Willard Weekly 05/27/10

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Willard School Newsletter

27 May 2010

Issue 33

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

MAY/JUNE 2010
SUNDAY	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	'SATURDAY
23	24 RSVP for PAL	25	26 Parent-At-Lunch (PAL)	27	28	29
30	31 NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day	1 Early Release	2	3 1:30 Incoming Kindergarten Social, Meyer Home, 63 Indian Pipe Lane	4 2:45 Superintendent's Tea, Sanborn Library	5
6 Noon-4pm Willard Carnival	7 8:45 Library Volunteer Appreciation Coffee Library Shelf Reading (all week)	8 9:10 Field Day (K) 10:40 Field Day (1)	9 9:10 Field Day (4&5) 6:00 5th Grade Arts Night	10 9:10 Field Day (2&3)	11	12

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK

Today, an architect working for the MSBA (Massachusetts School Building Authority) visited all of the district's K - 8 schools. He spent a few hours today collecting information and touring the building with Facilities Manager Dave Anderson and myself. As part of the work of this agency, a cohort of MSBA staff are visiting 1800 schools throughout the Commonwealth over the next few months to conduct a building audit. This process is designed to collect data about each school. Information collected today included the following: square footage of the building, total acreage of the site, the percentage of exterior classrooms with natural light, seating capacity of the auditorium and cafeteria, location of special education spaces, delivery method for special education services, presence of dedicated space for music and art, overall building layout, configuration of space, building storage, HVAC system, level of energy efficiency, etc. The MSBA rep was very impressed with our school. He was particularly impressed with the natural lighting in the building, including the light shelves, the use of sky lights and the use of interior windows to illuminate interior spaces. In addition, he was impressed with the state-of-the- art HVAC system, the computer monitoring system for all building systems, the the high efficiency boilers, and the use of many sustainable materials (linoleum, recycled panels and wall tiles, etc.) in the building that helped us achieve 42 MA-CHPS (High Performing Schools) points.

Enthusiasm continues to build for the carnival!! The Carnival is scheduled for June 6th from 12:00 - 4:00, rain or shine. This year's Spare Change will fund new picnic tables and benches for the shade structure which was a gift of the PTG. As usual, a variety of staff members have volunteered some time to help during the Carnival. The Carnival Committee has worked tirelessly planning the layout and other logistics for this year's Carnival. Since this is our first year in the new building, the organization and layouts of former Carnivals were not applicable. Thus, the planning for the 2010 Carnival has required more thought and investigation. As always, the Committee has a contingency plan in the event of rain. The Carnival will feature many fun games, activities, and delicious food. Thanks to the generosity of many families, wonderful raffle prizes and and auction items are available.

Field Days are fast approaching. Mr. Germond has solicited parent help for Field Day Activities. As with all volunteer opportunities at school, all volunteers must have an approved CORI on file with the district. CORIs remain in effect for three years from the date of issue. In keeping with state law and district policy, no parent will be allowed to volunteer without an approved CORI.

One of the special events for 5th graders and their families is the Annual Willard Arts Night. Scheduled for June 9th, this evening begins with the Art Retrospective. This event features selected pieces of student art work from each child's collection of school created art. Students are encouraged to select favorite pieces to display. Along with the art work, students create and display an essay about their art work. Following the Art Retrospective, there will be a performance by the 5th grade Chorus, the Band, and the Orchestra. This evening offers a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy their child's talents and accomplishments in the arts. I hope to see you there!

As part of the science curriculum, all of the 5th grade classes in the district will be traveling to Newburyport to experience a hands-on workshop based on Marine Life. This is an important all-day authentic learning experience that children will enjoy. It is part of the hands-on concept acquisition that is part of the grade 5 science curriculum. This experience offers students a unique and meaningful learning opportunity that cannot be duplicated in the classroom.

The 5th Grade Celebration is scheduled for June 18th at 10:30 AM. All 5th grade parents are invsited to attend. The last day of school is a half day on June 21st. At dismissal, 5th graders will be recognized with rousing applause by all students and staff, as the 5th graders take their last walk out of Willard as 5th graders.

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

THERE IS STILL TIME!

There is still time to sign up for exciting opportunities in the Willard PTG. Information about possible volunteer opportunities, both big and small, is provided on the PTG 2010-2011 Form and on the Willard PTG website. Many of the jobs require very little time commitment and can be fun! Make sure you sign up and send your form back to school as soon as possible. Also, please remember to turn in your Cell Phone Form to have your cell phone listed in next year's directory.

And the minutes from the most recent PTG Board Meeting, that was held on May 17th are now available on the PTG Meetings & Minutes page on the Willard PTG website. The meeting discussion focused on planning for upcoming events and a detailed review of the 2010-2011 Budget. The next PTG meeting will be held June 14th - all parents are welcome!

GET HERE GREEN - EVERYONE WINS!

Congratulations to the four raffle ticket winners in The Get Here Green raffle! They are: Jillian O'Neil of 4th grade who took the bus, Lauren Harmon of 4th grade who biked, Julia Clarke of 1st grade who carpooled, and Nuffi Wallis of 4th grade who walked! A great representation of all the ways to get here green! You may pick up your Dairy Joy gift certificate at the office. Thank you to all who participated in this effort of getting here green! Keep an eye out in next week's Willard Weekly for the survey results, and data compiled by the Earth Care Club reflecting cars at drop off the week before and during Get Here Green Week. Also, Pedal Power Bike Shop in Acton is still offering Willard kids 10% off on bike parts and accessories until June 1st.

CARNIVAL TENT & CAKES NEEDED

The Willard Carnival Food Committee looking to borrow a 10X10 tent for the Carnival. If any Willard familes have a tent to loan, please contact carnivalfood@willardptg.org as soon as possible!

We need your donated cakes for the most popular event at the Willard Carnival! The fun ends when all of the cakes are won, so we urge all Willard families to donate cakes! Host a cake baking/decorating party with friends or neighbors. Get creative! Awards will be given for cake-making creativity in a variety of categories. If you don't have the time (or the desire) to bake, even store-bought cakes are scooped up quickly. For more information see the Cake Walk flyer or the Cake Walk page.

And don't forget to sell those Raffle tickets! See the Raffle Ticket flyer for more information and details of the raffle prizes.

For more information about the exciting plans for Willard Carnival 2010, see the Willard Carnival pages on the Willard PTG website.

WILLARD ARTS NIGHT - JUNE 9th

All Willard Families are invited to enjoy an evening of the arts during Willard Arts Night on Wednesday, June 9th. The festivities begin with the 5th Grade Art Retrospective Open House at 6pm and conclude with a concert performance by the orchestra, band and chorus, that starts at 7pm. For more information on this special night, see the Invitation.

For more information on other 5th Grade events in June, see the Fifth Grade June Calendar on the website.

BOXTOP$ CONTEST ENDS SOON!

The final BoxTop$ Contest of the year ends June 11th. The class that collects the most BoxTop$ in each grade level will receive a fabulous prize! Help your class win! Put your BoxTop$ in an envelope or baggie, write the teacher name and grade on the outside, and return it to the collection box in the main office before June 11th!

6th GRADE PARENT OPPORTUNITIES

Attention 5th grade families: The Concord Middle School PTG extends a warm welcome to new and returning incoming 6th grade families. Some of the many exciting aspects of your child's middle school experience are the after-school clubs, activities, and social events made possible by families volunteering their time and talents. Volunteering is a great way to get to know other parents and feel more connected to our middle school community. Please consider getting involved.

A few of the volunteer opportunities available for next year include: 6tth Grade Class Representatives; 6th Grade Spaghetti Supper Coordinators; Garden Committee Chair; Music Program Chairs; Metco Family Representative; Special Ed Representative; Book Fair Chairs.

Many of these positions require a modest time commitment and no prior experience or expertise. If you are interested in any of these opportunities or have any questions, please feel free to e-mail Chris French at pcfrench@comcast.net or call (978) 369-6538.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING NOTES AVAILABLE

The elementary school highlights from the School Committee meeting that was held on May 11, 2010 are now available on the School Committee page on the Willard PTG website. Read all about funds to be received for the Thoreau School building, presentations by the Willard Earth Care Club and the Thoreau Iditarod project, enrollment numbers for the 2010-2011 school year, reaction to the new Bullying Act and more!

COMMUNITY NEWS AND EVENTS

SHAMPOO FOR A CAUSE

Girl Scout Troop 72651 is collecting bottles of shampoo and liquid body wash for Boston Share Network. They are in desperate need. Any size is fine. There will be a collection bag outside the office at Willard.

VOTE ON JUNE 8th

The Concord Town election will be held on June 8th with a ballot question regarding the Concord Carlisle High School feasibility study. Absentee ballots are available now. For more information on absentee voting please contact the Concord Town Clerk's office at 978 318-3080 or email townclerk@concordma.gov. Information is also available at the Town web site www.concordma.gov.

The CCHS feasibility study articles passed at both Concord and Carlisle Town Meetings and at the polls in Carlisle. Ballot question #1 asks for $1.3 million to complete the CCHS feasibility study. The study includes preliminary cost estimates and construction schedules. The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) has indicated a preliminary possible reimbursement for part of the feasibility study. Please remember to vote on June 8th. Thank You.
- The Concord Carlisle Regional School Committee

TEACHER APPRECIATION

Have you found that perfect Teacher Appreciation gift yet? With less than 4 weeks left in the school year, let the Concord Education Fund (CEF) help you! Honor your child's teacher by making a donation in their name to the Concord Education Fund. The teacher will receive notification from CEF that a donation has been made in their name by your family, and you will be helping fund innovative and creative programs in our schools. Since 1993, CEF has donated over $1,100,000 to CPS and CCHS! Donate here www.concordedfund.org or send your contribution to: CEF, PO Box 202, Concord MA 01742. You will be touching the heart of your child's beloved teacher, and making a difference within our school system!

DYAN deNAPOLI, THE PENGUIN LADY

Penguin expert Dyan deNapoli will be at the Concord Free Public Library, 129 Main Street on Wednesday, June 16 at 7 pm. Dyan has worked with penguins at the New England Aquarium and in the wild and was part of the team of penguin experts that rescued 40,000 penguins from an oil spill in South Africa. Kids age 7 - 12 will enjoy the program of penguin facts and trivia. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library. For more information please call (978) 318-3358 or visit the Library website at www.concordlibrary.org. Contact: Karen Ahearn or Fayth Chamberland

THE DUCKIES ARE COMING!

Milldam Nursery School's 1800 rubber ducks are gearing up for their 5th Annual Ducky Race and Fair, to be held on Saturday, June 12th from 10a.m. to noon at Emerson Playground. This year, the Ducky Race and Fair will feature its famous Lucky Duck Raffle, a petting zoo of baby animals, an opportunity to explore a real Fire Truck, a musical instrument discovery zone, traditional children's carnival games, face-painting, and a silent auction. Other ducky activities and promotions will be visible around town starting in May. To sponsor a Duck for just $10, purchase tickets at Fritz & Gigi's, the Concord Bookshop, and Brine's Sporting Goods in Concord, or online at www.milldamnurseryschool.org. Come to Emerson Playground on Saturday, June 12th from 10:00 a.m. to noon: join the fun and see whether YOU have the lucky duck! See the press release for more information.

CONCORD'S BIRTHDAY BASH

Concord is having a 375th Birthday Bash and the adults are invited! Tables for the Sept. 11th event go on sale in June so guests can plan before summer sets in. Tables of 10 are $375. Get started organizing your group of 10 now - then visit Concord Hand Designs or contact Pam(pdambrosio@winent.com) to reserve your table. More info? Visit http://concord375.org/celebrationevents.html