Weekly Updates and Reminders – April 29th

Dear Ardenwood Families,

Thanks to all who joined us last Friday evening for the Spring Festival!  Hundreds of Dragons and their families enjoyed free ice cream, played games, made crafts and picked up dinner at the food trucks.  A very special thank you to Ardenwood parent, Orion Wolfe and his company for their donations in support of this event.  Spring Festival Chairperson Sharon Daco and her team of PTA volunteers did an outstanding job, creating a fun-filled evening for students, families, staff and the community.  Shout out to American High School volunteers, too.  THANK YOU everyone!!!  

Thanks to all Dragons who participated in Diversity Week–reading books, watching videos, lunchtime crafts and learning about others.  We are so fortunate to belong to a diverse community such as Ardenwood! 

This week at Ardenwood: 

• Ardenwood College Awareness Day is almost here–Wednesday, May 1st.  This Student Council sponsored event is aligned with National College Decision Day.  4th and 5th graders are highly encouraged to participate by wearing college gear (t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, etc.)–need a t-shirt, check in with the office.  Grades TK-3 are also invited to join us.  Teachers and staff will be chatting with students about college and more.  Families are encouraged to join the conversation too!

• Ardenwood Talent Show is almost here–Thursday, May 2nd!   Hope to see you there!  Here are the details:

  • Two Shows – 8:30 am (primary) and 9:40 am (intermediate).  

  • NOTE:  3rd grade performers will be on stage at the 9:40 am show; 3rd grade classes will attend the 8:30 am show.  

  • Parents/Guardians of the performers are invited to join us. 

Important FUSD Information & Links

ClassLink:  Password Reset Tool for Students

Transition to Middle School Virtual Workshop – Tuesday, 4/30

Enrollment 2024-2025

Health Guidelines:  When to Keep Your Dragon Home from School

2024 Ohlone for Kids & Teens Opportunity

From Ardenwood PTA

PTA Associated Meeting – Tuesday, May 7th @ 7pm on Zoom – 2024-25 PTA Election 

The election slate is set, and your vote matters! Here are our candidates for the critical PTA roles in the upcoming 2024-25 school year:

• President – Michael Garcia

• Vice President – Amy Chantasirivisal

• Treasurer – Gabriele Strasser

• Secretary – Sharon Daco

If you are interested in a position as an officer or on the board as a committee chair, it’s not too late! Please email info@ardenwoodschool.org for more information.  Elections will be held during the May 7th meeting PTA Association Meeting on Zoom.

Yearbooks Are Coming! – If you haven’t ordered your 2023-24 yearbook yet, the deadline is fast approaching–Wednesday, May 1st! Check your inbox for emails from Treering, or visit the Treering website for ordering information (passcode: 1016016728814774).

Teacher Appreciation Week – May 6th – 10th – Teacher Appreciation Week is coming up, and we have a wonderful opportunity to show our gratitude to the dedicated educators at our school.  Please sign up  if you would like to contribute snacks or drinks throughout the week of May 6th – 10th. Thank you for helping us pamper the Ardenwood staff and making this Teacher Appreciation Week extra special for them.

Movie Night: Kung Fu Panda 4 – Join us on Friday, 05/17 for our Ardenwood  Movie Night in the MPR–a perfect send-off with friends and family as the credits roll on the 2023-24 school year. Thanks to Christian—Assistant Manager at Union Landing’s Cinemark theater—the PTA will offer FREE freshly popped movie theater popcorn at the event!  Please RSVP by Friday, May 3rd, so that we can prepare for the festivities.

Help Your Class Win—Every PTA Membership Counts – The PTA Membership Drive is in full swing until May 17th!  With just a $10 membership fee, your class could win and choose their own prize—extra art supplies, science gear, lunch with a favorite teacher, or an exclusive behind-the-scenes day with Ms. Mason–you decide!  All memberships—including those who joined before the contest—count towards your class total, so head to the PTA website to sign up now!  Visit this link for more information!

School Reminders 

START OF THE SCHOOL DAY – If your student arrives at school before 8:14 am, please remain with them until the 8:14 am bell rings and then they may proceed to the playground (students only, no parents or guardians should come onto campus).  An exception for students who come to school and eat breakfast–they may enter campus at 8:05 am but must head straight to the MPR. They should eat breakfast, dispose of their trash and remain in the MPR until 8:14 am.  At that time, students may proceed to the playground where staff is supervising until the 8:24 am bell.   When the bell rings, students should walk to their line up location.  Just in case you need it, here again is our Rainy Day Procedure.

DROP OFFS – Teachers and staff are focused on supporting our 600+ Dragons each and every day.  Consequently, we ask that you refrain from dropping off lunches, water bottles and other items for delivery to students.   A reminder–all Dragons have access to free breakfast and lunch as well as water fountains here on campus–we recently had a new water bottle filling station installed!  If your child forgets their homework, please have them check-in with their teacher regarding late submission.  Of course, if you need to drop off eyeglasses or any type of medication for your student, please let us know as we will certainly make exceptions for these items.  Please support our Dragons in following our Ardenwood school rule of being responsible.  

TRAFFIC SAFETY  – Thanks to all families who have helped us increase safety on campus by focusing on traffic rules.  Local authorities continue to visit our campus regularly to support us in this area and in some cases, they issue traffic citations.  Please follow traffic safety rules and comply with regulations.  

Have a great week and Go Dragons!

Glynis Mason, Principal