December 2011

Dear Turtle Rock Families,
I don’t know how it happened, but we’re already approaching winter! This fall season went by so quickly and was filled with many PTA-sponsored events.
Of course, none of these events could have taken place without your generosity. During our fall pledge drive this year, the PTA collected over $60,000. A total of 727 parents and teachers have joined the Turtle Rock Elementary School PTA. That’s truly amazing! Thank you so much for your donations and for becoming a part of the PTA. We hope that those who have joined are enjoying their free TR directory, which was put together by Tracey Nie. For those who haven’t yet, please note that you can join the PTA at any time during the year.
We are very fortunate at Turtle Rock to have so many dedicated volunteers. I’d like to take this opportunity to recognize some of the people who have helped make this fall a fun-filled, memorable time for all of us.
First, I’d like to thank Tammy Smecker, our VP of programs, for coordinating the outdoor movie night showing Monster’s Inc. It was the first event of the year and a perfect evening. I’d also like to thank our PTA Reflections Art Contest chairs, Mary Iwata and Kathy Thomas. Both were new to this role and took over this program with enthusiasm and expertise! We can’t wait to see how our Turtle Rock children do in the next round.
Next, I’d like to recognize our fall team coaches. Our Turtle Rock soccer players had a great time participating in the Harvest Cup under the direction of Michael Dennin for the girls’ team, and Chris Hane for the boys’ team. Our Hoops team coach, Coach “A”, did a great job as well preparing the players for the Irvine Hoops Classic basketball tournament.
Red Ribbon Week, coordinated by Dianne Daucher, was fantastic, featuring the BMX bike assembly and a hugely successful Walk to School Day. Thank you, Dianne! Winding up Red Ribbon Week was the Fall Festival, planned by Kathleen Rogers, her committee, and the 6th graders led by Susan Cha. It was truly one of the best fall festivals Turtle Rock has ever seen – “spooktacular” from beginning to end! Finally, thank you again, Tammy Smecker, for coordinating our annual book fair at University Center, an event made possible also by the many participating restaurants, teachers and the Whale of a Tale bookstore. What a great event, and even better because the proceeds are benefiting our school.
In addition to the people I have mentioned, I would like to thank the many others who have served on committees, who help in the classroom, and who give their time in countless ways to help make this school a wonderful place for our children to learn and grow. Being PTA president has been very rewarding to me so far, mostly because of all the support given by Turtle Rock families. I look forward to all the exciting events we have planned in the coming months and to seeing you there.

Best regards,

Jodi Field, PTA President
Turtle Rock Elementary School