Change in BIG Spelling Bee Date

Trailblazers,
There has been in a change of date for the BRES School Wide Spelling Bee, better known as the "Big Bee."  Our Big Bee will be held on January 21st at 1:00 p.m. in the multipurpose room.  This change was made due to the winner submission deadline for the regional spelling bee.  Ms. Foxworth is the spelling bee contact.  If you have questions about spelling words, the classroom bees or our big bee, please feel to contact her at sfoxworth@wcpss.net.  Thank you.

Always Trailblazer Proud, Mrs. Graf

Calling on our Trailblazer Dads Group...

Trailblazers, 

I have noticed our front area off of Banks looking pretty shabby. The fall foliage is piling up by the turnabout and there is some trash that must have blown in. This is certainly not the first impression we want to give about our campus! Please join me on December 1st at 5:00 before our Movie Night to clean up this area.  I would appreciate it! If you have another time that would work for you please let me know. 919-890-7330. Thank you. 

Always Trailblazer Proud, Mrs. Graf 

PTA-Thinking Outside the Box

Our PTA is working hard to support BRES. This dedicated group is brainstorming and thinking outside the box when it comes to fundraising. Their newest support comes in the form of a VIP carpool tag that will save you time by allowing a shortened wait time from January to June. There will be two passes raffled off on December 1st at the annual movie night in the MPR. The proceeds from this raffle will directly support the teacher stipend fund. Our PTA reimburses teachers who spend their own money for classroom items $50 per semester. We all know that teachers often spend their own funds for little things that make their classrooms a home away from home. Our teachers are so appreciative of the support the PTA has provided them thus far.  

Monday, December 1st is Movie Night at Banks. This event has become a tradition at BRES. Students may wear their school appropriate pj's and settle in on a blanket in the multipurpose room for a holiday movie. Our PTA has organized parent vendors who will be on hand to support your holiday shopping. Families are welcome to bring dinner to enjoy during the movie or there will be a food truck on hand if you want to skip cooking and order from Stuffed!

Additionally the PTA is holding its first Parents Night Out. They will show a movie and provide activities for your child to participate in while you...go out! PNO will be on December 5th. Please see the PTA website for details. 

The Staff and I are thankful for a PTA who is working hard and thinking outside the box to support and strengthen our school. 

Always Trailblazer Proud, Mrs. Graf 

Kindergarten Registration for 2015-2016

Trailblazers,
Here is a post from earlier regarding Kindergarten registration.  It's time to get your little ones officially registered for school for the 2015-2016 year!  Please call the school with any questions.



It's hard to believe but we are planning for the next school year already. Wcpss will be kicking off registration for all rising Kindergarteners on January 15, 2015. If you have a child to register for school please join us on January 15th and 16th anytime between 9:30-3:00 p.m.  Ms. Smith, our Data Manager will be the point of contact for registration. More details to come soon.  I can't wait to meet our new Trailblazers! Mrs. Graf

Student Council Update

Student Council is beginning a food drive to support Interfaith and our school community.  It will begin on Monday, November 24th and end on December 15th.  Please consider sending in a nonperishable food item such as food cans, dry food bags, etc.  Please contact Student Council at ksinnott@wcpss.net with any questions.

From our PTA

Here is information about upcoming projects from our PTA...

For those interested in submitting art for Reflections…deadline to submit is November 10th to the front office. 

Preview attachment 2014-Reflections_General-Flier_v3.pdf2014-Reflections_General-Flier_v3.pdf1.2 MB

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1/12/14  Moonlight Reading Night and Assaggio's dinner.  Dinner is $3 per person and it includes 2 slices of pizza, salad, and a breadstick.  What a deal!  The book fair is not a PTA event, but we help to provide a low cost dinner for families on this night.  All money raised goes to the media center to replace old/worn books.  We are still looking for help serving dinner.  Please follow the link below if available.

http://www3.signupgenius.com/mobile/index.cfm?action=signups.signup&sugToken=42D1B5A69FA986111F0514002AC795C8F4DAED01A3308B8457B0C8CA0706049AC2C30B8E

The present drive has started.  Please consider sponsoring a child in our school and bring joy to them during the holidays.  Please download the form and return to the front office if interested. An angel ornament will be given to those who sponsor.  Thank you for your kindness.

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Save the date for December 1…Holiday Movie Night.  We will be showing Home Alone rated PG.  This will be an event NOT to miss.  A parent will need to stay with their child.  Free bag of popcorn and a drink will be provided.  

Dec. 19th we will be collecting desserts for the holiday staff luncheon.  Please look for a sign-up coming soon.  

Don't forget spirit wear is ON SALE!!!  Details in the newsletter. 

PTA Present Drive Sponsor Form Link

Trailblazers,
Here is the link to the PTA present drive sponsor form.  Please contact the PTA via their website or call the school with any questions.  Thank you, Mrs. Graf

PTA Present Drive Sponsor Form

It's time for our PTA Holiday Gift Drive!

It's time for our annual BRES Present Drive!

Would you like to bring joy and happiness into the lives
 of some BRES students and their families?
If so, please print and fill out a sponsor form on the PTA website and return it to your child's teacher by Friday, November 14th.

Forms may be found on the school/PTA website or
 in the front office of the school.

The PTA is coordinating this holiday program
 and will contact you with details.

Thank you so much for your kindness!!

Project Speak Up at BRES!

Trailblazers,

Banks Road Elementary is partnering with Project Tomorrow SpeakUp, an online survey for teachers, parents, students and community supporters to provide input around learning, and specifically the use of technology in our school. We want to hear from you so we can provide our students with the best instruction possible. Please take a few moments to complete the survey by visiting our homepage and clicking on the Project Tomorrow SpeakUp survey
button or click here:       Project Speak Up Survey Link  Students taking the survey will need a password, which is wake2014.

Please call the school with any questions about this at 919-890-7333.

My Banks Best, Mrs. Graf