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January 8, 2010
Dear Parents,
This time of year is often a good time to reflect on the past year and to look ahead with optimism and hope. I am very proud of what we have accomplished and I have very positive feelings about what successes we can enjoy in 2010. Our world today is ever changing and constantly providing new challenges. The best hopes we have for our children will be realized by our ability to work together. Every member of our staff, administration, and our school board is committed to working with you to insure 2010 is productive and satisfying for you and your children.
The economic downturn certainly affects us all and can create fearful and anxious moments. While we most certainly will not be feeling financially richer, it is very important for us to remember what we value most, our children. With our family we do have shelter on cold winter nights, we do have food to share at meal times, and we do have a choice of what clothes to put on in the morning. We may not be able to have as wide a selection of choices in food and clothing that we once had, and we worry about the future, but rest assured that your children will look forward to each new day knowing that they have your love and support. In that way you should feel very well off.
UPCOMING SCHOOL EVENTS
1/11 PTO Mtg @6:30pm in the library
1/13 Board Mtg @6:30pm in the tech lab
1/15 Winter Activity Program
1/15 End of 2nd marking period
1/18 NO SCHOOL- Inservice
1/22 Winter Activity Program
1/26 Report Cards go home
1/27 Board Meeting 6:30pm Tech Lab
1/29 Winter Activity Program
HAPPENINGS THIS WEEK
Bread baking resumed this week. We have some very accomplished bakers out there. The big happening this week was the start of our winter activity program. From the smiles on the student's faces it looked as if the first day was a success!
ELECTRONIC GADGETS
After the Christmas holiday is a good time to remind everyone of our restrictions concerning electronic games, CD players, cell phones, etc. These items are expensive and highly valued by all children. We ask that they not be brought to school since they can be a distraction and can interfere with the focus on learning in the classroom. We also cannot insure the safety of these items. If they are lost, stolen, or broken, there will be disappointed children.
PASSENGER SAFETY
Winter driving can be very hazardous when we have unexpected spots of ice or slush on the road. Vermont law requires car seats for children under eight and everyone should always be wearing a seat belt. While many children ask to ride in the front seat, back seats are proven to be the safest place for children. Every parent wants to insure the safety of their child, so please insist they ride in the back seat.
WINTER ACTIVITY PROGRAM
The Winter Activity Program began today with great excitement. This program is a key to our success to build on the sense of belonging to a school community. Children of all grades are grouped together with staff that they may not have worked with in the classroom. They realize our school is a caring place where children and adults work together cooperatively to learn and have fun. Winters in Vermont can be long and, for some, depressing. This program exposes our kids to a variety of activities they can engage in. In part it is really a Winter Survival Program. The fact that we have so many parents and others volunteer to help is what makes this work.
Please be sure to label all of your child's equipment and to send your children with layers of warm clothing. We are still looking for volunteers for the program. If you are interested in skiing, snowboarding, x-country skiing, sledding, skating or other various winter activities, please contact Darlene in the front office.
PENNIES FOR PEACE
Classrooms will continue to collect pennies for this program that will build schools in communities that have no buildings dedicated to helping children learn. This program will run through MLK Day in January.
LUNCH ACCOUNTS
Lunch envelopes will be going home Monday, January 11th. Please call if you are unable to pay the balance in full- we can set up a payment arrangement.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED.......
We are looking for volunteers for various "opportunities". Please contact Darlene in the office.
ÿ Tuesdays from 8:45 to 10:00am in January and February with students in grades 4-6 for bread making. No bread making experience needed- learn as you go!
ÿ Wednesdays from 9:30 to 10am in the School Store.
ÿ If you are a snowboarder and have free time on Friday afternoons in January and February we could use you to help at Dartmouth Ski Way.
ODYSSEY OF THE MIND- HELP WANTED!
Our Odyssey of the Mind team has grown and we need adult(s) to assist. Meetings are Wednesdays 2:45-4pm at BES. Please contact Darlene.
PTO MEETING- Monday, January 11
PTO meetings are the 2nd Monday of the month at 6:30pm in the library. Our next meeting is Monday, January 11. We will be discussing upcoming winter events- come with ideas and suggestions! Childcare will be available.
PTO BIRTHDAY CALENDARS
PTO Community Birthday Calendars are available for $5.00. Please contact a PTO member or Sonya Grant at 439.5154 or
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CHANGE IN CONTACT INFORMATION?
Please be sure to update your contact information with the office. Often as we change jobs or get a new cell phone number or change or landline we forget to notify the school. We need accurate information to contact you regarding your child.
CANCELLED- MEET THE
SUPERINTENDENT CANDIDATE
NIGHT ON JANUARY 11TH
New date and time to be announced
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