Wednesday, November 8, 2017

NED Kindness Assembly

Items from the NED Kindness Assembly will be on sale until November 15! Send in the order form that was sent home from school last week with a check or money order made out to Center PTA. If you no longer have your form, you may write your order on another sheet of paper. PLEASE REMEMBER TO INCLUDE YOUR CHILD'S NAME and homeroom teacher!

Thank you for your support of this kindness initiative!


Sunday, October 29, 2017

This Week's Events:

Tuesday, October 31: Halloween parade and parties at 1pm, early dismissal at 2pm

Wednesday, November 1: 
  • Reflections Awards deadline!
  • PTA Meeting at 2:15pm in the cafeteria
  • Red Robin fundraiser from 4-8pm at Red Robin in Monroeville--take the flier that was sent home from school last week!
Friday, November 3: Vendor show, 6-8pm in the gym

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Red Ribbon Week: October 23-27

Center Elementary PTA will recognize Red Ribbon Week next week. Red Ribbon Week is the largest drug prevention campaign in the country. During this week the students and teachers at Center may participate in fun activities at school to show support and their visible stand against drugs. Many of the activities are listed below:

Monday, October 23: "Drugs won't tie us down"--Children and staff can wear a necktie or bow tie.

Tuesday, October 24: "No horsing around with drugs"--Students and staff can come up with their craziest/silliest "horsing around" outfit or hair. The Plum Mustang will visit us on this day!

Wednesday, October 25: "Wear Red Day"--Students and staff are asked to wear red for Red Ribbon Day. Ribbons will be handed out.

Thursday, October 26: "Plum Proud"--Children and staff are asked to wear purple and gold to support our community in being drug free. Officer Temple and K-9 Officer Voda will be at the school for a presentation.

Friday, October 27: "Let's team up against drugs"--Staff and students are asked to wear their favorite team jersey.

Every student will be asked to sign the banner that will hang in the school as a pledge to be drug free.

Picture Make-up Day is October 24!


School picture make-up day is Tuesday, October 24! If your child was absent on picture day, or if you would like to have their picture retaken, they may have their picture taken on Tuesday. 

Monday, October 2, 2017

PTA Meeting Wednesday, October 4

Please join us in the cafeteria at 2:15pm Wednesday, October 4 for our next PTA meeting! Hope to see you there!

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Events this week: Blaze Fundraiser and Walk-a-thon

  • Don't forget Thursday, September 28, is our Blaze Pizza Fundraiser! Take the flier that was sent home from school between 5--8pm to Blaze Pizza in Monroeville, and our school will earn a portion of your order!
  • Send in those Box Tops! The first collection deadline for Box Tops is Friday, September 29.
  • Friday, September 29 is our Walk-a-Thon! Information and pledge sheets were sent home with students. Please send all pledges in Friday with a check or money order made out to Center PTA. This is a fun event that takes place during recess and raises funds to support our school.
Thank you for your support!

Monday, September 18, 2017

Mandatory DC Trip Meeting Wednesday!

Just a reminder for all sixth grade parents that there is a mandatory meeting regarding the DC trip on Wednesday, September 20, at 7pm in the cafeteria. Candy bar fundraising boxes will be available for pickup after the meeting. Additional boxes of candy will be available for purchase on a first come, first served basis. Please bring a check or money order for $60 per box made payable to CENTER PTA. Thank you!

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

The Crafty Shack is Coming to Center!

All Center students are invited to paint a candy corn plate after school on Thursday, October 5, from 3:30-4:30pm in the cafeteria! Cost is $12 per student, check or money order payable to Center PTA. The Crafty Shack will bring all supplies for this event, and will return the finished plates back to us after they are glazed and fired in their studio. 
Watch for forms to come home with students today or tomorrow! Permission forms and money are due Tuesday, September 12, so that we have enough time to order enough supplies for this event! 


Picture above is a sample plate before firing and finishing.

School Picture Day September 7

School picture day is Thursday, September 7! Order forms were sent home with students. Don't forget this is also the time to order your 2017-2018 yearbook!

Thursday, August 31, 2017

PTA Meeting Wednesday, September 6

Please join us at 7pm in the cafeteria on Wednesday, September 6 for the first PTA meeting of the year! Learn about all of the exciting activities that are planned for this school year!

All are welcome!

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Welcome to the 2017-2018 School Year!

Welcome to Center PTA's online newsletter for the 2017-2018 school year!

Check back often for information on school activities and events!

Upcoming events:

Tuesday, August 29: First day of school and kindergarten orientation!

Wednesday, August 30: First full day of school for kindergarten!

Monday, September 4: NO SCHOOL (Labor Day)

Wednesday, September 6: PTA Meeting, 7pm in the cafeteria

Thursday, September 7: Fall picture day (information will be sent home from school)

September 13-15: Scholastic Book Fair

Wednesday, September 13: Open House

Wednesday, September 20: 6th Grade Parent Meeting for DC Trip--7pm in the cafeteria

Thursday, September 28: Blaze Pizza Fundraiser, 5-8pm 

Friday, September 29: Walk-a-Thon/Spirit Day 

Friday, September 29: Summer Reading and Math program ice cream treat

Stay tuned for more information!

Thursday, August 3, 2017

Thursday, June 1, 2017

1st Day School Supplies! Deadline is June 30

Deadline to order from the 1st Day School Supplies fundraiser is June 30! Simply log on to www.1stDaySchoolSupplies.com and take a look. Our teachers have submitted what the children will need for next year. Click the grade your child will be entering in the fall and purchase their kids. Kits per grade level will differ in price, depending on what is needed for that grade. Everything in the box is name-brand materials.

Once you've purchased your kit, all you will need to do is pick it up at the school the week before school starts. The PTA will be in touch with everyone with pickup dates and times. Pickup times will be posted here on this blog! 

Thank you for your support! Have a wonderful summer!

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Carnival time!

Center Carnival, Friday May 26

Please join us for the Center Carnival on Friday, May 26 from 6:30-8:30pm! Watch for more information and game tickets to be sent home from school. If you would like to volunteer to help or to bake for the bake sale, please contact Susan Griffin at: suzieqgrif@gmail.com. 

Scholastic Book Fair

Book Fair May 24-26

The last Scholastic Book Fair of the year will be Wednesday, May 24 through Friday, May 26. Shopping schedules for the classes were sent home last week. Books are buy one get one free!

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Spirit Wear Orders Due May 12

Spirit Sale orders due by May 12th. Any questions please contact Christine Stewart at stewart90@gmail.com. Thank you!

Monday, May 8, 2017

Square1 Art Pickup May 9

Square1 Art orders are in! Order pickup will take place in the cafeteria from 4-5:30pm on Tuesday, May 9. If you would like your order to be sent home with your child, please contact Susan Griffin at: suzieqgrif@gmail.com. Thank you for your support of this fundraiser!

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

School Supply Ordering

Hey Parents,
Now is the time to purchase your child’s back to school supply kit from 1st Day School Supplies! While you’re there, make sure to check out their selection of Under Armour accessories! That’s right, you can purchase your child’s supply kit, backpack, lunchbox AND water bottle for next year from 1st Day School Supplies! These high quality, in demand Under Armour accessories will ship with your child’s kit and allow you to check even more off of that long back to school shopping list without leaving the comfort of your home! Start your shopping by clicking on the link below:

Monday, April 24, 2017

Online Agnes & Dora Fundraiser This Week

Please log on and join us for Agnes and Dora by Lisa and Rachel's Center PTA Spring Fundraiser! Shop cute, soft, comfy clothes and help our school raise money! $1.00 from every purchase goes to the PTA!

The sale is entirely online so you can check it out at your convenience. The sale will start at 12pm Wednesday, April 26, and run through 9pm Thursday, April 27. 

Web site for the sale is: Agnes & Dora by Lisa & Rachel
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LRagnesanddora

For more information contact: LRAGNESANDDORA@GMAIL.COM

As always, thank you for your support!

Friday, April 21, 2017

Camp Invention® is returning to Plum Borough School District!

Imaginations get their rocket fuel at Camp Invention!
An exciting, weeklong summer adventure awaits children entering grades K-6th with activities that
explore connections between science, technology, engineering, and innovation while sharpening their 221st century learning skills. Camp Invention allows children to experience real-world problem solving,
creative thinking, invention, and teamwork while rotating through several fascinating modules inspired by
the Inductees of the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Holiday Park Elementary School is pleased to
offer the nationally acclaimed program beginning on June 19, 2017 with Jenielle Doty serving as
Director of the Launch program!
Young innovators will:


  • Invent their own duct tape creations and pitch them to mock investors
  • Explore a distant new exoplanet and design inventions to create the next Earth
  • Launch water rockets, build Bubble Blasters, and engineer giant castles
  • Create their own personal, ultimate Spy Gadget Alarm Box by taking apart and upcycling everyday machines


All activities give participants the opportunity to explore, discover, and achieve while having fun!


Local educators will facilitate program modules and enthusiastic high school students will serve as
Leadership Interns ensuring that one program team member is in place for every eight children.

Receive $15 OFF the base price of $225 by registering on or before May 1, 2017 using promo
code Discover15. Registration, without a discount, is still available after May 1 until the first day of
camp. Every registration includes a complimentary Camp Invention t-shirt. Availability is limited, so visit
www.campinvention.org or call 800.968.4332 to secure your child’s spot today!

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Fitness Fundraiser Friday!

Mom's Night Out Fitness Fundraiser, tomorrow, Friday, April 21st from 6:30-8 30 pm in the school gym. $20 at the door and FREE childcare will be available. Come give it a try...it's a lot of fun! Bring a friend! Hope to see you there!

Monday, April 10, 2017

Moms' Night Out Fitness Fundraiser April 21

Join us for Mom's Night Out Part II on Friday, April 21 from 6:30-8:30pm in the gym! Cost is $20 at the door. Instructors from Alba Fitness (and fellow Center moms!) will be teaching Zumba and Pound! Childcare is provided! High school students from the GLA club will have snacks, crafts and games for kids in the cafeteria. 

Hope to see you there!

Fundraiser Pickup Wednesday, April 12

Please pick up your Pittsburgh Popcorn/Baked With Love fundraiser orders in the cafeteria between 4:30-6pm on Wednesday, April 12. If you are unable to pick up during this time, please contact Susan Griffin at: suzieqgrif@verizon.net ASAP to make other arrangements, as this is the last day of school before spring break!

Thank you for your support of this fundraiser!

Sunday, April 9, 2017

April PTA Meeting--Wednesday, April 12

The next PTA meeting will be Wednesday, April 12 at 2:15pm in the cafeteria. We hope to see lots of members there, as we will be electing next year's board members as well as discussing other upcoming events!


Square 1 Orders Due April 10!

Last chance to order keepsake gifts that display your child's artwork.
DEADLINE IS 4/10/2017
THREE EASY WAYS TO ORDER:
1. Online www.square1art.com
2. Phone 888.332.3294
3. Custom Catalog with your student’s very own artwork and name printed on the front.

Thank you for your support of this fundraiser! Orders will be shipped to the school in early May.


Thursday, March 30, 2017

April PTA Meeting Change!

The April PTA meeting will now be held on Wednesday, April 12 at 2:15pm in the cafeteria. Hope to see you there!

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Pittsburgh Popcorn and Baked With Love Deadline March 28

The deadline to submit orders for the Pittsburgh Popcorn and Baked with Love fundraisers is noon on Tuesday, March 28. We will be unable to accept any late orders. Please make checks or money orders payable to Center PTA. Thank you for your support!!!

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Center Art Fair 6-8pm March 16!

Please join us at the Center Art Fair on Thursday, March 16! 

**Please note, an earlier blog post stated an incorrect time for the art fair. 6-8pm is the correct time! Hope to see you there!

State Level Reflections Winner!

Congratulations to Damian Collier, whose Reflections piece, "Great Grandma's Song," won 4th place for music composition at the State level!

Thank you to all students who participated in the Reflections program this year! We are proud of all of you for a job well done!

Sunday, March 12, 2017

Busy week ahead at Center!

Tuesday, March 14: Pierogi fundraiser pickup in the cafeteria, 5:30-6:30pm. 

Wednesday, March 15-Friday, March 17: Scholasatic book fair for students. Class shopping schedules were went home last week.

Thursday, March 16: Art festival from 6:30-8:30pm. The book fair will also be open in the library during this event.


Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Panera Fundraiser Thursday, March 9!

Don't forget that tomorrow, March 9, is our Panera fundraiser! Please remember to take the flyers distributed at school to Panera in the Miracle Mile between 4pm and 8pm Thursday. We need at least 20 flyers to be turned in so that a portion of the proceeds will be donated back to our PTA. Thank you for your support!

Sunday, February 26, 2017

PTA Meeting March 1

The next PTA meeting will be at 7pm, Wednesday, March 1, in the cafeteria. Hope to see you there!

Pierogi Orders Due February 27!

All orders for the Pittsburgh Pierogi Truck fundraiser are due by noon tomorrow, Monday, February 27. Please make checks or money orders payable to Center PTA. We will be unable to accept late orders. Thank you for your support of this fundraiser!!!

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

School Configuration Survey


Parents and community members are strongly encouraged to fill out the following survey to provide input into school configuration. Thank you for your input!

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Max and Erma's Fundraiser Today!


Join us for a fundraiser at Max and Erma's in Monroeville any time on Wednesday, February 15! Simply present the flyer that was distributed at school and a portion of your check will be donated to our PTA.

Thanks for your support!!!


Congratulations to Regional Reflections Awards Winners!

Congratulations to the following Center students whose Reflections projects placed at the Regional level: 

Amelia Faust - 1st place for visual arts
Shannon Ahrens - 2nd place photography
Damian Collier - 1st place music 
Meredith Ahrens - 4th place music
Parvathy Warrier - 3rd place literature

Wonderful job! The Center family is very proud of you and all our participants!


Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Reminder: Morning Drop-Off Procedure

Morning Drop Off Reminders

With the cold weather we have seen an increase in the number of students being driven to school. We thought this would be a good time to remind everyone of our drop-off procedures.

  • Doors do not open until 8:40 am (this is ten minutes later than last year)
  • All students must arrive by 8:55 am or they will be marked tardy.
  • Please follow the drop off line around the parking lot.  Do not pull up on the other side of the lot.
  • Students are to exit their cars along the sidewalk.  Please use the whole sidewalk area to keep traffic moving.  
  • For the safety of all students (and other drivers) PLEASE DO NOT PULL AROUND OTHER CARS.  Please be patient and follow the line.
  • If your child requires your assistance and needs additional time, please consider using one of the parking spots and walking them to the door.

Monday, February 6, 2017

Reminders and Upcoming Events!

  • Box Tops collection--Please send in Box Tops and collection sheets by February 24! The class that submits the most will win a pizza party!
  • Max and Erma's Fundraiser: Wednesday, February 15, all day!!! Present the flyer that will be distributed at school and a portion of your food sale will be donated back to our PTA.

  • Pittsburgh Pierogi Truck Fundraiser: Order forms are being distributed to students this week. Pierogi orders should be turned in (check or money order payable to Center PTA) by February 27. Order pickup will be Tuesday, March 14 from 5:30-6:30 pm in the cafeteria. 
Thank you for your support of these fundraisers! All money raised goes toward field trips, assemblies, and other activities for our students!

Tuesday, January 31, 2017

February PTA Meeting Cancelled!

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the PTA meeting scheduled for the morning of Wednesday, February 1 has been cancelled. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Please join us at our next PTA meeting on Wednesday, March 1 at 7pm in the cafeteria!

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

PTA Meeting February 1!

Please join us for the next PTA meeting Wednesday, February 1 at 9:15am in the STEM room. Come hear what the PTA has in store for the remainder of the school year and listen to Mr. Knisely's comments.

Remember, for every meeting you attend, you can enter your name for a chance to win a prize at our last meeting in May!

Everyone is welcome and your input is always appreciated! Hope to see you there!

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Reflections Awards Update!

Congratulations to the following Center students whose Reflections projects placed at the Plum Council level. These projects will now move on to be judged at the Regional level. Fantastic job everyone! Thank you to all students who participated in this wonderful program!

3D Visual Arts - Intermediate
2nd Amelia Faust - "My Tree of Happiness"
3rd Eden Drayer - "The Garden of Eden"

2D Visual Arts - Primary
2nd Kenley Babilon - "Kenlley's Story"
3rd Meenakshi Warrier - "Playiing Outside"

2D Visual Arts - Intermediate
1st - Wade Keresztury - "Canyonlands"

Liturature - Primary
 2nd Parvathy Warrier - "My Family"

Photography - Primary
1st Parvathy Warrier - "Colorful Life"
3rd Shannon Ahrens - "The Arts of Baking"

Photography - Intermediate
3rd Meredith Ahrens - "Nature's Wonders"

Music Composition
1st Meredith Ahrens - "Another World"
2nd Damien Collier - "Great- Grandma's Song"

Monday, January 16, 2017

Community Forum on Bully Prevention for Parents

Bullying, cyber-bulling, and social media are affecting countless children. The Plum Borough School District and Socialize Right cordially invite you to listen, learn, and ask questions in this community forum.

Date: Thursday, February 9, 2017

Time: 6:00-8:00 pm

Place: O'block Junior High School Auditorium

All parents are welcome!

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

School District Diversity Forum

6:00pm January 19, 2017

in the High School Library

Diversity Forum for Parents

1.Brief overview of District Safety & Security

2.TIPS review

3.Save the date for upcoming community presentations

a. Socialize Right & Bullying - February 9, 2017

b.Suicide Awareness - April 11, 2017

4.Student Problem and Resolution of Issues Together

a. SPIRIT Program February 13 & 14, 2017

b.US Department of Justice & Center for Safe

Schools

5.Facilitated Community Discussion

a. Suzanne Buchanan - US Department of Justice,

Community Relations Service

b.Dr. Mitch Nickols

Monday, January 9, 2017

Retail Programs--Support Our School!


Just a few reminders. Below you will find several programs that we participate in
and are very easy to use. The programs below help us raise money for our students
so that we can provide them with assemblies and raise money for other programs
throughout the school year. It is as simple as registering your cards online and
cutting out labels.

Thank you in advance for your continued support!

Shop n Save- Register your Shop n Save Perks card online at
shopnsavefood.com/SEED, and then search for our school name.

Giant Eagle- Register your Giant Eagle Advantage card online and enter our school
ID #162 . www.schools.gianteagle.com

Office Depot- Every time you shop at Office Depot, please give our school
ID# 70088441, and we will receive a percentage back.

Tyson Products- Anytime that you purchase a Tyson product and see the A+ label
on the back of the package, PLEASE CUT THAT OUT AND SEND IT IN TO SCHOOL
WITH YOUR CHILD IN AN ENVELOPE MARKED PTA TYSON LABELS.

Red Robin- WWW.REDROBIN.COM/BETTERSCHOOLS

Thank you,

Danielle Babilon

dlbabilon@aol.com

Retail Chairperson

Friday, January 6, 2017

Yearbook Photos Wanted!

Attention parents! If you have any photos of your child and other Center students participating in school events during the current school year, we would love to have them for the school yearbook. School events could include holiday parties, chorus or band concerts, crazy hair day, family fun nights, neighborhood groups at the bus stop, etc. 

Please email pictures to either: Erin Bartolomeo: eoravik@yahoo.com, or Sara Ahrens: sara.ahrens@gmail.com.

We can't guarantee to use all submissions in the yearbook, but the more pictures we have to choose from the better. Thank you for your help!

Thursday, January 5, 2017

MOMS' NIGHT OUT JANUARY 13!

What better way to celebrate the new year than to join other moms from our school and EXERCISE! Desiree Alba, fitness trainer and fellow Center mom, will be here with some of her staff from Alba Fitness to teach us some Zumba fitness routines.

Don't have a sitter? No worries! Bring the kids along! Students from the Plum High School GLA will be available to supervise the students in the cafeteria. Snacks and a movie will be provided.

We will also have a Basket Auction at intermission. Raffle tickets for the baskets, water and snacks will be available for purchase. All proceeds from this event go directly to Center PTA!!!

Grab a friend or two and join us for this exciting fundraiser! Please remember to wear low-tread shoes and comfortable workout clothing.

When: Friday, January 13, 2017

Where: Center Elementary Gym

Time: 6:30-8:30 pm

Cost: $20.00 per person (pay at the door)

Thank you for your support!!!

Monday, January 2, 2017

PTA Meeting 2:15pm January 4, 2017

The next PTA meeting will be Wednesday, January 4 at 2:15pm in the school cafeteria. Please join us to learn more about school events and activities!