Hello, Payne Wildcats.

The next PTSA meeting is 6 p.m., Tuesday. Mr. Eskay will talk about the Payne Summer Academy. We’ll also have teachers available to field questions about the upcoming school year. And we’ll hear from Payne’s team of social workers and student government leaders. 

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TEACHER APPRECIATION SPIRIT WEEK

A special Spirit Week will commence on Monday in conjunction with Teacher Appreciation Week, May 3-9. Here are the themes. See the attached flier for more info.

Monday:  Dress Like a Teacher

Tuesday: Express Yourself: Wear a positive message

Wednesday: Show Your Love: Share your appreciation for the teachers in your life 

Thursday: College Day

Thursday bonus: May 6 is the start of Nurses Week; thank Payne’s team of nurses

Friday: Vaycay Day: Wear straw hats, wide brim hats and shades 

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PTSA BYLAWS, VOTING, AND YOU

The PTSA will be holding the annual meeting in early June, and this will be an important one with a potential vote on bylaws changes that would enable us to postpone officer elections until the fall, when we can (fingers crossed) meet in person again. 

To vote, you need to be on the PTSA’s membership roster 30 days before the annual meeting, so please sign up now. Paying dues is not necessary, but please go to this link and sign up. If you signed up in past school years, but not this one, please sign up again; it’s an annual requirement.

Want to know more about PTSA bylaws? Email Parliamentarian Michelle Chapman.

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EAST CITY BOOKSHOP FUNDRAISER

Payne’s Bookfair through East City Bookshop kicks off Monday and runs through Sunday. During this period, 20 percent of your purchase will benefit the school. Please remember to mention Payne’s fundraiser at checkout. 

This week you can shop:

● In person at the store during regular business hours: Wednesday through Friday, 1-6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday noon-6 p.m. 

● By phone: 202-290-1636, between 1-6 p.m. to speak with a bookseller 

● Via email: orders@eastcitybookshop.com, anytime May 3-9 

● Online using the Payne Book Fair coupon/link to our school’s book fair webpage on the

store website. (Link will be available May 3-9.)

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HONOR A TEACHER AND YOU COULD WIN $100

Loyal readers of the PTSA newsletter know we are part of a select group of schools participating in the Honored School program, which provides a platform to showcase and celebrate our outstanding teachers. If you haven’t submitted any kudos this year, now is the time … because you are almost out of time. 

Go to www.HonoredSchools.org to send a positive message to a teacher and keep in mind the following:

● Every person who recognizes a teacher through HonoredSchools.org during Teacher Appreciation Week will be entered to win a $100 Amazon gift card. There will be one winner per school.

● Every time a teacher is recognized at HonoredSchools.org, they are entered to win the Honored Schools Life-Changing Teacher Award and $5,000, and the school will win a $250 gift certificate to First Book.

● May 7 is the final day Honored Schools will accept recognition stories for consideration for the award. A winner will be announced June 7. 

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BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY

Payne is participating in Bike To School Day, 7:45 a.m.-8:15 a.m. Wednesday at Lincoln Park. Please wear a mask and school year and maintain social distance. The event is using the hashtag #GoodTroubleRide. Another highlight: You can sing along to a violinist’s rendition of “Old Town Ride.” I’m intrigued. Learn more at this link. 

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NANDO’S FUNDRAISER IN MAY

The Nando’s PERi-PERi Yards location will be hosting a Payne Fundraiser 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 26. During this time, 40 percent of purchases from Payne supporters will benefit the school. The restaurant is at 300 Tingey Street S.E. 

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FUNDS FOR TEACHERS

A reminder for teachers: Early this year, the PTSA approved classroom funds for each teacher. Many teachers have not taken advantage of the funds. If you are unsure, please check with a PTSA board member.  

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SUCCESSFUL PAYNE MEETUP

A special thanks to all the Payne parents who coordinated and attended Saturday’s meet-up at RFK Field. It was a strong showing for our school community, and a lot of incoming Wildcats were excited to start the new year at Payne. 

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IMPORTANT DATES

May 3-9: East City Bookshop Payne Fundraiser 

May 26: 4-8 p.m., Nado’s Fundraiser at 300 Tingey St. S.E., The Yards

May 31: Memorial Day, no school

June 24: Last day of school

Aug. 30: DCPS is fully reopened. Get hype: Payne Countdown Calendar.