Voyager: December 7th

12/6/2018

PRINCIPAL’S NOTE

Dear Sumac Families,
As you know, many of our families have been affected by the recent fires and evacuations. I remain grateful for the ways we pulled together to support each other and our students. In particular, I want to acknowledge the school staff who have been working hard to make sure the campuses are cleaner than before the fire and that students and families feel supported.

Upon the return from break all teachers began to implement our 15 day transition plan. For students, this means a focus on trauma informed care – an approach that involves understanding, recognizing, and responding to the effect of traumatic events. Trauma informed care emphasizes physical, psychological and emotional safety; the goal is to help our students to rebuild a sense of control and empowerment. Specifically, we have implemented community circles school-wide in each classroom. The focus on collaborative community – building listening and speaking skills – strengthens our class and school bonds. Many excellent, age-appropriate trauma resources are available on our website: https://www.community360.me/fire-trauma-resources
Please read the rest of this newsletter for more ways you can help our community respond. We hear one another’s needs and are making choices to support our learning community. We are #SumacStrong!

BOOK FAIR THIS FRIDAY, DEC. 7TH 6:00-8:00PM — BARNES & NOBLE, WESTLAKE

This annual Sumac event is always fun for the kids to gather with their friends in a casual environment for story time, hot chocolate and cookies. Sumac teachers will pick out some favorite books and many join in the fun. And of course a percentage of all purchases that night (and online for those unable to attend) will benefit Sumac. We look forward to seeing you Friday night at Barnes & Noble!

SUMAC’S SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL TO REVIEW EMERGENCY PLAN

The School Site Council (SSC) will hold its second meeting on Thursday, December 6th at 3:00 pm in the Sumac library. Meetings are open to all Sumac families who are interested in attending. In light of recent events, the SSC will use the next meeting to review our Emergency Plan once again. Feedback from last year’s SSC improved the plan tremendously by focusing on usability. Our aim is to continually improve emergency planning and response.
Information about the SSC can be found at: www.sumacpfa.org/school-site-council.html

LV FIRE RELIEF ADOPT A FAMILY

Concerned parents in the area created pop-up fire relief effort for our community, LVFireRelief.org. The drive is currently taking applications for those affected by the fires to register their Family Needs list via a Target or Bed Bath and Beyond registry. Those who would like to adopt a family, or purchase an item can do so directly on our website, choose a family and then see their registry list. All items are shipped directly to the family.

Additionally, you'll find many resources and events as part of relief efforts that benefit families.

visit site

PINS FOR SALE IN THE FRONT OFFICE, ONLY $5!

Have you seen our latest Voyager swag? It’s a pin perfect for backpacks, jackets and hats. See Judy in the front office to pick yours up today.

FAMILY STEAM NIGHT NEXT THURSDAY,
DEC. 13TH 5:30-7:30PM

Join us for this FREE mind-bending event of fun STEAM challenges and community building.

UPDATE FROM THE PFA BOARD

In wake of fires that have so impacted our community we’ve witnessed an outpouring of love and compassion. One way we can continue to show solidarity is to support the financial needs of our school. Our 2018-19 donation drive is happening now. We need to raise $150,000 this year, which directly pays teachers, buys equipment, supplies, and so much more. We are achieving a lot together, having raised ~$55k to date. Please consider an end-of-year donation, no matter the amount, to our school.

donate

— HOLIDAY SHOPPING HELPS SUMAC EARN --

Sumac PFA looks for every opportunity where we can raise money for the school’s programs without directly asking you for a donation. Our Earning for Sumac page highlights a number of ways Sumac earns money based on your regular holiday shopping (and throughout the year), and it won’t cost you a penny extra. Please use these links to help Sumac:

Smile.Amazon.com
Shop all products and categories

Shutterfly or TinyPrints
holiday cards, photo books, calendars, and other photo-customized gifts this weekend only
PROMO CODES:
BESTISBACK = 60% off
SHIPCARDS = free shipping on cards

BarnesAndNoble.com
Books, games and other great gift ideas (Dec 7-10 only; you must enter bookfair ID 12471298 at checkout)

The Oaks Mall
Shop, dine, or see a movie at The Oaks Mall, then submit your receipts online or in the front office. Sumac get’s a % of sales!

iGive.com
Shop nearly 2k online stores, including many major-name retailers; Or, with the free iGive browser button, you can support Sumac year-round with no special links or effort

— VOYAGER SPONSORS --

email now

SHERI’S PIANO PLACE

Having fun piano lessons yet? The breakthrough Australian Method has students playing 8 to 10 great-sounding classical, contemporary, blues and accompaniment pieces â€hands togetherâ€-â€”in just the first 3 months! No matter your age or experience level (ages 4 to 104), not only will you be playing your own music freely and with feeling and across the entire keyboard, itâ€™ll be fun and immediately achievable. New Year's Special of your first two lessons free when you attend a Free Introductory Session by January 19.

Sheri Reingold, Master Simply Music Teacher, 15 yrs — Oak Park Studio (818) 486-4743