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Important Dates September/October
9/13 PTO General Meeting
9/27 Open House
9/29 Rosh Hashanah - no school
10/12 PTO General Meeting
10/10 Columbus Day - no school
10/19 and 10/20 Book Fair
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Cedar Hill Kids Book Club needs your help!
Last year we started a book club for the kids at Cedar Hill and we would love to offer this again this year, but we need parent volunteers. The club is for students in grades 3-6. There are about 8 students in each group so everyone has an opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas. We meet once a month during lunch to discuss a book chosen by the group.
Parent moderators will help guide the discussion. It's a very easy and fun commitment! If you are available and would like to help, please
email Danielle Salisbury at risalisburys@gmail.com |
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VOLUNTEER PRESENTERS WANTED:
HEADS UP is a ten week program for second graders that presents lessons and activities focused on self-awareness, conflict resolution and bullying prevention. All presenters are trained by VOWS staff in three, two hour training sessions. Presentation materials are provided. Lessons are presented in schools during ten weekly sessions that take approximately one to 1-1/2 hours per week. The program concludes with a two hour feedback session. Training sessions begin in January, but volunteers who are interested are asked to register now. To show your interest please contact your Cedar Hill VOWS coordinators Lynn Cuddy (885-6346) or Julie Hayes (884-2345). |
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Parking Lot Monitors
As we work to make the parking lot a safer place for our children, we want to thank you for your help. Thank you for doing your part by having your children ready to exit the vehicle on the right side and cross only at the crosswalk in front of the kindergarten square.
The safety monitors have found that their job not only helps the children be safe, but that it also is nice to be able to welcome them to school as they get ready to start their day. The job is easy and is only a 25-minute commitment, and volunteers get to wear a cool vest. I share this with you because we need your help. Please consider volunteering to be a safety monitor. The more volunteers that we get, the fewer times we need to call upon each volunteer to help.
If you have any questions, please contact Amy Stein 398-0567 steins4@cox.net |
Book Fair
Save the date! The fall book fair will be held on October 19th and 20th from 2:45-8:00 pm in the old library. We are looking for volunteers! If you are interested in volunteering or have general questions please contact: Chris Ellingwood Christine.ellingwood@gmail.com 885-0424 Deb Mangray shammangray@gmail.com 885-0414
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Easy ways you can help support the Cedar Hill's PTO 1. Join CHAMPS- any amount you can donate is very much appreciated.
2. Register your Target Card - Cedar Hill ID # 92150
www.Target.com
3. Register your Stop & Shop Card - Cedar Hill ID # 06199
www.stopandshop.com/aplus
Even if you have registered in the past, you must re-new every year.
4. Hand in Box Tops at designated times during the year.
5. Hand in Campbell's Soup Labels for Education.
These can be turned anytime during the year.
6. Turn in your used printer cartridges in the designated
box in the Main office.
7. Participate in other events throughout the year like the Bookfair and selling Cookie Dough.
We appreciate everything the parents of Cedar Hill students do for the school. If we all do something small it adds up.
Thank you in advance!
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Highlighter News
Dear Cedar Hill Community:
Starting next month, Jennifer Buckley will take over as Editor of the Highlighter. Thanks so much to Jennifer for taking on this job. The Highlighter is a wonderful way that the our community can share school news and events.
The next deadline for material is Thursday, October 6. You can send information for the October issue to Jennifer at jenniferlynchbuckley@gmail.com. Please do not include graphics in the copy you send. Please send photos as jpeg files and if you have the children's names in the photos, please include those too. Thank you,
Deirdre Weedon
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Dear Families:
The Back to School Picnic held on August 24 was a huge success. A cool evening, a DJ, old and new friends, popcorn and ice cream and a book swap... what more could we want? We sure hit the ground running in September! We would like to welcome all our new and returning families to the Cedar Hill community. There are some new faces at Cedar Hill this year. Please join me in welcoming, Mrs. Colleen Howard, Kindergarten and Mrs. Diana Williams, Teacher Assistant, Mrs. Stephanie Fraser and Mrs. Heidi Cianfarani, Grade 6 teachers, Mrs. Cheryl Stacy, Science Teacher, Mrs. Rose Desilus, Special Services Teacher Assistant, and Mrs. Cathy Quinn, Physical Education Teacher. There have been some internal changes with Mrs. Nancy Onorato in Grade 1 and Mrs. Jan Simas in Grade 2.
Please review, complete and return the packet of administrative papers that you received over these first few days of school, especially the emergency contact information and the parking lot guidelines/forms. In the next few days you will also receive the Parent/Student/School Compact. Please complete and return this form, signed by you and your child, as soon as possible. Mrs. Amy Stein has done a wonderful job with organizing our Parking Lot Parent Volunteers. Student safety if of the utmost importance to us! Your cooperation is truly appreciated. Our custodial staff: Mr. Paul and Mr. John did a fantastic job preparing our building for the start of this academic year. All hallways and rooms are sparkling clean. Mrs. McDonald continues to have our office running smoothly and efficiently. She goes above and beyond to ensure that everyone who is employed at, calls or enters Cedar Hill receives what they need in a timely manner. Our faculty and staff have done a wonderful job preparing their classroom for the new school year. This year's open house will be held on Tuesday, September 27. This is a parent only event. The times are: Primary Level (K- 3) 6:30 - 7:30 Intermediate Level (4 - 6) 7:30 - 8:30 Itinerant Teachers (Art, Music, Science, PE, Library) 7:00 - 8:00 Cedar Hill continues to be a nut free environment. I am asking that snacks eaten in the classroom be free of all nuts and their by-products, as well. A nut free cafeteria zone will also be in effect. It is imperative that we continue to make our environment a safe place for all children to be educated. I thank you in advance for your understanding and continued support. A warm welcome back, Mr. Peltier Principal |
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Dear Families:
Welcome to the first edition of this year's Highlighter! For all our new families, the Highlighter is Cedar Hill PTO's monthly newsletter which provides valuable information on all the happenings at Cedar Hill. Check it out monthly for important dates and events!
We would like to extend a warm welcome to all our new and returning families. After a stormy delay, we are thrilled to be back at school and ready for a wonderful year! We were so pleased to see so many families enjoying our Annual School Picnic. Meeting and reuniting with friends were great ways to start the school year and the PTO purchase of new playground equipment on the field provided added fun for the kids. Many thanks to Meg Handy, Coleen Smith, our Principal, Joe Peltier, and all the volunteers who made the picnic such a fun event!
Plans have already started for a year full of activities and programs that make Cedar Hill School such a special place. There are opportunities for everyone to participate and we hope that you will join us in these events. Tuesday, September 13th at 7pm will be our first PTO meeting of the year. PTO meetings provide great opportunities to learn more about school happenings, get to know other parents and teachers, hear from our Principal, and ask any questions you have about Cedar Hill. This year, at 6:30pm we are holding a special pre-meeting for all new or interested parents that would like to hear more about all the activities sponsored by the PTO. We hope to see you there!
In addition to the many PTO sponsored programs, we are continuously assessing current and future needs at our school. Last year, the PTO conducted a Needs Assessment that identified three priority areas: Parking Lot, Facilities, and Technology. Please be on the lookout for more information and join us as we plan for the future in these areas. Your input is very valuable and will contribute to the continued success of Cedar Hill School!
We are looking forward to an enjoyable and productive school year. We encourage you to contact us with questions or comments (the maynards@verizon.net or jllbm@msn.com). Your involvement and support help make Cedar Hill a special, caring community and we welcome any thoughts you have!
Sincerely,
Cheryl Maynard and Jennifer Mann
PTO Co-Presidents |
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School Picnic
Thank you Meg Handy and Coleen Smith and all the volunteers who helped to make this year's School Picnic a big success. The DJ was a hit, the students enjoyed ice cream and popcorn, there was a book swap organized by Joanne Wilkins, and the students played on the new playground all evening. Don't miss it next year!
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Thank you Mr. Paul While students enjoyed a few more days of summer vacation. Mr. Paul was hard at work cleaning up after Tropical Storm Irene blew through Rhode Island. The school was in great shape for the new opening day. Thank you Mr. Paul for all that you do. |
Volunteer Opportunities 2011-2012
We are very fortunate at Cedar Hill School to have so many people willing to volunteer their time! Many opportunities are available to become involved. Even those with hectic schedules have a chance to help out. Please look at the MANY opportunities described below and find out what fits into your life!
After School/Enrichment Program
Chairs: needed
The After School Program brings an array of enrichment programs - art, science, sports and just plain fun - to Cedar Hill School immediately after school hours. The chairs will also plan enrichment assemblies and school-wide assemblies. Volunteers are needed periodically to chaperone events. (time commitment for chairs - moderate/extensive, volunteers for programs - 2 hours per program)
Art Masters
Chairs: Danielle Salisbury & Rebecca Stockdill
Volunteers prepare a monthly presentation about an artist, artistic movement, genre or technique. No formal education in art is required - just your commitment to furthering an appreciation of art in your child's classroom! You are welcome to invent your own lesson or you can "draw" from the file of many very creative and fun lessons that parents have created in the past, which you can feel free to duplicate.
(time commitment -lesson prep time, plus an hour per month in classroom)
Book Club
Chair: Danielle Salisbury
An in-school activity for students in grades 3-6. Students meet once a month at lunch in library to discuss book. (time commitment for volunteers - minimal)
Book Donation
Chair: needed
A wonderful way to mark a birthday or thank a teacher is with a book donation to the Cedar Hill library. Volunteers are needed to staff a book donation table at the fall and spring book fairs. (time commitment - minimal)
Book Fairs
Chairs: Debbie Mangray and Chris Elingwood
In the fall and spring, Cedar Hill families have an opportunity to buy new books at the Book Fair. Volunteers are needed during the day and in the evening to help with the preview and sale of books, set up and clean up. (time commitment for committee members - minimal to moderate, based on your availability)
Books and Burgers
Chairs: Natalie Higgins and Joanne Wilkins
Volunteers are needed to staff the fourth annual Cedar Hill family dinner held in conjunction with the spring Book Fair. This is a one-night commitment involving set up, minor food preparation, serving dinner, clean up and a whole lot of fun! (time commitment - minimal/moderate)
Box Tops for Education
Chairs: Amy Brennan and Debbie Maxwell
Since 2001, our school has earned more than $22,000 from box tops clipped from specially marked products! Volunteers are needed to count box tops, copy fliers and help arrange the parties for the winners in the 3 contests planned for this year. (time commitment - minimal)
Boys' Event
Chair: Joanne Wilkins
Help plan the annual event just for boys and a special adult in their lives. This fun-filled evening is always a high-energy highlight of the school year! Volunteers attend 2-3 meetings, determine the venue for the event, create invitations, track responses and help staff the event.
(time commitment - minimal/moderate, but extensive at time of event)
Class Socials
Chair: needed
Volunteers are needed (at least one from each grade) to plan a fun, family night for each grade level. This is a great way to help out on your own schedule and plan a fun event for the kids and families in your child's grade.
Communications Chair: Deirdre Weedon
Communications (website, newsletter, directory) falls under the Communications Officer position on the PTO Board. Volunteers are needed to help with data entry for the school directory and other projects. (time commitment - called once or twice a year)
Copying Technical
Chair: Carolyn Norman Help with the copying and technical needs at Cedar Hill. Volunteers are needed on a rotating schedule to go to the technical center at Pilgrim High School (Thursday mornings) to copy. Volunteers may be called on periodically as other copying/technical needs arise.
Fundraiser
Chair: Amy Murphy
Help coordinate Cedar Hill Fundraisers including the sale of delicious cookie dough and other treats and raise money for Cedar Hill!
(time commitment - minimal)
Field Day
Chair: Julie Hayes
This one-day, school-wide fun and fitness event will have an Olympic theme this year. Volunteers are needed to plan the event and help with activities. (time commitment - minimal, except day of event)
Halloween Party
Chairs: Christina Dufault and second chair need
Volunteers are needed to plan and run the annual family Halloween party. It's always a great event!
(Time commitment - Chair commitment is moderate/extensive other committee members - minimal/moderate)
Holiday Shop for Students
Chairs: Jennifer Ahearn and Claudine Davenport
This 2-3 day, in-school holiday shop (held in December) gives students the opportunity to purchase gifts on their own. Volunteers are needed during school hours to help students with purchases, as well as set up and clean up. (time commitment - minimal/moderate)
Hospitality
Chair: Chris Ellingsworth
Food and drinks are needed occasionally for special PTA functions like Open House. Items may be homemade or purchased. (time commitment - minimal)
Kids' Day for Incoming Kindergarten Students
Chair: Coleen Smith, Lynn Cuddy and Julie Hayes
Volunteers are needed to help plan and staff a special "sneak peek" day for incoming Kindergarten students, usually held in March. (time commitment - minimal)
Landscape Committee
Chair: needed
The Landscape Committee is responsible for overseeing volunteers (either families or local community organizations) working on minimal landscaping, planting flowers and maintenance of several key spots around the school. Responsibilities of the committee include drafting a set of guidelines for adopt-a-spot participants, recruiting families to participate, maintaining the list of adopt-a-spot locations, and coordinating activities with school grounds person(s).
Library
Chair: Barbara Ogden, Cedar Hill Librarian
Volunteers are needed during school hours to check books in and out, design displays, cover books, reshelf items and assist our librarian with other tasks. (Commit to a full morning or afternoon or just a few hours)
Parking Lot Monitor
Chair: Amy Stein and second chair needed
2 volunteers are needed each morning from 8:15-8:40 to help our children cross the parking lot safely and to help morning drop off run smoothly, and you get to wear a cool orange vest! (Volunteer for as many mornings as you wish; the more volunteers that sign up to help, the less frequently each volunteer has to help. If you drive your child to school in the morning, please consider helping at least once a month! Note: children may not "help" you with monitor duty)
Rescue Recess
Chair: Lynn Fuerst
Be a hero - help Rescue Recess! Volunteer one day a month - or even just once -- to oversee the recess equipment cart, encourage children to participate in active playground time and assist with indoor recess activities on inclement days. (time commitment - volunteer for as many days as you'd like, there is a sign up sheet for each date)
School Picnic:
Chairs: Meg Handy and Coleen Smith
Volunteers are needed to help plan a beginning of the year School Picnic. It's a great chance for families, especially those new to the school, to get together and have fun before the school year and hard work begins. (time commitment - minimal)
Science Masters
Chairs: Cathy Constantino & John Rauch
Implement an exciting hands-on science lesson that has already been designed. All you have to do is set a time with your child's 4th or 5th grade teacher and implement the ready-made lesson plan.
Staff Appreciation
Chairs: Mary Fox and Kara Walsh
Faculty and staff make Cedar Hill a special place, and in May, we say "thank you" for a great year! Volunteers are needed to supply homemade or store bought baked goods. (time commitment - minimal)
Sweetheart Dance
Chairs: Deb Langevin, additional chairs needed
Help plan and work on the annual Sweetheart Dance held each spring for Cedar Hill girls and a special adult in their lives. Volunteers attend 2-3 meetings, decorate the facility the day of the event, create invitations, track responses, make favors and help staff the event.
(time commitment - minimal/moderate)
VOWS
Chairs: Lynn Cuddy and Julie Hayes
Volunteers Of Warwick Schools focuses on supporting the educational needs of students. Many activities at our school are part of VOWS. Additionally, volunteers are needed for copying, kindergarten screening and to provide computer help. (time commitment - minimal/moderate)
Yearbook
Chairs: needed
Volunteers are needed to take and submit photographs of students at class events and during field trips, proof student portrait pages and sell advertising for this annual keepsake. You determine the time commitment you can make! (time commitment for chairs - extensive, for others - as much as you wish)
Additional Committees
Announcement Boards
Chairs: Michael Walsh
The chairs are responsible for maintaining current announcement board information in cooperation with the principal. The chair runs the committee alone; no volunteers are needed.
Bylaws
Chairs: Lauri and Keith Fine
The chair of this committee is an attorney who facilitates any changes to the bylaws and advises the board on questions pertaining to bylaws. The chair runs the committee alone; no volunteers are needed.
Logo Sales
Chair: Angela Southern
The chair of this committee solicits pricing for Cedar Hill logo apparel such as T-shirts and sweatshirts, creates an order form, keeps track of orders received, places the order with the manufacturer and distributes merchandise that has been ordered. In the past, the chair ran the committee without the help of volunteers.
Website Design
Chairs: Angela Giusti Reed, Kristi Stark
The chair of this committee is the web master for the design of the school's website, www.cedarhillschool.org. The chair runs the committee alone; no volunteers are needed.
Copying and Technical |
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