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8/25/20 Weekly Email

Welcome back!  The Pierce Downer PTA is excited for the upcoming school year and we want to extend a warm welcome to each of our Pierce Downer families.  PD is a wonderful community school and the job of the PTA is to enhance what the school offers and build a strong community for our children and families.  Obviously, this year looks a little different for all of us, but our PTA funds many school activities and programs (e.g., high tech/high touch, staff supplies, accelerated reader, teacher appreciation, etc.), normally hosts social events for families when school is in session (e.g., Welcome Back Party, Fun Run, Field Day, etc.), and provides unique academic enrichment opportunities for the kids (e.g., Reflections art program, STEAM, Artcot, etc.).

The PTA primarily communicates through email (piercedownerpta@gmail.com) and our web site (piercedownerpta.org).  Each Tuesday, the PTA will send an email through Gmail letting parents know about upcoming PTA programs and volunteer opportunities.  We hope all families will become members of the Pierce Downer PTA and share in the voting decisions on all the activities/items our PTA funds.  Membership information to come soon!

Weekly Email Contact – You are receiving this email because you provided your preferred email address to District 58 when you registered your PD student for the 2020/2021 school year, and you checked the box to indicate that this information could be shared with the PTA.  If you wish to add, delete, or change this email address at any point during the school year, please contact Jennifer Klemz (PTA VP Operations) at pdvpoperations@gmail.com.  We are happy to include up to two email addresses per family.  Be sure to add piercedownerpta@gmail.com to your Contacts so emails don’t fall into your Spam folder.

First PTA Meeting –  The first PTA meeting and New Family Welcome is scheduled for Monday, September 21st at 7:00pm. More details to come!

Directory Spot – Pierce Downer PTA uses the Directory Spot App to list student/family contact information, classroom lists, and staff lists. For new families, this is a great tool for sending invitations, cards, getting email addresses, and setting up playdates!   In order to get access to this application you must join the school PTA.  Directory Spot is usually available and updated around the 2nd month of school.  Additional information will be coming soon.  Please email Melissa Odenbach melsully@aol.com if you do not wish to have your family listed in the directory.  
 

School Supply Kits – If you ordered school supply kits from Carlson’s back in June, they will be delivered directly to the school and will be waiting for the students in their classrooms during the Transition Days next week. Take note of the items that were NOT included in the kits (clorox wipes, kleenex, twistable crayons, and washable broad markers) as these supplies were not available but will be provided once they are back in stock.

 
Chalk the Walk – The Downers Grove Woman’s Club is excited to “Chalk the Walk” at Pierce Downer with inspirational messages/drawings with words of encouragement for the students and staff THIS Sunday August 30th from 1:00PM to 2:30PM. Feel free to bring your own chalk or use ours. We will be drawing in 6 foot distances, but please bring your masks. If you are interested please sign up for a slot HERETime slots are for 15 minutes each. Thank you and hope to see everyone on Sunday! If you have any questions please contact Ami Johanson at adp664@gmail.com.
 
Yearbook – If you haven’t done so already, this is the LAST CHANCE to order your 2019-20 yearbook, we only have a few left!  Please email Karen Mellen karenmellen@yahoo.com if you are interested.  

Chipotle Dine-Out – PD PTA is happy to announce our first dine-out fundraiser for the year. On Tuesday, September 8, from 5-9pm, simply show the attached flyer in person or on your device or tell the cashier you are there to support Pierce Downer.  The best part is that 33% of your purchase will go directly to our school! Chipotle also has a new addition to this year’s fundraisers and is including online orders via Chipotle.com or the Chipotle app to count toward our fundraising total. When using the online options, please be sure to enter our code, BNENDCN before checkout in the “promo” field. Please enjoy a “Taco Tuesday” in support of our school!

Zoom Event with Grit2 – Please see attached flyer for information about an upcoming informational Zoom from Grit2, a non profit organization committed to providing local parents and teens support and sharing concerns and issues that affect us all.  The topic of “Parenting Strategies in Uncertain Times” is especially applicable this year. Please join the Zoom TOMORROW, Wednesday, August 26th at 10:00am.
 
Thank you – Thank you to the PD PTA for providing lunch to the PD teachers and staff on their first full day back at school this week.  We appreciate all you do for our students and families!
 
Thank you – Thank you to Vikki Jacknow and the PD PTA for purchasing and organizing the teacher/staff lounge makeover this summer.  The new products and supplies are much appreciated!!


Save the Dates –

8/30 – Chalk the Walk
9/1 – 9/4 – PD Transition Days
9/7 – No School (Labor Day)
9/8 – First Day of School (Remote Learning)
9/8 – Chipotle Dine-Out
9/21 – First PTA Meeting
 
For more information on school or PTA activities please visit the school web site or PTA website. For even more information on community events and activities please check out the District’s e-fliers page.