Parent Consultant News

Pat and Mim, enjoying spring flowers!

From The Principal’s Desk…Dear Indianola Families,

This year the Ohio Achievement Testing will occur the week after spring break. Students in grades 3-8 will take the Reading test on Wednesday, April 27 from 9:15-12:00. Students in grades 3-8 will take the Math test on Thursday, April 28 from 9:15-12:00. Students in grades 5 and 8 will take the Science test on Friday, April 29 from 9:15-12:00. During the 3 days of achievement testing, lunch and recess times will change. Due to regulations from the state, no visitors may be in the room when students are testing. Every testing room will have a teacher and staff proctor. Our staff does a wonderful job of keeping students focused on doing their best without putting additional pressure on the testing situation. You can help by making sure that your student has plenty of rest that week and by telling them each morning that you know they will work hard and do their best.

On another note, I wanted to let you know that Mrs. Moore-Tyler, our assistant principal, will be leaving us in June. She has been promoted to Principal at West Mound Elementary. While this is a wonderful professional opportunity for her, we will miss her at Indianola K-8. We will welcome a new assistant principal for next school year.

As we head in to Spring Break, I want to thank you for the support that you offer all of us here at school!

Mrs. MoserPrincipal

The Columbus City School District does not discriminate because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex or handicap with regard to admission, access, treatment or employment. This policy is applicable in all district programs and activities.

Congrats…Power of the Pen CorrectionOur apologies to Gyasi Hall (8th grade), whose name was inadvertently left out of last month’s article on our Power of the Pen team. Congrats to Gyasi, along with the rest of the team!Where I’m FromSimone Robinson (6th grade) won the Kroger "I Can Make History" poetry contest for her poem titled, "'Where I'm From': A Poem Dedicated to Corretta Scott King". Simone received her prize at an award luncheon with guest speaker Archie Griffin on April 9th.

Announcements…Testing…Testing…Volunteers Needed!Four hall monitors are needed from 9 am--noon each day of testing. This is an easy volunteer opportunity; bring a good book or your knitting! Please contact Mim or Pat if you can help.Adjusted lunch times:During testing lunch/recess times will be as follows:K/1 11—12:00 4/5 12:15—1:152/3 11:45—12:45 6-8 12:45—1:15

Electronic Devices:Students are not allowed to have electronic devices in the testing room during testing (even once they themselves are finished testing). This includes cell phones, I-Pods & MP3 players, PDA’s, cameras, CD players & non-OGT calculators. Students should keep electronic devices in their lockers. If a student is caught with such a device in the testing room, it will automatically be considered an instance of cheating. Please go over these expectations with your student so no misunderstandings will occur.Other tips:Please make sure your child:

is well-rested has a healthy breakfast is at school each testing day and

arrives on time

Parent Consultant NewsIndianola K-8 April, 2011

Mim Halterman Pat [email protected] [email protected] 262-2013

Find us in the Parent Room, located in the back of the auditorium!

Take Your Child to Work DayThe national observation of “Take Your Child to Work Day is Thursday, April 28, which coincides with the administration of the Ohio Achievement Assessment. Accordingly, Columbus City Schools will observe “Take Your Child to Work Day” on Thursday, May 19. Participating students must provide an absence excuse note with their parent’s signature upon returning to school.Calumet Playground Now Open!The Calumet playground is now open for recess! Students may not play on the raised area that will become the garden. Pick up procedures at the end of the day will not change--parents will still come into the building to pick up students at dismissal time.School AttendancePlease notify Denise Holland, our attendance secretary, as soon as possible if your child is absent. An email ([email protected]), or fax (365-8324) will double as your excuse note. You may also call (365-5579) the day of the absence and send a note when your child returns to school.Newsletter SubmissionsWe welcome submissions from parents, staff and students to the PC Newsletter. For inclusion in the May news, please email your information to Pat Merkle by Monday, May 2nd.

CCS E NewsDo you get the CCS E Newsletter? If not, you can sign up by going to the CCS website (www.columbus.k12.oh.us), clicking on “news” and then clicking on “sign up” about half-way down the page.

Classroom News & Events…4 th Grade Fun! Fourth grade families enjoyed an afternoon of swimming at the Columbus Aquatics Center Saturday, April 2nd. Thanks to our 4th grade Room Reps, Paulene Wilson and Sharone Putter, for planning this fun social event!

Middle Grades News…Middle Grades Gifted & Talented NewsThe sixth grade Math Challenge Team finished first at the District Math Challenge competition on March 4. The team won top honors in three

of the four rounds and for having the highest total score combined. Congratulations to Wyatt Crider, Izzy Erickson, Rylan Mortensen and Emily Yoder-Tiedt for doing such an outstanding job! The following students competed at the Regional Power of the Pen at Dublin Henry Karrer on March 12 and received honors recognition for their written work: Emily Bennett, Emma Halterman, Olivia Danner, Hanna Davey, Colleen Dearth, and Bonnie Legg. Thank you to Dan Halterman and Helma Groot for volunteering to judge/tabulate at this event. Seventh grade students participated in the Fantastic Friday Science Program at Columbus State on March 16. The students participated in 3 hands-on science investigations that support and align with state science standards. In labs facilitated by CSCC instructors, students learned about the effects of an oil spill, chemical/mineral composition of metals, and characteristics and properties of rocks and minerals.We congratulate Adrian Remnant who competed at the State Geographic Bee on April 1 at OSU Mansfield. Adrian answered 5 of the 8 questions correctly in the preliminary competition.Twelve students will participate in the OCLRE Mock Trial at the Ohio Judicial Center on April 14. Students will conduct a trial based on the book The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi. Students have been reading the case and writing questions to prepare for the trial. The Indianola Middle Grades Chess Tournament is underway. Interested students were asked to sign up during homeroom. Students will be participating in a double elimination chess tournament during lunch beginning the week of April 3rd. The winner will represent Indianola Middle Grades at the District Middle School Chess Championship in late May.Several Indianola middle grades students were invited to be Art Ambassadors for the CCS at the Art Museum Family Day coming up in May.

Chris’ Corner…Invention ConventionOn March 22nd 14 students from Indianola K-8 represented our school in the District Invention Convention: Emil Adams, Elise Coneglio, Ella Eichorn, John Riley O'Toole, Emma

Crossman, Teague Kuhn, Tulia Spurgeon-Bieber, Ryley Boddeker-O'Connor, Sam Kalyn, Sophia Haffner, Gabe Fish, Heather Brooke, Eva House and Anya Phillips. Four Indianola students were selected to go to the Regional Invention Convention at COSI on May 21st: Emil Adams (Garage Opener Indicator Light or G.O.I.L.), Ella Eichorn (Measure Magic), Anya Phillips (The B-Anya Mat Sack) and Ryley Boddeker-O'Connor (Retainer Reminder). Thanks to everyone who participated... great job!Mock TrialThough there is not a Mock Trial competition in the elementary grades, the reading groups have been learning about trial procedures, vocabulary, and participating in a mock trial. Julia's dad, Chris Allwein, came and spoke to us to explain the process of putting someone on trial. Students decided to put the warden from Holes by Louis Sachar on trial for various crimes. The attorneys wrote opening and closing statements and questions for our trial "the Warden" vs. the State of Texas. Witnesses prepared, judges deliberated and the verdict was in. The warden was found guilty of most of the crimes for which she was on trial.

Health, Safety & Wellness… GardeningMark your calendars and get out your gloves—volunteers are needed!* Straw Hauling PartySunday, April 10Volunteers are needed to help load, unload and haul loose straw to Indianola’s edible garden. Trucks are needed to help with transportation.* Celebrate Earth Day with Indianola K-8Friday, April 15, 2:30—5:30 pmThe Indianola Outdoor Learning Center is participating in Earth Day Lighten Up by installing the garden beds for the edible garden. Volunteers are needed to help build and install the garden beds. Donations of compost and mulch are needed.Please email Cindy Gunn at [email protected] if you are interested in making a donation or volunteering.Wellness Initiative NewsWe intended to hold a meeting of the Wellness Initiative at the end of March. The wheels of wellness turn slowly, however, and we will put off the meeting until sometime in April. That’s not to say nothing is happening on the wellness front. SWACO Grant for Recycling and CompostingMaria Conroy discovered that the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio awards grants to institutions, including schools, for implementing or improving recycling, waste-reduction, or reuse programs. For Indianola, such a grant could go toward revamping the dormant recycling scheme we now have in place, and starting a composting program for kitchen, lawn, and garden waste. The application deadline is April 15. If you can contribute ideas

or help with a grant application, contact Maria at [email protected]. Recycling at IndianolaSharone Putter met with 5th grade teacher Ronda McIntyre to talk about recycling at Indianola. There are recycling cans in the classrooms and a recycling dumpster behind the building. We just need to instruct students and staff on what to recycle, and organize a way to get materials from the classrooms to the dumpster. If you would like to help, contact Sharone at [email protected].

School MealsErika Crawford forwarded an item regarding USDA school meal standards. The following is excerpted from Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution site:

“This is a hugely important moment in time for us. We’ve got a brilliant opportunity RIGHT NOW to get better food into schools all over America, but we really need your help. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has drafted a new set of school meal standards as part of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act.”

If these new standards are passed, schools will have to begin replacing junk and processed foods with lovely fresh, whole ingredients and it will be the first time in 15 years that nutrition standards in schools have really improved. . . .The USDA is taking public comments on the proposed standards, so PLEASE tell them you want these changes! To find out more about the proposed standards, and to submit a comment to the USDA, go to www.jamieoliver.com/foundation/jamies-food-revolution/usda. More on School MealsSara Gallaugher & Mark Klingler met in March with Mike & Laura Laughlin, owners of Northridge Organic Farm. The Laughlins are working to introduce more healthy, locally produced food into the Northridge School District’s lunchrooms. Mike & Laura attended the Terra Madre sustainable food conference in Italy, and were inspired by speakers who addressed the issue of food in schools. Using the success of Granville schools as their model, they are garnering support among parents and administrators for their plan. While Columbus is a much larger district, we can draw inspiration

and ideas from their experiences. We’ll stay in touch with Mike & Laura as they move ahead with their mission. If you would like to get involved with efforts to change food at Indianola, contact Sara Gallaugher at [email protected].

Food Matters & the Veggie VanMrs. Moser met earlier this month with Trish Dehnbostel of Local Matters, Mim Halterman, and Mark Klingler regarding the future of Food Matters at Indianola K-8. Operating the Food Matters program at Indianola is straining Local Matters’ resources and Trish asked us to help find ways to better support the program. The group decided that the school can recruit volunteers to assist regularly with Food Matters in the K-1 classrooms. One volunteer for each room will co-teach with Jesse Hickman and substitute for Jesse if he cannot come. Parents with kids in any classroom or grade are welcome to help. Mrs. Moser also suggested that Local Matters teach in all K-1 rooms on the same day of the week next year to save on travel expenses and logistics.We hope Food Matters can continue well into the future at Indianola. If you would like to assist with or co-teach Food Matters, send a message to Mark Klingler at [email protected]. We hope that the Veggie Van can make its debut at Indianola at the Spring Carnival on May 6. We expect to be taking orders soon for bags of healthy produce at the bargain price of $12. Stay tuned! We will keep you posted on the date of the next meeting. If you have possible meeting topics, please let me know. --Mark Klingler

Vaccine Focus GroupsColumbus Public Health invites you to participate in a set of focus groups Wednesday, April 13 from 6:30-9:00 pm in the Indianola K-8 School library. We will share the results of the vaccine safety engagement held with parents on February 23rd and ask for your feedback on proposed future applications of the information we have learned. At the February session we asked parents to share their thoughts and experiences regarding vaccine safety, with the goal of improving communication between parents and doctors when making important decisions about vaccination.  Parents have been open and helpful during this process, and

we thank all who have been a part of this important discussion!  Please join us on April 13th to share your thoughts and contribute to the project.  We welcome any parent with a school-aged child, regardless of whether or not you attended the first session.  Light refreshments will be provided, and you will receive a $20 Kroger gift card in appreciation of your time.  Please RSVP no later than April 11 to Jim Baker via email at [email protected] or by calling 645-0178.  Please contact us with any questions. We look forward to your participation!--Jim Baker, RN, Immunization Program ManagerColumbus Public Health

--Rachel Smedley Health Education Program PlannerColumbus Public Health

Raising Healthy TeensIf you have a teenager, you may be wondering about the cost of boarding school. OOPS! Did I just type that outloud? What I meant to say is you might be wondering if you are doing all you can to give your teenager (&, face it, yourself) a boost over this developmental hump and help your child turn out to be a happy and productive member of society. The Search Institute has compiled a list of 40 Developmental Assets for Grades 6-12 which they deem essential to the healthy development of teens. Sample items are listed below; for the full list, go to www.search-institute.org. Look over the list with your child and discuss which assets your child already benefits from and which need to be put into place. It’ll be cheaper than boarding school.

External Assets:Family supportPositive family communicationOther adult relationshipsCaring neighborhoodCaring school climate

Internal Assets:Achievement motivationSchool engagementHomeworkBonding to schoolReading for pleasure

A Line from Liz…

“Education, therefore, is a process of living and not a preparation for future living.” -John Dewey

Each day, as part of my job, I put out the Daily Bulletin for the Indy staff. I’ve tried to make it my own, adding things I think I would want to see there to allow me to know more about what is going on in our building, things that would allow me to plan better and more efficiently. One thing I added was a “Thought for the Day” piece, choosing quotes that I think will be meaningful to others and strike a chord with them as they often do for me. The Dewey quote above, is one of my all-time favorites—I’ve put it in the front of my plan book each year for ages. I think this quote speaks to the heart of what the Informal Philosophy of teaching and learning should and can be.If we feed children just the isolated and fact-based items/content we think/know will be on the high- stakes tests our children must take, we are not imparting any lasting wisdom or skills to see them through their lives. Their work, just like ours, must hold meaning for them…..must be IMPORTANT. It must also be connected to the rest of the events and threads in their lives. In sharing that with them, we nurture wonder and curiosity and inspire a lifelong love and pursuit of learning. Just as important (if not more so) as content and academic skills are those that help students learn to be in the world: how to work with others, how to accept (and indeed, embrace) differences, how to avoid imposing their points of view on others- but to share them, how to responsibly manage self, time and materials…….how to leave the world (and their corner) better than they found it. And they learn these important things NOW, by DOING them and living them daily! Sometimes, in the rush to cram in all the “content,” we forget how really important it is to address other issues—now, as they arise. You can’t prepare for every unknown event of the future, but by learning to learn—understanding planning and process, we build strong and independent thinkers and problem solvers! Dewey’s words are every bit as relevant today as ever!--Liz Core, K-8 Coordinator

Sports and Fitness…Indianola TrackCome out & cheer on our Knights! All regular meets begin at 4:00 pm. Home team in bold.

4/6 Location: MifflinIndianola K-8, Buckeye, Yorktown, Mifflin            

4/11 Location: AfricentricAfricentric, Indianola K-8, Ridgeview, Yorktown    

5/3 Location: AfricentricSherwood, Wedgewood, Berwick, Indianola K-8       5/9 Location: AfricentricAIMS, Indianola K-8, Monroe, Woodward Park     5/17 Location: Marion Franklin, Ridgeview, Starling, AIMS, Indianola K-8  

Divisionals & Finals Begin at 5:30 pm at Africentric

5/23 South Divisional5/24 North Divisional5/26 Finals

Mileage ClubMileage Club began again April 5. Look for us on the grass playground, and join us as we try to complete 2,150 miles—as far as the Oregon Trail, the path the pioneers followed to move out west in the 1840s. We have already walked over 1,300 miles together!--Cass Freeland

Nia on FridaysNia will now be held Friday mornings (not Wednesdays) in the gym at 8:25. Please join instructor, Teresa Devitt (Indianola parent) for an energizing start to your morning!

Room Rep News…Our next meeting is Monday, April 11 at 9:15 a.m. in the Parent Room. We’ll discuss classroom/grade level events and upcoming events and volunteer needs as the end of the year approaches. Marie Boozer, PTO co-president, will provide an update on PTO Carnival plans.Teacher Room Rep(s)Mrs. M Patti O’Toole

Sarah DavisMichelle Erika Crawford

Tricia BrownElizaBeth Jessica Brown

Skye KennedyTracey Jennifer Nolte

Kelly ChellisJulie Catherine Bird

Lisa PfeiferAmy H Ginger RigsbeeEmilie Mark Klingler

Tiffany Amy CohenMaria Conroy

Amy P Karen StaleyJulie Hughes

Shannon Amy StazSue Jackie WissmanDanielle & Nicole Cass FreelandMaree Paulene WilsonMelissa Sharone PutterRonda Mary BrownSylvia Heather ZieglerLisa Elizabeth Freeman-DaysTrina Susan BelairJennifer Emily AdesijiAndrew Denise JacobsStephanie Rachel McCloskey

Cindy EledathMonica Cat Baumgartner

Fundraising & Donations…Parents’ Night OutEveryone needs a break, but not all parents have a safe place to send their kids. We have the solution! The 7th graders are hosting Parents’ Night Out Friday, April 8th from 6:30-9:30 pm. For only $25 ($10 for each additional child) your child(ren) will enjoy adult-supervised activities, a movie & snacks. You will enjoy peace of mind. Money earned will go toward the 7th graders’ trip to OSU’s Stone Lab in May. For more information or to reserve a spot, contact Jennifer Harvey (7th grade teacher) at [email protected], 365-5579, or stop by room 108.Walk-n-Roll-A-ThonOur annual Walk-n-Rollathon will take place Friday, May 6th. Students, parents and grandparents can walk for a $1.00 donation. Walkers with at least $20 in pledges will receive a Walk-n-Rollathon t-shirt, designed by Helma Groot, local artist and parent of 8th

grader, Matisse Grootmyers. Those raising $30 or more in pledges will be entered into a drawing for fantastic prizes! Money raised will be used to help fund the 8th graders’ trip to Colonial Williamsburg in May and the creation and installation of mobiles created by the 8th

graders and Helma Groot for Indianola K-8.Look for more detailed information coming soon!Volunteers are needed to help collect money, distribute t-shirts, and supervise walk-n-rollers. If you can help or have questions, please contact Mim Halterman.

Pennies for PatientsOur school is proudly participating in Pennies for Patients, a cancer education program and fundraiser benefiting The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). From April 4 - 15 we will be collecting spare change and other donations to support LLS in the mission to find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. We will be raising money in honor of 3 Indianola family members who have been directly affected by these diseases: Emma Schwartz-Anderson (Sue’s class), who received her last chemotherapy treatment in Oct. 2008; Ian Case in (Julie’s class) whose treatment for JMML involved a bone marrow transplant (BMT) in 2006 – he graduated from the BMT clinic in 2008; and Miss Donna’s nephew who finished his last round of chemotherapy for large cell lymphoma this February. We are asking you to assist your child’s class in their fundraising effort. Spare change is welcome; checks can be made payable to LLS or Pennies for Patients. For online donations, visit www.schoolandyouth.org/coh and choose “Donate to a School”. When donating online, you will receive a receipt and you may credit a particular student or classroom. The top fundraising classroom earns a pizza party, but more valuable is the experience every child gains in making a real difference in the lives of others. It’s pretty special. Thank you for supporting such a worthwhile effort. --Nurse Katie

Get Your Cleats Here!It’s time for soccer season… & discovering that your child can’t shove her feet into the cleats she wore comfortably in the fall. Indianola to the rescue! There’s a box in the Parent Room where you can place outgrown cleats, shin guards, etc. &/or “shop” for those another child has outgrown. We’ve also got some baseball gear. Come check it out!Ronald McDonald House VisitMaree's 4th grade class made a visit to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio (RMHC) on March 16.  To start the visit, the 4th graders delivered the 55 lbs of pop tabs they've collected!!  They saw the garage where pop tabs are stored until recycled.  They were able to see the huge dining area with 8 kitchens where families can cook their own meals or share the evening meals brought daily by volunteers. The bedrooms were not on display, as all of the 80

rooms were in use!  The house was quiet during the visit, as most families were either at the hospital with their child or resting from a long night.  Some time was spent in the lovely library that houses many donated books which families can keep if they desire.

The 4th graders learned that the present guest from the furthest away is a 6 yr old boy from Italy.  Nationwide Children's Hospital is the only hospital that can help him with his disease, so they will soon be moving to Columbus.  In the meantime, they have been very happy to have a place like the RMHC to stay while in Columbus.  The RMHC recently built their place right across from the hospital (400 steps away I think, though we did not count the steps when we walked to NCH) on Livingston Avenue.  In 2010 alone, the Ronald McDonald House served over 2,500 families!    Now YOU can help the RMHC as well as Maree's 4th grade class by collecting pop tabs over break!  They want to collect a total of 80 lbs of pop tabs this year.  You can help.  Look for a flyer to come home at spring break.  The class that collects THE MOST pop tabs and brings them in on Friday, April 29th will receive a class treat!  Who will it be?  Collect away and let it be your class!!!

Indianola Art GalleryPieces currently on display are looking for good homes, and additional artwork is being sought for the Indianola Art Gallery. Contact Tracey McCarthy (K/1 teacher) at [email protected] with questions or to purchase or submit pieces.

Summer Camp Info…CCAD Creative Summer WorkshopsSummer is coming fast…act now, before your children's favorite Creative Summer Workshops at Columbus College of Art & Design are full! Visit www.ccad.edu/ce for details and online registration. Questions? Call or email CCAD Continuing Education at 222-3248 or [email protected]. Enrichment FairMonday, April 11th, 6-8 pmColumbus Downtown High School364 S. Fourth Street This event will highlight the gifted & talented programs within the district along with offerings of summer program opportunities.

For more information contact Debra White-Johnson: [email protected].

Upcoming Indianola Events…Coffee & Conversation Join us for coffee & conversation each Tuesday from 9-10 a.m. in the Parent Room. Caffeine, fresh baked goods and friends…what a great way to start your day! Younger siblings are always welcome.PTO Carnival & CakewalkThe 1st ever PTO Carnival will be held Friday, May 6th. See the PTO Page for details…

Upcoming Community Events…Lights, Camera, Action!Alice in Wonderland at CAHSApril 7-9 at 7 p.m. in the CAHS auditorium 2632 McGuffey Rd. Romeo & Juliet at Briggs HSApril 7-8 at 7 p.m. in the Briggs auditorium 2555 Briggs Rd. Once on This Island at Whetstone HSApril 7-9 at 7 p.m. in the Whetstone auditorium 4405 Scenic Dr. For more information on any of these productions, contact the CCS Office of Communications.Children’s Day CelebrationCCS is planning celebrations at locations throughout the district on Saturday, April 30th in honor of National Children’s Day. The celebration in Indianola K-8’s region will be held at the Ft. Hayes campus. Watch for further details…

KindermusikLooking for something fun to do with your young ones? Want to instill in them the joy of music and give them a head start on academic success? Then Kindermusik is for you! Kindermusik is a research-based music and movement program for children ages newborn through 7 years and their parents or caregivers. Come dance, sing, and play with us! Family Time Mondays 10-10:45 am April 4 through May 23Parents/caregivers & all siblings through age 7

Tuition will be pro-rated based on your start date, but join soon so you don’t miss too much of the fun! Regular tuition is $150 for the first child and $50 for each additional child. Children under 6 months are free. Indianola families receive a $15 discount. ABC Music & Me Mondays 11-11:30 amMay 2 through May 23Children ages 2-4 and their parents/caregiversWednesdays 10-10:30 amMay 4 through May 25Children ages 4-6 and their parents/caregiversRegular tuition for ABC classes is $60; Indianola families receive a $15 discount. There is also an early registration discount.Classes are taught by Pat Merkle and meet at Columbus Mennonite Church, 35 Oakland Park Avenue, in Clintonville. Tuition includes quality instruments, cd’s, and books to enjoy at home.Register online at www.kindermusik.com. For more information, check out the Kindermusik website or contact Pat Merkle.

CCS Day at Columbus Museum of ArtSunday, May 1st

1:00-5:00 pmCome enjoy this FREE event celebrating the partnership between Columbus City Schools and the Columbus Museum of Art. Activities include guides in the galleries, CCS student art displays, and musical performances, gallery games and more!

Columbus Clippers Knothole ClubThe Columbus Clippers, Huntington Bank and Tim Hortons are teaming up to offer the Huntington Knot Hole Kids Club Card.  This card will allow kids ages 12 and under FREE youth general admission ($3.00 value) to all Wednesday night Columbus Clippers home games during the 2011 regular season. Adult tickets are $6. For more information visit www.clippersbaseball.com. If you have questions, call 462-5250 ext 1202 or email [email protected] Urban Arts Space EventsThe OSU Urban Arts Space, 50 W. Town St. (Lazarus Building), functions as an arts laboratory for OSU faculty and community artists, and a professional launching pad for OSU students. Here is a sampling of upcoming

programs; for more information call 292-8861 or visit www.uas.osu.edu.* Art Explorations: Eggshell Mosaic Keepsake BoxesSaturday, April 9th, 1:00 to 2:30pm For children ages 4--12 and their families. Please RSVP to 292-8861 or email [email protected].* Our Art/Our Planet: Rooftop Garden ToursTuesday, April 19th, 1:00 to 2 pm and 2:00 to 3pm Space is limited, so reserve your spot.

* Our Art/Our Planet: Urban Mix ExchangeThursday, April 21st, 7 to 8:00 pm Mingle, become exposed to new musical artists, and exchange mixed CDs with fellow music enthusiasts.

* Our Art/Our Planet: “Dirt!” ScreeningFriday, April 22nd, 4:30 to 6:00 pm This documentary examines how our treatment of dirt can be directly linked to floods, drought, climate change and war.

PTO PAGE…PTO CarnivalOur first Indianola School Carnival is scheduled for Friday, May 6 from 5-9 pm. We are excited about this opportunity to play and raise money toward an Artist in Residence fund & teacher classroom supplies for the '11-'12 school year. We have fun entertainment planned, including a performance by the a capella group, Throat Culture, bouncy houses, our traditional cake walk, and more!

We need help with the following:* Pop-up tents or canopies for booths* Gently used books & small toys for prizes* baked goods for cakewalk (see below) * Help staffing booths * Donations for Silent Auction items or services

If you can contribute in any of these ways, please notify Marie Boozer as soon as possible at [email protected].

Speaking of the cakewalk…

Important Dates

APRIL:

4th-12th Terra Nova testingGrades 1,2

4th-15th Pennies for Patients

Weds. 6th Track meet 4:00Mifflin H.S.

Fri. 8th Parents’ Night Out6:30-9:30 pm

Mon. 11th Track meet4:00Africentric K-12

Mon. 11th PACE EnrichmentFair6-8 pmDowntown H.S.

Tues. 12th M.S. Choir Concert10:00, 2:00 & 7:00Auditorium

Weds. 13th Vaccine Focus Group6:30-9:00 pmIndianola K-8 library

Thurs. 14th Grades 4-8 InstrumentalConcert10:00, 2:00 & 7:00Auditorium

Fri. 15th Early dismissal 3:00

Mon. 18th SPRING BREAK BEGINS

Tues. 26th SCHOOL RESUMES

26th-29th Interim Reports go homeFor students experiencing difficulties

Weds. 27th OAA Reading assessment Grades 3-8

Thurs. 28th OAA Math assessmentGrades 3-8

Fri. 29th OAA Science assessmentGrades 5 & 8

Fri. 29th Middle Grades Dance7-9:00 pm

MAY:Tues. 3rd Track meet

4:00 Africentric K-12

Thurs. 5th Plant Sale delivery& Fri. 6th

Fri. 6th Walk & Roll-a-Thon

Fri. 6th PTO Carnival

The Room Reps of Sue, Shannon & Amy H’s classes are organizing the cakewalk this year. Parents from these classrooms are asked to volunteer to supervise the cakewalk and bring baked goods to serve as prizes. Other families are welcome to provide goodies as well. Rather than whole cakes, please bring smaller items such as cupcakes, cookies, brownies, etc. with 2-4 items to a bag. If you bring allergy-free or vegan items, please label them accordingly. Baked goods can be brought to the Parent Room during school May 6. Or students may deliver items that morning to their teacher. If you can help, please contact Amy Staz at [email protected]. Thanks!

From The Treasurer: We have earned $740 already this year through the Kroger Community Rewards program! We should be receiving one more check before year's end. What an easy way to earn money for our school! Beginning April 1st, your Plus card must be re-enrolled for us to continue receiving these funds. Every participating member must have a valid Kroger.com account and a Kroger Plus card. If you haven't yet enrolled your Kroger shopping card, please do so; it's very easy. Please visit www.krogercommunityrewards.com. --Amy Staz, Indianola K-8 PTO Treasurer

PTO OfficersCo-Presidents:

Marie Boozer

[email protected] Rapach [email protected]

Vice President: Jorie [email protected]

Secretary:Heather [email protected]

Co-Treasurers: April Repka

[email protected] Staz [email protected]

Fundraising: Rob [email protected] [email protected]

Website Administrator: Ray [email protected]

Co-Volunteer Coordinators: