FROM THE DESK OF THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
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Dear TGS Families,
On behalf of The Grammar School Community, I would like to wish you an enjoyable and healthy spring break. We look forward to welcoming our families back for the first week of spring, and for the remainder of what will be a wonderful and fun filled school year.
Enjoy, Steve
Steve Lorenz Head of School
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READING CHALLENGE!
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Annual Reading Challenge begins on Monday
Today students in grades K-8th will receive Reading Challenge packets. This county-wide reading iniative begins next Monday, March 3 and continues through Friday, March 30. The purpose of this noncompetitive challenge is to make reading fun and to support each student's daily reading habit. As we all know, our March weather can be unpredictable, and reading is a wonderful activity for those times when you just can't get outside. It's also a great way to spend time while you are traveling and during quiet times.
One of the top predictors of a child's reading habit is whether parents are seen reading or not. So, make this a family affair by participating yourself! Set aside a special time and place for reading. Read to your child, with your child, or beside your child. To avoid disappointment later, begin by carefully going over the packet together. And, don't forget to help your child record his or her time.
If you need another copy of the materials, please visit the Library Page. Or if you have any questions, contact me by email or call.
Thanks, Ponnie
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From the Development Office
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Annual Fund '12 Update Thank you to all who have generously contributed to this year's Annual Fund. We have reached a total of $64,000, which is nearing 2/3 of our $100,000 goal! Please help us keep this great momentum going by encouraging members of our community who have not yet given to make an Annual Fund contribution. We have received 100% participation from our Board and hope to reach the same percentage with all of our constituencies.
Spring '12 Dinner/Auction May 18: Planning is well underway for the second and final parent-driven fundraiser for the 2011-2012 school year. This is truly a fun event and there are many ways to become involved. Committee signup sheets are posted in the Lower School hallway, outside of Tammy's office, that list the specific areas needing support: Auction Items, Bar-Beverages, Cleanup, Decorating, Entertainment, Food, Marketing-Advertising, Setup. There is a second planning meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 21, at drop off time. All parents are encouraged to attend and take advantage of committee signup opportunities. For more information, please contact Pauline O'Brien, pobrien@thegrammarschool.org or 802-387-5364, ext. 106.
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SPORTS
| The final BKL practice of the season will be at Dusty Ridge this afternoon. See the BKL website for more details. |
PUTNEY CARES COMMUNITY SERVICE
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Student Council members Toby Weed, Ellinore Todd Long, Jack Spanierman, and Patrick Lierle volunteer at Putney Cares Senior Lunch on Tuesday.
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Information Evenings for Parents
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Information Evenings for Parents - April 6 and May 21 have been reserved for the next parent information evenings. Suggested topics have come from the 1/18/12 Class Parent meeting and include social media and sport injuries.
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Ken Burns Event April 20, 2012 |
Ken Burns Presentation 4/20/12 - Please join The Grammar School and Landmark College for a special evening of entertainment and discussion with award winning filmmaker Ken Burns as he presents footage from his highly acclaimed film, The National Parks: America's Best Idea. A question and answer session will follow the presentation. This event will be held at the Landmark College Fine Arts Center, River Road, in Putney, VT. The evening's schedule will be as follows:
7:00pm - Opening Welcome: Peter Eden, President of Landmark
7:10pm - Remarks & Introduction: Steve Lorenz, TGS Head of School
7:20pm - The National Parks: America's Best Idea
7:50pm - Ken Burns
8:00pm - Ken Burns Question & Answer Session
Ticket prices: $8.00 students/seniors, $12.00 general admission. Seating is limited. Pre-event tickets are available for purchase by contacting Pauline O'Brien at The Grammar School, 802-387-5364, Ext. 106, pobrien@thegrammarschool.org. Remaining tickets will be sold at the door.
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TGS Student Art Show at Brooks Memorial Library during March
| As part of Student Art Month, 17 Grammar School students will have work exhibited at The Brooks Memorial Library in Brattleboro during March. Exhibitors include two preschoolers: Beatrix and Gillian; six third graders: Bryn, Maddie, Ava, Sam, Magda, and Kylee; six fifth graders: Hamza, Alex, Gracie, Aicher, Rachel, and Pauline; two sixth graders: Ethan and Molly C.; and two seventh graders: Toby and Aashna. I hope you will stop by the library during the month of March and see all the student art.
Yours,
William
Visit the art blog:
http://tgsartpage.blogspot.com
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Dinner Auction Planning
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Spring '12 Dinner/Auction: Planning is well underway for this final parent-driven fundraiser for the 2011-2012 school year. This is truly a fun event and there are many areas of opportunities to contribute. There are signup sheets posted in the hallway outside of Tammy's office that list specific areas needing support: Auction Items, Bar-Beverages, Cleanup, Decorating, Entertainment, Food, Marketing-Advertising, Setup. There will be another planning meeting scheduled in the near future and all parents are encouraged to attend. For more information, please contact Pauline O'Brien, pobrien@thegrammarschool.org or 802-387-5364, ext. 106.
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PROGRESS ASSESSMENT LETTER
| Dear Parents of Students in Pre-K - 5th grade,
Late in March you will be receiving a Progress Assessment letter from you child's homeroom teacher. This letter is intended to be a component of an ongoing dialogue and record of your child's approach to learning and academic development. This is an opportunity for the homeroom teacher to highlight your child's individual strengths and to address any issues that may be pertinent to his or her transition to the next grade level.
The Progress Assessment letter is a component of our conference and narrative report schedule for grades Pre-K through 5th. It is our hope that this letter will add continuity to parent and teacher communication.
Yours in conscious partnership,
Ken, Libby, Tracy, Eve, Linda, Emily, and Charlie
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PUTNEY FOOD SHELF
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THANK YOU ALL FOR THIS MONTH'S DONATIONS! For the month of March, the class of first graders and Tracy will lead the collection effort. Please feel free to bring non-perishable items to the box outside Tammy's office, in addition to a box in the first grade classroom. Again, thanks for your continued effort to help our neighbors.
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Thank you from the Library!
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A big thank you to everyone who helped make the 52nd Library Birthday Party such a fun event. Kindergarten, fifth, and eighth grades provided lively, literary entertainment at the party. Parents baked yummy cupcakes that were enjoyed by all. And, many families generously gave to the library in the form of books and checks. In all we received 46 new books for the library. Your support helps to provide quality literature for our children. Photos of the celebration can be seen on the Library page.
Thank you,
Ponnie
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CIRCUS ARTS AT TGS
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After School Circus Arts Opportunity at TGS for 8 Mondays from March 19 through May 7, 3:15-4:15 pm. Ages 8-15 years, cost $120.
Do your kids like to jump around, climb things, and throw stuff? Sounds like a circus! With experienced instructors from the New England Center for Circus Arts, kids will learn group pyramids, solo tumbling, aerial skills, juggling, and more, all while learning how to work together, be strong, and have physical confidence. This is special class held on site at the Grammar School in Putney. The enrollment deadline for priority to Grammar School Students is by February 15; after that date other students may register for remaining spots in the class. For information, contact NECCA at (802) 254-9780. Register online at www.necenterforcircusarts.org. |
SUMMER IS COMING!
SAVE THE DATES FOR TGS SUMMER CAMP!
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SAVE THE DATES! TGS SUMMER CAMP WILL RUN JULY 9 THROUGH 27! THREE ONE WEEK LONG PROGRAMS TAUGHT BY LOCAL ARTISTS AND OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS! Watch the notice for more information.
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ORDER TGS T-SHIRTS AND SWEATSHIRTS! |
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COMMUNITY NEWS
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Zumba Classes - Pauline O'Brien, certified Zumba instructor, will be offering a Zumba class on Fridays from March 23 to May 4, 4:30 to 5:30pm. It's a great way to end the workweek and begin the weekend! The first class of the seven-week session is free. Fees for the remaining six weeks would be $48 prepay or $10 drop in. For more information, please contact Pauline at pobrien@thegrammarschool.org or 802/387-5364, Ext. 106.
Girls on the Run in Vermont! Registration materials and more information sent home backpack express on Wednesday, February 22 Open to all girls in grades 3-5 March 21-May 23, Wednesdays and Fridays, 3:15-4:45pm Group size is limited and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis MARCH 16 IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER Program Fee: $70 checks payable GOTR-VT (scholarships available) Return completed paperwork with payment to: Jo or Anita via Main Office - Questions: Joanne Fuller 802.338.0135 or Anita Dunlap 802.579.8001
Baseball and Softball - Putney Central School invites The Grammar School students in grades 7 and 8 to join the PCS baseball and softball teams. We're in the planning stages now for the spring season. To find out more or to sign up, contact PCS Athletic Director Jack Millerick at 257-0795.

Jeffrey P. Smith Farm Scholarship Program is Now Accepting Applications and Donations for 2012 To apply, please print out the application below: Application Does your child have interest in farms or gardening? Would he or she like to explore these interests this summer? The Jeffrey P. Smith Farm Scholarship endeavors to connect young people with agriculture and the natural world around them. We hope to inspire the next generation of local farmers and local food supporters, by giving regional children an opportunity, through summer camp, after school programs, or membership to NOFA NH, to experience sustainable farming practices first-hand and watch their efforts bear fruit.
After completion please submit by March 1st to 11 Industrial Park Dr, Walpole, NH 03608 or fax to 603-756-2978.
Fiber and Metal Arts Class at TGS - Six-week after school program, Thurs., March 22-April 16, 3:15-4:30 pm. Weaving and jewelry making. Weave a belt, a table runner, and wall hanging. Design a ring, make a buckle, create a wire sculpture. Taught by weaving instructor, Shana Frank, and jewelry maker, Ruth Wplk.
Recommended for ages 8 and up. Cost: $90, includes snacks and materials. Scholarships available. Contact Shana at 802-722-4359 or shanaf@sover.net. Deadline to register is Sat. March 3. Class needs a minimum of 6 students. Register today!.
Do you a have child aged 2-5 who is interested in making art? Taught by TGS mom Collin Leech, February 29 begins the next 6 week session of The Tots Class at River Gallery School. We explore all sorts of mediums in a fun and age appropriate, process oriented way. Although your child will bring home beautiful things, this class is designed to let children explore at their own pace, in their own way. A flexible framework of exciting projects is presented each week. The classes are on Wednesdays 10-11:30am. For more information check out Rivergalleryschool.org or call 257-1577.
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