Weekly E-News
February 3, 2010
1. CAUTION!
Every driver must drive cautiously in order to maintain a safe environment. Each driver is also setting an example of driving practices, respect for traffic laws and integrity. Children are watching us all and learning even when we don't intend to teach.
Click a copy of the traffic plan for drop off and pick up. Since Rice has very few buses, there are a lot of cars in the morning and afternoon. Please adhere to the following:
1. Drop off between 7:45 and 8:00
2. Pick up between 3:45 and 4:00
3. Arrange a pick up location and time with your child
4. Use one of the four designated drop off/pick up areas:
1. North bound Gifford curb
2. West bound Russell Creek
3. Circle drive off Gifford
4. Circle drive off Russell Creek, by the Cafeteria/Band area
5. Drive SLOWLY on Russell Creek and Gifford
6. Obey ALL traffic laws
1. Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk
2. Drive 20 mph or less in school zone.
3. Do not use cell phone in school zone.
7. Do not drop off on Adavale.
8. Be on the look out for children in the street, in between cars, everywhere and anywhere.
Thank you all for keeping Rice a safe place, before, during and after school! Gail Stelter
2. Parent Ed Program - TONIGHT!!
Please note that due to a recent conflict with our guest speaker's schedule, the parent ed program originally scheduled for January 26th has now been changed to February 3rd.
Please join your fellow Rice PTA members at this very important and informative Parent Education Program on Wednesday, February 3rd at 6:45 pm. Detective Jeff Rich, of the Plano Police Department, has been asked to be our featured guest again this year to educate parents on internet and cell phone safety issues that affect our children. Due to the nature of this topic, this program will be for ADULTS ONLY. Students and children will not be allowed in the cafeteria.
A voluntary pizza dinner will be provided during the program, at your request, for the nominal fee of $5.00. Dinner will include 2 slices of pizza, bottled water and a cookie. An Evite invitation with the option to request dinner has already been forwarded to PTA members. If you did not receive the Evite, please contact Lisa Oldani at daveandlisaplus4@yahoo.com.
Unfortunately, due to FBI regulations, no handout materials will be available to parents. Therefore, the only way that you can obtain any information on this topic is to attend.
We hope to see you there!
3. Super Bowl Social
Get ready for a SUPER BOWL SOCIAL!!! Friday February 5 from 6-7:30 (6th grade) and 8-9:30 (7th and 8th grades) in the Rice Cafeteria. Tickets will go on sale during lunches next week for $5 advance purchase. Tickets will be $7 at the door. There will be a DJ, pizza (included in ticket price), soda, and SUPER BOWL games for all students. It is sure to be a great game ... you won't want to miss it!!
PTA needs assistance with getting cookie donations for the upcoming spring social on Feb. 5. Please bring cookies to the social by 5:30 on Friday, Feb. 5.
4. NJHS Fundraiser
The National Junior Honor Society at Rice Middle School will be sponsoring a holiday fundraising sale. February 8-11th before and after school, tables will be set up in the cafeteria and, plush teddy bears will be sold for $5 each. The money generated through this fundraising drive will go to support our NJHS members. Your participation in this sale, whether large or small, will have a real impact and is important. We would like to offer parents the chance to purchase a bear for their child beginning on February 4, 2010. A letter with an order form will be available in the front office for you to fill out. Please include your payment at the time of order (include student name and ID# on all checks; make checks out to Rice MS). All teddy bears will be distributed on February 12, 2010.
5. Student Council News
The next Student Council meeting is Tuesday (2/9) after school in room 517. We will be putting together materials for the upcoming Pennies for Patients fundraiser to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Recycling fun fact:
Every month Americans throw out enough glass bottles and jars to fill up a giant skyscraper, but all of these items are recyclable. They can go into your regular Plano recycling bin at home, and students can recycle them at school in the cafeteria bins marked "Recycle #1 and #2."
6. Clark Educational Planning Night
Clark Educational Planning Night is Monday, February 22nd 6:15-8:30pm for 8th graders and their parents. If you are planning to participate in the IB program and/or will be attending Clark next year, this meeting is for you!
7. PTA Nominating Committee
Would you like to serve on the committee to nominate the Rice PTA officers for next year? The Rice PTA is looking for 5 volunteers and 2 alternates to serve on this committee. Serving on this committee is an easy, short-term commitment and a great way to volunteer your time and serve your PTA. Your commitment will only require a couple of meetings in late February or early March. Join us at the General Membership PTA meeting on Wednesday, February 3rd at 7PM. We will select a nominating committee who will nominate officers for the election on April 22nd. If you have any questions about serving on the committee, please contact Carolyn Ping at ParyPing@aol.com or Laura Frawley, PTA President at laurakfrawley@gmail.com.