The PTO provides for programs designed to enhance each grade’s current curriculum, provides teachers with additional
materials not covered in the school’s budget, and hosts many family-fun and community events.

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Highland View PTO:  Two for Tuesday! (Two-sday?)

Hello Highland View Families!

Two quickies:

1)  QDoba tonight (2/23) !  Tonight's our second 2015-2016 Dine Out for Highland View night!  Have dinner at QDoba on 76th Street (across from Southridge) any time between 5:00-9:00 PM, and if you show them the orange flyer that your student brought home, they'll donate 10% of your bill to Highland View.  That money goes to events like STEMfest,  Dance Night, Read Me a Story Night, RIF Books, the Highland View T-Shirts, and on and on.

If you can't find the orange flyer, you should be able to show this on your smartphone instead!

2)  Cheers for Education!  It's almost the last chance to get tickets for this year's premier Greendale Education Foundation social event and fundraiser.   This Friday (2/26) join the Greendale Education Foundation and members of our community for an evening of wine tastings and food pairings, all the while supporting the schools, staff, and students of Greendale schools.  Tickets are $35 and can be purchased online here.

Thanks a million, and see you tonight!

Aleks Skibicki
Highland View PTO

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Highland View PTO:  You won't believe what happens next!

Hello Highland View Families!

What did they do next?  Probably one of these AWESOME things!

1)  Read Me a Story Night!
Friday 2/19 is Read Me a Story Night at Highland View.  From 6:00-7:30 come to Highland View with your favorite blanket and stuffed animal friend to listen to your favorite stories told by your favorite people.  Also write your own story in your own book or create your own bookmarks.  Enjoy milk and cookies to top off the night!

2)  QDoba Dine Out for Highland View Night
Next Tuesday, 2/23, from 5:00-9:00 PM, join other Highland View families at QDoba across from Southridge (5075 S. 76th St.) when QDoba will donate 10% of your bill to Highland View!  Make sure you bring the orange flyer that's coming home in Friday Folders this weekend.  (The one that says: "Bring This Flyer!") Or, if you can't find it, you can show this on your smartphone!

3)  STEMfest in March!
Make sure to turn in your STEMfest registration form!  I'm so excited about some of the STEM projects I've already heard about.  Did you know penguins have crazy tongues?  I didn't--until some of our 5K friends told me about  their exciting Science (S) based STEMfest project.  There'll be terrariums, robots, awesome science, technology, engineering, and math projects and demonstrations to do too!

4)  Greendale Health Department's Revamped Step Up To Better Health Committee 
Next week Wednesday, 2/24, the Greendale Health Department is looking for community members to join in the Step Up to Better Health Committee to keep Greendale Healthy, Energized, and Alive!  The Step Up To Better Health Fun Run is a huge fundraiser for our school each year (Over $3,000 last year--thanks everyone who participated!) and if we want that event to stick around and help pay for field trips, PBIS shirts, assemblies, classroom equipment, etc. it's important that we help where we can.

Thanks so much for reading this far!

Aleks Skibicki
President
Highland View PTO
 

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Still time to buy a 2015-16 Highland View Yearbook!


Worried about missing the yearbook order deadline this Friday?  Worry no longer!  You can order online through 2/19 at:


Yearbook ID: 8547516 .

Monday, February 8, 2016

Highland View PTO:  10 secrets THEY don't want you to know! (From our meeting tonight.)

As usual, here's the links, lists, and lowdown that accompany what we talked about today. (The agenda is here. If you have questions about an agenda item, let me know!) 

1)  Here's a description of the bass bow we approved the grant for, in case you were wondering:  http://www.sharmusic.com/Bows/Bass/Beginning-0--300/Schmidt-Workshop-Double-Bass-Bow.axd#sthash.g4orUXnE.NWLtDNir.dpbs

2)  The conference childcare room volunteer sign up is here:  http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0a4fa5ad22a13-conference1 It's fantastic to be able to go to conferences and not have to find a babysitter for the 15 minute block.  Please help us continue to offer this service to our teachers and families.

3)  Read Me a Story Night is approaching.  Join in the fun Friday 2/19 6:00-7:30.  Cuddle up with a favorite stuffed animal, blanket and pillow, and hear some great stories told by great people.  This year there'll also be crafts to make and as always, cookies and milk at the end of the night.  Speaking of milk and cookies, Christie mentioned there's still room on the Sign Up Genius to bring more.  Click here to see what's still needed! 

4)  QDoba Night Out for Highland View is also on its way!  On 2/23, skip cooking and have dinner at QDoba on 76th St. (across from Southridge) from 5-9:00 PM and 10% of your bill will go right back to Highland View.  Keep an eye on your students' take home folders for another orange flyer and be sure to take it with you!  (Or print/show the electronic version here. )

5)  The Greendale Education Foundation's "Cheers to Education" wine and food pairing event is coming up February 26th 6:00-8:30PM in the Greendale Learning Center (Library).  It really is one of the best grown-up events I've attended.  (Don't get me wrong, I L-O-V-E Neon Dance Night--but sometimes it's nice to be around adults!)  There'll be many different types of wine and beer for tasting and food served by local restaurants and students in the award-winning culinary arts program at Greendale High School.  Bring some friends, and make it a night out.  You'll have an excellent time, and you'll help support an organization that's helped Highland View for years.  You can buy tickets at https://search.seatyourself.biz/webstore/webstore.html?domain=greendalefoundation&date=2016-2-26&event=.

6)  The Bruce Paprocki Distinguished Volunteer Award.  Bruce was an amazing volunteer at Highland View who unexpectedly passed away several years ago.  His contributions to Highland View and our community were amazing and the PTO chose to honor him by creating an award in his memory.   Each year, the PTO recognizes one volunteer who served our school above and beyond expectations and has that volunteer's name added to a plaque displayed in the office.  You can find more information about the award, and how to nominate someone here.  

7)  The Greendale Health Department is restructuring the Step Up To Better Health Committee.  That's a big deal to us, because that's the group that organizes the fun run which is a major fundraiser for our PTO.  They are absolutely begging for more community involvement.  Please take a look at the flyer here and join in if you can!

8) Don't forget to order your Yearbook!  You can do it online here, or turn in the form that went home in your student's take home folder Friday or today.

9)  You can be a part of that Yearbook by picking a page from the list here that you're interested in designing.  Once you've picked a page,  we'll get you an account in Lifetouch (our Yearbook company) and you'll be all ready to become a published (Year)book author.  Never done it before?  Don't worry--there are lots of experienced Yearbook volunteers at Highland View all ready to help you out.

10)  Know any cool science tricks or demonstrations?  In addition to showing off students' projects, there'll also be fun science demonstrations and crafts at Highland View's STEMfest in March.  We're looking for ideas, so let us know what you know!  Want project ideas?  We've put together a list right here!

WOW!  I think that's about all the supplemental information needed to fill in any blanks from tonight's meeting.  Thanks again to everyone who was here in person, or in spirit.  See you at school!

Aleks

Highland View STEMfest

This'll be going home soon, but if you're paying attention, or plan your calendar more than a month in advance, here's the info on Highland View's STEMfest! (Click it to enlarge.)


Bruce Paprocki Distinguished Volunteer Award

Hello again!

For those wondering, here's some more information about the Bruce Paprocki Distinguished Volunteer Award.

Bruce was an amazing volunteer at Highland View who unexpectedly passed away several years ago.  His contributions to Highland View and our community were amazing and the PTO chose to honor him by creating this award in his memory.

Each year, the PTO recognizes one volunteer who served our school above and beyond expectations and has that volunteer's name added to a plaque displayed in the office.

Eligibility:
Any person who volunteered at Highland View since the previous year's award was given is eligible to win.

Nomination Process:
Any PTO or school staff member can nominate an eligible volunteer by submitting a typed letter to a member of the PTO executive committee or the school principal stating:
1)  The name of the person being nominated
2)  The name of the person making the nomination
3)  A description of the nominee's volunteer work
4)  A short statement describing why the nominee should be the award recipient
The nominations must be received by the school principal or PTO executive committee by April 30th.

Selection Process:
A committee comprised of the executive committee of the PTO, the Highland View school principal, and up to 2 interested staff members and 2 interested at-large PTO members will consider the candidates and can choose a winner prior to the first PTO meeting after April 30th.  Selection of staff committee members is at the discretion of the school principal.  At-large PTO committee members will be elected at the last PTO meeting before April 30th by the attending members.

If the committee cannot or does not choose an award winner, the question will be added to the agenda of the first PTO meeting after April 30th.  The PTO may choose not to give the award in any given year.

The Award:
The award will be presented each year at the first PTO meeting after a winner has been selected.   The winner's name each year will be added to a plaque to be purchased by the PTO and displayed prominently at Highland View.

QDoba Highland View Night Out Flyer

Hello again!

From 5-9:00 PM on 2/23, print or show this flyer at QDoba on 76th St. and 10% of your bill will go back to Highland View!

(Click to enlarge.)


Community Health Workgroup Flyer

Hi!

The Greendale Health Department is restructuring the Step Up To Better Health committee (that does the Fun Run which is a major fundraiser for our PTO!) and is absolutely begging for more community involvement.  Please take a look at the flyer below, (click it to enlarge) and help if you can!

The website link in the image won't work, so you can click here for more information.


Sunday, February 7, 2016

Highland View PTO:  Fixed yearbook ordering link

Hi again,

The link I included to order your 2015-2016 Yearbook online was broken.  Here's the correct one:

http://ybpay.lifetouch.com

Our Yearbook ID Code is still:  8547516

Sorry if that caused any trouble!

Aleks

Meeting Minutes January 11th, 2016

            Highland View PTO
               Monday 1-11-16
                        Minutes

1)        Called to order at 6pm, 16 people were in attendance
           Welcome/Introductions were made.
1 a)     Buddy bench Gavin (a 5th grader) explained they would like to have a coin drive to pay for this bench. He asked the PTO if they would pay for popcorn and juice for the winning class. Also he thought we should have one for each playground. The cost for each is approximately $300. If they raised the money for one would the PTO pay for another? This is at the beginning stages he will return in a couple months with the details. 

2)  Minutes from November were reviewed It was noted that Aleks did not take the check for repayment of the magician.
      Minutes from December were reviewed no changes
Both were approved.

3) Treasury report- Megan stated two numbers were transposed and she fixed them. $1000 was earned from the Box Tops. The report was approved by a voice vote.

4) School Board Update-John Comiskey reported
That they were considering open enrollment to fill some slot so that they would not have to cut staff. Right now they would need to cut one staff person per school. The district would receive $6600 per child.
Community funds were transferred to the High School, needs..
*track- can’t host meets because of deterioration (it is in the works for repairs)
*tennis courts- 2 courts do not meet WIAA, For meets 8 courts are needed presently there are six
*pool- is not compliant with ADA there are not enough funds for any upgrades here.
Superintendent search has over twenty applicants the firm that was hired will narrow it down two six the results will be on line in two weeks.

5)  Current Business
            March Event Committee met. Notes were discussed a few clarifications were made
Kristi Settle will solicit some prizes for all participant.
Mrs. Flater has an evaluation/write up for each participant. Alek will see if GHS AP science students are available to assist. Also a “Mad Scientist / Greendale Panther wearing a lab coat will visit?
Teacher will promote in classroom but that will be the extent of their participation.
Shawn Schlieve will decorate the gym with science, technology, and mathematic posters. March 4-18th.
            Room Committee Report            Aleks asked to read and report feedback
            Neon Dance                                D. J. is $60 cheaper, Crazy hair will be only for dance not during the school day. Mrs. Flater said there would be a ticket pull every hour. The extra t-shirt with neon markers would be given out. There will not be advanced tickets, it will be pay at the door. Megan has all of the volunteers needed. There will be a photo booth, chili cook off, walking taco’s and neon bears for special Olympics.
            Crossing Guard Appreciation      Was discussed and a gift a day was worked out.
            Special Olympics Polar Bear Pizza Party Incentive—A motion was made for the PTO to sponsor this.
Polar Bear Plunge February 28th at the Zoo. The three elementary school principals will participate (with tutu’s ?).
                                                                
6) Upcoming Business
            Read Me a Story Night February 19th 6-7:30pm.  A make your own station will be added in the gym for children to make books, and book marks. Kristi will set up.
            Black History Month a meeting will be held Jan. !5th at 7:45 anyone interested may attend.

7)  Principal Time
            1600 tickets were sold, the children earned a p.j. and pizza party.
            Building Security-FAB System is in place and working for staff. Parent access needs to be worked out, doors are still open for some event
            Winter assessment- STAR was completed and results were sent home
           
8) New Business
            School packets- Jen asked that we round up to the nearest dollar for PTO to make a little money
            A few reminders- Panda Express, Band/orchestra concert, Neon dance, Extra T-shirt and yearbooks, Attendance Awards, GEF Cheers for Education, PTO Conference in Chicago

9) Meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.


Highland View PTO:  You won't believe what these parents discovered!

Hello Highland View Families!
Here's what you need to know to be super cool at Highland View:

1)  February PTO meeting coming up!  Enjoyed Neon Dance Night?  Now's your chance to be part of the NEXT big Highland View event.  There's always a lot going on, so get in on the ground floor.  We have Read Me a Story Night on the agenda, Highland View STEMfest, and an orchestra grant request too.  You can find the agenda here.

2)  Yearbook?  Yearbook!  Yearbook order forms went home on Friday.  Orders are due this Friday (2/12) so get it in soon!  Or you can order online at:  http://ybpay.lifetouch.com and use Highland View's Yearbook ID Code:  8547516

3)  Yearbook?  Again?  You bet!  Do you know what's cooler than ordering a yearbook?  Designing a yearbook page!  (Don't tell anyone, but it's also a great way to get your student a few more appearances in the book!)  Yearbook pages are numbered, and just waiting to be filled with pictures and lovingly laid out by awesome Highland View families.  I've built a sign up page where you can pick a page to be in charge of.

If you choose a page, your work will be pretty simple!  We'll get you a login to the Lifetouch Yearbook page with access to the page you signed up for.  Then you'll take pictures appropriate for that page, upload them, and use the online tools from Lifetouch to design the background and layout of the pictures on that page.
If you have questions, we have many experienced Yearbookers at Highland View who can help you out.  We'll also be happy to set up a time to get together to explore the online tools to make sure you're comfortable with how they work.

Click here to pick a page!

SUPER IMPORTANT NOTE #1:  Just because you're not doing a specific page don't let that stop you from taking pictures for that page!  We can always use different perspectives, angles and compositions for pages, so keep clicking away!

SUPER IMPORTANT NOTE #2:  If you sign up for a page from an event that's already passed, (Family Dinner Night for example) you won't have to take any pictures.  You'll just have to organize pictures already taken .  (Though if you took pictures at that event, feel free to upload as many as you want!)

4)  Yearbook a third time?  Am I kidding you?  Nope!  One more super important note.  IF you took pictures at one of our events, or have some great pictures from a time you were at school, PLEASE (SUPER PLEASE!) let me know.  We can use as many pictures as we can get.

5)  Read Me a Story Night (What?  Not the yearbook?)  Don't forget this year's all-new, all-awesome Read Me a Story Night is coming up February 19th!  Kids will get to make their own bookmarks, family books, curl up and hear some of their favorite stories, and relax with cookies and milk. Students can bring a blanket, and their favorite stuffed animal, and wear their PJ's if they like.

6)  Conference Child Care.  Once again, the PTO would like to offer child care during conferences on Tuesday 2/16 from 4:00-8:00 in the Library.  To do that though, we need parents to help care for the children!

Please sign up for a time slot or two so we can continue to offer this service to our families and teachers!  (Isn't it nice not to have to find a babysitter just to come to school for a 15 minute conference?)

You can sign up right here!

Thanks for reading this far!

Aleks Skibicki
President
Highland View PTO

Agenda February 8th, 2016


1)     Call to Order

2)     Welcome/Introductions (Name, Student’s favorite subject.)

3) Review and amend agenda

4) Review and approve minutes from January 11th, 2016

5) Treasurer’s report                                                                                                  

6)     School board update

7)     Grant committee report
          Orchestra bass bow

8) Past/Current events
Neon Dance Night (1/29)
African American History Month (Ongoing)
Budget increase request
Room Parent program
5th Grade Scholastic purchase

9) Upcoming events                                                                                                  
Conference dinners (2/16)
Budget increase request
Conference childcare (2/16)
Read Me a Story Night (2/19)
STEMfest (3/18)
Qdoba Night Out (2/23)

10) Principal’s time

11) Announcements
GEF Cheers to Education
School Board Candidate Forum at next meeting
Bruce Paprocki Distinguished Volunteer Award

12) Adjourn

Stick around for a STEMfest committee meeting!  (Time willing.)

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Highland View PTO:  Meet the Superintendent Finalists Starting TONIGHT!


Hello Highland View Families!
Just a quick reminder that now's the chance to meet the finalists for Greendale School District's next superintendent.  The questions you ask, and notes you take will be used by the school board to help narrow the field from these three finalists to the one new superintendent for the district.  Here are the details:

"Public meetings offering an opportunity for community stakeholders to meet and ask questions of these finalist candidates will be held from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., with one candidate present per day as follows:

Tuesday, February 2, 2016         Dr. Gary Kiltz  
Wednesday, February 3, 2016    Dr. Cory Hirsbrunner
Thursday, February 4, 2016        Dr. Anthony Brazouski

All meetings will be held at the Historic HOSE TOWER, 5699 Parking Street, in the Village Center. Childcare will be available during the 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. session. Please contact Mary Ann Jacobsen at 414-423-2702 or maryann.jacobsen@greendale.k12.wi.us if your children will join you for the 6:30 p.m. meeting."

Keep up to date at the district website here.

Thanks!  Have a great week!

Aleks Skibicki
President
Highland View PTO