May 6th HSC Monthly Meeting Summary
The Castlemont HSC met for our weekly meeting last night and had a terrific discussion around several topics. Things are on track in terms of our end of year events and we are planning to continue the momentum into next year.
Fundraising Summary
Our Popcorn Fundraiser was a huge success. This was a new fundraiser this year and it exceeded our wildest expectations. Thank you to all the kids (and families) who got out there and sold for our school. Your efforts helped ensure that important programs receive the funding they deserve. We will continue this fundraiser next year so if you are interested in helping, let us know.
We will be working with the San Jose Earthquakes soccer team to do some fundraising events. We will have an opportunity to enjoy a soccer game while raising money for our school. Look for a Quakes flyer in an upcoming Monday envelope for your chance to order tickets. This is great opportunity to support our local MLS team, enjoy a great time out at Buck Shaw Stadium all while raising much needed funds for our school. The next game date is Friday, May 27th at 7:00 pm. The Quakes play Toronto FC and Castlemont will be guest of honor. Look for additional details in your Monday Envelopes.
HSC Participation
The HSC is an all volunteer organization and without your active participation, important school events and fundraisers will be cancelled. Volunteer turn-out has been good, but lower than in previous years. This makes it tough on the few folks who are working to lead, organize and execute events and limits the success and effectiveness of our events. Sometimes, when events seem to be running smoothly and we are satisfied with how things are going, we tend to “leave it to others.” The fact is that we need everyone. Among the benefits:
- Closer connection to the school environment
- Closer connection to the teacher community
- Closer connection to District goings on
- Know who your kids are hanging out with and what they are doing during the day
- Set a positive example of service and leadership for your kids (and all kids)
- Better understanding of the District and State budget challenges and how we can positively impact that through our efforts
- Be an active participant in school and community life
You can find our tentative roster for the 2010-2011 school year here. As you can see, there are still many empty slots so if you want to participate, get in touch with us at hsc@castlemont-hsc.org. Descriptions of the different positions are posted on the Volunteer Opportunities Page. If you want to play an active role in your child’s education and school experience, consider putting your name in an empty slot. There are many ways you can help and volunteering doesn’t necessarily mean being put in charge of something. We are looking to buddy up on as many chairs and positions as possible and will look to mentor those who are interested in participating but are still unsure about the time commitments and responsibilities.
Join the Stampede – Castlemont Jog-a-thon May 27th
WANTED: Volunteers for Castlemont Jog-a-thon Stampede!
REWARD: Lots of smiles from our Kids
Howdy y’all! Castlemont’s Jog-a-thon Stampede will take place on May 27th and we need YOU to make this event GREAT! In today’s envelope you’ll find a volunteer form. Parents, this is your opportunity to “saddle up” and take part in this awesome day. You won’t want to miss the excitement– whether you’re helping to set up the “trail,” assisting your class as a “ranch hand,” or directing students to the “watering hole” to cool down. Fill out and return the volunteer form and help make this day memorable for your child and other Castlemont kids!
The Jog-a-thon is one of the most fun fundraisers for Castlemont, and there are many prize incentives for the students! Next week, a pledge form and permission slip will be sent home. Start thinking now of friends and family who might sponsor your child with a flat pledge or per-lap pledge. Flat pledges of $25 or more turned in before the Jog-a-thon will earn your child a chance in a drawing for the Principal’s Running Team (Castlemont Trailblazers!). Details to follow on pledge form.
Your Schools Need You!
Now Recruiting Volunteers to Support Our “Pass Measure G - $150M Bond” Efforts
The Campbell School District has placed Bond Measure G on the ballot for the June 2010 primary election. This bond will generate $150M to improve school facilities across the District. Some of the high-priority repairs and upgrades planned include: improving energy efficiency, repairing leaking roofs, replacing worn out utility services, providing ADA access to classrooms and restrooms, and upgrading library and classroom technology to keep classrooms safe and to help prepare students to excel in the 21st century.
This Bond Measure is unique in that it DOES NOT IMPOSE ANY NEW TAXES. The Bond measure simply extends the current tax rate (voter approved under Measure H) to provide the financing to continue this work.
For more details on Measure G, please visit the District website and click on the “Bond” link that is on the right side banner.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Each school site is working to support Measure G by recruiting volunteers. Your volunteer efforts will help ensure that Measure G supporters remember to cast their votes on June 8th.
- Phone Bank: Wednesdays May 5th & May 26, 5:30pm to 8:30pm.
15 – 20 volunteers needed each night. High School students needing Community Service credits and 8th – 12th graders involved in Leadership or Student Government Clubs or Classes are encouraged to accompany their parents/guardians.
*Make scripted calls to identified supporters to encourage them to vote.
*Coordinate food for volunteers who will work during their dinner hour. - Yard Signs -
*Agree to have Lawn signs posted in your front yard.
*May 8th deliver signs to homes already expecting signs. - Precinct Walk – Saturday June 5th, 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
15 – 20 volunteers needed
*Distribute door hangers/reminders to assigned houses. Script provided for unexpected questions, but you will not be knocking on doors.
- Final Phone Bank – Monday & Tuesday June 7 & 8 -
As many as can show up to remind “Yes” supporters to vote.
Volunteers DO NOT need to be Castlemont parents. Recruit your friends, relatives and neighbors to pitch in. Please e-mail Sharon Langmead (sharon.langmead@sbcglobal.net ), our Castlemont Site Representative, with your availability. E-mails should include: First and Last name, e-mail address, phone number and how/when you can help.
Thank you in advance for your efforts. Better schools help ensure better students. Measure G will help fund better schools.
The Castlemont Home & School Club Needs You
It is time to start planning for next school year. If you are interested in being an active participant in school activities and want to be involved in making decisions that will ensure our students have the best experience at Castlemont, attend our next meeting on Tuesday, May 4th, in the Staff Room at 7:00 pm. There are many ways you can help including becoming a member of the Board or volunteering to chair one of our committees.
We will soon list all the available positions along with a brief overview of the responsibilities. One great option is to start early and mentor with an existing member for the remainder of this year or buddy up with a friend and share responsibilities next year. We are eager for new members and new ideas so come and join us!
eWaste Recycling Comes to Castlemont May 8th
Spread the word to family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Castlemont will be hosting their first ever e-waste recycling event. Do something good for the planet and our school. Fifty per-cent of the proceeds earned go back to our school to support our children and teachers. Items most in need are T.V. consoles and computer monitors, but all e-waste big and small is welcome and needed.
Castlemont Elementary is located at 3040 E. Payne Ave, Campbell CA, 95008
View Map
STAR Testing Begins Next Week
STAR testing begins soon! All 2nd through 5th grade students will participate in statewide testing beginning Wednesday, April 28th. Students and teachers have worked very hard all year to learn, learn, and learn so the test should be a breeze! The best thing you can do to help your child prepare is to make sure he or she has a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast, as usual. It is particularly important that students are in school, on time, everyday of the testing. The testing window for Castlemont is April 28 – May 14. You may see your child’s teacher or the schedule posted in the office for details of testing times.
-Ivy Sarratt, Principal
Harlem Globetrotters at the HP Pavilion
The Harlem Globetrotters are visiting the HP Pavilion on Saturday, 4/24. Through an arrangement with HP Pavilion, our school community is eligible for discounted tickets for the event. If you’d like to attend, please download the order form at the link below, complete it and send it back. Your tickets will arrive in the mail a few days later. Deadline for submission is Monday, April 19th so don’t delay.
Harlem Globetrotters Ticket Order Form
Garden Brick Orders Due 4/2
Orders for Garden Bricks are due on April 2, 2010. Please look in your Monday envelopes for order forms and return them to your child’s teacher or to the office by 4/2.
Save the Date – eWaste Recycling Comes to Castlemont 5/8/10
Plan ahead and start saving your e-waste recycling NOW! Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 8th, 2010 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. This is a great way to make money for Castlemont and help the environment.
Spread the word to your family, friends, neighbors, and co- workers. Everyone can participate. We are in greatest need of TV consoles and computer monitors but all e-waste is welcome. Stay tuned for more information.
Mathnasium Summer Program
One of our valued sponsors, the Mathnasium of Campbell-Los Gatos has a series Summer Jump Start Programs in place for students going into 2nd through 12th grades. They offer your the opportunity to get ahead and prepare for the next year, review material from the previous year, and to enhance their Math skills overall. Each student completes a comprehensive assessment and works with instructors on material based on their individual skill level. Two sessions per week, for about 60 minutes per session is the ideal schedule for this program. This Summer, Mathnasium is offering two 5 week sessions of the option to enroll your child in a 10 week session at a substantial discount.
To read more about the programs or to enroll, download the flyer here or from our Sponsor Page.
For more information, please contact the Mathnasium of Campbell-Los Gatos at 408-374-MATH (6284).
