This Wednesday is Nando’s Night for Payne. From 4-8 p.m., the restaurant will donate 40 percent of purchases to the school. This is the Nando’s PERi-PERi location at 300 Tingey Street S.E. at The Yards. Please mention you are there for Payne Night when you order. This location has loads of outdoor seating.
***
PTSA MEETING. The PTSA Annual meeting will be on Zoom at 6 p.m. June 8. We will be voting on PTSA bylaws that would enable the PTSA to postpone officer elections until the fall. Only PTSA members are eligible to vote, but all are welcome to attend.
***
HOW SHOULD DCPS SPEND $191 MILLION?
D.C. Public Schools announced it will receive $191 million in the American Rescue Plan Act’s Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds. This federal investment will support the full reopening of schools for in-person learning in the fall.
So, how should DCPS spend this money? For example, would you rather DCPS invest in COVID-19 health, academic interventions, school tech, social emotional learning, professional development or student attendance/engagement?
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.
***
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
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.
***
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
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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
The PTSA’s next virtual meeting is 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 4. We’ll be discussing next school year, and we’ll get a visit from Payne’s Student Government. We’ll send out a Zoom link closer to the day.
***
PAYNE POINTS OF CONTACT
Have a question but you’re unsure which Payne staff member to contact? The LSAT (Local School Advisory Team) and Principal Byrd have compiled a helpful list of points of contact, and it’s attached to this email.
***
COUNTDOWN TO 2021-22 SCHOOL YEAR
If you just can’t wait until Aug. 30, 2021, when Payne and DCPS are 100 percent back in person, enjoy this Payne Countdown Calendar. It’s not too early to get excited.
***
FREE LACROSSE PROGRAM
Winners Lacrosse is hosting a free program for kids ages 6-14. “Your child will become a pro at ball handling, scooping, shooting, and so much more!” the website says. Winners Lacrosse has added a new program, starting April 24 in Tacoma. Click here to sign up and learn more.
The $15 annual dues can be paid via PayPal. If you are unable to pay dues, the PTSA will still accept membership. Please remember you must be a member for 30 days to vote at the annual meeting (early June timeframe).
Unsure if you paid already this year? You can email Michelle Chapman to find out.
You also can write a check payable to Payne PTSA. It can be mailed or dropped off at the school, 1445 C St. S.E., Washington, D.C. 20003.
***
IMPORTANT DATES
May 3-9: East City Bookshop Payne Fundraiser. Buy books online, and 20 percent of sales will benefit Payne. We’ll distribute a special link to make sure Payne gets book-buying credit.
