12 School Days until Thanksgiving Break

Dear Central Families and Friends,

We’ve had an exciting few weeks with Halloween festivities, the kickoff of One Book One School, and fundraising wins. In the past two weeks, we’ve raised over $2,750 through Charleston Wraps and our Dine Out at Chipotle night. We also had 15 parents volunteer to lead Cultural Arts presentations in October and saw some pretty incredible project photos. Thank you to the whole Central community for your help in bringing PTO programs to life!

Only 12 school days until Thanksgiving Break and there’s a lot happening at Central:

• Science Fair is coming up! All participants/teams must register by Nov. 10th

• We hope you’re enjoying week one of reading about Ralph, the star of The Mouse and the Motorcycle! Check the One Book One School website to find the calendar, spirit week themes, and art contest details (projects due by Nov. 19th).

• We’re still looking for volunteers for Roadrunner Book Club and for a few Cultural Arts presentations (4th & 5th grade).

• If you’re looking for ways to support families in our D96 community, consider donating to Riverside Community Garden’s Thanksgiving Fundraiser or Toiletries Drive

• Save the Date for the PTO General Meeting (Nov. 17th), and Dine Out at Portillo’s (Nov. 19th)

Central’s bi-annual Science Fair is coming up on Thursday, December 11th and open to all K-5 students! This is a non-competitive, fun opportunity for our young scientists to design and carry out their own experiment at home using the scientific method. Participants can either work solo or team up with a sibling or friend.

All the important info can be found on the Science Fair website, where you can explore project ideas and learn about the requirements. Participants (or teams) are asked to register by Monday, November 10th.

➡️ 🔬 Register for Science Fair

One Book, One School is Central’s annual school-wide event where families, students, and teachers share their love for reading. This year we’re reading 🐭 The Mouse and the Motorcycle 🏍️ by Beverly Cleary.

Families are encouraged to read the book aloud with their student(s) at home - just one chapter per night. Audiobook recordings, by our very own Central staff members, are available in both English and Spanish!

➡️ Digital Resources are Available:

• Arts Contest: students can create their favorite scene or setting from the book in either 2D or 3D. Projects must be dropped off at the Central Library between Nov. 17th - 19th.

• Nightly discussion questions and activities: available in English, Spanish, or French

• Spirit Week: During the last week of the event, we have daily themes planned to celebrate the adventures of Ralph and the characters from the book.

Looking for ways to get involved at Central? We’re seeking volunteers for two upcoming PTO programs:

🌟 Roadrunner Book Club: In order for the program to run (January - March), we still need a Program Chair and a few more volunteers. Sign up for Book Club!

• Program Chair: Support book clubs from January - March by organizing schedules with volunteers and handling book distribution and collection.

• Volunteers: Lead a weekly one-hour book club (Jan. 19 - Mar. 16) for grades 1st - 5th! Pick your grade and day - we’ll supply the books, guides, and activities.

🎨 Cultural Arts Program: There are just a handful of spots still available for 4th and 5th grade in November and January. Sign up for Cultural Arts!

🖼️ November: Stories in Action

• 4th Grade (Elgeness): Edward Hopper, Nighthawks.

• 5th Grade (Katz): Archibald Motley Jr., Nightlife

🧑‍🎨 January: Portraits

• 4th Grade (Bindon): Elisabeth Vigee Le Brun, Self Portrait

• 5th Grade (Burke and Katz): Artemisia Gentileschi, Self Portrait

Keep an eye out for this bi-weekly newsletter for important updates and also…

• Follow our Facebook page: Central PTO Riverside

• Follow our Instagram account @centralptoboard

• Sign up for Volunteer Opportunities

• Submit photos for the yearbook (ongoing)

🔬 November 10: Science Fair registration deadline

🏫 November 17: PTO General Meeting in the Central library (6:30 - 7:30 PM)

🐭 November 17 - 21: OBOS Spirit Week

🏆 November 17 - 19: OBOS Art Contest Entries Due

🍔 November 20: Spirit Day and Dine Out for Central at Portillo’s

🦃 November 24 - 28: Thanksgiving Break

🔔 Make sure you are following Central PTO for all our events!

• Instagram: @centralptoborad

• Facebook: Central PTO Riverside

• Website