Not another Fundraiser!!!

Frequently we get asked why Mariposa has so many fundraisers. Two years ago we scaled back a bit and had donation-only fundraisers in the fall. The first year was quite a success, the second year, only half as successful. This year we were asked to fund more items for the school than usual, so we decided to bring back some traditional ways of making money for the school. We have had 2 major fundraisers – Entertainment Books and Sally Foster Catalogs. We’ve also had some smaller events: restaurant nights, the Fresh & Easy promotion and collected box tops.

Parents sometimes feel inundated with one fundraiser after another, and we understand that completely. No one is required to contribute to every event that raises money; choose what is most convenient and desirable to your family. We only ask that you take the time to understand why we keep asking for participation. Because without you, there would be no fundraisers.

And...
Without fundraisers…there would be no workbooks in any classroom this year.
Without fundraisers…there would be no tables for our outside classrooms.
Without fundraisers…there would be no shade over our playgrounds.
Without fundraisers…there would be no rock wall, no water slide, no upcoming sidewalk USA map.
Without fundraisers…there would be no risers, no choir.
Without fundraisers…there would be no 5th grade agendas, no A+ t-shirts, no calendar magnets. There would be no Mariposa yearbooks.
Without fundraisers…there would be less Smart Boards to go around.
Without fundraisers…there would be no Student Directory.
Without fundraisers…there would be no Harvest Festival, Spring Social, or movie nights.

These are all items that were financed by the PTO, over the last several years, via money generated by fundraisers. Some items are a one-time-buy, such as the rock wall and risers. Others recur each year, like the Student Directory and social events, which means money needs to be raised each year.

For the spring semester we have a few upcoming fundraisers that we hope you will find beneficial to the school, as well as to your family. February 6th brings our community flea market. We have not held this for 2 years. A portion of our proceeds are donated to the Kyrene Family Resource Center. After that we will be doing a cookie dough fundraiser. Last year this was very successful and we hope to repeat that success this year. We will continue restaurant nights and collecting box tops, and will be selling Harkins Summer Movie passes. At the spring social we will hold a 50-50 raffle.

For the 2010-2011 school year, we will be evaluating, once again, the number and types of fundraisers. We plan to select new and easier ways of generating the money needed. We welcome any input - feel free to contact us at mariposapto@kyrene.org.

Fundraisers are an integral part of making your student’s time at Mariposa an excellent experience, instead of just a good experience. Thank you for your assistance in achieving this objective.

New Tables - Your PTO Dollars at Work!

If you haven't taken a walk around the school lately, then maybe you haven't seen our new tables! The PTO purchased 11 new picnic tables that were just delivered last week. During construction this summer, 2 tables were removed and damaged to the point that they could not be reinstalled. So 2 tables are at the entrance to the MPR:

The table near the west bike rack was so rusted, the rust would get on your clothes as you sat on the seat. So we bought 1 table to replace it:

And last, but not least, our construction this past summer included building 2 outdoor classrooms. The Kyrene district paid for the shade structures and the PTO purchased 8 tables - 4 for each classroom.

Soon the students will be able to do science and art projects outside. Or simply have a nice outdoor lesson!

YOUR PTO DOLLARS AT WORK!

Art Masterpiece Volunteers needed!

With so much emphasis placed on achievement in core subjects and test scores, Mariposa’s Art Masterpiece program allows students to experience the world of art and the joys of self expression.

It has been the tradition at Mariposa that parent volunteers visit the classroom with a pre-selected print, discuss the artist and the print and then engage the students in a related art project. No prior art experience is required. All of the information, including project ideas, and the materials are provided. Art Masterpiece begins shortly after fall break and runs through the spring. The following classrooms do not have a volunteer:

• JENSEN/MORO
• MOSER
• LOVETT
• BALLATORE
• MCALLISTER
• MOORE

Whether it’s once or several times, please consider participating. Please don't let your child miss out on this wonderful fine arts program! Contact us at mariposapto@kyrene.org.

Curriculum Night - Thursday August 20

As you arrive or leave the school on Curriculum Night, please stop by the PTO table to buy your Mariposa spirit t-shirts. These are worn by students every Friday! We have a rad new design that is perfect for both girls and boys this year! Plus a hot new color - all for the lowest price in years - $10!

And for the very first time in Mariposa history we are selling pride stickers! These are great for the back window of your car or student's notebook or just about anything! Show your Mariposa Pride!

See you then!

Box Tops Proceeds Go To NEW Recess Program!

Have you ever wondered what happens to all those Box Tops you send in with your student? The PTO receives thousands of these every year. They are painstakingly cut, packaged and sent to the company and what we get back is a big, fat check! But what happens to that money? Normally it gets spent for the PTO's usual operating expenses to help out the school. Starting this year, however, all box tops proceeds will go towards the new recess program, Active and Heathly School!

ANNOUNCING THE KICKOFF OF A NEW RECESS FROM MRS. ALLEN
Mariposa is extremely excited to announce to the community that our school is implementing the Active and Healthy School Program! The AHS program takes a proactive approach that assumes the playground is a place to learn and an environment that contributes to the activity and health of the students. The following steps are designed to make the playground an active, safe and friendly experience:

• Think of recess as “Activity Time”! By definition, the word recess signifies that it is time for a break from learning! However, there is much learning that takes place during recess. One of the most important lessons learned is how to get along with others regardless of ability or age. “Activity Time” serves an important function in the school beyond giving students a break from academics.


• Zones for the playground allow for added safety. The Activity Zones also are intended to increase variety of activities for students to participate in. They offer youngsters the opportunity to make choices they like. This design keeps kids active and having fun, as it has Activity Zones are organized in a compact and easy-to-use format.

The following are examples of the New Playground Activity Zones:

Primary Zones:
- Shuffle Board
- Hopscotch & Number Jump Games
- Hoops & Scoops
- Bowling
- Jump Rope (indiv. & long)
- Tetherball
- Playground Area
- Soccer
- Basketball Shooting
- Walking & Jogging Track with pedometers
- Four Square

Intermediate Zones:
- Shuffle Board
- Hoops & Jump Rope (indiv. & long)
- Basketball also Bump Out & Around the World
- Kickball
- Flag Football
- Tetherball
- Playground Area
- Soccer
- Four Square & Nine Square
- Walking & Jogging Track with pedometers
- Game of the Month (Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball, Frisbee Golf, Team Handball, Hockey, Tennis, & Capture the Flag & Softball)

So be sure to keep sending in those Box Tops!! They directly benefit your students every day!

Not sure what products have Box Tops? Download a complete list here: http://www.boxtops4education.com/AllAboutBoxTops/products.aspx

Print coupons for Box Tops products here:
http://www.boxtops4education.com/Coupons/

Want to get involved in the new recess? Mrs. Allen is looking for parent volunteers to help with this program.

Are you able to take a “Longer Lunch?” and play games with the kids once a month? If you are able, this would be a huge assistance in the launching of this exciting AHS program. Our goal for the Intermediate “Activity Time” is to have each day one parent scheduled to assist the 3rd, 4th, 5th grade lunch by leading “The Game of the Month”. The time commitment would be from 10:20am- 11:30am. If twenty-five parents could commit to one a month we would be covered!

The Primary “Activity Time” is open to all parents during your child‟s “Activity Time”! The times are as follows: 2nd grade 11:20am-11:40am, 1st grade 11:45am-12:05pm, Kindergarten Lunch in Cafeteria 11:52am-12:15pm, Activity Time 12:15pm-12:30pm!

SO COME AND BE A KID AGAIN AND ENJOY OUR NEW RECESS!
** Sign- up sheet in the Mariposa Office or contact Mrs. Allen, coallen@kyrene.org

Great way for working parents to help out!

Are you a working parent, or parent with small children, but would like to help out your Mariposa student's school? There is a very easy, yet very important, way to contribute - join the hospitality committee!

This committee provides food and drinks for our valuable and excellent teachers at their staff meetings and a few other events. It takes very little time, but makes a big impact.

It's very simple - you get on the email list of helpers, then about every 2 weeks or so, you'll get an email asking for a few people to bring in drinks and snacks for the teachers and to help set-up and clean-up. You don't have to help every time. You can drop off your contribution at the beginning of school, or after school, or even send it in with your student. Have a little one? Bring them along in the stroller and get the plates, napkins, cups and food set out. Or come back a little later and help clean up. Whatever is most convenient for you!

The teachers very much appreciate this small gesture from the parents of their students! Won't you join us?

Please leave a comment or email us at mariposapto@kyrene.org if you are interested in being a part of Mariposa Hospitality!

got student?

Beginning of School

Meet the teacher night was a great success! Lots of new parents signed up to get involved in their child's school!

We also sold many school spirit t-shirts. If you weren't there and didn't get a chance to purchase them, order forms will be going home soon with your students. This year they are a hot new color with a cool new design! Don't miss out!



We also gave away our free calendar magnets. Did you get yours? Each family gets a very handy calendar magnet that has the school 2009-2010 calendar, plus other important info. All compliments of the PTO. If you missed out, you can get it in the school office.



The first day of school has come and gone. Another great Mariposa year is here!

Review of 2008-2009 School Year

We had a very successful year in 2008-2009! Our fundraisers did very well and we were able to supply many things for the school.

• Grade Level Grants - each grade purchased items to enhance their math and science curriculums


• Mariposa School Website Update


• Water Slide - for Survivor Field Day and Primary Water Day


• Folding Tables


• USA Stencil - for new outdoor map


• 5th Grade Agendas - for upcoming 5th graders


• New A+ T-shirts - for the whole school


• Picture frames for the hallways

PTO also funds or contributes to PALS supplies, hospitality committee which hosts school staff meetings, school printing costs, the 5th grade party, Turkey Trot, Field/Water Day, volunteer appreciation, and much more.

In addition, last year we donated $1200 to the Preserve Kyrene Foundation and sponsored teacher seminars.

PTO-sponsored events included:

• Harvest Festival
• Book Fairs
• Restaurant Nights
• Yearbooks
• Student Directory
• Otter Pops Sales
• Movie Night
• Mariposa T-shirts
• Spring Social
• Plus many more!

We look forward to another successful and exciting year in 2009-2010!

Welcome!

Welcome to the brand new Mariposa PTO blog. Here you will find quick, up-to-the-minute updates, see photos of our events, and get a chance to learn a little more about our great school and community.

Be sure to stop by often!