December 2016 Teacher/Staff Spotlight

Olivia Blackmon

Name?  

Olivia Blackmon

Birthday? 

November 11

Hometown? 

Little Elm, Tx 

Current Denton Classical position?  

3rd and 4th Grade English Teacher

Where did you attend College and what is your degree(s)?  

I attended the University of North Texas (go Eagles!) and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Language arts with a teaching certification. I am currently working on my Master's in Educational Leadership at UNT and will graduate in May!

Do you have children?

No, just me!  

Do you have pets?  

No but if I could I would have two dogs named Antony and Cleopatra.

Do you have a favorite Quote or Saying?  

"Certainly it won't be easy. Do you know anything worth doing that is?" Richard Yates, Revolutionary Road. 

Where is the farthest place you have ever traveled? 

Germany! It is beautiful.

  

Favorite food?  

Pizza is most definitely a passion of mine. 

Hobbies or Activities/organizations you are active in?  

I am an avid reader and enjoying writing. Right now, working on my Master's degree is taking up a lot of my free time.

What is the weirdest job you have ever had? 

I was a barista for 5 years and definitely had my fair share of weird customers! The job was really fun, though.

Favorite Book? 

I am the Messenger, Markus Zusak

11-03-16 Budget Report

11-03-16 Budget Report

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3lcMahsaVqDbWhxWnR6bkpHVnc/view?usp=sharing

11-3-16 PTO Meeting Minutes

               Denton Classical Academy

General PTO Meeting Minutes

Meeting Date: 11-3-16

Meeting Location: Denton Classical Academy

1. Call to Order- Cheryl called meeting to order at 6:01 pm.

2. Minutes: Reviewed last meetings minutes.  Shantel made a motion to accept previous minutes.  Motion granted.

The teacher’s present during this meeting are as follows:

Jones, Sherrod, Leech, Underwood, Blackmon, and Thomas.

3. Update Previous Business-

- Glow Fun, Sat. Nov 12^th at South Lakes Park at 5:30.  This will be a largest fundraiser for the year and things are going great.  However, we still need more volunteers to help keep everyone safe.  The glow sticks, swag bags, and glow paint have been ordered.  Swag bag assembly is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 10^th.

-Nov. 17^th School-wide Thanksgiving Lunch.  Lunch times will be staggered.  Dickie’s Bar-B-Q is catering the meal.  Kindergarten parents will be selling desserts by the slice to raise money for Kinder Graduation Cap and Gowns.

4. New Business

-PTO bylaws- vote on PTO bylaws.  Heather Spencer made a motion to accept bylaws as stated.  Motion granted.

-Cane’s Family Night need a date in Dec Mon-Wed only.  Angie made a motion for Dec 6^th, motion granted.  This event will not need any volunteers.  We only need to mention we are with Denton Classical Academy at check-out and a portion of the proceeds goes to our school.

- Coffee in the Carline – Shantel made a motion for December.  Dec. 16^th, motion passed.  This event will be lead by Tami Wagner.

-Free Dress Fundraiser on Jan. 6^th for $5.  Parents send $5 with their child that day and they can wear free dress.

-Family Bingo Night- possibly Jan. 27^th at Argyle UMC or Lifeline church.  Justin Hicks will check with Argyle UMC.  Someone to facilitate this event is still needed.

- World’s Finest Chocolates Fundraiser will be in February for 1^st and 2^nd graders.  Cheryl will be leading this event.

-Spring Book Fair will be April 3^rd-7th.  Stephanie Hoskins will be leading this event.

Last Book Fair $350.41 scholastic dollars left from last Book Fair.   $1937.63 scholastic dollars were made this past book fair.

5.   Officers’ Reports:

President’s Report- nothing to add.

Vice President’s Report- nothing to add.

Treasurer’s Report- see attachment for November’s Budget report

6.  Director’s Report- Drama Club may not be returning in the Spring.  However, Lifeline Church may be able to provide a drama club for free.  More information to come.  Contact name is Larry Dooley.

7. Announcements – The next PTO meeting is scheduled for Feb. 2^nd.

8. Adjournment – Shantel made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:04 pm.  Motion granted.

Denton Classical Academy
ART & MUSIC NEWSLETTER

Modern Meets Classic

Braiden (K), Dallas (1st), Kevin (2nd), Jack (3rd), and Marlee (4th) show off their Georgia O’Keeffe flowers.

Have there been a plethora of large flowers drawn in your house? How about Monsters? Maybe you’ve witnessed an intricate pumpkin being washed with warm or cool colors?

Or perhaps you have caught your child humming a patriotic tune?  Or discussing Gustav Holst’s “Jupiter”? Or maybe drumming a catchy rhythm?

If you have witnessed any of these moments, then I am one proud teacher.

What exactly *HAVE* we been doing in Art & Music classes?  A whole lot!

We have had a lot of fun in Art this semester. After studying “The Mother of American Modernism”, your children have spent the past month perfecting  their own Georgia O’Keeffe style flowers. We coupled our artist spotlight with instruction on color theory - primary & secondary colors, hues, shades, and tints-. So these aren’t just *any* flowers. These are the result of much time and study. To make their masterpieces, the children experimented with a new medium: oil pastels. This allowed them to shade and tint each petal, bringing depth to the flower as a whole. So much effort has gone into their work, and I am so very proud of the result. I think they’re pretty proud of themselves, too.

Music has been wonderful as well. Besides learning the 3 most classic patriotic songs (My Country Tis of Thee, The Star Spangled Banner, and America the Beautiful), the lower and upper grades have been studying Music Theory and Music Appreciation, respectively. Kindergarten, First and Second Grades have spent their class time learning about and practicing Dynamics, Pitch, Tempo, Rhythm, and Articulation.  Third and Fourth Grades have been listening to and critiquing the series of movements by Composer Gustav Holst entitled, “The Planets”.

Though this is only a quick snapshot of our current Fine Arts study, you can rest assured that your children are soaking in the works of the very best artists and composers. What a privilege to be able to bring them the finest things on a daily basis!

One quick note-- I have had several questions about when students will be bringing their artwork home. Because we plan to host a Fine Arts Show in the spring, all student artwork will remain at school until the show’s conclusion. It is important to keep their work in pristine condition so that Parents and Grandparents can be wowed by their artistry!

BUT, should you wish to view your child’s artwork, feel free to come and visit our school gallery! There will be a regular display of student work in our commons area.

As always, it is truly a delight to be a part of your child’s Fine Arts studies.  I look forward to the coming months, as we have some *really* exciting projects ahead!

Blessings,

Alicia Underwood
Art & Music Instructor

November Teacher/Staff Spotlight

November 2016

Teacher/Staff Spotlight

Ashley Couthern

I am enjoying my second year on staff at DCA with the SpEd department, where I work as a paraprofessional. It is great to be back and a joy to see the progress and growth the kids continue to make.

I enjoy a variety of things and activities, but primarily I like: solitude, the deep sea, space, music, any form of well-executed story, and crocheting.

My brother also attends DCA, and is in the third grade.

I also work in the evening as the after school care director, and have a great time working with the kids there as well.

October Teacher/Staff Spotlight

             October Teacher/Staff Spotlight

                                                       

                                Julia Whitener

 I am currently in my 2nd year at DCA, but I have been teaching in the elementary schools for 17 years. I graduated from Texas Christian University with a degree in Early Childhood Education in 1997. I have taught grades 2-6 but my most exciting position has been that of a special education teacher. I am married to my loving husband Jon and have an amazing 10 year old son named Weston. I am blessed to be serving as a special education teacher at DCA.

September '16 Teacher/Staff Spotlight

September 2016

Teacher/Staff Spotlight

Megan Kenline

I am so excited to watch the kids learn and grow this year!  We are going to have so much fun and I cannot wait to get started!

I grew up in Lewisville.  I went to Midwestern State and that is where I met my Husband.  We moved to Boston and lived there for 5 years.  I have an amazing little boy named Max and another one on the way.  I LOVE teaching and this is my 3^rd year at DCA!!!

Her Favorites:  For the classroom- cool pens/markers

Post its

Games for centers

Food and Drink-

MEXICAN FOOD!!!

Sonic ½ & ½ iced tea and grilled cheese

Snack foods

Restaurants-

On the Border

Whataburger

Favorite Stores-

Target

Hobby Lobby

Walmart

November Coach's Corner

Coach’s Corner

Welcome to Coach’s Corner. This newsletter is just a way for me to keep you informed about what your child or children will be doing in PE and Gardening for the next month.

For the month of October we have been working on soccer. We started with the basics of dribbling, focusing on baby taps, kicking the ball lightly with your foot lightly to keep it right in front of you and not lose control of it. Then we went to work on passing. When passing we tried to focus on accuracy and control, not kicking it as hard as we can and in any direction. Last we put it all together and played full soccer games. Each class has done a great job. I could not be more proud of the effort every student has shown me this past month.

For November we will play basketball. The older grades will use the large basketball hoop while the younger students will use my two smaller goals that just came in. We will use the same strategy we used with soccer. Dribbling, passing, shooting, and then full game.

Running club is moving right along. We have quite a few sessions and we have 4 students who has gone over 100 laps. Every 10 laps is 1 mile just to put that into perspective for you.

The gardens are up and growing. We should have squash and zucchini ready to pick the first week of November. We also had a mystery plant growing in one of the garden beds that we allowed to continue to grow. It turns out that they are Tomatillos. Sometimes seeds can get transplanted from one area to another by animals or the wind blowing the seeds around. Either one could have happened here. Also we have two vines or watermelon growing which should be ready to pick before Thanksgiving break.

                Denton Classical Academy

General PTO Meeting Agenda

Meeting Date: 11-3-16

Meeting Location: Denton Classical Academy

1. Call to Order- Name and time

2. Minutes: Review of minutes from mm/dd/yy meeting

3. Update Previous Business-

- Fun Food Friday, tomorrow, Nov 4^th, for those that have placed an order.

- Glow Fun update-

-Nov. 17^th School-wide Thanksgiving Lunch

4. New Business

- PTO bylaws

- Canes Family Night

- Coffee in the Carline 

-Free Dress Fundraiser on Jan. 6^th for $5. 

-Family Bingo Night- date TBD

- World’s Finest Chocolates Fundraiser

-Spring Book Fair will be April 3rd-7th.

5.   Officers’ Reports:

President’s Report-

Vice President’s Report-

Treasurer’s Report-

6.  Director’s Report-

7. Announcements – The next PTO meeting is scheduled for Feb. 2^nd.

8. Adjournment

PTO Proposed Bylaws

The following link are the proposed bylaws that will be voted on during the PTO Meeting on Nov. 3rd.  Please review ahead of time.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3lcMahsaVqDR1BndDdNZ21yWDg/view?usp=sharing

October 2016 Budget Report

The following is the PTO Budget Report for October 2016.  It is divided up into 3 portions.  The Checking account is used for most of our transactions.  The Savings account is used for our Activity Funds events (classroom parties, field trips, etc.).  The third portion is related to our cash exchanges.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3lcMahsaVqDanlZejNWYWhfbkU/view?usp=sharing

PTO Meeting Minutes 9-1-16

PTO Meeting Minutes

Meeting Date:  September 1, 2016

Meeting Location: Denton Classical Academy

1. Call to Order- Cheryl called to order 6:02pm

2. Welcome and introduction of Officers and any teachers present- Shantel

Teachers present included Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Thomas, Mrs. Crider, and Mrs Wilson.

There were 30 parents signed in with about 23 kids in childcare.

2. Minutes:  Please see PTO minutes for last meeting on 5-3-16 posted on PTO Blog.

3.  Vote on open Officers positions: including Treasurer, Communications Officers, and Volunteer Coordinator.

Cheryl nominated Kelly Eichelberger for Treasurer, voted in agreement.

Cheryl nominated Samantha Phan, voted in agreement.

Angie nominated Tami Wagner as Volunteer Coordinator, voted in agreement.

Kelly Eichelberger will assume all treasurer responsibilities immediately and will be added to the PTO bank account asap to have access to PTO funds. Interim Treasurer, Durrae Butler is to be removed frm the DATCU account at this time.

4.  Update Previous Business:

Finance Report-  Last year’s purchases and this year’s wish list- Mrs. Thomas  Listening centers for each class, around $2,000 of Scholastic money to purchase books and audiobooks, helped with playground, helped with garden and flower supplies, Magic School Bus series and about 100 Bill Nye The Science Guy DVDs.  Mrs. Thomas is getting a list together from the teachers on items to purchase this coming year and that will be made known soon.  One example is 3^rd and 4^th would like to go to Medevial Times on a field trip.

Finance report to be finalized by Treasurer and President and posted to blog.

Ways to communicate with the PTO:  Denton Classical Academy PTO Facebook, DentonClassicalPTO.blogspot.com, School and PTO Calendar available through Google Docs soon, Remind Text messages from the PTO, Sign-up Genius, and email at dentonclassicalpto@gmail.com

The KING’S Men- The KING’S Men is a group of dads from DCA who have volunteered to be involved on campus to help with security as well as good role models for our children.  They will also be helping with other activities such as grilling and security during our Glow Run in November.  If you would like to join this group, please email Cody Brisendine at cody.d.brisendine@gmail.com

After School Clubs available-

Mondays- Dance Club for Kinder through 2nd Please contact www.ddatexas.com to register or call 214.643.6468.

Tuesdays- Drama Club Please email www.creativeafterschooltheatre.com

Wednesdays- Robotics Club  Register online at www.theallacademy.com

Thursdays-Lego Club-   Class size is limited and the deadline to register is tomorrow, Friday, Sept 2nd.  Please contact Angie Moffitt at angiemoffitt@gmail.com to sign up.  Also, Mud Runners Club- Today and next Thursday but after that, it will change days of the week to allow more to be involved.  Please contact Coach Butler to be on the email list.

4. New Business:

-Traffic issues regarding road construction email to be sent to DCA families.

-Add Budget for Teacher’s meetings- We want to encourage and support our 19 teachers and staff once a month during their monthly staff meetings.  This would be coordinated by the Teacher’s Appreciation Coordinator.  Cheryl Jones suggested combining money donations from the PTO budget as well as parents signing up to donate food each month.  Shantel Brisendine made a motion for $100 a month in the budget from the PTO funds.  PTO voted in affirmative for $100 a month budget for teacher appreciation.

Glow Run- This is our exciting event we have planned in November, 12^tth at 6pm.  The time change will be the week before so it will be dark.  The KING’S Men will be all around the track for safety and the glow sticks will be for sale to make it fun for the kids.  There will not be vendors this year but we will have food for sale.   More volunteers are needed.  Cheryl is working on T-shirts.  Online registration website needed.  Samantha Phan to help with advertisement.

Ice Cream Social- Sept 9^th from 6-7:30 pm at DCA. Come out and meet some of our AWESOME DCA families. Ice cream sundaes will be available for purchase! Needs volunteers to help set up, serve, and clean up.  $2 per serving.

Proposed fundraisers and year’s calendar-  In May the PTO sent out a survey to all the parents collecting ideas for fundraisers for the upcoming years.  The board considered them all and have narrowed it down to the following:

Fun Food Fridays to be done on the first Friday of the month, coordinated by Shantel. Money paid by Wed at 3pm and correct cash only.

Candy/Snack Bar Fundraiser- snacks to be sold to the teachers $1.

Jeans Fridays- Spirit shirts can be worn by all students on Fridays with uniform shorts.  However, for $1 a week or $35 for the whole year per student, they can wear jeans with their spirit shirt.  This money goes to families in our school that need help with uniforms, our school angel tree this Christmas, and any other needs that arise.

Kroger Community Rewards- to go on throughout the year from the parents that sign up.  Please see Angie for questions at angiemoffitt@gmail.com

Box Tops-  To be collected and turned in 2 times a year as a contest for the class.  The class with the most box tops can earn a class party.

September- Ice Cream Social to be held at DCA on Sept 9^th from 6-7:30 with an emphasis on getting to know fellow DCA Families.

Oct- Fall Book Fair Oct 6-14, the dates are longer than the usual week because it covers over Oct. 10^th, which is a school holiday.

-Free Dress Fundraiser on Oct 14^th for $5, money collected by Wed. that week.

Nov- Glow Run Sat. Nov 12^th, Check in starts at 5:30 pm.  More details to come.

Kinder Cap and Gown Fundraiser- Kinder parents to have a bake sale by the slice (single serving) for the Thanksgiving Feast, Thursday Nov. 17th.  This will be organized by the Room Mom and the desserts provided by the Kinder Parents.

Dec- Coffee in the Car-Line, 50 cents if you bring your cup or $1 if we provide the cup.  Date TBD.

Jan- Free Dress Fundraiser on Jan. 6^th for $5, money collected by Wed. that week

- Family Bingo Night, date TBD.

Feb- World’s Finest Chocolates Fundraiser

Mar- Spring Book Fair March 6-10^th

Apr- Family Dinner Night- location and date TBD

May- Coffee in the Car-Line, date TBD.

After no further questions Angie Moffitt made a motion to vote on the previously mentioned events as fundraisers for this year.   Vote was in agreement.

Committee Leader positions are as follows-  Room Parent Committee Leader-Tabitha Braxton, Book Fair Committee Leader Laurie Flandrau and Kevin Phan,  Glow Run Committee Leader Jelinda Mabe and Cheryl Jones, Silent Auction Committee Leader Samantha Pahn, Staff Appreciation Committee Leader Heather Spencer,  and Field Day Committee Leader Tami Wagner.

           

Contacts for the following events are as follows:

Fun Food Friday- Shantel Brisendine, the first Friday of the month, types of food TBD

Candy/Snack Bar Fundraiser- Kelly Eichelberger

Spirit/Jeans Friday- Kelly Eichelberger

Kroger Community Rewards- Angie Moffitt

Box Tops Coordinator will be Sherree’ Cooksey

Ice Cream Social- Shantel Brisendine

Oct and Jan Free Dress Fundraiser- Kelly Eichelberger

Kinder Cap and Gown Fundraiser- Kinder Room Moms

The following positions still need to be filled:

December/May Coffee in the Car Line-

Family Bingo Night in Jan-

World’s Finest Chocolates in Feb-

April Family Dinner Night- (this is a fundraiser at a restaurant or fast food place) 

The PTO Officers are working on establishing our Bylaws to be voted on the PTO next meeting.

6. Officers’ Reports:

President’s Report- Nothing to add

Vice President’s Report- Nothing to add

7. Director’s Report- Mrs. Thomas

Needs wooden benches made for outside- Doug McClure to follow up on this.

8. Announcements- upcoming PTO meetings will be from 6-7:00pm. Nov.3^rd,  Feb. 2^nd, and April 6^th.  These are tentative dates and will be adjusted as needed.

. 

-All parents present at PTO meetings have earned their child(ren) a free dress day the following Friday (Sept. 2^nd)

9. Adjournment- Angie Moffit made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:20pm, voted in agreement.