ZEN FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 13

UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES

Saturday, Jan. 14

 Reflections art reception

2 – 5 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 16

MLK Day (no school)

Saturday, Jan. 21

Alamo Drafthouse Zilker fundraiser

11 a.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 24

KINDER CAMP 2012

Thursday, Jan. 26

Science Fair

(Volunteers needed)

Thursday, Feb. 9, 5-8 p.m.

Zilker Library Book Fair Family night

(Volunteers needed)

IN THIS ISSUE

• Reflections winners to be honored at Saturday reception
• Zilker movie fundraiser coming up
• Science Fair and Book Fair volunteers needed
• Campus beautification projects unveiled
• KINDER CAMP coming soon
• Mentors needed
• Recycling fundraiser continues
• 2013-14 AISD Calendar survey available

SATURDAY RECEPTION TO HONOR REFLECTIONS ARTS WINNERS

Congratulations to Zilker students River Blue Ansah, Savanna Long, Madeleina Shear and Castle Smouse. whose PTA Reflections’ “Diversity means…” entries all advanced to council-level judging!

Madeleina Shear’s entry "Rainbow" received an Honorable Mention in the primary level visual arts category and will advance to the state-level competition. All council-level participants will receive a trophy, and those advancing to the state level also receive a medal.

These students’ work will be on display, along with over 230 other finalists' art, this Saturday, Jan. 14, 2 – 5 p.m. at the ACPTA Reflections Awards Reception at Vuka Co-op (formerly AAMP), 411 West Monroe. You are invited to come support the arts and AISD’s talented students. A special thank you goes to our panel of council-level judges (Zilker Arts in Education Committee members and other parents working in the arts), who helped select the 54 entries that will advance to the state-level competition.

The 2012 Reflections competition will be next fall. The theme will be  “The magic of a moment….”

 

ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE TO HOST ZILKER FUNDRAISER NEXT SATURDAY

Join your Zilker pals to watch Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs next Saturday, Jan. 21, at 11 a.m. Enjoy a great family film and help raise money for Zilker activities. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children under 12, and our school will receive nearly 100 percent of proceeds from ticket sales! You can purchase tickets in advance at this link (http://drafthouse.com/movies/zilker_elementary_gets_schooled/austin)

or at the door (if still available). This is a one-time, first-come, first-served event. (NOTE: Thanks to parents who notified the ZEN that the link didn’t offer the kids’ price last week. This has been resolved.)

Volunteer opportunities for SCIENCE FAIR AND BOOK FAIR

·      SCIENCE FAIR

Thursday, Jan. 26

The Zilker Science Fair – where our aspiring scientists and other curious kids will share what they’ve learned from recent research and experimentation – will be Thursday, Jan. 26. Projects are due to the school by Jan. 25, and volunteers are needed to help set up and break down the science showcase of science.

 

LIBRARY BOOK FAIR

Wednesday – Friday, Feb. 8-10, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Family Night on Thursday, Feb. 9, 5 – 8 p.m.

The annual Zilker Library Book Fair is set, and we couldn't do it without the support of a cadre of volunteers. Help is needed during the day and after school Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Feb. 8-10, and on Family Night, Feb. 9. Helpers serve as cashiers, assist students in selection, and help set up and break down the fair. There are plenty of shifts available, so please consider helping out for a few hours.

 

If you can help with either or both of these events, please contact Daniella Sadeh at danisadeh@gmail.com or (972) 273-0808.

SEE NEW CAMPUS BEAUTIFICATION PROJECTS

The Arts in Education Committee just completed two new beautification projects on the 5th grade/music hallway. Danny Kent, with his cool wrap-around tree benches design, created an inviting sitting area on the 5th grade courtyard. Andrea Ewen, former AinE Committee co-chair, just unveiled her beautiful music-themed mosaic, which is on display next to the music room.

Images of both projects are attached, but please take time to enjoy them in person. Your Arts in Education Committee invites everyone to care for and enjoy these works!

 

PROSPECTIVE ZILKERITES INVITED TO KINDER CAMP

Children who will be Zilker kindergartners next fall are invited to a trial run at KINDER CAMP on Tuesday, Jan. 24. See the attached flier for more information about this special kindergarten preview event! Please help spread the word.

MENTORS NEEDED FOR ZILKER STUDENTS

Zilker needs mentors, especially men to work with male students. Qualified volunteers would meet with their partner students weekly for about half an hour. Austin Partners in Education will provide a brief one-hour training to get you started. If you are interested, please contact Zilker counselor Stacey Feldman at Stacey.Feldman@austinisd.org or call her at (512) 414-3318.

 

DONATE USED ELECTRONICS AND JEWELRY; HELP SUPPORT ZILKER PTA

Zilker PTA's recycling fundraiser continues. There’s nothing to buy. Simply donate used consumer electronics and unwanted, broken or mismatched jewelry. Your used item(s) may be tax deductible and will be recycled according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. These items can also be collected from businesses. ALL proceeds will help fund enrichment programs and activities.

We are collecting the following items:

·      Cell phones, laptop computers, inkjet cartridges, MP3 players

·      Digital cameras, digital video cameras, handheld game systems

·      Radar detectors, electronic book readers, GPS devices

·      Gold, silver and platinum jewelry

Please drop off your recyclable items at the blue bin by the school office. If you need more information or know of a local business or an employer who might be interested in supporting the school by collecting these items, please contact Daniella Sadeh at danisadeh@gmail.com or at (972) 273-0808. Sponsors will receive a free shipping box and a tax-deductible donation form. Thanks for your support!

 

PARENT FEEDBACK SOUGHT ON AISD 2013-14 DRAFT CALENDARS

Although the 2012-13 Austin ISD calendar was approved in November 2011, it already is time to think about the 2013-14 academic calendar. Four draft versions and a survey are available at this link (http://archive.austinisd.org/inside/initiatives/calendar_planning/).

KEEP UP WITH ZILKER ON FACEBOOK

The ZEN will continue to provide weekly updates to members of Zilker PTA’s Google group (zilkerpta@googlegroups.com), but you also can keep up with Zilker happenings on Facebook. If you are on Facebook, please "like" Friends of Zilker Elementary. You will receive regular updates on school events, fundraisers and any other school-related activities.

ONLINE RETAIL FUNDRAISER CONTINUES

Although holiday shopping is over, online shoppers can continue to help Zilker Elementary by using furtal. Go first to www.furtal.com/school/Zilker-Elementary-PTA, then choose your retailer. The amount the school receives from your purchase varies by retailer, but it all adds up over time!