Puesta del Sol Elementary

Parent Teacher Association unit 2.3.95

The Passport Club

NEXT CHECK DAY IS  February 28th

This Month's Special itinerary is Romania

Click here for the temporary map of the new South Sudan boundary

First Graders have already received Level 3 map packets from their teachers.  Third Graders have already received new Level 5 map packets to keep through 5th grade.  2nd, 4th and 5th graders, please find your study packet with the blue cover from last year.  Let us know ASAP if you need a new one, or a different level.  Contact Krista kcap@msn.com  or kerstehelms10@hotmail.com .  Include your child's name, teacher and indicate a Level 3 or a Level 5 preference. 

If you need the PASSWORD to access maps on the PTA website, contact kerstehelms10@hotmail.com or kcap@msn.com.  Please include your child’s name and teacher to confirm that you’re from our school.  These maps are copyright protected and should NOT BE SHARED with others outside our school.  Thanks for your consideration on this matter. 

Remember to check out the Special Itinerary bulletin boards in the cafeteria and library for great visual displays and answers to the activities.  Special Itineraries are a great way for your child to learn more about one country on each month’s check list.  There will be several copies of the SI at the bulletin board if your child needs it.   There is a prize each month for completing SI projects, and remember, if your child wants to complete Level 5 this year, they need to complete 10 or more SI projects during the year. More information can be found on the PTA website.

WANT TO HELP PASSPORT CLUB, BUT CAN’T COME TO CHECK DAY??  We need a BOOKKEEPER to track passport progress 3x/year (December, March and May).  You'll bring the passports home and record each child's progress. 

Contact Karen Nelson at karen.nelson@gmail.com if you’d like to be a checker 9:00-11:45 AM.  It’s a great way to meet other parents, interact with the kids and see what Passport Club is all about.  You’re also welcome to come observe any time, just check in with Karen. 

If you'd like a big wall map to color, contact Kerstehelms10@hotmail.com  (10 labeled and 5 blank are available for purchase $4 each)

We’re looking forward to another great year

~Kerste Helms and Krista Capodanno

A fun and engaging program to teach children (and parents) geography.

Special Itineraries:

  • September
  • October
  • November
  • December
  • January
  • February
  • March
  • April
  • May

    • Other:


    Program Goals
  • Teach children geography through a fun and engaging program.
  • Work toward total school involvement -- different levels make this program accessible to all ages.

    Levels Defined (They are cumulative with different countries every month)
    Level 1: 5 countries per month
    Level 2: Level 1 + 5 more countries
    Level 3: Level 1 & 2 + 5 more countries
    Level 4: Level 1- 3 + 10 more countries
    Level 5: Level 1- 4 + capitals of Level 1 countries
              + 10 Special Itinerary Projects
              Ask "What is the capital of the U.S.?
              Your child should tell you the capital’s name ~ Washington, DC

    Choosing a Level
    Select a level for your child that is fun and provides a challenge.
    But if the level is too easy or too hard, you can change.

    Passports / Stamps
     
    • All children are issued passports at the beginning of the school year which the teacher keeps in the classroom.
    • Passports have the different countries and levels for every month.
    • Students take their passports to check day.
    • There are different stamps each month to be pasted in the passports as levels are completed.
    Check Day / Immigration
    • Students go through Check Day/ Immigration at the end of each month.
    • They identify the countries on the map for the level they have elected to study.
    • The countries are marked off in their passports.
    • Their passport is stamped with the official passport club seal.
    • Students paste postage stamps in their passports on the 'visa page' for each level they complete.

    The 2011 -2012 Schedule

    Check Day:  Tuesdays, 9:45-11:45am in the library

    • September 27th

    • October 25th

    • November 29th

    • December 13th

    • January 31st

    • February 28th

    • March 27th

    • April 24th

    • May 29th

    Map Study
    Four Geo-Safari games (programmed with the current month’s maps) are available to students every day in the library during lunch recess.  To download the country list and maps go here.

    Special Itineraries

    • Students can earn extra stamps by completing Special Itineraries.
    • There are Special Itineraries each month that students call choose to complete.
    • Students can also submit their own Special Itinerary project that demonstrates special work related to geography, click here for some ideas.

    Questions about Special Itinerary?  Contact:
    Lori Bawden lbawden3@hotmail.com
    Jane McKinstry jane.mckinstry@gmail.com
    Hillary Salmieri hsalmieri@msn.com

    How can you help?

    • Practice with your child -- a few minutes a day is all it takes.
    • Help with Check Day or other Passport Club activities or preparation.
    • Be a Passport Club volunteer for your child’s class.
    • Sign up to volunteer today!