Fall Fund Logo

June 2010
In This Issue Link To:
Important Reminders
A-Team
8th/9th Transition
8th Grade Dinner Dance
New Multimedia Lab
7th Grade Fun Day
BOE
Volunteers Needed
Lost & Found
Nurse's Desk
Thanks To You!
Computers for Kids
June Calendar
Outback
Community News
Newsletter Submissions
PTC President's Message

Dear Saxe Families,
              
       As we close this school year and start our transition to summer and planning for next year, I wanted to take this opportunity to reflect on what the Saxe PTC has accomplished this year.  We have made great strides in technology: a new PTC newsletter format that is sent via email, a new Saxe PTC website, an online survey to capture our parents volunteering interests and the implementation of Paypal for online payments for PTC membership, events and merchandise.  We will continue to expand our use of these tools in the coming years as well. 

       Through the strong leadership of our fundraising chairs and the support by our Saxe families, we have exceeded our budgeted fundraising goals, despite a very difficult economy.  The success of our fundraisers, lower than expected expenditures by our committee chairs and providing an email newsletter instead of a hard copy, will allow the Saxe PTC to fulfill some additional needs at Saxe outside of our planned grants.  We will hold a Special June PTC General Meeting on June 16th from 9:30 to 9:45 in the Saxe Auditorium to request approval of additional grants to Saxe.  Thank you to our Saxe Executive Board and all the Saxe volunteers, event supporters and committee chairs, who made this opportunity possible.  

       One budgeted grant for this year is for the purchase of two Smartboards for use in the Music and Art Department classrooms. A new Mulitmedia Lab is being installed at Saxe over the summer (see below this letter for more information). The smartboards purchased by the PTC will be utilized to further expand lessons from the Multimedia Lab into the classrooms.    

       Before we finish our year, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank our Staff - teachers, counselors, aides, secretaries, custodians - for teaching our students, guiding them, and feeding their curiosity, intellect and humor. You are very special people. Thanks as well to our Administrators - Greg Macedo, Michael Woods, Linda Spenard and Wendy Bufferd for their support and dedication.  These administrators create an environment that fosters academic success and social growth for our students.  Additionally impressive, is how thoughtful and open these administrators are to suggestions and input from our Saxe families.  This commitment to improvement and excellence can only make our school even better.  It is truly an inspiring and collaborative environment. I encourage you to contact the Saxe Administrators directly or any member of our PTC Executive board if you have any suggestions, questions or concerns.
       
       Finally, although there is a lot of detail in every newsletter, please take a minute to review the Important Reminders section below.  It contains useful information on the NCPS upcoming data verification process, mandatory opt-in for Saxe Students to be included in bus routes for the fall, and our Saxe PTC summer mailing.
       
       Have a wonderful summer and enjoy your time together!

Warmly,
Maria Weingarten
Saxe PTC President
mwhome@optonline.net
Important Reminders
Please Take Note

A few reminders are provided below in preparation for the coming year.  Please do your part to help us prepare:

Deadline for NCPS Data Verification
The yearly NCPS Technology Department data verification letters will be arriving this week. The deadline for completion is June 15th.  Please review and update your personal information, including address, home and cell phone and email contact information. This information is used to create the Saxe PTC Student Directory. 
 
New for the next year, the 2010-2011 Saxe PTC Student Directory will include a primary contact cell phone number.  If you wish to have any of your personal contact information excluded from the Directory, you will have the opportunity to opt-out during the data verification process. 

Summer Mailer
The PTC Executive Board is in the process of preparing our summer mailer and updating our website for the coming year.  This August, the Saxe PTC summer mailer will arrive both by post and by email.  The summer mailer includes a PTC Calendar, Committee Chairs List and detailed information on events early in the coming school year.  The mailer will provide a link to sign up for numerous volunteer opportunities (including 5th Grade Room Parent) by completing our online PTC Volunteer Survey.  In addition, a link will be provided to join the PTC and pay for membership online.  No hard copy forms will be provided for membership and volunteers in this mailer.  Please help us eliminate unnecessary paperwork by completing these forms online.
 
Bus Routes
On May 6th, Roy Walder, NCPS Transportation Coordinator, sent a request to all 2010-2011 Saxe families regarding bus routes for next year - only 66% of families have responded so far.  If you want your Saxe student to be assigned to a bus route, you are asked to complete an "Opt-In" form.  You may simply click here to access the Opt-In form. An Opt-In form must be received by the District before your student will be assigned to a bus route for the coming school year.

PTC Reimbursements
Our PTC Treasurer, Debbie Dolby would like to remind you to please submit all your committee expenses for reimbursement before the end of our school year. Click here to download a reimbursement form.
 A-Team Event MMRF
MMRF Race For Research

Come on out and walk/run with your friends from Saxe to support the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation at the Walk/Run for Research.
 
Sunday, June 13
New Canaan High School
7:30 am Registration
9:00 am Start
 
Click here to register or to make a donation on-line.  Please select family registration or individual registration and enter "Team Saxe" when registering.

On race day, please proceed to the Team Saxe tent to pick-up your registration packets.

Sponsored by the Saxe A-Team.

8th/9th Grade Transition to the High School 
Dates to Remember

The transition process is in full-swing! In mid-April, all 8th graders met with their school counselors in order to choose their electives. Students had the opportunity to ask great questions about courses, placement, clubs & activities, sports offerings, schedules, rules & policies, and "life" at the high school. The sessions went extremely well. Students were well- prepared and enthusiastic. Copies of the student course selections were brought home by students for parents to review.
 
Calendar of 8th Grade "End of Year" Events
Wednesday through Friday, June 9-11 - Tickets on sale for the Dinner Dance in the cafeteria
during lunch
Friday, June 11 - 8th grade Dinner Dance
Friday, June 18 - MADD Assembly
Monday, June 21 - 8th grade Bagel Breakfast, Yearbook Distribution, and Spring Spirit Competition
Tuesday, June 22 - Lake Compounce
Wednesday, June 23 - 8th grade Picnic and Advisory Activity
Thursday, June 24 - 8th grade Promotion Ceremony at NCHS

7th Grade Helpers Needed for Promotion Ceremony
We are in need of 4-6 7th grade parents to assist at the 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony on Thursday, June 24th from 8-11:30 a.m.  Please contact Jenny McMahon at mcmahon5@me.com if you able to help.
balloons 8th Grade Dinner Dance
Save the Date

Eighth graders, you are invited to attend the 8th Grade Dinner Dance:

Friday, June 11
6:30 - 9:00 pm
Saxe Gym

For those who haven't purchased their tickets already, tickets will be sold ($15 cash or check) the first week of June during lunch. All students must purchase a ticket in advance.

Additional information, including permission slip and dress code, will be sent home.
New Saxe Multimedia Lab
Coming this Fall

The new Saxe Multimedia Lab will support the integration of technology into the Visual and Performing Arts curriculum at Saxe. A primary purpose of this lab will be student creation of content that will be uploaded to their new digital portfolios on Digication. The use of the SmartBoards will enable teachers to highlight student work during class. The SmartBoards will also provide the opportunity to do a pre-lesson on expectations and new skills prior to bringing their class to the multimedia lab. Students in music will be learning to use digital recorders, flip video cameras, and digital composition. Art classes will embed at least one computer based project, which includes the use of Photoshop and associated Adobe tools. Art teachers and music teachers will be able to utilize the substantial array of pre-developed SmartBoard lessons and tools available from Smarttech educational resources. VPA teachers will also utilize the SmartBoard to take the students to virtual galleries and museums during class to further enhance the curriculum.

The Saxe PTC had provided funding to purchase SmartBoards for the Art and Music department classrooms. 
7th Grade Fun Day
Field Trip to Holiday Hill
 
The 7th Grade Fun day is right around the corner!  Our 7th grade students will be attending Holiday Hill on Monday, June 14th, 2010.  Please visit the Saxe Website's main page www.newcanaan.k12.ct.us/Saxe to print the permission slip and Holiday Hill flyer.  Permission slips/checks are due by June 9th and should be returned to your child's team math teacher.  Please contact us if you have any questions.
Annie new Board of Education News
May Report
         
The BOE's Wellness Committee, led by Jenny McMahon, has drafted a policy to address Student Wellness that addresses nutrition as well as physical, mental, social and emotional needs of students.  The committee emphasized that the primary responsibility for student wellness still remains with the parents. Jim Kucharczyk gave the Board an update from the Governance Committee which has been charged with reviewing best practices and evaluating New Canaan's current model.  A draft of by-laws will be reviewed at a future date. 

The Director of Public Works, Mike Pastore discussed plans for the Bus Operations Center to be built at the high school.  Next steps include construction estimates and bidding the job.
The Social Studies Committee gave the BOE an update on their progress. They are working towards aligning the Social Studies curriculum across all grade levels, reducing redundancies and guaranteeing the same experience for each student regardless of classroom. The goal is to have all students leave NC schools with the same experiences and body of knowledge. This very detailed and interesting presentation will be available on the New Canaan Public School website. 

Jennifer Essigs
jenniferessigs@gmail.com
 
Kelly Kraus
Kraushaus00@aol.com
Volunteers Needed
Please Sign-up!

6th Grade Fun Day!
Monday, June 14
12:30 pm to 2:30 pm
Sixth Grade Fun Day is an end of year celebration for the entire class! This is an outdoor event including inflatable obstacle courses, a variety of field games, music, tattoos and more. We need many parent volunteers to help make this day a success. Dad's are especially welcome! If you haven't already signed up to help and would like to, please contact: Kathy Conner, kconner9@yahoo.com or Suzy Lavieri, smrfl@msn.com.

5th Grade Field Day - Save the date! 
Thursday, June 10 
The PE department has come up with a new format this year to make Field Day even more exciting! Volunteers are always heavily needed for this event.  If you're interested in joining us for a day of playing with the kids in the sun, please email Irene Lysenko at irenelysenko@optonline.net to volunteer!

7th Grade Helpers Needed for Promotion Ceremony
We are in need of 4-6 7th grade parents to assist at the 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony on Thursday, June 24th from 8-11:30 a.m.  Please contact Jenny McMahon at mcmahon5@me.com if you able to help.

Committee Chairs Needed: 
Publicity Chair and Committee Needed

The chair is responsible along with the publicity committee to take photos at approximately 10 events during the school year and write an article for submission to the local papers. 

5th & 6th Musical Volunteer Coordinators
Oversee a parent volunteer group which coordinates, ticket sales, publicity, costumes, sets, concessions and cast party.

6th Grade Science and Explorations Share Day 
Assist with decorations and set-up for student science project presentations in mid-June.

Please contact Maria Weingarten at mwhome@optonline.net if you are interested in any of the committee chair positions.  Thank you.
Lost & Found Annie new
Come and Find It!

There are lots of unclaimed items in Saxe's Lost & Found!  Please encourage your children to visit the Lost & Found located in the corridor between the gym and cafeteria.  Each office also has items; the Lower Division office has several pairs of glasses. Lost lunch boxes are located on a table outside the cafeteria. The Bus Company has a lost and found too, parents should stop by there also. Similar to previous years, all remaining items will be donated to a local charity at the end of the school year.
From the Nurse's Office
Health Notices

Allergy Alert
Saxe is a LATEX FREE school to protect any students with a life threatening latex allergy.

NO LATEX GLOVES
NO BALLOONS
NO KOOSH BALLS - Anywhere or anytime
 
These items are particularly dangerous because they can cause the latex particles to become airborne. We use only vinyl gloves and only mylar balloons.
Thanks for your cooperation in keeping our school safe for all our students
_______

Food Allergies
Please remember that ALL Field Trips at Saxe are Nut Free.
_______

Notice to 6th Grade Parents
Connecticut 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 :
  1. 2 Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccines
  2. A second dose of  Varicella  
  3. A dose of  Tdap
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 Lice
Another 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
Thanks To You!

Meg Domino for a great presentation at our May PTC meeting to get us ready for the challenges the summer presents.

Our choir, orchestra and band teachers and to Alan Sneath, VPA director, for a wonderful series of spring concerts.

Our 5th Grade Room Parent Coordinators: Doreen Conley, Jen Essigs and Lorinda Leeber, for running a wonderful Colonial Day for our 5th Graders.

Thanks to Katie Bakes, Holly Martocci, Lisa Wrobel, Damien Whelan and Amy Rochlin for their leadership and support of the A-Team

Whitney McCarthy and Denise Ferguson for the Spring Teacher Appreciation Tea.

Three cheers for Irene Lysenko, Monique Ames, Amy Warren and all the volunteers who are helping with 5th grade field day!

Thanks to Kathy Conner, Suzy Lavieri and their dedicated committee for all your work in making June 14 a FUN Day for the 6th grade!

Thanks to Irene Allen, Becky Tiller, Linda Spenard and Lisa Pernek for all your work in organizing the 7th grade spirit day.

Thanks to Suzy Nolan, Sue Oster and Janeen Socci and all the parent volunteers who worked on the 5th Grade banner project.  Look for the banners outside the cafeteria in June!

We are so grateful to Johanna Sillo, Karen Wilson and all the parents who gave so generously of their time and talent as docents and chaperones for the 6th Grade Met Trip.

A round of applause for Margaret Pastel Hoover, June Bird and their committee for the 8th Grade Shakespeare workshops and for the wonderful year of performances for our children.

Thanks to Kathy Morley and all the media center volunteers.

Thanks to Susan Morse for organizing the 5th Grade Supply Pack program and readying it for the coming school year.

Lisa Pernek, for sending out the countless emails to parents each week.  Thank you for all your support and hard work.

Jen Essigs and Kelly Kraus for attending many, many long BOE meetings and keeping us up to date on the latest BOE happenings.

Jenny McMahon, Susan Donnelly, Louise Rosenberg and the entire 8th grade Promotion Team for overseeing our promotion activities start to finish and making the time one to remember for our 8th graders.  To Mike Woods as well, for his leadership and guidance throughout the process.

Thanks to Martha Risom and the team of parent volunteers who helped display the students' wonderful art work throughout the year.

Ellen Patch for your work on our new PTC website, constant contact newsletter and online payment system using paypal.

A special thank you to Saxe's Head Custodian, Stan Sarafin, and the  entire custodian team for their help with the many year end  activities and events.  Thanks for keeping Saxe clean and safe!
Computers for Kids
The Computers for Kids Program is wrapping up its 11th year. Thanks to your generous donations and the hard work of Julius Alexander, Scott Koehler, Beth Picard and the NCHS Tech Team students, we have refurbished and given away almost fifty computers this year!

We cannot accept any more donations this year, but we still have some computers  to give away. If you know someone in need of a working computer, please contact Patty Potts at patricia.potts@newcanaan.k12.ct.us.

We will begin accepting donations again in September. If you are able to save a computer for us until then, please note that we always need flat screen monitors, CPUs, keyboards, mice and cables. However, we can no longer accept CRT (cube-style) monitors or printers. Thank you again to the Saxe community for your generosity!
June Calendar
Upcoming Events
 
6/2 5th - 6th Grade Band Concert (7:00pm)
6/7 PTC Executive Board Meeting (9:15am)
6/8 5th - 6th Grade Choir Concert (7:00 pm)
6/10 5th Grade Field Day
6/11 Raindate: 5th Grade Field Day
6/11 8th Grade Dinner Dance
6/14 6th Grade Fun Day
6/14 7th Grade Holiday Hill Trip
6/15 6thGrade Fun Day (Rain Date)
6/21 8th Grade Bagel Breakfast, Yearbook Distribution, and Spring Spirit Competition
6/22 8th Grade to Lake Compounce
6/23 8th Grade Picnic and Advisory Activity
6/24 8th Grade Promotion @ NCHS Aud. (10:00am)

6/24 Last Day of School - early dismissal
Outback Teen CenterFall Fund Logo
June 2010 Events

Club 78
Friday, June 4: Laser Tag w/ Police Officers
Friday, June 11: Ice Cream Sundaes
Friday, June 18: Indoor Backyard Games
 
Club 78 is from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.  It is free for members and $3 for non-members.
 
6th Grade Carnival
Thursday, June 10th from 3:30pm-5pm. Sixth graders can enjoy cotton candy, play carnival games, get tattoos, sing Karaoke, and play DDR.  This event is free for members and $5 for non-members.  A member of the Outback staff will be at Saxe on Tuesday, June 8th, and Wednesday, June 9th for students to reserve their spot.

8th Grade Dance

Saturday, June 5th from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.  Tickets are $10 for non-members and FREE for members.  Students must sign up in order to attend this event. A member of the Outback staff will be at Saxe on Tuesday, June 1st, and Wednesday, June 2nd for students to reserve their spot.
 
7th Grade Dance
Friday, June 11th from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.  Tickets are $10 for non-members and FREE for members.  Students must sign up in order to attend this event. A member of the Outback staff will be at Saxe on Tuesday, June 8th, and Wednesday, June 9th for students to reserve their spot.
 
End of School Year Party for 7th Graders!
Come to the Outback right after school from 12pm-2:30pm.  Live music, DJ, Food, Prizes, and more!!!  Tickets are $10 for non-members and FREE for members.
 
Sign Up NOW to be a member of the Outback Teen Center
New this year, you can register online at www.ncoutbacktc.com.  Start saving today and get into all the above events for FREE!  Middle school members will receive a free one hour rental ($150 value), invitations to members-only events and programs, discounts on after-school programs and off-site trips, Club 78, Boys' and Girls' Nights In, free guest passes, Wi-Fi Access, and a Weekly e-newsletter. Questions?  Comments?  Please contact Outback Director Lacey Arndt at the First County Bank sponsored Outback hotline at (203) 594-3074.

Visit the Outback's new website to see the current calendar of events and programs.
Community News
Headlines

Fresh Air Fund Host Families Needed!
New Balance in New Canaan Sponsors 5k to Raise Money for Autism, August 27
New Canaan Girls' Field Hockey Registration Now Open
New Canaan Sports Council 2010 Summer Camps
New Canaan Youth Cheerleading Registration is Now Open
New Canaan Youth Football Registration Now Open

For more details about these events, please visit the Community News section of our home page.
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 saxeptcnewsletter@yahoo.com. Thank You!
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