News & Events
The MSA Is Coming!
Mark your calendars: The Maryland School Assessment (MSA) will take place on March 13-14 for reading and March 20-21 for math. This assessment, a requirement for all Maryland public school students in Grades 3-8, provides a way for the state to measure the performance and progress of our students. Please talk with your child about the importance of the assessment and why they should take pride in how they perform, and assist them with any extra assignments that they may receive. Testing will begin promptly at 8:45 a.m. on each day, so please make sure your child arrives on time. And try not to schedule doctor’s appointments and vacations for your children during that period. If you were not able to attend the MSA Family Night or have questions about how to help prepare your child for this assessment, please contact your child’s teacher.
Imagine Foundations Hosts Open House
Imagine Foundations will be hosting an Open House, on three separate nights, early in 2012. The event, which is open to the public, will feature a brief presentation of information about the school and a tour of the campus. “This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in the school to learn more about our educational philosophy and how we differ from other schools in the area,” says Principal Chenee Dwarte. The dates for the Open House are:
- January 19
- February 16
- March 13
Each event will be held from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. in the Science and Technology Building. For more information, please call 301-808-4003.
New Online Resources for Parents
The PTO Communications Committee has updated the Imagine Foundations website by adding a few new “features.” The new “School Events Calendar,” which can be found here, alongside the school’s existing calendar, will be managed by the PTO for use by the entire school community. Any groups wishing to add events and information to the calendar should contact the Communications Committee at ifpcspto_communications@yahoo.com. The PTO also created an online “Monday Folder” link (click here) to store important documents that the school staff creates to help communicate with parents regarding important school information and events.
Acting Up, for a Good Cause
Two fundraisers held on campus in January not only showcased the artistic side of the Imagine Foundations student body but also demonstrated their ability to support a good cause. In mid January, the Student Council sponsored its first Talent Show. The evening event featured a variety of performances, including students who could sing and dance, play piano and guitar, etc., and raised more than $1,000 for the school. Later in the month, the Imagine Foundations Drama Club held its first presentation, “Aladdin Jr.” Also a Student Council-sponsored event, the show served as a fundraiser for the PTO.
Time to Restock?
It’s the half-way point in the year: Parents, do you know how many pencils your child has? February is a good time to replenish any school supplies that may have dwindled since August, such as crayons, composition books, paper, and dictionaries. To download a complete list of supplies your child needs, broken down by grade level, please click here.
PTO Supports Angel Tree Program
This year, the Imagine Foundations PTO is participating in the The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program. From November 14 – 22, we will be collecting items from the wish lists of children from 8 families (17 children total), ranging in ages from 1 – 11 years old. We hope all parents, students, and school staff will assist us in making this a successful event by donating items (new and unwrapped) for each child, including: bikes, toys, sports equipment, musical instruments, books, electronic games, and clothes. Each class will receive a list of specific items requested by the children. Monetary donations and gift cards are acceptable, as well. The PTO will purchase anything from the lists not received. Questions should be directed to Katedra Nixon at imaginefoundationspto@yahoo.com.
First Fall Festival Raises $5,000
For the first time in our five-year history, Imagine Foundations held a Fall Harvest Festival. On November 5th, students and their families, along with teachers, staffers, and others — more than 350 people all told — gathered on campus from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to participate in numerous activities, including 3 moon-bounces, 2 clown performances, pony rides, face painting, hay rides, carnival games, sack races, and much more. The debut appearance of our Imagine cheerleaders was a big hit, as well. In addition to the activities, there were lots of good things to eat, including hamburgers and hot dogs, cotton candy, candy apples, chips, soda, and more. A silent auction, featuring baskets of items created and donated by each homeroom class, also was held.
All teachers at Imagine Foundations were involved, in one way or another, along with many parent-supported “volunteer squads,” in what all hope will prove to be the largest fundraiser of the year. All told, the school raised $5,000 during the event.
Here are some photos from the Fall Harvest Festival, held on campus on November 5. Click on the images to see a larger view.
October Character Recognition Awards
Each month at Imagine Foundations we hold a character recognition assembly. The teachers select students who demonstrate the character trait for each month and reward them with a certificate and a gift. The character theme for October was trustworthiness for students in Kindergarten though Grade 5, and respect for Grades 6-7, and students dressed like their favorite characters. The assembly also was held during “Red Ribbon Week,” which is the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation. By wearing red ribbons and participating in community anti-drug events, young people pledge to live a drug-free life.
Foundations Students Walk for the Homeless
Sometimes, the simplest act — like going for a walk — can make a big difference to others, especially those who are less fortunate. Students at Imagine Foundations learned that lesson first-hand on October 14, when they participated in a “Walkathon for the Homeless.”
For the event, technically a “Mini-Walk” affiliated with the large-scale annual Fannie Mae “Help the Homeless” walkathon in DC, students and teachers in grades K-7 donned official T-shirts and walked a designated path around campus. They also solicited donations from family and friends in accordance with the distances they would travel. As a result of their efforts, participants raised a total of $1,110 for Community Crisis Services, Inc., an organization that supports the “Warm Nights” program, which provides overnight shelter for people during the winter. Fannie Mae also donated a portion of the proceeds to the organization.
Here are some photos from the “Walkathon for the Homeless,” held on campus on October 14. Click on the images to see a larger view.
Parent Room Representatives
A critical part of Imagine Foundations PTO is the PTO Parent Room Representative, who plays a significant role in bringing the activities and benefits that the PTO provides to the children who attend Imagine Foundations. If you are interested in becoming a Parent Room Representative, please download and fill out the Acknowledgment Form and return it to the Imagine Foundations PTO Box or email it to imaginefoundationspto@yahoo.com.
The PTO Welcomes You!
Welcome to a new and exciting school year at Imagine Foundations. The PTO has some exciting plans for this school year. We will be adding new committees, and we need parents to volunteer and commit to specific tasks. We added three teachers to the PTO board. And we have committed to help with the school’s fundraising efforts to cover some of the unexpected expenses from renovations – renovations necessary to provide you with the best possible school.
The PTO will be establishing weekly communications with parents via email, and all documents will be uploaded to this website. In order for us to reach you, please submit your 2011-2012 membership form. And you may contact the PTO at imaginefoundationspto@yahoo.com.
Making Headlines
Imagine Foundations is making headlines. Click on the links below to read about the exciting achievements and honors earned by students, teachers, and the school.