August 2006 Ê

To all families new to Orange Glen Elementary Ð Welcome!Ê We hope you will find Orange Glen Elementary a wonderful place for your child to learn and grow.Ê To all families returning to Orange Glen Elementary Ð Welcome back!Ê We hope you had a great summer! Ê

Starting a new school year is always busy and exciting.Ê For those of us returning, we have to get back into the school routine, and there are so many new things to get used to (we have a new principal this year, and we have to adjust to new teachers, classrooms, rules, and classmates).Ê At the same time, it is comforting to reunite with old buddies and see the familiar faces of past teachers and staff members. The Orange Glen staff is always on hand with welcoming smiles, answering many of the questions that accompany the first weeks of school. Ê

Orange Glen Elementary PTA has many exciting things planned this year, some old and some new.Ê The year starts off with our membership drive and a back-to-school barbeque, and continues with our main fundraiser, school pictures, assemblies, field trips, book fairs, and more!Ê Ê

Our children grow up so fast, and these years can never be repeated - so itÕs important to be involved in our childrenÕs education.Ê Research indicates that students are more successful in school when their parents are involved.Ê This includes taking an active interest in your childÕs schoolwork, volunteering at the school and attending school events.Ê Even grandparents can benefit from helping.Ê Here are some informative websites about the benefits of volunteering:

(volunteering) http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/succeed/09-communication.html ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ http://www.insideschools.org/nv/NV_parent_volunteers_mar03.php
(grandparents) http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/Press_releases/2006/06_26_06.html Ê Ê

With the budget cut-backs of recent years, schools are depending more and more on volunteers to help teachers and staff as well as assist with funding activities and events that keep school a fun place to learn.Ê Volunteer work can take as little as a couple hours a month to a couple hours a week, or even doing work at home.Ê Please consider volunteering É if your available time is limited just let your teacher know when you can or cannot help.Ê I would love to see each family make a commitment to volunteer at least one hour per month to help their childÕs teacher, the staff, or the PTA.Ê All of our children would benefit so much from this! Ê

Orange Glen Elementary strives to create a safe and positive atmosphere for children and parents in the Orange Glen community.Ê We look forward to working with you to enrich your childrenÕs school experience, and we hope you find Orange Glen a welcoming and friendly school where your children will thrive.Ê If you need to contact the Orange Glen Elementary PTA, please leave a message with the school office and weÕll get back to you as soon as possible. Ê

We hope to see you at one of our Association meetings, or other PTA events! Ê

Julie Eade
2006-2007 President
Orange Glen Elementary PTA