January – February 2008

President's Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sherry Caravano (973) 426-9092

First, congratulations to all the winners of the Spelling Bee which took place in December. David Ottoson was the winner of the 3rd/4th graders, Kelsey Lipkin was the winner of the 5th/6th graders, and Christy Taylor was the winner of the 7th/8th graders. I would also like to thank Rose Tucker who organized this event on behalf of the HSA.

This New Year has continued to be a busy one for us. Kindergarten registration took place in January. Thanks to the following volunteers who helped: Carmela Berger, Sherrin Claesson, Joelle DeMasi, Dawn Goula, Dawn Heinen, Robbin Kenny, Lauren Mortell, Linda Oeftering, Chris Raymond, Kelly Swiencki, and Diana Truglio.

We are planning many events. We are sponsoring a Basketball Family Fun Night on Friday, February 22nd. Come out and enjoy a basketball game featuring our faculty vs. the 8th grade basketball team. Then, watch two Harlem Wizards perform a half court show full of amazing tricks with audience participation. The basketball game will start promptly at 6:45 pm and the Wizards show will follow at 7:30 pm. There are tickets still available. Tickets are $5.00 per person and will not be sold at the door. For more information, please go to the school’s web site at www.stanhopeschools.org and then click on HSA highlighted in blue which is right above forms and documents. Click on the basketball link for an order form and additional information.

Our Spring book fair is coming up. It will be held on Tuesday, February 26th, Wednesday, February 27th, and Thursday, February 28th.

After School Bingo for grades 4-8 has been rescheduled due to the snow day. It will now take place on Wednesday, March 5th from 2:45 pm - 4:00 pm. Please note that if you sent in a permission slip for the February 13th date that was cancelled, a new permission slip must be filled out. New permission slips were sent home and are due back by 2/29.

We are working hard on our 8th annual Tricky Tray which will be held on Saturday, March 29th. The continued success of this event depends on the generosity of the families of our school. Local businesses and small stores try to help, but they are overwhelmed by the numerous requests they get everyday for donations from different organizations. As a result, we also need your help. If each family would donate something towards the Tricky Tray, we would all benefit from it. The reality is that it takes a lot of money and time to provide the different things we do for the school and the students. This event can raise a substantial amount of money that will enable us to provide our children with school enhancements including educational, cultural and family fun events. If you would like to donate a tray, you can drop it off at the school during parent teacher conferences. We would be more than happy to put a tray together for you. Just drop off your items at the school and we will put it together and wrap it for you. Of course, if you would like to send in a cash donation, we will also shop for you or put your donation towards one of our specials. If you have further questions regarding the Tricky Tray or you would like to volunteer your time, please feel free to call me. Please remember that when we work together, our children are the winners.

Please look for upcoming information on our Pre-Tricky Tray dinner. Come out a little early and enjoy a nice Italian buffet dinner. Also, pre-sale tickets will go on sale during parent teacher conferences in the media center on 2/27 from 1-3 pm and 6-8 pm and 2/28 from 6-8 pm.

Check out the new HSA section of the school website for up-to-date information.