The Genesee Hill PTA is hosting bestselling children’s author Trudy Ludwig, who will be talking to parents about topics that have become more and more prevalent for kids growing up today: cyberbullying, social ostracism and how kids can engage in kind, caring ways.

Trudy’s emphasis is on empowerment – giving school communities the tips, tools, and resources that help children connect and engage with their peers in kind, caring ways. In this adult presentation, she’ll discuss the latest research in relational aggression, cyberbullying, the nature of boys’ and girls’ friendships, social ostracism and inclusion, kindness in a digital world, and many other timely and important topics related to bullying. On September 26, Trudy will lead student presentations for K-2 and 3-5 grades to address bullying/friendship issues in an age-appropriate manner. She will also provide a staff presentation to help school staff members in their ongoing efforts to promote a safe, social-emotional learning environment for our students.

The presentation will be at 6:30 pm Tuesday, September 25 at Genesee Hill Elementary, and all community members are welcome. RSVP here: https://bit.ly/2xsk6KJ. Child care will be provided for school age kids.

*We will have a handful of books available to purchase the night of the event. 

How do we support democratic values in today’s classrooms? How does this connect to the conversations we are having (or not having) at home?

Join us for a conversation about the vital role public education has played—and continues to play—in our democracy. Free dinner and childcare provided onsite.

Date: May 4
Location: Genesee Hill Library

Dinner served at 6pm
Discussion and presentation begin at 6:30

Schmitz Park Room Parents:

As you know, we’re not allowed to collect money in the front office or classrooms. Below are ideas for different ways you can collect gifts or donations for your class’ teacher appreciation gift.

• Amazon.com: We’ve set up a special Teacher Appreciation Wish List made specific to each teacher. The Wish List contains a link for Amazon email gift cards. Parents can select the amount of their email gift card, put in teacher email address for who the gift is going to, select date for delivery Friday, May 8th and then pay for the gift card. Your teacher will receive all of the gifts cards from each family on Friday. No collecting money and purchasing gift.
• Cash.me: Go to this site: https://cash.me/, set-up an account and send out link to parents. They can donate money to you directly to purchase a gift for your teacher.

Below is the list of specialists assigned to the grades. Room parents for each grade have been reaching out to each other and taking one day each to do something small along with what they’re doing for their teacher. Basically each class can take a day.

• K – Ms. Lew
• 1st – Ms. Sealey
• 2nd – Ms. Dunn
• 3rd – Ms. Vaninni
• 4th – Ms. Bronson
• 5th – Ms. Cochran

Parents of children who use room 5 & 6, we’d like to set up a group to treat the teachers and aids that help support our children. Email lorieabennett68@gmail.com if you’d like to participate. If you don’t want to be part of the group, please send a thank you note in with your child one day next week to give to their specific supporters. Cheri Carl and I would like to replenish their toy stash, give them flowers and Starbucks cards.

Our Staff Appreciation Week gets underway May 4-8th. Plans for our staff range from providing flowers, cards, sweet treats, and much more as a way to recognize staff for all their hard work and support they give our children. In addition, the PTA is supplying brunch, coffee, and lunches to staff on the following days:

• Monday: Continental Breakfast
• Tuesday: Pannini Luncheon
• Wednesday: Staff gifts passed out
• Thursday: Starbucks delivery with fresh baked good
• Friday: Salmon luncheon

Also, look for an email from your classes room parent for specific ideas on what your class can do.