Welcome Back! 

Welcome to the start of another great school year at Madera Elementary. 

This isn’t just any year at Madera either – it’s our 60^th anniversary! While 60 is usually marked by diamonds, we’re still celebrating gold at Madera! Our school was named a Gold Ribbon School last spring, one of only 37 elementary schools in Contra Costa County to earn this distinction of excellence from the State Department of Education.

We were recognized for many reasons: our innovative teaching strategies, the comprehensive professional development training our teachers receive, our effective enrichment activities like the garden and art programs, and the many opportunities we provide for parent engagement. Your children are thriving because of these efforts, and we look forward to continuing them.

Our 60^th year also marks the launch of the Madera Elementary Foundation. This new nonprofit organization will enable us to provide even more educational opportunities for your children and our teachers. The PTA has done a stellar job fundraising for these programs over the years (last year reached record levels – thanks to your generous contributions!). But now, the Foundation will take on fundraising activities, collect donations from parents, expand fundraising options, and make sure our kids receive the comprehensive education they deserve.

The PTA will continue to implement the community activities we look forward to every year, such as Pizza in the Park and the Winter Sing, and will expand its advocacy role at the district and state levels to help shape policies that have an impact on our school and kids.

Both efforts will offer plenty of ways for you to participate. We need your continued financial support for our enrichment programs. The garden, music, art, tech, field trips, science camp, school supplies – even the copy paper for the school – are paid for by fundraising, not by the district or the state. You’ll find information about how to contribute in this week’s Blue Folder or by clicking here. (where will this link).

We also need parents to volunteer, both in the classroom and beyond. Talk with your teacher about in-class volunteer needs. And think about signing up to help at one of the many events taking place throughout the year. Any time you can give makes a difference. Learn more here. (where do people link to learn more). 

Thank you in advance for your contributions. Together, we’ll make Madera's 60^th the best year yet.

Sincerely,

Alison Makela, Gayle Chin and Paul Normington 
Madera Principal, PTA President, and Foundation President

Traffic Around Madera

A few helpful reminders:

• PLEASE drive slowly in school zones. (20 mph or slower)
• PLEASE drop children off at the curb side quickly and safely.
• PLEASE pay attention to your surroundings and other drivers and pedestrians.
• PLEASE stop for pedestrians in cross walks.
• PLEASE try to park on Arlington or in the surrounding neighborhood, and walk your child to school
• PLEASE follow the one way traffic through the drop off circles

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• DON’T park in the loading and unloading zones. EVER! – Even if you think you’re only going to be a minute. - (Both the circle in front of the school, and in the back of the school are loading / unloading zones)
• DON’T park in Madera Staff designated spots.
• DON’T instruct your children to run between cars to get to you.
• DON'T text and drive
• DON'T think that the traffic and safety rules don't apply to you. - Just like every student in class is expected to follow the rules of the classroom, every driver is expected to follow the rules of the road. 

We all have the same goal, getting our children to and from school safely. Let’s be respectful of each other, and if you are guilty of any wrong doings, please don't do it again! Remember, children are watching...

Join the PTA / MEF 

Stay connected to our school community
 

#1 REASON TO JOIN THE MADERA PTA AND FOUNDATION

Join the PTA to support your child and your school! Parent involvement has been proven to be the greatest predictor of student success.

GET CONNECTED!

...to teachers and administrators at your school, to other parents, and valuable parenting resources. Have a voice in your child’s education. Help your child succeed. Stay informed.

MASEP

Madera Afterschool Enrichment Program Session 1
 9/12/16 - 11/21/16

Save the Date / More Info to Come: