Community News September 2008
Posted by usnl in : Community News, September 2008 It is the beginning of another school year and the Penn Charter Community welcomes all new and returning families to the Upper School. For those of you who are new to Penn Charter, the Community is Penn Charter’s parent organization. The Community works with the faculty and administration to enhance our children’s experiences at the school and to provide a social network for the parents. There are many ways to become involved with the Community and your participation is always greatly appreciated.
On the Penn Charter website home page, there is a link for “Parents” which will lead you to the Community website. As your child progresses through the Upper School, you will find this site to be a valuable resource. Not only does it list Community events, you will find important student activities listed there as well.
The first Community meeting is scheduled for 8:15 a.m. at the Timmons House on Sept. 11, 2008. All parents are invited to the Community meetings. Please attend to learn about upcoming events and to socialize with other parents. You will find that these meetings provide a wealth of information and are a terrific way to stay updated on school developments both with the kids and the faculty and administration. At this first meeting, there will be sign up sheets available for the various committees that run events during the year. Even if you can only donate an hour or two of time, your help is needed and appreciated. One of the best ways to meet other parents is to work with them at a school event. Our goal this year is to be more inclusive and to make sure all families feel welcome in the Penn Charter Community.
The wrapping paper sale is a major annual fundraiser run by the Community. The proceeds of the sale are used to defray the costs of student trips. When the sale begins on Sept. 12, be sure to place an order. Even after the sale ends, you can continue to order wrapping paper and other gifts online and the school will receive credit.
Back-to-School Night will take place on Sept. 11th. Once again, there will be sign up sheets available for Community events. If you would like to volunteer but you miss the sign up sheets, feel free to contact your class parents. Their contact information is on the Community site and in the school directory. Your class parents are also organizing socials for the parents. The 9th grade social is scheduled for Sept. 19 and the 11th grade for Sept. 27. These are always fun events so be sure to mark your calendars and reserve the dates. There is also an All-School Picnic scheduled for Sept. 27. You will receive more information about these events in upcoming weeks.
The Community website will be updated frequently. If at any time you see an event that appeals to your interests, just contact us or your class parents to volunteer your help. Through our combined efforts, we make Penn Charter a better place for our children and for ourselves.
We wish you a healthy and enjoyable academic year!
Cathie Driscoll and Jill Schuman
Upper School Community Co-Chairs
Community News April 2008
Posted by usnl in : Community News, April 2008 Edition Another academic year is drawing to a close, but the Penn Charter Community calendar is still packed with events. Remember to check out the school calendar and the Parents section of the website for up-to-date information on activities. If you have any questions about events, feel free to contact us or your class chairs. You can find the contact information on the website.
The All-School Carnival is scheduled for May 3 and volunteers would be greatly appreciated. You can contact Sandee Cataldi (sandeefitness@aol.com) to offer your help. The Community plant sale will occur on May 8. Even though the sale is based in the Lower School, this is an all-school event. Color Day, an event in which all Penn Charter students participate, takes place on May 23. Each class chair will seek volunteers for the various booths, so please contact your class chairs and offer an hour or more of your time. The parent/child dance scheduled for April 26 has been cancelled.
The final Community Meeting is on May 1 at 8:15 a.m. All parents are encouraged to attend, and please think about volunteering for committees for the 2008-2009 year. Laura Bryan and Lola Sergeant-Wilkinson will serve as the Community Chairs for the upcoming academic year.
We cannot end the year without thanking all of the parents who volunteered their time this year. From Back-to-School Night to Family Visiting Day, many parents worked together to make these events successful. No matter how busy you are, help out at an event and let your children know that Penn Charter is an important part of your life, too.
We wish you all a wonderful summer vacation, and best of luck to the Class of 2008.
Babe McGarvey and Jill Schuman
Upper School Community Co-Chairs
Community News December 2007
Posted by usnl in : November 2007 Edition, Community News It is hard to believe we are moving into the second trimester already. Thank you to all the parent volunteers who made Back-to-School night, the parent socials and the Juried Art Show a success. While we’re basking in the glow of a glorious PC/GA Day, remember that there are always many opportunities to volunteer at Penn Charter. The “Parents” page on the website lists events and contacts. If you have questions, you can always contact your class chairs; they are also listed on the Parents page. And – please ignore your children’s dire threats and offer to chaperone a dance this year.
At the November Community Meeting, the head of each division spoke about stewardship and the way that the theme will be carried out this year. The Community is also participating and has formed a Stewardship committee to work with the faculty to promote the incorporation of stewardship into the every day life of the school. An Upper School parent, Elizabeth Bailey, is co-chairing the committee. If you are interested in helping out or have ideas to contribute, please contact her. You will receive notice of an upcoming meeting in the near future.
Parents are always welcome and are encouraged to be involved in service activities at Penn Charter. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day may be a day off from academics but it is a day full of service opportunities at Penn Charter. Parent volunteers will be needed for the planned activities. Please mark your calendar now so you will be available to participate in the wonderful array of community projects scheduled for Jan. 21, 2008.
Although the Wrapping Paper Sale officially ended in October, you can still purchase gift wrap, ribbons and other items from Innisbrook. There is a link to Innisbrook.com on the Parents page. The Penn Charter Community receives credit for your purchases and then utilizes the proceeds from the sales to defray the costs of student trips. As the items are shipped directly to your home, ordering online is a convenience much appreciated during this hectic holiday season. Encourage your friends and relatives to purchase through the Penn Charter link, too.
The next Penn Charter Community meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 10, 2008, at 8:15 a.m. at Timmons House. The meetings are open to all Penn Charter parents and offer an excellent opportunity for you to learn about school life. To further tempt you, coffee and snacks are provided. Please join us and become an active member of the Community.
Happy Holidays!
Babe McGarvey & Jill Schuman
Upper School Community Co-Chairs