January Update from Ms. Bonnie

Where’s Ms. Bonnie?

Well, seems like I have been a bit “invisible” lately, but I have really been working behind the scene.  Happy New Year to all of you, and thank you so much for the gifts and goodies sent to the faculty and me, during the holiday season.  Much thanks to all of you for your good thoughts as I recovered from that nasty H1N1 and for your current positive energy for my husband and family.  I am very happy to report that after an amazing leer jet ride to the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Bill is recovering successfully from his liver transplant.  I so appreciate everyone’s support.  Trust that I am in touch daily with the school and in my absence Miss Debbie is operating as the school administrator.  Please make sure you thank her for the job she is doing.  If you have any concerns talk with her or you can email me at msbonnie@mrgcharter.org

Who is this Mr. Chris?
I want to welcome Chris Parrino to MRGC as our new Financial Director.  He will be getting to know many of you as soon as he can poke his head out of his office.  Be patient as he learns how to gain control of the financials.  Chris has many years working as a public auditor so it won’t take him too long to get us back on track.  He is very energized to be at MRGC and is looking forward to a productive relationship.

Roots and Shoots Give Back!
The Roots and Shoots group (a Jane Goodall youth organization) spent the fall learning about our world and completing a service project for our community.  During November and December, the group collected canned and packaged goods for Roadrunner Food Bank.  On December 7, fourteen members of the group brought 225 lbs of food to
Roadrunner.  While there, they were given a tour of the Food Bank.  Thanks to Hallie Taylor Wright for her leadership, and Adelina Gonzales for assisting with the group.  Job well done and thank you to everyone for the donations!

Give TAPAS a Big Cheer!!!!
Wow with the help of almost 25 families and the Seabees from Rio Rancho, the grounds at our school were beautified.  It is amazing how volunteering for MRGC makes so much difference for all of us you come to our lovely campus.  In addition, Mr. Leon, the school founder, came in during break and began initial landscaping cleaning in the parking lot.  We thank you Leon!  Thank you all for your commitment to supporting MRGC.  If you were one of those families who were unable to make it to this clean-up day, look for one in the future.  Remember as a charter school parent you are expected to participate through volunteering to support our school in becoming exemplary.  TAPAS meetings are held the first Thursday of every month at 5:30 pm at the school.  Get involved, because it matters.

2010 Legislature and You:

You might begin to get some emails or calls from Alison Kerr or one of her team members (all parents), regarding legislation that impacts public schools. Please help support this activity when asked.  State representatives and senators really like to hear from our families with their personal stories, not a copied letter that you just sign.  All of you have in the student directory the representatives and senators from your district.  Call or write a letter requesting their continued support for all charter schools. Answer the call when asked. 

Quick Reminders:

• Flu season is still here, follow good hygiene and keep children who are sick, home.
• We are beginning to have a significant number of tardy students.  Get you child to school on time, he/she will thank you for it and so will the teachers.  Classroom doors open at 8:15, children are late after 8:30.  I know traffic can be a problem, so start out earlier.
• Look for the letter going home next week (GREEN) that let’s us know if you are returning for next year, if you have a sibling that qualifies to enter school (August 31st. in cut off date) and/or if you might be interested in our CASA program for 3 and 4 year olds.
• Library books are a privilege to check out, please make sure they are treated respectfully and returned on library days.
• By state law if your child is absent from school, you are required to either call the school or write a note upon student’s return.  If not, these absences are considered unexcused.
• If your important family information has changed, please update info with Ms. Kellie. 

VOTE FEBRUARY 2, 2010!