Rock Roundup: The Latest From Council Rock Schools

Welcome back to Rock Roundup, when we take a look back at Council Rock community happenings and give a sneak peek into what's coming up on the calendar.

Here's the latest from Council Rock:

Grant Awards

On June 9, the Council Rock Education Foundation awarded several grants to Council Rock school teachers for innovative ideas.  A total of 50 grant applications were submitted with the purpose of enhancing and supporting innovative programs in the district. Of the 50 applications, 12 were selected.

Staff members from throughout the district were on hand at a recent Council Rock School Board meeting to receive their awards.  Fifth graders throughout the district will have the opportunity for hands-on learning by building a molecule, thanks to Goodnoe Elementary teacher Jane Bonargo.  Middle school students at all three middle schools will have the opportunity to identify sources of wasted energy usage both at home and at school, thanks to Joseph Holm of Holland Middle School.  Lynn McDowell, Council Rock High School North arts teacher, will be providing the arts department at North with a new sewing lab for the students.  Job well done to all grant recipients. 

Sol Feinstone Elementary

The Goals for Ghana fundraiser was a huge success for the Sol Feinstone Elementary School community.  In keeping with their support of the small village of Todze, located in Ghana, West Africa, Sol Feinstone launched another initiative called t-shirts for Todze.  Whenever the PTO sells a $10 t-shirt, the Sol Feinstone PTO will then send a t-shirt to a child in the village of Todze.  Individuals interested in purchasing a t-shirt should contact Sol Feinstone PTO member Cari Grundman at carig@comcast.net.   

Newtown Elementary School

TerraCycle is a private business headquartered in Trenton, NJ.. which specializes in making consumer products from post-consumer materials, often reusing waste materials that are otherwise difficult to recycle.  The Newtown Elementary School community collected close to 20,000 items for TerraCycle recycling during the 2010-2011 school year.

As a result of this effort, NES has diverted thousands of pieces of trash away from landfills and made a tremendously positive impact on the environment.  Just because it is summer, doesn't mean the recycle collection stops.  Newtown Elementary is holding two collection dates for Terracycle items over the summer: July 15th and August 15th.  The following items can be recycled:

• empty chip bags (any size or brand)
• empty juice pouches (straw removed, any brand)
• Ziploc style bags and containers (any brand or size)
• Candy, cookie, and granola bar wrappers

Collection bins will be in the front lobby and available for drop off from 9 to 3 p.m. on the two collection dates only.

Graduation

Council Rock North held its graduation on June 15.  Students, teachers, friends, and families gathered on North's football field to watch an emotional student body end a significant chapter in their lives. The Class of 2011 was challenged to explore, dream and discover.  Congratulations to all Council Rock graduates!

Camps hosted by Council Rock Schools

For those interested in summer camps and activities, check the E-Friday folder for June/July/August at www.crsd.org.  It is not too late to sign up for the many summer activities hosted by the Council Rock School District.