June 2012 Megaphone€¦ · June 2012 PFA Megaphone McKnight Parent Faculty Association McKnight/PFA - PFA - Megaphone Megaphone Mary Mann [email protected] PFA President Lori

June 2012

PFA Megaphone

McKnight Parent Faculty Association

- PFA - McKnight/PFA Megaphone

Megaphone Mary Mann

[email protected]

PFA President Lori Root

[email protected]

McKnight Office 412-369-5509

CONTACT INFORMATION

The year is coming to an end. And Summer is right

around the corner.

The PFA would like to wish everyone a safe and happy summer, see you next year. Good luck to our 5th graders and enjoy your new adventure in

Middle School.

But most of all Thank You to our Families for the support you give. We had fundraisers that would not be the success that they were without your help and our programs for the children wouldn’t have run so smoothly if you didn’t volunteer your

precious time.

Page 2 PFA News

Letter from the President

Dear Parents and Staff,

As outgoing President I would like to take this opportunity to say Thank you.

I have truly enjoyed getting to know so many of you and working with you over

my 10 years as a parent here at McKnight.

Finishing my time here is very bittersweet. I’ve watched my children and

many of yours grow up. When they entered as Kindergarteners I could never

imagine them moving on to each new grade level, let alone middle school. Dur-

ing Curriculum Nights, I would sit there astounded at what my children were

expected to learn each year. But thanks to the amazing staff, each year my

children would learn all that and more. Sure, they learned the academics but

it’s the other things they learn here that makes them the respectable young

people they are today. They learn how to be friends and accept people of all

abilities, they learn to respect authority figures, adults and each other, and

they learn patriotism and the importance of citizenship.

When people talk about their schools, I always rave about McKnight.

McKnight is much more than a building it is a community. And I am proud and

honored to have been a small part of it.

So Thank You to you all; Mr. Parks, the teachers, the staff, the parents and

students you are all amazing.

With your help, the PFA has accomplished many great things, lots of fun

events, field trips, assemblies, new playground equipment and more.

Wishing you all the best in the future.

Lori Root

PFA President

Page 3 PFA News

Letter from the President Elect

Well the year is ending and summer is here. As your President Elect for the

School Year 2012—2013 I would like to wish you all a wonderful summer. En-

joy your time at the pool, on vacation or just relaxing at home. I look forward

to working with many of you next year.

I am excited to take on this opportunity. Being a McKnight mom for 7 years

now I have enjoyed every minute I have had volunteering. The kids just light

up when a parent walks into a classroom or they see us walking down the

hall. I love that feeling every time. We are always looking for more help and I

would love the opportunity to find something that you can help with that would

fit your schedule. Whether you are a working parent or a stay home parent

there are many opportunities that can fit your schedule. Please feel free to

contact me with any questions.

Enjoy your summer and see you in the Fall!

Mary Mann

President Elect

Page 4 McKnight News

KINDERGARDEN NEWS

What an amazing year! Our Kindergarteners have grown into next year’s 1st graders. We have learned all about the letters and the letter sounds. We have blended them together to make words. Lastly, we took those words

and created sentences! We are readers and writers!

In math, we know our numbers 1-31; we can count to 100, and can solve ad-dition and subtractions problems. We can write truly Incredible Equations.

Ask us about coins and telling time, we know the answer!

This year, we have learned how to make and be a friend. We have also

learned that learning is a ton of fun! We can’t wait till next year…

The colors of red, white and blue were flying in second grade as we learned the meaning behind Memori-al Day. Some classes created large Uncle Sams to display their patriotic feelings. All students in 2nd grade learned about the history of our United State’s flag. We were so excited to perform our songs with shining stars and faces for the entire McKnight School. We hope you all enjoyed the performances as much as we did!

Second Grade will have a fun filled field trip to PNC Park in June. Let’s hope for good weather and an-other Pirate win!

2B celebrated Baseball Season’s Opening Day with many baseball activities. Students wrote baseball cinquain poems, designed their own uniform and created their own trading cards. Students could earn tickets throughout the day for a special drawing of fabulous Pirate items. Let’s Go Bucs.

Several classes designed color poems for their Moms on Mother’s Day in May. We studied some poems by other authors and then created out own tributes to our mothers. 2D created memory books for their mothers as well as gifts.

The 2nd graders worked on Earth Day Activities and Animal reports to further enhance the science pro-gram. Students even studied the life cycles of different animals as well as how the water cycle is con-stantly working. Several classes were visited by high school students who helped us plant flower seeds and learn more about recycling.

Writing projects are popping up like spring flowers in second grade. We have read many short novel selections such as The Wall to learn about the Vietnam Memorial and Koko’s Kitten which went along with our Watching in the Wild reading story.

We all learned some valuable safety lessons from the McCandless Police Officers, when they came to speak to us about ways to stay safe. Ask your child what a “power no” is.

Have a fabulous summer and don’t forget to read and practice your math facts! Third Grade will be here before you know it!!!

SECOND GRADE NEWS

Page 5 McKnight News

FIFTH GRADE NEWS

The fifth grade teachers and students would like to thank the PFA and all of the parent volunteers who help to make our many fifth grade events happen throughout the year. We could not do them without your support. We would also like to thank the PFA for planning the installation of the new playground equipment in time for this year’s fifth graders to enjoy it! That was very thoughtful. Fi-nally, the fifth grade teachers would like to congratulate the fifth graders on their elementary school

graduation. Good luck to all of you as you begin your middle school careers. Happy Summer!

Mrs. Donnelly from 3rd grade

Mr. Danko from 5th grade

You both will be missed in our McKnight family,

Wishing you the best.

Page 6 McKnight & PFA News

The following books were recently purchased for McKnight Library

through the support of the McKnight Birthday Book Club:

Middle School, Get Me Out of Here! by James Patterson in celebration of 11th birthday of Jack on March

29, 2012 by Aunt Mary Kerner.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J. K. Rowling in celebration of the 11th birthday of Nathan (5C)

on April 15, 2012 by Mom, Dad, and Shannon.

Morgan the Midnight Fairy by Daisy Meadows in celebration of the 9th birthday of Isabella (3C) on May

2, 2012 by Mom, Dad, Alayna and Olivia.

Judy Moody and the Not So Bummer Summer by Megan McDonald in celebration of the 8th birthday of

Shannon (2A) on May 7, 2012 by Mom, Dad and Nathan.

The Serpent’s Shadow by Rick Riordan in honor of Nicholas (5A) and his 6 terrific years at McKnight Ele-

mentary by Grandma and Grandpa Falkner, May 2012.

Skullduggery Pleasant – Mortal Coil by Derek Landy in celebration of the 12th birthday of Devon (5A) on

May 23, 2012 by Luke Krakosky.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars: The Enemy Within by Jeremy Barlow in celebration of the 9th birthday of An-

drew (2D) on May 29, 2012 by Mom and Dad.

The Serpent’s Shadow by Rick Riordan in celebration of the 12th birthday of Jacob (5F) on July 10, 2012

by Mom and Dad.

Campbell’s Labels

Thanks to all those parents who clipped labels during the school year. Please keep up the great work throughout the summer so we can get off to a super start in September! Also, remember that you can sign up online (www.elabelsforeduction.com) for us to receive even

more points when you shop at Giant Eagle and use your Advantage Card!

Page 7 PFA News

I would like to organize a Chess Club at McKnight for next year, but I need an instructor. If you have any interest in

helping, please contact me at 412-369-7341 or

[email protected].

Thank you, Sue Gaertner

PFA END-OF-YEAR Luncheon will be held at Mad Mex on McKnight Rd. Wednesday, June 6th

11:00 am.

All are welcome!!

Please RSVP to Heather at [email protected] or

724.553.0093

ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS

Yes, we are selling them again next year. So over the summer spread the word. We will again offer a top seller prize. The books will be going

home the 1st week of school.

Thank you for your support!

Page 8 PFA News

I would like to extend an early thank you to all of you who are helping with the

Fifth Grade Picnic thru donations, time and energy.

I’m sure the day will be a huge success because of you.

Sincerely,

Lori Root

Shazia Ahmad

Sandy Amador

Connie Angermeier

Rachel Baier-Krakosky

Janis Betler

Lisa Boehmke

Suzanne Bridges

Ellen Caulkins

Jeff Clark

Jennifer Christy

Valerie Cook

Stephanie Cullen

Jessica Deible

Susan Dougherty

Barb Dudek

Carolyn Falk

Kristin Falkner

Karen Froehlich

Katherine Graham

Dianna Hollo

Dawn Jackson

Martha Jacobs

Jennifer Keeley

Kim Kelley

Melissa Kelly

Eileen Kress

Amy Kroll

Casey Leczo

Georgia McClellan

Maritza Mercader-Hughes

Marilyn Mitrecic

Nancy Murphy

Karen Nootbaar

Tracey Odorisio

Lori Palmer

Denise Pavlick

Dana Pietrzak

Linda Pine

Maureen Poisker

Carla Pottmeyer

Alice Rowley

Heather Schwartzbauer

Mary Pat Shanahan

Patty Smallwood

Theresa Smith

Lori Solenday

Hyunjung Song

Amy Sullivan

Julie Tarle

Ping Wang

Richele Ward

Johanna Wasileski

Michelle Watkins

Brian Wright

Jane Wright

Jake Yaglowski

Ali Zeigler

Page 9 PFA News

FATHER/DAUGHTER DANCE We are delighted that each year we have more participants in this fun evening! With such a large number of attendees (over 350 fa-thers and daughters) we are in desperate need of more volunteers on this committee to help make this event run smoothly. Please consider signing up for the Father/Daughter Dance committee to

ensure the continued success of this event!

MARKET DAY Our wonderful monthly food fundraiser is a very loved program throughout McKnight and the community (Yes, we have non-McKnight families purchasing each month). We are in need of a few more helpers and someone to Chair or Co-Chair. Market Day has even stepped up to offer our new chair a $25 Gift Certificate for Market Day and a 10% dis-count on their monthly orders up to $200. Chairing does not require you to be there every month, we need someone to delegate and coordinate the monthly orders and

pickup. Anyone interested please email Mary Mann for more details.

Thanks !

Mary Mann - [email protected]

SEE NEXT 2 PAGES FOR OUR NEW 2012-2013 BOARD. If a committee is short members a note is made. Committees in

need of chair and committee are listed at the end.

CONTACT MARY MANN [email protected] OR

JENNA NOKER [email protected]

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Page 10 PFA 2012 - 2013 BOARD

PRESIDENT Mary Mann VICE PRESIDENT Maggie Kinzler

SECRETARY Jenna Noker TREASURER Anne Stalter

ASST. TREASURER Chirs Eisenreich

Abitibi

Ida Adkins, Chair

Basket Night/Bake-Off

Heather Miller, Chair

Sherri Hinkson

Shannon Tieppo

** More Needed

Book Fair

Amy DiGennaro

Kristin Falkner

Sue Garvey

Missy Glass

Katherine Graham

Paula Misutka

Melody O’Brien

Dena Solman

Vicki Sprys

Erin Toomey

Rebecca Yi

Box Tops

Jen Webster, Chair

Kim McSparran

Beth Schott

Campbell’s Labels

Jamie Rice, Chair

Chess Club

Sue Gaertner, Chair

(need an instructor)

Dr. Seuss Day

Ali Lucas, Chair

Heidi Bodak

Darla Carcia

Amy DiGennaro

Maggie Kinzler

Brooke Meyhofer

Marti Nalepa

Liz Treater

EAC

Erin Toomey, Rep.

Missy Glass, Alt.

Family Fun Bingo

Michelle Scott, Chair

Heather Miller

Valerie Scolieri

** More Needed

Family Picnic

Amy Kroll, Chair

Amy DiGennaro

Michelle Mracna

** More Needed

Father/Daughter Dance

Katherine Graham, Chair

Tamela Smith, Chair

Missy Glass

Debbie Kraus

Melody O’Brien

Dena Solman

Erin St. Myer

Erin Toomey

Field Day

** Chair Needed Heidi Bodak

Missy Glass

Brooke Meyhofer

Paula Misutka

Melody O’Brien

Lori Palmer

Jamie Rice

Beth Schott

Lisa Smeresky

Fifth Grade Picnic

Marilyn Adams, Chair

Sue Garvey

Missy Glass

Katherine Graham

Michelle Mracna

Loraine Oczypok

Jamie Rice

Beth Schott

Valerie Scolieri

Lisa Smeresky

Dena Solman

Erin Toomey

Fundraising

Entertain. Bks. Kim McLaughlin

Fall Catalog ** NEEDED Sarris Marilyn Adams

Chris Eisenreich

Square 1 Art Eilenn Coran

Lynn Winger

** Need committee members on all

Giant Eagle

Gretchen Schreiber

Holiday Shop

Amy Kroll, Chair

Maggie Kinzler

Debbie Kraus

Mary Mann

Valerie Scolieri

Hospitality

Carol Petrichevich

Ice Cream Social

Lori Palmer, Chair

Lori Solenday, Chair

Marti Nalepa

Carol Petrichevich

Betsy Polk

Valerie Scolieri

Market Day

** Chair needed Carol Petrichevich

Jamie Rice

Beth Schott

** More Needed

McKnight Madness

** Chair Needed Michelle Scott

** More Needed

Membership/Directory

Jeannette Burholt, Chair

Amy DiGennaro

Carol Petrichevich

Page 11 PFA 2012 - 2013 BOARD

Mother/Son X Games

Tracey Kooros, Chair

Missy Glass

Katherine Graham

Christina Morton

Dena Solman

Julie Tarle

PNG

Maggie Kinzler, Rep.

Prepaid Shopping Cards

Chris Eisenreich, Chair

Picture Day

Missy Glass, Chair

Lynn Bliss

Jeannette Burholt

Tracey Kooros

Brooke Meyhofer

Paula Misutka

Michelle Mracna

Marti Nalepa

Tammy Olson

Lisa Pilotta

Jessica Richard

Valerie Scolieri

Lisa Smeresky

Dena Solman

Jacquelyn Stephanou

Liz Treater

Jen Webster

Publishing Center

Ida Adkins, Chair

School Board

Chris Eisenreich, Rep.

Mary Pat Shanahan, Alt.

Shoebox Science

Paula Misutka

Summer Bridge Book

Heather Miller, Chair

SPLC

Erin Toomey, Rep.

Sue Gaertner, Alt.

Target

Gretchen Schreiber

UBO

Mary Mann, Rep.

Welcome Team

Mary Mann, Chair

Room Parents

Shannon Tieppo, Chair, 2nd

Marilyn Adams, 5th

Missy Glass, 1st

Kelly Mutsavage, K

Beth Schott, 3rd

Nancy Shalenko, 4th

Science Night

Paula Misutka, Chair

Kerry Hendron, Chair

Lynn Bliss

Bill Merriman

Kelly Mutsavage

Becky Sienko

Lori Solenday

Julie Tarle

Staff Appreciation

** Chair needed Chris Eisenreich

Sue Gaertner

Paula Misutka

Michelle Mracna

Marti Nalepa

Jacquelyn Stephanou

Erin St. Myer

ShannonnTieppo

Tiger Shop

Paula Misutka, Chair

Maggie Kinzler

Lisa Pilotta

Nancy Shalenko

Jacquelyn Stephanou

Erin Toomey

Jen Webster

Yearbook

Dena Solman, Chair

Marilyn Adams

Janis Betler

Jeannette Burholt

Jen Christy

Amy DiGennaro

Missy Glass

Maggie Kinzler

Rachel Krakosky

Paula Misutka

Lisa Pilotta

Jessica Richard

Beth Schott

Nancy Shalenko

Lisa Smeresky

Tamely Smith

Lori Solenday

Vicki Sprys

Bev Washabaugh

Karen Weidinger

Lynn Winger

COMPLETELY OPEN

NEED CHAIR and COMMITTEE

(Could possibly not be offered if no

volunteers)

After School Program

BooHoo/Yahoo

Cell Phone Recycling

Ink Cartridge Recycling

Finance Team

McKnight Messages

Megaphone

Nature Quest Rep

TAG (Chair only)

Page 12

Our school is earning money! Thanks to all of you currently participating in the Target Take Charge of Education® program. By simply shopping with your Target Credit Card®, Target Debit Card® or Target® Visa® Credit Card and designating our school, a percentage of the amount of each purchase you make is donated back to our school. We have earned $1,542.05 towards our next check! That’s a lot of money to help our kids! Currently there are 87 families participating in this program.

With your help, we could even raise more!

If you're not already taking part, please consider doing so - grandparents, alumni, friends and neigh-

bors can help, too. To participate or to see how much has been contributed towards our

next check, please visit target.com/tcoe or call 1-800-316-6142.

Questions? Call Gretchen Schreiber at 412-635-7605

Recycle at McKnight Elementary

Be sure to bring your newspaper, magazines, catalogs, junk mail,

and office/school papers to the Paper Retriever dumpster at

McKnight this summer. The bin earns our school funds based on

tonnage. We need to try to get 4 tons per month to generate the

largest earning potential.

PFA News

PARENTS - FOR FIELD DAY (K-4/ JUNE 1) Please help your child prepare for the day!!! We kindly ask that you do the following to help make the

day as enjoyable as possible for them:

1. Wear tennis shoes

2. Apply sunscreen

3. Wear grade level T- shirt (see below)

4. Bring REFILLABLE marked water bottle with name on it

5. Pack fully disposable brown bag lunch. There will be NO cafeteria services that day. *does not apply to Kin-

dergarten*

Grade level t-shirts:

Kindergarten - RED shirt First Grade - BLUE shirt

Second Grade - GREEN shirt Third Grade - YELLOW shirt

Fourth Grade - Memorial Day shirt