Don't forget: your receipts can also be gifts for the kids. Just snap quick pictures with your trusty Shoparoo fundraising app to earn cash donations or sweepstakes entries for McCall Elementary School PTA for each one! Your receipts from electronics stores, clothing stores, restaurants, cafés and other non-grocery stores could be worth up to $15,000, so snap 'em all!
 
Happy snappin' holidays!

A Message From McCall PTA's VP of Membership, Kelly Hopper

I wanted to send you all off to begin your holiday break with a touching story of giving. This is truly what the season is all about, and McCall has risen to the occasion. I feel blessed to have a school family that understands the importance of giving back, and what that does for the soul.
In 2013, we gave to the US troops. 
In 2014, we gave to Hope's Door to assist in the fight against domestic. 

This year, we give to Safyre.  Safyre Terry's father, sister and two brothers died in an unsolved New York arson house fire in 2013. The eight-year-old was the only survivor and was found shielded from the flames by her father, though she suffered burns to 75% of her body. The only thing this little girl wanted for Christmas were cards to fill up her entire Christmas tree.
 
Once I heard this story I couldn't stop thinking about what could be done.  Mrs. Kimbriel and Mrs. Quinn graciously agreed to have the students make cards for Safyre during their art classes this week. I am so happy to announce that I will be mailing off 360 cards to brighten this little survivors Christmas!
 
Wishing you all the very best!
  
Thank you, Kelly

Young Chefs® Academy Cooking Club - Session 1
When: Fridays 2:45 - 4:00 pm
Session 1: 1/8/2016 - 2/26/2016
Grades: K-5
Cost: $125 (+ $25 to instructor on 1st day)

Not only do students experience new foods and preparation techniques, but the Young Chefs Academy curriculum is designed to expand learning into the areas of math, science, history and important cognitive skills. Parents love watching their "young chef" grows with confidence and knowledge as they create these recipes at home and develop life-long skills while having FUN!

Register by one of the following methods :

• Phone: 972-335-4449
• Online: Visit this direct link to register
• Online: Visit friscotx.youngchefsacademy.com. Click on the REGISTER FOR A CLASS button. Select CLASSES. On the CLASSES window, click on PROGRAMS tab.

Spring 2016 - Animations using MIT Scratch
When: Mondays @ 2:50 - 3:50 pm
Dates: Jan 11, 18, 25, Feb 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Mar 14, 21, 28
Grades: 3rd - 5th
Tuition: $60

• Register and pay online at : bit.ly/utd-coding-clubs
• Questions? Call 972-357-689 or email csk12@utdallas.edu

Scratch is a free drag-and-drop programming language created by MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) especially for kids. No need to write complicated code, just fit puzzle piece instructions together to tell your program what to do. It’s a lot of fun and easy to do!​

Meet the Bowman Principal! Learn all about their amazing Middle School

When: Tuesday, 12/15/2015 @ 6 pm
Where: McCall Library

Mr. Vernon and his administrative staff cordially invite all current McCall 4th and 5th grade parents (really any McCall family) to come to and meet him at McCall. He will introduce some of his team members and share with you all the benefits of attending Bowman Middle School. Please make plans to attend this important and informative event.

Holiday parties will take place on Thursday, 12/17/2015 1:30-2:30 pm. This year's theme is “Magical Winter Wonderland”! 

If you would like to attend/help with Winter Parties, please make sure that your volunteer background check is up to date.
To avoid the lines, please email mary.terhune@pisd.edu to let her know that you are coming to the party.

COME JOIN US FOR A FREE MOVIE NIGHT FOR ALL MCCALL STUDENTS!!!

When: Thursday, 12/17/2015 @ 6 pm
Movie: Inside Out

Wear your favorite pajamas, bring your pillow and blanket, and join us for a fun night of movie and popcorn with your friends at McCall!! Free admission, popcorn, sweet treat, and water for every student while supplies last!

Note: Every child must be accompanied by an adult. No drop-offs please.

Thank you SO MUCH for your generous support at our Fall fundraising events! We raised $6045 from our 2015 Fall Fun Run and Festival and $2293 from our 2015 Fall Book Fair!

We rely on your continuous support to fund all the exciting programs sponsored by the McCall PTA. We cannot do it without the support of our Colt families. Stay tuned for more exciting programs we have in store for you!!!

McCall will be having College and Career Day January 15th and we need speakers!

Who: Parents, friends, siblings, grandparents, community members, college students
What: A 15 minute presentation about personal career or college attended
When: the morning of Friday, January 15th, 2016
 
If this is something that interests you or someone you know, please email the counselor at pamela.whitwell@pisd.edu with the following information:

• Guest Speaker Name
• Student's Name at McCall
• Career/College
• Email Address
• Phone Number

Thank you!!
 
Pamela Whitwell | School Counselor | 469-752-4515

Join us for Parent's Night Out at Metroplex Gymnastics this Friday! 

• When : Friday. 12/11/2015 @ 6:30 pm
• Cost:  $13 per child for 6:30-9:30 pm OR $22 per child for 6:30-11:00 pm
• Who: Ages 3-12 (Must be potty trainted)
• Includes: ​Pizza , juice, and fun on 3 inflatables, trapeze, zip line, trampolines, and games!
• Where: Metroplex Gymnastics, & Swim, 205 E. Bethany, Allen, TX 75002 (972-727-9095)

Colt Families,
Your children received a Winter Class Party flyer today in their take home packets. Instead of sending home a slip for party donations this year, we are using an online tool called Signup Genius! ​Please visit the link for your child's grade below to sign up for food and drinks for the winter party!  There are also spots available if you would like to come and help too!

Date: Thursday, 12/17/2015
Setup: 1:00 pm
Party: 1:30-2:30 pm
Clean Up: 2:30pm

Sign Up at : Kinder | 1st Grade | 2nd Grade | 3rd Grade | 4th Grade | 5th Grade

Thank you so much for helping us ensure the kids have a Magical Winter Party! Happy Holidays!
McCall PTA

Every year is a Milestone - Mark this year with a yearbook!
​
Order your McCall Elementary Yearbook now and one less thing to worry about later!!!

• Hardcover yearbook ($28.00)
• Softcover yearbook ($20.00) 
• Student Name printed on cover ($5.00)

Order in one of the following ways :

• Visit our Online Toolkit and select "Yearbooks 2015-2016" and follow the prompts. 
• Complete this form and return to your child's teacher with a check.

Questions? Contact us at yearbook@mccallpta.org