Spofford Pond School
The Spofford Times
Town of BoxfordTown of Boxford
Excellence Starts with You
IN THIS ISSUE
From the Math Office
------ News from Parent-led Organizations ------
PTO
B.E.S.T.
Community Giving Tree
D.A.S.H.
Band Parents
------ News from Around Town ------
Tri-Town Council
Masco Basketball
Masco Football
ABC, Masco
Ackerman Playground
MIDWEEK MAILING
Wednesday is backpack mail day! 
QUICK LINKS
Lunch Menu (PDF)
Spofford Website
Spofford Calendar
Newsletter Archive
TriTown Schools

Boxford P.T.O.
B.E.S.T. 
Student Drop-off Notes

It is very important that you do not enter the bus lane during either drop-off or pick-up. 

No student should be dropped-off before 8:30 am (unless attending band, chorus, or a scheduled extra-help session). There is no supervision available before 8:30 am.

If you arrive at school before 8:30 am, please have your child wait in the car with you until 8:30 am.

Students who enter the building early will have to wait in the lobby, but will not be supervised until 8:30 am.

From Handbook, page 20:
Telephone calls to the school during the day regarding a dismissal change should be reserved for emergencies only and cannot be accommodated after 2:15 p.m.
each day due to difficulty reaching students in a timely manner.
Boxford Elementary Schools
2008-2009 Calendar (Updated)

Please download an updated calendar for the 2008-2009 school year.
NCLB Report Cards

Please check out our 2007-2008 NCLB Report Cards:

Boxford
Cole School
Spofford Pond
Volume II, Issue: 6 October 6, 2008
Dear Spofford Pond Community,

With the cooler weather approaching, now is a good time to remind you all to write your child's name inside sweaters, sweatshirts, and jackets. The lost and found bin is already starting to fill up. Please check for your child's clothing.

We have noticed an increase in the number of items brought to the office to be delivered to the children. In order to accommodate this while decreasing the number of interruptions in classes, we will begin a new system this week. For lunches that are delivered, we will set up a table next to the main office. Students who forget their lunch will be taught to check at that table on their way to the cafeteria. Likewise for other items brought to the office. We will get a message to the teacher (who can then let the child know about the delivery). We will only interrupt classes at the end of the day for items left unclaimed.

Please accept our advance gratitude for your patience as we work out this new system.

Have a great week.

Sincerely,

Larry Fliegelman
Principal
lfliegelman@boxfordschools.org
Some reminders...

Spofford Pond Calendar Online.
Just click here (also in the Quick Links box on the left).

Boxford Elementary Schools Calendar Changed!
In June, the Boxford School Committee voted to cancel school on Tuesday, November 4, so that the National Election will not interfere with the safe operation of the school day. We will instead hold a full day on October 31. There is an updated calendar available at the link in the sidebar.

Publication Notes
The Spofford Times will be published each Monday for the entire school year. There may be special editions as warranted. If you would like your school related messages included in future issues of the Spofford Times, please email me by 5pm on Thursdays. Plain text in the body of an email is the simplest. I reserved the right to edit or deny publication of any submissions.

As always, if you need to unsubscribe from the Spofford Times, please click on the SafeUnsubscribe link at the bottom of this email.


From the Health Office

Any child that may require emergency medications, such as epipens and inhalers, should have the meds and the doctors' orders in the Health Office. Parents, remember that you have to hand carry them in. Children must have these medications in before attending field trips.

If you anticipate that your child may need Tylenol or Motrin during the school year please send in a note stating that you give your permission. According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), signatures and permission from the parents must be on file.

MDPH also require that each school obtains a copy of a physical exam on each fourth grader (a third grade physical after January 1st can satisfy this requirement) and that all sixth grade immunizations are up to date prior to seventh grade. Please send copies early to the Health Office.

Fifth and sixth grade students will have the scoliosis screening during gym class within the next month. Notes will go home with more information. The screening is another requirement of the MDPH and if you do not want your child to participate please send a note from your doctor.
Upcoming Events
Mon. 10/13 - No School, Columbus Day
Tue. 10/14, 7:00pm - PTO General Meeting
Mon. 10/27, 3:30 pm - Site Council

Check out the complete Online Spofford Calendar - http://tinyurl.com/294h36

 
peopleTown of Boxford

News from Parent-led Organizations
PTO

Membership Deadline Extended

The deadline to return your PTO Membership form has been extended to Wednesday, October 8. Don't be left out of the PTO Directory - return your membership form now! Remember, your membership dues go directly toward providing curriculum enrichment programs and materials to your children's classrooms. If you need a form, there are extras at both schools, or contact Christina Eckert. If you've sent in your membership, confirmations are being sent via e-mail; if you haven't received a confirmation, contact Cora Wong at corawong@verizon.net.


Genevieve's

If you haven't returned your Genevieve's order, there is still time. You can still return your forms by October 10 to have your orders returned by November 14 with no shipping charges. If you can't find your catalogue, check the school office for extras or contact Heather Fecteau at hlfecteau@verizon.net. You can also shop on line at www.genevieves.com. At checkout, enter our school account number: Cole #10490, Spofford #4470, student's name, teacher and grade. Those internet orders received by the sale date and which include this information will be included in your child's prize determination.


Save the Date

Tuesday, October 14 will be our first General PTO Meeting at 7:00 pm in the Cole Cafeteria. All members from both Cole and Spofford are encouraged to hear our principals and curriculum specialists tells us about the learning initiatives in our schools this year. We will also have the drawing for the digital camera (you are automatically entered if you returned your membership by Oct. 1) Please come!


We're All in This Together

Boxford PTO has teamed up with North Shore Music Theatre to bring a wonderful entertainment opportunity to you, while raising funds for the PTO. High School Musical 2 is coming to the North Shore Music Theatre Dec. 18 - Jan. 11. Tickets are on sale now, and for every ticket you buy, your PTO can earn $10. All you have to do is use the Boxford PTO code, FBE1, when ordering. You can purchase tickets online at www.nsmt.org, or call 978-232-7200. Don't forget to use our code, FBE1.

As always, you can help the PTO by collecting BoxTops for Education. In addition, we are also collecting Hood's Sox Tops for Kids, Tyson's Project A+ Labels, and Campbell's Labels for Education (which are also on Pepperidge Farm, Swansons, Prego and V8 labels). You can drop any of these box tops or labels in the BoxTops bins at the entrances of both schools. Remember, every clipping means money for our school - last year we made over $1000 on BoxTops alone!
B.E.S.T.

Make Boxford Schools the B.E.S.T. they can be...

In the past 3 years B.E.S.T. has raised $185,000 for the "Touched by Technology" initiative and now every classroom teacher has a laptop and almost every classroom is outfitted with a SMART Board. Help us to keep the momentum going...any role that a parent can play in volunteering for B.E.S.T. is a valuable one and we are always looking for parents that are passionate about making a difference in our schools. There are so many talented and motivated parents with incredible ideas for improving our schools and B.E.S.T. is ripe to take on a new and exciting initiative but we need your help. If you have an interest in getting involved with B.E.S.T. please either call Ellie Benson (978-887-0064) or e-mail her at embenson@comcast.net.


A Message from B.E.S.T.

The Boxford Elementary Schools Trust (B.E.S.T.) would like to thank you all for your support in helping us complete the Touched by Technology capital campaign. It was tremendously gratifying for our board members and volunteers to see our dreams come to fruition. We greatly appreciate the support of the community, teachers, PTO and school committee.

We will be holding our annual kick-off meeting on Wednesday, October 22 at 9:30 am at Cole School to establish our plan for the 2008/2009 school year and would welcome your feedback.

Please complete our short survey by clicking here.

Your responses will be anonymous.


Thank you,
B.E.S.T. Board
Community Giving Tree

Community Giving Tree would like to thank all who participated in this years' School Supply Drive. With your help, Community Giving Tree was able to distribute 500+ backpacks, full of school supplies, to needy families in the area. A special Thank You to Lori Dox and Lianne Langill, who coordinated this effort for the Cole and Spofford Elementary Schools!
D.A.S.H.

Attention 4th and 5th Grade Parents

Disability Awareness Starts Here (DASH) is a hands-on activity-based educational program that is designed to teach children sensitivity about different disabilities. The 4th grade focuses on Invisible Disabilities/Learning Differences and the 5th grade involves Physical Disabilities. We need your help. If you'd like to volunteer in your child's classroom please call or e-mail:

4th Grade: Beth Koenig, (978) 561-5007, bostonkoenig@verizon.net
5th Grade: Keith Quenzel, (978) 887-2676, qzone1@verizon.net
Band Parents

Attention Band Families

Please join us for a quick band parent meeting to be held in the Spofford Pond School Cafeteria at 9 am on Wednesday, October 8th.Over the course of the year there are many opportunities for you to show your support for this amazing group of musicians! We will outline all of these opportunities at this meeting.If you are unable to attend the meeting but want to be involved with the band this year, please call or e-mail either of us.

Thanks,

Sandy Drohosky (978) 887-7030 - fourdrohos@comcast.net
Jenny Noonan (978) 352-4961 - noonanjennifer@verizon.net


sealseal


News from Around Town
Tri-Town Council

Programs & Events
www.tritowncouncil.org

Strengthening Social Skills - Workshops for Parents/Guardians & Educators of K-3rd Grade Students. Join presenter Stephanie Meegan and members of the school community for a series of workshops designed to provide you with information that will help your child/student develop the skills and knowledge he/she needs to build social competence in key areas. Fall Workshop Series begins October 22, 2008. Please see website for program details or contact Lisa Teichner lteichner@tritowncouncil.org.


Girl Talk for 5th & 6th Grade Girls. Facilitated by health educator Doreen Harris, Girl Talk is a series of workshops designed to increase and nurture positive communication about growth and development for girls ages 10-12, grades 5 & 6 and their Mother or another special woman in their lives. Program begins Monday, October 27th and is limited to 15 couples. Please see website for additional details or contact Lisa Teichner lteichner@tritowncouncil.org.


Tri-Town Council & ABC Gala Auction. Join Tri-Town Council and ABC (A Better Chance) for our annual auction at the Sheraton Ferncroft Hotel on Saturday, November 1, 2008. The evening will feature a live and silent auction with many great items to bid on including a getaway to Orlando, golf & spa packages, sports memorabilia, theatre & sporting event tickets, artwork, a night on the town in Boston and much more! Enjoy a fun-filled evening with Tri-Town friends while supporting two important non-profit organizations in our community. For ticket or sponsor information, please contact Nancy Coughlin at the Tri-Town Council office at 978-887-6512, or e-mail ncoughlin@tritowncouncil.org.


Self-esteem in Tweens: How Parents & Educators Can Make a Difference. Every child deserves the benefits of high self-esteem including resiliency, emotional well-being and a sense of self-worth. Yet the prevalence of low self-esteem in adolescents and pre-adolescents is unsettling. In this program on November 12th, 2008, Boxford resident Deb Dunham will provide practical insights and simple, yet powerful recommendations that parents/guardians & educators of students ages 9-12 can implement at home and in the classroom. Please visit the TTC website for details or contact Lisa Teichner lteichner@tritowncouncil.org.
Masco Basketball

Masco Youth Basketball Registration

Registration for Masco Youth Basketball is now open. This program is offered to Boxford, Middleton, and Topsfield girls and boys in grades 1 through 8. Registration is only available online and by credit card at www.baasports.com (click on Basketball). Additional information can be found on the website.
Masco Football

Masco football boosters are putting on a pizza contest October 17, Friday night 6 to 8 pm in the cafe @ the high schoolcost is $5 per personeverybody is invited to come in and taste and vote for best in the tri town areathe cheerleaders will be there selling bakery goodsthe jazz band should be thereall the money going back to Masco footballwe are hoping that all the schools can spread the word to all the familiesthank you for time. Jim 781 864 9778 if you have any questions.
ABC, Masco

ABC Masconomet Fair
Sunday, October 19th at the Proctor School in Topsfield from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.

The fair is a fun filled day for children and the whole family. Please come and enjoy the games, face painting, sand art, pumpkin painting, and prizes. Hot dogs, chips, cotton candy and drinks will be served. All proceeds to benefit A Better Chance, Masconomet
Ackerman Playground

Ackerman Playground Family Fun Day
October 18th, rainday October 19th, 2-4pm,
Boy Scout Park, 10 Cahoon Rd, Boxford, MA FREE

Come spend the afternoon with your family at Ackerman Playground. See the changes that have been made and learn how YOU can make a difference ! To make this a memorable day, many fun activities have been planned - a bouncey house, face painting, tasty treats and much more.

Our raffle is a run way to show your support - any great prizes - birthday parties, round of golf, spa, teeth whitening, dining. Tickets can be purchased in advance and will be mailed to you. Make checks payable to Town of Boxford. Write on check memo "Ackerman Playground". 3 tickets for $10. Higher donations will be accepted. Mail to 7A Spofford Rd, Boxford, MA 01921 attn: Ackerman Playground. Proceeds will pay for additional wood fiber surfacing and maintenance.

For more information call Meredith Shaw at 978-561-1706.
Notice of Non-Discrimination

All programs, activities, and employment opportunities engaged in by the Boxford Public Schools are offered without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation and disability.