Newsletter Archives 2009-10

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To access last school year's "This Week at Key", please go to the 2008-2009 archives.

March
February
January
December
November
October
September
August

Week at Key - March 7 - March 14

Breaking news -- Raffle tickets will be available at the Science Fair, on Friday, March 5 from 6:30 - 8:00 pm in the Key School gym. Raffle Tickets will be available for $50 each for a 1 in 300 chance at winning $5,000. Payment may be made in cash or check payable to Key School PTA.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

  • AUCTION: Thank you for your donations! We have a great auction in store. Now we need you to donate your favorite bottle of wine valued at $25 or more for the Wine Pull game. During the auction, we will be selling corks that guarantee all buyers a special bottle of wine valued at $25 or more. Contact Kim Christo at kim.christo@ gmail.com to arrange drop-off or pick-up.
  • And please, don't forget to buy a raffle ticket. $50 buys you a chance to win $5000. Each classroom has a parent selling tickets or look for an opportunity to buy them on the blacktop!
  • SCHOOL NOW IN SESSION ON FRIDAY MARCH 19 - Per the recent DCPS decision, there WILL be school on Friday, March 19.
  • COMMUNITY SERVICE BACKPACK DRIVE FOR HAITI -- (Monday March 1 - Friday March 12): New and gently used school backpacks, along with pencils, erasers and pencil cases, are being collected in the front lobby of Key. Thank you.
  • CALLING ALL THURSDAY NIGHT CHEFS! Please retrieve your clean serving pieces from the front office. Thanks so much!

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Help Ms. Wanielista win the Ultimate Wedding Contest! Ms. Wanielista and her fiance are in the Crate and Barrel Ultimate Wedding Contest. They are only 300 votes away from moving onto the next round. If you want to help her win, vote at http://www.ultimate weddingcontest. com/entries/ 32658. (And if you want to see the video of the proposal which took place at the zoo, watch the link at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2010/01/30/VI2010013001866.html).
  • Palisades-Tenley Boys and Girls Lacrosse Clinic starts April 10-11. Tired of driving to "upper" Bethesda (i.e., Rockville) or Alexandria or Great Falls for lacrosse? Want to a skills-based, team-oriented, creative but disciplined approach to a sport for your child? Come learn lacrosse with a growing number Palisades-Tenley group of kids from local public and private schools. Taught by a former New England champion who specializes in TEACHING, Palisades-Tenley lacrosse aims to teach sportmanship, skills, and strategy. This has grown in popularity so much that we will likely be able to support 2 teams, beginners and intermediates, for boys and girls (separate teams), this spring. $175 for 10 weekends starting April 10 or 11. Beginners welcome. Ages 6-11. Contact Jocelyn Brown Hall, jgbhalldc@gmail. com for more details or to sign up.

LOOKING AHEAD

  • Wednesday, 2/10 - Spring Open House for Prospective Parents, 9-11 AM
  • Friday, 2/12 - Parent Teacher Conferences - NO SCHOOL

Week at Key - February 28 - March 7

NEXT WEEK

  • Monday, 3/1 - Professional Development Day - NO SCHOOL
  • Wednesday, 3/3 - Trash Free lunch day
  • Friday, 3/5 - Science Fair/Family Science Night, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm.

AUCTION UPDATE

Auction Tickets No need to write a check and find a stamp! You can purchase auction tickets and sponsorships securely online: https://kesptadc.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/KeySchoolsAnnualSpringAuction/RegistrationSponsorship/tabid/188540/Default.aspx.

Event ticket opportunities include:

  • Auction General Admission Tickets - $65 per person (ticket price will go up on March 1st).
  • Auction Contributor - $85 per person
  • Auction Patron - $100 per person.
  • Live auction and after party table - $250. All table proceeds will go to the Spring Auction fund-an-item.

Your information can also be filed away securely for auction night so you can sail through check out!

Donations
We need your time and talent! The auction is nearly a month away and we need more parent donations. Items that are prepared by Key School parents often generate higher bids than gift certificates from area businesses. Here are some ideas:

  • Host a pool party at your home
  • Host a wine & cheese party
  • Create a Wine/Beer/Cheese of the Month Club
  • Prepare a delicious home cooked dinner for 6
  • Host Game Night Party for adults
  • Prepare and deliver an instant dinner party
  • Donate lawn service for an entire summer
  • Donate favorite item from your country for the International /Country Baskets
  • Throw an ice cream party for 6 children
  • Organize a trip to the movies with popcorn for 3 children
  • Team up and do a day of yard work
  • Provide babysitting on a Saturday afternoon/night
  • Share you expertise by offering photography, cooking, baking, or music lessons
  • Prepare an ethnic dinner for each month of the school year
  • Offer to organize someone's pantries and closets

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

  • BACKPACK DRIVE FOR HAITI (Monday March 1 - Friday March 12). Time to gather up all those gently used school backpacks at the back of your closet and bring them to the front lobby of Key! Key has paired up with a school in Port au Prince Haiti called Ecole Mere Louise. This school serves 600 students (same age range as Key school) and their building was completely destroyed by the January 12 earthquake. Our student council held a (very successful!) coffee and hot chocolate sale a few weeks ago and will send proceeds of that sale, plus the spoils from the upcoming penny challenge, to Ecole Mere Louise. In the meantime, we have gotten word from Haiti that they are trying to get the children's lives back to some sense of normalcy and are therefore trying to get 'back to school' by holding classes in an outdoor courtyard. The children - many of whom lost their homes - are in need of backpacks and school supplies and this is our chance to help. New backpacks also welcome -- as are pencils, erasers and pencil cases. Thank you.
  • CALLING ALL THURSDAY NIGHT CHEFS! You have all flawlessly delivered tasty meals week after week, and we thank you for you efforts, but there is still one more task. Please retrieve your clean serving pieces from the front office. They are beginning to build up and we would hate for anyone's things to get broken or lost. Thanks so much!
  • ANGEL FUND: Here is a note from the parent who organized the Angel Fund: "We would like to let everyone know that we exceeded our fundraising goal beyond even our wildest dreams. We have enabled our fellow parent to pursue the cancer treatment she needs and provided a cushion for ancillary and unanticipated costs as well. Thank you all for reaching out with offers of assistance, be it monetary or otherwise, to provide the safety net this family needed. We are all so fortunate to live in a community that cares for and protects its members.

LOOKING AHEAD

  • Friday, March 19 - Professional Development Day - NO SCHOOL
  • Saturday, March 20 - AUCTION!

Week at Key - February 21-February 28

SNOW UPDATE: We continue to dig out. We have been in touch with Councilmember Mary Cheh and Chancellor Michelle Rhee to ask for more snow removal efforts on the streets surrounding the school.

In the meantime, a group of parents is working on a plan to attack the snow this weekend. Help is needed. If you can lend a hand (or want to provide some hot chocolate or cookies), contact Lori Denham at lori@kcindc. com. Offers of snowblowers, plows, and other heavy-duty equipment welcome too! The more the merrier!

While this historic snowstorm has been challenging for all, it has also provided an opportunity for people to come together as a community and support the school and each other. We are deeply grateful to the Key School custodial staff, our hearty Snow Brigade (Gregory Mize, Nick Keenan, and Mark Ramella), and other parents (including Karen Kelliher and Brendan MacPherson) who have worked so hard to clear the snow. Thanks are also due to Travis Brown, a neighbor extraordinaire who has helped to salt streets and snowblow portions of the school and surrounding area, and to Barbara of the Montessori school, who has thoughtfully changed her traffic pattern for drop off to coincide with ours. (On that note, please remember to be as considerate as possible. It seems someone parked right in the middle of her drop zone this morning....oops. ) Finally, Mr. Landeryou and the staff have made many parents' lives a lot easier with the dropoff at the front door.

AUCTION UPDATE

Donations
We need your time and talent! The auction is nearly a month away and we need more parent donations. Items that are prepared by Key School parents often generate higher bids than gift certificates from area businesses. Here are some ideas:

  • Host a pool party at your home
  • Host a wine & cheese party
  • Create a Wine/Beer/Cheese of the Month Club
  • Prepare a delicious home cooked dinner for 6
  • Host Game Night Party for adults
  • Prepare and deliver an instant dinner party
  • Donate lawn service for an entire summer
  • Donate favorite item from your country for the International /Country Baskets
  • Throw an ice cream party for 6 children
  • Organize a trip to the movies with popcorn for 3 children
  • Team up and do a day of yard work
  • Provide babysitting on a Saturday afternoon/night
  • Share you expertise by offering photography, cooking, baking, or music lessons
  • Prepare an ethnic dinner for each month of the school year
  • Offer to organize someone's pantries and closets

To submit your donation, go online to the auction website at https://kesptadc.ejoinme.org/springauction. Please submit your donation soon to that it will make the printing deadline for the catalog (March 3).

Pictures
We also need your photos of your children and their friends at play and at work at Key School for the auction slideshow. Digital shots are preferred. Please send photos to Tracey Madigan at tracey.madigan@gmail.com.

Wine
Finally, please think about that special bottle of wine value at $25 or more that you would like to donate to the Wine Pull. Contact Kim Christo at kim.christo@gmail.com to arrange drop-off or pick-up. If you're not an oenophile, we will make a list of wines available from a local wine store soon so all you have to do is call up, pick a color (red or white) and a region, and provide a form of payment. We'll take care of pick up!

Catalog Advertisements and Family Greetings
There is still room for advertisements and family greetings in the Auction Catalog. Contact Kim Christo at kim.christo@gmail.com if you are interested in placing an ad or family greeting.

LOOKING AHEAD

  • Monday, March 1 - Professional Development Day - NO SCHOOL
  • Friday, March 5 - Family Science Night
  • Saturday, March 20 - AUCTION!

Week at Key - February 14- February 21

NEXT WEEK

  • Monday, 2/15 - Presidents Day Holiday - NO SCHOOL

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

  • AUCTION: Planning for the Spring Auction is in full swing. Have you locked in your babysitter for Saturday, March 20th? Classroom Parent Coordinators are working with teachers to come up with creative and priceless Class Art projects for the live auction. Please look for information from your classroom coordinator about how you can help.
  • The Auction Raffle will kick off next week! A $50 raffle ticket buys you the chance to win a $5,000 cash prize. The winning ticket will be drawn on Friday, March 19th. Look for ticket sellers in the halls and on the black top.
  • Be sure to visit the Spring Auction Web Site at https://kesptadc.ejoinme.org/springauction to donate items online and buy tickets.
  • SCIENCE FAIR: Volunteers needed! Parents are asked to help sell pizza on the evening of March 5th, 2010 during the Science Fair. We need at least 12-volunteers to sell pizza & soda during two shifts. The first shift will be from 6:00PM -7:15PM, the second shift will be from 7:15PM - 8PM. Please contact maryamrahmani@ mac.com by 2/16/10 if you can help. Thank you in advance for supporting our Key Penguins in their pursuit of science!

LOOKING AHEAD

  • Monday, March 1 - Professional Development Day - NO SCHOOL
  • Friday, March 5 - Family Science Night
  • Saturday, March 20 - AUCTION!

MISCELLANEOUS

  • DONATIONS SOUGHT FOR "ANGEL FUND": Our Angel Fund appeal for donations to assist a Key parent in need of experimental cancer treatment has been very successful thanks to the heartfelt support and generosity of our beneficiary family's tight knit community. Despite the disruption and distraction of the severe winter weather we are now within $2000 of our $8000 goal, if one includes verbal commitments. Due to the inclement weather we have extended our campaign. If you would like to contribute please either bring an envelope with cash or a check made out to "CASH" with "Angel Fund" in the memo line to the Key School office. Alternatively you may mail or drop off a check to:

    Charlotte Perry
    2345 Nebraska Ave, NW (cross street MacArthur!!)
    Washington, DC 20016-3317

    As many of you know there has been no mail delivery service for a week now. If you mailed a check to Charlotte and would like confirmation of receipt don't hesitate to email her at charmperry@aol. com. Hopefully no donations were lost in the mail! Thank you all for showing how powerful and meaningful community support is.
  • CONCERT AT THE AVALON: Looking for something to do this weekend? The RTTS will be rocking the Avalon Theater this Saturday morning at 10 a.m. The Avalon is a non-profit, historic theater, and the RTTS are an award winning rock band for kids and adults alike. They hit #4 on XM radio. This show always has everyone dancing in the aisles. Tickets $7. 5612 Connecticut NW, Chevy Chase, DC. http://www.theavalo n.org/

Week at Key - January 31 - February 7

DON'T FORGET: Tomorrow (Friday January 29) there will be a fundraiser for the earthquake victims in Haiti. Please remember to send money in with your child, so that they can buy some hot chocolate at recess. All proceeds go to help a school in Haiti. The drinks will be on sale for a minimum of $2.00, but you can donate as much as you like! Also, coffee will be offered to parents at drop off who wish to donate as well. Cash is preferred.

NEXT WEEK

  • Wednesday, 2/3 - Trash Free Lunch Day

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

  • AUCTION: Donate a Bottle of Wine for the Auction "Wine Pull" Game! Donate your favorite bottle of wine valued at $25 or more for a new game that guarantees you will take home a special bottle of wine. Our goal is to collect more than 100 bottles of wine from Key School families and friends. Wine Pull Bottle values can be up to $100 but no less than $25. Each bottle is tagged with a hidden number. At the Auction, you will be able to buy a numbered cork which corresponds to one of the tagged bottles. You're guaranteed to take home a new exciting wine, many of which will be double or triple of the price of a cork! Contact Kim.Christo@ gmail.com to coordinate getting your donation to her or drop it 2328 Nebraska Ave. NW.
  • PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCE SCHEDULE CHANGE: The next Parent-Teacher conference day will be held on Friday, February 12, rather than March 1. There is no school on either February 12 or March 1.

MISCELLANEOUS

  • DONATIONS SOUGHT FOR "ANGEL FUND": A fellow Key School mother, and long-time member of our World Family Community, urgently needs to undergo cancer treatment that is not covered by insurance. As a community, a group of Key School families are collecting donations to raise the $8,000 needed to cover treatment and related costs by February 14th. It is of utmost importance that we shield the children from this appeal, thus we are not disclosing her name on this venue.

    Please support a fellow Key School mother in need. Please leave a cash donation or a check made out to "cash " and write "Angel Fund" on the memo line and the envelope. (Important: Checks and / or envelopes with cash MUST indicate "Angel Fund.") You may leave your envelope with a donation in the mailbox for the "Corresponding Secretary" in the Key School front office. Alternatively you can mail a check on behalf of our fellow parent to Charlotte Perry, 2345 Nebraska Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016-3317. For further information, please contact charmperry@aol.com. We realize that your hearts and minds have been pulled in so many directions in recent weeks. We are all so very fortunate to live in a community that can and does seek to care for and protect its members. We will keep you all informed of our progress toward our financial goal and let you know of non-financial ways to contribute as well.
  • HEALTHY FOOD COMMITTEE: It is not too early to start thinking about your spring and summer garden! Seeds, which can be planted indoors as early as February are available locally at American Plant and Johnsons. Miller's Nursery http://millernurser ies.com/ also has a wonderful variety of fruits and vegetables for your garden.

LOOKING AHEAD

  • Wednesday, 2/10 - Spring Open House for Prospective Parents, 9-11 AM
  • Friday, 2/12 - Parent Teacher Conferences - NO SCHOOL

Week at Key - January 24 - January 315

NEXT WEEK

  • Wednesday, 1/27 - General PTA Meeting, 6:30 - 8:00 PM
  • Thursday, 1/28 - Fillmore Performance Night for grades 3-5, 7:00 PM

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

  • GENERAL PTA MEETING - January 27, 2010, 6:30 - 8:00 pm at Key School auditorium. Everyone is welcome and we hope to see you there! Come hear Mr. Landeryou's report, exciting news from the Auction chairs, and more. We will also have a presentation entitled "Raising `I Can' Kids," which will discuss how to raise kids for success. The speaker maintains that a child's "I Can Quotient" is a more important indicator of being able to thrive in life than the traditional IQ. The presentation promises to teach strategies to increase your child's sense of feeling connected, capable, competent and courageous. You can learn more about this program at http://www.parenten couragement. org/. Childcare available (children must be toilet-trained) : $3/child, includes one slice of pizza. Additional slices $1 each. To RSVP for childcare, please contact Windsor at windsor@w2consulting.net by January 26.
  • AUCTION: The PTA's primary fundraiser, the Spring Auction, is less than two months away. "Key's World Affair," scheduled for March 20 at Georgetown University's O'Donovan Hall, will celebrate the diversity of Key's student body with a silent and live auction and after-auction party. Besides reserving your babysitters now, how can you get involved?
    Solicit an Item from a Business and/or Donate an Item to the Auction -There are many ways to donate an item -- ask a community business for an item, donate tickets to events, or vacation homes. Some of the most successful items in past auctions have been those created or prepared by Key School parents! You can donate online by visiting the Spring Auction Web site at https://kesptadc.ejoinme.org/springauction.
    Donate a Bottle of Wine - Donate your favorite bottle of wine valued at $25 or more for a new game that guarantees you will take home a special bottle of wine.
    Buy a Raffle Ticket - A $50 raffle ticket buys you the chance to win a $5,000 cash prize. Raffle tickets will be on sale on the school black top in February.
    Help with the Class Art Project - Your child's classroom has already started planning to make an art project to donate to the auction. Ask your classroom parent coordinator how you can help.
    The Auction Committee still needs volunteers, including help before and during the event with set up, directing people, and conducting the silent and live auction. Please contact Kim Christo at kim.christo@ gmail.com if you have questions or interested in volunteering!
  • FILLMORE PERFORMANCE NIGHT: Thursday, January 28 at 7 pm, at Fillmore Arts Center, 1819 35th St, NW. If your child is in grade 3, 4, or 5 and takes dance, drama or musical theatre, this is their night to shine! The classes include: Ms. Meenehand's 2 jazz dance classes, Ms. Timony's 2 guitar classes, Mr. Lee's musical theater class and Mr. Lee's Young Playwrights. Students should report by 6:30 PM.
  • PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCE SCHEDULE CHANGE: The next Parent-Teacher conference day will be held on Friday, February 12, rather than March 1. There is no school on either February 12 or March 1.

MISCELLANEOUS

  • GREEN TIP: Local Restaurants for Local Kids Fundraiser! Dine and drink for a great cause - the DC Farm to School Network - on Friday January 22. Many wonderful local restaurants around Washington will be donating a portion of their proceeds to the DC Farm to School Network. Please join us to eat, drink and enjoy local and sustainable food at one (or more) of the restaurants listed below. For a listing see: http://dcfarmtoscho ol.org/

Week at Key - January 17 - January 24

NEXT WEEK

  • Monday, 1/18 - MLK Holiday - No school
  • Wednesday, 1/20 - Trash Free Lunch Day
  • Wednesday, 1/20 -- Executive Committee Meeting, 7 pm
  • Wednesday, 1/20 - Science Fair Information night, 6:30 pm
  • Friday, 1/22 -- Records Day, school dismissed at 12:15

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

  • GENERAL PTA MEETING - January 27, 2010, 6:30 - 8:00 pm at Key School auditorium. Childcare available (children must be toilet-trained) : $3/child, includes one slice of pizza. Additional slices $1 each. To RSVP for childcare, please contact Windsor at windsor@w2consultin g.net by January 26. After we cover PTA business, we will have a speaker from the Parent Encouragement Program (PEP), who will make a presentation entitled "Raising `I Can' Kids." Her subject is how to raise kids for success; her theory is that a child's "I Can Quotient" is a more important indicator of being able to thrive in life than the traditional IQ. The presentation promises to teach strategies to increase your child's sense of feeling connected, capable, competent and courageous. You can learn more about this program at http://www.parentencouragement.org/. Everyone is welcome and we hope to see you there!
  • H1N1 VACCINE CLINIC: As noted in last week's email, a physician parent has generously offered to provide H1N1 vaccinations at no cost to Key families (including parents and non-Key siblings). Anyone under 10 years old requires two doses at least 21 days apart. We need to know the level of interest in order to decide whether to proceed with the clinic. If you are interested in obtaining an H1N1 vaccine, please email Julieta Caride at jm.caride@yahoo.com by Wednesday January 20, and indicate if you require only the second (booster) dose or both doses. Anyone under 10 years old requires two doses at least 21 days apart.
  • SCIENCE FAIR INFORMATION NIGHT: Wednesday, January 20, at 6:30 pm. This is a special night to get tips on how to help your child navigate the science fair process. Childcare is available. Please RSVP if you are planning to attend and if you need childcare. The correct email address to RSVP is keyschoolsciencefair@gmail.com.
  • FILLMORE PERFORMANCE NIGHT: Now scheduled for Thursday, January 28 at 7 pm, at Fillmore Arts Center, 1819 35th St, NW. If your child is in grade 3, 4, or 5 and takes dance, drama or musical theatre, this is their night to shine! The classes include: Ms. Meenehand's 2 jazz dance classes, Ms. Timony's 2 guitar classes, Mr. Lee's musical theater class and Mr. Lee's Young Playwrights. Students should report by 6:30 PM.
  • KEY OPEN HOUSE: Wednesday, February 10th, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. We need tour guides to help lead groups of people around the school and answer questions. If you are interested in helping, please contact Meredith Fuchs at jeffandmerchyfu@aol.com.
  • PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCE SCHEDULE CHANGE: The next Parent-Teacher conference day will be held on Friday, February 12, rather than March 1. There is no school on either February 12 or March 1.
  • AUCTION: We need everyone's help in soliciting items for the auction! If you would like to help solicit donations and advertisements go to keyschooldc. org & click on the link for Auction Information to find the PDF versions of the letters & forms. Also, check out the new Auction Website at: https://kesptadc.ejoinme.org/springauction.

LOOKING AHEAD

  • 1/27 -- General PTA Meeting, 6:30 - 8:00 pm in Key Auditorium.
  • 2/10 -- Spring Open House for prospective parents

MISCELLANEOUS

  • SPEAKER AT LAB SCHOOL: Jonathan Mooney, a dynamic and inspirational speaker and one of the foremost leaders in LD/ADHD, disabilities, and alternative education, will appear at The Lab School of Washington on Monday, January 25 at 7:00 p.m. Jonathan is a highly sought-after speaker and has lectured in 43 states and three countries. For more information and to register, please see http://www.labschool.org/content/jonathanmooney

Week at Key - August 30-September 5

NEXT WEEK

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

LOOKING AHEAD

MISCELLANEOUS


Week at Key - November 29 - December 6

NEXT WEEK

  • Wednesday, 12/2 - Trash Free Lunch Day

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

  • KEY TREE SALE - Volunteers Needed. The annual Key Tree sale is just around the corner! This year's sale will be held on Saturday & Sunday, December 5 & 6 from 10am-4pm each day. With close to 500 trees (freshly cut from Maine and Pennsylvania) , dozens of kissing balls and wreaths, yards of garland and many other holiday decorations, we're excited about this year's event - and we hope that you are too. Not only is it the best place to get a long-lasting fabulous-looking tree in the area, it's a great way to support our school. And it's your participation that makes this a success and a great community event. From set up to clean up and everything in between, there are many ways to help out (tree handlers, wreath/garland/ kissing balls sales, cashiers, etc). If you are interested in getting involved this year, please email us at keytreesale@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you. So mark the date and start thinking green!
  • HOLIDAY SECRET SHOP: The annual Holiday Secret shop will take place Tuesday and Wednesday December 8 & 9 at the school. Your child should have received envelopes and shopping instructions. Please make sure they bring everything back to the teachers. If you can help staff the shop, please contact Ece Gimer at ece_gimer@yahoo.com.
  • WINTER AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAM -- The PTA will once again sponsor the popular Winter ASEP beginning the week of Jan. 11. Look for the class catalog on the web site next week. Registration will be conducted online starting the week of Dec. 7. Please contact ASEP parent volunteers Cheryl Bruner or Yong Lee with any questions - Cherylbruner17@yahoo.com or ylee.leey@gmail.com.

LOOKING AHEAD

  • Saturday & Sunday - 12/5 & 12/6 - Holiday Tree Sale
  • Monday, 12/7 - Parent-Teacher Conference Day -- NO SCHOOL
  • Tuesday & Wednesday - 12/8 & 12/9 - Holiday Secret Shop

MISCELLANEOUS

  • LUMINARY NIGHT IN THE PALISADES - On Sunday December 20th the Palisades once again will light up the longest night of the year with its annual Luminary Night. This Winter Solstice event is a wonderful opportunity to plan an evening stroll with friends and family, an open house offering hot chocolate or cider to passers-by or a special dinner. For $10 residents and businesses can purchase a Luminary set (containing materials for 12 lanterns). Luminary sets will be sold at the Key School Tree Sale on Saturday December 5th 10am-4pm in the school parking lot. A Porch Sale at 5066 Sherier Place, NW will be held from Dec. 13-20, 4-7pm. Proceeds benefit the charitable efforts of the Palisades Community Fund. This year's recipient will be Veronica House, a permanent supportive group home for women located in the heart of the Palisades. If you'd like to help sell sets, please contact Marie Collins at marie@nickkeenan.com
  • The Washington Revels - In celebration of the Winter Solstice, the Washington Revels presents the Christmas Revels, a performance at the Lisner Auditorium of George Washington University. December 5-6 and Dec 11-13. For more information, see www.revelsdc.org.

Week at Key - November 22 - November 29

NEXT WEEK

  • Wednesday, 11/25 - Trash Free Lunch Day
  • Thursday & Friday, 11/26 & 11/27 - Thanksgiving Holiday, NO SCHOOL

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

  • KEY TREE SALE - Volunteers Needed. The annual Key Tree sale is just around the corner! This year's sale will be held on Saturday & Sunday, December 5 & 6 from 10am-4pm each day. With close to 500 trees (freshly cut from Maine and Pennsylvania) , dozens of kissing balls and wreaths, yards of garland and many other holiday decorations, we're excited about this year's event - and we hope that you are too. Not only is it the best place to get a long-lasting fabulous-looking tree in the area, it's a great way to support our school. And it's your participation that makes this a success and a great community event. From set up to clean up and everything in between, there are many ways to help out (tree handlers, wreath/garland/ kissing balls sales, cashiers, etc). If you are interested in getting involved this year, please email us at keytreesale@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you. So mark the date and start thinking green!
  • COMMUNITY SERVICE: The Community Service Committee thanks Key School families and teachers for the generous response to the Thanksgiving Food Drive. We collected hundreds of food items which will help hungry families in need during this holiday season. Thank you for your support and generosity and for making this food drive a great success.
  • GROUNDS COMMITTEE: Thank you to the plucky band of gardeners who did an amazing job on the grounds cleanup: George & Griffin Beronio; Alexandra, Mike & Annabelle Harbold; Maryanne Krayer, Susan Messina & Clare Messina-Fitzgerald; Fahed Naili & Souad Hamlaoui; Chris, Spencer & Shea Simmons; Marie Collins & Nick Keenan; Karen Kelliher; Simon Young; and Bill Bravman.

LOOKING AHEAD

  • Saturday & Sunday, 12/5 & 12/6 - Holiday Tree Sale
  • Tuesday & Wednesday, 12/8 & 12/9 - Holiday Secret Shop

MISCELLANEOUS

  • NORTHWEST CURRENT ROUTE AVAILABLE. Roughly Dana, down MacArthur to Nebraska, back up Sherier to Dana. If interested, please Jack Koczela: jack@koczela.net
  • MIDDLE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSES: Several public middle schools are holding open houses. For details, please see: http://www.keyschooldc.org/2009/flyers/MS_Open_Houses_2009.pdf
  • GREEN COMMITTEE GREEN TIP: We all know that the dream of the "paperless" society has gone the way of the dodo bird. But you can still reduce your 'office paper footprint' in several ways.
    1. RETHINK: Think before you print! Can you simply write down that address somewhere else? Do you need the whole document or just a page? Can you forward to yourself at another computer?
    2. REDUCE: Learn how to duplex (for example, check http://office. microsoft. com and search 'print on both sides') ... ask your IT dept to upgrade printers to duplex capability if it's not there now ... learn how to print multiple pages on one side (if you can read it)
    3. REUSE: For draft material and personal use, print on the backs of paper used once already. Add another paper tray for scrap.
    4. RECYCLE: Recycle what you use (even shred) ... and invest in high-recycled- content paper (like the PTA does for Key). It may cost a few extra cents but, baby, how good it feels!!

Week at Key - November 15 - November 22

NEXT WEEK

  • Saturday, 11/14 - World Family Parent Potluck, 7-9 PM, 2219 49th St NW.
  • Sunday, 11/15 - Fall Grounds clean-up, 9 AM to noon
  • Tuesday, 11/17 - Fillmore Back to School Night, 6:30 – 8:00 PM (details below)
  • Wednesday, 11/18 - Fall Open House, 9-11 AM
  • Wednesday, 11/18 - Trash Free Lunch Day

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

  • Tuesday, 11/17 - FILLMORE BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT, 6:30-8:00 PM, 1819 35th St. NW, 3rd Floor. Meet your child's teachers and be an artist! There will be two sessions of 15 minutes each to spend with your child's two teachers. Then parents can stay and try out an arts class. Remember to ask your children what classes they take at Fillmore, so that you can be sure to go to the correct room! (For example, even if your student can't remember the name of his or her teacher, you will be able to find the right room if you know he or she is a first grader who takes dance.)
  • HOLIDAY SECRET SHOP: If you can help wrap items for the Holiday Secret Shop, please contact the co-chairs to volunteer: mariana.cavalcanti@ marriott.com, mccally.dc@mac.com, and ece_gimer@yahoo.com.

LOOKING AHEAD

  • Thursday & Friday, 11/26 & 11/27 - Thanksgiving Holiday, NO SCHOOL
  • Saturday & Sunday, 12/5 & 12/6 - Holiday Tree Sale
  • Tuesday & Wednesday, 12/8 & 12/9 - Holiday Secret Shop

MISCELLANEOUS

  • MIDDLE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSES: Several public middle schools are holding open houses, this information is also posted at http://www.keyschoo ldc.org/2009/ flyers/MS_ Open_Houses_ 2009.pdf :
  • Hardy Middle School, 1819 35th Street NW: Every Wednesday, from November 4 through April 28, 9:30 am -11 am.
  • Deal Middle School, 3815 Fort Drive NW: Tuesday, November 17, 9 am -2:30 pm; Tuesday, December 15, 9 am -2:30 pm; Saturday, January 9, 9 am - noon.
  • Washington Latin, Upshur Campus (upper school campus) 4115 16th Street, NW, 6:30pm-8pm: on Tuesday, December 1; Thursday, January 14; Thursday, February 11; and Thursday, March 4.
  • DVD LEFT BEHIND AT HARVEST FESTIVAL. Someone purchased but left behind the DVD for Country Bear. Please contact Elaine at ekennedy@diventaconsulting.com.
  • H1N1: From the office of the school nurse: "If a child has influenza-like illness, which includes fever, the child should remain at home until they have spent 24 hours fever-free without the help of fever-reducing medications (i.e. acetaminophen, ibuprofen, etc)." Updated information on flu vaccination clinics are available at: http://doh.dc.gov/doh/cwp/view.asp?a=1370&q=604320&PM=1

Week at Key - November 8 - November 15

NEXT WEEK

  • Wednesday, 11/11 - Veterans Day - NO SCHOOL
  • Saturday, 11/14 - World Family Community Parent Potluck, 7-9 PM.
  • Sunday 11/15 - Fall Grounds clean-up, 9 AM to noon

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

  • GROUNDS COMMITTEE: The grounds committee is looking for leaf blowers to make the Fall Cleanup (Nov. 15, 9 AM to noon) a snap. If you can bring one, or lend one for the day, please e-mail Wendy Lynch at wendylynch4522@ comcast.net. Also, please let Wendy know if you can lend a hand to help clean up the grounds on Nov. 15.
  • COMMUNITY SERVICE - ANNUAL THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE: Our food drive to benefit families in need in the greater Washington, DC community will take place November 9-13. Please check your cupboards and bring your non-perishable items to the boxes located in by the front office. Healthy choices (low sodium, reduced sugar) are best, and expiration dates should be current. Suggestions include: cans of soup, cereal, snacks, baby food, apple sauce, brown and white rice, pasta, canned beans, marinara sauce, fruit juice (containing 100% juice), canned vegetables, Fig Newtons, graham crackers, Nutrigrain bars, Goldfish, canned fruits, tuna, canned meats, bottled water, beef stew, chili, mac & cheese and napkins. Full participation from Key students is hoped for, and a target goal of receiving 500 donated items for the food drive has been set. If Key students reach (or surpass!) the total school donation amount of 500 items, all students will receive a prize (to be determined by individual teachers). Thank you for your support of this community service effort.
  • SALLY FOSTER: The Sally Foster catalog orders were received and distributed to classrooms today. Please check your order as soon as possible. Correction orders are due on Friday, November 13; email information on needed adjustments to keysallyfoster@ yahoo.com or normaramella@ yahoo.com. Thanks again for your support of the sale.
  • HOLIDAY SECRET SHOP: If you can help wrap items for the Holiday Secret Shop, please contact the co-chairs to volunteer: mariana.cavalcanti@ marriott.com, mccally.dc@mac.com, and ece_gimer@yahoo.com.
  • WORLD FAMILY: The World Family Community Parent Potluck Dinner will take place Saturday, Nov. 14, at the home of Maria and Adam Emmanuel. 7-9 PM, at 2219 49th St NW. RSVP to Luz at luz@worlddata.com.

LOOKING AHEAD

  • Wednesday, 11/18 - Fall Open House, 9-11 AM

MISCELLANEOUS

  • GREEN TIP: Make it a wholesome, low-emissions, local-farm supportive Thanksgiving: get your turkey locally. One option is www.southmountaincr eamery.com. They can deliver a fresh, free range bird right to you. Last day to order is Nov 7.
  • SAFE DRIVING AND DROP-OFF: We continue to hear from concerned parents who've observed risky drop-off habits. Please remember to obey all traffic laws and school safety rules when dropping off your children in the morning. And remember to "go with the flow" when driving to Key and drive clock-wise around the school (that is, drive north along Hurst Terrace, turn right and head east on Garfield Street, turn right and continue south on Eskridge Terrace, and then turn right and head west on Dana Place). This assures a flow of traffic in one direction on streets that cannot adequately handle busy two-way traffic. Look for Linda ReVeal's article in the next Keynotes regarding this very issue!
  • H1N1: Mr. Landeryou has forwarded this information provided through the office of the school nurse: "All influenza cases, regardless of strain, are being counted together and the recommendations to schools are the same. If a child has influenza-like illness, which includes fever, the child should remain at home until they have spent 24 hours fever-free without the help of fever-reducing medications (i.e. acetaminophen, ibuprofen, etc)." Updated information on flu vaccination clinics are available at: http://doh.dc.gov/doh/cwp/view.asp?a=1370&q=604320&PM=1

Week at Key - November 1 - November 8

NEXT WEEK

  • Wednesday, 11/4 - First Auction Meeting, 8:00 - 9:30 PM. /li>
  • Wednesday, 11/4 - Trash-Free Lunch Day

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

  • AUCTION COMMITTEE: The auction committee needs lots of volunteers. Everyone is welcome and no experience needed. The first meeting will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 4 from 8-9:30 PM, at the home of Maria Emanuel. Wine, cheese & dessert served. For Info: 202-944-8642. Take a look at http://www.keyschooldc.org/2009/auction.html to learn about all the different ways you can help.
  • GROUNDS COMMITTEE: The grounds committee is looking for leaf blowers to make the Fall Cleanup (Nov. 15, 9 AM to noon) a snap. If you can bring one, or lend one for the day, please e-mail wendylynch4522@comcast.net.
  • WORLD FAMILY: The World Family Community Parent Potluck Dinner will take place Saturday, Nov. 14, at the home of Maria and Adam Emmanuel. 7-9 PM, at 2219 49th St NW. RSVP to Luz at luz@worlddata.com.
  • SALLY FOSTER: Thanks again for your support of the Sally Foster fundraiser! We are pleased to announce that Ms. Bergantino's fourth grade class is the winner of the PIZZA PARTY with a top selling count of 113 items! Also, please congratulate individual top sellers Brooke Milligan, Brandon Milligan and Fiona Watkins. So far this year, Key School has earned over $3,800 from Sally Foster sales; you can continue to support Key through on-line orders all year long, just enter school ID 499221 when placing your order at www.sallyfoster. com.
  • KEY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: Wednesday, November 18, 9-11 AM. We need tour guides to lead groups of people around the school and answer questions. If you are interested in helping, please contact Meredith Fuchs at jeffandmerchyfu@ aol.com
  • HOLIDAY SECRET SHOP: If you can help wrap items for the Holiday Secret Shop, please contact the co-chairs to volunteer: mariana.cavalcanti@ marriott.com, mccally.dc@mac.com, and ece_gimer@yahoo.com.
  • RETAIL REBATE: Attention, Harris Teeter grocery shoppers! Now you can earn money for Key School when you shop. Just link your VIC card to Key School, and we get up to 5% back to us on every Private Label purchase. Just give the cashier our ID number at checkout: (write it down!) 7946.

LOOKING AHEAD

  • Saturday, 11/14 - World Family Community Parent Potluck, 7-9 PM
  • Sunday 11/15 - Fall Grounds clean-up, 9 AM to noon
  • Wednesday, 11/18 - Fall Open House, 9-11 AM.

MISCELLANEOUS

  • TREATS FOR OUR TROOPS: Donate surplus Halloween candy to our troops! Candy will be mailed directly to our deployed troops or shared with soldiers and families at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Since our children will collect far more candy than we want them eating, ease their pain of giving it up by explaining how it will brighten the day of those who are serving our nation. Drop off your candy at the collection box by the front office of Key by Friday, Nov. 6. Chocolate is OK! Family member or friend deployed? Treats 4 Our Troops would love to add them to our address book -- drop a line to treats4ourtroops@gmail.com. For $11 a large box can be sent overseas. If you are interested in sponsoring a box or if you want to arrange a volunteer group to pack the candy, please email treats4ourtroops@gmail.com.
  • H1N1: Mr. Landeryou has forwarded this information provided through the office of the school nurse: "All influenza cases, regardless of strain, are being counted together and the recommendations to schools are the same. If a child has influenza-like illness, which includes fever, the child should remain at home until they have spent 24 hours fever-free without the help of fever-reducing medications (i.e. acetaminophen, ibuprofen, etc)." Updated information on flu vaccination clinics are available at: http://doh.dc.gov/doh/cwp/view.asp?a=1370&q=604320&PM=1
  • GREEN COMMITTEE GREEN TIP: Learn the most cost-effective means of reducing your heating/cooling bills and reduce that carbon footprint: attend the Weatherize DC community energy meeting to learn about weatherizing your home, how to take next steps, and the gains of teaming up with your neighborhood in the process. Thursday, November 5, 7:00 p.m., Second District Police Station Community Room, 3320 Idaho Ave., NW. RSVP - www.weatherizedc.org or (202) 495-1328.

Week at Key - October 25 - November 1

  • Sunday, 10/25 - Harvest Festival, 12 noon - 4 pm
  • Wednesday, 10/28 - Trash-Free Lunch Day
  • Thursday, 10/29, Parade and Records Day - Halloween parade at 11:30 a.m. and SCHOOL DISMISSED at 12:15 am.
  • Friday, 10/30 - Professional Development Day - NO SCHOOL

LOOKING AHEAD

  • Wednesday, 11/4 - First Auction Meeting, 8:00 - 9:30 PM
  • Saturday, 11/14 - World Family Community Parent Potluck, 7-9 PM.
  • Wednesday, 11/18 - Fall Open House, 9-11 AM.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

  • HARVEST FESTIVAL -- Harvest Festival, Sunday October 25 noon-4pm. Please bring cash or a check made out to Key School PTA to school tomorrow to purchase Punch Cards, available now for $10 (Punch cards will be $12 the day of the event). Punch Cards are good for all Harvest Festival activities including games, food and the book sale. Look for Punch Card sales people on the blacktop. Volunteers are still needed for set-up (9 am - 12 noon), clean-up (4 pm - 6 pm) and grillers (3 pm - 4pm). Please contact Elaine Kennedy at ekennedy@diventacon sulting.com to volunteer.
  • WORLD FAMILY: Third time is the charm! The World Family Community Parent Potluck Dinner has been rescheduled again. It is now scheduled for Saturday, November 14, at the home of Maria and Adam Emmanuel. 7-9 pm, at 2219 49th St NW, @ Ashby. RSVP to Luz at luz@worlddata. com. Please see http://www.keyschoo ldc.org/2009/ world.html
  • AUCTION COMMITTEE: The auction committee is gearing up for Key School's biggest fundraiser and needs lots of volunteers. Everyone is welcome and no experience needed. The first meeting will take place on Wednesday, Nov 4th from 8-9:30pm, at the home of Maria Emanuel. The agenda is to organize committee chairs & volunteers. Wine, cheese & dessert served. For Info: 202-944-8642. Please see http://www.keyschoo ldc.org/2009/ flyers/meetingfl yernov09. pdf
  • HOLIDAY SECRET SHOP: The shops are already full of decorations, which can only mean one thing...the Key School Holiday Secret Shop is coming soon! Before we open shop, we need a small army of gift wrappers. Either take home supplies and a bag of gifts to wrap or come to a wrapping party -- or even better, host a wrapping party! Please let Carol Pineau know if you can help - capineau@aol. com or 202-321-0570.
  • KEY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: Wednesday, November 18th. Key School will open its doors between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. to prospective parents, curious neighbors and anyone else who is interested in taking a look around our award-winning school. Please be sure to mention the open house to any interested families that you know. We need tour guides to help lead groups of people around the school and answer questions. If you are interested in helping, please contact Meredith Fuchs at jeffandmerchyfu@ aol.com.
    • <
  • RETAIL REBATE: Attention, Harris Teeter grocery shoppers! Now you can earn money for Key School when you shop. Just link your VIC card to Key School, and we get up to %5 back to us on every Private Label purchase. All you do is give the cashier our ID number at checkout: (write it down!) 7946.
  • PTA FORMS: If you have not already done so, please pick up your PTA Packet from the main office. Alternatively, you can download the dues/classroom supplies form on the side navigation of this web site. To volunteer, please complete the form available at: http://www.keyschooldc.org/2009/pta/PTA_Volunteer_Opportunities_ 2009.pdf. Thanks!
  • NOTE ON THE DIRECTORY: Please note that the telephone number for the Key School printed on the cover of the 2009-10 Directory is incorrect. The correct number is 202-729-3280, as noted on the inside cover.

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Marathon: Kindergarten teacher Kathryn Tompkins is running the Marine Corps Marathon on Sunday, 10/25. Key families that want to cheer for her can gather at Reservoir and V St. Runners will go past starting around 8:30am. This is between mile 6 and 7 of the 26.2 mile race.
  • MOVIES IN THE PARK: This Saturday is the fourth and final of the October Movies in the Park. The movie will be shown, rain or shine, in the field house or under the stars at Palisades Park. 7:00 Cartoons, 7:30 Ghostbusters. Movies, popcorn and drinks are provided free of charge by the Palisades Community Fund and Friends of the Palisades Park.

Week at Key - October 18 - October 25

  • Monday, 10/19 - Fillmore Open Class for Kindergarten, 1-2 pm.
  • Wednesday, 10/21 - Trash-Free Lunch Day
  • Wednesday, 10/21 - Healthy Food Committee Meeting, 7:30 - 8:30 pm
  • Thursday, 10/22 - Fillmore Open Classes for Grades 1-5. 10:00-11:00 AM for grades 3, 4 & 5. 1:00 - 2:00 PM for grades 1 and 2.
  • Friday, 10/23 - World Family Potluck Dinner, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
  • Sunday, 10/25 - Harvest Festival, 12 noon to 4 pm, at Key School

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

  • HARVEST FESTIVAL -- Harvest Festival, Sunday October 25 from noon-4pm. The Great Pumpkin Decorating Contest is back! Bring your decorated (not carved) pumpkin to the Harvest Festival by 1:30pm and you could be a winner! Prizes include $100 Savings Bond from Wachovia, 10 free Hapmudo Martial Arts lessons, and Games donated by Sullivan's Toy Store. See the displays in the main lobby and outside the cafeteria. Details and rules can also be found in the flyer sent home in backpacks earlier in the week.

    Pre-Sale Punch Cards will go on sale Monday for $10 for 24 punches ($12 the day of the event). Punch Cards are good for all Harvest Festival activities including games, food and the book sale. Look for Punch Card sales people on the black top or talk to your room parents if you can't make it up to school. If your child is in the extended day program, you may also see Ann Conway for Punch Cards.
  • FILLMORE: Open class week is October 19 -23. Come see what your creative student is doing! Kindergarten open classes are on Monday, 10/19, at 1:00-2:00 pm. Grades 3, 4, & 5 have open classes on Thursday, 10/ 22, at 10:00-11:00 am. Grades 1 & 2 have open classes Thursday, 10/22, 1:00-2:00 p.m. These are open classes, not performances.
  • HEALTHY FOOD COMMITTEE: Interested in ensuring that our children have access to the healthiest food possible? If so, you are welcome at the Healthy Food Committee meeting, Wed., Oct. 21 from 7:30 to 8:30 at Christy Halvorson Ross' home, 5206 Sherier Place, 202.244.5379. Hosted by Christy and Ingrid Bush. Items on the agenda: cafeteria lunches, snack guidelines, vegetable gardening, composting, and more. Please RSVP if you will attend!
  • WORLD FAMILY: For International Parents: The World Family Community is hosting our annual International Parent Potluck on Friday, October 23rd from 7 to 9pm at the home of Maria and Adam Emanuel. Please plan on joining us! To learn more about World Family, see http://www.keyschooldc.org/2009/world.html
  • AUCTION COMMITEE: The auction committee is gearing up for Key School's biggest fundraiser and needs lots of volunteers. Everyone is welcome and no experience needed. The first meeting will take place on Wednesday, Nov 4th from 8-9:30pm, at the home of Maria Emanuel. The agenda is to organize Committee Chairs & Volunteers. Wine, Cheese & Dessert Served. For Info: 202-944-8642 or go to Auction Information
  • KEY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: Spread the Word! Give a Tour! Key School Fall Open House, Wednesday, November 18th. Key School will open its doors between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. to prospective parents, curious neighbors and anyone else who is interested in taking a look around our award-winning school. These open houses provide a wonderful opportunity for people to tour the building, observe classes, and meet Key School staff and parents. We will be distributing flyers to neighborhood preschools and posting signs around the neighborhood, but please be sure to mention the open house to any interested families that you know. We also need tour guides to help lead groups of people around the school and answer questions. If you are interested in helping, please contact Meredith Fuchs at jeffandmerchyfu@ aol.com.
  • GREEN COMMITTEE: October is Walk to School month! (www.walktoschool. org) The Green Committee has prepared a Key School-specific document on the Walk and Roll program.
  • PLAYGROUND RULES: Please remind your children that they are not allowed to climb or hang on the trees on the Key School grounds. Many branches of the beautiful flowering trees down by the climbing structure are at risk of breaking off! Playground rules can be reviewed at: http://www.keyschooldc.org/2009/flyers/KEY_playground_rules.pdf
  • PTA FORMS: If you have not already done so, please pick up your PTA Packet from the main office. Alternatively, you can download the dues/classroom supplies form to the right under "PTA/School Forms. Please turn in your forms as soon as possible. Thanks!
  • SALLY FOSTER: Thanks for your terrific support of the Sally Foster sale this year! Stay tuned to NWAK for announcement of the top selling class for the pizza party! If you placed a catalog order, products will be delivered to Key on Thursday, November 5. You can still order at www.sallyfoster. com and give Key 50% credit.

LOOKING AHEAD

  • Thursday, 10/29, Parade and Records Day -- Halloween parade at 11:30 a.m. and SCHOOL DISMISSED at 12:15 am.
  • Friday, 10/30 - Professional Development Day - NO SCHOOL
  • Wednesday, 11/4 - First Auction Meeting, 8:00 - 9:30 PM

MISCELLANEOUS

  • FILMS WITH FRIENDS AT THE PALISADES PARK: Bring beach chairs, blankets and even a picnic dinner and join your neighbors for an evening of free movies under the stars at the Palisades Park! Saturday, October 24, 2009. 7:00pm – Cartoons; 7:30pm - Ghost Busters.
  • KICKING & SCREENING SOCCER FILM FESTIVAL is coming to DC October 15-18! See www.kickingandscree ning.com for information. Kids under 12 go free to the Family Event on October 18 at the Avalon Theatre at 2021 Connecticut Avenue NW. See http://www.kickinga ndscreening. com/biggreen. html for details on the Family Event.
  • KIDS EUROFESTIVAL FOR KIDS: You may be interested in this festival organized by EU embassies, which features free activities for children at many different locations: http://www.kidseurofestival.org/
  • WASHINGTON INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW: The Washington International Horse Show October 20-25 at the Verizon Center is offering free tickets to Key School! Kids 12 and under are free everyday until 5pm courtesy of Comcast. Kids' tickets after 5pm are $10-$20; adults' tickets range from $15-$50. To get your ticket vouchers (good for anytime and almost any seat) or to learn more, please contact Diana Hosford at drhosford5@yahoo. com.
  • SUNDAES & STORIES CHILDREN'S EVENT: October 18th, 2009, 3-4:30pm. Ice cream sundae party followed by a reading and book signing by Judith Viorst, who will do an interactive reading of her children's classic, "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day." Tickets are $20 per child (suggested age: 3 to 10 years) - adults free with paid child. The Washington Home, 3720 Upton Street, NW, Washington, DC, 202-895-9680. RSVP at http://sundaesandst ories.eventbrite .com. See flyer on Key school website at http://www.keyschooldc.org/2009/SundaesandStoriesflyer.pdf.

Week at Key - October 11 - October 18

NEXT WEEK

  • Monday, 10/12 - Columbus Day - NO SCHOOL
  • Tuesday, 10/13 - Executive Committee Meeting, 7:30 pm
  • Wednesday, 10/14 Trash Free Lunch Day
  • Wednesday, 10/14 - General PTA Meeting, 6:30-8:00 pm, in school cafeteria

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

  • GENERAL PTA MEETING, October 14, 2009, from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm in the school auditorium. Come hear reports from Principal Landeryou and committee chairs for Harvest Festival, Community Service, Life after Key, Green Committee, Healthy Food Committee, and more. We will also have a special presentation on health issues including H1N1 and lice. Childcare available (children must be toilet-trained) : $3/child, includes one slice of pizza. Additional slices $1 each. To RSVP for childcare, please contact Windsor at Windsor@w2consulting.net by October 13. Hope to see you there!
  • GREEN COMMITTEE: October is Walk to School month! (www.walktoschool. org) Our first week participating in the DDOT "Walk and Roll" program is off to a good start, with enthusiastic response from students & parents alike. A few questions have naturally come up ... for more details on the program please see http://www.keyschoo ldc.org/2009/ Walk_and_ Roll_Club_ Instructions. pdf. There are several ways students can participate without actually having to walk (or roll) all the way from home.
  • HARVEST FESTIVAL is right around the corner on Sunday October 25! This fun-filled day will be spectacular thanks to the tireless efforts of our Key School parents. There are many ways to help. Contact your room parents to volunteer for your class activity or Elaine Kennedy at ekennedy@diventacon sulting.com to lend a hand for set-up, clean up or to work the grill. Donate your gently used children's books, CDs, DVDs and game cartridges for the Children's Book and Media Sale. A donation box is located at the main entrance to the school. Contact Abby Horrigan at AWHorrigan@aol. com with questions about the Book and Media sale. Fire up your ovens and bring your individually- wrapped baked goods for the Bake Sale. Donations will be accepted starting at 10am on the day of the Festival. Contact Tricia Duncan at t.duncan@starpower. net with questions about the Bake Sale.
  • SALLY FOSTER CAMPAIGN - FINAL DAYS: The sale ends October 10! Have you tried an on-line order? Shipping is free for orders $70 and over and the items will be delivered to your door in just a few days. The top-selling class will win a PIZZA PARTY! If you have more than one child at Key and would like to place one order and have them all receive equal credit, simply send an email to keysallyfoster@ yahoo.com with their names and we will ensure everyone gets equal credit toward the class party prize. Order at www.sallyfoster. com; enter school ID number 499221 to give Key 50% credit. Register your student as a seller at https://sellersection.entertainment.com/sellerSection/ and send emails to friends and family. Thanks for your support of the Sally Foster fundraiser!
  • WORLD FAMILY: For International Parents: You are invited to be part of Key School's World Family Community and share your country and its culture with the students of Key Elementary School. The World Family Community is hosting our annual International Parent Potluck on Friday, October 23rd from 7 to 9pm at the home of Maria and Adam Emanuel. Please plan on joining us! See http://www.keyschooldc.org/2009/world/WF_ Potluck_2009_10.pdf for details. Key has a proud tradition of an internationally diverse student body representing over 40 countries! Accordingly, the World Family Community aims to use the unique international resources of our multicultural community to enrich our children's educational experience. To learn more about World Family, see http://www.keyschooldc.org/2009/world.html. Let us know who you are, particularly if you are new to the Key School. World Family Co-chairs - Charlotte Perry, charmperry@aol.com, and Melina Bellows, mbellows@ngs.org.
  • PTA PACKETS AND DIRECTORY FORMS: If you have not already done so, please pick up your PTA Packet from the main office and turn in your forms as soon as possible.

LOOKING AHEAD

  • Thursday, Oct 22 - Fillmore Open House, 10:00 AM for grades 3-5 and 1:00 PM for grades K, 1 and 2.
  • Friday, Oct 23 - World Family potluck dinner, 7-9 p.m.
  • Sunday, Oct 25 - Harvest Festival, 12 noon - 4pm.

MISCELLANEOUS

  • RAZOR SCOOTER MIXUP! On the night of the back-to-school picnic, Deborah Winter's son brought home the wrong Razor. Mitchell's Razor is blue and like new, and has his name in black marker down the stem. Please check your Razors and please contact Deborah at dbwinter@verizon.net if you have the missing one.
  • SUNDAES & STORIES CHILDREN'S EVENT AT THE WASHINGTON HOME
    WHAT: Sundaes & Stories: Build-your-own ice cream sundae party followed by a reading and book signing by Judith Viorst - Dedicated hospice volunteer and renowned local children's author. Judith will do an interactive reading of her children's classic, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.
    WHO: Children and their parent(s)
    WHEN: October 18th, 2009, 3-4:30pm
    WHERE: The Washington Home, 3720 Upton Street, NW, Washington, DC.
    TICKETS: $20 per child (suggested age: 3 to 10 years) - adults free with paid child
    RSVP: http://sundaesandstories.eventbrite.com
    See flyer on Key school website at http://www.keyschooldc.org/2009/SundaesandStoriesflyer.pdf
  • WASHINGTON INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW: The Washington International Horse Show October 20-25 at Verizon Center is offering free tickets to Key School! Kids 12 and under are free everyday until 5pm courtesy of Comcast. Kids' tickets after 5pm are $10-$20; adults' tickets range from $15-$50. To get your ticket vouchers (good for anytime and almost any seat) or to learn more please contact Diana Hosford at drhosford5@yahoo.com.
  • COMMUNITY PRESCHOOL OF THE PALISADES CHILDREN'S BOOK FAIR. Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009 - Friday, Oct. 16, 2009, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Community Church of the Palisades (5200 Cathedral Avenue, NW). Find the perfect birthday and holiday gifts! We will have some arts and crafts kits and adult titles in addition to a wide variety of children's books. Please spread the word to all your friends and neighbors in our community. All proceeds benefit the preschool.
  • Films with Friends at the Palisades Park: Bring beach chairs, blankets and even a picnic dinner and join your neighbors for an evening of free movies under the stars at the Palisades Park!

    Saturday, October 17, 2009
    7:00pm - Cartoons
    7:30pm - The Natural

    Saturday, October 24, 2009
    7:00pm - Cartoons
    7:30pm - Ghost Busters

    Presented by:
    The Friends of Palisades Park
    Sponsored by:
    The Palisades Community Fund
  • KICKING & SCREENING SOCCER FILM FESTIVAL is coming to DC! October 15-18. Please see www.kickingandscree ning.com for information and tickets. Kids under 12 go free to the Family Event on October 18 at the Avalon Theatre at 2021 Connecticut Avenue NW. See http://www.kickingandscreening.com/biggreen.html for details on the Family Event.

Week at Key - October 4 - October 11

  • Wednesday, 10/7 - Trash Free Lunch Day
  • Friday, 10/9 - Sally Foster Catalog orders due
  • Saturday, 10/10 - Sally Foster Online orders due for seller credit

LOOKING AHEAD

  • SALLY FOSTER CAMPAIGN - FINAL DAYS: The sale ends October 10! Have you tried an on-line order? Shipping is free for orders $70 and over and the items will be delivered to your door in just a few days. The top-selling class will win a PIZZA PARTY! If you have more than one child at Key and would like to place one order and have them all receive equal credit, simply send an email to keysallyfoster@ yahoo.com with their names and we will ensure everyone gets equal credit toward the class party prize. Order at www.sallyfoster. com; enter school ID number 499221 to give Key 50% credit. Register your student as a seller at https://sellersection.entertainment.com/sellerSection/ and send emails to friends and family. Thanks for your support of the Sally Foster fundraiser!
  • WORLD FAMILY: For International Parents: You are invited to be part of Key School's World Family Community and share your country and its culture with the students of Key Elementary School. The World Family Community is hosting our annual International Parent Potluck on Friday, October 23rd from 7 to 9pm at the home of Maria and Adam Emanuel. Please plan on joining us! See http://www.keyschooldc.org/2009/world/WF_ Potluck_2009_10.pdf for details. Key has a proud tradition of an internationally diverse student body representing over 40 countries! Accordingly, the World Family Community aims to use the unique international resources of our multicultural community to enrich our children's educational experience. To learn more about World Family, see http://www.keyschooldc.org/2009/world.html. Let us know who you are, particularly if you are new to the Key School. World Family Co-chairs - Charlotte Perry, charmperry@aol.com, and Melina Bellows, mbellows@ngs.org.
  • GENERAL PTA MEETING, October 14, 2009, from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm in the school auditorium. Come hear the Report from Principal Landeryou, reports from Committee chairs for Harvest Festival, Community Service, Life after Key, and more, and a special presentation on health issues including H1N1 and lice. Childcare available: $3/child, includes one slice of pizza. Additional slices $1 each. To RSVP for childcare, please contact Windsor at Windsor@w2consulting.net by October 13.
  • GREEN COMMITTEE: This week's GREEN TIP: rethink REDUCE reuse recycle
    Time to tighten up that house before Ole man winter arrives. Here's tips on a do-it-yourself energy audit: http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/energy_audits/index.cfm/mytopic=11170
    Better, schedule a free professional audit through the city: http://ddoe.dc.gov/ddoe/cwp/view,a,1209,q,492761.asp
    If you'd like to share your own GREEN TIP, just send it to greentips@palisadesdc.org.
  • HEALTHY FOOD COMMITTEE: The Healthy Food Committee wants to bring two items to your attention. 1) A lecture: Improving Cognition: Nutritional Strategies for Optimizing the Biochemistry of Learning Kelly Dorfman, M.S., L.N.D., Clinical Nutritionist and Health Program Planner, Co-founder, Non-profit organization, Developmental Delay Resources (DDR). October 7, from 7:30-9pm, Kelly Theater, The Lab School of Washington. See more information at: www.labschool.org/content/lectures

    2) DC School Garden Week - October 5-10. See flyer on Key School website at: http://www.keyschooldc.org/2009/DC_School_ Garden_Week.pdf
  • PTA PACKETS AND DIRECTORY FORMS: If you have not already done so, please pick up your PTA Packet from the main office and turn in your forms as soon as possible.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

  • Monday, Oct 12 - Columbus Day - no school
  • Wednesday, Oct 14 - General PTA meeting, 6:30-8:00 pm in school cafeteria
  • Thursday, Oct 22 - Fillmore Open House, 10:00 AM for grades 3-5 and 1:00 PM for K, 1 and 2
  • Friday, Oct 23 - World Family potluck dinner, 7-9 pm
  • Sunday, Oct 25 - Harvest Festival, 12 noon - 4pm

MISCELLANEOUS

  • ANNUAL STUFFED ANIMAL DRIVE FOR THE KIDS IN QUITO, ECUADOR. Every year we ask for used or new, stuffed animals to be donated for the children of Quito, Ecuador. The drive will take place October 5th to October 9th. Collection boxes are located in the front of the school. The kids of Ecuador thank you!
  • SUNDAES & STORIES CHILDREN'S EVENT AT THE WASHINGTON HOME
    WHAT: Sundaes & Stories: Build-your-own ice cream sundae party followed by a reading and book signing by Judith Viorst - Dedicated hospice volunteer and renowned local children's author. Judith will do an interactive reading of her children's classic, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.
    WHO: Children and their parent(s)
    WHEN: October 18th, 2009, 3-4:30pm
    WHERE: The Washington Home, 3720 Upton Street, NW, Washington, DC.
    TICKETS: $20 per child (suggested age: 3 to 10 years) - adults free with paid child
    RSVP: http://sundaesandstories.eventbrite.com
    See flyer on Key school website at http://www.keyschooldc.org/2009/SundaesandStoriesflyer.pdf
  • Films with Friends at the Palisades Park: Bring beach chairs, blankets and even a picnic dinner and join your neighbors for an evening of free movies under the stars at the Palisades Park!

    Saturday, October 10, 2009
    7:00pm - Cartoons
    7:30pm - Grease

    Saturday, October 17, 2009
    7:00pm - Cartoons
    7:30pm - The Natural

    Saturday, October 24, 2009
    7:00pm - Cartoons
    7:30pm - Ghost Busters

    Presented by:
    The Friends of Palisades Park
    Sponsored by:
    The Palisades Community Fund

Week at Key - September 27 - October 4

NEXT WEEK

  • Wednesday, 9/30 Trash Free Lunch Day

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

  • SALLY FOSTER CAMPAIGN, WEEK 3! Remember to share the catalog with friends and family and send emails for easy on-line ordering. This year's sale has a new award program: the top-selling class will receive special recognition with a PIZZA PARTY! The winning class will be determined by the total number of items sold; be sure to give your child(ren) credit for on-line orders by using the seller registration link at https://sellersection.entertainment.com/sellerSecti on/?WT.svl= 16784651211. In addition, please consider becoming a co-chair and/or volunteering your time to assist with this year's sale. There are several easy-to-manage tasks that can adapt into almost any schedule, including on-line order processing and communicating with parents about orders. We can also use help on November 5 to distribute items to the classrooms. Please email keysallyfoster@yahoo.com with any questions about this year's sale.
  • WORLD FAMILY: For International Parents: You are invited to be part of Key School's World Family Community and share your country and its culture with the students of Key Elementary School. The World Family Community is hosting our annual International Parent Potluck on Friday, October 23rd from 7 to 9pm at the home of Maria and Adam Emanuel. Please plan on joining us! See http://www.keyschooldc.org/2009/world/WF_ Potluck_2009_10.pdf for details. Key has a proud tradition of an internationally diverse student body representing over 40 countries! Accordingly, the World Family Community aims to use the unique international resources of our multicultural community to enrich our children's educational experience. To learn more about World Family, see http://www.keyschooldc.org/2009/world.html. Let us know who you are, particularly if you are new to the Key School. World Family Co-chairs - Charlotte Perry, charmperry@aol.com, and Melina Bellows, mbellows@ngs.org.
  • GREEN COMMITTEE'S GREEN TIP: Thanks to the District's expanded recycling program, you may find your trash load shifting from your garbage can to your recycling can. If you find yourself running out of room ... just dial 311 (the city call center) and request another one! So far they have been honoring these requests. Your apartment building should by law have their own recycling service ... if not, give your management company a buzz. All you need to know about recycling in the District: http://recycle.dpw.dc.gov. If you'd like to share your own GREEN TIP, just send it to greentips@palisadesdc.org.
  • PTA PACKETS AND DIRECTORY FORMS: If you have not already done so, please pick up your PTA Packet from the main office and turn in your forms as soon as possible.

LOOKING AHEAD

  • Monday, Oct 12 - Columbus Day - no school
  • Wednesday, Oct 14 - General PTA meeting, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
  • Friday, Oct 23 - World Family potluck dinner, 7-9 p.m.
  • Sunday, Oct 25 - Harvest Festival, 12 noon - 4pm.

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Back to School BBQ with Mary Cheh: Councilmember Mary Cheh will host the 3rd annual "Back to School BBQ" at Friendship ("Turtle") Park located at 4500 Van Ness Street, NW, On Saturday, September 26 from 11am-4pm. The event will feature the District's own award-winning firefighter barbeque team and information tables from the DC government and public and private organizations. The BBQ will be filled with activities for the entire family including a moon bounce, wacky family races, and great giveaways from our local ward 3 business community and area professional sports teams. Don't miss the giveaways. The Joy of Motion Dance company will also be on hand to energize the crowd and teach a little hip hop dance with music played by Ward 3's own DJ Moosic. The day will end with a game of kick ball between Team Cheh and the Hearst Recreation Center teen club. Come out and enjoy a day of fun, great food, and exciting activities. For information please contact (202) 724-8062
  • Films with Friends at the Palisades Park: Bring beach chairs, blankets and even a picnic dinner and join your neighbors for an evening of free movies under the stars at the Palisades Park!

    Saturday, October 3, 2009
    7:00pm - Cartoons
    7:30pm - Raiders of the Lost Ark

    Saturday, October 10, 2009
    7:00pm - Cartoons
    7:30pm - Grease

    Saturday, October 17, 2009
    7:00pm - Cartoons
    7:30pm - The Natural

    Saturday, October 24, 2009
    7:00pm - Cartoons
    7:30pm - Ghost Busters

    Presented by:
    The Friends of Palisades Park
    Sponsored by:
    The Palisades Community Fund

Week at Key - September 20 - September 27

TODAY/TOMORROW

  • Thursday, 9/17 - Back to School Night, 7 pm. Come to the auditorium at 7 p.m. to learn more about Key from Mr. Landeryou, and then visit your child(ren)'s classes to hear from their teachers. Please note there is no childcare at the school.
  • Friday, 9/18 - Professional Development Day - NO SCHOOL

NEXT WEEK

  • Wednesday, 9/23 - Trash Free Lunch Day

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

  • HEALTHY FOOD COMMITTEE: Please remember that Local Flavor Week is Sept. 21 through 25. We hope you will shop at the Palisades Farmer's Market this Sunday from 9-1 (http://www.palisadesfarmersmarket.com/) where you can get delicious local produce, meat, cheeses, flowers, and more. Americans consume 400 gallons of oil per year per citizen--about 17% of our nations energy use--for agriculture, a close second to our vehicular use. Each food item in a typical U.S. meal travels an average of 1,500 miles. By eating locally you can decrease this statistic dramatically, help our environment, and enjoy seasonal, flavorful food. Please see the electronic flyers posted at the following links to the Key School Website for more information.
  • SALLY FOSTER CAMPAIGN, WEEK 3! Remember to share the catalog with friends and family and send emails for easy on-line ordering. This year's sale has a new award program: the top-selling class will receive special recognition with a PIZZA PARTY! The winning class will be determined by the total number of items sold; be sure to give your child(ren) credit for on-line orders by using the seller registration link at https://sellersection.entertainment.com/sellerSecti on/?WT.svl= 16784651211. In addition, please consider becoming a co-chair and/or volunteering your time to assist with this year's sale. There are several easy-to-manage tasks that can adapt into almost any schedule, including on-line order processing and communicating with parents about orders. We can also use help on November 5 to distribute items to the classrooms. Please email keysallyfoster@yahoo.com with any questions about this year's sale.
  • COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMITTEE: Looking for a way to support a worthy charity, but are faced with a busy schedule and not a lot of free time? Here are a couple fast and easy ways to support pediatric cancer research: Get on the web and visit www.philosophy. com to purchase a bottle of Oatmeal Raisin Shower Gel. Until October 15th, 100% of the profit of bottles of the cookie-scented shower gel is being donated to Cookies for Kids Cancer (www.cookiesforkidscancer.org) . In addition, Facebook fans can go to Philosophy's page and send virtual cookies to friends every Saturday in September and Philosophy will donate $1 to Cookies for Kids Cancer for each "cookie" sent. See the Facebook page and/or website for details.
  • DROP-OFF PROCEDURES: We are hearing from horrified parents who've observed some risky, inconsiderate drop-off habits. Please remember to obey all traffic laws and school safety rules when dropping off your children in the morning. Of particular note:
    1. When dropping off your children by car, the following school traffic pattern should be used: drive north along Hurst Terrace, turn right and head east on Garfield Street, turn right and continue south on Eskridge Terrace, and then turn right and head west on Dana Place. This assures a flow of traffic in one direction (think clock-wise around the school) on a street that cannot adequately handle busy two-way traffic.
    2. Parents may not use the staff parking lot or driveway for any reason. This includes turning around, dropping off, or parking.
    3. Do not pull over to the wrong side of the street to drop off a child.
    4. Do not attempt illegal 3-point turns in a street intersection.
    5. Please do not stop your car in the middle of the street to drop off children, including in front of the front door of the school or near the staircases on Dana Place. It greatly inconveniences other drivers. It seems harmless, but by the time seatbelts are unbuckled and lunch boxes and backpacks are collected . . . it seems like an eternity! The little bit of open road is necessary to keep the traffic flowing smoothly, and it is also unsafe for children if the area is clogged at such a busy time.
  • PTA PACKETS AND DIRECTORY FORMS: If you have not already done so, please pick up your PTA Packet from the main office and turn in your forms as soon as possible.

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Wilson High School Modernization Petition: The Wilson Management Corporation asks that you consider signing the linked petition on the Wilson High School Modernization. The key idea in the Petition, created by the Wilson Management Corporation, can be found at the bottom of the link below in the section entitled "Petition." For more extensive background, you may find the "Preamble" of interest. If you sign, please sign as an individual. If other individuals in your family wish to support the Petition, they should be encouraged to sign as individuals as well. The Wilson Management Corporation also encourages you to send on the link to other voting age D.C. residents and persons with an affiliation to Wilson so they can also consider signing it. http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/modernizing-woodrow-wilson-high-school.html

Week at Key - September 13 - September 20

NEXT WEEK

  • Tuesday, 9/15 - Committee Chairs Orientation, 7-8 pm, in Key School cafeteria
  • Wednesday, 9/16 - Trash Free Lunch Day
  • Thursday, 9/17 - Back to School Night, 7 pm
  • Friday, 9/18 - Professional Development Day - NO SCHOOL

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

  • FOREIGN LANGUAGE REMINDER: Registration is open through this Saturday, September 12. Classes in Spanish, French and Mandarin Chinese are offered this year on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information and to register online, please follow this link: http://www.keyschooldc.org/2009/fles.html.
  • PTA PACKETS AND DIRECTORY FORMS: We cannot print the directory until the forms have been received - and as of today about half of the Key School families have not yet submitted their forms! If you have not already done so, please pick up your PTA Packet from the main office and turn in your forms as soon as possible.
  • SALLY FOSTER CAMPAIGN, WEEK 2! Remember to share the catalog with friends and family and send emails for easy on-line ordering. This year's sale has a new award program: the top-selling class will receive special recognition with a PIZZA PARTY! The winning class will be determined by the total number of items sold; be sure to give your child(ren) credit for on-line orders by using the seller registration link at https://sellersection.entertainment.com/sellerSecti on/?WT.svl= 16784651211. In addition, please consider becoming a co-chair and/or volunteering your time to assist with this year's sale. There are several easy-to-manage tasks that can adapt into almost any schedule, including on-line order processing and communicating with parents about orders. We can also use help on November 5 to distribute items to the classrooms. Please email keysallyfoster@yahoo.com with any questions about this year's sale.

LOOKING AHEAD

  • HEALTHY FOOD COMMITTEE: The Healthy Food Committee wants to remind you to get ready for Local Flavor Week, Sept. 21 through 25. The easiest way to do this is to support your local Palisades Farmer's Market http://www.palisade sfarmersmarket. com/ and buy all your produce there on Sunday, Sept. 20 for the week! In season right now: tomatoes, zucchini and squash, peaches, peppers, early apples, and much more. Send these goodies in your child's lunchboxes to reduce the CO2 in our environment, indulge in really great flavor, and support our area economy. Stay tuned for recipes!
  • HARVEST FESTIVAL: The Harvest Festival has been rescheduled for Sunday October 25. A revised calendar will be posted on the website soon.

Week at Key - September 6 - September 12

  • Monday, 9/7: Labor Day Holiday - NO SCHOOL
  • Tuesday, 9/8: Executive Committee meeting, 7:30 pm
  • Friday, 9/11: Family Potluck Picnic on the school blacktop from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Families A-N please bring a side dish and O-Z bring dessert or fruit. (Note: Healthy options especially welcome!) Please remember to take home your serving items or use disposable items. Pizza, sodas, and water will be available for sale for $1 each. Please remember that school rules apply during the picnic, and parents are asked to be responsible for their children for the whole event to insure that everyone has a great time. Please also keep in mind that everyone working at the event is a volunteer parent and that the event runs most smoothly with parent help and patience. Volunteers needed -- if you are interested in volunteering (setting up, cleaning up, or selling pizza), please contact Lauren Regardie at Lauren@regardie.com

IMPORTANT NOTES AND REMINDERS

  • FOREIGN LANGUAGE AT KEY: Registration for the Key Foreign Language Program is now open through September 12th. Spanish, French, and Chinese classes are currently scheduled and registration is on a first come first served basis. For more information and details on how to register, visit http://www.keyschooldc.org/2009/fles.html. Don't delay - class size is limited and we can not guarantee a spot until payment is received in the FLES drawer in the Key School Office.
  • WORLD FAMILY: For International Parents: You are invited to be part of Key School's World Family Committee and share your country and its culture with the students of Key Elementary School. The World Family committee is hosting our annual International Parent Potluck on Friday, October 23rd from 7 to 9pm at the home of Maria and Adam Emanuel. Please plan on joining us! See http://www.keyschooldc.org/2009/world/WF_Potluck_2009_10.pdf for details. Key has a proud tradition of an internationally diverse student body representing over 40 countries! Accordingly, the World Family Committee aims to use the unique international resources of our multicultural community to enrich our children's educational experience. To learn more about World Family, see http://www.keyschooldc.org/2009/world.html. Let us know who you are, particularly if you are new to the Key School Community. World Family Co-chairs - Charlotte Perry, charmperry@aol.com, and Melina Bellows, mbellows@ngs.org.
  • SALLY FOSTER FUNDRAISER: It's time for Sally Foster! Look for the sales catalog coming home with your student(s) by early next week. Sally Foster is a great way to support Key School, as 50% of every item sold goes directly to the PTA. This year's catalog has a new selection of "green" items and many paper choices are made from recycled content. The sale will end October 9 and orders will be delivered to Key on November 5. (Volunteers needed - please see below.)
  • TRASH FREE LUNCH DAY: Key started holding a weekly "trash free lunch day" two years ago to raise awareness about how much we throw away at a typical school meal and to consciously reduce our waste. We would like to continue the tradition this year and make every Wednesday an official Trash Free Lunch Day. In the long run, we want to encourage students and families to reduce waste every day. Here are a few simple tips:
    • Buy larger bags of snacks & foods instead of individual-packs, and put them in reusable containers (ziplock bags can be reused to some extent, particularly if used for dry foods).
    • Use small reusable plastic containers (Rubbermaid makes many sizes, available at Safeway and CVS). These last for years. Check out www.reusablebags. com for a variety of alternative bags and containers.
    • Some plastic water bottles are reusable. Steel or aluminum bottles are also popular (see http://www.kleankanteen.com/ to order online).
    • Some students bring in silverware or durable plastic ware and cloth napkins and take them home every day.
    The Green Committee thanks you for your help and support!
  • HEALTHY FOOD COMMITTEE: The Healthy Food Committee wants to remind you to get ready for Local Flavor Week, Sept. 21 through 25. The easiest way to do this is to support your local Palisades Farmer's Market http://www.palisadesfarmersmarket.com/ and buy all your produce there on Sunday, Sept. 20 for the week! In season right now: tomatoes, zucchini and squash, peaches, peppers, early apples, and much more. Send these goodies in your child's lunchboxes to reduce the CO2 in our environment, indulge in really great flavor, and support our area economy. Stay tuned next week for recipes!
  • HARVEST FESTIVAL: Date change! The Harvest Festival has been rescheduled for Sunday October 25. A revised calendar will be posted on the website soon.
  • PTA PACKETS: If you have not already done so, please pick up your PTA Packet from the main office and turn in your forms as soon as possible.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

  • ROOM PARENTS: We need room parents from each class to provide support to the classroom teacher, help coordinate volunteers for special events, and help disseminate information to the membership (familiarity with email a MUST). If you are interested in volunteering to be a room parent, please contact Lori Denham at lori@kcindc.com.
  • FILLMORE: Do you want to serve both the Key community and the larger DCPS community? We are looking for two people to serve as Key's representatives on the Friends of Fillmore Arts Center board. (www.fillmoreartsce nter.org) . The Fillmore representatives from each participating Fillmore school are expected to attend most meetings (generally the first Tuesday of the month), share ideas, voice opinions, and advocate for Key. No experience with non-profits is necessary. If you are interested in serving as the Key representative for 2009-2010, or would like more information about what the position entails, please contact Paige at keyschooldc@gmail.com.
  • SALLY FOSTER FUNDRAISER: Managing the Sally Foster fundraiser is a great use of your volunteer time. If you are looking for a way to contribute to the school, consider becoming a co-chair and/or volunteering your time to assist with this year's sale. There are several easy-to-manage tasks that can adapt into almost any schedule, including on-line order processing and communicating with parents about orders. We can also use help on November 5 to distribute items to the classrooms. Please contact Norma Ramella at normaramella@yahoo.com for more information.
  • FAMILY POTLUCK PICNIC: Volunteers are needed to set up, sell pizza, and clean up. Ever feel like you want to volunteer but can't commit a lot of time? This is a great way to help out. Even pitching in for 10-15 minutes at the end of the picnic will be appreciated! If you are interested, please contact Lauren Regardie at Lauren@regardie. com.

LOOKING AHEAD

  • Tuesday, 9/15: - Committee Chairs Orientation, 7-8 pm
  • Thursday, 9/17: - Back to School Night, 7 pm
  • Friday, 9/18: - Professional Development Day - NO SCHOOL

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Saturday 9/12: Kennedy Center's 25th annual free Open House Arts Festival: Have you or your kids ever wanted to: build a city out of cardboard boxes? learn to juggle? see a flea circus? watch acrobats, jugglers, clowns, or an aerialist hanging above their heads? hear the National Symphony Orchestra or a go-go band? You can experience all of this and more for free on Saturday, September 12, from noon to 7pm at "Stage and Street Spectacular" , the Kennedy Center's 25th Annual Open House Arts Festival. Follow this link for more detail: http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/festivals/openhouse/
  • Palisades-Tenley lacrosse - Come join a new neighborhood league! 10 weeks, Sept 12-13 through Nov 21-22. Boys and girls, ages 5-12. Sat OR Sun, 2:30 boys, 3:30 girls. Email Jocelyn Brown Hall for more information at JGBHallDC@gmail.com

Week at Key - August 30-September 5

  • Monday, 8/31 - Friday, 9/4: Pre-K dismissal at 1:30 pm daily. The first full day of school for Pre-K will be Tuesday, September 8.
  • Friday 9/4: Due date for directory forms.

    • LOOKING AHEAD

  • Monday, 9/7: Labor Day Holiday - no school
  • Friday, 9/11: Family Potluck Picnic on the school blacktop from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Families A-N please bring a side dish and O-Z bring dessert. Please remember to take home your serving items or use disposable items. Volunteers needed -- if you are interested in volunteering (setting up, cleaning up, or selling pizza), please contact Lauren Regardie at Lauren@regardie.com.
  • Harvest Festival date change! The date of the Harvest Festival has been changed; it is now scheduled for Sunday, October 25. A revised calendar will be posted on the website soon.

    • IMPORTANT REMINDERS

  • If you have not already done so, please remember to pick up your PTA Registration Packet from the main office and turn in your dues, volunteer, directory and other forms as soon as possible.
  • Since we have not received directory forms with updated information yet, please accept our apologies if you are no longer at Key or if we have outdated email information. If you know of new families that are not yet on the list, please forward. The email list will be updated ASAP!

    • MISCELLANEOUS

  • Seeking a permanent new Northwest Current carrier, from Sept 9 forward, for a route that covers Eskridge, University Terrace area--119 papers. Delivery is every Wednesday (or within 24 hours). Pay is $11.90 per week. For more information, contact Jack Koczela at jack@koczela.net. Note: Sophia Calder (5th grade; 966-2128) and John Leo Ourand (5th grade; 363-4323) shared the route last year and can also be contacted for information.