Montgomery County schools get multi-million dollar face-lift

From our PTA Treasurer

GPES PTA accounts were recently reviewed as a part of an annual financial audit. I am happy to tell
you that the audit was completed, and no concerns were noted. An audit
involves an examination of financial transactions and the procedures used to conduct those  transacttions. Its purpose is to assure both the membership and the executive board that the funds of the PTA have
been properly administered and that good financial practices have been followed.

As many of you know, our PTA supports our teachers with money for classroom expenses and a cultural arts
program for our students. In addition, our PTA supports many additional GPES activities which include
(but aren't limited to) the GPES science fair, kindergarten orientation and the printing of the Raccoon Record. We have established a "Students in
Need" fund and have provided a directory to every GPES family. With other PTAs in our community, we
contribute to student activities that are county-wide, such as the annual MCPS patrol picnic and the Walter
Johnson High School senior prom breakfast.

This is accomplished entirely by your membership, participation in PTA events and volunteerism. Also, this
year, our PTA has helped with many incidental expenses associated with our return to the modernized
GPES. Thank you all for joining our PTA and participating in our events. We hope you consider volunteering to help at a PTA in the near future. If you
haven't volunteered before, we'll find a volunteer opportunity that fits your schedule.

Thanks again for your support of our GPES PTA!

Happy New Year!
- Carol Alderson
carolalderson@hotmail.com

27th Annual International Night is Saturday, January 28th, 2012!

Please join us for International Night 2012 on Saturday, January 28th!  Whether you decide to display your country’s heritage, have your child participate in a talent event or simply attend as a “world traveler,” you are guaranteed a night of fun and excitement!

This year’s event will be held at our new old location – the newly renovated GPES (Oxford Street, Garrett Park, MD 20896) 6 – 9pm and offers each of us the opportunity to showcase our unique heritage.  The more families that participate, the more successful this evening is. 

Choose from one or more of the following activities to participate in:
Country Heritage Display – Last year, more than 30 countries were represented!  Families display their cultural heritage with the use of handicrafts, dolls, tourist photos, stamps, flags, coins, books, writings and/or games/activities for students to try.  Many families provide foods
unique to their countries for sampling. (Food must be accompanied by a posted list of ingredients.)

International Dress Parade – All children may participate in this popular parade in traditional dress from their country.  Students parade through the school with flags representing their countries.
Cultural Performance – Students have the opportunity to perform!  In the past, students have participated in solo or group folk dances and demonstrations, recited poems in their country’s
language, played musical instruments, etc.  This is your child’s chance to show their stuff!

Interested in helping with decorating, set-up, the cultural performance and/or clean-up?  We always welcome volunteers! And middle and high school students can earn SSL hours. (Please
check off this area on the registration form.)

Are you ready to represent your country? Please complete the  registration form TODAY and send it back to GPES in your student’s folder.  Then, we will contact you to confirm
your participation and answer any questions you may have.

Thank you and we look forward to another successful International Night!!

Jean Horan (301-520-1356; philpub1@aol.com)

Natalie Grande (301-525-4242; natgrande@aol.com)
International Night 2012 Coordinator

    

Come celebrate with Chuck E. Cheese at our Jan 12 PTA fundraiser.

Stop by Chuck E. Cheese for food and fun anytime between 3:30pm and 9:00pm.

Hang out with family, friends and GPES teachers and staff.

You will be receiving a flyer with more details on our bright green PTA paper in the next few days.

Kids will be sent home with a sticker next Thursday that will get them 10 FREE tokens upon arrival.

Chuck E. Cheese is located at 
5270 Randolph Rd.
Rockville, MD 20852



 

Register for Merchant Rebate Programs to Earn $$ for Garrett Park

• GIANT 

• SAFEWAY
  

• TARGET 

• eScrip (online shopping)

• One Cause
  

• Harris Teeter