Artist in Residence: Leni Newell

We are proud to share that we begin our Artist in Residence this week with Leni Newell.  "Leni Newell conducts popular, successful and highly sought after residencies in over 150 schools since 1993.  The strength of Newell’s highly successful and motivating residencies comes from her love of both teaching and children, which allows her creativity to inspire students and staff alike" (taken from Leni Newell's website at http://www.leninewell.com/Leni_Newell_studios+gallery/Residencies.html.)  Our PTA is supporting the funding for this residency.

Leni has worked with schools across the district and her silk banners hang in school foyers, media centers and down hallways in numerous schools.  Our fifth grade students will be working with Leni to create banners for our front entrance foyer.  These banners will dress up our entrance and compliment our school building colors.

We are extremely excited to be collaborating with Leni Newell this school year.  As our students begin work with on the banners I will post pictures and give you an update.  For additional information on Leni Newell and to see photos of banners in other WCPSS schools please follow this link:

http://www.leninewell.com/Leni_Newell_studios+gallery/_Banner_Residencies.html

Safety Reminders: Carpool

Parents thank you for your support with carpool now that Tracks 1 and are back in together.  Our average end time of carpool is 4:10 p.m. although there have been a couple of days when we went until 4:15 p.m.  The line is much smoother and more and more students are quickly responding when their number is called.

I want to remind everyone that once our line gets moving that we need to honor the no cell phone zone expectation.  There are times when cars are moving to pull under the awning and our drivers are talking on phones and not giving full attention to our students moving about and heading to their vehicles.  Our first priority is safety in carpool and we want to deliver each child to you safe and sound. 

Additionally, I want to remind you to please have your carpool tag with you.  If you do not have your tag we will ask you to pull around and sign your child out at the office where they can verify your picture ID with your child's green information card. 

Thank you so much for supporting our safe and orderly carpool process!

Holiday Kindness Reminder: Forms Due November 9th

Our active PTA celebrates the BANKS Belief: Kindness counts this holiday season.  Help bring kindness into the lives of some BRES students and their families by helping to fulfill their special holiday wishes. 

If you, your company, your civic club or your church are interested in sponsoring a child in need by purchasing three gifts or giving a monetary donation, please complete the donation form available at the school.  The forms are due back to your child’s teacher by Friday, November 9th.

The PTA is coordinating our Holiday Assistance Program and they will contact you with details. Thank you for your kindness ! 

JDRF Walk Update

JDRF is back for tracks 2 & 4 this Thursday.  Our hallway is lined with paper shoes as parents, students and community members are pledging their support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.  We will have our walk beginning at 9:20 a.m. with 3rd-5th graders on track 2 & 4 and 10:10-10:55 with K-2 students on tracks 2 & 4 on the back track.  Our first round with tracks 1 & 3 raised over $6,000.00!  This was awesome!  I am hopeful that we will hit the $10,000.00 mark with the support of our track 2 & 4 families and community members.  I will update you soon with pictures and a final donation amount after the Thursday!  Go Trailblazers!

Banks 4th and 5th Grade Chorus Update

Since July we have been brainstorming a name for our 4th and 5th Grade Chorus.  We have asked our students and teachers and now have a new name for our chorus.  I am pleased to announce for the first time the Banks Road Elementary Boomers!  

The Boomers have been practicing their instrumental and vocal pieces in order to perfect our selection for the Pieces of Gold audition on December 5th.  We are waiting for our assigned time to report to Daniel Middle School for our audition.  Our Boomer students will need transportation to Daniels Middle School on December 5th.  Please contact Ms. Loftin at lloftin@wcpss.net with any questions you may have about this audition.

Students report every Tuesday and Thursday morning to rehearse with Ms. Loftin in the music room or on stage in the multi-purpose room.  Ms. Loftin has developed a blog where she posts pictures, information and updates for our Boomer students and families. Please visit her site at any time for up-to-date information: http://banksrdmusic.blogspot.com/

Additionally, our students have been asked to perform at Crabtree Valley Mall on December 13th at 5:00 p.m.  Ms. Loftin will be sending home information about this wonderful opportunity.

And last but not least, we would love to present a unified ensemble for our Pieces of Gold audition and for our future performances by having a Boomers t-shirt made for the group.  Ms. Loftin has sent home information about purchasing t-shirts.  The t shirt fee of $10.00 is due Tuesday, November 13th.  T-shirt will be ordered Tuesday and should be in within one week. 

We are excited about our progress of our Boomers and can't wait to show off their skills at the Barnes and Nobles Book Fair on November 15th with a preview of our Pieces of Gold audition selection.  The book fair begins at 6 p.m. and the Boomers are scheduled to perform at 7:00 p.m. 

I hope you will join me at this premier event for the Boomer's. 

November 6th Late Arrival

Just a reminder that we will have late arrival on Tuesday, November 6th.  Students will be welcomed into the building at 10:45 a.m. and instruction will begin at 11:15 p.m.  Additionally, the 4th and 5th Grade Chorus will meet for practice at 10:00 a.m.  tomorrow morning. 

Please call the school should you have any questions about this information.  Thank you.

Family Fitness Night is Coming!

We are into November and we have wonderful things planned for our students and Trailblazer families!  Mark your calendar for November 8th.  It's our Family Fitness Night from 6:30-8:00 p.m.  Come join us in the Multipurpose Room to learn about healthy, safe and actively lifestyles for the whole family!

All of the activities are FREE!  There will be activities for all ages, live demonstrations, useful information, door prizes, NCSU Wuf mascot, the Chick-fil-A Cow...and so much more.  Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes so you can have a great and safe time!

I'll be there with my family and I hope to see you there with your family!  Let's get movin' down the Trail of Success at BRES!