- PTO Chair David Harrison brought RIT's Chief Diversity Officer, Kevin McDonald, through the school for a tour and a discussion with Principal Piper about ways CSR can collaborate with RIT. There may be an opportunity to partner on a research on diversity grant. Stay tuned!
- PTO Treasurer Betsy Frarey discussed this year's budget and the need to fund-raising. We are at our lowest level of finances in some years, and really need to find people who will help us to raise money so we can help our teachers and fund events. Consequently, we will not be hiring entertainment for the upcoming International Dinner, and we have not committed to the end-of-the-year picnic due to lack of funds.
- David will head up a CSR Cook Book to be sold as a fund raiser.
- The International Dinner will be Oct. 29th at Monroe High School cafeteria. We need people to help with set-up, teardown, and clean up. We need help to provide the kids with some activities. Does anyone want to do face painting? Emcee a talent show or karaoke?
- We would like to form a committee to work on the food service issue. Anyone interested?
- We need people to help the PTO raise funds. Anyone want to volunteer?
- We need parents for CSR workgroups. This is a great way to really get involved in the school. Please let anyone on the PTO Board or Principal Piper know of your interest.
- There was a mailing from central office to parents about the PTO's Bylaws. We've gotten about a dozen responses, all in favor. This was in response to a concern raised by a parent about how the PTO conducts itself.
- There was some discussion of perhaps having PTO meetings in other locations in order to help attendance. Perhaps we'll have a meeting in the 19th Ward, or some other area of the city where there is a concentration of parents. We could meet at a library, community center, or even a coffee shop. Do you think that's a good idea?
Friday, October 1, 2010
PTO Fall Meeting Summary
We had a good meeting last night. Thanks to everyone who attended. For those who didn't here's a quick summary:
CSR 20th Anniversary: September 25, 2010
What an amazing day! It really made you proud to be part of this school.
Monday, August 2, 2010
CSR Tours Food Service Facility
We had a great meeting today with Food Service Executive Director Leslie Fowler, who gave us a tour of the District's Food Service facilities. She showed us some of the improvements and changes that they are preparing for the upcoming school year, and shared some potential menu changes. One equipment upgrade will allow the district to prepare pasta and rice. Another involves changing the type of plastic packaging so that the pizza won't be so soggy and the buns for hot sandwiches won't be so hard. They are also going to be trying to provide cut fruit like melons as well as grapes.
We then adjoined to a conference room to preview some menu changes and discuss results of our food service surveys. Ms. Fowler would like to have us back to follow up on today's meeting and to get our feedback on the new initiatives that we'll see in the fall.
Anyone can add their comments to this posting, so if you want to chime in with your thoughts about the meeting or provide some feedback/suggestions, please do so!
Here are some more detailed notes, courtesy of Betsy F.:
Notes from CSR meeting with Leslie Fowler, Food Service Director for RCSD with Aramark
Food suppliers are Sysco and USDA (US dept of agriculture), dairy from Upstate Farms
They serve 36,000 meals a day in the RCSD.
We viewed store room, refrigerated room and freezer room (USDA chicken patties, nuggets, burgers, etc.)
The prep room told a lot of the story of their inability to provide fresh foods: there are no sinks, no temperature control in the room, no refrigerators or ovens. They can’t wash whole fruit since they don’t have the facility, so you only get whole fruit like oranges or bananas where you don’t eat the skin or that has been prewashed (apples). They do prep (cut) celery sticks that must be prewashed.
School 33 has wash sinks, but the Health Dept hasn’t given them permission to use them.
Packaging/assembly line: They have improved the process by having employees fill the trays at tables and then put them on assembly line for overwrap covering. They can “produce” more items and more complex items, such as meatball sub: meatball, sauce, cheese, and bread. The meatballs are premade and precooked when they arrive at food service frozen. They are assembled and they get to the school thawed and then are reheated at the schools.
Rice and pasta cooking kettles are 40 years old and don’t work/don’t regulate. They will be updated so they are temperature controlled/all electronic. There will also be cook chillers to cool foods down to the appropriate temperature for safety. Now they will be able to boil chicken and use seasoning bags to provide different flavorings. They will have an executive chef working with them while they are getting the updated equipment online. The upgrade should be done by Aug 16, then they will train their staff and be ready to use on Sept 2. They will also be training the staff at schools so that they don’t recook the food, only reheat it. They will also have a heat seal machine which allows them to cover only the top and they can have different compartments. Leslie wants us to revisit when the equipment is up. It will allow them to have fresh fruit like cantaloupe and honeydew, grapes, and mixed fruit in a heat sealed container. It comes to them already cut. They will also be able to do things like pepper rings and zucchini/squash sticks.
Pack out room: Food is packed on one day, delivered the next day and served the following day or next. Monday’s food is packed on Friday. So food they serve has to be able to hold. Part of this is due to number of trucks they have.
We asked about lowering sugar content of breakfast items. She said the sugar content is looked at over a week’s worth of meals—that they are not providing food with too much sugar. Also said if they cut the sugar content, they wouldn’t meet the calorie count they need (you heard it here). Can’t switch from Sysco supplied Trix yogurt from something less sugary made by Upstate, for example, because Upstate doesn’t make the quantity or size/packaging they require.
We need to find out where CSR is on the list of schools that will eventually get school kitchens.
Parents please contact Leslie with feedback. The website (there’s a link from the District website) is interactive. If children don’t like food, what do they want instead—she wants input. We reviewed sample menus and made suggestions. Telesta asked not to have all sandwich items on one day so those who don’t eat bread would have some option.
Need parent involvement on an “operations specialty team” focused on the food service in the district. They would like a parent from each school on the team.
They are willing to come out to schools and do education and taste testing. We need to invite them. We could do with student council group or in Health and Wellness classes. They had a educational character last year ACE that was underutilized.
USDA doesn’t recognize vegetarianism as healthful diet, don’t recognize tofu as an alternative. Food service will add legumes and try to produce themselves instead of always having canned beans: red beans, black beans, hummus. There is always a vegetarian option, but the school cashier needs to order it. May do cheese quesadilla on alternating Fridays with pizza.
New wrap has micro-perforations to let steam out so pizza won’t be as mushy, but chicken patty will still be moist. Can’t find non-pork pepperoni for pizza.
Maybe we can get an exemption so that they can make more rice for our school. USDA does only brown rice. Only noodles available are spaghetti and rotini. Can not do oatmeal because it will reheat to a cement like texture and lunch rooms don’t have microwaves to do instant kind. They will be testing macaroni and cheese with whole wheat rotini.
Schools can have gardens, but can’t bring that food into the cafeteria.
Leslie recommends joining in on Mrs. Obama’s health initiatives and writing to legislators.
Applications for free/reduced school meals need to be in by Sept 30 or student families will be billed for meals!
We then adjoined to a conference room to preview some menu changes and discuss results of our food service surveys. Ms. Fowler would like to have us back to follow up on today's meeting and to get our feedback on the new initiatives that we'll see in the fall.
Anyone can add their comments to this posting, so if you want to chime in with your thoughts about the meeting or provide some feedback/suggestions, please do so!
Here are some more detailed notes, courtesy of Betsy F.:
Notes from CSR meeting with Leslie Fowler, Food Service Director for RCSD with Aramark
Food suppliers are Sysco and USDA (US dept of agriculture), dairy from Upstate Farms
They serve 36,000 meals a day in the RCSD.
We viewed store room, refrigerated room and freezer room (USDA chicken patties, nuggets, burgers, etc.)
The prep room told a lot of the story of their inability to provide fresh foods: there are no sinks, no temperature control in the room, no refrigerators or ovens. They can’t wash whole fruit since they don’t have the facility, so you only get whole fruit like oranges or bananas where you don’t eat the skin or that has been prewashed (apples). They do prep (cut) celery sticks that must be prewashed.
School 33 has wash sinks, but the Health Dept hasn’t given them permission to use them.
Packaging/assembly line: They have improved the process by having employees fill the trays at tables and then put them on assembly line for overwrap covering. They can “produce” more items and more complex items, such as meatball sub: meatball, sauce, cheese, and bread. The meatballs are premade and precooked when they arrive at food service frozen. They are assembled and they get to the school thawed and then are reheated at the schools.
Rice and pasta cooking kettles are 40 years old and don’t work/don’t regulate. They will be updated so they are temperature controlled/all electronic. There will also be cook chillers to cool foods down to the appropriate temperature for safety. Now they will be able to boil chicken and use seasoning bags to provide different flavorings. They will have an executive chef working with them while they are getting the updated equipment online. The upgrade should be done by Aug 16, then they will train their staff and be ready to use on Sept 2. They will also be training the staff at schools so that they don’t recook the food, only reheat it. They will also have a heat seal machine which allows them to cover only the top and they can have different compartments. Leslie wants us to revisit when the equipment is up. It will allow them to have fresh fruit like cantaloupe and honeydew, grapes, and mixed fruit in a heat sealed container. It comes to them already cut. They will also be able to do things like pepper rings and zucchini/squash sticks.
Pack out room: Food is packed on one day, delivered the next day and served the following day or next. Monday’s food is packed on Friday. So food they serve has to be able to hold. Part of this is due to number of trucks they have.
We asked about lowering sugar content of breakfast items. She said the sugar content is looked at over a week’s worth of meals—that they are not providing food with too much sugar. Also said if they cut the sugar content, they wouldn’t meet the calorie count they need (you heard it here). Can’t switch from Sysco supplied Trix yogurt from something less sugary made by Upstate, for example, because Upstate doesn’t make the quantity or size/packaging they require.
We need to find out where CSR is on the list of schools that will eventually get school kitchens.
Parents please contact Leslie with feedback. The website (there’s a link from the District website) is interactive. If children don’t like food, what do they want instead—she wants input. We reviewed sample menus and made suggestions. Telesta asked not to have all sandwich items on one day so those who don’t eat bread would have some option.
Need parent involvement on an “operations specialty team” focused on the food service in the district. They would like a parent from each school on the team.
They are willing to come out to schools and do education and taste testing. We need to invite them. We could do with student council group or in Health and Wellness classes. They had a educational character last year ACE that was underutilized.
USDA doesn’t recognize vegetarianism as healthful diet, don’t recognize tofu as an alternative. Food service will add legumes and try to produce themselves instead of always having canned beans: red beans, black beans, hummus. There is always a vegetarian option, but the school cashier needs to order it. May do cheese quesadilla on alternating Fridays with pizza.
New wrap has micro-perforations to let steam out so pizza won’t be as mushy, but chicken patty will still be moist. Can’t find non-pork pepperoni for pizza.
Maybe we can get an exemption so that they can make more rice for our school. USDA does only brown rice. Only noodles available are spaghetti and rotini. Can not do oatmeal because it will reheat to a cement like texture and lunch rooms don’t have microwaves to do instant kind. They will be testing macaroni and cheese with whole wheat rotini.
Schools can have gardens, but can’t bring that food into the cafeteria.
Leslie recommends joining in on Mrs. Obama’s health initiatives and writing to legislators.
Applications for free/reduced school meals need to be in by Sept 30 or student families will be billed for meals!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Spring 2010 PTO Meeting
We had a fantastic meeting Tuesday night -- thank you to everyone who attended!
Here's a recap:
Autonomous schools: CSR has been accepted by the District to be one of 4 pilot autonomous schools. Jay Piper told us he is working to get some direction from downtown as to what that really means. There are four basic areas in which autonomous schools are supposed to have more flexibility: curriculum, scheduling, budgeting, and staffing. Several parents had ideas about programs and directions for CSR, and Jay took it all down for consideration.
Food service: We would like to schedule a meeting to follow-up our Fall PTO meeting with Food Service Director Leslie Fowler. We need input from parents. What do you think of your child's school meals? The issue of offering rice at CSR is still outstanding, although Felix Jacobs said that the necessary equipment has been purchased and needs to be installed over the summer. Question for parents: would you prefer to meet with Ms. Fowler at her office during business hours (preferably at the end of the day) or at CSR for an evening meeting in late May or early June? One advantage of meeting her at her office is that there may be an opportunity to taste test some of the foods our kids are offered.
End of the year Family Picnic: This is scheduled for June 11th. We need volunteers for set-up and clean-up duties. Please let me or Betsy know if you can help. This year we are considering asking for people to return a form indicating whether or not they are planning on attending, since last year we had so much extra food. Planning for this event is difficult, and having more people involved would really help.
Staff Appreciation Day: We need volunteers to help set up, either at the end of the day on Thursday May 27 or first thing in the morning on Friday May 28. This is a lunch that we provide to the staff as a gesture of appreciation for all that they do for our children all year long. Please bring in a dish or other food item that we can offer our awesome CSR staff. More details will be forthcoming soon.
Bus Driver Appreciation: We are thinking about perhaps an end-of-the-day ceremony, but Jay will solicit some feedback from staff, since dismissal time is sometimes hectic. Do you have any ideas about how we can show our appreciation to our bus drivers? Please let us know.
Next Year's PTO: Jay is thinking of ways to involve more ESL parents, and I would love to have a bilingual parent as chair or co-chair next year. Fund-raising is a problem, and at the rate that things are going, the PTO will not be able to provide additional funds to classrooms and specials the way we have in the past. If you have ideas about how to raise funds from parents in these challenging economic times, please let us know!
Thanks again to everyone who attended. Your support means the world to us!
Here's a recap:
Autonomous schools: CSR has been accepted by the District to be one of 4 pilot autonomous schools. Jay Piper told us he is working to get some direction from downtown as to what that really means. There are four basic areas in which autonomous schools are supposed to have more flexibility: curriculum, scheduling, budgeting, and staffing. Several parents had ideas about programs and directions for CSR, and Jay took it all down for consideration.
Food service: We would like to schedule a meeting to follow-up our Fall PTO meeting with Food Service Director Leslie Fowler. We need input from parents. What do you think of your child's school meals? The issue of offering rice at CSR is still outstanding, although Felix Jacobs said that the necessary equipment has been purchased and needs to be installed over the summer. Question for parents: would you prefer to meet with Ms. Fowler at her office during business hours (preferably at the end of the day) or at CSR for an evening meeting in late May or early June? One advantage of meeting her at her office is that there may be an opportunity to taste test some of the foods our kids are offered.
End of the year Family Picnic: This is scheduled for June 11th. We need volunteers for set-up and clean-up duties. Please let me or Betsy know if you can help. This year we are considering asking for people to return a form indicating whether or not they are planning on attending, since last year we had so much extra food. Planning for this event is difficult, and having more people involved would really help.
Staff Appreciation Day: We need volunteers to help set up, either at the end of the day on Thursday May 27 or first thing in the morning on Friday May 28. This is a lunch that we provide to the staff as a gesture of appreciation for all that they do for our children all year long. Please bring in a dish or other food item that we can offer our awesome CSR staff. More details will be forthcoming soon.
Bus Driver Appreciation: We are thinking about perhaps an end-of-the-day ceremony, but Jay will solicit some feedback from staff, since dismissal time is sometimes hectic. Do you have any ideas about how we can show our appreciation to our bus drivers? Please let us know.
Next Year's PTO: Jay is thinking of ways to involve more ESL parents, and I would love to have a bilingual parent as chair or co-chair next year. Fund-raising is a problem, and at the rate that things are going, the PTO will not be able to provide additional funds to classrooms and specials the way we have in the past. If you have ideas about how to raise funds from parents in these challenging economic times, please let us know!
Thanks again to everyone who attended. Your support means the world to us!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Book Fair at CSR Open House
School Librarian is running a Book Fair all next week, including at CSR Open House (March 26). Proceeds will benefit the school library and the PTO.
Check out this link for more information.
Check out this link for more information.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Peace Concert on TV
From School Librarian Melissa Frost:
Part of the peace concert will be on Students First tomorrow at 10. I will see about making an announcement to the kids.
I believe it is City 12
Cable 18 if you live outside the city limits.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
September 2008 Slideshow
The following pictures were taken by Derrick Burt at various September events at CSR, including a visit by African drummer Joshua Daby:
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
May Newsletter
Parents, Guardians, Sponsors
Please show your love for our school and join us!
CSR PTO meeting on
Wednesday, May 21st
7:00 to 8:00 at CSR
• Leadership positions for next year?
• Help plan the Staff Appreciation Day – May 30th and End of Year Picnic – June 20th
• Meet other parents, voice your concerns, and ask questions
Childcare available
Need a ride to the meeting? Call Parent Liaison Mary Barnes.
Dates to remember:
May 22, 23, and 26: No School
Friday, May 30: Staff Appreciation Day (Lunch, 11:00 – 2:00)
Friday, June 6: 1st grade concert (briefing)
Monday, June 9: 2nd grade concert (briefing)
Wednesday, June 11: 3rd grade concert (briefing)
Wednesday, June 11: PTO Meeting
Thursday, June 12: PTO Workshop – How to Talk So Kids Will Listen
Friday, June 13: End of the year concert (4th, 5th, and 6th grade), 1;30 in the gym
Tuesday, June 17: Field Day @ Genesee Country Museum (volunteers needed)
Friday, June 20: End of the Year CSR Family Picnic (Genesee Valley Park, 5:00pm)
Thank you to everyone who purchased t-shirts this month! We raised enough money to pay for our entire field day (June 17th) at the Genesee Village and Museum.
The library will be closing the second week of June to start inventory. Please make sure your child has returned or taken responsibility for their library books. The first two notices are sent home with the child during the school year. I will be mailing notices home starting the end of May.
Thank you,
Melissa Frost, Librarian
Principal’s Corner:
Happy Spring!
The grounds look so beautiful and every morning when students get off the bus, there is a new blossom to behold. Many thanks to Michael Warren Thomas, with help from the CSR Brownies. Soon, we will be able to eat lunch in the side yard.
So much of what happens here is because of the many volunteers that give their time, talent, donations, and goods. We so humbly thank you all and hope that you were able to attend the Volunteer Breakfast. [Editor’s Note: pictures from the breakfast are posted on our website: www.csrpto.blogspot.com.]
This is a very busy time for all of us. Check with staff about field trips, concerts, and celebrations. I hope that many of you can join us as chaperones for the Field Day at the Genesee Country Museum on June 17. As the weather warms up and spring fever becomes contagious, we remind students of the “I Care Rules” and that special events are earned by following those rules. Please remind children not to bring games, cell phones, or other devices that are easily lost or misplaced. We cannot be responsible for them and while we’re investigating, our students are missing instructional time. This is also the time to remind children that flip flops should not be worn to school as they are dangerous and cause spills.
Our world within a school has felt the effects of the devastating cyclone in Burma. We have begun to collect funds for a Myanmar orphanage. There is a jar outside of the gym door for donations.
Ms. Muoio and Ms. Wyatt-Cooper (Deb and Sherese) are still out and we appreciate the substitute work of Ms. Caccamise and Ms. Phillips. Please bear with them while they learn everyone’s names and faces.
See you soon.
The Children’s School Of Rochester
Parent Teacher Organization
Patty Polcyn , Co-chair
Carla Copper, Co-chair
Lisa Button, Secretary
Betsy Frarey, Treasurer
Nicole Rosen, Fundraising
Mary Barnes, Parent Liaison
Dave Harrison, Communications
Anybody interested in a leadership position for next year is welcome to join us and contribute!
Recycle and Reap Rewards!!!
Cell phones, ink jet and laser cartridges can be dropped off in the recycle box in the Main Hallway.
So can Boxtops4education, in plastic baggies.
The PTO gets $$ and you get rid of the clutter!
Please show your love for our school and join us!
CSR PTO meeting on
Wednesday, May 21st
7:00 to 8:00 at CSR
• Leadership positions for next year?
• Help plan the Staff Appreciation Day – May 30th and End of Year Picnic – June 20th
• Meet other parents, voice your concerns, and ask questions
Childcare available
Need a ride to the meeting? Call Parent Liaison Mary Barnes.
Dates to remember:
May 22, 23, and 26: No School
Friday, May 30: Staff Appreciation Day (Lunch, 11:00 – 2:00)
Friday, June 6: 1st grade concert (briefing)
Monday, June 9: 2nd grade concert (briefing)
Wednesday, June 11: 3rd grade concert (briefing)
Wednesday, June 11: PTO Meeting
Thursday, June 12: PTO Workshop – How to Talk So Kids Will Listen
Friday, June 13: End of the year concert (4th, 5th, and 6th grade), 1;30 in the gym
Tuesday, June 17: Field Day @ Genesee Country Museum (volunteers needed)
Friday, June 20: End of the Year CSR Family Picnic (Genesee Valley Park, 5:00pm)
Thank you to everyone who purchased t-shirts this month! We raised enough money to pay for our entire field day (June 17th) at the Genesee Village and Museum.
The library will be closing the second week of June to start inventory. Please make sure your child has returned or taken responsibility for their library books. The first two notices are sent home with the child during the school year. I will be mailing notices home starting the end of May.
Thank you,
Melissa Frost, Librarian
Principal’s Corner:
Happy Spring!
The grounds look so beautiful and every morning when students get off the bus, there is a new blossom to behold. Many thanks to Michael Warren Thomas, with help from the CSR Brownies. Soon, we will be able to eat lunch in the side yard.
So much of what happens here is because of the many volunteers that give their time, talent, donations, and goods. We so humbly thank you all and hope that you were able to attend the Volunteer Breakfast. [Editor’s Note: pictures from the breakfast are posted on our website: www.csrpto.blogspot.com.]
This is a very busy time for all of us. Check with staff about field trips, concerts, and celebrations. I hope that many of you can join us as chaperones for the Field Day at the Genesee Country Museum on June 17. As the weather warms up and spring fever becomes contagious, we remind students of the “I Care Rules” and that special events are earned by following those rules. Please remind children not to bring games, cell phones, or other devices that are easily lost or misplaced. We cannot be responsible for them and while we’re investigating, our students are missing instructional time. This is also the time to remind children that flip flops should not be worn to school as they are dangerous and cause spills.
Our world within a school has felt the effects of the devastating cyclone in Burma. We have begun to collect funds for a Myanmar orphanage. There is a jar outside of the gym door for donations.
Ms. Muoio and Ms. Wyatt-Cooper (Deb and Sherese) are still out and we appreciate the substitute work of Ms. Caccamise and Ms. Phillips. Please bear with them while they learn everyone’s names and faces.
See you soon.
The Children’s School Of Rochester
Parent Teacher Organization
Patty Polcyn , Co-chair
Carla Copper, Co-chair
Lisa Button, Secretary
Betsy Frarey, Treasurer
Nicole Rosen, Fundraising
Mary Barnes, Parent Liaison
Dave Harrison, Communications
Anybody interested in a leadership position for next year is welcome to join us and contribute!
Recycle and Reap Rewards!!!
Cell phones, ink jet and laser cartridges can be dropped off in the recycle box in the Main Hallway.
So can Boxtops4education, in plastic baggies.
The PTO gets $$ and you get rid of the clutter!
Volunteer Breakfast, May 14, 2008
What a great breakfast! Many thanks to the Stake Building Work Group, who created such a fantastic event, and to Mr. Hines, who lent us him room! Here are some pictures:
Friday, January 11, 2008
Shining Star Choir at City Hall
These photographs are thanks to Bonnie Abrams, who received them from City Hall photographer, Dave Mohney.
Monday, December 3, 2007
December newsletter
CSR Parent Teacher Organization
December 2007
Parents, Guardians, Sponsors
Brave the cold and please join us!!!
CSR PTO meeting on
Wednesday December 12
7:00 to 8:00 at CSR
• Town Meeting with Academic Intervention Specialist Joe Saia about our school’s “report card” and the implications.
• Help plan January’s Family Fun Night!
• Hear about our Winter Fundraiser -- Equal Exchange (Fair Trade) Coffee and Chocolate.
• Meet other parents, voice your concerns, and ask questions
Childcare available
Parents in the Lunchroom:
So far 13 parents have come in to spend lunch with their child and help out in the lunchroom. It really is great and helps. Please donate kids’ magazines and books, or paper and pencils, it helps the kids a lot after their lunch is finished.
Call Betsy Frarey for more info.
CSR staff is collecting donated items for families in need right in our school. Items needed include new or gently used winter clothing, jackets, shoes, boots, socks of all sizes. Mr. Abukar of the Somali Bantu Community Association has also made a list of needed items that includes sheets, blankets, boots and shoes, jackets, dishes, pillows, curtains, socks, diapers for children under 3, and grocery gift cards, Please give what you can. Donations can be brought to Ms. Barnes or Ms. Rice. Please see Ms. Rice to learn about a way to help feed families in need. Please give what
you can.
Need a ride to school for briefing, conference, or class performance?
Call Parent Liaison Mary Barnes to arrange for free taxi service.
Anyone can read and make comments to this blog. If you’d like to post new items, or if you’d like to receive the PTO newsletter electronically, please e-mail David Harrison.
Please send in ideas, photos, or anything you’d like to see in the newsletter or online.
PRINCIPAL’S CORNER
Another busy November has gone by and what a wonderful month of activities we had!
The International Dinner was spectacular and I kept looking around the Monroe Cafeteria thinking, “How did we ever fit this in at CSR?” I am always touched by the Thanksgiving luncheon; it’s another example of how we find the common thread amongst the cultural fabric here! None of our activities could take place if not for the many volunteers.
We also had our first band performance and I wasn’t the only one who had a few tears watching our children perform at briefings and concerts. On behalf of all the kids,
thanks to everyone who contributes to all we offer here.
Please come to the Town Meeting to hear the preliminary data from our “School Report Card” and the implications for the future for CSR. When the data is officially announced and no longer preliminary, we may be on the State’s “Watch List” and we will all need to understand and strategize in order to keep moving forward.
The Children’s School continues to be one of the few places where partnerships between staff and parents are sincere and productive. The workgroups are the governing bodies, and membership that includes parents and staff truly benefit the children who attend this school. We are in need of parents to serve on our six workgroups. Please call Mary Barnes or see me if you want more information on the
workgroups or if you can become a member.
Join us on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 8:55 to 9:15 for briefing. On December 14, rehearsal for our annual rendition of “What a Wonderful World” will start at 8:30
and we’ll sing it to the students during briefing.
Stay warm!
At the November meeting, school librarian Melissa Frost shared some of the great
online resources available for CSR staff, students and families. The school district
pays for these sites and the content is safe for kids. Go to the CSR library portal for more information. Did you know that the school has an online library catalog and that parents can borrow up to 5 books? Our kids are online, ask them to show you. Or stop by the library, and ask for a handout detailing available online resources.
Congratulations to CSR students for being third in the district for the technology
proficiency test – a great accomplishment!
The Children’s School Of Rochester
Parent Teacher Organization
Patty Polcyn , Co-chair
Carla Copper, Co-chair
Lisa Button, Secretary
Betsy Frarey, Treasurer
Nicole Rosen, Fundraising
Mary Barnes, Parent Liaison
Dave Harrison, Communications
All proceeds from our fundraisers support PTO events such as the International Dinner, Family Fun Night, Spring Picnic, as well as many classroom projects! Your hard work at fundraising helps all our children.
The PTO committee always welcomes your participation either as a committee member or one-time volunteer. If you are willing to help in any capacity, call any of the officers. Thank you!
December 2007
Parents, Guardians, Sponsors
Brave the cold and please join us!!!
CSR PTO meeting on
Wednesday December 12
7:00 to 8:00 at CSR
• Town Meeting with Academic Intervention Specialist Joe Saia about our school’s “report card” and the implications.
• Help plan January’s Family Fun Night!
• Hear about our Winter Fundraiser -- Equal Exchange (Fair Trade) Coffee and Chocolate.
• Meet other parents, voice your concerns, and ask questions
Childcare available
Parents in the Lunchroom:
So far 13 parents have come in to spend lunch with their child and help out in the lunchroom. It really is great and helps. Please donate kids’ magazines and books, or paper and pencils, it helps the kids a lot after their lunch is finished.
Call Betsy Frarey for more info.
CSR staff is collecting donated items for families in need right in our school. Items needed include new or gently used winter clothing, jackets, shoes, boots, socks of all sizes. Mr. Abukar of the Somali Bantu Community Association has also made a list of needed items that includes sheets, blankets, boots and shoes, jackets, dishes, pillows, curtains, socks, diapers for children under 3, and grocery gift cards, Please give what you can. Donations can be brought to Ms. Barnes or Ms. Rice. Please see Ms. Rice to learn about a way to help feed families in need. Please give what
you can.
Need a ride to school for briefing, conference, or class performance?
Call Parent Liaison Mary Barnes to arrange for free taxi service.
Anyone can read and make comments to this blog. If you’d like to post new items, or if you’d like to receive the PTO newsletter electronically, please e-mail David Harrison.
Please send in ideas, photos, or anything you’d like to see in the newsletter or online.
PRINCIPAL’S CORNER
Another busy November has gone by and what a wonderful month of activities we had!
The International Dinner was spectacular and I kept looking around the Monroe Cafeteria thinking, “How did we ever fit this in at CSR?” I am always touched by the Thanksgiving luncheon; it’s another example of how we find the common thread amongst the cultural fabric here! None of our activities could take place if not for the many volunteers.
We also had our first band performance and I wasn’t the only one who had a few tears watching our children perform at briefings and concerts. On behalf of all the kids,
thanks to everyone who contributes to all we offer here.
Please come to the Town Meeting to hear the preliminary data from our “School Report Card” and the implications for the future for CSR. When the data is officially announced and no longer preliminary, we may be on the State’s “Watch List” and we will all need to understand and strategize in order to keep moving forward.
The Children’s School continues to be one of the few places where partnerships between staff and parents are sincere and productive. The workgroups are the governing bodies, and membership that includes parents and staff truly benefit the children who attend this school. We are in need of parents to serve on our six workgroups. Please call Mary Barnes or see me if you want more information on the
workgroups or if you can become a member.
Join us on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 8:55 to 9:15 for briefing. On December 14, rehearsal for our annual rendition of “What a Wonderful World” will start at 8:30
and we’ll sing it to the students during briefing.
Stay warm!
At the November meeting, school librarian Melissa Frost shared some of the great
online resources available for CSR staff, students and families. The school district
pays for these sites and the content is safe for kids. Go to the CSR library portal for more information. Did you know that the school has an online library catalog and that parents can borrow up to 5 books? Our kids are online, ask them to show you. Or stop by the library, and ask for a handout detailing available online resources.
Congratulations to CSR students for being third in the district for the technology
proficiency test – a great accomplishment!
The Children’s School Of Rochester
Parent Teacher Organization
Patty Polcyn , Co-chair
Carla Copper, Co-chair
Lisa Button, Secretary
Betsy Frarey, Treasurer
Nicole Rosen, Fundraising
Mary Barnes, Parent Liaison
Dave Harrison, Communications
All proceeds from our fundraisers support PTO events such as the International Dinner, Family Fun Night, Spring Picnic, as well as many classroom projects! Your hard work at fundraising helps all our children.
The PTO committee always welcomes your participation either as a committee member or one-time volunteer. If you are willing to help in any capacity, call any of the officers. Thank you!
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
November Newsletter
Parents, Guardians, Sponsors
Please join us!!!
CSR PTO meeting on
Wednesday November 14
7:00 to 8:00 at CSR
• CSR Librarian Melissa Frost will show parents some Web resources.
• Learn about the new CSR PTO blog.
• Meet other parents, voice your concerns, and ask questions.
Childcare is available.
Join a special CSR tradition of
Thanksgiving lunch
on Friday, November 16
The kids sing and sign a beautiful Thanksgiving song and the parents serve the kids lunch.
Other important upcoming dates:
Wed., 12/12/07: PTO Meeting, 7-8 pm @ Children’s School
Wed., 1/16/08: PTO Meeting, 7-8 pm @ Children’s School
Late January: Family Fun Night!!!
The International Dinner was a great success!
Thank you to all the parents, teachers, dancers, and especially Mrs. Cheri France for helping at the International Dinner. Also, thanks to our gracious hosts at Monroe High School. It was incredible, what a great night! We could not have these school events without your help!
All proceeds from our fundraisers support PTO events such as the International Dinner, Family Fun Night, Spring Picnic, as well as many classroom projects!
Watch for our upcoming Winter Fundraiser -- Equal Exchange (Fair Trade) Coffee and Chocolate.
Your hard work at fundraising helps all our children. The PTO committee always welcomes your participation either as a committee member or one-time volunteer. If you are willing to help in any capacity, call any of the officers. Thank you!
Parenting Library
The PTO has a parenting library. It’s not a place, it’s a collection of books. Please come to the next Parent-Teacher Organization meeting on November 14 to find out more!
Please join us!!!
CSR PTO meeting on
Wednesday November 14
7:00 to 8:00 at CSR
• CSR Librarian Melissa Frost will show parents some Web resources.
• Learn about the new CSR PTO blog.
• Meet other parents, voice your concerns, and ask questions.
Childcare is available.
Join a special CSR tradition of
Thanksgiving lunch
on Friday, November 16
The kids sing and sign a beautiful Thanksgiving song and the parents serve the kids lunch.
Other important upcoming dates:
Wed., 12/12/07: PTO Meeting, 7-8 pm @ Children’s School
Wed., 1/16/08: PTO Meeting, 7-8 pm @ Children’s School
Late January: Family Fun Night!!!
The International Dinner was a great success!
Thank you to all the parents, teachers, dancers, and especially Mrs. Cheri France for helping at the International Dinner. Also, thanks to our gracious hosts at Monroe High School. It was incredible, what a great night! We could not have these school events without your help!
All proceeds from our fundraisers support PTO events such as the International Dinner, Family Fun Night, Spring Picnic, as well as many classroom projects!
Watch for our upcoming Winter Fundraiser -- Equal Exchange (Fair Trade) Coffee and Chocolate.
Your hard work at fundraising helps all our children. The PTO committee always welcomes your participation either as a committee member or one-time volunteer. If you are willing to help in any capacity, call any of the officers. Thank you!
Parenting Library
The PTO has a parenting library. It’s not a place, it’s a collection of books. Please come to the next Parent-Teacher Organization meeting on November 14 to find out more!
Monday, October 29, 2007
Calendar
PTO meetings are informal. All parents, guardians, sponsors and staff are encouraged to attend. A typical meeting agenda includes a discussion of upcoming special events, reports from work groups, informational forums for parents, a fundraising update, and words from the Principal. Child care is provided. PTO meetings are held from 7:00-8:00 p.m. at the school. Please speak to one of the PTO officers if you need help with transportation. The following dates are subject to change. Please look for updates in the monthly PTO newsletter, which will be sent home in your child’s backpack.
Wednesday, September 26 PTO Meeting 7-8 pm Children’s School
Wednesday, October 17 PTO Meeting 7-8 pm Children’s School
Friday, November 2 International Dinner 5:30-8 pm Monroe High
Wednesday, November 14 PTO Meeting 7-8 pm Children’s School
Friday, November 16 Thanksgiving Luncheon 11-2 Children’s School
Wednesday, December 12 PTO Meeting 7-8 pm Children’s School
Wednesday, January 16 PTO Meeting 7-8 pm Children’s School
To be scheduled January Family Fun Night
Wednesday, February 13 PTO Meeting 7-8 pm Children’s School
Wednesday, March 12 PTO Meeting 7-8 pm Children’s School
Thursday, March 27 Open House TBA Children’s School
Wednesday, April 23 PTO Meeting 7-8 pm Children’s School
Wednesday, May 14 PTO Meeting 7-8 pm Children’s School
To be scheduled May Staff Appreciation TBA Children’s School
Wednesday, June 11 PTO Meeting 7-8 pm Children’s School
Friday, June 20 CSR Family Picnic 5-8 pm Genesee Valley Park
Wednesday, September 26 PTO Meeting 7-8 pm Children’s School
Wednesday, October 17 PTO Meeting 7-8 pm Children’s School
Friday, November 2 International Dinner 5:30-8 pm Monroe High
Wednesday, November 14 PTO Meeting 7-8 pm Children’s School
Friday, November 16 Thanksgiving Luncheon 11-2 Children’s School
Wednesday, December 12 PTO Meeting 7-8 pm Children’s School
Wednesday, January 16 PTO Meeting 7-8 pm Children’s School
To be scheduled January Family Fun Night
Wednesday, February 13 PTO Meeting 7-8 pm Children’s School
Wednesday, March 12 PTO Meeting 7-8 pm Children’s School
Thursday, March 27 Open House TBA Children’s School
Wednesday, April 23 PTO Meeting 7-8 pm Children’s School
Wednesday, May 14 PTO Meeting 7-8 pm Children’s School
To be scheduled May Staff Appreciation TBA Children’s School
Wednesday, June 11 PTO Meeting 7-8 pm Children’s School
Friday, June 20 CSR Family Picnic 5-8 pm Genesee Valley Park
Monday, October 15, 2007
October Newsletter
CSR-PTO
October 2007
PTO meeting on October 17, 2007, 7 to 8 pm
• Help plan the November 2 International Dinner and other CSR events
• Meet other CSR parents
• Voice your concerns
• Childcare available
_______________________________________________________________________
PRINCIPAL’S CORNER
Thanks to all of you who have visited, attended Meet the Teacher night and joined a workgroup or the PTO. The efforts of everyone help us do all that we do for our children. Please see Mary Barnes if you are interested in getting involved or have questions about any activities. We still need members for our workgroups, which is an excellent opportunity to shape CSR and help us stay true to our vision and mission. We also need parent coordinators for each grade level or homebase. Look for those forms to come home. It’s not too early to let Mary know that you are able to volunteer for the Thanksgiving luncheon.
I appreciate all the forms that are sent to you and the many requests for returning them. We started with all medical forms in and are working on getting all the lunch applications. For every application that is sent in, we receive monetary support in technology and other services. Even if you don’t want your child eating, please let us know that and we will document that on the application. Emergency forms are critical in order for us to reach you concerning your child. Update them throughout the year if you have changes in the information.
Thanks, Nicole and the PTO for sponsoring the fund raiser which is always a success and all the funds are spent directly on our children. Our International Dinner will be at Monroe High School this year. Many thanks to our neighbors for lending us their cafeteria. With so many people, food and activities, we needed more space. Dinner will start at 5:30. Look for flyers coming soon. Volunteers are needed for setting up, cleaning up and securing the assigned area.
Just a reminder that we do not celebrate Halloween at CSR. Children will bring home a letter and have it announced that costumes and candy are not allowed in school. Thank you in advance for your support and understanding.
_______________________________________________________________________
6th Grade Parents!!!
The RCSD 2007-2008 School Expo will be
Saturday, November 3,
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Sibley Center, 228 East Main Street
_______________________________________________________________________
The ever popular CSR International Dinner will be Friday, November 2
5:30 to 7:30 at Monroe High School (the other side of CSR)
_______________________________________________________________________
Facilities workgroup needs another parent. (Hmmmm…where should we put the jacuzzi?) Call Parent Liaison, Mary Barnes at 262-8830 if you are interested.
_______________________________________________________________________
The PTO parent library is now logically located in the CSR library! See the lovely and learned librarian, Melissa Frost.
_______________________________________________________________________
Come have lunch with your child in the CSR cafe. Call Betsy Frarey for more information: 473-8724 or 944-1043.
_______________________________________________________________________
Thank you, gracias, spasibo, Yaqhanyelay, Chezu ba and merci to all those who supported the PTO fundraiser! All funds help support classroom activities, field trips, and schoolwide events.
If you are interested in a CSR blog, speak to Dave Harrison or email him at HarrisonButton@frontiernet.net
If you would like to receive this newsletter electronically, email Nicole Rosen at NicoleRosen@rochester.rr.com
We have a new CSR family recently arrived from a warm climate. If you have gently used winter clothing sizes 4 to 12, please speak to Pat Townsend.
October 2007
PTO meeting on October 17, 2007, 7 to 8 pm
• Help plan the November 2 International Dinner and other CSR events
• Meet other CSR parents
• Voice your concerns
• Childcare available
_______________________________________________________________________
PRINCIPAL’S CORNER
Thanks to all of you who have visited, attended Meet the Teacher night and joined a workgroup or the PTO. The efforts of everyone help us do all that we do for our children. Please see Mary Barnes if you are interested in getting involved or have questions about any activities. We still need members for our workgroups, which is an excellent opportunity to shape CSR and help us stay true to our vision and mission. We also need parent coordinators for each grade level or homebase. Look for those forms to come home. It’s not too early to let Mary know that you are able to volunteer for the Thanksgiving luncheon.
I appreciate all the forms that are sent to you and the many requests for returning them. We started with all medical forms in and are working on getting all the lunch applications. For every application that is sent in, we receive monetary support in technology and other services. Even if you don’t want your child eating, please let us know that and we will document that on the application. Emergency forms are critical in order for us to reach you concerning your child. Update them throughout the year if you have changes in the information.
Thanks, Nicole and the PTO for sponsoring the fund raiser which is always a success and all the funds are spent directly on our children. Our International Dinner will be at Monroe High School this year. Many thanks to our neighbors for lending us their cafeteria. With so many people, food and activities, we needed more space. Dinner will start at 5:30. Look for flyers coming soon. Volunteers are needed for setting up, cleaning up and securing the assigned area.
Just a reminder that we do not celebrate Halloween at CSR. Children will bring home a letter and have it announced that costumes and candy are not allowed in school. Thank you in advance for your support and understanding.
_______________________________________________________________________
6th Grade Parents!!!
The RCSD 2007-2008 School Expo will be
Saturday, November 3,
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Sibley Center, 228 East Main Street
_______________________________________________________________________
The ever popular CSR International Dinner will be Friday, November 2
5:30 to 7:30 at Monroe High School (the other side of CSR)
_______________________________________________________________________
Facilities workgroup needs another parent. (Hmmmm…where should we put the jacuzzi?) Call Parent Liaison, Mary Barnes at 262-8830 if you are interested.
_______________________________________________________________________
The PTO parent library is now logically located in the CSR library! See the lovely and learned librarian, Melissa Frost.
_______________________________________________________________________
Come have lunch with your child in the CSR cafe. Call Betsy Frarey for more information: 473-8724 or 944-1043.
_______________________________________________________________________
Thank you, gracias, spasibo, Yaqhanyelay, Chezu ba and merci to all those who supported the PTO fundraiser! All funds help support classroom activities, field trips, and schoolwide events.
If you are interested in a CSR blog, speak to Dave Harrison or email him at HarrisonButton@frontiernet.net
If you would like to receive this newsletter electronically, email Nicole Rosen at NicoleRosen@rochester.rr.com
We have a new CSR family recently arrived from a warm climate. If you have gently used winter clothing sizes 4 to 12, please speak to Pat Townsend.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Hello, Nicole. Couple of questions: do you know how to contact that mom who said she would dance sometime at CSR. Telesta said she thought is was Ketzavong's mom. Ring a bell? Also, do I send stuff for the newsletter to you or is someone else doing it for Oct? I will be out of town Oct 4-11, but I will check my email and this blog. Thanks, Betsy.
Dave, is this the appropriate use for this or should I just send Nicole a regular email?
Pat, have we heard back about using the highschool cafeteria?
Dave, is this the appropriate use for this or should I just send Nicole a regular email?
Pat, have we heard back about using the highschool cafeteria?
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Why a blog?
This blog will give PTO members a way to communicate online, collaborate on PTO projects, and share ideas. We could also use this to post minutes from our meeting. Or a copy of the newsletter. The general idea is to keep things moving ahead, in-between our regularly scheduled meetings (next one is set for October 17th).
At last night's meeting, we talked a lot about the International Dinner (November 2nd - mark your calendar!). Pat T. said she'd check with Monroe High about using their cafe, so that we'll have a little more elbow room. Pat P. and Betsy F. talked about what kind of entertainment we've used in the past, and everyone (Mary B., Rob L., Jezie R., Gail C., and Carla C.) talked about what we'd like to try this year. International dancing seems to be a worthwhile avenue for exploration, since it helps the kids burn off some energy and fits so well with the mission of CSR. So much depends upon venue, we'll keep everyone updated about what happens!
At last night's meeting, we talked a lot about the International Dinner (November 2nd - mark your calendar!). Pat T. said she'd check with Monroe High about using their cafe, so that we'll have a little more elbow room. Pat P. and Betsy F. talked about what kind of entertainment we've used in the past, and everyone (Mary B., Rob L., Jezie R., Gail C., and Carla C.) talked about what we'd like to try this year. International dancing seems to be a worthwhile avenue for exploration, since it helps the kids burn off some energy and fits so well with the mission of CSR. So much depends upon venue, we'll keep everyone updated about what happens!
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