The Birney Buzz

California Pizza Kitchen FUNdraising Event!!

2012-02-14T10:57:00.000-08:00

When: Tuesday, February 21, 2012 (NO SCHOOL MONDAY Feb 20)!

Where: California Pizza Kitchen at Fashion Valley Mall

Time: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

What: Just BRING THE FLYER to California Pizza Kitchen and Birney WILL RECEIVE 20% OF YOUR CHECK!

You can SAVE and FUNDRAISE at the same time--visit Costco for savings on CPK gift cards! You can purchase two (2) $50 gift cards for $79.99. That's one to use and one to give!

Be sure to invite family and friends--just forward the attached flyer!

Remember, this ALL-DAY event is for DINE-IN, TAKE-OUT, ONLINE ORDERS, CURBSIDE PICKUP, CATERING, AND ALL BEVERAGES! Perfect for business luncheons, date night, family fun, and too-busy-to-cook/on-the-go/gotta get to the game folks!

Call ahead seating is available! Call up to an hour ahead of your arrival, then just check in at the front desk and they'll let you know when you'll be seated.

Why: Funds raised at these events go to support classroom enrichment programs like field trips and educational assemblies!

We had a very successful event in the fall and raised close to $500. As an extra incentive this time we're adding a classroom competition. Just make sure each flyer has the Room Number and Teacher's Name on the back--families can list more than one teacher. The classroom with the most flyers will receive a free Pizza Party PLUS a $250 School Supply Sponsorship.

The new word on Car Seats

2012-02-09T13:30:00.000-08:00

THE RULE IS...
California Law will require children to ride in the back seat in a properly secured child passenger safety restraint until they are at least 8 years old or until they are at least 4 feet 9 inches in height.

for more information about the new law, go to California Highway Patrol or click here.

This Saturday is Saturday School

2012-02-07T20:10:00.001-08:00

This Saturday is Saturday School, a chance to make up that one absence that is preventing you having perfect attendance.

Priority for Saturday School goes to families who have just ONE absence to clear. Then 4 tardies or less, and then after that anyone who wants to clear an absence.

Celebrate the Chinese New Year at Birney!

2012-02-02T09:17:00.000-08:00

As part of their Folktales IB unit, Birney Second Graders have invited The Three Treasures Cultural Arts Society to perform their traditional Lion Dance on the playground at 3:30 on Friday, Feb. 3 (after Family Friday).

Please join in the fun and then head on over to the Food Truck event.

FOOD TRUCK Fundraiser After Family Friday

2012-02-02T08:47:00.001-08:00

DON'T FORGET
Following the Lion Dance head across Park Blvd. To the Food Truck Event. New Trucks have been added. It should be a great time for all with wonderful food and 20% of the proceeds to benefit Birney Fire Relief Fund.

Friday, February 3, 2012
3:30 - 7:00 pm
in the parking lot of the
New Vision Christian Fellowship
4353 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92103

Monetary donations for the Fire Recovery can be made on the FOABE website
http://friendsofalicebirney.org/

Museum Month

2012-01-31T16:31:00.000-08:00

February is Museum Month in San Diego, presented by Macy's.

For 29 days, 40 participating museums throughout the county offer a 50% discount on admission. From art and science, to natural history, aquariums, and botanical gardens, San Diego museums cover a diverse range of interests, providing exploration, education and enrichment for you and your family.

Follow this link for a full list of Museum Month participants...

Pick up your Museum Month Pass at any of Macy' fourteen locations in San Diego County starting February 1, 2012. The passes are free to obtain while supplies last. Each pass allows up to four visitors half-off admission to any of the 40 participating museums, and the pass is valid for the entire month of February.

After the Food Truck Event...TIL TWO

2012-01-30T13:38:00.001-08:00

Come support our school while enjoying music, drinks and good company!

Friday February 3, 2012 • 5-8 p.m.
Til Two Club
4746 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA
619.576.4745

20 percent of all proceeds will go to the Friends of Alice Birney Elementary.

Celebrate Chinese New Year with our 2nd Graders

2012-01-30T13:33:00.001-08:00

As part of their Folktales IB unit,
Birney Second Graders have invited
The Three Treasures Cultural Arts Society to perform their traditional Lion Dance on the playground at 3:30 on Friday, Feb. 3 (after Family Friday).

Please join in the fun and then head on over to the Food Truck event.

Barnes & Nobel Helps Out Birney

2012-01-27T15:00:00.001-08:00

Barnes & Noble will hold a county-wide ‘book fair’ event to benefit Birney’s fire recovery efforts. On February 10, there will be an Elmo’ birthday event at all the stores, and all purchases made using the coupon will benefit Birney with 20% of the sale. The coupons can be used at Barnes & Noble through the 24th of February.

Click here to download the flyer

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Food Trucks Rally for Birney Elementary Fire Relief

2012-01-24T16:37:00.000-08:00

Friday, February 3, 2012
3:30 - 7:00 pm

in the parking lot of the
New Vision Christian Fellowship
4353 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92103

20% of the proceeds to Benefit Birney!

Monetary donations for the Fire Recovery can be made on the FOABE website
friendsofalicebirney.org/

Here is the list of participating trucks:
Tabe BBQ - http://tabebbq.com/

Food Farm - http://www.foodfarmsd.com/

Groggy's - http://www.followgroggys.com/www.followgroggys.com/Home.html

NewYork On Rye - http://newyorkonrye.com/

And Mrs. Frostie (you may know them from Trolly Barn Park) http://www.mrsfrostie.com/index.html

Radio Z90.3 will be there playing music from 5:30-6pm.
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BEE a HERO!

2012-01-17T16:02:00.000-08:00

Can You Bee a Birney Hero?
Our wonderful school was the victim of a suspicious fire on Monday, Jan 16. The fire destroyed our cafeteria,
auditorium and all the supplies we use in our before
and after school programs — art supplies, balls, books, games, music and all sorts of other things.

Many of these items were supplied by a grant and cannot be replaced with existing funds. Please be a hero and help us recover by donating to our educational
foundation, Friends of Alice Birney Elementary at http://friendsofalicebirney.org/

Thank You!

From Ms. Amanda

2012-01-17T15:11:00.001-08:00

The “IB” message is that bad things happen to good people, but we pick ourselves up, brush ourselves off and work together to make a better world. We will find opportunities that arise from this tragedy, and we will rise to the challenge. How can we use the IB Learner Profile to help us through this tragedy?
I will visit every classroom tomorrow, so have students write down their thoughts, hold questions for me, and I will spend a few minutes in every room. We will not have an assembly or anything tomorrow, so I will need teachers to gather their class as quickly as possible and move straight to classes to begin instruction in a ‘normal’ atmosphere.
Breakfasts and lunches will be bagged for the rest of this week. The eating area was moved to smack-dab in the middle of Carol’s PE classroom, so she will have to move (sorry Carol, thank goodness we have that field!).
Line-up areas will be adjusted – more on that tomorrow.
Rainy days? They simply cannot happen until we have a plan B. Any suggestions?
ICES and Prime Time are being relocated to the library and classrooms – please be generous with us as we figure out how the mornings are going to look. Any suggestions?
Access to the 500 building is absolutely, categorically PROHIBITED, so don’t even ask.
Please reassure students and families, let them know they are safe, in good hands, and that a thorough investigation is being done. I will provide updates as best I can.
PLEASE do NOT engage in conjecture, gossip, aggrandizement (is that the right word)?!
Please let me know if you have any questions, concerns or information – please DO report any smells, soot, etc to me immediately –
Once again, please be professional about this – our job is to reassure and then teach the children, helping them ease their concerns, keep our adult concerns and questions to ourselves within earshot of the children!

Amanda

Amanda Hammond-Williams
Principal
Alice Birney Elementary School, IB World School
4345 Campus Avenue,
San Diego, CA 92103
O: (619) 497-3500
F: (619) 688-3017

Birney Bounces Back!

2012-01-17T14:48:00.001-08:00

Hello Birney families, this is Ms. Amanda. Birney School will reopen tomorrow, Wednesday, January 18. Access to the ICES and prime time programs will be through the kindergarten dismissal gate on Meade Avenue beginning at 6:30. Regular access through the front gate of the school will begin at 8:45. The office will reopen at 8:00 a.m. Breakfast and lunch programs are offered at the regular time. Thank you for your concern and support, I hope to see you all again tomorrow at school.

La escuela Birney volvera a abrir mañana, miércoles, 18 de enero. Acceso a los programas ICES y prime time será a través de la puerta kindergarten en el Meade Avenue despido. Acceso regular a través de la puerta principal de la escuela comenzará a las 8:45 de la mañana . Los programas de desayuno y el almuerzo se ofrecen en el tiempo regular. Gracias por su preocupación y apoyo, espero verlos a todos de nuevo mañana a la escuela. ¡Adiós!

PRIMETIME AND ICES

2012-01-17T10:35:00.001-08:00

Drop of and Pick up for PrimeTime and ICES will be in the library. If you could spread the word that parents will drop off and p/u through the kinder gate on Meade that would be great!

Birney has a fire day

2012-01-17T07:30:00.000-08:00

Birney closed today on the first day after Winter Break. Hopefully the building and the beautiful mosaic will be ok.

We will be collecting donations of supplies, games, etc. for PrimeTime and ICES, once we can generate a list. I will keep you posted with details as I hear them.

View the news story about the fire. We hope that no one did this intentionally.
http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Alice-Birney-Elementary-School-Suspicious-Fire-San-Diego-137478513.html

Help! ICES needs your kids

2011-12-12T11:47:00.000-08:00

Week 1 (December 27,28,29) is at risk of cancellation due to low registration!!!!

Monday December 12, is the last day to submit payment for the ICES Winter Camp ~ Payment must be received in order to secure your child's spot in the program and ensure the camp will be offered.

If you are looking for childcare during the December 19th to 23rd, ICES at Green Elementary also has a camp available. Please contact the Green ICES Site Director Ms. Becca at 727-9363

Book Fair

2011-12-08T10:42:00.001-08:00

Just in time for the Holidays...
The Scholastic Book Fair
December 12-16
8:30-9:30 a.m. & 1:30-4:00 p.m.

Wednesday December 14 & Friday December 16 open till 7:00 p.m.

This is Buy One, Get One Free book fair.
Don't forget to surprise your child’s classroom with a gift of books from their teacher's wish list.

We will also feature some PREMIUM Book Titles. These will include popular new releases but are NOT part of the Buy One, Get One.
They can be ordered at the Book Fair with 2 days for delivery.

Helpers are needed to help make this event a success !
~ let us know if you will get involved ~

Book Fair

2011-12-08T10:40:00.001-08:00

The BOOK FAIR is for the students and teachers...and we are looking for some assistance to make it GREAT !!!

We need some HELP on the following days and times:

Fri - Dec. 9th from Noon until 4:00pm
Mon - Dec.12th from 8:00am-9:45am and 1:20pm-5:00pm
Tue - Dec 13th from 8:20am-9:45am and 1:20pm-4:15pm
Wed - Dec 14th from 8:20am-9:45am and 1:20pm-7:15pm
Thur - Dec 15th from 8:20am-9:45am and 1:20pm-4:15pm
Fri - Dec 16th from 8:20am-9:45am and 1:20pm-7:15pm

Please get involved ....... it matters!!!
Let us know if you can help on one of the days/times above by replying to ptabirney@yahoo.com

THANKS for your time ~

Winter Camps

2011-12-02T10:56:00.000-08:00

Sign Up Now!

ICES is taking applications for its Winter Break Program. Sign up in the Auditorium either before or after school.

ICES needs to have 20 kids per week in order to offer the program.

WEEKS:
(Session 1) DEC 27–29,2011
(Session 2) JAN 3–6 2012
(Session 3) JAN 9–13 2012
Program Time: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Prices are as follows:
5 days — $130 per week • 4 days — $117 per week
3 days — $80 per week • 2 days — $52 per week

Early drop off — 6:30 - 9 am • Late pick up — 3:30 - 6 pm
(Price for early morning & late afternoon is $20 per week.)
10% discount for siblings.

For more information, contact Ryan Vincent at 619-540-2287.

The 48th Annual North Park Toyland Parade

2011-11-29T17:13:00.001-08:00

The 48th Annual North Park Toyland Parade
Saturday, Dec. 3 from 11a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

If you or your child would like to participate in the parade, contact the PTA at ptabirney@yahoo.com to reserve a spot and then arrive no later than 9:30 a.m. at Division 1 staging area located off Utah Street. Wear your Birney Bee shirt if you
have one.

If you would like to help decorate a float (truck), meet in the Ed. center parking lot this Friday, Dec. 2 at 3:45 p.m.

If you would like more history of the parade go to www.toylandparade.com/

SUPPORT OUR SCHOOLS WHILE YOU SUPPORT LOCAL FARMERS!

2011-11-15T15:02:00.000-08:00

UPDATE!
They are looking to begin the program on Thursday, December 8 and it will run every Thursday through Feb. 2, 2012. Birney will have a box on the North Park Market info booth table during the hours the market is open and all your students, parents, etc can put their tickets in that box.

The North Park Farmers’ Market is partnering with North Park schools to help our kids with the CASH CROPS program.

Farmers’ market operators SD Weekly Markets will rebate 5% of every dollar spent at the market for one month to the school of your choice!

Here is how it works:

Shop at the market every Thursday, from 3 pm to 7pm. We have more than 60 farmers and vendors offer locally grown fruits and vegetables, grass fed beef, fish, eggs, cheese and coffee beans, fresh-baked bread, peanut butter and more.
Tell farmers and vendors when you purchase that you need school tickets (one for each dollar spent).
Bring those tickets to the Information Booth at the market and deposit them in your favorite school’s jar. The market will donate funds to your school’s PTO.

Added incentives:
The school that has the largest total at the end date of Feb. 2, 2010 will receive an additional donation.

Promotions throughout the month will offer opportunities for classes to win insulated shopping bags, t-shirts and more.

Watch for fun and educational activities for kids.

Monday Morning Coffee!

2011-11-14T10:57:00.000-08:00

Join Us For Coffee,
Cocoa & Conversation

Monday Mornings
8:15-9:15 am

$1 donation
to benefit the 2nd and 3rd grade
special field trip fund.

CAMP is Not Just For Summer!

2011-11-10T16:16:00.001-08:00

Vacation Fun Days and Winter Camp at Mission Valley YMCA!
We've Got School Breaks Covered!
We've got safe and fun activities during your child's school vacations. Whether it's Veteran's Day this Friday, Thanksgiving, or Winter Break in December, you can keep working while we entertain the kids all day!

Vacation Fun Day: November 11. info

Thanksgiving VFDs: November 21/22/23. info

Winter Camp: info
Week 1: December 19, 2011 - December 23, 2011
Week 2: December 26, 2011 - December 30, 2011

Sign-Up Or Get More Information:
To sign-up for School Break Camps, please call (619) 298-3576 or see our website here.

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CPK Was a a HUGE success!

2011-11-09T15:35:00.001-08:00

Just got a call from CPK.

We had one of the largest fundraiser turn outs ever.

We made $495.99 for the PTA last night.

WAY TO GO BIRNEY FAMILIES...

On Target with Birney

2011-11-09T09:32:00.001-08:00

There is an easy way for you to raise funds for our school when shopping at Target. All you have to do is use your Target Credit Card®, Target Debit Card® or Target® Visa® Credit Card and Birney will receive a percentage of the amount of each purchase in the form of an annual check from Target through the Take Charge of Education® program.

To designate our school, just visit target.com/tcoe, or call 1-800-316-6142.

Find out how much money our school has already received at target.com/tcoe.
Grandparents, alumni, neighbors and friends can take part, too.

FAMILY DINNER NIGHT AT CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN TONIGHT

2011-11-08T09:19:00.000-08:00

Don't Forget that tonight is Family dinner night at CPK. at the Fashion Valley Mall. The event runs all day and 20% of the proceeds come back to Birney.

If you need a flyer click here.

TURN IN YOUR FORMS TOMORROW

2011-11-07T14:33:00.000-08:00

Please turn in your order forms tomorrow.

New Extended dates for our Catalog fundraiser!
You now have until November 8, 2011 to turn your orders in to the teacher. Support Birney even more, show the Catalog to family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and those out of town relatives can support your child online @ www.sigfund.com , Signature Catalogs safe website.

Your order will be delivered November 28, 2011 so you can pick up those fragile orders yourself during your parent teacher conference.

Thank you for helping us to make this a successful year.

Changing Banks or Opening a New Account?

2011-11-07T10:03:00.001-08:00

If you are thinking about changing your bank...
California Coast Credit Union gives Birney $25 for every new account opened when you mention you were referred by the Birney PTA.

So if you're looking for a new banking choice or just opening a new account - please mention that Birney referred you.

Thanks

CANCELLED - FAMILY FRIDAY AND JUMP FOR HEART

2011-11-04T12:01:00.000-07:00

Both events have been cancelled due to the whether.
The NEW DATE IS, Friday, November 18.

SUPPORT OUR SCHOOLS WHILE YOU SUPPORT LOCAL FARMERS!

2011-11-03T11:12:00.000-07:00

UPDATE!
They are looking to begin the program on Thursday November 17th. Birney will have a box on the North Park Market info booth table during the hours the market is open and all your students, parents, etc can put their tickets in that box.

The North Park Farmers’ Market is partnering with North Park schools to help our kids with the CASH CROPS program.

Farmers’ market operators SD Weekly Markets will rebate 5% of every dollar spent at the market for one month to the school of your choice!

Here is how it works:

Shop at the market every Thursday, from 3 pm to 7pm. We have more than 60 farmers and vendors offer locally grown fruits and vegetables, grass fed beef, fish, eggs, cheese and coffee beans, fresh-baked bread, peanut butter and more.
Tell farmers and vendors when you purchase that you need school tickets (one for each dollar spent).
Bring those tickets to the Information Booth at the market and deposit them in your favorite school’s jar. The market will donate funds to your school’s PTO.

Added incentives:
The school that has the largest total at the end November will receive an additional donation.

Promotions throughout the month will offer opportunities for classes to win insulated shopping bags, t-shirts and more.

Watch for fun and educational activities for kids.

Jump For Heart at Family Friday.

2011-11-03T11:03:00.000-07:00

Don't Forget! Jump for Heart is tomorrow at Family Friday. Bring your pledge forms. The kids will be jumping rope on the playground from 2:30 p.m.

Second grade families are invited to a special technology review in the auditorium at 2:05.

Jamba Juice will there and proceeds will go to the PTA.

SATURDAY SCHOOL - This Saturday November 5

2011-11-03T10:56:00.001-07:00

OpenMinds: Fall/Winter Camps (formerly Life Play)

2011-10-28T16:27:00.000-07:00

Hello Parents!

Attached you will find our Thanksgiving and Winter Camps! We are offering camps in Fiber Arts, Spanish, Music, writing, and Math this fall and winter and we'd love to have your child participate if the any of these were a good fit for your family! Camps are running as follows:
11/21-23 - Fiber Arts Gift Making
12/19-22 - Spanish Fun
12/27-29 - MovingMusic
1/3-6 - Writer's Workshop
1/9-13 - MathAdventures

Also big changes have been underway at LifePlay. We have officially split into two organizations.

LifePlay, run by Ashley McGuire, will be focused on all things theatre! She will now be the one offering the Theatre Stages class as well as other productions class.

The classes and camps I offer in art, math, yoga, foreign language and more will be under the new name of OpenMinds. Same great classes and camps, just a new name. You can visit us at our baby website, www.OpenMindsLearnBest.com or at the OpenMinds studio in Kensington (still at 4114 Adams Ave.)

Please email or call to register for camp or with any questions - we look forward to seeing you this fall!
Christine D'Amico
619-665-1264

Trunk-or-Treat at Birney

2011-10-28T12:30:00.001-07:00

Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011
4:30-6:30 p.m.

Picture this:
a huge parking lot with the back ends of cars, vans and trucks decorated in a variety of fun themes, complete with games and treats. Families plan their own theme for their vehicle. The parking lot is roped off, and kids in costume are free to skip or stroll from place to place safely.

If you're interested in participating by decorating your car and passing out treats, email the PTA (ptabirney@yahoo.com) or drop a note in the PTA box in the office.

For the children's safety, all cars must be parked and ready to go by 4:15 p.m. when we will close off the parking lot, and must stay parked until 6:30 p.m.

For some examples of what people do to decorate for Trunk-or-Treat visit, trunkortreat.homestead.com

2011-10-26T13:45:00.000-07:00

Enjoy a cool Treat!

Join Us Wednesday, October 26th
for Family Yogurt Day at Fiji Yogurt.

50% of all sales that are accompanied by the flyer (which can be downloaded by clicking here )

Fiji yogurt is located in the Ralphs shopping center on University.
Next to Big City Bagels and La Salsa.

Support Your Student

2011-10-26T10:47:00.000-07:00

New Extended dates for our Catalog fundraiser!
You now have until November 8, 2011 to turn your orders in to the teacher. Support Birney even more, show the Catalog to family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and those out of town relatives can support your child online @ www.sigfund.com , Signature Catalogs safe website.

Your order will be delivered November 28, 2011 so you can pick up those fragile orders yourself during your parent teacher conference.

Thank you for helping us to make this a successful year.

Jump For Heart! November 4

2011-10-18T22:39:00.000-07:00

Time to raise money for the American Heart Association. Forms -went home in last weeks Buzz, here are the options for getting donations.

1) Help your child find people willing to sponsor them by adding their name to the form

2) Have out of town friends and family make donations online at the Heart Assoc. page, then click on Student Sign Up, then once the map loads, click on California type under the map, enter the school name Alice Birney Elementary and hit search. Then click on join the Birney Team page, then follow steps as directed. Then the kids can send e-mails and do all the fund raising through this site - really pretty cool.

Would be great to encourage your kids to help out. As always, thanks for your support with all of the Birney activities.

Thanks for your help!
Carol Lord

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Spaghetti Dinner and Star Gazing Party.

2011-10-18T18:29:00.000-07:00

Don't FORGET!

This Friday night is our annual Star Party and Spaghetti Dinner.

The dinner starts at 5:30-7 pm and The Star Party kicks in at 7-8:30 pm.

Cost for dinner is $5 for adults, $3 children.

IF BY SOME FREAK OF NATURE it is overcast of fogged in, the dinner is still on and we will be showing a movie.

AZTECS and Birney

2011-10-17T20:18:00.001-07:00

Birney Families

100% of sales will directly benefit BIRNEY! ~ ! ~ !

Come support our school at Qualcom Stadium and watch the San Diego Aztecs play the New Mexico Lobos on Saturday November 5th at 5pm.

Tickets are $10.00 per person - ticket orders are due by 10/31/11. (Open attachment by click this link or pasting into your browser. http://bit.ly/o1IqmI )

PLUS - some of our Birney students will be performing with Heartlight at half time.

33¢ a Day can make a difference at Birney!

2011-10-17T12:16:00.000-07:00

YOU CAN HELP FUND ART, SPANISH & A LIBRARIAN AT BIRNEY FOR JUST 33 CENTS A DAY!!

Birney is a unique, thriving and diverse school because of its dedication to teaching the “whole child.” A large part of Birney’s successful approach to learning is its commitment to teach art and Spanish, and to have a librarian staff the school library, even in the face of severe budget cuts which have eliminated funding for them.

The 2011-2012 goal for Friends of Alice Birney Elementary (FOABE) is to raise the $55,000 needed to cover these essential elements of a Birney education. Last year’s spring jog-a-thon raised $15,000 toward that goal, and we have more community directed fundraising events and grant writing planned. But did you know that if every Birney family gave just 33 cents a day ($10.00 a month or $120 a year), we could fund our art, Spanish and a librarian for the whole year??

Not everyone can participate in our fundraising efforts. But, if you can, please consider downloading this form and making a donation to support the great things our principal, teachers, staff and kids are accomplishing at Birney.

Time for our annual Fall sale!

2011-10-14T15:49:00.001-07:00

We are all set...
Starting on Wednesday October 19th

Wes of Signature will kick-off our Annual Fall Fundraiser. He will bring catalogs for the students (including pre-school) and will show a short movie to inspire the kids.

Be sure to watch for the catalog being sent home with you child. There will be prizes for sales and the class that sells the most.

REMEMBER: all profits from the sale helps support the programs, assemblies and field trips that you child enjoys at Birney. Every sale of an item helps and if each child sold just one item, we would be doing great. So check out the catalog and start your holiday shopping early.

Fundraiser end date: Tuesday, November 8
Merchandise delivery: by November 28 delivery date during parent/teacher conferences.

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Life Play Studio Classes

2011-10-13T10:11:00.000-07:00

Hello Neighborhood Parents!
We wanted to let you know about a slight change to our schedule for the fall in case you or someone one you know might be interested. Our Mondays have become a lot of fun!

We now have a music class called MovingMusic for ages 2 1/2 up to age 6 running from 2:30 - 3:15 (may slide back 15 minutes)
This session we are exploring music and movement from different countries around the world.
The class includes exploration of rhythm, beat, ear training, movement, simple dance routines, and related instruments.
We started last week an you can join any time. The cost for the full session is $129 and we can prorate this after you begin.

We have also moved our Youth Beginning Spanish class to Mondays due to some parent changes.
This is a great class for youth ages 4-8. This class has been going for a couple of weeks, but you can add any time and we'll help your student to get caught up!
The cost on this class can also be prorated for you when you join.

Attached is the current studio schedule so you can see all of our fall classes. Also we will have a Thanksgiving camp and Winter Break camps this year. I will email out the all of the camp details in the coming weeks.

Call or email me to register or with questions. I look forward to seeing having you all at the Kensington Studio sometime very soon!
Christine D'Amico
619-665-1264

EScript Renewal

2011-10-11T09:45:00.001-07:00

Hello Birney Families:

This is a reminder to renew your Vons Club card in the eScrip program. Please make sure you have identified Birney as the recipient of the contribution that will be paid out for using your Vons Club Card.

If you have never registered your Vons Club Card, please do! Vons will make contributions to Birney, based on purchases made by you, just for using your Vons Club Card. Your purchases are tracked and available to view online, allowing you to see just how much you are earning on your child's behalf.

For those who have never registered, visit the eScip website at www.escrip.com. Look for the red check mark with the word ‘Yes’, in the lower left corner and click. At the next screen, on the right side you will find a box that will guide you to ‘Register Now’.

For those who have registered their cards, but forgotten how to access their account, use the www.escrip.com address, click on the red check mark and enter the information requested. Then just follow the directions.

Birney Buzz now available online.

2011-10-07T10:21:00.000-07:00

For those of you who never get a copy of the Buzz from your child, you can now download copies of the Birney Buzz School Newsletter. Just click on this link to your left below the title:

The Birney Buzz School News

and the pdf file will download to your computer.

It's just that easy.

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Jamba Juice's "Let's Jump"

2011-10-06T16:24:00.001-07:00

Hello,

To celebrate Jamba Juice's "Let's Jump" effort to break the Guinness World Record for the most people jumping jacks in one day and Jamba Juice's partnership with First Lady Michelle Obama "Let's Move" initiative and the WNBA, I would like to invite you to visit your local Jamba Juice store and use this 50% off coupon! Feel free to share this coupon and encourage all of your friends and family to join Jamba Juice on October 11th and 12th!

Print this coupon and bring it to participating Jamba Juice stores on October 11th or 12th and get 50% off the price of your favorite smoothie.

http://teamupandpledge.com/coupon/

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Trunk-or-Treat at Birney

2011-10-06T16:16:00.001-07:00

Needed Classroom Supplies for Birney

2011-10-05T12:37:00.000-07:00

Paper and Other Office Supplies

white copy paper (we use a lot of this!)
colored copy paper
lined paper
grid paper for math
index cards
glue bottles
glue sticks
black and white composition books (100 pages/cardboard cover)
spiral notebooks, college ruled
2 pocket file folders (plain solid color, no brads)
staplers
staples
scotch tape
binders (3 ring, 3 inch)
pencil pouches for binder
subject dividers for binder
journals with small grid paper for math
rulers with standard and metric measurement
protractors
clipboards
“White Out” correction tape and liquid
1 scissors

Pencils, Crayons, and Markers

Number 2 pencils (small or large, Ticonderoga preferred)
colored pencils
hand held erasers
pencil cap erasers
pencil sharpeners, hand held with a lid
electric pencil sharpener (for classrooms)
pencil boxes
primary crayons (16 count, the large crayons)
post its (all sizes)
dry erase markers
fine point black felt tip markers
color markers
Sharpie pens
blue or black pens
yellow highlighters

First Aid and Cold Prevention

Clorox Wipes (or similar brand)
hand sanitizer
hand soap with pump
cleaning wipes
tissue boxes
band-aids

Other Learning Aids

ziplock bags (gallon size)
Costco Gift Cards (used for printing photos)

Get a Free Sticky Note and Support Your School

2011-10-03T19:31:00.000-07:00

In a time when school budgets are tight, many businesses are recognizing the need for extra funding and are stepping up to help. Avery is no stranger to this concept and is passionate about helping schools through various programs.

Their newest is the “Avery® Sticky Notes Mark the Spot” sweepstakes that launches on October 3, 2011.

Twenty-thousand people who register for the sweepstakes will randomly be selected to win a free pack of Avery® See-Through Sticky Notes. Five of those winners will be randomly selected to receive 100,000 Box Tops coupons (valued at $10,000) that will be applied to a school of their choice. The selected schools of the “Avery® Sticky Notes Mark the Spot” promotion will be presented with credit for the 100,000 Box Tops for Education®.

It’s easy! All anyone has to do is:

Go to the Avery Facebook Page (facebook.com/avery)
Register to win a free pack of Sticky Notes
Choose the school they’d like the money to go to should they win.
Pretty simple, it’s a great cause, and it could be you guys!

Amanda

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BoxTops can help!

2011-10-03T11:04:00.001-07:00

YOU can earn 25 points for Birney just for logging in and "watching" 5 videos about Ford.

Plus, just for logging on to the Box Top sight we are entered to win up to 250k points!

Each one of us increases our chances.

http://www.boxtops4education.com/earn/bonus/Default.aspx

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Jamba Juice at Birney

2011-10-03T09:22:00.000-07:00

This Wednesday is our first Jamba Juice at Birney Day.

Jamba Juice will be selling ALL FRUIT, (no dairy or nuts added) after school smoothies on the first three Wednesdays of every month.

The smoothies will be 8oz for $2 or 12oz for $3 and 20% of all sales will go back to Birney PTA to help out with field trips and all school projects.

So PLEASE support us, by picking up one of these refreshing treats.

Kids Free to Museums in October

2011-09-30T09:54:00.001-07:00

October is a great month for families to visit museums, especially since kids under 12 with an adult receive free admission to 24 amazing museums in San Diego. With kids back in school this is the perfect time to engage their visual learning, by visiting art, history and science museums to gain first hand tactile experience of what they are reading about in the classroom. Museums have an important role in the development of a child's education as a place of fun and active learning. Take note of what your child is interested in at school and try to direct their learning in a new environment, such as the San Diego Natural History Museum, the San Diego Air & Space Museum or the Oceanside Museum of Art. With 24 different museums to choose from you are bound to find a few that your child will love.

Participating museums include: Barona Cultural Center & Museum, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Coronado Museum of History & Art, Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum, Heritage of the Americas Museum, La Jolla Historical Society, Lux Art Institute, Marston House Museum & Gardens, Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, Oceanside Museum of Art, Reuben H. Fleet Science Center (gallery only), San Diego Air & Space Museum, San Diego Archaeological Center, San Diego Botanic Garden, San Diego History Center, San Diego Model Railroad Museum, San Diego Museum of Art, The NAT (San Diego Natural History Museum), The New Children’s Museum, Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center, Timken Museum of Art, Veterans Museum & Memorial Center, Water Conservation Garden and the Women’s Museum of California.

Simply download and print your Kids Free in October coupon on the SDMC website www.sandiegomusuemcouncil.org and bring it with you to the museum to receive free admission for up to 2 kids 12 and under with an adult. The coupon is good for general admission and does not apply to field trips or special events and exhibitions.

CaHiTo Spooktacular

2011-09-26T21:28:00.001-07:00

Saturday, October 22nd 2011
4:00 pm-7:00 pm

This Halloween Seasons come to our Cahito Spooktacular with the whole family! We will have a Cahito Pumpkin Patch, a child friendly Haunted Trail, carnival games for ghoulish goodies, pumpkin Carving Stations with purchase of a Cahito Pumpkin, face painting, food, music, a bonfire and so much more.

Padres Tickets

2011-09-26T15:13:00.001-07:00

Friends of Alice Birney has access to six great tickets for tomorrow night’s Padres game against the Cubs, second to last game of the season. They have been donated to us to raise money, so we can make them available to the top six bids sent to this email address by noon tomorrow (i.e., Noon 9/27). The tickets are on the field level, section 108, row 33, 34, or 35, face value $66.50 each. Minimum bid is $40. The bids should be submitted to alicebirneyfriends@gmail.com.

The winners will be able to pay and get their tickets tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. at Birney.

Fresh and Easy Shopping Night

2011-09-22T10:05:00.000-07:00

Fresh & Easy Shopping Night for Birney Elementary

Wednesday, September 28, from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market
3231 University Avenue (corner of University & 32nd)

Come on out and show your support for Birney!
Shop at Fresh & Easy between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. and
5% of the sales will be donated to Birney Elementary!

We also need parent volunteers to help out with
this event. If you have questions or are interested
in volunteering, please contact
Carrie Binder at: carriebinder@earthlink.net.

Birney Discount Cards - On Sale Now!

2011-09-21T19:11:00.000-07:00

Now is you chance to order your Birney Discount Cards. The card offer discounts and deals that are good all year.

Participant to the card are:

Mystic Mocha
Golden Spoon Yogurt
Golden Donut
Blockbuster
Harar Ethiopian Restaurant
Haircut Blvd.
AZ Heat Tanning
Great Wall Express
Metropolis Tattoo & Piercing
JAC John's Oil Change
Philly Grill
Sajj Fresh Mediterranean Grill
Kensington Pet Supply
Eddie's Philly Steaks
Knotty Melody
Richard Joseph Salon
Yog-art
El Zarape Restaurant
Tracie Livermore Massage

Download order form here. Fill it out and return to your child's teacher, drop it in the office, or return to the PTA table at Family Friday.

Life Play Classes at Birney

2011-09-21T14:59:00.000-07:00

Hello Birney Parents!
We are excited to have to classes this fall on the Birney campus.
We will be offering:
TheatreStages again on Mondays from 3:40 - 4:40
Yoga-Kidoga from 1:35 - 2:35 on Wednesdays

Click here to download a flyer so you can get all of the information.

Please email or call to register.
Thanks so much and we look forward to two great classes this fall!
Christine D'Amico
619-665-1264

MAD SCIENCE

2011-09-21T10:34:00.000-07:00

Mad Science Time Machine

Mad Science after school programs will engage your child with fun and exciting hands-on science exploration. Your child will experiment with crazy chemical reactions and indicators as they make things bubble, fizz and change colors. Children will learn about the invisible force known as air pressure and build flying machines that twist, twirl and soar in the air. Your child will peek beneath the earth's crust to discover the wonders of volcanoes, rocks and minerals and experience the thrill of panning for gems!
Birney Elementary

Classes are held after school every Wednesday
from 1:45 - 2:45 p.m.

6 Weeks: October 5 - November 9
Cost: $69.95 per child

Click here to register your child!

PTA Meeting - September 22

2011-09-15T15:23:00.000-07:00

Life Play Studio Classes

2011-09-14T15:47:00.000-07:00

Hello Parents!
Here is the information on our fall classes at the Kensington Studio.
Call or email to talk about any that might be a good fit for your family!

All the best -
Christine D'Amico
619-665-1264
cdamico3@gmail.com

Birney Block Party

2011-09-14T15:30:00.000-07:00

Come Join Us -
Birney Elementary's Block Party!
Sunday Sept. 18th 11 – 3

FREE admission and activities!

Live Band — AM Forever
Bring a picnic and enjoy the joint use field!

Children’s Art Activities by Rare Hare Art Studio

Bounce House and Face Painting for the kids

Ice Cream from San Diego’s Best
Mariposa Ice Cream

Free Cake, Refreshments & MORE!

Back to School Night

2011-09-14T09:25:00.001-07:00

Thursday, September 29 • 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Don't miss out on this chance to meet the teachers and hear about what's in store for the coming school year.

The first session: 5:30 - 5:45 is staff intro by Ms. Amanda on the black top, then proceed to the classroom for Policies, Procedures, and Curriculum until 6:15.

The second session: 6:15-6:30 on the black top is a repeat of the first session, intro of staff then proceeding to the classroom at 6:30 until 7:00.

Picture Day is September 30

2011-09-13T16:39:00.001-07:00

Clean up the kids...
Friday, September 30 is
Fall Student Picture Day.

Peace Day - September 21

2011-09-13T16:36:00.000-07:00

Order Your Birney Sweatshirts & More!

2011-09-13T16:30:00.000-07:00

For anyone interested in a Birney Bee Spirit item. We have mugs, hats, buttons and various items that have the Birney Bee Spirit Logo on them. These are great gift ideas for Teachers or for students or family members interested in showing school pride.

Check it out at Birney Bees .

1st Family Friday is September 16

2011-09-13T14:45:00.000-07:00

Birney Elementary School Handbook

2011-09-06T12:39:00.000-07:00

For those of you wondering how you can get your hands on the Handbook. Today is your lucky day. Just click below to download a pdf.

Handbook Download

Kindergarten Help

2011-08-31T16:53:00.000-07:00

Hello Birney Families :

Friday we will be welcoming a new kindergarten class and their parents. As we all can probably remember this can be a very exciting and overwhelming time for the parents. Are there any questions/concerns that our more experienced parents feel should be addressed with the new parents?

Your input is important. Please let us know by emailing us at ptabirney@yahoo.com

Do you have old CD's? We recycle.

2011-08-31T16:52:00.001-07:00

Do you have scratched or outdated c/d's you would like to be rid of?

We can recycle them and your PTA gets .50 cents for each c/d in the original cover and .15 cents for those without covers.

We will have a box available for drop off.

Birney Block Party

2011-08-19T14:14:00.000-07:00

Come Join Us - Birney Elementary's Block Party!
Sunday Sept. 18th 11 – 3

FREE admission and activities!

Live Band — AM Forever
Bring a picnic and enjoy the joint use field!

Children’s Art Activities by Rare Hare Art Studio

Bounce House and Face Painting for the kids

Ice Cream from San Diego’s Best
Mariposa Ice Cream

Free Cake, Refreshments & MORE!

LifePlay workshops still open

2011-08-15T09:23:00.001-07:00

Hello Parents!
We have been having a great time with camp this summer! Lots of creativity- lots of exploration - lots of fun - and lots of learning!

We still have spaces open in next week's LaughOut Loud camp where campers will explore the ins and outs of humor, and try on all things funny! It is an easy camp to come for even a day or two. Get in touch with me if your looking for some extra fun for next week.

Our Spanish week if full, but we still have space in our French week, August 15-19, call or email if you all have an interested in French. In addition to our three weekly Spanish language classes, we are also planning a French class at the studio for the fall - get in touch with me if you'd like more information on this for the fall.

Then we end the summer with a fun theatre production camp, August 29 - Sept.2, putting on the play "Mumbo Jumbo" with Ms. Ashley and Ms. Patricia as the instructors! It will be a great opportunity to use all of those great theatre skills in a fun and supportive environment.

Enjoy the last weeks of summer and we look forward to seeing your child soon at a LifePlay camp or class.
Christine D'Amico
www.LifePlayProductions.com
619-665-1264

Kindergarten School Supplies List for 2011-2012

2011-07-26T12:49:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of supplies your Kindergartener will need for the first week of school. We hope that by giving you this list early, you will be able to take advantage of the many Back To School sales.

Any donations of supplies to your child's specific classrooms will be greatly appreciated!

Your child should have:
For home:

crayons
Pencils

For school:

1 bottle of glue
1 black and white composition book (100 pages/cardboard cover)
2 pocket file folder (plain solid color, no brads)
1 pkg. primary crayons (16 count, the large crayons)

Other things the classroom needs:

Extra glue bottles
Extra composition books
Extra file folders
Extra crayons
hand sanitizer
hand soap with pump
white copy paper
assorted colored copy paper
cleaning wipes
tissue
ziplock bags (gallon size)
scotch tape
post its (all sizes)
dry erase markers
band-aids
staples

1st Grade School Supply List

2011-07-26T08:50:00.001-07:00

2011-2012 School Year

Take advantage of the many Back-to-School sales
Any donations of supplies to your child's specific classrooms will be greatly appreciated!

Your child should have:
Number 2 pencils (small or large)
3 glue sticks
1 pencil box

Other items that our classes will use and would love to have donated:
Hand Sanitizer Pumps
Extra Pencils
Extra Glue Sticks
Glue Bottles
Clorox Wipes (or similar brand)
Dry Erase Markers
Fine point black felt tip markers
Color Markers
White “copy” paper for printers/copiers
Costco Gift Cards (used for printing photos)

Education Specialists School Supplies

2011-07-26T08:48:00.001-07:00

2011-2012 School Year

Take advantage of the many Back-to-School sales
Any donations of supplies to the education specialists will be greatly appreciated!

Each student will need:
#2 pencils (Ticonderoga preferred)
colored pencils
eraser
glue sticks
lined paper
Kleenex boxes
hand sanitizer pumps
hand soap with pump
Scotch tape
Post Its (all sizes)
Cleaning wipes
Dry erase markers
Sharpie pens
White printer/copy paper
Band-Aids
Index cards

End of the Year Happy Hour At Dimilles

2011-07-20T16:16:00.000-07:00

Hi All,
DiMille's has reserved the patio for everyone from Birney from 5:00 to 7:00pm, so join us for an end-of-year slice and a beer.

Happy Hour 2pm-6pm
1/2 off Appetizers
$3 Beer
$4 House wine

The coupon attached is good for buy 1 get 1 free entree or 50% off a pizza, but they are pretty strict about only 1 coupon per table. Download the coupon here.

5th Grade Supply list.

2011-07-20T14:44:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of supplies your Fifth Grade student will need for the first week of school.

We hope that by giving you this list early, you will be able to take advantage of the many "Back To School" sales.

Any donations of supplies you would like to make to your student's specific classrooms will be greatly

appreciated:

Each student will need:
1 Binder (3 ring, 3 inch)
Pencil pouch for binder
Subject dividers for binder
1 journal for Daily Assignments and important dates
1 pkg college ruled lined paper
1 journal with small grid paper for math
1 pkg #2 pencils (ticonderoga preferred)
Pencil sharpener --hand held with a lid
6 folders with pockets and brads for 6 IB Units
6 spiral notebooks, College ruled
blue or black pen
yellow highlighter
1 pkg colored pencils
pencil cap erasers
2 glue sticks
2 rolls of clear "scotch" tape
ruler with standard and metric measurement
protractor
clipboards

Other items that our classes will use and would love to have donated include:
Kleenex boxes
# 2 pencils
3 holed College ruled lined paper
Grid paper (small --approximately 1/4" grid)
Glue sticks
"Scotch" tape
Post Its (all sizes)
Cleaning wipes
"White Out" correction tape and liquid
Dry erase markers--black, blue, red, green
Sharpie pens--black, blue, red
White printer/copy paper
Band-Aids
Journals--grid paper for math
Spiral journals--college ruled
Folders--two pocket with brads
Electric pencil sharpener
Staplers
Flat staples
Index cards
hand sanitizer pumps
hand soap with pump

Thank you!
The Fifth Grade Team

4th Grade Supply List

2011-07-20T10:30:00.001-07:00

Here is a list of supplies your 4th Grade child will need for the first week of school.

We hope that by giving you this list early, you will be able to take advantage of the many Back To School sales.

Any donations of supplies you would like to make to your child's specific classrooms will be greatly appreciated:

Some items each student will need:

1 pkg #2 pencils (ticonderoga preferred)
1 pkg colored pencils (12 count only)
1 small pencil sharpener (with cover to catch shavings)
2-3 erasers
1 glue bottle
1 3-ring binder with zipper closure
1 pkg of lined paper
1 composition book
1 scissors
Ear buds (headphones)
Kleenex
hand sanitizer

Other items that our classes will use and would love to have donated include:
Kleenex boxes
hand sanitizer pumps
hand soap with pump
Extra pencils
Extra lined paper
Extra glue bottles
Scotch tape
Post Its (all sizes)
Cleaning wipes
Dry erase markers
Sharpie pens
White printer/copy paper
Band-Aids
Electric pencil sharpener
Staplers
Index cards

ICES Summer Camps!

2011-07-18T18:01:00.000-07:00

Sign Up Now! We need just 7 more kids for the first two weeks.

ICES is taking applications for its Summer Break Program.

Sign up with Ryan in the Auditorium either before or after school. ICES needs to have 20 kids per week in order to offer the program.

WEEKS:
Aug. 1-5 • Aug. 8-12 • Aug. 15-19 • Aug. 22-26
Program Time: 9:30 am - 3:30 pm

Prices are as follows:
5 days — $130 per week • 4 days — $117 per week
3 days — $78 per week • 2 days — $52 per week

Early drop off — 6:30 - 9 am • Late pick up — 3:30 - 6 pm
(Price for early morning & late afternoon is $20 per week.)
10% discount for siblings.

For more information, contact Ryan Vincent at 619-540-2287.

3 Grade Supply List

2011-07-13T15:45:00.001-07:00

Here is a list of supplies your 3rd Grade child will need for the first week of school. We hope that by giving you this list early, you will be able to take advantage of the many Back To School sales. Any donations of supplies you would like to make to your child's specific classrooms will be greatly appreciated:

Each student will need:
1 pkg #2 pencils (ticonderoga preferred)
blue or black pen
1 pkg colored pencils
2 erasers
1 glue bottle
6 folders with packets (no brads) for 6 IBUnits
4 spiral notebooks

Other items that our classes will use and would love to have donated include:
Kleenex boxes
hand sanitizer pumps
hand soap with pump
Extra pencils
Extra lined paper
Extra glue bottles
Scotch tape
Post Its (all sizes)
Cleaning wipes
Dry erase markers
Sharpie pens
White printer/copy paper
Band-Aids
Journals
Folders
Electric pencil sharpener
Staplers
Index cards

Musical performances, awards schedule and other cool stuff

2011-07-11T13:59:00.000-07:00

Tuesday July 12
3rd Grade: The Environmental Show at 10:30, awards after till 11:30 lunch
5th Grade: Jack and The Beanstalk at 2:30, awards after till 3:35 dismissal

Wednesday, July 13
Kinder: The Beetle's Coat - A Brazilian Folk Tale at 10:15, awards after till 11:15 lunch

Thursday July 14
2nd Grade: The Life Cycles Show – at 10:30, awards till 11:30 lunch
4th Grade: The Incredible Westward Movement – at 2:30, awards after till 3:35 dismissal

Friday July 15
1st Grade: The Lion and The Mouse at 10:30, awards till 11:30 lunch

Monday July 18
Limo Ride: 9:30-11:30

Tuesday July 19
Field Day: 9:30 and 2:00

Wednesday July 20:
Birney feeds Birney: 1:30 dismissal
lunch with media (we stock salad bar with home grown stuff)

Thursday July 21:
K promotion: 9:30 and picnic in the park after
5th grade promotion: 12:20; 1:30 dismissal

Back To School is just around the corner.

2011-07-11T11:26:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of supplies your 2 nd Grade child will need for the first week of school. We hope that by giving you this list early, you will be able to take advantage of the many Back To School sales. Any donations of supplies you would like to make to your child's specific classrooms will be greatly appreciated:

Some items they may need:
1 pkg #2 pencils (ticonderoga preferred)
1 pkg colored pencils
1 pkg crayons
1 small pencil sharpener (with cover to catch shavings)
1 eraser
2 glue sticks
1 glue bottle
1 3-ring binder
1 folder with pockets (no brads)
1 pkg of dividers (teachers with label tabs at school)
1 pkg of lined paper
1 spiral notebook
1 pencil box
1 zipper pencil bag for binder
1 ruler (in. and cm.)
1 scissors

Other items that our classes will use and would love to have donated include:
Kleenex boxes
hand sanitizer pumps
hand soap with pump
Extra pencils
Extra lined paper
Extra glue bottles
Scotch tape
Post Its (all sizes)
Cleaning wipes
Dry erase markers
Sharpie pens
White printer/copy paper
Band-Aids
Journals
Folders
Electric pencil sharpener
Staplers
Index cards

Volunteers Needed

2011-07-06T12:25:00.001-07:00

Hi All,

Tomorrow, Friday and Saturday the Birney Elementary Players will be presenting Disney's Aladdin Jr. The kids and Katrina Peterson, Sandy Barksdale and Kai Lombard have been working tirelessly, along with a number of parents and other volunteers who have helped with sets, props and costumes, to put together a production that promises to be the best yet. We'll need some additional help to ensure things go smoothly. If you are available, please consider lending a hand in one of the following ways:

Thursday and Friday July 7 & 8
Front of House
Ticket Sales/Will Call - 3 people - 5:30 - 6:40
Ushers - 2 people - 6:10 - 6:40
Concessions
Setup - 1 person - 4:30 - 6:00 -
Flowers - 1 person - 4:30 - 5:30
Sales - 2 people - 6:00-6:30, intermission,
Clean-up - 2 people - after intermission (30-45 minutes)
Backstage
Hair and Makeup Assistant - 1 person - 5:00 - 7:00
Costume Assistant - 1 person 5:00 - 8:00
Cast Assistant - 6:00 - 8:00

Saturday July 9
Front of House
Ticket Sales/Will Call - 3 people - 3:00 - 4:10
Ushers - 2 people - 3:40 - 4:10
Concessions
Setup - 1 person - 2:00 - 3:30
Flowers - 1 person - 2:00 - 3:00
Sales - 2 people - 3:30-4:00, intermission,
Clean-up - 2 people - after intermission (30-45 minutes)
Backstage
Hair and Makeup Assistant - 1 person - 2:30 - 4:30
Costume Assistant - 1 person 3:00 - 6:00
Backstage Cast Assistant - 3:30 - 5:30

One side note, no one will be allowed 'backstage' before or during the play (including intermission) unless they are volunteering backstage. No one will be allowed in the dressing area until 1/2 hour AFTER the play unless they are volunteering, this is to assure the privacy of the actors and actresses in the dressing area.

Thanks so much!

Please email ptabirney@yahoo.com to sign up to volunteer.

It's Spirit Week at Birney!

2011-06-29T08:03:00.000-07:00

Show your school spirit!

Wednesday is Pajama Day
Thursday is Crazy Hair Day
Friday is Birney Bee Day

Family Yogurt Day at Fiji Yogurt - Wednesday, June 29

2011-06-27T15:50:00.001-07:00

Enjoy a cool Treat!

Join Us Wednesday, June 29th
for Family Yogurt Day at Fiji Yogurt.

50% of all sales that are accompanied by the flyer (which can be downloaded by clicking here )

Fiji yogurt is located in the Ralphs shopping center on University.
Next to Big City Bagels and La Salsa.

LifePlay Summer Classes

2011-06-03T12:37:00.000-07:00

Hello All!
The school year is winding down and I hope you are getting an opportunity to enjoy some of the end of year festivities with your child or children. There is so much that we parents juggle trying to keep our own lives working and meet the needs of our families. It can be hard to step back and really soak in the transitions that come with the end of the school year and the preparations for growing one grade older. Do what you can to clear some mental space these last few weeks and really be present to this big transition in your child's life and their next step towards growing up! Enjoy-

We have several fun things happening at the studio that we want to let you know about.

First we will be having an open house at the studio as a part of the Art Around Adams event. We will be open from 3-6 and will host a free art happening at 3:30. Come and see our studio and be part of the fun! Again you can find us at 4114 Adams Ave. in the heart of Kensington, just behind Burger Lounge. Call 619-665-1264 with questions.
We have had a huge response to our Spanish and French camps and many parents are asking us for more language classes. So we are going to be offering both French and Spanish language class weekly throughout the summer. We are just nailing down days and times, so get in touch with me if you are interested in language class this summer or to start up in the fall.
We still have space in most of our Summer camps! I have attached the flyer describing all of the camps. They are designed for ages 4-11. They run from 9 - 3:30 and you can purchase whole or partial week options. Check it out by opening the attachment or on the website at www.LifePlayProductions.com. Before and after care is available for a small fee.
Click here to download our summer brochure.

Get in touch with me regarding any thoughts or questions.
Christine D'Amico
619-665-1264

ICES Summer Camps!

2011-06-03T12:30:00.000-07:00

Sign Up Now!

ICES is taking applications for its Summer Break Program.
Sign up with Ryan in the Auditorium either before or after school. ICES needs to have 20 kids per week in order to offer the program.

WEEKS:
Aug. 1-5 • Aug. 8-12 • Aug. 15-19 • Aug. 22-26
Program Time: 9:30 am - 3:30 pm

Prices are as follows:
5 days — $130 per week • 4 days — $117 per week
3 days — $78 per week • 2 days — $52 per week

Early drop off — 6:30 - 9 am • Late pick up — 3:30 - 6 pm
(Price for early morning & late afternoon is $20 per week.)
10% discount for siblings.

For more information, contact Ryan Vincent at 619-540-2287.

Family Yogurt Day at Fiji Yogurt - Tuesday, June 29

2011-06-03T12:26:00.000-07:00

Adopt a Pet and Help a Friend!

2011-06-03T12:22:00.000-07:00

We are having a stuffed pet adoption at the Passport to Adventure this year. All proceeds from the adoptions will be used to help all countries in need through the hard work of the American Red Cross.

If you would like to help us by donating a new or gently used stuffed animal, please drop donations off in the PTA box in the teachers lounge.

If you would like to donate your time working at this booth, please contact the PTA at ptabirney@yahoo.com.

We look forward to seeing you at the Passport To Adventure on Saturday, June 25 from 11 am - 2 pm.

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Passport to Adventure - June 25

2011-06-03T12:15:00.000-07:00

Don't miss out on all the fun.
The Birney Elementary Passport to Adventure Saturday, June 25 11 am - 2 pm

Enjoy a fun day out with the kids.
Visit 6 countries:
Australia, Brazil, England, Namibia, Romania and Thailand

Learn about different countries.
Make crafts, play games and see live stage performances.

Tickets required for the food, games and drawing,
can be purchased at the event or in advance.
Cost for tickets: .50¢ each, 12 for $5

For more information about the event or how you can help. Click here to download a flyer.

To get a presale ticket order form - click here.

We hope to see you all there!

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BIRNEY NEEDS HELP

2011-05-11T16:41:00.000-07:00

CAN YOU ....?

DO YOU KNOW OF SOMEONE ... ?

ARE YOU WILLING TO ASK FOR
A DONATION ... ?

BIRNEY NEEDS COPY PAPER!

The school currently uses in the neighborhood of 6-10 ream cases of paper a week, and the supplies budget for this year is getting discouragingly low.

BIRNEY WILL GLADLY ACCEPT ANY SIZE DONATION ... REAM OR CASE...

The school can get great discounts on supplies--usually better any of us could individually get. Their cost for a 10-ream case of copy paper is $31.65, delivery included. So, a sure bet for the BEST purchasing power comes from cash donations. If you are willing, please drop by the office with your tax-deductible donation of paper, a few dollars or a check made out to Birney Elementary to be specifically spent on copy paper.

~ THANK YOU ~

Note: I just found that OfficeDepot.com is having a special sale on HP Office Paper (item#333465)--with discounts and coupons available at the site (110139278), the cost is $29.99/10-ream case (limit 2 cases). If you purchase 2 boxes (or $50 or more), next day delivery is free.I don't know how long the sale will last, but if you were feeling particularly motivated you might check it out.

Movie Night - Alright!

2011-05-10T16:37:00.000-07:00

Family Movie Night is
Friday, May 20 • 6:30 pm

Admission is free

popchips,TM Popcorn and Lemonade are FREE all other concessions including pizza are available for purchase.

Movie starts at 6:30 pm. Bring your cushions or blankets to sit on, chairs will be available.

Parents must stay with children.

Sponsored by the Birney PTA

Rally for Education - May 13 - Urgent information to share for PTA

2011-05-10T13:20:00.000-07:00

Stand up for students and show support for our schools! A “cuts only” budget is bad for our children and bad for California. PTA is joining with education groups across the state to tell Sacramento “No More Cuts to Schools!” You can be a voice for your children’s education and their future!

Join fellow parents, students, teachers, and community members at the State of Emergency rally for education on
Friday May 13, 2011 from 4 to 6pm
at Embarcadero Park North near Seaport Village. Wear a PTA shirt, or your “9 million reasons to speak up” t-shirt from previous PTA rallies so the press will see PTA’s presence. We will have CUTS HURT KIDS signs for you, or make your own.

We suggest you take the trolley, as parking is limited and we are expecting several thousand parents, teachers and community members. Similar rallies are being held in major California cities simultaneously, get ready to talk to the press – they’ll all be there. I look forward to seeing you next Friday.

Karen Fleck
President
Ninth District PTA
www.castateofemergency.com
http://www.capta.org/sections/advocacy/cutshurtkids.cfm
www.ninthdistrictpta.org

Roosevelt needs panelists

2011-05-10T13:15:00.000-07:00

It's time again for our 7th and 8th grade portfolio presentations and we would like to invite our partners and community members to be panelists. Here is a link to the flyer with the schedule and details.
http://rooseveltmiddle.org/ourpages/downloads/PortfolioPanelistFlyer2011.pdf

Please email me with your time preferences if you would like to be part of this extraordinary process.

Ken Marushige
IB Middle Years Programme Coordinator
Roosevelt Middle School
kmarushige@sandi.net
619-293-4450 x2203
3366 Park Blvd
San Diego, CA 92103

Family Dinner Night at The Station - Tuesday, May 24

2011-05-04T14:01:00.000-07:00

Enjoy a nice dinner out and help support the Birney PTA assembly programs at the same time.

The Station Tavern & Burgers
Tuesday, May 24 • 4 - 9 pm
2204 Fern St • San Diego, CA 92104
(619) 255-0657

Come enjoy a fresh selection of burgers. Hamburgers, turkey burgers, black bean burgers and veggie burgers; grilled cheese and hot dogs for the kids; and a variety of fries. Birney Elementary will get 20% of all food purchases.
Dine-in or pick up.

Let’s enjoy some good food and support field trips and assemblies for our Birney students.

You must bring in the flier when you order. Extra fliers will be in the school office or you can download it here .

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Let's Help Those Who Help Us

2011-04-26T09:33:00.000-07:00

Below is a note from Anna & Dick of Mariposa Ice Cream. They have been big supporters of Birney events in the past, so let's do what we can to help them as well.

Hello Family & Friends,

We hope that everyone who reads this is happy and healthy and enjoying these beautiful spring days. We want to invite you all to visit us this Thursday, April 28th, between 1pm and 9pm. For the 2nd year in a row, we are proudly participating in San Diego's annual Dining Out For Life. It's a day when over 100 businesses in the county donate a portion of their sales to San Diego's LGBT Center's AIDS/HIV support and prevention services. At Mariposa Ice Cream, we will be donating 50% of Thursday's sales, and we appreciate your support.

Our entire team here is proud to come from a family where we were taught that we're all here to help & take care of each other, and as a business, we happily donate to groups/charities that we believe in, and who are helping people right here in our community.

Thank you for supporting us with this great cause....we wish all of you Peace and Love....and we hope to see you Thursday!

Anna & Dick

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LifePlay Spring Classes

2011-04-15T09:31:00.000-07:00

Hello Birney Parents!
We hope you are having a super Spring Break and getting some time for rest and recuperation!

We have spring classes starting up at Birney and you can get all of the information on our website at www.LifePlayProductions.com

The classes are:
Theatre Stages on Mondays
MathAdventures on Tuesdays

Please get in touch with Ashley with any questions. We look forward to working with your children again soon!
Ashley McGuire & Christine D'Amico
619-708-9124

Urgent response needed to Title 1 survey!

2011-04-15T09:01:00.001-07:00

Birney families and community,
On December 14, 2010 the Board of Education took action to raise the Title 1 funding threshold from 40% to 75% over a five-year period. The motion, which carried, stipulated that staff engage the community in gaining feedback regarding this shift in funding allocation. As a result, the district has created a short survey to provide feedback. All are encouraged to participate by going to the survey www.sandi.net/Title1.

As you complete the survey, please remember that the Board’s action will reduce and eventually eliminate BIRNEY’S TITLE 1 FUNDING which currently funds some counseling and reading support for our students. At the same time, we will most likely continue to have 60% of our students who do indeed qualify for Title 1 funding. So 6 out of 10 students will not receive supports they are entitled to.

Please take the time to click on the survey. If you do not have access to the survey, please pick one up in the office.
Amanda

Amanda L. Hammond-Williams
Principal
Alice Birney Elementary, an International Studies Magnet
IB World School
California Distinguished School
4345 Campus Avenue
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 497-3500 (OFFICE)
(619) 688-3017 (FAX)

Kinders thank the PTA for the Leapster pads

2011-04-08T09:42:00.000-07:00

Summer Camps at LifePlay Studio

2011-03-24T16:04:00.000-07:00

Hello Birney Parents!

We know that summer camp planning is underway and we wanted you to know what our summer camp schedule is at the LifePlay Studio in Kensington. Below you have the class title and the week for each class. Camps are running from 9-3:30 each day, Monday -Friday bar any holidays. We will have a flyer out on camps after your spring break, but wanted to help you with your summer camp planning by getting this information to you as early as possible. Any questions or to register, please contact me directly as these camps will not be live on the website for at least one more week. After that you can register directly through the site which is www.LifePlayProductions.com

Have a great spring break and we look forward to all of the possibilities that can come with summer!
Christine D'Amico
619-665-1264

June 20 - 24 — Higgledy-Piggledy Book to Play
June 27 - July 1 — LifePlay Discovery
July 11 - 15 — Uniquely You
July 5 - 8 — Math Adventures & SuperHero Sports
July 18 - 22 — ArtSpace I
July 25 - 29 — Diggn' n' Dirt
Aug. 1 - 5 — Creativity Camp
Aug. 8 - 12 — Laugh Out Loud
Aug. 15 - 19 — La Vie in France: Round the World
Aug. 22 - 27 — La Vie in Espanol: Round the World
Aug. 29 - Sept. 2 — Mumbo Jumbo Book to PlayAugust 29 September 2

Birney Scholastic Book Fair

2011-03-24T14:37:00.000-07:00

March 25 - March 31
In the school library.

BOGO
Buy One Get One FREE!!!!!

Shop for Spring Break Books

March 25th - 3:35pm - 6:15pm ~ Open LATE

March 28 - March 31 - Open 1:30pm - 3:30pm

Art & Awards

2011-03-24T14:34:00.000-07:00

~ come celebrate your children's achievements ~

March 29th - 3rd grade art and awards from 10:30am-11:30am

March 29th - 5th grade art and awards from 12:20pm-1:30pm

March 30 - Kindergarten art and awards from 10:15am-11:30am

March 31 - 2nd grade art and awards from 10:30am-11:30am

March 31 - 4th grade art and awards from 12:20pm-1:30pm

April 1 - 1st grade art and awards from 10:30am-11:30am

1:30pm dismissal ALL WEEK!!!

Spring Break: April 4 - May 2