Wand, James Wand.

I wanted to add James' name to the previous posting in case you are nosy like me about those things.

James Wand will be performing his Secret Agent Magic Show at Burks this Friday during a special assembly (or at least that's what we called these kinds of things when I was at school). Magic and the joy of reading will be thrown in together. You can check out his website at www.jameswand.com

Quick Week

This is an early release week ending with a school-wide Reading is Fun program with a special guest on Friday sponsored by PTO. 1st grade will have an extra special Friday because they are having their Box Top Popcorn Party right after lunch. Outside if the weather is nice. Teri is doing the final counts for February's winner. I think we've almost reached our $500 goal for the year.

Drive Friendly

I used to read in the carpool lane until this Christmas when I got an iPhone. Now it's my favorite toy to play with while I wait in line. In August I will have to go back to reading when the City of McKinney starts enforcing it's ban on drivers with handheld electronic devices in school zones. This applies to all moving, standing or even parked vehicles in school zones during the designated times.This includes drivers in carpool lanes and parking lots using anything from a cell phone to a gameboy.

For now you are better off concentrating on the current laws like slowing down in school zones. Although not as often enforced, I've also seen cars in the neighborhood given tickets for parking against traffic. I think parked, stalled or standing cars that block a crosswalk (like those at the intersection of Hill and Graves) is also a ticketable offense.

Then there's just common courtesy:
Drop off and pick up in designated areas.
Do not drop off or pick up at any of the corners of Hill and Graves.
Be courteous to Burks' neighbors, do not block their driveways.
If you are going South on Finch don't try to turn left on to Hill and cut in the carpool lane. This happens a lot the first week of school, but I am surprised that it still goes on way into the year.
Give pedestrians the right of way.

Remember little kids are everywhere- on foot, bikes and scooters! Let's keep them SAFE!

Cici's Pizza Night this Tuesday. Pizza is the best cure for cabin fever.

Friday the 20th is the deadline for Six Flag Reading Logs, don't forget to turn yours in!
Check back later this week- Cory is sending me Valentine's Dance pictures and some special thanks yous to volunteers.

Time Clarification

Family Night Hours for Thusday, February 12th
Book Fair 6:00-800pm
Family Sweetheart Dance 6:30-8:00pm

I Heart Books

Classes started writing their wish lists of books at the Book Fair this morning. Take a look at your child's list and check out what they like to read. You can buy books at the Book Fair all this week: Monday through Thursday 8:15am-4:15pm, plus Thursday 6:00pm-8pm and Friday 8:15am-noon (or you can always see if the school or public library carries some of your child's favorite picks).

The cafeteria will be full of pink and red balloons, cupids and hearts this Thursday for the Family Sweetheart Dance from 6:30-8:00pm. It's not just dancing, there will be coloring and I think even some games. Dress up or dress comfortably and have a great time!

Did you hear about the cell phones in school zones ban passed last week by City Council? It includes hands-free phones and also talking on phones even while you are in a parked car in a school zone. Sounds like a good subject to go over in next week's blog.

Have a cautious Friday the 13th and a Happy Valentine's Day!

Box Tops & Books

The popcorn machine was a hit with Kindergarten! PTO was glad the Popcorn Party for bringing in the most Box Tops could be turned into a learning experience- heat causes change. And what is better than a science experiment you can eat?

Teri is announcing the winner of January's Box Top contest in February's newsletter due out tomorrow. I'm sure we can apply "the science of the popcorn machine" to any grade- Mrs. McGuire was already thinking how it could relate to circuits and electricity for her 5th graders.

The biggest day of the Book Fair is this Friday- set up day. It involves about an hour of moving things and then 2 hours of rearranging little things. Clair has it down to a science- come by Friday morning 9am-noon and lend a hand! The Book Fair is open all next week including before and after school and late on Thursday night (night of the Family Sweetheart Dance- don't forget to dress up!). Even if you can't volunteer during those times, you are always welcome to drop in!