2007-08 Program and Support

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PROGRAMS:

Art Masters

A hands-on art experience classrooms participate in four-five times per year. A local artist works with the children introducing them to everyone from Monet to Van Gogh to Frank Lloyd Wright, teaching them about the particular “master” artist and his/her techniques. Lecture and workshop is included in the studies.

Field Trips

Each grade level participates in a PTA sponsored field trip. PTA pays $10/child to help offset field trip costs to the Ocean Institute, Mission San Jan Capistrano, the Flower Fields in Carlsbad, and various additional educational venues.

Imagination Machine

Artistic quality and innovative creativity combine in a fast-paced and entertaining format designed to unlock the wonderful world of creative writing. K-5 children learn powerful techniques to get started in creative writing, developing characters, plot lines and settings through unique theatre games. Student’s writing skills are improved through engaging theatre games that show them the importance of the rewrite through thinking outside the box, playing with genres, playing with choices and exploring and heightening their possibilities.

Kindergarten Puppet Show

Standards based puppet show for Kindergarteners in lieu of field trips.

Music

Truman Benedict PTA augments a CUSD music grant allowing K-3 music instruction with a credentialed music instructor. Due to the importance parents at our school place on arts, PTA voted to increase and fund time offered to students for instruction.

Red Ribbon Week

Truman participates in the CUSD Red Ribbon Week each fall. The week is full of anti-alcohol, tobacco and other drug activities messages and activities. Truman’s children are also invited to march in the Red Ribbon Parade down Del Mar as a culmination of the week’s activities.

Reflections

The National PTA Reflections program is an art recognition and achievement program for students. All students are invited to participate and express themselves through dance, art, photography, etc. We culminate the week’s events by having an “Art Gallery Walk” at Truman’s Multi-purpose room so that parents can enjoy the creative talents Truman has.

Walk to School Week

Walking to school promotes physical activity, community awareness and cohesiveness, reduced traffic congestion and pollution, and overall well being. All students are invited to walk on International Walk to School Day with raffles and discussion on importance of physical well-being offered. In addition, TB PTA sponsors a Walk to School day each month.

Traveling Scientist

This program provides a hands-on opportunity for students in grades K through 5 to develop an awareness and

appreciation of science concepts.  The program is tied to grade level science standards

Walk in My Shoes

Children have the opportunity over a two day period to experience what it feels like to live with physical or developmental delay (such as learning disabilities; i.e. autism, dyslexia, etc.) There are hands on activities. Children go through five stations to experience everything from dyslexia to blindness. In addition there are guest speakers who discuss living with disabilities and how they overcome them.

CLASSROOM / SCHOOL ASSISTANCE

Call Attendance Line

If you’ve ever called your child in sick, you are aware of the “Call In” attendance line. The PTA pays for this service to be offered our parents and administration.

Computer Lab

In 2006 – 2007 Truman Benedict PTA purchased / leased new computers for our computer lab. The computer lab offers a variety of important training to all students on the usage of computers, the internet, and presentation skills. PTA continues to pay for the lease and set aside funds each year to update equipment.

Kiln and Supplies

Truman is blessed to have its own Kiln and Alice Waldo, our resident instructor, who at the age of 90, continues to introduce and instruct our children in the creative art of clay. PTA pays for kiln maintenance and all supplies for this unique program.

Library

Books are always in need, so PTA purchases books for the library partially through funds received by hosting two Book Fair’s per year. In addition, PTA pays for a Library Aid two days per week for the school library.

PE Equipment / Support

In the 2007 – 2008 school year, Truman Benedict will be assisting Physical Education with anything from additional supplies to instruction on site. With healthy lifestyles being emphasized in nutrition and activity, Truman Benedict PTA felt this would be a valuable asset to offer the school.

Teacher Supplies

At the beginning of each school year, the PTA gives each classroom teacher funds to help him/her prepare the classroom and purchase supplies.

Technology

Truman PTA assists in funding technology needs of the school including printers, DVD’s, copier supplies and volunteers to copy all teacher materials among various other needs.

Scholastic News

Your child comes home with a Scholastic News newspaper / magazine with interesting information on countries, jungle animals, nutrition, and many more educational topics. Guess who made that possible? Yes, the PTA pays for each child to receive Scholastic News for the year.