Parent University is still in session
Despite the hectic nature of the holiday season, being a parent takes 365 days a year, so there is nothing nicer than a free gift that can make lasting impacts on family. Glendale Unified School District’s last Parent University class for 2011, titled “The Importance of Building Self-Esteem,” is from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 14 in GUSD Room 103, 223 N. Jackson St. There is no charge for this class, made possible through Project GRACE. RSVP at (818) 241-3111, Ext. 508.
Of course, you can always holiday shop and benefit education at the same time, which is why Katie Valdes, Book Fair chair for Verdugo Woodlands Elementary, has organized a lively Book Fair starting at 4 p.m. Dec. 8 at Barnes & Noble at the Americana. Principal Janet Buhl will kick things off with a trolley ride, followed by Story Time with favorite Verdugo Woodlands Teacher Readers and a holiday Sing-a-Long with Deb Beyer, chorus director. A percentage of purchases will benefit the school.
Glendale High School
Variety Show, an all-campus talent production eagerly awaited each year, takes place at 7 p.m. Dec. 8 and 9 in the auditorium. A Vocal Music Concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 13 and an Instrumental Music Concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 15 both take place in the auditorium.
Wilson Middle School
Signature Gift Wrap orders are being delivered today just in time for holiday gift preparations. Wilson Knights can further their festivities by cheering on their marching band and ASB students in the Montrose Christmas Parade at 6 p.m. Saturday on Honolulu Avenue. The PTSA Toy and Book Drive runs from Dec. 5 to 8, during which new toys and books for needy children will be collected. A Choral Concert is set for 6 p.m. Dec. 8 in the auditorium, and the PTSA is hosting a Holiday Snack for staff on Dec. 16.
Verdugo Woodlands Elementary
To address local families in need this holiday season, the annual PTA Holiday Food and Toy Drive runs Dec. 5 to 9, says School Liaison Madelaine Motallebi. Verdugo Woodlands will be collecting nonperishable food, new toys, books and cash/gift cards.
They don’t meow, but they sure sing harmony! The Alley Cats will be entertaining students with a “Holiday Top 10” using plenty of doo-wop style on Dec. 7, says Deb Beyer, the Arts, Education & Technology chair.
Beyer also tells us that the Winter Chorus Concert begins at 7:15 p.m. Dec. 19 at the Dads Club. As chorus director, Beyer says the participating third- through sixth-graders have been working hard learning the holiday songs they will perform.
PTA President Lori Tsaparian reports that Verdugo Woodlands is going paperless. “Thursday Folder is now available on our website at www.vwpta.com,” she says, adding that fliers that would have gone home previously are now available in a digital format. “You will be able to view each week’s information and print copies of those fliers you’d like to have,” Tsaparian said.
Edna Karinski covers the Glendale High cluster PTA. Email Ekarinski@aol.com.