It's Science Fair Judging Time once again.  This week our Science Fair Finalists have been presenting their projects to special guest judges from the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM).  We have had science teachers, district representatives from the science department, and engineering students from CSU Northridge to name just a few.  All of our judges have been very impressed with the level of knowledge that our students have shown and their presentation skills too!

Congratulations to all of our Science Fair Finalists and remember to view these wonderful projects with the whole family at NASA STEM Night on Friday, May 30th!

Vintage families and friends, you are invited to our Spring 2014 NASA Night.  This spring's theme is Planet Earth.  In our continued effort to celebrate STEM education, we are proud to host keynote speaker, Mr. Josh Rubenstein, KCBS (Ch. 2) meteorologist. 

The is fun-filled education evening will  be packed with science, technology, engineering, and math experts (see below)  from various fields who will share information, activities, demonstrations and much more. (Refreshments will be available for purchase - Fratelli's Pizza, Kettle Corn, Shaved Ice.)

Scripps Institution of Oceanography Researcher - Valerie Sahakian
Cal State Northridge Engineering Students - Human Powered Fiber Glass Car and a Cement Canoe.
Mad Science - Walloping Weather
Southwest Herpetologist Society - Reptile and Snake Club
San Fernando Valley Radio Flyers - Radio Controlled Aircraft Club
Los Angeles Astronomical Society
Planetary Society
Jet Propulsion Lab
Earthquake Presentation 
Rock Chippers – geology club
Succulent Society – cactus
Discovery Dome
Spacewalk Cake Walk
5th Grade Rockets
LEGO Robotics Demonstration
Vintage Science Fair Finalists
Audubon Society
And more….
CLICK HERE FOR NASA Night 2014 Flyer

Fifth grade STORM member*, Sydney, wrote and produced a short video expressing her concern about the drought in California.  Students learned about the seriousness of our drought situation and proposed some ideas to conserve water.  You can learn more about what you can do at Save Our Water.

*STORM group consists of a volunteer group of fifth grade students that meet before school to update the weather on the weather board, announce the weather over the PA, produce a weekly video on the weather forecast and school events, and learn more about weather in general.

Tuesday, May 20th, 2014, Vintage volunteers were invited to a party to celebrate all they do for our school.  Vintage can't say enough about it's wonderful volunteers.  We know these volunteers have busy lives; yet, they find time to volunteer at our school.  The efforts they make, both big and small, make such a difference to the quality of our school.  Just walk on campus and look around.  Many of the improvements are due to volunteers contributing time, labor, and materials.  Classroom teachers have more time to spend with students thanks to volunteers in the classroom or who come to TAP days.  Those are just a few examples of how volunteers make Vintage a better place for our students to come learn.  

Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Click here to see photos from that event.

Vintage 5th graders enjoyed a full day at Hess Kramer Science "Wolf" Camp, Thursday, May 15th . The camp is located in Malibu.  Students enjoyed a beautiful day outdoors while learning curriculum relevant topics and participating in activities with a focus on the diverse eco-systems of the  Santa Monica Mountains.  

End the school year eating at Pesto Pasta on Wednesday, May 21st. Eat at Presto Pasta anytime on this day and they will donate 20% of your total bill to our Vintage Magnet.  Valid on dine in or take out.  Simply present this flyer at the restaurant when ordering. Flyers may not be distributed at Presto Pasta. (Click here for the flyer) 

PESTO PASTA
Granada Hills
17923 Chatsworth St.
818-360-7737

Tuesday, May 13th, Vintage 4th graders enjoyed an engaging presentation on the fascinating periods of California's history dealing with the Spanish missions and the gold rush. They learned three primary reasons for the establishment of the mission system in California and what to pack if you were headed out west to mine gold. 

This presentation was put on by History Brought To Life. History Brought to Life provides educational assembly programs and historical reenactments for 4th and 5th grade curriculum through historical interactive presentations. Historical facts came to life through presenter, Joel Green, who is the founder and host of Curiosity Quest and Curiosity Quest Goes Green (award-winning national PBS television program).  The presentation concluded with students being able to pan for gold.  Eureka! was heard from each and every one of them as they discovered a gold nugget in their pan which they also got to take home.  

Click here to see photos of this travel back in time experience.

It takes a lot to get Rhys to put down his video games. But, Rhys was so inspired by author Adam T. Newman's presentation to Vintage students in the school library that Rhys decided to try his hand at writing and illustrating a sequel to Adam T. Newman's books "How to Catch a Cold" and "How to Fight a Cold."  Rhys' titled his book, "How to Rock a Cold."  

There was lots to see at Vintage's Open House on Thursday, May 8th.  Open House is such a special time in elementary school.  Students love to share with their families what they have been working on and to show off their class and school.  Teachers appreciate being able to observe the students pride as they show their families around the classroom pointing out samples of the fun learning that has taken place.  Thank you Vintage families for taking part of this year's open house.  It meant a lot to the students and to the staff to have you there.  

Click here to see photos taken during this year's open house.

Vintage staff members were treated to an amazing luncheon featuring a catered* taco bar and a delicious selection of salads, desserts, and drinks donated by Vintage families.  For a short while, staff were made to feel they were on a mini retreat as they were serenaded and entertained by a group of 19 musicians and dancers from the Golden Dreams group. Students Sherlock and Cherry's grandmother, Violeta, is a part of this group who we were kind enough to share their talents with us and were a highlight of the luncheon.

PTA President, Lorena Hernandez, shared with the staff that PTA, in appreciation, will be gifting the staff lunch lounge with new chairs and will add two microwaves.  Staff were pleased and appreciated the good news about the improvements to the staff lunch room.  No more sitting on broken chairs and being able to speed up warming up staff lunches is much appreciated.  

Staff wish to express their thanks to all involved with this thoughtful event.  We are a lucky group to have such considerate parents to support our staff.  

*Catered by Tagueria - Los Altenos, 21109 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA 91303 PH: 818-992-1814.