PTO

Welcome to the Countryside PTO Web Site

February Enrichment Class Information

Beat the winter blues with Enrichment classes offered every Tuesday after school, during the month of February. Enrichment classes offer Countryside students opportunities to learn new things or practice some already established skills in activities like Lacrosse, Kick Boxing, Dance and Pilates. Students may also explore artistic endeavors through drawing, ceramics, glass work and other craft classes. The dates for Enrichment are February 7, 14, 21, 28, with a snow date of March 6. There will be many exciting classes for all ages. Details about the Enrichment courses can be found in the Enrichment Course Catalog. Registration for courses will be available on the Countryside PTO website beginning January 24 at 7 am, closing January 29 at 5 pm. Please contact Jennifer Smith guandjesmith@yahoo.com or Janet Bresch jzbresch@comcast.net with questions.

Education author, Dr. Yong Khao, at BHS February 2

The February 2 BHS PTO Morningline program will feature one of the most engaging speakers in education today, Dr. Yong Zhao. Dr. Zhao is currently Presidential Chair and Associate Dean for Global Education at the University of Oregon. Dr. Zhao's insights and humorous approach to serious topics endear him to audiences wherever he speaks, as he discusses what is right and wrong with American education today. Learn how creativity and social-emotional learning are still the hallmarks of instruction, and why the Chinese education system begs the question, "Are we catching up or leading the way?" Join us from 9:15 to 11:15 am in the BHS auditorium. Questions may be directed to Ann Kimes at akimes@comcast.net.

Next PTO Meeting February 8 at 9:15 am

Please join us for our next meeting at Countryside. Refreshments and babysitting are provided.

Six Flags Read to Succeed Program Ends February 10

To participate in this reading program, students read for fun for a total of 6 hours to receive a free ticket to Six Flags. Reading for homework or a class assignments do not count! Please use the log to track progress towards the 6 hour goal. Parents must initial the log in order for the student to receive a free ticket. The log needs to be completed and returned to school by Friday, February 10. Tickets will be distributed with final report cards. Contact Liz Kinsella with questions at 2love2read4fun@gmail.com.

Cultural Art Fair at Countryside February 24 from 6:30 to 9 pm

This year Countryside is combining the annual Art Fair with the Cultural Fair for it's first-ever Cultural Art Fair! Join us on Friday, February 24, to explore Chinese culture-- it's holidays, customs and art. The students' artwork will be on display, highlighting some of the many rich and beautiful traditions of Chinese Festivals such as Chinese New Year, the Lantern Festival, the Moon Festival and the Dragon Boat Festival. We will also have musical entertainment, artist demonstrations, crafts and food tastings. So, save the date to immerse yourself in Chinese culture and art! For more information, or to volunteer, please contact Purnima Bhogaraju at pub8@hotmail.com, Sandra Chlebek at Sandra@chlebek.com, Cindy Cramer at cindy409cramer@sbcglobal.net, or Jan Faulkner at janice_faulkner@yahoo.com. This free family event is sponsored by Countryside PTO.

Parent Amici Della Campagna -- "Friends of Countryside" Party on March 9

The PTO is delighted to announce the 2012 fundraising event. A fun and casual parent's night out on Friday, March 9, at Mia Francesca Famiglia from 6 to 10 pm. This event will feature a live band with karaoke, great food and door prize. A small and selective auction will round out the evening.

Committee chairs are looking for donations and volunteers to help on the Parent Party Committee. Donation suggestions include (but are not limited to) weekends away, sports or theater tickets, riding lessons, skateboard lessons, babysitting for a night out, golf, a city experience or local attractions.

In addition we are looking to collect wine bottles of $20 or more to create a Wine Lover’s opportunity. Red, White or Bubbly are all fair game.

Interested in helping out? This event is casual and fun, a great opportunity to get to know people or see your friends that you might be too busy to see! Please contact Cathy Nealey, ktynealey@mac.com, or Lara Berry, toadberry@aol.com.