Willard Weekly 01/14/10

If you are having trouble reading this HTML newsletter, you can find it here on our web site.
banner

Willard School Newsletter

14 January 2010

Issue 16

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

JANUARY 2010
SUNDAY	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	'SATURDAY
10	11 PTG Board Meeting, 12:30, Willard Conference Room	12 EARLY RELEASE	13	14 MLK Celebration, 7-8:30pm, Sanborn Middle School	15	16
17	18 NO SCHOOL Martin Luther King Jr. Day	19 EARLY RELEASE METCO Late Bus	20 Assembly: Mother Goose (K)	21 Assembly: Mother Goose (K) 5th Grade Celebration Committee Meeting, 9am, Conference Room Willard Green Committee Meeting, 10:30, Conference Room	22	23
24	25 RSVP for PAL Talent Show Crew Registration Due	26	27 Half-Way Day (pending snow days) Parent at Lunch Day Parent Math Workshop, 7pm, Library	28	29	30

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK

Despite a short timeline, Willard families responded very generously to the appeal to assist the middle school with the community service project, Coats for Kids. Although I have not yet received a tally on the number of Willard coats and jackets. the middle school collected approximately 160 items at Sanborn and Peabody. Thanks to the generosity of Concord families, this program will provide needy children with warm coats and jackets which will be greatly appreciated during these cold winter months.

I am pleased to report that energy consumption at the new Willard School is impressively low. Superintendent Ripley announced at Tuesday's School Committee Meeting that Willard's consumption of electricity and natural gas for heating is 30% less than the other two elementary buildings. Because all three buildings are approximately the same size (80,000 square feet), it seems clear that we can attribute the reduced energy usage to the "green" elements of the building which include a high efficiency heating system as well as a variety of lighting fixtures and lighting control system designed to reduce the use of electricity. I am also pleased to report that a comparison of the level of absenteeism due to illness has also been less at Willard compared to Alcott and Thoreau as measured for November and December. We are currently analyzing the data for December.

At the request of some parents across the district, a K-8 Wellness Committee is being formed. You may recall that Health Coordinator Kathy Bowen led a similar committee a few years ago. Parents have asked for this committee in order to discuss the nutritional value of school lunches. Two goals have been established for the Committee. The first goal is to reduce trans fats, MSG, and high fructose corn syrup. The second goal is to investigate farm to school programs. Two parents from each school will form the Committee. The Committee will meet monthly. If you have an interest in serving on the Committee, please contact me.

Members of the 5th Grade Willard Chorus will perform tonight at 7:00 PM at the Martin Luther King Concert sponsored by the Human Rights Council at Sanborn. Ms. Bethell has been practicing with the chorus and the students sound beautiful. I am sure that our students will represent Willard well.

In a few weeks, Willard students will celebrate Half-Way Day. Willard students celebrate this annual event by dressing up in a half-way style manner. In order to participate in this silly celebration of the 90th Day of school, we ask students to contribute fifty cents. The collected money will be donated to Open Table.

At the January School Advisory Council meeting, we discussed the terrible destruction in Haiti due to the earthquake a few days ago. The SAC discussed the idea of launching a relief effort by soliciting donations of coins from students. One of the SAC members is aware of a school in Haiti that was devastated by the earthquake. We will provide collection boxes for donations next week and forward the money to a reputable recipient.

As you know, Math Specialist Laurie Penney has planned a Parent Math Workshop for Wednesday, January 27th at 7:00 PM in the Willard Library. Details of this event are included here. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Mrs. Penney at lpenney@colonial.net.

The first semester will conclude on January 27th. Progress Reports will be mailed on February 5th. In addition, Special Education progress Reports and Special Subject Progress Reports will be issued at that time, as well. It is important to note that most Progress Report Learning Outcomes are not designed to be mastered until June. Using a 3 point scale, most children will earn a 2 for specific items on the Progress Report which indicates that the child is Making Progress toward the standard/outcome. There are a few items on the Progress Report that are measured on a 4 Point Scale. You will receive a detailed explanation with your child's Progress report.

The tables for the Tech Infused Classroom (Computer Lab) have been installed. The tables look great. The layout is well designed. The district is adding the necessary switches and is completing the wire management The Tech Infused Classroom will soon be ready for use.

As always, thank you for all you do for Willard School.
- Pat Fernandes

Kindly submit articles for inclusion in the Willard Weekly to the editor, Christine Evans, at willardweekly@willardptg.org
Deadline for submission is Wednesday at 4pm.

WILLARD NEWS AND EVENTS

THE QUEST IS HERE! THE QUEST IS HERE!

This year's Geography Quest has been distributed to the teachers. This year, students and their families can enjoy exploring the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. To see the pictures in the Quest in color, or to get another copy, you can access the Quest online.

Remember to visit the Willard Library and the Concord Public Library to use their books, encyclopedias, maps, and other great resources. Please be sure that the student's and teacher's names are on the front page, and return the Quest to the box in the library by Monday, February 8. If you have any questions, please email Alane Wallis at awallis@nutter.com or Jane Torpie at Jane.Torpie@verizon.net.

METCO FAMILY FRIENDS LATE BUS

Make your playdates now for Tuesday, January 19th, the next METCO Family Friends Late Bus day. Concord families are reminded to have Boston students to Alcott by 4:15 to meet the bus. Also mark your calendars for next month's late bus day, February 9th, when we'll have a special performance for all buddy families. More details coming soon. Questions? Please contact Grace Ryan (graceryan9@comcast.net), Tanika Moody (tanika261@hotmail.com) or Debbie Osofsky (debbieosofsky@hotmail.com)

FIFTH GRADE CELEBRATION COMMITTEE MEETING

Are you interested in helping to plan the fun day, yearbook, mix-up picnic, class gift and other end-of-year celebration activities for our departing 5th Graders? Please join the 5th Grade Celebration Committee on Thursday, January 21st, 9:00 am in the Willard Conference Room. Can't make the meeting but want to help? Email Committee Co-Chairs Michelle Ernst, mpernst@comcast.net and Suzanne Hogan, suzanne.hogan@comcast.net.

WILLARD GREEN COMMITTEE MEETING

The Willard Green Committee will meet on Thursday, January 21st at 10:30 am in the Willard Conference Room. Come hear about the 2010 green initiatives and get involved by helping to promote eco-responsibilty in the Willard community. Drop on by, new members are always welcome!

TALENT SHOW REGISTRATION!

Hey kids, dust off your dance shoes and start singing in the shower! It's time to plan your act for the Willard Talent Show and register for a Preview Day - Tuesday, February 9 (12:30-2:30) and Wednesday, February 10 (3:30-5:30).

The registration deadline for stage crew andrefreshment crew is Monday, January 25; the registration deadline for performers is Monday, February 1. In keeping with the 'green' theme, the Talent Show flyer and the registration form will only be available online in electronic form. A printed and signed copy of the registration form must be dropped in the box near the Main Office by the appropriate deadine.

This year's Willard Talent Show arrives on the CCHS stage on Friday, March 19 at 7pm celebrating our new green Willard School with the theme 'Green House Rock!' The dress rehearsal is the night before, Thursday, March 18, 4-8 pm. Mark your calendars and start thinking about the other 3 R's - "Read the Willard Weekly, register, rehearse"! Please send any questions to talentinfo@willardptg.org.

PARENT AT LUNCH DAY- JANUARY 27th

With all of the craziness of the holidays, winter sports and daily life, when was the last time you sat and had a quiet lunch date with your child(ren)? Well, we can guarantee it WON'T be quiet, but you may get some insights into what their life at school is like, meet their school friends, and bring a big smile to their face(s). Bring lunch to enjoy with your child(ren) during their regularly schedule lunch time on Parent-at-Lunch Day, January 27th. If you wish to attend, please RSVP to graceryan9@comcast.net by next Monday, January 25th. Space is limited. For more information regarding the way PAL works and the lunch schedules for each grade, click here.

BOXTOP$ CONTEST

Are you still collecting those BoxTop$ for Education? The contest will end on February 12th, just before vacation. Gather your BoxTop$, place them in an envelope or plastic bag, write your child's name and their teacher's name on the outside and send it in TODAY! Your class could win a great prize!

COMMUNITY NEWS AND EVENTS

MLK DAY CELEBRATION

Bring your family out to celebrate MLK Day in a riveting, gospel-singing, step-clubbing way!!
This Thursday, January 14th, at Sanborn Middle School, from 7-8:30 pm, Concord's MLK Celebration features the Willard 5th Grade Chorus, along with the CCHS Step Club, the Boston Children's Chorus and the Holy Tabernacle Women's Gospel Choir. Come find out about the Drinking Gourd Project's progress with saving the Caesar Robbins (former Concord slave & Revolutionary War Patriot) house and moving it near the North Bridge as Concord's Civil Liberties Center. Free & sponsored by the Concord-Carlisle Human Rights Council. We hope to see you there!

LIFE IN BALANCE: POWERING THE FUTURE

The Life in the Balance public forum series continues with Powering the Future, a two-part program that focuses on climate change, energy issues and community-based solutions. Powering the Future, Part 1, is a free community screening of The Great Squeeze: Surviving the Human Project, an award-winning documentary. An informal reception will follow the film, giving audience members a chance to share their reactions. The screening and reception will be on Friday, January 22, 7-9 p.m., at the Alcott School Auditorium. Seating is first come, first served; or reserve seats in advance by email to ace@colonial.net (subject line: "tickets").

Powering the Future, Part 2, is "Our Community and Tomorrow's Energy," a speaker forum on Friday, February 5, 7-9 p.m., which will build on themes framed in The Great Squeeze. The forum, at the Harvey Wheeler Community Center, will feature guest speakers discussing community-level solutions to energy challenges. Attendees may also participate in group sessions to discuss the issues and local responses. Snow date is Sunday, February 7. For more information click here, visit lwvcc.com/lifeinthebalance.html, email Green_Initiatives@lwvcc.com or call 978-369-3842.

STRINGS FOR 5th GRADERS

Before-School Introduction to Strings for Grade 5
This 8-week program introduces fifth graders to a string instrument. It can enable entry into the elementary or middle school orchestra, or spring concert, for some students. It may also be an opportunity for your child to simply try learning a string instrument - violin, viola, cello, double bass, harp. Student rent instruments, or there are several at the school; contact Anna Anderson, aanderson@colonial.net once you enroll. Community Education classes are a student-funded community service of the Concord-Carlisle Schools. To enroll please call 318-1540, or sign up
online at www.ace.colonial.net. 8 Tuesdays, 8:00-8:50 AM, January 26-March 23 Willard School, $75 #3510

EATING DISORDER PARENT SUPPORT GROUP

Support Group for Parents of Adolescents with Eating Disorders led by Dr. Jodi Galin
Although your child may be receiving help from a nutritionist or counselor to deal with his or her eating disorder, YOU may feel alone, out of the loop and at a loss as to how to help. Come join fellow caregivers in a comfortable, supportive setting to share your dilemmas as well as successes. Confidentiality will be upheld. The group will be facilitated by Dr. Jodi Galin, an expert in the topic of eating disorders. She will provide information and address the pressing needs of participants. Group meets at the Ripley Building, January 27, with possible future dates. 7:30-9PM. Email Sally Quinn Reed, at squinnreed@colonial.net and write "Support Group" in the subject line. No Fee to attend. Partially funded by Acton Medical Associates.

CCHS SUMMER FAIR

Summer Fun in February - Save the Date! CCHS Summer Opportunities Fair - Monday, February 1, 2010 at Concord-Carlisle High School

Come join us at the 29th Annual Summer Opportunities Fair to be held Monday, February 1, 2010, from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. (snow date is February 2) in the CCHS cafeteria. This event provides parents and students from K-12 the means to explore some exciting alternatives to the usual summer activities, and brings together representatives from approximately 90 organizations to present summer opportunities held locally, nationally and aboard. Exhibitors will be present to display information on wilderness adventures, educational and enrichment opportunities, foreign language and student exchange programs and volunteer opportunities, as well as traditional, sports and special-needs camps. This event is sponsored by the Concord-Carlisle High School Parents' Association.