STORYTELLER

1. February 8, 2011 Sponsored by Story PTA STORYTELLER Principal’s Corner It is wonderful to be back!  We were blessed by a smooth adoption process in Ukraine, and we are so happy to have our son at home.  Andrei is adjusting well, and I know that our bond as a family will grow stronger each day.  Thank you for your support and your kind words of encouragement during this time. Mr. Rupert filled me in on how things were going during my absence, and I was pleased to hear about how well our students did in the UIL competitions and about the wonderful turnout for both the Falcon Celebration and the Family Game Night.  Thank you for your participation in those events.   I want to especially recognize the amazing job that Mr. Rupert and Mrs. Hale did in my absence.  I had peace of mind knowing that they, along with our incredible office staff, were taking care of Story.  I am also thankful for our devoted staff who continues to work so hard to ensure that our students receive a quality education.   It is such a blessing to work with such dedicated highly capable professionals.  I am truly blessed to be at Story Elementary.  Thank you for such a warm welcome back!  Judith Coffman, Principal The Counselor’s Couch Sixth Grade Parents – Registration for classes at the middle school will begin in late February. The counselors from Ford Middle School will be presenting registration information to your students on Wednesday, February 23rd. The parent information meeting will be held on Monday, February 28th at Ford Middle School gym starting at 6:00pm. Also, there will be an Advanced Academics meeting for all incoming 7th graders and their parents at the Lowery Freshman Center – February 8th 6:30 – 8:00pm. If you have any questions about these meetings, please do not hesitate to contact me at michelle_gilbert@allenisd.org or 972-727-0570 ext. 123. Guidance News – I have been in sixth grade classrooms this week discussing readiness for middle school. Watch D.O.G.S - Thank you to all the Dads who have signed up for this spring semester! We still have several dates available and would love to have you. Your presence is greatly appreciated!! Please e-mail gerri_elsing@allenisd.org to reserve your day. Rachel’s Challenge - Story is continuing their kind and compassionate acts towards each other. Keep up the good work Falcons! We are nearing 4400 links for our chain of kindness! Mark your calendars for May 10th, 2011! The end-of-the-year Rachel’s Challenge rally will take place on that date at the Allen High School stadium. Rachel’s father, Darrell Scott, will be the keynote speaker. Gates will open at 5:30 and the rally will start at 6:00pm. We need you there to represent Story Elementary School! Michelle Gilbert High Five Club Jan 24 – 28 Kindergarten Blake Jones, Samantha Basson, Brooke Greenwood, Maisha Ahmed First Grade Caleb Fana, Nathan Quist, Colby Amen, Candice Lindholm Second Grade Connor Zaleski, Caitlin Coder, Hunter Harmond, Anjolie Hedary Third Grade Josie Nevarez, Courtnee Gilchrist, Grant Spann, Madilyn McKenzie Fourth Grade Ashley Puterbaugh, Alex Perdue, Madison Myck, George Sandoval, Braden Haskett, Haroon Mudesir Fifth Grade Mackenzie Frase, Gilly Emerson, Trevor Patillo, Shannon Smith, Colin Bird Sixth Grade Lindsay Sawyers, Amy Kaul, Blessen Brocke, Casey Dean No visitors or volunteers Feb. 8 and Feb. 10 due to testing!

2. Box Top News! Hello , Story Falcons! It’s Super Bowl week in Texas.  Let’s give a SUPER effort and show which class has the team spirit to win a free recess.   Challenge your classmates and parents to submit   those Box Tops and Labels for Education  for the fourth 6 weeks Spirit  Award !!!!  Let’s go Falcon Team!!!! “Good, better, best. Never let it rest. 'Til your good is better and your better is best.” -St. Jerome Stay tuned next week for the current standings. Have a great week! Valerie Brown Jones Label for Education Coordinator OH NO! IS IT THE FLU? The flu (influenza) is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs that is caused by the influenza virus. Symptoms: Feeling tired, fever (greater than 100 F), headache, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and sore muscles. Children may also experience stomach problems and diarrhea. Cough can last two weeks or more. (People with the flu will spread the infection when they cough, sneeze and have a runny nose.) It is very important to cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough to prevent spreading germs. People become sick when they come in contact with the infection (flu germs). Prevention: Stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, or cough into the crook of your elbow. Wash your hands immediately if you inadvertently use your hand to cover your mouth. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Treatment: If your child has flu symptoms, please keep him/her home and consult your doctor. It is important for the child to drink plenty of fluids and get as much rest as possible. If your child has a temperature of 100 or greater, they can not attend school. Students must be free of fever for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) before returning to school. Keeping your child home and allowing plenty of rest will ensure a faster recovery for your child and prevent the spread of the infection to others. Gifted and Talented Program Gifted and Talented aptitude screening (CogAT testing) will be offered to students in grades 2 and 4, students new to the school district during the 2010-2011 school year in grades 1, 3 and 5 with no current data, new Kindergarten students as of January 2011, and interested students in grades 7 through 11 on Saturday, March 26, 2011 at Olson Elementary (Gr. K-2) and Curtis Middle School (Gr. 3-11) at 9:00 a.m.  Online registration is available at www.allenisd.org on the Gifted and Talented page found under the department of Curriculum & Instruction.  Online registration is now open and runs through March 9, 2011. Allen Community Outreach ACO donation items to be collected for February: Trash Bags Items will be collected in your child's classroom. You may send them with your child anytime. Help your child's class become the "Class of the Month" for the most items collected for February! Story Elementary/AISD Testing Dates 2010-2011 Parents please be aware of these testing dates and try not to schedule appointments. Please, no visitors or volunteers on these dates. February 8Reading Simulation – grade 5 February 10 Math Simulation – grades 3,4,6 February 15 Reading Simulation – grades 3,4,6 February 16 Science Simulation – grade 5 March 1 TAKS Writing – grade 4 April 4 TAKS Math – grade 5 April 5 TAKS Reading – grade 5 April 26 TAKS Math – grades 3,4,6 April 27 TAKS Reading – grades 3,4,6 April 28 TAKS Science – grade 5 Mark Your Calendar Feb 8-10 Testing - No Visitors or Volunteers Feb 14 Valentine Parties - All grades 2:00 – 2:45PM Feb 15 PTA Meeting – 2nd Grade P.E. Program 7PM Feb 17 End of 3rd Six Weeks Feb 21 Staff Development – No School Story Elementary School Judith Coffman, Principal : Adam Rupert, Asst. Principal 1550 Edelweiss 75002 * School: 972-727-0570 * Fax: 972-727-0573 *Absentee Hotline: 972-7270320 School Website: http://www.allenisd.org/storyes/site/default.asp