Blythe Park PTA Happenings 09/09/2019

District 96 is now using the Raptor Volunteer system to perform background checks on volunteers.

Before volunteering at a District 96 school campus or field trips, individuals must be cleared through the Raptor system and are required to provide a picture ID to receive their volunteer badge upon check-in. To become a volunteer, an individual must complete a Raptor Volunteer Application. The application is to be filled out completely by the volunteer at their home by visiting http://bit.ly/raptor96.

The levels associated with each volunteer function are based on being under the direct supervision of District 96 staff.

• A Level 1 volunteer is always under the supervision of District 96 staff and will be requested to complete an online application to complete a background check using the national sex offender database.
• A Level 2 volunteer may not be under the direct supervision of District 96 staff and will be requested to complete an online application and submit their Social Security number to complete a criminal background check (including the National Criminal Database and national sex offender database).

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Jason Smit at smitj@district96.org or 708.447.5007. Thank you for your understanding and support of enhancing school safety protocols in our school and district.

Fall Parent Night is this Thursday, September 12th beginning in the auditorium with a presentation by Principal Casimira Gorman. After her presentation, parents will head to their child's classroom for a presentation by their teacher.

Fall Parent Night (each session starts in Blythe auditorium) –
Early Childhood: 5:45pm – 7:15pm
Kindergarten – 5th Grade: 6:30pm – 8:00pm

*Please note, this is an evening for parents only.

Questions? Contact Ms. Gorman at gormanc@district96.org

Join the 2019-2020 Blythe Park PTA TODAY!
We hope you will join the PTA for the first time or renew your membership.

Every year, many parents are generous with their time, resources and talents. The PTA can't thank you enough for your participation. We hope you will join once again. While our small school atmosphere is wonderful for our kids, it also means that we do need help, ideas, and support from all our families.

*NOTE: The first 34 families to become 2019-20 PTA members will receive a Blythe Park magnet.

Direct Donation
As you become a PTA member, we hope you will consider giving additional financial support to our efforts and activities. Please consider giving to the Direct Donation Campaign which supports all of the activities that help make our students' experience at Blythe Park School so incredible.

*NOTE: Families to make a $100 Direct Donation will receive a Blythe Park yard sign (while supplies last).

JOIN the 2019-2020 PTA or make a Direct Donation by clicking on the membership button:

Questions? Contact Deb Strama at dastrama@gmail.com

Rainbow Run shirts will be coming home THURSDAY!! Each family's shirts will be bundled together and sent home with their eldest child at Blythe.

FOOD –
Pizza: (CASH ONLY) Pizza, lemonade, and bottled water will be for sale – $3.00 for 1 slice of pizza and a glass of lemonade, $1.00 for bottled water from 5:00 – 7:00 pm

Ice Cream Social: (FREE) Enjoy ice cream and a variety of toppings from 6:30 – 7:30 pm courtesy of the PTA

SCHEDULE –
5:00 – 7:30 pm – a DJ will be entertaining! Spirit Wear will be for sale!
5:00 – 7:00 pm – PIZZA, lemonade, and water will be for sale.*CASH ONLY
5:30 – 6:15 pm – RAINBOW RUN!!
6:30 – 7:30 pm – Ice Cream Social: Enjoy ice cream and a variety of toppings.*FREE

Rainbow Run –
Families will run loops around the school, you may stop to be sprayed with liquid colors (food coloring and water) as often as you are comfortable. Once your family decides it has done enough running, please head to the tables between the tennis courts and the playground for packets of dry colors (cornstarch and food coloring) that may be tossed on oneself or each other. Families are given 1 packet per paid registration.

*NOTE: The color washes out of most materials but just in case, wear items you aren't worried about staining so you can enjoy the event to it's fullest! Depending on how colorful you get, the color may stain your skin, hair, and clothes until finally coming out after a few washes. If you have lighter colored hair you may want to cover up with a hat!

SPONSORS –
A huge thank you to our sponsors: Sean O'Brien Law, Twilight Home Services, Riverside Bank, Burlington Realty, Riverside Foods, Athletico, Blissful Owl, Paramount Events, Eden, Solve my PC, Max Aquatic, Code Play Learn, Chew Chew Restaurant, Reveal, Solid and Pattern,Patterns and Brennan Spa!

*NOTE: To preserve the color on your t-shirt AFTER the Run, you must treat it with vinegar before washing. For a list of full instructions click on the following link – How to Preserve the Color in Your Rainbow Run T-Shirt

If that doesn't work… we'll be hosting a Tie Dye event the following week.

We are looking forward to a fabulous fun-filled night!

Questions? Contact Mrs. King at kingr@district96.org or Katie Ford at fordfamily4@rocketmail.com

Hot Lunch will be served by the PTA once a month starting Friday, September 27th.

*ATTENTION – Payment options will only be available in the following three month increments OR for the entire year.

*NOTE – If you have not registered your student by next Wednesday, September 25th, they will NOT have the opportunity to register again for Hot Lunch until the next payment period in December. *Single lunch payments will NOT be available this year. Also, no prorating, no make-up days, no refunds.

2019-2020 Hot Lunch PAYMENT Schedule –

• PAYMENT #1 Deadline: Wednesday, Sept. 25th for
  September, October, and November ($15 per student for 3 lunches) OR Entire Year ($45 per student for 9 lunches)
• PAYMENT #2 Deadline: Wednesday, Dec. 18th for
  December, January, and February ($15 per student for 3 lunches)
• PAYMENT #3 Deadline: Wednesday, March 18th
  March, April, and May ($15 per student for 3 lunches)

The Hot Lunch menu will include: a slice of cheese pizza, seasonal fruit, a treat and a drink.

TO REGISTER – Please click on the following CheddarUp button, no matter your payment method (cash, check, credit).

If paying by cash or check (payable to Blythe Park PTA) please place payment in an envelope marked with your family name and “Hot Lunch” and bring to the school office.*NOTE – This program is only for children that have the option of staying at school for lunch.

2019-2020 Hot Lunch will be served on the following days –

• Friday, September 27
• Friday, October 25
• Friday, November 15
• Friday, December 20
• Friday, January 24
• Friday, February 21
• Friday, March 20
• Friday, April 24
• Friday, May 22

Questions? Contact Katie Ford at fordfamily4@rocketmail.com

Blythe Park PTA is hosting children's book author and illustrator David Bierdrzycki on October 9th. If you like to order some of his books please use the order form below and return to school by September 25th. Checks should be made out to David Bierdrzycki

Calling all dramatic parents! We are in need of parent volunteers for this year's Halloween production!

Be a part of a unique Blythe Park tradition! Blythe Park parents/guardians will perform a short play for students during their Halloween celebration on Wednesday, October 31st. (The students love seeing their family members onstage and look forward to the play every year!)

Questions? Contact Kelley Migacz at kelleymigacz@hotmail.com to see how you can help.