August 2012

Dear Hemlock School Families,

Welcome Back!!!  Can you believe you are already hearing those words?  Summer is going by so quickly and school isready to begin! I am excited to welcome all our new and returning Hemlockfamilies!!   I truly look forward to working with all ofthe wonderful families and terrific teachers and staff.  This is such an exciting time for everyoneespecially the children!

The beginning of the school year is always a flurry ofactivity.  Here are a few important datesto keep in mind:

• Backto School Night will be on Monday,September 24th at 7pm. This is an informative evening.  You will have an opportunity to meet yourchild’s teacher, become familiar with his/her classroom and get an overview ofyour child’s daily routine, goals and activities. On Back to School Night classparents will hold lotteries for class trips and parties.   Class parents will contact you with tripdates so that you have a chance to review your availability prior to Back toSchool Night.  This will ensure a smoothand quick moving process.  You will alsohave the opportunity to sign up for several other volunteer opportunities suchas Library and Literacy at Lunch!

• Besure to mark your calendars for our first PTA meeting on Thursday, October 11th at 9:30 am, in the MultiPurpose room.  PTA meetings are a greatway to stay informed about what is taking place in the school and in yourchild’s classrooms.  There are fourgeneral meetings this year.  I lookforward to seeing you at each of them!!

Our PTA Membership drive is now underway.  Please take the time to completethe membership form and mail it in today. If you join by September 10, 2012you will be included in a drawing for the “EarlyBird Incentive” for a $100.00 Gift Card.  We are again offering the GC Pride membership level at $50.00 forfamilies that wish to show additional support to the GCPTA.  Or you may choose the Family membership level at $20.00. However you choose, with your continued support the GCPTA is able tooffer many wonderful programs to all students in our district! The more members we have the loudervoice PTA has at the local, regional, state and national levels.  Please support the PTA! every child. one voice. ® more members. louder voice.

Don’t forget our website, www.gardencitypta.org. It’s a greattool for information regarding both the school and PTA.  Activities, fundraisers and committee updatesfrom the PTA are posted regularly to provide you with up to date informationabout the happenings of the school. Please also keep in mind that in an effort to "GO GREEN" forour environment, the primary source of communication with parents will bethrough email. 

It is an honor being your PTA Director again this year!  Please do not hesitate to contact me by emailor phone with any questions or concerns. Have a happy and safe summer!

Best,

Eileen Kinney

Hemlock PTA Director