Dear Sprague Community,

Dan Hunt is married to my sister Jean and they are the parents of two beautiful children named Hailey and Will. I couldn't have asked for a better brother-in-law. Smart, funny, loves sports, loves my sister and a great family man. Additionally, Dan is a sublime physical education teacher for the Carlisle Public Schools. Prior to that, he taught English at Bedford High School. At the same time, Dan has coached women's college basketball for the past decade, most recently as an Assistant Coach for the nationally ranked Bentley College Falcons. (As an aside, Bentley made the Division III Elite Eight this past spring.)

Dan's older brother and only sibling William "Billy" Hunt worked many years for a company named Euro Brokers. Billy was working in the Euro Brokers' office located in the South Tower of the World Trade Center on the morning of September 11th. Billy never made it out of the South Tower that day. He left his loving wife Jen and an 18 month old daughter named Emma behind in this world. Like many younger siblings who are perpetually playing catch up in terms of life's events, Dan followed, looked up to and loved Billy blindly. Even while Dan later outgrew his older brother and starred as a collegiate hoops player, he was still Billy's younger brother. Billy was Dan's hero and that is the way it is when you grow up playing and competing every backyard game known to man with your only sibling.

While doing some work on Sunday night, the news regarding Osama bin Laden came across the television and I placed a call to Dan and Jean. Like many that were impacted directly by the events of 9/11, this latest chapter doesn't necessarily provide closure for Dan, Jean, Dan and Billy's parents - Larry and Diane, Jen and Emma. Rather, it is the end of one chapter, while another most assuredly is now beginning. As this latest chapter takes shape and as we near the 10th anniversary of 9/11, I wish Dan, Jean, Larry, Diane, Jen and Emma a renewed sense of peace. Billy was and will always be someone that epitomized the wonderful qualities of a gentleman: loving son, brother, husband, father, friend, hard-working businessman and active community member. Billy's qualities, actions and memories were and will continue to be everlasting.

Sprague School Supporting the Wellesley Food Pantry FYI: Our support of the Wellesley Food Pantry (WFP) is off to a roaring start. The stage is starting to fill up with a whole host of donated food items. Our drive will continue through Monday, May 9. If at all possible, please contribute to this extremely worthy cause. Many thanks to Laura Brown MacKinnon, Sprague parent and a WFP Coordinator, for her talk at last week's school-wide assembly. She introduced as well as reminded our students and staff that the summer months are often lean ones for the WFP. Thus, we here at Sprague can make a HUGE difference for the over 200 Wellesley families who rely monthly on the WFP. Also, huge thanks to Leslie Del Col, Sprague PTO Community Services Officer, for all her leadership and efforts in this cause. The WFP needs just about everything, so we encourage students to bring the suggested items but we will gladly accept others. Huge thanks to everyone for their support of this endeavor.

Kindergarten: Rice/Spaghetti
1st Graders: Canned fruit
2nd Graders: Canned Vegetables
3rd Graders: Jelly/Jam/Peanut Butter
4th Graders: Pasta Sauce
5th Graders: Canned Meats (SPAM, ham, chicken, turkey, salmon-anything other than tuna)

Dismissal/After School FYI: While trying to not appear too didactic, I have had to intervene occasionally on the playground after school when students have been making poor behavioral choices. To be clear, I welcome all students and families to stay after school and enjoy the playground area. There is no better way to unwind after school. At the same time, when observing "Double D" behaviors (Open Circle terminology for "dangerous and destructive" choices), I will continue to intervene as necessary. Also, please be sure to directly supervise your child while they play after school in/around the playground. There is a coterie of parents that are there every day with their children and they certainly look out for the "Sprague village," but it is unfair to place them in an awkward position of having to intervene on behalf of children not their own. Believe you me, I grew up with a South Boston mother who would call out both me and my buddies all the time whether their parents were around or not. However, I know not all feel comfortable with this approach, nor should they have to feel responsible for children who are not their own. Thanks for reading and heeding.

MCAS Tips: With the Math MCAS approaching in approximately a week, I wanted to share again how teachers were instructing students in order to have them craft effective open responses for various math problems/assignments. In essence, students are asked to take it a step beyond simply solving the problem, but are actually required to explain their mathematical thinking. On Grade 4 and 5 Math tests, students can earn 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 point(s) per open response question. On Grade 3 Math tests, students can earn 0, 1 or 2 point(s) per open response question. There are generally 4 to 5 open responses spread over the two testing sessions. Thanks to the fourth grade team, I have included the information below as a resource for families. Feel free to clip and save this section for future math open writing response assignments that your third through fifth grader might be working on.

Math Open Response Writing Information
A. Read all the directions and information until you understand.
  · Look for words in boldface type, CAPITAL LETTERS, AND/OR italics.
  · Determine how many parts you need to answer. Usually the parts will be labeled a, b, c, etc.
  · Look for key words and verbs (write, explain, draw, etc.).
  · Ask yourself, "What am I being asked to do?"
B. Examine charts, tables, diagrams, pictures, and number sentences.
  · Read all information such as titles, labels, keys, and hints.
  · Use the graph paper on the answer sheet only when you need to or when it helps you(coordinate grid, geometry, etc.)
C. Solve the problem by showing all your work.
  · Label all your work and circle your final answers.
  · Show and explain the answer (sometimes explaining can be in the form of numbers).
D. Check all your work. RE-CHECK all your work. Finally, make sure that you solved each part.

If you have a child(ren) in grades 3, 4 or 5, it is mandatory that they take MCAS. In addition, it is quite a challenge when a student misses an MCAS test and we have to schedule a make-up session. As principal, I would like to thank you personally for your attention to this matter since MCAS administration dominates much of my spring.

Wellesley Education Foundation (WEF) Grants FYI: I am very pleased to announce two grants that WEF recently approved that will directly affect student learning and instruction at Sprague. Major congrats and kudos to Margaret Flitsch for writing and receiving a WEF Grant on behalf of the newly created Sprague Community Garden. That is absolutely wonderful and I want to thank Margaret very much for taking the time to write this grant. Finally, the Sprague LEGOS Robotics grant that we submitted was funded nearly in full. I have a call into WEF and need to iron out a few details but we are very, very pleased about this as this will allow all students, K-5, to begin learning and doing LEGOS Robotics as part of some after school clubs next year.

Thanks: Huge thanks to Lisa Moore and Phyllis Theermann for their leadership and efforts that led to a wonderful SEED Fest. I was so impressed with the students, their creativity and scientific ingenuity. Also, many thanks to Leslie Tellalian and Anne Marvan for organizing the Bargain Book Buy.

Many, many thanks to the approximate 20-25 volunteers who moved yards of loam and wood chips all in the name of constructing Sprague's Community Garden last Saturday morning. In case you haven't seen it, Sprague's Community Garden is located near the bus circle on the right when you enter the main entrance. In just 3.5 hours, the garden was formed. Simply amazing. Monumental thanks to Dave and Jane Neilson, Sprague parents, and Margaret Flitsch, Sprague Physical Education teacher, for their leadership, vision, guidance and sweat equity, both prior to as well as during this entire process. Finally, many thanks to Brian Hagar-McKee, Sprague Music Teacher, and Jen Stabnick, Sprague Art Teacher, for spending their Saturday helping with the garden.

This week is National Teacher Appreciation Week. Huge thanks to all Sprague educators who work extremely hard on behalf of 411 Sprague students each and every day. And a Happy Mother's Day this weekend to the ever hardworking moms.  

Take care,

Stephen Goodwin

Sprague Principal  

Dear Sprague Families:

Wow, thank you to the Sprague community for all of your support in running and attending this year's SEED Fest!  It was such a beautiful day, from the weather to the proud kids exhibiting science projects to the fantastic activities being offered throughout the event. Many, many thanks to Phyllis Theermann and Lisa Moore for creating such a fun, educational and memorable event for Sprague and to the many volunteers who helped make it all happen.

The Sprague Food Drive in support of the Wellesley Food Pantry is in full swing. It has been really wonderful watching the kids happily lugging bags filled with food into the gym each day, while the stage fills with all of the generous food donations. Thanks to the efforts of Leslie Del Col and Laura Brown MacKinnon, our kids gained increasing awareness of the needs within our community and how their donations make a difference. Thank you Leslie and Laura for educating our kids on the food pantry and for coordinating this very important effort.

Another shout out goes to the Garden Committee for all of their amazing efforts in making the Sprague Community Garden a reality. If you look over past the bus circle you will see the garden taking shape and the stepping stones being created. Last weekend a team of volunteers came in to carve out the space that will become our working garden. Jane Neilson and Margaret Flitsch have worked tirelessly with their committed team to make this all happen. We know they would appreciate your support in any capacity as they continue to develop the garden.

Please join us again this month for coffee at Walk to School Day on Wednesday, May 11th. We'll also be highlighting sun safety awareness - the kids will earn a sun bead in addition to their footie this month - so please plan to walk and then stick around for a few minutes for coffee and catching up.

Lastly, we hope you'll join us for a special PTO meeting this month. Sandra Baldinger, Sprague parent, has worked to create a special evening for us at Wellesley Books. Please join us Thursday, May 12th, 7:00pm, at Wellesley Books as we participate in a discussion on great reads for the summer, the latest titles coming out, and more. We'll also have refreshments and time for casual conversation and shopping. Our meeting ties in directly with, and is the kick-off for, the school Wellesley Books Fundraiser which runs from May 12th to May 15th. Come out and see what your children's teachers have on their Wishlists and purchase them at the store. Many thanks for your support of this great fundraising event.

While we prepare to wrap us this wonderful year, we thank everyone for their amazing levels of support and spirit. We are also looking ahead to plan for the coming year. Catherine Mirick and Wendy Garber, our incoming PTO presidents, are already working to plan for another great year. They'd love to hear from you and have you join them in any way next year.

Happy Mother's Day!
Leslie & Anne 

Sprague Book Fair at Wellesley Books

The Sprague Book Fair at Wellesley Books (formerly known as Wellesley Booksmith) will take place Thursday, May 12th through Sunday, May 15th. When members of the Sprague community purchase books at the store during this time, 20% of the proceeds will be donated to our school library. Look for coupons being sent home via backpack. Shop for kids, for yourself, for gifts, for teachers or for the school library.

We have planned some special events for this fundraiser. On Thursday, May 12th at 7:00 pm, the PTO meeting will be held at the store with a book talk by Wellesley Books staff. Come hear about the latest upcoming releases, children's favorites and recommendations. On Friday, May 13th at 3:30 pm after school, Sprague Librarian Ellen Mandel will perform a special storytelling at the store.

Reading lists will be available soon including summer reading suggestions, teacher wish lists, recommendations from Dr. Goodwin and HEART value related books. For more information please contact Sandra Baldinger at sanbal@comcast.net.  

Remember Me Books  Ongoing all year for our school library

Our goal for the year is 180 books.  112 so far!  We need your help to match or exceed the number donated last year.

Thanks to the Caiazzo, Foley, Gallagher,  Goldenthal, Green, Natoli, Theermann and Walsh families for their donations this month. 

Remember Me books are a great way to mark the end of year -- to honor a teacher (without running into gift limits), to celebrate a reading buddy, or to say good-bye.   See more details on how to order at   http://www.spragueschool.org/index.cfm?objectid=93614B89-B3F3-D3C8-C145A28DDDF939C3 

STEP UP FOR SPRAGUE AND JOIN US!

It's That Time of Year - Please Consider Volunteering for the 2011-2012 School Year!  Support environmental education, be your child's classroom parent, work on community building activities, coordinate walk to school days, welcome new families, or get involved in the Sprague Auction. These are just a few of the many ways you can step up and make a difference.

The Sprague PTO relies on the talents of its parent community as we provide enrichment for our kids. There are activities big and small for those who want to be involved. And, there's room for everyone - moms, dads, parents with children still at home, parents who work.

One of the biggest things we have seen is how much the Sprague staff and teachers appreciate the efforts of parents. They really look to us to support and compliment the fun learning environment that they provide in the classroom. We are sending a great message that our school is critically important when we put in time at Sprague during the year.

At first glance, the many volunteer opportunities may seem intimidating. Look closely! There is something to fit everyone. Whether you have an hour now and then, or the time and energy to chair a committee, your contribution matters. We hope you will join us and we look forward to continuing the wonderful spirit at Sprague!

Click here for the volunteer opportunity listing (pdf format)

Thanks for all you do!

Catherine Mirick and Wendy Garber

PTO Co-Presidents for the 2011-2012 year

3rd Annual SEED Fest Harvested Inquiring Minds & Lots of Smiles! 

Sprague welcomed families from across Wellesley on May 1 as we celebrated our world through investigation, exploration and fun.

Nearly 35 Sprague K-5 students proudly showed their experiments to our guest scientists. Student scientists were empowered to ask questions, test theories and explain their hypotheses. Judges were most impressed with how well the kids displayed their work and shared results with them. The level of projects was well done, thoughtful and varied. It was great to see siblings or friends working on group projects. Every science was touched upon. A sampling of projects included:

Biology - effect of salt on plants, study of ducks, how the heart is affected by exercise
Chemistry - growing candy crystals, how to make ice cream, what type of sandwich mold grows fastest
Earth Science - recycling energy efficiently, Sprague School from space, moon study, volcanoes
Physics - Rube Goldberg machine (chain reaction), electricity by hamster power, egg drops  

Highlights:

• Folks from Sustainable Wellesley showed visitors ways to decrease their energy usage this summer. For example, by using a fan you can turn the thermometer on your AC up 5 degrees without compromising comfort. For more energy saving tips and tricks visit www.sustainablewellesley.com.
• SEED Fest attendees enjoyed bike-powered smoothies (you ride to power up the blender) as part of an exhibit from Land's Sake Farm www.landssake.org. This is just one of the fun activities they offer in their summer camp programs. 
• The Municipal Light Plant www.ci.wellesley.ma.us/Pages/WellesleyMA_WMLP/conservation had the magic energy bike and showed us how easy it is to get renewable energy here in Wellesley. Simply sign up for it here.
• The Wellesley High Green Team www.wix.com/whsgreenteam/home sold their handmade reusable sandwich packets and fun t-shirts and encouraged us to use the kill-a-watt to determine how much power our appliances at home are using. Might help change some habits and save some energy. They are available on loan at the Wellesley Library.
• Preserve www.preserveproducts.com explained how they create a variety of products from toothbrushes and razors to table and kitchenware out of recycled products. Sprague proudly re-uses Preserve plates and cups at parent socials and faculty lunches to reduce their footprint.
• Students created cat toys for SPIN www.straypetsinneed.info and amazing inventions with beautiful junk.
• Incredible 3rd life products made by Newton North Greengineers  greengineers.wikispaces.com such as cool snow board bags, lunch bags, key chains and more. We are hoping to bring such a think tank course combining Chemistry, Engineering, Physics, Economics, Finance, Design, and Industrial Safety to Wellesley High School.
• Whole Foods wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/wellesleyhills/ gave away health snacks as part of their pack a healthy lunch initiative.
• There were recycled relay races led by the kindergarten Daisy troop and renewed creative crafts with old t-shirts led by the 4th grade girl scouts.
• The Mass. Water Authority www.mwra.state.ma.us shared ideas on water conservation as well as some of their renewable energy projects (wind, solar, hydro).
• Wellesley's Natural Resources Commission www.wellesleyma.gov/pages/wellesleyma_NRC/index had a vast display of resources to help us preserve our outdoor spaces.
• Sparrow Arc Farm sparrowarcfarm.blogspot.com offered information on their CSA shares and The Farmers Cart www.thefarmerscart.com - which provides fresh fruits & vegetables from local farms to your door every week - had us guessing which plant produced which fruit.
• Former Sprague parent George Roberts transformed the library into an incredible planetarium with another sold out star lab adventure.
• Old treasures found new homes at the Bargain Book Buy.
• The R.D.F. www.ci.wellesley.ma.us/pages/wellesleyma_dpw/rdf/index shared its Recycle Mobile so we could recycle all that was left over at the end of the festival.

See you all next year!  

Please share ideas and feedback to Phyllis@theermann.com.

Creative Arts & Sciences

Ask your child about these programs sponsored by you and our PTO:

• Veronica Robles teaches kindergarten students about Mexican culture through traditional dance and music. This program supports the social studies curriculum.
• Storyteller Motoko Dworkin teaches second grade students about Japanese culture. This program supports the social studies curriculum.
• Two science educators from the Natick Community Organic Farm brought a hen and chicks into first grade and 1/2 classrooms to present a program to students about the development of a chick from an egg. This program supports the science curriculum.
• Ball in the House, a five member soul/pop/r&b a cappella group, performed for Sprague students and families in an all school program, demonstrating teamwork and sharing the importance of music education.

Environmental Science Program  

Exploring ART Outside of School

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA     www.mfa.org/calendar
Dale Chihuly April 10 - August 7
Dale Chihuly has revolutionized the art of blown glass, moving it into the realm of large-scale sculpture and establishing the use of glass-inherently a fragile but also magical material-as a vehicle for installation and environmental art. This exhibition of new and archival works represents the breadth and scope of the artist's creative vision over the last four decades.

Making plans for summer? Try these websites and learn about a nice selection of studio and museum opportunities that range from single workshops to week long art adventures.  

Please continue to take photos of your children visiting museum spaces and architecture and have them bring it to the art room. If you have an opportunity to purchase a postcard of a favorite work or the museum itself - even better. This has become an ongoing version of show and tell in the art room and has been the springboard for exciting and thoughtful discussions.

Enjoy,
Jennifer Stabnick
Sprague Art

From the Nurse

Year-End Activities 

Sprague Hoop Dreams 2012

Congratulate someone on the school year with an ad for only $10.00:

Order ads until May 20!  Download form here.