Deweys Diary

Draper Elementary PTA Newsletter

Vol. 8 No. 3

draper

November 2012

November
1 Early Out Open Enrollment permits due Online Scheduler closes at midnight Dual-immersion application Deadline PTA meeting, 9 a.m. Election DayVote! SEP Conferences Scholastic Book Fair, 3:30-7:30 p.m., Media Center Early Out No SchoolTeacher Comp Day Chick-fil-A Spirit Night, 5-7 p.m. Art Through the Ages Training, 9:30 a.m. Early Out No SchoolThanksgiving Recess

2 6 7-8 8 9 13 14 20 21-23

December
4 6 12 13 PTA Meeting, 9 a.m. Choir Concert, 7 p.m. School Community Council meeting, 3:30 p.m. Dads & Donuts, 8 a.m. Middle School Registration Information meeting for 5th and 6th graders, 6:30 p.m. Early Out No SchoolWinter Recess Classes resume

Fun Run Raises $18,000

A huge thank you to all who supported our Fun Run. We raised $18,000 due to the generosity of the Draper Elementary community. For the second year in a row, sixth-grader Mac Herbert was the first runner to finish the race. We were also happy to have Draper Police Chief Roberts run with us. A special thank you to Jaime Free and Margot Day who coordinated this year's Fun Run. We also express appreciation to Fresh Market who donated the popsicles for our students.

19 20-31 Jan. 2

Dragons are State Presidential Fitness Champions

Congratulations to Draper Elementary as 2011-12 state winners of the Presidential Fitness Challenge in category 3, schools with more than 500 students. Our Dragons earned scores in the 85th percentile or higher on the physical fitness test. The Presidents Challenge helps people of all ages and abilities increase their physical activity and improve their fitness. Draper's challenge is a PTA-sponsored program coordinated by Brenda Andrewsen and Erin Miller. Our students recently completed their initial testing for this year's challenge.

Stay Informed
Like Draper Elementary on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and visit our PTA blog at draperelementary.blogspot.com

Draper Elementary
1080 E. 12550 S. Draper, UT 84020 Ph: 801-826-8275 draper.canyonsdistrict.org

Halloween Parade Moved Outside This Year

This year we are moving our annual Halloween Parade outside to the playground. The parade starts at 2:10 p.m. on Oct. 31. Join us on the playground blacktop with your camp chairs. We will allow limited parking on our playground and ask that you use caution.

Principals Message
As we prepare to celebrate the Thanksgiving season, I would like to share some of the things at Draper Elementary that I am grateful for. So, without further ado, here are my top 5 reasons for being grateful that I work at our school. Involved Parents Our parent support is one of the things that makes Draper such a positive place to be. The amount of parent involvement our students enjoy, both in the classroom and in the home, has a significant impact on student attitudes and student learning. Our teachers can do a great deal to help students succeed, but we are able to do so much more because of how involved our parents are. The Fun Run I love the PTA Fun Run. Having the chance to see the majority of our school community come out to support our students, support our PTA, and participate in an activity together is one of the highlights of the year for me. Our Teachers Draper would not be the quality school it is without our teachers. Our staff is dedicated to the academic and social success of our students, and I am grateful each day for the opportunity I have to associate with them. They are professionals, and we are fortunate to have them at our school. Our Students One of the reasons I love coming to work each day is the fact that I know that I'm going to a place where I will surrounded by students who are learning, and are happy about it. Our students are extremely well behaved, positive, and compassionate. I am impressed each day by the kindness they show to one another, and to their teachers. They are my favorite things about Draper, and I am grateful for the chance I have to interact with them every day. The Natural Beauty Around Us This may seem silly, but when you have beautiful mountains and ever changing farmland that surrounds you, then coming to Draper is something that is inspiring and something that I am grateful for. Thank you for your continued support of Draper Elementary.

Vote Yes to Support Our Kids When You Join PTA

As you head to the polls on Nov. 6, dont forget to cast your vote of support for Draper Elementary by joining our PTA. Membership is only $6. Forms are available in the office. Once we receive your form and payment you will receive a welcome packet as well as coupons and a discount for Spirit Wear. The PTA serves as powerful voice for all children, a relevant source for families and our community and is a strong advocate for our children. A portion of the membership is used to fund PTA programs at our school. Vote yes today by joining our PTA.

Novembers Dragon Challenge Focuses on Service

The Dragon Challenge for November is: One act of service outside of school. The Draper Challenge is a new PTA program aimed at keeping students excited about learning and achieving. You will receive a service form via email that needs to be completed once your students have completed their act of service.

Nov. 7-8: SEP Conferences, Scholastic Book Fair

SEP conferences are Nov. 7 and 8. The Online Scheduler is open until midnight on Nov. 1 for parents to make their own appointments. Teachers are looking forward to meeting with parents and sharing students progress and success. The PTA will hold its Scholastic Book Fair in conjunction with SEP Conferences. The book fair will be held in the Media Center both days from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Just a reminder that Nov. 8 is an early out day and there will be no school on Nov. 9.

PTA Presidents Message

In this wonderful month of Thanksgiving, I want to thank those who are critical to the success of our children. Ms. Sorensen, the amazing Draper Elementary faculty, the lunch staff, media and education aides, custodial staff, my PTA board, and the countless volunteers, etc., etc., are all key elements in the educational lives of our kids. You, as caregivers, are the most important people who need to be thanked! As parents, grandparents and guardians you spend the limitless hours and effort in helping these students to become better people. I know that each child has an influence on how our community grows and betters our nation. It truly takes a village to raise a child and I am so thankful for the Draper Community Village who are helping to raise mine and all the other amazing kids at Draper! One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child. -Carl Jung I hope you all appreciate and enjoy your families this season! Happy Thanksgiving!

Kenna Sorensen, Principal

Ashley Boyle, PTA President 2012-13, ashboyle@hotmail.com