Flynn PTO Update 9/9/12

Hey There Flynn Families - So nice to see 25+ attendees at the first PTO meeting last week.  Great conversation/information, yummy snacks and some drama to boot!  An update on poor Will Kuypers - he did break his arm and will soon be sporting a fancy new cast.  Never a dull moment at the monthly meetings.... Minutes and a treasurer's report will be posted next week.  On the agenda for October is a close look at our 2012-13 budget.  You might want to review it this month and come join the discussion on how we should spend our money on October 4th.

New Playground Update Fundraising continues to purchase a new universally accessible playground at Flynn School to be built and ready for the 2012-2013 school year.  A universally accessible playground provides activities that children with mobility issues can enjoy and interact with their peers.  Specifically, the proposed playground will address the need for ramp access, play panels at ground level, and surfacing that walkers and wheelchairs can ride over with ease.  This is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and support our children by providing them with a safe and inclusive playground. 
We have raised nearly over $30,000 from grants and donations and we only need $9,000 more to complete the project!  Every amount helps!  Donations can be made to JJ Flynn Elementary School, and sent to the office at 1645 North Avenue, Burlington, VT 05408 with the word “playground” noted on the check.  Please see if your employer is willing to match your contribution!  Every dollar helps- with your help, we can make this happen!  For questions or more information, please contact:

Sarah DeShaw
399-2882 
sdeshaw@mac.com

Mary Mitchell
863-8983
maryellemo1@hotmail.com

PTO Pizza orders are due by this Friday, September 14th.  pizzas will be delivered to the Flynn school office at 4:30 on September 18th. You can pick your pizza up between 4:30-6pm. Misplaced your form? Contact Tammy Kuypers at kuypers5@yahoo.com or stop by the office and pick one up on the wooden shelf full of misc forms (right next to the chairs)

September Staff Appreciation will be hosted by the PTO this Wednesday.  The PTO will be purchasing drinks and parents will be sending in breakfast goodies for staff at Flynn and St. Joes.  Each month Flynn parents celebrate our fabulous staff by organizing small appreciation events to benefit Flynn staff.  If you would like to get in on the action this Wednesday, email or call Lisa Tulkop at 864-3886 or lisaspurplepalace@gmail.com.  If you already signed up to send something in, Thank you! and Don't Forget!

Principal's Coffee this Wednesday at 8:30 in the multipurpose room at Flynn.  This is your chance to get up close and personal with Mr. Clarke - bring your questions, comments and constructive criticisms!

Wrapping Paper Fundraiser has begun - did you get your packet?  Your participation helps Flynn school!  Not interested in any of the items offered? Consider a straight donation to the PTO - 100% of your donation comes back to Flynn families via programming... Checks can be made out to the Flynn PTO and sent into the office.  In the check memo, just write "no fundraiser, fundraiser"  Question about the Fall fundraiser can be directed to Theresa Giallorenzo at 540-0025 or tgiallorenzo@hotmail.com

Open House for Grades 3-5 is on Thursday, September 20th from 6-7 pm.  Open House for K-2 is on Thursday, September 27th from 6-7pm at Flynn school.  These are great opportunities to meet your child's teacher, poke around the classroom and hear from our fearless leader, Mr. Clarke.  While you're there, consider signing up to be a Room Parent for your child's class.  Room parents are special helpers that help teachers organize celebrations, assist with a staff appreciation event and act as a parent leader. Sign-ups will be in each classroom. If you want to be sure to get on the list or have questions about what a room parent does, I encourage you to contact the PTO Room parent/Appreciation Coordinator - Lisa Tulkop.  She can be reached at 864-3886 or lisaspurplepalace@gmail.com.

Idling Gets You Nowhere - Let's start the school year right by setting up some good parking lot habits! 

Turn your engine off — Parked and idling in your car at a store, bank, post office or school? More than 30 seconds of idling uses more fuel than is required to restart the engine.
Unnecessary Vehicle idling is Harmful and Wasteful to All of Us.Here are the facts on idling:

• Our Health.
Emissions contain toxic chemicals that can affect our respiratory systems. Children, the elderly, and individuals with asthma are especially vulnerable.
• Fuel Waste.
An idling vehicle gets 0 MPG. 30 seconds of warm up idling usually suffices. Once oil circulates, driving moderately is the most efficient way to warm up.
• Needless Engine Wear.
Many owner’s manuals state to limit idling to avoid increased engine maintenance and shortened engine life.
• Climate Change.
Greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, including carbon dioxide (CO_{2), cause climate change.
• Vermont Law.
Unattended vehicles may not idle in public. School buses may not idle on school property; all other vehicles on school property may also be subject to this law (depending on a school district’s policy).}

SAVE THE DATE

September 12 - Principal's Coffee at 8:30
September 14 - Pizza orders due in office
September 18 - PTO Pizza pick-up 4:30-6
September 20 - Open House at St. Joe's school for grades 3-5
September 26 - No School
September 27 - Open House at Flynn for grades K-2
October 1 - School Picture Day at Flynn K-2
October 2 - School Pictures for grades 3-5
October 3 - Walk to School Day