Don’t miss our big book sale on March 13th! Bring your friends and neighbors and pick up some great reads for the whole family, and stop by our bookstore “cafe” for coffee and delicious treats. All proceeds benefit the annual 4th grade camping trip. If you have any questions about the sale, contact Lisa Brody at lisabrody@yahoo.com .

We need parent volunteers for our 2nd Annual Science Fair on Thursday, April 8. Volunteers can demonstrate how their work or hobby uses science, technology, or math in a hands-on way. Please contact 2nd Grade teacher Robert Femiano at 252-8394 or rbfemiano@seattleschools.org.

The 4th Grade is sponsoring a book sale to raise money for their environmental field trip this spring. Grab your friends and neighbors and swing by the sale March 13th to pick up some great reads for the whole family. If you have any used books or DVDs (in good condition) to donate, place them in the box in the front office area. Contact Lisa Brody for more information: lisabrody@yahoo.com.

“Finding Urban Nature” is returning for its spring session at Sanislo, and the 3rd Grade teachers are looking for parents (or other interested adults) to assist in the program. Volunteers come to school for approximately one hour to lead small groups in a fun, hands-on science lesson. Training is provided for the four-week program. Talk with the 3rd Grade teachers or project manager Janelle Shafer (523-8243 or janelles@seattleaudubon.org) to learn more.

Yes, it’s that time! Our Winter Carnival is happening Friday, February 26 from 6:00-8:00 at Sanislo. There will be a cake walk, face painting, food, games and all kinds of fun! This event requires lots of volunteers to sell tickets, sell food, paint faces — usually a one-hour shift. Keep your eyes open for a big sign-up sheet in the hall. You can also email Laura Probst (laurajoprobst@gmail.com) or Lynn Ferguson (honeybee3d@comcast.net).

WOW! The Sanislo community once again demonstrated their tremendous generosity during our annual winter food drive. Our school of just over 300 students blew away our goal of 1000 lbs of nonperishable food, toiletries and cleaning supplies with their donations totalling nearly 3000 pounds (2912 to be exact). In full disclosure, one of our truly big-hearted dads once again donated hundreds of pounds of food to help his son’s class win the class competition. However, even without his amazing generosity, our kids still topped a ton (!!) of donations. There were more than enough donations this year to provide for our own school families needing extra help AND to share with the greater community through the food bank. Given the current economy and the fact that approximately half our students qualify for free or reduced meals, this is certainly an example of the kids’ and teachers’ care for one another.

Representatives from Mr. Apostol’s class accepted the trophy as this year’s winners, and their class leads off initial plate on our new plaque that will commemorate each year’s “Annual Sanislo Food Drive Superstars.” Mrs. Goethe’s kindergarten class and Mr. Simmon’s 4th graders also deserve mention for their tremendous efforts. Since the entire school did such a fabulous job showing us just what outstanding citizens they are, EVERY class won ice cream. Congratulations to you all!

Starting in November there will be a monthly Box Tops classroom competition. Every month Antje Staudt, our Box Tops coordinator, will calculate which classroom has collected the most Box Tops and that class will get a treat! Please make sure the expiration date is not cut off or the box top will not count!!! The classroom with the most box tops by the end of the year will win an ice cream party. The kids will also get to vote on how to spend the money earned at the end of the year (each one earns 10 cents). For more information on this program and coupons, go to boxtops4education.com. Thanks for heading this up, Antje!

Game Night is another great family night —we all get together, eat good food, and play games together. It is low key and an excellent chance to get to know other Sanislo families. Your PTA volunteer coordinators are looking for volunteers to help organize this evening. It is really pretty easy—and you get all the credit for a fun evening! If you’re interested in volunteering, grab a few friends, and please contact Lisa Brody at Lisabrody@yahoo.com or Lisa Keith at granolagulch@ earthlink.net. They’ll get you started.

The Safety Patrol bake sale on curriculum night brought in over $195! This money will be used to purchase new items needed to help ensure the safety of the patrol kids and pedestrians. Thanks to all the parents that came and supported curriculum night and the bake sale!

About 22 people showed up on Oct 3rd with enthusiastic spirits to tackle the Grounds cleanup. Particular focus was cleaning the front entrance area where many weeds now called home, and shrubs needed to be trimmed. With that done, the kids planted many spring flowering tulips and daffodils that promise a brilliant show of red and yellow hues to compliment the red brick of the building. …what a nice way to greet you upon arrival at school this coming spring!

Remaining bulbs will be planted by 2nd graders in the coming weeks. …. Two parent volunteers are needed; please let Mr. Femiano or Ms. Smith know if you can help.

Everyone who came also benefited from the camaraderie. … We shared ideas about Sanislo, and hence, we developed a community spirit. Thanks Jay Potratz for coordinating and Principal Seevers for providing drinks and lunch!