April 17, 
2016
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Royle PTO Online
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Calendar of Events

April
4/20 PTO Meeting with                   Speakers Marc Power             & Anthony Pavia,                     Middle School Guidance 
        Counselors @ 9:15
4/20 Kids Care Meeting
4/22 Kids Care/Student                   Council Fill a Truck 
        Clothing Drive
4/22 Earth Day Celebration             w/ Earth Balloon K-2
4/23 Kids Care Cleaning                 Weed Beach Playground
4/26-4/28 Spring Book Fair
4/28 Arts & Literature Night             6:30-8pm
May
5/2   Hightouch High-Tech
        5th grade
5/4   PTO Executive Board
        Meeting @9:15
5/6   Animal Embassy 
        Chris Evers-1st grade
5/13  Royle Spring Cocktail
         Party 7-10pm
5/18  Kids Care Meeting
5/22  Royle RoundUp 12-3pm
5/30  Memorial Day-
         No School

For more details on these events, please visit the PTO website homepage
Useful Links


 

 
The web team has created a Royle PTO Facebook page and Twitter account.  Like the page to join in the community and stay in the know with what is going on at Royle. 

From The Front Office:

We return to school with a Spring in our step and some special events.
  • It is Earth Week with daily events to heighten awareness of our need to care for the earth.
  • On Friday, Earth Day, we will celebrate the 1st Anniversary of our wonderful playground. Join us for an early morning assembly, weather permitting, at the playground. We will meet as a school community at 8:25 sharp to celebrate this wonderful PTO gift.
  • Poetry Week, April 25-29
  • Book Fair- April 26-28 with Arts/Literature Night, April 28th
  • Poem in Your Pocket Day and Picnic - April 29. On this day students and all those who enter Royle should have a self-composed or favorite poem in their pockets. Don't be surprised if a student asks you to read your poem.
  • Parents are invited to join us during your child's lunch shift on April 29, for an open mike outdoor picnic.   Anyone who wishes can come to the mike to recite a favorite poem or one you have composed.
Happy Spring!
JG 

Messages From the PTO...

We hope you had a wonderful April Break!

Earth Week Activities 
April 18-22

Monday, April 18: Walk to school, ride your bike, or take the bus to school today!
 
Tuesday, April 19: Trash Free Tuesday.  Please pack a trash-free lunch to help reduce what is thrown in the trash.
 
Wednesday, April 20: Join the Kids Care Club after school from 3:00-4:15.  Listen to speakers talk about water in our community and beyond then come to the courtyard garden to help get it ready for spring!
 
Thursday, April 21: Trash Free Thursday. Please pack a trash-free lunch to help reduce what is thrown away in the trash.
 
Friday, April 22: EARTH DAY! WEAR GREEN
JOIN THE ENTIRE ROLYE COMMUNITY AT 8:25 AS WE CELEBRATE THE 1ST BIRTHDAY OF OUR BEAUTIFUL PLAYGROUND!

Kid's Care Update

We are super excited about the April Kid's Care Club schedule. In the spirit of Earth Day we will be focusing on water and its importance to the health of our body and the wellness of the earth. There are three events scheduled.

Wednesday, April 20th 3-4pm - Kid's Care Club meeting. The Darien Beautification Commission will talk about the necessity and scarcity of water in our community and beyond.  Special focus will be information about The Long Island sound.  

Friday, April 22nd 8-9am -- Big Brothers and Big Sisters used Clothing Drive. Time to clean out your closets and donate Clothes, Shoes, Linens and Handbags. Proceeds earned from the drive will be donated to Charity:Water a nonprofit on a mission to bring clean drinking water to every person on the planet.  The students will see where the well they donated to is being built and will be able to monitor progress.

Saturday, April 23rd (9:00am-noon) Weed beach Cleanup -- Join us at the Weed Beach playground for a clean-up project in coordination with Darien Beautification Commission.  Keeping our water clean means keeping our beaches clean.

Please RSVP by April 19th to Amanda Craig [email protected] or Nicole Casey [email protected].  Include child(ren) name, grade and teacher.  Please pick up at 4:00 in the Library.

Get involved at Royle School 

The PTO is currently working to fill the slate for next year.

The Royle School Community is not the same without the tremendous care and dedication of our volunteers.  We have many positions available below are some great opportunities to get involved.  

School Supplies
This committee chair is responsible for the overall management of the annual sale of school supplies. The chair will be responsible for the following activities:r
1. Development of school supply lists by grade level in the late winter.
2. Pricing of grade-level supply kits
3. Publicizing the sale dates to the Royle community via mailings and blast
4. Distributing the school supplies into the classroom in the late summer

Time Commitment: The committee chair will perform the majority of the duties in the latter half of the school year. There will be time required in the late Spring to coordinate orders. Committee chair will also need to be available in late summer to receive and distribute supplies to classroom teachers.

Enrichment 
Specific positions on the Enrichment Committee are as follows:
* Author Visit Coordinator - This individual works with the appropriate grade level reps and librarian to set up author visits and supporting events.
* Writer & Poet In-Residence Coordinators - This individual works with the Enrichment Chair and Grade Level Leads to coordinate Author and Poet In-Residence visits.
* Science Coordinator - This individual schedules grade specific science programs for K - 5. Each grade chooses the program that meets their curriculum needs the best and the coordinator executes the programs with each grade level.
* Grade Level Program - Lead selection of and implementation of K-5 grade specific programs with grade level reps.
* Portraits of America Coordinator - These individuals are fourth grade parents who organize presentations by parents to the fourth grade sections to enhance both the social studies and the art curriculum. Presentations are established already. The coordinators need to recruit presenters and coordinate the schedule with each fourth grade teacher.
* Music For Youth Coordinator - Liase with local MFY Committee to schedule annual program for all grades.

Book Fair
This committee is responsible for planning, organizing and running two book fairs in the school during the year (one in the fall and one in the spring). Specific responsibilities include: selecting a vendor, a theme, a student reading contest, publicity, decorations, scheduling class visits & parent volunteers, facilitating teacher wish lists, the initial set-up and closing up of the fairs. In the spring, the committee will work with the Royle Readers Chair to coordinate the Arts & Literature Night event program collaborating on theme, communications and the evening itself the last night of the Spring Book Fair. They are also responsible for sending information to Blast and website coordinators as necessary.

Time Commitment: Working on the book fair requires a moderate time commitment when planning the theme and goals for the fair. There is also a moderate time commitment one month prior to the fair to work out the logistics for the Family Fun Night in the Fall and the Arts and Literature Night in the Spring, as well as the logistics for the teacher sign ups and the schedule of book fair volunteers. For the chairs, during the week of the fair, the commitment is from 7:50am to 3:30 pm Monday through Friday, with Thursday night from 5:30 pm to 8:30pm. Other committee members should plan to spend a substantial amount of time helping the week of the fair, but they do not need to be on hand full time.

If you are interested in getting involved please email Katie LeBesco at [email protected] or  Tara Wurm at [email protected]

Royle's Spring 2016 Book Fair Contest 

Hear ye, hear ye, Royle subjects! To kick off the upcoming spring book fair we would like to announce our book fair contest! 

Your Task: To read one book (solo or with a parent/caregiver)

Your Reward: You will then be entered in a drawing for a chance to receive a $5 gift certificate to the book fair. Those selected will also be the first students to attend the book fair before school on Tuesday, April 26th. There will be one entry selected from each classroom. Please check the flyer that came home in your child's backpack, or the website for more details. Questions? Contact Tricia Spenner ([email protected]) if you have any questions. 
Join Us For A Fun-Filled Night With Royle Moms Go To Town!

Wednesday, April 27th (7:30p-10:30p)

Come back from April break and join fellow Royle Moms for a fun night out at a private home (3 Mansfield Place).  This will be our last RMGTT event for the year and it's back by popular demand.  The cost of $25 includes a wine tasting and light hors d'oeuvres. We will be joined by the manager of Old Greenwich Fine Wines who will bring a selection of fine wines for tasting.  Wines will also be for sale at discounted prices.  Please RSVP to Sarah Muecke ([email protected]) or Jessica Schilling ([email protected]). Checks should be made out to Royle PTO for $25 (put Sarah Muecke or Jessica Schilling/PTO on the envelope) and can be sent to school in your child's backpack.  Please rsvp and send checks to school by April 13 to secure your spot!   Grab your Royle friends and we look forward to seeing you there!
A Royle Spring Affair

Calling Royle Parents! Come celebrate and socialize with our Royle Parent Community on May 13th at a Royle Spring Affair. RSVP is now open: http://roylepto.com/fundraising/evening-on-the-sound/a-royle-spring-affair/
Royle Roundup is Coming!

Save the Date! Sunday May 22nd, 12 - 3pm  Mark your calendar, dust off your cowboy hats and join us for some Chuck Wagon BBQ, pony rides and loads of fun games. You won't want to miss it. Please consider volunteering.  Contact Annie Zawacki[email protected]
Feedback on After School Activities
 
Darien After School wants to hear from YOU for Fall class planning.  Please take this quick survey to tell us what you are looking for in before and after school programming at Royle.  Thank you!
 

School News 
SBAC Testing Schedule

The Darien Public Schools' testing schedule for the Smarter Balanced assessments is available. As you may be aware, there are two components of the Smarter Balanced exam. The first is a computer adaptive test - the portion of the assessment done electronically with adaptive questions based on student responses - and the second is a performance task. As part of steps to reduce state testing, the SDE eliminated the writing performance task for the English Language Arts portion. If you have questions about any of the upcoming test administrations, please contact your school's test coordinator. Click the link for the

District News 
Volunteer Opportunities for Parents of Incoming Sixth Graders

The nominating process for the Middlesex Parent Association 2016-2017 school year has begun.  We are always looking for new volunteers to join the MPA Slate, especially parents with new students to MMS.  The job descriptions are on the MPA website which can be reached through the Parents link on the Middle School website, then the Middlesex Parent Association and then About and the 2016-2017 job descriptions or use the following link:  
 

Please contact nominating chairs Dawn Edgar at [email protected]Elizabeth Fitzpatrick at [email protected], or Liane Zielinski at [email protected] and let us know if you would like to volunteer for the MPA.  We can help you decide what job best suits your interests and schedule.

Community News 


New Community News

POSTER CONTEST FOR DARIEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
Drop It & Drive In Darien invites all Darien elementary school students to design a poster that promotes safer driving in our Darien community.

The theme of the 2016 contest is:
 
"LET'S MAKE DARIEN A SAFER COMMUNITY ON THE ROAD = OFF THE PHONE"
 
         1st Place Grades K-2; and Grades 3-5                $75 cash prize each
         2nd Place Grades K-2; and Grades 3-5               $50 cash prize each
         3rd Place Grades K-2; and Grades 3-5                $25 cash prize each
 
Contest deadline is Monday, April 11th, 2016 and winning posters will be displayed at The Darien Library. See contest details at www.dropitct.org or email [email protected] 

"The apple doesn't fall far from the tree." Every day observations and psychological research tell the same story; children often grow up to mimic the attitudes, beliefs and behaviors of their parents. Join us on April 26th from 11:30-12:30 at the Darien Library as Dr. Eliot Brenner, President and CEO of Child Guidance of Southern Connecticut, shares with us about the promise and peril of being a role model and practical steps to instill positive values in your children's lives. Bring your lunch and come for a fascinating discussion. To RSVP, please email Emily Larkin, Emily.larkin@communityfunddarien.org.
This event is sponsored by The Community Fund of Darien, MPA, DHSPA and the Darien Library.

Building GRIT...
For Students Who Tend to Quit Difficult Tasks Due to Frustration and/or Low Confidence with Todd T. Kellogg, LMFT, BCBA
Thursday, April 28 at 7:15pm, Darien Library Community Room
 
Research shows that the brain changes over time when faced with challenges that require effort, making mistakes, and, ultimately, persistence. One fundamental characteristic to successful learning is Grit: stamina, passion, and a determination to continuously plug-away when experiencing difficulty.  The problem that plagues many children, though, is that, instead of embracing difficulty, they shun the experience and associate challenging tasks with anxiety and stress. Others might just give up, thereby killing off the learning opportunity. It is possible to help our children learn by increasing their understanding and acceptance of Trial & Error, which is the process of how we learn a vast majority of skills over time. Todd Kellogg, LMFT, BCBA, a licensed marriage and family therapist and a board certified behavior analyst, will offer strategies for addressing these important issues. He has worked in the field of disabilities since 1994 and has established PositiveFamilyBehavior, a private practice with offices in Trumbull and Wilton. Co-sponsored by Darien Library and Darien SEPAC. Please RSVP to Darien SEPAC at [email protected]

24th ANNUAL TILLEY POND MODEL BOAT REGATTA
The Darien Youth Commission invites you to the 24thAnnual Tilley Pond Model Boat Regatta!  Taking place on Saturday, April 30, this family event includes fun for everyone!  Back by popular demand, we are happy to include the support and involvement of the Darien Sail & Power Squadron! This community event includes musical entertainment, face painting, a clown, balloons, hot dog cart and more! Registration is $3 per entry starting at noon.  Non-racing judging is at 12:30; races start @ 1:00 p.m.  Boat kits are available for sale for $10 each in the Youth Commission office during normal business hours.  Boat kits will also be for sale the day of the event starting as early as 11:00 a.m. at Tilley Pond Park.  For additional information please visit  www.darienct.gov/yc or 203-656-7388.

Previously Published Community News

DARIEN ARTS CENTER - DARIEN'S GOT TALENT returns!
Register for auditions on April 11
The DAC's popular talent contest returns on June 25. The fundraising event features prizes for adults & children, and accomplished entertainment industry professionals as judges for the auditions & finals. Contestants ages 10 & over, can enter alone or as part of a group, to sing, dance, play an instrument or perform just about any other talent in the competition. Acapella groups, garage bands & dance ensembles welcome. Registration for auditions opens on April 11 at darienarts.org and remains open until May 9. Auditions will be held on May 21 & 22 at the DAC Weatherstone Studio. For more information about auditions and eligibility, or sponsorship of Darien's Got Talent, call (203) 655-8683 or visit the website at darienarts.org. The DAC is located at 2 Renshaw Rd., behind Town Hall. 

DAC STAGE presents 'YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN', musical for all ages
The Darien Arts Center's community theatre group, DAC Stage, presents this award-winning and family-friendly musical for all ages, opening on April 22 and running weekends through May 7 at the DAC Weatherstone Studio. The delightful show is a collection of short scenes and songs based on the 'Peanuts' comic strip, originally created by Charles M. Schulz in 1967. Eight performances: April 22, 23, 29, 30 and May 6 & 7 at 8 p.m. and April 24 & May 1 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students. Get tickets at darienarts.org. For more information, call (203) 655-8683 or visit the website at darienarts.org. The DAC is located at 2 Renshaw Rd., behind Town Hall. 

Darien Nature Center Spring Programs- 
Animal Caretakers Club-Exercising the animals, cleaning their habitats and learning their ways are among the duties of the members of the Animal Caretakers Club. At the end of each session, the children choose their favorite animal and do a small presentation for their families.
Monday, Tuesday or Thursday 3:45 - 4:45, April 18-June 9, 2016, Mondays $231.00, Tuesdays & Thursdays $264.00 (yearly family membership required $75). 
 
Trail Trekkers - ages 3-5 yrs old Wednesdays 1:30 pm-2:30 pm & ages 5-8 yrs old (K-2nd grade) Wednesday 4-5 pm. Adventure awaits this spring in the wilds of Cherry Lawn Park.  Join us outside on our trails as we spend our afternoons going wherever curiosity takes us.  Rosy red cheeks, muddy shoes, grass stained knees and huge smiles-guaranteed! Wednesdays, May 4 - June 1, 2016 $150 per session (yearly family membership required $75). 

Afternoon at the Pond - Grab a net and bucket and join us down at the pond for an afternoon of exploration. Tadpoles, diving beetles, dragonfly nymphs and water pennies are just a few of the fascinating creatures we hope to find. K-5th grade, Friday June 3rd, 4 - 5pm
$10 per child (membership not required).
 
Darien Nature Center,120 Brookside Rd, Darien. 203-655-7459. For more information contact dariennaturecenter.org or [email protected]

Robert Evans, Ed.D.:"Helping Kids Manage and Prevent Stress" - A free community event at the Darien Library
Across the country, but especially in high-achieving communities,  children of all ages are showing more and more signs of stress. How can parents strike a good balance between preparing kids for a highly competitive world, yet protect them from damaging pressure? Dr. Robert Evans, psychologist and author, sponsored by the Greens Farms Academy Parents Association, will offer concrete suggestions.
Date: Tuesday, April 19 (NOTE: just after spring break - perfectly timed to help parents prepare for the stresses of May/June!)
Time: 7:00PM
Location: Darien Library
For more information and to reserve your seat, please visit  www.gfacademy.org/robertevans (free event, all welcome, but space is limited)

Darien Junior Cheerleading Registration is Open!
Registration for the Darien Junior Cheerleading League is open for all new and returning cheerleaders.  Darien girls entering grades 2 through 8 in Fall 2016 can register for the Fall Season by visiting www.DJFL.org.  Registration will close on May 13, 2016.  There will not be a late registration date as uniform sizing and ordering needs to be completed.  Darien Junior Cheerleading is an exciting program offering an opportunity for girls to learn the skills of cheerleading while focusing on teamwork and spirit.  Darien Junior Cheerleaders cheer weekly for our Darien Junior Football players and have participated  on occasion at DHS Varsity football games.  For more information about the program, key date and contacts, visit the CHEERLEADING tab at www.djfl.org website.  GO DARIEN!

Curtain Call's performance classes for kids, teens and adults begin April 18th: acting for stage, TV and film, comedy, musical theatre AND MORE! PLUS - full-day summer vacation programs for ages 6 thru 16. The Sterling Farms Theatre Complex, Stamford. Visit http://curtaincallinc.com/workshops.asp or call 203-329-8207 x16.

Royle Blast Guidelines


If you would like to post a message in the Royle Blast, please note the following guidelines:
  1. Send information to [email protected]
  2. Please no attachments
  3. limit submission to approximately 100 words
  4. Include contact name/phone/email
  5. Submissions must be age-appropriate and Darien school and/or community relevant. We will not include advertisements for businesses. Only community events that are child-oriented and for charitable purposes (not-for-profit) or are school related will be considered for inclusion in the Community section of the Blast. "Community News" information/events will run for a maximum of two consecutive editions.  Please time you submissions accordingly. 
  6. Must be submitted no later than Thursday at 5 pm. 
  7. Editor has final discretion as to whether information is appropriate for the Royle Blast. All text may be edited. For questions or comments on the Royle Blast, please send an email to [email protected]  
Jenn Seely, Kim Macdonald and Shelly Arrix
Royle Blast Editors

Royle "school" Blast | 133 Mansfield Ave | Darien | CT | 06820