School Messenger September 30, 2013

Good evening Trailblazers,
Happy Monday to you!
First things first, the Fall Festival was amazing this past Friday evening! Thank you to everyone who supported this event with volunteering, organizing and attending. It was a beautiful night and I am certain that we raised funds to support our PTA! I have already “tweeted” a couple pictures and have sent out a blog about the night so please be sure you check visit the Principal’s Desk blog and the Twitter feed.

Welcome back Track 1 staff and students! It was great to see your smiling faces today!
Track 1 and 3 students participated in our JDRF Kickoff event today during PE. Students will be coming home to share how we are working to build our knowledge of healthy lifestyles and how they can support JDRF.

This week we have several events planned. Please mark your calendars for the following:
• Tuesday, October 1st: Banks Boomers 8:00 a.m. Music Room with Ms. Loftin
• Tuesday, October 1st: Mural Club at 4:00 p.m. with Ms. Stephenson
• Vision screenings will be conducted this week with students on Tracks 1 & 3 in grades K & 2
• Author Visit with David Ira Rottenburg is Wednesday, October 2nd for 4th and 5th grade students
• Trailblazer Run Club is Friday, October 3rd at 8:00 a.m. Students participating in the run club, please meet with Ms. Williford out on the track.

That’s it Trailblazers! We have a wonderful week of learning, teaching, growing and leading planned here at BRES. This information is already posted on the school website and will go out tonight on the Principal’s Desk Blog!

Make it a great evening...on purpose! Mrs. Graf

Fall Festival Success

Thanks to everyone for all their work and preparation for our Fall Festival. It was absolutely amazing! Horses for Hope, the cake walk, the hayrides, the pumpkins, the face and hair painting and the silent auction were highlights of the night. 

Thanks to the volunteers and our PTA for their time in planning and working all of the stations tonight. The night was a success because of you! 

A special thanks to Mr. Day, Ms. Stephenson, Mrs. Blackmon, Ms. Chesser, Mrs. Stover, and Evan Froning for getting dunked in the tank for fun and to support grade levels.

Speaking of the dunk tank, check out a before and after shot of me in the tank.  It's always fun to watch the students line up and try their best to dunk me! 

Thanks again for joining us at BRES tonight and celebrating our five year anniversary! My Banks Best, Mrs. Graf 

School Messenger September 28, 2013

Happy Early Release FRIDAY to you! Here is a reminder about upcoming events at BRES:

Just one last reminder that our Fall Festival begins in just an hour. Join us in celebrating the five year anniversary at BRES beginning at 5:00 p.m. There will be games, the dunk tank: Ms. Stephenson, Ms. Blackmon, Ms. Stover, Mr. Day, Ms. Chesser and will it be Mrs. Livengood or Mrs. Graf in the tank? You will have to come to find out! Also, there will be face painting, silent auction and more! Last week I mentioned some of the items for the Silent Auction, Trailblazers our planning team has really outdone themselves!

At the door, the punch card will be $7.00 and the wrist band will be $15.00. Both items allow you to partake in all of the free games. There are just a couple of cost games such as the dunk tank!
It’s going to be a wonderful evening here at Banks Road Elementary. Come on out and join in our school community fun!

My Banks Best, Mrs. Graf

School Messenger September 23, 2013

Good evening Trailblazers,

Happy Monday to you! Here is a reminder about upcoming events at BRES:

September 24th: Banks Boomer’s Practice at 8:00 a.m.

September 26th: Picture Retakes Tracks 2-4 Forms are available at the front office.

September 27th is Early Release: 1:15 p.m. dismissal September 27th is Fall Festival: Join us in celebrating the five year anniversary at BRES beginning at 5:00 p.m. There will be games, the dunk tank: Ms. Stephenson, Ms. Blackmon, Ms. Stover, Mr. Day and will it be Mrs. Livengood or Mrs. Graf in the tank? You will have to come to find out!

Also, there will be face painting, silent auction and more! Last week I mentioned some of the items for the Silent Auction, Trailblazers our planning team has really outdone themselves! There are 4 1- day Hopper passes at Disney,
Carowinds: 4 regular admission tickets. Valued up to $228; Tweetsie Railroad: 4 one day admission tickets. Valued at $148; American Girl Doll: Kit doll and Book. Valued at $110;
The Umstead Hotel and Spa: Includes a one night stay and breakfast for two at Herons. Valued at $319.

How can you join in the fun? First you can pre-purchase a Punch Card for $5 or a wrist band for $12. At the door, the punch card will be $7.00 and the wrist band will be $15.00. Both items allow you to partake in all of the free games. There are just a couple of "cost" games such as the dunk tank! Want more information on the silent auction items and Fall Festival? Visit the school website, click on the parents tab and then click on PTA!

Did you know we are Tweeting? Follow me for pictures, resources, links and reminders at @BanksRoadES!

That’s it Trailblazers! I have posted this information on the school website under the Parents tab and on the Principal's Desk blog. Please call the school if you have any questions. Have a great evening!

My Banks Best, Mrs. Graf

Delay in Report Cards: Important Information for Trailblazer Parents

Trailblazer Parents,
Please read below for information from our district regarding report cards and the new Homebase system. Thank you, Mrs. Graf

Dear Parents,

This letter is to inform you that first-quarter report cards will be delayed for all year-round elementary school students. Students in tracks 1, 2 and 3 will receive report cards on October 11. Track 4 students will receive report cards on October 25.

Report cards are delayed because of required software modifications to our new student information system, Home Base. The new system uses software called PowerSchool to track attendance, grades and assignments. The new software requires a change to accommodate the report card format. This issue affects elementary report cards only. We are currently working with the vendor to resolve the issue, and we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Teachers remain committed to keeping you informed regarding your child’s progress. If at any time you have questions regarding your child’s progress, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher.

Letters will be sent home informing parents of the change. Thank you for your continued support.

Growing Forward with WCPSS: Information about the Bond Proposal

Growing Forward is the WCPSS campaign for the school bond proposal. If approved by voters on October 8, 2013, Wake County would issue bonds and provide funds totaling $983.7 million for WCPSS capital projects.

Capital Improvement Program 2013 (CIP 2013) is the proposed new building program for Wake County to provide 16 new schools; 6 major renovations creating additional 1,343 seats; life cycle equipment replacement, technology, and security at most schools; and land acquisition for new schools. The16 new schools include 11 elementary, three middle and two high schools. Green ES, Vandora Springs ES, Lincoln Heights ES, Brooks ES, Rolesville ES and Garner HS will undergo major renovations.

Want to learn more about the bond? Find out more infomration by following this link: http://www.wcpss.net/growing-forward/index.html

Thanks, Mrs. Graf

Guidance Program at BRES: All About Mr. Day

Great things are happening at BRES in our Guidance Department. Mr. Day joined us in July as we are thrilled that he is a part of our Trailblazer Team. Mr. Day has brought to Banks a wide variety of experiences that will support our total school program.


Want to know more about Mr. Day? Here is information about Mr. Day: I was born in Washington, Pennsylvania , just south of Pittsburgh. I am a huge fan of all Pittsburgh sports teams. Go Steelers! I attended Washington and Jefferson College where I played soccer, was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity, and majored in History. I earned my Master's of Science in Education in School Counseling from Duquesne University. Prior to coming to Banks Road Elementary School I was a high school counselor. I am married and have two beagles, Jake and Olympia. I enjoy drag racing, working on cars, running, and watching and playing all sports.

School Messenger September 12, 2013

Good evening Trailblazers,

Happy Thursday to you! Here is a reminder about upcoming events at BRES:

*Friday, 13th: School Spirit –Wear your BRES t-shirt or school colors of blue and green.
During Spirit Week bring in all of your loose change. All monies donated will go into Grade Level Fund to help offset the costs of field trips, specific classroom supplies such as subscriptions, etc. The class that raises the most money will win a Pizza Party, 2nd and 3rd Place will get Popcorn Parties.
*No Book Club with Ms. McCool tomorrow morning.
*Tonight is School Spirit at McDonald’s from 5-8 p.m. Meet me at McDonald’s for a quick bite or an ice cream cone. I’m stopping by about 5:30 for a bit.
*September 19th: Student Council Meeting 8:00 a.m.
*September 27th is Early Release: 1:15 p.m. dismissal
*September 27th is Fall Festival: Join us in celebrating the five year anniversary at BRES beginning at 5:00 p.m. There will be games, the dunk tank, face painting, silent auction and more!

That’s it Trailblazers! I have posted this information on the school website and on the Principal’s Desk blog. Please call the school if you have any questions. Have a great evening!

No Yearbook Club 9/12

Yearbook Club will not meet this Thursday morning. The club will convene on the 2nd Thursday of October at 8:00 a.m.  

Time to Plan for our Holiday Performances: Ms. Loftin Needs Your Help!

Ms. Loftin planned and executed great performances last year for the Banks Boomers and our Holiday Show. This year she has been preparing students in the Boomers, during her classes and before school for our new programs. Please take a moment to follow this link and sign up to help out at one of our performances. It's a great way to see how the show comes together from behind the scences! Mrs. Graf http://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044DA4AE2CA75-thereindeer

School Messenger September 4, 2013

Good evening Trailblazers, Happy Wednesday to you! I hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend. Here is a reminder about upcoming events at BRES: • September 5th: Student Council Meeting Media Center 8:00 a.m. • September 6th-13th is Spirit Week o Friday, 6th: School Spirit-Wear your BRES t-shirt or school colors of blue and green to show school spirit. o Saturday, September 7th: Beautification Day-Come on out and help us spruce up our campus from 9-12. It’s a great way to show school spirit! o Monday, 9th: Hat Day! o Tuesday, 10th: Dress to Impress (Sunday Best) o Wednesday, 11th: Patriot’s Day-Wear Red, White and Blue o Thursday, 12th: Wacky Tacky Day- you don’t have to match! o Friday, 13th: School Spirit –Wear your BRES t-shirt or school colors of blue and green. • During Spirit Week bring in all of your loose change. All monies donated will go into Grade Level Fund to help offset the costs of field trips, specific classroom supplies such as subscriptions, etc. The class that raises the most money will win a Pizza Party, 2nd and 3rd Place will get Popcorn Parties. Looking on further into September here are three “Save the Dates”: • September 12th is School Spirit at McDonald’s from 5-8 p.m. • September 19th: Student Council Meeting 8:00 a.m. • September 27th is Early Release: 1:15 p.m. dismissal • September 27th is Fall Festival: Join us in celebrating the five year anniversary at BRES beginning at 5:00 p.m. There will be games, the dunk tank, face painting, silent auction and more! That’s it Trailblazers! I have posted this information on the school website and on the Principal's Desk blog. Please call the school if you have any questions. Have a great evening! My Banks Best, Mrs. Graf

Volunteer Information--Reminder

Just a reminder if you plan to volunteer, attend a field trip or supoprt us with Field Day you must be a "cleared" volunteer with WCPSS. Please read below for information regarding this process. The following information describes the procedures for reactivation for continuing volunteers, the process for new volunteers to obtain clearance, and a summary of the appeal procedures. Reactivation for Continuing Volunteers • All continuing volunteers approved for the 2012-2013 school year MUST reactivate as a volunteer no later than 4:00 p.m. on October 31, 2013. Volunteers may go to any WCPSS site and register through the intranet. Access to the volunteer system is: WCPSS Intranet – Business Applications – Volunteer Registration. • After October 31, 2013, individuals previously approved may not volunteer without a new criminal record check. To avoid unnecessary costs to the school system, principals and their staff should encourage continuing volunteers to reactivate early in the school year – and no later than October 31, 2013. • The volunteer system will be open daily for reactivation/registration from July 1, 2013, through October 31, 2013 for 24 hours a day. • From November 4, 2013, through May 19, 2014, the volunteer system will be open on Mondays only, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. However, during this time period, the volunteer system will be closed on the following Mondays: November 11, 2013, December 23, 2013, December 30, 2013, and January 20, 2014.

Easy Fundraiser from the NC State Fair!

Here's an excellent way for you to get your advance gate tickets to the NC State Fair (Oct. 17-27) and help Banks Road Elementary raise money. For every $7.00 adult advance ticket sold, two dollars will be returned to the school. For every children's advance ticket ($3.00), one dollar will be returned to the school. Please feel free to forward this email to relatives, neighbors, and friends. The more tickets sold from Banks Road Elementary supporters, the more money is returned to the school. To be sure the money goes back to us, you will need to enter our school code number, which is (325) and is also available from the advance ticket online site: http://www.etix.com/ticket/online/performanceSearch.jsp?performance_id=1742475&cobrand=ncstatefair13-wakecounty Don't wait too late: Once the fair starts, the ticket price increases, and no money comes back to us.

Did you know...?

Mural Club and Jogging Club are coming to BRES! I can't wait for these great student opportunities to begin. :) Mrs. Graf 

Week of September 1-5, 2013

Happy Labor Day!

Mark your calendar for these upcoming events and dates: 

• September 2nd: Labor Day Holiday-No School

*Banks Boomers will have chorus practice  on Tuesday, September 3rd at 8:00 a.m.
*September 5th: Student Council 8:00 a.m. Media Center
• September 6th-13th is Spirit Week 
Friday, 6th: School Spirit-Wear your BRES t-shirt or school colors of blue and green to show school spirit.
o Saturday, September 7th: Beautification Day-Come on out and help us spruce up our campus from 9-12. It’s a great way to show school spirit!
o Monday, 9th: Hat Day!
o Tuesday, 10th: Dress to Impress (Sunday Best)
o Wednesday, 11th: Patriot’s Day-Wear Red, White and Blue
o Thursday, 12th: Wacky Tacky Day- you don’t have to match!
o Friday, 13th: School Spirit –Wear your BRES t-shirt or school colors of blue and green.

• During Spirit Week bring in all of your loose change. All monies donated will go into Grade Level Fund to help offset the costs of field trips, specific classroom supplies such as subscriptions, etc. The class that raises the most money will win a Pizza Party, 2nd and 3rd Place will get Popcorn Parties. 

Looking on further into September here are three “Save the Dates”:
• September 12th is School Spirit at McDonald’s from 5-8 p.m.
* September 19th: Student Council 8:00 a.m. Media Center
• September 27th is Early Release: 1:15 p.m. dismissal & Fall Festival: Join us in celebrating the five year anniversary at BRES beginning at 5:00 p.m. There will be games, the dunk tank, face painting, silent auction and more! 

That's it Trailblazers! See you at school on Tuesday! Mrs. Graf