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Happy String Drop


Our 1st Art Mom project was a hit. All the students were able to do this simple "Happy String Drop." They had a great time as we focused on the "Line" Principle. The kids also loved the "Boy with a Purple Crayon," which we read after the project. It is truly amazing what a line can become!


Thank you everyone who supported our 1st ever Walk-a-Thon! Wow, look at that crowd. It was fantastic to see so many families (around 350 people) from our community pushing strollers, laughing, & just having a good time while raising money for Hillcrest. So far we have a total of $4000.00 which will go right to our Art Mom, Foster Grand Parents, & a good chunk towards new locks for the school.

In case you weren't there to enjoy, let me fill you in on the events of that night. We kicked off the night with a little "Walk Like an Egyptian" routine the PTO Moms taught the kids that morning in a pep assembly. The Am. Falls Police Department lead us through our course with sirens blaring, a local Scout Troop proudly carried our American Falg, the High School Cheerleaders & Mascot met us half way at the City Park to refuel us with water & cheering, then we made it back in time for prizes, hot dogs, & music. It was such a great night and we're hoping to keep this annual tradition!
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Art Mom Project Calendar
(2008-2009)

September/October:
  • Art Principle – Line
  • Artist – Marcel Duchamp was an inventive, playful artist who believed in “happy accidents” in his work.
  • Art Project – “Happy Accident String Drop” (dip pieces of string into bowls of tempera paint, then drop them onto paper)
November/December:
  • Art Principle – Shape
  • Artist – William Blake was a painter, printmaker, and a poet.
  • Art Project – “Scratched Prints” (roll printers ink onto a cookie sheet then, using a toothpick, scratch basics shapes – press paper on top to reveal a print)
January/February:
  • Art Principle – FormArtist – Georgia O’Keeffe was famous for her paintings of flowers that fill up the entire canvas.
  • Artist - Geogia O'Keeffe was famous for her paintings of flowers that fill up the entire canvas.
  • Art Project – “A Chalk Flower” (students will trace the edges of flower stencils with chalk then lay them on paper and smear the chalk into the shape)

March:
  • Art Principle - Space
  • Artist – Vincent Van Gogh always tried to express his thoughts and emotions in his work.
  • Art Project – “Starry Night with Resistance” (Using a vanishing point students will create a nighttime scene with white crayon, then paint over to reveal the starry night scene)
April:
  • Art Principle – Color
  • Artist - Paul Gauguin used color in an entirely new way. He might paint a sky yellow, grass orange, and mountains red.
  • Art Project - "Water Color Wrap" (paint an entire piece of paper with all the colors, then cover with plastic food wrap & squish it around)

Sample Letter

Dear Family & Friends,

Our school is having our second annual family walk-a-thon on Thursday, September 30th. This is a great way for our family to work together to achieve something great for our school.


Our family will walk the 1.5 mile course with hundreds of other families from Hillcrest Elementary. Our family's goal is to raise at least $25 in sponsor contributions this year.


The funds we help raise will go to things like the Art Mom Program, Foster Grand Parents, and maintenance to our play ground equipment. With your help, our walk-a-thon will be a success and we won't have to do any door-to-door sales! What's great about this 'Fun'd-Raiser is that 100% of the money we raise will stay at our school.


You're welcome to send us your cash or a check made payable to "Hillcrest Elementary" so I can give it to my school. Or you can send your check directly to:


Hillcrest Elementary * PTO

1045 Bennett Ave.

American Falls, Id. 83211


Thank you for your help and support! Wish us luck on the 30th.


Love,
Jack, Jill, and Jenny Smith
jfam99@sbcglobal.net

How do we get sponsors?

The easiest method to gain sponsors would be via email. Simply send an email to friends and family (check out our sample letter) and include the link to this website,
www.HillcrestPTO.blogspot.com

Of course, phone calls and letters to friends & family are great methods as well. Your sponsors are welcome to send their cash or check with your student in the "Pledge Packet" or mail a check to:
Hillcrest Elementary * PTO
1045 Bennett Ave.
American Falls, Id. 83211

Don't forget to have them write your students name on the Memo so we can keep track of your family's total sponsorship dollars!

Remember, even one pledge will get your student entered into a drawing for free merchandise from our local businesses. (Skate-boards, Music, Posters, etc.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we do it?

  • To raise funds for our annual Art Mom Program, Foster Grand Parents, and for maintenance to our play ground equipment. Success means no PTO-sponsored door-to-door sales!
Where does it take place?
  • The walk will begin and end at Hillcrest following our "Safe Routes to School" sidewalk path that is currently under construction. It will wind past the Intermediate School, the new Library, and the City Park.
What should we bring?
  • For the safety of all walkers, no pets, bicycles, scooters, roller blades, and skateboards will be allowed. Wagons and strollers for future lil' beavers are welcome. First-aid will be available.
Why only one packet per family?
  • We know how difficult it can be to divide up funds and we don't want any competition between siblings. Consequently, we'd like your family to act as a team. You'll gather sponsors as a team, walk as a team, and possibly receive one of our family awards as a team.
When do we need to turn in our donations?
  • In order for your student(s) to qualify for the prize drawings, donations must be returned by Wednesday, September 30th. However, remaining donations can be turned in after the event if necessary.

What is the Walk-a-Thon?

How many times do we say, "Turn off the TV and go play!" As parents we are always looking for fun ways to get are children to be more active. For the first time, Hillcrest Elementary is hosting a family Walk-a-Thon to do just that-Be Active!

This Walk-a-Thon gives friends, family, and local businesses a chance to support our school while offering our Hillcrest families a chance to enjoy a night with our community, fitness, and fun.

Each family sets a goal to walk the 1.5-mile course together and work as a family to obtain financial support pledges from friends, neighbors, and extended family.

What is the Art Mom Program?


  • What: Art Mom Program
  • Where: Hillcrest Elementary School
  • Why: To increase our student’s appreciation for art by not only studying famous artists, but also learning the basics principles to become an artist themselves. (Remember, no previous art experience is necessary!)
  • When: The 2nd Tuesday of September, November, January, & March @9:00 a.m
  • How: We come up with the project, gather all the supplies, and even create a Presentation Poster so that all you need is to find an hour each month to teach it to your assigned class. (I still copy the instructions on the back of every poster so that if you can’t make it to the Tuesday meeting – you can still teach it)
Remember, we are always looking for volunteers. Please encourage any Moms or Dads with children in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grade to come and participate. The teachers love this, the children love this, and we know you’ll love this program too!

PTO Event Calendar (2010)

September 2010

  • 9/7 -  First Day of School
  • 9/14 - First Art Mom/PTO meeting @ 9:00 a.m. in the Cafeteria (We'll be planning the Walk-a-Thon, discussing Box Tops, and Art Mom Project for Sept/Oct.)
  • 9/15 - Back to School Night @5:30 p.m. (PTO will serve ice cream sandwiches-contact Sarah if you could help that night).
  • 9/29 - Walk-a-Thon "Hillcrest Rocks" @6:30 p.m. (Contact Sarah if you would like to help the day of, do paperwork at home, or just brain storm ideas with me!)
October 2010
  • No meetings, just contact your teacher to do your Art Mom Project.
November 2010
  • 11/9 - Art Mom/PTO Meeting @ 9:00 a.m. in Cafeteria
December 2010
  • No meetings, just contact your teacher to do your Art Mom Project.

PTO Contact Info (2010-2011)

  • Sarah Smith (PTO President) @ smith.ida@gmail.com
  • Brigitte Crump (Vice-President)
  • Gwen Andersen (Art Mom Director)
  • Rebecca Foote (Box Top Director)
  • Secretary (Stephanie Beutler)