PTA NEWSLETTER June, 2003    The William T. Harris School    Office 929-1743       See the May newsletter      Back to HomePage 

 

PTA Executive Board

 

Deborah Donenfeld, Co-President

212 675 4420

Deborah Traussi, Co-President

212 268 0292

Barbara Somlo, Co-Vice Pres.

212 255 4921

Garry Dobbins Co-Vice Pres.

212 675 2379

Anna Matos, Treasurer

212 627 7298

Lillian Quartuccia, Fin., Sec.

212 967 1742

Stephen Williams, Rec., Sec.

212 229 1656

Pam Winberry, Corres., Sec.

212 977 9857

Lucia Santiago

212 691 6058

Delia Acosta

212 243 9254

Sodelina Holderbaum

212 255 8430

Laura Wynter

212 645 1794

Andrea Di Fiore

212 366 4621

Parent Council Representative

 

Ladan Bassir

212 924 9102

SCHOOL CLOSING DAYS:
June 26, Last day of school

 

Last PTA MEETING: JUNE 11

SLT elections to be held – come and vote!



Dear Parents and Families of PS11,

"Summertime, and the living is easy…" Well, so goes the song, and I hope for most of us it will be true. I know for myself it's going to be a busy time planning for the next school year, with all the changes that the Department of Education wants implemented by September. I am hoping to find a few weeks to get away with Daria, but this looks questionable. Let me publicly thank our teachers for working so hard, and even more importantly for remaining learners and always looking at your practice. Emily Dickinson wrote, "The Possible's slow fuse is lit by the Imagination." Teachers, thanks for the brightness that lights up our building.
To PS11 families, a sincere thank you for all your support and for believing in the work that we do day to day to make sure your children remain excited about learning new things daily in a safe and respectful environment.
We had some hard discussions of some topics about which we are all very passionate, but we listened to each other. Let us commit to continue to be passionate about our beliefs but to listen, and to compromise, if need be.

I can't thank people individually for fear of leaving someone out, but I do want to publicly thank Deborah Donenfeld who is stepping down as PTA president in June. I can’t describe the deep passion and concern she has shown for all the families and children of PS 11. In hundreds of e-mails and conversations we had, all centered on what was best for the children of PS 11. Deborah, I would like to take this public space to say how much I have enjoyed and learned from our interactions. Don't go too far away.
Finally, please spend the summer loving your children, sharing
experiences with them, and keeping them excited about the wonders in
the world still to be discovered. And read, read, read to them. They are never too old. May we all spend the summer having wonderful ideas. See you in September.

Fran Del Monaco

 

HOORAY…..!

For The TASTE OF CHELSEA!

The Taste of Chelsea event, held at the Chelsea Market on May 16th, was a huge success.  The turnout was great, and thanks to the wonderful variety of delicious food and beverages, and the terrific auction items, a delightful time was had by all.  We raised a whopping $21,000 for the school (75% more than last year!) - that's money that will fund many of the programs, supplies, and activities that, due to the widening budget gap, PS 11 would otherwise have to do without.  Our sincerest thanks to the many families who worked so diligently to solicit donations, to the many volunteers at the event, and to all who raised their paddles high at the auction.

And a SPECIAL THANKS to the event’s organizers: Deborah Traussi, Pam Winberry, and Steve McMahon.

 

BIG NEWS – MARK THE DATES

Go to Barnes and Noble on 6th Avenue on Friday or Saturday, June 6 or 7, during store hours 9AM - 10PM and a portion of your money spent will be donated by them to PS11. Books, music, stationery, and lots more included.

On Friday June 6 from 10-11AM, two 5th grades will be reading their original works. Come along and be amazed!

 

SUMMER OASIS

For the past few summers OASIS has run a very successful summer camp in Central Park for children ages 6-13 (continuing this summer), and now has a new program starting this year on the Lower East Side (Oasis Downtown) using East River Park and a school on Houston Street, ”New Explorations into Science, Technology and Math”. This program is for children ages 4-7. For more information: www.oasischildren.com

Or call the director of enrolment: Anna Lacina 718 596 4900.

 

 

END-OF-YEAR AFTERSCHOOL INFO

The last day of Afterschool is June 20!  If you are looking for summer activities for your children, PS11’s Afterschool will be holding a summer program during the month of July, Monday-Thursday, 8:30-5:30.  More information is available in the Afterschool office or by calling

917.653.0594.

 

Graduation dates:

5th grade - June 20
Pre-K - June 23
K - June 23

Keep these Dates:

June 3, 9 - 1/2 days
June 5 - graduation dance
June 13 - Field Day
June 26 - last day of school

 

Check Out Our Website

Many thanks for a superb job with our new PTA Website to Andrea Di Fiore and Dorian Benkoil. It’s up and running and looking good. Logon at www.ps11pta.org.

 

IF YOU SHOP AT TARGET…

… you can sign up for a Target Guest Card which allows you to charge at Target, and a percentage will go to PS11.  You can also get a Target Visa which can be used like a regular visa card, and the points also are sent to the school.  For details call Kathy Ellman at 212 336 8649 or email [email protected].

 

To the PS11 community,

As another school year draws to a close, I see so many parents shaking their heads in delighted dismay at our children’s growth, and talking about how fast the year flew by.  So I know you’ll know how I feel when I say, I can’t believe my 2-year tenure as PTA co-president is already coming to an end.  It has been one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever taken on, and I feel so privileged to have met and worked with so many of you. I could not have played the role I did without our strong school community.  I have mixed feelings about stepping down, but I am unequivocally thrilled to hand over the reins to the 2 smart, committed, enthusiastic women you elected as PTA co-presidents:  Allia Matta and Linda Osborne.  Have a restful summer, and I look forward to seeing you next year,  BEHIND the scenes.  Thank you all.

Sincerely,  Deborah Donenfeld

 

Thanks to Kinko’s at 24th St and 7th Ave for freely printing our newsletter - 212-929-2679

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