Dear Parents and Guardians,

With the recent outbreak of swine influenza cases in both Mexico and the U.S. it is important for everyone to be aware of the symptoms of flu and methods to prevent the spread of the flu virus.

First and foremost, the best way to stop the spread of disease is prevention. Try to stay in good general health, get plenty of sleep, eat nutritious food and drink plenty of fluids. Pay special attention to the following five points:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of tissue once it has been used.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol based hand cleaners are also effective when hand-washing is not an option.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick with flu, stay home from work or school, and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Take extra precautions with commonly-touched surfaces at home, including door handles, telephones, and faucets when cleaning.

Symptoms of Swine influenza are similar to regular human flu and include, fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue.

For more information, go to www.cde.ga.gove/148645 or www.busd.org

Sincerely,

Debbie Ginnetti

Dads, grandpas, uncles and friends of our Stevenson students enjoyed breakfast at school! Stevenson’s volunteers helped serve hot coffee & bagels.

What!?? No hot coffee!?? No Decaf? No hot water for cocoa!?? We blew a circuit and there’s NO FIREMEN!!??!!!

Yes, when faced with some unexpected surprises, our annual “Muffins With Moms” seemed to be doomed for disaster. With technical problems and a “no show” on the talent (they must have had an alarm to answer),
the Dads who had put the affair together thought they were sunk. But, lo and behold, nary a complaint was heard! Smiling faces all around! Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves! And the reason why – YOU didn’t
let the long lines and limited refreshments get in your way. You are a wonderful, gracious group of Ladies who seemed quite happy to be there with your families and friends. And for THAT we (the Dads) thank you!

See you next year!

The Wellness Committee launched its second lunchtime softball season with an Opening Day game on April 10. Principal Ginnetti was on hand to throw out the first pitch and offer coaching to the many students who showed up ready to play! Other VIP appearances included Ms. Goulding, Ms. Flores and even Mr. Blank who foiled the defense with a well-executed bunt down the third base line. (Rumor has it he turned down an invitation to the Dodgers spring training camp in 2003 because it conflicted with his previous commitment to Outdoor Science School.

Special thanks to our newest coach, Wendy Pennings, for keeping the dugout running smoothly and to ace pitcher Jena Van Loo for relieving Miss Ginnetti and going the distance until the final bell. Coach Jason rested this game but came back and pitched solidly in game 2. We are always grateful to have two such talented pitchers on our roster! While you all know that I am more than capable of writing a thousand words, I thought it best to let these pictures tell the story of this great day!

Paul Bond
Chairman
Wellness Committee…. since 2006

It’s hard to believe that we are coming to the end of our second year of the Time Travelers program at Robert Louis Stevenson. In the past two years, the collective efforts of some great parents have allowed our Stevenson students to meet Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, Captain William Clark and Sacagawea so far, with rumors of another traveler heading our way near the end of the school year. I will be forever grateful to Nancy Malone for stepping up at the very beginning and agreeing to be our Costumer. Sincere thanks to Miss Ginnetti, Joyce, Deidre and Bev in the office for coordinating times with the classrooms and copying assorted printed materials. A big thank you to Oscar as well for his help with setting up the facilities for our use.

I would also like to thank the following parents for the special role they played in bringing this program to life at our school: Mike Malone, Felix Chamberlain, Tom Katsis, Jason Burks, De Eldrige, Waltona Manion, Kate Cannon and Jim Lane. Finally, special thanks to all of the teachers and our very informed students who consistently asked great questions and made our Time Travelers feel at home in our school.

While I have been approached by several parents who have expressed an interest in getting involved with the Time Travelers program, a new Team Leader will need to be selected to ensure that the program continues to run smoothly next year. Now is the time for any interested parents to contact me so that they can shadow the team during the production of our final Time Travelers event this May. I can be reached at 818-331-8945.

Paul Bond
Time Travelers Team Leader

By Jennifer Jesperson

I wonder if Earth Day will ever be an actual holiday? It’s probably unlikely, but I like the thought of it.

Here are some really easy ways to Be Green! Some of these tips can even help you save money!

1. Turn off unneeded lights, even when leaving a room for a short time.
2. Once your cell phone is charged, unplug it from the charger!
3. Set your refrigerator temperature at 36-38 and your freezer at 0-5.
4. When using an oven, try not to open the over door more than necessary.
5. Unplug seldom-used appliances.
6. Purchase appliances and office equipment with the Energy Star Label.
7. Turn down or shut off your water heater when you will be away for extended periods.
8. Use electric appliances only when you need them.
9. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs to save money and energy.
10. Shut off electrical equipment in the office when you leave work.
11. Replace old windows with energy efficient ones.
12. Use cold water instead of warm or hot water when possible.
13. Buy green electricity – electricity produced by low- or zero-pollution facilities.
14. Eliminate mercury from your home by purchasing items without mercury, and dispose of items containing mercury (e.g. old thermometers) at an appropriate drop-off facility.
15. Learn about alternatives to household cleaning items that do not use hazardous chemicals.
16. Review labels of household cleaners you use. Consider alternatives like baking soda, scouring pads, and water.
17. Use traps instead of rat and mouse poisons and insect killers.
18. Have your home tested for radon.
19. Minimize pesticide use.
20. Turn off computers and other appliances when not in use.
21. Copy and print on both sides of paper.
22. Reuse items like envelopes, folders and paper clips.
23. Use e-mail instead of paper correspondence.
24. Use recycled paper.
25. Use discarded paper for scrap paper.
26. Encourage your school and/or company to print documents with less toxic soy-based inks.
27. Telecommute!
28. Purchase radial tires and keep them properly inflated for your vehicle.
29. Walk or ride your bike instead of driving whenever possible.
30. Join a carpool to get to work.
31. Check and fix any water leaks.
32. Install water-saving devices on your faucets and toilets.
33. Don’t wash dishes with the water running continuously.
34. Install a low-flow shower head.
35. Replace old toilets with new ones that use less water.
36. Avoid products with several layers of packaging when only one is sufficient.
37. Use reusable plates and utensils instead of disposable ones.
38. Use reusable containers to store food instead of aluminum foil and wrap.
39. hop with a canvas bag instead of using paper and plastic bags.
40. Buy rechargeable batteries for devices used frequently.

Happy Earth Day everyone!

If you are interested to become part of Stevenson’s Green Team for the 2009-2010 school year:

Green Team Sign Up Form