be read in multiple sittings. It is a great choice for any little cow poke.


Six Crows by Leo Leonni

Leo Leonni is a veteran picture book author/illustrator and his style is very recognizable. In this story six crows keep invading the farmer's wheat field. The farmer puts up a scarecrow to keep them away, but then they build a scare-kite to frighten the farmer. The farmer makes a bigger scarecrow and the crows make a bigger kite. Soon the wheat begins to wilt because the farmer is no longer taking care of it. A wise owl suggests the crows and farmers talk out their differences, and both parties come to an amicable agreement. It is a very simple text, written like a spoken folktale, with only a few sentences per page. Though the story is simple, Lionni's message about talking over problems comes across clearly. Lionni uses cut paper of various textures to make simple but appealing illustrations. The simplicity of the illustrations match the spare text to make a nicely balanced whole.


Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein

When we held our Mock Caldecott this year the week before the awards were announced, this book wasn't even in our set of books that we were considering. Yet, when the winner were read the next Monday, this one won an Honor medal. It is a very cute book (though I am not sure I would call the illustrations "distinguished", they certainly are fun). It is time for bed and little chicken wants his father to read him a bedtime story. The father agrees, as long as the little chicken promises not to interrupt. As the father starts Hansel and Gretel, Little Chicken does, of course, interrupt and changes the story to have himself warn the children of the witch, so they never get caught. On it goes with Red Riding Hood and Chicken Little. Finally, in exasperation, the father suggests that Little Chicken tell a story, and as he does, Father falls fast asleep. Stein does both the text and illustrations. The colors are bold and clashing, which hints from the beginning that this is not supposed to be a restful book. He changes illustration styles to represent the illustrations of the books the father is reading. The book style is spindly and suggests the old illustration styles of the early1900's. He changes styles again for the child's story at the end. I remember once, when my husband was reading a bed time story to Joseph, looking into the room to see both father and son fast asleep on my son's bed. This book really is well done, and worth a check out.


Donna Cardon is a children's librarian at Provo City Library and a well known children's book critic. We'd like to thank her for allowing us to republish her articles for our readers. You can visit her children's book blog HERE

What's Happening in Your Grade in June?

FIRST GRADE Exciting things are happening in 1st grade during the month of June. We will continue our unit on plants and finish up our reading and math testing. The last weeks of school will be filled with activities designed to help prepare our students for second grade. We have enjoyed our group of first graders this year and wish them success in the future.

SECOND GRADE As the year ends, we want to thank you for letting us spend time with your children and help them in their learning. Remember that on June 1st, we will be having our first spelling bee contest in the morning. During the next few weeks of school , all second grade classes will be finishing up with the end of the year PALS reading and Houghton/Mifflian reading tests. We will also be giving the last of the Math Benchmark test for the year. During the last two weeks of school, Tracks B, C, and D will be having some closing fun learning activities happening for all subjects. The last week of school every class will be featuring a special theme on each day. Again thank you for your support this year.

THIRD GRADE We are wrapping up the school year in style! The teachers had a hoot playing frisbee golf and would like to thank the PTA for putting that together. Thank you for all the parents and volunteers that made this teacher appreciation week extra special! CBT testing is going splendid too!!! We are looking forward to ending the year on an awesome note! Our classes are so special and awesome and we have enjoyed teaching them this year!

FOURTH GRADE June is a busy month in 4th grade. C and D tracks will be testing the first two weeks of June. C and D tracks will also be holding their Pioneer Day on June 17. Watch for information to come home about that. B and D tracks will be going on their Field Trip to the John Hutchings Museum on June 29. B, C, and D tracks will be holding their Utah County program on Tuesday, June 28 at 2:00 pm. Parents are encouraged to attend the special program. Thanks for a great 4th grade year and good luck in 5th grade!

FIFTH GRADE This 2010-2011 year has truly flown by. We all have enjoyed teaching your children and feel they are ready for sixth grade. Here are important upcoming dates. A track's DARE graduation is June 2 at 2:00 in the gym, their State Float Parade and Assembly is June 3, and their DARE Graduation Field-trip is June 7. B,C, and D track's DARE graduation is June 23 at 2:00 in the gym. Their State Float Parade and Assembly is June 24, and the DARE graduation field-trip is June 27. We'd all like to thank the parent volunteers who have helped us on field-trips or in the classroom this year. Your service has meant a lot. Thanks for a great year kids and good luck in sixth grade!

SIXTH GRADE Sixth graders and parents...Y'all are summoned to appear at "The Great Sixth Grade Hoedown" on Thursday, June 2nd from 6:00 to 7:30PM. Come to the school in the evening dressed in your western threads and duds and plan to kick up your heels. Refreshments will be available for purchase. So come and enjoy a fun filled evening of great western dancing. Scratch this date on your calendar and plan to come shake a leg.

Thanks to these Businesses for Supporting our Teacher Appreciation Week!

Foothills Elementary would like to thank the following businesses for their support and generous donations during our Teacher Appreciation Week 2011.

Thanksgiving Point in Lehi
Embassy Suites in Salt Lake City
Hampton Inn in Salt Lake City
Jiffy Lube Corporate Offices
Leatherby's Family Creamery in Taylorsville
Arctic Circle in Herriman
Best Western Zion Park Inn, Coral Hills and Abbey Inn
Hires Big H in Sandy
Hale Center Theater in West Valley City
Crystal Inn in Salt Lake City
Heber Valley Railroad in Heber City
Goodwood Barbecue in Draper
Rainbow Peppermill Montego Bay in Wendover, NV
Homewood Suites in Salt Lake City
The Pie Pizzeria in Salt Lake

Thank You PTA Board

A big thank you to our outgoing PTA President Allison Strang, and those involved in the PTA for 2010-2011 (Kristin Castleton, Jennifer McKee, Diana Neff, Mirinda Losee, Holly Jones, Tanya Pusey, Kelli Lloyd, Becky Barnum, Jamie Lodermeier, Mirinda Losee, Melinda Boyack, Amy Fugal, Michele Michaels, Mindi Barney, Amy Peterson, and Adrienne Taggart). Your long hours dedicated to the PTA and Foothills Elementary are much appreciated!

From Allison Strang (our outgoing President): It has been a great year for the PTA at Foothills Elementary this year. We would like to thank all of the volunteers who have helped us out this year. The PTA board, room parents and all of you who have volunteered for our activities and for all of you who help our teachers in the classroom. We had much success with our fundraising and because of that all of the PTA programs were funded. We were also able to give grants to the school for field trips and assemblies. The PTA wants to thank you for all you do for our teachers and for our school.

What's Happening in Your Grade in May?

KINDERGARTEN no report.

May is a busy month! FIRST GRADERS will be studying the butterfly life cycle by watching caterpillars go through metamorphosis. We will also be learning about plants, bubbles, and participating in other fun activities. During May, we will be doing some end of year reading and math testing. Please remember to keep reading at home so your child continues to see growth. We are also asking that parents remind their children to follow the school safety rules while on the school grounds. One way is by using the crosswalks when coming and going to school and not going out into traffic to get to the parking lot. This month we will also be going on our field trip to Thanksgiving Point. Watch your child's backpack for more information on this!

May will be another active month for us in Second Grade. We will be visiting the Butterfield Farm on the 4th of May. Thanks to all of you who have volunteered to help with our field trips this year. Your help certainly allows everyone to enjoy them. On May 6th, your children on tracks B and C will be presenting their biographies for the wax museum. Tracks A and D will present at a later date. Check with your teachers for the date. Parents are invited to attend at 8:45 am. All tracks will be completing the end of the year testing. Pals, Fontas and Pinnell, the district reading tests and district Math assessments will be administered this month. Please make sure your students are on time and at school everyday.

THIRD GRADE no report.

In May, FOURTH GRADERS will be reviewing for and taking the end-of-level tests. Please make sure your child is here at school on time every day during review and testing times!! A and B tracks will be testing May 10-20, C and D tracks will test May 25 - June 9. We want all of our students to do the best they can on these tests so make sure they are well rested every night and eat a nutritious breakfast every morning. A and B tracks will be celebrating their Pioneer Day on May 20. Watch for information about this fun day. On May 31, A and C tracks will be going on a field trip to the John Hutchings Museum. Thank you for all you do to support your child and their teachers!

FIFTH GRADERS are reviewing many math and science topics so we'll be ready to tackle our End of Year CRT tests in May and June. We'll be experts on fractions, decimals, surface area, volume, heredity, physical & chemical changes, and lots more! We're learning about the U.S. and its role in World War I and World War II. We're becoming experts on one of the 50 states and learning about its history, economy, famous people, etc. We're singing patriotic songs and finishing up our Young American Award items. When the warm weather finally comes, we'll be playing softball. We are very busy, so be sure to be at school every day ready to learn and work hard!

SIXTH GRADE No report.

May Lunch Menu

Click on the image of the lunch menu to enlarge it for printing.

On the information bar above is a link to a printable lunch deposit slip. Deposit slips are also available in the front office.

"When making lunch deposits, students must bring cash or check and a deposit slip in a sealed envelope or baggie. The following information should be included on a deposit slip: Student's first and last name, personal lunch account number, grade, teacher, check #, and total dollar amount for each child. You can fill out one deposit slip for all of your children with one check." Foothills Cafeteria

Cost for a lunch is $1.75 per day or $8.75 a week. Reduced lunch is $.40 per day or $2.00 a week.

Please note that payments through the online "Pay Pams" service can take several days to process. Please make online deposits a week in advance.

Teacher Appreciation Week

May 2nd - 6th for A, B, & C Tracks. May 9th - 13th for D Track.

Greetings Earthlings!

We are excited to introduce our theme and activities for Teacher Appreciation Week.

Show your Teacher what a Bright Star they are in your Universe!

Meteor Monday – Give your teacher a ‘meteor shower!’ Bring in a star as unique as you are! Make a star at home and adorn it with words, poems, stories, and/or pictures to let your teacher know how ‘stellar’ they are!

‘To Infinity’ Tuesday – Teachers supplies are always running low! Help your teacher by bringing in an item or two from the ‘Classroom Donation List.’ Make sure your teacher has what they need to take your class ‘To Infinity and Beyond!’

Warp Speed Wednesday – The school year is going by at warp speed! Make sure your teacher knows how much you appreciate them! Bring in a recent picture of yourself with your name, date, and a few words of thanks for your teacher to keep.

Thoughtful Thursday in space – Say or do something thoughtful for your teacher today. Make sure their ‘space’ is filled with positivity! Get cosmically creative with this one!

Flying Saucer Friday – Identify your teachers’ U.F.O. (Ultimate Favorite Obsessions!) Support your teacher by wearing their favorite color, bringing in their favorite treat, singing their favorite song, etc…You can also support your teacher by cheering them on in the galactic games flying saucer frizbee golf tournament in the gym. Cheer for your teacher as they compete for prizes and make them feel like a star!!!


For specific information on what your child's class is doing to celebrate contact your room parent.

Foothills' Chinese Immersion Program In the News

Deseret News published an article featuring our own Foothills Elementary and its Chinese Immersion Program.

"First-graders in Susan Shumway's Chinese immersion class at Foothills Elementary School in Riverton never hear her speak English. And after the first half of the school year, they never speak English to her, either.

Everything in class is done in Mandarin, regardless of whether they are studying vocabulary words or math. They even color in Chinese — singing familiar children's songs, but with oh so unique lyrics, as they color and cut at their desks." (Deseret News 4/11/2011)

You can read the entire newspaper article HERE.

You can also see a corresponding article that played on KSL TV HERE.

What's Happening In Your Grade in April

Spring is here! FIRST GRADERS are excited for the warm weather. We will be discussing Spring and the kind of weather we will need for the May flowers. We will also study plants and seeds. We are continuing to be readers, writers, and active learners. They are challenged to solve everyday problems and explore how they reach a solution. April will help them fine tune their skills!

SECOND GRADERS are on the move! We are getting ready for field trips. Each track will be going to visit the Energy Solutions Area and the Clarke Planetarium. It is an all day field trip and teacher's will be asking for help. Every child will need to bring a cold lunch brought or get one from the cafeteria. Track D will be going on April 6; Track B, April 16; Track C, April 28; and Track A, May 5. Other events happening in our classrooms are Dare presentations and a Rainforest Presentation. On May 4, our students will be going on a farm fieldtrip. We would will like to thank Clay and Sharon Butterfield for their support in this endeavor.

THIRD GRADE has a riddle for you: If April showers bring May flowers, then what do Mayflowers bring? The answer is Pilgrims! The 3rd grade is having a great time learning about professions and how to wisely spend their money at "Kids Marketplace." Many students completed their "Treasure Books" and are excited to share their hard work with others! Good job on getting your own book published! We have also been learning how to use the laptops and are getting ready for the CRT that starts in May. B trackers are the first ones that get to test, so make sure to get some rest so that you can do your best:)

FOURTH GRADERS
April 27th, 4th graders will be going to listen to the Utah Symphony
Please be at school for testing
Recorders should be practiced every day
Information on county reports will be shared
Listen in class as we review for testing

FIFTH GRADERS are having fun learning about all kinds of things! We are learning about heredity in Science and the Civil War in Social Studies. The kids (and teachers) are ready for spring! We can't wait for our softball season to begin! We have been working hard on fractions in math...adding, subtracting, and multiplying them! We are getting very smart! It's hard to believe the school year is almost over!

SIXTH GRADE It was great to meet with parents again for Parent/Teacher Conferences. We thank you for your dedication and follow through on the goals your child has set for third term. We want students to finish the year strong with good study habits to carry with them into middle school! We've focused on math, reading, and science to prepare them for the CRT Tests, which are very high stakes testing for your child. Make sure you know the testing windows so your child will be in attendance and prepared to do their best. We enjoy working with your children and appreciate all the support you give us!

Meet the Superintendent Finalists April 14th

The public will have an opportunity to meet the three candidates at an open house, Thursday, April 14, 6-8 p.m. at the District Auxiliary Services Building, 7905 S. Redwood Road (1700 West) in the north auditorium. The Board is expected to announce the new Superintendent of Schools at an open meeting on Tuesday, April 19, 6:30 p.m. in the District Board Room, 7905 S. Redwood Road (1700 West).

The final three candidates are as follows:
Dr. Greg Hudnall, currently Associate Superintendent of Provo School District
Dr. Patrice Johnson, currently Associate Superintendent of Clark County School District
Dr. Sam Ray, currently principal of Provo High School

You can read the resumes of each candidate at the Jordan School District Site.

Real Soccer PTA Night April 13th

Come Play with the PTA. Real Soccer is hosting a Utah PTA Community Night on Wed. April 13th. Order your tickets through the PTA website and with your membership and get a discount. Click Here to be taken directly to the UtahPTA website for more information.



Click on image to see a larger size or to print.











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School Trust Lands Video Contest Announced

Dear Utah PTA Members,

I am pleased to inform you of a great School and Institutional Trust
Lands initiative that benefits students, teachers and schools.

As you know, Trust Lands in Utah directly benefit schools each year when
interest and dividends are disbursed to School Community Councils. The
School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration (SITLA) manages
these lands for the benefit of our school children and it’s important to
recognize the value of these lands through their efforts to make them
profitable. SITLA has been very successful in that regard as they
responsibly manage these lands.

To this end, SITLA has organized a RideOn! YouTube video contest to teach
students that respecting school land benefits all schools. RideOn! is
cosponsored by SITLA, Utah State Parks and Recreation and the Larry H.
Miller Group. Contest winners will receive $1500 cash, distributed
evenly between the winning student(s), teacher and school.

The contest can be integrated into health and technology curricula. Sample
lesson plans will be emailed next week to principals for distribution to
teachers providing instruction in health and technology. Students will
learn how good land stewardship directly benefits their school; as
healthy school lands generate revenue, the money is saved, and the
interest and dividends go to academic programs as determined by their
School Community Council.

To learn more about the RideOn! YouTube video contest, including submission categories and dates, please visit: www.stateparks.utah.gov/rideonvideocontest

Tyler Slack

Trust Lands Appointee

Notes from a Librarian: Katherine Paterson

Katherine Paterson has recently been named the National Ambassador for Children’s Literature by the Library of Congress. Ms Patterson visited Provo a few years ago and I was lucky to hear her speak. She is one of those authors whose personal life is as fantastic and interesting as any of her books. She was born in China and her parents were Christian missionaries there. Amazingly, her first language was Chinese, and she struggled with English when her parents were forced out of China because of WWII and moved to Virginia. She clearly overcame this challenge and graduated from college, majoring in English, before entering the ministry. As a missionary for the Presbyterian Church she lived in Japan and Africa. In her talk at BYU, she said that in Africa some local witch doctors were giving her missionary church a difficult time. So she paid a different witch doctor to make a voodoo doll of one who was bothering them. She finally settled in Virginia, and became a pastor there. She primarily writes historical fiction with strong girl characters who overcome amazing trials. Her best known book, The Bridge to Terabithia, won the Newbery award in 1977, and was made into a major motion picture in 2007. Here are the Katherine Paterson books I have read and enjoyed.

Bridge to Terabithia, 1977
Jess Aarons had to be the fastest runner at Lark Creek Elementary School, but when he was beaten in a race by Leslie Burke it was the beginning of a new season in Jess's life. Jess and Leslie become friends, and Leslie shows Jess a new world of the imagination that gives him the strength to meet the challenges ahead.

The Great Gilly Hopkins, 1978
Gilly does not want to be a foster child. She wants to live with her beautiful, but parentally incompetent mother. So she develops skills and techniques that drive her foster parents crazy so she doesn’t have to stay with any one foster family for long. She meets her match when she is sent to the home of Maime Trotter, a fat, old, nearly illiterate widow, who knows a thing or two about difficult foster children.

Jacob Have I Loved, 1980
Caroline and Louisa are twins, but Caroline is blond, beautiful and talented, while Louisa is dark, plain and taciturn. Louisa struggles to find her own place in the world and begins working as a waterman beside her father. Her experience on the sea gives her the courage to start to make a life for herself far away from her perfect sister.

Lyddie, 1991
Lyddie’s father has died, her mother is losing her grip on reality and the family is on the verge of losing their farm. So Lyddie, at age 12, decides to go to work to earn money for the mortgage. She becomes a factory girl and soon masters her job running a loud, fast, and dangerous weaving machine. As time passes and her childhood and health are devoured by the relentless factory life she begins to wonder if the extra money will be enough to save her crumbling family.



Donna Cardon is a children's librarian at Provo City Library and a well known children's book critic. We'd like to thank her for allowing us to republish her articles for our readers. You can visit her children's book blog HERE

What's Happening in your Grade in March?

KINDERGARTEN no report.

In FIRST GRADE we've been busy singing our hearts out for our program! Our first grade program will be in March. Because of limited seating, we want to invite or encourage grandparents and other extended family to attend one of our final rehearsals. Our family rehearsal will be on Tuesday, March 22 at 11:00 am in the gym. We will also be performing for the school on Wednesday, March 23 at 2:00 p.m. in the gym. Our parent night for the program will be Thursday, March 24 at 6:30. Watch your child's backpack for notes with information. We are also spending some time learning about weather. The saying "March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb" takes on meaning as we study the changes from winter to fall and see how wind affects things. It is fun to see the changes that are happening in our first graders as they are slowly changing into second graders!

March is just around the corner for SECOND GRADERS and we are all waiting for SPRING to come in. Tracks A & B want to thank parents for coming to conferences. Tracks C & D will be scheduling their Parent Teacher Conferences soon. Look on the on-line scheduler for set up your appointment time. The book fair will also be open during the conferences. In Math we will be learning more about fractions and geomentry as well as continuing with adding and subtracting with regrouping. Somethings we will be studying St. Patricks Day, Dr. Suess' Birthday and the upcoming season of Spring with our reading and writing activities. If you have any questions, contact your child's teacher.

THIRD GRADE Erin Go Braugh!!!! That means Ireland forever. Happy March to all our parents. We enjoyed seeing A and B track at conferences and will soon see C and D. Our school fundraiser was "Pennies For Patients" and many of the students donated their own money from their piggy banks to help kids that have Leukemia. In Miss Gilan's class Garrett Pusey was made an honorary Herriman/Riverton police officer. Garrett's class also made blankets that they donated to help people in need at the police department. Our character trait this month is "cooperation," we look forward to showing how the 3rd grade excels at this trait. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Geometry, weather, and county reports are a few of the things FOURTH GRADERS will be doing in March. Some will also be working on becoming great writers. The Church History Museum will be teaching us more about pioneers on March 14. C and D tracks will be holding Parent Teacher Conferences on March 16-17. Make sure you sign up for an appointment. May the luck 'o the Irish be with you this month.

FIFTH GRADERS have been busily preparing to take the Direct Writing Assessment. Half of the 5th graders took the test in February, the other half will take the test in March. Thank you to Mrs. Onederra for helping our students out with their persuasive writing. We have been studying fractions, fractions and more fractions in math. In Science we have been studying Chemical and Physical Change and also Heredity. We have also been learning so much about the Civil War.

SIXTH GRADE celebrated Dr. Seuss Day (March 2) a little early this year. The students became acquainted with Dr. Seuss books along with fun activities from each 6th grade teacher as they rotated through. Peanut butter sculptures, fish origami, Cat in the Hat activities, book discussions, art activities, etc. were all a part of this fun day!

Loading/Unloading Reminder

Parents, as a reminder, there is NO PARKING in the drop-off lane in front of the school at any time.

The Loading/ Unloading Safety Procedures, given to us at the beginning of the year, state:

1- Stay in the RIGHT lane by curb for drop off.

2- Do not exit your vehicle. Park in the parking lot if you need to help child out of the car or to wait with them.

3- Pull as far forward as possible.

4- Use crosswalk only

These rules also apply during the afternoon Kindergarten pick up/drop off as well.

In addition, do not wait in your car with your child in the drop off zone until the bell rings; instead use the parking lot. Last Friday, there were angry parents because several cars were parked in the drop off zone. Please follow these rules so no further actions (by angry parents) need to be taken. Please be courteous to all.
You can find a post with the Loading/Unloading Procedures HERE

PTA Needs You!

YOU Make a Difference! Be Part of your Child’s School Experience

The Foothills PTA needs your help! Our school’s PTA board for the 2011-2012 year does not have all of the positions filled.

If we don’t have a PTA board, we don’t have PTA programs for the year---thus no programs like Reflections, Red Ribbon Week, Student Recognition, Field Day, Book Fair and the PTA website. It doesn’t take any special skills or a lot of time. It only takes the desire to be part of your child’s school experience. Because of the money the PTA brings in, our children are able to go on field trips and have assemblies. If we don’t have a staffed PTA board the school will not be able to provide these field trips and assemblies.

You may think that you don’t need to get involved because there are so many other parents helping. But that isn’t true. The PTA board has very few parents who take an active roll in the PTA and it’s programs.

If you are interested in helping the school, the teachers and your child please circle any of the below positions, include your contact information and send this paper to school with your child. Or you can bring it into the office as well. If you have any questions you can email them to: foothillspta@gmail.com


President: Organizes and oversees PTA activities. Don’t let the title scare you.
President Elect: The President Elect will be the PTA President in 2012-2013.
Secretary: Keeps PTA volunteer time recorded.
Membership: Records membership information for the year.
Room Parent Coordinator: Oversees the Room Parent program.
Field Day Coordinator: Plans and runs Field Day.
Reflections Chair: In charge of the school Reflections program.
Book Fair Coordinator: Orders books and oversees Book fairs.

Box Tops and Campbell's Labels Spring Update

Our 2nd Annual Battle of the Box Tops and Labels ended on February 18th with the GIRLS winning. Mrs. Yost will the winning t-shirt "We Won! Girls Rule!" on Thursday the 24th of February. Foothills is the real winner though: $1200 in Box Tops and 3500 Campbell's Labels from this contest! Amazing! Way to go Mustangs! All that work cutting off Box Tops and Labels pays off! Just to show how wonderful Foothills is doing, of the 991 schools in Utah that participate in Box Tops for Education, Foothills Elementary School is ranked #20! For the 2010-11 school year we have a grand total of $3712 in Box Tops and 8020 Campbell's Labels. Thanks for your incredible support. Keep cutting those Box Tops and Labels - - the next contest will be in the fall of 2011!

In January, the teachers at Foothills Elementary were told they each get to spend $10 (per teacher) on whatever they chose for their class to spend the remaining Box Top money from 2009-10. Your children get the reward from all your hard work cutting and collecting Box Tops! As the teachers spend the remaining money we will report to you what each teacher purchases for their classroom. Here's what some teachers have purchased:

Ames (1st grade): Sequencing cards.
Fullmer (1st grade): Ruled chart tablet to write spelling words on.
Adams (2nd grade): Glue for glue gun; batteries for listening centers.
Craven (2nd grade): Rewards for literacy activity.
Eastman (2nd grade): Class rewards.
Weldy (3rd grade): Pencils grips.
4th grade Team: Treats and prizes for recorders.
Kovacs (5th grade): Foam board & brads to help each student make an electrical circuit house.
Alm (5th grade): Items for Friday's drawings.
Hebertson (5th grade): Binders & baskets for class organization & work.

Regional Reflections Winners

Several Foothills Students received Awards of Excellence at the Region 6 Reflections Awards Night last week, and will be going on to compete at the State level.



Music:
Katelyn M. "Best Friends"
Ellie P. "Together We Can"

Dance:
Brianna D. "If We Hold On Together"

Film/Video:
Kennedy C. "Together We Can Change The World"

Theater:
Ruth B. "The Rabbit and The Squirrel"

Congratulations to all our Mustangs! To have five entries from our school move on to State competition is amazing!

What's Happening in your Grade in February?

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In Kindergarten we will continue to do our mid-year testing. We will be looking forward to our Valentines Day party and will be leaning about Ground Hog Day. Reminder: Please be on time and make an effort to have your child present everyday. This will help your child not fall behind in academics and in testing. Thank you!

First Grade - no report.

It's time to get ready for Parent/Teacher Conferences for Second Graders. Look on Skyward to set up a time with your teacher. February is a short month bu full of many events. Valentine lists and party information will be sent out soon, so be on the look out for those. Other items that we will be working on are: Ground Hog's Day, A and B track music program on Feb. 3 at 2:30 pm, and President's Day. Your children are learning double digit adding and subtracting with regrouping (borrowing and carrying) and units of measurements.

Third Grade - no report.

Fourth Grade

February is the time, when we pass our valentines and say, "Be Mine!"
We have a party with a treat and a look at our cards, oh so neat.
Multiplication and division are some of the things we do in math,
Rocks and minerals, weather and soil, take us down a science path.
Remember to bring recorders and books,
Keep up on your lunch money and say thanks to our cooks.
Karate assemblies and mountain men too,
We're looking forward to springtime, how 'bout you?

The Fifth Grade started off the New Year by getting right back to work as the school year seems to be flying by! Our classes are working on division, probability and fractions. We are busy memorizing parts of American History for the Young American Award and learning songs for the assembly at the end of the year. Book reports and poem recitals continue and we can't wait for the weather to warm up enough to be outside for PE. Our annual Valentines Day Box Contest is fast approaching so start thinking of a fun idea for it!

On Feb. 11th the Sixth Grade is hosting a Masquerade Ball for our students! Both boys and girls will dress up for the event in their fine clothing and accouterments. They have creatively made detailed masks (Mardi Gras style) which will become part of their attire. Students have been working on several dance steps and styles to prepare for the extravaganza! This activity combines Social Studies Curriculum with dance (P.E. Physical Movement Curriculum). A magnificent, resplendent circumstance to be esteemed by all!

KBYU Program to Focus on Teaching Children

The Region 6 PTA Director wanted us to share the following with parents at our school:


KBYU Eleven, as part of our commitment to children, will focus on children and their development Friday nights in January on Ask Eleven. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers will be presented with resources and ideas about child development and how to effectively teach children. Each night will include a live call-in show for viewers to call in and ask the experts their questions as well as shows and specials addressing each topic.

On Friday, January 14, KBYU Eleven will focus on quality child care with Ask Eleven: How Do I Find Quality Child Care in Utah?, a live call-in program. Experts will answer questions about how to find and keep the right child care for your child as well as the training opportunities and licensing requirements for Utah child care providers.

On Friday, January 21, KBYU Eleven will focus on early child development with Ask Eleven: Is My Child on Target?, a live call-in program with experts discussing local resources that will help parents and caregivers asses a child's development.

On Friday, January 28, Ask Eleven: Is Media a Good Teaching Tool? will explore media as positive tools to help young children learn and prepare for school. We will also take this opportunity to introduce Ready To Learn, online workshops that present to parents, grandparents, and caregivers key steps in a child's development and demonstrate how to combine media with reading and hands-on activities to greatly enhance a child's learning.

These workshops will be available on our web site, kbyueleven.org , starting in the end of January.