JOAQUIN MILLER SCHOOL 510-531-6688 MAY 16, 2014

Every Wednesday is Minimum Day Next Walkie Talkie Distributed: May 30, 2014

PTA News
As we are in the final stretch of the 2013-2014
school year, were gearing up the JMPTA Board
for the coming school year. Elections were held
on May 15 for most positions, however we still
have some openings. If you are interested in
participating, please email me about open
positions. The work of the JMPTA Board is both
gratifying and challenging as the Board strives to
be the stewards for the community and serving the
interests of all.

On to current eventsthe JM Spring Faire on
Saturday, May 3 was a smashing success. Thank
you very much to Eric and Gailen Runge for
coordinating the event. Lots of gaming fun (and
dunking) was had by all! Thanks also to the Dads
Club for making sure there were tasty treats to
energize us for all the activities of the Faire.

Please stay tuned for additional information
regarding the Computer Lab and Extended Care.
More up to date information will be shared via the
Yahoo Group.

I wanted to take a moment as we are about to close
out the school year as JMPTA President with a
hopeful message. After all the work that has gone
on with the JMPTA, I ask you all to work together
as a community to make our community strong,
cohesive and united. This school year presented
many challenges and opportunities for
improvements and I hope that the next school year
brings with it a community rife with solutions that
would serve everyones best interests.
Thank you for all your support. See you at school!

Ramon Nasol, PTA President
jmptapresident@gmail.com
New Boxtop Coordinator Needed
Please email PTA Development Chair Nancy
Knowdell at nancyknowdell@sbcglobal.net if you
can help out. This is a job that requires a small time
commitment and earns JM easy money.
Library News
Hope you enjoyed the big reveal in the JM library -- new carpet
and furniture layout thanks to a small but powerful crew of
parents and students. Our students are enjoying the fresh carpet
and much more elbow room at the tables and on the story rug. I
am very grateful to the following people who gave up part of
their Spring Break to help move all the free-standing bookcases
(and 3500 books), tables, chairs, and computers out of the library
and back in after the installation:

Chris Ereneta, Michele Guyton, Ruthie Soderback, Russell
Zimmerman, Sally Emeson, Richard (a friend of Sallys), Holly
Kambeitz, Kristine Chung-Kopchik, and their children Ben,
Kelani, Cameron, Ruthie, Karla, Imix, Ruby, Sage, Jada, Justin,
Collin and Ian.

Big thanks to Paulette Smith for authorizing the funding (Oakland
Measure G), Ms. Sims for following the invoice through, and Ms.
Sheila and Mr. Puzon for access to the building each day.

Cindy Gullikson, Librarian
cindy.gullikson@ousd.k12.ca.us

Joaq-a-thon Wrap-up
The 2014 Joaq-a-thon exceeded fundraising goals and previous
years' donations, raising over $41,000! We have our parent and
student body to thank for this! You all did your best to gather
sponsors and energy for walking! Every sponsor and every
walker made a difference! Class parties for exceptional
fundraising, kilometers walked, and highest class participation
will be given soon! We will have an assembly at the end of May
to award specific kids for their levels of participation and to
celebrate everyone's efforts. Dont forget the all-important Joaq-
a-thon t-shirts, which will be distributed then as well.

Parent Appreciation Breakfast
On Friday, May 30
th
, its our turn to thank YOU the parents
who volunteer time to help in the classroom, library, computer
lab, on the PTA, in the yard, office, driving field trips, and in so
many other important ways. Childcare will be provided starting
at 8am on the yard, so you can enjoy some coffee, conversation,
and a chance to celebrate yourselves and the results of your
efforts throughout the year.

End of Year SCRIP Orders
Last day to order SCRIP for the academic year is this
Monday, May 19
th
. SCRIP will be distributed by
June 2
nd
. If you have any questions, contact SCRIP
coordinator Derek Yegian at: dtyegian@yahoo.com

JMPTA Thank Yous
JMPTA thanks all the parents, faculty, and staff
who contribute so much to making JM a wonderful
place for our children. Wed especially like to
recognize the following people and groups for
going above and beyond:

Kim Davis - Kindergarten Tea
Mike & Lynn Petouhoff - Pumpkin Patch Sales
Vicki Morrella, Ellen Au-Yeung and the entire
Auction Committee for the JM Auction
Cindy Gullikson - Book Fair
Joaq-a-thon - Diana Miller & Suzie Nasol
Our teachers Inspiring students each day
Principal Smith Leading the way

Auction Thank Yous
Artful Tour: A lovely day in Dogpatch & Potrero!
Thank you to Bernard Faber (JME Grandpa) for a
wonderful day touring art galleries and the fun
neighborhoods of Dogpatch and Potrero in San
Francisco. He opened doors to galleries we
couldnt have gotten into, to meet artists and see
art of all different types. This part of San
Francisco has been compared to SOHO in NYC in
the early years. We loved the funky vibe, great
restaurants and even a winery! Bernard expertly
moved us through galleries, making sure we had
time to look at art, talk with artists/gallery owners
and even buy art if we wanted! It was inspiring
and fun. Our hope is that Bernard will continue to
share his love of art and his tours with the JME
community for a long time to come!

Thanks to Kerryn Pincus and Chad Gallagher for
hosting the Backshed Brewfest on May 10 at their
home. For homebrewers and beer aficionados this
was a real treat as we observed the making of a
Belgian Golden Strong Ale. If the homebrews
served with lunch are any indication of the Belgian
Ale outcome, then we look forward to receiving
our post-event growler with great anticipation.
Thanks so much for the fine beers, great food, and
convivial atmosphere. We'll assist with Chad's
brew process anytime!
2015-2016 JM PTA Board
President: Germaine Hunter
Executive VP: Eric Runge
Recording Secretary: Kristine Kopchik
Parliamentarian: Daria Dimitroff
Hospitality: Nancy Knowdell
Communications: Danielle Morse
Fundraising/Development: Brigetta Pryor
Treasurer: Open
Financial Secretary: Meridith Forristal
PTA Membership: Open
Room Coordinator Liaison: Open
Auditor: Open

Please contact either Ramon Nasol at jmptapresident@gmail.com
if you are interested in any of the open positions above or how
you can participate in other ways at JM.


Important Dates
Friday, May 16
4th Grade - African American Living History Day
Monday, May 19
Career Day
Tuesday, May 20
Grandparent's Day
Friday, May 16
4th Grade - African American Living History Day
Monday, May 19
JM Career Day-The Spark that Lasts!
Tuesday, May 20
Grandparent's Day
Wednesday, May 21
Ocean Guardian Presentation - 5:30pm
OUSD Science Fair
Interviews: After School Care Providers - 6pm
Thursday, May 22
JM Field Day
ELAC - 3:00pm
JM Open House (ALL grades) 6pm
Friday, May 23 Monday 26
NO SCHOOL - Lincoln Holiday
Friday, May 30
Parent Appreciation Breakfast 8am
Saturday, May 31
Bal-A-Vis-X workshop
Saturday, June 7
Bal-A-Vis-X workshop