Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Did You Forget Somebody? Use eGift from ScripNow...

Last Minute Shopping with eGift!


New eGift* from ScripNow! lets you take care of last minute shopping with ease!
Avoid the crowds. Save on shipping. Give a gift that's always on time, even when you're shopping at the last minute! With eGift, your favorite gift cards are delivered directly through email, almost instantly.
  • Add your personal touch by including a message to the recipient, and in some cases, even selecting the look of your gift card.
  • Gift and give back because a portion of every eGift purchased benefits East Antioch Elementary PTA by using our code: 7ACDDAC926921.



TAKE THE FIRST STEP GET STARTED NOW AND BE DONE BEFORE YOU CAN FINISH THAT CUP OF COFFEE!

Go to www.shopwithscrip.com and look for “Family Sign Up” and click on the ‘Create Account’. Fill in your information and then use the code 7ACDDAC926921 for East Antioch Elementary. Then you are able to shop online. Pass this information on to your friends and extended family and they can help us raise funds from around the country all year long.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Scrip Program: How It Works



 We had a lot of people take advantage of our new script program for the holidays. We have only offered this program for a few months and we are already generating real funds for the PTA. We would like for all of our families and you friends to start using the Script program so that we can generate funds for the PTA without requiring you to change where you shop, just how you shop. Shopping with Script is easy. If you plan ahead the money you are already spending at local stores can benefit our school at the same time, talk about a win-win.

The video above explains how the program works. If all of our families and staff use the Scrip program all year long we could easily generate $5,000 and up without selling or buying anything we don't already purchase. Please take a few minutes over the holidays and learn how your family can help us raise funds for our students/children year round. Take it on as your  New Year's Resolution. 


TAKE THE FIRST STEP GET STARTED NOW

Go to www.shopwithscrip.com and look for “Family Sign Up” and click on the ‘Create Account’. Fill in your information and then use the code 7ACDDAC926921 for East Antioch Elementary. Then you are able to shop online. Pass this information on to your friends and extended family and they can help us raise funds from around the country all year long.

If you would rather not shop on line you can print out the order form here. Print it out and make a payment to East Antioch Elementary and return it to the school. We will process the order for you. If we order on a Monday, your cards will be here by Thursday of that week.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Thanks for the Treats!

Thanks to all that brought cookies and other taste treats for the staff. They all looked good and you could smell the sugary goodness all the way out in the hallway. Thanks for letting the staff of East Antioch know that we appreciate all that they do for us and our children.


While you are here take a few seconds to vote on our fundraising poll on the right tool bar.


Saturday, December 18, 2010

From All of Us To All of You...

The PTA Board would like to thank all of you for a great first half of the year. We have had great turn outs for our events and we will be working hard when everyone returns from Winter break to make the last half of the year as good as the first half. We hope your family has a safe and happy holiday! The holidays just don't feel like the holidays until I have seen Charlie Brown and the gang do their Christmas thing. So enjoy the show. It must be the start of the twelve days of Christmas, because this video will expire in twelve days, so if you are viewing this blog after 12/31/2010 you may not see the show.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Book Fair Volunteers Needed!!!


We need volunteers for the Book Fair, Nov. 17–19.
·      Wednesday:  3–7 p.m.
·      Thursday:  3–7 p.m.
·      Friday:  8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Contact Jodee Taylor, jodee@everestkc.net or 432-9915. 

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Project Pre-School Event in the Gym

Calling all preschool aged children!!!
Project Preschool time is here again!

If you have or know a preschool aged child that would like to join us for some preschool story hour come and be part of the fun and join us in the East Antioch Elementary gym at 1:30 pm on Friday November 19th. We will be reading the story Thanksgiving Mice by Bethany Roberts. We will also have a fun craft and snack for the children to enjoy.

Please RSVP no later than Wednesday November 17th to Erin Anderson at e_anderson09@yahoo.com or 913-449-9985

We look forward to seeing you at Project Preschool November 19th!

PTA Meetin November 11th at 7:00 p.m.

Don't forget the next PTA meeting is Thursday November 11th at 7:00 pm in the school library. We will have a special guest speaker, Vernon Harris, at the meeting to discuss bullying with and emphasis on cyber bullying. Vernon works for the Olathe School District and is currently working on his Education Specialist degree at Emporia State University. Vernon's research is being used as curriculum in prevention and intervention courses offered through KU. He has also presented his research at PERK as well as worked with Susan Freed who was chosen as one of George Bush's 1000 Points of Light. Vernon's daughter Amiyah attends East Antioch Elementary and is in Mrs. Griffey's class.

All East Antioch parents, staff, and teachers both PTA members and non members are welcome to attend this meeting.

We look forward to seeing you Thursday November 11th!

Major Retailers Want To Give Our School Money!

 We’re pleased to share some exciting news about a new fundraising program for our organization.  It’s called “scrip”, and it’s the fundraising program that works while you shop.

Scrip is simply a word that means “substitute money” – in other words, scrip is gift certificates from national and local retailers.  They’re the same gift certificates that you buy  at the store.  Many popular retailers participate in our scrip program including JCPenney, The Gap, Shell, Pizza Hut, Red Lobster and many, many others. 

You’re probably asking yourself how these stores help us raise money.  It’s simple -- scrip participating retailers agree to sell gift certificates to our organization at a discount.  Member families like yours buy the certificates for full face value, they redeem them for full face value, and our school keeps the difference as revenue.  And scrip is exciting, because everybody wins:

·         The retailer gets cash up front and repeat business…
·         You get a powerful fundraising alternative that involves no selling
·         Our school gets a regular source of revenue.

The beauty of scrip is that you put your regular household shopping dollars to work. You earn money for our school without spending a single additional penny.  Just spend your regular shopping dollars with scrip at the stores that participate in the scrip program!  And scrip can be used for just about any household purchase including food, clothing, entertainment, gasoline and even dining out.

HOW TO GET STARTED

Go to www.shopwithscrip.com and look for “Family Sign Up” and click on the ‘Create Account’. Fill in your information and then use the code 7ACDDAC926921 for East Antioch Elementary. Then you are able to shop online.

If you would rather not shop on line you can print out the order form here. Print it out and make a payment to East Antioch Elementary and return it to the school. We will process the order for you.

FIRST ORDER DEADLINE

Our first SCRIP order will go in on November 23 rd.  We should receive the first SCRIP orders at the beginning of December just in time for the holidays.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Fall Sprit Wear Orders Deadline November 3rd.

You may order online or there will be a order form coming home via backpack mail this week. Orders need to be in by November 3rd. You may send your orders back through your student's backpack or drop off the order forms with payment in the office.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Skating Party

All persons pay admission except parents watching their children.

Date: Monday, October 25th  
Time: 6:00-8:00pm
Price: $4.25 + $1.00 extra for skate rental

+ Bring your flashlight or a Glo-stick for the special LIGHTS OFF SKATE!                                                
+ ALL school welcome: special skate for Kindergartners and 1st graders!
+ PLUS arcade games, the “Cha Cha Slide”, Limbo, & MORE!!
+ Fun for everyone!! Bring a friend along!
+ FOR THE SAFETY OF THE CHILDREN, NO DROPOFFS.

Thanks! Carnival Was A Hit!!!

Thanks to all the volunteers that helped out tonight at Carnival. Many of our volunteers worked several time slots and without you we would not have been able to pull it off! Thanks again. We hope everyone had a great time! A special thanks to our Watch Dog Dads for cooking and serving all the food tonight!

Thursday, October 7, 2010

PTA Meeting

Don't forget the PTA Meeting tonight in the Library at 7:00 PM.

Friday, September 24, 2010

6th Grade Bake Sale!

The 6th Grade Classes are having a bake sale at the Side Walk Chalk on October 1st. They are in need of baked items to sell, if you can help out please let us know! Thanks!

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Bus Safety Practice Volunteer Needed!

We need a PTA parent to help with a bus safety/evacuation practice on Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. to 10:10 a.m. If you would like to volunteer please contact Erin Anderson at e_anderson09@yahoo.com

Saturday, September 18, 2010

New Facebook Site

East Antioch Elementary PTA is moving its facebook group to the page listed below. This new facebook location will allow our post to show on your page, so you will not have to check this page for updates. We will support the first facebook site until the end of September. The blog will still be updated for those not on facebook.


New Facebook Site

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Watch Dog Pizza Party September 16th @ 5:30

Don't forget about the Watch Dog Party this Thursday!

Sidewalk Chalk From 9:45-3:00 on Oct 1st.

We are looking for volunteers to help out with Sidewalk Chalk. Come for an hour or come all day if you would like to. If you would like to volunteer please contact Erin Anderson at e_anderson09@yahoo.com.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Citizenship Essay Contest Information for Grades 5 - 9.

Announcing the Kansas PTA Citizenship Program Essay Contest for grades 5 - 9. If you are interested click on the link below. Teachers at East Antioch for grades 5th and 6th have been contacted with this information too!


Citizenship Info Packet

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Project Pre-School First Event

First event is Thursday, September 23 from 1:30 - 2:30 pm.
Events for preschool-age children living in the Shawnee Mission School District range from reading times to art and music activities. These activities are an opportunity for area families to come inside Shawnee Mission schools and get to know the buildings and resources available to them when their children begin attending school. If you know a family in your neighborhood that would like to attend please invite them to this great event. If like me you have a little one at home be sure to attend yourself. If you plan on attending please RSVP at eastantiochpantherpta@gmail.com

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Sponsors for Carnival

Speaking of Carnival.... We are looking for Sponsors for the Carnival. Sponsors are being asked to sponsor either a game or an inflatable. Sponsors will have the opportunity to provide an appropriate size sign or other approved advertisement at the Carnival. If you are interested in Sponsoring our Carnival please contact Ross Polete at rosspolete@gmail.com. 

Carnival Planning Committe Volunteers Needed!!!

The Carnival is coming! The Carnival is coming! We are looking for Planning Committee Volunteers. If you would like to help make Carnival a great event please contact Erin Anderson at e_anderson09@yahoo.com.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Watch Dog Pizza Party Moved to September 16th @ 5:30

The Watch Dog Pizza Party has been moved to September 16th. Calling all Dad's! You need to be a hero in you kid's life and here you can become a hero in our hallways. Come join the Watch Dogs and meet some new friends, touch base with old ones and dust off your favorite supper hero outfit. Fathers and father-figures are invited to sign up to spend one day this year volunteering, serving as a positive male role model and helping increase a sense of security in the building. During their WATCH D.O.G.S. day, dads will engage in various activities such as welcoming students during arrival, reading to classes, tutoring small groups of students, having fun at recess or simply sitting down and connecting with students during lunch. Our school gain an extra set of eyes and ears. The presence of WATCH D.O.G.S.(r) can increase a sense of security at the building and helps create an environment conducive to learning.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

First PTA Meeting

Our first meeting is Tuesday, September 7th. The Panther Press reported that it is on the 9th and it was reported at Back to School night as the 9th. It really is scheduled for the 7th per our magnetic calendar. Please except our apology for the confusion.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Yearbook Info

Yearbooks will be sent home via backpack mail on Friday. If you have any questions please contact Erin Anderson, PTA President.

Pre-School Program Volunteer--LeAnn Ahlvers

LeAnn is not a parent at the East Antioch, but she is the Y-Care Kids Club Site Director for East Antioch. So if you get a chance drop by and introduce yourself and thank her for volunteering for a very important part of our school's PTA program.

Staff Luncheon Thank You!

Monday, August 16, 2010

Spirt Wear Orders--First Order Deadline is August 26th


You saw our new Spirit Wear at the Ice Cream Social and now you can show your own Panther Pride with the purchase of your own Spirit Wear. Our first order will close on August 26th.  You can order online at www.thefundraisershop.com/smsd/eastantioch or you can fill out an order form  and return it to the school office by August 26th.  If you have questions you can email Erin Anderson at e_anderson09@yahoo.com .

Ice Cream Social was a Success!

Thanks to everyone for coming to the Sneak Peak and Ice Cream Social!!! We managed to polish off 450 cups of Ice Cream that was generously donated to us by Sonic. I hope all that attended had a good time catching up with old friends. A big Panther Paw Thank You to all of our volunteers for helping out; we could not have done it without you!!

We would also like to thank all of the parents that joined the PTA and for all of you that volunteered for future events and programs. We are still looking for volunteers for the Carnival and Fun Run. If you are interested please let us know. The more parents that get involved in our PTA the better our programs will be. For those of you that joined the PTA at the Ice Cream Social, you were added to the drawing for our gift card give away, winners are listed below.
 
PTA Gift Card Winners from Ice Cream Social:
 
Amy Harris $20.00 Barnes and Noble
Dan Kersting $20.00 Price Chopper
Lisa Miller $20.00 Price Chopper
Jennifer Dodd $20.00 Wal-Mart
Beth Boldt $20.00 Target
 
Winners have been notified and your cards have been sent to you.
 
Thanks again for making our first PTA event a great success!!!

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Kindergarten Kleenex--Volunteer Request by Lara Hughes

Join us in the cafeteria Wed August 18th for Kindergarten Kleenex! After you drop your kindergartner off - join us for coffee, breakfast goodies, and support! Meet new parents and learn more about our school.

Kindergarten Kleenex is Wednesday August 18th starting at 8:15 AM. Lara Hughes is looking for some volunteers that would like to bake or donate a breakfast goody (bagels, muffins, donuts, etc.) for this event. If you would like to contribute please email her at laraandbob@yahoo.com. We are asking that you drop it off in the cafeteria on Wednesday morning before 8:00 AM. Kindergarten Kleenex will start at 8:15 We are also asking for donation of 2 jugs of orange juice, foam cups, napkins,and paper plates.

Thanks for your help!!

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Kansas Pta: 10 Ways for Parents to Help Teachers

From our friends at Kansas PTA. Some tips for you and your student.

Kansas Pta: 10 Ways for Parents to Help Teachers

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Yearbooks are here!!!!

Last year's yearbooks are now in. They are available for pick up at the school on Wednesday from 4:45 - 7:00 and on Thursday night from 4:45 - 7:00. Otherwise you may pick them up at the Ice Cream Social. If we have any remaining, people will be contacted for pick-up.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Welcome Letter

PTA President, Erin Anderson's Welcome Letter.
 

Friday, July 30, 2010

Program 100....



Get 100 parents to join the East Antioch Elementary PTA Facebook Group.

OK.... I did my part, and now I need you to do yours. Even not knowing many people at the school I was able to invite four parents to our PTA facebook group today. How many have you sent invitations to? It would be nice to get 100 parents on board with us before the Ice Cream Social. So bring at least two parents on board and then ask them to do the same and in no time we can reach 100 members.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Spread the word. Panther PTA is HERE!


Since I am pretty new to the school, and all of the people I know are already on here, I am challenging everyone to make at least two contacts via email, phone, in person or even by two cans and a string. Most of us all know at least two parents at our school. So contact them today and spread the word so that our school can use this blog and the facebook group to better serve our school community this year. If you are not following our blog, please click on it so you can see yourself as a follower. All the cool kids are doing it, and it lets others know you are in the loop. Thanks for your support.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Welcome Cosentino's Price Chopper

 
We would like to give a big Panther Pride Thank You to Cosentino's Price Chopper, a Platinum Level Sponsor, for sponsoring our PTA Staff Luncheon. They will also be sponsoring our Watch Dog Program with $200.00 to be used for the Watch Dog Pizza Party and Donuts with Dads.

Corporate Matching

Donations
Corporate Gift Matching:
Making Your Gift Go Further

Many companies have programs through which they will "match" the charitable contributions made by their employees. Through corporate gift matching, an employer can multiply a donation to East Antioch PTA, making the donation and the benefits that our students receive go further.

Check with your company's Human Resources office to see if they offer gift matching. (If they don't, you may want to ask your company to start one.) If your employer does offer this program, your Human Resources department should provide you with a matching gift form to send to East Antioch's PTA Treasurer.

A list of companies that offer Corporate Gift Matching Programs can be found here. Please note: this list does not represent a complete listing of all entities that offer matching gift programs, nor does it necessarily indicate that an entity has continued its matching gift program. Also, some companies place a cap on either their matching program or the amount of matching per employee. Please contact your company's human resources department or matching gift office to verify their matching program.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Recycling





As the school year progresses, East Antioch continues in our efforts to "Go Green" by sending newsletters as email attachments, posting information on the website, and of course, recycling.  Our recycling efforts help raise money for our school while it helps reduce waste in our landfills.  We appreciate all the extra recycling that our families put in the bin, it really helps in our efforts! 

Our recycling company, Abitibi Paper Retriever, would like for us to post what types of materials they accept and can use to recycle.

              
What Goes in the Paper Retriever® Bin
Yes, Please……
Newspaper and Inserts– New newsprint can be made from 100% recycled paper. No virgin fiber has to be added when using this type of process.
Magazines/catalogs– Our Retriever program is happy to take magazines and catalogs, all slick paper. We can use all this high quality/high fiber paper with the exception of any paper coated in wax.
Office/School papers– These types of paper are highly recyclable. Because of the proliferation of paper created by offices and schools, please use the Retriever bin to recycle all that you can. We are able to accept window envelopes, paperback books, workbooks and staples without a problem. Shredded paper is acceptable but please bag the shreds before putting them in the Retriever bin. However, please do not recycle colored paper, wrapping or tissue paper, carbon paper or sticky notes.
Mail– Most direct mail is printed on high quality recyclable paper. Please recycle the mail that you feel  comfortable putting in our recycling bin.
No, Thanks…..
No Cardboard– We do not accept cardboard in any of our Retriever bins. We supply our mills with the recycled fiber we collect through the Retriever program to create new newsprint. Cardboard should not be used in making newsprint due to the excessive bleaching required. However, cardboard is a valuable recycling commodity and should be recycled. Please research cardboard recycling options in your area.
No food boxes, fiberboard or chipboard- Cereal boxes, soda boxes and other paper food containers should be recycled with your cardboard. Please do not put these in the Retriever bin.
No textbooks or hard cover books-We do not have the equipment to modify these types of recyclables in the Retriever system. Please research other options for recycling these items.
No Phone Books– We do not accept phone books in our Retriever bins. We supply our mills with the recycled fiber we collect through the Retriever program to create new newsprint. Phone Books cannot be used in making newsprint. The fibers in the pages of the phone book are in their smallest form and do not contribute to the fiber needed for newsprint. Also, it is very hard to remove the ink from a phone book page. However, phone books are a valuable recycling commodity and should be recycled in the proper capacity. Please research phone book recycling options in your area.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Introducing "Giving P.A.W.S." Program


Parents
Assisting
With
School

We will be starting a new parent involvement program this year called "Giving P.A.W.S." and here is how it works.

By participate in our PTA you will earn a parent paw, your child will be able to turn your paw in with their classroom Panther Paw Program.  A parent paw will be worth five (5) student paws. If you have more than one child at East Antioch you will receive a parent paw for each of your children for your qualified PTA involvement.

Here is how you earn P.A.W.S.--Pay your membership dues, make your $25.00 per child opt out donation (will receive a paw for each $25 payment), have your employer match your contribution (will receive a paw for each $25 increment), attend a PTA meeting, volunteer at least one hour at any PTA event, or by volunteering to be on a PTA committee.

Bonus or additional P.A.W.S. will be awarded for the following-- Bringing a parent to their first PTA meeting (includes your spouse), getting a parent to volunteer for the first time on a PTA committee or event, or by obtaining a corporate sponsor. Watch Dogs will receive a bonus P.A.W.S. each day they volunteer, for a total of two for a full day at school.

PTA Board Members may award P.A.W.S. for other reasons during the course of the school year.

Once earned, you will be giving your parent paw to your child and they will get the honor of placing your P.A.W.S. in their classrooms Panther Paw Bowl and tell how you earned it. This will give your child a chance to be as proud of you as we are of them.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Monday, July 19, 2010

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Our First Corporate Sponsor


8031 Metcalf Avenue,
Overland Park, Kansas
(913) 642-1606




A big Panther Pride thank you to Sonic for sponsoring our first event of the year. Sonic will be providing the ice cream for our Ice Cream Social. They will also be our first Dining Partner with proceeds from sales going to our PTA. Watch for dates and times coming soon!

Friday, July 16, 2010

Still Looking For That Panther Pride???

 
 See Our Help Wanted Post.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Help Wanted--Mentors too!


Are you looking to fill a few odd hours while bringing a smile to your kid's face and others too? Do you have a special useful talent that is not being used? Need some community involvement to enrich that resume of yours? Well look no further.... This is the right position for you. Flexible hours, chance to make new friends, great benefits and a wealth of gratitude awaits you. We are still looking to fill a few spots for this year's programs. If you have an interest in helping out on any of the following programs please let us know. If you want to help out but don't see a spot to utilize your special talent, well let us know how you would like to help out and we will see if we can make it happen for you! Apply in person at the Ice Cream Social, or at eastantiochpantherpta@gmail.com, or with a comment below.

If you have been on a committee before and would like to mentor a new committee please let us know, your wealth of information and insight would be greatly appreciated.

Book Fair—Still need 2-3 more people to help out Jodee Taylor.

Carnival—Need 3-5 people to head this up.

Cultural Arts—Need 1-2 people to head this up.

Field Day—
Need 1 person to work with the P.E. Teacher.

Fun Run—Need 3-5 people to head this up.

Hospitality—Need 3 or more to head this up.

Sidewalk Chalk—Need 2-3 people to head this up.

Yearbook and Yearbook Photographers.
.
Thanks to Frankie Messer and Brandon Williams for helping with yearbook and photography.

6th Grade Celebration—Would like to have a 6th grade parent head this up and would be nice to get a few 5th grade parents to help out. This way you get to learn what you need to do and then you can help out on the day of the event. Next year you would be planning it and passing on the torch to the next 5th grade parents.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Membership Drive

East Antioch Elementary PTA Membership Drive Goal is 100% Participation.

PTA is a partnership between parents and educators who strive to enhance student learning and enrich the lives of the students within the school. It is also a forum for parents to obtain knowledge and voice their opinions about what is happening in their school.

A common misconception about the PTA is that all they do is organize fundraisers and school events. Fund raising is an important and integral part of the PTA. The funds raised by PTA help support many needed programs within the school. But, you don't have to like or be good at fund raising to participate in the PTA. By being a member of and attending PTA meetings you provide a voice as to how the funds that are raised should be spent within our school.

Why Join PTA?


The number-one reason to join the Parent Teacher Association is to benefit your child. In doing so, you also help your school. But there are many more advantages. Here are just a few:

Get Connected. There’s no better way to know what’s happening in your school.

Discover Great Resources.
The PTA offers a variety of programs designed for parents as well as students.

Tap into a Network. PTA functions provide opportunities to meet other parents and teachers, build rapport and discuss parenting issues that are on your mind.

Watch yourself Grow. By volunteering with your PTA, you gain valuable experiences and personal confidence. It’s an opportunity to put your skills and hobbies to good use for a good cause.

Speak Up. Because PTA is a forum for exchanging ideas, you are encouraged to make suggestions and more effectively suggest change at your child’s school.

Help Your Child Succeed. PTA fosters parent involvement. Parent involvement has been proven by three decades of research to be the greatest predictor of student success.

Witness Improvement. By getting involved at your child’s school you’ll be part of the solution, helping to make positive changes. Local PTAs play an important role in fund raising to provide building improvements, curriculum-based programs, social events – all vital to a school’s success.

Be a Role Model. By becoming a PTA member, you’ll be demonstrating to your child the importance you place on education.

Memberships

$7.00 for a single membership or $10.00 for a family membership.

Opt Out Fund Raising

For $25.00 per child in donations you can disregard all fund raising information that is sent home, knowing you already did your part. We will also do our best to make sure fund raising information does not get sent home.

Corporate Memberships/Sponsorships

We are also starting a Corporate membership/sponsorship this year. So if you could ask your employer if they would like to join our community that would be greatly appreciated. For more information please see out page on Corporate Sponsorship Information.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010



Three For Me Volunteer Time


Parent involvement is crucial to the health and well-being of a child. As a parent, you are the most important influence in your child's success in school and in life. In this role, you have a fresh opportunity every day to get involved with your child.

Do you have three hours to spare to get involved in your child's education? Even if you work full-time or think you can't help, we have a place for you. There are many ways you can become involved in your child's education.

PTA Events for 2010 -2011

Sneak Peak & Supplies & Ice Cream Social
Kinders and Kleenex Coffee
Watch Dog Pizza Night
Sidewalk Chalk
Carnival
Fall Parties
Veteran's Reception & Assembly
Book Fair
Preschool Events
Holiday Shop
Sing-along
Winter Parties
Donuts with Dad
Science Night
Valentine Parties
Family Fun Night
Kindergarten Round-Up
Cultural Arts Night
PTA Volunteer Appreciation
Bike Rodeo
Six Grade Celebration & Picnic

Other Things that you can do for our school!

Come to PTA meetings
Year Book
Newsletter
Editors
Proof Readers
Membership
and More!!!

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Happy Birthday America


July 4, 2010 is the 234th Birthday of our great nation and regardless of your political point of view the Declaration of Independence is important to us all. It is the frame work of our government and the Constitution of the United States. So if you are looking to do something different with the family this year, then take a few moments and read the Declaration of Independence and maybe even the Constitution with your kids. I am sure most of you have not taken the time to do this for a very long time. So turn this July 4th into a learning experience for your family. Who knows, maybe you will start a new family tradition. If you want a real treat visit the Library of Congress and see the rough draft of the Declaration for your self.

How Can I Help Corner

We have added a new page to our blog. The "How Can I Help Corner" will be a place to inform our PTA community of ways that all of us can improve our children's educational experience here at East Antioch Elementary. Please check out the first installment on "Why Should I Join the PTA"

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Summer Goes So Fast!





Can you believe it we are almost halfway through summer break! 4th of July is coming up and we thought we would pass on a few safety tips to help your family enjoy the holiday.

-Always have a bucket of water and a hose nearby in case of accidents.

— fireworks can backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction, so never throw or point fireworks at someone.

-Don't hold fireworks in your hand or have any part of your body over them when lighting them.

-Always point fireworks away from homes, and keep away from brush and leaves and flammable substances.

-Soak all fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them in the trash can.

-If you or your child gets injured by fireworks, immediately go to a doctor or hospital. If an eye injury occurs, don't touch or rub it, this can cause even more damage. Do not flush the eye out with water or attempt to put any ointment on it, immediately seek medical attention. If it's a burn, remove clothing from the burned area and run cool, not cold, water over the burned (do not use ice). Call your doctor immediately.

If you are going to be in an area where it is legal to set off fireworks please remember thee quick tips. Another thing to keep in mind is that the safest way to enjoy 4th of July is leave the fireworks to the professionals. There are several fireworks displays all over the city on the holiday weekend, so pack up the family and a picnic basket and enjoy the festivities.

We have a few more 6th Grade Graduation photos to share with you. These pictures were provided by Joshua Koehler's mom Kris Koehler. Joshua was a graduate of this years East Antioch Elementary graduating class. Once again congratulations to all of the East Antioch Elementary 2010 graduates.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Group Hug!


We received this great picture from of Ms. Odwyer's class in a big group hug on the last day of school. This picture was provided by Frankie Messer. Thank you Frankie for sharing your fun East Antioch picture with us!

Hope everyone is having a great summer vacation!

Friday, June 11, 2010

Fun and Educational Summer Activities

School is out and the kids are excited! Once the first week of excitement sets in every parent hears the words they don't want to hear, "I'm Bored!" Below are some ideas that might help you and your kids make it through the summer.

Check out your local library. Many libraries have special summer programs for children of all ages, such as workshops and author visits. Your child can discover new worlds and learn new things with a little summer reading.

Go for a hike or a bicycle ride. Take along a camera to take pictures of local nature. Have your child research the animals, insects, and plants you took pictures of at the library or in their home library and make a scrapbook they can share with other family and friends.

Visit local attractions. Living in the Kansas City area we have so many attractions geared towards children; Science City, Nelson Atkins Art Museum, Deanna Rose Farmstead, and the list goes on.

So when the kiddos start to get restless and complain about being bored, suggest some fun educational activities that will keep the kids entertained and the parents happy.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Calling All 6th Grade Graduates!!!

The East Antioch PTA would love to post some pictures of the 6th Grade graduation on the PTA blog. If you or any family members or friends have any pictures or videos you would like to share please forward them to our general email address, eastantiochpantherpta@gmail.com . Congratulations to the East Antioch Elementary graduating Class of 2010!

Monday, May 24, 2010

A Few Fun Pictures from the School Year





Here are a few fun shots from the 2009-2010 school year. If you have any pictures you think would be fun to include on the blog please email them to the PTA general email address.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Recent Parent Survey

Recently you received a Parent Survey from the East Antioch PTA, the following is a summary and answers to questions you asked. We received 78 surveys back and have reviewed them all. The survey was sent out to help the PTA plan for next school year as well as address any questions or concerns.

1. Are you a PTA member?
Yes 43
No 35

2. How satisfied are you with the East Antioch PTA:
Extremely Satisfied 19
Satisfied 36
Neutral 12
Somewhat Satisfied 6
Not at All Satisfied 3

3. Did you make the time to be a volunteer for a PTA event/extracurricular activity this year?:
Yes 43
No 33

4. If you answered no to question #3, please mark the reason(s) below that apply;
Inconvenient time for planning meetings. 8
Inconvenient time for event/activity. 8
Unclear of what is expected of me. 2
Not enough personal free time to volunteer. 25
Don’t know anyone. 4
Unsure who to contact to volunteer. 4
Not enough notice prior to event. 3

5. What question would you most like to ask the PTA board?

* We have posted answers to some of the questions that were asked on the survey. If your question, but in order to keep the length of this post reasonable we only posted answers to some of the questions. If you would like to get a response to your specific questions please feel free to send an email to the PTA email address located in the contact section of the blog.

6. What is the PTA doing that you like most?
* Helping organize events
* “Field trips are a great thing for students in any grade
* Making a difference in our kid’s school experience.
*”Providing fabulous opportunities for our children. Fun Run, field trips, science night, cultural arts night, etc..”
* Holiday Shop
*”Appreciate all they do.”
*”Very present, planning lots of activities, and funding field trips.”
*”Staying involved with school, remaining positive.”
*Why no Entertainment Books this year?”
*”Teacher Appreciation”
*”This is our first year at E.A. and would have to say I have been very pleased so far. We love attending all of it.”
*”I enjoyed all events at the school.”
*”affordable family events.”
*Trying to raise money.

7. How would you rate your opinion of East Antioch Elementary PTA’s communication of events, activities, and fundraisers?
Poor 1
needs work 13
adequate 14
good 32
excellent 17

8. How would you rate East Antioch events?
Poor 1
needs work 7
adequate 9
good 43
excellent 17

9. How would you rate your opinion of catalog sales (Sally Foster) and other fund raisers?
Poor 9
needs work 14
adequate 23
good 24
excellent 4

10. Please use the space below to add any comments/suggestions that you feel the East Antioch PTA should focus on for next school year (keep in mind "You rock!" or " You stink!"--ha,ha--do not provide useful information):

I think the PTA needs some new ideas whether that’s new people or not, I don’t know.
The PTA is always open to new ideas and feedback. We are currently clsoing up PTA business for the current school year and the new Board Members will be working over the summer to come up with new ideas for the upcoming school year, if you have ideas or feedback please email to eastantiochpantherpta@gmail.com.

•“Enough with the Sally Foster. Can someone please find more exciting and new fundraisers?

The 2010-2011 PTA Board is currently reviewing other options that are available for fundraisers and activities for the upcoming school year. Please check back on the blog for any upcoming and new things that will be happening this next school year.

•“ You need to represent yourself out front at the beginning of school so we know who the PTA is made of. Have more parent involvement, greeting people, have more new parent “meet & greets”, interact more with parents, hand out flyers after school. There are some of us out there who want to be involved but have no idea who to contact. This is our first year at E.A. and I thought the PTA was non-existent, reach out to new families, create a sense of community. The PTA could do much better; you have an awesome school that could have a great sense of community and great involvement.”

The last thing the PTA would want to have happen is for a new family or an existing family not to feel part of the school community and hope the following will help answer some of your concerns. The PTA provides several activities throughout the school year to all of the families of East Antioch. PTA memberships are available all school year long and membership forms and contact information is sent home via back pack mail at the beginning of the school year, being new to the school as well it can be frustrating not being able to get this information. There are more visible opportunities to meet PTA Board members and sign up for PTA at activities such as the Ice Cream Social the week before school starts and at Back to School Night. After reviewing your questions and comments on the survey we are planning to have specific membership and activity information tables set up at the Ice Cream Social in August. We will also be asking parents and families at this time to sign up to volunteer for activites that will available during the school year. If you know you will be able to volunteer for any of the activities for the upcoming school year or to get information on any activities please send an email to the PTA email address located in the contact information section of this blog.

•“Why change events that work in the past by changing t-shirt prices from $5 to $15 in the Fun Run. We will sell more $5 t-shirts that $15 ones. As PTA prices rise, parents also have to pay more for things they really need, which make them choose not to come to an event if 2 or more kids are in school.”

Families, businesses, and school have taken a huge hit in this economy, but in order to have fun and educational activities available for the students and families the PTA must fundraise. The prices for t-shirts and other activities at the Fun Run cost the PTA more money than in the past, so in order to make the money back that was spent to purchase items and raise more money we have to raise prices. We want all of the families to be able to enjoy the activities that the PTA has to offer. We will research some other options as far as t-shirts and other items we may be able to sell at a lower price so everyone can enjoy the event in the future.

“Seems to be a lot of last minute requests, more notice via emails, newsletters.”

Once planning starts for activities the PTA starts asking for volunteers via emails and fliers sent home through backpack mail. At times the requests for volunteers is last minute because we have not received responses from people from previous requests or have some have cancelled close to the event date. We make every effort to try to staff the spots available at the events but we don't always have takers, that is why it is so important that all of the families make the effort to volunteer either through donations or giving 30 minutes of their time at school activities. One parent said it best on their survey "Unless you are involved in your child’s life you will never know who is in theirs!"

•“Sometimes it feels intimidating to call PTA leaders at home, perhaps being able to get information from a number or website at school would be helpful.”

You asked for it and we are making it happen! We will be posting all PTA happenings on this blog. We can also be reached via email at our general email address eastantiochpantherpta@gmail.com . Never feel like you can't contact a PTA Board member, that's what we volunteer for to make sure yours and your childs experience at East Antioch is a great one. The PTA does not handle any problems having to do with school staff issues though, if you have a problem and are unable to get it resolved please contact the School District.




“What does the PTA actually do? At East Antioch?”

The PTA plans, and executes all of the following activities and more:

Newsletter
Ice Cream Social
Kindergarten Kleenex
Watch D.O.G. Pizza Night
Sidewalk Chalk
Cultural Arts Night
Carnival
Veteran’s Day Assembly
Holiday Shop
Watch D.O.G. Donuts with Dads
Family Fun & Movie Nights
Science Night
Kindergarten Round-up
Bike Rodeo
Field Day
6th Grade Olympics
PTA School of Instruction
6th Grade Celebration
Hospitality
KU Reading Program
Field Trips
Holiday Class Parties
Staff Appreciation
Library/Reading Incentives
Chat N Chew
Nurses Fund
Teacher Class Fund
Yearbook
Project Preschool
Courtyard Classroom
Mathletics

“How can I help in little ways being a working mom?”

These days there are many working parents and we completely understand that. You can volunteer during a time that works with your schedule at any of the PTA events, even if you volunteer for a 1/2 an hour that helps.

Are you willing to take a little heat short term to shape things up long term?”

Easy answer to this question, Yes!

Financial Reports?”

The PTA financial reports are available at most PTA meetings. If you have any questions regarding any PTA financial matters please contact one of the PTA Board members and they will do their best to answer your question.

"Was an audit done?”

An audit is done every school year on PTA business. We are finalizing all current school year business now and an audit will be completed in June.


If you have any questions regarding the Parent Survey or you feel your specific question or concern was not answered please feel free to contact one of the PTA Board members or send an email to our general email address.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Welcome to the East Antioch Elementary PTA blog. We have created this so families can quickly and easily find out about PTA activities and happenings at East Antioch. If you have any comments, concerns, fun stories about activities, or pictures you would like to share please leave comments here on the blog site and send pictures and stories to the PTA's email address eastantiochpantherpta@gmail.com . Hope you enjoy aour little spot on the net!