Dear Brewster Family, October 2004 Thank you for the exceptional beginning of our school year. Your strong par-ticipation in the family dinner, the PTA committee sign-ups, the CSK spon-sored activities and your overwhelming response at Curriculum Night, added to the smooth start of the school year.
Brewster continues to be a school based on respect and responsibility. It is a place where students are eager to attend each day, because of the safe and secure environment here, and because of the interesting lessons planned for them. At Brewster, children are encouraged to stretch their abilities, to see mistakes as opportunities for growth, and to make sound choices for their lives. It is my responsibility as principal to make certain that this happens, everyday, for every child.
Staff hired as part of our Brewster family are selected not only for their ex-pertise in educational methodology and knowledge of curricular areas, but we choose professionals who love and respect youngsters, who set positive examples, and who are able to establish a rapport with each of their stu-dents.
Parents and staff work together at Brewster, to ensure that our children un-derstand that a good education is the key to a successful future. It is my belief that children completing Brewster should take with them a love of learning, a love of country, an appreciation for diversity, and the ability to be productive community members.
Continued Next page~
Brewster
Elementary
School
1535 Brewster Road
Rochester Hills,
MI 48306
Office:726-3300
Attendance: 726-3310
Website:
www.Rochester.k12.mi.us
Teresa DiMaria
Principal
Cheryl Zaranek
Secretary
Lisa Zohoury
PTA President
Sue Stalzer
1st Vice President
Kathy Miller
2nd Vice President
Laura Hurst
Secretary
Sandi Samolinski
Treasurer
Laurie Swiftney
Barker Editor
October 2004 Published By The Brewster PTA
Brewster Mission Statement
Brewster Mission Statement
Brewster Mission Statement
Brewster Mission Statement
“
The mission of the Brewster School Community is
to develop character, maximize potential, and
instill a lifelong love of learning.”
From Our Principal
From Our Principal
From Our Principal
From Our Principal
From Our Principal Continued~
The rigorous curriculum and high expectations in our school allow us to help students form excellent work habits, and study skills that will serve them well in the future. It is our hope that every Brewster student will grow into a re-sponsible, resilient, and effective citizen.
The Community Circle will help students share in the responsibility for maintaining an orderly climate in the school. Our School Improvement Process will help us to continually evaluate and improve for our students.
I envision Brewster to proudly continue as a successful school community, constructed over time by students, staff, and parents with a common purpose. Parents, please continue to pass positive messages about our school and staff to your children. That helps them to develop a sense of pride and purpose. Together, we can establish an “education ethic”, that will be lifelong and that will promote success in each of our children.
Respectfully,
Teresa DiMaria, Principal
School Improvement Process
Respect/Diversity Committee
Our Brewster Respect/Diversity Committee met for the first time this year on September 16. This group continues to work to meet the goal that “Students will apply their knowledge of the Community Circle to address situations in a responsible and re-spectful manner.”
The Community Circle is a primary component of this committee. By now you should have received two contracts that were to be signed by each child and a parent. This contract reminds us that the Community Circle should be practiced at home as well as at school.
Monthly components of the Community Circle will be highlighted. Teachers will “Build” the Community Circle in their class-rooms by piecing the parts together on a bulletin board or wall.
Community Circles are mounted on the students’ desktops as individual reminders. Mrs. DiMaria will continue to use the stu-dent consequence form with the Community Circle to discuss with stustu-dents any office referral for misbehavior or disciplinary infraction.
Our group will continue to plan assemblies for this school year to reinforce Community Circle Components. Mrs. Priest con-tinues to reinforce Brewster’s Community Circle by teaching and practicing our Community Circle Songs.
This School Improvement Committee compliments and supports the goals of the Rochester Community School District Diversity Committee. The Community Circle is an age appropriate tool to integrate diversity at the elementary level. One facet of diversity is multi-cultural education, which we will be exploring during the 2004-2005 school year.
2004-2005
BREWSTER COMMUNITY CIRCLE
MONTHLY SCHEDULE
Respect and Responsibility to be highlighted
every month in Addition to the component
listed below.
August/ September Accept Others
October
Stop and Think
November Listen
December Get Help
January Compromise
February Take Turns
March Apologize
April Ignore
Quarterly Topics are:
1. Brewster Family
Sept-Oct.2.Rochester Family
Nov-Dec.3.American Family
Jan.-Feb-Mar4.My Own Family
April-May-JuneThe Brewster
Barker
October 2004
Wanted: Parent writers for the Brewster Barker
The theme for this 2004-2005 school year will be “CELEBRATE FAMILY”, with each quarter focusing on a different kind of family. At this time we are inviting parents and or families to write articles based on Rochester Family to be published in the November Issue. Please submit your article or story to my mailbox in the front office marked Brewster Barker or create your article in Microsoft format and e-mail to [email protected] I need all articles by the 15th of each month. Space is limited. A few will be chosen randomly for each issue. Thank you, I look forward to hearing from you!
Contact me at- 248-656-0115 with any questions. Laurie Swiftney , Barker Editor
Our Brewster Family
We have been a part of the Brewster family for fourteen years beginning this 2004-05 school year. When I saw that the theme for Brewster was Celebrate Family I knew that that is what this school has been for me and my children.
We moved here from Canada when my husband’s work was relocated to the U.S. My oldest son be-gan Grade 1 with then, Miss Anderson (Mrs. Weaver).
Before we moved here, I was really concerned about what school my children would attend here. Luckily, on a ski trip up North, I shared a chair lift with a Rochester Hills resident. I learned that the skier’s children went to Brewster Elementary School. I had the opportunity to meet his children and
they seemed to really like Brewster. Then when we found a home we liked, we were surprised to discover that the neighborhood school was Brewster! Well that decided the house we bought. I don’t know if we chose Brewster or Brewster chose us.
Why has Brewster been a family for us? Well there are three main reasons. The first reason has been the families that we have met here. Many of these people are close friends and like family for us. Having no relatives here we have had to rely on other people for help with childcare, reminding us about meetings and practices, carpooling, supporting one another in times of crisis, sharing meals (cookouts and pizza parties), setting up play dates for our children, taking each other’s children to school if we have been sick or had a new baby, babysitting each other’s children when we have been stuck in a snowstorm on the I -75 and we are going to be late. The list goes on. These Brewster families, over the years, have not only been good friends but a tremen-dous support for my family and me. We have guided our children together to be responsible, caring, independent, intelligent young people. We have done this by volunteering as parent helpers in their classes, being girl scout and boy scout leaders for their troops, acting as coaches for Lego League, soccer, basketball, etc., planning family events and student events like Reflec-tions, Odyssey Of The Mind, and other PTA sponsored programs. This group of parents has outdone itself volunteering and par-ticipating in events and programs to benefit our children. I am very appreciative to these families and thank them for their time, efforts, energy, skills and caring. As a seasoned parent I can tell you parents of younger children it is well worth it to be involved. It does take a village to raise our children.
The second reason Brewster has been a family for us is the staff at Brewster. The staff has been committed to our children and families over the years. This is one reason why I currently transport my last child to Brewster even though we have moved. We have built up many family friends here and the staff has also provided excellent instruction and support for my children. Teachers have always welcomed me as a parent in the class to help and be a part of my children’s learning experience. This op-portunity has allowed parents, like myself, to share many skills with the students. The teachers have encouraged a real ex-change of learning and sharing between students, parents and staff. Everyone benefits.
Thirdly, the Brewster Community Circle came into existence while my oldest son was still very young at Brewster. The circle has established a strong set of values that guide our children. It provides life skills for being a good citizen. It has been a special characteristic of Brewster that binds us together as a family that helps each other, accepts one another, shares with one another, and knows and understands how to care and get along with one another. The circle symbol exemplifies the continuity and unity of the Brewster family that we have experienced here.
As this final year rolls itself out for my last child, we will remember the good times spent here at Carnival, especially how this school was a refuge for many of us without heat in our homes during the ice storm. I will remember how I cried when the fifth graders sang “On Eagles Wings” at their graduation party. We will think of all the fun class parties especially the Halloween parades and ghoulish treats and games that parents spent hours planning and making. My children and I will remember their wonderful teachers who spent much time, energy and creativity teaching to make a difference. And we will not forget the many hours chatting, planning and sharing of parents all trying to do what’s best for our children. The Brewster family has meant a lot to our family over the years. We thank all the families and staff who have been a part of our experience here. It has made all the difference.
The Brewster
Barker
October 2004
INSIDE
• N.W.Q.C. Family Night Athletic Events. • Skating Parties • Adams Craft ShowNorthwest Quadrant Communications
Northwest Quadrant Communications
Northwest Quadrant Communications
Northwest Quadrant Communications
*Adams *Brewster *Delta Kelly *Musson *Van Hoosen
*Adams *Brewster *Delta Kelly *Musson *Van Hoosen
*Adams *Brewster *Delta Kelly *Musson *Van Hoosen
*Adams *Brewster *Delta Kelly *Musson *Van Hoosen
NW Quad Family Night at Adams and Van Hoosen Athletic Events
Come out and support our area schools as well as expose your children to different athletic opportunities that will be available to them in a few years. Wear your Brewster spirit wear and cheer on our home teams. Tickets for Adams events are $4 with kids 10 and under free. No charge for Van Hoosen events.10/13/04 4:00 Van Hoosen Lightweight Football (vs. Hart MS) 10/21/04 6:30 Adams Girls Varsity Swimming (vs. Troy HS) 10/21/04 7:00 Adams Girls Varsity Basketball (vs. Lake Orion HS) 10/25/04 4:00 Van Hoosen Girls Basketball (vs. Hart MS)
10/28/04 4:00 Van Hoosen Heavyweight Football (vs. Reuther MS)
Do you like eating out at Max & Erma’s?
If so, grab a coupon and go October 5th, 6th or 7th and 20% of your food sale will be donated to Adams Athletic Booster Club. You must bring a coupon. Get them from Cindy Trucksis (370-0252 or [email protected]) or they will be available in Brewster’s front office the week before.
NW Quad Elementary Skating Parties
Several roller and ice skating parties are being planned throughout the year on the early release days for the students from Brewster, Musson and Delta Kelly.
Wednesday, October 27,2004 Skating at The Onyx Ice Arena 1:30-3:30, $3.00 fee — $2.00 rental
Adams Craft Show, Saturday, October 30
thAdams is having its yearly craft show benefiting the Athletic Booster Club. There is a nominal entrance fee and it is held in the cafeteria and gym areas.
Brewster Walks
Brewster Walks
Brewster Walks
Brewster Walks-
On Wednesday October 6
th, Brewster will begin its
Brew-ster Walks program to coincide with National Walk To
School Day. During lunch recess, students are invited to
take part in a fun program that encourages physical
fit-ness. This fall, Brewster Walks will run October 6
th, 13
th,
and 20
thwith themed fun, such as Fear Factor, Obstacle
Course and Olympics, to encourage participation by all.
If you have questions or would like to volunteer,
please contact:
Lynn Ebinger (248) 652-0456 or
Kathi Daniels (248) 652-0976.
Mrs. Teresa DiMaria
Mrs. Teresa DiMaria
Mrs. Teresa DiMaria
Mrs. Teresa DiMaria
Health And Welfare
Tip Of The Month: So What Kind Of Bread
Do I Choose?
Parents are often confronted with the choice of
white vs. wheat. The American Academy of
Pediatrics states that whole wheat bread offers
a nutritional advantage. However, the
differ-ence primarily resides in wheat bread’s higher
proportion of daily fiber. Also, it is important
to remember to choose a bread labeled “Whole
Wheat” as there are many imposters out there.
“KINDERGARTEN SPOTLIGHT”
BY MISS BOEHM
My Name is Mary Anne Boehm and I am thrilled to be the new kindergarten teacher here at Brewster
Elementary this year. I graduated from Michigan State University in May of 2003 with a Bachelors of Science
in Child Development. I also have my ZA (Early Childhood) Endorsement. I finished my year-long student
teaching experience within a multi-racial, extended day kindergarten classroom at Alcott Elementary this past
May (which is within the Pontiac School District). I am from Shelby Township where I currently live with my
family.
Welcome Miss. Boehm!
After being in school for three weeks we asked our new Brewster kindergartners what they liked best about
school so far. Their answers? Read on to find out!!
A.M. Kindergartners
Julian B. “I like going out for recess.”
Elizabeth B. “I like recess.”
Jennifer C. “ I like to play on the playground.”
Sara D. “I like going outside and reading books.”
Evan D. “I like sitting on the carpet.”
Charles G. “I like when we get to use the
computer.”
Adam G. “I like playing with the puppets.”
Parker G. “I really like recess.”
Merle G. “I like eating snack.”
Anthony K. “I like going to the gym.”
Hannah K. “ I like going outside.”
Ciara K. “I like recess.”
Jordan M. “I like when we get to go outside
and play.”
Emily-Rose O. “I like reading books.”
Madison R. “I like going outside.”
Matthew S. “I like doing homework.”
Nicholas S. “I like when we pick out our drinks.”
Katie S. “I like playing with my friends.”
David S. “I like going to recess!”
Dean V. “I like recess.”
Tyler W. “I like recess the best.”
Kyle W. “I like to read books.”
So far it sounds like our newest bulldogs have no complaints about their time spent here at Brewster!
P.M. Kindergartners
Alana C. “I like the teacher in kindergarten.”
Trevor H. “ I like gym class.”
Claire H. “ I like art and going on the bus.”
Frank J. “ I like gym class.”
Hallie M. “I like when we paint in art.”
J.D. M. “I like eating snack.”
Kyle M. “I like all of my specials.”
Adam P. “I like everything, recess, library,
gym.”
Audrey P. “I like playing with all the toys.”
Claire P. “I like going on the computer.”
Emma P. “I like playing on the computer.”
Abby P. “I like doing centers in the classroom
and having Miss Boehm for a teacher.”
Natalie R. “I like gym and eating snack.”
Macey R. “I like going on the computer.”
Nicole S. “I like gym class and riding the bus.”
Hannah S. “I like eating snack.”
Fay S. “I like going to art class.”
Samantha T. “The first day was fun!”
Dallas W. “I like the computers.”
Buddy’s Corner
Buddy’s Corner
Buddy’s Corner
Buddy’s Corner
Dear Buddy,
Why are hats not permitted inside school, but bandanas are?
Signed, “A Kid That Loves Hats”
Dear Hat Lover,
Unfortunately, hats are not allowed to be worn in school. If a bandanna is folded and worn as a headband that’s OK, but worn as a scarf, that would not be acceptable as well. Feel free to wear your favorite hat to and from school, but be sure to remove that cool hat when you enter the school! Also, don’t miss “Wacky Hat Day” when fun/wacky hats are acceptable for that day!!
Thanks for your question, BUDDY
2004
2004
2004
2004----2005 PTA Reflections Program
2005 PTA Reflections Program
2005 PTA Reflections Program
2005 PTA Reflections Program
There is still time to enter. Don’t miss the opportunity to interpret the theme in one or more of the four categories: Literature, Visual Arts, Music or Photography!!
Theme: A Different Kind of Hero
Due Date: All entries are due by October 15th. Entries may be dropped of between 7:45 and 8:30 AM on October 14th and 15th at drop off tables that will be located outside the office. Entries may be dropped off earlier in a drop box in the office. Forms and rules are also available on the Brewster website: http://www.rochester.k12.mi.us/schools/brewster/index.htm Questions: Call Christie Facer 656-6657, Lisa Grieb 608-6592 or Paige Haensel 656-1134
If you have a question or topic that you would like
Buddy to respond to please handwrite and place in the box in your classroom marked Buddy’s Corner, or send an e-mail to [email protected] You may choose to sign your question or remain anonymous. A few will be chosen randomly and printed in the next months issue.
The Bulldog Press
Why Participate??
I like Reflections because I think it is
a good way to participate in
some-thing school related. It also gives you
the opportunity for people to
recog-nize your creativity.
By Jackson Steiger
Seasons
Seasons
Seasons
Seasons
By Robin Daniels
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall.
Which one is the best of all?
Winter is fun with snowmen and forts.
In the Spring I can finally wear shorts.
In the Summer the fun never ends.
In Fall I play with my friends.
Show your creativity in many forms~
I have been doing reflections for five
years. I have taken pictures, written
sto-ries, written poems, and drawn pictures.
You can also do something in music. The
theme changes every year. I have fun
do-ing reflections. I like to think of different
things to do for Reflections.
By Tim Hurst
Football In The Fall
Football In The Fall
Football In The Fall
Football In The Fall
By Jack Zohoury
I like to go to MSU football
games. My parents have
season tickets. The mascot
is a big warrior named
Sparty. I can’t wait until the
next game.
Fall
Fall
Fall
Fall
By: Adrienne Corona By: Adrienne CoronaBy: Adrienne Corona By: Adrienne Corona
Fall is a very fun season. At the start of fall I begin school. I like to buy Fall is a very fun season. At the start of fall I begin school. I like to buy Fall is a very fun season. At the start of fall I begin school. I like to buy Fall is a very fun season. At the start of fall I begin school. I like to buy new pencils, erasers, crayons, markers, etc. I like getting my letter for a new new pencils, erasers, crayons, markers, etc. I like getting my letter for a new new pencils, erasers, crayons, markers, etc. I like getting my letter for a new new pencils, erasers, crayons, markers, etc. I like getting my letter for a new teacher. It is fun to see all my friends again. Soon after I go to Girl Scout camp. teacher. It is fun to see all my friends again. Soon after I go to Girl Scout camp. teacher. It is fun to see all my friends again. Soon after I go to Girl Scout camp. teacher. It is fun to see all my friends again. Soon after I go to Girl Scout camp. We have activities like horseback riding, art, canoeing, scavenger hunts, and We have activities like horseback riding, art, canoeing, scavenger hunts, and We have activities like horseback riding, art, canoeing, scavenger hunts, and We have activities like horseback riding, art, canoeing, scavenger hunts, and much more. After that I have a soccer tournament. If you win the first game much more. After that I have a soccer tournament. If you win the first game much more. After that I have a soccer tournament. If you win the first game much more. After that I have a soccer tournament. If you win the first game you move on to the second. If you win that you go to the third. If you win that you move on to the second. If you win that you go to the third. If you win that you move on to the second. If you win that you go to the third. If you win that you move on to the second. If you win that you go to the third. If you win that you are the champions! Next is Halloween. I like to pick a costume and trick or you are the champions! Next is Halloween. I like to pick a costume and trick or you are the champions! Next is Halloween. I like to pick a costume and trick or you are the champions! Next is Halloween. I like to pick a costume and trick or treat. My favorite candy is Reeses Cups. Another thing I do at Halloween is treat. My favorite candy is Reeses Cups. Another thing I do at Halloween is treat. My favorite candy is Reeses Cups. Another thing I do at Halloween is treat. My favorite candy is Reeses Cups. Another thing I do at Halloween is carve pumpkins. We take a hayride to the pumpkin patch. I find the smallest carve pumpkins. We take a hayride to the pumpkin patch. I find the smallest carve pumpkins. We take a hayride to the pumpkin patch. I find the smallest carve pumpkins. We take a hayride to the pumpkin patch. I find the smallest pumpkin. At home I carve a happy face on it. On Halloween night I display it pumpkin. At home I carve a happy face on it. On Halloween night I display it pumpkin. At home I carve a happy face on it. On Halloween night I display it pumpkin. At home I carve a happy face on it. On Halloween night I display it with a candle inside. After Halloween comes winter. Another season of fun! with a candle inside. After Halloween comes winter. Another season of fun! with a candle inside. After Halloween comes winter. Another season of fun! with a candle inside. After Halloween comes winter. Another season of fun!
Calling All First Grade
Girls!!
Attention all First Grade Girls!
You are invited to join Brownie Troop #3611 for a year full of fun, friendship and learning. Brown-ies do a whole lot more than crafts! We sing, dance, cook, help others, celebrate, play games, visit new places, share and make new friends, too. We meet twice a month on Tuesdays after school until 4:30.
For more information or to register please con-tact ~
Kelly Brooks at (248) 651-6340 or
YOUTH SAVERS
Youth Savers is off to a record-breaking start: Septem-ber brought over 100 savers per day! The savings habit is spreading among the Brewster students! Your child can start that savings habit by opening a savings account any Friday. Applications can be found on the rack in the office, on the PTA bulletin board, or on the Brewster website: the applications must be completely filled out in advance and have an opening deposit included. Remember, each new account opened with at least $25 earns the PTA a $5 bonus.
OCTOBER SAVINGS DATES: October 1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd. The October monthly drawing prize is a $15 Borders gift card. DEPOSIT TIP: It is a helpful reminder for some students to bring their deposits to school in their lunch boxes or paper clipped to their lunch money/tickets because
deposits are made at lunch time.
Contact Doris Brandt with any questions
at 651-0032 or [email protected].
Spirit Wear orders and payment are due on October 6th.
Samples are on display in the front lobby.
Please address any questions to~ Megan Steiger 248-650-0835 or JoAnna Pillsbury 248-608 2708
Don’t miss out on
ordering Spirit Wear!
Attention Brewster Readers
: Be sure to
par-ticipate in The Brewster Reads Program this
year! Every student turning in an eligible
calen-dar will receive a coupon for a free Personal Pan
Pizza from Pizza Hut, and Pizza Hut will give
out a special reward for students who participate
each month of the program. Please watch for
our “ Thermometer Bulletin Boards”, which will
record our students reading achievements by
grade levels. More information about Brewster
Reads Program on Page #9.
Several roller and ice skat-ing parties are beskat-ing planned throughout the year on the early
release days for the students from Brewster, Musson and Delta Kelly. Don’t miss Don’t miss Don’t miss Don’t miss
skating at the ONYX! skating at the ONYX! skating at the ONYX! skating at the ONYX! October 27th. October 27th. October 27th. October 27th. ~ ~ ~ ~Details on page4
Youth Savers is FUN!
Youth Savers is FUN!
Youth Savers is FUN!
Youth Savers is FUN!
I like Youth Savers because I like to watch my
I like Youth Savers because I like to watch my I like Youth Savers because I like to watch my I like Youth Savers because I like to watch my money grow. It helps me save and I really like the money grow. It helps me save and I really like the money grow. It helps me save and I really like the money grow. It helps me save and I really like the prize that I get when I make a deposit. When you prize that I get when I make a deposit. When you prize that I get when I make a deposit. When you prize that I get when I make a deposit. When you get a certain amount saved, you can pick up a prize get a certain amount saved, you can pick up a prize get a certain amount saved, you can pick up a prize get a certain amount saved, you can pick up a prize at the bank too!at the bank too! at the bank too! at the bank too!
By Cameron Holmes
By Cameron Holmes
By Cameron Holmes
By Cameron Holmes
Time to Renew!
Last year’s PTA membership Expired September 30
th!
Pick up a membership form in the office today!
Thanks to all who support the PTA! Our family is 185 members and still growing!
Thank you:
Laurie Allen Michael Allen Bobbi Anderson Ines Arndt Ja-hyun Bae Kavita Bansal Raman Bansal Linda Bartalucci-Phelps Rachelle Beale Angela Bell Edward Benavides Laura Benavides Diane Bernier Jeanne Bolewitz Doris Brandt Robert Brandt Lynne Brink Kelly Brooks Penny Buxton Amy Camaiani Bob Camaiani Carol Carolan Paul Carolan Judith (Chingwen) Chen John Choriatis Sally Choriatis Jeff Christensen Trish Christensen Charles Cloud Kathleen Cloud Kristine Condic George Corona Linda Denno Jan Dillon Pam Drouillard Cheryl Duggan Gina Dye Carol Facca Christie Facer Pamela Flynn David Garfinkle Kim Garfinkle Linda Gauci Mike Gerrity Sue Gerrity Maureen Greco Angela Greco-Wardle Lisa Grieb Mindy Grissom Astrid Gross Thomas Gross Rene Gundry Tom Gundry Paige Haensel Kevin Hatcher Mary Ann Hatcher Andre Hong Clara Hong David Hunter Jennifer Hunter Laura Hurst Rick Hurst Joy A. Jackson Linda Johnson Catherine Jones Jacki Kaiser Joseph Klempay Laurie Kowalick Robert Kowalick Paul Kowalski Julie Kruzel Yihfen Kuan Mary Kulesza Patti Lagrois Laurie Lancaster Bonnie Lang Walter Lang Brian Lauro Maxx Lauro Heewook Lee Hsien-Ren Lee Meesook Lee Sharon Lee Jim Lewerenz Tracy Lewerenz Liz Littleson Julie Loomis Varsha Makhecha Chris Markey Katie Markey Jennifer Marx Katie Mason Roy Mason Amy Maxgay Linda Mayer Rick Mayer Kathleen McCaffrey Kathy McDevitt Ann Mickens Katherine Miller Aleta Moffitt Michael Moffitt Cynthia Monaghan Karen Mountz Jan Mzozinski Kim Niemuth Janet Niswonger Jean Obstarczyk Pilar O'Hara Jill Okarski Figen Ozsoylu Ilona Perry Jane Pfeifer Janet Phillips Jo Anna Pillsbury Sam Pillsbury Karen Pravato Amy Prechtel Scott Prechtel Jay Pyper Lee Pyper Karl Rauschendorfer Marcia Rauschendor-fer Sue Raymond Laura Reaume Paul Reaume Lisa Reed Marie Reso Maria Romero Sandy Rosonke Jagdish Rughani Rashmi Rughani Sandra Samolinski Young-Jin Seo Marjaneh Shushtari Kay Sicheneder Ronald Slack Susan Slack Renee Smith Rick Solon Stephanie Solon Becky Soma David Stalzer Sue Stalzer Megan Steiger KJ Sung Laurie Swiftney Steve Swiftney Ann Taylor Shelia Tecson Kathy Thorpe Carmen Tigges Angie Tinney Cindy Travnik Jatinder Kaur Uppal Helen Vaglia John Vaglia Sheryl Velasco Andrea Wampler Joey (Tsau-Yueh) Wang Leslie Willis Siguang Xu Judyann Zerbo Lisa Zohoury Mark ZohouryThanks to the teachers and staff ~
Michele Brown Teresa DiMaria Nancy Evans Jennifer Hong Karen Knight Jeff Kutchman Jennifer Lineberry Chris Nuss Margo Owens Martha Parcells Dan Picot Fran Ressler Caty Rommeck Virginia Shtogrin Sharon Simion Julie Smith Barbara Spencer Dr. Naomi Stasak Angela Updike Cheryl ZaranekBrewster Reads
Welcome back to returning Brewster Readers and welcome to new Brewster Readers! October 1st will mark the start of the Brewster Reads program. Brewster Reads is a PTA-sponsored reading incentive program designed to encourage students to read outside of school. Each month, every student will receive a cal-endar. Every day that the student reads 20 min-utes or more outside of school, he/she should mark an “X” on that day on the calendar. If the student has 20 or more
‘X’s by the end of the month, he/she will turn in the calendar to his/her teacher. The Brewster Reads com-mittee will conduct a monthly drawing. If the student has at least 20 ‘X’s by the end of
the month, he/she will receive one entry in the monthly drawing. If the student has 21-25 ‘X’s, he/she will receive two entries, and if the student has 25 or more ‘X’s, he/she will receive three entries in the drawing. There will be one winner for each grade, and the prizes will vary from month to month. In addition, every stu-dent turning in an eligible calendar will receive a coupon for a free Personal Pan Pizza from Pizza Hut, and Pizza Hut will give out a spe-cial reward for students who participate each month of the program. Please watch for our “ Thermometer Bulletin Boards”, which will record our students reading achievements by grade levels. K-2nd will be on the 2nd level and 3rd-5th on the 1st level of the school. Top Brewster readers (the top five of each grade) and Outstanding Monthly Readers (students who participate every month of the program) will be recognized and rewarded at the end of the year.
We hope you are excited to participate in this year’s program.
If you have any questions, please call ~ Rachelle Beale at 248-608-8703 or
Kelly Brooks at 248-651-6340
Adopt-a-Book is a program sponsored by the PTA that provides students, families and staff the opportunity to recognize individuals and special occasions while increasing the number of books on the Media Center’s shelves. For $10, students, families and staff members may choose an individual or occasion to rec-ognize and write an inscription for a bookplate that will be mounted into the adopted book. The chosen individual will choose a hardcover book from a selection of books preordered by the Media Center staff, and the bookplate will be placed into the chosen book.
The adopter or recipient will decorate a book cover that will be posted with Buddy Bulldog on the Adopt-a-Book wall. Forms, which are available in the main office, should be com-pleted and enclosed with $10 in
cash or check (payable to Brewster PTA) and sent to school in an envelope marked “Adopt-a-Book/PTA.”
Questions may be directed to~ Amy Maxgay @ 248-601-3766
Help Support the
Brewster Media Center
with Adopt-A-Book!
Market Day
Market Day
Market Day
Market Day
*Please note that the pick
*Please note that the pick
*Please note that the pick
*Please note that the pick----up time is
up time is
up time is
up time is
from 4:30
from 4:30
from 4:30
from 4:30—
—
—
—5:30pm in the Gym.
5:30pm in the Gym.
5:30pm in the Gym.
5:30pm in the Gym.
Future “Pick Future “Pick Future “Pick
Future “Pick----up”/ delivery dates are as followed:up”/ delivery dates are as followed:up”/ delivery dates are as followed:up”/ delivery dates are as followed:
October 4 January 10 April 11 November 8 February 7 May 9 December 6 March 7 June 6
Sincerely, Market Day co-chairs: Ilona Perry 650 Ilona Perry 650 Ilona Perry 650 Ilona Perry 650----9015901590159015 Liz Littleson Liz Littleson Liz Littleson
JUNIOR GREAT BOOKS
- Register in November!
WHAT IS JUNIOR GREAT BOOKS? It is a PTA-sponsored reading enrich-ment program in which small groups of students meet with a parent volunteer to discuss stories orpoems from an anthology published by the Great Books Foundation. Leaders use a “Shared Inquiry” method where they ask thought-provoking questions and students respond with their own ideas.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE? Any students in grades 1 through 5.
WHEN DO THEY MEET? Once a week during the eating portion of the lunch period, beginning in January. 1st and 2nd grades meet for 9 weeks, 3rd, 4th and 5th grades meet for 12 weeks.
HOW DO WE REGISTER? Registration forms will go home in early November and must be returned by November 15. There may be limited space in some of the grade levels based on the number of leaders, so a first-come, first-serve policy will be in effect. Groups will be kept small so that group members receive ample opportunity to participate in discussions. You will receive a letter from your child’s group leader in December specifying the day, time, and location of meetings.
IS THERE A FEE? Every child must have a book, and there is a $13.75 book fee if your child needs to purchase one. Borrow-ing a book from friends or neighbors who have done the program in the past is also an option, and I have a few used books avail-able. Junior Great Books t-shirts are optional for $11.
WHAT ARE THE STORIES LIKE? The stories include well-known fairy tales, folk tales from other countries, and poetry (grades 1 and 2 only). Copies of the JGB books are available in the Media Center for parents to refer to when deciding whether to regis-ter their child for JGB. (See Mrs. Simion or Mrs. Score)
ARE MORE LEADERS NEEDED? Absolutely, and leader training is available, conducted by the Great Books Foundation and paid for by the PTA. There is a session scheduled on 10/5 in Bloomfield Hills.
IS THERE A WEBSITE? Yes; take a look at www.greatbooks.org/junior/about/index.html
For additional information or to become a leader, please contact:
Karen Mountz 248-651-2342 [email protected]
Learning Consultant News
The Michigan Literacy Progress Profile (MLPP) has been extended to include students in grades three, four, and five. Our teachers, in these grades, are beginning their second year of training. One of the blocks that we are implementing this year is Independent Reading. In independent reading, students read individually and silently, typically selecting their own texts, some-times with teacher guidance. Unlike sustained silent reading, independent reading is framed by instruction in a systematic way to support students as they read on their own. Mini-lessons are taught daily by teachers on topics related to reading. Students read using the strategy or process presented in the mini-lesson. Periodically, students respond in journals or on post-et notes applying their knowledge of the lessons. Teachers conference individually with students in shared discussions to assess and document the reading progress of each student. PTA has included $200 per teacher in grades three, four, and five to expand their classroom libraries for the purpose of independent reading.
One of the mini-lessons that teachers have taught is “Making Good Book Choices”. Teaching children how to find a “just right” book that they enjoy is crucial to the success of Independent Reading.
Michele Brown
Characteristics of Selecting Books
Easy Just Right Challenging
Books that are sometimes fun to read Books that you understand and enjoy Books that are difficult for you to read. Relaxing to read You can read the book smoothly and
have only a few places where you need to slow down to figure out a word or think more about the meaning.
You have trouble reading many words and don’t understand most of what you are reading.
Rereading a favorite book
A new book that won’t take a lot of effort to read and understand
These are books that are too difficult for you to enjoy right now, but you may find you will enjoy them later.
A book that you have heard someone else read before
These are the books that will help you become a better reader each time you read.
Dear Brewster Parents,
It has been a little over four months since I was inducted as our PTA President, and
oh what a four months it has been. When I wrote to you in our first edition of the
Barker, I wrote of viewing this responsibility as a learning experience. I am learning.
I thought you would be interested to know what I have learned thus far, especially
since one of you could be our next PTA President. You may be thinking, “Not in a
million years.” Guess what? If you had asked me four years ago, “Lisa, would you
like to be PTA President?” I would have responded a resounding, “ARE YOU
CRAZY?!!”
As you know, things present themselves in our lives and at those moments we
make choices as to whether we will rise to the challenge, or attempt a different
path. Before accepting this challenge, I made a phone call to a past Brewster PTA
President and I asked her for insight as to the scope of the responsibility. She
pro-vided specifics like “you will need to attend and speak at the New Family
Orienta-tion and the Fifth Grade GraduaOrienta-tion.” She also provided generalities, such as, “you
will probably spend a little time each day on a PTA related issue.” Yes indeed, I have
been involved in:
•
Bond 2004
•
Creation of the Northwest Quadrant.
•
Numerous planning meetings with Brewster’s PTA Board Members.
•Meetings with various Committee Chairpersons and Brewster personnel.
•Rochester PTA Council Training Seminar
•
Brewster Team Building Seminar
•
Welcome Back Breakfast for the teachers
•Welcome Back Coffee for parents
•
Numerous e-mail and phone correspondence.
•Writing of memos, letters, and these Barker essays.
Throughout the course of these occurrences, I am working as a part of an entire
PTA Board. We agree on actions to be taken and words to be expressed. When a
parent raises an issue or asks a question, I need to answer not necessarily what I
believe or with what my opinion is, but rather what the position of the PTA should
be. We, the Board Members use our PTA Bylaws as a road map to guide our actions
on behalf of our PTA. We work together as a truly cohesive entity.
My husband asked me early on, “How big of a job is this PTA commitment?” I
an-swered simply, “I am not sure, but it seems to be getting bigger daily.” The Greek
philosopher Aristotle, succinctly philosophized, “What we have to learn to do, we
learn by doing.”
Serving you,
Lisa Zohoury,
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
3 4
Gift Wrap Sale Ends Today! Market Day Pick-up 4:30-5:30 5 6 National Walk To School Day *Brewster Walks Program Begins 7 8 9 10 11 Columbus Day 7:30pm Board of Education Meeting 12 PTA Meeting 7pm 13 Brewster Walks Program 14 15 16 17 18 19 Disability Awareness 4th grade Harrison Room 20 Brewster Walks Program 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Half Day Professional Development 28 29
Halloween
Parade
30 Halloween 31 Daylight Savings time ends—clocks back 1 hour! November 1 No School Teachers Records Day 2 Election Day No School Professional DevelopmentBarker Editor: Laurie Swiftney Phone- 245-656-0115
E-Mail address– [email protected]
Please contact me with information and submissions on or before the 15th of each month.
1 2
