Fiesta Gardens PTA

Apologies if you've received spam that seems to be coming from us

2011-06-02T12:17:00.000-07:00

Hi, everyone, I'd like to apologize if you've received spam that appears to be coming from the FGIS PTA. Someone was able to post spam to a calendar page that I had discontinued using. If you had subscribed to receive posts by email you would've gotten the spam post in your email.

I have deleted the page and apologize for the weird email. Thanks to Becky and Randy for alerting me to the problem.

-- Karen Jensen

Just a word about spam -- never click on links in spam emails and never reply to them. If you do spammers will know your email is valid, and links may be able to download unwanted programs to your computer and make your personal data and computers vulnerable.

For Kids! Fundraiser at Giant game May 25

2011-04-19T16:54:00.000-07:00

This looks like a lot of fun for a great cause, our kids!

Like the 2010 World Champion San Francisco Giants, our kids need our support. Before the World Champions take the field, our kids will perform the national anthem! Performance space will be reserved on a first come, first serve basis for the on-field action, so hurry and order your tickets today. Ticket reservations are not complete until payment is received, so get your tickets early!

2011-03-11T13:12:00.001-08:00

Hello Everyone;

This morning we in San Mateo; Foster City; Halfmoon Bay and Pacifica etc were asked to be safe because of the possible high waters. Japan was hit this morning with a 8.9 Tsunami; which killed and devastated Japan.

As you also do; I put the kids to pray for the families and children affected by this tragedy. I asked what else we should do. Stefano offered to donate his piggy bank money and some toys he said " it is obvious the water ruined their toys and pushed away their wallets/money"

Therefore I hope that we as a school of many families and great kids show compassion and share our things with kids in Japan.

I offer my time and services to locate a public elementary school in Japan and I ask the directors of the PTA and parents of the PTA and join my family in doing something special from our kids to Japan's kids.

Stefano and Paola each offered $ from their piggy bank; the following are things we might be able to do.

1: simple collection of $ and letters

2. the kids donate $ from their piggy banks and the PTA matches.

3. Do a school pizza party and donate the earnings

Regardless of what our children do. Children in Japan get warmth and greeting from FGIS kids.

Perhaps in class our kids can write letters of hope and well wishes; to be sent with our offerings.

Again my services are for you to use. Do you ALL our kids want to give to Japan's kids?

Buenos Dias; Esta mañana los habitantes de San Mateo; Foster City; Halfmoon Bay y Pacifica etc fueron avisado de busca protecion de las olas alta que llegaron. Japon sufrio un tsnumi de 8.9; el cual mato mucho niños y devasto familias.

Como usted: puse los niños a rezar por estas familias y por los niñs affectados por la tragedia. Stefano ofrecio donarlas plata de su alcancia y juquetes; dijo "es obio que el agua les dañio los juquetes y se les llevo su plata".

En mi opinion pienso que somos muchas familias y tenemos fantasticos niños y puedemos demostrar compasion. Nuestros niños pueden comparir sus cosas con los niños del Japon.

Por esto ofresco mi ayuda y tiempo. Puedo localizer una escuela en Japon. Le pido el favor a los directors del PTA y los padres del PTA que con mi familia hacemos algo para que nuestros ayudan a los hijos del Japon. Lo lindo que los niños del Japon reciben cariños de los estudiante de FGIS. Gracias y espero que my acompañan en este regalo.

Maria "Paola y Stefano"

FGIS meeting 3/9 at 2:45pm at the district office

2011-03-08T16:50:00.001-08:00

Dear Parents,

We need your voice and your help! If you have the time, please come ! Fiesta Garden's Parents has an appointment at 2:45 pm - 3:15 pm ( the only one left) tomorrow, Weds 3/9 at the district office in the bowditch room. This is our chance as parents to voice our input about the personal and professional qualities desired in an incoming Superintendent. Especially for 5th grade parents that want to encourage the support of our Immersion Program at Abbot.

Please join Melissa Perez and Colleen Nguyen! Our school needs as much support with sharing how we care about the qualities of an incoming Superintendet.

Colleen had mentioned in response to Rebecca's e-mail:

"Thanks for your email message. It was a good reminder to me that I do want to share my values especially from the perspective of a fiesta gardens parent and the importance of our two way immersion program in our district and how we need an individual that can see the value of such a program despite a disparity that can be reflected in our test scores.

Often times we can be so busy that we can miss the opportunities to have a say in our childrens' education in such a large way.

Below is an original invitation, noting times and dates that you can voice your concerns for picking the next School District Superintendent. It is also provided below in Spanish Translation:

Dear Parents,

The San Mateo-Foster City School District Board of Trustees is in the process of selecting a new District Superintendent. They are seeking community input about the personal and professional qualities desired in an incoming Superintendent. The Trustees are soliciting your response to the following question: What are the qualities, characteristics, background and experiences (professional and personal) desired in the next Superintendent of the San Mateo-Foster City School District?

Leadership Associates Executive Search Advisors Peggy Lynch and Larry Aceves were chosen by the Board to conduct the recruitment and comprehensive search process for the selection of the district's next leader. They will be in our district on Wednesday, March 9, 2011.

Individual input from members of the community (parents, employees and others interested in our district) is desired. People may meet as individuals, in small groups, or in an Open Forum. Input may also be offered through fax, letter or email. Direct telephone conversation may also be arranged.

Individual and small group appointments will be held in the District Office, 1170 Chess Drive, Foster City, between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm on Wednesday, March 9, 2011. To arrange an appointment, please call Ellen Macaulay at (650) 312-7348.

If you are unable to meet during the individual and/or small group appointment time, you may attend an Open Forum on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 from 6:00-7:00 pm. Two Forums will be held during this time, one at the Borel Middle School Library, 425 Barneson Avenue, San Mateo and the other at the Bowditch Middle School Library, 1450 Tarpon Street, Foster City. No appointment is necessary to attend these forums.

If none of the options to meet personally with our advisors matches your schedule, you may contact them by email at leadershipassociates.upland@gmail.com or by fax at (909) 985-1051. To speak by phone to either Peggy Lynch or Larry Aceves, you may call (909) 985-7814.

The advisors will compile a report of comments received during the community input sessions. They will share these comments with the Board and with the new Superintendent. The comments will also be used to guide the development of the recruitment brochure, the recruitment process and reference checking.

Thank you for your attention to this important process.

3 de marzo de 2011
Estimados Padres,

El Consejo Administrativo del Distrito Escolar San Mateo-Foster City está en proceso de seleccionar a un/a nuevo/a Superintendente del Distrito. Ellos buscan la opinión de la comunidad en cuanto a las cualidades personales y profesionales deseadas en el Superintendente entrante. Los Administradores están solicitando su respuesta a la siguiente pregunta: ¿Cuales son las cualidades, características, antecedentes y experiencias (profesionales y personales) deseadas en el/la próximo/a Superintendente del Distrito Escolar San Mateo-Foster City?

Peggy Lynch y Larry Aceves, asesores de búsqueda de personal ejecutivo de la compañía Leadership Associates fueron seleccionados por el Consejo Administrativo para llevar a cabo el proceso de la búsqueda comprensiva y reclutamiento para la selección del/a próximo/a líder del distrito. Ellos estarán en nuestro distrito el miércoles 9 de marzo de 2011.

Se desea obtener comentarios individuales de miembros de la comunidad (padres, empleados y otros interesados en nuestro distrito). Las personas se pueden reunir individualmente, en grupos pequeños o en un Foro Abierto. Los comentarios también pueden ofrecerse por medio de fax, carta o correo electrónico. También se pueden hacer arreglos para una conversación telefónica directa.

Las juntas individuales o para grupos pequeños serán en la oficina del Distrito, 1170 Chess Drive, Foster City, entre las 8:30 am y las 5:00 pm el miércoles 9 de marzo de 2011. Para arreglar una cita por favor llame a Ellen Macaulay al
(650) 312-7348.

Si usted no se puede reunir durante las citas individuales y/o en grupos pequeños, usted puede asistir a un Foro Abierto el miércoles 9 de marzo de las 6:00-7:00 pm. Habrá dos foros a esa hora, uno en la biblioteca de la Escuela Intermedia Borel, 425 Barneson Avenue, San Mateo y el otro en la biblioteca de la Escuela Intermedia Bowditch, 1450 Tarpon Street, Foster City. No es necesario hacer una cita para asistir a estos foros.

Si ninguna de estas opciones para reunirse personalmente con nuestros asesores se ajusta a su horario, usted se puede comunicar con ellos por correo electrónico leadershipassociates.upland@gmail.como por fax al (909) 985-1051. Para hablar por teléfono ya sea con Peggy Lynch o con Larry Aceves, usted puede hablar al (909) 985-7814.

Los asesores compilarán un reporte de los comentarios recibidos durante las reuniones con la comunidad. Ellos compartirán estos comentarios con el Consejo Administrativo y con el/la nuevo/a Superintendente. Los comentarios también se usarán para guiar el desarrollo de un folleto de reclutamiento, el proceso de reclutamiento y para verificar referencias.

Gracias por su atención a este importante proceso.

iPad raffle!

2011-03-08T12:20:00.001-08:00

Want an iPad? Here is a chance you don't want to miss!

Fiesta Garden's 2nd Grade class wants you to know:

There's still time to enter the iPad drawing!
Each tax-deductible $15 cash/check donation to the FGIS PTA earns the purchaser a chance to win a brand new iPad. So far, we have less than 100 entries so the chance to win is pretty high. Please turn $ and entries in to the front office by no later than 3:00pm on Thursday, 3/10. Additional entry forms are available at the front desk.

Important Message from PTA

2011-03-08T12:16:00.000-08:00

An important Message from your Fiesta Garden's PTA. Please take the time to read:

Dear Friends-

I apologize for this mass email.

As parents of children in San Mateo-Foster City School District (SMFCSD) you may know that our current Superintendent of Schools is retiring at the end of this year. The school district has hired an agency to lead the search for a new Superintendent.

This transition is critical. The new Superintendent has the ability to make broad changes in the school district (for better or worse). When San Francisco was searching for a new Superintendent, the agency listened to the input of parents and other stakeholders to find a good match for the district. Now is our chance. Thus, I am urging you to take advantage of the upcoming opportunities (see below) to communicate what you view as the important characteristics of our district - those that you would not like changed as well as what you view as important priorities so that your voice may be factored into this very important hiring decision.

For instance: do you feel that raising test scores must be accomplished at all costs (and would you be happy if teachers were pressured to only teach language arts and mathematics using a "drill and kill" style)? Do you want to see more science instruction in the elementary grades? Do you want SMFCSD students to learn how to think critically and creatively and learn how to be good problem-solvers? Do you value the professionalism of our hard-working teachers and their accumulated expertise about how to teach our students?

For those of you who are parents at Fiesta Gardens, I strongly encourage you to advocate for the integrity of our program and emphasize that the successful candidate must be more concerned with the long-term, longitudinal outcomes for our students, which are strong, than obsessed with short-term test score improvement that will compromise learning of our children in all areas. Those of you who are parents at other schools will likely have other important concerns to address as well, both academic and non-academic, such as the overcrowding in Foster City schools.

The search firm, Leadership Associates, is holding individual and small group appointments to solicit community input into the search during the day on Wednesday March 9th (the day after tomorrow) at the district offices (1170 Chess Drive). You may arrange for an appointment by calling (650) 312-7348. They are also holding open forums that evening between 6-7 pm, one at Bowditch MS, and the other at Borel. Finally, you may communicate your thoughts by email (leadershipassociates.upland@gmail.com) or by calling (909) 985-7814 to speak with either Peggy Lynch or Larry Aceves.

I apologize for the length of this email and for the salesperson-like tone. My experiences observing San Francisco go through four Superintendents has shown me that this is not a transition to leave to chance. If we want a Superintendent who will be well aligned with the educational values of our community, we must communicate what those values are, and now is the time to do it. Please feel free to share this email with other parents of children or future children in the San Mateo schools.

Best,

Rebecca Smith

p.s. please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or want to talk about this further htims.acceber@gmail.com

RE: Parent Volunteer Help Needed!

2011-02-25T05:56:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

In case you were going to help me today (Friday), 2nd grade lab has been canceled due to an assembly (West Bay Opera). I could definitely use your help next week, however!

Thank you,

Margaret

Parent Volunteer Help Needed!

2011-02-21T12:33:00.001-08:00

Dear Parents,

The 2nd graders are beginning research for their informational writing and, if Margaret has enough help, they will be able to search for information and/or pictures on the internet during lab time. The 2nd graders have lab on Wednesday and Friday from 10:25 to 11:35.

Margaret and our kids really need your help!!!!

If you can help, please contact Margaret (mbecker@smfc.k12.ca.us) or just come to the class meeting in the computer lab!

Thanks,

Melissa Perez

FGIS PTA President

Math Night RSVP February 8 2011 6:00pm in the LGI

2011-02-04T19:16:00.001-08:00

If you have trouble viewing or submitting this form, you can fill it out online:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHJVZEN6MmUwRXlfWkZsdEhhOE1HOXc6MQ

Math Night RSVP February 8 2011 6:00pm in the LGI

Spaghetti dinner served at 6pm sharp! If you have RSVP'ed already on the printed form in the communicador, please do not RSVP here.

Math Night RSVP February 8 2011 6:00pm in the LGI

2011-02-04T19:10:00.001-08:00

If you have trouble viewing or submitting this form, you can fill it out online:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHJVZEN6MmUwRXlfWkZsdEhhOE1HOXc6MQ

Math Night RSVP February 8 2011 6:00pm in the LGI

Spaghetti dinner served at 6pm sharp! If you have RSVP'ed already on the printed form in the communicador, please do not RSVP here.

Reading Buddies * Important Info from FGIS!

2011-02-01T14:32:00.001-08:00

FGIS READING BUDDIES NEEDED

Volunteers Needed to Support Students in Reading

We are looking for English & Spanish speaking people who can volunteer their time to help FGIS students improve their reading in both languages. Reading Buddies are a group of people (parents, grandparents, neighbors, college students, etc.) who support our students with their reading & vocabulary. The Reading Buddy meets individually with a student for 20 minutes, listening to the student read & supporting the student through encouragement & asking questions about the story.

Reading Buddies meet with students from 8:40 am – 10:00 am each Friday in the Art Room (located between Rooms 6 & 7). Please consider becoming a Reading Buddy, and let me know by sending me an email or phone call if you are interested in volunteering your time:

Every Friday from 8:40-9:00 (1 student assigned)
Every Friday from 8:40-9:40 (2 students assigned)
Every Friday from 8:40-10:00 (3 students assigned)
Drop-In when I can on Fridays

CONTACT: Cassandra Robinson, Reading Buddy Coordinator & FGIS Parent

Phone: (650) 515-9713

Email: cassandra.ccap@gmail.com

"This is the most rewarding volunteer work I have ever done. It is great to get to know a student, see them progress and watch them get excited about reading."

Laura Peters

Reading Buddy since 2008 & FGIS Parent

"My students feel special when a Reading Buddy listens to them read."

–Maestra Carmen Ortiz

" I feel proud when a buddy tells me 'good job' when I read a hard word well."

-Student quote

"Many of my students who received Reading Buddy support last year gained so much from the experience. They were more engaged during instructional reading time in the classroom; their participation was more frequent, and their confidence was also evident. They seemed to be more prepared to talk about their experience as readers. They also had more ideas to write about. I really appreciate and value the parent support for Reading Buddies."

4TH GRADE FUNDRAISER FOR FIESTA GARDENS

2011-02-01T14:23:00.001-08:00

4th Grade Fundraiser - Outrageous Caramel Apples
See your 4th grader, teacher or the office to place your order.
We are selling these outrageous caramel apples for the 4th Grade Fundraiser.
The assortment of toppings can be seen in the two school display boards
and at the office.
Apples are $12.00 each. Orders are due by February 8th. Delivery is February 28th
Fiesta Gardens International School
For every apple purchased, half goes to FGIS
1) Each apple is $12.00
2) Choose the apples you like.
3) Fill out the order form.
4) Give the order form and payment to your teacher or the office.
Simple
5) Cash & Checks only - made out to FGIS PTA.
Contact 4th grade room parents for more information
Isabel Raphael r4heli@pacbell.net (415) 990-7753
Robin Smolen robinsmolen@gmail.com
Gloria Jue-Sans
Apples can last up to two weeks when stored in a cool location.
ORIGINAL FLYER AND ORDER FORMS ARE SENT HOME IN WEDNESDAY FOLDERS!!

Recuadación de Fondos para el 4 Grado-
Manzanas Gigantescas de Carmelo
Fiesta Gardens International School
Deliciosas manzanas verdes cubiertas de caramelo, chocolate,
malvaviscos, nueces, palomitas de maiz o caramelos...
Estamos vendiendo estas manzanas de caramelo para recaudación de fondos para el 4th grado.
Todos los ingredientes de las manzanas se pueden ver en los
dos tableros de la escuela y en la ocina.
Cada manzana cuesta $12.00
¡Por cada manzana que se venda, FGIS recibirá $6.00!
Los pedidos se recibirán hasta el 8 de febrero... la entrega será el 28 de febrero.
Las manzanas tienen una duración de dos semanas si se guardan en un lugar fresco.
Hablen con sus hijos de cuarto grado, maestros o a la ocina para hacer su pedido.
1) Cada manzana se vende por $12.00
2) Elija las manzanas que quieran.
3) Llene la orden de pedido.
4) Dar la orden de pedido y el pago a su maestro o a la ocina.
5) Pagué en efectivo ... cheques--solamente al nombre de FGIS PTA.
Para obtener más información hablen con los padres de 4to grado:
Isabel Raphael (415) 990-7753 r4heli@pacbell.net
Robin Smolen robinsmolen@gmail.com
Gloria Jue-Sans

Pedida nueva mas facil para ardenar This new form easier to fill out
Student Name Class Nombre Salon
CHOCOLATE TYPE
MILK OR
APPLE TYPES DARK PRICE CUSTOMER NAME PHONE APPLE TYPE QUANTITY TOTAL
A- After Shock $12.00
B- Almond Obsession $12.00
C- Apple Pie a La Mode $12.00
D- Apple S'Mores $12.00
E- Banana Cream Pie $12.00
F- Bubblegum $12.00
G- Californian $12.00
H- Coconut Mounds $12.00
I- Colossal Cashew Cl. M / D $12.00
J- Death By Chocolate $12.00
K- Earthquake M / D $12.00
L- Extreme I or II M / D $12.00
M- German Chocolate M / D $12.00
N- Goldrush M / D $12.00
O- Halfway Heyday $12.00
P- Hot Tamale $12.00
Q- Jolt $12.00
R- Marshmallow Dream $12.00
S- M&M Monster $12.00
T- Mint Chip $12.00
U- Oreo Avalanche M / D $12.00
V- Peanut Butter Crunch $12.00
W- Peanut Tradition $12.00
X- Pecan Turtle Apple $12.00
Y- Pistachio Chip Apple $12.00
Z- Plain Jane M / D $12.00
aa- Rocky Road $12.00
bb- Snicker Wrapple $12.00
cc- Toffee Apple $12.00
dd- Triple Treat M / D $12.00
ee- Truffle Apple M / D $12.00
ff- Volcano $12.00
gg- Waldo Walnut $12.00

Season's Greetings from The LBC!

2010-12-08T17:50:00.001-08:00

Dear Legarza Basketball Families:

Give the gift that keeps on giving, with LBC Winter Camp... Our older campers will receive preparation for their school or AAU teams, while our younger campers gain invaluable motor skill development. LBC camps focus on respect & team building, increasing overall confidence, and providing a great opportunity to meet lifelong friends!

There's still room, but camps are getting closer to full everyday. So tell your friends and visit www.legarzabasketball.org OR Call 415-334-3333.

Happy Holidays!

The LBC Staff

This e-mail was sent by Arete Peninsula Basketball Association, located at Legarza Basketball, 1027 Bransten Road, San Carlos, CA 94070 (USA). To receive no further e-mails, please click here or reply to this e-mail with "unlist" in the Subject line.

Borders will give schools a donation gift!

2010-11-30T21:17:00.001-08:00

Another way to support FGIS...

On Dec. 4 and Dec. 5, any Borders customer making an in-store purchase, whether a book or a bagel or a latte, will receive a $15 gift card to donate to a public school of choice through DonorsChoose.org, an Internet-based charity. Anyone purchasing the book "Waiting for 'Superman': How We Can Save America's Failing Public Schools" will receive a second $15 card.

Parent Night Out 12/3/10

2010-11-30T20:34:00.001-08:00

Parents Night Out! Come out and Play!
B Street Billiards(164 South B Street, San Mateo)

FGIS – Fundraiser!!!!!!!!!

When: Friday, Dec. 3rd 7:00 – 9:30 PM
Cost: $15 singles $25 Couples
Light appetizers included –No host bar

RSVP Annie Naar (650) 766 4327
thenardos@comcast.net

Borders donates $15 gift to school of your choice

2010-11-30T19:50:00.000-08:00

Hi, Everyone, this is really cool! Borders will donate a$15 gift card to the school of your choice for every purchase (even of a bagel or latte) on December 4th or 5th. Here's a link to the news story.

Support FGIS by Doing Your Holiday Shopping Online

2010-11-16T15:40:00.001-08:00

We have an Amazon store that returns 4-6% of total sales to the FGIS PTA . To get this rebate to our PTA all you have to do is start your Amazon shopping from the Amazon search box on the right side of our FGIS PTA website. Once you've started your search you can add things to your cart for 24 hours and they will be credited to our FGIS PTA store on final purchase, whenever that might be.

Then of course, Amazon will deliver your items right to your door, while you get to enjoy the holiday season.

Do you wonder if what happens when you buy through this? Is everyone going to know you bought that for your special someone? And what happens to your payment info?

Well, never fear, all the info is processed through Amazon's secure site. The rebate payment goes direct to the FGIS PTA bank account, and we never know what you did decide on for that special gift this year.

Thanks for supporting Fiesta Gardens and Happy Holidays!

Your PTA

Re: The Counter San Mateo Preview/Fundraiser Invitation

2010-11-12T16:21:00.001-08:00

SUPPORT YOUR KIDS MUSIC CLASSES AT FGIS. THIS IS A FOR KIDS! FUNDRAISER.
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE,

FGIS PTA
**RESERVATIONS for this are REQUIRED – See below**

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© 2010 The Counter | TheCounterBurger.com <http://www.thecounterburger.com>

Confidentiality notice: This message may contain confidential information. It is intended only for the person to whom it is addressed. If you are not that person, you should not use this message. We request that you notify us by replying to this message, and then delete all copies including any contained in your reply. Thank you.

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BoxTops IS AN EASY WAY TO RAISE MONEY FOR FIESTA GARDENS!

2010-11-12T16:01:00.001-08:00

Dear Parents and Guardians,

BoxTops IS AN EASY WAY TO RAISE MONEY FOR FIESTA GARDENS!

BoxTops is all about the difference 1 can make. This year, our goal is to raise more than last year. I think we can do it! Here are five easy, everyday ways you can help:

Clip — Clip the BoxTop from hundreds of participating products and bring them to the classroom or school office. Each one is worth 10¢ when our school redeems them from Box Tops for Education.

Shop online — Shop at your favorite online stores through the Box Tops Marketplace® (boxtops4education.com/marketplace). Up to 15% of your purchase total is automatically donated to our school, at no additional cost to you. Plus, you'll get exclusive Box Tops deals and discounts!

Read — Buy books online through the Reading RoomSM, a partnership between Box Tops and Barnes and Noble. Our school receives up to 6% of qualifying purchases.

My Class Essentials™ –– This is a free online registry to help classrooms get the learning tools they need. Our school earns a 2% cash donation with every purchase.

Sign up –– It's easy and free. Sign up to support our school at boxtops4education.com, where you can:

See how much our school is earning with Box Tops
Enter online promotions for chances to win Bonus Box Tops and other prizes
Print money-saving coupons for your favorite Box Tops brands
Make mealtime easier with family-pleasing recipes

Last year Fiesta Gardens raised $408 for our school by just collecting cut out boxtops off of purchased products! Thanks to Trisha Violette, a parent at our school for being our coordinator last year! This year, our coordinator is Randy Raphael, and we appreciate him so much!

You can also sign up for Box Tops email newsletters that will keep you updated on the program, and for Marketplace newsletters with Box Tops members-only deals and discounts.

To learn more, visit boxtops4education.com—and thanks for choosing to make a difference at Fiest Gardens International School with Box Tops!

Sincerely,

Melissa Perez
Fiesta Gardens PTA President
Your Box Tops Coordinator is Randy Raphael

BoxTops IS AN EASY WAY TO RAISE MONEY FOR FIESTA GARDENS!

2010-11-12T15:47:00.001-08:00

Dear Parents and Guardians,

BoxTops IS AN EASY WAY TO RAISE MONEY FOR FIESTA GARDENS!

BoxTops is all about the difference 1 can make. This year, our goal is to raise more than last year. I think we can do it! Here are five easy, everyday ways you can help:

Clip — Clip the BoxTop from hundreds of participating products and bring them to the classroom or school office. Each one is worth 10¢ when our school redeems them from Box Tops for Education.

Shop online — Shop at your favorite online stores through the Box Tops Marketplace® (boxtops4education.com/marketplace). Up to 15% of your purchase total is automatically donated to our school, at no additional cost to you. Plus, you'll get exclusive Box Tops deals and discounts!

Read — Buy books online through the Reading Room^SM, a partnership between Box Tops and Barnes and Noble. Our school receives up to 6% of qualifying purchases.

My Class Essentials™ –– This is a free online registry to help classrooms get the learning tools they need. Our school earns a 2% cash donation with every purchase.

Sign up –– It's easy and free. Sign up to support our school at boxtops4education.com, where you can:

See how much our school is earning with Box Tops
Enter online promotions for chances to win Bonus Box Tops and other prizes
Print money-saving coupons for your favorite Box Tops brands
Make mealtime easier with family-pleasing recipes

Last year Fiesta Gardens raised $408 for our school by just collecting cut out boxtops off of purchased products! Thanks to Trisha Violette, a parent at our school for being our coordinator last year! This year, our coordinator is Randy Raphael, and we appreciate him so much!

You can also sign up for Box Tops email newsletters that will keep you updated on the program, and for Marketplace newsletters with Box Tops members-only deals and discounts.

To learn more, visit boxtops4education.com—and thanks for choosing to make a difference at Fiest Gardens International School with Box Tops!

Sincerely,

Melissa Perez

Fiesta Gardens PTA President

Your Box Tops Coordinator is Randy Raphael

Important news on how to help FGIS and For Kids!

2010-11-12T14:53:00.001-08:00

SUPPORT YOUR KIDS MUSIC CLASSES AT FGIS.

THIS IS A FOR KIDS! FUNDRAISER.
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE,

FGIS PTA
**RESERVATIONS for this are REQUIRED – See below**

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School T-Shirts sale

2010-10-06T09:40:00.001-07:00

SUPPORT FIESTA GARDENS SCHOOL!

On Friday, October 8^th, in front of the school, you can buy or order yourself a school t-shirt for only $10.00!

Selling times will be from 8:00am to 8:45am and from 12:30pm to 1:15pm.

¡APOYA LA ESCUELA FIESTA GARDENS! ¡El viernes, 8 de octubre, en frente de la escuela puedes comprar o pedir tu camiseta de la escuela por solo $10! Horario de venta será de 8 a 8:45 de la mañana y de 12:30 a 1:15 de la tarde.

Jog-a-Thon Pledges DUE!

2010-10-06T09:34:00.001-07:00

Don't forget to hand in your Jog-A-Thon pledges!

Congratulations to all participants of the Jog-A-Thon. It was a wonderful, fun event and we hope to raise much needed Money for our school.

Please remember that all Jog-A-Thon pledges are due tomorrow, October 7th. Please return your pledge envelopes to your teachers, in your Wednesday folder or directly to the office.

With thanks to all participants, supporters, teachers and volunteers,

Jo Newman & Ramona Barcklay

650 888 6300

¡No olviden entregar sus promesas monetarias de Jog-A-Thon!

Felicidades a todos los participantes de Jog-A-Thon. Fue un evento fabuloso y divertido y esperamos recaudar fondos muy necesarios para la escuela. Por favor recuerden entregar sus promesas monetarias mañana, 7 de octubre. Pueden entregar sus sobres en la carpeta de los miércoles o directamente a la oficina.

Muchas gracias a todos los participantes, los que nos apoyaron, los maestros y voluntarios,

Jo Newman y Ramona Barcklay

650 888 6300

FGIS PTA meeting Today Tuesday September 21, 7pm LGI

2010-09-21T12:59:00.001-07:00

Just a reminder that tonight, on 9/21/10, there is a Fiesta Gardens PTA Meeting at 7pm, in the LGI

The Agenda is below in English and Spanish:

 Agenda:

 1.        Pledge of allegiance

 2.        Topics:

       ·        Helen Johnson will give an overview of the 2010-1011 PTA Budget. Learn how the PTA funds the activities!

     ·        Melissa Perez will summarize the upcoming PTA activities for the year. Find out what fun times are in store for Fiesta Garden's future!

     ·        Directora Spieller will provide academic announcements.

Junta de PTA de Fiesta Gardens

Agenda:

 1. Juramento a la bandera

 2.    Temas:

     ·       Helen Johnson, presentará un resumen del presupuesto. ¡Entérese cómo el PTA patrocina actividades!

· Melissa Perez, hará un resumen de las actividades que tendremos durante todo el año escolar. ¡Como nos vamos a divertir!

· Directora Spieller explicará un poco sobre lo que nos espera este año escolar.

FGIS PTA Meeting Tonight

2010-09-21T10:43:00.001-07:00

Just a reminder that tonight, on 9/21/10, there is a Fiesta Gardens PTA Meeting at 7pm, in the LGI

The Agenda is below in English and Spanish:

 Agenda:

 1.        Pledge of allegiance

 2.        Topics:

       ·        Helen Johnson will give an overview of the 2010-1011 PTA Budget. Learn how the PTA funds the activities!

     ·        Melissa Perez will summarize the upcoming PTA activities for the year. Find out what fun times are in store for Fiesta Garden's future!

     ·        Directora Spieller will provide academic announcements.

Junta de PTA de Fiesta Gardens

Agenda:

 1. Juramento a la bandera

 2.    Temas:

     ·       Helen Johnson, presentará un resumen del presupuesto. ¡Entérese cómo el PTA patrocina actividades!

· Melissa Perez, hará un resumen de las actividades que tendremos durante todo el año escolar. ¡Como nos vamos a divertir!

· Directora Spieller explicará un poco sobre lo que nos espera este año escolar.

SF Chronicle Article Public Schools and Language Immersion

2010-08-24T13:46:00.000-07:00

Directora sends this along:

By Jan Goben

San Francisco Chronicle August 24, 2010 04:00 AM Copyright San Francisco Chronicle. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Tuesday, August 24, 2010

C.W. Nevius' columns about parents' distress over San Francisco schools rang a bell with me, and I was prompted to weigh in about my delight with the public schools my daughter has attended in San Francisco.

When my daughter was starting kindergarten, friends said: "You can't stay in San Francisco; you have to move!" I heard this often enough that I worried. Did my husband and I have to leave the city we loved?

Well, we did decide to stay, and we entered our daughter in our neighborhood school, Fairmount Elementary. "You can't send her there - she won't learn anything at a Spanish immersion school," friends protested. I worried anew.

We chose a school that still needed help, but a new principal was coming in, and over the years the school became one of the most desirable in the city, thanks to the work of a great principal and dedicated parents. I quickly became involved with the school, and started working with the principal to write a weekly letter to parents. I would write his words in English; he then would write the message in Spanish so that it could be read by all the school families, who were half native English speakers, and half native Spanish speakers.

I watched the school earn a better and better reputation. Applications for admission increased. The school is on the border of Noe Valley, the Mission District and Glen Park, and it became more desirable for families from all of those areas.

I realized that this school we had chosen for our daughter was really our community. As she learned Spanish, we learned (some) Spanish, and developed friendships.

Over time, I saw more and more that I loved about raising my daughter in San Francisco. San Francisco students are regularly taken to the opera, ballet, symphony and museums. One of her teachers in elementary school worked with San Francisco Opera performers, who came to the school and had the students do a performance with opera stars.

In third grade, she was one of seven kids in her class chosen for a yearlong scholarship with the San Francisco Ballet. She has a pair of ballet slippers given to her by a professional ballerina she met.

When she began kindergarten, she joined a soccer team, and now, eight years later, the girls still play together.

My daughter is on a softball team through San Francisco Little League. She is also on the track and softball teams at James Lick Middle School, which has an extension of the Spanish immersion program she began at Fairmount.

Her grades continue to be good, and I wonder if part of it is from learning Spanish, because I hear about how being bilingual helps kids with other studies.

She said that, from the students she knew when she entered kindergarten eight years ago, she can count at least nine who are attending the top high school in our city, Lowell High School, which counts among its alumni Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer.

I'm very glad we stayed in San Francisco. My daughter has a group of friends from all over the world, and she has had school experiences I never could have dreamed of.

Jan Goben is a San Francisco public school parent.

This article appeared on page A - 8 of the San Francisco Chronicle

Reminder: Back to School Night for 4th and 5th Grade/Visitas con lo... @ Tue Aug 3 6:30pm - 7:30pm (Fiesta Gardens International School)

2010-08-01T19:58:00.001-07:00

more details »

Back to School Night for 4th and 5th Grade/Visitas con los maestros de 4º y 5º

When	Tue Aug 3 6:30pm – 7:30pm Pacific Time
Calendar	Fiesta Gardens International School You can subscribe to FGIS calendar updates here. Just select the calendar you're interested in and click on the Google Calendar button on the bottom right. This calendar is maintained by Margaret Becker for FGIS.

PTA Officer positions

2010-06-01T20:27:00.001-07:00

FIESTA GARDENS PTA

COME JOIN US!

It's that time of year again where you can join our Fiesta Gardens PTA Board of Officers. We welcome anyone interested in joining!

Below is a list of positions available to nominate yourself or someone you know who would be a good fit. Some of the positions listed have names beside them. These are people who are willing to volunteer their time once again to finish their 2 year term on the board. If you would like to nominate them again, yourself or someone new, please feel free to drop your nomination off in the school office by 6/9/10. There will be a special, designated box for this.

President - Melissa Perez (volunteered to return)

VP - open

Treasurer - Anna Kennel (volunteered to return)

Secretary - open

Financial Secretary - Open

Room Parent Chair - Annie Naar (volunteered to return)

Outreach - Ramona Barcklay (volunteered to return)

Fundraising - Maribel Nix ((volunteered to return)

Parent Education - Open

Reflections - Becky Taylor (volunteered to return)

Historian - Tatiana Sandoval (volunteered to return)

I would like to Nominate: __________________________________________________

(please print clearly)

Name of Position nominating for:____________________________________________

Please return your nomination into the school office box by June 9^th.

PTA joins in filing historic lawsuit

2010-05-21T11:52:00.000-07:00

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Informational Alert
May 20, 2010

PTA joins in historic lawsuit

California's broken school finance system is unconstitutional

This morning, a historic lawsuit was filed against the state of California declaring that the current education finance system is broken and unconstitutional. As a result, students are being denied the opportunity to master the educational programs the state requires.

Maya Robles-Wong v. the State of California was filed in Alameda by the California State PTA, the California School Boards Association and the Association of California School Administrators. Plaintiffs include nine school districts, as well as individual students and their families. Plaintiff Maya Robles-Wong is a 16-year-old 11^th-grader at Alameda High School.

"We must have a school finance system that allows schools to deliver a high-quality education for all children - in good times and in tough times," said Jo A.S. Loss, president of California State PTA.

About the lawsuit

California's constitution requires a school system that prepares students to become informed citizens and productive members of society. The state has set clear requirements for what schools must teach and what students must learn. The state has an obligation to provide the resources necessary to meet the required standards, but the state has failed to do so.

This lawsuit seeks to remedy the broken school finance system by (1) declaring that it is unconstitutional and (2) requiring state lawmakers to uphold their constitutional duty to design and implement a school finance system that provides all students equal access to the required educational program.

The lawsuit declares that the "unsound, unstable and insufficient school finance system is neither aligned with required educational programs nor with student needs."

Filing this lawsuit was a last resort for California State PTA and the other plaintiffs. The Governor and lawmakers have known for some time that the current school finance system is harming students, and they have done nothing to remedy the crisis.

For more information on the lawsuit and to read the complete complaint, please visit www.fixschoolfinance.org.

We recognize the need to keep our membership informed as the case progresses.

Important note

The Board of Directors and Board of Managers weighed this decision to participate in the lawsuit very carefully. The unprecedented step of initiating legal action is necessary given the serious deficiencies of the current school funding system, and the utter lack of meaningful action taken by the Legislature and Governor to address it.

All of the legal representation for California State PTA's involvement in this case will be provided at no cost to our association. A number of prominent law firms and legal experts are involved in the case, some volunteering their time. Absolutely no member dues or any other of our revenues will be spent on legal costs for this case.

Teacher Appreciation Month

2010-04-29T14:10:00.000-07:00

Hi, Everyone, May is FGIS Teacher Appreciation Month!

All students! Please bring a flower for their teacher this coming Monday May 3rd. The teachers will have vases ready in their classrooms. This is the beginning of Teacher Appreciation Month (May). We will be doing something special fro All our teachers each Monday in the month of May.

Fourth and Fifth Grades! Please help out with school supply donations on Monday May 17th as a way of participating in Teacher Appreciation Month! Maestra Maria just gave us a teacher discussed list. see below:

Here is a list of supplies that we came up with today at our meeting:

(Our most needed classroom supplies)

~big crayons for kinder

~glue sticks

~multi-color dry erase markers

~pink pearl erasers

~pencils

~Crayola fat markers

~multi-colored wide sharpies

~blue painters tape

~primary pencils

~tape refills

~crayons

Thank you for celebrating with us!

Teacher Appreciation Week

2010-04-29T14:09:00.001-07:00

Hi, Everyone, next week is Teacher Appreciation Week!

Fourth and Fifth Grades! Please help out with school supply donations on May 17th as a way of participating in Teacher Appreciation Month! Maestra Maria just gave us a teacher discussed list. see below:

Here is a list of supplies that we came up with today at our meeting:

(Our most needed classroom supplies)

~big crayons for kinder

~glue sticks

~multi-color dry erase markers

~pink pearl erasers

~pencils

~Crayola fat markers

~multi-colored wide sharpies

~blue painters tape

~primary pencils

~tape refills

~crayons

Thank you for celebrating with us!

From your FGIS PTA

2010-04-21T20:05:00.001-07:00

Welcome back from break!

Our next PTA meeting is Tuesday, April 27th at 7pm and will focus on the upcoming STAR testing and how to help your child prepare. Childcare will be provided, coffee and pastries as well.

Another School Garden and Improvement Day this Saturday the 24th from 8 to 4pm . We'll be joined by volunteers from Menlo Park Presbyterian Church who are also sponsoring a BBQ lunch for all the hardworking volunteers! Bring the whole family!

Here's the link to the flyer in Spanish (the Spanish says 24 de Agosto, perdón.) and in English

And Gryphons Soccer is supporting For Kids! foundation by donating 10% of the program fees for their spring and summer camps.

Here's the Gryphons flyer in English and in Spanish

Notices April 21

2010-04-21T19:34:00.000-07:00

Welcome back from break!

Our next PTA meeting is Tuesday, April 27th at 7pm and will focus on the upcoming STAR testing and how to help your child prepare. Childcare will be provided, coffee and pastries as well.

Here's the link to the flyer in Spanish (the Spanish says 24 de Agosto, perdón.) and in English

And Gryphons Soccer is supporting For Kids! foundation by donating 10% of the program fees for their spring and summer camps.

Here's the Gryphons flyer in English and in Spanish

Children's Day - Books Day/ Dia de los Ninos - Dia de los Libros

2010-04-06T15:20:00.003-07:00

Date:	Saturday, April 10, 2010
Start Time:	12:30 PM
End Time:	3:00 PM
Description:	Come celebrate at the San Mateo Public Library! Storytelling, crafts, other fun activities for children & light refreshments. ¡Celebre en la Biblioteca Central de San Mateo! Cuentos, artesanía, y otras actividades para niños y refrescos. Sponored by/Patrocinado por Union Bank, Whole Foods Market, the San Mateo Fire Department, Kiwanis of Redwood City, and the Latino Library Advisory Committee.
Address:	Main Library 55 W. Third Avenue San Mateo, CA 94402
Contact:	(650) 522-7802
Cost:	Free

Thanks to Tricia Keener

2010-03-26T14:33:00.000-07:00

We left her business card off our Fiesta program. We are so sorry. We thank her for her patience and support.

FGIS PTA

Talent show 3/24 at 7pm, Abbott Bookfair, Farm for school use

2010-03-23T19:32:00.000-07:00

There seems to be ongoing confusion about the date of the Talent Show. It

is tomorrow, Wednesday, March 24th, and starts at 7pm.

The 5th grade families will be selling food starting at 5pm. See you there!

**********************************************************

Also, our sister school Abbott is having a bookfair. We want to support them in their efforts in this time of tight budgets.

Here's a link to their bookfair website.

***********************************************************

And finally, the PTA got an interesting email from the County -- there is a farm available for school use for free in Half Moon Bay. Here is the letter from the San Mateo County Health Officer about it.

Talent Show Tomorrow 3/24 7pm and more

2010-03-23T19:31:00.001-07:00

Hi. All,

There seems to be ongoing confusion about the date of the Talent Show. It

is tomorrow, Wednesday, March 24th, and starts at 7pm.

The 5th grade families will be selling food starting at 5pm. See you there!

**********************************************************

Also, our sister school Abbott is having a bookfair. We want to support them in their efforts in this time of tight budgets.

Here's a link to their bookfair website.

***********************************************************

5th Grade Fundraiser -- Food and more at the Talent Show!

2010-03-21T21:50:00.001-07:00

The Fifth Grade families will be having a fundraising event before the Talent Show on Wednesday, March 24th. We will be selling tamales, pizza, desserts, and veggies from 5:00pm to 6:30pm at Bayside Theater. During this time, we will also be selling flowers for families and friends to purchase for their performers in the show.

There will also be raffles for items such as an iPod nano!

The winners will be announced at Intermission.

Please come out and support your Fifth Graders!!

Fiesta Flat Screen TV and Blu Ray Raffle

2010-03-18T22:27:00.001-07:00

Don't forget to buy your raffle tickets for the 37" LG flat screen TV and Sony Blu Ray player!

Tickets are only $25 and we are only selling 100. The TV and Blu Ray would retail for about $750! Winner does not have to be present to win. The school office has additional raffle tickets and the collection envelope.

Fiesta Program and Proxy Bidding

2010-03-18T21:28:00.001-07:00

The Fiesta Program is now available online! Take an early look at all the great items available in the auction.

If you can't make it to the Fiesta or just want to enjoy the party, you can submit proxy bids now. You can place your bids online or in person at the school office. Online proxy bidding closes at 1pm on Saturday. Winning proxy bids can be paid for and claimed at the Fiesta or by arrangement on Monday. If you have questions you can email fgispta@gmail.com.

Here's a link to the Fiesta Program

and

Here's a link to the Proxy Bidding Form.

You can view all the proxy bids placed online here.

Thanks!

Your PTA

Fiesta!

2010-03-12T16:59:00.001-08:00

SPRING FIESTA FEVER!

Fiesta Gardens BIGGEST fundraiser is right around the corner. Please read the following checklist and consider contributing and/or volunteering where you can.

Our fundraiser will only be a success with everyone doing their share where they can.

My Family has…

Purchased tickets for the Spring Fiesta? Saturday March 20, 5:30-11p. Tickets can be purchased at the office or by returning your invitation card.
Considered what we can donate to the Live or silent auction and the Raffle.
Considered donating items to the "themed" gift baskets
Volunteered time before, during, or after the Spring Fiesta event
Solicited for or considered advertising at the Spring Fiesta event

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR CHILDRENS' SCHOOL FUNDRAISING EFFORTS!

For more information or questions about any of the items, please contact Maribel Nix at 650-704-4480 or at maribel_nix@yahoo.com

FIEBRE de FIESTA de PRIMAVERA!

El acto benéfico MAS GRANDE de Fiesta Gardens está justo a la vuelta. Por favor lea la lista y considere contribuir o ofrecerse como voluntario donde pueda.

Nuestro acto benéfico solo sera exitoso si todos contribuyen donde puedan

Mi familia ha…

Comprado boletos para la Fiesta de Primavera? Sábado 20 de marzo, 5.30-11pm. Boletos a la venta en la oficina o regresando su tarjeta de invitación.
Considerado lo que puede donar para la subastas: silenciosa o en vivo y la rifa.
Considerado donar artículos para la cesta de regalos "staycation".
Ofrecido su tiempo antes, durante o después del evento: Fiesta de Primavera.
Solicitado o considerado anunciarse en el evento de la Fiesta de Primavera

¡GRACIAS POR APOYARNOS A RECAUDAR FONDOS PARA LA ESCUELA DE NUESTROS HIJOS!

Para más información o si tiene preguntas, por favor comuníquese Maribel Nix 650-704-4480 o mande un correo electrónico a maribel_nix@yahoo.com

Reserve your tickets!

2010-03-12T16:47:00.000-08:00

Here's a ticket revervation form to print, just in case!

SPRING FIESTA FEVER! FIEBRE de FIESTA de PRIMAVERA!

2010-03-12T16:42:00.000-08:00

SPRING FIESTA FEVER!

Fiesta Gardens BIGGEST fundraiser is right around the corner. Please read the following checklist and consider contributing and/or volunteering where you can.

Our fundraiser will only be a success with everyone doing their share where they can.

My Family has…

Purchased tickets for the Spring Fiesta? Saturday March 20, 5:30-11p. Tickets can be purchased at the office or by returning your invitation card.
Considered what we can donate to the Live or silent auction and the Raffle.
Considered donating items to the “themed” gift baskets
Volunteered time before, during, or after the Spring Fiesta event
Solicited for or considered advertising at the Spring Fiesta event

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR CHILDRENS’ SCHOOL FUNDRAISING EFFORTS!
For more information or questions about any of the items, please contact Maribel Nix at 650-704-4480 or at maribel_nix@yahoo.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

El acto benéfico MAS GRANDE de Fiesta Gardens está justo a la vuelta. Por favor lea la lista y considere contribuir o ofrecerse como voluntario donde pueda.

Nuestro acto benéfico solo sera exitoso si todos contribuyen donde puedan

Mi familia ha…

Comprado boletos para la Fiesta de Primavera? Sábado 20 de marzo, 5.30-11pm. Boletos a la venta en la oficina o regresando su tarjeta de invitación.
Considerado lo que puede donar para la subastas: silenciosa o en vivo y la rifa.
Considerado donar artículos para la cesta de regalos “staycation”.
Ofrecido su tiempo antes, durante o después del evento: Fiesta de Primavera.
Solicitado o considerado anunciarse en el evento de la Fiesta de Primavera

¡GRACIAS POR APOYARNOS A RECAUDAR FONDOS PARA LA ESCUELA DE NUESTROS HIJOS!
Para más información o si tiene preguntas, por favor comuníquese Maribel Nix 650-704-4480 o mande un correo electrónico a maribel_nix@yahoo.com

Measure A Passes!

2010-02-24T10:37:00.001-08:00

Just barely, results are not yet official as count was so close.

Here's a link to the Daily Journal article.

Free Concert for Families Sunday, February 28, at Hillsdale High

2010-02-22T16:35:00.000-08:00

An Urgent Message

2010-01-18T14:26:00.000-08:00

Dear Fiesta Gardens Parents:

Since 2003 we have supported a school parcel tax that provides stable local funding for our schools and supports core academic programs. This parcel tax is set to expire in June. If the February 23rd mail-in ballot Measure A does not pass, our schools will need to cut $6 million in addition to the $18 million we've already been hit with! This will devastate our elementary and middle schools!

On behalf of our PTA at Fiesta Gardens International School, we ask that you vote "YES" on Measure A to help pass this parcel tax.

Your vote is important to our kids!

For more information about Measure A, you can go to www.YesOnMeasureA2010.org
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED! If you are interested in volunteering your time with other Fiesta Gardens parents and teachers, please contact Melissa Perez, the PTA President, at 650-245-8808 or by e-mail,dm-perez@sbcglobal.net

FGIS Phone Bank date 2/8/10

The phone bank runs from 5:30-8:30 pm (snacks will be provided)

San Mateo Elementary Teachers’ Assn office – 520 S. El Camino Real #526 (San Mateo)

From Hwy 92 East/West – exit El Camino Real North. Turn left at 5th Avenue (across from Central Park). Parking is available in the lot behind the 24 Hour Fitness gym. The SMETA office is located on the fifth floor of the Westlake Building.

Thanks so much!

Fiesta Gardens PTA

Ways to Support FGIS this Holiday Season

2009-11-25T13:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to All,

We ask you to take a minute to check out some ways you can support Fiesta Gardens during your holiday preparations and celebrations:

Shop through our Amazon Associates store by clicking here, you'll donate 4% or more of your purchase to Fiesta Gardens PTA.
Sign up for OneCause, an online fundraiser that lets you select Fiesta Gardens as your cause and a percentage of your online purchases at many retailers will be donated to our school. They offer some great discounts too.
Make sure your cards are signed up for eScrip, when you use credit or debit cards or store loyalty cards like Safeway's, a portion of your purchase with go to Fiesta Gardens PTA.
Buy Gift Cards through our Gift Card Fundraiser, you'll need this number 966F4B8E11354, and when you order the cards online, our Gift Card Fundraiser volunteers will contact you to collect payment and deliver your cards. You can buy Arco cards and avoid that annoying fee.
Shop at Talbot's Toystore through December 4th and mention that you'd like to support Fiesta Gardens, and 10% of the purchase price will go to Fiesta Gardens.
Don't forget the Box Tops! Tear off and save your Box Tops for Education, we made more than $400 as a school last quarter.

And, saving the best for last, don't forget our great events here at school:

Holiday Boutique, December 5th 10am-2pm, with free crafts for the kids, more than 20 vendors, bake sale, raffle, musci and more! You can help us spread the word by printing and posting this where you work, work out, shop or anywhere there's a bulletin board
PTA Parents/Kids Night Out Fundraiser, December 11th evening, for school age children $15 for the first child and $10 for addtional kids, more info forthcoming
Holiday Book Fair to benefit our Library and Media Center, December 14th-18th, this year we are excited that Kepler's Bookstore is working with us

And when that spirit of giving really needs expression, you can donate to the Fiesta Gardens PTA online, or by dropping off a check made out to FGIS PTA at the office or with your child's teacher.

Wishing You All Happy and Peaceful Holidays,

Your Fiesta Gardens PTA

Please pick up your lost items!

2009-11-12T12:25:00.000-08:00

CLAIM YOUR LOST AND FOUND ITEMS
Thursday(12nov.) and Friday (13Nov) ONLY
at Kinder Playground
Notice: Items unclaimed will be donated to the FGIS clothes sale on Nov. 20th.

RECLAMA TUS ARTICULOS PERDIDOS
SOLO Jueves(12 de Nov.) y Viernes(13 de Nov.)
(Nota: Ropa no reclamada sera donada a la venta de ropa de FGIS (20 de Nov.)

First PTA Meeting minutes: It was a blast!

2009-08-17T08:39:00.000-07:00

We introduced our new PTA board last Friday evening, at our first meeting which featured free pizza and a performance by magician Jeff Haas. Parents joined the PTA and signed up to volunteer and for eScrip and kids had a great time. One FGIS third grader said (while making circles with her hands),"First you looked at that spinning disc and then you looked at your friend and their eyes went woo-ooo, woo-ooo!" If only the PTA could get Jeff to teach us how to make those coins magically appear.

See you at the next meeting.

Garden Day August 22nd 8am-12pm

2009-08-17T08:29:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed the mountains of wood chips on in the Bermuda Drive garden area. Randy got tree service companies to donate them. And we need to help spread them out in the garden. Our work day is scheduled on August 22nd at 8am. Bring rakes if you have them, or just bring yourself and borrow a rake.

We hope to see you there!

Volunteer!

2009-08-17T07:53:00.000-07:00

Fundraising Alert: Amazon Gift Cards 6% for FGIS

2009-08-17T07:39:00.000-07:00

Buy an Amazon Gift Card using this link and Fiesta Gardens will get 6% of your purchase.

Thanks for supporting your PTA!

FREE PIZZA DINNER AND MAGIC SHOW! August 14th, 2009 at 6:00pm in the LGI

2009-08-10T12:26:00.000-07:00

You will also have the opportunity to meet our new PTA board members and help support our PTA by signing up for a membership!

Dinner will be served promptly at 6pm!
An interactive 45 minute Magic Show, by Jeff Haas, will follow afterward.
Plus, there will be hats, magic wands and kits for sale too!

If you are able to attend, PLEASE help us out with our dinner planning by returning the bottom part to your teacher by Tuesday, August 11th

La PTA invita a miembros de las familias de Fiesta Gardens a una

CENA DE PIZZA GRATIS Y ESPECTACULO DE MAGIA

También tedrán la oportunidad de conocer nuestros nuevos miembros del consejo administrativo de la PTA y de apoyar la PTA haciendose miembros.

La cena será servida puntualmente a las 6pm!
Un espectáculo interactivo de magia de 45 minutos será presentado por Jeff Hass después de la cena. También habrán gorros, varitas y kits a la venta.

SI van a asistir por favor rellene el talón y entrégueselo a su maestro(a), a más tardar,bel martes 11 de agosto.

- - - - - - - - - - Regrese el talón/ Return this portion- - - - - - - -

Para poder pedir suficiente pizza por favor indique si asistirán al evento / Please let us know if you are attending the meeting so we can order enough pizzas.

Estudiante/Student:______________________________________________________

Cuantos niños vendrán/ How many kids will attend: ___________________________

Cuántos adultos vendrán/ How many adults will attend: _______________________

To Incoming First Grade Families: Kinder BBQ Help Needed

2009-07-19T10:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Incoming 2009 - 2010 First Grade Parents:

Remember the Kinder Barbeque - the kids, the other parents, the food, learning about all the upcoming school activities, joining the PTA?!?! The 2009 - 2010 Kinder Barbeque will be led by your grade level and will be your opportunity to help usher in the new Kinder families. A brief overview of the tasks is outline below.

9am - 11am Set up
10:30am - 1pm Barbeque
10:30am Make Lemonade/Water jugs
11am - 12pm Help label the dishes (owner name) that people bring in and make sure that there are spoons, plates, etc. at the table
11am - 1pm Sit at the PTA table to help people sigh up for PTA

If you are able to help out during any of these times on Sunday, July 26, 2009, please contact the 2009 - 2010 PTA Board President, Melissa Perez at dm-perez@sbcglobal.net.

Thanks in advance for all that you do for your kids!!

Regards,
Brenda

Ask Your State Senator to Help Our Schools

2009-06-25T08:19:00.000-07:00

SCA 6: Lowering the Threshold
for Local School Parcel Taxes
Please ask your state senator to vote 'Aye'

SCA 6 (Simitian) is a bill that lowers the threshold for passing local school parcel taxes to 55 percent from the current two-thirds majority. A parcel tax is essentially the only way that local school districts can raise funds for school programs.

California State PTA has a strong support position on SCA 6, as it reflects the resolution on this subject passed by Convention delegates in May 2008.

The bill has passed through committee and will be heard on the Senate floor possibly as soon as Monday, June 15.

We need your help! Please call, e-mail or fax your state senator immediately and urge him or her to vote yes on SCA 6. Also, please forward this email to anyone who cares about school funding.

SCA 6 is important because local school parcel taxes are essentially the only tool that California school districts have at their disposal to supplement funding from the state.
California's schools are chronically underfunded, and this year's budget cuts are unprecedented. Local control options are urgently needed.
Voters have shown in past elections that they are willing to lower the threshold for education measures. In 2000, Proposition 39 reduced the threshold for local school facilities bond measures. As a result, school facilities have improved dramatically throughout the state. A similar threshold reduction is needed for school programs.

To find contact information for your senator, please click here.

Kinder Playdates for July

2009-06-24T18:31:00.000-07:00

Fiesta Gardens International School PTA would like to

Welcome the Incoming Kindergarten Class

Come and meet your classmates at our Saturday, Summer Playdates.

We have scheduled summer playdates so your children can meet their new classmates and get acquainted with the Kindergarten playground. These informal playdates will help your child with the transition into Kindergarten and also provides a great opportunity for parents to meet.

When: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
June 27, July 11, July 18 and July 25

Where: Fiesta Gardens International School – Kindergarten Playground

The PTA will provide water and juice.

Hope to see you there !!

La Asociación de PTA de la Escuela International Fiesta Gardens
le da la bienvenida a los nuevos alumnos de Kindergarten

Ven y conoce a tus futuros compañeros en un sábado de juego

Hemos organizado un horario de dias de juego para que su hijo(a) conozca a sus futuros compañeritos y se sientan cómodos en nuestro patio de recreo. Estos dias de juego pueden ayudarle a su hijo(a) con la transición a la escuela y también promueven amistades entre los padres de familia.

Qué sábados: 27 de junio, 11 de julio, 18 de julio y 25 de julio

Hora: de 10:00 am a las 11:00 am

Dónde: en el patio de recreo de Kindergarten de la escuela

La Asociación de PTA proveerá agua y jugos para todos

¡¡¡Esperamos verlos pronto!!!

Gryphons Soccer Fundraiser--for Kids!

2009-06-10T14:44:00.000-07:00

Sign up as a new Gryphons participant to camp this summer and the for Kids! fund gets 10% of the cost of the camp. Be sure to let them know the name of your school at registration.

Open House and Art Show, Thursday, June 4, 6:30- 7:30pm

2009-05-29T14:19:00.000-07:00

Our annual Open House and Art Show is happening Thursday evening. Take the opportunity to visit your child's class, talk to other parents, check out all our kids' great art.
And don't forget to vote for your new PTA Board and Site Council members.

And remember our Art program needs your support, so please make a donation to assist in all Maestra Ana's great projects.

The PTA Board Needs You!

2009-05-06T19:18:00.000-07:00

May is time to elect a new Board and we need your help. Please take a look at the following and let us know how you'd like to help. Nomination forms are in the May 6 communicador. You can also make nominations (including self-nomiations) here:

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And view online nominations here

PTA BOARD POSITIONS & SUMMARY OF DUTIES

PRESIDENT

Meets with its board during the school year to plan future events and get feed back from previous events.
Responsible for organizing the committees for each of the PTA events during the calendar year.
Brings forth and proposes ideas suggested by the members.
Conducts the general meetings.
Works closely with the board members to ensure good communication between the school administration, teachers and board members.
Assists and helps during school as well as PTA events.

Outgoing president: Annie Naar

VICE-PRESIDENT:

Steps in for President as needed (eg. PTA Board meetings, PTA General meetings, etc.)
Attend PTA Board meetings as well as PTA General Meetings
Assist with logistics of PTA general meetings.
Hire childcare assistants. Provide childcare sign-up roster, ensure that the caregiver gets paid, submits the rosters to the secretary.
Assist with fundraising events (eg. Spring Fiesta, Jog-a-thon, See’s Candies sales, etc)
Assist with school function events (eg. Fiesta Hispana, Ice-Cream Social, etc)
Room-Parent Coordinator – meet with room parents at the beginning of the year and establish a connection between the room parents and the PTA Board. Send out reminder notices of up-coming events to room parents as needed.
Assists and helps during school as well as PTA events.

Outgoing vice-president: Marcella Rentería-Dew

TREASURER:

Write and record checks for reimbursements or bills at least every 2 weeks.
Reconcile checking account statement monthly using Quick Books. (PTA has its own lap-top computer where all records are logged)
Prepare Budget for the school year with the help of the PTA Board.
Maintain Budget on Excel and Quick Books.
Send in Membership Dues and other required forms to SMFC PTA Council.
Coordinate Audit Reviews and Taxes.
Assists and helps during school as well as PTA events.

Outgoing Financial Secretary: Julie Adams

FINANCIAL SECRETARY:

Records and deposits all the money received by the PTA.
Tracks deposited monies by category.
Provides written documentation (letters) to donors for IRS purposes.
Responsible for communicating amounts of classroom funds to the teachers.
Responsible for confirming corporate match donations.
Assists and helps during school as well as PTA events.

Outgoing Treasurer: Gloria Jue

SECRETARY:

Records minutes of all meetings.
Responsible for printing sign-up sheets.
Responsible for emails to each grade level
Assists and helps during school as well as PTA events.

Outgoing Secretary: Brenda Pérez

MEMBERSHIP CHAIR:

Organizes membership-drives to recruit members at various times during the school year.
Collects dues and gives the money to the treasurer.
Keeps a roster of members.
Assists and helps during school as well as PTA events.

Outgoing Membership Chair: Michelle Zalba

FUNDRAISER CHAIR:

Organizes committees for the various fundraisers during the school year. (This year there were 4 events during the school year).
Serves as a liaison between the PTA Board and the fundraise-committees.
Is in charge of the Direct Donations drive during the fall.
Schedules the Wednesday Food Nights.
Assists and helps during school as well as PTA events.

Outgoing Fundraiser Chair: Danielle Martínez

PARENT EDUCATION CHAIR:

Researches ideas for potential speakers that we present on our Tuesdays PTA meetings.
Hires the speakers once the board has approved them.
Attends PTA meetings and organizes the refreshments and snacks for the PTA meeting on Tuesdays.
Creates a Wednesday flyer, has it translated, gets it approved by President and office. Once approved, makes 200+ copies, puts them in the teachers box.
Advertises the meetings. Distributes flyers around the school about the PTA meeting's topic and date. Places a flyer at every classroom door and in the courtyard area.
Updates the front announcement board with meeting information.
Acts as a liaison between the board and the general school population.
Assists and helps during school as well as PTA events.

Outgoing Parent Ed: Melissa Pérez

WEB-SITE MANAGER:

In charge of obtaining information and maintaining the PTA Wed site.
Assists and helps during school as well as PTA events.

Current Web-Site Manager: Karen Jensen

Teacher Appreciation Week, 2009

2009-05-04T09:53:00.001-07:00

We will celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week from Monday, May 4th through Friday, May 8th, 2009. To express our gratitude we have a few token surprises planned. (Remember, it is the thought that counts! The students should bring the following items to their classrooms:

Monday, May 4th: All Students please bring a flower for their teacher. (There will be vases in every room)

Tuesday, May 5th: (Kindergarten & First grades ONLY) Please bring a delicious fruit to add to a special appreciation basket in each of your classrooms. These baskets will be taken to the teachers lounge later in the day for all teachers to enjoy their sweetness.

Wednesday, May 6th: (Second & Third grades ONLY) School supplies day! Please bring pencils, erasers, stickers, glue sticks, etc. to add to a special appreciation basket in each of your classrooms. These baskets will be taken to the teachers lounge later in the day for all teachers to share.

Thursday, May 7th: (Fourth & Fifth grades ONLY) Please bring a cookie or a chocolate to add to a special appreciation basket in each of your classrooms. These baskets will be taken to the teachers lounge later in the day for all teachers to enjoy these treats.

Friday, May 8th: All students. Please bring homemade cards for your teachers . Let’s all thank them for their continuous hard work!

Thank you all for your support and well wishes to our teachers!
La semana del maestro

La semana del 4 al 8 de mayo del 2009 es la semana en la que se le agradece a los maestros todo su arduo trabajo. Teniendo en mente que ¡la intensión es lo que cuenta! hemos planeado algunas pequeñas sorpresas. Los estudiantes deben llevar lo siguiente a sus salones:

Lunes 4 de mayo: Todos los alumnos de la escuela hagan el favor de traer una linda flor a su maestra. (Habrá floreros en cada salón)

Martes 5 de mayo: (Kindergarten y primer grado SOLAMENTE) Por favor traigan una deliciosa fruta para poner en la canasta de agradecimiento que estará en sus respectivos salones. Una vez llenas, las llevaremos a la sala de maestros para que todos disfruten de ellas.

Miércoles 6 de mayo: (Segundo y tercer grado SOLAMENTE) ¡Día de materiales escolares! Por favor traigan lápices, borradores, calcomanías, pegamento, etc. para ponerlo en la canasta de agradecimiento que estará en sus respectivos salones. Una vez llenas, las llevaremos a la sala de maestros para que todos compartan .

Jueves 7 de mayo: (Cuarto y quinto grado SOLAMENTE) Por favor traigan una galletita o un chocolate para poner en la canasta de agradecimiento que estará en sus respectivos salones. Una vez llenas, las llevaremos a la sala de maestros para que todos gocen de su duzura.

Viernes 8 de mayo: Todos los alumnos de la escuela. Por favor háganle la tarjetita en casa a sus maestras para agradecerles todo su arduo trabajo.

¡Muchas gracias a todos por su apoyo y sus buenos deseos a nuestros maestros!

Spring Fiesta, Saturday March 21

2009-03-16T13:56:00.001-07:00

Get your tickets now! If you have last minute ticket needs contact Maribel Nix at 650-704-4480 or at Mnix@cheskin.com by Wednesday at the latest.

Here's a link to the Auction Preview packet

If you can't make it or would like to take care of the bidding ahead of time--all the better to enjoy the dinner and dancing--you can contact Carla Torres with your proxy bid at 341-4440 or email her at familiatorres14@gmail.com

March Noticias

2009-03-10T16:02:00.000-07:00

Hot off the presses!
March Noticias

March 3 PTA meeting 6:30-8pm in the LGI

2009-02-18T10:30:00.001-08:00

If you're like many parents, you've tried lots of strategies to get your child to consistently act the way you think he should. At our March 3rd meeting, our speaker Connie Allen, will

"teach you a way to find the joy in parenting and to empower your child to grow on her own without having to work so hard. You relax and have a lot more fun!"

For a full description click here

Sound good? How about about pizza and child care too?

Please RSVP below--

RSVP for March 3 PTA meetingPlease RSVP only once, either here or in writing to school. Thanks!   

* Required

Reading Rainbow Kickoff Event

2009-02-11T11:17:00.001-08:00

Come to the Reading Rainbow Kickoff Event at the San Mateo Main Library today, Wedn, Feb 11 at 3:30pm to get inspired to enter the Young Writers and Illustrators Contest. This free program is oriented to the K through 3rd grade level (contest entry ages.) Learn about the contest and create stories and art work just for fun. KQED, Art in Action and the Library are offering this program. The Library is located at 55 W. 3rd Avenue. For more information, please contact (650)522-7838.

Membership Meeting March 3rd

2009-02-06T17:17:00.000-08:00

The next PTA general meeting will be on March 3rd at 6:30pm with child care for school age children. We'll have a speaker, details TBA.

PTA's Economic Recovery Plan -- Facts about the latest California budget proposals

2009-01-28T14:37:00.000-08:00

From the California State PTA:
• The Governor’s latest budget proposal calls for cutting almost $11 billion from
education over the next 18 months.
• That cut would come on top of $3.2 billion that has already been cut in the state
budget passed in September 2008.
• The Governor's proposal also includes manipulations to Proposition 98 that would
reduce the minimum funding guarantee to schools in all future years by $7 billion to
$9 billion.
• California is already ranked 47th – almost at the bottom – among all states when it
comes to spending on students. With this, we’d be likely to wind up in last place.
• Cuts to education have already led to larger class sizes, more than 10,000 layoffs of
teachers and other support staff, and the elimination of educational programs.
• More cuts would mean larger classes, and less access to quality programs, arts
education, counseling, school libraries and much more.
• A balanced approach to the state budget is needed, with sufficient revenues to prevent
such devastating cuts.

Click here to link to the PTA site with more info and ways to contact our legislators and governor.

Mom's Night Out, Thursday, February 5

2009-01-15T07:44:00.000-08:00

Calling all moms for a night out! Let's go to B Street & Vine to enjoy good food and great company on Febrary 5, 2009 from 7pm to 10pm. Tickets are $15 per person adn 10% of this goes back to the 5th grade class. Please note that the cost covers food , but does not include wine /drinks which will need to be purchased separately. Invite your lady friends -- the more the merrier. We hope to see you there.

B Street & Vine
320 S. "B" Street
San Mateo, CA
650-347-8463

Please return your check for $15 per person by Friday, Jan. 30th, to the school office in a closed envelope addres to Marcella Renteria-Dew, Mom's Night Out and include the following info:

Your Name:
Telephone:
Email:
Child's Name:
Classroom No.:
Maestra/o:

DATE Change -- PTA Meeting now January 27th, 7-8 pm LGI -- GLAD Strategies

2009-01-07T09:01:00.000-08:00

Our January PTA meeting topic is GLAD, or Guided Language Acquisition Development. Teachers Oscar Oyama and Maria Valencia will be presenting and will answer questions. Oscar sends this description:

GLAD (Guided Language Acquisition Development) is a teaching strategy that uses visual input charts, chants and cooperative learning to help students develop high level language skills. This is a tool, not a new curriculum, that we are using to teach the State Standards at each grade level.

As a staff, we have all implemented three classroom rules that have worked well with all students. Maria and I will be addressing those rules in the meeting so parents can use them at home so students will know that there is a link between school and home behavior expectations.

As always, babysitting for school age kids is provided.

2008-12-02T07:17:00.000-08:00

Hi FGIS Parents/Guardians!

It's that time again - the annual Holiday Craft Fair is on Saturday, December 6, 2008. The flyer is attached, just in case you missed it in your Wednesday packet.

We are no longer having the Fun Services Gift Shop but we will still have the make and take. For those of you who weren't here last year, the make and take has several stations in the LGI. The stations had various crafts set out for the students to make. At each station we need at least one parent to help out.

The fair is from 10am to 1pm on December 6th. We will need help with the following tasks in the LGI:

- Set up at 9am
- Station help from 10am to 11:30am
- Station help from 11:30am to 1pm
- Clean up at 1pm

This year we are also bringing back the community craft fair. We have various individuals/groups that will be in the Art Room selling homemade crafts. This part of the fair is being headed by Michelle Zalba. The individual/group pays a flat fee of $25 and is able to stay in the Art Room selling their crafts throughout the day. If you know of anyone who would be interested in selling their craft goods, please let Michelle know.

Please reply via email or give me a call anytime at 650-468-6483 to let me know if you'd like to help out with the Craft Fair.

Hope to see you all there!

Regards,

Brenda Perez
FGIS PTA Secretary

PTA Meeting Minutes -- Budget August 08

2008-09-17T08:14:00.000-07:00

FGIS PTA Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at FGIS LGI

Board members present: Annie Naar, Marcella Renteria-Dew, Gloria Jue, Michelle Zalba, Melissa Perez, Brenda Perez, Danielle Martinez, Karen Jensen and Julie Adams

Board member absent: None

Also present: Sheila Spieller

Pledge of allegiance (Spanish and English)

Welcome from Annie Naar, President

Introduction of the 2008 – 2009 PTA Board Members

Slideshow Presentation of School Events

General Announcements:

Annie Naar:

Fiesta Hispana.
School Directory forms to be sent out next week.

Sheila Spieller:

September 1^st and 2^nd no school.
3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th grades had substitute teachers last week because of special training, GLAD. There will be a PTA Meeting later in the year to explain GLAD further.
Emergency bags details will be sent out next week.

Budget presented by Gloria Jue. Discussion began regarding the budget. Budget to be approved by the PTA members.

The budget this year is approximately $25,000 more than last year. The increase to the budget will include assistance with cost for additional playground supervision before school, which is necessary due to district budget tightening, and new computers for the teachers.
The motion was made to pass the budget. There was a second and a third motion and the budget as it was presented to the members was passed by unanimous consent.

Annie discussed the Activity Volunteer Sign In Sheets.

The sign in sheets can be found in a binder in the school office. Volunteers can sign up to help with any event. Volunteers will then be contacted by the event chairperson or PTA Board member.

Discussion began regarding certain fundraising activities.

End of meeting.

Submitted by Brenda Perez, Secretary