Ever heard of a PTSA Event or something happening
at school and thought...."What does THAT mean?"
Well, to give you definitions to all the great things at JME, here's the....
JME Glossary!
(want to ADD something? just email the webmaster)
Auction Basket – each PTSA in our district is asked to create and donate a themed gift basket to help raise money for the Lake WA Schools Foundation. (The Foundation gives funding to area schools, students, and teachers to help with teaching and supplies). Parents at John Muir can donate items to include in our auction basket. The theme is announced each fall.
Book Fair – the JME PTSA and John Muir Librarian offer a Book Fair in our library for three days (usually first week of March). The library is turned into a book store and students/parents may purchase books for themselves and for teachers use in classroom. A portion of proceeds go to the Librarian to purchase books for the JME library.
Box Tops and Labels – a national campaign that helps give cash to schools. Students cut out the “Box Tops” and “Campbell’s soup” logo from participating food products and bring to school. Contests are held a few times during the year where the class with the most Box Tops wins an incentive, such as a lunchtime pizza or popcorn party.
Emergency Prep – PTSA coordinates and funds the food, water, and medical supplies for students and staff for up to three days in case of earthquake or other emergency that would prevent students from getting home right away. Supplies are kept in a container room under the covered play area outside.
Family Dance Night – a one night event planned by the PTSA. They welcome all families to the gym for a dance with music and DJ. This sometimes coordinates with a week of dance instruction that the students have had in PE class.
Family Literacy Night – a one night event planned by the JME staff. All families are encouraged to take part in reading and literacy “stations” throughout the school. Once you have visited enough stations, get complimentary dinner (IE soup or pizza) in the JME Commons. The event and the dinner are no charge. The Book Fair is also open during this time where new books are available for purchased.
Field Day – a fun outdoor activity day, headed by the PE teacher. All kids at John Muir participate in various field and playground games on one day in the Spring. Parents volunteer to help with this free event.
Gingerbread House Night – a family event on the first Thursday in December. Pre-register (small fee) in the week before, and then pick up a gingerbread house kit (graham crackers and frosting). Unlimited access to the famous “Candy Bar” for all the house decorations.
Heritage Night – an all-school international night, usually in October. Muir families come to celebrate their diverse cultures, sharing food, music, dance, pictures, crafts, and other highlights from their respective countries and backgrounds. Families sign up to present a table display of their home or favorite county.
Muir In Motion - a one day event at school. Students and teachers run an obstacle course on the playground to promote physical fitness, activity, and healthy living choices. (Formally a fundraiser, but not unless needed for PTSA budget)
PTSA Big Pledge – a fundraising campaign where families are asked to make a cash donation to PTSA to help with funding of all events, programs, and school grants that are part of the PTSA budget. This alleviates the need to do multiple small fundraisers – or catalog sales – during the year.
Picture Day – a one day event in the fall when individual pictures are taken for students to order for their personal use and to be included in the John Muir yearbook. A class picture day is held in the Spring to get photos of each class together.
Read A Thon – a fun week of reading both in school and at home to promote literacy, books, and the library. Often, small prizes awarded to students or classrooms that do the most reading minutes.
Reflections – Reflections is a PTSA art recognition and achievement program. Students submit original art, writing, photos, videos, dance, or music by end of October. All pieces are showcased at an Art Show in the John Muir library. Winners by age and category are sent on to State and National competition. A great way to show off student creativity and talent. More information on bulletin board in main hallway at school.
Turkey Trot - This is a school event that PTSA helps coordinate with the Physical Education teacher. Usually held over one week in November, all kids who want to participate will run/walk laps during lunchtime to try and win a turkey by doing the most laps. (1-2 turkeys per class)
Vision and Hearing Day – one day, usually during winter, when all students will have their vision and hearing tested by district nurses and parent helper.
Welcome Back Social – a welcome back evening event, usually during the first week of school, where students and parents socialize, have free ice cream, and welcome the start of the school year. Food trucks are on-site with food for purchase...or bring your own picnic dinner.
