Summitt Elementary School

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

2012-02-01T14:29:00.000-06:00

What's Coming Up?

Friday, Feb 3 - Fourth Grade field trip

Saturday, Feb. 04, Austin ISD Diversity Fair (Austin High School, 9am-12)
Wednesday, Feb. 8 - Summitt Night at Catfish Parlour
Friday, Feb. 10 - Teacher Talent Show
Thursday, Feb 16 - Summitt Skate Night, 6-8:30 pm
Friday, Feb 17 - Student Holiday, NO SCHOOL
Monday, Feb 20 - Student Holiday, NO SCHOOL
Saturday, February 25 - 9 am- Marathon Kids Final Mile
Save the Date!
Tuesday, Feb 28 - PTA General Meeting, 6pm, Summitt Cafeteria (child care provided)
Saturday, March 3 - 5th grade volleyball playday at Explore UT
Thursday, March 22 - Health and Wellness Family Fun Night
Friday, April 13 - Spring fling
Friday, May 11 - Field of Fun Day
Tuesday, May 22 -- PTA General Meeting, 8am, Summitt Cafeteria
Tuesday, May 29 - Fifth Grade Science Blowout

MUCHISON TOUR

2012-02-01T14:28:00.002-06:00

Tour of Murchison Middle School for Parents
The Murchison Middle School PTA will be conducting informative tours of the school for parents on February 8-10, 2012 from 12 – 1:00 pm– come anytime during the hour! First time middle school parents are encouraged to tour the school. We have a great group of parent volunteers that will be available to answer any questions or concerns, and hopefully ease those anxious jitters about this new journey to middle school! If any parents are not able to make these times, please contact Cathy Painter (PTA President) at president@murchisonpta.org for other arrangements..

SUMMITT KEEPSAKES

2012-02-01T14:25:00.000-06:00

Order Photos and Gift Items
Inter-State Studio, the company that provides school pictures, has created a site for Summitt to provide photo keepsake items. Click Here to Install the RocketLife App

SCIENCE EXPO

2012-02-01T14:23:00.000-06:00

February 2
Ever wonder how tall you are compared to a dinosaur? Want to know how a motor works? Which nail polish lasts the longest? Come visit our 5th grade scientists at our 3rd annual SCIENCE EXPO on Thursday, February 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the cafeteria to find out all of these answers, and more!

SCOUTING FOR FOOD

2012-01-25T10:37:00.000-06:00

Helping the Austin Food Bank
Help the Pack 90 Cub Scouts collect food for the Austin Food Bank by bringing in canned goods during the week and dropping them off in the box in the great hall. The final collection day will be Monday, the 30th of January. The most needed items are canned vegetables and meats (pop tops preferred), pasta and pasta sauces, beans and rice, baby food and formula. This initiative is part of the Souper Bowl of Caring in partnership with local businesses and the Boy Scouts of America. All donations benefit the Capital Area Food Bank.

SPRING FLING 2012

2012-01-17T11:02:00.002-06:00

Save the Date!!
Spring Fling 2012 -- this April on Friday the 13th! We already have auction items rolling in...bid on Sclitterbahn tickets this year! Also, we need lots of help to make it another fabulous success as we raise money to keep our wonderful Technolgy Facilitator, Ms Neill, in our Summitt family. The kickoff meeting is Sunday Jan 29th at 4pm at the Silver Grill. Questions? Contact either of the Spring Fling Co-chairs Diana George dtlgeorge@gmail.com or Ryan Lanier ryanlanier5@gmail.com

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

2012-01-11T19:42:00.001-06:00

PTA Board Nominating Committee
Are you interested in a short term volunteer opportunity? The PTA needs 3 current PTA members for the PTA Board Nominating Committee. The committee members need to find nominations for the following board positions: Vice President 2, Secretary, and Treasurer. The nominations will be presented and voted on at the March PTA meeting.
Some of the duties for each position are:
Vice President 2 - organize Meet the Teacher night in August, organize Family Nights at various restaurants
Secretary - Must be able to attend all board meetings (2nd Tuesday of the month) and 4 general PTA meetings and record and post minutes from the meetings
Treasurer- maintain PTA financial records, report monthly expenditures to board and PTA members; pay invoices, reimbursements, etc.
If you are interested being on the nominating committee OR in being nominated for one of the board positions and would like more information on the duties for the each position please email president@summittpta.org.

5TH GRADE NEWS

2012-01-11T19:42:00.000-06:00

Science Blowout
The fifth grade Science Blowout will be on Tuesday, May 29 and will be filled with hands-on, outdoor science activities. Our Celebration ceremony will be in the morning on Wednesday, May 30, the last day of school, and will be followed by a fifth grade dance in the afternoon.

SUMMITT YEARBOOK

2012-01-11T19:40:00.000-06:00

We need your pictures!
Please continue to send any Summitt-related photos to summittyearbookeditor@yahoo.com so we can put them in the yearbook. Thanks!

GIFTED AND TALENTED

2012-01-11T19:27:00.002-06:00

Gifted and Talented nominations

The nomination window for the Gifted and Talented program for the spring semester ends on Tuesday, January 31. If a child was nominated in the fall but did not qualify, you may not nominate him/her in the spring. If you are interested, please contact your child's homeroom teacher first, and then pick up an updated form from the school office.

FAMILY FUN NIGHT

2012-01-02T18:03:00.001-06:00

Catfish Parlour
Our next Family Fun Night event will be on Wedensday, February 8th at Catfish Parlour. Come in to the restaurant and dine-in or take-out food sometime between 5 pm and 9 pm and say you are "with Summitt", and Summitt will get a portion of the sales for the night. Catfish Parlour is one of the most fun famliy events of the year, and you might even "catch" a glimpse of Ms. Lilie cooking your meal. The owners of Catfish Parlour are very generous to Summitt and we want to show them our support back by filling the restaurant! Catfish Parlour is located at 11910 Research Blvd. If you'd like to view the menu online in advance, go to: http://www.catfishparlour.us/

ATTENDANCE CONTEST

2012-01-02T18:02:00.001-06:00

Congratulations
Congratulations to Ms. Sawtelle and Ms. Frank's classes for winning the November Attendance Contest for Summitt. Both classes had 99.4% attendance for the month of November. They are celebrating with a pizza party.
We will have another attendance contest for the month of January. Let's see if we can have a class with 100% attendance. We are aware that winter months bring on many illnesses, but please make sure your child is in school and arrives on time unless he/she is ill.

POP TABS

2011-11-18T14:20:00.001-06:00

Who Wants to See a Million?
Before putting all those cans in the recycling bin, remember to take off the pop tabs! Keep bringing your pop tabs so we can reach our 1 million goal! The tabs are in the plastic house in the Great Hall by the office. When we reach a million, we will be donating the pop tabs to the Ronald McDonald House, which provides families a place to stay when their child is in the hospital with a serious illness.

PARENTING

2011-11-02T13:29:00.004-05:00

Upcoming Parenting Events

Love and Logic - Classes start soon around the city for this parenting workshop. For more information, click here.

FALL FEST

2011-10-25T13:54:00.000-05:00

Fall Fest Was a Great Success!
Thank you to everyone for your time, talent, and treasure. More Fall Fest thank yous and details to come but the PTA would like to especially thank the fall fest co-chairs Sharon Reed and Tanya Damommio for their many hours of hard work. If you loaned us a table or ice chest, you can pick your items up at the school. The tables are located in the great hall outside the library doors and the coolers are located in the new copy room near the 3rd grade commons.

PTA NEWSLETTER

2011-10-25T13:36:00.002-05:00

Take Your Family to School Week
The National PTA newsletter is available online with lots of articles and pieces of interest. There is an article regarding $1000.00 grants available for "Take your family to school week". The deadline to apply is October 28th. The website is http://www.pta.org/4832.htm

CARE CALENDAR

2011-10-14T10:50:00.001-05:00

Slatton Family
An online calendar has been created to help out the Slatton family for the next 3 months.
A note went home in your child's Monday folder explaining the loss of their mother last weekend. Their father died of cancer last year. Several people have offered to take food to the family, so a CareCalendar has been formed to help organize the food distribution. Please check out the website listed below so that you can choose your day and type of food to bring. The children helped make a list of their favorite foods so that we can fix something they enjoy. Thank you for your care and support of this sweet family.

To access The Slatton Family's personal CareCalendar site,
visit http://www.carecalendar.org/logon/90364 and enter
the following information in the appropriate spaces:
CALENDAR ID : 90364
SECURITY CODE : 3931
There will be a memorial service for Jennifer Slatton this Saturday. This is the link to the obituary: http://wcfish.tributes.com/show/Jennifer-Ann-Slatton-92491522

COMPUTER LAB

2011-10-11T13:18:00.001-05:00

Lab & Robotic Program

Things are getting busy in the Computer Lab. Classes have been coming for the past 6 weeks. Check out the Computer Lab Blog to see what the different grade levels have been working on. And as always, thank you for supporting technology at Summitt!

For information about Robotics programs at Summitt, check out Mrs. Neill's Robotics blog.

WISH LIST OF THE WEEK

2011-10-11T13:04:00.002-05:00

Riding Toys
Pre-K classes can use donations of good, used/safe working riding toys for the bike shed. These can be tricycles, Big Wheels, smaller riding toys. No bicycles or bikes with training wheels. Please bring them to the Pre-K portables.

GIFTED AND TALENTED PROGRAM

2011-09-26T14:22:00.014-05:00

GT Nominations
The nomination window for the fall semester for the Gifted and Talented Program at Summitt ends this coming Friday, September 30. Please refer to the Austin ISD website for more information. Go to http://archive.austinisd.org/academics/curriculum/gt/parentcorner.phtml. Much information can be found here, and short informational videos are also available. If you believe your child could qualify and would be well suited for the Gifted and Talented program at Summitt, please first speak with your child’s homeroom teacher for his/her input. Then pick up a nomination form from the main office. The forms have been revised, and the new version is not on the website. Complete and sign the nomination form and return it to your child’s homeroom teacher by this Friday, September 30. Form more information contact: Kim Coppola, Summitt’s GT Advocate, 841-1361

BOX TOPS

2011-09-19T11:29:00.001-05:00

Box Tops and Campbell's Labels for Education

Bring in your Box Tops and Campbell's Labels for Education to be entered into the weekly drawing for ice cream! Follow these simple steps to enter: 1) Place all Box Tops and/or Campbell's UPC labels in a baggie or envelope. 2) Write your child's name and their teacher's name on the front. 3) Turn them into the container labeled "Box Tops" in the office.

Click here for a list of participating products

If you have any questions about this program, please contact Karen Hale at formerfry@gmail.com.

SCHOOL ZONES

2011-09-19T11:17:00.001-05:00

Please remember to fully stop and yield to pedestrians in all school zones.The City of Austin manages the crossing guard positions and they are in the process of providing more training to all crossing guards and working diligently to place someone at the intersection of Amherst and Mosley in the afternoon.

SUMMITT T-SHIRTS

2011-09-13T11:42:00.001-05:00

Thank You for Your Recent T-shirt Orders

Unfortunately, some sizes are back-ordered at this time. More shirts are on the way. We are expecting the re-order to be delivered on September 20th. The shirt(s) you ordered will be delivered to your child's classroom some time after Wednesday, September 21st.

Thank you for your support and patience,

Summitt PTA, T-shirt Committee

MARATHON KIDS

2011-09-08T12:08:00.000-05:00

Visit the Summitt PE Blog for more information on Marathon Kids
Read More >

HEB BOOK DRIVE

2011-09-06T16:09:00.000-05:00

1 Million Books to Benefit the Children of Texas
HEB is having a book drive with the goal of collecting 1 million books to benefit the children of Texas. They will distribute the books during their annual Feast of Sharing event that feeds thousands of people before the Thanksgiving holiday. Would you like to donate or support by spreading the word about the book drive? We will have a drop off bin in the great hall to collect book donations at our school.
Books needed: Baby Books (ages 0-2), Toddler Books (ages 1-3), Pre-school (ages 4-6) and Kinder Ready (ages 6-8).
The book drive starts September 8th and ends September 20th. All books collected will be taken to HEB and they will distribute them on November 20th at Feast of Sharing. Our Summitt family is so good about supporting these types of charitable events. Feast of sharing is a wonderful event, this is the first time they will be handing out books.

WISH LIST ITEMS OF THE WEEK

2011-09-06T16:05:00.000-05:00

Empty Cracker Boxes & Empty Plastic Frosting cans
The Kinder teachers use the cracker boxes for individual book boxes. HEB and Pepperidge Farms boxes are the best size but almost any box this size work. (Triscuit, WheatThins, etc)
Also, empty frosting cans have many uses in the classrooms. Look for a collection box in the Great Hall.

SUMMITT DIRECTORY

2011-08-30T18:10:00.000-05:00

Attention Summitt Family Businesses!
The 2011-2012 directory is coming together fast and we have advertising space available. If you own/manage a Summitt Family business, we want to give you an opportunity to reach out to all the families at once. Let your neighbors know about this unique way to reach their community. Any size advertisement is welcome! Contact Tanya at directory@summittpta.org for information on pricing and format.

PE FUNDRAISER

2011-08-30T18:05:00.002-05:00

Y-Ties!

Summitt Families!! Thank you so much for making the Y-ties fundraiser such a huge success in it's first two days!! We did not anticipate selling over 350 pairs so quickly, so we have reordered a lot of the very popular styles that will be in next week!! I apologize that some of your kiddos have not received some of their laces yet! We still have about 80 unopened envelopes that will be filled when the new order of Y-ties come in!! We will deliver them as soon as possible to your son or daughter's classroom!! Thanks again for your support and patience!! Y'all rock!! Ms. Comsudi
Read More

SUMMITT PARKING

2011-08-23T13:26:00.000-05:00

Reserved Parking Space
Please observe and respect that the closest spot in the new parking lot is marked RESERVED from 7am to 7pm for the Spring Fling winner ONLY. The winner has paid generously for the privilege of using this prized parking space at all times. Thank you!
(You may bid on the privilege next April at Spring Fling 2012!)

TUITION-BASED PRE-K

2011-08-19T16:37:00.000-05:00

Pre-K

Do you know a child who is 4 on or before September 1st,2011?
He or she may qualify for free or tuition-based Pre-K at Summitt.
Please pick up information from any pre-k teacher or the summitt office.

MEET THE TEACHER NIGHT & PTA SOCIAL

2011-08-11T13:29:00.001-05:00

Ice Cream Social, PTA Sign-up, Summitt T-Shirt Sale, and more!
Thursday, August 18
Kindergarten - 3:30 pm
All Students - 4pm-6pm

Kindergarten families are invited to come 30 minutes early (3:30pm) to give parents extra time to fill out forms before meeting their child's teacher. Bring your child's school supplies to help get them organized before the first day of school.

Meet the Teacher Night needs volunteers! Please contact CCardosa@msn.com if you are available for a 3:30-5pm or 5-6pm shift.

Information tables available for community groups. Please contact CCardosa@msn.com for more information.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE PTA SOCIAL
The PTA Social is a great way to get a jump start on the new school year. Located in the cafeteria,

Kindergarten families are invited to arrive at 3:30 to get a head start on filling out forms and getting to know other Summitt families. All other students are invited to come at 4pm. After you have updated your Directory information and filled out the order form for PTA membership dues, your Summitt t-shirt and assignment books, etc., enjoy some ice cream, look for your child's name on the class lists posted around the cafeteria. Your child's new teacher will be waiting in their classroom but before you leave make sure you have completed the following checklist:

Verify your Summitt Directory Information.

Complete PTA form to purchase other items.

Go to the cashier to pay for all items (one payment for all items).

Go to the T-shirt table with your receipt and pick up your Summitt T-shirt and show your Summitt pride every Friday!

Go to the Assignment Book table(s) with your receipt and pick up your assignment book(s) (grades 3-5)

Visit our information tables (Boy Scouts, Watch D.O.G.S, Girl Scouts, etc)

To purchase items: first, go to the CASHIER table to pay for the items you want, then take your receipt with you to collect your items.

**Texas PTA’s are allowed to designate two days as “tax-free” days, Summitt PTA has designated “Meet the Teacher” and “Spring Fling” as our “tax-free” days. This allows us to charge a lower price for items at Meet the Teacher, so shop early and save!

PRICE LIST
-PTA Membership Dues: $12/person
-Sumitt 2011-2012 T-SHIRTS: $10/each
---Sizes Y-S - Y-XL, A-S - A-XXXL
-Assignment Books
---3RD GRADE BOOKS (2): $ 7total
---4th GRADE BOOk: $ 4
---5th GRADE BOOK: $ 4
-Sumitt Decals: $ 7
-Directory: $ 5
-Yearbook: $ 12

FORMS of PAYMENT: cash, check, Visa, Mastercard

INFORMATION TABLES
Be sure to visit our information tables including:
-Summitt Robortics' Program
-Summitt Watch D.O.G.S
-Scouting opportunities
-Summitt Environmental Committee
-Summitt Dragon Dance Team
See you Thursday, August 18th at Meet the Teacher night!

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

2011-08-11T13:05:00.001-05:00

SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT The mission statement of Summitt Elementary is to insure academic success by creating a safe and positive environment in which community, administration, teachers, parents and students work cooperatively as we “Soar to Excellence.”

SCHOOL HOURS
8:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. Pre-Kindergarten
7:45 a.m – 2:45 p.m. Grades K-5

FOR THE SAFETY OF YOUR CHILDREN, PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE THEM UNATTENDED ON THE SCHOOL CAMPUS BEFORE THE DOORS OPEN AT 7:15 A.M. THEY WILL NOT BE SUPERVISED UNTIL THIS TIME.

ARRIVAL Students will go directly to the cafeteria for supervision by staff and the Safety Patrol until the 7:30 a.m. bell rings. They will sit with other students from their grade level in an orderly and quiet manner. Parents are welcome to join them there.

EARLY PICK UP If your child needs to be picked up early, report to the office, sign student out and ask secretary to call your student. Only authorized persons can pick up a student. If there is a change in who may pick up your child, be sure to notify the office. Whenever possible, please try to make appointments outside school hours.

DISMISSAL Please park your car in an appropriate space and come inside for your children. There is a bell that rings at 2:40 p.m. for students who attend after-school care or ride the bus. Please wait in the Great Hall until the second bell is rung at 2:45 p.m. so that the children can benefit from instruction and be released from the classroom in a safe and orderly fashion. All students must by picked up by 2:45 p.m. as teachers cannot be responsible for them after that time. For their safety, any students not picked up in their classroom by 2:45 p.m. will wait in the office. Students will only be released to parents/guardians listed on the emergency care card. You will be asked to sign the late pick up book.

ART Art instruction is provided by a specialist in grades K-5. Student artwork is displayed on campus and in the community.

ATTENDANCE: ABSENCES AND TARDIES School beings at 7:45 a.m. Students arriving after 7:45 a.m. should go directly to their classroom where they will be counted tardy. The school enters attendance data into a computer by 10 .m. daily. The state compulsory attendance law states that students are in non-compliance with the law when they have 3 or more unexcused days or parts of days (tardies) within a four week period or ten or more unexcused days or parts of days (tardies) within a six month period. Days or parts of days (tardies) count as one day. You will receive a letter from the school district if your child has too many unexcused tardies and/or absences. Absences will be excused for a child’s illness or observance of a religious holiday. Written excuses/doctor’s notes must be brought to the school office within two days of the child’s return to school. Excuses for tardies must be completed by the parent in the school office on the day of late arrival. All excuses are kept for audit purposes. If you do not bring a note to the office, your child will have an unexcused tardy or absence on his/her attendance records.

If your child is ill or must be absent due to an observance of a religious holiday, please request schoolwork by notifying your child’s teacher. Allow 24 hours for the teacher to prepare make-up work. It will be available for pick-up in the school office.

Please do not plan vacations during the school year on regular school days. Vacations will be counted as unexcused absences.

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS AISD has a discipline policy; you will receive a copy. Summitt Elementary’s discipline plan requests students show respect for themselves, for others and for school property. Each classroom has a discipline management plan which will be explained to you during Back-to-School Night.

BICYCLE SAFETY AND SECURITY Bicycles are to be chained at the bike rack. Bikes should be walked when on the sidewalk. No bicycles will be allowed in the building. Helmets should be worn when riding bikes. Skateboards, scooters, sneakers with wheels or roller blades should not be brought to school.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS Private birthday parties will not be held at school. Invitations to private birthday parties should not be distributed at school unless the entire class is invited. Food items may be distributed at school after lunch to celebrate birthdays.

BREAKFAST/LUNCH ACCOUNTS If you would like to set up an account for your child, send money for the week or month in an envelope with the student’s name and the teacher’s name or go to www.mylunchmoney.com. No checks will be accepted. The cafeteria does not have change in the morning. Parents may apply for free or reduced-priced meals by obtaining an application from the office.
Breakfast: 7:15 a.m. to 7:40 a.m.
Lunch: 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cheese sandwiches and milk will be provided for students if they forget their lunch money. No money is available for loans. Parents may enter specific requests concerning student lunches into the computer in the cafeteria.

BUS SAFETY Bus riders are expected to follow safety procedures while on the bus and while waiting at the bus stop. Students should remain seated when the bus is moving and follow other Summitt school rules while they are en route to and from school. Students may be removed from the bus if their behavior is inappropriate.

CELL PHONES Cell phones must be turned off and left in backpacks during school hours.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR PHONE NUMBERS
For the safety and protection of your child, please notify the office in writing of any changes of address or phone number(s). We must have a phone number where the parent(s) can be reached during the school day, especially in case of illness or accident. We also need to know who has permission to pick up your child from school. Copies of court papers will be kept in the office and referred to as necessary.

CITIZENSHIP AWARDS First through fifth grade. Guidelines will be given at Back-to-School Night.

CLASS PARTIES All school-connected social activities shall be approved by and planned with the teacher and children involved, in consultation with the principal. Each class may have no more than three official parties per year.

COMPUTER LAB AND TECHNOLOGY Thirty Dell computers are housed in the computer lab. Each classroom has at least one computer. Multiple mini-labs are available in commons/classroom areas.

CONCERNS/COMPLAINT POLICY Parents may call teachers directly in their classrooms. Messages will be checked before school, during special area time, at lunchtime, and after school. To avoid interruption of instruction, teachers will return your calls at their planning time or after school. Please contact the teacher first if you have a questions or concern. You may also contact the principal or assistant principal. Schedule conferences during planning time or after school. No conferences should be held from 7:30 a.m. to 7:45 .m. Every attempt will be made to return phone calls on the day that they are received to resolve concerns.

COUNSELOR The Summitt Counselor is available to assist both students and parents on a consistent basis. Children are supported through classroom guidance activities, small groups on various topics as needs arise. Parents may benefit from consultation with the counselor related to specific issues that impact their child. You may call the counselor directly at 512-414-4248.

DRESS CODE Any clothing or hair style/coloring/grooming which disrupts instruction is considered inappropriate for school. Parents will be called to provide appropriate clothing or address hair color/style issues. Obscene emblems or writings, and advertising for alcohol, tobacco, or controlled substances shall not be worn to school. Inappropriate dress includes but is not limited to baggy pants, over sized shirts, elongated armholes, overly tight garments, exposed body parts, strapless or backless tops, spaghetti straps, low cut necklines, distracting short shorts or skirts, makeup, artificial nails, slippers, gang clothing, and hats or caps worn inside the building.

EMERGENCY CARE FORMS Please complete and update information on the Emergency Forms so that we have current phone numbers and names of persons who may pick up your child(ren). See also heading titled "Change of Address or Phone Number.”

FIELD TRIPS Parents will be notified in advance whenever children will leave campus on study trips. A permission form is sent home for parent signature when students are riding in private or commercial transportation.

GIFTED AND TALENTED Kindergarten-fifth grade students are identified in the fall or spring semester for the gifted and talented program. G/T students work independently, in small groups with other G/T students, and in large groups with students of varying abilities.

HONOR ROLLS Third through fifth grade. Guidelines will be given at Back-to- School Night.

IMMUNIZATIONS AlSD implements Texas Department of Health rules and regulations regarding immunizations for student enrollment and attendance. All students must have all age-appropriate immunizations required by the state of Texas.

INSURANCE Student accident insurance is available to all students. A packet will be available for each student in September of each year. Purchase of these benefits is optional.

LIBRARY All students will visit the library with classes, in small groups, or individually, for book check-out, storytelling, and skills activities.

LOST AND FOUND Lost and found items will be located in the Music Hallway close to the front entrance. All clothing that can be removed at school should be clearly marked with the child's name. All items not claimed are donated to charity. Small items like glasses and billfolds are kept in the school office. Ask for them there.

MEDICATION According to AlSD Policy, prescription and non-prescription medicine will be given by school personnel during school hours only as necessary. Parent/guardian must complete a signed medication form prior to medication being given. The medication must be in the original container with the child's name, current date, and specific instructions for administration. Medication given three times a day should be given before school, after school, and in the evening by the parent. Empty medicine containers will be sent home with the child as a reminder to send refills, if necessary. All medications must be kept in the office. Children are not allowed to self-medicate.

MUSIC Music instruction is provided by a specialist in grades kindergarten through fifth grade. Students in third through fifth grade participate in an annual city-wide Music Memory Contest. Fourth and fifth graders can try out for choir and participate in the Recorder Festival held each year. Students should wear shoes that will stay on their feel during movement activities.

NEWSLETTER The official newsletter of Summitt, the "Eagle Express," is distributed on the first Monday of each month in the Monday Folder. This newsletter will give you information for the month, including a calendar of activities.

NURSE Children can receive a pass from the classroom teacher to see the nurse or a secretary (when the nurse or her assistant is not on campus). In most cases, the student's temperature is taken, and the child may be given the opportunity to rest in the nurse's office. First aid will be administered as needed. Parents will be contacted if the child is ill or injured. Students should be free of fever without fever medication for 24 hours before returning to school.

PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTA) Summitt has an active PTA. There are general meetings throughout the year. The Executive Board holds open meetings monthly. Anyone interested is invited to attend. Flyers and the Eagle Express will have additional information about PTA activities and committees.

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held with all parents during the first and third nine-weeks reporting periods. Additional conferences can be requested at any time by contacting the teacher.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY Please report to the office and get a name tag. We welcome parents as volunteers in the school. Opportunities are available to work in the cafeteria, library, classroom, office, and computer lab. A parent/teacher workroom is located behind the library. There is always a place for you at Summitt.

PARTNERS IN EDUCATION Our partners contribute volunteer time, in-kind gifts or monetary donations to our school to help us attain our goals. Please patronize our partners to thank them for their support of our school programs.

PERFECT ATTENDANCE AWARDS Perfect Attendance Awards will be given for children who have no tardies or absences for each nine weeks and no tardies or absences for the year.

PERMANENT RECORDS In accordance with the Open Records Law, parents who wish to review their child's permanent records may do so by contacting the school office.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION Physical Education instruction is provided by a specialist in kindergarten through fifth grade. Your child needs to be equipped for Physical Education class in the following ways:

Wear loose, comfortable clothing (no dresses on P.E. days)
Wear tennis shoes, sneakers (no hard sole, cleated shoes, boots, sandals, or jellies) If your child is unable to participate fully in P.E., he/she needs to bring a note from the parents. If non-participation exceeds two days, a doctor's note is required. Children having medical problems that may be affected by physical exertion will need an explanation in writing sent to the P.E. specialist.

After school activities may be available. Students are encouraged to participate in running events (cross country and Marathon Kids) throughout the year.

REPORT CARDS Report Cards are distributed at the end of each nine weeks. Mid nine weeks reports are sent home when students are having academic difficulty. Parents should keep report cards, sign the report card envelope, and return the envelope to the child's teacher. Schedule conferences as needed.

SCHOOL-HOME COMMUNICATION "Monday Folders" will be sent each week to facilitate communication between home and school. Please check your child's folder to see papers to be returned to school and papers to be kept at home. Please encourage your child to bring notes to you even if they are sent on other days.

Read your child's assignment book each day in third through fifth grade.

STUDENT WITHDRAWAL FROM SUMMITT If your child must be withdrawn from school:

Notify the school at least two days in advance
Teacher will complete necessary paperwork
Secretary will complete withdrawal paperwork
All library books and textbooks must be returned or paid for before records will be cleared

SUPPLIES A list of school supplies for each grade level will be determined by Summitt teachers each school year. School supplies are to be purchased by the parents. Please check periodically during the year to make sure your child has the necessary supplies. If requested by your child's classroom teacher, label all supplies with the child's name. If you need help purchasing school supplies, contact the school office.

TEXTBOOKS AND LIBRARY BOOKS The school issues, collects, and accounts for all textbooks. All textbooks should be covered at all times with school-issued book covers. Textbooks and library books that are lost or damaged by a student must be paid for by the parent at the current replacement price.

TRAFFIC SAFETY General safety rules should be observed by students and parents when loading and unloading children from vehicles. Please encourage your child(ren) to cross the street at the cross-walks for safety reasons. Children should not exit from the driver's side door because of the possibility of injury. Do not park in the fire zones or along the curb in the front driveway of the school. The right lane along the curb is for drop-off only. The left lane is for moving traffic. Pull forward as far as possible and then drop off your child at the curb.

USE OF THE PLAYGROUND According to the school district policy, athletic teams that wish to use the school playground for practice sessions must schedule this use with the school principal.

Only children enrolled in the Extend-a-Care after school program will have access to the playground before 6:30 p.m.

VALUABLE ITEMS Students should leave trading cards, video games, and other expensive items and toys at home. They may be lost or interrupt instruction in the classroom. Students will not buy, sell, or trade items at school.

VISION AND HEARING Each year students in early childhood, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, second, and fifth grade are screened for vision and hearing problems. Students in other grade levels may be referred for screening by the teachers or parents.

VISITORS Report to the office with your driver's license. A name tag will be created for you. Once your license is in the system, you will only need to create your own name tag. If you would like to observe instruction, let the teacher know in advance. This courtesy allows the visit to benefit everyone. Please limit visits to 30 minutes and leave younger children at home. Schedule a conference with the teacher if you would like to discuss your visit.

WEAPONS Any weapon will be confiscated by the administration, and the appropriate authorities will be notified.

The information in this handbook is subject to change because of possible variations in district or school policy. You' will be notified of changes as soon as possible.

SCHOOL SUPPLY LISTS

2011-07-15T13:45:00.001-05:00

2011-2012 School Supply Lists
Click on the links below to view a PDF file of the school supply lists by grade level.

Summer Ideas from the Computer Lab

2011-05-23T12:32:00.000-05:00

Summer Ideas from the Computer Lab
Need some ideas for hot summer days? Check out our school links and other websites used in the Computer Lab. Bookmark this page so you can check back for more great sites: http://summittlab.blogspot.com.

WeDo Robotics Too!

2011-05-23T12:31:00.002-05:00

WeDo Robotics Too!
Exciting News! We will be launching our second phase of Robotics next year with our seven- 1st grade classes. This program will utilize Lego WeDo kits for building and our school netbooks for programming.
If you are interested in making a donation to the Robotics fund, it can be dropped off in the office.
For more information: http://rockinrobotics.blogspot.com/.

Spring Fling Raised $15,000

2011-05-12T08:55:00.000-05:00

Way to Fling, Summitt!! Spring Fling Raised A Whopping $15,000!
Thanks to all who attended and/or supported Spring Fling 2011! The event this year was a raging success, bringing in around 600 people and earning over $15,000! If you missed the live auction, we raised around $1,500 with Jay Piersall loosening up the crowds' wallets as our auctioneer. The committee wants to thank all the donors and volunteers who helped make this year's Spring Fling a tremendous success!

FALL FEST 2011 CO-ORGANIZERS

2011-05-03T23:10:00.000-05:00

Fall Fest Co-Organizers Needed
One or two fabulous Summitt parents are needed NOW to step up and be a co-organizer of Fall Fest 2011. We already have one person to oversee the Games and Prizes division of Fall Fest. We are looking for one or two more co-organizers who can oversee the other areas. You can then advertise and recruit committee heads to work under you to plan Fall Fest. Please let me know if you have questions or are interested in any of the planning of this popular, fun carnival. A step-by-step guide, electronic files and flyers are all on file for running the event. Contact Mary Zimmerman 922-8332, receipt@thezimmermanzone.com.

Kindergarten Roundup

2011-04-27T21:21:00.002-05:00

Kindergarten Registration and Orientation for the 2011-2012 School Year
For all children who are five years of age on or before September 1, 2011.

9:00 a.m on Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Summitt Elementary Cafeteria

When registering your child, please bring the following information:

official birth certificate
social security card
up-to-date immunization record
current proof of residence (electric bill, gas bill, lease)
parent/guardian picture ID

Your Kindergarten child/children are welcome to come with you to the registration/orientation. There will be a short presentation followed by a tour of the building, please allow approximately 1 hour plus for this event.

"Thank you" from Barbara Neill

2011-04-20T08:08:00.003-05:00

A Gracious “Thank YOU!” from Summitt’s Technology Teacher, Barbara Neill
Dear Summitt Parents, Teachers, Staff and Volunteers: I want to send out a HUGE thank you to everyone at Summitt for supporting Spring Fling!!!! The classroom creations were fabulous; the business donations were phenomenal; the Teacher Time and Talent gifts were incredible; the dance was a huge hit with the kids and some teachers; the Live Auction was so smart!; the food and refreshments were wonderful; and the the whole event was a class act! Hopefully I didn't leave anything out. Thank you to everyone for supporting technology at Summitt!
- From Barbara Neill-

RECYCLING FUND RAISER

2011-04-13T19:48:00.001-05:00

Raise Money for Summitt - Bring Your Old Cell Phones (& other items) for Recycling!
In the next two weeks, we need to collect as many cell phones, laser jet cartridges & ink jet cartridges (plus a select list of other items) as we can! If we collect enough, our school will earn an EXTRA $50. Ask family, friends, neighbors, & co-workers to help. Check the list of items that we CAN accept at: http://cfktoday.com/recyclelists.html. Read more on Barbara Neill’s blog at: http://summittlab.blogspot.com/2011/04/time-for-spring-cleaning.html Questions? Email Barbara at: bneill@austinisd.org.

2011 SPRING FLING

2011-04-11T14:04:00.004-05:00

It’s a FUNrai$ing THING!

Featuring
Dinner / Dance / Door Prizes

Silent Auction / LIVE Auction

The Spring Fling is our annual event where we raise money to fund Summitt's Technology Instructor position.

2011's Spring Fling was a HUGE success, bringing in around 600 people and raising over $15,000!!!

The committee would like to thank our wonderful volunteers and sponsors, we couldn't have been successful without you!

Terrabyte Level Partners ($500+)

Theatrikids Dave's Ultimate Automotive

YMCA of Austin

Gigabyte Level Partners ($250 to $499)

Austin Dental Disney Kid Space Legoland California National Instruments Nelo’s Cycles Renaissance Austin Hotel Stampin' Up Fun Flicks Outdoor Movies

Falconhead Golf Club Kids Acting

Capitol City Comedy Club

www.pearlparadise.com

Great Hills Country Club

Megabyte Level Partners ($100 to$249)

4 Seasons Salon and Spa Austin TorosAmber Moon Studio American GirlApplebee's (Lakeline) ASAP (After School Athletics Program)

Ballet Austin Canyon of the Eagles Resort

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and Keurig

Highlights for Children Mad Science

TerraBurger RunTex

Rising Stars Pediatric Dentistry Schlotzsky's Promise Pizza Aloft at the Domain

Gift of Serenity Massage Virginia Bettis, Consultant Joyce Willet School of Dance

Cafe Monet Gatti's Pizza

Balcones Country Club Home Depot Jason's Deli Cajun Pizza Place

John Hollister, Stylist Texas Hills Vineyard

GlidingRevolution ZACH Theatre

Gold Class Cinema Mandola's Italian Market

Big Red Seven Up Bottling Company of South Texas Research Boulevard Pet & Bird Hospital

THIEL Pediatric Dentistry Complete Nutrition

The Quarries Christian Life Center www.partytimeaustin.com Stella & Dot Jewelry - Kelly Tierce

Coronet Studio Canvas On Demand

Austin Lyric Opera Armstrong Community Music School

Supporters

24 Hour Fitness www.24hourfitness.com

Alamo Drafthouse www.originalalamo.com

Amy’s Ice Creams www.amysicecreams.com

Arbor Car Wash www.arborcarwash.com

Austin Children's Museum www.austinkids.org

The Austin Conservatory of the Arts www.austin-conservatory-arts.com

Austin’s Park & Pizza www.austinspark.com

Austin Steam Train www.austinsteamtrain.org

Austin Zoo www.austinzoo.org

Austinuts www.austinuts.com

Avant Salon www.avantsalon.com

Bert’s BarBQ www.bertsbbq.com

Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum www.thestoryoftexas.com

Blackerby Violin Shop www.violinshop.com

Blanton Museum of Art www.blantonmuseum.org

Brick House Tavern & Tap www.brickhousetavernandtap.com

Brooklyn Pie Co. www.brooklynpie.com

Buck’s Bikes www.bucksbikes.com

Build-A-Bear Workshop www.buildabear.com

Buffalo Wild Wings www.buffalowildwings.co m

Cafe Java www.cafejava.info

California Pizza Kitchen www.cpk.com

Capital Cruises www.capitalcruises.com

Capital Gymnastics www.capgym.com

Casa Chapala www.casachapala.com

Chaparral Ice www.chaparralice.com

Cheesecake Factory www.thecheesecakefactory.com

Chuy’s www.chuys.com

Chili’s www.chilis.com

Chuck E Cheese's

The Container Store www.containerstore.com

Cookies In Bloom www.cookiesinbloom.com/austin

Costco www.costco.com

The County Line on the Hill

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. www.crackerbarrel.com

Culver’s www.culvers.com

Double Dave's Pizzaworks www.doubledaves.com

Dairy Queen Burnet/Steck

Edible Arrangements www.ediblearrangements.com

El Arroyo www.ditch.com/soon/

Elevation Burger www.elevationburger.com

Freddie’s Place www.freddiesplaceaustin.com

Gallery of Pets www.galleryofpets.com

Gamerz Video Game Exchange www.gamerzaustin.com

Gattis Pizza www.mrgattis.com

General Mills

Greenling www.greenling.com

Groovy Automotive

Gymboree www.gymboree.com

HEB www.heb.com

Highland Lanes www.highlandlanes.com

Hoover's Cooking www.hooverscooking.com

Houston Symphony www.houstonsymphony.org

Hyde Park Bar & Grill www.hpbng.com

Iron Cactus www.ironcactus.com

Jan Brett www.janbrett.com

JBG Organic www.jbgorganic.com

Jersey Mike’s Subs www.jerseymikes.com

John Travolta www.johntravolta.com

Kaleidoscope Toys www.kstoy.com

Kiddie Acres www.kiddieacres.com

La Madeleine www.lamadeleine.com

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center www.wildflower.org

Andrea Lam bluelock@gmail.com

Learning Express www.austin.learningexpress-toys.com

Longhorn Cavern State Park www.longhorncaverns.com

Louise Friesen, Potter

Lick It Bite It or Both www.lickitbiteitorboth.com

Macaroni Grill www.macaronigrill.com

Maggiano’s Little Italy www.maggianos.com

Main Event www.maineventusa.com

Mangia Pizza www.mangiaaustin.com

Marie Callender's Restaurant & Bakery

Marmalade Skies www.marmaladeskiesaustin.com

McCormick & Schmick’s www.mccormickandschmicks.com

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage www.naturalgrocers.com

Newman’s Own www.newmansown.com

NXNW www.nxnwbrew.com

Olive Garden www.olivegarden.com

Painting With A Twist www.paintingwithatwist.com

Panera Bread www.panerabread.com

Paramount & State Theatres www.austintheatre.org

Phil’s Ice House www.philsicehouse.com

Pho Saigon www.phosaigonnoodlehouse.com

Playland Skate Center www.playlandskatecenter.com

Pok-e-Jo’s www.pokejos.com

Pump It Up www.pumpitupparty.com

Qdoba www.qdoba.com

Reale’s Pizza www.realespizza.com

Regal Cinema www.regmovies.com

Romeo’s www.romeosrestaurant.com

Round Rock Express www.roundrockexpress.com

Laura Saldivar Massage Therapy

Shady Grove www.theshadygrove.com

Soccer Post, The www.soccertx.com

Solar Nail & Spa

Sonic Drive In #42 (Lamplight Village)

Sprouts www.sprouts.com

Starbucks www.starbucks.com

Tacodeli www.tacodeli.com

Target (Ohlen/183) www.target.com

Teacher Heaven www.teacherheaven.com

TenMarks www.tenmarks.com

Terra Toys www.terratoys.com

Texas Jumping Beans www.texasjumpingbeans.com

Texas Renaissance Festival www.texrenfest.com

Texas Roadhouse www.texasroadhouse.com

Tim Allen www.timallen.com

Torchy’s Tacos www.torchystacos.com

Vanishing Texas River Cruise www.vtrc.com

Volente Beach www.volentebeach.com

Walgreens www.walgreens.com

Waterloo Ice House www.waterlooicehouse.com

Wheel of Fortune www.wheeloffortune.com

For information on how YOU can help, including volunteering time and donating items contact: Ryan Lanier 799-7994 , ryanlanier5@gmail.com or Jennifer Luna-Idunate 922-2128, jluna-idunate@mail.utexas.edu

Thanks from Trent Pokorny

2011-03-26T09:13:00.002-05:00

Many Thanks from Trent Pokorny

“Dear Summitt PTA and Summitt families, Thank you very much for you donations to my Eagle Scout Project.The response from the Summitt Community has been very positive. I plan to start my project after spring break and invite you to come take a look as it progresses. Again, thank you for helping make my project a success. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.”

Signed, Trent Pokorny

Communication Team

2011-03-26T09:11:00.001-05:00

Summitt’s Communication Team Needs One More Person - Desperately!!

We still need another person to keep the weekly E-mailer and Summitt website up and running. PLEASE join the team! Contact Ann Sullivan : 873-7254 or email: summitt-emailer#googlegroups.com

AISD BUDGET MEETINGS

2011-03-13T14:00:00.000-05:00

Dear Parents,
Please join AISD Superintendent Dr. Meria Carstarphen and the AISD Board of Trustees for two important Community Conversations regarding AISD's Preliminary 2011-2012 Budget. These meetings will be held on Thursday, March 24, from 6:30-8:00 PM, at Reagan High School located at 7104 Berkman Drive, and on Thursday, March 31, 2011, from 6:30-8:00 PM, at Bowie High School located at 4103 Slaughter Lane. Bring your family to learn more about the District’s budget from the Chief Financial Officer and take advantage of this opportunity to provide your feedback. Childcare and Spanish translation services will be provided.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Estimados padres de familia,
Por favor acompañen a la Superintendenta, la Dra. Meria Carstarphen, y a la Mesa Directiva de AISD a dos importantes Conversaciones Comunitarias sobre el presupuesto preliminar de AISD para el año escolar 2011-2012. Estas juntas se llevarán a cabo el jueves, 24 de marzo, de 6:30p.m. a 8p.m., en la Secundaria Reagan, 7104 Berkman Drive, y el jueves, 31 de marzo de 2011, de 6:30p.m. a 8p.m., en la Secundaria Bowie, 4103 Slaughter Lane. Traiga a su familia para que juntos aprendan más sobre el presupuesto del Distrito de la Directora General Financiera y aprovechen esta oportunidad para dar sus comentarios y sugerencias. Habrá cuidado de niños e interpretación al español.

Thank you for your assistance.
Janis Guerrero, Ph.D.
Executive Director for Planning and Community Relations
Austin Independent School District
1111 West 6th Street, Austin, TX 78703

Phone: 512-414-9776, Fax: 512-414-9773
Visit our website at http://www.austinisd.org

2011-03-08T22:53:00.000-06:00

Summitt Principal is a FINALIST in the 2011 HEB Excellence in Teaching Award!
Congratulations, Mrs. Lilie!! She is one of four Principals in the State of Texas who are competing for the first place award. Mrs. Lilie was awarded $1,000 for herself and $2,500 for our school for being selected as a finalist. We are so proud of Mrs. Lilie! If you see her in the halls sometime soon, give her a great big hug and tell her how much she means to you.

EXPLORE UT's VOLLEYBALL PLAYDAY

2011-03-07T22:06:00.001-06:00

Two 5th grade volleyball teams from Summitt participated in Explore UT's Volleyball Playday on March 5th. They had a fantastic time, and they did an AMAZING job!!

ROBOTICS

2011-03-01T21:22:00.000-06:00

Robotics at Summitt ROCKS!!
(From the Computer Lab): Wow! We now have the 30 Lego Robotic kits for our 5th grade!!! Thank you parents for making this a successful endeavour. We have had a lot of fun learning, and hope you’ve had a chance to hear what the 5th graders have been doing. To follow what's going on in Robotics class, please follow this link - http://rockinrobotics.blogspot.com/

FINE ARTS FESTIVAL

2011-03-01T21:21:00.000-06:00

Experience Murchison’s Fine Arts Festival on March 24th
The Murchison Fine Arts Department is proud to announce the 10th Annual Fine Arts Festival “Creative Connections” Thursday, March 24, 2011, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Band, choir, art gallery, theatre entertainers, and dance and orchestra performances all in one evening! Mangia dinner will be available for purchase in the cafeteria.

For more information on this FREE event, go to: http://www.murchisonpta.org/

SOARING SKYWARD

2011-02-21T23:30:00.001-06:00

Soaring Skyward Needs Aviation Volunteers!
This year's Soaring Skyward Committee is looking for volunteers who might have a connection with the aviation world. If you know of anyone who has an airplane they could/would bring to Summitt for the students to look at or even sit inside, or you know of a neighbor with remote control airplanes who would like to teach students about the wonderful world of RC's, or you have a relative with a model collection of airplanes from different eras, please have them contact Heather Fleming (841-1362 or heather.fleming@austinisd.org) by February 26th. Thank you for your assistance!

Promise to be A No Place For Hate School

2011-02-14T13:56:00.006-06:00

Summitt Students are signing a Promise to be A No Place For Hate School. If you would like more information about No Place For Hate you can go to the Anti-Defamation League's web site at http://adl.org/education or you can contact Tina Stogdill at tina.stogdill@austinisd.org and http://tinastogdillcounselor.blogspot.com.

The No Place for Hate Promise
I promise to do my best to treat everyone fairly
I promise to do my best to be kind to everyone - even if they are not like me
If I see someone being hurt or bullied, I will tell a teacher
Everyone should be able to feel safe and happy in school
I want our school to be No Place for Hate

STAY HEALTHY

2011-02-14T08:19:00.002-06:00

Reminder About Not Sharing Breakfast & Lunch Foods at School

Parents, please talk to your students about the rule to not share food with other students because of safety concerns. Summitt staff and volunteers have observed that more students are giving their breakfast and lunch foods to other students. This is against school policy, as well as a health concern, especially with the rise in illness on our campus. Thank you for reminding your student(s).

SUMMITT EXPO

2011-02-08T13:06:00.001-06:00

On the evening of February 2nd, Summitt's 5th graders did an awesome job of displaying their Science projects at the 2nd Annual Summitt Science Expo!

Mrs. Fleming, 5th grade science teacher, was especially impressed with their enthusiasm, professionalism, and eagerness to share their science knowledge with others. And she noted that on Wednesday morning (the day of the rolling blackouts), it was encouraging to see them teaching the younger children at Summitt. They even had a plan for how to keep the kindergartners calm if a blackout occurred while they were in the cafeteria in the dark!

Mrs. Fleming is especially proud of the 5th graders and says she truly enjoyed being a part of this science experience with them!

Also, a note of thanks to everyone who made the Science Expo such a HUGE success! So many parents helped with supplying balloons, cookies, lemonade, set-up, and clean up, and Mrs. Fleming is grateful, saying she could NOT have done it without everyone's help!

SUMMITT SKATE NIGHT @ PLAYLAND SKATE

2011-02-01T22:55:00.000-06:00

It was another great night for Skate Night! Summitt Eagles and their families had so much fun: kids learning how to skate, friends doing the limbo, and friendly competition in the races and grade count. Frosting on the cake: $800 earned for our PTA! Way to go Eagles!
Missed Skate Night? Plan on coming out for our end of the year Skate Night Party Thursday, May 19th, 2011.

Also, if you have Skate Night photos to share, please send your pictures to the Summitt Yearbook summittyearbook10@yahoo.com.

Playland Skate Center, 8822 McCann Dr. www.playlandskatecenter.com

CHINESE MANDARIN CLASS

2011-02-01T22:33:00.000-06:00

Introduction to Chinese Mandarin Class Begins Feb. 16th

February 16-March 30, Wednesdays 3-4pm

As China’s awakening is reshaping reshaping the economic and political landscape of the world, learning Chinese language and culture is becoming in demand with parents who have the insight into the future. Your children will be learning a language that not only provides him/her a competitive advantage in the business/professional world but also enable him/her to communicate and interact with 20% of the world population. Many schools including Murchison Middle school now has Chinese mandarin as one of their foreign language options.

The “Introduction to Chinese Mandarin” is a fun and interactive class to gain exposure to Chinese language and culture. Learn to speak and understand Chinese for daily conversation, in the best way for children to learn... with games, songs and role play. The instructor has been teaching the similar courses at Hill elementary and her classes are well-received. The class will meet on Wednesdays at Summitt from 3pm to 4pm starting Feb. 16th through March 30th. The tuition for the introduction class is $80 per student (Please bring check to the first class). You will also have an option to sign up for the continued Chinese class on Wednesdays after the introduction course until the end of the spring semester.

To register for the class, please email your name, phone number, your child's name and grade level to lepengli@hotmail.com. Also, you are welcome to contact the instructor (Lepeng Li) with any questions at lepengli@hotmail.com. Thanks for your interest.

APRIL CAN CONTEST

2011-01-30T22:41:00.002-06:00

CAN You bring the Most Aluminum Cans?
Start saving those aluminum cans for the April Can Contest! You can start bringing your cans to the blue trailer and keep track of how many you turned in, OR save them at home and bring all your cans at one time in April. We’ll have a classroom winner as well as individual winners!
Last year, our dedicated recyclers earned over $650 for Summitt's Environmental Committee!

SUMMITT TEACHER TALENT SHOW

2011-01-30T13:07:00.000-06:00

Send Us Your Pictures from the Teacher Talent Show!!
If you went to the Teacher Talent Show and took pictures, please submit any photos you would like to contribute to the 2010-2011 Summitt Yearbook to summittyearbook10@yahoo.com. Please label your email content with date and event information.
For more info about the Summitt Yearbook, CLICK HERE

SCHOOL BUDGET CUTS

2011-01-21T09:30:00.000-06:00

Worried about school budget cuts? Then read this:
It is a very real possibility that Austin public schools could lose a huge number of Pre-K and Special Areas teaching positions.This will mean classrooms are less safe, more stressful & less rigorous teaching will be taking place. Parents are invited to attend the next AISD School Board meeting, next Monday, January 24th at 7p.m. at 1111 West 6th Street. The school board will be voting on teacher cuts (staffing ratios) and other planned cuts during that meeting.

This week, Texas school districts across the state learned that the state’s budget forecast for public education - which was already dire - is now much worse. The Austin’s Superintendent’s current plan recommends that Pre-K be cut to half days (eliminating 160 Pre-K teaching positions) and elementary art, music, and P.E. classes be expanded to a 1 to 9 ratio, which would eliminate 50 positions and bring back large special area classes. Likewise,secondary teachers would have increased workloads, teaching more periods and more students each day, thus eliminating positions. Also, ⅓ of the districts school librarians are facing staffing cuts.

The school board members are the decision makers, so they NEED to hear from us! Attend Monday’s meeting at 7 pm. In addition, you can email your comments to AISD by going to the following link: http://www.austinisd.org/inside/budget/form.phtml.

For more information, read the Austin American Statesman’s headlines from Jan 21st, http://www.statesman.com/news/local/austin-school-district-tackles-drastic-budget-cuts-119915 9.html, visit AISD’s budget pages at http://www.austinisd.org/inside/budget/, and visit Education Austin’s website at http://tx.aft.org/austin/. Also, Summitt PE Teachers, Michelle Comsudi and Sarah Sheppard, have provided more information in the following letter to parents:

Parents,

We just want to keep as many people informed as possible about budget cuts and special areas.This Monday, January 24th, the school board will vote on its decision to expand the teacher-to-class ratio for special area teachers from 1:7 to 1:9. The special area teachers are planning a rally at 6:30 p.m. that night and will attend the Board meeting at 7:00 p.m.

While teachers hold a significant part in this decision, parents hold the most influence when it comes to the Board. We understand the shortfall of money, however, this decision directly affects your kids. We as professionals can stand up and plea for a professional setting in which to teach, yet it can still fall on deaf ears. However, when parents speak about their children’s direct success in school due to special areas, ears perk up. We contribute to learning in so many ways, yet a standardized test doesn't measure our results. Still, all data shows a direct connection between all the special areas and learning. Please consider attending the board meeting Monday night. If you want to speak, please sign up and proudly do so. Otherwise, hold a sign identifying yourself as a parent in support of all special areas.
ONE CLASS, ONE TEACHER.

Pay the message forward to as many people as you know.
Thank you for your continued support.

Michelle Comsudi,
Sarah Sheppard,
and AISD PE Teachers

Jr. FIRST® LEGO® LEAGUE PHOTOS

2011-01-21T08:57:00.001-06:00

Jr. First Lego League Team and Coaches

Two teams made up of Summitt Elementary students participated in the Jr. FIRST® LEGO® League Expo on Saturday, January 19, 2011 at Westlake High School. A big THANK YOU goes out to Aoife Longmore for spearheading this extracurricular activity and getting the grant information in by the deadline. The teams started working on the projects in December while most teams at the Expo had been working on their projects for months!

The models are in the Great Hall display case. Check them out!

The kids wouldn't have had a team if it wasn't for the Summitt parents who volunteered their time to organize the meetings, coach and get the kids ready for the event. THANK YOU to coaches Chris Cifra, Ken Simpson, Can Ulker, Dean Woodley, and Evan Woodruff for combing through the reams of information in order to teach 'creative play' and doing such a great job!

Each team invited a speaker to present at a Lego League meeting. Linda Siebert, Summitt parent and R.N. from Texan Surgery Center visited the Lego Lizards to discuss the type of tool doctors use. Biomedical Engineer, Guillaume Quetier who works for LDR Spine USA, Inc. visited Team Crocodile and discussed surgical implants for spinal injuries.

The Lego Lizards including Blake Anderton, Jakob Simpson, Mine Ulker, & Cailin Cifra created and a presented a Hospital Train to serve parts of the country that don't have access to a hospital. They invented high tech features such as a no touch thermometer, an X-ray machine that has a wheel chair that turns into a bed, and a souped up tongue depressor with flavored tip, a magnifying glass and a light attached and a M.R.I. train car. They received the Dynamo Award for showing drive, enthusiasm and inspiration. The judges said they had a clear understanding of the challenge, came up with creative solutions to problems, and were enthusiastic presenters!

Team Crocodile was made up of Lily Atkinson, Joss Dean, Thomas Woodley, & Aiden Woodruff. They designed and built a Hospital Truck with an X-ray bed, which they presented to the Expo judges with great enthusiasm.The team members particularly enjoyed experimenting with different gear-trains to transfer power from the electric motor to the truck's wheels.

All the Jr. FLL team members & coaches would like to say THANK YOU to Mrs. Neill for her help & guidance.

How to start a First Lego League team
1. Visit www.CentralTexasFLL.org for more information
2. Gather contact information for interested parents
3. Select Team Coach (Look over coaching material)
4. Gather payments for Lego kits, registration, etc.
5. Agree on start date (by July 2011), meeting times and location (Plan for a minimum of 6 meetings before Dec 2011)
6. Do 1-5 above before the end of the school year and your are set to attend the 2012 Expo next January!

Team Lego Lizard accepts the Dynamo Award

Team Crocodile

Models and Show Me Posters

Team Lego Lizards practicing their presentation

Presenter: Shin Sakai of National Instruments

Team Crocodile's Hospital Truck

Biomedical Engineer, Guillaume Quetier who works for LDR Spine USA, Inc. visited Team Crocodile and discussed surgical implants for spinal injuries.

Lunch Break

Junior FIRST® LEGO® League (Jr.FLL or JFLL) is a non-competitive FIRST® program geared toward children aged 6 to 9 years old. The goal of JFLL is to provide an experience that will capture young children's inherent curiosity and spark an initial interest in science and technology. Like FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL), JFLL introduces basic design skills through a hands-on approach with the familiarity and fun of LEGO® building.

What do Jr. FLL teams do?

Each year, as part of an Annual Challenge, JFLL teams complete a two-part project:

Build a Model: Teams design and create a simple LEGO®-based machine using ramps, levers, pulleys, gears, wheels and axles, screws, or wedges

Create a Show Me Poster: Teams conduct research related to the Challenge, then use words, drawings, photos, and small objects to illustrate what they have learned.

JFLL teams spend about a month on the Challenge, and then are invited to participate in an Annual JFLL Expo held at the Central Texas FLL Championship Tournament. For more information: Central Texas Jr.FLL While U.S. FIRST® (an international non-profit) designs annual Jr. FLL Challenges and provides teams with LEGO® kits and supplies, Jr. FLL programming across the world is managed locally by Partners who fundraise for and coordinate all events. Jr. FLL in Central Texas is made possible through the generous support of the Greater Texas Foundation and coordinated by Skillpoint Alliance (an Austin-based non-profit). The two new first grade teams received grants from the Technology and Education Executive Council (TEEC) at Skillpoint Alliance, covering the majority of the expenses. The TEEC is a consortium of high tech industry executives and education leaders who work together to impact the quality of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education in central Texas.

LOST AND FOUND

2011-01-17T09:45:00.000-06:00

Our lost and found has accumulated a large amount of coats, jackets, and clothing. It is located in the music hallway directly to the right of the front entrance doors.

If your child has lost an item of clothing please check to see if it might have been placed in the lost and found. All coats and jackets will be donated.

ALL ITEMS WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE LOST AND FOUND ON MONDAY, JANUARY 31.

WANT TO HELP PTA BUT DON'T HAVE A LOT OF TIME?

2011-01-11T23:02:00.002-06:00

Be on the Nominating Committee for just for ONE month!

The PTA needs members (the more connected the better) to serve on the nominating committee to help prepare a slate of officers for this spring. And take note: if you serve on the nominating committee, you can't be nominated to serve as an officer. Interested? Contact Phyllis Woodley at president@summittpta.org no later than January 21st.

And here’s another short-term PTA job:

Order Summitt Assignment Books and sell them in the fall.

The PTA needs someone to get prices and then order the Summitt Assignment Books for grades 3-5. We order them in the spring, and then sell them at the end-of-summer Meet the Teacher event and during 1st week of school.The person who did this last year will walk you through the process. Interested persons should Contact Phyllis Woodley at president@summittpta.org no later than January 21st.

WISH LIST ITEM OF THE WEEK

2011-01-11T23:00:00.000-06:00

Cereal Boxes, Paper Towel Rolls, etc for Art Projects.
Summitt Art Teacher Cynthia Warsham needs paperboard that is easy to cut, like cereal boxes and paper towel rolls. Look for a collection box in the Great Hall starting today. (As for Styrofoam Peanuts, Ms. Neill says “Thank you” and she has all she needs!).

ATTENTION ALL MARATHON KIDS

2011-01-11T13:08:00.002-06:00

Turn in Your Running Logs!
It’s time to start turning in the Marathon Kids running logs for the Final Mile to be held on February 26th, 9:00 a.m., at the Tony Burger Center. Ms. Comsudi needs to order t-shirts for all those who have completed their running logs by February 1st.

STYROFOAM DRIVE PHOTOS

2011-01-05T18:13:00.000-06:00

Styrofoam Art

Summitt's Styrofoam Recycling Event on Dec. 30th was a giant success. We collected
about 8 van/car loads of Styrofoam from Summitt families and neighbors, plus we ended up with a small mountain of dead batteries. The kids that showed up made some AMAZING Styrofoam art, played Earth Toss, and anxiously awaited each door prize drawing that happened every 20 minutes!

A big thank you goes out to It's a Grind for the fabulous coffee, and to Ms. Lilie and 5th Grade Science Teacher Ms. Fleming for being there on a day off so that we could have our event inside the building. Also, thanks to all the folks who helped out and joined the Styrofoam caravan over to Cycled Plastics (you know who you are!). If you missed the event and need to know where to take your Styrofoam, visit Cycled Plastics' website at www.cycledplastics.com And thanks for recycling!

Earth Ball

Look at all that Styrofoam!

Styrofoam Art

Thank You It's A Grind

At Cycled Plastics

Styro Boy

Styro Car

JINGLE BELL JOG WINNERS

2011-01-04T19:32:00.002-06:00

We are very proud of Summitt's 4th and 5th grade students who completed the Jingle Bell Jog before the winter break. They did an awesome job! Thanks goes to Mrs... >>READ MORE

FALL FEST 2011 PLANNING COMMITTEE

2011-01-04T00:04:00.001-06:00

Do you have a new year’s resolution? Here is a good one, get involved in Summitt PTA and join the Fall Fest Planning Committee. We are working on getting 3 coordinators for Fall Fest 2011 in place so everyone has a small job. Get a couple of your friends and sign up for a job together! Summitt PTA can only be successful with your help!

Interested in a position or questions? Contact: Mary Zimmerman FallFest@SummittPTA.org

PARENTING CLASS

2010-12-08T00:24:00.003-06:00

“Parenting with Love & Logic” Class (Jan. 11th - Feb 26th)

Reserve your spot now!

This amazing parenting class will help you learn skills like setting limits, how to prepare children for the real world, and how to be a “C.O.O.L.” parent in a hot situation. The class will meet at Summitt on Tuesdays starting Jan. 11th - Feb 22nd from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. The cost is only $14.00 and childcare is provided by Anderson High School Honor Society. For more information, see the registration form that was in this week’s Monday folder, or contact Tina Stogdill at 414-4248. View Tina Stogdill's Blog

SPACE IS LIMITED.

GET CARDED!

2010-11-24T08:42:00.006-06:00

Pick up your PTA Member card at the PTA General meeting and get many discounts for area businesses at your fingertips! Including the following member discounts:

La Quinta discount rate
3% off auto insurance from Nationwide Insurance
5% - 10% off Enterprise Rent-A-Car
4 to 6% off Aflac supplemental accident insurance
5% off Southwest Vacations
15 - 20% off admission at Schlitterbahn, Fiesta Texas, and SeaWorld
5% off online purchases at BarnesandNoble.com
Discounts on selected Sharp Electronics products
14% discount at T-Mobile
Monthly specials and 7% off at Dell

2010 BOOK FAIR

2010-11-15T23:16:00.000-06:00

THANK YOU FOR ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL BOOK FAIR!

Capstone Comics Publishing Superhero Artist

Superhero EMT District Commander Janelle Boone

Family Pajama Night

Fearless Cashier and PTA Superhero Mom Ann Brooke

Kids get to take home superhero drawing

Superhero Lt. Geoff Mitchell, Austin Fire Dept.

Superhero Sr. Police Officer and NW Austin District Rep Tanya Normand

Superhero WatchDOG Michael Dennis

The PTA thanks everyone who bought books, sold books, donated to One for Books, or in any other way helped make the Scholastic Book Fair a success! The grand sales total was $13,700 with tax, which exceeded PTA’s goal. A portion of this money will go to Scholastic, while the rest goes to Summitt PTA and the Summitt Library.We also thank local businesses such as Macaroni Grill, Brick Oven, and Learning Express for donating raffle gift certificates and prizes. And special thanks goes to our two PTA members who organized this year’s Book Fair: Jinanne Jones Tillet and Ginger Garana. Talk about Superheros... they’re amazing!

As for the One for Books donation contest, the winner was... (drum roll, please...) ...Wonder Woman!! The donations totaled $99, and Scholastic will match that amount in book donations to non-profits that support families in need. All in all, it was a book bonanza no matter how you look at it, and we appreciate everyone’s support. Don’t forget to look for the Spring Book Fair in the library!

“No Dogs Allowed” now AISD policy.

2010-11-03T10:04:00.002-05:00

In the near future, “No Dogs Allowed” signs will be in place on all entrances to the playground and firelane. At the same time, the Mutt Mitt Containers will be removed. School administration would appreciate everyone letting neighbors know that dogs are no longer allowed on the school grounds. Why, you ask?? We have too many children and adults walking in dog poop and bringing it into the building.

YOU can make Summitt greener if you STOP Idling!

2010-11-03T10:01:00.002-05:00

As you pick up your kids from school this week, you may notice the messages from 4th and 5th graders on Summitt's Earth Team along the driveway about the hazards of idling. Kids breathe twice as much air as adults, so they get twice as many pollutants from cars that are idling. What's more, idling uses up to a gallon of fuel per hour, plus it can ruin a car's engine. This week's Monday Folders (on Tuesday) included a brochure and a Pledge Form from the city's Air Quality Program. Fill it out and send it in, and be sure to turn off your engine when you know you will be waiting more than 1 minute..

2010 FALL FEST

2010-10-25T23:23:00.004-05:00

We hope everyone had a great time at Fall Fest 2010 benefiting the Summitt PTA. This year, we surpassed our fund-raising goal by 24%! Wonder where the money goes? Stop by a PTA general meeting and take a look at our budget.

Have any feedback on the event? Email: fallfest@summittpta.org.

A special thank you goes out to co-organizers Mary Zimmerman and Julia Fannin, and the Fall Fest planning committee, for organizing and overseeing the event. Thanks to the children, teachers, parents and all of the volunteers who donated items or worked a shift or two. Thank you booth sponsors for helping us surpass our goal! And finally, go out, visit and say thanks to the businesses who helped us out!

Thank you Summitt Eagles!

Booth Sponsors
Super Star Nail and Spa

Upward Sports

Dave, Jennie, Amaya, Sasha and Jake Leon
Dave’s Ultimate Automotive (The Erb Family)
The Harris Family (Arwen Harris, kindergarten)
Modern Woodmen of America (Jaime Meza)
Geoff, Twila, Sean and Sarah Waters
Gliding Revolution (The Reynolds Family)
Perfect Balance Bookkeeping (Sandy Tennant)
Face Painting by Mrs. Wilson and Family
Rock-O-Bot polished rocks by Terra Toys
Liaison Resources (David S. Claunch)
AustinSoccerCamps.com (North Village Church)
ESP Spares (Brad Sather)
Mike, Ann and Casey Sullivan
Hardwood Flooring Services
Compass Bank

Business Donations: Partners in Education

Mrs. Baird’s Bakery – All hotdog and hamburger buns

Big Red 7-Up – 10 cases sodas from Ring Toss & Food Court
HEB @Parmer & McNeil - $100 in products
Wally’s Burger Express – 2 cases hamburgers
Texan Market @ Adelphi & Amherst – All ice for Food Court
Apple’s Greatest Beginnings Daycare – All water for Food Court
Republic Print & Mail
Costco
Sam’s Club
Pack 90 Boy Scouts for clean up
Ace Mart Restaurant Supply – Popcorn
Chuck E Cheese
7-11
Wienerschnitzel
Austin Sign Company
Firehouse Subs on N. Burnet Rd.
Sherwin-Williams Paint on Burnet Rd.
Sandy’s Shoes and Toys
Over the Rainbow
Walgreens (Research @Duval)
Chick Fil A – Parmer & Mopac
CVS Pharmacy

Donate "My Coke" Reward Points to Summitt Elementary!

2010-10-21T17:09:00.006-05:00

Points can be found on hundreds of different drinks manufactured by Coca-Cola, including DASANI®, Sprite®, Fanta, Minute Maid®, POWERADE ION4® and more. We can use to points for rewards such as physical education equipment, art supplies, and educational resources, which will help our special area teachers. Register for My Coke Rewards and get more information on how to donate points to our school at www.mycokerewards.com/schools If you only have a few codes and would rather not set up an account email them to Kynna@austin.rr.com and they will be put directly into the school account.

Earn $50 for Summitt PTA

2010-10-20T23:44:00.004-05:00

Open a new Checking Account with Compass Bank (and get $25 for yourself, too!) Stop by any BBVA Compass Bank branch to find out about an EASY way to help the PTA and earn a few dollars for yourself. Anyone who says they're a Summitt Supporter will get $25 for opening a new checking account, plus Summitt PTA will get $50! AND...if 25 "Summitt Supporters" sign up for new accounts by Dec. 31st, PTA will get an additional $500!! Get more details at Compass Bank and in future E-mailers.

Summitt's Roller Skating Party

2010-10-04T09:32:00.002-05:00

Mark your calendars for Summitt Skate Night. All parties will be held at Playland Skate Center, Thursday nights, 6-8:30 pm. Remember this is a very popular PTA fundraiser. More detailed information to follow in upcoming emails and the Monday folder. There are three more skate nights scheduled this year: November 11, January 20 and May 19.

Important Reminder about After-School Pick-up Arrangements

2010-09-02T15:37:00.000-05:00

Parents, if you make other plans for getting your student home after school, please inform the classroom teacher as well as the childcare facility that your student normally goes to. For example, if your child usually goes to day care, but one day you need to get your child from the classroom, please call your day care to let their office know that your child will not be attending day care that day. This would be during the normal school day release time. If you are picking up your student early, please sign your student out in Summitt's front office. Thank you!

Join the PTA

2010-08-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

Summitt PTA needs you! All parents are encouraged to join the PTA. Look for forms that will come home with your child in the next couple of weeks, that you can fill out and return. The PTA has several activities, events, fundraisers planned for the year and is currently looking for volunteers to help with the biggest event of the year, Fall Fest on Oct 16th. Check out the PTA page for more information.

Dress Code

2010-08-02T10:23:00.000-05:00

Summitt Dress Code

Summitt's dress code is provided in the Monday folder at the beginning of the year and in the district's Student Code of Conduct and Handbook 2010-2011.

DRESS AND GROOMING

The District's dress code is established to teach grooming and hygiene, instill discipline, prevent disruption, avoid safety hazards, and teach respect for authority. Students and parents may determine a student's personal dress and grooming standards, provided that they comply with the general guidelines and student dress code outlined in this packet and the District’s administrative regulation and policy.

Students shall be dressed and groomed in a manner that is clean and neat and that will not be a health or safety hazard to themselves or others. Shoes should be worn at all times. The District prohibits any clothing or grooming that in the principal’s judgment may reasonably be expected to cause disruption of or interference with normal school operations. The District prohibits pictures, emblems, or writings on clothing that: are lewd, offensive, vulgar, or obscene. Advertise or depict tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, drugs, or any other substance prohibited under policy FNCF(LEGAL).

Examples of inappropriate dress at each level shall include, but are not limited to: Elementary Level Inappropriate Dress
-Improperly fitting clothing: baggy pants, oversized shirts, elongated armholes, overly tight garments, and clothes that improperly expose body parts
-Tops that are strapless or backless, that have spaghetti straps, or low cut necklines
-Shorts and skirts that are short enough to be distracting
-Makeup and artificial nails
-Gang-associated clothing or colors
-Hats or caps worn inside the building (except for religious requirements)

For more information visit the Austin ISD web site: http://www.austinisd.org/academics/parentsinfo/dress_code/

Thank you for your assistance in ensuring that your student is dressed appropriately for school success.