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Sprague School, Wellesley, MA
| November 2010
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A Message from Dr. Goodwin
Dear Sprague Community,
Twice a year the Wellesley Education Foundation (WEF) elicits grant requests from Wellesley Public Schools (WPS) staff members. Through their largesse, the WEF provides vital services to the WPS each year through this grant process. In the past districts, I have always written a supportive email/letter to the Grants Committee and did so again recently. Below is said missive. Huge thanks to the WEF for all their support of WPS as well as Sprague.
I just wanted to put a quick plug in for the WEF Grants that are specific to Sprague as well as those that are more district based with Sprague representation. I can only say thanks for your support of the Sprague School in years past. To say it has been well received and impactful would be an understatement. I know there are many competing interests out there in terms of grants but wanted to briefly comment on those the Sprague staff have forwarded to you. All of these are like my children, I couldn't pick one over the other, but wanted to make a case for each. Again, thanks for your support of Sprague and the entire district. - Grant written by Ellen Mandel, Sprague Librarian, and her district-wide colleagues - They have written a superb grant focused on building the librarians' capacity to more effectively teach a plethora of research skills that are required by 21st century learning. The idea of pairing Wellesley Public School librarians with a trained mentor/practitioner is a sound one practiced by the other leading professions in the world (e.g., medicine, scientific research, law, et al.). I wholeheartedly support their grant and know it will positively impact student learning and their instruction.
- Grant written by Jen Stabnick, Sprague Art Teacher, and her elementary Art Colleague - This grant launches the WPS Elementary Art Dept. into the 21st century. As noted in their application, the WPS elementary art teachers have judiciously sought out operating funds and WEF grants over the last 10-20 years. As they seek to upgrade their Art Appreciation units it is clear that the use of IPads will help this instructional and student learning process immensely. Technology never replaces the need for great teachers, but effective technology in the hands of great teachers, provides them a wonderful opportunity to supplement their instructional tool box. This grant request allows the Elementary Art staff to take the next step in terms of instructional technology within the Visual Arts domain.
- Grant written by Margaret Flitsch, Sprague Physical Education teacher - This grant literally can and does impact every major curriculum area within the Sprague School.
- Math - Determining the amount of area required to construct an Edible Garden and Outdoor Classroom, measuring the amount of rain we endure over the course of the year.
- Science - Understanding the growing cycle, the impact of the climate on food sources, et al.
- Social Studies - Researching and comparing/contrasting early civilizations' farming practices.
- Language Arts - Making "text to life" connections with a plethora of children's books, including: Growing Vegetable Soup by Lois Elhert, The Gardener by Sarah Stewart, Sunflower House by Eve Bunting, City Green by DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan and And the Good Brown Earth by Kathy Henderson.
- Art - Ms. Stabnick, Sprague Art teacher, plans to use the garden as an inspirational outdoor art classroom like the Impressionist Masters - Monet, Renoir, et al.
- Enhance Community - All members of our community: students, staff and parents will be involved in the design, construction, planting, harvesting and replanting process.
This type of grant encompasses everything that is good about the partnership inherent in public education. - Grant written by Jayne Byrne, Jen Lundbohn and Alee Rogers, Grade 3 Sprague Teachers and Jackie Hoglund, Instructional Technology Specialist - As discussed in Bernie Trilling's and Charles Fadel's groundbreaking new book entitled 21st Century Skills: Learning for Life in Our Times, technology is not an end point, but rather a tool to be used by both student and staff to "improve learning and innovation skills, build digital literacy skills and life and career skills" (Trillin and Fadel, 2009).
The grant written by the aforementioned Sprague educators is inextricably linked to these lofty goals. The "stand and deliver" teacher model is outdated by at least two decades at this point and it is imperative that we are engaging our students by any means necessary. Getting technology into students' hands (in this case a classroom set of IPads) at the 1:1 level supports the notion that learning consists of active engagement. Students using Edmodo and/or Google docs can write, share and edit individually and/or collaboratively, thus enhancing the quality of the work and the celerity with which they do it.
Additionally, as Howard Gardner first outlined in Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences, there are at least 8 different intelligences that a student can possess as their gateway intelligence to a specific content area. The use of technology is another wonderful tool that provides an additional access point for our students and staff. To be blunt, I want all of my teachers to have a full toolbox in which they can dip into and use to tackle the myriad educational challenges facing them and their students. This grant will foster this notion for years to come.
Again, these are Sprague's and the district's children. I love 'em all and simply wanted to add my backing to their candidacy. I wish you well as you debate the merits of these as well as the other grants from across the district.
Moving forward, I will let you know where we land with these grant requests. Again, many thanks to the Sprague staff for their time and efforts writing these grants.
Sprague Library Reorganization: Ellen Mandel, Library Specialist, is requesting volunteers for Saturday November 13 from 9 am - 12 pm to help move books around. We are shifting collections to provide better access for all the students, especially our youngest. The more volunteers, the sooner we can be done. Please contact Jennett Murphy jvmurphy@mac.com if you can spare an hour or more. Thanks for supporting our school.
Thanks: Many thanks to Leslie Tellalian for organizing the UNICEF collection. Huge thanks to Anne Marvan for her help organizing the Halloween Parade last Friday. Many thanks to Catherine Mirick, Sue Maggioni and a whole host of parent volunteers for organizing this week's sublime Book Fair as well as the Family Literacy Night Read Aloud. Special thanks to Jim Bergquist for his acting and singing chops as well as Haig Tellalian for sound system guidance. Great all around! Finally, thanks a ton to the 5th grade parents and students for organizing the bake sale on Voting Day. Well done! Take care,
Stephen Goodwin
Sprague Principal |
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Letter from the PTO Presidents
Dear Sprague Families:
It's hard to believe it's November already! October was an exciting and busy month- 5th Grade Car Wash, Sprague Fall Family Festival, SEAC (Sprague Excellent Adventure Club), Fall Nature Walks and the Sprague Halloween Parade - just to name a few. We are fortunate to be part of such a vibrant school community.
Thank you to all who attended our October PTO meeting focusing on our strive for technology. Kathy Ashraf along with Jill Heckman and Jackie Hoglund did a tremendous job explaining and demonstrating the interactive whiteboards. Thank you Kathy, Jill and Jackie. Also, thank you to all the families who have contributed to the technology drive. We have already raised enough funds to provide interactive white boards in all of 4th grade, all of 3rd grade and 1 board for 2nd grade! Way to go Sprague! If you are interested in contributing, envelopes are located in the office.
Our November PTO meeting will be held on Monday, November 8th at 8:45 in the cafeteria. (Please note this is a change in date.) This month we will highlight our Community Service Activities.
An organic edible garden, composting lunch room waste, helping stock the Wellesley Food Pantry - all engaging activities providing opportunities to learn, work as a team, grow as a person and the world around us. Please join us this month to find out more about the robust efforts underway as we focus on Community Service and what that means for Sprague.
Looking for ways to get involved? The upcoming Cookie Walk on December 9th is a great way to meet new parents and lend a hand for 1 hour or more. Please come to the kick-off meeting after drop off Tuesday, November 9th.
We hope you have found the newly formatted Sprague communications (i.e. Pulse, Message from Dr. Goodwin, Heartbeat) beneficial. Yolanda Tong, Sprague's PTO Communication officer and Jennett Murphy are truly the wizards behind the screen orchestrating the massive amounts of information for the benefit of the Sprague Community. When you see them around Sprague, please give them a big thank you.
Yolanda and Jennett along with Reed Smith and Wendy Garber are also fast at work on a new Sprague website. I was privy to a sneak peak last week and it is pretty sleek! Look for that in the near future.
On November 17th Sprague's students and staff will celebrate winning the prestigious National Blue Ribbon School Award.
Our emails are always open, we look forward to hearing from you and working with you in the future.
Best,
Leslie & Anne |
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PTO Meeting Minutes
TUESDAY OCTOBER 12TH, 2010
Sprague School Library Anne Marvan opened the meeting by welcoming everyone to the kickoff of Sprague's technology initiative. She introduced Kathy Ashraf, technology officer; Jill Heckman, 4th grade teacher; and Jackie Hoglund, technology specialist. Anne gave updates since the last meeting. More than 50 percent of Sprague families have paid dues, raising $11,000 so far. She reminded families that PTO dues support both teachers and students. Noteworthy events: the first Fall Family Festival on Sunday Oct 17; the WEF Spelling Bee Nov 4. This is Sprague's second year hosting, and it's a good family event. Anne said the first day of Sprague's Excellent Adventure Club was a big success, and she reminded parents of the Book Fair on Nov 2-4, with family night on Wednesday Nov 3. Dr. Goodwin reported on his meeting with Leslie Del Col, Community Service Officer, and Todd Himstead and Theresa Levy, 5th Grade Activities Chairs. The Community Service Committee is looking at three initiatives: 1. School-wide initiative, with each grade level dedicated to making the school better; 2. local initiative; and 3. global initiative. Dr. Goodwin said the 5th grade carwash was successful. He thanked the families who hosted the grade-level socials, and he commented on Sprague's Excellent Adventure Club, thanking Lisa Moore, Colette Aufranc, Tina Vasconcelles and Anne-Marie Hayden for their efforts. Dr. Goodwin said a Blue Ribbon Celebration Day is being planned for Nov 17 at Sprague. He noted that Jamie Morrison and Donna Dankner will be traveling to Washington on Nov 14 to accept the school's award. Dr. Goodwin said Back-to-School Night was a good night for everyone, and school picture day went without a hitch. He noted that the Kindergartners were doing well with their stay days, and the nature walks are up and running. A homework/tutoring club will begin mid-November with more details to come. He concluded by applauding Kathy Ashraf for all her efforts leading up to this technology kickoff meeting and her work toward getting students access to great technology. He also thanked Jill and Jackie for their efforts. Kathy Ashraf began her presentation on making Sprague SMART. That includes 1. document cameras (ELMOS), which replace overhead projectors and 2. digital whiteboards. What makes them smart is how you can use them together. What are the benefits? Two groups benefit most: the faculty and the students. Faculty can reach a larger audience. SMART technology supports multiple learning methods and facilitates class preparation. For students, SMART technology helps keep the focus on instruction. It promotes collaboration and enhances the learning environment. WPS has mandated that all schools have this equipment by 2014. This initiative puts Sprague on par with other Wellesley elementary schools. Thanks to last year's auction, all classrooms now have document cameras (ELMOS). Only four classrooms have digital whiteboards. Sprague still needs 22 more whiteboards. The average cost of a whiteboard is $3,000. This estimate is on a per classroom basis. It will take $66,000 to outfit the school. How will Sprague do this? By a combination of grants, contributions by the Sprague community, and private donors. The most important part is the Sprague community. Most of the money will come from matching gifts. The PTO is committed to purchasing six additional whiteboards this year. Kathy noted that the parents in grade 4 have pledged to purchase two boards. The class raised money for one, and one family matched that amount to buy the second. According to Kathy, for every dollar we raise as a community, sponsors will give $2. This is a four-month purchasing process. The appeal has gone out. Whatever is raised by Nov 9 has to be approved by the School Committee and signed off by the PTO executive board. The equipment then will arrive by February vacation. Kathy said there are several ways to get involved: participate in the general appeal; host a special event; and/or rally a classroom or grade. The meeting was moved to Jill Heckman's 4th grade classroom for a demonstration of the ELMO and digital smartboard. Jill and Jackie Hoglund gave examples of how teachers and students use this technology, and how teachers share what they do with their colleagues. Dr. Goodwin noted that nothing replaces a great teacher. But the combination of great teachers and great tools is powerful. He reminded parents that learning is doing, and doing is learning. He thanked the PTO, particularly Leslie Tellalian and Anne Marvan, for their efforts in this initiative and said this is becoming baseline technology in middle schools and high schools. Students are expected to be proficient in this type of technology. Dr. Goodwin, Jill, Jackie, and Kathy fielded questions from parents. One asked why Sprague was among the last schools to fund this technology. Kathy answered that the Sprague community recently raised money for a new playground and new ELMOS, and though a few Wellesley elementary schools are already fully outfitted, Sprague is not that far behind . Another parent asked about the lifespan of the technology. Kathy answered that the whiteboards have a projected lifespan of 25 years (and unlimited software), and the ELMOS have a projected lifespan of 10-12 years. Meeting adjourned at 8:20. Respectfully submitted by PTO Secretary Suzanne Fletcher
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Sprague Takes Care
Message From the Nurse: Secondhand Smoke: A Serious Health Risk to Children
November 18, 2010 is the Great American Smokeout, a day that highlights the dangers of tobacco use, the challenges of quitting smoking, and the need to protect people from exposure to secondhand smoke.
Secondhand smoke, a combination of exhaled smoke from smokers and from the burning ends of a cigarette, cigar or pipe, contains more than 4,000 chemicals, at least 50 of which are known to be carcinogenic. Nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke absorb these substances just like smokers do.
Exposure to secondhand smoke is known to lead to a variety of health problems, including lung and other cancers, heart disease, asthma, allergies, eye irritation, and respiratory illnesses such as sore throats, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Children exposed to secondhand smoke are at an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), colds, allergies, asthma, ear infections, pneumonia, heart disease, and bronchitis. Exposure to secondhand smoke slows the growth of children's lungs. It causes children with asthma to experience more frequent and severe attacks because the chemicals directly irritate the airways. Statistics show that even children who do not have asthma suffer from twice the number of respiratory infections when their parents smoke around them. And children raised in homes where parents smoke have twice the risk of developing lung cancer when they are adults. Additionally, in the United States, secondhand smoke is thought to cause about 46,000 heart disease deaths each year.
Many of the harmful health effects (including asthma) are most clearly manifested in children because they are especially vulnerable to the poisons in secondhand smoke. Children breathe more rapidly and have smaller lungs than adults; they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults; and because kids' respiratory systems are still developing they are prone to increased exposure to and adverse effects from inhaled substances. Children receiving high doses of secondhand smoke, such as those with smoking parents, run the greatest relative risk of experiencing permanent negative health effects resulting in decreased lung function.
There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Studies have shown that even low levels can be harmful. The only way to fully protect nonsmokers is to completely eliminate smoking in indoor spaces. Making your home smoke-free may be one of the most important things you can do for the health of your family.
Check out http://fc.wellesley.k12.ma.us/~Sharon_Kahn/ for nursing info.
Sharon Kahn, Sprague Nurse
Sprague Directory ReminderThe PTO underwrites and subsidizes the production of the school directory. It is published solely for the personal use of Sprague Elementary School families. No person is permitted to give a copy of this document to any person or organization which solicits or is engaged in any commercial or charitable activity. One copy is provided to each family. Additional or replacement directories are available in the Office from Secretary Lennie Becker for $10 per copy.
School Picture Reminder
All families should have received your child's school portraits. Parents with questions (about order forms, late orders, missing orders or refunds, etc.) should contact Coffee Pond's dedicated Lifeguards: - By phone: 1-800-632-2323 ext "0"
- By Email: Lifeguards@coffeepond.com
- By US Mail: Lifeguards, Coffee Pond Productions, Inc., 19 Strathmore Rd., Natick, MA 01760
Coffee Pond is retaking pictures on Thursday, November 18. If you are dissatisfied with your portrait and would like to try again, you have the opportunity for a retake.
Please return the entire, undamaged portrait package to the photographer on Retake Day. If your school has class photos, please keep it! Write any suggestions for the photographer on a piece of paper so it shows through the envelope window. Retake Day is rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, the portraits will be taken indoors against a neutral backdrop. Retake Packages will be distributed by the school approximately 3 to 5 weeks after Retake Day. For refund information, please log on to www.coffeepond.com/pdf/refund. |
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Sprague is Social
Yearbook Committee
Please send in your photos from the Fall Family Festival, field trips, nature walks and the Halloween parade! Photos can be emailed to myspraguephotos@gmail.com or put on a CD or DVD and sent to Karen Haberly via Carter Smith in 1KS. WE LOVE GETTING YOUR PHOTOS, please send us more!!
Thanks, Karen Haberly karen.haberly@gmail.com and Theresa Levy tig2@comcast.net.
Family Ski Trip SAVE THE DATE Friday January 21st to Sunday January 23rd
At Waterville Valley. More information to come from Haig Tellalian haig@tellalian.net and Gillian Callaghan gncallaghan@aol.com. |
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Sprague is Supportive
Update from the Treasurer
Fall and early winter are the main PTO fundraising seasons. Efforts have been made through the SMART Technology capital drive (ongoing still!), Innisbrook sale, Box Tops recycling, school pictures, family portraits, the Scholastic Book Fair and voluntary contributions. Next month we can expect a lot of fun while we support Sprague through the Cookie Walk. We are so grateful to the Sprague community for everything - all the hard work involved in raising funds and the all important financial commitment to our school. For voluntary contributions we have raised $11,100 with 51% of our families participating. Thank you Sprague families for your support! Colette Aufranc, PTO Treasurer
Please consider us in your holiday shopping. It's a great way to raise funds for our school as you shop for family and friends! We have the current Fall to Winter programs:
Sprague's 5th Annual Cookie Walk Thursday, December 9 2:00 - 5:00 pm
(snow date Friday, December 10) Join us in the Sprague Gym for this fun traditional celebration of all holidays!
* Variety of Cookies and Baked Goods for Sale * Merchant Raffle *
* Teacher Raffle * Surprise New Entertainment for the Kids! *
Also, a tiny little division of the Cookie Walk presents:
Holiday Cookie Baking Class Thursday, December 2 7:30pm
Class held in Tina Vasconcelles' kitchen: 19 Hundreds Circle, Wellesley
Space limited to 12 participants, $25 per person.
Reserve with Tina Vasconcelles vascofamily@comcast.net or 781.235.0325.
Join us for an interactive evening baking scrumptious and artful cookies with Sprague parent and Pastry Chef Lisa Sewall, co-proprietor of Lineage Restaurant in Brookline.
Volunteers are needed to make this a success. Experience the fun & excitement of community spirit at Sprague. We'd love to have your involvement and fresh eye to help us continue this special day. There are a variety of ways:
Planning Party Tuesday, November 9 8:45 am after drop off in the cafeteria. We'll grab a taste of Lisa Sewall's delicious cookies and a warm cup of joe as we plan.
Preparations for the Cookie Walk are ongoing now. Contact one of the point people to participate or find out more in the coordination of this ever-evolving family favorite event.
Top ten ways to get involved:
Baking and Sharing. Sprague parents are encouraged to bake a family favorite cookie recipe and donate them to be sold at the Cooke Walk. Six dozen cookies per family are requested.
Many thanks to Andrea Doglioli aaodoglioli@hotmail.com and DD Marcoux ddbuilttolast@yahoo.com who have graciously offered to co-chair Cookie Walk!
Shop for Sprague: Back for the Holiday Season!
Shop for Sprague is a program where you can buy gift cards at face value and Sprague earns money for every gift card sold. Buys gift cards to Roche Brothers, itunes, Peet's Coffee, Dunkin Donuts, just to name a few. Get a jump on your holiday shopping and save yourself activation fees, gas money and stress....shop at home for Sprague!! Order forms will be coming home the week of November 8th. - No activation fees!!
- Great for Teacher Gifts
- Have on hand for last minute birthday presents
- Shop for a wide variety of retailers from home
- Pass along to family and friends
Questions? Contact Anne Marvan a.marvan@comcast.net or 781-239-1496
Note: all gift cards are considered cash and if lost are not replaceable
Box Tops Marketplace Ongoing All Year
Over 100 participating retail stores! - Sign up online at www.boxtops4education.com
- Shop online.
- Sprague earns cash! Up to 15% of your purchase will be automatically donated back to our school with no additional cost to you.
If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Jones joneswellesley@aol.com.
Remember Me Books Ongoing All Year for Our School Library
Our goal for the year is 180 books. 27 donated already!
Thanks to the Chatham, Dagher, Del Col, Elwy, Marvan, Person and Shultz families!
Honor students and teachers by donating a new book to the Sprague School Ellen Cunniff Library. Recent reductions in Wellesley Public School budgets have reduced school library budgets. The Remember Me! program helps both to fill these gaps and to celebrate our growing readers and special staff members. See more details on how to order at http://www.spragueschool.org/index.cfm?objectid=93614B89-B3F3-D3C8-C145A28DDDF939C3.
Please contact Julie Barker juliegbarker@hotmail.com or Kathy Ashraf ashraffamily@comcast.net with any questions, comments, or suggestions.
Fifth Grade Fundraisers
Stella and Dot Jewelry Fundraiser Wednesday, November 17
Stella and Dot jewelry fundraiser at the home of Libby and Sean Silvia, 9 Rockland Street.
Drop Off and Drop In from 9:00 - 11:00 am or stop by from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. All are welcome; bring family and friends.
Get some holiday shopping done and support our 5th grade in the process! 20% of the sales commission will be donated and the host credits will be raffled off. For a preview of the jewelry or to order directly on-line, visit www.stelladot.com/sites/kristenweiss - hostess is (first name) Sprague (last name) School.
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Sprague Enriches Kids
Fitness and Health
Welcome back to another year in Fitness and Health! If you are new to the Sprague community, please allow me to introduce myself, I am Margaret Flitsch, the Physical Education specialist in the building. I have been teaching at Sprague since we opened 9 years ago (wow!) and have been in Wellesley for 12 years (also wow!) I look forward to getting to know the new students/families as well as becoming reacquainted with our established students/families.
Here is the schedule for when your child(ren) have PE class this year. Please help them to be prepared for movement by making sure that they have on proper footwear for physical activity. Crocs, sandals, flip-flops, boots, Merrells, "five fingers" cannot be worn to class due to safety concerns. - Kindergarten: Thursdays and Fridays
- 1st grade: Fridays (1/2M on Wednesdays)
- 2nd grade: Mondays and Tuesdays
- 3rd grade: Mondays (3AR on Thursdays)
- 4th grade: Mondays and Thursdays
- 5th grade: Tuesdays and Wednesdays
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me via email: Margaret_Flitsch@wellesley.k12.ma.us or my office extension x524. The Head of the Fitness and Health Department Head, Joanne Grant can be contacted as well at: Joanne_Grant@wellesley.k12.ma.us.
Wishing you and your family good health and an active lifestyle this year! Margaret Flitsch, Sprague PE
Ellen Cunniff Library News: MCBA Program for 4th & 5th Grade Students
The Massachusetts Children's Book Award Reading Program (MCBA) for fourth and fifth grades began in September and will culminate in a Voting Party scheduled for Wednesday, March 11, 2011. The MCBA reading program was started in 1975 by Dr. Helen Constant at Salem State  College. Her purpose was to address the fact that many children lost interest in reading when they reached the intermediate grades. We are delighted that Sprague students will be participating with their classmates at Bates, Schofield and Upham, along with over 150 schools throughout the state as they vote for their favorite book.
Once again, the PTO has graciously agreed to support this program. Their funding allows us to buy six paperback copies per book. We also like to buy audio formats if they are reasonably priced. About a third of the list is available for audio and/or e-book download on the Wellesley Free Library website through an audio lending program called OVERDRIVE. You can find out more information by going to their children's page at http://www.wellesleyfreelibrary.org/childrens/index.html. You will also find a link to a list of books available in multiple formats including Large Print and Compact Disk.
As an added component to the program, students are asked to write book reviews for five or more of the twenty-five nominated titles. We encourage students to summarize, evaluate and rate each title. These reviews are then printed and posted on the large bulletin boards in the front of the library. If you'd like to take a look at the template, go to the Sprague Library Media website at http://fc.wellesley.k12.ma.us/~ellen_mandel and select the MCBA webpage.
The MCBA program was created for students in fourth through sixth grade. Therefore, the books span a wide range of genre and reading levels. We don't expect that students will like, and/or, read all twenty-five titles. We do, however, encourage everyone to read at least five books in order to be eligible to vote in March. Happy Reading, Mrs. Mandel, Library Teacher Mrs. Kauczka, Instructional Library Assistant Mrs. Zimmer, First Grade Library Teacher
Ellen Cunniff Library Reorganization Saturday, November 13, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm We have 11,000 books to shift around -- please give us one hour if you can! Contact Jennett Murphy jvmurphy@mac.com if you can help.
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Sprague Has HEART
SEED Sprague Energy and Environmental Defenders Sprague Community Organic Garden coming Spring 2011!  We are planning a garden near the bus circle that will have walking paths between raised, accessible beds that can be designated for different classes. Thanks to Margaret Flitsch who surveyed the teachers so that we can incorporate plants to best complement the curriculum.
Would your family like to be a part of helping us create this Outdoor Classroom? The Sprague Garden Club will be selling beautiful stepping stones to fundraise for the garden. Jen Stabnick has generously offered to create them with the fourth and fifth graders and they can be designed/customized by the students. Funds will pay for soil, irrigation, hoses, sprinklers, mulch, fencing and seeds. For more information and volunteer opportunities, contact Jane Neilson at JanePNeilson@gmail.com or 781-223-7338. See http://www.spragueschool.org/go/newsletters/ for the stepping stone order form.
Famed author Annie Barrows kicked off efforts by adding her hand print to a stepping stone!  Turn Trash to Cash for SpragueSimply recycle your printer cartridges in the box located in the school office. We will dispose of them properly and get $2 Staples credit for the school to use. Thank you for your participation! Don't Forget Every Thursday is No Waste Lunch Day Bring What You'll Eat; Eat What You Bring!
Here are five simple ways: - USE REUSABLE carrier (cloth bag, lunchbox)
- USE REUSABLE food containers
- USE THERMOS for drinks
- USE CLOTH NAPKIN to wash and re-use
- USE SILVERWARE to wash and re-use
Check out the EPA site with lots of data and ideas: http://www.epa.gov/osw/education/lunch.htm. Thanks for making Sprague even greener! Jen Looper jen.looper@gmail.com
Phyllis Theermann phyllis@theermann.com  Candy for the Troops: Got Candy? Want $$ for Sprague?
Wellesley Dental Group is once again sponsoring the "Candy for the Troops" drive this year. Bring some, or most, of your candy collected from Trick-or-Treating. The soldiers who will be receiving the candy also love getting notes and pictures. All the candy we collect will be donated to Special Kindness in Packages, Inc (SKIP). We will collect in the main office until Wednesday November 10th. It is better for your body and will help brighten a soldier's day!
5th Grade: Elizabeth Seaton Home Visit Tuesday, November 9, 3:30 - 4:30 pm
5th Grade Community Service Project at the Elizabeth Seaton Home. Make positive connections with senior citizens with a craft project. 5th graders needed and drivers. Contact Libby SIlvia thesilvias@comcast.net.
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Sprague Gives Thanks
Sprague's 1st Fall Family FestivalIt was a wonderful autumn day...the sun was out, there were football games and soccer matches taking place all over Wellesley and the Sprague Community had gathered for our first Fall Family Festival; featuring a soon to be famous chili cook-off contest and kickball tourney! The chili contestants were all fired up. Again, we thank all of our entrants: Kim Bender, Mary Crown, Leslie Del Col, Angie Gakidis, Abby Glassenberg, Sarah Green, Sarah Greene, Anng Kenney, Susan Maggioni, Joe Marvan, Larry Murphy, Amy Paladino, Leslie Tellalian, Sandra Thorbjornsen, and the 5th Graders! Your displays, energy and aromas were intoxicating! Our judges, Dr. Goodwin, Secretary Lennie Becker and Sprague Parent, Brian Coakley, seated in their southwestern finest, faced a tough job. Our hats and theirs go off to our winners: Leslie Tellalian, Sandra Thorbjornsen, and the 5th Graders. Tied for Sprague's Blue Ribbon were Leslie Del Col and Amy Paladino! Sprague students played kickball, created crafts and devoured the cookies baked by their teachers. We thank all of our volunteers: Kathy Ashraf, Laura Brown MacKinnon, Gillian Callaghan, Colleen Conroy, Jessica Fixler, Suzanne Fletcher, Wendy Garber, Eunice Groark, Ann-Marie Hayden, Michelle Heath, Anne Marvan, Carla Panell, Elise Rodino, Liz Rogers, Haig Tellalian, Leslie Tellalian, Antonetta Todorov, Kathleen Woodward, Cecilia Milano* (special Sprague Alum '07) and friend Bridget Brown and Gil Fronzaglia (for donating the tasty chips!). And the others who stepped in to help in any way that afternoon! Perhaps over these winter months we too will work on perfecting our chili recipes for next year! A few of our contestants have shared theirs to start you off:
Cheers, Jen Bowman and Lynn Sanville, PTO Social Officers
Innisbrook Thanks to the 80 Sprague Families who supported the Innisbrook gift wrap fundraiser! Approximately $2,500 was raised to support our general PTO fund. Many thanks to Sprague parent Theresa Levy and the team of 5th Graders who bundled, counted and distributed catalogs to all our families. Elizabeth Young, PTO Ways and Means Officer Scholastic
Scholastic Book Fair -- A huge success! We sold $15,000 worth of books, which will help fund more books for the Sprague Library!
Our HEARTfelt Thanks to: - All the children, parents and teachers who supported our school this week. Thank you also for all the Wish List and Remember Me books you bought to donate to your classrooms and the library!
- Literacy Specialist Katharine Odell and Art Specialist Jen Stabnick for their tireless efforts preparing our read-aloud during family night.
- Our special Family Literacy Night entertainment - Dr. Goodwin and Sprague parent Jim Bergquist provided us with an example of books coming to life that will never be forgotten!! Who can look at the story of Rapunzel in the same way again?
- Our custodians Rob and Scott for always lending a helping hand and the WCCC for lending the space when we needed it.
- Lastly, all who donated time to set up, run or take down the book fair. It couldn't have happened without you: Teri Adler, Kathy Ashraf, Shaune-Marie Berg, Jen Bowman, Eileen Buckham, Rebecca Cahaly, Ginny Churchill, Leslie Del Col, Laurie Diamond, Kristen DiChiaro, Jessica Fixler, Angie Gakidis, Wendy Garber, Trish Glass, Lori Goldenthal, Sarah Green, Eunice Groark, Charmaine Hartnett, Anne-Marie Hayden, Michelle Heath, James Landry, Anne Marvan, Jennett Murphy, Elise Rodino, Andrea Scampini, Ute Smith, Leslie Tellalian, Phyllis Theerman, Yolanda Tong and Elizabeth Young!
Enjoy reading all of your new books and let those characters come to life!
Sue Maggioni and Catherine Mirick, Co-Chairs
HeartbeatThanks to Karen Haberly for the gorgeous fall photos! We invite you to submit yours for future issues of the Heartbeat. Pictures do not necessarily have to be taken at school, we're looking for any you might care to share. We do ask that photos not have obvious views of children's faces as we do not have signed parental permission for use. Please forward photos whenever you like to Yolanda Tong bytong@verizon.net and note Heartbeat in the subject line. Watch out in the next Heartbeat for how the kids can participate!
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The Community Beyond
Submissions have been approved by the WPS Central Office
METCO Annual Appeal
Please consider supporting the Friends of Wellesley METCO. Letter from METCO pdf format
PAC Education Rights Tuesday, November 9, 7:00 - 9:00pm
Wellesley Middle School Library
The Wellesley Parent Advisory Council (PAC) presents Parents: Do You Know Your Child's Education Rights? According to the National Institutes of Health, fifteen percent of America's school children have a learning disability. Under US Law, there is a process to identify eligibility and provide services to these children. Join us to learn about this process. Presenter: LINDA WATERS, DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL SERVICES, WPS. The Wellesley PAC is a district-wide, independent organization of parents and caregivers of children in Wellesley working together to enhance the education of students who learn differently.
Notes from the Performing Arts www.wellesley.k12.ma.us/programs/pages/PA/index.html
HS musical Chicago at the HS Auditorium. See website for ticket order forms and additional info.
This musical may not be appropriate for young children.
Tickets (Adults $15 - Students $6 - Senior Citizens 60+ NC)
Thursday, November 11 - Matinee at 4:30 pm
Friday, November 12 - 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 13 - Matinee at 2:00 pm, Evening Performance at 7:30 pm
Grade 6 & 7 musical Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. at the MS Auditorium. Tickets ($donation)
Thursday, November 18 - Matinee at 4:30 pm
Friday, November 19 -7:00 pm
Sprague Winter Concert, Friday, December 17, 9:00 am
Wellesley GREEN "MONSTA" Mascot Contest Extended to Sunday, November 14
The Wellesley Green Schools Committee has extended the deadline. All Wellesley K-12 students are invited to create a green monsta for their school. Winning mascots will be showcased in your school and around town to promote Wellesley's Schools commitment to the Earth.
Submit a one color mascot with your name, grade, school and phone number on it in JPG form to wellesleygreenmonsta@gmail.com or drop it off live in the Green Monsta bag in the school office. Only one mascot per school will be chosen, so start thinking. Consider the planet and a green monsta taking a bite out of waste with others from the lean, mean recycling team. The monsta may have recycled arms or renewed legs. Just like life, a mascot can be simple. Think less is more! Create a mascot that represents your school and your peers and remember, being green isn't scary...take it one step at a time.
The Wellesley Hills Junior Women's Club presents the 34th Annual Wellesley Marketplace Saturday, November 20, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm at the Wellesley MIddle School
This favorite local kickoff of the holiday shopping season will offer a variety of exciting new gift ideas from more than 130 of New England's finest artisans. All proceeds benefit local charities. For more info visit www.whjwc.org.
Premium Admission: 9:00 am - 10:00 am $15
Tickets available at Wellesley Roche Bros. beginning Nov 1 and at the door on the day of the event. Regular Admission: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Adults $10, Seniors & Students $5
Available at the door on the day of the event
Wellesley United Soccer Club Spring 2011 Registration ongoing for grades K - 12
Registration and payment by credit card or check is available online at www.wellesleysoccer.org. Information about the programs including fees, game dates and times and age group coordinator contacts is also available on the website. Registration Deadlines: ($25 Late Fee will be assessed after this date and space on team cannot be guaranteed.)
Grades 4 - 8: November 22, 2010
Grades 1 - 3: January 15, 2011
Grades 9 - 12: March 1, 2011
Grade K: March 15, 2011
Email admin@wellesleysoccer.org for more info. Kindergarten program coordinators are needed at each elementary school. Please email for more information if you are willing to volunteer
WHS Gymnastics Team Fundraiser
At and thanks to the generosity of Exxcel Gymnastics, 88 Wells Avenue, Newton
Wednesday, December 8, 12:45 - 1:45 pm
Come Do Gymnastics and Have Fun With the Wellesley Girls Varsity Gymnastics Team -- Bay State Conference Champs and 3rd in the State! All Proceeds to Benefit the WHS Girls Gymnastics Team. Boys and Girls Ages 4-11. All levels welcome. Space is limited. Sign up early!
Please complete the following info and mail with your check to
K.C. Kato, 20 River Glen Road, Wellesley, MA 02481.
Questions? Email kckato@comcast.net
Yes, sign us up! $20 per child. Child(ren)'s Name(s) _____________________________________________ Child(ren)'s Grade(s) _____________________________________________ Address:_______________________________________________________ Email Address: _________________________________________________ # Participating __________
Check Amount: _________ Please make check out to WHS Gymnastics Fund.
Wellesley Little League and Wellesley Girl's Softball
The Wellesley Little League Board of Directors has announced that registration for the Spring 2011 Baseball and Softball programs will begin on November 1st. Email notices will be sent to all eligible players from prior years. All registrations will be processed online through our website www.wellesleylittleleague.org.
Eligible players include boys and girls, Kindergarten thru 8th grade, living or attending school in Wellesley. All players must have been born no earlier than 5/1/96. All interested players are invited to register. Information on player and coaches clinics, a list of important dates for the Spring 2011 season, WLL and Girls' Softball League descriptions, and all other program information will be available on the website as of early November. The deadline for registration is January 3rd. Late fees will be assessed. If you have any questions, please email WLL at Admin@WellesleyLittleLeague.org or call the WLL phone 781-235-541.
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