April 06

Parents and educators enriching the lives of children at
Fuerstenau, Schavey Road, Scott and Herbison Woods
Elementary buildings in the DeWitt School System.

DeWitt Elementary PTA, P.O. Box 695, DeWitt, Michigan 48820
President: Theresa Butcher, 669-1270, tbutcher@edzone.net
Communications: Pattie Galica, 668-8423, pgalica@cmsinter.net

As I near the end of my term, I thought I’d reflect back on what serving on the PTA Board has meant to me. I initially decided to get involved because I wanted to show my kids (not just tell them) that I believe school is important. I volunteered regularly in their classrooms and joined the PTA. Still, I wanted to do more for the schools (and my kids), so when the PTA’s call for help went out, I answered. In the past I’ve served as Carnival Co-Chair for two years, Herbison Woods Rep for two years, and am now finishing up my second year as President. Being on the Board has given me the chance to get to know people I never would have met. I’ve worked with a lot of great people! Also, I’ve enjoyed getting to know the Principals and hearing the Building Reports at our Business Meetings. I feel I am better informed about things that are going on in the District than I would be if I weren’t involved in the PTA. I even think I have improved myself a bit. I’ve had to stay organized and I know my computer skills are better. And I believe that by supporting the schools and the PTA, I have done something worthwhile, something that makes a difference for the kids of DeWitt.

It is the time of year when we need fill PTA positions for next year. Please consider becoming more involved. Contact me for more information. There are several positions and committees still vacant. Yes, the PTA Board is a time commitment, but it has been worth it!

STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK IS MAY 1-5- CONTACT YOUR BUILDING REP TO GET INVOLVED!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Through May Mileage Club SRE and Scott

April18 Parent Education Program

(Meet the Candidates)

April27 and28 Conference Meals

May 1-5 Staff Appreciation Week

May 4 DeWitt Skate Night at EDRU

May 16 PTA Business Meeting

May 25 Spring Fun Run(at the track)

June 13 Last Day of School

Spirit items still available. For more information call: Laura Heinritz at 669-7258 email heinritz@att.net

Fast Friends is a great way to lend your "voice of experience" to a new family to DeWitt and help them make a smooth transition to the school system and community. If you would like to offer to make contact with a new family to serve as their resource about school activities, grocery stores, churches, sports, scouting, hair salons, doctors, etc. please contact me. I will match you up with a new family as they contact me. Don't worry about knowing everything there is to know. A resource list is available to get you started or we can find the answer together. Your friendly voice will be appreciated by someone new! --Lori Fox, lfox@acd.net or 668-0033

I would like to start out by thanking all of the wonderful parents that helped with the book fair and carnival. Our baskets were great and I hope that your kids had as much fun as mine did at carnival.

We have lots going on in the next few months at Fuerstenau. Kindergarten round up is April 18, 19 and 20^th. April 27^th begins conferences and conference cuisine. If you have a favorite dish you would like to bring or want to help with decorations please e-mail Kristi Lewis at Kjdlewis@comcast.net. The week of May 8^th is staff appreciation week. If you have something to add or would like to be part of the planning please call us, we would love the help.

In order to protect instructional time, Fuerstenau students and staff will not be participating in mileage club. If you have any questions or concerns please call the office at 668-3460.

Schavey Road school started mileage club on Monday, April 10th. Schavey walkers will be doing their thing Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during last recess (1:40-2:35). We are set for regular volunteers, but situations do arise where people are not able to make their committments. If you would like to be on a list of substitute helpers, please contact Cindy Brushaber (668-0577) or Alison Kahl (669-5005), our Mileage Club co-coordinators this year!

Staff Appreciation week is coming up soon! May 8-12! We need a person from each classroom, plus others to help with building-wide activities. Some of you indicated an interest on your survey in the fall and we will be calling you soon if we haven't already :)

Thank You! To all the volunteers that were baskets coordinator for Shavey Rd. Bev Levine, Nicki Van Lake, Traci Haynes, Sopa Mocny,

Laura Heinritz, Leslie Cummings, Melissa Kirkpatrick, Shannon Colarossi, Ana Horn, Erin Baker, Jaimie Figueroa, Tammy Hamilton, Emily Lyons, Kim Scott, Amanda Fitzpatrick, Gloria Zunker, Jami Des Chenes.

Thank you to all of our PTA Carnival Basket Room Coordinators. This year's Silent Auction was a huge success. Monday, April 10th marked the beginning of this year's Mileage Club. The Scott School students will be walking every Monday, Wednesday and Friday during their afternoon recess for 7 weeks. Feel free to come out and join your child for a walk around the "track". We are in need of a lot of volunteer hours this Spring. The last week in April we have the Book Fair and the Teachers' Conference Cuisine. Then May 7 - 13 is Teacher Appreciation Week. Each day we will have a different theme and show our teachers and staff how much they mean to us. Please call Christine Stine (669-6263) or Deb Blake (668-0500) if you can donate your time or any items for these worthwhile events.

President, FECC P.M. Rep, Membership, Communications, Directory, Spirit Sales and Spring Fun Run.

Bus driver breakfast

One of the events sponsored by the PTA during Staff Appreciation Week (May 1-5) is the annual Bus Driver Breakfast. If you would like to contribute, please contact Theresa Butcher at tbutcher@hearttruss.net or 669-1270.