FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Be sure to check out the newest addition to my blog at http://principalclough.wordpress.com.
–Kelly Clough

CO-PRESIDENT MESSAGE

You may have noticed that there hasn’t been a Co-President message in some of the recent Thoreau Announcements.  We are aware that people with kids in elementary school receive many e-mails, blog posts and newsletters for parents to read each week.  With that in mind, we have decided to skip posting a message when there really isn’t anything to say.  This week we do have a few things to say and the first one is a “thank you.”  Thanks to Julie Miller for organizing and the Kindergarten parents for providing food and drinks for the February staff breakfast.  Some PTG events have been rescheduled, so pay special attention to dates and times noted in the announcements as they may differ from the PTG calendar distributed at the beginning of the year.  We hope everyone gets in some R&R over the February break because March is going to be a busy month for PTG activities.  Lastly, if you have friends at Thoreau who aren’t getting the PTG Announcements, please urge them to visit www.thoreauptg.org to get up to date on past announcements and subscribe to keep informed on upcoming events and activities.  Have a great weekend and break! – Melanie and Shelagh

THOREAU SCHOOL’S 8TH ANNUAL FAMILY MATH NIGHT

This year we will be traveling to London for the 2012 Summer Olympics! Join us on Friday, March 2, 6:00-8:00 pm as we swim, tumble and pole vault through math games and puzzles for all ages. We’ll have a raffle, estimation games and prizes, as well as pizza, snacks and drinks for sale. Bring the whole family for this annual tradition of fun and games! For more information or if you would like to volunteer at the event, contact me at cathy.chadwick@gmail.com. –Cathy Chadwick

ANNUAL THOREAU SPELLING BEE

The Spelling Bee is coming up on March 10, and we have an excellent group of spellers.  For those already signed up, the word lists will be handed out this week. If anyone is still interested, registration is open until Feb 17–3rd and 4th grade in groups, 5th graders alone.  It will be a fun event!  Please contact Holly Rothermel, hrothermel@me.com or 617-320-8032 with any questions. 

THOREAU BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM, SPRING 2012  (March 12 – May 11)

Ugly-ish Dolls:  Students will make their own felt ugly-ish dolls from beginning to end.  They will design their own pattern and transfer their design to fabric.  Kate Hiltz will teach students to embroider details onto their dolls using basic hand sewing techniques like the whip stitch and blanket stitch.  When: Thurs   3:15 – 4:15 Where: Art Room Who: 8 – 12 year olds; Cost: $55

Thoreau Times:  Get the scoop with the Thoreau Times!  Conduct interviews, write articles, make comics, or take pictures for the school paper.  At the end of the spring students will find local sponsors to publish their very own newspaper.  When: Thurs 3:15 to 5; Where: Meet in cafeteria  Who: 3rd – 5th graders  Cost: $50

Keep it Moving: Cross Country and Track and Field Events:  Our newest set of track stars will warm up with a morning walk/jog, and then move onto track and field events like the 50 yard dash, the softball throw and the 600 yard run.  This is a great way to get your blood flowing in the morning!  When:  Mons and Weds 8 – 8:45; Where: Meet in the gym; Who: 1st- 5th Cost: $50  

Environmental Field Studies:  Susan Erickson will lead the team in learning about and labeling trees outdoors then create digital GPS maps of invasive species for use by classrooms at Thoreau. The group will have an exhibit at the Watershed Night on April 10, 2012 and will also arrange an invasive species pull on our campus.  The High School Environmental Field Studies will join in, as well.  When: Thursdays 3:15 to 4:15; Who 3rd – 5th; Cost: $55

The Music Instinct: Based on a PBS series about the interrelationship between music and science, this music appreciation course will explore harmonics, physics, and rhythm.  Students will create and carry out experiments about how humans react to different types of music.  Students will learn how to build chords and how to make and keep rhythms.  They will explore the physical nature of sound, its origin in vibration, its transmission through various mediums, and it range of frequencies.  When: Weds 3:15-4:15; Where: Ms. Christiansen;  Who: 3-5th; Cost: $50

Kids Can Cook! Looking for a great way to get kids to eat healthy fun foods they can make themselves?  In Kids can Cook! Kids will make things like pesto bruscetta, fresh pasta, and other fun snacks.  When: Mondays 3:15 – 4:15 Where: Cafeteria  Who: K-2nd  Cost: $75

Craft Letters: Do you like to write about your adventures? While communication has increased a thousand fold in the last 20 years with electronic media, the art of letter writing, journaling, and bookmaking is rapidly disappearing. We will learn how to craft our own letters and stories using prompts and tips. We will learn the art of fancy lettering, such as calligraphy and bubble letters. All projects will be hand-crafted, including written letters, journal entries, and mini-books.  When: Mons 8-8:45; Where: Mrs. Dillons Classroom: Who: 3-5th; Cost: $60. 

Fencing:  The Art of Epee and Electric Fencing:  Join fencing coach, Ariana Klinkov of the Concord Carlisle High School Team for an Epee/Electric Fencing Class.  This course will focus on footwork, technique and scoring for the fencing student.  Kids with some fencing experience, advanced/intermediate course. When: Mons 3:15 – 4:15;  Who: 3rd -5th; Cost: $150. 

Good Sports and Games:  Tuesday afternoon is the time to come out and play!!  Ms. Brewer and Ms. Hobbie-Welch will lead their teams in a variety of sports like  soccer, kickball, and handball.  Team work and good sportsmanship will be emphasized. Lunch needed on half day Tuesdays, 12:25 to 1:25 and 3:15 to 4:15 on full days.  Pick up: cafeteria. Who: 2-5th .  Cost: $50

Master Chess: Chess is an activity that can be approached as a sport, science or art form.  In this class students will learn the basic and advanced aspects of chess in a style that is instructive, creative and fun. Taught by James DellaSelva two time RI state Chess Champion. When Friday 3:15 – 4:15 no class April 6 or 20th, Where: Math room Who: 2-5th graders.  Cost $98 STARTS MARCH 2nd, REGISTER EARLY for this class.

Quick Start Tennis:  Join the Callen Tennis team for a great way to get your tennis player excited about their game!  Using large balls, a smaller court size, and kids sized nets, kids will meet with success getting that ball over the net, feel good about it, and have fun!  When: Thursdays April 12 – June 7 Where: meet at basketball courts; Who: k-1st 3:15 to 4:15; 2-3rd 4:15 to 5:15      Cost: $150  Match play on Saturdays $120  Separate Registration STARTS FEB 27, form on PTG Website:  see thoreauptg.org.

Kids Yoga: Children will learn yoga in an engaging way that will increase strength and flexibility. They will learn yoga poses, breathing techniques, and meditation through visualization activities that they can use in their everyday lives! Classes involve activities that will help build concentration, develop body awareness increase relaxation. Taught by M.Lance, Ed.D. Certified yoga Instructor, mat and props provided. When: Weds. Where: Gym  Who: all ages Cost: $80

Fuzzy Felt and Sewing Fun:  Join Mrs. Dillon in her sewing extravaganza! Learn to sew bags, pillows, stuffed animals and learn appliqué.  When: Weds. 3:15 to 4:15, Who: 2-5th, Where: Mrs. Dillons class; Cost: $70 (materials included).

Registration: Please send email  thoreauptgsignup@gmail.com to reserve your spot. Enrollment begins February 14, ends March 2.  Enrollment is complete when check is received.

Next: Make check to Thoreau PTG.  Send complete registrations forms to Stefanie Sim, 64 Pleasant St., or Drop in after school box in faculty mailroom. Financial Assistance available, please see Rachel Levesque.  Tennis is a separate registration.  Chess starts MARCH 2-APRIL 27; please register early for this class. 

LOST AND FOUND

Please check the Lost & Found by the cafeteria for your items. We’ll be donating all remaining items during the February vacation.

AROUND TOWN

Focus on Food Friday Night Film and Discussion Series

There will be a “Food Fight”screening on Friday, February 17, from 7:30-9:30 pm at Alcott School , including discussion with Scott Soares, MA Commissioner of Agricultural Resources, and J.D. Kemp, CEO of Organic Renaissance FOODEx. Speakers will bring us up to date on initiatives in our Northeast regional food system as well as the impact of the 2012 Farm Bill on farm land conservation, small farms and consumers.

How did it happen that our food today is lower in taste and nutrition, and higher in fat and salt, than it was in 1960? And that in just two generations, American consumers of food have traded under-supply and malnutrition for excess and obesity?  Food Fight tells the story. Winner of the prestigious Audience Award from the International Documentary Association,  the film features interviews with Michael Pollan, Alice Waters, Marion Nestle, and other chefs, farmers, and politicians who are dedicated to reversing recent trends. This film screening is co-hosted by ConcordCAN and the Walden Woods Project. Learn more at: www.concordfood.ning.com. If Concord Schools are closed due to bad weather, the program will be cancelled.     

A Visit with Abraham Lincoln at the Concord Museum

On Presidents’ Day (Monday, February 20), The Concord Museum is pleased to once again host Steve Wood and his amazing performance as Abraham Lincoln.  Matching Lincoln’s height and beard, Wood bears enough of a resemblance to our 16th president to make heads turn. His first-person historical interpretation, “A Visit with Abraham Lincoln,” includes stories of Lincoln’s early life, his campaign debates, the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation, and concludes with a stirring reading of the Gettysburg Address.  1:00 – 2:00; recommended for all ages, by reservation only (978) 369-9763; reserve early as space is limited. Nonmembers $10/$5 child; Members $7/$3 child.  Be sure to stop by the Museum Shop to purchase your own stovepipe hat! For further information visit: www.concordmuseum.org

An Adult/Child Tea with Louisa May Alcott at the Concord Museum

On Saturday February 25, delight your child with an afternoon with Louisa May Alcott, portrayed by Jan Turnquist.  Make the day a special outing by sipping cocoa or tea in Daniel Chester French Hall at the Concord Museum while you enjoy tasty treats and listen to stories of Louisa’s adventures and her book Little Women.  After tea, make a keepsake to take home with you to remember your trip to the Museum and your visit with Louisa.  2:00 pm; $10/child; $15/accompanying adult; recommended for ages 7 and up; by advance reservation only; (978) 369-9763. For further information visit: www.concordmuseum.org.

Chicken Man, the Musical

The Social Action Community Board at First Parish in Concord is presenting “Chicken Man, the Musical,” on March 2, 3, 9 and 10 at 7:30pm. Set in the Brazilian rainforest, the play addresses issues of environmental sustainability and local empowerment. While the message is serious, it is presented with humorous dialogue and lively music by a multi-generational cast. Accessible to all ages, there is a theme of hope woven throughout. Tickets are $15 for adults; $8 for children; $35 family maximum. For further information see http://sac.firstparish.org/cms/chickenman.

Concord/Carlisle Girl Scouts 100th Anniversary Tea and Swap Celebration

You are invited!  Join us on Sunday March 11 from 2:30 – 4:30 pm at the Concord Scout House, 74 Walden St. Have tea and birthday cake. Meet other Girl Scouts and Girl Scout alums. Make a fun swap. Tell your best Scouting stories. See skits and artwork put on by our troops. All for Girl Scouts’ 100th Anniversary. Please RSVP to Laurel at lgerdine@comcast.net.

Milldam Nursery School Accepting Applications

Milldam is currently accepting applications for the 2012-13 school year.  Please visit our web-site to get download and application and request a tour: www.milldamnurseryschool.org. Milldam is a cooperative preschool located in the center of Concord, 20 Lexington Road.

Concord Public Schools 2012 Summer School Programs

The 2012 Summer School will be in session for 4 weeks, June 25 – July 20. Classes do not meet on Wednesday, July 4. This schedule assumes that the regular school year will conclude on June 19, 20, or 21. Classes will meet Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to Noon at the Alcott School for elementary students and at Sanborn for middle school students.

This program, in its 15th year, has been successful in helping students master skills that proved challenging during the traditional school year, and gain confidence for the next grade. Classes will be funded by the district (Superintendent’s Recommended Budget) and will be for students entering grades 1-8. The instructional program will emphasize reading, writing and math. Students are eligible and recommended for Summer School if they have experienced a significant challenge meeting grade level benchmarks in reading, writing or math. Language Arts Specialists and Math Specialists, in consultation with classroom teachers, will make Summer School recommendations.

Parents will receive enrollment information by mail as soon as an eligible child is referred to the program, no earlier than March 2012. Parents who anticipate that their child may be eligible, based upon their communications with their classroom teacher and other educators at school, are urged to reserve June 25-July 20. Regular attendance is necessary in Summer School classes.

Special Education students whose IEP specifically calls for a summer educational program are automatically enrolled in the Summer Special Education Program also housed at Alcott and Sanborn.  The same schedule and timetable as the Concord Public Schools summer program applies.  Special education students with IEPs not calling for summer educational services may be recommended for the summer school program if eligibility requirements are met.

The Concord Recreation Department will sponsor a fee-based afternoon day camp at Alcott and Town facilities, from noon- 4 PM – call 369-6460 for information in the spring.

Community Education will offer fee-based morning and afternoon science workshops for K-5 children at the Alcott School as a service to students and their siblings. Sessions meet 9 AM-Noon, and/or 1-4 PM, with supervised lunch period Noon-1 PM. Session weeks: June 25-29, July 2-6 (4-day), July 9-13, July 16-20. Summer School students who enroll in the afternoon program may sign up for the lunch period at no charge.

Transportation for Boston students will be provided.

Summer School services are funded by the Concord Public Schools.

For more information about elementary Summer School please contact Court Booth, (978) 341-2490 ext. 7150 or cbooth@colonial.net. For more information about Special Education Summer School please contact Jessica Murphy, 978) 341-2490 ext. 8142 or jmurphy@colonial.net. For more information about summer Concord Recreation Dept. programs call Laura Lunig at 369-6460 or llunig@concordma.gov (www.concordsummercamps.com). For more information about summer fee-based educational enrichment programs see the C-C Community Education Spring-Summer program catalog (available in March), or online now at www.ace.colonial.net (Summer Classes).

CCYBS Annual State of the Program Meeting

CCYBS is holding its annual “State of the Program Meeting” at 7:30pm on February 29th at the Thoreau School. This meeting will focus on giving an overview of all of the 12 different programs that we run in both the spring and summer. In addition, we’ll speak about many other town baseball topics including: the summer Bay State program, player development clinics, our community involvement, scholarships, fields, and more. In addition, we will be outlining in detail the many open board and executive board positions we have. Since many of our board and executive board members are coming to the end of their terms, we will be looking to fill a significant number of roles over the next 2 seasons. As you all know, CCYBS is a volunteer parent run organization and our success in providing good, fun baseball and softball environments is directly dependent on our parent volunteers. Running this program takes much more than just coaches – and we are looking for new people, new ideas, and new thinking to help CCYBS continue to be able to support the over 1000 players that it does every year. If you have any questions in advance of the meeting, please contact CCYBS president Ralph Verrilli (ralph.verrilli@vistagy.com).

Open, or soon to be open, positions can be found at www.ccybs.org.

The next issue of Thoreau Announcements will be published on March 1, 2012. Submission Deadline: 9 pm Monday, February 27, 2012.

Submission guidelines: Submissions must be school or community related and not commercial in nature. Submit your item in the body of an email (no attachments); it should be brief and have minimal formatting – no bullet points or underlining, please! Email your submission to announcements@thoreauptg.org. You will receive an e-mail acknowledgment that your submission has been received.

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Be sure to check out the newest addition to my blog at http://principalclough.wordpress.com.
–Kelly Clough

BOXTOPS FOR EDUCATION  

Please continue the GREAT work!    We have raised almost $500 so far this year, and I hope we can reach $1000 by June.  If every child at Thoreau contributes just 12 more BOXTOPS we can do it.   So please clip those BOXTOPS, put the teacher name on your envelope/baggie, and drop them in the box near the school’s front door.   THANK YOU!!!! Questions?   Mallory Price:  solarmal@comcast.net.

THOREAU SCHOOL’S 8TH ANNUAL FAMILY MATH NIGHT

This year we will be traveling to London for the 2012 Summer Olympics! Join us on Friday, March 2, 6:00-8:00 pm as we swim, tumble and pole vault through math games and puzzles for all ages. We’ll have a raffle, estimation games and prizes, as well as pizza, snacks and drinks for sale. Bring the whole family for this annual tradition of fun and games! For more information or if you would like to volunteer at the event, contact me at cathy.chadwick@gmail.com. –Cathy Chadwick

ANNUAL THOREAU SPELLING BEE

Spellers Needed!  The annual Thoreau Spelling will be taking place on March 10.  We need more participants to make the event a success–particularly in the 4th grade, though more 3rd and 5th grade spellers would also be welcome.  This is a very fun and low-key event, with our own Mr. Lemaire as the pronouncer.  Word lists will be sent out to all participants, so they have an idea of what types of words to expect.  3rd and 4th graders can be in groups of 2 or 3 (though some flexibility) and 5th graders alone.  The signup form can be found on the PTG website, link as follows:  www.thoreauptg.org/documents/SpellingBeeRegFrom.pdf. Please encourage your children to participate–it is a very fun event! Any questions, please contact Holly Rothermel, hrothermel@me.com or at 617-320-8032.

LOST AND FOUND

Please check the Lost & Found by the cafeteria for your items. We’ll be donating all remaining items during the February vacation.

LUNCH MENU Week of February 13-17

Monday: Baked potato bar
Tuesday: Early Release
Wednesday: B. good burgers
Thursday: Bean and cheese burrito
Friday: Comella’s pizza
Any questions about the menu please email Chef Alden, acadwell@colonial.net.

AROUND TOWN

4^th Annual Home and Children’s Goods Drop-off Day

As your family changes, so do your needs at home! Your outgrown goods can help a low-income or homeless family in the area. Bag up your no-longer-needed children’s items, towels and linens, and drop them at First Parish in Concord on Saturday, February 11, 9:00am – 12:00pm. Volunteers will be ready to receive your donations. Accepted donations include:infant to teen clothing, footwear, winter outerwear, baby equipment, children’s books, games and toys. No furniture and appliances this year, please. All children’s donations will go directly to Cradles to Crayons and linens to HGRM to be redistributed to families in the Greater Boston area. For more information or a list of accepted items, please contact Abby White at abbygwhite@comcast.net.

A Visit with Abraham Lincoln at the Concord Museum

On Presidents’ Day (Monday, February 20), The Concord Museum is pleased to once again host Steve Wood and his amazing performance as Abraham Lincoln.  Matching Lincoln’s height and beard, Wood bears enough of a resemblance to our 16th president to make heads turn. His first-person historical interpretation, “A Visit with Abraham Lincoln,” includes stories of Lincoln’s early life, his campaign debates, the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation, and concludes with a stirring reading of the Gettysburg Address.  1:00 – 2:00; recommended for all ages, by reservation only (978) 369-9763; reserve early as space is limited. Nonmembers $10/$5 child; Members $7/$3 child.  Be sure to stop by the Museum Shop to purchase your own stovepipe hat! For further information visit: www.concordmuseum.org

An Adult/Child Tea with Louisa May Alcott at the Concord Museum

On Saturday February 25, delight your child with an afternoon with Louisa May Alcott, portrayed by Jan Turnquist.  Make the day a special outing by sipping cocoa or tea in Daniel Chester French Hall at the Concord Museum while you enjoy tasty treats and listen to stories of Louisa’s adventures and her book Little Women.  After tea, make a keepsake to take home with you to remember your trip to the Museum and your visit with Louisa.  2:00 pm; $10/child; $15/accompanying adult; recommended for ages 7 and up; by advance reservation only; (978) 369-9763. For further information visit: www.concordmuseum.org.

Milldam Nursery School Accepting Applications

Milldam is currently accepting applications for the 2012-13 school year.  Please visit our web-site to get download and application and request a tour: www.milldamnurseryschool.org. Milldam is a cooperative preschool located in the center of Concord, 20 Lexington Road.

CCYBS Annual State of the Program Meeting

CCYBS is holding its annual “State of the Program Meeting” at 7:30pm on February 29th at the Thoreau School. This meeting will focus on giving an overview of all of the 12 different programs that we run in both the spring and summer. In addition, we’ll speak about many other town baseball topics including: the summer Bay State program, player development clinics, our community involvement, scholarships, fields, and more. In addition, we will be outlining in detail the many open board and executive board positions we have. Since many of our board and executive board members are coming to the end of their terms, we will be looking to fill a significant number of roles over the next 2 seasons. As you all know, CCYBS is a volunteer parent run organization and our success in providing good, fun baseball and softball environments is directly dependent on our parent volunteers. Running this program takes much more than just coaches – and we are looking for new people, new ideas, and new thinking to help CCYBS continue to be able to support the over 1000 players that it does every year. If you have any questions in advance of the meeting, please contact CCYBS president Ralph Verrilli (ralph.verrilli@vistagy.com).

Open, or soon to be open, positions can be found at www.ccybs.org.

The next issue of Thoreau Announcements will be published on February 16, 2012. Submission Deadline: 9 pm Monday, February 13, 2012.

Submission guidelines: Submissions must be school or community related and not commercial in nature. Submit your item in the body of an email (no attachments); it should be brief and have minimal formatting – no bullet points or underlining, please! Email your submission to announcements@thoreauptg.org. You will receive an e-mail acknowledgment that your submission has been received.

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Be sure to check out the newest addition to my blog athttp://principalclough.wordpress.com.
–Kelly Clough

BINGO NIGHT CANCELLED

Thoreau School Bingo Night, originally scheduled for this evening, has been cancelled.

THOREAU SCHOOL HOBBY FAIR

The annual Hobby Fair is coming up.  This is an event for 4th and 5th graders to share their hobbies, collectibles, art and other interests with teachers, family and friends.  Each year we see an amazing array of fun and interesting exhibits, from displays of sports memorabilia to exhibits about music, dance, arts and crafts, and writing.

The Fair will be open to the Thoreau School community on the evening of Monday, March 12 from 6:30-7:30 pm, when family and friends may view the many great exhibits.  On the same day, the fair will run from 9:00-11:30 am so that all classes will have time to visit and enjoy the Fair.

If you have any questions, please contact Debbie Duggan at deborah_duggan@hotmail.com or 978-369-2129. And any adults interested in helping to set up or clean up would be appreciated, please let me know! -Thoreau Hobby Fair Committee

ANNUAL APPEAL

Thank you so much to the incredible generosity from those who responded to our concerned message regarding the Annual Appeal. We are now at 76% of our goal. We still have $3,300 to go to be able to continue with all our scheduled events and programming this spring. Thus far, 32% of families have donated. We hope for at least 50% participation. Please give today – any amount you can – www.thoreauptg.org or send a check. This week’s donors, thank you! DeGreeff, Garcia, Maguire Newman, O’Sullivan, McHale Sierra, Chaudhary, Tosic Johnson, Hunter, Stone.

ADVERTISING IN THE THOREAU TIMES

Hi!  We are students from the Thoreau School. We are creating our first school newspaper, entitled The Thoreau Times. If you own or work for a business, and are interested in placing an advertisement in our school newspaper, we would greatly appreciate your support.    The cost would be $50 to have your business card featured in our first edition of the newspaper due to be published in late February, 2012.  All donations must be received no later than February 10, 2012.  The donations will go towards the cost of printing the newspaper, T-shirts, and other newspaper club related activities.

Please fill out the information requested on the link listed below and mail your check (checks written to The Thoreau PTG) and business card to the address listed below.  If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Clough at Thoreau School.  

http://thoreau.colonial.net/Teachers/PrincipalPage/np.pdf

HIGHLIGHTS FROM 1/24 SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING

The transportation forum was held on February 1 to describe the administration’s recommendation to out-source busing starting in the next fiscal year, and hear the public’s comments. School Committee will vote on the proposals at the next meeting. For a more detailed account of the discussion around this issue at this School Committee meeting see the full meeting notes posted on the Thoreau website.

The 2012-2013 school calendar was approved. Next year school will start for teachers on 8/29 and for students on 9/04. Three religious holidays will be eliminated.

Rivers & Revolutions program of study is being developed at the high school. An information session will be held on February 2. Contact the high school for more information.

THE LATEST ON HEAD LICE

The Willard PTG is partnering with Berit Pratt, RN MPH of NitWits LLC, based out of Cambridge, MA.  Ms. Pratt will be discussing the latest information on head lice to help parents with lice detecting and prevention.  This seminar is Tuesday, February 7, 7pm in the Willard Auditorium.  All are welcome.

MORE MIGRATION QUEST TRIVIA

What insect migrates in a large colony and kills every insect, spider, snake and lizard in its path? Hints: Some species march in a line, some in a fan-shaped swarm and some all at once. The numbers in the colony can be as large as 500,000 to 2 million at a time, marching in such synchronization that they operate like the cells of a single organism. Check back next week for the answer! Last week’s trivia answer is Swahili is the national language of Tanzania. There is just 1 more week to finish up your Geography Quest, but a lifetime to uncover the fascinating migrations of other animals. Please return your completed Geography Quest to the box in the library by February 6. –Carla Macy and Anne Mullaney, Geography Quest Co-chairs

LOST & FOUND

Please check the Lost & Found by the cafeteria for your items. We’ll be donating all remaining items during the February vacation.

LUNCH MENU Week of February 6-10

Monday: Chili
Tuesday: Early Release
Wednesday: Cheesy Chicken Sandwich
Thursday: Cheese Ravioli
Friday: French Bread Pizza
Any questions about the menu please email Chef Alden, acadwell@colonial.net.

AROUND TOWN

4^th Annual Home and Children’s Goods Drop-off Day

As your family changes, so do your needs at home! Your outgrown goods can help a low-income or homeless family in the area. Bag up your no-longer-needed children’s items, towels and linens, and drop them at First Parish in Concord on Saturday, February 11, 9:00am – 12:00pm. Volunteers will be ready to receive your donations. Accepted donations include:infant to teen clothing, footwear, winter outerwear, baby equipment, children’s books, games and toys. No furniture and appliances this year, please. All children’s donations will go directly to Cradles to Crayons and linens to HGRM to be redistributed to families in the Greater Boston area. For more information or a list of accepted items, please contact Abby White at abbygwhite@comcast.net.

A Visit with Abraham Lincoln at the Concord Museum

On Presidents’ Day (Monday, February 20), The Concord Museum is pleased to once again host Steve Wood and his amazing performance as Abraham Lincoln.  Matching Lincoln’s height and beard, Wood bears enough of a resemblance to our 16th president to make heads turn. His first-person historical interpretation, “A Visit with Abraham Lincoln,” includes stories of Lincoln’s early life, his campaign debates, the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation, and concludes with a stirring reading of the Gettysburg Address.  1:00 – 2:00; recommended for all ages, by reservation only (978) 369-9763; reserve early as space is limited. Nonmembers $10/$5 child; Members $7/$3 child.  Be sure to stop by the Museum Shop to purchase your own stovepipe hat! For further information visit: www.concordmuseum.org

An Adult/Child Tea with Louisa May Alcott at the Concord Museum

On Saturday February 25, delight your child with an afternoon with Louisa May Alcott, portrayed by Jan Turnquist.  Make the day a special outing by sipping cocoa or tea in Daniel Chester French Hall at the Concord Museum while you enjoy tasty treats and listen to stories of Louisa’s adventures and her book Little Women.  After tea, make a keepsake to take home with you to remember your trip to the Museum and your visit with Louisa.  2:00 pm; $10/child; $15/accompanying adult; recommended for ages 7 and up; by advance reservation only; (978) 369-9763. For further information visit: www.concordmuseum.org.

Concord Solar Fair!

The Town of Concord Comprehensive Sustainable Energy Committee (CSEC) invites you to attend a Solar Fair on Saturday, February 4, 2:00-5:00pm at the Willard School. This event is free and is designed to help homeowners decide if solar power is right for their homes and a good investment. Experts in every step of the process will be on hand to discuss both solar photovoltaic (PV) (for electricity) and solar thermal (for hot water) products. In addition, representatives of the Concord Municipal Light Plant (CMLP) will have information available on Concord Solar, a program that CMLP is developing to provide you with a convenient and affordable way to take advantage of solar PV. CCHS students will be there to help you determine if your roof is a good site for solar energy, and local banks will be available to discuss loans for solar energy purchases. Brian Foulds, a Concord resident with a solar PV array on his house, will be giving presentations at 2:30 and 3:30, offering the opportunity to ask someone who has already made the conversion to solar energy questions about the process. He will also present at the Concord Public Library from 7:00-9:00pm on Thursday, February 2. Contact Brian at brian.foulds@gmail.com for more information. On-site child care is available, so bring sneakers for the kids. The snow date for this event is February 11, at the same location and times. It is not necessary to register in advance, but responding athttp://concordsolarfair2012.eventbrite.com/ will help us stay green in our preparations.

CCYBS Annual Winter Baseball Clinics

CCYBS is happy to announce that John Kelly, the Concord Carlisle Varsity Baseball Coach, will again be offering his annual baseball clinic for players of all ages this winter and early spring. CCHS baseball players will participate in each session to help coach the players. Saturdays: February 4 and 11, March 3, 10, 17. $175 per person and a 30 player max per session.

§  Session 1 4:00 to 5:00  T-Ball

§  Session 2 5:00 to 6:00  1st and 2nd grades

§  Session 3 6:00 to 7:00  3rd and 4th grades

§  Session 4 7:00 to 8:00  5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades

There will also be a 3 hour day clinic in the spring for all that participate in the winter clinic. It will be held outside. Time and date is TBA. It will be free to those who participated in the winter clinic and $50 for those who do not. For more information, please contact John Kelly, jk@johnkellybaseball.com or (978) 660-5454.

The next issue of Thoreau Announcements will be published on February 9, 2012. Submission Deadline: 9 pm Monday, February 6, 2012.

Submission guidelines: Submissions must be school or community related and not commercial in nature. Submit your item in the body of an email (no attachments); it should be brief and have minimal formatting – no bullet points or underlining, please! Email your submission to announcements@thoreauptg.org. You will receive an e-mail acknowledgment that your submission has been received.

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Be sure to check out the newest addition to my blog at http://principalclough.wordpress.com.
–Kelly Clough

FROM THE CO-PRESIDENTS

Since the second half of the school year is now underway, the PTG is beginning its annual recruitment process for Board members, grade level representatives, and committee/event chair positions. We strongly encourage parents who want to be involved in their children’s educational experience to consider volunteering in any of these capacities. While the responsibilities and time commitments of the Board positions vary, most committee event chairs and grade level representatives are confined to a specific time period. These positions help the community feeling of the Thoreau school flourish, and we need committed parents each year to carry on the traditions and events. If you would like to know more about any of the positions, please look on the PTG website or feel free to contact Melanie or Shelagh for more information. Finally, we would also like to thank Erin Duggan for sharing her time in organizing the 5th grade staff breakfast. Enjoy your weekend!
–Melanie and Shelagh, PTG Co-Presidents

VISITING AUTHOR

We are pleased to announce that children’s author Jerry Pallotta will be visiting our four kindergarten classrooms on Friday, January, 27. While promoting the message, “read a zillion books!”, Jerry excites readers with icky bugs and ocean themes. His curriculum-based books focus on reading, writing, math and science, with just the right dose of humor. Jerry began writing books in 1986 and has grown his alphabet series to over 22 nonfiction titles which include, The Ocean Alphabet, Icky Bug Alphabet, Flower Alphabet and many more. In addition, Jerry brings nonfiction subjects to the field of elementary math in a beautifully illustrated format. Jerry has been to over 3500 schools and has presented to more than two million children face to face.
–The Children’s Programming Committee

ANNUAL APPEAL

Thank you so much to the families who responded to our concerned message regarding the Annual Appeal. We are now at 66% of our goal. We still have a way to go to be able to continue with all our scheduled events and programming. Please give today – any amount you can - www.thoreauptg.org or send a check. This week’s donors, thank you! Sagee, Johnson, Li, del Sobral, Aghajanian, Sutter, Somol, Moskow, Mara, Bisbee/Jacobs, Francini, Waxler, Schulman, Naidu, Lilly, Keefe, Bishop, Armocida, Opitz/Pereira Duraes, and Beveridge.

MATH GAMES AND ACTIVITIES

Looking for some good online math games to try at home? Check out Laurie Link’s site for math games and activities for students and also for resources for parents. http://thoreau.colonial.net/Teachers/Link/StudentWebsites

HIGHLIGHTS FROM JANUARY 10 JOINT SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING

• Head injury management policy requires vote at the next School Committee meeting on January 24
• School committee unanimously approved, at administration’s request, a health care law mitigation plan. More details can be obtained from John Flaherty, Deputy Superintendent for Finance and Operations.
• Ms. Rigby and Mr. Flaherty will go to the next Finance Committee meeting on January 26 to discuss the school budget. Similar meeting will be held in Carlisle on January 23.
• At the next School Committee meeting (January 24) the transportation recommendations will be discussed. Public comment will be limited to 3 minutes each for this issue. A community forum will be held at the Alcott School auditorium on February 1.
• Teachers leading Willard’s 2nd grade math trails, funded by Concord Ed Fund made presentation and received high praise.
• Concord Mews (housing development) holding an open house. Ms. Rigby planned on attending. School committee was interested in keeping an eye on enrollment.
• Ms. Rigby recognized Linda Crandall, Thoreau physical therapist for Kelli Clough

(Full report available at the PTG website.)

TRANSPORTATION FORUM

A Transportation Forum will be held at 7pm at the Alcott School on February 1. As the School Committee does not respond to comments and questions from attendees of School Committee Meetings, the forum is scheduled to give parents an opportunity to ask questions and have an open discussion about the proposed solution for bussing. The final decision will be made by the School Committee at the February 14 School Committee Meeting at the Ripley building. For more information on School Committee meetings, agendas and minutes, please visit http://www.concordpublicschools.net/school-committee.php.

MORE MIGRATION QUEST TRIVIA

Q: Tanzania, in East Africa, is home to many different tribes of people, many of whom speak different languages. What is the National Language of Tanzania? Check next week’s Thoreau Announcements for the answer! The answer to last week’s trivia question: Tegucigalpa (Tegus, for short) is the capital of Honduras. You’ll find other intriguing questions like this in this year’s Geography Quest! Completed Quests can be returned to the Thoreau library anytime before February 6.
–Carla Macy and Anne Mullaney, Geography Quest Co-chairs

LOST & FOUND

Please check the Lost & Found by the cafeteria for your items. We’ll be donating all remaining items during the February vacation.

LUNCH MENU Week of January 30-February 3

Monday: Cheese Quesadilla
Tuesday: Rotisserie Chicken
Wednesday: Pasta Bolognese
Thursday: Chicken Caesar Wrap
Friday: Comella’s Pizza
Any questions about the menu please email Chef Alden, acadwell@colonial.net.

AROUND TOWN

Milldam Nursery School

Milldam Nursery School is accepting applications for the 2012-2013 school year. Please visit our website to download and application and request a tour. http://milldamnurseryschool.squarespace.com/. Milldam is a cooperative preschool located in the Center of Concord, 20 Lexington Road.

4^th Annual Home and Children’s Goods Drop-off Day

As your family changes, so do your needs at home! Your outgrown goods can help a low-income or homeless family in the area. Bag up your no-longer-needed children’s items, towels and linens, and drop them at First Parish in Concord on Saturday, February 11, 9:00am – 12:00pm. Volunteers will be ready to receive your donations. Accepted donations include:infant to teen clothing, footwear, winter outerwear, baby equipment, children’s books, games and toys. No furniture and appliances this year, please. All children’s donations will go directly to Cradles to Crayons and linens to HGRM to be redistributed to families in the Greater Boston area. For more information or a list of accepted items, please contact Abby White at abbygwhite@comcast.net.

Concord Solar Fair!

The Town of Concord Comprehensive Sustainable Energy Committee (CSEC) invites you to attend a Solar Fair on Saturday, February 4, 2:00-5:00pm at the Willard School. This event is free and is designed to help homeowners decide if solar power is right for their homes and a good investment. Experts in every step of the process will be on hand to discuss both solar photovoltaic (PV) (for electricity) and solar thermal (for hot water) products. In addition, representatives of the Concord Municipal Light Plant (CMLP) will have information available on Concord Solar, a program that CMLP is developing to provide you with a convenient and affordable way to take advantage of solar PV. CCHS students will be there to help you determine if your roof is a good site for solar energy, and local banks will be available to discuss loans for solar energy purchases. Brian Foulds, a Concord resident with a solar PV array on his house, will be giving presentations at 2:30 and 3:30, offering the opportunity to ask someone who has already made the conversion to solar energy questions about the process. He will also present at the Concord Public Library from 7:00-9:00pm on Monday, January 30, and Thursday, February 2. Contact Brian at brian.foulds@gmail.com for more information. On-site child care is available, so bring sneakers for the kids. The snow date for this event is February 11, at the same location and times. It is not necessary to register in advance, but responding at http://concordsolarfair2012.eventbrite.com/ will help us stay green in our preparations.

Summer Fun in January – Save the Date!
CCHS Summer Opportunities Fair – Monday, January 30, 2012, Concord-Carlisle High School

Come join us at the 31st Annual Summer Opportunities Fair to be held Monday, January 30, 5:30 – 8:00pm (snow date is January 31) 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. Admission is free.

CCYBS Annual Winter Baseball Clinics

CCYBS is happy to announce that John Kelly, the Concord Carlisle Varsity Baseball Coach, will again be offering his annual baseball clinic for players of all ages this winter and early spring. CCHS baseball players will participate in each session to help coach the players. Saturdays: February 4 and 11, March 3, 10, 17. $175 per person and a 30 player max per session.

• Session 1 4:00 to 5:00  T-Ball
• Session 2 5:00 to 6:00  1st and 2nd grades
• Session 3 6:00 to 7:00  3rd and 4th grades
• Session 4 7:00 to 8:00  5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades

There will also be a 3 hour day clinic in the spring for all that participate in the winter clinic. It will be held outside. Time and date is TBA. It will be free to those who participated in the winter clinic and $50 for those who do not. For more information, please contact John Kelly, jk@johnkellybaseball.com or (978) 660-5454.

The next issue of Thoreau Announcements will be published on February 2, 2012. Submission Deadline: 9 pm Monday, January 30, 2012.

Submission guidelines: Submissions must be school or community related and not commercial in nature. Submit your item in the body of an email (no attachments); it should be brief and have minimal formatting – no bullet points or underlining, please! Email your submission to announcements@thoreauptg.org. You will receive an e-mail acknowledgment that your submission has been received.

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Be sure to check out the newest addition to my blog at http://principalclough.wordpress.com.
–Kelly Clough

FROM THE CO-PRESIDENTS

We hope you enjoyed the long weekend. There are a number of upcoming PTG events over the next few months. Please pay special attention to the Thoreau Announcements in order to be informed of the dates and times. Some event dates are changing from the PTG Calendar that was included in the Back-to-School packets back in September. We will do our best to include details in the TA and update the on-line calendar at www.thoreauptg.org. If you have any questions about specific events, you can e-mail the committee chair for that event. The committee chairs and e-mails are listed at the back of the Thoreau School Directory. Some events and meetings that are happening over the next few weeks are: Geography Quest, completed packets are due on February 6; School Committee Meeting on January 24 at 6:30pm in the CCHS library Transportation Forum on February 1 at 7:00pm at the Alcott School; and Bingo Night on February 2 (details available soon). Have a great weekend!
–Melanie and Shelagh, PTG Co-Presidents

NEW INSTRUMENT TEACHER

Join us to welcome Jacob Eisenman, the new instrument instructor for the elementary schools. A welcome breakfast is being held on Monday, January 23, 8:15 – 8:45am in the Thoreau Library. All Thoreau families are welcome to attend. If you would like to bring a breakfast item, coffee, tea or juice, please contact Melanie Bettencourt at thebettencourts@comcast.net.

TRANSPORTATION FORUM

You may be aware that the plans for the new high school do not include space for the school bus fleet or maintenance area. A consultant was hired to assess this issue and identify solutions. The result of this investigation will be presented at the January 24 School Committee meeting at 6:30 in the CCHS library. A Transportation Forum will be held at 7pm at the Alcott School on February 1. As the School Committee does not respond to comments and questions from attendees of School Committee Meetings, the forum is scheduled to give parents an opportunity to ask questions and have an open discussion about the proposed solution for bussing. The final decision will be made by the School Committee at the February 14 School Committee Meeting at the Ripley building. For more information on School Committee meetings, agendas and minutes, please visit http://www.concordpublicschools.net/school-committee.php.

STRING WINTER CONCERT

The String Winter Concert is taking place on January 24 at 7pm at Sanborn middle school. This concert’s theme is “Orchestra Meets the Creatures of the Night”. All are welcome to attend.

THE THOREAU TIMES

The newly established Newspaper Club is on track to publish Thoreau’s first edition of the student newspaper at the end of February. The Thoreau Times (a name conceived of by the staff, and voted on by the entire school community) will be professionally printed and published as a broadsheet on 11 x 17 paper. As part of our effort, we are looking for a parent or friend of Thoreau to help underwrite the printing costs. Here’s how you can help: Do you know someone who has a local printing business who might consider giving our school a discounted rate? Are you a business owner who might consider contributing to or funding our newspaper? In exchange, we would acknowledge your generosity and include your business’s logo in the printed version of The Thoreau Times. If you can help, please contact parent volunteer Carlene Hempel at carlenehempel@hotmail.com, or call 978-254-5493.

THE LATEST ON HEAD LICE

The Willard PTG is partnering with Berit Pratt, RN MPH of NitWits LLC, based out of Cambridge, MA. Ms. Pratt, a former school nurse, will be discussing the latest information on head lice to help parents with lice detecting and prevention. The next seminar is Wednesday, February 7, 7pm in the Willard Auditorium.

MIGRATION QUEST TRIVIA

Q: The ruby-throated hummingbird may migrate from Concord to the country of Honduras. What is the capitol of Honduras? (Check next week’s Thoreau Announcements for the answer! The answer to last week’s trivia question is black-poll warbler.) You’ll find other intriguing questions like this in this year’s Geography Quest! Completed Quests can be returned to the Thoreau library anytime before February 6.
–Carla Macy and Anne Mullaney, Geography Quest Co-chairs

THOREAU SCHOOL’S 8TH ANNUAL FAMILY MATH NIGHT

This year we will be traveling to London for the 2012 Summer Olympics! Join us on Friday, March 2, 6:00-8:00 as we swim, tumble and pole vault through math games and puzzles for all ages. We’ll have a raffle, estimation games and prizes, as well as pizza, snacks and drinks for sale. Bring the whole family for this annual tradition of fun and games! For more information or if you would like to volunteer at the event, contact me at cathy.chadwick@gmail.com.
–Cathy Chadwick

LUNCH MENU Week of January 23-27

Monday: Cheese Ravioli
Tuesday: Beefy Nachos
Wednesday: B. Good Burgers
Thursday: Cheese Quesadillas
Friday: Comella’s Pizza
Any questions about the menu please email Chef Alden, acadwell@colonial.net.

AROUND TOWN

Summer Fun in January – Save the Date!
CCHS Summer Opportunities Fair – Monday, January 30, 2012, Concord-Carlisle High School

Come join us at the 31st Annual Summer Opportunities Fair to be held Monday, January 30, 5:30 – 8:00pm (snow date is January 31) 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. Admission is free.

Spring 2012 In-Town Soccer

Concord Carlisle Youth Soccer is now taking registrations for our Spring In-Town program. We offer outdoor soccer for players in Pre-K through Grade 6. Games are played on Saturdays from April to mid-June. Player parents run our programs by coaching, overseeing their age group or helping in other various capacities to run our programs. Consider volunteering when registering your player. To see more details about our program and to register check out our website at www.ccysoccer.org.  Registration ends on March 6. Register early to secure a spot on an In-Town team this spring.

2012 Faculty Concert of the Instrumental Music School of Carlisle and Concord

Carlisle will host the 2012 Faculty Concert of the Instrumental Music School of Carlisle and Concord on Tuesday, January 31 at 7pm in the Corey Auditorium. Faculty and guest student performers have organized a program that includes classical works by Brahms, Schubert, and Haydn, and recent works by 20th century composers Launy Grondahl and Paul Creston. This year’s concert marks a first, as the CCHS Orchestra will participate, joining faculty soloists Tobi-Ann Kocher and Sargis Karapetyan for J. S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 5. Guest student performers for this year’s concert Cyrus Dastangoo, Connor Lofdahl, and Mishael Quraishi. Faculty performers include Sylvia Berry, piano; Alexei Doohvskoy, trombone; Nune Hakobyan, piano; Deanna Johnson, flute; Sargis Karapetyan, violin; Tobi-Ann Kocher, flute; and Debbie Levine, clarinet. The concert is free of charge and the public is invited. The Instrumental Music School of Carlisle and Concord (IMSCC) was established by the Concord and Carlisle Schools in 1980 to provide accessible, affordable after-school music lessons with professional musician-teachers. In recent years it has become entirely student-funded with fees, and is conducted as a community service program of the Concord-Carlisle Schools through Adult and Community Education. For more information contact IMSCC at (978) 341-2490×7152 or www.ace.colonial.net/imscc.

IMSCC Music Lessons – New Session Starts this Month

The Instrumental Music School of Carlisle and Concord (IMSCC) welcomes new students for the Winter/Spring session starting in January. A fee-based program of the Concord-Carlisle Schools Community Education Department, IMSCC was established 30 years ago to provide after school lessons. IMSCC offers individual lessons on all band and orchestral instruments, as well as piano, voice, guitar and bass guitar, and a Chamber Music program for small ensemble playing. Lessons are given at CCHS and Carlisle Schools. Registration is now open for Winter/Spring classes. For more information or to register for lessons, please visit www.ace.colonial.net/imscc or contact Debbie Levine at 978-341-2490×7152, dlevine@colonial.net.

CCYBS Annual Winter Baseball Clinics

CCYBS is happy to announce that John Kelly, the Concord Carlisle Varsity Baseball Coach, will again be offering his annual baseball clinic for players of all ages this winter and early spring.  CCHS baseball players will participate in each session to help coach the players. Saturdays: February 4th and 11^th, March 3, 10, 17.  $175 per person and a 30 player max per session.

• Session 1  4:00 to 5:00   T-Ball
• Session 2  5:00 to 6:00   1st and 2nd grades
• Session 3  6:00 to 7:00   3rd and 4th grades
• Session 4  7:00 to 8:00   5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades

There will also be a 3 hour day clinic in the spring for all that participate in the winter clinic. It will be held outside. Time and date is TBA. It will be free to those who participated in the winter clinic and $50 for those who do not. For more information, please contact John Kelly, jk@johnkellybaseball.com or (978) 660-5454.

The next issue of Thoreau Announcements will be published on January 26, 2012. Submission Deadline: 9 pm Monday, January 23, 2012.

Submission guidelines: Submissions must be school or community related and not commercial in nature. Submit your item in the body of an email (no attachments); it should be brief and have minimal formatting – no bullet points or underlining, please! Email your submission to announcements@thoreauptg.org. You will receive an e-mail acknowledgment that your submission has been received.

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Be sure to check out the newest addition to my blog athttp://principalclough.wordpress.com.
–Kelly Clough

FROM THE CO-PRESIDENTS

As a reminder, please be sure to check all of the items in the Thoreau Announcements for current information on upcoming PTG events and dates. We have had to make several scheduling changes for the dates of events since the school calendar was originally published in September. We are working to finalize those new dates and will publicize them once that information is available. Also, there is no school on Monday in observance of the Martin Luther King Day holiday. Enjoy the long weekend!
–Melanie and Shelagh, PTG Co-Presidents

TRANSPORTATION FORUM

You may be aware that the plans for the new high school do not include space for the school bus fleet or maintenance area. A consultant was hired to assess this issue and identify solutions. The result of this investigation will be presented at the January 24 School Committee meeting at 6:30 in the CCHS library. A Transportation Forum will be held at 7pm at the Alcott School on February 1. As the School Committee does not respond to comments and questions from attendees of School Committee Meetings, the forum is scheduled to give parents an opportunity to ask questions and have an open discussion about the proposed solution for bussing. The final decision will be made by the School Committee at the February 14 School Committee Meeting at the Ripley building. For more information on School Committee meetings, agendas and minutes, please visit http://www.concordpublicschools.net/school-committee.php

THE LATEST ON HEAD LICE

The Willard PTG is partnering with Berit Pratt, RN MPH of NitWits LLC, based out of Cambridge, MA. Ms. Pratt will be discussing the latest information on head lice to help parents with lice detecting and prevention. This seminar is Thursday, January 19, 8am in the Willard Auditorium and Wednesday, February 7, 7pm.

WHAT SONGBIRD HAS THE LONGEST MIGRATION OF ANY NORTH AMERICAN BIRD, …

has one of the highest pitches of all birds and can fly up to 88 hours nonstop? You’ll find other intriguing questions like this in this year’s Geography Quest! Quests have been distributed to students. A copy can also be downloaded from the PTG website. Completed Quests can be returned to the Thoreau library anytime before February 6. (Hint: the songbird in the question above is a type of warbler).
–Carla Macy and Anne Mullaney, Geography Quest Co-chairs

IMPORTANT DATE CHANGE for THOREAU SCHOOL SPELLING BEE!

Due to a facilities conflict, the Spelling Bee has been rescheduled to Saturday March 10.

All 3rd, 4th and 5th graders are invited to participate in our Annual Thoreau Spelling Bee.  This is always a fun and low-pressure Bee, so please participate!  3rd and 4th graders may participate in teams of three (though some flexibility); 5th graders compete individually. Bee start times are: 3rd grade: 3:00; 4th grade: 4:30; 5th grade: 6:00. So form your teams! Please return one registration form per team. Registration forms are available from the PTG site, and teams should be formed by Friday, February 17. Any questions, or to volunteer to help, send me a note at hrothermel@me.com.

Apologies for the date change, and hopefully all can still participate!
– Holly Rothermel, Spelling Bee Chair

FROM THE HEALTH OFFICE: A FEW TIPS FOR 2012

We Are Seeing Evidence of Dryness
Chapped and bleeding lips and hands, nosebleeds. Please provide your child with chapstick and/or protect their lips and even skin with Vaseline (petrolatum) as well as moisturizing lotion for their hands. Some dry skin becomes so chafed that the skin area bleeds and is thus open to infection.

Keeping the nasal passages moist by spraying a normal saline spray and/or applying a water-soluble gel to the inside of the nose may be helpful for those students with frequent nosebleeds.

Dress your child for the weather. We are in New England so weather changes may be swift. Protect with gloves or mittens, hats and appropriate jackets. When we get snow, or a threat of snow, send in boots and leggings.

A repeat request: please send in an extra set of clothes for your child’s locker — just in case.

Protecting Children from Unintentional Medication Overdoses
CDC launched an exciting education program protecting children from unintentional medication overdoses, Up and Away and Out of Sight. Here is some information I thought you might be interested in:

Each year, 1 of every 150 two-year-olds visits an emergency department for an unintentional medication overdose, most often after finding and eating or drinking medicines without adult supervision. Dr. Dan Budnitz, Director of CDC’s Medication Safety Program, blogs that many children get into medicine when adults forget to follow simple steps such as closing the child-resistant packaging and putting medicine up and away, out of children’s sight and reach.

Learn what parents can do to protect children and join the conversation at http://blogs.cdc.gov/safehealthcare. For more information about the Up and Away and Out of Sight educational program, visit www.UpAndAway.org or (in Spanish) www.UpAndAway.org/es.

Monthly Newsletter Offering Health Recipes

We are pleased to announce the debut of ChopChop, a free monthly newsletter offering fun, healthy recipes for Massachusetts families. Each edition of the ChopChop newsletter will include a personal message from the Patrick-Murray Administration highlighting the importance of parents spending time with their children preparing fresh, healthy meals – plus a new recipe each month featuring Massachusetts-grown produce. The newsletter is available in English and Spanish.

The ChopChop newsletter is the product of an innovative partnership with ChopChop Magazine, a nationwide quarterly publication that focuses on fun, healthy cooking for families. The free newsletter will be posted on the Department of Public Health’s Mass in Motion website at www.mass.gov/massinmotion/chopchop. Please help distribute it by emailing, linking it to websites and e-newsletters or printing copies to share with families. A new version will be available at the beginning of the month from February through December.

Lice Presentation

Please think about attending one of two programs presented by NitWits at Willard school and sponsored by the PTG. One of the Willard school nurses will instruct parents on how to check, treat and manage a lice infestation. The program will be held on Thursday, January 19 at 8am and on Wednesday February 7 at 7pm.

Stay well and Happy New Year!
–Nicki M. Richards, RN, MS

LUNCH MENU Week of January 16-20

Monday: No School, MLK Day
Tuesday: Early Release
Wednesday: Grilled Cheese
Thursday: Tacos
Friday: Personal Pizza
Any questions about the menu please email Chef Alden, acadwell@colonial.net.

AROUND TOWN

CCYBS Registration for 2012 Spring Baseball and Softball
Registration Ends February 25, 2012

Preseason will start the week of April 9, with the regular season for both baseball and softball starting after spring break the week April 23. The season will run six weeks, with two weeks of playoffs for the older leagues. Leagues are available for boys and girls from 5 to 15 years old. Make sure we have a place for your son or daughter. Sign up now with our easy-to-use online registration system. For more information or to register go to www.ccyb.org.

We Need Coaches and Volunteers. CCYB is a volunteer parent run organization and our success in providing good, fun baseball and softball environments is directly dependent on our parent volunteers. Please consider signing up as a coach/volunteer when registering your child. The program will provide a coaching clinic to dust off those childhood memories and skills. If you have interest in helping, please contact us via www.ccyb.org.

Winter Baseball Clinics. To prepare for the spring season John Kelly, the CCHS Baseball Coach will be running both private and CCYB sponsored winter clinics. Private clinics continue through March. Many new clinic options have been added this year. Please see the clinic option descriptions on our website. Signup for clinics can be done at www.ccyb.org

Softball Readiness Clinics. This year CCYBS will be offering, for a modest fee, weekly readiness clinics prior to the start of the season. These clinics are designed to prepare players for the spring softball season. The clinics will focus on all phases of the game including throwing, fielding, base running, hitting, pitching and catching.

The next issue of Thoreau Announcements will be published on January 19, 2012. Submission Deadline: 9 pm Monday, January 16, 2012.

Submission guidelines: Submissions must be school or community related and not commercial in nature. Submit your item in the body of an email (no attachments); it should be brief and have minimal formatting – no bullet points or underlining, please! Email your submission to announcements@thoreauptg.org. You will receive an e-mail acknowledgment that your submission has been received.

Agenda

1. Welcome – Shelagh and Melanie

2. Principal Address – Kelly Clough

3. Treasurer Report – Mallory Price

4. Fundraising Report – Louisa Yarmartino & Sharon Sharifi

5. Update from Diana Rigby’s District PTG Presidents Meeting – Shelagh and Melanie

6. Fifth Grade Volunteer Project – Erin Duggan

7. Recruiting for the 2012-2013 school year

8. Upcoming PTG Events

9. Other Business