Dear Walnut Acres Parents –

Welcome to the 2011-12 school year!  I hope you enjoyed your summer and bring with you renewed energy to make sure our kids get all they deserve this year.  We have lots of work to do and need every single one of you!

I thank all of you who so generously contributed your time and money to a very successful Kick-Off Day!  I would especially like to thank Nicole Padoan, who for months worked to bring together every teeny, tiny detail of Kick-Off Day. This hugely important day, with its focus on WAEF contributions, which accounts for 39% of our budgeted income this year, sets the tone for much of what our PFC aims to give every student at Walnut Acres this year. Please see below for details.

 If you were not able to attend Kick-Off Day you can make a WAEF contribution and buy a yearbook and/or emergency kit in the school office.  Directory submissions will be accepted on-line ONLY until Sept. 16. 

Ø  In 2011-12 the PFC is planning to spend $296K, of which $224K is budgeted to come from only 7 fundraisers.  The remaining $73K will be paid out of savings. 

Ø  $168K will be spent on staff salaries, representing 75% of our budgeted expenses.  Staff salaries include:

·         6 Instructional Aides, K - 4th grade ·         Science Aide, 4 – 5th grade ·         Computer Instructor ·         Reading Specialist ·         Reading Aide

·         English Lang. Development Aide ·         Vocal Music Teacher ·         Counselor ·         Kindergarten Arts Teacher ·         Noon League Coordinator

 

Ø  $40.9K will be spent on curriculum support, representing 18% of our budgeted expenses.  Curriculum support includes:

 

·         Technology ·         Computer/printer supplies ·         Copier Support ·         Grade level Performance Support

·         Instructional Supplies ·         Library Support ·         P.E. Supplies ·         Teacher Allotments

 

Ø  Together, staff salaries and curriculum support represent 93% of our total budgeted expenses. 

 

Ø  The PFC is left with $15K or 7% of its budget to spend on enrichment activities, PFC sponsored activities and the cost of operating the organization.

 

I remind you that our WAEF goal is 100% participation at any level this year.  Any amount makes a difference and together all of it benefits every student at Walnut Acres.

 

Best of luck to you and your children as we embark upon this time of new and exciting beginnings!!!

 

Katherine Stahl                                              

2011-12 PFC President                                              

Get Ready for Kick-Off Day 2011!! 

Get your child’s class assignment, take school pictures, find out about all the excitement that is planned for next year, contribute to the Walnut Acres Education Fund (WAEF) and spend time visiting with old friends and new!!!   

Click here to get prepared to come to school on: 

Monday, August 22^nd

2:30 – 4:30, M - Z

4:30 – 6:30, A - L/All

New and improved this year - our “All-In-One” form!  We are proud to acknowledge in our published Donor List those families who contribute any amount to the Walnut Acres Education Fund (WAEF), our most profitable fundraiser of the year, 100% of which goes back into WA.  Join our “Donor’s Circle” and be a part of a community that makes the most important investment of all - our kids and their future!!!  Participation by every family is the goal.  Any amount makes a difference.

Ø  In 2011-12 the PFC is planning to spend $296K, of which $224K is budgeted to come from only 7 fundraisers.  The remaining $73K will be paid out of savings.

• 6 Instructional Aides, K - 4th grade
• Science Aide, 4 - 5th grade
• Computer Instructor
• Reading Specialist
• Reading Aide
• English Language Development Aide
• Vocal Music Teacher
• Counselor
• Kindergarten Arts Teacher
• Noon League Coordinator

Ø  $40.9K will be spent on curriculum support, representing 18% of our budgeted expenses.  Curriculum support includes:

• Technology
• Computer/printer supplies
• Copier Support
• Grade level Performance Support     
• Instructional Supplies
• Library Support
• P.E. Supplies
• Teacher Allotments

Ø  Together, staff salaries and curriculum support represent 93% of our total budgeted expenses. 

 

Ø  The PFC is left with $15K or 7% of its budget to spend on enrichment activities, PFC sponsored activities and the cost of operating the organization.

 

Without participation by every family in Kick-Off Day and WAEF, in these times of extreme uncertainty in educational funding, our PFC’s ever-increasing commitment to directly support our kids is at risk.

Special thanks to Patty Galindo and all of the people who helped prepare for Kick-Off Day!  And thank you to all of you, our PFC members, for making this day a success.

 

Katherine Stahl                          Nicole Padoan

PFC President                            PFC Vice-President of Activities

 

Dear Walnut Acres Parents,

I hope you enjoyed the long weekend and took a moment to remember all the men and women in our armed forces who suffered the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom for our country.

As the year comes to an end, I want to say how proud I am of the tremendous year we have had at Walnut Acres.  Below is a summary of our spending for this year and next, making clear the PFC’s commitment to serve the students of Walnut Acres and those who serve them:

·         In 2010-2011, we are forecasted to spend $231K on staff salaries.  Of which, $146.5K is being paid out of our current earnings (this year’s budget) and the remaining $84K is being taken from our strategic planning funds (savings).

·         In 2010-2011, we are forecasted to spend $40.5K on curriculum support, which are those items that directly support the staff, including teacher allotments, computer/printer supplies (ink cartridges), copier support (print shop), and instructional supplies.

·         In 2010-2011, these two categories, staff salaries and curriculum support, represent 91% of our total budgeted expenses.

·         In 2011-2012, we are expecting to pay $241K in staff salaries.  Of that amount, $168K of staff salaries are budgeted, which means it will be coming out of the current year’s earnings.  The remaining $73K in staff salaries will be coming out of our strategic planning funds (savings).  We have to do this because we are not expecting income from 2011-2012 fundraisers to cover all the costs of staff salaries.

·         In 2011-2012, the total amount budgeted for staff salaries ($168), represents 75% of all of our budgeted expenses for 2011-2012.

 

The outlook for education in our state is one of complete uncertainty.  We will have to work harder and smarter than ever to not only maintain what we have, but to make things better for our kids.  I am certain we can do both, but only with contributions and proactive solutions from all.

 

On that note, I leave you with the words of Admiral Eugene B. Fluckey, Commander of the U.S.S. Barb:

Serve your country well.  Put more into life than you expect to get out of it.  Drive yourself and lead others.  Make others feel good about themselves, they will outperform your expectations, and you will never lack for friends.  On U.S.S. Barb, our philosophy was ‘We don’t have problems – just solutions.’

 

Thank you to Nadia Pacrault and so many others for a most fabulous Open House!!!  And thank you to Erin Jordahl who leaves her 2 year post as PFC Treasurer.  Space does not allow proper appreciation for the person who changed our school for the better and whose every decision was made in the best interest of our kids.

 

Have a great summer!

 

Katherine

Dear Walnut Acres Parents,

 

As you are aware, much is happening in the world of education these days and it isn’t pretty.  I want to ask what you are doing to stay informed. Your child will only go through elementary school once.  It is up to you to do whatever you can to make it the experience that you want and that your child deserves.

 

Did you know that depending on the outcome of the Governor’s budget negotiations, the MDUSD could be looking at 28 million dollars in cuts next year???  That’s just next year, never mind the years after that!  This WILL affect OUR school and YOUR kids. 

 

I’d like to take this time to suggest some ways you can make sure you know what’s going on.  This is, of course, in addition to our monthly PFC meetings where we provide a summary for you.  All of what is listed below is on the News in Education tab on the PFC website.  I’d especially like to call your attention to the first two bullets, "District Wide Strategic Planning Meetings" and “District Wide Budget Meetings."

• District Wide Strategic Planning Meetings - All are welcome.  Click here for meeting dates and locations.  Our feeder pattern meeting is this Thurs. in the Northgate MUR at 7 PM.  This is your chance to provide input to a plan that gives WA the opportunity to have more autonomy and be able to focus more on being a 21st century learning community.
• District Wide Budget Meetings - All are welcome. Click here for meeting dates and locations.  Understand the current budget scenario from our Superintendent and contribute to coming up with solutions.

• The Parent Advisory Council (PAC) meets with the Superintendent on the first Wednesday of every month at 1936 Carlotta Drive, Concord, 7:00pm.  All parents are welcome to attend.  To view the District Parent Report - click here
• Superintendent's newsletter and District News Room - click here 
• MDUSD website - click here
• Dates and Agenda for School Board Meetings - click here
• School Board members - click here
• California Office of the Governor - click here
• Your legislature - click here
• Contra Costa County Office of Education - click here
• Edsource ("Clarifying Complex Education Issues") - click here
• Las Trampas PTA Creek Council - click here
• School Closure Committee - click here for further information
• Measure C - new website for on-going updates for MDUSD facility improvements  - click here  

Now is the time to be “in the know” so that you can advocate and make a difference in your child’s K-5 experience.  Walnut Acres is a JEWEL that we should all be so proud of, thanks to so many hard working parents, staff and students. I ask all of you to do your part in keeping it that way.

 

Many thanks to our Art Show Chairs - Sam Smith and Mari Arenson for a fabulous Art Show and to our Nominating Committee - Robin Piantidosi, Nicole Padoan, Julie Connolly, Sam Smith, Paulinne Bowen and Kathy Vendel for working hard to fill our 2011-12 PFC Board!!!

 

Katherine

 

April is the month we want to appreciate all volunteers at Walnut Acres!  Come to the PFC meeting on Tues., Apr. 19 at 7 PM in the Walnut Acres Library.  We’ll hang out afterward and enjoy some treats for any and all parents and staff members who have given their time to Walnut Acres this year.  No matter how you have contributed – Room Parent, stations work, field trip chaperone, lunch patrol - we want all of you there so we can support and appreciate one another!!!  Staff is of course welcome to share in celebrating all that makes our community such a unique and supportive one. 

 

Thank you to each and every parent and staff member out there who has given whatever time they can this year to our kids.  We appreciate you and could not begin to accomplish what we do at WA without you.

 

A very special THANK YOU to our Auction team and all of the Auction volunteers:  Michele Pitek, Millie Antesoda-Watson, Fran Doggett, Traci Olson, Cricket Riley, Yvonne  Ortega, Christina  Contreras, Sandra  Koo, Shelly  Fung, Jessyca Emelson, Gail  Miles, Leah  Kellum, Sherri Andjus, Tonia Vanderbeek, Nadia Pacrault, Lucy Chappell, Kim Hajny, Laurie Light , Michael  Powell, Misa Siemons and Anna  Lee 

The Walnut Acres Derby was a HUGELY successful event thanks to all of you who contributed in so many ways!

 

I would also like to thank Neila Hansel and Jill Hudson on their very meaningful work chairing our Community Service Committee this year, and to Gail Miles and Mari Arenson for all they have done chairing the Art Awareness Committee.

 

Katherine

Dear Walnut Acres Parents,

 

It seems like just yesterday I welcomed you to the new school year.  Now, as March barrels in, I am focused more on our 2011-12 school year.  Planning is in full swing on our 2011-12 calendar, budget and nominating process. 

 

For this letter, I would like to focus on our nominating process and what it means to each of you and your children.  Nominating is the process by which we fill our Parent Faculty Club Board each year.  The Board is comprised of Committee Chairs who lead all of our PFC sponsored fundraisers and activities.  Very little would happen on behalf of the PFC at our school without these volunteers. 

 

You have received a consistent message throughout the year that participation by 100% of our families, however they can, is our goal.  It is imperative that you understand that Committee Chair positions are open to any and all parents at Walnut Acres, making these positions the ideal place for parents to be an active part of their child’s future. 

 

Maybe you aren’t sure how to get involved or where your talents or expertise fit in.  Maybe you don’t necessarily want to be on the Board but would like to help in some capacity.  Maybe you can only commit certain days or timeframes.  All of this is welcome and workable.  Let us help you find the place where you can create a win-win scenario for yourself and your kids – you are rewarded by giving back and our kids benefit from your effort. 

 

As the gap between public funding and the quality of education we so badly want for our kids continues to widen, with no end in sight, we need your time more than ever.  Please respond today by going to our Nominating webpage for details on available positions and who to contact for more information.

 

Many thanks to our Science Fair Chairs, Julie Chesnutt and Kerrie Berry for a spectacular event!!!

 

Katherine Stahl

Dear Walnut Acres Parents,

 

This is a very exciting time of year.  First, we have our magnificent Science Fair set for this week, Thurs., Feb. 3.  Make sure to take part in this very popular event!!!  It's also time to get ramped up for our annual Auction on Friday, March 11th at the Clubhouse at Boundary Oak.  This year’s theme is Kentucky Derby, which promises to be a “hullaballoo” of a great time!!!  All focus is on our kids and paving their “Road to the Future”.  Tickets to the Auction can be purchased after school this week on Tues. and Wed. and before school on Wed.  Tickets can also be reserved by filling out the form on the Auction webpage and leaving it in the school office.  If you are unable to attend the Auction, please consider volunteering your time the night of.  Did you know it takes over 60 volunteers to run our Auction?  Whether you plan to attend or not, please consider a donation of wine, vacation homes or airline miles.  Click here to contact the Auction Committee.  There is a way for every family to contribute.

 

To find out why you should contribute to the Auction and how the PFC spends its fundraising dollars, click here to see a visual of our 2010-11 “Projected Cash Spending”.  Note that 77% of our expenses for this year are salaries, the largest portion being for classroom aides and our Computer Instructor. 100% of our families are asked to contribute to our fundraisers because 100% of the earnings go toward 100% of our students.

 

Our next PFC meeting is on Tues., Feb. 15 at 7 PM in the Walnut Acres Library.  We will show you fundraising requests we have received throughout the year, along with our criteria for deciding which fundraisers to go forward with for 2011-12. As always, Dr. Dowd will inform us on the state of our school with such topics as solar panel placement at Walnut Acres, 21^st century learning activities and homework plan development.  

 

All in all, we, as parents, have much to look forward to contributing and learning in the coming months.  No contribution of time and money is too small.  Every effort to get informed makes a difference to our kids.

 

Thank you for all you do.

 

Katherine

To Walnut Acres Parents and Staff –

 

Throughout the year, our kids are taught to be responsible and caring individuals within our school and our community through the “Six Pillars of Character” – trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.  During the month of December, our students focus on the value of caring – be kind, compassionate, express gratitude, forgive others and help people in need.  Times are extremely difficult for many.  There is no better time for our kids to show they care than during this season of sharing and giving.

 

I would like to thank you, our parents and staff, for modeling this caring behavior for our kids throughout the entire year.  We know that what our kids see has a lot to do with what they do.  They show they care because they are surrounded by individuals like you who generously give their time and money to Walnut Acres every single day.  I thank you for and continue to be amazed by your involvement in what it increasingly takes to keep our school going.  I also remind you of our goal of 100% participation at any level by all families in PFC activities and fundraisers.  It is never too late to donate to WAEF and to contribute to our Auction which is fast approaching in March.  As further cuts to education loom, every bit matters.  (Click to read “Educators Brace for Funding Hit as Lawmakers Try to Fix State Deficit.”) We cannot do what we do at Walnut Acres without each and every one of you, our PFC members, showing you care however you can.

 

 A special thank you to the following Committee Chairs for so much of their time and effort:

 

Book Fair – Chanel Benhamou, Stacie Morris, Dee Wise

Communication Monday – Emily Johnson

Community Announcements – Faye Mettler

Duplicating – Gina Burke

Enews – Amy Hiatt and Melanie Kracht

 

Happy Holidays to you and your families.

 

Katherine