Free Zoo Admission, Summer Camps & More!

Your feedback is important to us! If you haven’t already, please take 
this parent survey on your experience at Creswell this year. It will only 
take 1-2 minutes. Thank you! 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CreswellParentSurvey2013-14 

Please also see the e-blast flyer here, which contains LOTS of great opportunities for summer learning and fun.  

See you at Field Day! :)

Support #itcreswell through Target RedCards!

We have just learned of an easy way you can support our school! Another Nashville school has raised nearly $30,000 doing this!

If you have a Target RedCard, Target offers a program where they give 1% of total purchases made on a Target RedCard to a school of your choice. All you have to do is sign up, and it is extremely simple.

When you go to this link, https://www-secure.target.com/redcard/tcoe/home, simply go to the box on the right side, then type in Creswell, Nashville, TN. It will pull it up. On that page, go to the right again and put in your RedCard information. It links up your account automatically.

Please consider doing this to help our school. Thank you!

Talent Showcase 2014

Join us this Friday for our 2nd Annual Talent Showcase!

African Dance Class 5/20/2014!

Silent Auction + The Little Mermaid = A Great Night Out at I.T. Creswell!

Little Mermaid Press Release: Now Available!

Are you looking for the inside scoop on #itcreswell 's The Little Mermaid, Jr.?

Are you the family of a Cast-member with a (totally in control) scrapbooking hobby?

Well we've got the official press release, just for you, right here!

I.T. Creswell Press Release: The Little Mermaid, Jr.

#TCAPready

This is the week of TCAP testing, which means there are changes to our schedule.  Boot camp is over, so we are back to regular Standard School Attire.  Students are encouraged to wear green and blue shirts as much as possible this week because those are the colors of proficient and advanced.

TCAP Tips:

Please be sure that students get a good night's sleep starting tonight.  Research shows that adolescents need a minimum of 8 hours of sleep.  Also, it is the sleep you have two nights before an event that matters most.  

Our testing begins on Tuesday morning, so a good sleep tonight will help prepare our students for Tuesday morning.  Tuesday is the longest day of testing.  We will test right up to 3:00 pm, which means early dismissals will not be allowed.  Once a student begins testing, they must stay in the testing room until the testing time is completed.

Please be sure your student is on time to school.  If the test begins before your student gets to school, he or she will have to wait until the next break to begin testing.

If you have snacks for TCAP week, please send those in.  Those are a big help for our students, and we appreciate all of those donations.

Thank you for all your help in making this week successful.  We know our students will do great!  

It's Time for the 2nd Annual Talent Showcase!

Back by popular demand!

The ITC PTSO's 2013 Talent Showcase was such a big hit we've decided to make it an annual event! Applications and audition requirements are linked here for your convenience: Application  Contract 

Please be advised that auditions are required for this event, and only 10 performances will be chosen for the Showcase.  

We've already been getting questions about the audition process, and so here's a quick outline of the pre-event schedule:

• Application period is open now through April 25.  
• Students who have turned in applications by 4/26 will be notified of their audition day - either April 28th or 30th.
• Students who would like to view the qualifications for the performance may request a copy of the full contract for review.  Those who have already received contracts are free to study the information, but also understand that their placement in the performance is determined via audition.
• Students selected for the talent show will be given a contract and must return the signed agreement page along with entry fee for participation.
• Students then have the time up until the final rehearsal to modify their performance materials and times in accordance with the contract guidelines. 
• Dress Rehearsal / Final Viewing on May 22, 7pm

Again: auditions are required, and space is limited - if your family or students are interested, please apply today!
It's a great night out, and we want YOU to join us!

Volunteer Opportunities for The Little Mermaid

Hello Creswell Families,

Do you want to be involved with our production of "The Little Mermaid, Jr." but are just not sure where to start?  Well you're in luck, because we've received a preliminary list of available volunteer opportunities from our staff!

Please see the list below - and check back for updates! - and contact Chel Rattray (Chelmail@mac.com)  if you're interested in helping out.

LIST OF DUTIES   for

Little Mermaid

Supervision

            Drama Room/Green Room                 Backstage                    Light Booth

            Wings- Chel Rattray (some perf), Arts Team

                                                                       

Cat walk

                                                                       

            Run LCD and images from laptop                                         Fly in "scuttle"           

                                                                       

Tech                                                               

            Assist/Supervise set build                               Help with costumes (sewing a plus)              

                                                                       

            Focus Lighting instruments                            Sound-                       

                                                                       

            Fog machine controller                                   Strobe light supervisor                       

                                                                       

            Bubble blower operator                                  Follow spot supervisor (in balcony)   

            Cutting gels                                                     Hanging backdrop

            Fixing or stabilizing ladder/finding a 15 foot ladder/cherry picker

Extras 

                                                                       

            Scene build in courtyard - collect "shipwreck" materials                                                         

                                                                       

            Creating a banner for the mezzanine          

            Framing past performances and installing in front hall

Creating a “history” board - process of rehearsals - dress

Montage/video of stills and rehearsal video to scroll in theatre hallway— contact Mrs. Hicks

Assisting with art installations for front foyer - contact Mrs. Bryant

Build the Balcony!

You and your family now have a chance to be part of Creswell history!  

When Creswell was built, our balcony seats were not funded or installed.  We are raising the money to put those theater seats in.  This is the best time to give to Creswell because the district is matching every gift you give.  That means each dollar you give is worth double.  

Every person who gives to the campaign will be listed on the Build the Balcony Campaign page on our web site.  

If you choose to give in honor of or in memory of a loved one, you may choose to have that name listed instead.  For example, you may give for your child, and have your child's name listed on the web site.  Some of you may have a beloved family or friend who has passed, and you may list that person instead.

Those who give $200 or more to the campaign will have the name they choose listed on a plaque that will hang permanently in the foyer of our theater.  This is a special way for you or someone you love to be part of Creswell's ongoing success throughout the years.

Monday afternoon, we will send home a giving letter and sponsorship level.  When you give, please return the form to school with your donation to be sure it is credited properly. You may also choose to give online.  A link is included in this email message and will be available on our web site. bit.ly/creswelltheater

If you know community members or businesses who would like to give to our campaign, please let me know, and I will send you the business and community partner letters.

Ted Murcray

ted.murcray@mnps.org

"The Little Mermaid, Jr." Ad Space NOW AVAILABLE!

We love to brag about our children!  In doing so we also show them how much we love, support and are proud of them.  

This production of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” gives us a perfect way to really brag about our children and we have the perfect way to do just that!

In order to raise much needed funds for our production, we have decided to include personal ads from parent, grandparents, and others as a way of supporting our children.  If you are interested in purchasing ad space in our program, please click here to download the form and return it, along with payment, in an envelope to the Drama Department. 

If you are interested in purchasing ad space for a business, please click here.  

Donate Healthy Snacks for TCAP Week

Easy Volunteer Opportunity

We are beginning to gear up for TCAPs, and our students need your help.  ITC will be TCAP testing April 30 -May 7, 2014, and we are asking for donations of non-perishable, healthy snacks to help ensure that our students can stay focused and succeed!

 Research shows that if students are well hydrated and well fed, their test taking ability is at its best. Munching on snacks in between tests helps to stimulate the brain, keeps the students awake and alert, and makes testing “fun.”

Some possible donations are: popcorn, Goldfish/cheese crackers, animal crackers and granola bars, etc.  We ask that all items be individually wrapped, and do not require refrigeration.

If you can help, please send any snack with your child during our collection period, April 7 - 25. We will evenly distribute the snacks at appropriate times during the testing period.

Top healthy snacks recommended from the web:

From familycircle.com
Sun Chips Original	PayDay Peanut Caramel Bar
Veggie Pirate's Booty	Hostess 100 Calorie Packs Chocolate Cupcakes
Snyder's of Hanover Multi Grain Pretzel Sticks	Emerald 100 Calorie Packs Natural Walnuts and Almonds
Terra Sweet Potato Chips	Kraft South Beach Living Dark Chocolate Covered Soynuts
Stacy's Simply Naked Pita Chips	Kashi TLC Oatmeal Raisin Flax Cookies
Mariani Ultimate Dried Apricots (Whole)	From parentsociety.com
Sun-Maid Dried Peaches (Halves)	Natural Value Fruit Leather
Sun-Maid Raisins	Stretch Island Fruit Leather
Old London Whole Grain Melba Toast	Quaker Multigrain Fiber Crisps
Atkins Advantage Peanut Butter Granola Bar	Clif Kid Organic Bar
Kind Almond Cashew Plus Omega-3 Bar	Lance Whole Grain Crackers with Peanut Butter

We will also need assistance sorting and distributing these snacks.  If you are available, please contact itcvolunteerptso@gmail.com for more information.

Please look for reminders in the coming days via our social media sites, or sign up now for text alerts via Remind101! https://www.remind101.com/join/itcptso

Sign up for ITC PTSO text alerts through Remind101!

We hear you!  

We've gotten some great feedback about how we can best stay in touch with our Creswell families, and learned that sometimes the internet and smartphones just aren't available.  We've tested some options for text message alerts, and are now pleased to support SMS notifications through Remind 101!

Remind 101 is a fantastic new resource that allows us to send safe, secure messages to you through your phone's SMS (text) feature - no smartphone and no internet access required!
Please take a look at the links below for more information on Remind 101 and how to sign up for our notification list:

What is Remind 101 

What Makes Remind 101 Safe

How to sign Up for the Notification List (Direct Link)

How to sign Up for the Notification List (PDF Instructions) 

"The Little Mermaid, Jr." needs YOUR help!

As many of you are aware, our school has been given the unique opportunity to perform live on stage Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” through the Disney Musicals in Schools program!

We are in full swing with rehearsals, set design, costuming and so, so much more!

Because there’s so much to do and we’d like to include all the I.T. Creswell community in this amazing experience, we are excited to extend the opportunity and ask for volunteers to help out!  We are looking for parents that may have services or know someone that can offer services in any of the areas listed below.  There are many ways to help! I have listed just a few, but welcome any and all help offered!

• Printing Services: flyers, posters, tickets, program, T-shirts and other printed merchandise
• Floral Services: As a way to fund this production, we will be offering for purchase flowers during performances for those wishing to congratulate their performers and need a convenient way of purchasing flowers at a discount. We’d also like to offer something for purchase in addition to flowers for male performers. A suggestion was chocolate. Any ideas?
• Advertising Services
• Set Design
• Set Construction
• Props
• Stage Makeup
• Costumes
• Help in concessions during performances

As I stated, there are so many ways to help I’m sure there are things I’ve forgot to list.

If you or anyone you know would be able to support with the success of this production please contact us.

Thank you for all the support you give to your I.T. Creswell school community!

Chel Rattray
I.T. Creswell PTSO

Metro Schools Schedules March 17 Make-Up Day

Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools has set an inclement weather makeup day for Monday, March 17. The March 17makeup day is required because the district has exceeded the six inclement weather days built into the 2013-14 calendar by one day as of March 5.

The March 17 Teacher Planning day will now be Tuesday, March 18, and Spring Intersession will begin March 19.  Please see the attached schedule for revisions.

2013-2014 MNPS Calendar

It’s here! Reserve your seats now for our 3rd Annual Valentine’s Day Family Formal!

On February 14^th the PTSO will be hosting a sweetheart dance!  

This is one of our most popular events of the year, and we expect tickets to sell-out quickly.

All are invited to come enjoy a delicious full course dinner and dance the night away with our DJ.  We will have a professional photographer, as well - so get your family together or round up your best friends and make some memories!

Tickets for this event are $15.00 for two. Additional tickets are $8.00 each.

·         2 people - $15.00

·         3 people - $ 23.00

·         4 people - $30.00

·         5 people - $38.00

·         6 people - $45.00

RESERVE YOUR TICKETS NOW: send your payment, along with the number of tickets you are requesting, in a sealed envelope marked PTSO VALENTINE'S DANCE and turn in to MS. SMITH in the LIBRARY.  Please include your email or cell phone number, so that we can send you a confirmation of receipt of your purchase.

The last day we can accept your order will be MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10^TH, so please place your orders TODAY.

We look forward to seeing you there,

Your Creswell PTSO

**dinner includes baked chicken with cornbread stuffing, roasted potatoes, sweet glazed carrots, salad, assorted desserts and drinks.  **Our own MR.HELVIG is our DJ for the evening!!

Changes to Creswell Connections: Coming Soon!

Based on your feedback and participation, Ms. Hall has revitalized our Creswell Connections program!

Instead of a separate meeting time, Creswell Connections is now a monthly newsletter.  It will be seny out at the first of every month with important dates as well as parent tips, a note from the principal, etc.  In-person updates will be scheduled in to our PTSO meetings, too - now you can get all of your updates in one place!

The school's E-blasts will continue, as well, with updates to anything that changes between Creswell Connections newsletters.

Girls on the Run is here at #itcreswell!

We are so proud to have Girls on the Run: Nashville as a new after-school partner.  We believe that this will be a wonderful opportunity for our students to grow and learn as individuals, and we need your help to make this happen!

Girls on the Run not only prepares its participants to complete a 3.1 mile run/walk, it also uses a fun, 12-week curriculum to teach them how to deal with the challenges they face every day: peer pressure, bullying, self-esteem and more.  Please see this link if you'd like more detail.

Space is limited! Applications for students are in the front office, and the first practice begins NEXT MONDAY, 1/27. 

We are still looking for volunteers.  Practices are twice a week for an hour and a half after school, and flexible scheduling options are available!  We have information packets in the front office, and also right here!

If you are in any way able to help or know someone who is able to help, please contact Lesli Hall at lesli.hall@mnps.org or 812-8300.

Valentine's Dance: Version 2.0!

Our Mother/Son Father/Daughter Dance has always been open to all family members, though the name implied otherwise.  No one should feel excluded from our events, and so we have re-christened the dance!

We would like to formally invite you to our Valentine's Day Family Formal - where #itcreswell students and family come "dressed to impress" for a great dinner and a fun evening out!

We have also postponed the Silent Auction portion of this evening to a later venue, so that we can focus on partying until we drop with no interruptions. :)

Sweet Angel Photography will be on-site to capture the evening, and a live DJ will be on-site as well.

A fully catered dinner will be served prior to the dance.

Tickets will be on sale soon - keep an eye out here for more details!!