Thoughts of the Season

"In the Spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt ..."

~~ Margaret Atwood, Canadian Writer (1939 -


Friday, May 17, 2013

Why Every Box Top Counts: My Best Box Tops Story Yet

I am passionate about Box Tops.  Box Tops happen to be the primary source of money that the Parent-Teacher Group uses for our activities and special events.  So, thank you.  Thank you, thank you.  We can't thank all of you enough for helping us collect Box Tops.   You do make a difference, and it is appreciated.

I say I'm passionate about Box Tops, you may think I'm a little crazy after reading this story.  Just remember what I always say ... every Box Top counts.

This is my best Box Tops story yet, and it is true.    JoAnn R. Walter, PTG President

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Back in late January 2013, I took advantage of a campaign at Weis Markets; buy 10 participating General Mills products and get 60 free Box Tops (equivalent to $6).  I try to do these campaigns when it makes sense; when the stores offer something my family can use, then in return I get bonus Box Tops for NEB Elementary.

When the Box Tops coupon didn't print off the Catalina machine next to the register, I stopped by the Customer Service desk to inquire why.  The desk clerk wasn't quite sure of the answer, so she called over a Supervisor.  The Supervisor wasn't quite sure of the answer either, so she took my phone number and said she'd call me as soon as she contacted Catalina.  I didn't get a call back within a week, so I went back to the store the next week to follow-up.  The Supervisor said, "It happened again?"  I replied, "No, I never received an answer from my original question last week." The Supervisor said she'd call me back that day.  I never received a call back.

Between February 1st and May 1st, I attempted to contact Weis Markets by practically all of their communication methods; I completed the on-line Weis Markets survey, I sent a hard copy letter to the Sunbury, PA main office, I sent an email to the address they recommended, and I wrote a comment on their Facebook page.  No response from anyone, although I got a couple of "Likes" on Facebook!  About May 1st I called their toll free number and spoke to a customer service rep who told me she'd call me back.  She never called me.

I pretty much had given up on my 60 free Box Tops by this point.  Four months had gone by.  I know what you're thinking, it's only $6.  But ... every Box Top counts, don't I always say that?

So ... I wasn't quite ready to give up.  The freelance writer inside of me decided to try one more time.  So,  I decided I would write to the Top Dog, the President & CEO of Weis Markets.  Before I did, I researched his background and even watched a YouTube video of his discussions about Weis Markets on "Industry Week".  Seemed like a nice enough guy who is interested in his company succeeding.  I guess I wanted to be sure I was writing to someone who would care to read my email.

So, I wrote the Top Dog an email (after trying several combinations, I actually got the right one without having to inquire.  Who would've told me that anyways?)  In my email I basically described the multiple attempts I had made to get an answer to my simple question and commented at how remarkable it was that I didn't receive any phone calls or written correspondence after seven attempts.

Within an hour of sending that email, I got an email back, and then shortly afterwards a phone call from the Regional V.P. of Weis Markets, who  used to work in the Binghamton market. 

We actually had a nice little chat.  The Regional V.P. apologized and also thanked me for my perseverance.  I like that!  He then offered to send me a $50 gift card to use for our school.  It will get used soon, too, either for the 6th Grade Picnic or Box Tops Ice Cream Party.

So, that is my Best Box Tops story yet.  Remember, every Box Top counts!








Tuesday, May 7, 2013

National Teacher's Appreciation Week

May 6th through 10th is designated "National Teacher's Appreciation Week".

This week is also "National Nurse's Week".

The PTG recognizes all of our Teachers and Staff, and our School Nurse.  We thank each one of them for all they do to help our students be successful at Northeast Bradford Elementary.

The PTG will be hosting a luncheon for all Teachers & Staff on Wednesday, May 15th.

Be sure to thank your Teacher today, and also recognize the efforts of all the Staff & school Nurse.  They make NEB Elementary what it is, a wonderful environment for learning!

Our school wouldn't be a cool school without them!





 

Turn in Your Box Tops!



It's almost the end of the school year, so that means it's almost time to announce a winner of the "Box Tops Challenge!"

The Grade collecting the most Box Tops will be awarded an ice cream party at the end of the school year, sponsored by the PTG.

Please turn in all Box Tops by Tuesday, May 28th.   

Look high, look low.  Ask your friends, family and neighbors.  Look in Grandma's pantry, she probably has some in there she didn't even know about!  


Remember, every Box Top counts, no matter how many you turn in.




Thanks for helping
NEB Elementary! 

Sunday, April 28, 2013

"MIghty Mike Basketball" Assembly Cancelled

Due to Mighy Mike's illness this past weekend (a severe case of pneumonia which landed him in the hospital), he will be unable to perform at the "Mighty Mike Basketball" Assembly that the PTG sponsored for Monday, April 29th at our school.

Unfortunately, because of Mike's schedule and NEB Elementary School's schedule, we are unable to reschedule him for another date this school year.

The PTG is extremely sorry to share this news with you, we were very excited to have Mike Simmel come visit our school and worked diligently to secure a date!  Best wishes to Mike on his recovery.

PS:  The PTG did purchase (4) four copies of Mike's book, "Mighty Mike Bounces Back" which are now available in the Library.  Worth the read!

 

Thursday, March 28, 2013

BOX TOPS UPDATE & HAPPY EASTER

Box Tops Update through March 28th:


Thank you to Mrs. Philippi and her students for collecting, sorting & tallying our Box Tops!

It seems our two-time champions, our now 3rd Graders, have some competition.  Great job 2nd Graders!  (Our 3rd Graders won when they were in 1st & 2nd Grades.)  And what happened to our 6th Graders?  Back in the earlier years, they made a consistent run for the Box Tops championship.

But really ... every Box Top collected counts.  The PTG appreciates all of your hard work & efforts in clipping and turning in Box Tops.  Keep them coming in.  They will be collected until early May, we will announce the cut-off date.  Box Tops Ice Cream Party awarded to the Grade that collects the most Box Tops this school year!

Enjoy your Easter Break ~ don't forget to ask family & friends to help you collect Box Tops!

1st Place            2nd Grade            $  301.10

2nd Place          3rd Grade                 264.50

3rd Place           1st Grade                 216.70

4th Place           4th Grade                 202.30

5th Place                   Kindergarten                  168.80

6th Place                   5th Grade                        145.50

7th Place                   6th Grade                          97.60


Wednesday, March 6, 2013

 
Panther Webkinz

A SPECIAL GIFT FOR ANY OCCASION.   PANTHER WEBKINZ, $15 ea.  Comes with a Webkinz code for on-line games.

YOUR PURCHASE SUPPORTS THE PTG'S FUTURE 'PLAYGROUND PROJECT.'

STOP BY THE MAIN OFFICE FOR INFORMATION OR TO PURCHASE.
Checks payable to "NEBPTG".


GET READY FOR SPRING!!
 
(Great Jacket for Layering!)
                                
OUR NEWEST "SPIRIT WEAR" JACKETS
                                                                    
$48.00
                                
ADULT SIZES XL, L, M & S (Maroon or Gray)
* Ladies jacket seems to run one size smaller.

Samples available to see in Main Office.
"Staff" imprinted on jacket for small charge.                                        
           
YOUTH SIZES L, M, & S (Maroon or Gray)