Teachers will open their classrooms, children will get to show off some of the work they’ve been doing, and the younger kids will sing their hearts out this Thursday at the Spring Open House. The evening is also a chance to meet the teachers in the next grade up.

One of the highlights of the evening is the spring concert. Children in grades K-3 will perform songs under the direction of music teacher Bonnie Lockhart. The concert begins at 6:45 pm,  sharp. Kindergarten through 3rd-grade children and families should come to the Multipurpose Room at 6:35 p.m., and students should sit on the floor tapes assigned to their class. Parents and families should find seating behind K-3 students. And it is a joy to see and hear the songs that the children have been working on with Bonnie!

The presentation will run from 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. (30 minutes earlier than the regular PPTG meeting start time) and will be held in Ana Thomas’ 5th grade classroom. It will be especially helpful for families of children entering middle school, but will also contain useful information for all families.

Ralph is much sought-after by schools, using a rational and believable approach to explain to kids how different parts of the brain respond to drugs, and the differences in how adolescent brains are affected. His suggestions to parents are clear and logical. You will learn new ideas on how to help your kids make good decisions, and what you can do to protect them. As a Peralta parent, Ralph is donating his time. All are encouraged to attend. NOTE: This special presentation is geared toward parents and other caregivers; children will not be present, but care will be provided.

The presentation will be followed immediately by the regular monthly PPTG meeting in the Multipurpose Room. This is the last meeting of the 2009-2010 school year. Dinner and childcare will be provided as usual.

Did you know?

• Even if you’re not a joiner, you’re already a member of the PPTG! No signup or dues required. All parents or caregivers with students at Peralta are automatically members.
• Peralta is an amazing school due, in part, to its very involved parent community. But EVERYONE’S help is needed, not just a few.
• You can join the PPTG’s listserv on Yahoo! and find out what’s happening at Peralta. Go to http://groups.yahoo.com, search for “PeraltaCommunity,” then click “Join the Group.”

The annual sale is a joint effort of the Lower Rockridge Parents Group and the Peralta Parent Teacher Group. Thanks to all who donated, and the dozens of volunteers who helped the day run smoothly. And thanks to all the bakers, as well as bakesale organizers Cinthia Andrus and Kellene Kaiser, for the sweet treats.

The sale is this Saturday on the Peralta playground. All proceeds benefit Peralta! Free Parking at the St. Augustine’s lot on Alcatraz Avenue.

Enjoy coffee and yummy treats while shopping for really great stuff. Bargains can be found everywhere you look!

Just a taste of the items available…

• Sports Equipment: 2 Burley Bike trailers, high quality ice skates, roller blades, kid and adult bikes, Kettler trike (w/ handle), scooters, skis, snowboarding boots, camping equipment, 2010 Final Four commemorative mini basketballs & more…
• Kid and Baby Stuff: Clothes, high chairs, Britax car seats, strollers (double and Combi, umbrella), infant bicycle seat, swings…
• Household Goods & Furniture: sofas, dressers, bookcases, decorative rugs, throw pillows, curtains, baskets, kitchen appliances, cribs, toddler beds, art, frames of every size, a teak table (expandable) , lighting, a brand new medicine cabinet with beveled mirror, file cabinets, an assortment of storage items, garden equipment…
• Entertainment: Books, puzzles, toys, Legos, dinosaurs, movies (kids and grown up), music, games, Thomas Train sets, puzzles, Legos, moon shoes…
• And lots, lots, more!

You’ll definitely find what you are looking for and at an unbeatable price all while supporting our awesome neighborhood public school.

If you haven’t purchased your auction passes, click the ticket button at left to buy online. Tickets are $10 in advance, and $15 at the door—so buy ahead! Your name will be on the list if you buy online, so don’t worry if you don’t have a paper ticket.

For the full auction scoop, click the Uptown logo at left. You’ll also find an electronic copy of the full auction catalog.

This adult-only event is open to the community — come one and all!