Thursday- not quite a snow day.

What makes popcorn pop?

I have to say a big THANKS to all the parents who are turning in Box Tops and clipping them so nicely. It really makes counting go by fast when they are nice and trimmed.
This week we're having a popcorn party for Kindergarten who turned in the most Box Tops in November (yes, we're a little behind on this but catching up fast!). The timing couldn't be better because they are studying why popcorn pops. PTO is bringing out the popcorn cart so they can see and hear it in action. I've never used the cart before and I'm hoping it's easy to use so that we can wheel it out at other PTO events.

So just how does popcorn pop? Here's the answer from the NASA for kids website:
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/index.html
Only popcorn kernels can pop, and the secret is water. Each kernel contains a small amount of water stored in a circle of soft starch inside the hard outer casing. When heated to around 450 F, the moisture turns to steam, creating pressure within. As the pressure builds, the casing eventually gives way, and the kernel explodes and pops, allowing the water to escape as steam and turning the kernel inside out. If you have ever popped popcorn, you know that it explodes everywhere!

Busy as Bees

This is a day late since yesterday we were off enjoying MLK Day at the Dallas Art Museum checking out King Tut. The Egyptian dog collar, the pre-pilow/head rest and a replica of King Tut's skull seemed to popular with the kids.

Tonight is CiCi's pizza night for those of you who enjoy pizza and/or pasta. And even salads for who enjoy those.

Although PTO does not have any events scheduled in January, we're still pretty busy. Clair has been working very hard creating decorations and making sure everything will be in order of the Book Fair next month. Cory is doing likewise for the Sweetheart dance. Teri and I are squaring away the boxtops and other PTO members are gearing up to write our Soaring Eagle Scholarship guidelines. Want to contribute too? Then don't forget to fill out the volunteer form for the Book Fair! Or talk to any PTO board members if you have something special in mind you would like to do.

Bring in your Box Tops!

Send in any Box Tops you may have floating around your house. Mine our like confetti in my junk drawer in the kitchen. We're about to start gathering and counting all the Box Tops that the students (and teachers) have brought in. We are halfway to our goal of $500 and I think we can reach that and surpass it!

A Brand New Year

2009 will be another busy year for PTO!

We're combining our Book Fair and Sweetheart Dance in February. Fall in love with books and then dance the night away.

How do we top last year's Eddie Coker concert? With a chihuahua! David Chicken and his superhero dog, Super Chachie, will entertains Burks with songs and tricks in April.

As school winds down in May and TAKS tests are over we'll celebrate with our Carnival and everyone's favorites - inflatables.

Plus, there's the Teacher Appreciation Luncheon and we'll be selling prepackaged school supplies again. Stay tuned for more details!