Parents Network News

2009-2010 Year End Status Report

  • Tuesday/Thursday Lunch

This year we added a Thursday dairy lunch option catered by Jerusalem Pizza.  Our menu choices are still a work in progress, and suggestions are always welcome.

Our Tuesday meat lunch underwent some changes this year. We began with Shushan Grill providing meals, and when Shushan Grill closed, we used Park Place as a replacement. Difficulties with Park Place impelled us to switch to The Orchid in Metuchen, who has provided meals the last two weeks. The Orchid has been very well-received by the students.

Approximately 40 meals are delivered every Tuesday and Thursday.

  • Rosh Chodesh Pizza

Approximately 70 students participate in the monthly Rosh Chodesh pizza lunch program. Our thanks go to Jerusalem Pizza for allowing us to purchase pizza at a greatly reduced price.

  • After-School Classes

Last year we began the after-school classes with a single class offering. This year we offered two semesters with a choice of two classes each semester. Our classes this year were Aviation, Drama, Gardening and Mad Science.

  • Apple-Picking Event

In conjunction with the school, we began the year with a day of picking apples and meeting old and new friends. This was a wonderful way for parents and friends to reacquaint, and we are already planning another day out at the end of August.

  • Chanukah Party

Who can forget the “Men of Netivot” Dancers? That was just the icing on the cake of a very fun-filled evening of singing, music, dancing, Torah, and, of course, food.

  • Yom Ha’atzma’ut Celebration

Every year we wonder if we can top the previous year’s ingenious carnival, and every year our parent-volunteers come through for the children. In the words of some Netivot students, this year’s carnival was the “best one yet!”

  • Sensible Snacks

On the initiative of a single volunteer, healthy snacks were available for sale this year. We quickly sold every package. Parents should let us know if they wish for us to continue this service.

  • Teacher Appreciation

One of the most important tasks of the Parents Network is to give Hakarat Hatov, gratitude, to the teachers. This year, as in years past, we organized collections for Chanukah gifts and Year End gifts. We also have provided an online mechanism for parents and students to write short thank-you notes, which we have compiled and will distribute to the teachers. Also, after the last week of school, we express our thanks to the teachers with a Teacher Appreciation Luncheon at the school.

  • Parent Volunteer Appreciation

We honored the parents who have volunteered for Parent Network events with a special show of appreciation one morning at the end of the school year. We offered drinks and breakfast treats at morning drop-off, and we raised our coffee mugs in salute to our volunteers and our school.