Odyssey Charter School | Parents RSS

Odyssey Produce Collective now has extra boxes every Thursday

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:46:27 GMT

Starting this week we have 5 additional boxes for sale every week. If you are interested in reserving a box in advance please email Jennifer Wenzlaff at jenwenzlaff@pacbell.net by Wednesday evening. If all 5 boxes are not reserved we will sell them on a first come first serve basis on Thursday afternoon. Here's a sneak peak at this week's box:

Meyer Lemons, Tangelos, Navel Oranges, Baby Bella Mushrooms, Chinese Lettuce, Collard Greens, Red Beets, and Bok Choy (Actual box contents for Thurs can differ depending upon the ever-changing world of growing fresh fruit and veggies).

Find eroots on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eroots/323063061037825) and click like to get a Tuesday sneak peak at the box contents.

Thanks,
the Odyssey Produce Collective

Afterschool Class-- Comic Book Making

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:44:56 GMT

Center for the Arts Eagle Rock is offering

Comic Book Creating class!

A printed flyer will go home this week, and registration forms are available in the Front Office.

Classes begin on February 6^th and run through April 25^th.

Kindergarten through 3^rd Grade Class will be held on Mondays from 1:30-2:30pm

4^th Grade through 6^th Grade class will be held on Wednesdays from 2:45-3:45pm

Cost of Classes is $100

REGISTER YOUR CHILD TODAY!!

Produce Collective has extra boxes this week

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:50:03 GMT

Attention Foodies! The Odyssey Produce Collective has 5 extra boxes for sale this Thursday, January 26! This is a great opportunity to try it out before you sign up!

The Odyssey Produce Collective is a subscription program where you receive a weekly box of locally grown, farm-fresh produce delivered directly to the doors of our school. For only $21.00 a box you'll get fresh, sustainably and locally grown fruits and vegetables for your family, fun recipes centered around the contents of your box (delivered electronically via a weekly newsletter); and $3.00 from each box going back to Odyssey to support the arts, physical education programs, and more.

A great value for you, your family, and your community!!! Cash or checks made out to Odyssey Charter School please. Pickups will be between 2:30 and 4:30pm in the Teacher's Lounge. Questions? Email Jennifer Wenzlaff at jenwenzlaff@pacbell.net.

Visit the program online at www.eroots.org for more information or to start a weekly or bi-weekly subscription.

O.C.S. Governing Board Meeting & O.P.P.G. General Meeting TONIGHT

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:07:15 GMT

The O.C.S. Governing Board Meeting starts at 6:00 in the Community Hall. There is big budget news to discuss, and, finally, some of it is good. Public comment happens first.

The O.P.P.G. General Meeting will break off around 6:45. We also have some important and good news about events happening this winter trimester.

Please join us. Childcare will be provided.

OCS Budget News & Board Meeting 1/24/2012 6pm

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:42:21 GMT

Dear OCS Families -

Due to the recent announcement from Governor Brown that the mid-year cut to education funding was less than Odyssey anticipated, the Governing Board will be revising the 2011-12 school year budget at their January 24 meeting at 6pm.

Our original budget reflected anticipated cuts around $260 per student but the actual cuts were less than 10 percent of that, which resulted in $70,000 higher net income than previously anticipated.

With this news, the finance committee is recommending the board approve budget changes that would provide 8-10 week art courses for grades K-6 and funds towards a 3 day/2 night camping trip for our 7^th and 8^th grade students, which has been an Odyssey tradition. In addition, the finance committee is recommending that the board approve a one time cost of living (COLA) stipend for our hard-working teachers who have been on a salary freeze for three years.

It is important to note that all indications out of Sacramento are that the 2012-13 budget is going to be a tough one. These proposed expenditures will come out of funds received for the current school year, and will be used toward programs for the current school year.

We want to hear from you. Please join us at the OCS board meeting Tuesday, January 24 at 6 p.m. or email your thoughts or concerns to:

Rhonda Graham (5-8 Grade Parent Board Representative) kimikog@msn.comm

Elizabeth Rainey (OCS Parent Representative At-Large) rainey1915@sbcglobal.net

Jillian O'Connor (K-4 Grade Parent Board Representative) jillianbo@gmail.com

We will be happy to share your ideas with the board.

Sincerely,

Your OCS Board Parent Representatives

Rhonda

Elizabeth

Jillian

__._,_._

ARTS Odyssey meeting Wed. Jan. 25 / Bungalow help needed

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:52:46 GMT

Hello OCS ARTS supporters!

Happy New Year (and Year of the Dragon too!)

This is a reminder that we have the first general ARTS meeting of the year this Wednesday, Jan. 25th @ 8:30am in the ARTS Bungalow.

We are going discuss the upcoming events and how we can support them as well as which direction to go in the future. Come voice your opinion and hear about exciting possibilities for our children.

Also, please read the message below from our Materials Supervisor, Heather Pain and help out if you can!

Thanks so much and we look forward to seeing you Wednesday!

Paula Solano (ARTS Odyssey Chair)

Hello all,

I am looking for a few strong and able people to help start organizing Bungalow I. We have been given 4 metal cabinets that Carlos will have moved over there, but I will need help clearing stuff out of the way. Once cabinets are in place I will need to organize stuff in the cabinets. This does not need to happen all in one day, there is a lot to do. But if we could at least get cabinets in it's a beginning. If you are interested please contact me. I would like to shot for this week (23rd-27th)

Thank you,

Heather

Heather Pain

Arts Odyssey Materials Supervisor

213-400-6947

heatherpain@me.com

Donations needed for Odyssey's Silent Auction

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:05:49 GMT

Dear Odyssey Families,

On March 24th, Odyssey will hold our annual Casino Night fundraiser. Last year, Casino Night raised over $10k for Odyssey - and a great part of that income comes from the Silent Auction.

We need your help collecting donations!

While you are out running errands, conducting business, or just having fun, please ask your local vendors if they would be willing to support Odyssey with a donation.

We will take donations of any size and type! Donations will later be packaged and sorted into appropriate collections. We have accepted donations of: clothing, lessons, restaurant gift certificates, DVDs, artwork, books, luggage, bottles of wine, tickets for sporting events, tickets for concerts and museums, gift certificates for yoga, massage, energy work, gym memberships, haircuts, dog grooming, nail salons, babysitting, etc. ANY donation is gratefully accepted!

We have posted a donation letter on the website. Please consider printing it out and taking a copy with you when you run your errands. Most businesses have a portion of their budget set aside for charitable donations and are happy to use it. The donation letter can be found by going to: Parents, Documents and Forms, and is titled "Casino Night Donation Solicitation Letter".

We also need help contacting the businesses who donated last year. If you can make a few calls for this, please email Erin ateringamble74@gmail.com

Any questions, please email Erin. Your help is gratefully appreciated!

As always, thank you for supporting Odyssey!

OPPG General Meeting MOVED to January 24 at 6:45

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 17:38:59 GMT

The OPPG General Meeting has been moved one week to Tuesday, January 24. The OCS Governing Board is also having a meeting Tuesday, January 24 at 6:00 pm. The OCS Governing Board will be discussing how mid-year cuts from the state of California will affect Odyssey's budget. The cuts are less than the board anticipated so Odyssey remains in a strong financial position.

The reason we've moved the OPPG General Meeting is so families have the opportunity to attend both important meetings on the same night. The OCS Board meeting will start at 6:00 and the first part of the meeting is the time for public comment. Depending on the pace of the OCS Board meeting, the OPPG board will head to the Arts Bungalow for the OPPG General Meeting around 6:45.

There will be childcare for both meetings. We hope many of you will be able to attend and hear the plans for the rest of the year and give both boards feedback.

Thank you,

Mia Picerno

OPPG Chair

Happy New Year from the Odyssey Produce Collective

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:16:00 GMT

HAPPY NEW YEAR
from the Odyssey Produce Collective! Were you missing your box as much as we were?? We are happy to announce the first pick up date of 2012 will be Thursday, January 12, between 2:30pm and 4:30pm in the Teacher's Lounge.

New to the Odyssey Produce Collective? Make it a new year's resolution and go to eroots.org, start an account and when prompted, choose Odyssey as your pick-up site. What a healthy way to raise funds for Odyssey and a great way to support local farmers who provide sustainably grown fruits and vegetables. Boxes are just $21 and $3 from each box goes back to the school to help support programs such as the arts, physical education, and more. Questions? Contact Jennifer Wenzlaff at jenwenzlaff@pacbell.net.

IMPORTANT - Monday January 16, 2012 - No school

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 23:52:41 GMT

Dear OCS Families—

As you read through this week’s Thursday Packet,
we need to inform everyone of an error.

We need to remind everyone the
Dr. Martin Luther King Holiday is
MONDAY, January 16, 2012

NOT January 20 as stated in

the Thursday Packet.

Our apologies for this error.

OPPG Leadership Meeting this Wednesday, January 11, 2012, at 6:30

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:42:27 GMT

Welcome back to school!

I hope everyone had a relaxing winter break. There are lots of exciting and important events planned for the second trimester including our Casino Night Fundraiser, Rock Fest, and Staff Appreciation Week.

We will be discussing these and other events at our OPPG Leadership Meeting tomorrow night at 6:30. All members of our community are welcome to come.

Next week will be our OPPG General Meeting on Tuesday, January 17, at 6:00. We hope many of you can join us. We would love to hear your thoughts on how school is going for your student.

Thank you,

Mia Picerno

OPPG Chair

Recipes Missing an Owner

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:49:49 GMT

The Cookbook Committee has three (3) recipes that were submitted to Mayra in the office without a name!

If you are the person who submitted these recipes, please let Ellen Lawler know immediately (thelawlers@mac.com) otherwise they will be listed in our cookbook under "Anonymous”

· CARAMEL PECAN PIE

· SLOW COOKER PULLED PORK

· YUMMY MINESTRONE WITH LOTS OF VEGGIES

Thanks!

Thank you / Retrieving Dishes

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 20:58:51 GMT

A huge THANK YOU to all parents who participated in our Holiday fundraiser this past week! Many volunteers gathered cake donations, organized and ran art projects, helped with the book fair, baked items for our bake sale, etc. We appreciate everyone's time and effort!

If you delivered your donations in a plate or dish, they have all been placed in the staff lounge. Please stop by and pick them up. Questions, email Jessica Maker-Bilandzija at mamamiafitness@gmail.com

Also remember that this is your last week to check Lost & Found -- all items will be donated after the end of school on Friday!

Meetings and Boxes and Clothes

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:26:08 GMT

Just a few days till school is out for Winter Break. There is lots going on though...

Wednesday, December 14 - OPPG Leadership Meeting at 6:30. The OPPG Board will be wrapping up the first trimester. All our welcome to attend. Likewise, if you have any thoughts on our events and fundraisers from Back to School to the Holiday Fundraiser, please let us know.

Thursday, December 15 - Calling all Foodies!!

Odyssey Produce Collective has extra boxes to sell on Thursday! Order a box for your holiday dinner! Order a box for a friend or neighbor as a gift! What a great way to gift someone early with a beautiful box of locally and sustainably grown produce. This is also a perfect way to try the box if you haven't already. In the box this week you will find Kiwi, Pink Lady Apples, Carrots, Leeks, Tangerines, Butternut squash, Cauliflower and more...

If you would like a box, please email Jennifer Wenzlaff by Wednesday, 12/14, 3pm at jenwenzlaff@pacbell.net and let her know how many boxes you would like to order. She will reserve your order for you and have it waiting. Boxes can be picked up in the Teacher's Lounge on Thursday, 12/15 between 2:30 and 4:30pm. Boxes are $21 each and you can pay cash or bring a check made out to Odyssey Charter School. $3 of every box comes back to Odyssey. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Wenzlaff directly. Happy Holidays!!

Friday, December 16 - Last day to check Lost & Found. After Friday, all remaining items will be donated.

LAST CHANCE to get your Christmas Tree!

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:12:49 GMT

We have 8 Christmas Trees who need a home!

We have just 8 trees remaining. There are Douglas Firs and Noble Firs at both the 5’-6’ and 6’-7’ heights.
Prices are $36 to $45!

Come by and see Mr. Carlos in the office to purchase your tree!

STOP BY TODAY!!

OCS - LOST & FOUND!

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 19:42:56 GMT

Dear Parents,

This Thursday & Friday all the Lost & Found items will be displayed on the front fence. Please take a few minutes to look for your student's belongings. There are many items that your children have left behind, including jackets, shoes, lunch boxes, books, etc...

All items not claimed, will be donated to a local charity after THIS FRIDAY (12/16).

Thank you!

Cari Dawson

Community Committee Chair for OPPG

CariD@mac.com

The Book Fair is On! New Schedule

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 19:17:36 GMT

Despite a blustery beginning, the book fair will happen this week. We open
Tuesday morning before school and run through the Holiday Fundraiser on
Saturday, December 10.

The Book Fair is in Bungalow P this year, back by the middle school area. We
will be open before and after school Tuesday through Friday. We accept cash,
check, and credit cards.

If you'd like to volunteer for the book fair, please sign up here:
http://signupgenius.com/go/book1032

OPPG Holiday Fundraiser RESCHEDULED to 12/10/2011

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 21:19:47 GMT

Due to the unexpected campus closure this week, we have also rescheduled our OPPG Holiday Fundraiser to Saturday, December 10, 2011.

Christmas Trees
Mr. Carlos García Saldaña will be on campus tomorrow, Saturday, December 3rd from 9-11am for families to come by the school and pick up their pre-purchased Christmas tree.

We also have trees available for sale too! Come by campus tomorrow between 9-11am as well and purchase your tree! Please bring your checks payable to Odyssey Charter School.

iPad2 or $500 Cash Raffle
The iPad or $500 CASH Raffle drawing has also been rescheduled until Saturday, December 10th. Tickets will continue being on sale at Odyssey's Front Office this week! Final Drawing will happen on the 10th!

Scholastic Book Fair
We will still host our Scholastic Book Fair all week and on Saturday the 10th too! Stop by Bungalow P in our Middle School to browse and shop for books!

We appreciate all of our volunteers who have dedicated so much time and energy to this fundraiser. We look forward to having everyone join us next Saturday, December 10th!

Christmas Trees still for sale THIS Saturday

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 21:19:04 GMT

Dear Odyssey Families,

As most of you know, we planned to sell fresh Christmas Trees at the fundraiser this Saturday. Although we had to postpone the fundraiser until next Saturday (the 10th), the Christmas Trees have already been delivered.

If you would like to purchase a tree, Carlos will be opening the campus from 9am-11am on Saturday (tomorrow, the 3rd). You may come between those times and purchase a fresh tree.

The trees run between $35 and $70. We can take checks (made out to Odyssey Charter School) and cash. We cannot take credit cards. You must pay in full at the time of pickup.

If you planned to purchase a Tree, we encourage you to come tomorrow (if possible).

We do plan to water and store the trees on campus during the week. Any remaining trees will be sold at the fundraiser next week.

Please email Erin at eringamble74@gmail.com with any questions.

Thank you!

IMPORTANT CAMPUS UPDATE - CAMPUS CLOSED ON FRIDAY 12/2/2011

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 22:22:23 GMT

Based on the National Weather Service's severe wind advisorywarning that remains in effect overnight, Odyssey Charter School has made thedifficult decision to cancel classes on Friday, December 2, 2011.

Additionally, we are also forced to reschedule our OPPGHoliday Fundraiser to Saturday, December 10th.

The local state of emergency was declared due to the severewinds and the aftermath of many down power lines and toppled trees.

Thank you for understanding and your cooperation as we deal with this very challenging situation. We hope everyone is safe!

Best--Carlos

Carlos Garcia Saldana, Director for Community Relations
Odyssey Charter School

Odyssey Produced Collective has 5 extra boxes available this Thursday

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 23:25:49 GMT

Attention Foodies! The Odyssey Produce Collective has 5 extra boxes for sale
this Thursday, November 30! The Odyssey Produce Collective is a subscription
program where you receive a weekly box of locally grown farm-fresh produce
delivered directly to the doors of our school. This is a great opportunity to
try it out before you sign up!
For only $21.00 a box you'll get fresh, sustainably and locally grown fruits and
vegetables for your family, fun recipes centered around the contents of your
box (delivered electronically via a weekly newsletter); and $3.00 from each box
going back to support our school to support the arts, physical education
programs, and more.

A great value for you, your family, and your community!!! Cash or checks made
out to Odyssey Charter School please. Pickups will be between 2:30 and 4pm in
the Teacher's Lounge.

Visit the program online at www.eroots.org for more information or to start a
weekly or bi-weekly subscriptio

OPPG Holiday Fundraiser

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:06:07 GMT

Join us for Odyssey Charter School’s

OPPG Holiday Fundraiser

Saturday, December 3, 2011

9:00am to 1:00pm

Odyssey North Field

SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR

Come find the perfect addition to your child’s library or that gift that will make someone smile! Volunteers are still needed for this. Please sign up at http://signupgenius.com/go/book1032

CAKE WALK

Buy your chance to win one of our decadent cakes and pies and enjoy some good laughs and fun at this old-time favorite. �time favorite-

HOLIDAY ART PROJECTS

Here’s the perfect way to have your child make that one of a kind gift for this holiday season. Choose from making an oil paste art piece, holiday ornaments, clay figurines, or bead jewelry that will make a wonderful stocking stuffer for that special loved one. Each art project costs $5.

iPAD2 or $500 RAFFLE

Enter to win an iPad2 or $500 CASH! Limited tickets available for just $5! Presale tickets available at Odyssey’s Front Office

OCS Café

Enjoy a cup of hot cider or fresh coffee with a tasty morning treat while you browse books, catch up with friends, and see kids enjoying their art projects.

CHRISTMAS TREE SALE

Ring in the holiday season by purchasing your fresh cut Christmas Tree! Limited quantities available, so come early!

OPPG Board Position Open

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 20:09:56 GMT

Serving on the Odyssey Parent Participation Group board is a great way to get involved at Odyssey. The Vice Chair position is open and we're looking for someone to fill it until the end of the year.

The basic time commitment is one meeting a month plus one general meeting every other month. We have a full board and three active committee chairs so the workload is spread out fairly well. Please contact me or any other OPPG board member if you are interested or would just like to find out more. Thank you, Mia Picerno OPPG Chair

Book Fair Volunteers Needed this week & next week

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 14:59:07 GMT

Dear Odyssey Parents,

The Book Fair is almost here! We are looking for volunteers to help set up, break down and staff the fair from Thursday, November 30th through Thursday, December 8th, including the Odyssey Fall Fundraiser on Saturday,December 3rd. This is a great, (easy!) way to participate in raising money for Odyssey, and we'd love to have your help!

You can find the sign-up at
http://signupgenius.com/go/book1032

Thank you,
Julie Desmond

Stone Soup Lunch Times by Grade

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 21:12:53 GMT

Greetings Odyssey Parents & Families—

I am quite excited for our annual Stone Soup even taking place tomorrow on campus! As you know, we will all have the chance to make soup in classrooms, and come together to enjoy it during lunch.

Since our community has grown to nearly 400 students, we have devised a schedule for lunch so that all students and families may have a chance to sit, and enjoy their meal together. Students will be allowed to sit and enjoy their soup for 30 minutes in the courtyard, but can go to the playground once they’re done eating. Below is the schedule of when classes will have their lunch:

Kindergarten through 2^nd Grade—11:30 to 12:15

3^rd & 4^th Grades—12:00-12:45

5^th through 8^th Grade—12:30 – 1:15

I ask that you please come at your child’s designated lunch time so that we may accommodate all guests and families. Additionally, please do not pull your children before their designated eating time as space is severely limited. As always, if you would like to take your child/children home immediately after lunch, you may do so, just sign them out with their teacher.

I look forward to many of you tomorrow on campus! For those of you who are unable to attend, I sincerely wish you a happy Thanksgiving holiday and pleasant long weekend.

Thank you for your cooperation as we enjoy another wonderful Stone Soup Day!

Best regards,

Lauren

Lost & Found Items

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 21:11:43 GMT

Dear Parents—

As you come to campus tomorrow for Stone Soup Day, please take a few minutes to visit our Lost & Found Area outside the doors to the Community Hall. There are many items that your children have left behind.

All items not claimed, will be donated to the local Goodwill.

Thank you!

Stone Soup - need morning set-up help and decorators!!

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 13:25:58 GMT

Are you free to help us move tables, help kids string and hang paper leaves, and get everything set before we enjoy the yummy soup?

We need several more people to help with setup on the morning of Stone Soup. (We've got lots of helpers for making soup and clean-up)

If you can help, please click on the following link:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/stone41 to sign up.

Please contact Jexy Wadle at jexywadle@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Fall Fundraiser Raffle - Tickets in Office

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 13:24:55 GMT

Odyssey Charter School OPPG Holiday Fundraiser

invites you to enter for the chance to win an

Apple iPad 2

$500 CASH!

at our Fall Fundraiser Raffle

Tickets are just $5 each and only 500 are available!

Get your tickets at the Front Office TODAY!!

Winner will be announced at the
OPPG Holiday Fundraiser on Saturday, December 3, 2011

For more info, go to www.odysseycharterschool.org

OPPG General Meeting, Tuesday, November 15 at 6:00 in Bungalow H

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 19:49:21 GMT

The OPPG will have its second general meeting of the year this Tuesday, November 15, at 6:00 in Bungalow H (the Arts Bungalow).

Come find out about upcoming events like Stone Soup and the Holiday Fundraiser. Share your thoughts and concerns about Odyssey. We will also see if there is any interest in forming an Advocacy Committee and/or reforming the Food & Garden Committee.

The OCS Governing Board is also holding its meeting in the Community Hall. This is a great chance to get connected with both groups and find out what's going on at school.

Childcare will be provided.

We hope to see you there!

Will you be at school for Stone Soup Day? We need some more volunteers.

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 18:11:10 GMT

(Please goto the link at the bottom of this email if you can help with setting up or cleaning up the whole school event. If you help in your child's classroom in the am, please consider signing up to help us clean up after we all enjoy our soup!!- thanks)

Parent Volunteers Needed for Stone Soup Day!

We need:

Classroom Helpers:

8:15-10:30am 1-2 parents in each classroom to help assemble soup and
monitor
soup pot. Please contact your Room Parents if you can help in the classrooms.

School Wide Helpers:

8:00 am-10:30am Parents to help make additional pots of soup Tuesday
morning in
the Community Hall.

8:30-11:00am Parents to assist students and staff members with decorating
and set
up.

1:00-2:00pm Parents to assist students and staff members with clean-up

If you are able to be a school wide helper, please goto:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/stone41 to sign up.

Please contact Jexy Wadle at jexywadle@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Donations needed for Odyssey's upcoming Cake Walk & Silent Auction

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 18:10:15 GMT

WHILE YOU'RE OUT RUNNING ERRANDS....

Please keep in mind that your local businesses are a fantastic source
of donations for Odyssey.

We're looking for specific donations right now for two projects:

CAKE WALK/ BAKE SALE
We need donated cakes, pies, and other goodies for the Cake Walk and
Bake Sale at our Holiday Fundraiser on Dec 3rd. If you're stopping by
a bakery, grabbing a cup of coffee or picking up groceries, please
take a second to ask if the business you're patronizing would consider
donating an item to our fundraiser. (A donation letter with Odyssey's
tax ID# can be found on our website.)
Specific questions, please contact Erin at eringamble74@gmail.com or
310-633-0122.

CASINO NIGHT'S SILENT AUCTION
We need all sorts of donations for our annual Silent Auction! Going
out to dinner? Getting a hair or massage? How about going to yoga, or
having a photo session? Please ask if they would consider donating any
sort of gift certificate, service, or other good toward our Silent Auction.
ANYTHING counts! We will compile complementary donations into
attractive baskets.

As always, thank you for supporting Odyssey!

If you missed ordering a Christmas Tree...

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 18:09:19 GMT

Dear Odyssey Families,

Due to the misprinted date on the Christmas Tree order form, many families missed the cutoff date for ordering a Christmas Tree to pick up at our Holiday Fundraiser on Dec. 3rd.

As a result, we have preordered a number of trees to sell the day of the event.

If you would like to prepay for a tree, you may fill out the order form and submit payment to the front office (exactly as you would have to place a custom order.) We will note your payment and reserve a tree with your name on it.

Otherwise, trees will be for sale the day of the event.

Any questions, please email Erin at eringamble74@gmail.com

(To print a Christmas Tree order form, go to the Odyssey website, click on Parents/Thursday Packets/ then click on the link for the Christmas Tree orders)

Restaurant Night at Mijares - this Thursday, the 17th

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 11:47:07 GMT

Dear Odyssey Families,

Remember, this week Mijares Mexican Restaurant is hosting a Restaurant Night to benefit Odyssey.

The Banquet Room is reserved for Odyssey families at 5:00 p.m. and features a Taco & Tostada Buffet. Cost is $12.50 for adults and $6 for kids 12 and under
(Price includes tax & gratuity)

Mijares donates a portion of All Sales for the evening to Odyssey - so tell your friends and bring the family for a tasty Mexican dinner that also helps our school!

Thursday, November 17th
3:00-9:00pm
Mijares Mexican Restaurant
145 Palmetto Drive in Pasadena

Questions, email Erin at fundraising@ocsmail.org

ARTS Odyssey meeting Wednesday 11/16 at 8:30 am

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 16:29:53 GMT

ARTS Volunteers and Supporters,

We hope you’re enjoying some time off!

Reminder: There is a general ARTS Odyssey meeting this Wed. morning (Nov. 16) after drop off at 8:30am in the ARTS Bungalow. We’ll be plugging volunteers into classrooms (to lead and/or assist in ARTS projects now!)

Join us!

Paula Solano (ARTS Odyssey Chair)

OPPG Leadership Meeting - Tomorrow (Wednesday) at 6:30

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 20:16:54 GMT

The OPPG Board will have its Leadership meeting tomorrow night (November 9) at 6:30. All members of our community are welcome to attend. We will be discussing and finalizing plans for upcoming events such as Stone Soup and the Fall Fundraiser.

Next Tuesday, November 15, at 6:00 is the OPPG General Meeting where you can also found out what happened at the Board Meeting. We hope to see you there!

Stone Soup Day Volunteers Needed November 22, 2011

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 19:10:24 GMT

Parent Volunteers Needed for Stone Soup Day!

We need:

Classroom Helpers:

8:15-10:30am 1-2 parents in each classroom to help assemble soup and monitor
soup pot. Please contact your Room Parents if you can help in the classrooms.

School Wide Helpers:

8:00 am-10:30am Parents to help make additional pots of soup Tuesday morning in
the Community Hall.

8:30-11:00am Parents to assist students and staff members with decorating and set
up.

1:00-2:00pm Parents to assist students and staff members with clean-up

If you are able to be a school wide helper, please goto:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/stone41 to sign up.

Please contact Jexy Wadle at jexywadle@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Reminder... Classroom Volunteer Training

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 21:21:35 GMT

Join Lauren O’Neill for
Odyssey’s Classroom Volunteer Training

Wednesday, November 9, 2011
8:30-9:30am
Bungalow H

This mandatory training will provide you with all the
requirements needed to serve as a classroom volunteer at Odyssey.

Coffee & Bagels will be provided.

Please RSVP to Mia Picerno at shoetopia@gmail.com or

Carlos García Saldaña at carlosg@ocsmail.org

Info on Sunday 11/6 bus to LACMA

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:23:44 GMT

Thank you Odyssey Community!

We have filled LACMA's largest bus for the "Think Big" excursion, this Sunday November 6th.

For those of you who have reserved your spot on the bus, it leaves Odyssey at 10:30am. The Odyssey parking lot will be open. The LACMA bus will leave Odyssey school promptly at 10:30 am.

If you cannot make it, or have any questions, please call Karen Merchant at 626-298-5812.

If you miss the bus, you can still meet us at the museum! If you bring your own car, park in a LACMA lot. Bring your ticket to the Andell Sunday's family table, and the Museum will comp your parking.

The "Think Big" tours start at 1PM, 2PM and 3PM. They originate at the Family Sunday's Welcome Table.

We look forward to seeing everyone Sunday!

the Arts Odyssey Committee

Final ARTS Odyssey Volunteer Training tonight 11/1

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:46:55 GMT

Final ARTS Odyssey Volunteer training tonight, Tuesday, Nov. 1st, 6:30pm at OCS. Free childcare is provided! Get vital information and tips to bring ARTS to all OCS children!

password is: arts volunteer (note space between words)

Thanks and we'll see you there!

Paula Solano (ARTS Odyssey Chair)

Cookbook Recipe Submission Deadline this Friday 11/4

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:46:16 GMT

LAST CHANCE! We need 40 more recipes by this Friday, November 4th!

Don't delay - submit yours today! It takes 5 minutes and will make a huge
impact on the school, not to mention provide a wonderful keepsake for years to
come - with delicious recipes from our community, artwork from our children,
professional cover design by Liz Burrell, and much-needed funds for our beloved
Odyssey Charter School!

You can enter a recipe online:

· Got to: http://www.typensave.com

· Click "LOGIN" button and you will get to form page

· Contributor: (type your name as you would like it to appear in the
book)

· Group Login: altadena

· Contributor Password: foodie

· Press the preview button to review, then save your recipe.

OR

You can put a hard copy in the "Cookbook" folder in your child's classroom

You can hand a hard copy to Robynn, Mayra or Rachelle in the office

You can email your recipe to Ellen Lawler - thelawlers@mac.com

Thank you!!!

Produce boxes available this week (10/27)

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 23:00:59 GMT

Attention Foodies—

The Odyssey Produce Collective has 5 extra boxes for sale this Thursday, October 27! The Odyssey Produce Collective is a subscription program where you receive a weekly box of locally grown farm-fresh produce delivered directly to the doors of our school. This is a great opportunity to try it out before you sign up!

For only $21.00 a box you'll get fresh, sustainably and locally grown fruits and vegetables for your family, fun recipes centered around the contents of your box (delivered electronically via a weekly newsletter); and $3.00 from each box going back to support our school to support the arts, physical education programs, and more.

A great value for you, your family, and your community!!! Cash or checks made out to Odyssey Charter School please. Pickups for THIS WEEK ONLY will be between 12 and 2pm (due to early dismissal for ILP's) in the Teacher's Lounge.

Visit the program online at www.eroots.org for more information or to start a weekly or bi-weekly subscription.

Early Dismissal 12:00 10/26 - 10/28 (Wed / Thu / Fri)

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:59:31 GMT

Odyssey Families—Please read these important reminders:

** Make-up picture day is tomorrow, Tuesday, October 25^th.

** 12 Noon dismissal on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday this week!

Please make necessary arrangements to have your child picked up on time on these days.

For those families who participate in After School activities, please note the following schedule change:

Wednesday, October 26^th—No Lego Storytelling Class this week; Class will resume next Wednesday as scheduled

Thursday, October 27^th—Gift of Language Spanish Class will be held from 12:10-1:10pm

Friday, October 28^th—Gift of Language Spanish Class will be held from 12:10-1:10pm

Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring all students are picked up on time!

ARTS Volunteer Training Monday 10/24 changed to Tuesday 11/1

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 22:42:54 GMT

Possible ARTS Volunteers,

Tomorrow’s (Monday, 10/24) ARTS Volunteer Training scheduled for 6:30pm has been changed toTuesday, 11/1 @ 6:30pm. Childcare is provided.

There is also a training this Thursday, 10/27 @ 8:30am.

To view and use the updated Sign-Up Genius, go to:
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/arts37/530339

Use password: arts volunteer (note: there is a space between the words)

The training last Wednesday was a great success with a wonderful turn-out; looking forward to seeing the rest of you this week or next!

Paula Solano (ARTS Odyssey Chair)

OCS Family Math Night - Tomorrow

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:31:11 GMT

Don't miss our Family Math Night!

Thursday, October 20th

5:00 - 5:30pm

Pizza in Community Hall (Don't forget to turn in your pre-order form! Thursday morning at drop off is not too late!) $2.00 per slice

Community Hall activities: Enter your data on posters.

5:30 - 6:45pm

Math Activities from Room to Room

Parents are to accompany their children from classroom to classroom and enjoy math fun! Great activities like Tangrams, puzzles, card games and art activities! Activities for all ages!

6:45pm

Return to the Community Hall for pumpkin give-away!

Join us!!

Odyssey Eats Cookbook

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:29:55 GMT

RECIPES NEEDED FOR OUR

“ODYSSEY EATS”

COOKBOOK NOW!

We only have two more weeks to collect your recipes!

We need 100 more recipes by Friday, November 4^th!

Please submit yours – it only takes five (5) minutes!!!

You can submit a recipe online:

· Got to: http://www.typensave.com

· Click "LOGIN" button and you will get to form page

· Contributor: (type your name as you would like it to appear in book)

· Group Login: altadena

· Contributor Password: foodie

· Press the preview button to review, then save your recipe.

You can put a hard copy in the “Cookbook” folder in your child’s classroom

You can hand a hard copy to Mayra or Rachelle in the office

You can email your recipe to Ellen Lawler - thelawlers@mac.com

Please get your recipe or recipes in by

Friday, November 4^th!
It can be any recipe you like!

Questions? Email our committee:

Ellen Lawler mailto:thelawlers@mac.com

Rebecca Mercado mailto:elirebecca@aol.com

Jessica Bilandzija mailto:mamamiafitness@gmail.com

__._,_.___

ARTS Volunteer Trainings

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 10:38:32 GMT

The ARTS Volunteer Trainings start this Wednesday! Please follow the link today to sign up for which training session you'll attend.

If you think you might help with arts in a classroom anytime this year, Lauren is requiring you to attend one. Get necessary information, great tools, bagels, cream cheese and coffee! Help bring ARTS to all our children! See you there!

Please go to to www.SignUpGenius.com/go/arts37 and enter the password: arts volunteer.

Paula Solano (ARTS Odyssey Chair)

OCS Family Math Night - Volunteers Needed

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 20:01:40 GMT

Dear Odyssey Families,

Odyssey's Family Math Night is coming up next week! This is an event for all ages, and is a fun evening of hands-on math activities!

Thursday, October 20th 5:00 - 7:00pm

Please see this week's Thursday packet for more information and for your pizza pre-order form!

We need a few more volunteers to help on the night of the event. We need parent volunteers in each of the activity rooms to help with the activities (just to be sure there are no problems; these volunteers will not have to present anything formal!). We are filling in 30 minute shifts - 5:30, 6:00, or 6:30. Can you help out for 30 minutes?

We also need 3 more pumpkins for our pumpkin circumference guessing activity that will be given away at the end of the event. Can you donate a pumpkin? The pumpkins need to be dropped off in the OCS Office on Tuesday, Oct. 18th.

If you are able to volunteer or donate a pumpkin, please contact
Kellie Evans, our Event Chair, at
kellie.m.evans@csun.edu

Thank you!!

Cari Dawson

OPPG Community Committee Chair

CariD@mac.com

Odyssey's Read-a-thon

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 19:59:45 GMT

Odyssey Charter School is ready to

Blast Off Into Reading!!

From Monday, October 17^th through Friday, October 28^th, all Odyssey students are encouraged to read an additional 15 minutes each night and get sponsors to help us raise funds for our school!

Our goal is to have students read (or be read to) an additional 15 minutes each day for the 12 days of the Read-A-Thon. Students ask for sponsorships for their reading and get pledged for every day they read or a flat donation for the whole event.

This week’s Thursday Packet will contain all the information you need to know including pledge sheets, reading logs, and an informational flyer too. If you need additional materials, you can get them online at: http://www.odysseycharterschool.org/Read_A_Thon.cfm

Our Goal is to have each student raise just $15!!
If all our students meet this goal, we will raise nearly $6,000!!

Help us meet this goal!

On Monday, October 17^th at 8:30am, we will host a Read-A-Thon Kick Off on the North Field where students will get excited for reading and launch balloon rockets as they Blast Off Into Reading! Come and join the fun!!

This is a new fundraiser for our school, and EVERYONE’S participation is needed to make it successful.

Volunteers are needed to help decorate the campus, and place posters for the event on Friday, October 14th. If you’re available to help, please contact Rebecca Mercado at elirebecca@aol.com or (310) 869-7283.

Carlos García Saldaña, M.Ed.

Director for Community Relations

Odyssey Charter School

725 West Altadena Drive

Altadena, CA 91001

626|229|0993

626|345|0704 Fax

Carlosg@ocsmail.org

Students don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care...Anonymous

__._,_.___

OPPG Leadership Meeting & Read-a-thon

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 22:57:53 GMT

Just a reminder that tomorrow night, Wednesday, October 12, is the OPPG Leadership meeting at 6:30. This is a meeting of the OPPG board and all are welcome. You can find the agenda here: http://www.odysseycharterschool.org/parents/Documents-and-Forms.cfm .

Also, the Odyssey Read-a-thon is almost here! Please check your student's Thursday packet this week for all the important information and forms.

ARTS Odyssey Participation Survey

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 13:59:08 GMT

Hello Odyssey Parents & Families,

Your participation in this short survey (2-3 minutes) is requested to find out if you’d be willing to help out with the ARTS this year; either leading or assisting an ARTS class in any visual art, theater, dance, music or creative writing or helping some other way.

Even if there’s just a chance you can help, please take the few moments to fill out the survey so all of our children will have ARTS this year.

You can complete the survey by going to: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RCDZK2L

Thank you for your cooperation and participation in this survey.

-cgs

Carlos García Saldaña, M.Ed.

Director for Community Relations

Odyssey Produce Collective has extra boxes - Give it a try!

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:11:58 GMT

Dear OCS Families,

A quick note to say that we will have (4) boxes available for purchase on Thursday if you have not had a chance to sign up for the program yet. You can come to the Teacher's Lounge on Thursday, 9/29 between 2:30 and 4:30 and let the coordinators know that you would like to buy a box. The boxes are $21 and $3 of each box will go to the school. You can give payment to the coordinators. Cash or check, made out to Odyssey Charter School.

Also, for those families who have children in Tom Sawyer after school, the coordinators can help facilitate delivery of a box to Tom Sawyer. Just email Jennifer Wenzlaff at jenwenzlaff@pacbell.net and let her know you need help and she can get your box to Tom Sawyer for pick up when you pick up your child.

Thank you for your support of Odyssey and the Odyssey Produce Collective!

Odyssey Produce Collective - Tasty treats!

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 15:27:42 GMT

THE ODYSSEY PRODUCE COLLECTIVE IS HERE!!!

HOW IT WORKS:

The Odyssey Produce Collective is a subscription program, where members receive a
weekly box of farm-fresh produce delivered directly to the doors of our school.

Boxes will be available for pick-up by the Teacher’s Lounge every Thursday from 2:30 to 4:30.

For just $21.00/box you receive:

· fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables for your family;

· fun recipes centered around the contents of your box (delivered electronically via a weekly newsletter);

· $3.00 from each box goes back to support our school; and

· a portion of your purchase helps provide education and food access initiatives for families of modest means.

A great value for you, your family, and your community!!!

Spanish Language Program Survey

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 14:36:00 GMT

FROM: carlosg@ocsmail.org
DATE: Tue, 27 Sep 2011 13:09:43 -0700
SUBJECT: Spanish Language Program Survey

Greetings Odyssey Parents & Families-

Your participation in this survey is being requested to
learn more about families' preferences for Spanish language
instruction as part of our after-school program offerings
through Gift of Language.

You can take this short survey by going to
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PH2JQL9

OCS: Parent Orientation Evaluation

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 02:04:02 GMT

Greetings Odyssey Parents & Families—

In an effort to assist us in our efforts, we ask all families to complete a brief survey about our OCS Parent Orientation which took place on Saturday, September 10^th.

This survey will only take a few minutes of your time and will be greatly beneficial to us.
Please follow this link to complete the survey:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/L9MY5PR

Thank you,

Carlos García Saldaña, M.Ed.

Director for Community Relations

Odyssey Charter School

725 West Altadena Drive

Altadena, CA 91001

626|229|0993

626|345|0704 Fax

Carlosg@ocsmail.org

Students don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care...Anonymous

__._,_.___

OCS: Family Directory

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 02:02:15 GMT

In the next couple of weeks a Directory is being created that will contain contact information for all Odyssey families.

This will be distributed only to OCS families by email, and is for personal OCS use only. This Directory will not be available on our Web site.

If you opted out of this in your enrollment packet, you will not be included. This Directory will include names, grades, teachers, email and phone numbers.

If you have any questions about if you will or will not be included and/or you want to edit what information will be included, please email Cari Dawson (Community Chair) at CariD@mac.com by Sept. 25^th.

Thank you,

Cari Dawson

OPPG Community Chair

CariD@mac.com

OCS: OPPG Meeting this Tuesday - 10/20/11

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 13:53:37 GMT

OPPG Meeting Tuesday

September 20, 2011

6:00 p.m. in the Community Hall

Hear what the Odyssey parent group is planning
Get involved
Meet other families
Let us know what you're thinking

ARTS Odyssey (the parent Arts Committee) meets right after the OPPG meeting

Childcare will be provided

Agenda can be found at:

http://www.odysseycharterschool.org/parents/Documents-and-Forms.cfm

We hope to see you there!

OCS: Lost & Found

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 12:28:50 GMT

Dear OCS Families;

One of the services that OPPG performs is the upkeep of the Lost & Found. Please read below for the Lost & Found procedures:

Lost & Found - Items found around school will be collected by our fabulous TAs and stored on the rack outside the Community Hall.

Monthly Display - At the end of every trimester, all items remaining in the Lost & Found will be hung out on the front fence for students & parents to claim.

Donating to Charity - At the end of each trimester, all items that have not been claimed will be donated to charity. Notice will always be put in the Thursday packet before items are donated.

What can you do?

LABEL!! The best way families can help is to put your child's last name in all their belongings! We will make every attempt to get labeled items back to their owner.

CHECK Lost & Found OFTEN! You can also check that your child is bringing home everything they took to school in the morning! And, if something is missing, stop by school and find it the next morning.

Questions can be addressed to our Lost & Found Volunteer – Coralie Garandeau at 323-286-2079 or to me (Cari -carid@mac.com).

Thanks,

Cari Dawson

OPPG Community Committee Chair

CariD@mac.com

OCS: OPPG Leadership Meeting 9/14/11 at 6:30

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 22:16:04 GMT

The next meeting of the OPPG Board will be this Wednesday at 6:30 at school. All
members of our community are welcome to attend. The agenda can be found on the
school Web site:
http://www.odysseycharterschool.org/parents/Documents-and-Forms.cfm

The first OPPG General Meeting will be next Tuesday, September 20, 2011, at 6:00
in the Community Hall. ARTS Odyssey will meet directly after the OPPG meeting.

OCS: Looking for a carpool?

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 22:02:19 GMT

Dear Odyssey Families,

Are you looking to arrange a carpool to and/or from school? If so, read on...

We are putting together lists of interested carpool families that live in the same area to try to help connect you. If you would like to be included, please send your information to CariD@mac.com by THIS WEDNESDAY, Sept. 14th.

Here is the information I need:

Parent Name:

Email Address:

Phone:

Number of children:

Number of empty seats:

Area (i.e. Pasadena, East of Pasadena, Eagle Rock, South Pas, etc...):

This will be a one time thing, so please get your information to me by WEDNESDAY!!

I will then send group emails to the families in each area from which you can contact each other to make connections.

I hope this will help more of us to carpool which will help our parking lot and drop-off lane, as well as the environment and our wallets!

Thanks,

Cari Dawson

Community Committee Chair

CariD@mac.com

Help in Arts Bungalow today (9/7) & tomorrow (9/8)

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 13:57:52 GMT

OCS Parents and/or extended family,

Help in the Arts Bungalow is needed today! If you can, please stop by today or tomorrow morning, there is “mindless sorting” to be done that will prepare it for our children and fabulous arts projects to come!

FYI, if you haven’t seen it, the Arts Bungalow has had an amazing make-over thanks to many parents, spear-headed by Heather Pain, Cari Dawson and Brita Pinkston! It’ll be an organized, easily accessed resource for our teachers and volunteer arts parents (once the newly deposited materials are put into place and the finishing touches are completed.)

Just stop in today (the front office can direct you to the Arts Bungalow) or if you’d like to help tomorrow, contact Heather Pain, the Arts Odyssey Materials Supervisor @ 213-400-6947
heatherpain@mac.com

Thanks so much for considering this opportunity to help our children!

Paula Solano (Arts Odyssey Chair)

pwsolano@sbcglobal.net

OCS Parent Work Day: Saturday 8/27, 8:00 - 12:00

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 01:21:18 GMT

School starts in a couple weeks and it's time for the OCS Parent Workday

Saturday, August 27, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

There is lots of work to do both inside and outside. Please bring gloves, tools, and/or gardening gear and help get our school ready for the new school year.

Please join us!

Other important dates:

September 6: First day of school
September 10: Parent Orientation & Back to School Event
September 20: First OPPG general meeting of the year