Browning PTA

“If you want to change the world, be that change.” – Gandhi

Thanks to all the Families who contributed to our

7th Annual PTA Balloon Launch Direct Donation FUNdraiser!

Every little bit helps offset the costs of field trips, on-site learning opportunities, Family Fun events, supplemental learning materials (books, classroom supplies, etc.), playground improvements, & much more.  

It takes a village!!!!

Congratulations to Mrs. Pacioni’s 4th Grade Class for having the highest percentage of students/families contributing to the Balloon Launch!  They will receive a classroom pizza party.

How does this raise money for our school?

Our goal was to raise one $40.00 donation per family. Our hope was that each family would participate at some level.  Understanding that every family’s circumstance is different, please make a contribution that is best for your family.

How does the Balloon Launch work?

Each child launched a Halloween orange balloon with a biodegradable card (with his/her first name and classroom) requesting that the finder return the card to Browning Elementary.  On October 31st, the entire school released the balloons together.  It was a spectacular display! As the balloon cards are returned to school, they will be tracked for distance, mapped in the school hallway, broadcast on the morning announcements, and returned to your child.

Benefits of the Balloon Launch:

• Proceeds go directly to students for field trips, on-site learning opportunities, Family Fun events, supplemental learning materials (books, classroom supplies, etc.), playground improvements, & much more.
• Every child was included.  ALL children present launched a balloon!
• Students look forward to cards that are returned, even if the cards are not their own.
• It does not matter if you have one child or five, your donation counts for all of them.

As always, we greatly appreciate your support!

Without it, the supplemental learning

opportunities & experiences

 our children deserve would not be possible!

Browning Elementary/Utica Community Schools is conducting a parent survey and they value your input.

The survey will be available until November 30, 2012.

In order to complete the survey, please go to:

http://www.advanc-ed.org/survey/public/1748751

(If this link does not work by clicking on it, please copy and paste it into your browser.)

Please be assured that your responses to this survey will be anonymous. Your honest opinion is appreciated.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

If you need technical assistance to complete this survey, please e-mail AdvancED at [email protected] or call 888-413-3669 Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET.

If you have any questions about this survey, please contact Browning Elementary at 586.797.4000.

The SCOTTIES® TREES ROCK! Video Contest was designed to energize kids to get creative and share why they think trees are an important part of our school community and why planting them is beneficial for everyone.  And the best part is, our school can benefit too!

The SCOTTIES® TREES ROCK! Video Contest! Could award a lucky 3rd, 4th, or 5th grader at our school:

•             $10,000 for a outdoors school improvement project, along with a tree planting ceremony

•             $5,000, plus a trip to Grand Canyon or Yellowstone National Park and an electronic tablet

Spread the word – the more entries for our school, the better our school’s chance of winning!  Learn more. www.scottiestreesrock.com

Congratulations Team Browning! We had 13,544 regular and 1,956 bonus Box Top$ for a grand total of 15,500 Box Top$!   

 Thanks to all the parents, teachers, students, and stafffor participating and supporting the Browning PTA in this endeavor.  We could not raise these funds without you!  Our PTA will receive a check for $1550.00 because of your efforts which will help fund field trips, on-site learning exeriences, & other items not covered under the district budget!  Yea!

Congratulations also to the top three classrooms that have won the pizza party contest!  

• Mrs. Johnston -2,022 Box Top$
• Mr. Scott - 1,889 Box Top$
• Mrs. Westman - 1,648 Box Top$

We will be holding another box top contest in March, so keep clipping and collecting those Box Top$.  Our goal for the year is $2,500.  Any volunteers interested in trimming/counting/packaging Box Top$ can email me for the March contest counting at [email protected].  

Please visit www.boxtops4education.com for additional ideas for earning e-Box Top$ and Bonus Box Top$.  The bonus Box Top$ really add up quickly in addition to the individual ones that are clipped.  Many new stores have been added to help accumulate bonus Box Top$ quicker.  Meijer bonus Box Top$ really made a difference in this contest.

Thanks again for all your time and effort in raising money for our kids and school!

Brenda Cox – Browning PTA BoxTop$ Chairperson

586-566-5652 or [email protected]

Browning’s PTA & Art Teachers are, once again, collaborating  to promote creativity, self-esteem, school spirit, and diversity, while helping raise money to support Browning’s art program.   100% of proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards art supplies for our students!

On Friday, September 7th, students were encouraged to wear NFL team apparel & participate in Browning’s Back to Football Friday Spirit Day.

Back to Football Friday is a great way to bring the school together & celebrate NFL team pride by everyone wearing their favorite team’s gear to school.  Schools who show the most pride & demonstrate a commitment to health & wellness could win a $10,000 grant & a visit from an NFL player.

Go Team Browning!

 Welcome Back to School Browning the Best students & staff!  This year, we will be encouraging our students to explore the world!  In so many ways, the world is their canvas so we hope to help broaden their horizons by introducing them to different cultures, languages, customs, etc.!  Please join us for the many family fun events &/or help us incorporate this theme into activities throughout the school year.   Keep an eye out for our monthly newsletters, check the PTA bulletin board outside the office, &/or visit our website (www.browningpta.org) for a listing of upcoming events!

One of our highest priorities as a community is our children and their education.  Supporting your PTA is just one step you can take to help our students, staff, and school succeed.  We have a lot of fun and educational activities planned this year to supplement the classroom environment.  Just a few examples include:

• Field trips
• On-Site Learning Opportunities
• Balloon Launch
• Pumpkin Patch
• Donuts with Dad/Muffins with Mom
• Support School Clubs (i.e. Recycling, Student Council, Junior Honor Society, etc.)
• Picture Lady Program
• Assistance with items not covered in the dwindling school budget (i.e. classroom needs, staff appreciation, 6^th Grade Graduation, service/safety squad, etc)

By sharing ideas about programs, activities, and opportunities that benefit our children, we can strengthen the connections between our children, parents, staff, and the community.  TOGETHER, we can make a difference.

Every parent, student, and staff member at Browning Elementary is a member of the W.B. Browning PTA!

What is the PTA?

The Browning PTA is a local group of concerned parents, students, teachers, and staff dedicated to improving the learning environment and strengthening the connection between home and school.  Our focus is to provide opportunities for parents and teachers to work together to support the education & social well-being of all of our students…..NOT just fundraising!   It is our goal to build the kind of community where everyone feels welcome, valued, and a part of the “team.”  In 2012/2013, we hope to provide outdoor learning environments for students, staff, & families to enjoy (i.e. trails, gardens, new playscapes & fitness equipment, and much more.)

Why should I get involved?

Research shows that when parents get involved in their children’s education, good things happen.  Grades go up, test scores go up, and discipline problems go down.  Children with involved parents are more likely to graduate and go on to higher education.  Schools with strong parent involvement are more successful, and teachers report it’s a much better working environment.

There are many reasons to get involved. Here are just a few examples:

• I like to have a voice in school decisions that affect my children.
• I get the chance to meet and share ideas with other parents & the Browning staff.
• I can help bring opportunities to the students that they may not otherwise have.
• It keeps me updated with information about the school.
• It shows my kids that school is important & worth my time.

EVERYONE at Browning is a member of the PTA!

We want to ensure not only your monetary contributions but also your volunteer time are utilized for initiatives and activities our members want.

Please complete this brief survey to help us understand what you want from your PTA & help us acheive it!

Your input would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance for your support!

Parents save money & our school raised much needed funds (>$6,000) for PTA sponsored projects like off-site learning opportunities!  Entertainment Book proceeds account for 20% of PTA income so your support is greatly needed & appreciated!

Top selling students are eligible for great prizes!

The  2012 Entertainment book will be sent home with your child the 1st week of school.  More info to follow……..

Many thanks to Sue Medina & Dawn Neubacher for co-chairing this profitable fundraiser!

Questions?  Please email them at [email protected] or  [email protected] .