OCTOBER 10, 2014
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Monday, October 13
Columbus Day – NO SCHOOL
Saturday, October 18
Harvest Festival
Friday October 24
Curriculum Day – NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, October 28-Friday, October 31
Scholastic Book Fair
Wednesday and Thursday, October 29 and 30
Parent/Teacher Conferences -1:05 Dismissal
Friday, October 31
Book Character Day
All-School Assembly - 2:15 p.m.
(Please note that the date was changed from October 17th to the 31st.)
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IN THE SCHOOLHOUSE
Scavenger Hunts
I always remember how much I enjoyed birthday parties that included scavenger hunts, and wandering around with that little paper bag trying to find everything on the list. And I’ll admit that I had a bit of a competitive streak so, no doubt, I was desperately trying to be the first to accomplish the task. Probably the best scavenger hunt was when I was at summer camp, and the counselors had created a clever list that was largely a series of very challenging clues. It forced me to slow down and to work with others in order to make sense of the items on the list. There was one clue that not one of us 10 year-olds figured out. Not surprisingly, it is the one clue that I remember these many years later!
Those memories came back last night, as I watched children leading their parents around the school during the scavenger hunts and tours that were part of Open House. There was such a sense of enthusiasm and pride as children talked to their families about their work and all of the different things that they do during the course of the day. If we had a dollar for every smile I saw during the evening, we would be a truly wealthy school!
Wealth is measured in many ways, though, and we are a school community that is already rich. The generosity of time and spirit is evident every day, whether it is parents volunteering during the school day, the members of our School Committee who give so many hours of their time, or the combination of parents, staff, and community members who form the LES School Council.
Thank you to Carrie Aller, Craig Cohen, and Emily Hodos for volunteering to serve on the School Council for the coming year. We have important work to do in developing our School Improvement Plan, planning the F16 budget, and charting the course for teaching and learning here at LES. Each of these endeavors is its own scavenger hunt, with a shared prize of a lively school community full of curious and enthusiastic learners!
-Margot Lacey
SPOTLIGHT ON . . .
SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH
The search for the new Superintendent is beginning. As a first step, the search committee will need input from the school community regarding the qualities and skills of our next school leader. A survey has been created to gather that information. To view the survey which will take approximately five minutes to conclude, please go to: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QSF762S
The deadline for the survey is October 25, 2014.
Thank you in advance of your efforts to assist in this process.
PALS TESTING IN KINDERGARTEN
Over the next two weeks, kindergarten teachers will administer the Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening (PALS) to their students. This quick screening tool will give teachers valuable information regarding each student's ability to understand the sound structure of words. Phonological awareness is an important and fundamental component of literacy. To understand more about Phonological Awareness, click here to look for information on this topic and more to come!
Please take our LES Library Survey!
We redesigning our webpage to better serve you and our students! Please take 3 - 5 minutes to take this quick survey:
http://tinyurl.com/LESLibrarySurvey
Thank you! Susan Wells
Greetings from the LES School Committee
While no one would ever see it on our agenda, the members of the LES School Committee see as their mission the goal of assisting all school members in creating and nurturing an inclusive community of children and adults. The school house itself is the physical place where all members of the community, children and adults, can enter with the knowledge and confidence that their values and opinions can co-exist and be respected side by side with those who may espouse differing views and opinions. When disagreements occur, discussions will be held in an atmosphere of mutual respect and tolerance.
This past week the members of your school committee found themselves exploring and discussing several issues that go to the heart of meeting the challenge of creating and nurturing a community of diverse people and ideas. These conversations were and are challenging because saying we are such a community is easier than actually building that community.
This week we found ourselves listening as Principal Lacey shared with us her efforts to respond to those parents who were concerned that their children were not reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of the school day. She related, and we listened, to the process she pursued with children, staff and parents to reach a decision that would hopefully be one more stone in the construction of that community of diversity and wide breadth of opinions and values.
The committee also heard from Mr. Richard Narthhorst who discussed the various repairs to the school infrastructure, heating, ventilation, water and septic systems, that have taken place over the past six months. And he also shared with us his views on the need to create a community of knowledgeable and focused individuals who would monitor these systems going forward and act to prevent a recurrence of the acts of omission and commission that caused some of these problems.
Finally, the members also shared varying views and opinions on several matters that will continue in the months to come to generate conversation within the larger community. These matters included standardized testing, MCAS v PARCC, the sustainability of the elementary school, and regionalization.
While you and your children prepare for the appearance of the Great Pumpkin and other inhabitants of this season of Halloween, I want to encourage you to join us in these discussions. If you cannot join us, then take a minute to contact one of the members of the committee to share your thoughts, opinions and views. They will always be most welcome.
Thank you. Respectfully, Kip Fonsh, Chair
PTO SPOTLIGHT ON . . .
Leverett Community Interview of the Week
LILLIAN BAILLARGEON
KINDERGARTEN
What do you like about LES?
I like the swings, playing outside with my friends and the teachers!
What do you like doing outside of school?
Color! Play outside. I love to read.
PTO News
Genevieve orders are due on Monday, October 20th. The class that returns 100% forms (with or without orders) will receive a special treat from Ms. Lacey to be announced during morning announcements. Please remember that 50% of all sales are coming right back to the PTO. Consider selling or making a direct donation to PTO to help fund field trips!
If you are interested in setting up a table at Harvest Fest with your child to sell Genevieve’s, let us know. We’d be happy to arrange for a space for you. Email Jo-Ann at [email protected]
We will have a Game Night on January 30th. Planning will continue in at next month’s meeting.
34th Annual
Leverett Harvest Festival
LAST CHANCE (for 2014)
to send in your sign-up form to have a table.
Due on Tuesday.
[email protected] 548-8099
DON’T MISS HARVEST FESTIVAL!
Harvest Fest: The Place to Meet.
6th Grade Lasagna Dinner: The Place to EAT!
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18th
5:00-7:00 PM
in the LES CAFETERIA
Hold the date and invite family and friends to the LES annual 6th grade Supper! Look forward to delicious food, several types of lasagna, salad and bread, beverages, desserts, outstanding entertainment, warm atmosphere and exceptional company! Plus, support the LES sixth grade class trip!
LOOK FOR YOUR SIXTH GRADE LASAGNA DINNER TICKET ORDER FORM IN THE WEEK’S POST, AND RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!
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Fifth Grade
Canoe Trip Fundraiser!
Burritos Especiales: Grande: $5
Pequeño $4
Quesadillas: $3
Hot Mulled Cider: 50¢
Cold Cider 50¢
Chips & Salsa or Guacamole: $1
¡Bienvenido!
Buy a slice or a whole delicious pie at the Fourth Grade's Pie Table
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THIRD GRADE
Homemade soups and bread at the Third Grade booth. Have a hot cup of soup on a cool autumn day. Enjoy a slice of homemade bread alone or with your soup!
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SECOND GRADE
Mystic Aquarium Field Trip Fundraiser!
We will be selling hot and cold drinks and baked goods. We’ll also be taking orders for ocean creature t-shirts.
See you there!
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COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
(Items listed here are not school sponsored)
The Enchanted Forest: A Non-scary Halloween Event
"Sounds of the Night" Friday & Saturday, October 24 & 25,
5:00-8:00pm. Come to the Hitchcock Center for a magical treat! You will be led along our pumpkin lit forest trails where creatures will emerge to share their stories. This year we will meet nocturnal critters whose sounds fill the night. Fun for all ages! Adult: Members $10 / Non-members $12
Children: Members $5 / Non-members $8
Under 3 years free
Registration required, please call to sign up for a walk time, space is limited. Call: 256-6006
Kids West African Dance and Drum Classes are back !!!
For ages 5 – 12 At the Leverett Crafts and Arts.
Fall Session held on Mondays, Oct. 27th - Dec. 8th
Drop ins are welcome at all classes.
Dance classes taught by Jai Fuller. Drum classes will be taught by Harijap and Jai. Live drumming will accompany all the dance classes!
KIDS DRUM 3:30 -4:00 KIDS DANCE 4:00 - 4:45
With your permission children can take the bus to the LCA and I will be there early to meet them. (Please send them with a snack for this time)
This is a great way for children to get exercise, build coordination and rhythm in a friendly and fun environment. In addition, these classes will help them gain confidence in their creative expression, while we let our spirits soar to the primal rhythm of the drums!
Register for the 7 class series by Oct. 12th for early bird discount!
Pricing: Drum Class - $55 before Oct. 12th; $65 after
Dance Class - $60 before Oct. 12th; $70 after
Discount for Both Classes $100 before Oct. 12th; $110 after
Drop ins are welcome at all classes. Drop in Class rate: drum - $10, dance - $12, both $20 Ask about family rates
Jai is an accomplished dancer, has received extensive training in ballet, modern, and west African dance. She has taught many children's, adults and college dance classes in the area. She has worked with children in many capacities her whole life. Jai's teaching style mirrors her everyday relationships; she is bright, enthusiastic, and heart centered.For more information and to register contact:Siri Om at (413) 367-2460 or [email protected]
EVENING YOGA AT THE LEVERETT LIBRARY
Tuesdays 7-8 pm Oct. 14-Nov. 18
Unwind and release accumulated tension from your day with this gentle flow class. This class is designed to strengthen the body, and cultivate a sense of calmness and awareness in the mind. We will move through some basic standing poses, practice gentle stretching, and end each class with breathing and relaxation exercises.
Please bring your own mat!
Drop-in Rate: $10 per class
Sign up for the series by Oct 21, and receive a special discount: $8 per class
About the Teacher: Annie Sussman has been practicing yoga for several years. She received her yoga teacher certification from the Nosara Yoga Institute in Costa Rica. Annie has a B.A. in dance and also holds a M.A.T in education. She enjoys practicing and teaching yoga around the Pioneer Valley.
For more information, email [email protected]
If you would like to put a notice in the Community Bulletin Board section of the Friday Post, please submit notices to be published no later than Thursday at noon. The easiest way to do that is by e-mail to [email protected]. Flyers for non-school sponsored events can be attached to the Post. They must contain a disclaimer “This is not a school-sponsored event” and a sufficient number of copies (125) should be provided to the office by the end of the school day on Thursday.