A reminder that today is Family Movie Night. This free event starts at 4:30 p.m., and the movie is best picture-nominated Black Panther, in honor of Black History Month. Concessions will be sold.

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PTSA MEETING RESCHEDULED

The PTSA has canceled the Feb. 12 meeting and rescheduled it for 6 p.m. Feb. 26 in the Auditorium. This can’t-miss meeting includes an opportunity for parents to look ahead to next year by visiting classrooms and meeting teachers in your child’s next grade. We apologize for the serial PTSA meeting rescheduling, but this will give teachers more time to prepare and the PTSA more time to ensure parents can join.

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HELLO, NEW  LAPTOPS!

Payne received half of its shipment of brand new laptops, ordered as part of an $81,000 grant from Lowe’s home improvement stores. In total, Payne will receive 91 laptops and 15 desktop computers. Mrs. Oxendine reports that Payne also received two new, lighter-charger carts thanks to the grant.

“The new laptops will be used solely for PARCC and other testing. Our ultimate goal is to have 1:1 computers to students for 3rd-5th grades,” Mrs. Oxendine said.

The laptops are not a net addition for the school, however. Mrs. Oxendine said that the school recently disposed of 95 damaged and outdated laptops. Damage included missing keys, broken screens and failing batteries. With the remaining grant money, Payne will be getting a new poster maker. Thanks to parents Andria Thomas and Lexi Smith, who were instrumental in securing the grant.

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DANCE AND ART NIGHT

Payne is hosting a Friendship Dance, 4-5:45 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15. That same day is a Family Paint Night, 4:30-5:45 p.m. Parent participation is welcome at both events. PK3 and PK4 students must be accompanied by an adult. An RSVP form went home with students this week. Please fill out right away and return to the main office.

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NEW AMERICORPS STAFFER

Welcome to Danielle Ciaurro, Payne’s new AmeriCorps VISTA Community Liaison. Ms. Danielle will work closely with the Payne administration to strengthen and engage the Payne community. Here’s her bio:

I’m originally from New Jersey but went to GW. I graduated last year with my BA in Human Services & Social Justice. After my AmeriCorps VISTA term I’m going back to GW for my master’s in public administration. I also work part-time for a nonprofit that assists survivors of sexual violence in DC, so that’s the other issue area I’m passionate about other than education. My favorite spot in DC is Meridian Hill Park and my dream is to learn to rollerblade and skate around the city. My Hogwarts House is Hufflepuff. On weekends I can be found boxing at a feminist fight club (self-defense class but I call it fight club) in Dupont.

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SCHOOL RATINGS SURVEY

You may recall that DCPS has rated its schools using a new system this year, the DC Schools Report Card. (Payne earned 3 stars.) Now DCPS officials are soliciting feedback. What do you think of the new system? Take the survey here.

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MORE IMPORTANT DATES

Feb. 12: PTSA meeting canceled

Feb. 15: 9 a.m., Auditorium, Coffee with Principal: Learn about Fourth Grade

Feb. 15: No after school care

Feb. 18-22: No school

Feb. 24: Daniel A. Payne’s 208th birthday

Now-Feb. 19: Pennies For Patients Campaign. Click here for fundraiser details

Feb. 26: 6 p.m., Auditorium, PTSA meeting (new date)

March 1: 9 a.m.,  Auditorium, Coffee with Principal: Learn about Fifth Grade

March 8: No school

MEETING RESCHEDULED

Tuesday’s PTSA meeting is canceled due to the threat of evening snow. It is rescheduled for a week later, 6 p.m. Feb. 5 in the auditorium. The agenda includes a brief presentation from Payne’s Girl Scouts Troop 1455, an overview of how DCPS allocates money to elementary schools and an opportunity to share your priorities for Payne with LSAT members.

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LOOK AHEAD MEETING

Another important PTSA meeting will be 6 p.m. Feb. 12. Get a preview for the upcoming school year and visit classrooms. More details to come.

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MISSING SOMETHING?

You know how your kid is always losing stuff at school? Now multiply that by 347. Well, Ms. Cox is ready to save the day. This Wednesday, she will put all of the lost and found items on a table by the front door. Stop by and reclaim what’s yours.

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SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

J.O. Wilson Elementary’s PTA is hosting an annual camp fair, 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the school, 660 K St. N.E. More than 60 summer camps providers are expected. This handy camp guide provides information on dates, costs and age requirements.

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FOOD SHARE TABLE

Payne is joining other DCPS schools by hosting a Share Table to help reduce waste and feed hungry students.

“The Share Table is a place where students can place unopened and/or sealed food that they choose not to eat during school breakfast and lunch in a basket, providing an opportunity for other students to take additional helpings of food that would otherwise be thrown away,” said the DC Food Project, a non-profit that runs the Share Table program. “While serving a greater need for nutrition within schools, these tables will also help in the reduction of food waste.”

Students can share shelf-stable packaged foods and uneaten fruits such as bananas and oranges. Open containers and food with common allergens such as peanuts aren’t allowed. You can learn more at DC Food Project’s website.

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BASKETBALL GAME

Cheer on the Payne boys basketball team, 4 p.m. Thursday at Watkins Elementary as they square off against the boys of Miner Elementary. The game is free.

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MORE IMPORTANT DATES

Feb. 1: 9 a.m., Auditorium, Coffee with Principal: Learn about Second Grade

Feb. 1:  4:30-7 p.m., Auditorium, free family movie night screening of Black Panther

Feb. 2-19: Pennies For Patients Campaign. Click here for fundraiser details

Feb. 5: 6 p.m., Auditorium, PTSA Meeting.

Feb. 6: 5 p.m., Auditorium, Payne Middle School Fair. Third, fourth and fifth grade parents and students can learn about schools in the area

Feb. 8: 9 a.m., Auditorium, Coffee with Principal: Learn about Third Grade

Feb. 12: 6 p.m., Auditorium, PTSA Meeting to visit classrooms for the next grade up

Feb. 12: 9 a.m.- 2 p.m., Auditorium, free dental screenings by Gordon Dental Associates, hosted by Early Childhood Family Services Coordinator Lisa Mitchell. Applications are due Feb.. 4. See Ms. Cox at the front desk for applications. Questions? Email lisa.mitchell@dc.gov

Feb. 15: 9 a.m., Auditorium, Coffee with Principal: Learn about Fourth Grade

Feb. 18-22: No school

March 1: 9 a.m.,  Auditorium, Coffee with Principal: Learn about Fifth Grade

March 8: No school

EXTRINSIC REWARDS GONE

Principal Byrd has announced teachers are no longer using “extrinsic rewards” in their classrooms. That means teachers are no longer using the carrot-and-stick approach with rewards such as owl stamps, stickers and toys. Principal Byrd answered some additional questions about her decision.

Q: Why did you decide to put an end to extrinsic rewards?

A: As a Responsive Classroom school, we have been working on reinforcing, reminding, and redirecting students. We want students to demonstrate desired behaviors as a result of their own intrinsic motivation. We are teaching students to be reflective and self-regulated. Rewards (stickers, owls, etc) have been replaced by affirming language, recognition of desirable behaviors, and encouragement.

Q: Was this something you had hoped to do for awhile?

A: We have been working towards this all year.

Q: How widespread was the use of owl stamps/stickers/trinkets?

A: Most classes had some form of extrinsic reward system.

Q: Have you received any questions/concerns from parents or students so far?

A: None so far. I don’t anticipate any from students. As we remove extrinsic rewards, they are being replaced with consistent reaffirmation of students throughout the day.

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HAVE A BIG IDEA? As the PTSA thinks about funding decisions for the second half of the year, the board would love to hear your BIG ideas for making Payne Elementary School better. How should PTSA funds be used to enhance Payne? Would you invest in community activities? Classroom upgrades? Teacher training? Special programs? Nothing is off the table. Send your ideas to Communications Chair Tony Lombardo.

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STUDENT SHARES

Fifth grader Makayla Jones wrote a message in honor of Martin Luther King Day.

What would I say to Dr. King?

If Dr. King was still alive, I would say you are right, because I think we should come together because we are all one of a kind. …  I would say you are a hero because you went through all that civil rights movement.

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BOARD EXPENDITURES. The PTSA Board on Jan. 17 approved several expenditures:

• $100 for nine checkerboards to support the Checkers Club.
• $400 to purchase a PTSA directors and officers liability insurance policy and a fidelity bond to protect the PTSA funds.
• $119 for classroom and library copies of the book Bearnard’s Book. The author, Deborah Underwood, will read her book to students in Kindergarten through 2nd Grade on Feb. 5. Parents will be able to pre-order books that will be signed by author. Stay tuned for more information. Order forms will be sent home with students.

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CASTING CALL. Children in grades 3rd through 5th are invited to join The Payne Players theatrical ensemble. An introductory meeting will be 3:45 p.m. Jan. 24 in the Auditorium. Parents are encouraged to attend and participate.

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MORE IMPORTANT DATES

Jan. 21-23: No school

Jan. 29: 6 p.m., PTSA meeting. Come learn about the school budgeting process and tell LSAT members what your priorities are for the coming school year.

Feb. 1: 9 a.m., Auditorium, Coffee with Principal: Learn about Second Grade

Feb. 2-19: Pennies For Patients Campaign. Click here for fundraiser details

Feb. 8: 9 a.m., Auditorium, Coffee with Principal: Learn about Third Grade

Feb. 15: 9 a.m., Auditorium, Coffee with Principal: Learn about Fourth Grade

March 1: 9 a.m.,  Auditorium, Coffee with Principal: Learn about Fifth Grade