PTA NEWS:

Glendale Healthy Kids Executive Director Camille Levee informs us that Saturday is “National Relaxation Day.” You don’t have to tell me twice to take it easy, but here is some interesting information about the effects of adult stress on our children.

A study by the Society for Research in Child Development Inc. has shown that students who are anxious, depressed or stressed when entering first and second grade are more likely to be at risk of being victimized by third grade. Levee said research shows that kids take their cues from their parents. If influential adults are experiencing worry, depression or stress, chances are higher that children will pick up on this and internalize it.

National Relaxation Day gives people a chance to begin some stress-relieving activities, such as counting to 10 when situations arise that cause anxiety, being more active with your children, practicing deep abdominal breathing in a quiet place for five minutes, and doing some quick fingertip massages on the back of your neck and shoulders to relieve that stiffness that often comes with stress.

Why wait until the 15th? Start today! Whatever you choose to do, remember to let your kids be kids — and join in with them once in awhile!

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MOUNTAIN AVENUE ELEMENTARY

Parents can get a jump-start on the new school year by shopping for school supplies and wish list items for their child’s classroom. Visit www.mountainavenue.org to determine what your child needs.

All new kindergartners and their families are invited to the Kindergarten Walk Through at 3:30 p.m. Aug. 28 in their child’s classroom. A welcome letter with each child’s room and teacher assignment will be mailed the week before school starts.

PTA is also sponsoring a staff luncheon on Aug. 28 and then at 4 p.m. hosting New Family Orientation in the school auditorium, complete with refreshments, tours and a question/answer session.

Join the PTA at Howdy Coffee at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 31 in the auditorium to learn what’s new at Mountain Avenue, who’s who and how you can become involved in PTA.

The Get-Acquainted Picnic will be at 5 p.m. Sept. 11 on the school’s upper field. This family night is a great way to meet your child’s new friends and make some new Mountain Avenue friends of your own.

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DUNSMORE ELEMENTARY

The PTA will be hosting New Student Orientation at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 28 in the school auditorium. Come meet new Principal Karen Stegman and the wonderful kindergarten teachers. Learn about all school policies, exciting upcoming events and take a tour of the school campus.

Also on the Aug. 28, the PTA will be hosting the annual classroom posting at 5 p.m. outside the auditorium. Students can see class assignments, reunite with friends and enjoy a refreshing Popsicle.

The first day of school as well as the inaugural PTA Assn. meeting are both on Aug. 31. The meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. in the school auditorium, and attendees will learn about volunteer possibilities, network with other parents and sign up to support the many PTA programs.

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FREMONT ELEMENTARY

The annual Howdy Coffee is set for 8:30 a.m. Aug. 31 in the cafetorium. Enjoy a cup of coffee, some treats and hear about all the planned school year activities, volunteer opportunities and fundraisers.

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LA CRESCENTA ELEMENTARY

New Family Orientation begins at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 27 in the cafeteria. All new families and their children are invited to come and learn about the school and opportunities for involvement.

Everyone heads back to school on Aug. 31. After dropping students off, parents are invited to the Howdy Coffee in the cafetorium. It’s a chance to meet new friends, Principal Kim Bishop and familiarize yourself with upcoming events, such as Meet the Masters, Book Fair and Family Fun Night.

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CRESCENTA VALLEY HIGH

The PTSA is welcoming back its wonderful staff with a luncheon on Aug. 27 in the cafetorium.

With the kickoff of the new school year, the PTSA membership campaign and fundraising drive begin. Membership is more important than ever as we let our voices be heard in Sacramento. Information about PTSA membership and fundraising efforts are available at www.cvfalcons.com.

?JO ANN STUPAKIS covers the Crescenta Valley cluster and her column appears every three weeks. Contributions to this column are appreciated and she can be reached by e-mail at jostupakis@yahoo.com or by phone at (818) 248-8507.