12/9/09

Final Exam snacks request

We are looking for donations of healthy snacks of any sort for student final exams.

Granola, fruit bars, crackers with cheese or peanut butter or something similar.

The PTA will also be supplying bottled water for the students this year.

If you could drop contributions off (at the front office) on or before Monday December 14th it would be greatly appreciated.

11/26/09

Black Friday Shopping? - Sign up for eScrip first

The stores are trying every which way to get us all to start our Christmas shopping tomorrow.

Sure, they have deals, but why not earn money while you shop this Holiday season?

What?
Yes, we said that you can get some of these stores to spend their money on Hutchison High School, while you spend your money on your family. This might be the best deal of the holiday season! Last year the PTA at West High School in Anchorage, AK brought in $45,000 by just having friends of West sign-up at eScrip and do their normal shopping!

Is it difficult? Is there red-tape?
No, the hardest part is signing up and that is really pretty easy. If you don't have the time or internet access to sign up, we here at the PTSA are ready and willing to help you sign up. Simply contact us at: HutchisonHighPTSA@gmail.com

Is there a fee? Do I have to join the PTSA?
No and NO! There is not a fee to sign up for eScrip, and though we'd love to have any and all Hutch parents, teachers and students join the PTSA, you don't have to be a PTSA member, or even live in Alaska to sign up for eScrip.

For more info, keep reading or contact us with any questions...
Happy Holidays!!

11/14/09

Presses Rolling - The Aviator

Congratulations to the Journalism students and Mr. Coughlin for getting the "presses rolling."

Yes, we are happy to announce Hutchison High's first school newspaper, "The Aviator" came out this week.

The Journalism class under the guidance for Mr. Coughlin have created a great paper. Be sure to ask your student to see their copy. The paper is free to all the students.

Great Job Aviator staff, your paper was a pleasure to see and read!!!

The Aviator is looking for support so if you want to place an add or give a grant to keep the paper going, see one of the Journalism students or contact Mr. Coughlin.

11/9/09

Cancelled - General Meeting - Tuesday, Nov 10th

Though our General PTSA Meetings are typically held on the second Tuesday of each month, this did not hold true for November, 2009. We met last week in preparation for the Basket Auction. So we will not have a meeting tomorrow.

We hope to see all of you next month, in the school Library at 5:30pm on Tuesday, December 8th for our last meeting of 2009.

If you have any pressing issues that can not wait until our next meeting, feel free to send an email to our general email address, HutchisonHighPTSA@gmail.com.

Basket Auction Winners - Pickup on Tuesday

Thank you from the PTSA to everyone who partcipated in our basket auction. We were impressed with the generosity of all of you. We have notified the winning (highest) bidders of each basket via phone. If you have not picked up your basket, please stop by the High School Entry or Office between 2 and 6pm on Tuesday, November 10th to get your basket.

If you need to make other arrangements, please call Chris Hume (322-8481) and we can arrange another time.

Again, thank you to all that participated in this event. Once all of the baskets are picked up we will announce the total amount that this auction managed to bring to Hutchison High!

11/5/09

Come one, Come all! Just get to school before 4:30pm on Friday

Our Silent Basket Auction is half way over.

Today, was a great success! Before the doors closed for the evening, we were still receiving a few more donations to include in the bidding as new items tomorrow. Pictures of many of the items can be seen in the slide show at the top of this post.

With about seventy or so baskets to bid on - if you bid this morning, I can almost guarantee that you may want to return on Friday to increase your bid, as incremental bidding took up speed this evening.

We were happy to see parents, students, relatives and even unrelated coworkers perusing the selection today. It was clear that this is truly a community event, so be sure to invite your neighbors, relatives, co-workers and managers to attend. This is a great way to promote this hidden jewel (of Hutchison High School) to the community.

So spread the word, and we hope to see you all tomorrow.
Remember, the highest bid on an item wins at 4:30pm, Friday, November 6th.

Sweet Businesses who've been quick to donate

The PTSA would like to thank the followng businesses for their generous contributions during the course of our 2009 Basket Auction, benefiting Hutchison High School PTSA!

Alpine Creek Lodge, 68 Denali Highway
Brandalion Beads
Canvas on Demand
College Utilities
Cookie Jar Restaurant
Country Kitchen
El Dorado Gold Mine
Glow Putt Alaska
Golden Heart Utilities
Great Alaskan Bowl Company
Gulliver’s Books
GVEA
Karmakanic Yoga
Long House Alaskan Hotel, Anchorage, AK
MacCheyne's CarpetsPlus
Mary Kay
Moose Tooth, Anchorage, AK
Moosetard
Off The Wall Creations
Pogo Gold Mine, Sumitomo Metal Mining Co.
Riverboat Discovery
Saint Joseph’s Hawks, Saint Joseph University, Philadelphia, PA
Thriftiques Antiques
Usibelli
Westmark Hotels, Anchorage, AK

Since donations are still trickling in, we apologize if we have missed any of you. We will gladly update our list as we are able in the coming week. Feel free to contact us at HutchisonHighPTSA@gmail.com

11/2/09

General meeting - Tuesday at 5:30pm

Our next PTSA meeting will be tomorrow - Tuesday, November 3rd, at 5:30pm in the High School Library.

It will be a short meeting followed by a work session to prepare the baskets for the PTSA Auction this coming Thursday and Friday.

This will be a great opportunity for those who have indicated an interest to help with PTSA/Hutch activities but haven't yet found the time. Parents, students and teachers are all welcome to attend!

The nurse's office could still use extra clothing, especially the larger sizes, for students who need sudden replacements during the school day.

Conferences and Basket Auction - Thursday and Friday

You are cordially invited to attend the HHS Parent/Teacher Conferences on November 5th & 6th.
The schedule for the two days is:
Thursday, November 5 - 11 am - 2:00 pm & 3:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Friday, November 6 - 7:30 am - 10:30 am & 11:30 am - 4:30 pm.

While the conferences are in session, we, the Parent, Teacher, Student Association (PTSA) will be conducting our 2nd annual basket auction in the commons.

Be sure to stop by before, between or after your conferences to see the wonderful baskets that have been donated by parents, staff, students and businesses.

Finally, remember there is no school on Thursday or Friday.

Good Choices for Teens 14 - 18 Years Old

Click here for easier viewing

11/1/09

Got Milk? Bring it if you bid on this basket!

I heard that Cookie Jar Restaurant, in Fairbanks, has donated six gift certificates for our Basket Auction. More info will be provided as soon as it is available!

November is PTA's Healthy Lifestyles Month!

"It is important for children to come to school emotionally and physically healthy. Studies have shown that children’s physical well-being has a significant effect on their learning and long-term success. When children are well-rested, well-nourished, and physically fit they are more ready to learn.
Every parent wants his or her child to be happy and healthy. Parents share the responsibility of ensuring their child's well-being with teachers, the community, its members, and all its services. Learning the facts about various health concerns is key to this common effort.

National PTA is committed to building healthy families and healthy communities, and believes we all have an important role to play in making sure parents, schools, and communities have the support and resources they need." - National PTA

Parent Guides

PTA Healthy Lifestyles: A Parent's Guide

MyPyramid for Kids Parent's Guide Insert

10/31/09

Calling any who can sew one straight line

For those of you who are fresh out of ideas for your basket donation, or for those of you who have some time to spare, but not much cash to spare.....
Take advantage of the current 50% off fleece sale at Joann's or look for fleece remnants you have around the house, and make some scarves to include in the cash and carry scarf portion of the basket auction.

This is soooo super easy, takes hardly any time and you only need 1-1/2 ft to 2 ft of fleece to make one scarf. I bet that these will be HOT sellers next week!

Want to know more? Here are the super easy instructions.....

Sewing supplies:

Sewing Machine or good needle and thread
(3) 6" X 60" wide strips of Fleece (could be the same color or different!)
Ruler
Scissors (or Rotary Cutting Mat and 60 mm Rotary Cutter)

1. Lay the strips one on top of the other, pin.
2. Select the Reinforced Straight Stitch or triple stitch on your machine
3. Stitch down the center of the scarf lengthwise
4. Place the stitched scarf on a table or rotary cutting mat
5. Place the ruler on top of the scarf
6. Cut starting 1/4 - 1/2" from the stitching, to the edge
7. Repeat the full length of the scarf, spacing the cuts 1/2" - 1" apart
8. Repeat on the other side of the scarf as shown.
9. Wash and dry, to fluff it nicely, and snuggle in to enjoy!

Variation
Instead of using 3 long strips, start with (2) 12" x 60" strips of fleece. Folding each strip (one at a time) in half lengthwise, sew a straight line down the length of each strip. You will be left with two long "sleeves". Turn each inside out, and place seams together, pinning down length. This will result in two "loops" laying flat on top of each other. Sew a straight line down the length, joing the two pieces (or four layers) together. Continue main instructions at step 4 above.

10/28/09

Sneak Peak #3 - bidding opens in 1 week!

We are so excited about the items that are being promised to be provided for next week's auction (to be held at Hutchison High during Parent-Teacher Conferences on Thursday and Friday.)





With that said, we are still in need of more baskets / items to be contributed for auction. Items can be dropped off at the High School Office during school hours, or pick up can be arranged by contacting us at HutchisonHighPTSA@gmail.com.


Now for today's Sneak Peak items.... Just click on the picture to learn more about each item





Take me to all pictures currently available for auction preview.

We will continue to add more pictures as we are made aware of new donations.


10/26/09

Sneak Peak #2 - More neat auction items

Donations for the basket auction are beginning to trickle in. We are excited to announce a few more items that have been promised for auction. We continue to add pictures of items to be auctioned over on the top right corner of the this blog. Just click the pic for a slide show of items we have pictures of so far.

We are still seeking donations to auction and will definately need everyone to come and bid on the auction during Parent Teacher Conferences on November 5th and 6th at Hutchison High School.

So here are the new items we've learned of today....

The Great Alaskan Bowl Company has generously donated a 7 inch spruce Animal Bowl with stand. This is an exciting item!!

St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia since 1851, also sports a Hawk as their mascot. They have promised to send along a surprise donation of Hawks apparel.

GVEA has kindly donated a Smart Strip Power Strip.

Thanks to all of those who have donated, and even considered a contribution of any sort. Remember, all contributions are tax-deductable.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. HutchisonHighPTSA@gmail.com

10/21/09

Sneak Peak #1: Bidding starts in two weeks

We are starting to see and hear about some of the items that have been generously donated for our upcoming basket auction on November 5th and 6th.

Two items that will be auctioned are:

$20 gift certificate from our neighborhood bookstore - Gulliver's Books (http://www.gullivers-books.com/)


$100 Canvas on Demand gift voucher from http://www.canvasondemand.com/
Canvas on Demand, located in North Carolina promises to "Turn Your Sentimental Photo Into Canvas Art!"

You can check this out in advance to see what this voucher might do for you. This process is so so easy. You can use your voucher online, or over the phone. Simply provide an electronic or original print photo and they will do the rest.
Today, I spotted a 20 x 20 inch custom canvas for $99 on their website!

Thanks to both of these companies for their generous contributions!!!

And thanks to any prospective bidders who are saving their money to get the bidding started on November 5th!

10/18/09

Request for donations for upcoming PTSA Basket Auction

Hutchison High School PTSA is sponsoring a silent basket auction. This is our only fund raising activity that we will have this year.

Donations of filled baskets and items to create baskets are needed for this event. The baskets are usually themed and bring lots of interest from the parents and students. We also invite the public to stop in and bid during the auction. The auction will take place during parent/teacher conferences November 5th and 6th.

Please include an approximate value of your donation so we will know where to start the bidding.
We would like to thank you in advance for your consideration and possible donation. If you have any questions or need further assistance please feel free to contact me.

This letter will serve as your receipt for tax purposes and certify that you did not receive any goods or services in exchange for your donation. Our tax deductible I.D. is 76-0839398.

Thank you for your support of our students and school.

Sincerely,

Chris Hume
President PTSA
HutchisonHighPTSA@gmail.com

Item(s) donated:_________________________________________

Value:_______________________

Ideas for Basket Auction

Would you love to contribute to the upcoming Hutchison High School PTSA Basket Auction, but you are out of ideas?

Feel free to check out these links to get your creativity going....

PTO Ideas - Gift Basket Themes

Gift Basket Photos

Gift Basket Ideas - Do It Yourself

Please note that we are not providing these links for any purpose other than to give you some ideas of baskets that you might assemble at home / work.
We do not support or endorse any of the companies we are linking to, nor are we suggesting that you order your basket from the associated companies listed above. These are simply meant to help generate ideas.

PTA vs PTSA

Have you wondered why we are a PTSA and not a PTA?

In the beginning of time, when the National Parent Teacher Association was started it was known as PTA. Then as they progressed and grew, some wanted to include their students in the local organization. As new units formed they included the S in PTA so students would be and feel included. Older units also made the change to reflect the importance of having students represented.

Hutchison High School PTSA was organized in the spring of 2009. We intentionally organized as a PTSA from the very beginning. We recognize our students and encourage their involvement in this organization. Hutchison High School students are welcome to join and attend our monthly general meetings. We hope to see some of you on November 3rd, 2009 at 5:30pm in the library!

Three for Me Please

As wonderful as they are, seconds and thirds may add a few inches to your hips at the dinner table. But if you want guiltless thirds, proclaim "Three for Me!"


It is really OK to say this, because doing so in the PTA context is good for you, for the community and your teen.


"Research shows that a welcoming school community is a key to increasing parent involvement. When parents are more involved, they are better able to support their children's learning, and their children do better in school. Three for Me creates opportunities for parents to be involved in their child's education, both in and outside of the school." - Three for Me

Learn More
Join Today

Support the PTSA

Support the PTSA

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Why Join the PTSA

Why Join the PTSA

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Why Your School Needs a PTSA

Why Your School Needs a PTSA

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Indoor Tanning and Our Kids

The American Cancer Society has an interesting article about sending our kids to tan.

Check it out here

Child and Teen Tobacco Use

The American Cancer Society provides an enlightening article on tobacco use amoung High School students, including surprising stats, risks, and ways to curb it.

Check it out Here

10/17/09

Monthly PTSA Meetings

Our meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30pm in the School Library. Feel free to drop in and sit a spell!

Please note: November's meeting will be held on the first Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009.

2009 - 2010 HH PTSA Roster

It is with great pleasure that we introduce the creation of Hutchison High School PTSA and introduce the individuals who will lead it for the first official term:

Volunteers
President - Chris Hume
Executive Vice President - Debbi Reeves
Treasurer - Karen Binkley
Secretary - Pam Nelson
Volunteer Coordinator - Diane Sam
Teacher Appreciation Coordinator - Rose Ahern
Baker of Delectable Goodies - Emily Ahern
Blog Editor - Elisabeth Jensen

Hutchison High Employees
Principal - Jeanette Hayden
School Nurse - Martin Becker

Important email addresses you may need throughout the year:

Principal: Jeanette Hayden: jhayden@northstar.k12.ak.us
PTSA President: Chris Hume: cwilcoxhume@hotmail.com
Volunteer coordinator: Diane Sam: dlsam@alaska.edu
General Hutch PTSA email: HutchisonHighPTSA@gmail.com