Go4TheGoal: Support EHS Alum and Current HMS Student Jason Garstkiewicz and Pediatric Cancer Research!

As many of you may know, Jason was recently diagnosed with bone cancer and has started treatments. To raise awareness of pediatric cancer and to support Jason and his family, we are hooking up with the “Go4theGoal Lace Up for Pediatric Cancer” charity.  With the Go4theGoal program, students and teams purchase and wear neon yellow shoelaces ($3 per pair) to support pediatric cancer patients and research. Sales at Elizabeth Haddon will take place after school on Wednesday, Feb. 8. The laces will also be sold at Spaghetti Bingo night on Friday February 10th.

The sea of yellow shoelaces will provide comfort and support to Jason and his family at school, at events and around town.  It’s an easy way for kids of all ages to raise awareness of pediatric cancer and to support Jason.  Please see http://www.go4thegoal.org to learn more about the charity.  Please contact Jean-Anne McMahon at mcmahon3@comcast.net or 856-261-8341 if you have any questions. Inform your children and friends and encourage them to spread the word and lace up! Thank you for your support.

Get Your RSVPs in for Spaghetti Bingo

The RSVP deadline (Monday February 6th) for Spaghetti Bingo is quickly approaching!  Don’t miss your chance to enjoy a wonderful Severinos pasta dinner and fun bingo action on Friday, February 10th at 6 p.m. in the APR.  It’s fun for all ages.  Tickets are $10/person (children under 4 are free).  Spiritwear, Go4theGoal shoelaces and 5th Grade Candygrams will be for sale.  Send in your Spaghetti Bingo Flyer to the main office today (checks made payable to EHS PTA) through backpacks!

5th Grade is Raising Remembrance Funds!

Our 5th Grade class is kicking their Remembrance Fundraising into high gear with two sales next week.  All proceeds will go towards the gift that the class of 2012 will leave to Elizabeth Haddon at graduation.

First, it’s time to order Candygrams for Valentines Day.  Each Candygrams form comes with 4 candygrams. For $1/candygram, your student can send special messages and treats to family, friends, teachers and staff at school, to be delivered at school on Tuesday February 14th.  Deadline for ordering is Friday February 10th.  Please send your orders and money (checks made out to EHS PTA) through backpacks in envelopes marked “CandyGrams.”  For more information, contact Gerrie Mansfield at ghmansfield@gmail.com.

Secondly, on Friday February 10th and Tuesday February 14th 5th graders will be selling soft pretzels for $1/each after school by the bike rack on the blacktop behind the school.

Get Ready for our Next Salad Bar on Tuesday, February 7th

Mark your calendars now, and don’t forget to send lunch money in for our next Salad Bar Day on Tuesday February 7th, sponsored by NutriServe and the Lizzie Haddon Garden Committee.  The menu will feature some fantastic new salad add-ons and healthy dressings, as well as a tasty homemade soup.  If you can help serve salads (from 11:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.), please contact Donna Gramigna at dobgramigna@msn.com.

Talent Show Program Cover Contest

Calling all student artists!  We are looking for a cover for our 2012 Talent Show Program.  As you may know, this year’s theme is “Flashback to the ’80s,” and artwork should relate to the theme.  All students may participate, and submissions are due into the main office by Friday, March 2nd.  All participants will receive a prize, and the winner’s work will appear on the evening’s program.  For more specific information, please check out the Talent Show Program Cover Contest flyer.  Or contact Karen Dante at kfdante@verizon.net.

Save the Date for the 8th Annual Lizzie Haddon 5k: Saturday May 19th

If your New Year’s resolution is to get fit and trim, we can help you out.  Sign up for the 8th Annual Elizabeth Haddon 5k and 1-mile Fun Walk, and start training now.  In addition to providing much-needed technology- and health program-related funding at Lizzie (more info on that later), it will also support the SOAR After School Program for Partnership Schools in Camden NJ.  Register online at www.active.com.  For more information, click on the 5K Save the Date and watch our e-blasts.

**If you are interested in getting involved and helping plan this fundraiser (Lizzie’s 2nd largest of the year!), please attend our kick-off meeting on Thursday, February 9th at 7:00 p.m. at Jersey Java (140 Haddon Avenue).

Spaghetti Bingo Seats are Going Quickly!!

In traditional Lizzie Haddon style, Spaghetti Bingo tickets are going fast.  Please reserve your seats now.  The event is on Friday, February 10 at 6 p.m. in the APR.  Tickets are $10/person (children 4 and under are free).  This includes a family-style pasta and salad dinner, drinks and dessert–and of course, a night’s supply of bingo sheets.  Please send in your Spaghetti Bingo Flyer RSVP asap through backpacks in an envelope marked “Spaghetti Bingo.”  Checks can be made out to EHS PTA.  Registration closes when sold out and/or Monday, February 6th.

Salad Bar Day Coming on Tuesday, February 7th.

Mark your calendars now, and don’t forget to send lunch money in for our next Salad Bar Day on Tuesday February 7th, sponsored by NutriServe and the Lizzie Haddon Garden Committee.  The menu will feature some fantastic new salad add-ons and healthy dressings, as well as a tasty homemade soup.  If you can help serve salads (from 11:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.), please contact Donna Gramigna at dobgramigna@msn.com.

Also, with the leadership of Donna, Lynn Raus, Tina Gramigna and the rest of the Garden Committee, we have set the trend for elementary school lunch reform in Haddonfield.  Both Tatem and Central are holding their first Salad Bar days this month…and we look forward to working with them on other nutrition initiatives in the future.

There is still time to RSVP for the Winter Social!

We are still accepting RSVPs for the Winter Social, which is on Saturday January 28th at 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets are $45/person. This event is a great way to support technology upgrades and enrichment programming at Elizabeth Haddon School.  And you get a 2-hour open bar, yummy snacks and a wonderful opportunity to bid on a wide assortment of items at our annual Silent Auction.  Send in your Winter Social Invitation RSVP and check (made payable to the EHS PTA) to the main office today!

Snag some seats at Spaghetti Bingo!

It’s time to sign up for one of Elizabeth Haddon’s most beloved family traditions.  Spaghetti Bingo 2012 is happening on Friday, February 10th at 6:00 p.m. in the APR.  The evening kicks off with Severino’s gourmet pasta and meatballs, salad, rolls, drinks, coffee and dessert–all served family style!  And then Bingo begins, with a roster of mystery callers.  Seats go fast, so watch for flyers in Thursday’s backpacks.  Or sign up now by sending the Spaghetti Bingo Flyer to the main office.  Tickets are $10/person.  Children 4 years and younger are free.  Checks can be made out to EHS PTA.

After School Enrichment Registration Open Until Tuesday, Jan. 24

We’ve got another exciting 6-week roster of After-School Enrichment classes for children in grades 1-5, including Robotics, Mad Science and Hip Hop!  Classes are held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, starting February 7th.   Spots are filling up, so send in your Updated Winter After School Enrichment Enrollment to the main office by Tuesday, January 24.  All checks are made payable to the EHS PTA.

The Bookworm is Growing…

Very soon, you will start seeing the smiling faces of Elizabeth Haddon authors beaming at you from the growing body of our Bookworm, which inches along the hallway wall outside the APR.  Your child can have their place up on the wall too–by writing an original story for our Bookworm program.  Your child writes and illustrates an original story, and we will turn it into a bound book that can be checked out of the Lizzie Library.  And at the end of the year, we hold a big celebration for all of our writers with a special assembly in the APR.  Use the Bookworm Template and the Bookworm Submission Form to complete your first draft.  Any questions, don’t hesitate to contact co-chairs Laurie Verderame at freeme64@verizon.net, Lauren Walsh at lwalsh@verizon.net or Diana Ellery at dellery@comcast.net.

We are gearing up for a great time at Treno Restaurant and Bar on January 28th at 7:30 p.m.  Please join us for the First Annual Elizabeth Haddon Winter Social.  Tickets are $45/person and include a 2-hour open bar, delicious hors d’oeuvres and great company.  You will also have the opportunity to bid in our silent auction!!!  Please fill out the Winter Social Invitation.  Advance RSVPS and checks are being accepted for another week, and can be sent in through backpacks in an envelope marked “PTA-Winter Social.”  For more information, please contact Jen Batson at jennifer_batson@hotmail.com or Deanna Burns at DKBURNS115@aol.com.

Update on After-School Enrichment Schedule

Due to space limitations, we will be unable to offer the Future Stars Acting class during the Winter session of After-school Enrichment. We are very sorry for the inconvenience, and will offer this class again in the 2012 Fall session. Linda Hochgertel will contact anyone who has already registered to discuss a second choice option or a refund. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact Linda at lbaker@wyanokegroup.com with any questions.

For all other After School Enrichment classes, we will accepting registrations on a first-come, first-served basis. Please fill out the Updated Winter After School Enrichment Registration and send it through backpacks in an envelope marked “PTA-After School Enrichment.”  Again, any questions, contact Linda at the email address listed above.

Talent Show Auditions are a week away!

If your 3rd, 4th or 5th grader has always had a dream of performing under bright lights….here’s their chance.  The 2012 Talent Show is ramping up for another great program.  Auditions kick off next Friday, January 20th (and again on Thursday, January 26 and Friday, January 27).  So if you haven’t started to organize your act yet….now is your chance.  Contact Caroll Stoner at jcstoner5@verizon.net with any questions.

Spaghetti Bingo is Coming….

Mark your calendars for Friday, February 10th for one of Lizzie Haddon’s most beloved traditions.  It’s a night of pasta and bingo in our APR, starting at 6 p.m.  Registration flyers will be posted here later this week.  Watch for more information….

Calling All Used Printer Cartridges and Old Cell Phones!

Please remember that Elizabeth Haddon provides a very convenient place to drop your used printer cartridges and old cell phones.  Through the Funding Factory, we are able to turn them in for cash back, which goes to underwriting PTA program expenses.  Last month, we received a $200 check!  There is a large green bin located outside the main office–if you have any of these items laying around, we would love to take care of them for you!

5 REASONS TO ATTEND THE ELIZABETH HADDON WINTER SOCIAL

1) A fun night out with friends at Treno Restaurant and Bar

2) Costs just $45 per person ($50 at the door)

3) Includes 2-hour open bar and delicious hors d’ouevres

4) A silent auction with many exciting items

5) All proceeds benefit the Elizabeth Haddon School PTA.

Please join us on Saturday, January 28th at 7:30 p.m.  RSVP by January 17th by sending in your Winter Social Invitation and a check (payable to the EHS PTA) to the main office in an envelope marked “PTA Winter Social.”

AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT RETURNS FOR A SECOND SESSION

If you missed us the first time around, After School Enrichment is returning with old favorites (Mad Science and Acting) and new classes too (Robotics and Hip Hop Dance)! This time, classes will be held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, starting Tuesday, February 7th.  Watch for registration forms later this week, here on the website and in Mr. Ogelby’s weekly e-blast.  Registration will be open until Tuesday, January 24th.

2012 TALENT SHOW: FLASHBACK TO THE ’80s

It’s time to break out your shoulder pads, polish up your moonwalk and help your kids figure out their acts for the 2012 Lizzie Haddon Talent Show.  If your child is in 3rd, 4th or 5th grade, and you missed our e-blast right before school closed for the holidays, then please note that auditions will begin on Friday, January 20th.  For information on this year’s audition and practice schedule, please review the TALENT SHOW 2012 Audition flyer.  Any questions? Contact Caroll Stoner at jcstoner5@verizon.net or 856-795-1641.

KICK OFF THE YEAR BY GIVING A BOOK TO OUR LIBRARY IN YOUR STUDENT’S HONOR

What’s a great way to start the year off right?  A gift of a book for our school library in honor of your Lizzie Haddon student.  Through the Celebrations Book Club, our School Librarian Mrs. Babcock can help your child select a favorite book (priced reasonably between $10-$20).  A nameplate featuring your child’s name will go in the front of the book, which will be placed in the school’s permanent collection.  For more information, read over the Celebrations Book Club flyer or contact Mrs. Babcock in the School Library.

UPCOMING EVENTS IN 2012:   The PTA has a lot in store for Lizzie Haddon families in 2012.  Take a moment to jot these highlights down in your calendar (and where relevant, don’t forget to line up those sitters!):

Winter Social (Saturday, January 28): Reserve your tickets today for the First Annual Winter Social (for parents only!) at Treno Restaurant and Bar in Westmont.  Our Silent Auction will feature a wide range of items and packages to bid on.  Tickets are $45 per person.  For more information, or to RSVP by Jan. 17th, please click on the Winter Social Invitation.

Spaghetti Bingo (Friday, February 10): Save the Date for one of Lizzie Haddon’s favorite family nights.  This year, the festivities last from 6 – 8 p.m.  More details to follow, and tickets will go on sale after the holiday break!

Scholastic Book Fair (Tues, February 28 – Fri. March 2):  Our week-long book fair will feature in-class buying opportunities as well as a Family Night on Wednesday Feb. 29th.  Watch for more details.

Elizabeth Haddon 5K and 1-mile Fun Walk (Saturday, May 19th):  This 5K run around the Lizzie Haddon neighborhood draws runners from far and wide.  Make it your New Year’s resolution to start training for it, and watch for more information in the months to come.

WINTER BREAK IS A GREAT TIME FOR A BOOKWORM 

Our Bookworm on the wall by the APR is ready and waiting to display the dozens of accomplished Lizzie Haddon authors.  There is no time like Winter Break for your child to write a story that gets published and housed in the School Library.  And your child’s picture and bio will be displayed on that wall for all to see. To get started, click on the Bookworm Template and the Bookworm Submission Form. And for more information, contact Laurie Verderame at freeme64@verizon.net, Lauren Walsh at lwalsh@verizon.net or Diana Ellery at dellery@comcast.net.

REFLECTIONS AWARD WINNERS 

Elizabeth Haddon students made quite a showing at the Camden County show at the Markheim last week, and our Award of Excellence winners will now advance onto the NJ State competition.  Many congratulations to our winners and all of our Reflections participants for their beautiful pieces. We are proud of you!!!

Literature:  Ria Khanna, 1st grade (Award of Excellence), Finnian McGarry, 5th grade (Award of Excellence); James Foley, 5th grade (Honorable Mention).

Musical Competition:  Keelyn Shim, 2nd grade (Award of Excellence)

Photography:  Sasha Feinstein, 5th grade (Award of Excellence), Cambel Shim, K (Award of Excellence)

Visual Arts:  Leena Maskery, 2nd grade (Honorable Mention), Danny Nolan, 3rd grade (Honorable Mention)

HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!  SEE YOU IN 2012!

ALSO, thank you to Heather Norton, Dawn Campiglia, Carol Edwards, Barb Nobel and Lisa Nolan (as well as all of the cooks and bakers) for a wonderful Teachers Breakfast.  Beth Bass and the Brownies made lovely centerpieces and the thank you notes from teachers and staff have been flooding in.

Stay Tuned: Box Tops and LFE Contest Results

Our contest wrapped last Friday, and if it’s any indication of how well we did, we are still counting labels. Hopefully we will have results posted by the end of the week, and the winning classes can start planning their pizza parties.  Thank you for your participation!!!

Noontime Enrichment Registration Due Tues. 12/20

Noontime Enrichment registration is open, and students in grades 2-5 are signing up for a whole array of classes.  Enrollment is limited.  Please send in your 2011 Noontime Enrichment Registration to the main office asap.  All forms are due Tuesday, December 20th.

3rd Grade Parents: Please note that a new Winter Sports Class (on Tuesdays) has been added to the roster for 3rd graders only!  It is not yet made it onto the list posted in the above link, but if your child is interested, please include it on your form.  If you have already sent in your form, and your child would like to sign up for this class, please contact Michelle Rowe at mrowe@sju.edu and send her your new 1st, 2nd and 3rd choices.

For all questions, don’t hesitate to email Michelle.

Remember Our School Partners When You Do Your Holiday Shopping….

Just one last reminder that Elizabeth Haddon has partnered with several retailers that donate a percentage of every purchase back to the school.  When you enter through this website, Amazon.com automatically contributes 6% of every sale.  If you have a Target Visa Card, you can name Elizabeth Haddon as your school recipient, and they will donate a percentage of every sale to the school.  And now through January, FiVe BeLoW is also sending a percentage of every sale back to the school if you bring in this Five Below Form when you shop.

Noontime Enrichment Class Registration Due December 20th

January recess just got a little more interesting.  All students in grades 2-5 can enroll in a weekly lunchtime workshop that provides an alternative to indoor recess as the temperature gets really cold.  Led by a great group of parent and grandparent volunteers, the workshops in this 5-week program range from comic-book writing, to board games, to sewing and robot-building. Sign-up is first-come, first-served.  Please print out the 2011 Noontime Enrichment Registration form (which includes a list of available classes) and send it in (with any required dues payments) through backpacks in an envelope marked PTA Noontime Enrichment.  REGISTRATION IS DUE TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20TH.

BoxTops and LFE Contest Wraps up on Friday, 12/9

There are still a couple more days to send in your labels before our contest wraps up!  In the meantime, after week 3, here is where things stand:

BOXTOPS

1st Place: Mrs. McGroarty (1,115 labels)

2nd Place: Ms. Cooper (554 labels)

3rd Place: Mr. DelDuca (498 labels)

LFEs

1st Place: Ms. Grillo (418 points)

2nd Place: Mrs. McGroarty (361 points)

3rd Place: Ms. Salazar (216 points)

We’ll announce the Pizza Party winners next week!!!

Remember Our School Partners When You Do Your Holiday Shopping….

Just another reminder that Elizabeth Haddon has partnered with several retailers that donate a percentage of every purchase back to the school.  When you enter through the link on this website, Amazon.com automatically contributes 6% of every sale.  If you have a Target Visa Card, you can name Elizabeth Haddon as your school recipient, and they will donate a percentage of every sale to the school.  And now through January, FiVe BeLoW is also sending a percentage of every sale back to the school if you bring in this Five Below Form when you shop.

Have a great week!

With the November break and Thanksgiving, the first two weeks of our BoxTop and LFE contest had an extra day or two thrown into the mix, but we are officially more than halfway through our contest.

Now for the current standings:

Labels for Education:

1st Place:  Ms. Grillo (368 points)

2nd Place: Ms. Salazar (216 points)

3rd Place: Mrs. McGroarty (170 points)

BoxTops

1st Place: Mrs. McGroarty (716 labels)

2nd Place: Ms. Cooper (554 labels)

3rd Place: Mr. DelDuca (494 labels)

Our contest ends on Friday December 9th so please send your labels into school in clearly labeled baggies (Teacher’s name, # of labels).  They can come in via backpacks.

Elizabeth Haddon Day at Barnes and Noble this Saturday, December 3rd

Don’t forget to swing by Barnes and Noble this Saturday between 10 a.m.  – 3 p.m. and check this stop off your holiday to-do list!  A percentage of all purchases will benefit the PTA, and we’ve planned a whole range of fun activities for the kids.  Look for vouchers and a program schedule in this Thursday’s backpack.  We also have a copy on our website.  Click here: Barnes and Noble Day. We hope to see you there!

Holiday Shop Opens December 6 -8

We are less than a week away from opening the doors to Lizzie Haddon’s Holiday Shop for students, which will be open December 6th-8th. The kids love to purchase little trinkets for the members of their families.  This year, we are offering an assortment of items priced for $1 and $2, and soft pretzels will be on sale after school for $0.50. Please note that this is a “fun-” not “fund-”raiser!  The younger grades (1-2) visit during the school day, and kindergarten and older grades (3-5) have scheduled times to stop by after school. For more information on when your student is scheduled to shop, please check the Holiday Sale Flyer and look for a packet with money envelope in Thursday’s backpacks.

We also still need a few more volunteers to help supervise all the shopping, so if you’re interested please contact Bridget Mink at 609-504-1379.

Teacher Holiday Breakfast on Friday December 9th

Our Hospitality Committee is in the midst of heavy-duty planning for the Teacher Breakfast on Friday December 9th.  They are organizing the food contributions like they did last year, with requests of specific items for each class.  Watch for an email with more info from your room parent.

A Birthday in December? Or Looking for One More Gift for the Holidays? Consider the Celebrations Book Club.

This year, consider making a gift of  a book for our school library in honor of your Lizzie Haddon student.  It’s a great alternative to one more wrapped present under the tree (or menorah…or birthday cake!).  Through the Celebrations Book Club, our School Librarian Mrs. Babcock can help your child select a favorite book (priced reasonably between $10-$20).  A nameplate featuring your child’s name will go in the front of the book, which will be placed in the school’s permanent collection.  For more information, read over the Celebrations Book Club flyer or contact Mrs. Babcock in the School Library.

We Need Volunteer Instructors for Noontime Enrichment!

It’s time to gear up for Noontime Enrichment in January.  Open to all children in grades 2-5, this 4-week program offers students a weekly alternative to indoor lunchtime recess during the coldest month of the year. Michelle Rowe is working on a course schedule, and is looking for parent volunteers to lead classes.  The time commitment is once a week, and you can pick the day you work.  We can work around your schedule.  For more information, please see the  Noontime Enrichment Volunteers Flyer. And if you are interested, please contact Michelle at mrowe@sju.edu BY MONDAY NOVEMBER 28TH.

Box Tops and LFE Contest Update: Week 2 Results

We will bring you updated contest results after Thanksgiving.  Stay tuned….

Thanksgiving Weekend is a Great Time to Write a Bookworm!

Just a quick reminder that the long weekend might be the perfect opportunity to sit down with your child and complete a story for our Bookworm Program.  All the forms you need are right here on the website: Bookworm Template and Bookworm Submission Form.

Please Save the Date for the Winter Social

If you missed our Save the Date last week, mark your calendars for Saturday January 28th at 7:30 p.m. for the First Annual Elizabeth Haddon Winter Social and Auction at Treno Restaurant and Bar.  For more information, check out Winter Social Save The Date and watch for your invitation!

HOLIDAY SHOPPING OPPORTUNITIES

The Holiday Sale Is Coming on December 6 – 8!

The EHS PTA Holiday Sale for students is almost here.  It’s a great chance for your children to pick out gifts for the family…and maybe even keep them a secret until it’s unwrapping time! This year, there will be an assortment of gifts for $1.00 and $2.00, and soft pretzels after school for $0.50. (Please note, this is a “fun” event, not a fundraiser!) The younger grades (1-2) visit during the school day, and both Kindergarten and older grades (3-5) visit the sale after school.

Volunteers are needed!  Please check the schedule on the Holiday Sale Flyer and let us know when you may be available.  To help, or for more information, contact Bridget Mink at 609-504-1379.

Spiritwear Sales Schedule (Weather Permitting)

We cancelled Monday’s Spiritwear sale due to rain, and apologize for the inconvenience. Still we hope you agree that our new school t-shirts, sweatshirts and bags will look great in your stack of holiday gifts.  Please look for us outside on Redman Ave every Wednesday (weather permitting), starting next week:

Wednesday November 30th, before school (8 – 8:45 a.m)

Wednesday December 7th, after  school (2:45 – 3:30 p.m.)

Wednesday December 14th, before school (8 – 8:45 a.m.)

And of course, the order form lives right here on the website (2011 Spirit Wear Order Form). You can always send in an order through backpacks.

Time Change: The Barnes and Noble BookFair/Fundraiser 

The 2nd Annual Lizzie Haddon Bookfair and Fundraiser at Barnes & Noble (behind Wegmans) is less than 2 weeks away–on Saturday December 3rd from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Please note the time change, which was amended to accommodate all the wonderful children’s activities we’ve planned for the day. Look for your coupon in backpacks next week, and use it  at checkout.  (Family and friends from out of town can participate in our sale at their local Barnes and Noble stores, too!). We still need volunteers to help us!  If you can spare an hour, please contact Lisa Nolan at  lnolan323@verizon.net.

Shopping at FiVE BELoW for the Holidays? Or Maybe Just for Fun?

Well, you can help Lizzie Haddon too!  FiVE BELoW will give back 10% on all purchases made now through mid-January to our school.  All you need to do is a bring a copy of the FiVE BELoW form Five Below Form or just be sure to mention our school when you check out. That’s it!  Thanks!!

And Don’t Forget Amazon.com and Your Target Visa…

Just a quick reminder to use the Amazon.com portal on our ehspta.org when ordering your holiday gifts–once again, Lizzie Haddon benefits when you do this.  Likewise, if you’ve named Elizabeth Haddon Elementary School as your “school” of choice on your Target Visa Card, a percentage of your purchases will come back as a donation to our PTA.  All of these little things add up, and help ease the burden of event fundraising for us.  We hope you’ll take advantage of them.