The days are going to fly by! So I hope you have a chance to enjoy all the excitement!
Thank you to everyone who attended the PTA meeting on Tuesday. We passed the membership dues increase for next year, the summer budget, and elected new PTA officers for next year. We appreciate you coming out and showing your support!
Have a wonderful week!
Marie
Thursday: Open House for Incoming Kindergarten Families 6-7pm
Do you know a family who has an incoming kindergartner? Invite them to our Open House this Thursday! Or bring your incoming kindergartner! They will see the classrooms, meet the teachers, and just get an idea of what kindergarten will be like. This is a great way to relieve some anxiety before the summer starts.
Order Your School Supply Kitz . . . Coming Soon!
This is one of my absolute favorite programs! Save yourself the time of hunting for the "right" school supplies. Order them now and have them delivered to Meet the Teacher in August. Or if you can't attend Meet the Teacher the supplies will be delivered directly to your child's classroom.
This year you must order online. I am waiting to hear from the company that our online portal is open. As soon as I do, I will let everyone know.
If you don't use this program, that's okay. I will email when the school supply lists are available.
5th Grade Talent Show: Curtain Call!
If your child wants to participate in the school Talent Show on Monday, June 10, they have one last chance to turn in a Talent Show form! I will be going to the classrooms tomorrow to collect forms.
I am thrilled to say that we have a wide variety of acts this year. From performances on piano to karate to singing to dancing to cheer, it is going to be FABULOUS!
Reminder: EOG Testing Schedule
- Wednesday, May 28 – 3rd Grade ELA Testing
- Thursday, May 29 – 4th and 5th Grade ELA Testing
- Friday, May 31 – 3rd Grade Math
- Monday, June 3 – 4th and 5th Grade Math
- Tuesday, June 4 – 5th Grade Science & 3rd Grade Read to Achieve
Testing begins at 9:15 AM each day and it is very important that all students are on time to school on each of these days.
We need YOUR help on these days! We need hall monitors and proctors! Sign up today at EOG Help! You don't have to be a 3rd-5th grade parent to help!
Field Day Is Friday, June 7: We Need LOTS of Volunteers!
The schedule for Field Day is now available. Ms. Graves does an amazing job organizing this annual event. Be prepared to get a little wet!
Sign up at Field Day 2019.
We Still Need YOU!!!!
End of Year Family Picnic: Thursday, June 6 from 5-7
Come celebrate the end of another brilliant year with your Swifty Family. This event takes place on Thursday, June 6 from 5-7pm. We are looking for folks to help set up and run some games!
5th Grade Graduation Celebration: Monday, June 10 11-12:30
After graduation, our 5th grade families celebrate on the field with cake, pictures, and games. Can you please help with this event so our 5th grade parents can spend the time celebrating with their children?
We are also looking for someone to be Swifty Cougar for part of this time. We'd love to include Swifty in some of our pictures!
Garden Gnomes over the Summer
Just because school is out doesn't mean that our garden won't be growing over the summer. Please help us maintain the garden so it will be ready when students return in August.
Garden Parent for Next Year
Are you interested in being more involved in the garden next year? We are looking for parents at each grade level, but especially in 3rd and 4th grades. If you are interested, sign up today!
It Is Not Too Late to Sign Up for Camp Invention June 24-28!
Need a summer camp for June 24-28? 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!
Both my girls participated last year and loved it. I’ve heard similar praise from other parents!
Register at campinvention.org.
For more information, contact Camp Director Monica Coles ([email protected]) or Camp Parent Marie Dexter ([email protected]).
Mark Your Calendars:
- Thurs, May 23 6-7pm -- Kindergarten Open House for our incoming Kindergartners.
- May 27 – Memorial Day
- Thurs, June 6 5-7pm: End of Year Picnic on the field
- Friday, June 7 – Field Day
- Monday, June 10 5th grade graduation, Talent Show
- Tuesday, June 11 – Last Day of School
Get Me Off this List! :-)
As the school year draws to a close, many families will be leaving our school next year. Please let me know if you want to be removed from this email list next year. If you know of an incoming family who might like to join, have them send me an email at [email protected].
I will be sending emails occasionally in the summer, so don't miss out! You can also stay in the loop by following us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/swiftcreekespta or on Twitter @SCES_NC_PTA.
Advocacy Update: Budget Updates
The mission of the PTA is to advocate for our children, so here are some important budget issues that you might be interested in.
Monday: Wake County Commissioners Hold a Meeting to Discuss County Budget
In a recent email (and in the newsletter), I outlined the budget proposed by Wake County Superintendent Cathy Moore.
The budget from the Wake County Commissioners falls $11M short of meeting the needs of the proposed budget.
The Wake County Commissioners are having two open meetings tomorrow where the public is welcome to come speak:
- 2:00pm Wake County Justice Center, 301 S. McDowell St. Raleigh, Room 2700
- 7:00pm Wake Co Commons Building, 4011 Carya Dr. Raleigh
Source: Great Schools in Wake at greatschoolsinwake.org
State Budget: House Vote Will Happen After Memorial Day
The NC House is voting on their version of the State Budget and is expected to be voted on after Memorial Day.
Here is a brief summary of some of the items in the budget. This information comes from Public Schools First NC (a statewide, nonprofit organization). You can learn more at their website: https://www.publicschoolsfirstnc.org/know-the-issues/education-budget/
It is important to remember this budget is far from final. The budget negotiations will likely continue into the summer and this information will change as amendments are added. Keep checking back for updates!
$10.4 billion of the 24.5 billion dollar budget would go towards K-12 public education. As the Senate prepares their version, here are some key comparisons between Gov. Cooper's proposed budget and the House budget.
Gov. Cooper (item 1) House (item 2)
Teacher Pay
Gov Cooper: Raises teacher pay an average of 9.1% over two years. All teachers get at least 3% raise. Starts in FY 2019-2020
House: Raises teacher pay an average of 4.6%, only for veteran educators, starting in Calendar Year January 2020.
Principal Pay
Gov Cooper: Experience-based raises for school principals. Principals would earn more based on both experience as a principal and the size of the student body they lead. The plan also restores salary supplements for principals who hold advanced degrees.
House: Principals would receive an average raise of 10 percent. Raises are in accordance with size of student body and growth scores. Would begin in January 2020.
School Construction
Gov Cooper: $2B bond for construction, renovation needs for k-12 public schools.
House: No Bond
Master's Pay for Teachers
Gov Cooper: Restores Masters Pay for classroom teachers whose advanced degrees are in the subject they teach. $6.8 Million in both FY 2019-2020 and FY 2020-2021
House: Restores Masters Pay for classroom teachers whose advanced degrees are in the subject they teach. Teachers who began their studies after August 1, 2013 would qualify for a raise. $8 million in both FY 2019-2020 and 2020-2021