January 30, 2011 - "A Light at the End of the Tunnel?"

Budget Update & Auction Event  

We are in a similar position as last year, discussing the potential ramifications of (another) year of budget cuts to education from Sacramento. You may have read or heard that Governor Brown released an initial state budget that proposes no significant budget cuts to education for 2011-2012. This is the “light at the end of the tunnel” that we have been waiting for in education. However, this budget is dependent on a June ballot measure to increase tax revenue to the state. School districts in the state, including SRVUSD, are preparing to enter the summer with two different budgets – one if the June measure passes, and one budget if the measure does not pass. 

 

Here in SRVUSD, we have resources that allow us to raise funds privately. While I wish that we did not have to depend on private funds and go to our community, the reality is that this resource allows us to keep some programs afloat for our students.

We are very fortunate to work in a district and school where we have parents and staff working side by side to raise private funds. While our Parent Teacher Association (PTA) does do some fundraising, our Disney Elementary School Education Foundation (DESEF) is the main fund raising group in our community. DESEF’s number one fundraising event is getting ready to start this Friday with the online auction. The live and silent auction dinner is scheduled for Saturday, March 12. We have had a dedicated group of individuals working tirelessly to plan and execute this year's auction events. There is an incredible lineup of products and experiences that will be offered either in the online, live, or silent auctions. A special "thank you" to our DESEF auction committee for their dedication and countless hours.

Here is the website for the online auction and for purchasing tickets to our "Disney in the Carribean" auction event/dinner/casino night -- auction website. 

Microwave Oven?
One of our microwave ovens in the staff lunch room recently went out. If you have an available microwave that you would like to donate, please let me know or call the front office. Thank you so much! 

January 19, 2011 - The "New" Disney Diary

Happy New Year Disney Dragons! To read or listen to my latest Principal's message, click here. I tried something new this month by creating and posting a podcast of my message.

It has been a while since I have last posted on the Disney Diaries, as I have been considering the role of the Diaries within our school community. This year, we have the Disney Digest email blast that PTA has been managing that pushes out announcements that pertain to PTA, DESEF, and focuses on important events and opportunities within our school and district community. You have probably also noticed that I am using a format called "Principals' Post-it" for announcements that come from my office. Of course, we still have our Dragon's Den newsletter that comes out every other month with a comprehensive look at everything happening at Walt Disney Elementary. So, where does that leave the Diary, a blog that I started last year to really push out information? Do I take the Diary offline?

After some thought, I have decided to take a little bit of a risk and design the Disney Diary to be a true blog that will provide the community the opportunity to post comments in response to my postings. I will turn on the "comments" feature which will allow viewers to post comments, suggestions, ideas, etc. to the school and/or to each other. I will not post messages every week, but as needed. I may include in postings an opportunity to hear input from the community about our programs, opportunities, vision, etc.  Many parents have the opportunity to attend PTA, DESEF, Site Council meetings to give input, but we recognize that most of our parents can or do not make it out to these meetings. While we encourage maximum parent involvement, perhaps the "new"Disney Diaries blog will provide a channel for your thoughts and comments.

I believe that you will begin seeing more Disney students participating in blogging as a part of their curriculum in the coming years, so let's start modeling this skill among the adults. I invite you to become a regular follower of the Disney Diaries and participate in the blog. To get us started, I'd like to establish norms for what "good bloggers" do in their posts:

• This blog is not a substitute for communicating directly with your child's teacher, Principal, WDPTA, DESEF, or School Site Council. 
• Assume that all contributors have good intentions
• Be respectful at all times in your communications

Here we go...

It's Time!
Once again the Walt Disney Elementary Education Fund is now selling tickets for it's Annual Live Auction on March 12th at the Canyon View Dining hall and you are invited.  All profits will be benefiting the Children at Walt Disney Elementary school.  The proceeds will be used to help pay for many of the programs and items the state no longer funds. Such as Paraprofessionals (teachers aides), Librarian, Computer Lab educator, student reading and math skills intervention programs, such as the Dragon Academy. New technology like the Apple Mac books bought last year from the Auction proceeds and classroom Audio aids. Your support will help keep those programs going and help continue funding the need for future programs at Walt Disney.

Our theme this year is "Disney in the Caribbean", so wear your island dresses and best tropical shirts. We will be serving up Mai Tai’s, Hurricanes, Margaritas and plenty of wine at our full bar.  Enjoy listening to Derek Smith's Steel Drum Trio while dining on the Buffet Dinner and dessert.  Invite your friends and family, there will be casino style gaming, raffles, games, prizes, silent auction and of course the main event, the Live Auction.

This year there will be wonderful items to bid on such as a Hawaiian vacation, Mexico getaway, San Diego retreat, great buy in parties and who wouldn't want their child to be principal for a day, or a veterinarian for a day, or Mayor for a day?  All of those will be available.

Tickets are now selling for $55 dollars per person until February 18th, which is when the price goes up to $65 per person, so purchase your tickets soon. When you are ready to purchase your tickets, follow this link, http://auctions.readysetauction.com/disneyelementaryscho/home or drop your check made out to DESEF off at the Walt Disney office.

February 4th, our online Auction will begin with over 300 items!!  There is something for everyone. Tell a friend or Facebook it, and help spread the word.  We need your support.