Important Dates:

Monday, August 5 First Day of School

August 6, 7, 8 Moms Morning Out Cupz N’ Crepes

Thursday, August 8 New Family Meeting / General PTO Board Meeting 8:00am

August 19—September 9 Be a Beacon—Light the Path to Excellence Donation Drive

Tuesday, August 20 Curriculum Night

Friday, August 30 Picture Day

Monday, September 2 No School—Labor Day

September 9-13 Yoasis Week

Thursday, September 12 PTO Board Meeting 10am

September 12 & 13 Fall Book Fair (Preview Days)

September 16-20 Fall Book Fair

Friday, September 20 Ice Cream Social 5:30-7:00pm

Friday, October 4 End of 1st Quarter

October 7-11 No School—Fall Break

October 13-20 Water & Ice Week

Monday, October 14 No School—Staff Development Day

Thursday, October 17 PTO Board Meeting 10am

Thursday, October 24 Early Release Day (Teacher Conferences)

Friday, October 25 Pumpkin Walk

Tuesday, October 29 Picture Day—Retakes

BEEP BEEP

VOLUME 18, ISSUE 1 | August 2013

** Back to School Edition

Dear Cerritos Families,

I hope your summer was full of cool thoughts and refreshing relaxation! While the new

PTO Board enjoyed plenty of R&R, we have also been working hard to plan an exciting year.

Over the summer we redesigned the cerritospto.org website (and our logo too!). You now

have a quick and easy way to access all the information and programs surrounding the PTO. You can find links to sign up with our rewards programs such as Escrip and Fry’s Community Rewards. You can also find information about Spirit Wear and Yearbooks, as well as make donations to the PTO, all from the comfort of home. You will also find contact information, event updates, and ways to volunteer. If you look closely, you will find a new video from the Board keeping you informed of upcoming activities.

As an exciting new project, we have a link to our school supply wish list from Amazon on the

website. If you enter Amazon through our link, even if you don’t purchase anything from the wish list, the PTO will get a percentage of all purchases you make. This is a great and easy way to get your friends and relatives supporting the Cerritos PTO. Don’t forget to use this link every time you shop! (Think holiday shopping…what a great way to “gift” the school more supplies and events!)

Last year we sent out a survey and we have listened to your responses. Parents asked that we reduce the number of fundraisers, and limit the amount of product sales. In response to this

overwhelming request, we will be sponsoring a Be a Beacon—Light the Path to Excellence Donation Drive in mid-August instead of selling anything. If we reach our

donation goals, we will limit our fundraisers to the Book Fairs, which directly benefit the library, and a Spring Read-a-Thon. Look for details of this new event as we get closer!

This year we are asking that parents take an active role in the PTO by volunteering as

Classroom PTO Representatives. There will be a sign-up in each classroom,

but if you miss it, you can contact me directly and I will get you involved. We are excited to have parents representing their classrooms. The more voices we hear, the better our programs will be. For all of you who wonder how to get involved…this is a great way to get your feet wet!

As we start out on this exciting new year, please let me know if there are any questions I can answer or ways you would like to get involved. We have an amazing group of students and an equally amazing and talented set of parents. I look forward to meeting as many of you as I can. Let’s have a great year!

Laura Wallis

Cerritos PTO President 2013-14

president@cerritospto.org

—> Be sure to check out the

Cerritos PTO— Welcome Video

to see what’s new for 2013!

BEEP BEEP

VOLUME 18, ISSUE 1 | August 2013

School Supplies for New

School Year GOOD NEWS!!! If you pre-ordered your school supply kits through the Cerritos PTO in the spring, the kits

have arrived! The prepackaged kit will be labeled with your child’s name and delivered to his/her new teacher before the first day of school. The kit should have everything that your teacher needs your child to have to start off the new school year (pencils, markers, folders, binders, dry erase markers, Clorox wipes, etc.!) Also, if you purchased an art kit to be donated to the art department, the kit was delivered to Ms. Rogers (the Art Teacher) with your child’s name designated as the donor. Thank you for your generosity!

If you have not yet purchased your school supplies, you can obtain the 2013-14 School Supply List by grade level at the Cerritos webpage:

http://www.kyrene.org/cer

If you have any questions about pre-ordered school supply kits, please contact Jane Miller at communications@cerritospto.org.

Where will you be on 8/8 @ 8am?

A Welcome New Family Meeting will be held at the school at 8 am, on Thursday, August 8th followed by a General PTO Meeting. We are excited to have our Principal introduce the school, policies you need to know about, and all the other little details that come with experience. Please check in at the office. Siblings are welcome and a light breakfast will be served.

Who should attend:

· New families, be they new to the area, or just new to the school

· Anyone who wants a refresher course on security measures, policies and school traditions

· Anyone who wants a chance to meet the new PTO Board and get involved

After hearing from Ms. DiCosmo, the PTO will hold a quick meeting to approve the budget and appoint the new secretary and volunteer coordinator. This is a great time to ask questions and sign up to volunteer!

First Day of School:

Playground Procedure One of the most exciting (and sometimes anxious) times for our children as they start the new school year is lining up with their new class on the playground the first day of school. As a procedural note, parents will be allowed to enter the playground area the first day of school (Monday) in order to escort your child to his/her teacher’s line. Beginning on the

second day of school (Tuesday), Cerritos staff will be on the playground area assisting the children. Parents will not be allowed to enter the playground area after Monday. We know that this can be a difficult process for both us as parents and the children. The staff at Cerritos will all be outside helping students feel comfortable with the transition. Thank you for understanding that the safety of your child is the first priority at Cerritos.

Missing the First

Day of School? If your child will not be in attendance the first day of school, please be sure to call the attendance line to notify the school. The attendance line # is 480-541-2201. Thank you!

BEEP BEEP

VOLUME 18, ISSUE 1 | August 2013

Cerritos Ice Cream Social:

Friday, September 20

5:30-7:00pm

Kick off the year and be COOL while we pull off our first event of the 2013/2014 school year!

We will be enjoying our COOL ice cream treats in the courtyard while we enjoy music provided by our own DJ —- Mr. G!

* Please note: There will be a gluten-free, and dairy-free option available.

Let’s Celebrate the Kids Being in School!

Mom’s Morning Out at

Cupz N’ Crepes

Grab a friend and come enjoy a great cup of coffee, a tasty crepe (or two), and some well-deserved relaxation!

When: Tues, August 6 through

Thurs, August 8 from 7am-4pm

Where: 4232 East Chandler Blvd, Suite #1

Phoenix, AZ 85048

* Bring your “Cerritos” flyer (or just mention “Cerritos”) and a portion of the sales will generously be donated by Cupz N’ Crepes to Cerritos!

Preview Days:

September 12-13 (during school hours)

Book Fair Hours:

September 16-20

The Book Fair will be open:

* during lunch each day

* M, T, TH, F 2:15-3:00pm

* W 12:15-1:00pm

* during the Ice Cream Social

All proceeds go

directly to the Cerritos

Library!

...Walk Like an

Egyptian Right On

Over to Our…

Fall Scholastic Book Fair

Up-to-Date Immunizations: Students are required to have completed immunization records to the health office by the First Day of School. If you have received a letter or phone call regarding the need for updated immunizations, please complete those vaccines and bring a copy of the immunization record to the Cerritos Front Office. Most pre-school and kindergarten students need vaccines before entering school. If you have any questions, please call Suzanne Collett at 480-541-2220.

Donations for Health Office

The Health Office is in need of a few donated items for the next school year to support our students needs, and to set up our vision and hearing screening days in August. It would be a great help to our students if you are able to send in:

* Clorox wipes * Kleenex * Post-it note pads

* liquid hand soap in a pump bottle * boys and girls flip flops

* boys and girls new underwear of all sizes

Also, if you would like to help with the vision and hearings screenings, please contact Suzanne Collett in the Health Office at 480-541-2220. Thank you for your ongoing support of the Cerritos Health Office!

BEEP BEEP

VOLUME 18, ISSUE 1 | August 2013

How To Be “IN THE KNOW” For The 2013-14 School Year:

Cerritos List Serv

School announcements, official school news, PTO announcements, school newsletters, PTO news letters

To sign up for the Cerritos List Serv, go to: http://www.kyrene.org/Page/2790 (or find the link on the cerritospto.org page under “To Do List”)

Under “School Newsletters/Communications”, select Kyrene de los Cerritos Elementary

Specify your email address, your name, & click “Subscribe”

Bookmark (or Add as Favorite) (the school) website: http://www.kyrene.org/cer

School news & latest happenings, classroom websites by teacher, lunch menus, ability to manage lunch money accounts, e-services link, 7 Habits Resources, school calendar, contact info, and more!

Bookmark (or Add as Favorite) (the UPDATED PTO) website: http://www.cerritospto.org

* PTO calendar

* PTO meeting minutes

* The latest issue of the PTO newsletter, the Beep Beep (as well as archived issues)

* the most up-to-date information on events and fundraisers

* Amazon Wish List for teachers (and a way to raise funds for the school)

* the ability to donate online

* volunteer opportunities

* information about spirit wear and yearbooks

* links to register for the Fry’s Community Rewards Program

Like Us (the school) on Facebook:

Kyrene de los Cerritos, A Leadership Academy

Like Us (the PTO) on Facebook: Cerritos PTO

Stay up-to-date on PTO announcements, events, fundraising, volunteer opportunities, and much more! A great way to “friend up” with other families that are a part of the Cerritos commu-nity! Get connected, make new friendships, and share life with those around you!

Curriculum Night Food Donations:

Calling all of you foodies who love to cook & bake!

The Hospitality Committee is asking for help in

providing dinner for our hard working teachers on

the evening of Curriculum Night—Tuesday, August

20. While the main entrees will be brought in from

Loco Patron, we are looking for parents who are will-

ing to donate salads, appetizers, or desserts. To sign

up, please go to: signupgenius.com/curriculumnight

Thanks in advance for your support of our teachers!

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VOLUME 18, ISSUE 1 | August 2013

Open Volunteer

Positions:

Description: Time of Year /

Commitment:

Classroom PTO Reps

These individuals will serve as the communication link between the PTO organization

and the classroom parents. This is a great way to quickly get to know other parents in

your child’s class as well as other parents in the Cerritos community. (Will need 2

volunteer reps per classroom)

As needed throughout school

year; attend monthly PTO

meeting

Gift of Time

Coordinator

This person will oversee a service project wherein PTO volunteers donate their time

and talent to wrap & decorate personal holiday gifts purchased by the teachers to

give to their friends & family.

December 17 8am-2pm

Read-a-Thon

Chairperson

This individual will plan and execute our spring PTO fundraiser—a Read-a-Thon! A

great way to encourage the love of reading with our children, reward them for their

reading successes, and earn money for Cerritos all at the same time!

Event will be held

February 3-21

Workroom Days

Coordinator

Oversee a team of volunteers who assist teachers with administrative needs (e.g.,

making copies, laminating, cutting, etc.)

Bi-weekly throughout school

year

Otter Pops Sales

Coordinator

Coordinate the sale of otter pops after school to students & parents Friday afternoons during

warmer months (August,

September, October, April,

May)

Pod Funds / Shopping Coordinator

Manage PTO pod funds by shopping for items needed for classroom use. Purchases

typically made from Lakeshore Learning, Office Max, etc. (Must be willing to put

purchases on personal credit card and be reimbursed by PTO Treasurer)

As needed throughout school

year

Spirit Wear Sales

Coordinator

Oversee sales for spirit wear items (t-shirts, accessories, etc.). Ensure smooth sales

process with accurate & timely fulfillment of orders.

As needed throughout school

year

Hospitality Committee

If you enjoy cooking, baking, and hosting parties in general, the Hospitality

Committee needs you! Be involved with planning and executing future hospitality

events (curriculum night, parent/teacher conferences, staff appreciation week, etc.)

Make homemade dishes or purchase something delicious from a store/restaurant. A

great way to help spoil our wonderful teachers & staff!

As needed throughout school

year

How Can I HELP?

Maybe you’ve wondered, “What can I do?” While the PTO needs MANY volunteers on an ongoing basis to successfully run all events throughout the year, we have a few specific needs for coordinators & chairpersons who are willing to take on a little more responsibility:

If you are interested in any of the open positions listed above or you would like to generally get “plugged in”, please contact Laura Wallis at president@cerritospto.org.

BEEP BEEP

VOLUME 18, ISSUE 1 | August 2013

Financial Summary of PTO $s:

Have you ever wondered about the funds that the PTO raises? The graph to the right shows how the money was generated by the Cerritos PTO during the 2012-2013 school year. As you will see, more than 50% of the money brought in by the PTO is raised through fundraising efforts (last year this was done mainly through the Fun Run and product sales—like entertainment books, cookie dough). Also, more than 25% is earned through passive retail programs like Safeway eScrip, Fry’s Cool Cash, Target, and BoxTops for Education.

On the outgoing side, this graph shows how PTO funds were spent during the 2012-2013 school year. As noted, 38% was spent on school improvements, including our “gift to the school” of several shade structures. Teachers and classrooms received almost 25% of the money. With the district having to cut

back on art, music, P.E., and the library, the PTO was able to supplement these areas with a contribution of 20% of our $s dedicated to these programs. A large portion of the Hospitality budget was spent on Teacher Appreciation Week celebrating all the wonderful, hard-working, caring teachers that we have at Cerritos!

As you can see, the money you contribute to the PTO goes a long way in making our school one of the best around!

Be a Beacon — Light the Path to Excellence The Cerritos PTO invites you to

participate in our fall fundraising campaign. In previous years, the PTO has had our children sell products (entertainment books, cookie dough, gift wrap, etc.) to family and friends to raise money for the PTO. While these campaigns were very successful, Cerritos would only receive approximately 40% of the money raised.

This year, rather than fundraising through product sales, we are asking families to make a donation DIRECTLY to the Cerritos PTO so that 100% of

the money raised benefits our children, teachers, staff, and school.

The “Be a Beacon” campaign will run from August 19—September 9. We would love for all families to participate as they are able. Any contribution is greatly appreciated! Your employer may even having a matching program to make your donation go even further.

We each play an important part in lighting the path to excellence for our leaders of tomorrow. Please look for more information about the “Be a Beacon” campaign coming soon!

BEEP BEEP

VOLUME 18, ISSUE 1 | August 2013

* Look for products that have Box Top for Education label.

* Clip box top / save in Ziploc bag

* Label Ziploc bag with your child’s name, teacher’s name, & # of box tops

* Turn in Box Tops to classroom teacher during collection periods (2x per year)

* Classes will receive awards for most Box Tops collected!

To register / renew your Safeway eScrip membership:

Log onto www.eScrip.com

Enter the School I.D.: 6659819

Link your Safeway grocery card #.

Or —> you can also return the Registration Form you get at MYTN and we will do it

for you! Remember: eScrip memberships must be renewed each year!

Fry’s has a brand new program, Fry’s Community Rewards, where households can

earn funds for their school group. To register in the new program, go to

www.FrysCommunityRewards.com. Go to “Create an Account” (top right) if you

don’t already have one. After you create an account, you will receive an email confir-

mation. Then, go back into the website, sign in and select “My Account” and then

“Account Settings”. Click “edit” under Community Rewards. Fill out the requested

information and then under “Find Your Organization”, etner the NPO number for

Cerritos — 80098. Make sure to select Cerritos & save changes!

Already have a Target RedCard? Be sure to designate Cerritos as your desired

school. 1% of your purchases will be donated to Cerritos!

Don’t have a Target RedCard credit card yet, but would like one? Apply today! Once

approved, be sure to designate Cerritos as your desired school for 1% of your purchases

to be donated to Cerritos!

Not interested in another credit card? That’s ok! You can link your current checking

account to a Target Debit Card. 1% of your purchases will be donated to Cerritos!

Oh yeah, one more thing —- Target RedCards (Credit & Debit) give you 5% discount on Target purchases, Free Shipping on

target.com, and an extra 30 days to return items! That’s definitely a win-win!

Planning to make a purchase on amazon.com? Be sure to take an extra second to

access the amazon.com link through the www.cerritospto.org website. As long

as you access Amazon through our site, Amazon will give our school a percentage of

any purchases you make!

BEEP BEEP

VOLUME 18, ISSUE 1 | August 2013

Staff Spotlight: “Mr. Gilbert” Rascon Hometown: Douglas, Arizona

How Long He’s Been @ Cerritos: 4 years, going on 5

Position at Cerritos: Lead Custodian

Hobbies/Favorite Things to Do Outside of Work: Listen to Music

What He Enjoys Most About His Job: “the joy the kids get when I pick up snakes or any bugs!”

If you see Mr. Gilbert around Cerritos, be sure to say hi and thank him for all that he does to keep our school clean, organized, functioning, and safe!

Staff Spotlight: Celeste Jamieson Hometown: Fort Dodge, Iowa

How Long She’s Been @ Cerritos: Since July of 2000 — 13 years!

Position at Cerritos: Secretary to Principal

Hobbies/Favorite Things to Do Outside of Work: Movies, shopping, biking, walking, reading, eating out, and spending time with FAMILY and FRIENDS!!

What She Enjoys Most About Her Job: “I love working in this ‘fine’ community of great families and fabulous staff!”

One Little-Known Fact About Celeste: “I am crazy about shoes and clothes! Cannot ever have enough!”

When you come into the Front Office at Cerritos, you are bound to run into Celeste! She certainly knows a LOT about Cerritos and is always happy to help point you in the right direction on just about anything!

At Cerritos, we have such a talented group of teachers and staff.

In each issue of the Beep Beep, we will spotlight individuals who

play an important part in making Cerritos the wonderful school

that it is. Here are two amazing ones!

BEEP BEEP

VOLUME 18, ISSUE 1 | August 2013

Laura Wallis, President

Hometown: Grew up in North Phoenix

Children: daughter (2nd grade), son (5th grade)

Professional Background: Civil engineer, business owner

I LOVE how our families support our school. Together we have reached some pretty big

goals, and I am excited to see what we can do together this year.

Annette Montgomery, Treasurer

Hometown: Eugene, OR...home of the Ducks!

Children: Zach (Sophomore at DV) GG (4th grade); Meghan (2nd grade)

Professional Background: Worked in Credit Union Industry since graduating from

University of Oregon. Currently, p/t Office Manager for Self Solace PT and Independent

Fashion Consultant with CAbi.

We arrived a year ago, July 20th, and they welcomed us with open arms! Truly feel that the

entire staff cares.

Heidi Grant, Financial Secretary

Hometown: Bountiful, Utah

Children: Canon (2nd grade), Savana (kindergarten); Summer (age 2)

Professional Background: Graduated in Behavioral Science and Health from University

of Utah. Worked for American Lung Association of Utah and with University of Utah

Hospitals & Clinics. Moved to Michigan and then Arizona where she is a full-time Mom.

I love the “7 Habits” that my children are learning.

Jazmyne Ivey, Historian

Hometown: Phillippines

Children: 11 and 8 years old, 3rd year in Cerritos

Professional Background: Homemaker

I love that the focus of Cerritos is on Leadership.

Jen Bhagat, Hospitality

Hometown: Lived all over, but grew up mostly in Florida

Children: Neil (3rd grade), Devin (Kindergarten)

Professional Background: Worked for Shell Trading in their IT department as a

Business Analyst

We were new to Cerritos last year after living overseas for a year. I appreciate how quickly

my son was able to feel welcome and happy at Cerritos. The teachers and staff are

wonderful!

Meet Your New PTO Executive Board Members:

Angela Parnell, Vice-President

Hometown: Born in Indiana, but have lived in 10 states so

hard to claim a “real” hometown

Children: Regan (4th grade), Chase (3rd grade); Karinne (2nd grade)

Professional Background: With an MSW from Florida St, has worked

with the entire age spectrum—infants and toddlers in Early Intervention

to elderly in nursing home. Has been home full-time for the last 5 years.

I love how welcoming Cerritos is to parents who want to get involved

whether it is volunteering as a guest reader, help with an art project, attend

Lunch on the Lawn, or one of the wonderful PTO after-school events.

Kari Watson, Secretary

Hometown: Huntington Beach, California

Children: Maddie (3rd grade)

Professional Background: B.S. in Speech Pathology & Audiology from

NAU and Masters of Art in Speech Pathology from Kent State Univ.

Speech Language Pathologist for 18+ years in medical and school

settings. Currently teaches for Maricopa Community College.

I feel so welcomed by the staff and students when I walk into the building

and there is such a strong sense of community.

Janie Miller, Communications

Hometown: Three Rivers, MI; Lake Forest, IL; Indpls, IN

Children: preschool, 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 6th grade

Professional Background: With degrees in mathematics and accounting

from IU, has worked at software companies for 15+ years. Currently, a

stay-at-home mom (who doesn’t stay home very often!)

Having been at Cerritos for 6 years, I have gotten to know many of the

wonderful teachers, staff, and families. With 8+ more years at Cerritos, I

look forward to meeting many more of you!

Kim Young, Hospitality

Hometown: University Place, WA

Children: 1st grade, 3rd grade, 5th grade, & 8th grade

Professional Background: B.S. in Health Care

Cerritos has a culture that advocates continual self-improvement and

parents are encouraged to be involved.

Shannon Smith, Volunteer Coordinator

Hometown: small, South Texas town, but most recently

from Austin, TX

Children: Jackson (4th Grade)

Professional Background: Strategic Marketing, Writing, Editing

Love the emphasis the school places on leadership. When we were house

hunting, we targeted homes around the school because this is where we

wanted Jackson. I am beyond amazed at what an incredible school it is!

Credit Card Number:

Name on Credit Card:

Expiration Date Phone #

CCV Code (3 digits on back

or 4 digits on front of AMEX) Zip Code

Amount to Charge

Approval Signature

Book Fair

(September and February)

Yearbook

(Training Required, September 13, at 9 am or

Otter Pop Sales

(Fridays after school in the Fall and again in Spring)

Ice Cream Social Gift of Time Spirit Wear

Pumpkin Walk Read– A– Thon Teacher Appreciation Week

Dance Teacher Work Room Days Marquee

Spring Carnival Teacher Supply Closet Hearing and Vision Screening

Name: Home Phone:

Email: Cell Phone:

Contact Me If You Need Me! Other: Other:

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Credit Card Number:

Name on Credit Card:

Expiration Date

CCV Code (3 digits on back

or 4 digits on front of AMEX)

Zip Code of billing address

Amount to Charge

Approval Signature

$10

$10