Innisbrook Wrapping Paper and Cookie Dough Fundraiser

Thank you to everyone who helped us reach our goal with this year's Innisbrook wrapping paper and cookie dough fundraiser. We had almost 38% of the students at IVE particpate in our fall fundraiser this year - an increase of a few percentage points over last year. We are thrilled to report that we surpassed our goal and made over $13,000!!! These funds support a myriad of PTA programs at IVE. Please take a look at Kristen Allen Bentsen's letter to see how some of these funds are used. Many of you may need more wrapping paper now that the holidays are over! You can continue to support the IVE PTA by purchasing wrapping paper at Innisbrook throughout the year. Please go to www.innisbrook.com and enter our school code: 119830. Thank you for your support!

This program would not be successful without the help of our volunteers. We would like to thank: Shannon Jasman, Jacqueline Kelly, Annie Graber, Brenda Laurance, Kim Murphy, Kim Nardi, Kelly Woodford, Sherrie Wright, Melissa Stewart, Amy Schur, Tamra Lee and Jodi Loetscher. Our efforts were also supported by the school - a big thank you to Wendee, Jill and Dusty.

Therese Mille and Anne Livingston

Giving Tree Conclusion

Thank you to all the families and staff at IVE who sponsored a gift (or more than one) from our Community Outreach Giving Tree!

We sponsored 4 families this year. Two were from the Issaquah Food Bank and the other two were from local schools. In total there were 7 children and 8 adults.

The trees had over 250 hangs tags made that asked for items as basic as toothpaste and toothbrushes, toilet paper, laundry detergent, wrapping paper, coats to items such as dolls, books, legos, and even a bike!

These requests and much more were filled! Each child had stuffed stockings, candy and plenty of needed and fun items that will be under their tree this year! One family had just had a new baby born one week before they picked up their items. Their eyes were very wide in amazement at the 7 packages of diapers and all the new baby clothes, blankets, and bike and helmet that they loaded in their small car!

Thank you to Michelle Lancaster, Therese Mille, Marissa Gastwirth, and Jennifer Jorgensen for helping make tags and setting up and taking down the Giving Tree! I really appreciate all your effort and generosity!

These families will enjoy a more blessed holiday season this year because of all the contributions from IVE staff and families!

Thank you! Connie Bellas

Vision and Hearing Day

A big thank you goes out to Penny Hanson and Jodi Boatright for putting together a successful Vision and Hearing Day in November.

Additional thanks goes to these many and amazing volunteers who helped test all children. You’re wonderful!

Ana Jimenez Inman, Teri Schaengold, Kathy Kilborn, Lynne Kunitz, Kim Murphy, Susan Mc Donald, Kristen Allen Bentsen, Kerri Jensen, Jackie Goree, Joanne Harman, Coleen Gukin, Lee Ann Walker, Kathy Dubundo, Danielle Elekes, Suzie Kuflik, Lucy Zou.

Eager Reader Updates

The IVE PTA sponsored Eager Reader program is off to a great start. We have about half the kids in the school participating.

On our first book award, we gave away 145 books. A big thank you to our generous IVE PTA.

It is never too late to start and we have two book awards left, with other fun prizes such as Cold Stone Creamery and popcorn. Please check out details on the program on the IVE PTA web site.

We have many fabulous volunteers this year that make this program a success. We want to thank Teri Schaengold, Michelle Lancaster, Leah Gibson, Kim Nardi, Jodi Boatright, Kathy Burns, Katie Milne, Jennifer Harrison, Colleen Gurkin, Annie Graber, Ana Jimenez-Inman, Debra Reynolds, Brooks Jorgensen, and Jennifer Boone for all their help so far.

As we all know, reading is a fundamental skill in which all learning builds from. Reading helps develop a person's creativity. Reading develops critical thinking. Reading increases vocabulary. Spelling improves when you see words in print. These are just a few of the many reasons to encourage your child to start or continue the Eager Reader program. And if that's not enough, remember the ice cream and popcorn??

Have fun, keep reading, and remember the next tally period is Friday January 11.

Onti Rosen and Kimberly Murphy, Co Chairs.

Shout Outs!

To Caroline Lee (Daniel and Henry’s mom) who brought so much holiday cheer to the IVE staff by donating 25 gifts to be raffled off at the December 17th luncheon.

To the 2007-2008 Executive Board who have worked tirelessly and enthusiastically this year!

Parent Education Opportunities

Are you interested in learning more about positive discipline, love and logic or multi-tasking teens? The Issaquah PTSA Council sponsors free monthly parent education seminars throughout the school year. In addition, their heavily visited website lists information about a variety of parent education seminars in the community.

For a current listing of seminars, visit www.issaquahptsa.org/parented/. The site is a great resource so add it to your favorites!