: : : Weekly Newsletter for May 16, 2012 : : :

West End News

Spring Dance Volunteers Needed
The West End Spring Dance is this Friday, May 18. 5th/6th grade will be from 4:00-5:30 and the 7th/8th grade will be from 6:00-7:30. This is NOT a formal dance of any kind, just regular school clothes are fine! The concession stand will be open for both dances, and photos will be available for $1. Please be certain to pick-up your child on time to avoid exclusions from future dances next school year.

We are still in need of chaperones. If you are able to volunteer some time, please click the link here and sign up. Thank you!

Teacher Appreciation Week a Success!
Thanks to Susan Trotman and Renee Todd for organizing a festive and much appreciated Teacher Appreciation Week!  We also want to thank all the parents who provided food throughout the week and who helped with set up and clean up!

Field Days at West End
Parents, we need your help.  If you are able to donate fruit on either date below, please contact Julie Prince at prince8809@bellsouth.net.  We could use sliced oranges, but any fruit such as bananas, or watermelon, will be appreciated. Also, on Friday, May 18, we could also use a few extra parent volunteers to help keep our water stations supplied.
 
May 17 – 7th Grade – International Games! 
(7th Grade parents - need sliced fruit)
May 18 – School-wide Field Day 
(all parents – volunteers and orange slices)

FREE Computer Programming Event for Students
Scratch is a great introduction to computer programming, and Scratch Day is a great introduction to Scratch!  West End's own Design/Tech club will be hosting Scratch Day Nashville this Saturday, May 19, from 1:00 to 4:00 in the computer lab. All ages and experience levels are welcome at this free event. For more information: http://day.scratch.mit.edu/event/483

7th/8th Grade Spring 2013 Trip Registration Extended
If you plan on taking the 7th & 8th Grade school-sponsored trip next year to Washington, D.C., this is a reminder for you to send in your $99 registration fee by June 6, 2012!  The total cost of the trip is $898, which includes the $99 registration fee. Register online at:  www.worldstrides.org/register by June 6, 2012 or call WorldStrides Customer Service at 1-800-468-5899 and use Trip ID 79433.

A parent meeting will be held on May 23, 5:00 p.m. in Ms. Daniel's room, B-01 (in the basement). Please make plans to attend this meeting to get all the details about this exciting trip.
 
Trip dates: March 18-22, 2013. High school credit is available!
Contact Ms. Daniels at Sonya.Daniels@mnps.org for more information.

Time is Running Out!
Take this exciting opportunity to engage your family and our community by hosting a student from Spain, ages 13-17. These students are traveling from various cities in Spain to live in Nashville, June 29-July 26. There are only three boys and two girls left to be placed!  We are looking for a caring family that will provide transportation to and from West End Middle School, a bed for them to sleep, and a place to enjoy a home away from home. The students from Spain speak English and need more experience within your home to practice speaking and understanding the language as well as our culture. This experience can lead to lifelong friendships and can enrich an international child’s life as well as your families. They are allowed to go out of town with your family on vacation if you are planning a trip during that time. Please participate in this IB experience!  Contact Catherine Sakarapanee if your family or a family in our community could host one student at Catherine.sakarapanee@mnps.org, chatty_cat77@yahoo.com, or 615-429-3219

Box Tops Marketplace
Box Tops for Education has added many new stores to the Marketplace!  If you shop online, consider visiting the Box Tops Marketplace and help earn Box Tops for West End!  Check out the Marketplace here. Remember to collect Box Tops all summer long!

West Wear Sale!
ALL FALL WEST WEAR is on sale now until the end of school. Long sleeve shirts are $10, hoodies are $20. Also, we have a limited number of new short sleeve shirts in. Stock up now for next year!

WEXP Accepting Students for Next Fall
WEXP is now accepting registration for the next school year 2012-2013. Registration fee is $50 for before and aftercare and $25 for drop-in. For more information please contact Ms. Jenine by email wexp_wems@yahoo.com.

Cluster News

Attention all Burro-Bound 8th Graders!
All Things Burro (the Hillsboro Bookstore) is having a special sale just for rising 9th graders! During the entire month of May, all short and long sleeve t-shirts will be Buy One, Get One at 1/2 Price while supplies last! The store is open every weekday from 6:50-7:10 and 10:15-12:30, so drop by before school or send your mom or dad by during lunch. Remember, you can wear all of our Burro Spiritwear to school next year!
 
Visit the Veggie Stand
Now open! Support the Veggie Stand on Glen Echo across from the post office.  Hillsboro PTSO benefits financially from the Veggie Stand, so buy your vegetables and flowers from them this season. Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. til 6:00 p.m. seven days a week.

Other News

Metro Summer Band Camp
MNPS offers a summer band camp for 5th-8th grade middle school students. The camp runs Monday, June 18 - Thursday, June 28, 2012 at Croft Middle School. To learn more, download the registration form here.