COMING EVENTS AT VVL ELEMENTARY

Coming Events at VVL Elementary

Mar 3 – Mar 7        Book Fair in the VVL Library
Mar 5                      3^rd Grade Field Trip to the Gammage Theater
Mar 11                    1^st Grade Musical @ 6:30pm
Mar 12                    Spring Pictures
Mar 14                    Grading Day - Early release @ noon
Mar 17 – Mar 21   Spring Break – No School
Apr 2                       Professional Learning Day – Early release @ noon
Apr 4                       Battle of the Books in the Library
Apr 8-11                 AIMS Testing
Apr 14                    Chorus Spring Concert @ 6:30pm
Apr 18                     No School – Spring Holiday
Apr 23                     Professional Learning Day – Early release @ noon
Apr 23                    2^nd Grade Zoo to You in the Library
Apr 23                    3^rd Grade Biography Day
Apr 24                     Academic Night at Gilbert High School
Apr 25                     Dad’s Club Camp Out
Apr 28                     Band Concert @ 6:30pm
May 5                      Orchestra Concert @ 6:30pm
May 6                      6^th Grade Field Trip to Highland Junior High
May 12 – May 16   Love of Reading Week
May 14                    Professional Learning Day – Early release @ noon
May 14                    5^th Grade Invention Convention
May 22                    Last Day of School – Early release @ noon

VVL Goes Coconuts at School Spirit Auction
VVL Elementary was transformed into a tropical shopping paradise on November 16 at the annual VVL School Spirit Auction Fundraiser and Ice Cream Social.  The event raised $23,000 that will support VVL Elementary classroom technology needs.  Among the items available for purchase were a full set of braces from Frost Orthodontics, a limited edition Steve Young serigraph from the Forever Young Foundation, and $500 gift certificate at Big O Tires.

This year shoppers were greeted with a wide array of class-made items ranging from greeting cards and cookbooks to hand-painted pottery and linens.  There were also decorative items for the home and furniture such as a rocking chair, a toy chest, and a bookshelf with favorite quotes.   A quilt stitched by Nancy Schottler’s 6^th grade ALP Math class as a volunteer effort to benefit the school was just one of the many precious items made by VVL Elementary students.

In addition to the raffle, and live and silent auctions, participants were treated to frozen yogurt donated by Golden Spoon and chips and salsa from Bajio.  Dan the Balloon Man entertained children with his balloon creations and the Girl Scouts painted faces.  Children were also able to watch movies and enjoy crafts. 

Madison Cavanagh and Cameron and Lauren Janda won the coveted live auction items to be “Principal for a Day.”  Principal Susie Apel welcomed her assistants and treated them to a day they will never forget.  The highlight of her day as Principal for fifth grader Madison Cavanagh was the chance to wield the all-powerful walkie talkie and to call her friend to the office for official business.  Madison did not forget her classmates as she permitted them to chew bubble gum and take off their shoes in class for the day as she took advantage of the chance to change the rules.

Third grader Cameron and second grader Lauren Janda also won the chance to be Principals for a day.  The students split the day with Principal Apel.  They enjoyed going out to lunch with Principal Apel and writing classroom evaluations for special teachers they had in past years.

VVL Elementary Club Serves Gilbert – and the world!
The Community Service Club at VVL Elementary does not limit itself to serving the local community, their projects also contribute at a national and international level.

The nearly 40 members meet once a month to plan service events.  The club is comprised of student council members, 4-6 grades and Carrie Norton, the faculty advisor.  Any fifth graders who ran for student council representative and were not selected are invited to participate. 

Through the generosiry of VVL Elementary families and the community, this year the club colleted 300 pairs of adult and youth socks and 500 bars of soap for the homeless.  They collected enough food for 729 meals during the United Food Bank canned food drive - over 1,000 pounds!  There were also six stockings donated by the Community Service Club for the Marines in Operation Stocking Stuffer at Christmas time through money they earned recycling paper throughout the school.

In the month of January they adopted the Bethel Orphanage in Mozambique, raising money to build a government-mandated wall and supplying much-needed items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, chapstick, flip flops, band aids, and hair ties.  Then the club combined efforts with Operation Gratitude.  They collected Girl Scout cookies, handi-wipes, sunscreen, and chapstick to make care packages to send to the troops overseas. 

The Community Service Club has been making a difference for six years.  Projects vary year-to-year depending on the needs of the community.  Former President George H. Bush once said, “Any definition of a successful life must include serving others.”  Members of the Community Service Club are well on the road to a successful life through their volunteer efforts to serve the community!

 2008-2009 Open Enrollment Reminder
While it may seem as though 2008 has just begun, it is important to look ahead to the 2008-2009 school year at VVL Elementary.

Gilbert Public School (GPS) District policy states that enrolling students must live within the school boundaries.  If your student does not live within the VVL boundaries, parents must complete an Open Enrollment Application.  Forms must be turned in by April 15^.  Families will be notified of the results of their application by June 1. 

For more information, please contact Mrs. Woolson at 480-926-6301.

The Buzz on Spelling
Fifth grader Gavin deFisser won the VVL Elementary Spelling Bee in November with fifth grader Jaxxon Fagg finishing in second place.  Twenty-eight students from third through sixth grade participated in this years contest. 

Demonstrating how applicable spelling is throughout all aspects of life, Gavin achieved his victory by correctly spelling the word “relevant.”  He will represent VVL Elementary at the Gilbert Public School District spelling competition on January 22.

Geography Bee-gins at VVL Elementary
Fifth grader Gavin deFisser won the 2007 VVL Elementary Geography Bee by answering oral questions about geography.  Thirty students competed in the Bee moderated by Gilbert Town Manager, George Pettit.

Gavin’s knowledge of geography was put to the test again on January 16 as the school-level winners across the state advanced to complete a written exam.  The top scorers went on to compete in the Arizona State Geography Bee on April 4 where the top finisher will be selected to represent the state at the national level.

The state champion will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. to participate in the annual National Geographic Bee.  The program sponsored by the National Geographic Society and JPMorgan Chase & Company will award a $25,000 college scholarship and a lifetime membership in the Society to the first-place national winner. 

First Grade Fire Safety
First graders enjoyed a safety lesson during a visit from members of the Gilbert Fire Department.  First grade teacher Gerry DeVille enjoyed a seat of honor as the classes toured the fire truck.