End of the Year Celebration Carnival

When:  Thursday May 16

Time:    4:45 - 745 PM

Where: University Park Elementary Blacktop & Field

UP is excited to host our End of the Year Celebration Carnival on Thursday evening, May 16th! There will be bounce house attractions, carnival games, snow cones, cotton candy, food, fun, and more! Come enjoy carnival fun, amusement, and games for all ages to celebrate the year’s accomplishments and growth. If you’re interested in helping at this UP family event, please contact aymeflynn@yahoo.com or sign up on the link below.

Volunteer Sign-up Sheet

All activities and Clubs follow the IUSD Non-Discrimination Policy; BP 5145.3

Camp Out

For more information, see https://www.universityparkpta.com/events/camp-out-2024/

Jog-A-Thon

Volunteers Needed

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F44AFA72CA2F5C52-48458666-jogathon#/

Book Fair

Information - Set up an eWallet by Thursday, Mar 28 so your child can shop the Fair without cash

https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/up

Volunteers Needed

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F44AFA72CA2F5C52-47919226-university#/

Read-A-Thon

Submission Code Short Link
https://bit.ly/upread24

We are requesting our members to participate in our board nomination committee and apply for our 2024-2025 PTA Executive Board. If you are interested in serving, please complete this Online Form or contact our current board members for more information!

The PTA Board is the leadership team that advocates and allocates funds for events, enrichments, classroom/playground supplies, and teacher appreciation activities that benefit our students and UP community. Below is a sample what we have accomplished and hope to accomplish this school year.

Events: Reflections Art Competition, Trunk or Treat, Read-A-Thon, Movie Night, Jog-A-Thon, End of Year Celebration, and More.

Enrichments: Coding Classes, Walk Through Assemblies, Segerstrom Performing Arts Assemblies, Imagination Machine, and More.

Supplies: Teacher Selected Classroom Supplies, Physical Education Equipment, Junior Coach, Field Trips, and More.
 

Only with your help can we continue providing these incredible resources and community building events to our students and families!

Trunk or Treat

When:     Friday, Oct 27

Time:       5:00 - 7:00 PM (set up starts at 4 PM)

Where:    University Park Elementary Parking lot

What:      The event will include, Trunk Decoration Contest, TK Burgers available for purchase, Music, prizes, and more!

University Park Elementary students are invited to wear costumes and trick or treat while viewing decorated cars or spots in the school parking lot.

Don't forget - Trunks or Spots are competing for Funniest, Scariest, and Most Creative by vote. Families, enter the contest for a chance to win some great prizes. Also -Day of volunteers wanted! Sign-up here.

Questions? Text Stephanie Gilfoy at

203-203-7724

A big thank you to Stephanie Gilfoy and Carla Holland for leading this community event!!!

Reflections Arts Program

UP Submissions Link: https://bit.ly/upreflections23

Due Date: October 15

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The 2023-2024 PTA Reflections Arts Program celebrating student creativity is now underway. We invite all University Park Elementary students to participate and submit original artwork in one of six areas: Dance Choreography, Literature, Photography, Film Production, Music Composition, and Visual Arts. (Students can enter in multiple categories, but entries are limited to one per category.)

There is also a Special Artist Division, an option for students with disabilities who receive services under IDEA or ADA.    

 The PTA awards students at the local, regional, state, and national levels. This year’s theme is “I am Hopeful Because . .” Showcase your talents and submit your entries online by Sunday, October 15th at 5 p.m.

All entries will be accepted online in electronic/digital format only.

The PTA will send the link to submit your Reflections entry will be sent in the upcoming weeks - stay tuned!

(Please note that this year, all entries must be submitted via this online form and must not exceed 1GB in file size.)

 Click the following link(s) for the rules:

 Visual Arts Rules:

http://www.fourthdistrictpta.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/visual-arts-rules_reflections_20-21.docx

 Photography Rules:

http://www.fourthdistrictpta.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/photography-rules_reflections_20-21.docx

 Literature Rules:

http://www.fourthdistrictpta.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/literature-rules_reflections_20-21.docx

Dance Choreography Rules:

http://www.fourthdistrictpta.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/dance-rules_reflections_20-21.docx

 Film Production Rules:

http://www.fourthdistrictpta.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Rules-19-20-Reflections-Film-Production-Rules.docx

 Music Composition Rules:

http://www.fourthdistrictpta.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/music-rules_reflections_20-21.docx

 Special Artist Division:

http://www.fourthdistrictpta.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Rules-19-20-Reflections-Special-Artist-Division-Rules.docx

 For further information, visit:  https://www.fourthdistrictpta.org/reflections/

Jog-A-Thon

Promo Video 1

Promo Video 2

Open House | Coding Showcase

Read-A-Thon

In honor of Read Across America Day, we are happy to announce that a schoolwide Read-A-Thon sponsored by the PTA will be taking place from February 27 to March 5. Each student will have the opportunity to win prizes individually and for their classes by reading or being read to as much as possible during that week!

Use the following link to submit your log at the end of the Read-A-Thon week. https://bit.ly/upread23

Trunk or Treat

Please join us on Friday, October 28th for a free Spooktacular ? evening of trick or treating, music (DJ Mr. E from Catalyst Kids) , food, pumpkin decorating, and more activities for the whole family! Please use this link for details about the event and/or to sign up to decorate your trunk ? . Please use the same link to donate candy ? , pumpkins ? , or your time ⏰ as a volunteer.

Reflections Arts Program

The 2022-2023 Reflections Arts Program celebrating student creativity is now underway. "Reflections" is a national PTA art contest.

All students attending University Park Elementary are invited to participate and submit original artwork in one of six areas: Dance Choreography, Literature, Photography, Film Production, Music Composition, and Visual Arts. (Students can enter in more than one category, but entries are limited to one per category.) There is also a Special Artist Division, an option for students with disabilities who receive services under IDEA or ADA. Awards are given at the local, regional, state, and national level.

This year's theme is "Show Your Voice." Showcase your talents and submit your entries online by November 1, 2022. Please review the rules below and submit entries here.

Visual Arts Rules: http://www.fourthdistrictpta.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/visual-arts-rules_reflections_20-21.docx

Photography Rules: http://www.fourthdistrictpta.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/photography-rules_reflections_20-21.docx

Literature Rules: http://www.fourthdistrictpta.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/literature-rules_reflections_20-21.docx

Dance Choreography Rules: http://www.fourthdistrictpta.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/dance-rules_reflections_20-21.docx

Film Production Rules: http://www.fourthdistrictpta.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Rules-19-20-Reflections-Film-Production-Rules.docx

Music Composition Rules: http://www.fourthdistrictpta.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/music-rules_reflections_20-21.docx

Special Artist Division: http://www.fourthdistrictpta.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Rules-19-20-Reflections-Special-Artist-Division-Rules.docx

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact reflectionsup2022@gmail.com.

Movie Night

We are celebrating the end of our Level UP September PTA Membership Drive with a Family Movie Night on Saturday, October 1st. This is FREE for Members and their families! Please join us for our first community event of the school year and RSVP at this link so we can plan for the fun?.

Event Details:

-For PTA Members (and family) and RSVP Highly Encouraged
-Saturday, October 1, 2022
-University Park Elementary Athletic Field
-Gates Open at 6:00 PM with movie (Abominable-2019) starting at sundown around 7:00 PM
-Bring your own chairs and blankets. Please no pop ups or tents.

-Popcorn and glowsticks -provided as supplies last
-Feel free to bring your own picnic dinner; and for your convenience - Tacos & Co. will also be onsite selling dinner and drinks
-THIS IS NOT A DROP-OFF EVENT! Parents must arrive with their minor(s) AND leave with their minor(s).

If you have any questions, please email membership@universityparkpta.com.

PTA Membership Drive

Children's Book Drive (Non-PTA Event)

Dine Out at Mendocino (Campus Drive)

Jog-A-Thon

Camp-Out

Jog-A-Thon

Jog-A-Thon

In just 4 weeks, we’ll kick off our Panther Jog-A-Thon program on May 12th! Our goal is to raise $25,000 for general school funds and to strengthen our school community. This year more than ever, we need additional funds to provide an excellent educational experience for all of our students.

We completely understand if your family is not in a position to financially support the school right now. You can still be involved by simply SHARING about our fundraiser with friends and extended family online at mybooster.com. Sharing IS supporting! All students will participate in the Panther Jog-A-Thon, regardless of financial participation. We will also be following our school safety guidelines to ensure a safe and fun experience for everyone.

We appreciate your support more than you know. More details to come as we get closer to kickoff!

Key dates to remember:

Registration Opens - April 28th
Register on MYBOOSTER.COM
Donating Starts - May 5th
Fundraiser Kick Off - May 12th
Event Day - May 20th
SAVE THE DATE!

Read-A-Thon

Celebrating Black History Month

Recognize contributions and accomplishments of Black Americans. Read about inspirational and prominent figures in history through the Reading is Fundamental website. Consider watching Irvine's spotlight on one of city's last surviving Tuskegee Airmen as they share their personal accounts and experiences.

There are many other resources available at California State PTA website.

Virtual Family Magic Night

For University Park Elementary on Thursday, February 10 at 6:30 via Zoom. Mark your calendars now so you don’t miss the show!

Volunteer Opportunities

Dear University Park Parents and Friends:

All help is greatly appreciated! If you would like to help, please look through the following program options and sign up for the one you are most interested in. If you are unsure of what to sign up, please sign up for "General Committee Member" and we will contact you about various ways you can help. Questions? Contact programs@universityparkpta.com.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! We can only run school programs and family events with your help, and your students would not be able to have access to these great programs without you!

Sign up here.

Membership Challenge

POPSICLE PARTY! Help us get to 100 - join today!! We are at 70 members now.  If we reach 100, students will earn a popsicle party for the entire school! Join today to help us reach our goal! Sign up here.

Celebrating National Native American Heritage Month

Recognize the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of Native American people. Consider attending an online event hosted by UCI for an evening of poetry by Joy Harjo, Poet Laureate of the United States. The event is on Tuesday, November 16, at 5pm and to attend, register here.

About the author from the website:

In 2019, Joy Harjo was appointed the 23rd United States Poet Laureate, the first Native American to hold the position. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Harjo is an internationally renowned performer and writer of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. She is the author of nine books of poetry, several plays and children’s books, and two memoirs.

Dine Out at Chipotle (on Barranca)

National PTA Reflections Art Competition

Deadline for online submissions:  Wednesday, November 3, 6p.m.

Submit your student’s entry here.

*Requires a Gmail account – sign into your Gmail or obtain a free Gmail account at the link above.*

Complete rules and information are available here.

This year’s theme:  “I will change the world by….”

All students are invited to participate and submit original artwork in one of six areas: 

• Dance/choreography
• Literature
• Photography
• Film production
• Music composition
• Visual arts

UP Grade Divisions — Students may enter in the appropriate division for their grade:  

• Primary: Preschool-Grade 2
• Intermediate: Grades 3-5
• Special Artist: All grades welcome (see below for more information)

Special Artist:
In the past few years, a new division of the Reflections program was introduced – the Special Artist Division. This is a non-graded division limited to students whose physical, cognitive, or mental health challenges meet the guidelines in the American Disabilities Act.  Qualifying students create their artwork. But, they may receive non-artistic accommodation and assistance from an adult.  Students who qualify for the Special Artist Division may choose to enter the traditional four-grade divisions.  If this is the case, students will follow all general and arts category rules. Still, they may submit an entry in the grade division most closely aligned to their cognitive or functional abilities. The student is then recognized and awarded as part of the general student population without special needs or challenges.

Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month

Recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic American champions who have inspired others to achieve success. Consider attending the online event hosted by the Library of Congress, "Celebration of Children's and YA Latin American and Latinx Literature" on Monday, October 11 at 6pm. Register at the Library of Congress or directly here.

Brief description from the website:

Join the Hispanic Reading Room at the Library of Congress and Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs (CLASP) in a virtual celebration of children’s and YA Latin American and Latinx literature. Hear from authors amplifying stories and voices from across Latin American and Latinx communities for young readers. We invite families, educators, and students to take part in this unique celebration during Hispanic Heritage Month.

This live virtual program will feature award-winning authors Angela Burke Kunkel (Digging for Words: José Alberto Gutiérrez and the Library He Built), Aida Salazar (Land of the Cranes), and Yamile Saied Méndez (Furia).

There are many other resources available at hispanicheritagemonth.gov.