Lincoln

Many Lincoln families will turn off their televisions 6:15-7:30 p.m. Tuesday and attend Camp Read-A Lot. Each child at the event will have the opportunity to select a new book from the "book brook." Students also are welcome to bring a used book and exchange it for a different book at the "swap swamp." The program will be highlighted by a special guest reader. In addition to the books and reading, pizza will be served.



Jackson

Jackson will host its annual spring Scholastic Book Fair March 26-30, the week after spring break. Parent volunteers still are needed. Anyone interested should e-mail Jayme Seats at jseat@norman.k12.ok.us or call 366-5884 for more information.

Volunteers also are needed for the annual Oklahoma State Testing Program April 9-13. Parents will serve as test monitors for third, fourth and fifth grade classes. The position is important and essential to the verification of testing procedures. Monitor duty will begin at 8 a.m. and continue until testing is done. Call David Wilson at 366-5884 during school hours, e-mail dwilson@norman.k12.ok.us or fax 447-6563.

Volunteers were almost called upon, but Jackson's student council was able to gain control of the lost and found. Items now are hanging instead of sitting in stacks, and it has made it easier to locate missing stuff. However, few items are being picked up from the lost and found, and that results in items piling up in barrels again. Several coats, jackets, shirts, hoodies, sweaters, caps and other items have piled up.

Unclaimed items will go to a local non-profit organization Friday for distribution to others in need. While parents are looking through the lost and found they should stop by the yearbook room. The Jackson Tiger needs more photos, story ideas and information about Jackson students participating in such activities as: school events, sporting events, clubs and organizations, special scholastic events and artistic performances. Fifth-grade parents also may purchase ads congratulating their children. To submit photos and story ideas, e-mail jacksontigeryearbook@yahoo.com or visit the main office. For more information, call Lori Brooks at 990-7409 or e-mail lbrooks@ou.edu.

Other important Jackson dates:

March 13 -- Second grade night at Boomerang Grill, this is a make up date.

March 19-23 -- Spring break.

March 30 -- Terrific Kids assembly, 8 a.m.



Monroe

"Ground control, we have a perfect shuttle landing due to a successful Family Fun Night at Monroe Elementary."

The event, "Space the Final FUN-tier," was Feb. 23. Organizers turned Monroe into an out-of-this-world experience. From Star Wars characters and extra-terrestrials, to the NASA portal gate entry, it all provided for a great evening with families participating in many games, activities and raffles.

The staff thanks Adrian Buendia, the University of Oklahoma women's gymnastics team, Alpha Phi Omega and JEDI OKC for their help with events throughout the night.

Monroe also hosted its annual Art Days last week. Each day the school welcomed a different art medium and instructor. Local artists who led each class were Deborah Friant, Adam Stewart and Yolly Beckenhauer, visual art, Desiree Lavigne Roan and Tonya Freeman, dance, Melissa Young, storytelling, drumming and music, Janey Crain, clay and Joe Long, drama.

Along with these artists, author Jerry Pallotta visited Friday and gave two presentations. He discussed his many books, writing techniques and the importance of reading. Pallotta autographed special copies of his books that were purchased by students.

His visit coincides with the reading challenge Mrs. Branch initiated with Monroe last fall. Students met her requested reading goal much sooner than anticipated, so within the next few weeks, Mrs. Branch will dye her hair blue and gold to comply with her part of the challenge.

Another challenge for students will be Monday's Jump Rope for Heart, an event that promotes physical education and education about heart disease. Monroe will join more than 500 elementary schools in Oklahoma in the joint program of the American Heart Association and American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

On Wednesday, the fourth grade will have the annual Wax Museum. Students have been studying significant figures in history and must perform as a chosen individual throughout the afternoon. As museum patrons visit each booth, the figure will "come to life" to explain themselves and their historical importance.

Pre-K packets for fall enrollment are available in the school office. Kindergarten enrollment has begun as well and will continue through March.

The staff congratulates third-grader Neil Arora and his sister, Trisha, a former Monroe student. They recently participated in the 2007 Dallas International Tae Kwando Hanmadang. Trisha,13, a red belt, received two silver medals for her age group competitions. Neil, 9, also a red belt, was awarded two bronze medals for his age group.

Monroe's second-grade Brownie troop took part in Girl Scout Thinking Day, an educational event focused on learning about Girl Scout activities around the world. With the help of Line Andersen, an international exchange student studying here in Norman, the troop chose to study the country and cultures of Denmark. Their introduction to Danish lifestyle began with cooking various meals, traditional Danish Christmas customs, the study of the Danish monarchy and children's author Hans Christian Andersen. The troop members enjoyed making a direct connection to someone from the country that they chose to study.



Cleveland

Cleveland thanks all parents who attended their child's conferences. The staff and teachers believe communication is a great tool and hope to continue to keep the lines open with parents and teachers throughout the school year.

?Parents also were a big help at the annual spring book fair. Students appeared to have had a wonderful time picking out new books to buy. Thanks also went to the OU men's gymnastics team and members of the OU football team for coming out during family reading night and reading to students.

Cleveland recently was honored by the readers of The Transcript as Ty Bell was voted "Best Boss" in the Readers Choice Awards. Cleveland also was voted Bronze level for "Best Place to Work." Officials said, "We've always said Cleveland is the best and now everybody knows."

Important Cleveland dates:

March 15 -- "Go Fish" second grade program. PTA meeting 6:50 p.m.

March 17 -- OU men's gymnastics home meet.

March 19-23 -- Spring break.



Eisenhower

The kindergarten had a lot of fun celebrating Dr. Seuss' birthday. They read many Dr. Seuss books and had special dress up days. Monday, the focus was on "Fox in Socks" -- silly socks. Tuesday they read "My Many Colored Days" and dressed in all one color. The kids dressed wacky-style Wednesday as they read "Wacky Wednesday." The celebration ended with a meal of "Green Eggs and Ham."

It was a busy time for the third grade, too. They worked with fractions and were honored with a visit from author Jerry Pallotta. They shared one of his books on fractions using Hershey Chocolate bars. The children enjoyed his presentation and sense of humor.

Are fifth-grade students being taxed unfairly? The poor kids have experienced just what the American colonists felt, as they participated in "King George's M--Ms." Students played roles of the King, Parliament, tax collectors and colonists. They experienced history in a new way, and they had a lot of fun in the process. In their opinion, they would have been Patriots, too.

Important Eisenhower dates:

Monday -- Book fair.

Tuesday -- Picture day.

Thursday -- PTA meeting.

Friday -- Cougar Pride Day and fourth grade to Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art.

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Kennedy

The Kennedy Elementary Step Team performed at the March of Dimes WalkAmerica Kickoff Luncheon Monday at Norman Regional Hospital. Team sponsor Elisha Ashley worked with the students for the past three weeks on words and movements that help promote the March of Dimes WalkAmerica project scheduled for May 19 at Andrews Park.

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Norman Public Schools

Parents Helping Parents -- a group of parents offering hope through resources, education and shared experience in dealing with substance abuse among children -- will present the seventh of an eight-part series devoted to educating parents about the issues surrounding adolescent substance abuse. This month's panel (7 to 8 p.m. Monday at Norman High School Commons) is devoted to discussing help that is available to adolescents faced with the problem of substance abuse. The panel will include Karina Forrest, director of the Norman Adolescent Center (a residential adolescent substance abuse and co-occurring treatment facilty), and Karen Mannix, clinical director and out patient conselor at Oklahoma Outreach (an outpatient counseling office, dedicated to serving the needs of youth and families dealing with substance abuse and dependency issues). The information presented at these meetings is meant to be beneficial to all parents, not merely those who currently suspect their children may be abusing drugs and alcohol.