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PTC President's Message
Dear Saxe Families,
I hope that you have had an enjoyable break from school and are recharged as we head into the New Year. One of the terrific parts of my job is the chance to meet monthly with Dr. Abbey, and the other PTC/PFA Presidents to discuss the ongoing initiatives at the individual schools within the NCPS system. One such initiative is in the area of Social Emotional Learning (SEL).
At Saxe, the SEL initiative has resulted in the "Take the Lead" program for 7th graders which started last year and has expanded this year to lessons in leadership for 8th grade as well. In addition, the Student Council has changed this year to the A-Team (named after the Saxe Aspirations chart). Please see below for more info on the A-Team and encourage your kids to get involved in this terrific leadership opportunity! The Saxe PTC also sponsors parent SEL presentations. This month we have 3 such presentations on January 6th, 12th and 20th. The January 20th program on Parallel Parenting will include a morning and evening session so that working parents have an opportunity to attend as well. On another note, the PTC/PFA Presidents are coming together to support the New Canaan Police Department's Bus Stop Safety initiative. Please see the important information below on bus stop safety - help keep our kids safe.
From the good - social emotional learning, to the bad - cars passing stopped school buses, to the ugly - lice. If you have ever had to deal with lice (one of my kids had it in preschool) you know how awful and time- consuming lice can be! We have included information below from the Saxe nurses on lice and a link to a presentation on the NCPS website that shows pictures and gives detailed information on lice. While we don't have many reported cases at Saxe, knowledge is important to keep our families bug-free. Please take the time to review the information, so you know what to look for and do let the nurses know if a case occurs.
Finally, for all our fifth grade families, we hope to see you at Pasta Night at the end of the month. It is absolutely one of the best family events we have at Saxe and we encourage all our fifth graders to participate and all our families with kids in the upper grades to attend.
May 2010 bring much joy, prosperity and good health to your families.
Best regards,
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January PTC Meeting
"Parallel Parenting and Boundary Setting"
Middle School Topics - Part II from Nov PTC meeting Morning and Evening Presentations
Wednesday, January 20
9:30 am at Saxe Auditorium and
7:00 pm at Outback Teen Center (repeat program)
Speaker: Meg Domino, MPH, CHES, Executive Director, New Canan CARES
Looking for ways to get on the SAME PAGE as your spouse, your neighbor, your best friend... when the big and little parenting issues arise? Looking for effective strategies for developing and enforcing family boundaries?
- Parallel Parenting... Within your family, with other parents, avoiding ugly conflicts over parenting issues
- Boundaries and limits... Negotiable and non-negotiable; natural and logical consequeces: how and when to set them and how to make them work for you.
This is a great opportunity for questions, answers, and consensus building! We are offering a morning and evening session to give parents the opportunity to attend one of the presentations individually or together. |
5th Grade Pasta Night
Online ReservationsThe Fifth Grade cordially invites you to attend
the 15th Annual Pasta Night at Trattoria di Saxe!
Friday, January 29 (Snow date: Friday, February 5)
5:00 to 9:00 pm
Saxe Middle School Cafeteria
This annual tradition will be a great evening for all 5th graders and their families. It's an evening not to be missed, filled with great food, music, dancing, BINGO prizes and more! Come earlier or stay after you eat to enjoy all the
fun activities.
Dinner will be served by Fifth Graders and includes pasta
with or without sauce, meatballs, salad, rolls & water. Italian ices and soft drinks may be purchased
separately. Tables are arranged
by class. Fifth graders take food
orders and then serve their section.
Fifth graders will eat before their assigned shift and need a
reservation/payment.
- Advance reservations are required
- Dinner tickets will NOT
be sold at the door
- No dinner reservations will be
accepted after Thursday, January 28th at 2pm!
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Reservations are $10
per person (including 5th grader), maximum $50 per family
Reserve Now and pay online using your credit card or your paypal account.
Sign-up to Volunteer We can't do it without you! Please volunteer to help out during a dinner shift or for the whole evening!
Donna Hill - hillct@optonline.net 972-6039 Deidre Shanley- dfshot@hotmail.com 966-3447 Peyton Thalacker - thalacker@att.net 594-9677
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8th Grade Transition to the High School
Mark Your Calendar
Eighth grade students and their parents are invited to an informative meeting on the transition to New Canaan High School. Thursday, February 4, 2010
7:00 to 9:00 pm
NCHS Auditorium
Upcoming Transition Dates to Remember
January 20 to Feb 2
Online
request form for Honors/AP consideration available on Transition page of 8th
grade counseling site until end of school day Feb 2nd.
Mid-January
8th
grade counselors & HS Asst. Principal Larry Sullivan present to 8th
graders and provide overview of HS.
Thursday, January 28
AP/Honors
Night
New Canaan High School -
7:00 pm
(Any
student considering taking an AP or Honors class is encouraged to attend with a parent). Snow Date: Tuesday, February 2nd.
Tuesday, February 2
Deadline
to submit online form requesting to sit for the Honors placement tests.
Thursday, February 4
Eighth
Grade Parent-Student Orientation Night
New
Canaan High School - 7:00
PM
(8th Grade parents and student attend together)
Snow
date: Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Monday, February 8
Honors
English performance task administration
After
school in the Saxe Cafeteria - 2:15
to 3:30 pm
Make-up
dates: Wed. 2/24 and Thurs. 2/25, Snow
date: Monday, 2/22 & Tuesday 2/23
Tuesday, February 9
AP
World History performance task administration
After
school in the Saxe Cafeteria - 2:15
to 3:30 pm
Make-up
dates: Wed. 2/24 and Thurs. 2/25, Snow
date: Monday, 2/22 & Tuesday 2/23
Wednesday, February 10
Honors
Science performance task administration
After
school in the Saxe Cafeteria - 2:15
to 3:30 pm
Make-up
dates: Wed. 2/24 and Thurs. 2/25, Snow
date: Monday, 2/22 & Tuesday 2/23
March, 2010
Mailing
from NCHS with Course selection process, recommendations and appeals
process.
April, 2010
Eighth
graders complete elective selections Course Selection Forms in Social Studies classes with
middle school and high school counselors (math, world language and honors
placements will already be entered on forms). Forms with parent signatures are due back to eighth-grade
counselors by April 23rd.
Friday, April 23
Deadline
for return of signed course selection forms and Academic Placement Appeals
forms to eighth-grade counselors.
May, 2010
Tours
& Orientation Assembly for 8th grade students with panel of NCHS
students
August, 2010
Freshman
Orientation at NCHS
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| A-Team
Student Leadership News
Have you heard about the A-TEAM? The Saxe Aspirations Team (A-TEAM) is a volunteer based group of student leaders.
The A-TEAM's purpose is to promote and celebrate a caring and committed Saxe community through activities and service learning projects focused on the Student Aspirations Pyramid:
- a sense of belonging
- heroes
- sense of accomplishment
- creativity and curiosity
- fun and excitement
- spirit of adventure
- leadership and responsibility
- confidence to take action
Attendance and participation on the A-TEAM includes a variety of experiences to develop leadership and community activism through: meetings, guest speakers, field trips, research and discussion, awareness projects, and service projects.
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Students can attend meetings and commit to projects based on their choice.
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ALL students are welcome to come to any meeting.
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IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN!
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Meetings are held every Wednesday after school, but not mandatory.
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A 'late bus' is provided for students leaving Saxe at 3:45.
- Students who will be picked up may stay until 4:00.
- Students may also meet during lunch or on days other than Wednesday.
Questions, please contact Katie Bakes at Katherine.Bakes@newcanaan.k12.ct.usA-Team Student Writes About the Veterans Day Presentation at Saxe: This Veterans Day I had a rare opportunity to interview and listen to Mr. Ritche. Mr. Ritche served in World War II and was in the Navy. Although he entered the war at a time when the fighting was less intense, he shared that war could be rough at times. Almost anything could happen at any given moment. Sometimes there would be a big storm and he had to take shelter at the very top of the crew's quarters because there was no other place to hide. One time he remembered that he was shaken and beaten really badly because a huge wave hit the side of the deck. He served a total of three and a half years in the Navy. During this time, he was assigned to a destroyer that was built in 1911. He said that sometimes he and other crew members would launch a deep bomb at enemy submarines. Mr. Ritche felt lucky that he had never seen a friend or crew mate pass away and is glad for that. Something like that would be hard for anyone. His favorite memory was being released from the Navy in 1956 and reuniting with his family and friends. Mr. Ritche put his life on the line for his country. Serving our nation is a very important role no matter what position you hold in the services. I think it is a huge responsibility to undertake. It is so great that people like Mr. Ritche and others risk their lives every day to protect us. I feel very lucky and fortunate to know that men and women in the United States service put their lives on the line to maintain freedom and peace for each of us. It's an amazing feeling to know that someone has got your back! Peter Trahanas, Grade 6Member of the A-Team |
Board of Education News
December 2009The 2011-2012 calendar was approved on December 21. It is posted on the NCPS website. The students will go back to school on August 30, 2011 and the year will end on June 14, 2012. The BOE 2010-2011 proposed budget workshop took place on December 14. The objectives of the workshop were to consider enrollment data 1-5 years out, address BOE budget assumptions/ priorities, present and discuss initial budget proposal, and obtain direction from the BOE. Dr. Abbey presented the proposed budget and then received questions and feedback from the Board. The budget will continue to be refined until it's presented on January 11. In the proposed budget, Saxe has no staffing additions and there are proposed reductions of 4 teaching assistants and a .4 World Language teacher. Hans Otto presented the Annual Capital Report and a Facilities Overview Report which included the top ten capital projects needed for 2010-2011. Remediation of the sagging gym hallway and replacing the keypads on the doors at Saxe were two of the top three items on the list. Further down the list of projects were a Saxe parking lot traffic evaluation, 10 additional security cameras and toilet room renovations. Capital projects are not a part of the BOE operating budget and are subject to line item approval by the Board of Finance. Board of Education Liaisons Jennifer Essigs jenniferessigs@gmail.com Kelly KrausKraushaus00@aol.com |
PTC Networking Meetings
"PUBERTY...Yikes!"
Presentation for parents of 4th-6th graders
Wednesday, January 6
9:30 am
Outback Teen Center
Speaker: Meg Domino, MPH, CHES, Executive Director, New Canaan CARES
Physical, emotional and social changes remind us that our children are maturing into pre-adolescents, with all the corresponding upheavals. Puberty and peer influence intensify this experience and can influence how our children feel about themselves and others. Join NC CARES for a calming and informative session on how to make this transition as smooth and effective as possible.
"Eating Disorders and Nutrition"
Social and Emotional Dimensions
Tuesday, January 12
9:30 am
Waveny House
Speakers: Dr. Diane Mickley, MD, FACP, FAED and Molly Carmel, MSW
Factors such as temperament, culture and brain maturity play an important role in an individual's vulnerability to eating disorders. Come learn more about minimizing the risk factors and practicing the concepts needed for healthy long-term weight control, for you and your family. The social and emotional components of eating, body image, and eating disorders will be discussed. Origins and precursors to disordered eating; Vulnerability among teens
Getting and staying on the right track...; BALANCE; When to seek help Dr. Mickley, Board Certified doctor of internal medicine, specializes in treating people with eating disorders and weight control issues. Molly Carmel, MSW, specializes in obesity and weight management for adolescents and adults.
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 7th/8th Grade Musical
Announcement
Full Cast Rehearsal
Tuesday, January 5 at 2:15 pm
Parent and Cast Meeting
January 5 at 4:00 pm
Student attendance is required. Parents, if you cannot attend please email Director Sherwood at saxeanniejr@gmail.com.
Visit the Saxe PTC website for the rehearsal schedule and important updates to parents and cast members.
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 From the Nurse's Office
Flu Update and Notices
The good news is that the number of Saxe students absent with influenza like illness has dramatically decreased over the last 2 weeks.
How to Avoid the Flu
How Flu spreadsThe flu spreads by respiratory droplets released by an infected person coughing or sneezing. This is why it is so vital that we all cover our mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. It usually spreads from person to person, though occasionally touching something with virus on it and then touching their nose or mouth may infect a person. Symptoms of Flu are: fever, headache, extreme fatigue, muscle aches, dry cough, and joint pain. Some complications caused by the flu include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions such as asthma and diabetes. Children may develop sinus and ear infections.Please do not send your child to school if she/he has a fever or is ill. We need your help to keep our school healthy._______ Notice to 6th Grade ParentsConnecticut State Law requires ALL students to have a Physical exam During Sixth grade. The blue Health form needs to be on file in the Nurses office by the last day of 6th grade. The State Department of Health has confirmed that the immunization requirements for entry to 7th grade :
- 2 Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccines
- A second dose of Varicella
- A dose of Tdap
These forms were sent to all 6th graders over the summer. Upon completion of the exam, which usually coincides with the students birthday, send the blue form to the Nurses office. We accept physicals from June of 09 until June of 10 . Your child will not be permitted to begin 7th grade without this on file. _______
Head LiceAnother health topic that causes concern is head lice and we have had a handful of cases in school this past month. Just a reminder that there is a powerpoint presentation on the New Canaan Public School website with information about head lice. Click on the link here: Lice Presentation.
Another helpful and comprehensive place for information is the Center for Disease Control site www.cdc.gov/lice. You can also call Saxe to speak with a school nurse.
Anne Goebel RN, 7th/8th grade nurse
Janet Reed RN, 5th/6th grade nurse |
 Safe School Bus Stops
Officers of the New Canaan Police Department will intensify their efforts to target motorists who pass stopped school buses.
The increased enforcement will include:
- Assigning officers to ride on school buses to spot violations
- Assigning officers in unmarked cars to follow school buses
- Working closely with New Canaan Public Schools and bus drivers to identify and prosecute motorists caught passing stopped buses
- The fine for passing a school bus that is displaying its red warning lights is $450, and a guilty finding results in a five-point driver's license penalty.
- The New Canaan Police Department will follow a zero tolerance enforcement policy for motorists who pass stopped school buses.
- The New Canaan Police Department will report the names and addresses to the press of all motorists charged with passing a stopped school bus.
In accordance with Connecticut General Statutes 5 14-279, it is illegal to pass a stopped bus flashing its red warning lights. When the flashing red lights are activated, motorists must stop their car at least 10 feet from the front of the bus and at least 10 feet from the rear. Flashing yellow lights on a school bus should be considered the same as a yellow traffic signal, warning drivers to prepare to stop. Motorists must stop for a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing whether it is on the motorist's side of the road, the opposite side of the road or at an intersection the motorist is approaching. Traffic in both directions must halt until the red lights are turned off.
Please help keep our kids safe!
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Computers for Kids
The Computers for Kids Program is beginning its 11th year! A wonderful staff of volunteers takes donated computers and refurbishes them. We then give them to students, staff or community members who need a computer for home use but cannot buy one right now. If you know someone in need of a working computer, please contact Patty Potts at patricia.potts@newcanaan.k12.ct.us.
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 Thanks To You!
Brenda Curtin, Sue Campbell and Ellen Patch for their launch of online Spiritwear purchases on the Saxe website.
Thanks to the 7th and 8th Grade Choir teacher - Sarah Gleason for a fabulous Winter Choir Concert. And many thanks to Joe Gergle for accompanying the kids on the piano during the show. Thank you also to Irene Lysenko for organizing our volunteers. Congratulations to the 7th and 8th graders for a wonderful show.
Finally, thanks to Rachel Ranieri and her crew of last minute volunteers for helping coordinate the A-Team's Classy Thursday Tea Service for 600! It was so terrific to see all the parent volunteers that stepped to help out with less than a week's notice and is a testament to the the strong parent volunteer base at Saxe. We could not have done it without you. Look for this Spirit Day event to run again next year!
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Outback Teen Center
January 2010 Events
Middle School Student Governing Board (for 7th/8th Grade)
Tuesday, January 12 and Tuesday, January 26
6:00 to 7:00 pm
Come check out the Middle School Student Governing Board at the Outback! You get to decide and plan what great
events will be hosted at the OBTC for you and your friends. We are looking for your feedback and
ideas. All are welcome at our
January meetings.
This group features a laidback meeting environment and an open door policy, so
come check it out. Your opinions count so be sure they are heard.
8th Grade Event - "Bringing in the New Year"
Friday, January 8
7:00 to 10:00 pm
Celebrate New Year's again with all your friends at the Outback! The doors will open at 6:30pm. Come check it out! This event is free for members and $15
for non-members. Students must reserve their spot in order to attend. A
member of the Outback staff will be at Saxe during 8th grade lunch for students
to sign up on Wednesday, January 6th and Thursday, January 7th.
7th Grade Event - "2010 Ball Drop"
Friday, January 22
7:00 to 10:00 pm
Music, actual ball drop, and a few surprises! The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. This event is free
for members and $15 for non-members. Students must reserve their spot in order
to attend. A member of the Outback staff will be at Saxe during 7th grade
lunch for students to sign up on Wednesday, January 20th and Thursday, January
21st.
Club 78 Events
Club 78 happens every Friday for 7th/8th graders from 3:00 to 5:00 pm.
It's a great opportunity to hang out with friends and take part in some cool
activities and themed events. Members - FREE and Non-members - $3. See January events below:
Movie Afternoon!
Showing "Up" on the big screen.
Free Popcorn!
Friday, January 8
3:00 to 5:00 pm
Dodgeball Tournament
Challenge your friends in this friendly
competition!
Friday, January 15
3:00 to 5:00 pm
Video Game Tournament
Do you think you have what it takes?
Prizes!
Friday, January 22
3:00 to 5:00 pm
Workout
for Wells Event
Friday,
January 29
3:30
pm-9:30 pm
Kids
Helping Kids are hosting Workout for Wells at the Outback to raise money for people living in Lang village, Sudan and surrounding villages. They are a
three-hour walk from the nearest river and nearly a two-hour walk from the
closest water pumps. Wells for
Ariang's children will enable them to attend school... This fundraising event is for children of all ages. Children who are 10 and under must be
accompanied by an adult. Tickets
are $10. Visit the Kids Helping
Kids at www.ctkidshelpingkids.org.
Mark you calendar! The Outback will be holding a "Meet the Outback" coffee on Tuesday morning, January 26th at 9:30am and on Wednesday evening, January 27th at 7:00 p.m. for 6th-8th grade students and their parents. Come and meet the Outback staff! See what the Outback has to offer!
COMING
SOON TO THE OUTBACK!
The
Apple Cart will be at the Outback Café beginning this January 2010. They will bring their great food and
staff. Keep your eye out for more
information.
Outback
Hours
The
OBTC hosts open hours for middle school students on Tues.-Sat. from 2:30 to
5:00 p.m. Bring friends and come by to play some pool, do homework with
friends, watch a movie, use our computers, or just hang out. This is time
reserved exclusively for middle school students, so stop by anytime.
Planning to attend any of the Outback's programs or events? Please RSVP by
calling the First County Bank Sponsored Hotline at 594-3074.
Did you know? The Outback is also available for private rentals. It's the
perfect place for a party or event. Please contact us for more information.
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| Community News
Headlines Visit the Saxe PTC Community News Blog for detailed information.
Upcoming
Presentations for NC Cares
Musical
Instruments for Inner City Kids
January Middle School
Madness at the Y
Magical Music for Life Foundation ,"Wonkaland"
Bingo, Sunday, January 24
SPED*NET, Special Education Network of New Canaan, January 27, February 24
Winter Blast
2 Gala to Benefit Outback, Saturday, January 30
Chinese New
Year Festival, Sunday, February 7
Visit the Saxe PTC Community News Blog for detailed information.
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January and February Calendar
1/4 PTC Executive Board Meeting (9:15am)
1/11 7th /8th Grade Musical Parent Information Session (2:00pm)
1/13 Grades 5/6 Choir Concert (7:00 pm)
1/14 Snow Date for all choir concerts
1/18 No School (Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday)
1/20 PTC General Meeting (9:30am)
1/20 Grades 5/6 Band Concert (7:00 pm)
1/21 Grades 5/6 Band Concert Snow Date
1/28 Grades 5 through 8 Strings Concert (7:00 pm)
1/29 Family Pasta Night
2/1-2/5 Daytime Parent Open Houses
2/1 NCPS Tech Night @ NCHS (7:00 pm)
2/2 Grade 7 - 8 Band Concert (7:00 pm)
2/3 Grade 7 - 8 Band Snow Date (7:00 pm)
2/4 8th Grade Parent Night @ NCHS
2/5 Snow Date for Family Pasta Night
2/9 8th Grade Parent Night @ NCHS (Snow Date)
2/10 Grade 5 - 8 Strings Snow Date
2/12-19 No School (Vacation)
2/24 NCPS Tech Night @ NCHS 7:00 pm (Snow Date)
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Submissions to Saxe News Monthly
The Saxe News is distributed on the first of every month. Submissions are due one week prior to the first day of each month. No need to format your copy, please follow the tips below:
- You may send your item in an email or as an MS Word attachment
- Please don't use all-caps or abbreviate days, months and times
- Remember to include web links and email contacts
- Please order your information as follows: header, item description, date, time, place, contact info
Send to epatch@mac.com. Thank You!
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