Programs

George White Elementary
PTA

Red Ribbon Week Celebration

George White Elementary – October 24^th-October 28^th

The purpose of Red Ribbon Week is to increase awareness about alcohol, tobacco, and other drug prevention and to promote healthy lifestyles within schools and communities. Red Ribbon Week is recognized and celebrated nationally during the last week of October. It was inspired by Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency. Kiki dedicated his life to making a positive difference in this world by fighting illegal drugs. However, in 1985, while working undercover in Mexico, Kiki lost his life to violent drug traffickers. Kiki’s family and friends began wearing red ribbons to honor him and his goal to end illegal drugs. The Red Ribbon Campaign has become a symbol of support for the DEA’s efforts to reduce the demand for drugs through prevention, education and awareness, and is also a way for people and communities to unite and take a visible stand against drugs.

Please join us in celebrating Red Ribbon Week October 24^th -28^th. We have planned some great activities for our children! Information will be going home in the Blue Envelopes around the third week in October. If you are interested in helping with RRW or have any questions please contact Heather Daly at mrsdaly@earthlink.net

Programs

Please Give to the George White Annual

Thanksgiving Food Drive

On a holiday of much food and plenty, it’s hard for us, and especially for our young children, to imagine that some families in Orange County will have very little. Our annual George White Kids in Community Service (KICS) Food Drive gives you and your children a convenient way to help others right in our own community who are less fortunate than we are.

When is the Food Drive?

The first two weeks in November (Nov 1-11). Drop off your donations in the barrels out in front of the school.

What should we donate?

Non-perishable canned goods or dry food, such as: Canned meats, fish soup, fruits, and vegetables, pasta, hot and cold cereal, macaroni and cheese, rice, beans, peanut butter

Personal care items, such as: diapers, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet tissue, soap

* Please no glass containers or expired items.

Where do the donations go?

Last year we donated 676 pounds of food and personal care items! All donations to our Food Drive go to Second Harvest (www.feedoc.org), a food bank that serves over 470 charities such as church pantries, shelters, and homes for abused women and children. Second Harvest helps feed more the 240,000 people each month. Food sources include local grocery stores, food distributors, restaurants, trade shows, the government and private individuals.

Reading Olympics

Go for the GOLD!!!

Program: October – May….8 months

Reading Logs:

Distributed through Blue Envelopes on the last Wednesday of the month
Logs must have daily, weekly, and monthly totals calculated to be counted
Logs must have the students first and last name filled out to be counted
Parents must sign the log to be counted
Forms are due on the 1^st of every month and will be given 5 additional school days to turn them in…anything after 5 days will not be counted

GGW PTA
We still have openings to fill!

The following PTA positions are still open for the upcoming 2011-2012 school year. We are seeking leadership volunteers so our school can continue to offer these wonderful programs and services for our children. It’s a great way to make a difference in your child’s experience at George White... As a chair or co-chair, you will oversee and work with a committee to run the program or event described. If you are interested or have any questions regarding these positions, please contact PTA President, Angel Jenner at sajenner@cox.net.

Chair/Co-Chair Positions:
Recycling Lunchtime Coordinator
Help us maintain this important program! Our previous chair, Angie Haskins, did an amazing job creating and implementing a simple program to help kids recycle and dispose of their waste at lunchtime. We’re seeking a new Chair who will simply organize a monthly calendar for volunteers to help in lunchroom. You do not personally have to be at school lunch every day – you’re just putting together a schedule and emailing the volunteers! Last year, we had over 15 volunteers, parents who worked 1-2 hour shifts during the lunch break (10:50-12:50). The volunteers will help manage zip-lock baggie recycling, maintain recycling/trash signs and water bottle shaped recycling container.
Friday Field Days
We need volunteers to help organize and supervise fun outdoor activities for our children. Our kids love Friday Field Day, and it is a great way for you to see your child interacting with others on the playground! Contact k.shean@cox.net for more details.
5th Grade Talent Show: Co-Chair
Work with Chair, Stacey Healey, in our annual 5th grade talent show, which usually takes place on a Friday night in May. Together you will oversee a large committee in all aspects of the show (skit approvals, rehearsals, decorations, programs, tickets sales, etc.) If interested, please contact Stacey Healey directly at staceyhealey@cox.net.