Blythe Park PTA Happenings 09/22/2019

Thank you to all of our Blythe Park families and staff members for participating in the Rainbow Run and family fun night. A fun time was had by all! We once again would like to thank our sponsors for their support of our school:

• Athletico
• Blissful Owl
• Brennan Spa
• Burlington Realty
• Chew Chew
• Code Play Learn
• Eden
• Max Aquatics
• Paramount Events
• Reveal
• Riverside Bank
• Riverside Foods
• Sean O'Brien Law
• Solid + Pattern
• Solve My PC
• Twilight Home Services

Did your Rainbow Run shirt run white? We've heard from families that despite their best efforts at following the instructions, the powder color used during the color run just doesn't “stick.” If this has happened to your shirt, we're offering to tie dye it for you!

Sign up for a time to come with your child to the amphitheater behind the school and we'll help you through the tie-dye process.

Interested in volunteering?

Parent helpers are needed during Picture Day next Tuesday, September 24th.

Parent helpers assist the photographer in making sure that pictures are taken in an orderly fashion. Helpers also make sure kids look their best by straightening outfits and smoothing little hairdos. Here are some of the things parent helpers can keep an eye on so every photo turns out great:

• Clothing: buttons are buttoned and collars lie flat.
• Accessories: Straighten hair clips and make sure jewelry clasps are behind the neck.
• Hair and face: Check that hair is neat and noses and faces are clean.

If you'd like to help, please sign-up by clicking on the following button:

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

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 are NOT available. 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

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 https://apps.raptortech.com/Apply/MTgzMzplbi1VUw==

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.

Make an effort to walk or ride your bike to school this Wednesday, October 2nd for National Walk and Bike to School Day.

It's time for the annual Blythe Park Spirit Wear Sale!

This year the PTA is offering new designs and items to purchase for yourself and your student!

• T-Shirts
• Hoodies
• Sweatpants and Leggings
• Umbrella
• Yard Sign

Spirit wear makes great gifts so please share ordering information with your family and friends who may be looking for gift ideas for your children.

Orders due by Friday, October 4th.

ONLINE ORDERS – Click on the following button to order online:

Questions? Contact Michelle Pichman at pichman26@gmail.com

Box Tops is a great way to donate to Blythe Park PTA through products you already purchase. Each Box Top you collect is worth 10 cents to our school. Click to view the list of participating products: Box Tops for Education Participating Products

Starting this year, the Box Tops program has gone digital! Download the Box Top App to send your Tops to Blythe Park without clipping, bagging or bundling. Simply scan your store receipt with the Box Tops mobile app to identify participating products and twice a year Blythe Park PTA will receive scanned online.

• Click below to download the app:

• Choose Blythe Park Elementary as your school
• Scan your receipt within 14 days of purchase

Traditional Box Tops are still accepted. – If you have traditional Box Tops or purchase new items with traditional Tops, you can still clip (*unexpired only) and hold on to them for now. We'll announce details on how to turn them in, in the future.