Leverett

MAY 8, 2015

Saturday, May 9 – TOMORROW – See flyer attached.

            Civil War 150^th Anniversary Commemoration at Town Hall

Monday, May 25

            Memorial Day – NO SCHOOL

Tuesday-Friday, May 26-29

            Scholastic Book Fair

Tuesday, May 26

            Chorus and Band Concert – 2:00pm & 7:00pm

Thursday, May 28

            Ice Cream Social -  5:00-6:00pm

Friday, June 19

            LAST DAY OF SCHOOL – 11:00 Dismissal

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IN THE SCHOOLHOUSE

A SALUTE TO SCHOOL NURSES AND

ALL OF OUR COMMUNITY HELPERS!

The preschoolers have been visited by several ‘community helpers’ over the past few months. They have learned about the different jobs that these people do. As you might expect, much of their fascination is with the ‘props’ that have accompanied these visitors, which have ranged from dogs (from the Dakin Shelter) to the masks worn by the firefighters.

When I interviewed the kindergartners, they suggested that doctors, nurses, and ambulance drivers are also important community helpers. Their timing could not have been more perfect, coming during National Nurse’s Week and just a day after School Nurse Day.  Our school is very lucky to have two wonderful nurses who very ably attend to scraped knees, extra snacks, and bruised egos, among their myriad tasks. Monday through Thursday, it is Jill Roberts who takes care of children who aren’t feeling well or take a tumble. Nurse Jill has been at LES since 2009, and she also keeps track of students’ medications, postural screenings, and fluoride treatments. On Fridays, Karyn Briand heads up the Nurse’s Office. Karen came to LES last fall, and has quickly gotten to know many of our students. Both Karen and Jill are always available to help students, and also to help parents who may have questions about their children’s physical development and well-being. Thank you to Nurse Karyn and Nurse Jill for taking care of us! 

And, thanks are also in order to Cheryl Bonica and Jennifer Chylack, who have just stepped down from service on the School Committee. They have provided wisdom and guidance, and given many, many hours to Leverett Elementary School, its staff, and its children.

We can all be community helpers. I have had conversations with some of you about making the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, which is designated as a day of service, a day when we come together to work on projects that will help us maintain this beautiful school. There are so many ways, both big and small, that makes each of us capable of being a caring Community Helper. As preschooler Henry said to me, “I have a brother so I help him when Mommy can’t. I am a Community Helper.”

-Margot Lacey

From the LES Library:

Time to find your LOST BOOKS!

Please be aware that ALL LIBRARY BOOKS ARE DUE FRIDAY, JUNE 12^th. If a student has OVERDUE books between now and June 12^th they will not be allowed to check out ANY books!

POSTURAL SCREENING

For 5th and 6th graders

Tuesday, May 19th

Nurse Jill will be conducting the annual state mandated postural screening program for 5th and 6th graders on Tuesday May 19^th.  Sandy Rodgers, RN will be assisting. The purpose of postural screening is to identify early signs of possible spinal problems in children in grades five through nine. This is a simple screening, rather than a diagnostic service.  If your child has any unusual findings, you will be notified and asked to take her/him to their primary health care provider. A parent letter with more detailed information will be sent home with your child next week.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Nurse Jill at 548-9144 ext.3.

LEVERETT GET FIT INVITES YOU TO

JOIN THE PRINCIPAL HIKE WITH MS. LACEY

 On Monday, April 27^th Ms. Lacey will lead a hike which includes a scavenger search of unnatural things hanging along the hiking trail. This will be offered during recess time and is about a half of a mile long. It is open to all appropriately clothed children who would like to participate.  Wear footwear that will keep you dry in mud and bring a raincoat if it is raining!  Come earn Fitness Miles and have fun in the woods with us!

                        -Victoria Shaw and Bill Stewart

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COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

(Items listed here are not school sponsored)

The Montague Reporter is seeking Leverett residents interested in reporting on local happenings. We will have an opening this spring in our regular selectboard and town hall coverage, and are also seeking feature contributors.  The Reporter is a nonprofit weekly print newspaper that can offer small stipends for writing on assignment. Join a team of journalists, writers and artists producing news of, and for, the communities we live in.  Contact [email protected] or call us at (413) 863-8666 for more information.

Leverett-based dog walking service has early afternoon and late afternoon walk times available.  Dogs must be good with other dogs, children and adults, and be able to run off-leash. Please contact [email protected] or 413-475-4304. 

The Diaper Task Force of the Franklin County Resource Network is holding a DIAPER DRIVE from May 10 through June 21 to support families in Franklin County.  You can help by donating diapers (collection box at school) or by making a financial contribution.  Diapers are a huge expense when money is tight. The diapers provided will help.  For more information, to make a donation, or to organize a diaper drive where you work, visit www.communityaction.us and click on “community partners”, or call or email Judith Weinthaler at [email protected], 413-548-9896.

Happy Valley Children’s Chorus presents

“Songs of Hope”

Sunday, May 17th, at 1:30 PM

First Congregational Church of Amherst

165 Main Street, Amherst, MA

For more information contact:

[email protected]

413-668-4189

www.dorothycresswell.com