Covering the Cost for Recreation Supervision

 Hello Parents/Guardians,

After reading the parent/guardian surveys, it was evident that the loss of after-school supervision is a huge concern for many families.  Many parents asked if they could pay or if PTA could cover the cost.  PTA cannot cover the cost, because they are not allowed to pay salaries.  However, Twain can pay for the supervision out of our gift account if we raise enough money.  Here is Twain’s offer. 

We are asking the parents/guardians that are interested in the additional three days of supervision to donate $75.00 to Twain’s gift account to cover the salaries for the entire school year.  A check would need to be written out to LBUSD and in the memo section you would write Twain Gift Account: Rec. Supervision.  Please put your child/children’s name above your address. 

 We would need a little over 100 donations to cover the cost.  If we receive more, we will use that money to purchase additional equipment for the playground and after-school recreation activities.

 Susan McCarthy-Kristensen, PTA treasurer, has offered to collect the checks over the summer since the school will be closed.  If interested, please mail your check to the following address as soon as possible:

Susan McCarthy-Kristensen

4250 Clark Ave

Long Beach, CA 90808

or Email: McCarthyKristensen@gmail.com

 On August 17^th, I will meet with Susan McCarthy-Kristensen to see how much money we have received.  I will leave a voicemail message notifying all parents on the status of the additional after-school supervision.  We will not cash any checks until we are firm on what additional supervision we can offer. 

I appreciate your patience and understanding during these difficult financial times.  Please understand that we are looking for ways to address your needs.  Best wishes for a fun, happy summer!

 Principal Ryan

We had a little different PTA meeting for the month of March. We conducted our normal business meeting but we also invited 5th District Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske and City Traffic Engineer, David Roseman to update us on the traffic activities they have been working on to reduce increased traffic due to the new Costco. There were three very positive changes that they have instituted.

• First, they will be changing the traffic lights at Graywood and DelAmo so that you will no longer be able to go straight into or out of Lakewood center you will be required to make a right or a left. This should cut down the number of people using Graywood to enter the mall.

• Secondly, they will be installing electronic signs on Clark, north of Arbor and south of Centralia, that display the speed of on-coming vehicles. This will hopefully make people aware of their speed in hopes that they slow down.

• Finally, they are changing the timing of the lights on Clark so that they stay green if you are going the speed limit and will turn red if you are speeding. This result will be those that are speeding will hit more red lights forcing them to slow down.

The presentation was brief but very thorough. There was also a good Q&A session after the presentation. I would like to thank Councilwoman Schipske and Mr. Roseman for taking time out of their busy schedule to update us on traffic improvements that will help keep our children safe.
If you are interested in other guest speakers, please let me know.

The big activity for March is our Pennies for Projects. This is a great way to gather up your loose change and contribute it help fund some of our projects - Science Assemblies, Teacher supplies, Field Trips, 5th grade activities, and many more. PTA volunteers and some of the DOGS will be collecting the funds from the classrooms on February 27th for deposit in the bank. The classroom who raises the most money will get a pizza party. So start gathering your change.

Lastly, I wanted to recognize the volunteer of the month, Michelle Wilkerson. Michelle is our VP of Hospitality. Besides making sure we are well fed at our Association Meetings, she is at almost every event - Kindergarten BBQ, Fit-a-thon, Teachers Luncheon, Founders Day, etc. She is always willing to help whenever she is needed - passing out "PTA Meeting Tonight" stickers, flyers, counting money, etc. Michelle has been a great help this year and I wanted to recognize her for all of the time she puts in for our kids.

Until next month,
Robin Norris, PTA President