Hello everyone,


Thank you so much for showing our teachers your appreciation last week!  They were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support.  I always love seeing all those teacher smiles.  Thank you to everyone who volunteered to bring in food for the teacher breakfast and healthy snack day.  Also, thank you to everyone who covered a class so the teachers could have lunch together!  I know the staff enjoyed it.

Remember there is no school on Wednesday because of the teacher rally in downtown Raleigh!

Thanks for all you do!  If you have any questions, please let me know.

Marie Dexter

The Positivity Project:  Other People Matter

This is the last week of the Positivity Project.  For my kindergartener this program has had a HUGE impact.  She randomly starts talking about character strengths and and strategies from the P2 project.

One of my goals for next year is to get parents more involved with the project. One of my goals over the summer is to create flyers that can be sent home each week.  If you'd like to be one of my reviewers, let me know!  I'd love the input.

TABLE TALK
At dinner this week, ask your child about the Other People Matter mindset.  What have they learned this year?  What did they find the most interesting? What character strengths do they think they demonstrate the best? What strengths might they like to improve?

This information is also available from the PTA's P2 website.  
http://swiftcreekeswcpssnetptahtml.weebly.com/p2-at-swift-creek.html


Wednesday, May 16: No school!

Schools are closed because of the teacher rally in downtown Raleigh.

On May 16, the NC General Assembly will reconvene. Teachers and supporters of public education from across NC will be rallying for issues, such as increasing teacher pay and increased student spending. On May 16, wear RED to show your support for public education. Information from Great Schools In Wake:  http://ow.ly/iZyw30jPCl4

Thursday, May 17: Kindergarten Open House 6-7pm
Do you know a family who will be starting kindergarten at Swift Creek next year?  Please encourage them to attend the Kindergarten Open House on Thursday.  These families will have an opportunity to meet our current kindergarten teachers, look at the classrooms, and order school supplies!


Friday: Donuts with Dad 8:15-8:45am

Thank you to all our amazing Swift Creek Dads!  On Friday, join us for a special treat of donuts.  (We will also have the option of granola bars and fruit).

Food service begins at 8:15.  Please remain with your child until the 8:45am bell rings.  if you didn't RSVP, that's okay.  You are still welcome!!!!  

DO NOT send your child to their classroom before 8:45.  The teachers are preparing for the day.

Friday: College Spirit Day
Wear your favorite college gear or colors today!



Swift Creek Wins AHA Brains and Bodies Award for Second Year!
This week our school was honored with a Bronze award from the AHA Brains and Bodies group.  We have taken great strides in improving the health and wellness in our school.  A very special Thanks to Ms. Graves for helping our reach our goals.

A video of the awards ceremony is available on the School Website: https://www.wcpss.net/swiftcreekes and on Twitter @SCESROARS!

Update on Family Picnic on June 7: Free Food!
What an AMAZING, JAM PACKED year it has been!
 
Join us for FREE FOOD and fun as we celebrate the end of the school year!  We will be serving sandwiches, chips, fruit, popsicles, and water while supplies last!  Come early to grab something to eat.  Bring a blanket so you can join us picnic style.
 
Afterwards, we’ll have a few games or let your child play on the playground with their friends.
 
(Don’t like our food choices or concerned about allergies? You are welcome to bring a picnic dinner for your family!)



An RSVP form will be sent home in Tuesday folders this week!!!



PTA Meeting Minutes and Officers for Next Year
At our last PTA meeting of the year, Tuesday, May 8 at 6:30pm in the media center, we elected these officers for next year:

• President - Marie Dexter
• Vice President 1 - Tara Batemon
• Vice President 2 - Deborah Killion
• Treasurer - Delores Ragsdale
• Secretary - April Bartley

We also celebrated all we've done this year!  You'll be amazed by the complete list but some highlights include:

• Exceeded our fundraising goal during the Fun Run
• Purchased 1 xylophone, 2 stands, and a glockenspeil for the music room
• Purchased 6 ipads and 6 ChromeBooks
• Our first STEM night
• Our first International night
• Our school garden!!!

http://swiftcreekeswcpssnetptahtml.weebly.com/current-year2.html .  Click English for May 8.  The minutes will open in a Word doc.


We Need EOG Proctors. Please Help!




We desperately need parent volunteers to help proctor these tests, especially on May 31 and June 1.  We are already using our TAs and there are still proctor slots to fill! .


Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/EOGatSwift.


Attention 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade parents! Here is the end-of-grade test schedule:

• Friday, May 25: ELA (Grade 3) and Science (Coles: Grade 5)

• Tuesday, May 29: Math (Grade 3) and Science (Krauter: Grade 5)

• Wednesday, May 30: Science (Boyd: Grade 5)

• Thursday, May 31: Math (Grade 4) and ELA (Grade 5)

• Friday, June 1: ELA (Grade 4) and Math (Grade 5)

• Monday, June 4: Read to Achieve Test (Grade 3) and Make-Ups (Grade 4-5)

SchoolSupply Kitz
Why stress in August when you can buy next year's school supplies today?  Turn in your School Supply Kitz order form by Friday, May 25.  Or order online at www.shopttkits.com. Our school code is 38021. 

If you have any questions, contact Lynn Kelly at lkelly2003@gmail.com 



Camp Invention! It's Not too Late to Sign Up!


Need a summer camp for June 18-22? Then look no further. Camp Invention will be at Swift Creek! This is a great opportunity to learn new STEM skills in a familiar environment with our Swifty staff! My oldest daughter participated several years ago and loved it.  I’ve heard similar praise from other parents! 


Register at campinvention.org. 


Two Siblings Discount $25 off each child promo code SIBLING 
 
For more information, contact Camp Director Monica Coles (mcoles@wcpss.net) or Camp Parent Marie Dexter (mariecdexter@gmail.com). 


Mark Your Calendars!

• Thursday, May 17 6-7pm: Kindergarten Open House.  This is for our families who will be joining us next year!  If you have neighbors or friends who will be coming to the Creek next year, please tell them to come by.  We'd love to meet them!
• Friday, May 25: Deadline for paper order forms of School Supply Kitz
• Thursday, June 7 
  • 9:30am -- 5th grade graduation in the gym
  • 10:30am -- High Fives on the field
  • 2:00pm -- Talent Show
  • 5-7pm:  Join us on the field behind the school for a Swift Creek family picnic.  FREE FOOD!
• Friday, June 8: Last Day of School! Field Day!  Last day to order School Supply Kitz online.

Hello everyone,


An exciting week ahead!  It is Teacher Appreciation Week!  The teachers at Swift Creek work so incredibly hard and put in so many hours.  Let's shower them with LOVE this week.  Below are some suggestions from the PTA on what you can do each day.  Participation in this is optional.  But we hope you'll recognize your teacher in a way that is meaningful for you and your family.

Also, just a reminder we have the last PTA meeting of the year on Tuesday.  If you plan to attend, can you please respond to this email?  I am trying to get an estimate of how many folks will be there.

Thanks for ALL you do!  Have a wonderful week!
Marie Dexter

The Positivity Project:  Leadership

This week, the kids will be learning about Leadership.

WHAT IT MEANS
You value each member of your group and inspire people to do their best.

WHY IT MATTERS
For individuals, leadership is a way to achieve what you know is important, as groups of people invariably achieve more than individuals. If you want to achieve your vision for
the future, you need to inspire others to join you.

TABLE TALK
At dinner this week, ask your child who he or she thinks demonstrates leadership.  Can they think of someone in their community or family?  Maybe a celebrity, politician, or sports figure?  For example,  Derek Jeter retired in 2014 season but will always be respected because of his leadership on and off the field. He is also one of the best shortstops to ever play the game.

What are some of things this person does as a leader? What are some qualities that make that person a good leader?  What qualities make you a leader?

This information is also available from the PTA's P2 website.  
http://swiftcreekeswcpssnetptahtml.weebly.com/p2-at-swift-creek.html

It's Teacher Appreciation Week
Teacher Appreciation Week is the week of May 7-11. The PTA has some great things planned, but we need some help. We are looking for donations of food items, as well as classroom coverage on Friday, May 11 for the teacher luncheon. Please see the links below. 
Thank you.

On Tuesday, May 8, the PTA will host a breakfast for the teachers. If you would like to donate breakfast items, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/yctyzjw8

On Thursday, May 10, the PTA will provide the teachers with healthy snacks today. To donate items, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/y79fd5mg

On Friday, May 11. the PTA is hosting a Mexican luncheon for the teachers. If you would like to volunteer to sit in the class while all the teachers eat together from 12-1 pm, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/yc5vsh6k



If you have questions about volunteering, contact Delores Ragsdale at dmragsdale@yahoo.com.  For questions about hospitality, contact Elizabeth Worthy at elizabeth.worthy@me.com.



Tuesday, May 8: Last PTA Meeting of the Year
Please join us for the last PTA meeting of the year, Tuesday, May 8 at 6:30pm in the media center.

We will meet the new principal at Dillard Drive Middle School, Mrs. Feldman.  We will also be electing officers for next year and voting on our summer budget.  

Here are the nominees for officers for next year:

• President - Marie Dexter
• Vice President 1 - Tara Batemon
• Vice President 2 - Deborah Killion
• Treasurer - Delores Ragsdale
• Secretary - April Bartley

If you'd like to nominate someone, please send their name to Marie Dexter at mariecdexter@gmail.com.  Nominations will also be accepted during the meeting.


Wednesday, May 9: Bike or Walk to School
Ms. Graves is organizing a Bike or Walk to school day on Wednesday, May 9!  We will meet in the Food Lion Parking lot at 8:30am.

Friday: Wake Up and Read Donations through May 11

The Wake Up and Read program is a non-profit organization that annually collects 110,000 books for students in need in Wake County.  For more information, see http://wakeupandread.org/.

This year, the program is thousands of books short of their goal. They especially need picture books, short chapter books, and non-fictions books for Kindergarten through 5th grade.  

You can help by donating new or gently used books.  Simply send the books to school with our child and label them "Wake Up and Read".  There is a donation bin in the front hall.

We Need EOG Proctors. Please Help!




We desperately need parent volunteers to help proctor these tests, especially on May 31 and June 1.  We are already using our TAs and there are still proctor slots to fill! .


Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/EOGatSwift.


Attention 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade parents! Here is the end-of-grade test schedule:

• Friday, May 25: ELA (Grade 3) and Science (Coles: Grade 5)

• Tuesday, May 29: Math (Grade 3) and Science (Krauter: Grade 5)

• Wednesday, May 30: Science (Boyd: Grade 5)

• Thursday, May 31: Math (Grade 4) and ELA (Grade 5)

• Friday, June 1: ELA (Grade 4) and Math (Grade 5)

• Monday, June 4: Read to Achieve Test (Grade 3) and Make-Ups (Grade 4-5)

Garden Round Up!



Our garden digs were so much fun this week.  Check out the pictures at http://swiftcreekeswcpssnetptahtml.weebly.com/school-garden.html


If you have questions about the garden, please contact Nehal Outlaw at nehaloutlaw@gmail.com.



Newsletter Goes Home on Tuesday

The May edition of the Swift Creek Current goes home in Tuesday folders.  Here is a sneak peek:  http://swiftcreekeswcpssnetptahtml.weebly.com/uploads/2/4/2/2/24227387/may82018_english.pdf

SchoolSupply Kitz
Why stress in August when you can buy next year's school supplies today?  Turn in your School Supply Kitz order form by Friday, May 25.  Or order online at www.shopttkits.com. Our school code is 38021. 

If you have any questions, contact Lynn Kelly at lkelly2003@gmail.com 



Camp Invention! It's Not too Late to Sign Up!


Need a summer camp for June 18-22? Then look no further. Camp Invention will be at Swift Creek! This is a great opportunity to learn new STEM skills in a familiar environment with our Swifty staff! My oldest daughter participated several years ago and loved it.  I’ve heard similar praise from other parents! 


Register at campinvention.org. 


Two Siblings Discount $25 off each child promo code SIBLING 
 
For more information, contact Camp Director Monica Coles (mcoles@wcpss.net) or Camp Parent Marie Dexter (mariecdexter@gmail.com). 




Help Your Teacher Get a Surprise Visit from Wake County

From Wake County Public Schools!  We need your help! Use this form to tell us about an amazing #WCPSSteacher who deserves to be recognized with a surprise visit during Teacher Appreciation Week! http://bit.ly/2KzS6Ka We'll notify you if your teacher is selected! 
 

Mark Your Calendars!

• Thursday, May 17 6-7pm: Kindergarten Open House.  This is for our families who will be joining us next year!  If you have neighbors or friends who will be coming to the Creek next year, please tell them to come by.  We'd love to meet them!
• Friday, May 18 8am: Donuts with Dad in the cafeteria. Remember to send in your RSVPs as soon as possible.
• Friday, May 25: Deadline for paper order forms of School Supply Kitz
• Thursday, June 7 
  • 9:30am -- 5th grade graduation in the gym
  • 10:30am -- High Fives on the field
  • 2:00pm -- Talent Show
  • 5-7pm:  Join us on the field behind the school for a Swift Creek family picnic.  Bring your picnic dinner and we'll provide the fun! More details to come!
• Friday, June 8: Last Day of School! Field Day!  Last day to order School Supply Kitz online.

Advocacy Update: Vote on Tuesday and Wear Red for Advocacy Day

• Primaries are being held on Tuesday, May 8.  Remember to stop by your voting precinct and cast your vote!
• On May 16, the NC General Assembly will reconvene. Teachers and supporters of public education from across NC will be rallying for issues, such as increasing teacher pay and increased student spending. On May 16, wear RED to show your support for public education. Information from Great Schools In Wake:  http://ow.ly/iZyw30jPCl4

Hello everyone,


This week is exciting for so many people.  After many years of hoping, waiting, and planning, we are finally going to build our school garden.   Details are available at http://swiftcreekeswcpssnetptahtml.weebly.com/school-garden.html

Be sure to send your child in old, comfortable clothes and shoes on the build days!!!  We will be getting dirty.

Have a wonderful week!  Thanks for all you do to help our students blossom and grow.

Marie Dexter

The Positivity Project: Connection / Purpose

NEW: Check out our new P2 website.  I hope to add to this page next year, but you got to start somewhere. :-)  
http://swiftcreekeswcpssnetptahtml.weebly.com/p2-at-swift-creek.html 


WHAT IT MEANS

You have beliefs about the meaning of life and your life’s purpose. You seek to be part
of something greater than yourself.

WHY IT MATTERS
On a group level, purpose can be a powerful aligning element. It gives people a reason to continue on in hope and optimism, despite difficult circumstances. The sense of connection between people further strengthens their individual resolve and focus, which fortifies the group. When a group of individuals believe in something higher than themselves, their work can be exponentially greater.


Tuesday, May 1 & Wednesday, May 2: Lettuce Dig In!


This is it!  After years of waiting, hoping, and planning, Swift Creek is finally getting its school garden.  

NEW: Check out our Garden Website for more details about what the kids will be doing each day!  http://swiftcreekeswcpssnetptahtml.weebly.com/school-garden.html


If you have questions about the garden, please contact Nehal Outlaw at nehaloutlaw@gmail.com.



Wednesday, May 2: 5th Grade Talent Show Forms are Due

Is your 5th grader interested in participating in this year's Talent Show?  Participation forms are due by Wednesday, May 2.

Forms are available from the 5th grade section oft he PTA website. http://swiftcreekeswcpssnetptahtml.weebly.com/


Friday, May 4: School Spirit Day!

Show your school pride by wearing your purple and white! Which class will win Swifty Cougar for the month of May?



Sunday, May 6: Join Us at a NC Courage Game!
Here's another great opportunity to hang out with Swifty friends outside of school and a chance to raise some money for Swift Creek!

Join us for a NC Courage game on Sunday, May 6 at 3pm.  Tickets are available at  https://www.fevo.com/edp/Swift-Creek-Elementary-School-Night-0t1LiRbB?promo=Sykes



Tuesday, May 8: Last PTA Meeting of the Year
Please join us for the last PTA meeting of the year, Tuesday, May 8 at 6:30pm in the media center.

We will meet the new principal at Dillard Drive Middle School, Mrs. Feldman.  We will also be electing officers for next year and voting on our summer budget.  

Here are the nominees for officers for next year:

• President - Marie Dexter
• Vice President 1 - Tara Batemon
• Vice President 2 - Deborah Killion
• Treasurer - Delores Ragsdale
• Secretary - April Bartley

If you'd like to nominate someone, please send their name to Marie Dexter at mariecdexter@gmail.com.  Nominations will also be accepted during the meeting.
 


Teacher Appreciation Week is May 7 - 11
Teacher Appreciation Week is the week of May 7-11. The PTA has some great things planned, but we need some help. We are looking for donations of food items, as well as classroom coverage on Friday, May 11 for the teacher luncheon. Please see the links below. 
Thank you.

On Tuesday, May 8, the PTA will host a breakfast for the teachers. If you would like to donate breakfast items, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/yctyzjw8

On Thursday, May 10, the PTA will provide the teachers with healthy snacks today. To donate items, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/y79fd5mg

On Friday, May 11. the PTA is hosting a Mexican luncheon for the teachers. If you would like to volunteer to sit in the class while all the teachers eat together from 12-1 pm, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/yc5vsh6k



If you have questions about volunteering, contact Delores Ragsdale at dmragsdale@yahoo.com.  For questions about hospitality, contact Elizabeth Worthy at elizabeth.worthy@me.com.



Mark Your Calendars!

• Sunday, May 6 at 3:00pm:  Swift Creek night with the NC Courage.
• Friday, May 18 8am: Donuts with Dad in the cafeteria. Remember to send in your RSVPs as soon as possible.
• Thursday, June 7 
  • 9:30am -- 5th grade graduation in the gym
  • 10:30am -- High Fives on the field
  • 2:00pm -- Talent Show
  • 5-7pm:  Join us on the field behind the school for a Swift Creek family picnic.  Bring your picnic dinner and we'll provide the fun! More details to come!

End-of-Grade Tests!  We need Proctors.
Attention 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade parents! Here is the end-of-grade test schedule:

• Friday, May 25: ELA (Grade 3) and Science (Coles: Grade 5)
• Tuesday, May 29: Math (Grade 3) and Science (Krauter: Grade 5)
• Wednesday, May 30: Science (Boyd: Grade 5)
• Thursday, May 31: Math (Grade 4) and ELA (Grade 5)
• Friday, June 1: ELA (Grade 4) and Math (Grade 5)
• Monday, June 4: Read to Achieve Test (Grade 3) and Make-Ups (Grade 4-5)

We need parent volunteers to help proctor these tests.  With parent volunteers we can limit the number of Teacher Assistants we have to use and limit the amount of interruption we have in our regular schedule.
Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/EOGatSwift.

​Hello everyone,


We had another eventful week at the Creek!  When I get a few moments this afternoon, I'll post some pictures from Chick-Fil-A night and Muffins with Mom on our Facebook page.  Thank you to everyone who came out for these events.  

We don't have the final numbers for Chick-Fil-A night yet, but I know we raised $183 in sundaes.  Ms. Graves sold a personal record at 40, but the 2nd grade team edged her out with $61.  (Notice how it took a team to beat Ms. Graves. ;-)

And there is more excitement coming up this week!  Hope you can join in the fun!

Marie

The Positivity Project: Appreciation of Beauty

WHAT IT MEANS

You notice and value the world’s beauty and people’s skills. You don’t take things for
granted.

WHY IT MATTERS
On a group level, those who appreciate excellence and beauty make our lives more enjoyable. First, it means that they’re not looking to criticize the world or its people, but
instead take pleasure from their excellence. Second, it is the writers, painters, musicians, and filmmakers who help us better appreciate the world around us. It’s due to their
admiration for the way the sun hits off a wave or the quiet perseverance of a cross-country runner, that we are able to see the world with fresh eyes.

Deadline Monday: Food for the Food Drive
So far the Swift Creek Service Club has collected 936 food items in their food drive.  Their goal is 1500 items.  When the school reaches that goal, we get a dance party!

The deadline for items is TOMORROW!  Please send in canned vegetables, fruit, meat, beans, whole grain pasta or rice, peanut butter, and cereal so we can reach our goal!

Tuesday, April 24 & Wednesday, April 25: To Dig or Not to Dig?


Hopefully this week, we will be building our new school garden! The original plan is to build the beds on Tuesday.  However, with 100% chance of rain in the forecast, we might have to reschedule.  Any changes will be announced on Facebook or if you signed up to help, you will receive an email.

You can still sign up to help!  We also need supplies for the dig days, especially gloves, and kid-sized gardening tools.

• Volunteer http://tinyurl.com/scesDigIn
• Supplies http://tinyurl.com/scesGardenWishes

If you have questions about the garden, please contact Nehal Outlaw at nehaloutlaw@gmail.com.

Tuesday, April 24: Best Wishes to Mrs. Hoke

This week is Mrs. Hoke's last few days with us at the Creek.  Please stop by to wish her well as the new principal of Penny Road.  (Her last day is either Tuesday or Wednesday.)  So stop by early in the week!

Friday, April 27: College Spirit Day & Box Top Collection Day!

Show your school pride by wearing your favorite college gear or colors!

The Box Top fairy missed the month of March, so she expects to find double the payload in classrooms this Friday!  Make sure to turn in your Box Tops and Coke bottle tops.  Which class will be our Super Snippers this month?


5th Grade Talent Show Forms
Parents, this week 5th grade Talent Show forms went home.  These forms are due by May 2.  If you have any questions, please contact me at mariecdexter@gmail.com.

http://swiftcreekeswcpssnetptahtml.weebly.com/uploads/2/4/2/2/24227387/talent_show.pdf



Teacher Appreciation Week is May 7 - 11
Teacher Appreciation Week is the week of May 7-11. The PTA has some great things planned, but we need some help. We are looking for donations of food items, as well as classroom coverage on Friday, May 11 for the teacher luncheon. Please see the links below. 
Thank you.

On Tuesday, May 8, the PTA will host a breakfast for the teachers. If you would like to donate breakfast items, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/yctyzjw8

On Thursday, May 10, the PTA will provide the teachers with healthy snacks today. To donate items, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/y79fd5mg

On Friday, May 11. the PTA is hosting a Mexican luncheon for the teachers. If you would like to volunteer to sit in the class while all the teachers eat together from 12-1 pm, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/yc5vsh6k



If you have questions about volunteering, contact Delores Ragsdale at dmragsdale@yahoo.com.  For questions about hospitality, contact Elizabeth Worthy at elizabeth.worthy@me.com.



Sunday, May 6: Join Us at a NC Courage Game!
Here's another great opportunity to hang out with Swifty friends outside of school and a chance to raise some money for Swift Creek!

Join us for a NC Courage game on Sunday, May 6 at 3pm.  Tickets are available at  https://www.fevo.com/edp/Swift-Creek-Elementary-School-Night-0t1LiRbB?promo=Sykes
 


Mark Your Calendars!

• Tuesday, April 24: The Big Dig.   It is our building day for the new school garden. We still need supplies.  Check out our Garden Registry at http://tinyurl.com/scesGardenWishes.  Or volunteer to help at http://tinyurl.com/scesDigIn
• Wednesday, April 25: The Little Dig.  Time to put in that dirt!  
• Friday, April 27: Box Top collection day!  Turn in your Box Tops and Coke bottle tops by this date!  The class with the most points win a small prize and the teacher wins some classroom supplies!
• Sunday, May 6 at 3:00pm:  Swift Creek night with the NC Courage.
• Friday, May 18 8am: Donuts with Dad in the cafeteria.
• Thursday, June 7 5-7pm:  Join us on the field behind the school for a Swift Creek family picnic.  More details to come!

End-of-Grade Tests!  We need Proctors.
Attention 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade parents! Here is the end-of-grade test schedule:

• Friday, May 25: ELA (Grade 3) and Science (Coles: Grade 5)
• Tuesday, May 29: Math (Grade 3) and Science (Krauter: Grade 5)
• Wednesday, May 30: Science (Boyd: Grade 5)
• Thursday, May 31: Math (Grade 4) and ELA (Grade 5)
• Friday, June 1: ELA (Grade 4) and Math (Grade 5)
• Monday, June 4: Read to Achieve Test (Grade 3) and Make-Ups (Grade 4-5)

We need parent volunteers to help proctor these tests.  With parent volunteers we can limit the number of Teacher Assistants we have to use and limit the amount of interruption we have in our regular schedule.
Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/EOGatSwift.