The picnic tables that were ordered for the shade structure arrived on Tuesday and have been installed. The addition of the tables enhances the use of the shade structure as a place for quiet play and for outdoor lessons. The shade structure offers protection from the sun and the tables provide a comfortable place to sit and relax. We are fortunate that the tables arrived in time to be used for the Willard Carnival. We are grateful to the PTG for funding the shade structure and the picnic tables. In fact, money collected from the Spare Change campaign will pay for the picnic tables.

Students are very excited about the carnival!! The Carnival is scheduled for June 6th from 12:00 - 4:00, rain or shine. The Carnival Committee has invested hundreds of hours planning for the 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. There will be a dunk tank for the older children! Thanks to the generosity of many families, wonderful raffle prizes and and auction items are available. I look forward to seeing many families on Sunday!

The next time you visit Willard, please check out the the the new wall display outside of the Willard Conference Room. Last year's 5th grade students were invited to create a commemorative tile depicting a favorite memory of Willard. Working with Mrs. Saunders in the Art Room, each student planned and created a special tile. With assistance from some parent helpers, the tiles were glazed and prepared for firing in the kiln. Mrs. Saunders wrapped and stored all of the tiles over the summer. Due to the preparation for the move, the firing of the tiles was not completed until late fall. Although a few tiles were damaged in the process, Mrs. Saunders made the necessary repairs. Late last week, all of the tiles were attached to the wall and framed in wood of light maple by the district's carpenter. This finished product of student art work is lovely. This display is truly a work of art and will serve as a permanent reminder of the 5th grade class of 2009, the last 5th grade class in the old Willard, who now have a place of honor in our new school.

Weather permitting, Field Days are scheduled for next week. 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, Band, and 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. Mrs. Lyons and Ms. Lekorenos class will attend the field trip on Thursday, June 3. Ms. Rivers and Mrs, Hehn's students will attend on June 4th. 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 invited 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.

Next year, Willard's enrollment is projected to grow. To accommodate the increased enrollment, three new teaching positions will be added at the following grade levels: kindergarten, grade 2, and grade 4. I am currently working with staff to interview candidates in order to fill those positions in a timely manner. It is always my goal to hire excellent teachers to enhance our already strong staff.

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