I D A L E E B R I G H T

E L E M E N T A R Y

F R I S C O , T X Bright Bulletin O C T O B E R 2 0 0 7 V O L U M E 6

I M P O R T A N T D A T E S :

• Oct. 18—PTA Meet-

ing and 3rd Grade Performance. 6:30pm

• Oct. 19—

Kindergarten to Pumpkin Patch

• Oct. 22—26 RED

RIBBON WEEK

• Oct. 22—Morris

Brothers Perform-ance

• Oct. 25—Fire De-

partment visits Bright

• Oct. 25—Vision and

Hearing tests (wear your glasses!)

• Nov. 6—Papa John’s

Night!

• Nov. 8—PTA Meet-

ing 6:30 p.m.

• Nov. 15—4th Grade

Performance at 6:30 p.m.

• Nov. 19—23 No

School

• Nov. 29—First Grade

Parent Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

• Dec. 4—6 Holiday

Store

• Dec. 6—5th Grade

program, 6:30 p.m.

• Dec. 18—5th grade

to Safety Town

• Dec. 21—Class Par-

ties, 1:30 p.m.

LETTER FROM OUR PRINLETTER FROM OUR PRINCIPAL CIPAL BY SUSIE GRAHAMBY SUSIE GRAHAM

What a great first nine weeks of school! Thank you to parents and teachers for helping us make this a smooth start to the year. We are very proud of our campus and look forward to an exciting year. If you haven’t heard what is going on lately, here are just a few samplings of our busy first nine weeks: fourth grade went on a field trip to Safety Town, PTA brought in the Earth dome for grades 2-5, Bright held their fourth annual Parent Fair, Bright’s Band of Brothers Program is holding strong at 25 male mentors and we held our first pep rally on September 28. By the way, I was duct taped to a wall on October 15, thanks to our students who raised over $12,700 from our PTA Cookie Dough fundraiser. Don’t want to miss any more fun and exciting things going on at school? Make sure to read your child’s newsletter each Thursday, check out our Bright website (www.friscoisd.org) and watch the marquee for upcoming events. We want parents to be involved in their children’s education. Please join us when you can. Thank you for sharing your children with us. Let us know if we can be of assistance to you.

• October 19—Frisco Education Foundation Chili Challenge, prior to CHS and

FHS football game at Pizza Hut Park

• October 27—Gary Burns Fun Run www.friscoisd.org/community/funrun.htm

• November 10—Community Parade

• December 1—Frisco’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting

P A G E 2

“We are winners at

Bright because ...

We Think like winners…

We Prepare like

winners…

We Preform like

winners…

And

We EXPECT to be a

WINNER!”

Assistant Principal Letter by Terry Walsh

B R I G H T B U L L E T I N

If you have been to Bright during the past few weeks you might have noticed something unusual: adult men playing basketball with boys in the gym, playing board games with them in the café after lunch, or working together in the computer lab. Scenes like these are part of a program that I began here at Bright last Febru-ary with eight men from our community. They each volunteered to mentor one boy who could benefit from having a positive male role model in his life. The program is called Band of Brothers, and it has now grown from eight mentors to twenty-five. Before becoming mentors, the men attend an orientation session with Principal Susie Graham and me, and we go over our expectations for the program. The mentors also complete the FISD background check before they are paired with a student who is recommended for the program by his teacher and allowed to partici-pate by his parents. The men and boys meet together once per week during the regu-lar school day. The boys look forward to the visits each week, and it amazing to see how their self-esteem, grades, and behavior improves over time as these meetings continue. They also begin to realize that they are important enough for the mentors to take time out of their day just to spend time with them. These men are truly dedicated to these boys, and Bright Elementary is very fortunate to have them involved in this very rewarding program on our campus.

A few of our Band of Brothers with students

Nurse’s Notes by Karen Ross, R.N.

P A G E 3

Our annual health screening will be Thursday, October 25 in the library. All kindergarten, first, third and fifth graders will be screened for hearing, vision, height, and weight. The students in first, third and fifth will also be screened for A.N. (Acanthosis Nigricans). A.N. is a skin condition that signals high insulin levels in the body. The A.N. screening is important because the markings can help identify persons who run the risk of developing diabetes in the future. The screening consists of looking at the front and back of the student's neck. Parents will be notified if their student does not pass in any area of the screening. Parents, please review the medication policy. I can only give prescription meds with the prescription label intact, showing the student’s name and dose to be received. Medications must be brought to the nurse by the parent and the parent has to fill out the required forms. Medications should only be brought if they are ordered to be taken during school time. I am happy to help with your student's medications, but I must follow the school district's medication policy. Please call me if you have any questions. 469-633-2708

It is that time of year that every fifth grader (and fifth grade teacher) has been waiting for…… Camp Pine Cove!! The fifth graders and teachers will be attending camp this year from Oct. 31-Nov. 2. We are looking forward to this trip for many reasons: horseback riding, zip lining, night time camp fires and so much more. While on this trip many friendships will be developed and strengthened by everyone. It is so cool. When we return to school everyone seems to notice a change in how we react to situations due to the experience of team building that just seems to happen at camp. The fifth grade team also will be enjoying working with younger students this year as Reading Buddies. Once a week each fifth grade class partners with a lower grade level class and the students read together. What an awesome sight this is. Both classes share the joy of a good book together and discuss the messages found within the adventures of the pages.

P A G E 4

Counselor’s Corner by Kelly Guevara

B R I G H T B U L L E T I N

RED RIBBON WEEK October 23-31

Red Ribbon Week is an ideal way for schools and communities to unite and take a visible stand against drugs. The Red Ribbon Campaign was started after drug traffickers in Mexico City murdered Kiki Camarena, an agent for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, in 1985. In honor of Camarena’s memory and his battle against illegal drugs, friends and neighbors began to wear red satin badges. Parents, sick of the destruction caused by alcohol and other drugs, had begun forming coalitions. Some of these new coalitions took Camarena as their model and embraced his belief that one person can make a difference. This began the continuing tradition of displaying Red Ribbons as a symbol of intolerance towards the use of drugs. The National Family Partnership was created in 1980 by parents across America in response to the rising level of youth drug use. The mission of the National Family Partnership is to lead and support our nation’s families and communities to nurture the full potential of a healthy drug-free youth. This partnership organized the first Nationwide Red Ribbon Campaign in 1988. Their mission is to present a unified and visible commitment toward the creation of a DRUG-FREE AMERICA. In support of Red Ribbon Week at Bright, we order and display materials with the National Red Ribbon Theme. Our theme for 2007-2008 is “Enlist Every Student To Join The Fight Against Drugs”. Each student will be given a camouflage silicone bracelet to wear throughout the week. They will also have a chance to win other prizes displaying the theme for the year. Kids also love Theme Days, and they are effective ways to get students and teachers involved in Red Ribbon Week events. Beginning Monday, October 22, we will have a different theme each day: Monday – “Slam the Door On Drugs”… decorate your classroom door Tuesday – “Join the Fight Against Drugs” wear camouflage Wednesday – “Drug Free is the Healthy Way to Be”… wear sweats Thursday – “Follow Your Dreams, Don’t Do Drugs”… wear pajamas Friday – “Team Up Against Drugs”… wear team jerseys We encourage pride in our school as a place where students’ goals and abilities are nurtured without drugs and violence.

“Character, not

circumstance, makes the person.”

~Booker T.

Washington~

“Children are made readers on the laps

of their parents.” ~Emilie Buchwald~

B R I G H T B U L L E T I N

Fall Book Fair a Success! The book fair was in September and was a big success! Thank you to all the volunteers who helped make it so wonderful for the kids. Our sales surpassed last year’s sales. Thank you Bright families for your support. Keep on Reading!

By Amanda Hamilton, MLS Bright Elementary Librarian

Welcome back from the library. So far we have had an exciting start to the semester in the library with our fall Book Fair, an author visit from Sharon Robinson, and fun new reading programs already underway.

Did you know… Our School Library is Available Anywhere! Browse the Bright Library Catalog, request items, and see what your student has checked out by going to our school website at http://www.friscoisd.org/schools/bright.htm, then click on “Lib. Catalog” and enter the student ID number under “My Account” for more information. Parents are reading partners! Encourage your child to participate in our fun, free, Bright Library Reading Programs. • For 3rd-5th Grade: Participate in the Bluebonnet Reading Club. Students read five or more Bluebonnet books and vote for the statewide favorite in January. Don’t forget to turn in your Bluebonnet Buzz reports to earn an invitation to the Bluebonnet Bash in the spring and earn magazine privileges. • For 2nd Grade: Join the Team Read Program. Complete your monthly calendar and earn prizes along the way by reading daily. • For Kindergarten and 1st Grade: The 2x2 Two Step encourages students to read or listen to books from the Texas 2x2 Reading List and complete the coloring boot along the way. Completed boots are due to the library before winter break to earn a free book and certificate! Visit the library webpage for more information on our reading encouragement programs at http://www.teacherweb.com/TX/BrightElementary/Library/ or just click on “Staff Websites” from the Bright website and select the library. October is National Reading Group Month! The library hosts the Bright Book Club, a lunch time reading group for 5th grade, but other groups are available too. Visit the Frisco Public Library to participate in the “Wow It’s Wednesday” book club for Kindergarten-2nd grade at 4p.m. or the “Just for Kids Book Club” for 3rd-5th grade on Mondays at 4p.m. Go to www.friscolibrary.com for details and to view other great activities available. Don’t forget you can always start your own reading group with friends and neighbors too!

P A G E 6 V O L U M E 6

Office Staff

Sue Speed, Sharla Miller, Becky Ortega

These lovely ladies help our school run efficiently. They work in Bright’s front office. Sue Speed is our Data Clerk. She assists families when enrolling at Bright. Sue ensures the proper documentation is given when a student enrolls. She is also responsible for attendance, phone messenger system, tardy slips, and helping in the front office where necessary. Sharla Miller is the Bright Secretary who works to make sure our school has the supplies necessary to be run efficiently. Sharla handles communication with other departments in FISD, such as Transportation, Human Resources, Maintenance, etc. Becky Ortega is our Bright, shiny face that greets you when you arrive at Bright Elementary. She assists visitors with proper procedures at the school, answers the phones, fills mailboxes, and keeps our school calendar, along with many other duties.

Thank you, ladies, for all you do at our school!

What a year so far for fundraising! We raised over $12,700 on our cookie dough fundraiser! Wow!! A great big thank you goes out to each family who participated in selling cookie dough. You all did a fantastic job! But our efforts don’t stop here….We have started our Box Tops for Education collection and that will continue throughout the school year. Currently we are running a school wide competition to see which class can bring in the most Box Tops. Each month we will count the Box Tops to see who will be our new keeper of the Bright Star Trophy for the next month. If you are new to Box Tops for Education, you can go to www.boxtops4educaton.com and learn all about it. Don’t forget that for every collection sheet you fill up, Bright earns $1.00. If every child turns their sheet in every month we could earn over $500 a month! In early December, Bright will be hosting a Holiday Store for our students. The Holiday Store will have gifts priced from 25¢ to $20 with most under $5. More information will be going home as we get closer to the Holiday season so watch those Thursday folders. You are all doing a great job!! Keep collecting those Box Tops!! Julie Parker V.P., Fundraising

What’s Going On In Computers… by Endrell Dawson Computers

Your child just completed the Internet Safety unit in Computers. In this unit, students participated in class discussions, watched videos, completed worksheets and had fun with the online activities about online safety. At Bright, the students are taught the Cyber Smart, Net Smartz for Kids, and the I Keep Safe curriculum. All three programs are offered to parents and teachers for free on the web. There are videos, worksheets, and online activities for the children to enjoy and learn. Online safety is an ongoing process. What families can do at home is to continue talking to your children about the importance of being safe online. Ask your children to share what they are learning in class. Place computers in a common area and supervise your children during their online experience. Make certain your children clearly understand the kinds of private information that should never be revealed online. Establish ground rules for internet access. Internet Safety Curriculums: www.cybersmart.org www.ikeepsafe.org www.netsmartzkids.org

4th Grade Visits Frisco Fire Safety Town The 4th grade classes recently visited Frisco Fire Safety Town to learn about severe weather and disaster preparedness. Quinn McConnell, the program’s instructor, led the children through a PowerPoint and video lesson in the one-of-a-kind Safety Town classroom. On hand were several friends from the North Nevada Fire Department who were touring the facility to gain insight into what it would take to establish a program like this in their city. According to Ms. McConnell, Frisco Fire Safety Town is the only facility of its kind in the U.S.A. She said that some cities may have a ‘safety town’, but only Frisco offers an academically differentiated program that meets the educational needs of children in grades K-5. In addition to the classroom lesson, the children were exposed to a mock weather situation in which they sought shelter in the town’s ‘home’. Thanks to some awesome video footage, pre-recorded thunderstorm sounds, and the directions of Ms. McConnell, the students learned what to do should they ever need to seek shelter in their own home. Ms. McConnell also encouraged the children to create a Disaster Supply Kit that should be stored in the area where the family meets for emergencies. To top the experience off, the children were given the opportunity to ride bicycles through the streets of Safety Town. After being properly fitted with a bicycle helmet, the children picked out a bike for the quick tour. They were not only required to follow street signs, but they had to watch for the changing stop lights or occasional pedestrians who were strolling around. Overall, the fun-filled experience was extremely educational and in the words of many students—“That was totally awesome!! “

Third graders recently learned about compatible numbers. Each student was assigned a single digit number and was asked to write a “love letter” to their compatible number! Compatible Numbers are numbers that are easy to add, subtract, multiply or divide mentally. They are useful in estimating the sum, difference, product, and quotient. Here’s a sampling of some of the very creative love letters that we received. Dear # 7, Here’s a poem for you: Roses are red. Violets are blue. 7 & 3 = ten, too! XOxOXoXOxO We’re made for each other and we’ re Compatible and special too, whoo hoo! Sincerely, # 3, A.K.A. (also known as) Taylor S., 3rd grader

********************************************************* Dear Number 9, We should be together because I’m turning nine years-old. We are compatible numbers because nine plus one is ten. That’s why we should be together. Love, Number One A.K.A. Anessa R., 3rd grader

********************************************** Dear Number Four, We are meant for each other. I agree, don’t you? I love the way you add up to four. I like your different looks.

Yours only, Number 6 A.K.A. Alejandro O., 3rd grader

Ms. Dominy’s class asks… 1. I am the trail that today’s Preston Road used to connect to. 2. I am the year that the first doctor came to Frisco. 3. I was open in 1912. What am I? 4. I was the first name for Frisco. What am I? 5. When did the fire that almost destroyed Main Street take place? 6. I was the most popular occupation when people first came to Frisco. What am I? 7. I am a huge place to shop and eat. I was opened in the year 2000. What am I? Ms. Richmond’s class asks… 8. I am an animal that roamed Preston Road in the 1800’s. What am I? 9. I am a form of transportation that was very important for getting food and supplies to the first settlers in Frisco. What am I? Ms. Yeager’s class asks... 10. I opened in 2001 as one of 9 elementary schools. What am I? 11. He was the first mayor of Frisco and has a school named

after him. Who am I? Ms. Williams’ class asks… 12. What did Frisco used to be called? 13. What does HOP stand for?

In honor of our recent unit on our community’s history…

Second Grade Presents:

What Am I? Riddles

About Frisco’s History…

Answers: 1. Shawnee Trail 2. 1954 3. A 3. Story School 4. Emerson 5. 1922 6. Farmers 7. Stonebriar Center 8. Buffalo 9. Train 10. Ida Lee Bright 11. I.S. Rogers 12. Emerson 13. Hall Office Park

Ida Lee Bright Elementary Fr isco, TX

B R I G H T P A R E N T I N G October 2007

You Are Invited To Our Classes Throughout the year we have parenting classes in our Parent Enrichment Center across from the main office. Come join our discussion, meet other Bright parents, and learn valuable parenting tips to enrich your relationship with your children. Flyers with information are sent home in our students’ Thursday folders, and there also are flyers available in the holder outside the Parent Center. Information is also posted on our web site at www.teacherweb.com/TX/BrightElementary/parentenrichment. We provide coffee and breakfast pastries for the 9:30 a.m. classes. Parents can bring their lunch to our Brown Bag classes, and we serve coffee, iced tea, and dessert. We also have a drawing for door prizes.

E S T A B L I S H A D A I L Y R O U T I N E Routines can help us organize small parts of our day, such as morning “rush hour.” But an overall daily routine is important, too. Here are some necessary parts of an every-day routine: • Getting ready for school Let your child do as much for himself as he can: waking up, showering, getting dressed, making his bed, etc. A checklist can help him get every-thing done. • Breakfast Eating together is a healthy way to start the day. Ask everyone to be at the table at the same time. Consider giving each person a breakfast responsibility, such as setting the table or pouring juice. • Leaving the house Put a list by the door of everything your child usually brings to school. Have him review it before he leaves. To save time, keep all school items near the door, too. • Dinner Research shows that eating dinner together strengthens family connections. Use this time to talk with your child. Cook and clean up together, also, so you’ll have more time for conversation. • Reading Set aside 30 minutes each day for reading. Read as a family, or let your child read at bedtime or in the car. Occasionally, have everyone bring books to the dinner table. • Bedtime Going to bed at the same time each night will help your child sleep better. He should have a nighttime routine, such as putting schoolwork by the door, brushing teeth, choosing clothes for the next day, setting his alarm and saying goodnight. Saying “I love you” It’s important to say these words before school and at bedtime, but anytime is fine! Doing loving things should also be part of your daily routine. For ex-ample, you might sing to your child at bedtime or hug her every day after school. …….. from the Parent Institute (www.parent-institute.com)

COFFEE AND PARENTING CLASSES Wednesday, October 24 Wednesday, November 14 9:30—10:45 a. m. 9:30 –10:45 a.m.

“Parenting Styles” “Kids & Nutrition”

BROWN BAG LUNCH PARENTING CLASS Thursday, November 1 Noon until 1:00 p. m.

“Anger Management in the Family”

Coffee

Brown Bag Lunch

Coffee

Brown Bag Lunch

Dear Bright Parents, The Bright PTA has had a wonderful start of the 2007-2008 school year! I am honored to be serving the children, teachers, staff, and parents of this school as President of Bright Elementary PTA and I’m really enjoying seeing the PTA work from this vantage point. I am very excited to have some wonderful parents volunteering their time to be on our Board this year. They have already been hard at work and I know we all appreciate the time they are spending, and the work they are doing for all our children, our teachers, and our school. The following is a list of their names and contact information. We are always interested in your suggestions and feedback, so feel free to contact us at any time. Board Position Name Phone______ President ...............................Lana Levy (972) 712-8286 Principal.................................Susie Graham (469) 633-2700 V.P. of Programs ...................Jane Whitledge (972) 377-2008 V.P. of Fundraising................Julie Parker (972) 712-5657 Co-V.P of Fundraising ...........Anne Deegan (972) 731-5570 Treasurer…………………… Krista Barker (214)673-8138 Secretary ...............................Traci Hughes (972) 322-4522 Parliamentarian .....................Jennifer Zapata (972) 335-2034 Membership...........................April Angele (469) 252-0595 Membership Co-chair ............Missy Scanga (972) 335-4734 Book Fair ...............................Susan Hambright Book Fair Co-chair ................Kerri Jackson (972) 335-0566 Directory ................................Lana Levy, Anne Deegan, Julie Parker Volunteer Coordinator ...........Nancy Sandwisch (972) 335-9108 Volunteer Co-Chair................Amanda Klemm (469) 633-9591 Newsletter .............................Denise Wharton (469) 633-2756 Bluebonnet Book Club...........Amanda Hamilton (469) 633-2700 Hospitality..............................Shannon Damin (972) 712-6338 Council Delegate ...................Jane Whitledge (972) 377-2008 Historian Open Cultural Arts/Reflections Open Environmental/EPA Open Field Day Open We are working hard to have another successful year at Bright, and we encourage everyone in our community to GET INVOLVED! Getting involved in PTA gets you more involved in your child’s life! Thanks to everyone who has taken advantage of all the wonderful volunteer opportunities at Bright and in the PTA. This is one of the many ways a parent or guardian can support their child, their school, and their community. Join the PTA, help out in the classroom, be a room parent, come to PTA programs and meetings, help with the fundraisers and book fairs. You will be appre-ciated!! Your support benefits the school and your child in many ways: exciting programs for our kids, new books for the library, teacher appreciation and supplies for the teachers, T-shirts for Field Day, a school directory, and so much more. We can only do this with YOU! New Bright PTA Website Check out our new PTA website for all kinds of Bright PTA news and information, calendar of events, and links to important websites. Visit www.bright.txpta.org Thank you! Lana Levy

BRIGHT BULLETIN OCTOBER 2007

HTTP://WWW.FRISCOISD.ORG/SCHOOLS/BRIGHT.HTM

Reaching our kids – 530 at a time! Imagine a world where every child is nurtured and loved, encouraged to grow, learn and reach his dreams. That’s the beginning of Nana Puddin’s goals. Each program teaches children about positive choices, and that everyone, no matter who they are or where they come from, is special and has gifts to offer the world. Bright PTA is excited to present school wide programs for our children that support and enhance their education at Bright. In September, the PTA was pleased to present “Nana Puddin’” followed closely by “Earth Dome,” teaching children about the world around them from a different perspec-tive – including from INSIDE the globe. Kicking off “Red Ribbon Week” October 22 are the Morris Brothers, self-proclaimed “NERDS” who don’t joke around when it comes to drugs. Using music, skits and comedy, they spread the word that it’s not what you look like on the outside, but how you feel about yourself on the inside that’s important. Red Ribbon Week is devoted to educating our children about the many dangers of drugs and alcohol use and abuse. For more information, contact our school counselor Kelly Guevara at 469-633-2700 or guevarak@friscoisd.org. Parents are always welcome to attend the programs offered to the children. If you miss the day programs, though, mark your calendars to attend the next evening program of hands-on Math and Science November 8. Your whole family is welcome for a family night at Bright. Finally, Robert Long will visit Bright the morning of December 7. Mr. Long is a magician and entertainer who will bring his math magic to Bright. Thank you for your membership and support of our fundraisers. They make these programs possi-ble for our children at Bright. If you have any questions about the programs, contact Jane Whitledge at 972-377-2008 or JaneWhitledge@tx.rr.com, or our PTA President Lana Levy at 469-233-5717 or PTALana@yahoo.com. All programs are listed on the PTA website at Bright.TxPTA.org.

MORE than 194! 194: the number of Bright PTA members so far this year! THANK YOU! This year’s early membership numbers from our school shows our parents and teachers are more committed than ever to our children. It’s not too late – families can join any time. How do we compare to other years? 06-07: 177 05-06: 183 04-05: 170 03-04: 188 02-03: 203 01-02: 334 (Bright’s opening year) This year, Bright’s PTA is MORE – more members, more benefits, more success! We are on target to bust all the records for PTA membership! What does this mean? If you haven’t joined up yet, please consider just sending $7 in an envelope with your contact information labeled PTA. You will be added to our e-mail lists (or phoned, if you don’t have e-mail) to be reminded of important school events and activities. Please be a part of this year’s team. We want you MORE THAN EVER! Questions? Call April Angele, membership, at 469-252-0595 or send an e-mail to April@WebsitesbyApril.com

VISIT THE PTA WEB SITE AT: WWW.BRIGHTTXPTA.ORG

Bright Ideas — Homework Club

The Bright Ideas Homework Club is up and running this year. We have 12 students enrolled this semester. Our Homework Club meets on Tuesday and Thursday each week from 3—4 p.m.. Students in grades 3—5 are in the club during the first semester and in the second semester the club is open to students in grades 2—5. If you want more information, please contact Denise Wharton at 469-633-2756 or whartond@friscoisd.org. Volunteers from the Assistance League of Greater Collin County (ALGCC) help the students at the homework club. The ALGCC is an organization in Collin County that has several programs helping families. Operations School Bell (OSB) is another program they bring to FISD. OSB is a clothing program for families needing assistance. ALGCC gave a grant to Bright Elementary for the Bright Book Club and Bright Ideas Homework Club.

Pictures of Bright Ideas Homework Club