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05.07.18 |

MSA transition, Teacher Appreciation, and FroYo Social

Dear Sonoran Sky Community,

We want to thank every single one of for your kindness, patience, and willingness to work together during the past weeks. Special thank you to those who helped identify and coordinate childcare options, took kids into their homes to help out friends, provided food, shared and communicated important information, kept the school running, gave school tours, decorated sidewalks, and so many many other things!

We came together to support each other and our students during this past week and that shows what a strong and amazing community we’ve created. Thank you everyone!

Last Constant Contact Email

We are transitioning to My School Anywhere (MSA) for PTO communications. Doing so will both save money and be more user friendly.

This is the last Constant Contact email. If you are not signed up with MSA, you will not receive PTO emails.

My School Anywhere will be our class directory, school directory, and primary means of weekly PTO communication. Room Parents will even have the option to use special communication features for their classes!

Go to join.myschoolanywhere.com and use invitation code “JoinSSKY” to sign up.

A few things to keep in mind:

Check the privacy settings. You must “opt in” to the on-line directory. If you don’t you’ll be able to see people who have opted in, but they will not see your information and your student will not appear on class rosters.
Put in your student’s current grade and teacher. We will “graduate” everyone in June.
You can change your settings at any time.
This is not a social media site. Please read the privacy policy.

If you don’t wish to be part of the school directory or receive PTO emails, try to check the website, Facebook or Twitter regularly to stay abreast of school happenings – like supply lists and EduKit info- which we’ll publish in the next newsletter through MSA!!!

Keep the following points in mind to help make our final days run smoothly:

Kindergarten drop off lanes should only be used by families with kinders.
Students should go to the field in the morning. Parents who are volunteering can come back to the classroom after 9am.
If you have projects/treats/things to drop off, please label them with a post-it and leave the item on the delivery cart.
Try to always sign in when visiting the school and always fill out a parking spot ticket when volunteering!

SSKY CALENDAR

Monday , May 7

Site Council, 3:30pm

Tuesday, May 8

PTO Meeting, 7:45am

Coffee with the Principal, 9am

Wednesday, May 9

School Nurse Day

Thursday, May 10

Principal’s Challenge Lunch, 12 noon

Yogurtini FroYo Social, 3-10pm

Sing America Sing Performance, 6pm

Wednesday, May 23

P.I.L.O.T.S. Culmination

Thursday, May 24

Last Day of School

Early Release

Tuesday, July 31

PTO Kick-Off Meeting, 10am

Teacher

Appreciation Week

May 14-18

Sonoran Sky’s Teacher Appreciation Week is May 14-18! But, we made sure there were treats today, too!

Lunch will be provided by PTO’s Hospitality Committee on Monday, May 14 and Thursday, May 17.

More details will follow from your room parent.

This Week

May 7th 7:45am PTO meeting

This is the last PTO meeting of the school year. Come honor some of our stand out teachers and find out what we have planned for next year.

May 9th 5:30pm

PVUSD invites you to the District Offices for the May parent program. You’ll gain critical information about how to protect your children and/or extended family members from the growing problem of substance abuse and addiction. More details here.

May 10th Yogurtini Social after school & after Sing America Sing

The weather is perfect for an ice cold treat! Join us for a frozen yogurt social at Yogurtini on Scottsdale and Thunderbird. Come right after school or join the 5th graders after Sing America Sing! Thursday, May 10th!

More SSKY Happenings and News

LAST CHANCE TO TURN IN YOUR BOX TOPS – Did you know that on average, the school collects about $2,000 in BoxTops each year that the sixth graders use to defray costs.

It’s easy to support P.I.L.O.T.S. Just clip the BoxTops you find on hundreds of participating products and send them to school at your convenience. Each one is worth 10¢ and the sixth graders will do all the precision cutting, sorting, and managing, including awarding monthly prizes to the classrooms with the highest collection!

Save Your Books! We know SSKY loves to read! Save your used books for the Used Book Fair! We’ll be collecting used books in August and hosting our bi-annual sale in September! It will be great!

Thanks to everyone for participating in the Paws for Books Spring Book Fair. We sold almost $20k worth of books and supplies which earned us $7000 Scholastic Dollars.

Primarily, we’ll use the Scholastic Dollars to help teachers establish and spruce up their libraries when school starts in August. We’ll also provide some prizes for the fall Read-a Thon.

Thank you to all the Book Fair volunteers. We had record setting fast set-up and take down and you are all appreciated. Thein Prem, Leigh Piper, Paula Kirklys, Amy Rhodes, Michele Carroll, Megan Starr Becker, Yutao Jiang, Michelle Stewart, Kristen Dezso, Jade Izzett, Kelsey Mayid, Mary Hearn, Shannon Boivin, Toby Fox, Christie Maroulis, Becca Norton, Alison Feinberg, Sharalee Schneider, Michelle Kass, Abbie Richie, Michele Koivisto, Whitney Crutchley, Allison Kierman, Tricia Zich, Jody Pannozzo, Marni Steinberg, Marni Gerber, Becky Rand, Lisa Merendino, Kerri Zauner, and an extra special thanks to co-chair Nina Vomero who did all of the decorations- the library looked amazing!

Thanks!

Faydra Huntingford

Book Fair Chair

Woo Hoo! Sonoran Sky Elementary School was selected by the readers of the Jewish News as the Best Public School in the Valley. We’ll be listed in the “Best Of” Jewish Arts & Culture Magazine. Thank you to everyone who voted for us!

PTO Budget for 2018-19

Please click here to review our proposed budget for 2018-19.

We’ll discuss the proposed budget at our Tuesday, May 8th meeting after the UPC teacher appreciation portion of the meeting.

Turn in Your Receipts!

Attention Room Parents: Don’t miss these finance deadlines

Please note, we extended the deadline to submit Room Parent expense reports to adjust for Teacher Appreciation Week’s rescheduled dates.

Please have expense reports to Michelle Kass by Friday, May 18th. Submit all reports with attached reciepts to the Room Parent box in the workroom. Contact roomparents@sskypto.com with questions.

Turn in any check requests as soon as you have them. Deadline for check requests is May 21st for all expenses incurred to that date. Any expenses incurred after May 21st should be submitted as soon as possible to ensure reimbursement by year-end. Place check requests in the Treasurer box in the workroom. Contact treasurer@sskypto.com with questions.

May 18th: Room parent expense reports & receipts due
May 21st: Classroom support check requests due

COMMUNITY BUSINESS PARTNERS

Our Community Business Partners generously support our school and public education. Please take a minute to click on the logos below and visit their websites.

MORE SSKY INFORMATION

Always start your shopping with this Amazon link to credit our school with over 6% of your purchase!

SSKY PTO Website

Sonoran Sky Website

PVSchools District Website

Infinite Campus Gradebook

Directory – My School Anywhere

Want all the latest SSKY News? Follow us!

The Paradise Valley Unified School District neither endorses nor sponsors the organization or activity represented in this material. The distribution or display of this material is provided as a community service.

We love you. Never delete this.

Visit our website

04.09.18 |

Volunteers Needed, Spring Events & More!!

All Hands on Deck

Dear Sonoran Sky families,

The PTO could not do all we do for our children and school without the generous help of our SSKY community of families. As the school year comes to end, we’re asking for your help to finish strong. We still have many opportunities to volunteer, so please get involved where you can.

Help Needed NOW

Art Walk. Create some fun displays for the Art Walk! MANY SPOTS ARE STILL OPEN! Click HERE for the Art Walk Sign Up Genius.

Book Fair. Click HERE for the Book Fair Sign Up Genius.

Summer Help Wanted

During our Back to School “Meet the Teacher” Event on August 6, PTO needs a few welcoming folks to take a shift at our PTO booth welcoming families, explaining our online Spirit Shop, My School Anywhere (online directory), and general troubleshooting. If you are a veteran family and can lend a hand, contact president@sskypto.com.

Open PTO Positions for 2018-2019

Cantina Night
Yearbook
SkyWriters
EduKit
STEM Co-Chair
T-shirt designer/spirit shop sales

Email president@sskypto.com for more information on summer help or PTO positions.

SSKY CALENDAR

Tuesday, April 10

Early Release, 12:30pm

Spirit Day (Disney Day)

Last Day to order Yearbook

CPK Dine Around

Friday, April 13

Volunteer Breakfast

Monday, April 16- Friday, April 20

Book Fair

Monday, April 16

Art Walk, 6pm

Thursday, April 19

School Tour, 9:15am

Friday, April 20

Kona Ice

Spirit Day

Saturday, April 21

New Kinder Playdate, 1-2:30pm https://bit.ly/2uTAtRO

Come for the Art, Stay for the Books –

Spring Book Fair and Art Walk

Come for the Art, Stay for the Books

Come join us for an evening of amazing art and music at Sonoran Sky Elementary’s 9th annual Art Walk on Monday, April 16th from 6 to 8 pm. The halls of the school will be transformed into a gallery showcasing the creative and colorful works of all our students. Enjoy musical performances from our band and strings students. Food trucks will be on-site.

Meanwhile, our Spring Book Fair will be open for families to shop for a few new books to add to their home libraries. The Book Fair will run April 16th-20th, Monday-Friday. The book fair will be open during the art walk. Regular shopping hours are from 7:45-3:30, Monday-Thursday. The Book Fair will close on Friday at 2:30. Remember, all purchases benefit our school.

For more information on the Art Walk, click HERE. For more information on the Book Fair, click HERE.

Don’t Miss These April Dates

April 10: California Pizza Kitchen Dine Around. CPK will generously donate 20% of proceeds back to our school. Don’t miss your chance to see Mr. Dawson, aka “Chef Dawson”, making pizza for the kids. He’ll be there from 5:30-6:30pm. Click HERE for the flyer.
April 10: Last Day to Order Yearbook
April 20: Kona Ice at school
April 21: Kinder Playdate. Current and new families to SSKY, we can’t wait to meet your kindergartener, so we’re hosting a play date! You’re invited to join us at SSKY on from 1-2:30pm! Meet us at the kindergarten playground. https://bit.ly/2uTAtRO
April 27: Spring Fling. Come have a blast at the Sonoran Sky Spring Fling Carnival. It is a CASUAL EVENING EVENT, with fun for the whole family. Tickets are on sale now. Purchase by clicking HERE.

Attention Room Parents: Don’t miss these finance deadlines

Teacher appreciation week is coming up May 7-11. Soon after, all expense reports and receipts are due. Please mark these important dates below on your calendar. Submit expenses by leaving them in the Room Parents Coordinator mailbox in the work room or by scanning receipts and emailing them to Roomparents@sskypto.com.Thank you!

May 16th: Room parent expense reports & receipts due
May 21st: Classroom support check requests due

Statewide #RedforEd Walk-In, April 11

Some members of our school community will be participating in the #RedforEd walk-in Wednesday morning, April 11, before the first school bell. Since you may notice the walk-in as you’re dropping your child off for school, we wanted you to have more information about the event.

What is #RedforEd? A nonpartisan movement to advocate for education in Arizona. Read this message from our PV Governing Board HERE.

What is a walk-in? A demonstration by educators, parents, and community members prior to the start of school to raise awareness about education in AZ and to show unity in the community.

Who is organizing the walk-in? The walk-in is being organized by Arizona Educators United (AEU). AEU is a coalition of teachers, education support professionals, administrators, and those who care about the state of education in Arizona. For more information on the group, visit their website HERE.

Are walk-ins being held at other schools? Yes. The walk-in on Wednesday is part of a statewide effort by the AEU. #RedforEd walk-ins have also previously been held at other schools.

Will this impact the school day? No. The walk-in will not disrupt any part of the regular school schedule. The playground will open at 8:25 and classes will start at 8:45.

Where can I go to find more information on the walk-in? Event information can be found on their Facebook page HERE. AZCentral also published a story that provides good background that can be found HERE.

Free Tumbling Class

Desert Storm is more than just a cheerleading gym. Desert Storm also offers many tumbling classes as well as private lessons for dancers and sports enthusiasts. We want to invite our friends from Sonoran Sky to come out and enjoy a fun night of FREE tumbling lessons on Friday, April 20 from 6-8pm! Desert Storm also offers a number of summer camps for all ages both boys and girls. Check us out at desertstormelite.com or call (480) 391-0164. Hope to see you there!

COMMUNITY BUSINESS PARTNERS

Our Community Business Partners generously support our school and public education. Please take a minute to click on the logos below and visit their websites.

MORE SSKY INFORMATION

Always start your shopping with this Amazon link to credit our school with over 6% of your purchase!

SSKY PTO Website

Sonoran Sky Website

PVSchools District Website

Infinite Campus Gradebook

Want all the latest SSKY News? Follow us!

We love you. Never delete this.

Visit our website

03.26.18 |

So Many Things Happening in April!!!

Art Walk 2018

Hi Parents!

It is that time to start making hallway displays

for this year’s Art Walk! I have created a lot of time

slots that I will be at the school working on this project.

Please sign up for a few of the days that you can help us create some fun displays!

ART WALK SIGN UP GENIUS

Also, many items will be able to be taken home,

however you just need to come to the school

to pick up the supplies.

THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP!

We could not do this with out your help!

~Jennifer Droske

SSKY CALENDAR

Thursday, March 29

Placement Forms Due

Friday, March 30

No School, K-12 Recess

Sunday, April 1

Last Day to order Yearbook, 10pm

Monday, April 2

School Council, 3:30pm

Tuesday, April 3

PTO Meeting, 7:45am

Wednesday, April 4

AZ Merit Writing

Thursday, April 5

9:15am School Tour

SPRING BOOK FAIR

PAWS for BOOKS

Come. Stay. Read.

Get Furrific books at the Book Fair.

Book Fair will run April 16th-20th (Mon.-Fri)

Volunteers are needed before and after school, as well as during the day to cover all of our family shopping hours.

You can bring your child with you for your volunteer shift. They can sit quietly in the library, read, or do homework.

Thank you in advance for your help!

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040b44a9ae2ba46-sonoran6

New Digital Directory

We are Going Paperless!

Last month, the PTO voted to put the school directory on-line! So, from now on the entire directory process will be paperless for data collection as well as access to the directory via your computer or smart phone. We encourage you to SIGN UP today. We’re starting the process now so that you have access over the (long) summer. Here’s how to sign up:

Families that were in this year’s directory. You should have received an email with a link and temporary password to access the system. Please use that email to login to the system.

New families to the school, folks who were not in this year’s directory, and everyone who lost their login email or never saw it. You can register at join.myschoolanywhere.com. Use Invitation Code: JoinSSKY . Once we’ve had a chance to verify your family information, you’ll receive an email with login credentials and instructions to access the system.

Education Tax Credit

Did you know that Arizona allows taxpayers to receive a dollar for dollar tax credit for contributions to Sonoran Sky of up to $200 for individual filers and up to $400 for married filers. You can claim the tax credit when filing your Arizona State Income Tax return so long as your contribution is received by April 15, 2018. But you also have some flexibility because contributions received between January 1, 2018 and April 15, 2018 can be claimed on your Arizona State tax return in either 2017 or 2018. So talk to your tax professional and see if a voluntary contribution is a option for you.

Forms and details about the program can be found on PVUSD Tax Credit Page.

Disclaimer **** this is for informational purposes only and is not intended as tax advice.

Many Thanks…

We are so grateful to the amazing volunteers who signed up to bring lunch to the teachers and staff this week. We are so lucky to have such a dedicated group of educators serving our children daily and it’s so important to remind them periodically how much they are appreciated:).

Thanks to you all, we provided a personalized lunch to every member of the SSKY staff to say… THANK YOU…..Melinda Pino, Julie Bailey, Sarah Levin, Melissa Kim, Kyla Johnson-Pollnow, Vicki Mayo, Deborah Weiner, Myria Kniffen, Dawn Parks, Rachael Mikalsky, Nina Vomero, Liz Vaisben, Allison Kierman, Candice Gimbel, Mary Hatsakorzian, Vivian Hummitzsch, Nikki Bernstein, Michelle Kass, Kerri Bauer, Molly Haley, Tracy Arola-Johnson, Jessica Onuma, Patricia Loera, Sheri Granger Kravetz, Marianne Cox, Mindy Corpstein, Britania Perkins, Nikki Coburn, Abbie Richie, Amy Rhodes, Lynn Carpenter, Debi Smolinski, Eileen McConnell, Megan Becker, Christy Burkhard, Alison Feinberg, Whitney Crutchley, Candy Couch, & Gwen Gorlin…for making lunch happen!

Great Schools Feedback Needed

Enrollment for 2018-19 is underway and we need your help reaching out to new families who are interested in joining the SSKY community next year! Write a review at www.greatschools.org explaining why you love Sonoran Sky. Your review is anonymous and only takes a few moments. Review our school by clicking HERE.

LAST CALL FOR YEARBOOK PURCHASES!!

All orders must be received by April 1st. We cannot guarantee any purchases made after April 1st. Don’t delay!

Your kid WILL BE in the yearbook! Don’t miss seeing them!

Click here now to purchase your SSES 2017-18 yearbook!

COMMUNITY BUSINESS PARTNERS

Our Community Business Partners generously support our school and public education. Please take a minute to click on the logos below and visit their websites.

MORE SSKY INFORMATION

Always start your shopping with this Amazon link to credit our school with over 6% of your purchase!

SSKY PTO Website

Sonoran Sky Website

PVSchools District Website

Infinite Campus Gradebook

Want all the latest SSKY News? Follow us!

We love you. Never delete this.

Visit our website

03.19.18 |

Welcome Back to School!

Scoop and Joy Dine Around on March 23 – 35% of proceeds go to our school!!

Over spring break, some friends introduced my family to Scoop and Joy Lounge. WOW! How had I not heard of this gem until now? Finally, the perfect ice cream shop. The kids agreed! They have delicious ice cream, adorable animal ice cream creations, and boba tea. Best of all, Scoop and Joy is supporting our school with a Dine Around on Friday, March 23. 35% of proceeds go back to SSKY. Please join us, you won’t regret it!

Happy Spring Lunch! Volunteers Needed

On Wednesday, March 21, the Hospitality Committee is planning a Spring Lunch for our teachers and staff. Help is still needed to make this special lunch happen. Check out the sign up genius form, sign up if you can (PLEASE!) and let us know if you have any questions.

THANK YOU!

SSKY CALENDAR

Monday, March 19

Spring Fling Planning Mtg, 2:00pm

Wednesday, March 21

School Tour, 1:30pm

Friday, March 23

Scoop and Joy Dine Around, 8:00am-11:00pm

Spirit Day

Thursday, March 29

Placement Forms Due

Friday, March 30

No School, K-12 Recess

New Digital Directory

We are Going Paperless!

Last month, the PTO voted to put the school directory on-line! So, from now on the entire directory process will be paperless from data collection to making the directory available on both your computer and your smart phone.

We encourage you to SIGN UP today. We’re starting the process now so that you have access over the (long) summer.

Here’s how to sign up:

Families that were in this year’s directory. You should have received an email with a link and temporary password to access the system. Please use that email to login to the system.

New families to the school, folks who were not in this year’s directory, and everyone who lost their login email or never saw it. You can register at join.myschoolanywhere.com. Use Invitation Code: JoinSSKY Once we’ve had a chance to verify your family information, you’ll receive an email with login credentials and instructions to access the system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: But, the year is almost over. Why do we need an on-line directory now?

A: We’re starting the process now so that you have access over the summer. Want to get together for a playdate? Invite friends over to swim? Get YOUR friends together for a night out?

Q: But, I love the paper directory. What’s so great about an online directory?

A: It’s on your phone and computer so it’s available when you need it and can’t be lost.

·You can update your own information and control what information is published or not published.

·You can search by student’s first name, grade, teacher and family last name.

·You can create your own custom list of frequently called families.

·You can easily view volunteer opportunities and sign up.

Q: Is it secure?

A: YES! All data is stored behind secure firewalls and can only be accessed by authorized users with a validated username and encrypted password. All data is viewed and passed using SSL encryption. Want more information about security? To learn more, contact Megan or visit myschoolanywhere.com.

Get Involved, Join PTO

We are still currently looking to fill a number of non-elected PTO positions.

Positions open include:

SkyWriters
Yearbook
Used Book Sale
Adults Only Auction

Please contact Alison Feinberg at president@sskypto.com if you are interested or want more information.

SAVE THESE DATES!

ART WALK & BOOK FAIR

APRIL 16, 6-8pm

Mark your calendars for an evening of art, music, and a “Walk in the Park”. The 9th annual Sonoran Sky Art Walk will showcase artwork from every student and musical performances from our strings orchestra.

Our spring Book Fair will open the same evening as our Art Walk, so be sure to stop by and pick up a few favorites (and, spend the Dawson Dollars your student earned for participating in the Science Fair!)

If you’d like to be part of Art Walk, please contact news@sskypto.com. If books are your thing, join the Book Fair Committee at bookfair@sskypto.com.

SPRING FLING

April 27, 5:30pm

Are you ready for a party? Last year, Spring Fling attracted almost 700 kids and parents. We look forward to another successful event this year and we need your help.

Join us for a Spring Fling planning meeting on Monday, March 19, at 2:00pm in the front conference room. Come help us plan a party!

Great Schools Feedback Needed

COMMUNITY BUSINESS PARTNERS

Our Community Business Partners generously support our school and public education. Please take a minute to click on the logos below and visit their websites.

MORE SSKY INFORMATION

Always start your shopping with this Amazon link to credit our school with over 6% of your purchase!

SSKY PTO Website

Sonoran Sky Website

PVSchools District Website

Infinite Campus Gradebook

Want all the latest SSKY News? Follow us!

We love you. Never delete this.

Visit our website

02.26.18 |

STEM Night is March 7th! See you there!

Come to STEM Night

March 7th 6-8pm

STEM Night

Wednesday, March 7th

6- 8pm

Come to STEM Night! We’ve got hands-on activities, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, birds, lasers, egg drops, kids, volcanoes, elephant toothpaste, slime, scavenger hunts, ice cream, and lots of fun!

We need YOU to VOLUNTEER. We need 2 delegates per CLASS – only 45 min/person and your kids can help, too!

www.signupgenius.com/go/ 9040b44a9ae2ba46-stem2

Early Release and Lunch at Potbelly Tuesday 2/27

School gets out at 12:30 on Tuesday and the kids will be HUNGRY!

Visit Potbelly for lunch and 25% of the proceeds will be donated to Sonoran Sky!

SSKY CALENDAR

Monday, Feb. 26

Last Day for K-4 to register for Science Fair

Tuesday, Feb 27

Early Release, 12:30pm

Potbelly Dine-Around

Sports Team Spirit Day

Wednesday, Feb 28

Spring Fling Meeting, 8:45am

Last day for PILOTS Shoebox Donations

Thursday, March 1

Intermediate Field Day

School Tour, 9:15am

Placement Forms Available

Friday, March 2

Spirit Day

Saturday-Sunday, March 3 & 4

Sights and Sounds of PV

Tuesday, March 6

PTO Meeting, 7:45am

UPC Linc Event, 6-8pm

Wednesday, March 7

K-4th Grade Science Fair

STEM Night, 6-8pm

K-4 SCIENCE FAIR

LAST DAY TO REGISTER! March 7th is the Kindergarten through 4th grade science fair! Participating students will bring their projects to school Wednesday morning, March 7th. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals will be awarded and winners will be recognized at STEM Night. Due to the incredible response, awards will be given in the following brackets:

Kindergarten

1st Grade

2nd Grade

3rd Grade

4th Grade

Congratulations 5th and 6th Grade

5th and 6th Graders participated in the Science Fair on Thursday, February 22nd. They explored diverse topics like slime, sunscreen, and acid rain and studied blood, video games, and baseball. Stop by the library on STEM Night to see their terrific projects. Several of these students are moving on to the next competition. Stay tuned for updates as we follow them on their journey.

Who will be at STEM Night?

All of these amazing businesses, and more, will be on campus MARCH 7th for STEM Night! Mark your calendars now and get ready for some amazing demonstrations and hands-on experiences!

For more information about STEM Night 2018, visit our webpage at SSKYPTO.COM/STEMNIGHT

Come watch the sky with us! Come look through telescopes and enjoy a slide presentation under the stars. Learn the names of stars, see the constellations, and listen to stories of the night sky.

http://www.stargazingforeveryone.com/SFE-Public.htm

Science Matters in America offers STEM programs to elementary age students with inquiry and hands on activities.

http://sciencematters.tv/regions/region/7

Don’t wait for symptoms and other telltale signs of undetected health issues. Be proactive and pay us a visit at SmartScan Preventative Health Screening.

http://www.1smartscan.com/

SAVE THESE APRIL DATES!

ART WALK

APRIL 16, 6pm-8pm

Mark your calendars for an evening of art, music, and a “walk in the park”. The 9th annual Sonoran Sky Art Walk will showcase artwork from every student and musical performances from our strings orchestra.

Art Walk will also open our Spring Book Fair so be sure to stop by and pick up a few favorites (and, spend the Dawson Dollars your student earned for participating in the Science Fair!)

If you’d like to be part of Art Walk, please contact news@sskypto.com. If books are your thing, join the Bookfair Committee at bookfair@sskypto.com.

SPRING FLING

April 27, 5:30pm

Are you ready for a party? Last year, Spring Fling attracted almost 700 kids and parents. We look forward to another successful event this year and we need your help.

Join us for a Spring Fling Planning Meeting Wednesday, February 28, at 8:45am in the front conference room. Come help us plan a party!

MARCH 6TH PTO MEETING AND BYLAW UPDATE

You’re invited to the March 6th PTO meeting at 7:45am in the library. Childcare is provided until the playground opens, or just bring the kids with you!

What will we be talking about? Lots of stuff including, STEM Night, Art Walk, Spring Fling and we will be discussing and voting on our revised BYLAWS. You can read them here.

DID YOU TAKE THE SURVEY???

What did you think of Cantina Night? We’d love to hear your thoughts – take our survey here

SSKY Happenings

Yearbook Orders

Don’t forget to order your yearbook! Last day to buy them for the current price of $65 is April 1st! No kidding!

Do you have a 6th grader? Don’t forget to submit your dedication (or two or three!)

Shoebox Ministries

Due to low donations, PILOTS is extending the final donation date to Wednesday, February 28th.

The Shoebox Ministry is in need of travel size toiletries and shoe boxes for packing.

Check out these “Shoebox Recipes”.

Suggestion Box

Do You Have a Great Idea to Share?

We’re always looking for new ideas and ways to improve our PTO.

If you have a positive idea to share, please drop a note in our

anonymous suggestion box.

https://sskypto.com/about/suggestionbox/

COMMUNITY BUSINESS PARTNERS

Our Community Business Partners generously support our school and public education. Please take a minute to click on the logos below and visit their websites.

MORE SSKY INFORMATION

Always start your shopping with this Amazon link to credit our school with over 6% of your purchase!

SSKY PTO Website

Sonoran Sky Website

PVSchools District Website

Infinite Campus Gradebook

Want all the latest SSKY News? Follow us!

We love you. Never delete this.

Visit our website

02.12.18 |

February Happenings…

Help Wanted!

Hey all you book-lovers out there!

We are looking for a CO-CHAIR

for our FALL USED BOOK SALE!

The Fall used book sale takes place in

September or October.

This is a volunteer commitment AT-SCHOOL.

This person will work with our current

Used Book Sale Chair who will have a

6th grader next year.

(Used Book Sale takes place every two years)

We are also looking for someone to

work with our SKY WRITERS CHAIR

and learn the trade to eventually take this on.

Sky Writers is a terrifically

autonomous independent volunteer

gig that can be done largely from home.

This person will work closely with teachers to help

our kids publish their own books!

Interested in either volunteer role? Contact president@sskypto.com

SSKY CALENDAR

Thursday, Feb. 15

Intermediate Field Day

Friday, Feb. 16

Spirit Day

Monday, Feb. 19

NO SCHOOL

School Playdate 10:30 am- 12pm

Wednesday, Feb. 21

Last Day for 5/6th Grade to register for Science Fair

Thursday, Feb. 22

5th &6th Grade Science Fair Primary Fun Day

Monday, Feb. 26

Last Day for K-4 to register for Science Fair

Tuesday, Feb 27

Early Release, 12:30pm

Potbelly Dine-Around

Wednesday, March 7

K-4th Grade Science Fair

STEM Night, 6-8pm

CANTINA NIGHT WAS GREAT!

Thank you to everyone who who participated in Cantina Night and the Silent Auction. We are still tabulating the totals, but it’s safe to say this was one of our most successful years!

A big THANK YOU to the entire Cantina Night Committee, headed by Mrs. Melanie Halpert, and a special thanks to The Salty Senorita and the Bauer Family for the great venue.

Congratulations Auction Winners! If you bid on something and won, you will be contacted by a volunteer to arrange a pick-up time. You can also stop by the PTO office between 2:45 – 3:15 on Tuesday February 13 to claim your item. If you won a special experience for your child, you’ll be contacted with the details soon!

THE FUN’S NOT OVER YET! We have a few remaining items available NOW to the first buyer! This is NOT AN AUCTION – these are INSTANT BUYS! First one to click “buy now” gets them! HURRY.

NEW ITEMS include 2nd ROW SEATS FOR KINDERGARTEN CULMINATION, PILOTS CULMINATION AND SING AMERICA SING see INSTANT BUYS #s 305 – 309.

Also, ALL of our remaining auction items and experiences are available as INSTANT BUYS NOW!

You should definitely check this out, ESPECIALLY since a handful of our teachers still have available experiences!

If you want to register text cantinanight18 to 24700.

What did you think of Cantina Night? We’d love to hear your thoughts – take our survey here

FAMILY SPONSORS

Thank You to our Cantina Night Family Sponsors:

Emily & Santiago Duarte

Alison & Michael Feinberg

Marisa & Aaron Friedman

Cindy & Jon Sigona

DID YOU TAKE THE SURVEY???

PVUSD has extended the deadline for the

annual K-12 Parent Satisfaction survey.

The survey will remain open until Sunday, February 19th at midnight.

If you’ve already taken the survey, thank you.

No additional action is necessary. If you haven’t,

please complete the survey as soon as possible.

Below is the link to access the survey.

LINK

SSKY Happenings

Yearbook Orders

Well, the school year is half over… can you believe it ?!?!

If you haven’t done so already please order your yearbook at www.sskypto.com/yearbook. The yearbook committee is

still looking for pictures of all students, as well as for

6th grade parents to provide their dedications.

School Wide Play-date

There is no school on Monday, February 19th so it seems like the perfect day to have a school wide play-date. Please meet at Northsight Park at 10:30am.

Bring anything you’d like, but please note that this is

not a drop-off. Parents must stay with their child(ren).

* Northsight Park is located at 8400 E. Thunderbird Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Birthday in a Box

Let us help take some of the stress and guess work out of bringing in school-approved birthday treats. Pre-order your child’s birthday treats today and cross this off your to-do list. A few clicks and you’re all done with school birthday treat planning and shopping! Click here to place your order.

Suggestion Box

Do You Have a Great Idea to Share?

We’re always looking for new ideas and ways to improve our PTO.

If you have a positive idea to share, please drop a note in our

anonymous suggestion box.

https://sskypto.com/about/suggestionbox/

Thank You for all Your Help!

THANK YOU to the lunchtime volunteers, to the teachers, lunchroom aides and staff, and to you, SSKY parents, for teaching about and discussing with our students how to be stewards of the planet through their lunchtime recycling efforts! We hope that they will continue to care and to make a small difference in the lunchroom each and every school day!

Congratulations!

President Elect – Alyce Neal

(*one year term as PE to be immediately followed by a two year term as President)

Secretary – Faydra Huntingford

Treasurer – Michelle Jaleeli

Co-VP, Fundraising - Kristina Brown

Chair, PTO Enrichment – Kyla Johnson

Co-Chairs, Hospitality – Anita Elton & Jen Burns

Chair, Wonderland – Michele Carroll

Chair, Volunteers - Kerri Bauer

United Parent Council – Marisha Geraghty

STEM NIGHT – Community Business Partners

All of these amazing businesses, and more, will be on campus MARCH 7th for STEM Night! Mark your calendars now and get ready for some amazing demonstrations and hands-on experiences!

For more information about STEM Night 2018, visit our webpage at SSKYPTO.COM/STEMNIGHT

Come watch the sky with us! Come look through telescopes and enjoy a slide presentation under the stars. Learn the names of stars, see the constellations, and listen to stories of the night sky.

http://www.stargazingforeveryone.com/SFE-Public.htm

Science Matters in America offers STEM programs to elementary age students with inquiry and hands on activities

After school clubs
Summer camps
Science assemblies and class visits

http://sciencematters.tv/regions/region/7

Don’t wait for symptoms and other telltale signs of undetected health issues. Be proactive and pay us a visit at SmartScan Preventative Health Screening. Our health care services are affordable, and you do not need a doctor’s prescription to be able to undergo ultrasound tests.

http://www.1smartscan.com/

MORE SSKY INFORMATION

Always start your shopping with this Amazon link to credit our school with over 6% of your purchase!

SSKY PTO Website

Sonoran Sky Website

PVSchools District Website

Infinite Campus Gradebook

Want all the latest SSKY News? Follow us!

We love you. Never delete this.

Visit our website

01.29.18 |

Don’t Miss Out on Cantina Night!

Everything Cantina Night!

Cantina Night is less than TWO WEEKS away!! Join us at Salty Senorita on Saturday, Feb. 10 from 7-10 pm. We’ll eat. We’ll drink. We’ll have grown-up conversations!

Have you…?

Purchased your Tickets? $40 now/$50 at the door. Online ticket sales end Tuesday, Feb. 6. Get your tickets HERE.
Sent in your silent auction donation? Click here for donor form and here for donor letter.
Booked a Sitter?
No sitter? No Problem! Drop your kiddos off at one of the Kids’ Night Out events being held by our Community Business Partners.
Kids’ Night Out at Dreamteam Academy from 6:30-10:30 pm. $40 per child and includes dinner, dessert, games and fun! (Siblings $35) Call 480-800-8326 or mimi@dreamteamacademy.com to reserve your spot.
Kids’ Night Out at Xtreme Gymnastics from 6-10:30 pm. $24 per child/$58 per family and includes gymnastics fun and games. Click HERE to reserve your spot.

SSKY CALENDAR

Monday, Jan. 29 – Feb. 2

Conference Week

Wednesday, Jan. 31

Cantina Night Meeting, 9 am

Thursday, Feb. 1

School Tour, 9:15 am

Early Release, 12:30 pm

Kindergarten Round-Up, 5:45 pm

School Registration Begins

Friday, Feb. 2

Early Release, 12:30 pm

Spirit Day

Saturday, Feb. 3

District 5k

Tuesday, Feb. 6

PTO Meeting, 7:45 am

Coffee with the Principal, 9 am

Saturday, Feb. 10

Cantina Night, 7 pm

STEM NIGHT

‌

Student Showcase! Hands-On Family Fun! Science and Tech Demonstrations! Food Trucks!

STEM Night is coming up on March 7, 2018 and WE NEED YOUR HELP and participation to make this our best yet. There are opportunities for students and adults alike.

For Students: 5th and 6th Graders must register before February 21st. Kinder – 4th Graders must register before February 26th. Register HERE.

For Parents: We are looking for “STEM Professional” judges AND volunteers for the night of the event. Sign-up HERE.

For full details, check last week’s Friday Folder or visit sskypto.com/stemnight

Be in the Know – Ways to Stay Connected

There are several ways to stay current on school activities. PTO meetings are full of information. Our next PTO meeting is being held on Tuesday, February 6th at 7:45 am in the library. As always, students are welcome to hang out in Mrs. Day’s classroom until the playground is open at 8:25 am.

The newsletter is great for a monthly overview of activities. We’ll let you know everything that’s going on and direct you to where you need to go for even more information.

If you want to know the latest information, the PTO’s Twitter feed and Facebook page are your best options. You do not have to have an account to access the school’s or the PTO’s Twitter, but if you do, you’ll automatically receive the most current news from SSKY.

Important Announcements

Kindergarten Round-Up & Registration

Kindergarten Round-Up for the 2018-2019 school year will take place on Thursday, February 1st from 5:45-7 pm. Please share this date with family and friends of our littlest learners who are ready to start school this fall. Kindergarten registration is going online for the first time! Be on the lookout for more information about this process very soon. Registration for the 2018-2019 school year also begins on February 1st.

Enrichment Classes Starting Soon

Enrichment registration has closed and we are excited for classes to start soon. Most classes start week of February 6th. Check your schedules!

These classes are a “go” but may have room: Kinder FUNdamentals, Coloring to the Beat, Cooking w/ Numbers, Facilitated Dialogue, Handwriting/Journal Writing- Tue, Cursive, Drama, Quilting 101, Coding Game Design, Math Masters. Contact enrichment@sskypto.com if you are interested in signing up your child.

These classes are a “GO” and are SOLD OUT: Kids Creations, Nature Club, Paint & Paper, Reader’s Theater (starts week of February 13th).

Congratulations to Our Geography Bee Winner

CONGRATULATIONS to all of our students who participated in the Geography Bee on Friday!

A BIG Congratulations to our winner Rex Twibell! We’re super proud of you!

Good Luck at the District 5k

Our District 5k run/walk is being held on Saturday, February 3rd. Good luck to all students and families participating. We look forward to seeing you there!

Leave Feedback at Great Schools

Purim Carnival at The J

You’re invited to our Community Business Partner and neighbor, the JCC’s, signature spring event! Rides, games, teen zone, beer garden, local performances & more! We encourage you to come out for this fun, family-friendly community event.

For tickets and discounts, visit vosjcc.org/purim2018.

Community Business Partners

Our Community Business Partners generously support our school and public education. Please take a minute to click on the logos below and visit their websites.

Seth Korey proudly partners with Sonoran Sky to provide tennis lessons and camps. Check out their upcoming Spring Break camp HERE.

Judy Hudek, Professional Realtor –

Sonoran Sky Parent & PTO Supporter.

Let her help you buy or sell a home

and upon closing, I will help you support our school with a $1,000 donation to the PTO.

https://www.realtyonegroup.com/realestateagent/judy-hudek-5868558

Storybook Entertainment understands that every child, boy or girl, deserves a dream come true on their birthday. Storybook Entertainment will make your child’s dream reality!

Your neighborhood pizzeria serving Neapolitan style pizzas,

using family recipes, with fresh ingredients, personalized just for you!

pizzayourway.com

MORE SSKY INFORMATION

Always start your shopping with this Amazon link to credit our school with over 6% of your purchase!

SSKY PTO Website

Sonoran Sky Website

PVSchools District Website

Infinite Campus Gradebook

Want all the latest SSKY News? Follow us!

We love you. Never delete this.

Visit our website

01.16.18 |

The Recycling Program is Almost Here…

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

Lunchtime Recycling Is Coming to

SSKY on January 22nd!

More than half of what we throw away can be recycled. Recycling conserves landfill space, preserves natural resources and controls rising waste disposal costs. Sonoran Sky is excited to kick off a lunchtime recycling program on Monday, January 22. Our students have been learning about recycling at school. Here’s what you can do to help!

#1 AT HOME discuss recycling with your child(ren)

Lunch recyclable materials:

Paper: cardboard containers, food boxes, brown paper lunch bags, juice boxes, milk boxes

Plastic: all hard plastic containers, including plastic jugs, cups and bottles (with or without caps)

Glass: bottles and jars

Metal: aluminum drink cans, food cans

Not recyclable: styrofoam products, straws, plasticware, plastic bags, apple sauce squeeze packets, snack wrappers, foil seal lids, chip bags, bar wrappers, juice packets (i.e. Capri Sun)

#2 AT SCHOOL volunteer to help students

recycle in the cafeteria

We need parent volunteers to help students sort their lunchtime waste and get things put into the correct receptacles. There are time slots for each hour of lunch from Monday, January 22 to Wednesday, January 31. Please sign up to volunteer during your child(ren)’s lunchtime!

SSKY CALENDAR

Tuesday, Jan. 16

Homework Club starts, 3:15 pm

Wednesday, Jan. 17

School Tour, 1:30 pm

Thursday, Jan. 18

By-law Meeting, 8:30 am

Friday, Jan. 19

Wonderland Work Day, 9am

Monday, Jan. 22

School Council, 3:30 pm

Tuesday, Jan. 23

Pajama Day!

Early Release, 12:30 pm

Portillo Dine Around, 11 am-8 pm

New Family Orientation, 6 pm

Night Out @ Postino, 7:30 pm

Cantina Night Parents’ Night Out

The Cantina Night Committee is still looking for local donors.

Click here for donor form and here for donor letter.

A Few Reminders

PTO Enrichment Registration

To register for Spring Enrichment go to www.sskypto.com.

Popular classes sell out

FAST and many classes are

limited to the first 6 students to register.

Classes start the week of February 5th.

.Thurs. January 18th

8:30 – 9:30am

School Library

Bylaw revision discussion and meeting. Join us to review and update our PTO Bylaws. All members of our community are welcome. No legal or parliamentarian background required.

New Family Orientation

January 23rd

New to Sonoran Sky? WELCOME!!! We’re SO glad you are here! You’ve probably got a million questions and we’d love to get them answered for you. Please join Mr. Dawson and members of our PTO Executive Board at a short New Family Orientation on Tuesday, January 23rd at 6pm.

Join us for a Night Out

January 23rd @ 7:30pm

Come meet other new families at Sonoran Sky’s social night out. Following the new parent orientation we have a spot saved for Sonoran Sky families at Postino’s in Kierland. All families are invited, new and seasoned.

Want a T-shirt?

Don’t you love our school t-shirts? We’ll be selling the remaining inventory this WEDNESDAY in the PTO office from 2:30-3:30pm! Stop by and pick one up! Shirts range in price from $16-$25.

This Month’s Dine Around

A Big Thank You to…

We have so many people to thank for helping us provide a Holiday Lunch for the teachers and staff. Thanks to Courtney Pruitt for the awesome decorations; Petra Sullivan for the Mashed Potato Bar; Karen Twibell, Tricia Zich, Allison Kierman, Mary Hatsakorzian, Shannon Boivin, Petra Sullivan, Vivian Hummitzsch, Amy Rhodes, Gwen Gorlin, Myria Kniffen, Kelley Crandall, Nikki Coburn, Sarah Levin, Courtney Pruitt, Becky Schroepfer, Rachael Mikalsky and Liz Vaisben for the salads, desserts, and chili; and Ernea Crown, Sarah Levin, Courtney Pruitt and Michelle Stewart for setting up, serving and cleaning up. We appreciate you all!

Community Business Partners

Our Community Business Partners generously support our school and public education. Please take a minute to click on the logos below and visit their websites.

AZ Water Solutions specializes in the installation and replacement of “green” salt-free whole house filtration systems, water softeners, whole house carbon filter systems, reverse osmosis systems, and hot water re-circulation pumps.

All About Dance Company dancers range in age from six to seventeen years old. These talented dancers compete in several local dance competitions & conventions throughout the Valley.

MORE SSKY INFORMATION

Always start your shopping with this Amazon link to credit our school with over 6% of your purchase!

SSKY PTO Website

Sonoran Sky Website

PVSchools District Website

Infinite Campus Gradebook

Want all the latest SSKY News? Follow us!

We love you. Never delete this.

Visit our website

12.18.17 |

New Spirit Wear is Here: Order by Dec. 20

We’ve Got Spirit!

How ‘Bout You?

New winter spirit wear is HERE and it is so GOOD!

New, long sleeve designs for both kids and adults have been added to the spirit wear line-up. Get your own Thunderbird shirt – perfect for volunteering and field trips.

It’s important to hurry. Orders must be placed by December 20. To shop, visit sskypto.com/shop

Items will be delivered to the classroom the week of January 8th.

A flyer with all styles and prices can be found HERE.

On The Topic of Shopping…

Did you know that our school can receive up to 10% back from every Amazon purchase? Always start your shopping with this Amazon link to credit our school.

SSKY CALENDAR

Tuesday, Dec. 19

Band Concert, 7pm

Wednesday, Dec. 20

School Tour, 1:30pm

Spirit Wear Orders Due

Thursday, Dec. 21

Last Day of Homework Club

Friday, Dec. 22

Semester Ends

Spirit Day

Monday, Dec. 25 – Friday,

Jan. 5

Winter Break, No School

Saturday, Dec.30

Last Day for Early Bird Cantina Night Ticket Price

Monday, Jan. 8

School Resumes

Spring Enrichment Class Enrollment Begins

Tuesday, Jan. 9

PTO Meeting, 7:45am

Friday, Jan. 12

Resolve to Get Involved PTO Breakfast, 9am

Thank You From the SSOS Team

Thanks to the entire Sonoran Sky community for a successful Giving Tree event! Together, we packed more than 50 boxes filled with non-perishable food, 50 bags with toiletries, and 80 children will receive wrapped toys and books thanks to your generosity!

There are too many people to thank individually, but we are grateful to everyone who participated. Thank you to those who “adopted” children and anonymously donated food and toiletries. When we were short specific items, you spread the word and you responded, bringing in whole cases of shampoo or cereal or pasta sauce. Many of you offered to do even more, tallying up items on the floor of the PTO office, showing up to fill boxes and wrap gifts, and delivering all that we collected and packed to the very grateful team at Cactus View.

Resolve to Get Involved

Be in the Know…

HELP WANTED: JOBS AVAILABLE

Please help spread the word that we have some job openings at school. Mr. Dawson is looking for a few new duty aides to work with our children. Click HERE for the job description and to apply online.

SPRING ENRICHMENT COMING SOON

Spring Enrichment is coming soon. Check your child’s Friday Folders this week for the Spring Enrichment class catalog. We have terrific classes planned for the spring, including art, STEM, and sports offerings. Enrollment begins Monday, January 8th and classes start the week of February 5th.

SCHOOL-WIDE PLAY DATE FEB. 19TH

Did you miss out on the last school play date? You’re in luck. Save the date for another ambassador play date, which will take place on Monday, February 19th. Keep on the look-out for more details coming soon.

CANTINA NIGHT: EARLY BIRD TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Cantina Night tickets are on sale now. This fun, parents only fundraising event will take place the evening of Saturday, February 10th. This event Sold Out last year, so make sure to buy your tickets early! Hurry, early bird pricing ends December 30th and prices will increase to $40/ticket.

Click here to buy Cantina Night Tickets!

Community Business Partners

Our Community Business Partners generously support our school and public education. Please take a minute to click on the logos below and visit their websites.

What better way to start the new year than by cleansing your home from the chaos of clutter? Professional organizer Danielle Wurth and her team can help transform your clutter and start enjoying your space.

Visit WurthOrganizing.com for more information.

Looking for a last minute holiday gift or a good night’s sleep? Tuft & Needle will donate 25% of your total order to our school.

Visit tuftandneedle.com/givesback to explore their wonderful product line.

MORE SSKY INFORMATION

Always start your shopping with this Amazon link to credit our school with over 6% of your purchase!

SSKY PTO Website

Sonoran Sky Website

PVSchools District Website

Infinite Campus Gradebook

Want all the latest SSKY News? Follow us!

We love you. Never delete this.

Visit our website

12.04.17 |

Cantina Night Tickets are on Sale NOW!!!

Tickets are on SALE NOW

Sonoran Sky Families:

Make sure your Calendars are marked for

a Parents Night Out and School Fundraiser on Saturday, February 10th.

This is guaranteed to be a fun night out

while helping our fantastic school!

Early Bird Tickets go on Sale

TODAY through December 31^st.

CLICK HERE to BUY TICKETS NOW

Be on the lookout for

Silent Auction Donor Letters

in your email in the coming weeks.

We are looking for great items.

SSKY CALENDAR

Tuesday, December 5

PTO Meeting, 8am

Early Release, 12:30pm

School Playdate, 12:30pm

My Pie Dine Around, All Day

Spirit Day, wear ugly sweater

Wednesday, December 6

SSOS, drop-off unwrapped gifts

Spelling Bee, practice 8am

Thursday, December 7

Kendra Scott Party, 5-8pm

Friday, December 8

Spelling Bee, 9am

Saturday, December 9

Boxing & Wrapping Event 1-4

Monday, Dec. 25 – Friday, Jan. 5

Winter Break, No School

Don’t Miss These Dates!

Get ready for a dine-around! My Pie is donating 20% of all sales to SSKY PTO on Tuesday, Dec. 5th. It’s also a half-day so come for lunch or dinner. My Pie is located at 12601 N. Tatum, next to Sprouts. For the flyer, click HERE.

Grab your girls and join us for a Kendra Scott gives back event. Enjoy sips, sweets, and jewels. Thursday, Dec. 7th, 5-8pm. Kendra Scott at Scottsdale Quarter. For the flyer, click HERE.

Join us for an ALL SCHOOL play-date on our next Early Release day. Order some My Pie, pick up your kiddos and meet us after at Northsight Park on Dec. 5th.

Are you a STEM professional? Be a role model or a facilitator on March 7th for STEM night here at Sonoran Sky.

Contact Candice Gimbel to get involved anyway you can.

More than 1,000 members of the PV community will run/walk at a district 5K at Horizon High School on Saturday, Feb. 3rd. All are invited to attend regardless of athletic ability or age. For more info, click here.

We’re looking for someone to captain the SSKY team If interested, contact Alison Feinberg.

Drop-off labeled, unwrapped gifts, food, and toiletry items

by Wednesday, Dec. 6th.

Click here for more info

Come to the Boxing & Wrapping Party

on Saturday, Dec. 9th from 1 to 4pm.

Spelling Bee

Good luck to The Spelling Bee Participants!

The Spelling Bee will be on

Friday December 8th from 9 to 11.

PTO Meeting Info

Tuesday, Dec. 5th @ 8am

you are invited to our

LAST PTO meeting of 2017

IN WONDERLAND!

So grab your to-go cup of coffee, a sweater and your sunglasses and join us in the garden.

We’ll be talking about RAT, voting on the budget to start the playground project,

discussing open PTO positions and the spring election,

introducing the recycling project, and so much more!

Check out our agenda for so much more.

https://sskypto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/December-Board-Meeting-Agenda-2017-18-SSKY-PTO.pdf

Seriously, who else gets to hold their December meeting in a

beautiful outdoor garden complete with butterflies and flowers?!?

Community Business Partners

Our Community Business Partners generously support our school and public education. Please take a minute to click on the logos below and visit their websites.

Give your child the academic advantage to compete in today’s world.

www.kumon.com/scottsdale-shea-scottsdale

Tuft & needle will give participating

schools 25% of the profit from every mattress sold using the link below.

http://tinyurl.com/tuftandneedle-fundraiser

MORE SSKY INFORMATION

Always start your shopping with this Amazon link to credit our school with over 6% of your purchase!

SSKY PTO Website

Sonoran Sky Website

PVSchools District Website

Infinite Campus Gradebook

Want all the latest SSKY News? Follow us!

We love you. Never delete this.

Visit our website

11.20.17 |

SSOS Giving Tree 2017 Starts TODAY!

A Season of Giving

SSOS 2017 Giving Tree

This season, adopt a child or help supply bridge boxes to make a happy holiday for kids at our Title I sister school Cactus View Elementary.

Important Giving Tree Dates

Adoptions begin via Sign Up Genius – TODAY, Monday, Nov. 20th
Drop off labeled, unwrapped gifts – by Wednesday, Dec. 6th
Drop off food and toiletry items – by Wednesday, Dec. 6th
Boxing & Wrapping Party – Saturday, Dec. 9th, 1-4pm

Please provide your adopted child with one toy and one book. The suggested gift amount per child is $25. Please label your gifts, but leave them unwrapped. Enclose each child’s donations in a single bag or box, if possible.

Gifts are Great, Food is Essential

Additionally, we are collecting food and toiletry items to build “Bridge Boxes” of food for the winter break. 70% of CVES students are provided with free and reduced lunch, and also receive breakfast at school. When school is not in session, many of them go without regular meals. Help us provide food security to these children with donations of food that are non-perishable, require minimum kitchen preparation, and can be eaten at room temperature.

For more information on suggested donations, please click HERE.

SSKY CALENDAR

Wednesday, November 22-Friday, November 24

Thanksgiving Holiday, No School

Friday, November 24

Last Day for RAT Donations

Monday, November 27-Friday, December 8

Giving Tree Event

Tuesday, November 28

Talent Show Dress Rehearsal, 3:30-5:30pm

Thursday, November 30

School Tour, 1:30pm

Talent Show, 6-8pm

Friday, December 1

Open Early Bird Enrollment Ends

Tuesday, December 5

PTO Meeting, 8am

Early Release, 12:30pm

School Playdate, 12:30pm

My Pie Dine-Around, All Day

Thursday, December 7

Kendra Scott Party, 5-8pm

Monday, December 25 – Friday, January 5

Winter Break, No School

Sky’s The Limit Dress Rehearsal

We are looking forward to our upcoming Sky’s The Limit talent performance on Thursday, Nov. 30th. Thank you to everyone who returned their permission forms.

Please remember there is a MANDATORY DRESS REHEARSAL on Tuesday, Nov. 28th from 3:30-5:30pm on the Cafeteria Stage.

All acts will be rehearsed in the correct show order with all costumes and props.

Contact the Talent Show Co-chairs with questions – Kerri Bauer and Stephanie Mindlin

RAT Raises over $55,000

Kids Read Over 620,000 Minutes

To say RAT was a success is an understatement… we blew it out of the water!!!

As a school, we raised $55,377.80 and read 620,302 minutes. That makes us the nation’s #1 grossing elementary school in Read-a-Thon’s history. Way to go SSKY!

We have supporters still making donations and the link is still live. Be sure to get final donations in before Friday, Nov 24th.

Some other important upcoming RAT dates:

Limo Lunch – Monday, Nov. 20, 11:30am-1pm at My Pie
Glow Dance Party with Kona Ice – Tuesday, Nov. 21, 1:45-2:30pm in the cafeteria… Wear White!

We would love to hear your RAT feedback. Can you answer this short survey to let us know what you thought of RAT? Click HERE.

For a list of our student RAT winners as well as a long list of the amazing parents and community business partners and donors that helped make this fundraiser such a success, please click HERE.

Congratulations Chess Team

Congratulations to the Sonoran Sky K-3 and K-6 chess teams. Both teams took 3rd place at the Best of Phoenix Chess Tournament this weekend. Way to go to represent our school! We are proud of you!

Don’t Miss These Dates!

Grab your girls and join us for a Kendra Scott gives back event. Enjoy sips, sweets, and jewels. Thursday, Dec. 7th, 5-8pm. Kendra Scott at Scottsdale Quarter. For the flyer, click HERE.

Join us for an ALL SCHOOL playdate on our next Early Release day. Order some My Pie, pick up your kiddos and meet us after school at Northsight Park on Tuesday, Dec. 5th.

The Sonoran Sky Yearbook is currently $28. That price increases on Friday, Dec. 1st. Don’t delay, order your yearbook today!

Open early bird enrollment is ending soon. Our school is currently accepting open enrollment for the 2018-19 school year. For students living outside school boundaries, applications will need to be submitted prior to the Friday, Dec. 1st deadline. More info can be found HERE.

More than 1000 members of the PV community will run/walk at a district 5k at Horizon High School on Saturday, Feb. 3rd. All are invited to attend regardless of athletic ability or age. For more info, click HERE.

We’re looking for someone to captain the SSKY team. If interested, contact Alison Feinberg.

Mark your calendars for our parents Night Out and School Fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 10th.

This is guaranteed to be a fun night out while helping our fantastic school! Early Bird tickets will go on sale in December and regular tickets in January.

Be on the lookout for Silent Auction Donor Letters in your email in the coming weeks. We are still looking for great items. For the Save the Date, click HERE.

PTO Open Positions

We’re looking for volunteers to fill the following positions. Elected positions are generally two-year commitments and we are planning to hold the election early spring.

Thank you to everyone who has already expressed interest or self-nominated. We appreciate you. If YOU are interested in ANY of these positions, please contact Alison Feinberg.

Open Executive Board Positions

President Elect

Secretary

Treasurer

VP Fundraising Co-Chair

Open PTO Board Positions (elected positions)

Enrichment

Wonderland

Volunteer Chair

UPC

Open Non-Elected Positions

External Grants

Book Fair

Feedback Needed

Leave your Review of SSKY on Great Schools

Enrollment for 2018-19 is underway and we need your help reaching out to new families who are interested in joining the SSKY community next year!

Write a review at www.greatschools.org explaining why you love Sonoran Sky. Your review is anonymous and only takes a few moments. Review our school by clicking HERE.

The SSKY PTO Suggestion Box

Do you have a great idea to share? We’re always looking for new ideas and feedback about our events. If you have a positive idea to share, please drop a note in our anonymous suggestion box. sskypto.com/about/suggestionbox/

PV Schools Survey for School Calendar

Do you have feedback on the school schedule? A calendar committee consisting of representatives from all stakeholder groups is charged with the task of developing school calendars for the 2019 through 2023 school years. Check your email for a link to a quick, three question survey or click HERE.

Community Business Partners

Our Community Business Partners generously support our school and public education. Please take a minute to click on the logos below and visit their websites.

Looking for a camp this winter break? The JCC has you covered with “Winter Break Fun Days & Camps.”

Dec. 26-29 & Jan. 2-5 | 9am-3pm

Members: $160/week, $50/day per child Guests: $240/week, $75/day per child

www.vosjcc.org/youth

Girl Scouts is the best girl leadership organization in the world, created with and for girls. Girl Scouts offers a one-of-a-kind experience for girls with a program tailored specifically to their unique developmental needs.

www.girlscoutsaz.org

MORE SSKY INFORMATION

Always start your shopping with this Amazon link to credit our school with over 6% of your purchase!

SSKY PTO Website

Sonoran Sky Website

PVSchools District Website

Infinite Campus Gradebook

Want all the latest SSKY News? Follow us!

We love you. Never delete this.

Visit our website

11.09.17 |

Log Your RAT Minutes and Pledges by 10pm Monday!

Read-a-Thon Success

We are very proud to announce that we met our original goal of raising $20,000 to continue funding existing programs*. THANK YOU!!!!

BUT, WE’RE NOT DONE!

LOG ALL MINUTES AND DONATIONS BY 10PM

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13

READ-A-THON is not over and we’d love to accomplish TWO MORE GOALS with this fundraiser before MONDAY AT 10PM:

1) NEW GOAL! Raise an additional $30,000 to finance our new playground project; and;

2) Read a combined total of 500,000 minutes in two weeks! That’s HALF A MILLION MINUTES!

This additional money will go towards funding our new playground project! And, if we reach HALF A MILLION MINUTES, we’ll have a surprise prize for ALL our readers!

KEEP READING! KEEP FUNDRAISING! WE CAN MEET ALL OUR GOALS!

*Funding existing programs each year is one of the PTO’s primary goals. To meet this goal, each major fundraiser, (Team Thunderbird, RAT, and Cantina Night) is tasked with raising a portion of the funds necessary to maintain existing programming. When that fundraiser reaches its goal, the PTO is able to allocate additional funds to other programs.

SSKY CALENDAR

Monday, November 13

Last Day of RAT

Log minutes & donations by 10pm

Talent Show Screenings

Tuesday, November 14

Student Only Finale Rally

Talent Show Screenings

Wednesday, November 15

Picture Retake Day

Wednesday, November 22-Friday, November 24

Thanksgiving Holiday, No School

Thursday, November 30

Talent Show, 6-8pm

Monday, December 25 – Friday, January 5

Winter Break, No School

The Playground Project

The PTO has already approved and committed funds to partially pay for the playground project. But, because this is a really big and expensive project, it was designed as a multi-year, multi-phase endeavor. Splitting the project into phases, as originally planned, means that only a few new pieces will be added each year as the PTO raises the necessary money.

READ-A-THON can speed the multi-year process up! Because READ-A-THON already met the goal necessary to fund existing programs, additional funds will go towards the playground project!

***These are potential playground designs. We are waiting for final District approvals.

Read-A-Thon’s Last Days

Raffle Prizes

Students earn raffle tickets for every 100 minutes they read and every $25 they raise.

Final RAT Activities

November 13 – Last Day, Log all minutes and donations by 10pm

November 14 – Student Only Finale Rally

November 17 - Free Recess Time

November 17 – Ice Cream Sandwich Party

November 20 – Limo Lunch

November 21 – Glow Dance Party, during school hours

Check out the full RAT schedule here!

Save the Date for these Events

Cantina Night – February 10, 2018

Join us for a fabulous Adults Night Out in Old Town Scottsdale on Saturday, February 10th, 2018.

Tickets go on sale soon!

Come see all our talented Sonoran Sky students at the 4th annual Talent Show on November 30th from 6-8pm.

FREE event. Seating is first come, first served.

Giving Tree Toy and Food Collection

Nov 27th- December 6th

SSOS Wrapping and Packing Event on Saturday, December 9th 1-4pm

Various Things

The Sonoran Sky Yearbook is currently $28. That price increases on December 1st. Don’t delay, order your yearbook today!

Do you volunteer at school? Do you need a nametag? If you do, please let Megan know ASAP! She’s placing an order NEXT WEEK.

The Directory is almost finished. Thank you all so much for your patience. If you have not ordered one, please do so NOW. The price increased to $10.

Birthday in a Box and Birthday Marquee orders MUST be placed 7 school days in advance. We’ve been getting A LOT of late orders. Please, be courteous to your fellow volunteers – order SEVEN days in advance.

PTO Open Positions

We’re looking for volunteers to fill the following positions. Elected positions are generally two year commitments and we are planning to hold the election early next year.

Thank you to everyone who has already expressed interest or self-nominated. We appreciate you. If YOU are interested in ANY of these positions, please contact Alison Feinberg.

Open Executive Board Positions

President Elect

Secretary

Treasurer

VP Fundraising Co-Chair

Open PTO Board Positions (elected positions)

Enrichment

Wonderland

Volunteer Chair

UPC

Open Non-Elected Positions

External Grants

Book Fair

Smile! It’s Picture Retake Day

Picture Retakes are November 15th at 9AM! If we did not see you on Picture Day or you would like a new image, do not miss out on ordering pictures for your student. Come by the office for a form or order online at https://ios.mydorian.com using our school’s access key: WKHHZYAX.

Online pre-orders using our school’s access key are available up to 4 days after retake day. If your student needs a do-over, send the original photos in and have the student turn them in to the photographers. If you have questions, please call the office.

Thank You!

THANK YOU to everyone who helped with the book fair. A special big thanks to the decorating team! Becca Norton, Michelle Kass, and Julie Burr! The library looked awesome and the decorations were amazing.

Book fair was a big success. We sold a total of $15000 dollars worth of books. I just want you to know that it takes a village- so thank you all for being part of that village! It would not have happened without everyone donating their time.

Again, a HUGE Thank You to everyone!! Shannon Boivin, Kristina Brown, Jen Burns, Michele Carroll, Whitney Crutchley, Kristen Dezso, Alison Feinberg, Marni Gerber, Gwen Gorlin, Sheri Granger Kravetz, Monisha Hemde, Kyla Johnson, Michelle Kass, Glory Kaufman, Allison Kierman, Michele Koivisto, Allyson Laks, Denise Lieberthal, Christie Maroulis, Lisa Merendino, Becca Norton, Alison Plotnik, Amy Rhodes, Sharalee Schneider, Becky Schroepfer, Sarah Sharma, Jennifer Sosnow, Carla Stark, Megan Starr, Marni Steinberg, Liz Vaisben, Elizabeth Vitaro, Nina Vomero, Pearl Woodring, and Tricia Zich.

Community Business Partners

Our Community Business Partners generously support our school and public education. Please take a minute to click on the logos below and visit their websites.

MOD is the original superfast pizza experience – a pioneering fast-casual concept that puts you in the driver’s seat. Artisan-style pizzas and salads are individually sized, made on demand, and ready in just minutes. Choose from over 30 toppings – the price stays the same no matter what you pick.

i9 Sports offers youth sports leagues, camps and clinics for boys and girls ages 3-14 in today’s most popular sports such as flag football, soccer, basketball, and baseball. i9 Sports provides a youth sports experience unlike any other teaching the importance of good sportsmanship on the field and in life.

Kierman Law PLC offers advice to Arizona families and businesses in the following areas: wills, trusts, estate planning, probate and probate litigation, succession planning, and charitable giving.

MORE SSKY INFORMATION

Always start your shopping with this Amazon link to credit our school with over 6% of your purchase!

SSKY PTO Website

Sonoran Sky Website

PVSchools District Website

Infinite Campus Gradebook

Want all the latest SSKY News? Follow us!

We love you. Never delete this.

Visit our website

10.30.17 |

Book Fair and ReadThon start TODAY!

Go Wild for Great Books!

Yeeeee-HAAAW! The reading adventure begins TODAY with this fall’s Wild West Book Fair: Saddle Up and Read!

Make your way to the reading frontier, where readers are wanted and adventure awaits.

So come on down to the Library, partner, and get ready to have your boots knocked off! You may even ride off into the sunset with a few new books to love!

Shopping Hours

Monday 9am – 3:30pm

Tuesday-Thursday, 7:45am – 3:30pm

Friday 7:45am – 2:30pm

If you are unable to attend the Fair in person, we invite you to visit our online Book Fair.

SSKY CALENDAR

Monday, October 30

RAT Begins

Book Fair Opens, 9am-3:45pm

Tuesday, October 31

Dress up as a book character

Book Fair, 7:45am-3:45pm

Wednesday, November 1

Book Fair, 7:45am-3:45pm

Thursday, November 2

Book Fair, 7:45am-3:45pm

Cantina Night Mtg, 9am

School Tour, 9:15am

Executive Board Mtg, 10am

Friday, November 3

Talent Show Forms Due

Book Fair closes 2:30pm

Tuesday, November 7

PTO Meeting, 8am

November 10

No School

Monday, November 13

Last Day of RAT

Wednesday, November 22-Friday, November 24

Thanksgiving Holiday, No School

Monday, December 25 – Friday, January 5

Winter Break, No School

Plan Ahead – Camp Options

Are you looking for a day camp for the November 10th Veterans Day Holiday, Thanksgiving Break, or Winter Break? Check out these Community Business Partners:

Dream Team Academy offers a fun and athletic daily camp. The price is $75 per day and includes basketball training. Lunch is an additional $9 per child. https://www.dreamteamacademy.com/

The JCC offers camps all year long during most SSKY school breaks. At the JCC’s Camp Shemesh, your child enjoys all the fun of camp with art, drama, sports, swimming, games, and more! Grades K-5.

Read-A-Thon Begins TODAY

Read-a-Thon is finally here!

Students who have created their personal RAT page will start earning minutes TODAY! Remember that every child who creates a RAT page before WEDNESDAY gets $2 (TWO DOLLARS) to spend at the Wild West Book Fair AND they earn raffle tickets for every 100 minutes they read. If they don’t have a RAT page, they don’t get credit for reading!

If you have any trouble setting up the RAT page, please contact Kristina Brown.

Come dressed as your favorite book character tomorrow! We can’t wait to see all the creative costumes, but don’t forget to bring a copy of the book (or just a print out of the cover!) to share with the class.

RAT Activities This Week

Monday – Take your shoes off and read.

Tuesday – Dress-up as your favorite character. Click here for ideas.

Wednesday – D.E.A.R. (Drop everything and read!) 9am.

Thursday – Genre Day. Bring a book in your favorite genre to read!

Friday – Spirit Day and Crazy Sock Day.

Check out the full RAT schedule here!

DEADLINE

Participation Forms DUE Friday!

The deadline is Friday! No exceptions – so don’t miss out on this fun activity!

We encourage all students to participate in this fantastic event! While we have a screening day, there is no “audition” and no judging. *ALL APPROPRIATE ACTS WILL BE ALLOWED A MAXIMUM TIME OF ONE MINUTE AND 30 SECONDS.*

FRIDAY 11/3- Talent Show participation forms are due. Download permission form HERE.

MONDAY 11/13 & TUESDAY 11/14– Student Act screenings during students’ recess.