If you resolved to make your life easier in 2011, make ednamaguire.org your one-stop source for school information. Starting today, 1-1-11, bookmark ednamaguire.org and check in frequently!

Posted by Tim Schultz on December 24

Enjoy the holiday.

Posted by Tim Schultz on December 24

Enjoy the holiday.

Posted by Tim Schultz on December 24

Staff from Bug-a-Lugz will concuct lice checks at school for all grade levels. Don't forget to send your child to school on the 4th and 5th with clean, loose hair. Questions, contact Sean Norton at nortoniousbig@hotmail.com

Posted by Tim Schultz on December 24

For just $20, you can relive the incredible events and experiences of this school year every time you open your 2011 yearbook. The deadline for orders is January 31. Absolutely NO orders will be accepted after this date!

• Order online at www.JostensYearbooks.com

• Or bring cash/check to the school office with this order form Make checks payable to Edna   Maguire PTA.

Please Note: If you already ordered a yearbook on the PTA One-Stop Shopping form at the beginning of the year, you do not need to fill out another form.

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on December 22

Fifth Grade
Mrs. O'Connor - T.K Dalke, Ryan Hemmeter
Mr. Sanchez - Ronan Cain, Lilly Fuller
Mrs. Shern - Fergus Campbell, Emma Schultz

Fourth Grade
Mrs. Eshoff - Caden Hollander, Shanzeh Igbal
Mr. Stachon - Luke Affeltrenger, Graci Salcunni
Mrs. Sprague - Eloise Breckbill, Gabriel Reuter

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on December 14

Dear Family,

First, I want to wish you all a fun and relaxing winter break. And thank you for making Edna such a great school! I'd also like to share some exciting news that I believe will make our school even stronger in 2011-- our Student Council is up and running!

The Student Council was formed to give ALL students a voice in determining and promoting school activities. It will organize events such as food drives, spirit days, life skill skits and other activities throughout the year. In addition, the Student Council is committed to fostering a positive culture throughout Edna.

Our leadership team consists of two homeroom representatives from each fourth and fifth grade class (see the list below). But there are many ways for EVERY student to get involved with the council. Fourth and fifth graders can become Conflict Managers. We're also looking for contributing writers for the school newspaper - Eye on Edna. And all students are encouraged to participate in charity causes and to vote for various events.

One of our fifth grade teachers, Mrs. Shern, is coordinating a variety of committees that any fifth grader can sign up for. Examples include advertising/marketing, event coordination, actors/actresses for skits, tutors, and a Geek Technology Squad (to help with classroom technology needs).

The Student Council is currently collecting non-perishable food items for the Marin Food Bank and new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots. The council's goal is to collect 467 food items--one for each Edna student--and 100 toys by Dec. 17. Kids should bring their contributions to their classrooms.

Stay safe and warm!

Regards,

Lisa Zimmer

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on December 14

Winter Spirit Day is coming! It's the last day of school before the holidays, and we're in the mood to celebrate. This year's theme is Winter Wear, so come to class decked out in your favorite woolly scarves, hats, mittens and other cold weather gear. This event is sponsored by the Edna Student Council.

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on December 14

As 2010 comes to an end, we are looking forward to spending time with friends and family and enjoying the spirit of the holidays. We have had a wonderful start to the 2010-2011 school year thanks to all of YOU, the families, teachers and staff of Edna Maguire. Thank you for all of your contributions to our school. Your caring and dedication make this an amazing community to be a part of. We look forward to seeing all of you in January. Have a safe, relaxing and rejuvenating winter break! 

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on December 14

If you love holiday music, you're in for a treat this week. Edna fifth graders will play their instruments at two festive concerts at the MVMS gym. The Fifth Grade Winter Band and Orchestra Concerts take place tonight (December 14) and tomorrow (December 15) at 7 p.m. On Friday, December 17, you're invited to the Holiday Sing featuring our Third and Fourth Grade Chorus. They'll be performing in the multi-purpose room at 11 a.m. It's the perfect send-off to our winter break-- come listen, sing and be merry!

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on December 14

There's still time to make a contribution to The Marin Food Bank and Toys for Tots! Help the Student Council reach its goal of collecting 467 food items--one for each Edna student--and 100 toys by December 17. Students can bring donations of non-perishable food items and new, unwrapped toys to their classrooms or the office.

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on December 14

The Holiday Season brings lots of celebrations with special foods. For some kids, it also brings more exposure to dangerous allergens. Please make sure to bring only nut-free snacks and treats to school holiday parties. And keep in mind that some children also have allergies to foods such as eggs, milk, wheat, crustacean shellfish and soy. The best way to protect kids with allergies is to avoid exposing them to potentially deadly food. Thanks for your cooperation!

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on December 14

Did you know that all of your Amazon.com orders can benefit Edna Maguire? Amazon.com will give 10% of your total purchase back to Edna. Just shop via the Amazon School Rewards logo on ednamaguire.org. Shopping at Book Passage in Corte Madera also supports Edna. Book Passage contributes 5% of all purchases to our library. Just mention Edna to the cashier when you're ready to pay. At the end of each fiscal year, the store sends a gift certificate to our librarian, Lisa Monge, to purchase books for the library. For more information, contact Mari Allen at allenmari@hotmail.com.

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on December 14

Want your child to start the first week back at school in January with tasty, nutritious lunches from Revolution Foods? Then be sure to place your orders by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 29.

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on December 14

"This is really, really hard."
"Wheelchairs are cool!"
"You have to learn a lot when you're blind."
"Can I try on that artificial arm?"

These are just a few of the comments heard from fourth graders as they participated in a disability awareness program brought to Edna Maguire by an organization called A Touch of Understanding. The program encourages acceptance and empathy toward people with disabilities. It also teaches participants to appreciate the differences in all individuals.

For a couple of hours, our fourth graders took a short walk in the shoes of people with disabilities, giving them a glimpse into their daily lives. At a variety of interactive stations, students got to navigate in a wheelchair, walk with a white cane, learn to write Braille, and experience the challenges people with learning disabilities and Autism face. They also listened to inspiring volunteers talk about their disabilities, and had the chance to ask them questions about their lives. It was an exciting morning for the fourth graders, one they'll remember long after they slipped off those shoes.

See more pictures.

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on December 14

Edna's PTA and ITAV are pleased to kick off the new year with an enlightening talk by Dr. Devora Depper. Speaking at the Mill Valley Community Center from 7 to 8:30 p.m., she'll discuss how home structure can be the key to greater success for children struggling with ADHD/ADD, which in turn can reduce stress for the whole family. Dr. Depper has treated kids and adolescents with ADHD for more than 30 years; she is also an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychology at UCSF. For more information, contact Marianne Shine at marianne@bssp.com or go to www.itavmv.org.

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on December 14

The Fourth Grade Gardening Day is Sunday, January 9, from 2 to 4 p.m. It's YOUR turn to get a little dirt under your nails and help the garden get through winter. Get the new year off to a great start with a fun afternoon that includes a scavenger hunt with prizes, plus snacks and drinks from Whole Foods.

And don't forget THE GARDEN CONTEST! The sponsoring grade with the biggest turnout of students for their Garden Work Day wins a party--either pizza or ice cream-- at the end of the year. So tell your friends (especially your fellow fourth graders), bring your family and spend a great afternoon in the garden. As always, all other grades are welcome. Contact Saor Stetler (sstetler@earthlink.net) for more information.

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on December 14

Shop Locally this Holiday Season
We appreciate our Kiddo! Business Partners for helping us all year long. Now we can support them by shopping locally during the holiday season. Click here for a wonderful list of holiday shopping ideas from our Kiddo! Business Partners.

Kiddo! December Newsletter
There are a myriad of Kiddo! music performances in December. Check out the December issue of our newsletter for the complete schedule. You'll also find information on the 2010-11 Teacher Mini-grant Awards and much, much more. 

Wanted: Auction Items for Kiddo! Spring Gala!
Mark your calendars for the Kiddo! Spring Gala, March 12, 2011. This first-class party will be held at the Mill Valley Community Center. Enjoy a fun night of superb food, excellent live music, dancing, and socializing with friends from all over town.

You can also purchase extraordinary products and services through our silent, live and on-line auctions. All proceeds benefit Kiddo! The auction committee is seeking YOUR best ideas for our live and silent auctions. Dinner parties, hotels and restaurants, weekend getaways, and wine are all popular items. More specific auction item information will be included in the January newsletter. If you would like to make an auction item contribution, you can download the auction donation form at www.kiddo.org. Thank you, and see you at the Spring Gala!
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Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on December 14

December Story & Craft Programs - Want to listen to seasonal stories, make stuff, and have holiday fun at the library? Kids of all ages are invited to drop by the Creekside Room on Wednesdays in December from 3:00 - 4:30 pm. Join us on December 15 when we'll be creating festive ornaments. Check our online calendar for program details. (All ages, no sign-up needed.) 

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on December 14

Students in third through eighth grade are invited to participate in the Youth Christmas Bird Count (YCBC), hosted by the Richardson Bay Audubon Center. This fun and educational event will give aspiring young birders and outdoor enthusiasts an opportunity to contribute to conservation while they learn. Working in small teams with experienced birders, they'll collect data that will be entered into eBird, an international database of bird sightings. 

This event is FREE, but you must register in advance. Go to http://www.tiburonaudubon.org/edu-youth-cbc.php to dowload a registration forms. For more information about the YCBC, go to our website, http://richardsonbay.audubon.org or contact Andrew Frostholm at (415) 388-2524 x103 or afrostholm@audubon.org.

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on December 14

Friday, December 17 is Winter Spirit Day! It's the last day of school before the holidays, and we're in the mood to celebrate. This year's theme is Winter Wear, so come to class decked out in your favorite woolly scarves, hats, mittens and other cold weather gear. This event is sponsored by the Edna Student Council.

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on December 9

For more information please visit kiddo.org.

Posted by Tim Schultz on December 8

For more information please visit kiddo.org.

Posted by Tim Schultz on December 8

Parents of prospective Edna Maguire Kindergarten students may sign up for a tour of the school with Leslie Fielder in the Edna Maguire School office. Future tour dates are: January 6, 13, 20 and 27

Posted by Tim Schultz on December 8

Edna Maguire Students will welcome the holiday season with song in the multipurpose room at 11 am on Dec. 17. All families are welcome to come and listen to them SING!

Posted by Tim Schultz on December 8

The 4th & 5th graders kicked up their heels and had a roaring good time! Thanks to Mr. Scofield for his dedication to our students.


View some pictures of the event here:

Posted by Tim Schultz on December 6

Not even rain could keep our budding medical scientists home... Family Science Night had a record turnout and fun was had by all! A HUGE thank you goes to Lisa Zimmer and her cadre of "Doctors" for making this event happen.


View some pictures of the evening here:

Posted by Tim Schultz on December 6

Edna Maguire tied with Coleman School to win the Early Bird SchoolPool award from Kaiser. We received a prize of $250, which was presented to Lisa Zimmer by Laura Kelly of Safe Routes to Schools on Friday, December 3, 2010.

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on December 3

Bundle up! There's nothing like a brisk walk or bike ride on a chilly day to help your family get into the holiday spirit. It's a great time of year to set up a routine with your child to walk or bike to school at least once a week. 

We encourage EVERYONE to walk or bike to school on Wednesday, December 8. Joining  the Edna Maguire Walking and Rolling School Bus at the Community Center is a fun way to do it. The "bus" leaves at 8 a.m. sharp, so don't be late!

When you get to school, be sure to stop by the Safe Routes Welcome Table for some nutritious goodies from Cliff Bar. For more information, please contact Rhonda Campbell at Rhonda@kcfilm.net or Lisa Gilmore at lisa.gilmore88@gmail.com. To learn more about Safe Routes to Schools, go to www.saferoutestoschools.org.

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on December 3