PPES News: Happy New Year!

Dear Parents,

Happy New Year to our entire Eagle family! I hope you are enjoying this special time with your families. As you know, however, school resumes on Wednesday. Although I have much to share with you in the coming weeks, I wanted to put you on the lookout for something very important to both PPES and the district.

PVUSD will be unveiling their online Parent Satisfaction Survey in the coming weeks. There will be less than fifteen questions and will take only a minute to complete, however, the information provided is critical. In the past, we have had a difficult time getting strong participation in the survey and are really aiming high this year! And, to make it even more convenient for you, we will be setting up computers in the lobby during conference week for you to complete the survey. This will hopefully provide a convenient option, if you have not already finished providing your input at home by that time. We are aiming for 90% participation this year, and feel we should be able to meet that goal! Stay tuned for the link.

As always, your participation in everything we do is vital. Surveys often only "draw" those who are "really happy or really upset," and usually do not provide us with an accurate sampling of our families. By participating, you can help us get a true sense of how we are doing. As you hopefully know, your opinion truly matters!

Have a wonderful and safe New Year's Eve!

Mike

As always,

PPES News: Tax Credit Deadline

Dear Parents,

I have just a quick supplement for you today. I just found out that you can now make your tax credit donations to PPES online! Simply click the following link:

http://webstores.activenetwork.com/school-software/paradise_valley_unif/index.php?l=page_view&p=about_us

and go from there! You've got to love technology! Remember, tax credits are not like deductions. These are dollar for dollar credits. So, if you donate $400, for example, you reduce your Arizona tax responsibility by $400! It's simply a way to direct a portion of your tax dollars to the school. Just remember, the deadline is the end of this month for 2011 donations.

That's all for now! Have a good day and hope to see you at the band concert tonight!

Mike

PPES News: What a Week!

Dear Parents,

Well, it was quite a whirlwind week at PPES. I have to give a special "shout out" to our choir for an amazing performance on Tuesday night. I was so proud of our singers and Mrs. Zollars for a job well done. Another highlight was Mrs. Kohl's enthusiastic presentation to the PVUSD Board on Thursday night about the grade level quilts that will be on display at the district office. The 'ooh's and ah's' from the entire audience were striking, as she turned to show the 6th grade quilt to those hundreds of people in attendance. Great job to our arts department, in general, which continues to be a significant point of pride for PPES! Here are a few other notes for you:

1. Now it's time for the Band Concert on Tuesday evening. As usual, it will be a joint affair with the Grayhawk Band, with Mr. Stapley conducting. I can't wait to hear their performances; they've come so far!
2. As the holiday season approaches, the topic of gift-giving is on the minds of many. Please know, however, that your family should never feel pressured to donate a gift for any staff member. I know many parents like to organize and consolidate a token of their appreciation for the first half of the year, but any gifts should be a product of your own desire to give. If, for any reason, you are unable or not wishing to give a gift, that is your choice; we will of course continue to care for your child with endless dedication and energy, either way! Gifts are just that: gifts! Which, by definition, are always by choice.
3. Please be sure to stay on top of our School Council topics by visiting our website for agendas and minutes. Further, you can even easily and instantly reflect on minutes or topics via email, whereas all member's contact information is provided on the site.
4. The tax credit donation deadline is fast approaching! For more information on how to give a dollar-for-dollar donation to this wonderful program, contact our office. We'd be happy to help.
5. In regards to the solar panel installation, the project continues to be delayed in the city permit process. I have no further word, however, you will be the first to hear!
6. Lastly, please visit our website to view our new "Electronic Backpack" page. This is the place where the many fliers that are typically sent home in backpacks, but are not generated by the school, will be deposited for your convenience and to be in compliance with modified district guidelines. Hopefully, this will take some of the burden out of doing the famous "backpack dig!"

That's all for now! Have a wonderful week!

Mike