Spring 2012

Dear Turtle Rock Families,

Our PTA Volunteers never slow down! We had so many fantastic PTA sponsored events this past winter and the spring season promises to be just as exciting.

Let me begin by taking a look back at the winter season, which kicked off with our 2nd Annual Turtle Rock Talent Show. Susan Cha, mother of four Turtle Rockers, put on two talent-filled nights of music, dance and inspirational commitment. We had the thrill of seeing our children in a wide variety of individual and group performances, as well as the opening number featuring a group of the participants singing the Frank Sinatra song, “High Hopes,” made even more entertaining by Mrs. Cha’s original choreography. We were so pleased to see this fun, inspiring event return for its second year.
Next on our calendar, we enjoyed two indoor movie nights, Mars Needs Moms and A Dolphin Tale. Tammy Smecker-Hane and Joanne Bloxom had plenty of popcorn and treats ready for our eager movie goers. The kids loved wearing their pajamas to school and having a fun night out with their friends. This winter we also sponsored two assemblies for the students: The Fracas Brothers and The Alley Cats, both of which received rave reviews from students and teachers!

We capped off our winter schedule with a hugely successful Jogathon, chaired by Juliana Yepes. Juliana coordinated sports clinics the week before the Jogathon, including tae-kwon-do, yoga, soccer, and cheerleading, and concluded the week with a Jogathon to remember. From the music, decorations and the kid-favorite popsicles, kids and parents alike had a terrific, healthful time while raising over $50,000 to support our PTA Programs.
Last but not least, we continued our tradition of 5th Grade Guy Stuff and the 5th Grade Mother Daughter Tea. Arlene Petokas and Maho Allister chaired these well-orchestrated nights and I know my 5th grader loved her night out with her girlfriends!

If you think winter was fun, just wait to see what PTA has in store for spring. We recently got started with our 2nd Annual Team Kids Event, where 5th and 6th graders have been challenged to donate their time to support various organizations in our community. Among these are Taller San Jose, Oakview Elementary School, the Illumination Foundation, and one organization to be chosen by the kids. They will conclude their challenge with a carnival planned entirely by the students. We can’t wait to see what they come up with!
This year we have three new events on our spring calendar, including a multicultural dinner in April, a pancake breakfast and garage sale in May, and a Scholastic Book Fair in June. The June schedule includes our outdoor movie night featuring a film chosen by our 6th graders. Be on the look-out for more details on these events in your child’s conduit.
We hope that all of you will join us in these community-building events sponsored by the PTA.

On a final note, the Nominating Committee has selected the PTA Executive Board Candidates for the 2012-2013 school year. And the nominees are:

President Jodi Field
Executive Vice-President Susan Cha
Vice-President, Fundraising Po Fu Kroll
Vice-President, Family Events Juliana Yepes
Vice-President, Membership Tracey Nie
Secretary Dianne Daucher
Treasurer Eva Arabzadeh
Financial Secretary Eman Adbel Kader
Auditor Kathleen Rogers
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