Get involved in planning the new EC library

10/10/2013
The City has embarked on the process of developing a new library facility, including exploring space needs, services, and funding options.  As a parent/guardian and leader in our schools and in the City, your input is valuable and critical.  In our research so far, many community members have expressed their desires for improved facilities and programs for children, students, and families.  I would like to especially hear from you how a new City library can be useful to all of you and your families, and what the City could provide that would enhance our ability to serve our students in El Cerrito and the surrounding area.
To that end, I’d like to invite you, other members of the PTA/PTSA, and any parents/guardians of students that are interested to a community meeting to discuss planning a new library facility.  We will be holding this meeting on October 24, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, 10890 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito.  Please forward this message to your group, to other parents/guardians, and anyone else you think would like to participate.
If you cannot attend the meeting, you may forward your thoughts directly to me via email at kpinkos@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us or by phone at (510) 215-4302.  Additionally, the City is conducting a brief survey online at www.el-cerrito.org/librarysurvey.  Please give us your feedback via the survey and also feel free to forward the survey link as well.
The City truly values your participation and your input!  I look forward to seeing you, your representatives, and other parents/guardians at the meeting.  Should you have any questions, please feel free to reply or contact me at the number below.
Very truly yours,
Karen Pinkos, ICMA-CM
City of El Cerrito
10890 San Pablo Avenue
El Cerrito CA 94530

PTSA Meeting Tuesday, October 8th 6:45pm

09/28/2013

Please join us for our PTSA meeting, Tuesday, October 8th, 2013 at 6:45pm in room 8 at Portola; near the Portola Drive entrance and main offices

We will have a special presentation of the movie “Bully” after our business meeting is concluded. Please note the business meeting is starting at 6:45pm.

MEETING AGENDA
I. Call to Order, introductions of PTSA executive committee-
– Kathy Guarneri, PTSA president
II. Approval of minutes from last meeting
III. Principal’s report- Mr. Burnham, School Site Council Elections
IV. Financial report – Katherine Meurer, treasurer
V. Presentationof bills- Katherine Meurer, treasurer
VI. Report of Executive Committee- – Membership- Julie Brown
– Math enrichment and Math club and Disaster Prep. – Leslie Reckler, VP of Operations
– Negar Souza, Fund Raising VP- Zachary’s Pizza Night, Garage Sale, Rubio’s Restaurant night
– Parliamentarian- Bylaws, Felicia Robertson
VII. Committee Reports: Fright Fest- Chris Novak; – Fright Write- Saidah Said
-Garage Sale- Negar Souza – Information Night- Renee Hoyer-Nielsen
– Spirit Wear- Kim Johnson; – Yearbook- Kelly Whitney
– Celebrate Portola- Judy Chin and Tammy Garretson
VIII. Old Business: Back to School Night, Teacher Luncheons
IX. Program: viewing the movie “Bully”, start time around 7:15pm, 98 minutes long, The students are seeing it during school.
X. Adjournment

Cross Country Schedule

09/23/2013

Here is the 2013-14 Cross Country Meet schedule. Meets start at 4:15 and last about an hour to an hour and a half.
Coach Sanchez could use parents the volunteer to drive and/or coordinate rides for future meets. You can contact Coach Sanchez at Josanche18@gmail.com or phone # 661-706-7747.

FRIGHT WRITE Short Story, Poem, and Art Contest Sept. 19 to Oct. 9

09/21/2013

Fright Write_1Want to get published? Love to spook or be spooked? All Portola students are encouraged to participate in the 2013-14 Fright Write Short Story, Poem, and Art contest. Selected works will be compiled and published in this year’s Fright Write anthology. Contributors of selected works will also get a copy of the publication and a chance to participate in a Halloween-themed ice cream party. Previous publications can be found in the library. For rules and guidelines, please refer to the flyer that was sent home on Thursday, Sept. 19; a pdf of the flyer is also attached here. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, Oct. 9.

We would also like to invite parent and community volunteers to serve on the selection panel. Scoring rubrics will be provided. If interested, please contact Saidah Said at saidah.said@gmail.com. Thank you!