Reminders for the Week of May 8, 2017

PTO SY16-17 YEAR IN REVIEW SURVEY
At our May 2 PTO General Meeting will be conducting a "Year In Review" exercise to take stock of the PTO's activities this past school year: what we accomplished (well or otherwise), what we need to do better, and how useful our activities and events were. Whether you plan to attend the meeting and provide feedback in person, or whether you won't be able to attend at all, we'd love to get your thoughts on this topic prior to the meeting. We've created a short and *anonymous* survey to collect feedback here. You can download a PDF version from this page.

SAVE THE DATE #1! PARENT UNIVERSITY: OUR CHILDREN'S BRAIN (Monday, May 15 from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Location TBD)  Join Sheryl Freedman, Miner parent and long-time educator, as we explore what the current information in neuroscience can tell us about our children’s brains, how we can modify behavior, and how we can promote social-emotional development. Topics will include basic information about brain structure, the effects of stress and poverty on brain development, strategies for encouraging positive discipline, and the benefits of risk-taking and failure. Point of Contact: Sheryl Freedman

SAVE THE DATE #2: ANACOSTIA RIVER TUNNEL WORKSITE TOUR (Thursday, May 18 OR Friday, May 19 at 1:00 PM (either day)) ​Miner's Civil & Environmental Engineering partner Shrewsberry LLC has arranged for Miner parents and staff to take a tour of the Anacostia River Tunnel (ART) worksite by RFK. The tour will go down into the Inter Shaft Connector Tunnel (ISCT), which is between the two major drop shafts at the site. Note that whoever goes on the tour must be able to walk down, then up 100 steps into the CSO-019 shaft. Max 10 people, adults only. Sign up here. Point of Contact: David Treat

BOTTLED WATER NEEDED!
The PTO is requesting donations of bottled water to replenish the "PTO Pantry" from which we supply water for multiple school events and meetings. What we need: Both the smaller size 8 oz bottles as it is easier for little hands, as well as the regular 12 oz bottles for adults. Mariana Jones will be available during pickup on Monday 5/8 and Tuesday 5/9 at 5:00 PM in the Parent Center to receive donations.

LIBRARY VOLUNTEERS (Dates and Times flexible)
Do you love books?  Enjoy the quiet library environment?  Have a few hours each week to spare? Miner seeks a few volunteers to help out in the library April-June with student book checkout and to re-shelve books. No particular expertise is required, however, a general knowledge of library cataloging is a bonus. Point of Contact: Principal Mial (andrea.mial@dc.gov)

PARENT SPONSORS
Miner Elementary ECE will be hosting our first Parent Orientation for newly enrolled and prospective parents on May 18 (see details here). Enrolling in a new school can be quite difficult, so that is why Miner would like to offer prospective and newly enrolled parents the opportunity to have a "Parent Sponsor" point of contact. The sponsor will provide guidance concerning enrollment, upcoming events and organizational positions here at Miner. This position will create a welcoming environment here at Miner, in addition to developing a fast rapport with incoming families. If you are willing to volunteer as a Parent Sponsor, we ask that you are flexible with who you may possibly sponsor. Any possible volunteers we ask that you reply to Dante Daniel (dante.daniel@dc.gov) stating you would like to volunteer with your full name. The sponsor does not have to be present at the May 18 Parent Orientation event. A list of prospective families that request a sponsor will be taken then and further guidance will be forthcoming.

REPAINTING BLACKTOP GAMES
Four-square, maps, hopscotch -- The PTO is looking for volunteers to spruce up Miner's blacktop. Currently, there are a few faded treasures (see pictures below) that could use some love.  What do you think would be fun? Either refresh the current games and pictures, or come up with a new scheme for the blacktop.  Miner's PTO would provide the funds for supplies. We just need someone to take the lead to plan a design, purchase paints, and recruit volunteers to help you paint for a few hours. Point of Contact: Lolly Axley (laurenaxley@gmail.com)