Westlake Early Childhood PTA News

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR SCHOOL LEVY ISSUE #16

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 01:09:22 GMT

Show your support for our schools & our community by participating at a

Support Our Schools Walk

Saturday, May 4, 2013

1:00-3:00

Select your start site:

Westlake High School - East to Dover Center Road and return to WHS (WHS & LBMS students)
Parkside Intermediate School – West to Columbia Rd., east to Clague Rd. and return to Parkside (Parkside, Holly Lane & Hilliard Students)
Crocker Park/Promenade – Start at the grassy area west of Trader Joes, walk along Crocker Road through Promenade/Crocker Park and return to grassy area (Bassett, Dover and WECPTA)

All walks run concurrently. Poster making, stickers and balloons for participants available at all sites from 1:00 – 1:30 pm.

Wear your Westlake spirit wear, bring a sign and join in the fun to SUPPORT OUR SCHOOLS!

Living Green Education Series

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 17:17:29 GMT

North Ridgeville Green Team is coordinating a Living Green Education Series at the North Ridgeville library during the month of April

The series will consist of 3 sessions, each on a specific topic, and will be conducted by local businesses and organizations.

The following sessions are open to attend, each beginning at 6:30pm:

· April 15: “Green Basics” - Information on recycling and eating healthy local produce. Presented by Lorain County Solid Waste and Fresh Fork Market.

· April 22: “Green Yards and Gardens” – Maintain a yard or raise a garden in an environmentally friendly manner with organic lawn options, composting and rain barrels. Presented by Good Nature Lawn Care and Rain Barrels N’ More.

· April 29: “Green Baby and Kids” – Information on cloth diapers, homemade baby food, and general tips for reducing your carbon footprint while raising a family. Presented by Westside Green Baby and Lil Steps.

Please attend these free presentations to educate yourself and start living green! Visit our website at www.NRGreenTeam.org to learn more.

DOVER PTA WALKING CLUB

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 02:46:51 GMT

DOVER PTA WALKING CLUB

Thursdays, March through May

8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

Walkers have less incidence of cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other killer diseases. They live longer and get mental health and spiritual benefits.

Join us on our next walk. We'd love to see you there! Questions? Contact Bernadette Kronz atp.kronz@sbcglobal.net

MEETING POINTS:

4/11 - Rec center parking near gazebo/pond
4/18 - St. ladislas parking lot (2345 Bassett Road)
4/25 - Holly Lane school Parking Lot
5/2 - Westlake Porter public library parking lot

A Bloomin' Affair Plant Sale

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 01:15:02 GMT

A Bloomin' Affair Plant Sale

Westlake Council of PTAs Annual Flower and Plant Sale is now in Progress!

Partnering with Dean’s Greenhouse and Nursery, Westlake Council of PTAs is offering beautiful flats of blooming annuals, individual specialty annuals, herbs and greenery, hanging plants, and porch and patio baskets for your spring and summer garden needs.

NEW THIS YEAR: tomatoes and peppers!

There are 2 pickup dates for your convenience:

Thursday, May 9 for all hanging plants, Westlake Spirit Pots, 6” combos and Container Gardens (this is in time for MOTHER’s DAY!)
Thursday, May 16 for all flats, herbs, greenery, vegetables and individual specialty annuals

We have many new items this year! Among them are…

Flats:

Torenia (pink, blue or mix)
Browallia (blue, white)
Zinnia (short; mixed colors)

Hanging Baskets:

New Guinea Imaptiens (for shade; pink, purple, red, salmon)
Specialty Annual Combo now comes in 5 different color combos!
10” Container Garden in 5 different color combinations
6” Annual Combo Pot in 5 different color combos for grouping

CLICK HERE FOR AN ORDER FORM

Orders are due to any Westlake City School building by Friday, April 12. Plant pick-up will be at Parkside Intermediate School front bus loop from 5:00-6:30 p.m. on both delivery dates. Contact Barbara Hall, Chairperson, at 440.899.0742 for more information. Proceeds benefit Westlake Council of PTAs and the many parent and student programs that it provides.

Downey Mildew has been identified in Ohio and 31 other states, affecting only bedding Impatiens and Double Impatiens (NOT New Guinea Impatiens). Spores travel on the breeze and can travel up to 300 miles in one day. Once a plant is infected, there is no cure. It does not affect any other blooming annual. The disease can be controlled with a fungicide, but it is only available to persons with a pesticide license. For this reason, Dean’s and most retailers will not be selling these two varities of impatiens until proper development of a mildew-resistent impatien stock can be bred. Dean’s recommends planting alyssum, begonias, browallia (NEW), coleus, lobelia, torenia (NEW), New Guinea impatiens, and tuberous begonias instead…all these flowers will do very well in your shady spots!

Important Legislation--Please take a minute to read

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 01:06:14 GMT

This is VERY IMPORTANT and concerns HB 59 which favors a voucher system. WE HAVE TO MAKE OUR VOICE HEARD!!! It just takes a moment to log on to the Ohio PTA website (click on link) to send a message to Rep. Nan Baker. The message is already composed (but editable). You just have to add your name and address. It takes 30 secs (really)!

Richard Ross was just announced this afternoon as the new State Superintendent of Schools. He was previously Governor Kasich's "Education Czar" and is the former superintendent of Reynoldsburg Schools. Ross has been a big proponent of Kasich's education plan, and he is one of the primary architects of the current education budget bill embodied in House Bill (HB) 59.

Hearings continue as Ohio House Education Committee members consider the Governor's budget bill (HB 59). The Ohio PTA testified at the beginning the month and has since reiterated their strong opposition to the voucher and "parent trigger" provisions in the bill. In the testimony, Gloria Cazan (Ohio PTA President) stated:

Ohio PTA supports legislation that empowers parents to be engaged in their child's education, is reflective of community interests, prioritizes student achievement and builds systemic and sustainable family-school partnerships. We feel HB 59 falls short of this.

In addition, throughout HB 59, there are troublesome indications that some students will benefit to improvements in funding while others will not. Increasing private funding with public monies negates why representatives have been elected to oversee our coffers. Public education must remain under the control and accountability of elected officials.
While it may be attractive to parents to have a choice and the ability to empower parents to change schools, the for-profit management and private tuition that erodes public education is NOT the answer for parents trying to change failing schools.

The Ohio PTA is urging all members to contact their state legislators to urge them to vote NO for HB 59. From their email:
Please take a few moments to use CAPWIZ to send a message to your state Representative, asking him/her to vote against HB 59. The bill favors two voucher systems. Ohio PTA does not support voucher systems that continue to divert public tax dollars away from the dollars available for public education funding - with no accountability for how the money will be spent or whether or not the student will have a quality "choice."

You can log on to the Ohio PTA website to send a quick message to your Representative or contact Rep. Nan Baker 614-466-0961 and Senator Tom Patton 614-466-8056 directly.

Connecting for Kids April Parent Discussion Groups

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 14:53:33 GMT

Connecting for Kids April Parent Discussion Groups

All events are free and open to the public. Free childcare is available, but you must RSVP.

Connecting the Dots: How to Discuss Your Child’s Diagnosis
Saturday, April 6, 2013, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Westlake Porter Public Library, Dover Room

A diagnosis can be a confusing thing for many families. After getting the news, many parents struggle with sharing the results -- when, how, and who should share this information? Also, how do you discuss the diagnosis with the child? Michelle Matzke, Psy.D., and Jennifer Klepner, M.A., of Daily Behavioral Health, will discuss the basic aspects of sharing a diagnosis with family, friends, grandparents, and siblings.

Connecting for Kids and the Westlake Porter Public Library are co-sponsoring this event. Childcare is provided but space is limited. To reserve a spot for your child, visit www.connectingforkids.org or email sarahrintamaki@connectingforkids.org.

Big Problem/Little Problem: Helping Your Preschooler Manage Emotions
Friday, April 26, 2013, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Westlake Porter Public Library, Dover Room

“You are being unreasonable!” Have you ever been tempted to just scream that at your toddler or preschooler as they are rolling on the floor having a tantrum? This presentation will look at helping young children identify and manage their emotions from a developmental perspective. Presented by Kristen Bergmann, MSSA, LISW-S, this parent discuss group will tackle ways to handle the intense emotions of toddlers and preschoolers.

Connecting for Kids and the Westlake Porter Public Library are co-sponsoring this event. Childcare is provided but space is limited. To reserve a spot for your child, visit www.connectingforkids.org or email sarahrintamaki@connectingforkids.org.

Connecting for Kids
Connecting for Kids is a nonprofit, networking organization that connects parents to resources in the community and supports parents as they help their child grow and develop. Whether a child has a formal diagnosis or if parents are just questioning if their child’s development is typical compared to same-aged peers, the group serves families concerned about physical, emotional, social/language, adaptive or cognitive development.

For more details on Connecting for Kids or its events, visit www.connectingforkids.org or contact Sarah Rintamaki 440-250-5563 or sarahrintamaki@connectingforkids.org. Connecting for Kids: “For families with questions and concerns about childhood development.”

Presenting our 2013-2014 Board

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 02:03:35 GMT

Thanks to all who are stepping up to help keep our organization running smoothly!

Position (# of people needed)	2013-2014 Board
President	Sarah Camden
1st VP	Rachel Jewell
2nd VP (Fundraising)	Holly Taylor
3rd VP (Kiddie Kloset)	Marie Novak
Secretary	Molly Gamiere
Treasurer	Bonnie Cybulko
Council Delegate (2)	Hind Simonetti & Julie Huck
Adult Activities (2)	Amy Fedor & Gwen Sanchez
Audit	RaeAnne Stock
Babysitting Co-op	Kristen Pugh
Children's Crafts (2)	Molly Gamiere & Andrea Navratil
Children's Parties (2)	Erin Baesel & Missy Laux
Community Service (2)	Mary Macias & Leila Daiuto
Field Trips (2)	Megan Navratil & Julie Jacono
Fundraising - Kalahari	Andrea Navratil
Fundraising - Breakfast With Santa	Jenn Hill & Jenn Richards
Fundraising - Spring Fundraiser	Marti Callahan & Jennifer Zimmer
Health and Safety	Vicki Barone
Hospitality	Connie Shaver
Advocacy	Delicia Ostrowski
Membership	Elizabeth Szabo
Membership Database	Gwen Sanchez
Newsletter Editor	Betsy King
Playgroups (2)	Sheila Kohuth
Preschool Fair (2)	Michelle Baker & Kristen Pugh
Preschool Vision Screening (2)	Sarah Raousch & Paula Kneisley
Publicity	Christine Jurik
Refreshments (2)	Patti Cervenka & Carla Regener
Social Media	Athena Bedell
Sunshine	Megan Tomsik
Website	Jen Grimes
Kiddie Kloset (2)	Niki Arkwright & RaeAnne Stock

FREE Love and Logic Institute Class

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 01:58:15 GMT

To: Westlake School Parents,

The Love and Logic Institute has updated their parenting program with new videos and it is now called "Parenting the Love and Logic Way" instead of "Becoming a Love and Logic Parent". Ron Chidsey would like to "test drive" this new program with some parents who have taken the previous class along with some parents that have not taken the class before. Ron will be teaching one module of this program (two hours in length), free of charge at the Westlake High School Lecture Room 109 on:

Monday, April 15, 2013 from 7:00-9:00 P.M.
Class title: Putting an End to Arguing, Back Talk and Begging

Ron is now opening registration to the general population of Wesstlake Schools until April 5 at which time he will put the following link on his Website and open it to the general public. At the end of the class, he will be asking for some feedback by way of an evaluation form to help him evaluate this new curriculum.

To register, simply click on the link below, and provide your name(s), phone number, email address, and city/Zip.

Class size will be limited to the first 40 participants and there are already over 20 registered. The link will be deactivated as soon as that limit has been reached so that no more registrations will be accepted.

Thanks,
Ron Chidsey
http://chidseyseminars.wufoo.com/forms/putting-an-end-to-arguing-westlake/

Dollars for Scholars

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 15:04:24 GMT

Dollars for Scholars

Friday, March 22nd
Westalke High School
Doors open: 6:00 p.m.
Game Time: 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $5 Pre-Game $6 at the door

Come see Westlake staffers take on WHS seniors at at the annual Seniors vs. Staff Basketball Game benefiting Westalke Council of PTAs scholarships for graduating WHS students! Along with the game, take a chance at the $1,000 Grand Prize raffle drawing, bid on some of the amazing Silent Auction items, have fun with the kiddos with the children's activities and more!

Some of the Auction and Raffle items as of today include:

Cookies by CrisPicturetakers
WHS Parking Space
Prom and After Prom Tickets
Principals and Porter Librarian for a Day
Tailgate Package that includes Cornhole Boards with bags!
One of a kind WHS memorabilia
and many more!

To purchase tickets or for more information contact Marie Novak at novakmarie@hotmail.com .

Raffle tickets are also on sale for $5 a ticket for a chance to win $1000. People can contact Marie or any of the WECPTA executive board to purchase raffle tickets.

Event and raffle tickets will also be available at the General Meeting, Tuesday, March 12, 2013.

Did you know it is time to sign your almost 3 year old up for Preschool?

Sat, 16 Feb 2013 04:49:37 GMT

Consider sending your child to Rocky River United Methodist Nursery School for the Fall 2013 school year. We are currently accepting registrations for the 2013-2014 school year. We still have openings in both our 3 and 4 year old programs. Registration information and forms can be found online at rrumc.org.

Please call Becky Satayathum, Registrar or Karen Freeh, Director with any questions or for a tour at (440) 331-7676 (ext. 230), or e-mail us at rrumns@gmail.com. Thank you!

Demon Green Bash!

Sat, 16 Feb 2013 04:47:22 GMT

Co-OP Carnival

Sat, 16 Feb 2013 04:43:50 GMT

The Cooperative Preschool of Bay Village invites children of all ages & and their families to the annual

Co-OP Carnival

Tuesday, March 5th, 2013
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.Bay Village Middle School Cafeteria

Featuring:

Carnival Games
Cupcake Walk
Photo Booth
Entertainment
Bake Sale
Raffles & More!

Children of all ages and their families are welcome to attend. Carnival games, cupcake walk, photo booth and raffle require tickets. All proceeds go to the Cooperative Preschool of Bay Village, a 501c(3) organization.

The Cooperative Preschool of Bay Village
440-899-7240 • www.baycoopschool.org

Lee Burneson’s DRAMA CLUB presents… Seusical The Musical Jr.

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 18:14:38 GMT

Just imagine a world where anything is possible: an elephant up in a tree, a person too tiny to see, a heroic child and dreams running wild! Come to a place where helping a friend, never giving up, and keeping a promise come alive in this wonderful tale that delights anyone young at heart!

Two performances:

Friday, February 8th 7:00 p.m. &

Saturday, February 9th 1:00 p.m.

Doors open one hour prior to the show. Arrive early for the best seating

Admission:$5.00/person Children 2and under FREE

You can purchase ticketsat the door the day of the performance or at Lee Burneson MiddleSchool.

Westlake Performing Arts Center

Westlake High School

27830 Hilliard Blvd.

Donating and Organizing Fundraisers for Sandy Hook Elementary School

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 03:34:37 GMT

December 17, 2012

It is with heavy hearts and the deepest sympathy that we express our condolences to the families and communities affected by the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. We have watched with profound sadness, pained that school violence has again claimed so many beloved students and educators. As you read these words, the families in Newtown, Connecticut are enduring unspeakable heartache and loss. Together let us pray that they will receive the comfort they so desperately need.

National PTA and the Connecticut PTSA pledge our unwavering support to the Newtown community. In the past few days, we have met with PTA leaders of all of the schools in Newtown, including the Sandy Hook PTA, and community leaders who have requested our help in supporting the families. For those of us who are looking to be of assistance in the aftermath, we share the following projects in need of your support:

Welcome Students to a Winter Wonderland
When school resumes for Sandy Hook, it will be in a new building. Parent-volunteers are working to ensure that the students are welcomed back by a winter wonderland with the entire school decorated with as many unique snowflakes as possible. We encourage senders to be as creative as possible, remembering that no two snowflakes are alike. Please make and send snowflakes by January 12, 2013 to the Connecticut PTSA address at the end of this email.

Donating and Organizing Fundraisers for Sandy Hook Elementary School
Donations will be accepted indefinitely to the Connecticut PTSA “Sandy Hook Fund” to provide ongoing support to the community. Please send checks to the Connecticut PTSA address listed at the end of this email. Group fundraising projects may include walk-a-thons, spirits days, pajama days, etc., which may be scheduled at your convenience.

For student-run coin drives, please submit all donations by February 14, 2012.

The Newtown community has requested only monetary donations at this time. For service or product donation inquiries, please contact newtownboe@gmail.com. To contact Sandy Hook PTA, please email sandyhook@ctpta.org.

National PTA Advocacy
Toward the end of the week, we will be prepared to share with you how best to advocate for school safety at the state and federal levels in response to this tragedy. As we said on Friday, National PTA prioritizes the protection of children in all schools and believes it is fundamental to learning. We have several position statements and resolutions related to school violence and child safety, which we will package and share widely very soon. Rest assured, we fully plan to engage our powerful network of nearly 5 million dedicated members to make a difference on this issue.

Resources
Many parents may feel at a loss about how to approach the subject of school violence with their children. For information on helping your child cope, discussing issues of violence and hate, and keeping your school safe, please visit our website at PTA.org/schoolviolence.

Thank you for your generous support and dedication to the children and families of Newtown, Connecticut.

Warm regards,
Betsy Landers
National PTA President

Jim Accomando
Connecticut PTSA President

Please send all snowflakes and donations to:
Connecticut PTSA
60 Connolly Parkway
Building 12, Suite 103
Hamden, CT 06514

A message from WESTLAKE CSD

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 03:32:05 GMT

To Our Westlake Schools Parents,

The events in Newtown, Connecticut, on Friday were tragic, incomprehensible and extremely saddening. Circumstances like these hit close to home and emotionally wear on us all. First and foremost, we want you to let you know again that we understand the importance of continuing to put forth our very best effort to ensure our schools are as safe and secure as possible. We realize some of our safety precautions and processes can be inconveniences, but know that those procedures were thoughtfully created with our local safety forces to ensure a safe and secure environment for our staff and students.

This has been and continues to be a top priority for the Westlake City Schools. We will remain vigilant in following safety and security protocols. We regularly revisit those protocols with Westlake Police and our safety committee quarterly and immediately after an event like the one that took place Friday. Should any adjustments to our procedures be made we will communicate those to you. As always, if you have input you believe will contribute to improving our efforts you are encouraged to share that with your child's principal.

There is a high likelihood your child has approached you about the Newtown tragedy. We have provided a resource from the National Association of School Psychologists on our website - www.wlake.org - for our families who are looking for support for these types of conversations. You can let your child know the district works very hard and thoughtfully to ensure our schools are safe. We have a comprehensive safety plan developed with the Westlake Police and Fire Departments and continually evaluate and update the plan to be prepared for all emergencies.

It takes much more than a deep knowledge of standards and teaching strategies to see we Educate for Excellence every day. Thank you for entrusting us with your child, we know what a privilege that is and will continue to work in partnership with you to provide the right care for them to learn in a safe environment.

The Westlake City Schools

Revolutionary Child Safety Technology – Free to PTA Parents!

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 13:12:54 GMT

eTrak Powered by Verizon Powered by Verizon helps parents Always Know children are safe with its revolutionary new location-tracking device. This lightweight, domino-sized device uses highly accurate, patented GPS+ technology to show a child’s location on any smartphone or computer. Other features ensure that if the device goes outside a prescribed area or a child pushes the “panic button,” messages are sent to multiple recipients with the device’s location and directions on how to get there.

For a limited time, PTA parents can order the device free of charge, (regularly $99), paying only the one-time activation fee ($39) and monthly subscription fee of $15. Plus, for every PTA parent’s subscription order, eTrak is donating $6 to their local unit and $2 each to their State PTA and National PTA. Click here to learn more and take advantage of this limited time offer.

Safety Day with the Cat in the Hat!

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 13:09:47 GMT

"A Bloomin' Affair" Autumn Sale

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 20:13:12 GMT

A Bloomin' Affair is pleased to announce our new Autumn sale!

Partnering with Dean’s Greenhouse and Nursery, Westlake Council of PTAs is offering beautiful Autumn patio and porch baskets for your seasonal decorations!

Each {plastic} oval terra cotta pot contains one 8” hardy flowering mum in your choice of yellow, burgundy or orange, one 5” pansy and one 5” ornamental kale in coordinating colors, and one 5” hardy ivy, and is only $25! See the attached order form and photos and order yours today!

Proceeds benefit Westlake Council of PTAs and the many parent and

student programs that it provides. Orders are due to any Westlake City School building by Friday, September 14. Plant pick-up will be on Thursday, October 4 at Parkside Intermediate School front bus loop from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Contact Barbara Hall, Chairperson, at 440.899.0742 for more information.

Westshore Mothers of Twins Welcome Back Social

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 04:32:46 GMT

Join the Westshore Mothers of Twins Club for a Welcome Back Social on Sunday Aug.19th 4-6pm at South Central Park in North Ridgeville (pavilion 1, off Rt.83), 7565 Avon Belden Road, North Ridgeville.

This family-friendly event is open to pregnant and parenting moms of multiples (and their kids) who are interested in learning more about our club. For more information visit http://www.wmotc.org. To rsvp please email membership@wmotc.org.

Westlake 2012 Safety Town

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 14:03:56 GMT

Classes begin June 11th.

For more information and student registration form click on the link below:
Safety Town Registration Flyer-1.pdf

Westlake Early Childhood PTA News

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR SCHOOL LEVY ISSUE #16

Show your support for our schools & our community by participating at a

Support Our Schools Walk

Saturday, May 4, 2013

1:00-3:00

Living Green Education Series

North Ridgeville Green Team is coordinating a Living Green Education Series at the North Ridgeville library during the month of April

DOVER PTA WALKING CLUB

DOVER PTA WALKING CLUB

A Bloomin' Affair Plant Sale

A Bloomin' Affair Plant Sale

Westlake Council of PTAs Annual Flower and Plant Sale is now in Progress!

There are 2 pickup dates for your convenience:

We have many new items this year! Among them are…

Important Legislation--Please take a minute to read

Connecting for Kids April Parent Discussion Groups

Presenting our 2013-2014 Board

Thanks to all who are stepping up to help keep our organization running smoothly!

FREE Love and Logic Institute Class

Dollars for Scholars

Dollars for Scholars

Did you know it is time to sign your almost 3 year old up for Preschool?

Demon Green Bash!

Co-OP Carnival

The Cooperative Preschool of Bay Village invites children of all ages & and their families to the annual

Co-OP Carnival

Tuesday, March 5th, 2013 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.Bay Village Middle School Cafeteria

Lee Burneson’s DRAMA CLUB presents… Seusical The Musical Jr.

Two performances:

Donating and Organizing Fundraisers for Sandy Hook Elementary School

A message from WESTLAKE CSD

Revolutionary Child Safety Technology – Free to PTA Parents!

Safety Day with the Cat in the Hat!

"A Bloomin' Affair" Autumn Sale

A Bloomin' Affair is pleased to announce our new Autumn sale!

Westshore Mothers of Twins Welcome Back Social

Westlake 2012 Safety Town

Tuesday, March 5th, 2013
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.Bay Village Middle School Cafeteria