Hello, Wildcats.

SIXTEEN FOOT WATER SLIDE. Now that I have your attention, please join the Payne community tomorrow for Payne’s Spring Carnival. Festivities will take place 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday on the playground. We’ll have games, face painting, a moon bounce, hot dogs, cotton candy and a bake sale. Bid in the silent auction on items including Nationals and D.C. United tickets and summer camp spots. Admission is free, and proceeds from food and select activities will benefit the PTSA. Oh, and there will be a big honkin’ inflatable water slide, so bring your bathing suit and towel.The weather experts are predicting a high of 84 degrees.

***

SPRING SHOWCASE

The arts will be in full bloom at Payne’s Spring Showcase, Friday, May 31. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. for refreshments, a student art gallery and a robotics demonstration. Wildcats will be auctioning artwork created in Ms. Harvey’s studio. “Students are recreating famous Hispanic art pieces, with recommended art pieces from [Spanish teacher] Mr. Montes,” said Mr. Golden, Payne’s music teacher. Musical performances will begin at 5 p.m, and all grades will participate.

“Come experience the growth that has taken place in your scholar since the start of the spring term,” Mr. Golden said.

This showcase also will feature a performance from The Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University.

***

ANNUAL PTSA MEETING AND ELECTION

Join the PTSA at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 21 in the Auditorium for the annual PTSA Election. If you were a paid PTSA member by April 21, you may run for election and/or vote.

This year we are electing a president, secretary and parliamentarian.

***

PAYNE POETRY. Third, fourth and fifth graders have contributed to a new book of poetry, available for purchase on Amazon. This is the second edition of poems available for purchase. Curated by Librarian Tim Gordon, the poems are available for $3.70. Click here to purchase.

***

NO MORE PARCCING. Congratulations to the third, fourth and fifth graders for completing their mandatory, annual PARCC. They did a great job, and we are all proud of them!

***

OUTSTANDING ASL PERFORMANCE. Payne’s deaf and hard of hearing staff organized “The Sign Finale” on Tuesday to showcase the ASL Club’s work this semester. The performance included poetry, music and a tribute to Payne moms. The Payne community turned out in big numbers for the show, and attendees were treated to solo performances by Payne parents and staff.

***

SPIRIT WEEK.

Next week is Spirit Week at Payne.

• Monday: Dress as your favorite book character or wear positive words on a T-shirt.
• Tuesday: Wacky hair and hats and mismatched clothes. No uniforms required.
• Wednesday: Class color day (PK3, light blue; PK4, purple; Kindergarten, green; First, yellow; Second, orange; Third, red; Fourth, navy blue; Fifth, gray)
• Thursday: Dress like a real wildcat (think leopard, lion, tiger, jaguar, panther)
• Friday: Professional dress day. Business or job attire (including astronauts, firefighters, scrubs, even scuba suits)

***

NATIONALS GAME. DCPS Night at Nats Park is 7:05 p.m. Friday, May 24. Interested in tickets? Contact Ms. Oxendine by the end of the day today: akua.oxendine@dc.gov. Schools have a limited number of tickets. The Nats will take on the Miami Marlins. Stay late for fireworks.

***

MORE IMPORTANT DATES

May 21: 6 p.m., Auditorium, PTSA annual meeting and elections

May 27-28: No school

May 29-30: Science Fair

May 31: Spring Concert

June 3: 9 a.m., Picture Day. Order forms were sent home this week

June 7: Fifth grade promotion

June 14: Last day of school