Nelsen Middle School

November 18, 2009 PTSA Updates

QUICK NOTES:

* No Late Start Friday, Nov. 20th.  School Starts Regular Time!

* No School - Nov. 26, 27

* Parent-Teacher Conferences - Nov. 23, 24.  See more information below

* Half-Days - Nov. 23, 24, 25.  School is dismissed at 11:00am.

FCCLA FOOD DRIVE!

FCCLA is holding a food drive for the Salvation Army Renton Food Bank this week.   Please send in donations with your student to turn in 1st period.

Thank you for your anticipated participation!

 

You are invited to Nelsen Middle School’s McTeacher’s Night at McDonald’s

Thursday, November 19 from 5-7 p.m.

·        A chance for families to see some * Nelsen staff members working behind the counter at McDonald’s  (the Benson McDonald’s by Fred Meyer)    
·        An opportunity to raise money for Nelsen Middle School - N.M.S. receives 20%  of all food sales from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, November 19
·        Children can take home a book to read (donated by Half Price Books)
·        Win a prize – opportunity every 20 minutes

* NMS Staff at McTeacher’s Night:
Colin Falk, Renee Barut, Karli Blagg, Steve Turner, Esther Rich, Kathy Magat, Molly Komar, Paula Charbeneau,  Scott Jones

 

Cookie Dough Delivery Nov. 19th

Our cookie dough from our fall fundraiser will be delivered for pick up on Thursday, November 19th in the afternoon.  Please remember that this is perishable and needs to be delivered ASAP.  If you student put in a large order, please help them with pick up on that day.  We do not have the facilities to store large quantities of cookie dough, so everything needs to be picked up on that day!

Thanks,
Rebecca Schlosstein

 

Nelsen Staff Dinner, Nov. 24

PTSA will be putting together a dinner for the staff on Tuesday, November 24th (in between the Parent-Teacher Conferences).  We would like to provide a nice dinner for them, to let them know we appreciate what they will be doing for our kids.

We will need: main dishes, casseroles, salads (green, pasta, etc.), fruits, appetizers, veggie trays, chips and dips, desserts, or any other yummy items.  Please deliver it to the staff room (by the main office) Nov. 24th, anytime during the morning or afternoon.

If you don’t have time to shop or make anything, we will also accept monetary donations.  Please deliver or mail your checks, made payable to “Nelsen PTSA”, c/o NMS, 2403 Jones Ave. S., Renton, 98055, no later than Nov. 20th, to allow time to shop for the items.

We also need help with the clean-up (approximately 6:00pm).

If you have any questions, or if you can help, please contact Erica Conway, at ericaconway@hotmail.com, or 206-787-0264.  Please also e-mail Erica if you are planning on bringing something, so she can keep a tally of the food.

Thank you for your anticipated help and support!

  
Discovery Program

It is time to refer students for the 2009-10 Discovery Program (The Gifted Education Program for the Renton School District). During fall conferences is an ideal time to talk with your child’s teachers if you are interested in referring your son or daughter for testing.

The process for referring a child involves two forms, one filled out by you as the student’s parent (Parent Referral Form) and one completed by the Teacher (Teacher Rating Form). Your child’s teacher will also include an original student writing sample.

Referrals will be accepted beginning Nov. 9, 2009, with a final cutoff of Dec. 16, 2009.

These forms are available from you school counselors.  Please contact Genie Fairhart at 425-204-3015 or Scott Jones at 425-204-3013.  You may also contact Jody Hanawalt at 425-204-2401.

“I AM A MILITARY KID”

The Nelsen counselors will be facilitating a support group for kids whose family members are in the military.  This group was created to help military kids increase their ability to handle the stresses of life, whether these are related to everyday problems or to their own unique experience as a military kid.  The group will meet for 10 sessions during school.  We will rotate meeting times so students will miss a different class each week so they will not fall behind in their school work.  If you would like your student to participate, please contact Genie Fairhart @ 425-204-3015 or genie.fairhart@rentonschools.us. 

New After School Clubs Presented by the Atlantic Street Center Boys’ and Girls’ Club

“Life Skills for Girls” meets on Tuesdays after school and “Life Skills for Boys” meet on Thursdays after school. This is an opportunity for students to come together to create friendships and  learn how to deal with gossip, peer pressure, aggressive behavior, gang violence and other issues they may be facing.  Students will learn new skills, play games, and have fun!  There will be many opportunities for fun activities: arts and crafts, basketball and flag football.

All students are welcome! Students may pick up a registration form at the group.

Questions?  Contact Genie Fairhart at genie.fairhart@rentonschools.us

 

 Parent Conferences, November 23 & 24

The first quarter has ended and report cards were mailed.   We’d like to discuss your student’s first report card with you, so please plan on attending conferences on Monday, November 23 from 12:00 p.m - 2:30p.m.; or Tuesday, November 24 between 1:30 – 4:00 p.m. or 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.   All Nelsen staff will be gathered in the main gymnasium.   You then walk about the gym and spend about five minutes with each of your student’s six teachers.   General consensus among staff and parents is that the time (though brief) is well spent.

**Please note that we will have early dismissal at 11:00 a.m., Nov. 23, 24 and 25.**

JOINING ASB SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES AT NELSEN.

It is very easy to join sports and activities at Nelsen!  First, a student needs an ASB card, which may be purchased from Mrs. Folkerts in the attendance office.  Second, a student shows up for the activity!  Announcements are made throughout the school.  For our sports teams, a student does need to try out and our traveling team does make some cuts, so the student does need to attend all practices.  All of our sports teams will have a 2 week period of everyone practicing, then the traveling team will be chosen.  If you have any questions, contact Becky Schlosstein, at rebecca.schlosstein@rentonschools.us

LATE STARTS.

Just a reminder, ALL RENTON SCHOOLS will start 90 minutes late on most Fridays during the 2009-10 school year.  For a schedule of all late start Fridays, go to the calendar at the Renton School District website http://www.rentonschools.us/Home.aspx, and click on the 2009-2010 School Year Calendar on the right-hand side.

Please remember to visit the District site throughout the school year for transportation news, school announcements, and other pertinent information.  The site is GREAT resource for all Renton families!

FROM THE NELSEN NEWS, November 2009 (Reminders!)
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
The end of the quarter is just around the corner.  It seems as though I was just talking about the 6th grade orientation on the first day of school.  As the year progresses quickly, many times our busy lives do not allow us to partake in opportunities around our children’s lives.  Therefore, I draw your attention to the following opportunities to participate in your child’s life.
·              Parent-Teacher Conferences (Nelsen Gymnasium)
            November 23rd – 12:00 to 2:30
            November 24th – 1:30 to 4:00 - 5:30 to 7:30
Studies show that parent and student involvement in activities at school, elementary through high school, enhance the success of the child in school, so I encourage you and your child to get involved in activities outside the classroom.
Principal’s Quote of the Month
“Tell me and I’ll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I will understand.”

 

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
The National Junior Honor Society is having a Partylite candle sale starting Nov. 16 and running through Dec. 2.  We are raising money to fund our induction ceremony, our service project and a special field trip in the spring for participating members.  The candles range in price from $15 to $20.  These selections would be wonderful gifts for the holiday season.  Look for further information.  Your support is appreciated.

SKYWARD FAMILY ACCESS
Information on how to use the program and the activation code that is required to create an account will be mailed out with report cards.  Please be sure to keep this information.  If you lose or need the code in the future, you will be required to come in person to get it.  It will also be available during conference night with proper identification.  If you need more information, please call Terri Zura at 425-204-3056.  

WASHINGTON D.C. TRIP
There is still time to sign up for the exciting  trip to D.C., Philadelphia & New York City trip next summer.  It is open to 7th and 8th graders!!  Please ask Ms. Rademacher for information in room 203 or email diane.rademacher@rentonschools.us.

ATTENDANCE REMINDER
When your student is leaving early, a note should be brought to the Attendance Office in the morning to fill out an Early Dismissal Slip.  By doing this, your student can be ready for dismissal in the Attendance Office at the proper time. Be sure to bring in proper ID when picking up a student.   

Remember
·         School Start Time: 7:50 a.m.
·         Students should not arrive on campus before 7:30a.m. No adult supervision is available before then.
·         Late Start Fridays: School Start Time: 9:25 a.m.

Nelsen Administration - Contact Information.

Main Office                           425-204-3000
Attendance                           425-204-3010
Cafeteria                               425-204-3018
Nurse, Sue Pennington       425-204-3002
Registrar, Susan Dean       425-204-3001
Transportation                      425-204-4455, or http://www.rentonschools.us/Departments/Transportation/BusRoutes or
http://nelsen.rentonschools.us/files/BusRoutes/MS_routes.pdf

 

Colin Falk, Principal                        colin.falk@rentonschools.us 
Elaine Love, Asst. Principal           elaine.love@rentonschools.us
Becky Schlosstein, Asst. Prin.       rebecca.schlosstein@rentonschools.us
Renton School District Website    http://www.rentonschools.us/Home.aspx

COMMUNITY NEWS

HOLIDAY GIFT & VENDOR FAIR,Sponsored by Grad Night 2011

Monday, Nov. 23rd, 11:00 am – 7:30 pm, LHS Cafeteria

One-Stop Holiday Shopping!  FEATURING:

Cookie Lee Jewelry             Tupperware                   Tropical Spa Body Wraps
PartyLite Gifts                       Pampered Chef            Tastefully Simple
Silpada Jewelry                    Simply Fun Games       Scentsy Wickless Candles
Homecrafters 
and more  from Lindbergh students!

Fill your car full of friends for a FUN HOLIDAY SHOPPING TRIP!

COMMUNITY NEWS

Salvation Army Renton Rotary Food Bank

The last few months have been extremely busy for The Salvation Army Renton Rotary Food Bank, and the shelves are empty.

Please take food or drop off a check payable to the "Salvation Army", to Captain Terry, or one of the volunteers at the Food Bank located behind Renton High School at 206 South Tobin Street.

You can help by conducting a food drive at your office, school, service club, or just write a check, TODAY PLEASE.

To view a detailed news article, go to this link:  http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/ren/news/68676452.html

COMMUNITY NEWS

Fairwood News in Real-Time, Any Time

Fairwood Community News, Inc. (www.fairwoodcommunitynews.com) is an established, comprehensive and FREE News Source for the greater Fairwood area.   Fairwood Community News covers news about our neighborhood schools, organizations, businesses and developments in our area.  If it has something to do with our community, FCN is interested in sharing it with the greater Fairwood area.

Features: Check out the site; you'll find information about everything: Lindbergh, Nelsen and feeder elementary schools; A Community Calendar is well-used and updated regularly - add your own group's events by emailing FCN;  Homeowners Associations have dedicated pages; and Classified advertising is also FREE.

If you have news to share, let Fairwood Community News know about it.  They want to hear from you.

To view the site, go to http://www.fairwoodcommunitynews.com/index.html

Contact Information

Tami Tedrow-Howard
Fairwood Community News
PO Box 58843
Renton, WA 98058
e: info@fairwoodcommunitynews.com
www.fairwoodcommunitynews.com
206.856.1662

COMMUNITY NEWS

KING COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM - THE "STUDY ZONE ONLINE" 

The following information is from the KCLS's website, and located at:  http://www.kcls.org/studyzone/study_zone.cfm

The library site has a wealth of information.  Check it out at:  http://www.kcls.org/index.cfm

Study Zone Online provides access to Study Zone tutors over the internet, using the Brainfuse classroom.  Students in grades K-12 can join an online Study Zone classroom to get help in math, science, English and social studies.  At this time Study Zone Online is available only through a library computer.

2009-2010 Study Zone Program Calendar
Scheduled of planned program closures.
Rules of Conduct

Online Tutor Schedule
Volunteer tutors are currently available online Mondays through Thursdays 3-8pm & Sundays 3:30-6pm
Online hours will be expanded as additional tutors become available.
How does Study Zone Online work? - View a demo of the Study Zone Online
Study Zone Online uses the online classroom designed by Brainfuse, allowing for simultaneous live chat and whiteboard drawing functions.  As with the Study Zone tutors in the library, Study Zone Online take place in a group setting with 1-5 students for each tutor.  Students can work individually with a tutor or students can work together in a group and get help from a tutor as they need it.  Students can even use our online worksheets for skills building practice.

How do students join Study Zone?
There is no need to sign up in advance, just log in any time during Study Zone hour.  All you need is your library card.  Students can also drop in to work with live tutors at most KCLS libraries.   To find a live tutor at a library near you see the regular Study Zone program and the Study Zone Tutoring Schedule.

Who are Study Zone tutors?
Study Zone tutors are volunteers from our communities who must pass a Washington State patrol background check and complete a program orientation before they begin tutoring. Study Zone tutors can provide help in all subject areas up to the 8th grade level and also specialize in one or two subjects each up to the college-prep level.

Interested in volunteering to be a tutor? 
Be a Study Zone leader! The Study Zone needs dedicated volunteers to help students with their homework.  The minimum commitment for Study Zone Online is 3 hours, one day per week. Training and support are provided.

PTSA NEWS

Thanks to all who have become members and supporting the PTSA.   It is not too late - You can still join!

 

Join Nelsen Middle School’s PTSA!

2403 Jones Ave S

Renton WA  98055

Another wonderful school year is beginning – Nelsen’s incredible staff is ready for our students – and PTSA welcomes them and you back to school!  The PTSA’s goal   is to enrich our children’s school experience in a variety of ways.  Our many activities need parent help and financial support to succeed, and they include:

s         All School Picnic
s         Book Fairs
s         Chaperoning Dances
s         Eighth Grade Dance
s         Health Screenings
s         Incentive Days
s         Jr. Achievement
s         Jr. Honor Society
s         Nelsen Music Association
s         Nifty Nelsen Night
s         Reflections
s         Staff Appreciation

Please feel free to contact us about an activity that interests you, or for any suggestions or questions.  Meetings third Tuesday of each month, except in December.  All are welcome to attend!  Thank you!

Erica Conway, PTSA Co President               (206) 605-9745,    email  ericaconway@hotmail.com
Geri Garl, PTSA Co President                      (206) 550-7945,    email  fourgarls@comcast.net
Karen Carpenter, Membership Chair           (425) 254-9630,    email  2bacarpenter@comcast.net

That's it for now!  Thank you, everyone!

Geri Garl and Erica Conway
Co-Presidents, Nelsen PTSA