VESTAVIA HILLS ELEMENTARY CENTRAL

Courier December 2016 � Issue 5

IN THIS ISSUE 2 From the PTO President

3 Fall Book Fair Character Club VHEC Honor Choir

4 Music Notes

5 VHCSF

6 PIE Dinner and Diamonds Wednesday Chess

7 Lunch Menu VHEC Bumper Stickers

DECEMBER 8 4th Grade Musical, “The Nutcracker”, 9:30 am & 1:30 pm 9 PTO Faculty Breakfast, 7:30 am

16 End of Second 9 Weeks Last Day of Semester for Students 19-31 NO SCHOOL JANUARY 1-3 NO SCHOOL

4 Students Return

6 Report Cards Sent Home

16 MLK Day, NO SCHOOL

19 Citizenship Assembly, 8:45 am

FROM THE PRINCIPALS MarianHumphries,principal&LorieBelski,assistantprincipalDuringthisholidayseason,wewouldliketoexpressourgratitudeandappreciationtoourcommunity.Thecombinedeffortsofparents,grandparents,residents,facultyandstaffensurethefuturesuccessofourchildreninVestaviaHills.AspecialthankyoutoourfabulousPTO.Withyoursupportwehavebeenabletoprovideanumberofoutstandingprofessionaldevelopmentopportunitiestoourteachers.Also,hatsofftoourteacherswhogoaboveandbeyondbyofferinglearningactivitieswhichsupportandstrengthenyourchild’sacademicexperience.Schoolwillbedismissedat2:45p.m.onFriday,December16thfortheWinterHolidays.Classeswillresumeat7:50a.m.,Tuesday,January4th.Haveablessedholidayseasonfilledwithloveandhappiness.Wehopeyouareabletotaketimetoenjoyyourfamily.MarianHumphriesLorieBelskiPrincipalAssistantPrincipal

“DO THE RIGHT THING, BECAUSE IT’S THE RIGHT THING TO DO!”

VHEC Courier � December 2016 � Issue 5 � Page 1

FROM THE PTO PRESIDENT SummerZulanas,PTOPresident

It’sthemostwonderfultimeoftheyear!IhopeyouallenjoyedtimewithyourfamiliesovertheThanksgivingholiday.IcannotwaitforallofthewonderfulDecembereventsatCentral!

IhopeyouallhadtheopportunitytoattendtheVeteransDayprogramlastmonth.WhatawonderfulwaytohonorallveteransandespeciallythosewhoarepartofourCentralfamily.IwouldliketothankAshleyGoetz,LissaSchultz,KateDonaldsonandthehospitalitycommitteefortheirhardworkontheprogramandreception.Itwasaspecialtimeforallwhoattended.

AbigthankyoutoAllisonManersandRachelHarwellforthefantasticjobtheydidwithourFallBookFair.Thanksalsotoeveryonewhovolunteeredduringtheweek.ManyhappyreaderspurchasednewbooksandtheMediaCenterbenefittedintheprocess!

KileyWatson,AnneSparksandLaniMeekhavetakenonthebigtaskofhelpingMrs.Donaldsonplanthestudents’musicprogramsandweareexcitedtoseetheresultsoftheirhardwork.Ifyouhavenotyetattendedoneofourmusicprograms,youareinforatreat!AnneSparkshasalsobeenhardatworkcoordinatingourJuniorAchievementvolunteers.

IwantedtogiveyouanupdateontheuseoffundsraisedthroughtheCentralGames!Becauseofyouramazingefforts,fundswereplacedintheclassroomaccountsoftheteacherswhometthe$2000classroomfundraisinggoal.Thoseteachersareexcitedtobeusingthosefundstopurchaseadditionalinstructionalmaterialsfortheirclassrooms.Fundswerealsosetasidetopurchasetechnology,gagaballpitsforthePEdepartment,RedMountainperformancesfortheschool,virtualfieldtripsandotherclassroomneeds.YoursupportofPTOfundraisingmakesallofthispossible.

ThePTOwillhostaholidaybreakfastforfacultyandstaffplannedbyMelodyFolmarandhercommittee.Wewanttothankourentirefaculty,staffandadministratorsfortheirdedicationtomakingCentralsuchawonderfulplaceforourchildren.Wearesofortunateandgratefultohavesuchanamazinggroupofeducators!

IwouldliketoremindeveryonetopleasesupportourPIEsponsorsasyoushopthisholidayseason.

Asalways,pleasecontactmewithanyquestionsorsuggestions(thezucrew@gmail.com).Ihopeyouallenjoythisholidayseasonandhaveawonderfulnewyear!

VHEC Courier � December 2016 � Issue 5 � Page 2

VHEC Courier � December 2016 � Issue 5 � Page 3

CHARACTER CLUB The Vestavia Central Character Club meets before school to address the importance of good character. It is lots of fun! More importantly, the students are learning lifelong skills of good citizenship. We hope your child will become a part of this wonderful VHEC tradition! Our next Character Club meeting is Friday, February 3 at 7:20 a.m. We look forward to seeing everyone. Have a wonderful holiday! Amy Pattillo, amy.pattillo@gmail.com and Jamey Vincent, jameycv@aol.com

VHEC Honor Choir Performs at Veterans Day Assembly

Bookaneer Fall Book Fair! Ahoy Mateys!

The Bookaneer Book Fair was a huge success! We were so excited to kick it off with a teacher breakfast sponsored by Chick-fil-A and the Pizitz mascot, the Pirate, welcoming everyone at carpool! It was wonderful to see so many grandparents come to buy their grandchildren books and encourage reading. Thank you to the many volunteers we had.

Thank you to Mrs Hester and Brooke for running our wonderful library. Through this book fair, we sold

over $20,000 worth of books! Central has fantastic readers! Mark your calendars for our spring book fair, March 3-9! Allison Maners allisonmaners@charter.net Rachel Harwell R98flowers@yahoo.com

MUSIC NOTES We have gotten off to a great start this quarter in the music room. I have been thrilled listening to the 4th graders singing! Their early elementary music teachers have done a great job getting them ready for 4th grade. We are continuing our work on our musical, “The Nutcracker”, which will be presented on December 8th- Choir A at 9:30 AM and Choir B at 1:30 PM. We split the 4th grade performances because we have run out of room to have all 4th graders performing at the same time.

If your child is in Luccasen, Deneke, Sleeper, Johnston, McDonald, Beene, Sullivan, Williams, or Knain’s class, they are in Choir A and will be performing on the 8th at 9:30 AM for parents. They will also be performing for half of the 5th graders Dec. 6th at 1:15 PM so please make sure they have costumes both days.

If your child is in Calagaz, Kellogg, Vickers, Jacobs, Graham, Smith, Meeks or Grammas’ class, they are in Choir B and will be performing on the 8th at 1:30 PM for parents. They will be performing for half of the 5th graders on December 7th at 1:15 PM so they will need their costumes both these days.

The performances will be held in the gym. Please watch the website for updates and reminders. We are trying to avoid blue jeans, but athletic pants look like dress pants so they are fine to wear.

What to wear for your dance:

Sullivan & Vickers: - Boys wear black or blue pants and a white long sleeve collared shirt. "Midnight in the House" - Girls wear gray sweatpants and gray long sleeve shirts or sweatshirts. Luccasen & Graham: - Boys wear khaki pants and a light, short sleeve shirt (white undershirt is great). "Dance of the Sugar Plums" We will put a shirt over their shirt.

- Girls wear pink leotard and tights and ballet slippers if they have or can borrow them. Williams & Grammas: - Boys and girls wear khaki pants, a white shirt, and tennis shoes. "Russian Baker Dance" Sleeper, Knain, & Kellogg: - Boys and girls wear blue or black pants and a white undershirt. "Dance of the Candy Flutes" We will give them matching shirts to wear over their undershirts. Johnston, McDonald, Smith: - Boys and girls wear black or dark blue pants and a t-shirt. & Calagaz, "Arabian Dance" We will give them a shirt to wear over their shirt. Jacobs & Beene: - Boys and girls wear black pants and a white, short sleeve shirt. "Chinese Dance" Deneke & Meeks: - Boys wear black (preferred) or blue pants and a white button-down, long-sleeved "Waltz of the Flowers" shirt. We have bow ties and black vests for them to wear.

- Girls wear black pants or leggings and a white shirt or blouse. We have skirts that they will slip on.

5th graders are really improving their recorder skills! Please remind them they are supposed to practice 5-10 minutes daily. It is very obvious those who are practicing and those who are not. We will begin “BELT TESTING” where they will pass off songs with me individually after the holidays. Belt songs can be found on my website. The Honor Choir did an incredible job performing at the Veterans Day Assembly. Thank you to all those who sent in pictures and those Veterans that honored us with their presence! It is truly my favorite assembly of the year. The Honor Choir also performed for the Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 29th at City Hall. Mrs. Kate Donaldson, BME, MMT, NBCT

VHEC Courier � December 2016 � Issue 5 � Page 4

VHEC Courier � December 2015 � Issue 5 � Page 5

The Vestavia Hills City School Foundation “Pitch In for Education” campaign gives students an opportunity to personally make a dif-ference in their schools. By “Pitching In” loose change or bills, students help grow the Foundation’s Education Endowment, which provides a perpetual source of funding for the Vestavia Hills City Schools System.

Our schools are the cornerstone of our community, and we are proud to have one of the best school systems in the country. Giving to the Foundation helps foster and protect our standard of academic excellence. To date, the Foundation has granted over $784,000 to the Vestavia Hills Schools System for technology, classroom projects and teacher training.

Start Pitching In right away! The class in each school that contributes the most during their Pitch In campaign will win a Bruster’s Real Ice Cream Party, and the teacher will win a $50 classroom grant!

How Can You Pitch In? Start saving your loose change today! Fill up your Pitch In cup with pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters and bills. Take your cup to your classroom each morning and empty it in the Pitch In bucket. See how many times you can fill up your cup in a week!

Parents- Please use this opportunity to send in your pledge payment or make a new pledge to the Foundation. All payments made during the campaign go towards your child’s classroom Pitch In total. Use the pledge card below, or make your pledge through PayPal via our website, www.vestaviafoundation.org. VHSCF is a 501(c)3 organization, so your gift is tax deductible.

Campaign Dates and School Contacts VHEC ~January 23-27, 2017– Alissa Padgett: Alissa_padgett@yahoo.com

VHEW ~January 23-27, 2017– Allison Herr: allisonwhiteherr@hotmail.com VHECH~February 6-10, 2017– LeArden Pike: leardenrpike@gmail.com Pizitz~ February 6-10, 2017– Deborah Newsom: deborah3528@att.net

LPMS~February 13-17, 2017-Angie Saia: asaia@charter.net VHEE~February 20-24, 2017-Emily Fulton: epfulton@gmail.com

VHELP ~March 6-10, 2017– Laura Hubbard: lhubbard2@gmail.com

VHEC Courier � December 2015 � Issue 5 � Page 6

PARTNERS IN EDUCATION WeloveourcommunitypartnersatVHEC!

Ifyouwouldliketobeapartner,throughdonationsorinkindservices,pleasecontactCindyCherry@gcgg51599@bellsouth.nettofindoutthedonationneedsforthisschoolyear.Wewelcomedonationssuchasprizesforourfundraisers,snacksanddrinksforschoolevents,anddoorprizesforourteacher

luncheons.

Followingarethewonderfulbusinessesthathavedonatedforthisyear.

PlatinumLevel: BigColor; Bruster’sIceCream; ChickFilA; Dr.

DominiqueV.Backus,Orthodontist; TheDermatology&SkinCareCenterofBirmingham; McDonalds;

Moe’sBBQ; PetroFacialPlasticSurgery&Medspa; YanoskyOrthodontics

GoldLevel:

KidzClosetandMore; Lowe-GoSportswear

SilverLevel: Friedman,Dazzio,Zulanas&Bowling,P.C.; SOCA

Clothing; VestaviaHillsSoccerClub

BronzeLevel: TheBookerFamily; D1Sports;ellensheumakerdesign; EvanWrightPhotography+Design; GiftsFromAtoZebra; IronTribeFitness; Stephanie

SteinmetzPediatricDentistry; TigerRockMartialArts; U.S.TaeKwonDoAcademy

WednesdayMorningChess

WednesdayMorningChessisaschool-wideenrichmentactivity!Informationaboutthisactivityandaparentpermissionformwassenthomelastweek.OurfirstChessClubwillbeheldSeptember7that7:25a.m.Everyoneiswelcome!Ifyouarenewtothegameofchess,wewillmatchyouupwithastudentthatcanhelpyoulearnthebasicsandsomecoolmovestogetstarted.

When:Wednesdaymorningsat7:25a.m.Where:MediaCenterWhattobring:ChesssetandboardWhy:BecauseChessRulesatCentral!

Wehopetoseeyouthere!!!Mrs.Whiddon(whiddonam@vestavia.k12.al.us)&Mrs.Coxwell(coxwellmh@vestavia.k12.al.us)

VHEC Courier � December 2016 � Issue 5 � Page 7

CentralCourierispublishedmonthlyforstudents,parentsandfacultyofVestaviaHillsElementaryCentral.Editor:TaraThomas,vhecnewsletter@gmail.com

VestaviaHillsCitySchools(VHCS)doesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,color,nationalorigin,sex,disability,orageinitsprogramsandactivitiesandprovidesequalaccesstotheBoyScoutsandotherdesignatedyouthgroups.Thefollowingpersonhasbeendesignatedtohandleinquiriesregardingthenon-discriminationpolicies:DebbieHargrave,Section504/TitleIXcoordinator,at1204MontgomeryHighway,205-402-5100.Forfurtherinformationonnoticeofnon-discrimination,visithttp://wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov/CFAPPS/OCR/contactus.cfmfortheaddressandphonenumberoftheofficethatservesyourarea,orcall800-421-3481.

December 2016 Menu DECEMBER 2016 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

28** French Toast Sticks

Scrambled Eggs Sausage Patties

Tater Tots Cinnamon Apples

Grape Tomato Cup French Toast

29 Smoked Sausage Biscuit

Crispitos Chicken Fajitas Steamed Corn Black Beans

Cilantro Lime Rice

30 Eggs, Grits and Sausage Patties

Spaghetti Breaded Chicken Sandwich

Parmesan Broccoli Seasoned New Potatoes

Spinach Salad

1** Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Beef Tips Hotdogs

Rice w/ Gravy Spinach Supreme

Carrot Soufflé Tossed Salad

2** Ham, Egg & Cheese Croissant

Chicken Poppers

Baked Potato Halves Roasted Squash & Zucchini

Baked Tomato Oregano Rolls

Pudding

5 Pancakes w/ Toppings*

Pizza – 4x6 Elem Pizza – Round MS

Baby Bakers Green Beans Tossed Salad

6 Sausage Biscuit

Tacos

Chicken Fajitas Steamed Corn Refried Beans Spanish Rice Pico De Gallo

7 Waffle Sticks

Pork Chops Hamburger

Scalloped Potatoes Collard Greens

Black-eyed Peas Cornbread

8 Donuts w/ Parfait

BBQ Chicken Sandwich Corndog

Baked Fries Baked Beans

Marinated Coleslaw Brownies

9 Chicken Biscuit

Chili

Grilled Cheese Hotdog

Baked Potato Half Steamed Broccoli

12 Scrambled Eggs, Ham & Grits

Chicken Poppers Hot Wings

Sweet Potatoes Onion Rings

Veggies w/ Dip

13 Cinnamon Roll w/ Parfait

Spaghetti Meatball Sub

Italian Veggies Seasoned New Potatoes

Caesar Salad

14 Bacon Egg & Cheese Croissant

Scrambled Eggs Sausage Pattie Hash Brown

Cinnamon Apples Grape Tomato Cup

Biscuits

15 Biscuits and Sausage Gravy

Crispitos

Chicken Fajitas Steamed Corn Black Beans

Cilantro Lime Rice Pico De Gallo

16 French Toast w/ Ham

Pizza Green Beans Baked Fries

19

20

21

22

23

26

27

28

29

30

*Chocolate Chips, Strawberries, Whipped Topping, Blueberries, and Peanut Butter Banana Sauce VHEC is happy to offer breakfast. It will be served between 7:15 and 7:45 in our dining hall.

Also, we invite you to join your child for lunch. You will find VHEC provides tasty and healthy meals. Fast food is not allowed in our dining hall. If you are having lunch with your child and bring fast food, please eat outside at our picnic area.

VHECBumperStickers

AvailableintheOfficeCostis$3