Changing leaves, pumpkin spice, football, fall festivals, fundraisers, and most importantly (for me, anyway)...candy corn. Ahhh, the joys of Fall! Well, we are officially out of summer and into my favorite season. There's just something about those cool, crisp mornings and days where jeans, sneakers, and a sweatshirt just feel perfect. 

We have been back in school for almost a full month now. I must admit, it feels really good to have schedules and routines again (I know, I know, come April and May, I will be singing an entirely different tune! Just let me enjoy this moment though, while it lasts! lol) I hope everyone is adjusting well to the new school year! 

If you noticed, I very subtly (or maybe not so subtly) slipped in fundraising in my opening sentence. Yep, it's that time of the year. Yay, fundraising!!!! I know many of you may not share that enthusiasm and that's perfectly understandable! Fundraising is much harder on us parents than it is on our kids! Let's face it, we do 90% of the work, and they collect the ducks! haha

Let me just take a minute to let you know just how vital this Fall fundraiser is to our group. It is the basis of where all of our funding comes from to do any of the things we do! (No pressure, right?) Seriously though, we get one fundraiser per year and that's it. All of those classroom rugs we purchased came from our Fall fundraiser last year. The field trips we helped pay for, also came from our Fall fundraiser. The Spring play... the Fall fundraiser. The 5th grade farewell? Yep, you guessed it, the Fall fundraiser paid for that too. So essentially, if we want to do those extra things for our school, for our students, we have to do well on our Fall fundraiser. 

Unfortunately, every group out there is in the same boat. We're up against sports, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, and pretty much every other group that exists and takes money to operate. Everybody seems to fundraise in the Fall, so they have money for the year, which makes sense. We're no exception. To keep our non-profit status, we have to start the school year with less than $1,000, so we have to fundraise right off the bat in order to do anything!

We have BIG plans for this school year. We want to do a Science Night in November for our 1st and 2nd graders (and their families) and a Night of the Arts in the Spring for our 3rd and 4th graders (and their families). We want to purchase a climbing wall for the gym and some new playground equipment! Everything we want to do will only make things better for our children and our school, but unfortunately, it all takes lots of money. That's why we need everybody to help out as much as they can.

I get it, I really do. We're asking every child to try to sell 10 items. That's not easy for lots of us, I know! I have two children in Aurora this year, which means my family needs to sell 20 items. We're at 12 right now, so 8 more to go and I have no idea who we're going to ask next. I'll think of somebody though, I always do. Every item, every dollar helps. Our PTO goal is $20,000. We're shooting for the stars, but we're All Stars, right? We can do it!

I really hope to see you on October 1st for our next PTO meeting! We'll meet at 7pm in the library and as always, free childcare will be included. There will be door prizes again and who knows...maybe even some candy corn! :-)
-Lori

It's that time of year again in West Fargo! It's...Streets Alive!!! If you and your family have never participated in this, I highly recommend doing so! Save the date: Next Saturday, September 21, 2013, 2:30-5:00pm! Turn off your car and and grab your bike, roller blades, skateboards, or just your sneakers and enjoy the fresh air and the blocked off streets here in West Fargo! 

To gear up for Saturday's event, West Fargo schools will be having Schools Alive! The goal is to promote 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Let's face it, we all find ourselves cooped up inside much of the winter, so let's get outside and enjoy the warmth, while it's still here!

Aurora will be celebrating Schools Alive by having some fun with fashion this coming week. Here is the schedule:
Monday 9/16-HAT DAY – Hats off to physical fitness! Wear your favorite hat.
Tuesday 9/17-Favorite Jersey Day
Wednesday 9/18-Aurora Colors (Blue,Red,Yellow) or Aurora All Star Shirts
Thursday 9/19-Dress as Favorite Athlete
Friday 9/20-Spirit Day – Work up a sweat! Wear sweats to show your spirit.

Research indicates that getting at least 60 minutes of physical activity can improve behavior, help children focus better, and boost positive attitudes! I know I can tell a difference in my own children if they are getting enough physical activity. Not only that, but my kids seem to do even better if their physical activity takes place outdoors! There's just something about that fresh air! 

So, encourage your child to get into the spirit, get up, and get moving next week!!
-Lori

Line segments, rays, and lines, oh my! 

We've survived the 1st 2 weeks of school! Yay parents! (Oh, good job to the kids and teachers too!) I feel like I've already learned quite a bit. I can label all of the northeastern and southeastern states on a US map (pretty quickly too, I might add!) and I can explain the difference between a parallelogram and a trapezoid! If you're impressed with my knowledge, you should see my 4th grader! 

Seriously, I am blown away by how much these kids know! I feel like I get a good challenge when I'm helping my daughter with her math homework (thank goodness for those answer sheets! lol). Most of you are familiar now with Everyday Mathematics, the curriculum that West Fargo Schools adopted a few years ago. I'll be quite honest, it's been pretty hard teaching this old dog new tricks, but we're getting there! I'm kind of excited to go through this curriculum from the beginning with my son. I'm hoping to build a fresh foundation for myself. There have been many new methods I've picked up the past 2 years that I never learned to do as a child and I really like how the curriculum uses math in practical ways! 

Hang in there, if it doesn't seem to make sense to you at first. I have discovered that usually when the curriculum is introducing a new method, they break it down. Sometimes, the 1st couple of steps the children practice seem a little odd, then everything gets put together and it makes perfect sense (and is usually easier than the method I was accustomed to!).  The really nice part about Everyday Mathematics is that the children get several options of methods to solve problems. 

When your child brings home their user name and password for Everyday Mathematics, really encourage them to practice online. I've found that when I watch my daughter, things start clicking for me as well! (Then I can at least feel as smart as a 4th grader! Ha!)
-Lori

As I sit here listening to my 2 year old play, I feel the overwhelming emptiness that fills my house. For 3 months I've had anywhere from 3 children (mine) to 9 children (the neighbor kids) running through my house. The doors opened and slammed shut, the arguments erupted and escalated, there was singing, there was dancing, there was laughter, sometimes there were multiple TVs on (with nobody watching them), somebody needed something to eat, somebody needed something to drink, somebody needed a bandaid, and then today...

Emptiness.

Part of me wants to jump for joy! Finally, calmness can fill my days again. I mean, one 2 year old is pretty low key (and relatively quiet without her siblings here provoking her). Then there's the other part of me...the part that kinda wants to cry. My 2 big kids have started another new chapter of their lives today. I miss them so much and I can't wait to see them this afternoon and hear all about their day! I know they are in good hands. I really enjoyed meeting both of their teachers and I think we're all in store for a great school year!

I also know tomorrow will be easier. I always feel this way on the first day of school. So parents, if you are having any mixed emotions this morning, please know that you are not alone! The first day of school can be exciting, scary, fun, and sad all rolled into one (and not just for our kids). I hope that all of our children have the best first day ever today! In fact, I wish that this will be everyone's best school year yet!

I hope to see you next week at our 1st PTO meeting this year. I've been working on the agenda and we have so many exciting things to talk about concerning this school year! Please plan to join me in the school library at 7:00pm. Remember, free childcare is included and there are no fees. You are a member already, just by having a child at Aurora! 

-Lori

I just wanted to take a quick minute to share how honored I feel to serve with such a dedicated group of parents. The past 2 days we came together, first, at Walmart to haul school supplies, and second, at the school to pack the supplies. This group of moms and dads don't mind rolling up their sleeves and doing whatever it takes to get the job done. 

I will be honest, I had so much fun! I know I may be in a minority out there, but I really do get charged by being with other people, having a goal, and seeing it finished. I feel so accomplished and feel such a sense of connection. I was surprised how quickly we had everything all packed and cleaned up! It really goes to show when everybody does a little, then nobody does "a lot". 

We shared some laughs (Erica, could you put out some more bags, please?? lol), ate some pizza and cookies (more than I should have!), and did a great service! I thought about how many parents ordered kits and how many parents would be able to take just a little break because of our evening of work (fun). I always order a kit for my kids because it makes my life so much simpler than running all over Fargo looking for just the right item. Last year, when my son was in Kindergarten, he needed a certain sized ring binder. I had to go to 4 stores before I could find the right one!!! Dragging all 3 kids with me was not my idea of a good time, I might add! 

Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks again to everyone that helped out (so much for my quick minute, I know, I know...). I can't wait for our next project together!!!
Whatever it takes!
-Lori

What is a PTO? How is it different from PTA? I have heard that question many times and if you are wondering that, then believe me, you are not alone! Let me break down a few key components of each group and you'll easily see the difference. These facts were obtained from ptotoday.com. There are more details there if you would like additional information.

I'll start with PTA:
A PTA is a local chapter of a parent group that is affiliated with both the state organization and the National PTA. They have paid employees that work at their headquarters in Alexandria, VA. All local chapters are required to pay dues (which means all members pay dues). Most local chapters have to pay $700 (or more) on state and national dues and an additional $100-$300 on insurance.  PTA dues support state and national advocacy efforts and local PTA groups cannot advocate publicly against PTA approved positions. The local PTA is part of the state and national political and advocacy efforts and the local chapter can play a role in determining National PTA positions. 

Now, on to PTO, which is what we are at Aurora:
A PTO is an independent parent group. There are no paid employees, as there are no state and national affiliates. Dues are completely optional and are up to each group to decide if and how much. THERE ARE NO DUES FOR AURORA'S PTO. If you have a child at Aurora Elementary, then you are already a member of the PTO! It's that simple! We are a non-profit organization and any money we bring in through fundraising goes right back into our school. Most PTO groups (Aurora's included) choose not to play an advocacy/political role. Instead, we remain focused on school- student- teacher support, parent involvement, and community building. Most importantly, (in my opinion), is that PTO groups devote their energies toward work focused on a single school. 
Our PTO has 2 "functions" (for lack of better terms). We fundraise and we serve. We have our big fundraiser in the fall (Sept. 19th is the kick-off date this year) and like it was previously mentioned, all money goes right back into the school. This year, every classroom teacher has a brand new, giant, multi-colored square rug for their classroom that was purchased with PTO funds from the fundraiser. We run the book fair and collect box tops too. We also do lots of service projects, such as the school supply kits, conference meals for the teachers, funding field trips, the school play, and 5th grade farewell, to name just a few. We are looking into some new, exciting ideas for this school year (stay tuned for more details!)

Hopefully, this gives you a general picture of what our PTO looks like and how we are different from a PTA. I urge you to check it out first hand on Tuesday, September 3rd at our first meeting. You will not be guilted to be on a committee or sign away hours volunteering. I promise!! No fees and free childcare...what do you have to lose? (See previous post about everything you have to gain!)
-Lori 
 

Hi everyone! I just wanted to share this. Not exactly my words, but I couldn't have said it better! This was taken from an article from school family.com. I thought it was interesting and I hope you will too! 
-Lori

What if you could help your child enjoy school more, get better grades, and reduce behavior problems at the same time? Reams of research has shown that regardless of parents’ income and educational background, their involvement in education helps their kids do better in and out of school.

1. HIGHER GRADES
Kids whose parents are involved in their education get better grades and have higher test scores. And the more parents are involved, the more their children seem to benefit. A study of parents highly involved in the educational process showed that their children were more likely to improve in reading and math.

2. BETTER BEHAVIOR 
Kids develop better social skills and show improved behavior when their parents are involved at school. Studies have also shown that kids are less likely to skip school, less disruptive in class, and more likely to do their homework when their parents are involved. One study showed that when dads are highly involved in schools, their children enjoy school more and are less likely to be suspended, expelled, or required to repeat a grade.

3. IMPROVED EDUCATION
Research shows that parent involvement can help improve the quality of schools, raise teacher morale, and improve a school’s reputation in the community. Involved parents gain the respect of teachers; as a result, teachers have higher expectations of their children. Involvement pays off in the long term, too: Children stay in school longer and are more likely to continue their education after high school.

4. INCREASED CONFIDENCE
When students feel supported at home and school, they develop more positive attitudes about school, have more self-confidence, and place a higher priority on academic achievement. Children of involved parents are more likely to feel that they’re accepted, included, and respected at school.

5. PARENTS BENEFIT, TOO
When parents become involved in their children’s education, they become more comfortable in the school building, gain confidence in their parenting skills, and feel more capable of helping their children learn. They’re also more likely to continue their own education.

Involvement is easy! 
You don’t have to log hundreds of volunteer hours for your child to benefit. Even if you can only volunteer a few hours a year, every little bit counts. If you’re ready to do more, your school’s parent-teacher group (Aurora's PTO) can help you find ways to get involved that fit both your schedule and your interests.
For more of these helpful tips, visit SchoolFamily.com—and help your kids make the most of their school year.

Hello to all who may be reading this! I wanted to take a couple of minutes to introduce myself and our PTO board members for the upcoming school year. My name is Lori Bateman and I'll be your new president for the 2013-2014 school year. My husband, David, and I have 3 kids. My oldest daughter, Elaine, will be in 4th grade, my son, Jack, will be in 1st grade, and my youngest daughter, Grace, is only 2, so she is home with me. We moved to West Fargo in 2011 from St. Petersburg, FL and overall really love it here (well, everything but the winters! Ha!). 

The two things I love most about West Fargo are the people (it's true...you guys are warm and that makes up for those frigid winter temps!) and the schools. In FL, the public schools were not good, so we chose to send Elaine to a private school. So, to be honest, I was a little nervous to make the switch to public. However, my daughter adjusted so well and has had two amazing years at Aurora! As a former educator myself, that tells me a couple of things. First, the teachers and staff at the school have a real passion for educating, and second, parents are involved. It really does make a huge difference in the school when parents are partners in  their child's education. 

I became involved with the PTO during that 1st school year we were here and met some really dedicated moms and dads. I was vice president last year and am absolutely thrilled to be president this year! There are so many awesome opportunities to get plugged into and make a difference in your child's elementary experience. I'll be sharing some of those at our 1st meeting (September 3rd at 7pm in the Library  and as always, free childcare will be provided!). Please come join us and get a preview of what is in store for this school year!

Now enough about me and onto the 3 fabulous ladies I have the privilege to share the board with! Erica Johnson, who is a 2nd grade teacher at Bennett, is our new vice president (also known as "president-elect"). She has wonderful ideas and we are thrilled to have her on the board (I may have twisted her arm just a bit to take the position, but I'm really glad she accepted it!). She has 2 children, Dylan starting 2nd grade and Lydia in preschool. 

Tanya Thompson, who was one of the very first people to befriend me when we first moved here, will be reprising her role as secretary this year. She did an awesome job last year and I am so thankful she's on the board again this year! She has 3 children. Her oldest, Cole, will be starting high school and her twins, Megan and Luke, will be in 4th grade. 

Last, but certainly not least, is Tracy Boehm, our treasurer. She so graciously accepted this position mid-school year while she was 8 months pregnant and did an incredible job (with her newborn right by her side!). I am so happy that she is willing to handle all of our finances again this year!! Besides her baby, she has 3 other children.

When you come to registration, please stop by and meet us at the PTO table (that's also the spot to pick up the school supply kits, if you ordered one). Can't wait to kick off the new school year with you!
-Lori