MCAS Testing Schedule 2011

do not park at the end of the rows. We all realize how many spots we have lost and that pick up and drop off is a challenge, however we need to maintain clear passage in the event of an emergency. Do your part to save the environment and the parking - think about walking or carpooling if possible.

Happy Chinese New Year,
Leslie & Anne

Sprague PTO, Inc. Interim Financial Report, January 31, 2011

Below you will find a summary of our fundraising activities and what we have incurred as expenditure and what we have disbursed so far this year. The first part of the fiscal year was heavily focused on raising the funds. Other than as stated below, expenditures continue as expected and as per budget.
 

Simply stated we are overwhelmed, and so thankful for the support we have received from the Sprague community so far this year. Every one of our main fundraisers has exceeded our expectations and the outcome of our SMART Technology fundraiser is world class. With support like this, not only are we able to meet planned expenditures but we are in a position to support important initiatives as they arise, for example:
 

• The roll out of interactive whiteboards to all grade level classrooms $42,361
• Supporting the Sprague Garden Committee as they seek to build a outdoor learning garden - $500 award from the PTO
• Celebrating the Blue Ribbon Award - $500 gift towards staff luncheon and school bookmarks
• Supporting Wellesley's Central Council of PTO's through dues to defray administrative costs - $100
• Taking the playground shade initiative forward as the shade sub-committee makes their deliberations and identifies what additional support may be necessary to ensure we make the best possible use of the grant won earlier this fiscal year

• Provide protection from the sun
• Build Community Spirit
• Develop a Communications Plan and re-vamp the Sprague Website
• Work with the school on enhancing the school and teacher libraries
• Support the creation of a comprehensive Technology Plan for the school

 Valentine's Day is coming up!

Please consider the following HEARTful gifts that support our school!

For our kids, our teachers, our specialists and staff, our friends, our relatives, our reading buddies, our sweethearts, our cupcakes, our cream puffs...mmm, better than a box of chocolates?...  

Remember Me Books ongoing all year for our school library
Our goal for the year is 180 books. 65 already donated!  Let's keep up the momentum!
Thanks to the Barbato, Del Col, O'Connor, and Schilling families for their donations this month!
 

Honor students and teachers by donating a new book to the Sprague School Ellen Cunniff Library. The Wellesley Public School budget does not provide funding for new books. The Remember Me! program helps add newly published books to the Sprague collection, fill any gaps, and simultaneously 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 ashraf.family@me.com with any questions, comments, or suggestions.
 

Sprague Organic Community Garden
Spring will come! Though it's hard to believe with all the snow! We have raised $1100 so far and still need at least $2400 for our organic community garden. Funds will pay for soil, irrigation, hoses, sprinklers, mulch, fencing and seeds. Help us get started by purchasing a stepping stone- $25 for one, $20 each additional one. Purchase a stone as a commemorative gift for your favorite teacher/staff member! Examples are in the foyer at school. See http://www.spragueschool.org/go/newsletters/ for the stepping stone order form. For more information or to volunteer, contact Jane Neilson at janeneilson47@gmail.com.

HEARTSONGS

Heard at Home: "But Mommy, you're not a Tiger Mom, you're a Dragon Mom!"

My husband and I were discussing the Tiger Mom http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704111504576059713528698754.html (let the discussions begin!) and how we may or may not practice the traits mentioned, when our third grader decided to throw her comments in. Only she was actually referring to the Chinese zodiac http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_zodiac. Really.

The words and thoughts, the artistry and creativity, and the wild out of the blue ponderings of our children are worth remembering and sharing. We have a forum for it: stories, artwork, projects, poems, etc. Sprague is launching Heartsongs, a NEW literary and art magazine for kids!

Encourage your child(ren) to submit something. Further info and reminders will be coming via grade level email blasts. Have your child(ren) look through the work done in school so far, or get creative over February vacation. The following due dates are set up by grade level.  

 - Kindergarten  - Monday, March 7  

 - First -  Monday March 14  

 - Second -  Monday March 21  

 - Third -  Monday March 28  

 - Fourth -  Monday April 4  

 - Fifth - Monday April 11  

Your involvement will make this happen sooner!

• Be a classroom rep to encourage and track submissions
• Find a publisher or printer (we're hoping to print in May)
• Edit and layout

Contact Yolanda Tong bytong@verizon.net or 781.772.1805 to find out more or volunteer. I'm also happy to discuss dragon traits if you prefer. Happy New Year - Gung Hay Fat Choy!

SEED FEST: Kickoff Meeting Monday, February 7, 9 am

Sprague's one and only eco and science fair is coming May 1st! This year we have great ideas and help lined up: high school green song writing contest, green bake sale, Farmers, Girl Scouts, Land Sake chickens, Whole Foods, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority and other eco state agencies. No action necessary yet - only your enthusiasm and ideas. Join us!

If any Sprague Alums are available to work the Basketball Game Feb 17 6:30 WMS gym, we could use extra hands selling pizza and water.   Our 5th graders will be playing and the parents will want to watch the game.  Contact Theresa Levy theresa@the-levys.org.

This year the Wellesley Public School Librarians will be focusing more on teaching Internet safety to all grade levels. The Library Department has always taught some topics related to staying safe online, such as finding and evaluating websites. With the new anti-bullying law and its cyberbullying component, the Library Department is expanding its focus. The district purchased an Internet safety curriculum called I-Safe. Librarians and teachers will be adapting it to best meet the needs of Wellesley students.

Why teach Internet safety?

There are many exciting, appropriate, and educational uses for the Internet-students can go online to do research, communicate with other learners, and showcase their knowledge, among other activities. However, the Internet also presents challenges that are different from those students face when using print sources or communicating in person:

• Encountering unreliable information; anyone can post a website
• Being asked for personal information
• Not recognizing that online actions can have real-world consequences
• Sharing information with an unintended audience
• Getting a virus or spyware
• Witnessing or participating in cyberbullying

Students must be taught strategies to deal with these challenges and use the Internet safely. The Library Department aims to help children learn to think critically, which will benefit them as they work with technology today and as they learn to use new technology in the future. We encourage them to be responsible, thoughtful, and respectful learners in school, in face-to-face interactions, and in the online community.

What are we teaching?

Some topics we're covering in library lessons:

• Necessary vocabulary, such as URL, cyberspace, Netiquette, and search engine
• How do we abide by the district's Acceptable Use Policy?
• What is personal information? What information is ok to share, and when?
• How do you evaluate a website? What information do you need to know in order to decide if a website is safe and useful?
• What are Web 2.0 tools such as wikis and blogs?
• How do we evaluate advertising? Why is it important to look for the author of a message?
• How do we communicate thoughtfully and politely in an online community?

A resource for parents

The government's online safety resource, OnGuardOnline.gov, has many resources for parents, students, and teachers. It covers important topics such as making sure your computer is secure, protecting your identity online, and avoiding scams. The site also offers this video, which has tips for parents about talking to their children about online safety: http://www.onguardonline.gov/videos/net-cetera-chatting-with-kids.aspx Take a moment to view it and talk to your children about online safety. The site also has games to engage your children in learning and testing their know-how.

Have questions? Want more information? Contact your school librarian!

Thanks again to parents who contributed wipes for the library!  We have enough for the rest of the school year.

Check out http://fc.wellesley.k12.ma.us/~ellen_mandel/ for library info.

Ellen Mandel, Sprague Librarian

When most adults think about exercise, we imagine working out in the gym on the elliptical or lifting weights. But for children, exercise means playing and being physically active. Kids exercise when they have PE, soccer practice, or dance class. They're also exercising when they're at outdoor recess, riding bikes, or playing tag.

Everyone benefits from regular exercise. A child who is active is less likely to develop heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, some kinds of cancer, and obesity; is more likely to have strong muscles and bones, a lean body because exercise helps control body fat, higher HDL ("good") cholesterol, a better outlook on life with improved psychological well-being, including more self-confidence and higher self-esteem; and will develop healthy habits that last a lifetime.

In addition to the health benefits of regular exercise, kids who are physically fit sleep better and are more able to handle the physical and emotional challenges that a typical day presents. And research has shown that physically active children are more likely to become physically active adults.

Combining regular physical activity with a nutritious diet is the key to a healthy lifestyle. As parents, by promoting the importance of being physically active, we can instill lifelong healthy habits.

Tips for teaching our children healthy habits:

• Increase physical activity by reducing sedentary time (e.g., watching television and playing computer or video games).
• Parents should be positive role models for healthy lifestyles for their children.
• Help your child participate in activities that are age appropriate.
• Some kids just don't like competing in sports. That's OK; there are lots of other ways to be active, such as swimming, horseback riding, dancing, cycling, skateboarding, yoga, walking, etc.
• Incorporate activity into daily routines, such as walking to school, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and parking in the far end of parking lots.
• Don't reward children with food. Candy and snacks as a reward encourages poor eating habits. Find other ways to celebrate good behavior.
• Read food labels with your children to instill awareness of nutrition. That's a good habit that will last a lifetime.
• Take control of portion sizes. Because there's too much of everything on our plates, Americans are getting more calories than we need.

These are some ways parents can help children to eat well, live actively, feel good about themselves, and choose healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

Check out http://fc.wellesley.k12.ma.us/~Sharon_Kahn/  for nursing info.

Sharon Kahn, Sprague Nurse

School Email Communications

Are you getting all your email communications properly from the PTO and School?

The PTO communications list is used for the weekly Message from Dr. Goodwin, the weekly Pulse, the monthly Heartbeat (all our regularly scheduled newsletters) and occasional email blasts which note the sender as spraguepto@gmail.com.  These messages are used to keep parents informed of scheduled events for school and PTO.  This list is maintained by Yolanda Tong bytong@verizon.net for PTO Communications. 

The Sprague School distribution list, noted as Power School, is used by Dr. Goodwin directly for immediate emails, like cancelled school announcements or for WPS school wide announcements which may come from the Superintendent.  The sender is noted as spragueparents@bach.wellesley.k12.ma.us.  Lennie Becker, Sprague School Secretary, lennie_becker@wellesley.k12.ma.us maintains this list.

Let us know if you or someone you know has questions or needs an email added to either of our two lists.  Contact the appropriate person above.

Heard in the Neighborhood: "The couple that shovels together, stays together."

Anne Marvan welcomed everyone and reported on recent events:

 ·       The purchase order was submitted for 13 Smartboards. Thanks to Kathy Ashraf for her efforts on the technology push.

·       Community Service: For the Haiti initiative, students will be asked to bring spare change on Walk to School days. In the spring, the Wellesley Food Pantry will be the focus.

·       Shade structure: Have contracted with O'Brien & Sons, the company that installed Everybody's Playground. Sprague has a $13,000 grant, $5,000 of which will come in the form of sunscreen products. Options for shade structure include a permanent one vs. one that can be put up and taken down. Cost difference is significant. A subcommittee will be formed to study the options.

·       Communications: Thank you to Yolanda Tong and Jennett Murphy for their hard work on the Sprague Pulse and the new Web site. After the first of the year, the Pulse will go out on Friday afternoons rather than Sunday nights.

·       So many great events happening at Sprague. There's a renewed energy at the school, and it trickles down from Dr. Goodwin.

·       Ideas for future PTO meetings are welcome. The January meeting will be about cyber-bullying, and the February meeting is tentatively about METCO.

Dr. Goodwin reported on recent events:

·       Heart value assemblies on selected Fridays. Three parts to these assemblies: 5th grade leadership, teamwork and showcasing student excellence.  The most recent assembly was about inclusion. ISS students put on a play, demonstrating teamwork. These assemblies bring Sprague together as a community and give teachers common planning time to work on grade-level goals.

·       Thanks to Kathy Ashraf and everyone involved in the technology push. It was huge that we moved that far that fast. Thanks to the PTO and to all the parents who gave so generously.

·       Budget process for fiscal year 2012 has begun. It's a challenging process. It will be a lean year. New initiatives will be few, if at all. Efforts will be on retaining what we already have. Dr. Goodwin will keep the community informed as much as possible.

·       Sprague has asked for an additional reading intervention teacher for grades 2-5, as well as an increase in the school psychologist role (from four days to five).

·      5th grade basketball game vs. staff on Feb. 17, with a 6:30 start time at Wellesley Middle School. The highlight is having Sprague students cheering on their teachers.

·       Cookie Walk: Kudos to the committee for such a successful event.

·       Wendy Garber asked about class size. Dr. Goodwin said our numbers are within guidelines, but there are a couple of grades, including 3rd grade, that are near the tipping point. Redistricting is not on the table for next year.

Karen Haberly reminded everyone that work on the yearbook will ramp up after the new year. The yearbook is going green and will use an email/online system.

The meeting adjourned at 9:50 am.

Respectfully submitted by PTO Secretary Suzanne Fletcher

TUESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2011
 

Sprague Library

Leslie Tellalian welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced Police Officer Brian Spencer, Youth Officer for Wellesley, and Maura Renzella, Youth Director of the Wellesley Youth Commission. The two were to discuss cyber bullying.

Dr. Goodwin began by giving updates:

·       Kindergarten teacher Katie Bender is going on maternity leave. Hannah Greimann will take her place for the remainder of the year.

·       First grade teacher Dara Gaul also has gone on maternity leave, and Roberta McGuire will fill in for her.

·       Thursday, Feb 17 is the 5^th grade vs. staff basketball game. Twenty-four staff members have signed up to play. Families are welcome.

·       Sprague band, orchestra, and 5^th grade chorus were to perform on Friday, Jan 14 from 9-9:45.

·       Dr. Goodwin thanked Kathy Ashraf and all the families that donated money for Smartboards. A lot of work has been done; some work remains.

·       Budget: There's a real budget gap this year. How it impacts Sprague is to be determined. It's alarming to hear about the cuts that are being discussed. Dr. Goodwin's job is to protect the 19 classrooms. Waiting to see what the numbers of next year's Kindergarten will be. Hoping for three sections of 17 (or more) children. The grade 1-2 split classroom is very small and may have to be dissolved. Dr. Goodwin encouraged parents to get involved - come to meetings - and support Sprague.

Margaret Lyne asked Dr. Goodwin to reconsider Walk to School day on Thursday, Jan 13 because of the snowstorm. Dr. Goodwin said he would take the pending snow into consideration.

Leslie turned over the meeting to Officer Spencer and Ms. Renzella. The title of the talk was "Net Cetera: Chatting With Children About Being Online." The two touched on three main topics: 1. Internet safety; 2. Gaming; and 3. Social networking. They stressed that all the good that comes from the Internet can quickly turn bad. Every family needs to define its own guidelines, keeping in mind that the Internet is completely public. There is no privacy online.

First off, even choosing a safe screen name or email address is important. Some pointers: be gender neutral; do not include any part of your real name, birth year, address, high school graduation year, social security number, telephone number, address, city or town, or even a city near your actual location; adopt a favorite character from a book or movie.

Officer Spencer and Ms. Renzella said the best way to protect kids is to talk to them, letting them know the dangers. Be proactive rather than reactive. Talk to kids about online manners. Let them know that politeness counts. Encourage them to tone it down, to "reply all" with care, and to avoid chain letters.

Trend: cellphones with the capacity of a computer. Parents need to build in downtime for their children, i.e. no cellphones in bedrooms. It doesn't matter if parents monitor their children's computer use, if they're then allowed to walk out the door with a cellphone with the capacity of a computer.

Kids are starting younger with computer use, cell phones, and gaming sites. Families need to talk to their children: start early, create an open environment, initiate conversations, communicate your values, and be patient. Be on hand when young children start using a computer and supervise closely. Net Cetera has a Web site - www.onguardonline.gov - where parents can get more information.

The meeting ended with announcements that Kindergarten Parent Orientation is scheduled for March 16 and SEEDFEST for May 1.

Respectfully submitted by PTO Secretary Suzanne Fletcher

Parent and Child Internet Safety Resources:

Aladdin and Adora

Thinking Critically and Clinically about iDevices and Apps

Presented by the Wellesley PAC. In Massachusetts, each town is required by law to have a Parent Advisory Council (PAC). The PAC is an independent organization of parents and caregivers of children in Wellesley working together to enhance the education of Wellesley Public School students who have different learning styles, strengths, abilities, and opportunities. We ensure the school system most effectively meets the needs of children requiring special educational, medical and therapeutic services, as well as those children who learn "differently." 
 

Notes from the WPS Performing Arts
 See the calendar of events on the website
 www.wellesley.k12.ma.us/programs/pages/PA/index.html

WCCC After School Program
Spaces currently available in this program run by the Wellesley Community Children's Center.  Click here for more information (pdf format).

Kids' Time

Winter/Spring and February Vacation 2011 programs.  See http://www.kidstime-wellesley.com/ for details.