June 1 is for Josie: Don Your Purple and Hope for Change

This post includes content from Mrs. Welsh’s parent emails on May 26 and 27.

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Josie (wearing grey) and her friends Grace, Hope and Paige.

The help of the entire Shamona Creek community is needed…

“One of our sharks has run into a bad storm,” wrote Mrs. Welsh. Josie Basta is a 5th grader here at Shamona Creek. Many families who have been with us for a few years know her story by heart, but our newer families might not.

When Josie was in second grade she had a heart transplant after waiting nearly a year for a matching donor. Our school community’s heart beat in unison with her family as they waited and hoped. Everyone was thrilled when she was well enough to return to class.

Josie and her mom, Marge

Mrs. Welsh added, “Josie has been doing pretty well since then, until a few weeks ago. An infection has wreaked havoc on her heart and she is back in Nemours/Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children. Her family is by her side, as her team of doctors work tirelessly to support her. As you can imagine, her family is taxed – emotionally and financially.”

Our Shamona community is in a position to support them.

Jingles for Josie

The staff and students at Shamona Creek are collecting money to offset some of the costs of travel and everyday living expenses. (See attached flyer: Jingles for Josie.) The money collected will be used to purchase gift cards to help her parents as the grab meals on-the-go and travel to and from the hospital.

In the school office there is a giant jug, decorated with hearts, for contributions. The students would love to fill this for her parents. If you would like to donate, please send contributions to the main office in an envelope marked “Jingles for Josie.”

Here are the various options:

• Pocket change and dollars will help us fill the jug. (Plus the kids really like coming to the office to put money in the jug.)
• Visa or Master Card gift cards are welcome.
• The Shamona Creek Home & School Association will accept also checks made out to “SCHSA” with Josie Basta written in the memo line. The SCHSA will purchase gift cards for the family.
• If you want a tax deduction, you can write a check to the “Children’s Organ Transplant Association” (501(c)3) and in the memo write Josie Basta. This account is for all of her heart-related expenses and the Bastas can take out money for hospital bills, travel, etc. It takes a little while for them to get reimbursed, but it is another way to donate.

Wear Purple on June 1

In addition to the collection, the school will be showing its support by wearing her favorite color. The First of June is for Josie and Mrs. Welsh has asked everyone to wear purple on Monday, June 1.

As a community of families that care, please keep Josie, her family and her clinical team in your thoughts, so that she can enjoy a full and swift recovery.

Josie (left) and Grace

You’re Invited: Home & School Association Meeting on May 19

The next meeting of the Home & School Association will be Tuesday, May 19 at 7:00 pm in the Library. All parents are invited to attend. This is the last meeting of the school year.

• If you are interested in learning more about the HSA, please join us.
• If you attended an event this year and think it would be fun group to get to know, please join us.
• If you are just curious about who the HSA board members and volunteers are so you can put faces and names together, please join us.

The HSA supports the school, communicates with families and encourages parental involvement for the success and betterment of our students.

Current HSA Executive Board
President: Kathryn Gute
Vice President: Susan Cozad
Treasurer: Lena Elguindi
Secretary: Gina Thelander

Our School of Sharks are Artists, Athletes and Musicians

In the next two weeks, there are several annual events happening that really showcase the various talents our young students have – art, athletics and music. You are welcome to attend and enjoy these activities.

Art Show – Thursday, May 15 @ 6-8 pm and Friday, May 16 @ 4-6 pm
The art teachers created this fun video invitation featuring artwork by all students. It’s a must-watch video, and hopefully you will be able to spend some time perusing the art this week and go on a guided tour of the Art Club’s new murals.

Field Day – Friday, May 16 (grades 1-5) and Tuesday, May 19 (Kindergarten)
Possibly the most exciting day of the entire school year for the kids, this event is a great opportunity (if you are able to attend) to watch the students having fun with their friends, working together as a team and just enjoying being kids. (Teachers will share details.)

Spring Concert – Thursday, May 21
Band, Choir and Orchestra are all thriving at Shamona Creek, and you will be impressed with how much the students have learned and achieved since the beginning of the school year. The younger students are treated to a concert during the day, but there is an evening concert as well. (Details to come.)

The Countdown to the Spring Fair: Helpers, Tickets, Food and Used Books

Of all the family events that take place at the school, the Spring Fair is by far the event that the kids look forward to the most. It’s full of fun, games, prizes and treats. What’s not to love?

Helpers Needed
The students enjoy the Spring Fair tremendously, and they especially love seeing their teachers and the parents be part of the action. To make the night a success, the SCHSA needs parents to share an hour of their time that night. (We hate to sound desperate, but when you see the list you’ll notice we are seriously short on helpers. This is an event for everyone to get involved.) Please look for your class/assigned game and sign up for an hour. If your class is filled, select another available game and time that works best for your schedule. All help appreciated. Instructions & game room locations will be provided at the Volunteer Check In Table the night of the Fair.

View the list >

Questions? Contact Shannon Gallagher at gallaghergang102@gmail.com or Jenn Faust at faust31@verizon.net.

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Ticket Pre-Sale
The amazing Spring Fair committee has extended the deadline for pre-ordering tickets until WEDNESDAY, MAY 6. You can save yourself a few dollars by pre-ordering your game and raffle tickets here.  The order form and payment must be received in the office by this Wednesday.

Wondering how many tickets you will need for games?  Click here.
Wondering what you can win with your raffle tickets?  Click here.

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Food Options
In addition, you can also pre-order your dinner with Primo Hoagies (one of the Five Dollar Food Court options at the Fair) by completing this form and returning it to school by Wednesday as well.

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Used Book Sale 
~ Want to score a great deal on books for all ages? We’ve got you covered.
~ Need to create more space on your bookshelves? Here’s your opportunity.
The book sale committee is seeking donations for the USED BOOK SALE to be held at the Spring Fair. Donations of children’s and adult’s hardcover and softcover books will be collected in the school lobby until May 7.  Books will be on sale for great prices at the Spring Fair.
Questions? Contact Amy Koser at wardkoser@verizon.net

The SCHSA and the Spring Fair committee look forward to a fun evening with you and your family between 5-8 pm this Friday, May 8!