August_Newsletter

Junior Achievement Program

Fairview has a wonderful opportunity this year to participate in a program sponsored by Junior Achievement. Junior Achievement is a worldwide non-profit organization that promotes an understanding of economics. A six week program that uses hands on teaching methods designed to integrate smoothly with our school social studies curriculum. There is no cost to Fairview for the program. Fairview just needs VOLUNTEERS to teach the classes. Volunteers will need to attend one training session lasting about an hour and ten teach the prepared material to one or more classrooms. Each classroom will have six lessons. Volunteers may be parents, community business owners, retired citizens or anyone who is interested in helping our students learn more about how our economic system works. For more information, visit the web site www.ja.org or contact Ann Brackett (865-681-4383). Then SIGN UP or RECRUIT someone else!

Campbell's Labels and Boxtops For Education Collections

It's time to start sending in soup labels and boxtops again! We cannot take Food City receipts yet, they must be dated on or after September 16, 2007. However, send those Boxtops for Education, Campbell's product UPC's and Tyson A+ labels right on in to your child's teacher! We will have our first collection on August 31st. We will be collecting on the last school day of each month, and all volunteers are welcome to meet in the cafeteria first thing in the morning on these days to help sort and count. Rewards are given at the end of the year for the classrooms that collect the most.

Playground and Keyboard Lab

This year the Fairview Family Team has set some ambitious goals for this coming year fundraisers. We will focus our funds on purchasing one big unit for the playground, approximately $20,000, and completing the keyboard lab, approximately $14,000. These two improvements will mean a great deal to the children and their school. As we all may remember, the playground was an important part of our school day. It was both a break from classroom studies and a place to work on social skills, not to mention exercise. A safe and modern playground is essential for this. As for the keyboards, these will give music class a completely new meaning, and expand the children's art and music skills.

To show everyone our progress, we will hand posters in the hallway. There will be one for the keyboard lab, and one for the playground. Each poster will have the goal on it, and a thermometer showing how much money we have raised.

This year we will try to get local businesses to donate money to us. They will be able to designate the funds to either project, or split it between the two. In return, we will display their name, business card on or below the posters. The largest contributors will also be mentioned every month in the school newsletter. Please let the FFT know if you have knowledge of any business that might be interested in this inexpensive advertising. We will then contact them with the information needed.

Another way to help the kids get their new playground and keyboard lab is through employers, as many will match charitable donations up to 100%. Of course, any ideas that will help us reach this goal are appreciated. Also, if any parent would like to participate in this project or any future projects, please feel free to contact us at your convenience.

Thanks,
The Fairview Family Team (FFT)

Reminder

Just a reminder that the Family Life Curriculum Public Hearing will be Thursday, August 9th from 5:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. at the Central Office. This is a drop in event. There is no formal meeting or agenda.

Compost Patrol News

Welcome back! I am very impressed with all the students and staff. You have done a wonderful job with the composting. This is still a work in progress so feel free to add your ideas. For all the newcomers to Fairview, let me welcome you to a school that cares. Last year Mrs. Johnson and I learned of the Earth Flag Program. We received a level 1 Earth Flag as well as the Ecology Achievement Award for Blount County. This year we hope to earn a level 2 flag as we teach our children to be good stewards of the Earth. Last year Ms. Alice told me she would like to have the cardboard recycled so we now have the recycle bin. This year Ms. denise brought it to my attention about recycling plastic bottles. Boy, that would keep a lot out of the landfill. Keep the ideas coming. A special thanks to all staff in the cafe. I know this program creates extra work for you. A big KUDOS to the students for their help and enthusiasm for supporting this effort.

Valerie Horrocks, JGM Leader

Other Recycling News

We also are recycling ink cartridges, newspapers, cans, can tabs, plastic bags, cell phones, DVD movies,videogames, portable DVD players, laptop computers, game systems, digital cameras, GPS devices and Mayfield Bottle Caps.

Kroger Earning Plus Learning Program Update

Through the Kroger Earning Plus Learning Program we earned a check for $791.94. We had 51 household's enrolled. Just think what we could earn with everyone that shops at Kroger's signed up to support Fairview! It only takes a minute to enroll when you go through the check out line. Each family must re-enroll each year. Click here to see letter for more details and encourage your friends and family to sign up too! Thanks a bunch!