Messy Science a Hit at the Oakesdale Library

Guest presenter Chelsea Leachman lead a group of over twenty children on Monday, October 17, 2011 for a fun after school program called “Messy Science.” 

Children enjoyed several funny stories about science and science experiments gone wrong.  Children were then able to make their own batch of “slime” to take home. 

Messy Science participant Eric Nelson said,

“This was fun, and I can’t wait to show my mom my green slime!”  

Everyone had a great time and enjoyed the stories, snacks, and the hands on experience of science.  Oakesdale Librarian Michele Wright hopes to continue with once a month after school programs for children in grades 1-5 so watch your children’s back packs for future announcements of these exciting, free, after school activities.

Storytime continues each Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. at the library with our on going exploration of the alphabet.  Children are encouraged to learn the alphabet by practicing the sounds each letter makes.

Storytime includes crafts, stories, and snacks that follow our alphabetical theme.  Learning and socializing are the key benefits of library programs. All children ages 1-5 are encouraged to attend.

The Oakesdale Book Club continues to meet once a month on the fourth Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. at the library.  This month’s reading selection is Degree’s of Separation, by Sue Henry. 

Everyone is encouraged to join us for a delicious potluck dinner and dessert and a lively book discussion.  Our next gathering has been moved to November 1^st, at which time we make the selection of our next book. Don’t miss out, come and join us!

The Oakesdale Library is open until 6:00 p.m. on Halloween. There will be treats for all who stop by wearing their costume.  Come on in and show the librarian your costume, get a treat and pick up a great book or movie while you are here.

Freeman Combined PTSA Invites New Members

Freeman Parent Teacher Student Association is an organization vital to parents, students and the Freeman School District No. 358.

Freeman PSTA President Jenny Bryant said, "Our official name is the Freeman Combined PTSA, but we generally go by Freeman PTSA.

What we are trying to really promote is that it is a K-12 program (most PTA's or PTSA's are generally elementary level). We have a smaller district, so it works better for us to include all education levels."

PTSA Goals are:

• •To support the educational environment for students, staff and parents.
• •To be of service to the school/staff of Freeman School District.
• •To encourage parents to actively participate in all school levels through volunteering and mentoring.
• •To promote student involvement by providing service opportunities and activities.
• •To continue staff appreciation activities

In 2010-2011, Freeman PSTA funded or made partial grants to the following:

• Classroom grants
• Craft night
• Missoula Children's Theater
• Golden Acorn volunteer award
• Outstanding Educator teacher award
• Talent show
• Box Tops for Education
• Reflections contest
• Student character recognition
• Skate night
• ALL staff appreciation activities
• Classroom of Distinction Program
• 8th grade graduation

The PSTA has added Harvest Hoe Down and Senior Scholarships to its 2011-12 goals, and invites new members to join and participate.

Membership expands support to:

• The organization's legislative voice that connects it to resources statewide.
• Provide funds for programs both inside and outside the classroom.
• Much needed non-time-intensive volunteer opportunities.
• Providing input and ideas at PSTA meetings, and staying connected.
• Opportunity to be listed in the Freeman School Directory—delete this: you don’t have to be a member to be listed or get the directory. It’s just a service we provide to the district.
• Attendance at sponsored events like Talent Show, Harvest Hoe Down, Craft Night, etc.

However, you don’t need to be a member to attend these events, just connected to the Freeman school community.

Click here for a membership form.
Click here for an up to the minute 2011-2012 calendar.

Haunted Palouse October 21, 22, 28, & 29

A reminder to all that Haunted Palouse begins this Friday night and continues Saturday, and again next Friday and Saturday - for ages 12 and older only.

So far, the event has netted $220,000 for community projects in its 9 year run!

It takes a lot of people and many hours to make it happen. There are still some "behind-the-scenes" jobs as well as jobs for those wanting to be more active - please contact Nancy Hegg or Ken Pedersen if you are able to help.

Street dancers are needed too and easy to learn! Contact Marie Dymkoski.

Another thing that would be helpful and much appreciated is food for the crews - especially foods easy and quick to eat while on breaks: meat & cheese, crackers, candy bars, cookies, etc.

The crews work for 5 hours each night and it's exhausting (but fun!). If you would like to donate any of these items, contact any of the venue leaders: Nancy Hegg, Ken Pedersen or Janet Barstow.

This year Haunted Palouse will benefit the Community Center, Little Sprouts Daycare, Arts Council, Lions Club, Garfield-Palouse Athletic Club, Palouse Museum, and Palouse Chamber.

Tickets are $15 and include admittance to both haunted houses and the Shady Lane haunted hayride. Street entertainment and fortune tellers await you as well.

Tickets are available the evenings of Haunted Palouse at the drive-thru of the PALOUSE branch of AmericanWest Bank.  Tickets are NOT available at any other time nor at any other branch.

  

There are plenty of food vendors too!

For more details, check out Visit Palouse or call 330-0353 or 595-1129.

Thank you for your support!

Master Composters of Spokane County to Provide Home Composting Sessions

The Town of Fairfield and Town of Latah are hosting a FREE composting workshop on the same day as their yard debris day:

• Fairfield will be at 10:00 a.m. October 22, 2011, at the Community Center
• Latah will be at 10:00 a.m. October 29, 2011 at their community center.