Sunday Scoop, February 1 edition-- Winter break, the remix

Hello Bushy Park families! 

Welp, what a week it’s been!   

No school, no morning scramble, no lunches to pack at zero-dark-thirty. Whether you’re channeling your inner Olaf to enjoy warm hugs while praying for all the frozen things to make way for summer, or pulling an Elsa and just letting it go while the kids marked the days with endless snacks (seriously, how do they consume so many?!) and screen time, I wanted to pause and check in on you.  I hope this break offered even a small moment to breathe, reset, or do something just for yourself (even if that something was finishing a cup of coffee while it was still warm).

With the pause in the school calendar, it also feels like a good moment to reflect on just how much this community, and your PTA, has already accomplished this year. From events that brought us together, to support for our teachers and staff, to behind-the-scenes work that keeps things running smoothly, so much has happened because parents showed up, volunteered, donated, planned, cheered, and cared. On this same note, 3 big cheers for Mr. Greg (C), Ms. Sharon, Ms. Belinda, and Mr. Greg (R) for taking such good care of our school while we were all snowed in at home.

At the beginning of the year, your PTA board reaffirmed their commitment to community, pledging to curate events that focus more on connection.  With our families, with each other, and with the greater Western Hoco Community.  Revising our back-to-school picnic into a community night allowed our local scouts to earn badges supported by many community organizations.  With the support of LiveGreenHoward and Rec and Parks, we planted nearly 100 native trees on our property between the fourth and fifth grades.  The revamped Bushy Bear Dash was our most successful fundraiser in the last 4 years and allowed us to welcome local community partners and businesses to share in our love of BPES.  This reminds me to start training for the extra-fun-run again!

We increased PTA membership by 23% over last year, increasing teacher/staff participation by an astounding 420% over last year!  We have been intentional about the amount of information we send, both scaling back and saving paper by using double sided copies, and by increasing our clear and transparent communications with the weekly Sunday Scoop (TM pending, ha).  We have overhauled our website and social media presences to make it easier for you to get the news that is meaningful to you in ways you want to engage.

None of this happens by accident. It happens because parents volunteer, teachers partner, families show up, and this community believes that Together we Shine.  But we’re not done yet!  There’s more on the horizon and we can’t wait to share what’s coming next.

• Because we know the kids are asking, PBIS has rescheduled Bushy Boutique to this Friday, Feb 6.  The PTA has also partnered with the PBIS team to provide skinny pop popcorn to all students for the school-wide reward of movie and lunch.  Please see ingredients on the company’s website and reach out to your child’s teacher or the office if you would prefer to opt out or provide something different for your child for any reason.

• Sweetheart Dance- Friday February 6.  Please RSVP as space is limited, or volunteer.

• PTA Meeting, rescheduled to February 10 because of the weather.  Hybrid as usual, more details to come on the reschedule of the 100 day photo safari the PTA will be sponsoring.

• Sound Bowl, Parent’s Night Out. Destress after both winter breaks with us here, hosted by BPES' own Lauren Reagle.

• Science Fair—occurs during the school day, register your project or volunteer.

• STEM Night –evening event on February 27, you can view science fair projects, engage with local STEM organizations, and a special presentation from “The Science Guys”.

• The Return of Bushy Blooms is right around the corner, and this year we are pairing it with a spring cleaning yard sale.  If you are interested in having a table to tot-swap your kids stuff, or know any businesses that may want to be included as vendors, please let us know your interest and stay tuned for details.  Information on the Blooms will be coming later this month.

Thank you all for your time, your trust, and—if you’re still here—for reading this email all the way to the end.  Here’s to a fresh week, a gentle restart, and remembering that you’re doing a great job.

Aly Schwartzbauer