ZEN Email Newsletter

ZEN FOR THE WEEK ENDING APRIL 13, 2012

Dan Preston — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 13:59:47 +0000

*UPCOMING EVENTS AND IMPORTANT DATES*

* *

*Saturday, April 14, Noon – 4 p.m. *

*Zilker Coffee House* *and Student Art Show*

Zilker Café (AKA the cafeteria)

NOTE: PTA officer elections early in the program (between 4th and 5th acts)

* *

*Friday, April 27*

*Spring Fling*

Gibson (1109 S. Lamar)

*(Donations and volunteers needed now!)*

* *

*Saturday, May 5, 10 a.m.*

Zilker Pet Parade

*IN THIS ISSUE*

PTA Board elections

Coffee House volunteers needed!

Spring Fling donations needed

Spanish Update

AISD Parent Survey

And more!

* *

*ZILKER 2012-13 BOARD ELECTIONS THIS SATURDAY*

Early in this weekend’s Coffee House program, the Zilker PTA will ask
members to choose leaders for the next school year. The nominating
committee plans to present the following ballot of nominees for
consideration by the membership:

President – Akua Woolbright

Vice President, programs – Jacquie Benastante

Vice President, membership – Susan Terrell

Vice President, volunteer recruitment – Charlotte Cotera

Treasurer – Yael Ouzillou

Secretary – Amy Spiro

* *

*COFFEE HOUSE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – THE SHOW CAN’T GO ON UNLESS WE HAVE YOUR
HELP.*

Show your support of Zilker’s finest performers by volunteering at Coffee
House. Help is needed with donations, concessions, stage assistance and
clean up. To volunteer, please contact Daniella Sadeh danisa...@gmail.com,
(972) 273-0808.

* *

Be sure to attend coffee house and support our performers. This year we
will have various food vendors *so bring cash and dine on something divine
and support these local businesses — a portion of the proceeds will go to
the PTA.* Food vendors include: Austin Pizza; Indian dishes (chicken AND
vegetarian) provided by Naan Stop; and coffee, cold drinks, and sweets
provided by Quantum Coffee.

*DONATIONS AND VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SPRING FLING*

The beautiful weather, butterflies and wildflowers are all signs that
Spring Fling is right around the corner. This is — by far — the PTA’s
biggest fundraiser all year, and many of the technology supplies that
enhance your child’s Zilker educational experience are there because of the
success of previous Spring Fling events. April 27 will be here before you
know it, so please consider donating an item or service, or call contacts
who have or have not donated in the past. All types of donations — from
meals to massages to masterpieces — are needed to make this event a
success. No donation is too large or too small. If you have questions or
can help solicit donations, please contact Jacquie Benestante,
jacquie...@gmail.com. If you have time to help in other ways to make this
the best Spring Fling ever, please contact Daniella Sadeh,
danisa...@gmail.com. Already have a donation to contribute? Please turn it
in to your child’s teacher or room parent. Want to keep up? Check out the
Spring Fling blog athttp://zilkerspringfling.blogspot.com/.

*2ND ANNUAL ZILKER ELEMENTARY PET PARADE!*

*Saturday, May 5, 10 a.m., Zilker school track*

Does your family have a favorite pet — an unusual one, a talented one? Show
it off at the 2nd Annual Zilker Elementary Pet Parade! Back by popular
demand, this old-fashioned, free, kid-driven event is fun for participants
and observers alike. All neighborhood children are invited to parade their
pets around the school track. All types and sizes of animals are welcome,
as are costumes and tricks. Kids without animals can bring instruments or
wear costumes and help lead the parade.

*SPANISH UPDATE*

*UT Spanish Poetry Contest*

Please send wishes of good luck to about a dozen Zilker children who will
compete on April 14 at the Poetry Declamation Contest sponsored by UT’s
Dept of Spanish and Portuguese. They will wear their Zilker T-shirts with
Panther Pride.

*Cinco De Mayo*

Be on the lookout for Cinco De Mayo celebrations to start the Zilker
Spanish Language fundraiser. Please join the activities to celebrate this
traditional Hispanic event

*Futura Spanish Summer Camps*

Are you looking for a convenient, affordable, educational and fun summer
camp? Futura Adventures (locally based Spanish instruction) is offering
summer camps at Zilker Elementary, taught by Zilker's favorite Spanish
teacher, Ms. Sweetlamb. The 1- to 2-week camps run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
camps, are appropriate for grades K-5, are bilingual and provide Spanish
immerson. Early and late dropoff/pickup are isavailable. Cost is $225/week.
Discounts for siblings are available. You can register now by calling
Adelina at 512-633-8823 oradel...@futuraadventures.com.

Have any *Questions*? Contact Beverly Redden at bevred...@yahoo.com or Ms.
Sweetlamb at caitlin.k.sw...@gmail.com

*ARTS IN ED UPDATE*
Your Arts in Education Committee is thrilled to have concluded the painting
of the 2nd and 3rd grade portables. Thank you to all the parents, students,
and friends for your wonderful support, positive feedback, and for donating
your time to help us complete this campus beautification project!! We
invite you to take a look at the freshly painted Ms. Buono/Ms. Kent
portable as well as Ms. Saucedo/Multipurpose portable. Our committee is now
moving on to another engaging project, *Zilker's own bat cave*. Please
check out our first group of bats on display next to the library and help
us fill the cave by contributing your own bat creation! Contact Monica
Boulton at *pandeja...@hotmail.com* to obtain your wood board and the
how-to instructions.

*Brand New Goal Nets*

Thanks to 3rd grader Townes and dad Mooney Monteilh, Zilker’s soccer field
has two new goal nets. Over the weekend, Townes and his dad, with the help
of 3rd grader Andres and his dad Guillermo, mounted the nets and played
extensively to pass their “quality control” test. Come to the field and
score your GOOAALLL!!

* *

*TAKE A MOMENT TO COMPLETE THE AISD PARENT SURVEY*

The online survey will be conducted / available until April 30. The AISD
2011-12 Parent Survey is accessible in English, Spanish and Vietnamese via
the AISD website at*www.AustinISD.org*

* *

*CAMPS, CAMPS and MORE CAMPS*

* *

*Coming this summer: Return of Techno-Camp!*

Techno-Camp will return to Zilker this summer with lots of techno-fun for
current 2nd, 3rd and 4th graders. Join Zilker teachers Stacey Shapiro and
Patricia Russell for a fun-filled week of hands-on technology! Students
will engage in many activities and projects using different educational
websites. They will use digital cameras, iPods, iPads, MacBooks, desktop
computers, Smartpens, and other digital tools to create a variety of
technology projects. The June 4-8 camp offers two sessions. Each session is
$135 and will have a different focus.

· *Techno Camp Session 1, 9 a.m. to noon*, will focus more on Mac
applications such as Garage Band, Photo Booth, iMovies, PowerPoint and
more.

· *Techno Camp Session 2, 1 to 4 p.m.*, will focus more on educational
websites, such as Glogster.com,Animoto.com, Toondoo.com,Wordle.com, and
Podomatic.com, to create podcasts, movies, interactive posters, and more!

If a student attended camp in 2011, the camp will build upon the skills he
or she learned last year and create new projects. Camp is limited to 20
students, and parents may reserve your child’s spot now ($25 nonrefundable
deposit required). Registration deadline is May 21. Contact Ms. Shapiro (
sshap...@austinisd.org or 841-0726) or Mrs. Russell (pruss...@austinisd.org or
841-0731).

*Continue the creativity in Summer Art Camp*

Summer Art Classes taught by Ms. Pettit, Zilker’s very own certified art
teacher, will offer students a great opportunity to explore
three-dimensional and two-dimensional art in a fun-filled, small group
environment. These summer art classes will be enjoyable and will enrich
your child’s study of art. All projects emphasize the Art Elements and
Principles of Design. Classes are for all students who currently are in
kindergarten through 5th grade.*Each weeklong, half-day class is $135 per
child.* This fee includes all materials and a daily snack.

· *Week of June 4-8, 2012*

*Creative Cartooning, *9 a.m. to noon

· *Week of June 11-15, 2012*

*Magical Mexico, *9 a.m. to noon

*Native American Art, *1 to 4 p.m.

* *

*SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING and MATH at Kealing*

Kids N Technology STEM Summer blends science, technology, engineering and
math with four weeks of summer learning and fun! Each session is one week,
with a different STEM experience each week. Register for one week or all
four!

For grades 5 through 8, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. M-F (Click on the link for
details about each week)

Session 1: June 4 - 6

Session 2: June 11-15

Session 3: June 18-22

Session 4: June 25-29

$125 per session with $75 registration fee

Location: Kealing Middle School 1607 Pennsylvania Ave 78702

* *

*Little Stars Camp at Ann Richards School (for 3rd-5th graders)*

During the week of June 18-22, Ann Richards students will host Little Stars
Summer Camp from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Little Stars Camp is a weeklong
day camp for girls entering grades 3 through 5 in AISD and focuses on all
aspects of the Ann Richards School mission statement. Activities will
include: arts/crafts, team sports, leadership workshops, and much more!
Acceptance is on a first-come, first-served basis. All applications are due
on or before May 1, 2012. Parents may register their daughters online at
https://sites.google.com/a/annrichardsstars.com/ann-richards-school-s...

* *

*OTHER EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS***

* *

*From the Zilker 2020 Committee*

The word on the street is that AISD is gearing up for a bond election for
next spring (May 2013), which also will begin the process of developing
the next cycle of Annual Facility Recommendations. The Zilker 2020
Committee will keep you posted as we learn more.Meanwhile, we do know that
AISD will host a meeting next Tuesday, April 17, on the preliminary budget
for 2013 and scenarios for NEW, ACADEMIC PROGRAMS for the 2013-14 school
year. The “community conversation will be 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. in the Bowie
High School Cafeteria, 4103 Slaughter Lane.

The upcoming school bond process will involve identifying
projects/improvements to include in a bond package that will go before the
voters. This project identification process will likely move very quickly.
To maximize our effectiveness as a school community, we will need a
dedicated group of parents to stay involved and generally advocate for the
facility needs at Zilker’s campus (attend meetings, speak at public
hearings, write emails to school board members, etc.).

If you are interested in formally joining the Zilker 2020 (formerly ‘Save
Zilker’) Steering committee, please contact either Heather Way (
hway.aus...@gmail.com) Amy Spiro (asp...@austin.rr.com) or Jacquie
Benestante (jacquie...@gmail.com). All parents are encouraged to get
involved, especially those with children in the younger grades.

Another way to get involved at the statewide/public policy level is to
participate in “Save Texas Schools.” Check out: *http://savetxschools.org/*.
Zilker parent Suvi Aika is a member of the group's Advisory Board.

*Zilker parents invited to support O. Henry Outdoor Classroom*

March 5, 2012

Dear Parents of Zilker Elementary,

On Saturday, May 5, Friends of O. Henry will host a reception in the garden
of the school from 2 to 4 p.m. Please come and support our effort to raise
$2,000 to develop a growing, living “Outdoor Classroom” for O. Henry
science students and the community.

Funds raised will help the O. Henry Science Department continue to enhance
the outdoor classroom which was established in the Spring of 2010 using
funds provided by the National Wildlife Federation. Plans are to add
additional plants to already established gardens as well as establish new
gardens that provide habitats for local wildlife. Enhancements will also
include the construction of an outdoor learning space that will include
benches and outdoor chalkboard.

The May 5th reception will include:

· A silent auction from 2:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

· Music by “Mr. Habitat” Bill Oliver

· Delicious appetizers from local Austin favorite restaurants

· An informative Outdoor Classroom presentation at 2:45 p.m.

How can you help?

- Become a sponsor of the O. Henry Outdoor Classroom – make a gift of
- $50 (Gardener Level) or $100 (Landscaper Level);
- Attend the event and make a suggested donation at the event of $5 or
- higher;
- Bid on the silent auction (or if you have a business, donate to the
- auction);
- Volunteer at the event with set-up, auction or take-down.

Sponsor checks can be made out to O. Henry Middle School and dropped off in
the office; please place checks or cash in envelope marked “Mr. Martell,
Science Dept.”. Auction donations can be mailed to Heidi Gibbons at 613
Hearn St., Austin, TX 78703, ATTN: Outdoor Classroom Committee.

Thank you for supporting O. Henry Middle School. Your generous gift will
help establish an Outdoor Classroom that parents can be proud of and one
that will benefit O. Henry’s “budding scientists” for many years to come!

Sincerely,

Heidi Gibbons (512) 663-8865

Co-Chair

Connie Fisher (512) 797-0196

Co-chair* *

* *

*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 FUNDRAISING*

Buy stuff online? Go first to www.furtal.com/school/Zilker-Elementary-PTA,
then choose your retailer. A portion of your purchase will go to Zilker!

*SUBMISSIONS TO THE ZEN*

*Please submit your announcement to the ZEN (zilker...@gmail.com) by
Wednesday at noon* for that week’s edition. In the SUBJECT LINE of your
email, please note FOR THE ZEN. Thanks!

ZEN FOR THE WEEK ENDING APRIL 6th Parts 1 & 2

Dan Preston — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 13:57:50 +0000

*PLEASE NOTE THIS EDITION WILL COME IN TWO EMAILS - ATTACHMENTS ARE TOO
LARGE FOR ONE EMAIL.*

*UPCOMING EVENTS AND IMPORTANT DATES*

* *

*Monday, April 9*

*NO SCHOOL*

* *

*Saturday, April 14, Noon – 4 p.m. *

*Zilker Coffee House* *and Student Art Show*

Zilker Café (AKA the cafeteria)

* *

*Friday, April 27*

*Spring Fling*

Gibson (1109 S. Lamar)

*(Donations and volunteers needed now!)*

* *

*Saturday, May 5, 10 a.m.*

Zilker Pet Parade

*IN THIS ISSUE*

*COFFEE HOUSE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!!!*

Spring Fling donations needed

Coffee House Volunteers needed

Spanish Update

AISD Parent Survey

And more!

*COFFEE HOUSE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – THE SHOW CAN’T GO ON UNLESS WE HAVE YOUR
HELP.*

Show your support of Zilker’s finest performers by volunteering at Coffee
House. Help needed with donations, concessions, stage assistance and clean
up. To volunteer please contact Daniella Sadeh danisa...@gmail.com
972.273.0808

* *

Food vendors include: Austin Pizza; Indian dishes (chicken AND vegetarian)
provided by Naan Stop; and coffee, cold drinks, and sweets provided by
Quantum Coffee.

*DONATIONS AND VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SPRING FLING*

*2ND ANNUAL ZILKER ELEMENTARY PET PARADE!*

*Saturday, May 5, 10 a.m., Zilker school track*

Does your family have a favorite pet — an unusual one, a talented
one? Show it off at the 2nd Annual Zilker Elementary Pet Parade! Back by
popular demand, this old-fashioned, free, kid-driven event is fun for
participants and observers alike. All neighborhood children are invited to
parade their pets around the school track. All types and sizes of animals
are welcome, as are costumes and tricks. Kids without animals can bring
instruments or wear costumes and help lead the parade.

*SPANISH UPDATE*

*UT Spanish Poetry Contest*

About a dozen Zilker children will be competing on April 14th at the Poetry
Declamation Contest sponsored by UT's Dept of Spanish and Portuguese.
Wish them luck. They will be wearing their Zilker T-shirts with Panther
Pride.

*Cinco De Mayo*

Be on the out look for Cinco De Mayo celebrations to start Zilker Spanish
Language fundraiser. Please join the activities to celebrate this
traditional Hispanic event. Stay tune for more information.

*Futura Spanish Summer Camps*

If you are looking for a convenient, affordable, educational, and fun
summer camp. Futura Adventures (local based Spanish Instruction) is
offering summer camps at Zilker Elementary. It will be taught by Zilker's
favorite Spanish teacher, Ms. Sweetlamb.

The camps are bilingual and provide Spanish immerson. They run from 9 AM -
3 PM. Early and late drop off is available. Cost is $225/week. Discounts
for siblings are available.

The camps are 1 to 2 weeks and is appropriate for grades K-5. You can
register now by calling Adelina at 512-633-8823 or
adel...@futuraadventures.com.

Have any *Questions*? Contact Beverly Redden at bevred...@yahoo.com or Ms.
Sweetlamb atcaitlin.k.sw...@gmail.com

*ARTS IN ED UPDATE*
Your Arts in Education Committee is thrilled to have concluded the painting
of 2nd and 3rd grade portables. Thank you to all the parents, students, and
friends for your wonderful support, positive feedback, and for donating
your time to help us complete this campus beautification project!! We
invite you to take a look at the freshly painted Ms. Buono/Ms. Kent
portable as well as Ms. Saucedo/Multipurpose portable.

Our committee is now moving on to another engaging project, *Zilker's own
bat cave*. Please check out our first group of bats on display next to the
library and help us fill the cave by contributing your own bat creation!!
Contact Monica Boulton at pandeja...@hotmail.com to obtain your wood board
and the how-to instructions.

*Brand New Goal Nets*

Thanks to 3rd grader Townes and dad Mooney Monteilh, Zilker's soccer field
has two new goal nets. Over the weekend, Townes and his dad with the help
of 3rd grader Andres, and his dad, Guillermo, mounted the nets and played
extensively to pass their "quality control" test. Come to the field and
score your GOOAALLL!!

* *

*TAKE A MOMENT TO COMPLETE THE AISD PARENT SURVEY*

The online survey will be conducted / available until April 30.

The phone survey will be conducted again on April 11 for those who have yet
to participate; people who have participated will not get another call.

NOTE: the phone survey is an greatly abbreviated version of the full online
survey. Parent participation in the *online version* would provide a deeper
representation of their opinion.

The AISD 2011-12 Parent Survey is accessible in English, Spanish and
Vietnamese via the AISD website atwww.AustinISD.org

*COMING THIS SUMMER: RETURN OF TECHNO-CAMP!*

· *Techno Camp Session 1, 9 a.m. to noon*, will focus more on Mac
applications such as Garage Band, Photo Booth, iMovies, PowerPoint and
more.

· *Techno Camp Session 2, 1 to 4 p.m.*, will focus more on educational
websites, such as Glogster.com
<http://glogster.com/>,Animoto.com<http://animoto.com/>
, Toondoo.com <http://toondoo.com/>,Wordle.com <http://wordle.com/>, and
Podomatic.com <http://podomatic.com/>, to create podcasts, movies,
interactive posters, and more!

If a student attended camp in 2011, the camp will build upon the skills he
or she learned last year and create new projects. Camp is limited to 20
students, and parents may reserve your child’s spot now ($25 nonrefundable
deposit required). Registration deadline is May 21. See the attached flier
for more information, or contact Ms. Shapiro (sshap...@austinisd.org or
841-0726) or Mrs. Russell (pruss...@austinisd.org or 841-0731).

* *

*CONTINUE THE CREATIVITY IN SUMMER ART CAMP*

· *Week of June 4-8, 2012*

*Creative Cartooning, *9 a.m. to noon

· *Week of June 11-15, 2012*

*Magical Mexico, *9 a.m. to noon

*Native American Art, *1 to 4 p.m.

* *

*SMALL MIDDLE SCHOOL STEM CAMP – SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATH*

See attached flyer for information about these fun camps for AISD students
in grades 3-8.

*STEM CAMP AT KEALING MIDDLE SCHOOL*

Kids N Technology Stem Summer blends Science Technology Engineering and
Math with four weeks of summer learning and fun! Each session is one week
- a different STEM experience each week.

For 5-8th grade

7:30am-4:30pm Mon-Fri (Click on the link for details about each week)

Session 1: June 4 - 6 <http://kidsntechnology.net/programs.htm>

Session 2: June 11-15 <http://kidsntechnology.net/programs.htm>

Session 3: June 18-22 <http://kidsntechnology.net/programs.htm>

Session 4: June 25-29 <http://kidsntechnology.net/programs.htm>

$125/per session with $75 registration fee

Location: Kealing Middle School 1607 Pennsylvania Ave 78702

* *

*FOOTBALL CAMP FOR MIDDLE SCHOOLERS*

See attached brochure.

* *

*LITTLE STARS CAMP FOR 3-5 GRADERS AT ANN RICHARDS SCHOOL*

My name is Monica Martinez and I am the Project Specialist at the Ann
Richards School for Young Women Leaders. I am writing to share an
opportunity for your students that will be hosted on our campus *this summer
*. Please pass this opportunity along to your students and families as you
see fit.

During the week of *June 18th-22nd*, our high school students will host
Little Stars Summer Camp from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Little Stars Camp
is a week-long day camp for girls entering grades 3-5 in AISD and focuses
on all aspects of the Ann Richards School mission statement. Activities
will include: arts/crafts, team sports, leadership workshops, and much more!

Acceptance is on a first come, first serve basis. All applications are due
on or before May 1, 2012.

I have included applications and flyers in this e-mail and will be mailing
a 5 hard copies to all school counselors.

Parents can also register their daughters online at:
https://sites.google.com/a/annrichardsstars.com/ann-richards-school-s...

Please let me know if you have any questions!

Thank you in advance for passing this opportunity along to your students
and their families.

Truly,

Monica Martinez

Project Specialist

Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders

512.841.4041

* *

***SEE ATTACHED FLYERS***

* *

*OTHER EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS*

* *

*FROM THE ZILKER 2020 COMMITTEE*

The word on the street is that AISD is gearing up for a bond election for
next Spring (May 2013) and will also begin the process of developing the
next cycle of

Annual Facility Recommendations. The Zilker 2020 Committee will keep you
posted as we learn more.

In the meantime, we do know that AISD will be holding two meetings
("Community Conversations") on the preliminary budget for 2013 and
scenarious for NEW, ACADEMIC PROGRAMS for

the 2013-14 school year.

It would be great to get some Zilker parents to attend one of these
recently announced meetings and report back.

The two scheduled meetings are:

Tuesday, April 3

6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Reagan High School Cafeteria, 7104 Berkman Drive

Tuesday, April 17

6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Bowie High School Cafeteria, 4103 Slaughter Ln.

*We Need You*

The upcoming school bond process will involve identifying
projects/improvements to include in a bond package that will go before the
voters. This project identification process will likely move very quickly.
To maximize our effectiveness as a school community, we will need a
dedicated group of parents to stay involved and generally advocate for the
facility needs at Zilker's campus (attend meetings, speak at public
hearings, write emails to school board members, etc).

If you are interested in formally joining the Zilker 2020 (formerly "Save
Zilker") Steering committee, please contact either Heather Way (
hway.austin@... ),Amy Spiro
(aspiro@...<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Save_Zilker/post?postID=DtBfHdUgUHGENpI...>)
or Jacquie Benestante (jacquiebe@...). All parents are encouraged to get
involved, especially those with children in the younger grades.

Another way to get involved at the statewide/public policy level is to
participate in "Save Texas Schools." Check out:http://savetxschools.org/.
Zilker parent, Suvi Aika, is a member of the group's Advisory Board.

*KEEPING FIT*

Kudos to all Zilker parents that have been walking the track at school! One
day I got to school early and walked the track before the bell-a great way
to get the day started. Another option for Zilker families to stay active
is Karate classes Friday evenings at the Austin Recreation Center on Shoal
Creek, taught by Zilker parent Stacey Bell. Registration is now through
April 13, and parents with an enrolled child get a free uniform,
tournament, and belt test. Anyone interested can reach Stacy at
sta...@hotmail.com or 971-6845.

Hope to see you on the track! Jen Gold lizardmixt...@yahoo.com**

* *

*FUNRAISER FOR O. HENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL – ZILKER PARENTS INVITED TO SUPPORT
OUTDOOR CLASSROOM AND LEARN MORE*

Please see that attached letter for more information.

* *

*KEEP UP WITH ZILKER ON FACEBOOK*

* *

*ONLINE RETAIL FUNDRAISING*

Buy stuff online? Go first to www.furtal.com/school/Zilker-Elementary-PTA,
then choose your retailer. A portion of your purchase will go to Zilker!

*SUBMISSIONS TO THE ZEN*

*Please submit your announcement to the ZEN (zilker...@gmail.com) by
Wednesday at noon* for that week’s edition. In the SUBJECT LINE of your
email, please note FOR THE ZEN. Thanks!

--
Sage Baker and Robbie Searcy
Zilker PTA Email Communications
zilker...@gmail.com
zilkerelem.org

2011-12ParentSurveyReturnRateAs OfMarch30.pdf
68K View Download

football camp june 2012 - brochure.docx
146K View Download

Garden Fundraiser_Letter to Parents of ZE.docx
17K View Download

techno_camp_ 2012 final.pdf
205K View Download

Zilker Summer Art Classes12.doc
73K View Download

ATTACHMENTS FOR LITTLE STARS CAMP

--
Sage Baker and Robbie Searcy
Zilker PTA Email Communications
zilker...@gmail.com
zilkerelem.org

Little Stars Application-Spanish.pdf
159K View Download

Little Stars Application.pdf
173K View Download

Little Stars Flyer-1.pdf
2222K View Download

ZEN FOR THE WEEK ENDING MARCH 30th

Dan Preston — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 13:56:57 +0000

*UPCOMING EVENTS AND IMPORTANT DATES*

* *

*Friday, April 6th*

No school

* *

*Saturday, April 14, Noon – 4 p.m. ** *

*Zilker Coffee House** **and Student Art Show** *

Zilker Café (AKA the cafeteria)

* *

*Friday, April 27*

*Spring Fling*

Gibson (1109 S. Lamar)

*(Donations and volunteers needed now!)*

* *

*Saturday, May 5, 10 a.m.*

Zilker Pet Parade

*IN THIS ISSUE*

Message from the Principal

Spring Fling donations needed

Coffee House Volunteers needed

And more!

*
*

*REMINDER TO ZILKER FAMILIES! *

If you wish to provide any input regarding your child's class placement for
2012-13, please submit your

form to Mr. Thomson no later than THURSDAY, APRIL 5.

*COFFEE HOUSE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED*

* *

*DONATIONS AND VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SPRING FLING*

* *

*2ND ANNUAL ZILKER ELEMENTARY PET PARADE!*

*Saturday, May 5, 10 a.m., Zilker school track*

Does your family have a favorite pet — an unusual one, a talented
one? Show it off at the 2nd Annual Zilker Elementary Pet Parade! Back by
popular demand, this old-fashioned, free, kid-driven event is fun for
participants and observers alike. All neighborhood children are invited to
parade their pets around the school track. All types and sizes of animals
are welcome, as are costumes and tricks. Kids without animals can bring
instruments or wear costumes and help lead the parade.

* *

*REGISTRATION OPEN FOR **FIESTA DEL VERANO*

*ZILKER SPANISH SUMMER CAMP OFFERED BY FUTURA*

Keep the Spanish going with summer bilingual and immersion camps,
conveniently located at Zilker, during the weeks of *June 4-8* and *11-15*
and/or *July 9-13* and *16-20*. Camp will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day,
with early drop-off/ late pick-up available for an additional fee. Cost is
$225 per week. Discounts are available for siblings, and campers who
register for two weeks will receive free early drop-off/ late pick-up. Call
Adelina today at(512) 633-8823, email *adel...@futuraadventures.com*, or
complete the attached flier. Questions? Check out www.futuraadventures.com,
email*bevred...@yahoo.com*, *caitlin.k.sw...@gmail.com*, or *
adel...@futuraadventures.com*.

* *

*CONTINUE THE CREATIVITY IN SUMMER ART CAMP*

· *Week of June 4-8, 2012*

*Creative Cartooning, *9 a.m. to noon

· *Week of June 11-15, 2012*

*Magical Mexico, *9 a.m. to noon

*Native American Art, *1 to 4 p.m.

* *

*COMING THIS SUMMER: RETURN OF TECHNO-CAMP!*

· *Techno Camp Session 1, 9 a.m. to noon*, will focus more on Mac
applications such as Garage Band, Photo Booth, iMovies, PowerPoint and
more.

If a student attended camp in 2011, the camp will build upon the skills he
or she learned last year and create new projects. Camp is limited to 20
students, and parents may reserve your child’s spot now ($25 nonrefundable
deposit required). Registration deadline is May 21. See the attached flier
for more information, or contact Ms. Shapiro (sshap...@austinisd.org or
841-0726) or Mrs. Russell (pruss...@austinisd.org or 841-0731).

*SMALL MIDDLE SCHOOL STEM CAMP – SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATH*

See attached flyer for information about these fun camps for AISD students
in grades 3-8.

*OTHER EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS*

*
*

*KEEP UP WITH ZILKER ON FACEBOOK*

* *

*ONLINE RETAIL FUNDRAISING*

Buy stuff online? Go first to www.furtal.com/school/Zilker-Elementary-PTA,
then choose your retailer. A portion of your purchase will go to Zilker!

*SUBMISSIONS TO THE ZEN*

*Please submit your announcement to the ZEN
(**zilker...@gmail.com*...@gmail.com>
*) by Wednesday at noon* for that week’s edition. In the SUBJECT LINE of
your email, please note FOR THE ZEN. Thanks!

--
Sage Baker and Robbie Searcy
Zilker PTA Email Communications
zilker...@gmail.com
zilkerelem.org

Small MS STEM Summer Camp Student Registration Packet 2012.pdf
220K View Download

techno_camp_ 2012 final.pdf
204K View Download

Zilker Summer Art Classes12.doc
73K View Download

ZEN FOR THE WEEK ENDING MARCH 23

Dan Preston — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 13:56:07 +0000

*UPCOMING EVENTS AND IMPORTANT DATES*

* *

*Saturday, March 24, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.*

*Save Texas Schools rally*

Texas Capitol

* *

*Friday, April 6 – Monday, April 9*

*Student and staff holiday (no school)*

* *

*Saturday, April 14, Noon – 4 p.m. *

*Zilker Coffee House and Student Art Show *

Zilker Café (AKA the cafeteria)

* *

*Friday, April 27*

*Spring Fling*

Gibson (1109 S. Lamar)

*(Donations and volunteers needed now!)***

* *

*Saturday, May 5, 10 a.m.*

Zilker Pet Parade

*IN THIS ISSUE*

Message from the Principal

Save Texas Schools rally THIS Saturday

Spring Fling donations needed

And more!

*MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL*

Dear Zilker Families,

If you wish to provide input to us regarding your child’s class placement
for next year, please complete and return the attached form to the school
office no later than Thursday, April 5. A hard copy of this form was also
sent home this week.

I also thought you might like to know about a few faculty changes for the
2012-13 school year.

*TEACHER*

*CURRENT ASSIGNMENT*

*2012-13 ASSIGNMENT*

Katie Weaver

5th grade – science teacher

3rd grade (adding fifth 3rd-grade class)**

Patricia Russell

4th grade

5th grade – math teacher

Tammy Thompson

2nd grade

4th grade

Miguel Reyes

SBS (Social Behavior Skills)

PPCD

(Pre-school Program for Children with Disabilities)

All other teachers are expected to remain in their current assignments at
this point.

Thanks!

--Randy Thomson, Principal

* *

*ATTEND THE SAVE TEXAS SCHOOLS RALLY THIS SATURDAY *

Although Zilker families may not feel the urgency and closure threats we
did last year, it remains important to make it clear that Texas schools are
a priority. Join other parents, educators and other advocates this
Saturday, March 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Texas PTA-endorsed Save
Texas Schools rally at the Texas Capitol. Both public schools and higher
education institutions are affected by severe state budget cuts, with
results such as crowded classrooms, program reductions, school closures,
and higher tuition and reduced financial aid. The Save Texas Schools
coalition asks that participants bring positive, constructive messages that
call on current office holders and candidates to fund schools adequately
and equitably so all Texas children to have the chance to succeed. While
you’re at it, feel free to remind them that Zilker is a great place for
kids!

* *

*DONATIONS AND VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SPRING FLING*

* *

*AISD FACILITIES RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2012-13 COMING SOON*

Parents, guardians and community members are invited to participate in the
following 2013 budget and 2013/2014 Annual Academic Facilities
Recommendations (AAFR) community meetings:

*Tuesday, April 3, 2012*

6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Reagan High School

*Tuesday, April 17, 2012*

6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Bowie High School

An additional 2013 budget and 2013/2014 AAFR meeting will be held
specifically for AISD staff. A date, time and location are forthcoming.
Fliers and invitations are under development and will be shared with
campuses as soon as they are available.

* *

*2ND ANNUAL ZILKER ELEMENTARY PET PARADE!*

*Saturday, May 5, 10 a.m., Zilker school track***

* *

*Registration Open for Fiesta del Verano*

*Zilker Spanish Summer Camp offered by Futura** *

Keep the Spanish going with summer bilingual and immersion camps,
conveniently located at Zilker, during the weeks of *June 4-8* and
*11-15*and/or
*July 9-13* and *16-20*. Camp will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, with early
drop-off/ late pick-up available for an additional fee. Cost is $225 per
week. Discounts are available for siblings, and campers who register for
two weeks will receive free early drop-off/ late pick-up. Call Adelina
today at (512) 633-8823, email *adel...@futuraadventures.com*, or complete
the attached flier. Questions? Check out www.futuraadventures.com, email *
bevred...@yahoo.com*, *caitlin.k.sw...@gmail.com*, or *
adel...@futuraadventures.com*.

* *

*CONTINUE THE CREATIVITY IN SUMMER ART CAMP *

Summer Art Classes taught by Ms. Pettit, Zilker’s very own certified art
teacher, will offer students a great opportunity to explore
three-dimensional and two-dimensional art in a fun-filled, small group
environment. These summer art classes will be enjoyable and will enrich
your child’s study of art. All projects emphasize the Art Elements and
Principles of Design. Classes are for all students who currently are in
kindergarten through 5th grade. *Each weeklong, half-day class is $135 per
child.* This fee includes all materials and a daily snack.

· *Week of June 4-8, 2012*

*Creative Cartooning, *9 a.m. to noon

· *Week of June 11-15, 2012*

*Magical Mexico, *9 a.m. to noon

*Native American Art, *1 to 4 p.m.

* *

*COMING THIS SUMMER: RETURN OF TECHNO-CAMP!*

· *Techno Camp Session 1, 9 a.m. to noon*, will focus more on Mac
applications such as Garage Band, Photo Booth, iMovies, PowerPoint and
more.

· *Techno Camp Session 2, 1 to 4 p.m.*, will focus more on educational
websites, such as Glogster.com
<http://glogster.com/>,Animoto.com<http://animoto.com/>,
Toondoo.com <http://toondoo.com/>, Wordle.com <http://wordle.com/>, and
Podomatic.com <http://podomatic.com/>, to create podcasts, movies,
interactive posters, and more!

If a student attended camp in 2011, the camp will build upon the skills he
or she learned last year and create new projects. Camp is limited to 20
students, and parents may reserve your child’s spot now ($25 nonrefundable
deposit required). Registration deadline is May 21. See the attached flier
for more information, or contact Ms. Shapiro (sshap...@austinisd.org or
841-0726) or Mrs. Russell (pruss...@austinisd.org or 841-0731).

* *

*OTHER EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS*

*KEEP UP WITH ZILKER ON FACEBOOK*

* *

*ZILKER FIT!*

The weather is great! Come out and join other Zilker parents as we
walk/jog/stroll our little ones around the Zilker tracks. If you are unable
to join us, check out Dr. Richard Kelley’s e-book, The 3-Hour Appetite. Dr.
Kelley is a Zilker parent. Another Zilker parent, Teresa Acosta, can help
you Zumba your way to fitness. Check out her Facebook page at Zumba ATX.
Whether you work out at Zilker, watch what you eat, take up a yoga class,
Zumba, take a rowing class, or just walk around your yard(!), do something
to make yourself healthier and feel better! It’s the best thing we can do
for our kids. Meet at the Zilker tracks after dropoff if you can.
Info/Comments to Jen Gold at lizardmixt...@yahoo.com

*ONLINE RETAIL FUNDRAISING*

Buy stuff online? Go first to www.furtal.com/school/Zilker-Elementary-PTA,
then choose your retailer. A portion of your purchase will go to Zilker!

*SUBMISSIONS TO THE ZEN*

CLASS PLACEMENT 2012-13--PARENT LETTER.doc
48K View Download

CLASS PLACEMENT--PARENT LETTER--SPANISH--MARCH 2012.docx
36K View Download

ZEN FOR THE WEEK ENDING MARCH 9

Dan Preston — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 13:55:17 +0000

*UPCOMING EVENTS AND IMPORTANT DATES*

* *

*Friday, March 9*

*Deadline to register for Spanish poetry contest*

(More information in this issue of the ZEN)

* *

*March 12 – 16 (that’s NEXT WEEK)*

*Spring Break (no school!)*

* *

*March 21 – 22*

*Coffee House auditions *

(K-2nd, March 21; 3rd – 5th, March 22)

*Saturday, March 24*

*Save Texas Schools rally*

Texas Capitol

* *

*Friday, April 6 – Monday, April 9*

*Student and staff holiday (no school)*

* *

*Saturday, April 14, Noon – 4 p.m. *

*Zilker Coffee House and Student Art Show *

Zilker Café (AKA the cafeteria)

* *

*Friday, April 27*

*Spring Fling*

Gibson (1109 S. Lamar)

*(Donations and volunteers needed now!)***

* *

*Saturday, May 5, 10 a.m.*

Zilker Pet Parade

*IN THIS ISSUE*

PTA update

Spring Fling right around the corner

Thanks to volunteers

Spanish poetry contest

Summer camps!

*REPORT FROM THE ZILKER PTA*

*The Zilker PTA this morning, March 8, included many updates on recent and
upcoming efforts to continue making Zilker a great place for kids! *

* *

· *Board elections in April*

The membership elected a nominating committee that will present a slate of
candidates for next year’s PTA Board. Nominating committee members are Dan
Preston, Daniella Sadeh, Robbie Searcy, Rachel Smith and Kirk Tate. Anyone
who is interested in serving in a Board position next year should let one
of these folks know – or contact current PTA President Akua Woolbright (
kwoolbri...@yahoo.com).

· *Spring Fling*

April 27 is not very far away, and plans are well under way for this year’s
Spring Fling — by far the PTA’s biggest fundraiser all year. From ticket
sales to selling items, soliciting donations to finalizing bids, many
volunteers are needed to make this event a success. Watch the ZEN or check
with your child’s teacher for more information.

· *Z-Art Auction and other Arts in Ed updates*

This year’s art auction raised $3,600 for Zilker Arts in Education
programs. Only one portable still needs to be painted, and funds raised
will help complete that project this year. More cultural programming also
is scheduled before the end of the year.

* *

· *Urban Orchard*

The Sustainability Committee reported that the recent tree planting was a
great success, and parents and student ambassadors are working on a plan to
keep this beautification project beautiful. Watch next week’s ZEN for more
information.

* *

· *Principal’s update*

Zilker Principal Randy Thomson reported today that there is one opening
still available for tuition-PreK next year. Kindergarten Roundup is
scheduled for Tuesday, May 3, and Zilker expects full kindergarten
classrooms next year. He also noted that Zilker is in great shape for
staffing next year, although some internal shifting will help accommodate
needs in specific grades. After spring break, parents will have an
opportunity to provide input before teacher assignments for next year
begin. (NOTE: See the Austin ISD website at
http://archive.austinisd.org/academics/curriculum/prekindergarten/ind...
more info about pre-K.)

* *

*THANKS TO BACKYARD CONCERT SUPPORTERS AND VOLUNTEERS*

Thanks to all who came, who made, who played, who ate, who drank and who
danced – all to make the Backyard Concert a truly special event for the
entire community! Special thanks to these fine folks who dedicated their
time and energy into making the concert so much fun:

Daniella Sadeh

Jacquie Benestante

Maraba Diraddo

Marie White

Claudia Montero

Lisa Winningham

Kim McKnight

Paula McDermott

Meagan O'Donnell

Jenny Melendez

David Boulton

Gentil Najera

Heather Way

Liz & Finlay Scanlon

Gus Dexheimer

Cameron Wynn

Shannon Lowry

Kenny Anderson

Matt Sever

East and Michele Hoelscher

Fran Holland

Steve Stratakos

Rob Woodage

Grace London and Ramona Beattie

Datri Bean

And anyone we might have forgotten!

*UT SPANISH POETRY CONTEST *

Students at Zilker Elementary are invited to participate in the 38th annual
*Spanish Poetry Declamation Contest*, hosted by The University of Texas at
Austin on the morning of Saturday, April 14. More than 230 students from
pre-K through high school will compete, earning points for their memory,
interpretation and proper diction of Spanish poetic works. For more than
three decades, the UT Dept. of Spanish and
Portuguese<http://www.utexas.edu/cola/depts/spanish/> has
sponsored the contest to reach out to Spanish language learners throughout
Central Texas and nurture an appreciation of Spanish poetry. Each student
will present two poems — one selected by the organizers and a second one
selected by the participating student. Interested students must let Señora
Sweetlamb or Señora Ortega (caitlin.k.sw...@gmail.com or
adriannelort...@gmail.com) know by *TOMORROW (Friday, March 9)* to register
to participate. For help choosing, translating or pronouncing the words in
a poem, contact caitlin.k.sw...@gmail.com. More information at
www.uteas.edu/cola/depts/spanish/events/Poetry-Declamation.php.

* *

*2ND ANNUAL ZILKER ELEMENTARY PET PARADE!*

*Saturday, May 5, 10 a.m., Zilker school track***

* *

*Registration Open for Fiesta del Verano*

*Zilker Spanish Summer Camp offered by Futura** *

Keep the Spanish going with summer bilingual and immersion camps,
conveniently located at Zilker, during the weeks of *June 4-8* and
*11-15*and/or
*July 9-13* and *16-20*. Camp will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, with early
drop-off/ late pick-up available for an additional fee. Cost is $225 per
week. Discounts are available for siblings, and campers who register for
two weeks will receive free early drop-off/ late pick-up. Call Adelina
today at (512) 633-8823, email *adel...@futuraadventures.com*, or complete
the attached flier. Questions? Check out www.futuraadventures.com, email *
bevred...@yahoo.com*, *caitlin.k.sw...@gmail.com*, or *
adel...@futuraadventures.com*.

* *

*CONTINUE THE CREATIVITY IN SUMMER ART CAMP *

Summer Art Classes taught by Ms. Pettit, Zilker’s very own certified art
teacher, will offer students a great opportunity to explore
three-dimensional and two-dimensional art in a fun-filled, small group
environment. These summer art classes will be enjoyable and will enrich
your child’s study of art. All projects emphasize the Art Elements and
Principles of Design. Classes are for all students who currently are in
kindergarten through 5th grade. *Each weeklong, half-day class is $135 per
child.* This fee includes all materials and a daily snack.

· *Week of June 4-8, 2012*

*Creative Cartooning, *9 a.m. to noon

· *Week of June 11-15, 2012*

*Magical Mexico, *9 a.m. to noon

*Native American Art, *1 to 4 p.m.

* *

*COMING THIS SUMMER: RETURN OF TECHNO-CAMP!*

· *Techno Camp Session 1, 9 a.m. to noon*, will focus more on Mac
applications such as Garage Band, Photo Booth, iMovies, PowerPoint and
more.

· *Techno Camp Session 2, 1 to 4 p.m.*, will focus more on educational
websites, such as Glogster.com
<http://glogster.com/>,Animoto.com<http://animoto.com/>,
Toondoo.com <http://toondoo.com/>, Wordle.com <http://wordle.com/>, and
Podomatic.com <http://podomatic.com/>, to create podcasts, movies,
interactive posters, and more!

If a student attended camp in 2011, the camp will build upon the skills he
or she learned last year and create new projects. Camp is limited to 20
students, and parents may reserve your child’s spot now ($25 nonrefundable
deposit required). Registration deadline is May 21. See the attached flier
for more information, or contact Ms. Shapiro (sshap...@austinisd.org or
841-0726) or Mrs. Russell (pruss...@austinisd.org or 841-0731).

* *

*OTHER EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS*

*KEEP UP WITH ZILKER ON FACEBOOK*

* *

*ZILKER FIT!*

*ONLINE RETAIL FUNDRAISING*

Buy stuff online? Go first to www.furtal.com/school/Zilker-Elementary-PTA,
then choose your retailer. A portion of your purchase will go to Zilker!

*SUBMISSIONS TO THE ZEN*

Zilker Futura Spanish Summer 2012 Camp Flyer.pdf
1588K View Download

SPECIAL ZEN REMINDER: Zilker PTA meeting tomorrow morning!

Dan Preston — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 13:53:52 +0000

*REMINDER: IMPORTANT GENERAL PTA MEETING *

*TOMORROW, March 8, 7:45 a.m., Zilker Cafeteria*

*Please attend if you can, for as long as you can!*

In this critical meeting, the PTA:

· Will provide a budget update

· Will VOTE to approve the executive board member “nominating
committee” and

· Will discuss the executive board positions up for election.

The nominating committee will develop a list of candidates for board
positions, which will go to the general parent body for a vote in April.
Nominating committee candidates are Rachel Smith, Robbie Searcy, Dan
Preson, Kirk Tate, and Daniella Sadeh.

*PTA Officers and Board Member Positions*

President

Vice President

Vice President, Membership

Vice President, Volunteer

Treasurer

Secretary

Historian (appointed by the PTA President)

**The *Zamboree Committee Chair* position will also be vacant next year.
The chair works with a committee to plan, organize and run Zilker’s annual
fall festival. Zamboree is a family event that takes place around Halloween
with games, activities for all ages, haunted house, food and more.

Anyone interested in learning more about serving on the board is encouraged
to attend the meeting on March 8 and/or email Akua Woolbright at
kwoolbri...@yahoo.com.

ZEN FOR THE WEEK ENDING MARCH 2nd

Dan Preston — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:47:22 +0000

*Friday, March 2nd, 5:30PM – 9:00PM*

Zilker Backyard Concert

*Saturday, March 3rd – 9:00AM*

It’s Your Park Day – Zilker Elementary/Little Zilker Park

*Thursday, March 8th – 7:45AM – NEW DATE*

PTA General Meeting

Cafeteria

*Saturday, April 14, Noon – 4:00PM
*Zilker Coffee House
Student Art Show
Zilker Café

*Save the date: Friday, April 27th – Spring Fling*

*Saturday, May 5th – 10:00AM*

Zilker Pet Parade

*In This Issue*

Zilker Backyard Concert Returns!

Gearing up for Spring Fling!

It’s Your Park Day

And much more . . .

*CONGRATS TO ZILKER STUDENTS WHO PARTICIPATED IN REGIONAL SCIENCE FAIR.
Twelve Zilker Panthers received either 1st or 2nd place ribbons.*

*ZILKER BACKYARD CONCERT RETURNS!*

*Friday, March 2nd 5:30-9pm***

This year our opening act will be *Little Galaxy*, featuring Zilker alum
Ramona Beattie and Grace London. Headlining the show will be Austin's
favorite half time show: *MINOR MISHAP MARCHING BAND*!!!

In honor of Minor Mishap, we'll be hosting an *instrument petting
zoo*before the show, and we'll have an area where kids can
*make their own instruments* to join in with the band.

Also featuring:

*BYOT (bring your own t-shirt! we'll have on-site screen printers on hand
to customize the t-shirts you bring!)

*BYOP (bring your own plate and load it up with local vendors selling
tamales, tacos and more- we'll have dish washing stations set up!)

*See the attached for MORE DETAILS ON SCHEDULE OF EVENTS!*

* *

*IT’S YOUR PARK DAY - **WE NEED YOUR HELP!*

*Come join us Saturday, March 3rd at 9:00AM for It's Your Park Day at
Zilker Elementary/Little Zilker Park.* We'll be planting our orchard trees
that were obtained via a grant from Tree Folks. We'll also be laying the
irrigation and could use several extra helping hands on deck. Email Kim
McKnight at littlezil...@gmail.com if you're able to come help. Find out
more about the project and how to help on Zilker Sustainability Committee's
brand new blog: http://zilkersustainability.com/

*IMPORTANT GENERAL PTA MEETING *

*March 8th @ 7:45AM - Cafeteria*

This PTA meeting is important—covering items that will impact the remainder
of the school year as well as next year. We hope as many parents as
possible will make time to attend. In this critical meeting PTA will
provide a budget update. PTA will VOTE to approve the executive board
member "nominating committee" and will discuss the executive board
positions up for election. The nominating committee will be putting
together a list of names for candidates for board positions, and submitting
these names to the general parent body for a vote in April. Those seeking
election onto the nominating committee: Rachel Smith, Robbie Searcy, Dan
Preson, Kirk Tate, and Daniella Sadeh.

*PTA Officers and Board Member Positions. List of responsibilities for
each role is attached.*

* *

President

Vice President

Vice President, Membership

Vice President, Volunteer

Treasurer

Secretary

Anyone interested in learning more about serving on the board is encouraged
to attend the meeting on March 8th and/or email Akua Woolbright at
kwoolbri...@yahoo.com

*GET READY FOR SPRING FLING – FRIDAY, APRIL 27th at Gibson*

Zilker Spring Fling is an adult only fundraiser for the Zilker PTA. It has
a live and silent auction, music, food and drinks. The Spring Fling is
Zilker’s largest fundraiser and the money earned provides funds for
enrichment opportunities, tutoring, technology and other PTA activities.

For more info on Spring Fling:

Go to our blog at
www.zilkerspringfling.blogspot.comwww.zilkerspringfling.blogspot.com>

A Final Fling!

Help earn your child’s class a special “Final Fling” at the end of the
school year. The grade level that brings in the most sponsorship money
(cash donations) will win a special end of the year event!

Contact your classroom room parent to donate today!

(Any cash donations over $100 will be recognized!)

*Want to be on the Spring Fling Committee?*

There will be an All Committee meeting on *March 4th at 1:30 in Jody Wynn's
portable (orange B-2).* Anyone wanting to join the Spring Fling Committee
is welcome and encouraged to attend.

* *

*UT Spanish Poetry Contest & Summer Camp*

http://www.utexas.edu/cola/depts/spanish/events/Poetry-Declamation.php

*Requirements:* Each student will present two poems—one selected by the
organizers and a second one selected by the participating student. Interested
students must let Señora Sweetlamb or Señora Ortega know during the week of
March 5th-9th in Spanish class, in order to be registered. For help help
choosing, translating, or pronouncing the words in a poem, contact
caitlin.k.sw...@gmail.com.

Please let your *Spanish Teacher* know (via email or in person) if you
want your child to participate by*Friday, March 9th*.
caitlin.k.sw...@gmail.com or adriannelort...@gmail.com

Also be on the look out for *Spanish Summer Camp at Zilker*. More
details to follow. If interested please contact Beverly Redden,
bevred...@yahoo.com

*SUMMER ART CAMP WITH MS. PETTIT*

Classes are for all current 2011-2012 K-5th grade students

*Week of June 4 - 8, 2012*

*Morning Class 9 am – 12 Noon:*

*Creative Cartooning* Current K – 5th grade students

*Week of June 11 – 15, 2012*

*Morning Class 9AM – 12 Noon * *Afternoon Class 1PM
– 4PM*

*Magical Mexico* *Native
American Art*
Current K – 5th grade students Current
K- 5th grade
students

*Each week-long, half-day class is $135 per child.* This fee includes all
materials and a daily snack. **If you are registering your child for both
the morning and afternoon classes, *please pack a lunch for your child*.
We will have a lunch break between classes.
See attached form for more info and page two has registration form.

*
*

*COMING THIS SUMMER: RETURN OF TECHNO-CAMP!*

The June 4-8 camp offers two sessions. Each session is $135 and will have a
different focus.

*Techno Camp Session 1, 9 a.m. to noon,* will focus more on Mac
applications such as Garage Band, Photo Booth, iMovies, PowerPoints and
more.

*Techno Camp Session 2, 1 – 4 p.m.,* will focus more on educational
websites, such as Glogster.com, Animoto.com, Toondoo.com, Wordle.com, and
Podomatic.com, to create podcasts, movies, interactive posters, and more!

If a student attended camp in 2011, we will build upon the skills they
learned last year and create new projects. Camp is limited to 20 students,
and parents may reserve your child’s spot now ($25 nonrefundable deposit
required). Registration deadline is May 21. See the attached flier for more
information, or contact Ms. Shapiro (sshap...@austinisd.org or 841-0726) or
Mrs. Russell (pruss...@austinisd.org or 841-0731).

* *

*2ND ANNUAL ZILKER ELEMENTARY PET PARADE!*

Saturday, May 5, 10 AM, Zilker school track

Does your family have a favorite pet, an unusual one, a talented one?
Show it off at the 2nd Annual Zilker Elementary Pet Parade! Back by
popular demand, this old-fashioned, free, kid-driven event is fun for
participants and observers alike. All neighborhood children are invited to
parade their pets around the school track. All types and sizes of animals
are welcome, as are costumes and tricks. Kids without animals can bring
instruments or wear costumes and help lead the parade.

Pet Parade Planning Meeting: Tuesday, March 6, 7:45 a.m., teachers'
lounge. Interested parties are invited to help prepare for this fun,
simple event. Or contact Helen at snookhe...@gmail.com.

* *

*OTHER EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS*

*KEEP UP WITH ZILKER ON FACEBOOK*

* *

*ZILKER FIT!*

The weather is great! Come out and join other Zilker parents as we
walk/jog/stroll our little ones around the Zilker tracks. If you are unable
to join us, check out Dr. Richard Kelley's ebook, The 3-Hour Appetite. Dr.
Kelley is a Zilker parent. Another Zilker parent, Teresa Acosta, can help
you Zumba your way towards fitness. Check out her facebook page at Zumba
ATX. Whether you workout at Zilker, watch what you eat, take up a yoga
class, zumba, take a rowing class, or just walk around your yard(!), do
something to make yourself healthier and feel better!

Let's be positive role models for our children. Meet at the Zilker tracks
after dropoff if you can.

Info/Comments to Jen Gold at lizardmixt...@yahoo.com

*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!

*SUBMISSIONS TO THE ZEN*

ZEN SPECIAL EDITION: FRIDAY, MARCH 2ND - ZILKER BACKYARD CONCERT PRESENTS . . . .

Dan Preston — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:46:26 +0000

*Friday, March 2nd : Zilker Backyard Concert Presents:*

*The Minor Mishap Marching Band*

and

*The Little Galaxy*

*Where:*

Zilker Outdoor Learning Center

1900 Bluebonnet Ave

(Back of the school)

*When: *

Friday, March 2

5:30-8:30PM

Bring a chair or blanket to kick back and enjoy the music.

Bring some cash! The event is FREE! We will, however, gladly accept your
donations, but we want all to feel they can come, full wallets
notwithstanding. All proceeds benefit the Zilker PTA.

Most, but not all of the food vendors will be accepting credit cards.

This is a family event- all kids should be accompanied by an adult, please!

*Schedule of Events:*

*5:30-7:00pm*

Screen printing

Instrument making and petting zoo

Food Vendors

Spring Veggie and Herb Plant Sale

*6:15-7:00*

The Little Galaxy

*7:15-8:15*

Minor Mishap Marching Band

*ABOUT THE ACTIVITIES*:

- *Face Painting*: we’ll have painters on hand, so bring your cheeks!
Suggested donation: $1 per masterpiece
- *BYOT Screen printing*: Bring Your Own T-shirt! We’ll have three
different screens for you to choose from to bling out an old favorite (or
new; we’ll have some shirts for sale on-site) shirt. Suggested donation: $5
per shirt.
- *Spring Veggie Plant Sale*: Our Sustainability Committee will be
selling organic herb and veggie plants ready to find their home in your
spring garden. They’ll also be on hand to answer your gardening questions.
Suggested donation: $2 per plant or $5 for 3.
- *Instrument Making*: Fran Holland has led tinkering workshops in the
Bay Area for years. He’s been a featured guest at San Francisco’s
Exploritorium Museum and has worked extensively with kids to encourage
their creativity and curiosity- and his speciality is building instruments
with found objects! (check him and his amazing self out here:
http://www.franholland.com) He’ll be set up and working with the kids to
help them create their own marching band instrument that they can then use
to march with the band. Suggested donation: $1 per kid
- *Instrument Petting Zoo*: Local music enthusiasts as well as several
Minor Mishappers will be on hand to give the kids an up close look at the
instruments that they’re passionate about.

*ABOUT THE BANDS:*

*Minor Mishap*

Fun, loud and in the street! Minor Mishap Marching Band, a 35 piece* unruly
circus-punk-brass band: Rue Bourbon meets Budapest, was started on a wild
hare by Austin musician, Datri Bean <http://datribean.com/>. She was
inspired by a love of street music, brass bands, and spectacle, as well as
a desire to create community and reinvent public spaces. Over the two
years since its inception, it has grown to be a 35 member ensemble,
performing all over Austin; New Orleans Mardi Gras Parades: Thoth, Druids
and Muses; Art Outside, Austin; the Greensteam Festival, Austin; Honk Fest,
Boston; Honk West, Seattle; and many SXSW related events.

*not every member of the band can make it to each gig, but we are expecting
a bakers dozen of the mishaps at Zilker on Friday!

*The Little Galaxy*

Made up of Zilker Alum Ramona Beattie and Grace London, The Little Galaxy
is newly formed as a band, but arrives on the scene with the kind of
boots-on-the-ground experience most middle school bands could only DREAM of
peppering their bio with. Grace began playing guitar in elementary school
where she wowed not only her classmates, but also her classmates parents,
her teachers, and pretty much anyone who heard her play- be it at a school
talent show or a local coffee house. Ramona comes from one of Austin’s
elite musical families, her father Brian is a founding member of the
legendary Glass Eye, as well as serving as producer for The Dead Milkman,
Okkervile River and Bill Callahan. Ramona, aside from a childhood steeped
in eclectic musical influences, has collaborated with her father on his
most recent project, a musical titled ‘Ivy and The Wicker Suitcase’, which
also features Grace as
Ivy.

*ABOUT THE FOOD:*

BYOP: Bring Your Own Plate! We’ll have a dishwashing station for those of
you who choose to bring reusable plates and cups.

*Delicious offerings from our local vendors:*

- *Cazamance African cuisine*: owned and operated by Zilker’s own Robin
Hunter and Iba Thiam. www.cazamance.com
- *Dogellos Hot Dogs* (and Veggie Dogs!) www.dogellos.com
- *The Gardeners Feast*: Vegetarian and Meat Tamales! Gluten free and
organic! www.thegardenersfeast.com/tamales.html
- *Quantum Coffee*: coffee and more brought to you by Ginger and Lucy
(Lucy is a zilker alum and Ginger is a 15 yr. old entrepreneur who is
renting her parents coffee cart for our event!)
www.facebook.com/quantumcoffeecafe

* HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!*

ZEN FOR THE WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 24TH

Dan Preston — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:45:43 +0000

*Saturday, February 25th *

Regional Science Fair

*Friday, March 2nd, 5:30PM – 9:00PM*

Zilker Backyard Concert

*Saturday, March 3rd – 9:00AM*

It’s Your Park Day – Zilker Elementary/Little Zilker Park

*Wednesday, March 7th – 7:45AM*

PTA General Meeting

Cafeteria

*Saturday, April 14, Noon – 4:00PM
*Zilker Coffee House
Student Art Show
Zilker Café

*Save the date: Friday, April 27th – Spring Fling*

*In This Issue*

Zilker Backyard Concert Returns!

Gearing up for Spring Fling!

It’s Your Park Day

And much more . . .

*VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR REGIONAL SCIENCE FAIR*

Congratulations to the Zilker scientists who will participate in the
Regional Science Fair! Volunteers are needed at the event on Saturday, Feb.
25, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Zilker 3rd-5th-grade grade winners can compete at the
regional event only if we send volunteers to assist in judging and other
tasks. Parents of the winners can volunteers as well. Please contact
Daniella Sadeh at danisa...@gmail.com or (972) 273.0808 for more
information as soon as possible.

* *

*NEW RAINWATER COLLECTION TANK *

Have you seen our lovely new rain tank in front of the school? It was
installed last week and was hooked up and ready to receive the rains that
came soon after!

Now it's time to get ready to plant the trees that the water will feed, as
well as lay the system in place for their irrigation.

*WE NEED YOUR HELP!*

*ZILKER BACKYARD CONCERT RETURNS!*

*Friday, March 2nd 5:30-9pm***

This year our opening act will be *Little Galaxy*, featuring Zilker alum
Ramona Beattie and Grace London. Headlining the show will be Austin's
favorite half time show: *MINOR MISHAP MARCHING BAND*!!!

In honor of Minor Mishap, we'll be hosting an *instrument petting
zoo*before the show, and we'll have an area where kids can
*make their own instruments* to join in with the band.

Also featuring:

*BYOT (bring your own t-shirt! we'll have on-site screen printers on hand
to customize the t-shirts you bring!)

*BYOP (bring your own plate and load it up with local vendors selling
tamales, tacos and more- we'll have dish washing stations set up!)

*More music TBA....

*IMPORTANT GENERAL PTA MEETING *

*March 7th @ 7:45AM - Cafeteria*

Anyone interested in learning more about serving on the board is encouraged
to attend the meeting on March 7th and/or email Akua Woolbright at
kwoolbri...@yahoo.com

*PTA Officers and Board Members: Roles and Responsibilities*

* *

*President (Akua Woolbright is seeking re-election):*

· Presides over PTA executive and general meetings, including
preparing agendas

· Appoints parliamentarian and historian, with approval of the board

· Appoints subcommittee chairs

· Represents PTA at PTA and school sponsored-events, such as Diez Y
Seis and

Zamboree;

· Arranges for custodial services at each PTA-sponsored events
(form submitted to

AISD at beginning of each school year);

· Communicates regularly with principal

· Serves as a liaison to the Zilker PTA subcommittees, or delegates
the task to

another PTA officer or board member

· Approves the ZEN prior to distribution each week; collaborates
with webmaster to

ensure regular updates

· Communicates, as needed, with the state or local PTA and AISD as
relates to PTA

business

· Delegates tasks, as appropriate, to other officers/board members

· Attends leadership training (one-time)

· Ensures that new officers attend PTA leadership training

· Serves as 2nd signatory on all PTA checks

*Vice President, Programs (Jacquie Benastante is seeking re-election):*

· Serves as PTA liaison to business community

· Solicits food and beverage donations for PTA-sponsored events
(e.g. teacher

appreciation events, PTA coffees, science fair, coffeehouse, etc…)

· Presides at meeting if president not available

· Serves as second signatory on checks when president or treasurer
not available

· Represents PTA at Zilker PTA events

· Attends majority of PTA executive committee meetings

· Manages other duties as assigned by the president

· Attends leadership training (one-time)

*Vice President, Membership (Vacant):*

· Organizes annual PTA membership recruitment drive at beginning of
each school

year, including collaboration with PTA teacher representative to recruit
teachers

· Maintains PTA membership roster and submits PTA membership and
payment to

tate PTA by Oct. 15th of each year

· Coordinate annual January Kinder Camp and PTA
outreach/distribution of

membership info at Kinder Round Up in May

· Recruit incoming Kinder parents, and to set up Kinder list serves
and play dates for

incoming Kinders

· Attends majority of PTA executive committee meetings

· Represents PTA at Zilker PTA events

· Coordinates production/printing of annual Zilker t-shirt

· Conduct annual survey of members for feedback into PTA programming

· Manages other duties as assigned by the president (e.g. oversee
production/printing

of PTA membership brochure)

· Attends leadership training (one-time)

* *

*Vice President, Volunteer Recruitment (Daniella Sadeh is not seeking
re-election)*

· Recruits volunteers for PTA and school events

· Develops and maintains annual roster of volunteers

· Attends majority of PTA executive committee meetings

· Represents PTA at Zilker PTA events

· Manages other duties as assigned by the president (e.g. serve as
a liaison to a PTA

subcommittee)

· Attends leadership training (one-time)*
*

*Treasurer (Yael Ouzillou is seeking re-election)*

· Maintains PTA books and financial records, including bank
statements, receipts,

beginning and ending balances, and PTA budget

· Disburses PTA funds as approved by PTA board/annual PTA budget

· Serves as chair of annual budget meeting

· Signatory on all checks

· Prepares report for annual PTA audit

· Makes regular bank deposits

· Tracks profit/loss of PTA fundraising events

· Provides regular reports to the board on the financial status of
the PTA

· Ensures PTA compliance with state and federal tax and
not-for-profit requirements

· Attends majority of PTA executive committee meetings

· Represents PTA at Zilker PTA events

· Other duties as assigned by the president

· Attends leadership training (one-time)

*Secretary (Andi Loo is not seeking re-election)*

· Keeps minutes of all meetings, including a record of attendance
of officers and

board members

· Attends majority of PTA executive committee meetings

· Represents PTA at Zilker PTA events

· Manages other duties as assigned by the president

· Attends leadership training (one-time)

*GET READY FOR SPRING FLING – FRIDAY, APRIL 27th at Gibson*

For more info on Spring Fling:

Go to our blog at www.zilkerspringfling.blogspot.com

A Final Fling!

Contact your classroom room parent to donate today!

(Any cash donations over $100 will be recognized!)

*Want to be on the Spring Fling Committee?*

There will be an All Committee meeting on *March 4th at 1:30 in Jody Wynn's
portable (orange B-2).* Anyone wanting to join the Spring Fling Committee
is welcome and encouraged to attend.

*SUPPORT (AND SAVE) CREATIVITY CLUB*

The Dougherty Art Center (DAC) has offered a daily, after school
"Creativity Club" at Zilker for many years. Recently, parents were
informed that this campus-based program would be discontinued for the
2012-13 school year. A Community Meeting was held at Dougherty on 1/26.
It was explained that while C-Clubs at local elementary schools like
Zilker make money and are extremely popular with families, the revenue goes
back into the city's "general fund". Consequently, pressures regarding the
city's tight budget are leading them to propose the dismantling of this
much beloved, successful program.

Families who would like to support C-Club staying at Zilker next year
should contact both city council members and the city manager's office.
There is also a "Speak Up Austin" page where you can also vote to support
C-Clubs. This page is located at:

https://austintexas.icanmakeitbetter.com/all/ideas/save-austin-c-club...

The contact at Dougherty for more information is Teruko Nimura 974-4035 or
teruko.num...@austintx.gov.

*COMING THIS SUMMER: RETURN OF TECHNO-CAMP!*

The June 4-8 camp offers two sessions. Each session is $135 and will have a
different focus.

*Techno Camp Session 1, 9 a.m. to noon,* will focus more on Mac
applications such as Garage Band, Photo Booth, iMovies, PowerPoints and
more.

* *

*AFTER-SCHOOL FUN *

*GET YOUR MATH GAME ON*

The Zilker Math Pentathlon club has begun its spring session, and there are
still openings for interested fourth- and fifth-graders and a waiting list
for number-crunchers in other grades. The club meets after school on
Wednesdays, and teams will learn the games necessary to participate in the
regional Math Pentathlon this spring. The cost is $40 for the remainder of
the school year, payable to Zilker PTA. Please contact Ruth Shear at
drr...@mail.utexas.edu or (512) 970-9907 if you are interested.
Registration forms also are available by the Zilker PTA mailbox in the
office.

* *

*OTHER EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS*

*INTRODUCE A GIRL TO ENGINEERING DAY*

*Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012, 2 - 5 p.m.*, *UT Austin Campus*

Help promote math, science and engineering to girls through Introduce a
Girl to Engineering Day. This event, hosted by the Women in Engineering
Program (WEP) at The University of Texas at Austin, reaches more than 1,600
1st- through 8th-grade girls from Central Texas. For more information,
visit www.engr.utexas.edu/wep/k12/girlday.

*CYBER SAFETY SEMINAR AT O’HENRY – FEB. 23RD*

You don't have to be a computer expert to protect your child online!
Please join Google, iKeepSafe, and guest speaker, Mark Strama of the Texas
House
of Representatives, at our upcoming stop on a national Digital Literacy
Tour hosted at O. Henry.

*Date: Thursday, Feb. 23. Time: 6:00 p.m. Location: Cafe O.
Henry.* We'll share the best practices for staying safe online, as
well as the
simple things you can do to ensure your child has a great online
experience. There will also be a short PTA meeting at the beginning.

* *

*PARENTING APART WEBINAR SERIES – FROM TEXAS PTA AND CHRISTINA MCGHEE*

With over one million kids each year becoming a part of a separated,
divorced or blended family, parents and teachers are looking for more
meaningful ways to help kids get through the process and thrive in a secure
and happy world.

We realize helping every child reach their potential takes teamwork. That's
why the *Texas PTA* and *Christina McGhee* have teamed up to offer the
*Parenting
Apart* webinar series to help support families dealing with the complex
issue of parenting children together while living apart.

* *

*Neutralizing Divorce Drama:*

*How to Manage the Awkward Moments*

Do you dread attending functions when you know your Ex is going to be
there? Wish there was some way to make it easier for your kids? At a loss
for words when kids ask why things are different in the other household or
share something the other parent said that you don't agree with? In this
webinar we will tackle the tough problem of keeping events drama free, how
to process differences that crop up between Mom and Dad with kids, as well
as, ways you can help your children cope when parents don't agree.Are you a
parent in a separated or blended family? Do you know someone who is in a
"parenting apart" environment?

*Date*: Tuesday, February 28 *Time (CST):* 12:00 pm *&* 9:00 pm *(30
minute sessions)*

*Cost:* *FREE!!*

*Register Today!*<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=byqmoobab&et=1109270940966&s=70643&e=00...>

*KEEP UP WITH ZILKER ON FACEBOOK*

*ONLINE RETAIL FUNDRAISER CONTINUES*

ZEN For WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 17TH

Dan Preston — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:44:38 +0000

*Monday, February 20*

*No School*

* *

*Saturday, February 25, 7:00AM – 2PM*

Regional Science Fair

(Volunteers needed)

*Friday, March 2, 5:30PM – 9:00PM*

Zilker Backyard Concert

*Saturday, April 14, Noon – 4:00PM *

Zilker Coffee House and Student Art Show

Zilker Café

*In This Issue*

Zilker Backyard Concert Returns!

Sustainability Committee Unveils New Rainwater Collection Tank

Support Creativity Club

Zilker Math Pentathlon

And much more!

*VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR REGIONAL SCIENCE FAIR*

* *

*NEW RAINWATER COLLECTION TANK*

Have you seen our lovely new rain tank in front of the school? It was
installed last week and was hooked up and ready to receive the rains that
came soon after! We’ve attached pictures to this email so you can see them.

Now it's time to get ready to plant the trees that the water will feed, as
well as lay the system in place for their irrigation.

*WE NEED YOUR HELP!*

*Come join us Saturday, March 3rd for It's Your Park Day at Zilker.* We'll
be planting our orchard trees that were obtained via a grant from Tree
Folks. We'll also be laying the irrigation and could use several extra
helping hands on deck. Email Kim McKnight at littlezil...@gmail.com if
you're able to come help. Find out more about the project and how to help
on Zilker Sustainability Committee's brand new blog:
http://zilkersustainability.com/

*SUPPORT (AND SAVE) CREATIVITY CLUB*

https://austintexas.icanmakeitbetter.com/all/ideas/save-austin-c-club...

The contact at Dougherty for more information is Teruko Nimura 974-4035 or
teruko.num...@austintx.gov.

* *

*ZILKER BACKYARD CONCERT RETURNS!*

*Friday, March 2nd 5:30-9pm*

This year our opening act will be *Small Galaxy*, featuring Zilker alum
Ramona Beattie and Grace London. Headlining the show will be Austin's
favorite half time show: *MINOR MISHAP MARCHING BAND*!!!

In honor of Minor Mishap, we'll be hosting an *insturment petting
zoo*before the show, and we'll have an area where kids can
*make their own instruments* to join in with the band.

Also featuring:

*BYOT (bring your own t-shirt! we'll have on-site screen printers on hand
to customize the t-shirts you bring!)

*BYOP (bring your own plate and load it up with local vendors selling
tamales, tacos and more- we'll have dish washing stations set up!)

*More music TBA....

*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.Feld...@austinisd.org or call her at (512)
414-3318
.

*COMING THIS SUMMER: RETURN OF TECHNO-CAMP!*

The June 4-8 camp offers two sessions. Each session is $135 and will have a
different focus.

Techno Camp Session 1, 9 a.m. to noon, will focus more on Mac applications
such as Garage Band, Photo Booth, iMovies, PowerPoints and more.

Techno Camp Session 2, 1 – 4 p.m., will focus more on educational websites,
such as Glogster.com, Animoto.com, Toondoo.com, Wordle.com, and
Podomatic.com, to create podcasts, movies, interactive posters, and more!

* *

*AFTER-SCHOOL FUN*

*GET YOUR MATH GAME ON*

*
*

*MAD SCIENCE AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM COMING TO ZILKER*

The Mad Science program will come to Zilker on Tuesdays, Feb. 28. – April
10, from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., and the fee is $89 for the six-week
session. Registration deadline is Wednesday, Feb. 22. Please visit
www.madscience.org/austin for more information.

*
*

*ZILKER ULTIMATE FOR SPRING STARTS SOON*

The Zilker Ultimate! spring program will be on Wednesdays Feb. 15 – March
29, from 2:45 to 4:15 p.m., on the Zilker playground. Tournament date is
March 24. Visit www.ultimatespirit.org for more information.

*
*

*ZILKER Z ART AUCTION IS A HIT!!*

The 7th annual Z Art Auction packed in a full house to support future PTA
Arts in Education art programming and campus beautification projects.
Attendees enjoyed original art donated by community artists, unique
individual and class art projects made by Zilker students, and wonderful
handmade goods offered by local art vendors. The Arts in Education team
truly appreciates the help received from our Zilker community. Thank you
for making the Z a special night!! Particular thanks go to: Monica
Boulton & Susan Slattery - Event Planning & Production

Ms. Price, Ms. Pettit & Ms. Kraal - Event Planning

Michele Hoelscher - Event Planning & Art Auction Consultant

Andrea Ewen - Event Planning

Tiffany Seaward - Volunteer Coordinator & Event Production

Jen Gold - Bake Sale Coordinator

Mr. Woodage - Silk Screen Printing Production

East and Alec Hoelscher - Sound Management

Zilker room parents - Art Facilitators

Essential support came from the following individuals who helped
extensively before and during auction day:

Ted Smouse

Ms. Rakusin

Jacquie Benestante

Claudia Montero

Steve Stratakos

Drew Gartman

Melissa Callaway

Gentil Najera

Liz Scanlon

Charlotte Cotera

Guillermo Boza

Ashley Cohn

Daniella Sadeh

Janine Keller

Sage Baker

Jordan McKay

Chris Glass

Helen Davis

Berit Kragas

Dave Thiessen

And last but not least, we received incredible assistance from the
following students: Castle Smouse, Amanda & William Gold, Sasha, Olivia &
Sebastian Najera, Chandler Cohn, Cloa & Annabell Glass and others

*OTHER EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS*

*
*

*INTRODUCE A GIRL TO ENGINEERING DAY*

*Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012, 2 - 5 p.m.*, *UT Austin Campus*

*
*

*CYBER SAFETY SEMINAR AT O’HENRY – FEB. 23RD*

You don't have to be a computer expert to protect your child online!
Please join Google, iKeepSafe, and guest speaker, Mark Strama of the Texas
House of Representatives, at our upcoming stop on a national Digital
Literacy Tour hosted at O. Henry.

* *

*PARENTING APART WEBINAR SERIES – FROM TEXAS PTA AND CHRISTINA MCGHEE*

* *

*The Conflict Connection:*

*Understanding What Makes Your Difficult Ex Tick*

Do you feel emotionally exhausted by your Ex's contentious behavior? Tired
of relentless divorce drama? Wish you could figure out why your Ex is
playing nice one day and nasty the next? Come join us for an informative
and engaging discussion on how you can counter the conflict connection.
During this workshop we will discuss practical strategies for managing
divorce drama and how to shield children from conflict.

*Date*: Tuesday, February 21 *Time (CST):* 12:00 pm *&* 9:00 pm *(30
minute sessions)*

*Cost:* $15

*Register Today!*<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=byqmoobab&et=1109270940966&s=70643&e=00...>

*Neutralizing Divorce Drama:*

*How to Manage the Awkward Moments*

*Date*: Tuesday, February 28 *Time (CST):* 12:00 pm *&* 9:00 pm *(30
minute sessions)*

*Cost:* *FREE!!*

*Register Today!*<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=byqmoobab&et=1109270940966&s=70643&e=00...>

*KEEP UP WITH ZILKER ON FACEBOOK*

*ONLINE RETAIL FUNDRAISER CONTINUES*

*SUBMISSIONS TO THE **ZEN*

*Please submit your announcement to the **ZEN** (zilker...@gmail.com) by
Wednesday at noon* for that week’s edition. In the SUBJECT LINE of your
email, please note FOR THE ZEN. Thanks!