Dear Parents,
Reading, writing, and …social skills? Getting along with others might not be an official part of the school curriculum, but it’s an important part of school and life.

Having friends makes school more fun and encourages kids to share, cooperate, and solve problems. Use these ideas to help your child make and keep friends.

Role-play. At home, set up situations that your child will encounter on the playground. For example, if he/she finds it hard to approach other children, try this: Toss a ball with your spouse or other child. Have your child ask, “Can I play catch with you guys?” Encourage him/her to look one person in the eye, rather than addressing the group.
Share activities. Help your child find friends with similar interests. If he/she is interested in gymnastics, look for someone he/she knows who is signing up. Take them to the first class together, and share a snack afterward. If your child likes computers, encourage him/her to join a computer class with him/her.
Try groups. Children sometimes struggle at playing with more than one person at a time. Your child can practice by inviting three friends over. Suggest an activity, such as four square or a board game, where everyone participates. Your child will see how much fun it can be to play with several friends rather than just one.

(Adapted from Home & School Connection, November 2007)

Debbie Ginnetti, Principal


Dear Stevenson Families,

Spring is here and Families for Stevenson is in full swing preparing for Stevenson Rocks! which will be held on Friday, May 4th from 5 to 9 p.m. This annual event includesgreat music, games, food, an amazing silent auction, opportunity draws and a classic car show. If you or your business is interested in becoming a sponsor or donating items to our silent auction, please contact Karen Gainer at gainerkaren@gmail.com or Shelby Bowne at shelbybowne@hotmail.com. We hope to see you all there.

The 10 week art instruction program sponsored by Families for Stevenson is jus finishing up. We would like to thank to our fantastic art teacher Mrs. Barbara Eisner for making art fun and educational for our students.

Recently, Families for Stevenson added another new affordable after school enrichment program called Circus Skills. This 8 week class is taught by Donna Wood-Babcock who has performed and/or taught circus skills for Cirque du Soleil, Ringling Bros., Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm. Students are being introduced to plate spinning, juggling, feather balancing, clown skills, hula hoop tricks and much, much more.

Thank you to all our parents, teachers, staff and community partners for your continued support of arts education at Stevenson Elementary.
Talent Show 2012

Thank you!
Emma Clarkson Co-President, FFS emma@familiesforstevenson.org
Renee Kregler Co-President, FFS renee@familiesforstevenson.org

You probably think I’m crazy talking about the school year ending … but the last 9 weeks always seem to fly by for me! And PTA has some great things planned to help ease us all into spring and summer. Check out this line-up:

•Special Breakfasts for Dads and Moms
•Science Fair
•Green Week
•Stevenson Staff Appreciation Week
•Spring All School Picnic
•5th Grade Field Day
•5th Grade Promotion

And I have a feeling, given our great Stevenson community, that we’ll have a few more fun things tossed into that mix. Enjoy the countdown to summer vacation and enjoy all the wonderful opportunities Stevenson has to offer you and your child!

Jessica Good – PTA President