May 15, 
2016
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Royle PTO Online
In This Issue
 
Calendar of Events

May
5/18  Kids Care Nambale
        Magnet School Lego
        Building Meeting 
5/16  Parent Workshop:Math
        Workshop PreK-Grade1
        7-8:30pm
5/18  Kindergarten Trip to
        Stamford Museum 
        8:35am-12pm
5/18  School Climate Focus
        Group 35 Leroy Ave
       10am (see below)
5/18  Spring Concert
        @DHS 7pm
5/19  Gr. 5 IDEA trip to 
        The Cloisters 8am-3pm
5/22  Royle RoundUp 12-3pm
5/23  2nd & 3rd Gr Field Day
5/24  K &1st Gr Field Day
5/25 4th Gr trip-Soundwaters
5/26  5th & 6th Gr Field Day
5/30  Memorial Day-
         No School
5/31  K & 1st grade Field Day
        -RAIN DATE

June
6/1    PTO Executive Board 
         Meeting @9:15
6/1    2nd & 3rd Gr Field Day
         -RAIN DATE
6/1    5th Gr trip to 
        Stamford Museum
6/2   4th & 5th Gr Field Day
         -RAIN DATE
6/6    Kindergarten Music
        Program
6/9   1st Gr to Bronx Zoo
        8:30-2:30pm
6/9   Kindergarten to Pear 
       Tree Point 8:30-2:00pm
6/14  Flag Day
6/15  5th grade Promotion
        Ceremony 10am
6/16  Last Day for Students
     -Early Dismissal 12:55pm
6/17 Teacher Work Day

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
 
Safety First
 
Beginning on Monday, May 16, we will institute a new pilot program aimed at easing the parking congestion at the end of the day. We are also instituting these procedures to comply with Darien Police Department recommendations. This plan will only work if each and every driver entering the pick-up area obeys the directions of the Royle staff. For the safety of All at Royle, we urge you to do your part.
 
We encourage you to have your children take the bus home.
 
New Procedures
 
Royle staff will direct pick-up traffic to move further along the yellow curb.

No cars in the pick-up queue are to be left unattended. Your child will come to you. 

No parking in this designated area after 2:30pm

No parking or standing will be permitted next to the islands that separate the driveway and the parking area.

You may NOT double park in the parking lot.

We are working with the Darien Police to eliminate the urge to "cut the line" that forms on Royle Road.

Royle is a TWO lane road-- not three!

Please do not pass the line of cars on your right on Royle Road, join the queue.

Please do not block the painted crosswalks in the driveway.

Anyone crossing the driveway, must do so in the painted crosswalks.
 
We truly appreciate your patience and support.

From the Royle Office

If you will be leaving Royle at the end of the year for any reason, please let the office know.  Please let them know if you will be attending a private school (in or out of district), moving out of Darien/Connecticut or plan on moving to another district in Darien.
 
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
The Royle Office

PTO Thank Yous
 
Thank you to Kristina Gregory, Erin Patterson and Kori Rentz for the beautiful, festive, and fun Royle Spring Cocktail Party.  Our community thanks you for taking the initiative to bring us together, and a great time was had by all.
2016-2017 Royle School Prepackaged School Supply Order Information  
 
Order your supplies online now through June 30 at www.suppliestoplease.com
 
TO ORDER SUPPLIES ONLINE:
1.  Visit  www.suppliestoplease.com between now and June 30.
2.  Click on "Parents Login" and log in using the following information:
 
Username:  Royle
Password:  roy2016 (case sensitive)
 
Once on the Royle School page, follow the instructions to place an order OR print an order form to mail to Supplies To Please.
 
School supply kits will be delivered directly to your child's classroom and will be waiting for them on the first day of school.
 
IMPORTANT NOTE
Order confirmations are sent for EVERY order we receive. If you do not receive confirmation of your order, contact Supplies To Please ASAP at [email protected] or 914-219-5422.
 
Questions? Please contact Jenn Seely, [email protected] or 203-300-6276 or Supplies To Please at [email protected] or 914-219-5422.

Participate in School Climate Focus Group

The district is seeking parent input regarding the School Climate in each of our schools.  This will be an opportunity to have a targeted conversation with the Superintendent specific to parents' perception of school safety, home/school connections, and the school's responsiveness to the needs of children and parents.  The conversation is part of an ongoing effort to provide best practices in the Darien Schools and will not focus on any individual but rather on systems that are in place.  

The focus group for Royle Elementary school is scheduled on Wednesday May 18th at 35 Leroy Ave from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Signs ups are available by clicking here and will be available to the first 15 respondents.
Join Kids Care Club for our Last Service Project of the Year 
  
We are collecting gently used Lego, Duplos, and Megablocks for The Nambale Magnet School in Kenya, Africa.  Our next meeting is May 18th from 3-4 in the cafe.  We will build with the Legos and take pictures to show all the fun Legos can be.   Please drop legos, duplos and megablocks off in the red bins by Mr Taylor's desk.  We will collect them all month.
 
What is Nambale Magnet School? 
 
The Nambale Magnet School (NMS), established in 2009, is a residential school for 325 children in pre-school through 8th grade who are orphaned or otherwise rendered vulnerable by AIDS in rural western Kenya. Children are taught academic subjects and are involved in sustainability projects like farming and gardening. The mission is to provide a nurturing environment in which the most destitute of children can access a quality education, thereby breaking the cycle of poverty and hopelessness.
 
NMS teachers who are always looking for creative resources to help their students develop fine motor skills, learn about math, and participate in creative play. That's where our initiative comes in. In May we are collecting LEGOS!!!!  The bright colorful Legos collected will go to the school to teach about shapes, engineering, problem solving and best of all imaginative fun. Join us by donating Legos you have outgrown or just want to share with the NMS students.  See more at http://www.nambalemagnet.org/
 
Share the joy of Lego building!!!

Please RSVP to Amanda Craig at [email protected] or Nicole Casey at [email protected] with child's name, grade, and teacher.  Parents pick students up in the cafeteria at 4:00.
Royle Roundup is Coming!

Save the Date! Sunday May 22nd12 - 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.  CLICK HERE for the volunteer sign up sheet.  We CAN'T do it without you!!! 

Don't forget to send in your ticket orders, CLICK HERE for the flyer.

Contact Annie Zawacki with any questions:      [email protected] 

School News 
THE ROYLE SCHOOL MUSIC DEPARTMENT Upcoming "CONCERT" & "IN-CLASS SHARE" dates: 

CONCERTS: 
Wednesday, May 18 - 7:00 PM  @ DHS.  SPRING CONCERT featuring the 4th/5th Grade Orchestra, 3rd Grade Strings, 4th Grade Band, 5th Grade Band, and 4th/5th Grade Minstrels Chorus.   This concert is free and open to the public.  Students who are participating should arrive at DHS between 6:15-6:30pm and go to the orchestra, band or chorus room upon arrival.  Further details were sent home to parents on paper and via email. 

Monday, June 6 - 2:00 PM  @ Royle (Common Room)   End-of-Year Kindergarten Music Concert.    All four Kindergarten classes will combine to sing, dance and play Orff instruments.  The concert is free and open to parents/relatives. 

Tuesday, June 14 - 8:25am @Royle (outside near the garden) --- FLAG DAY CEREMONY.   The 4th/5th Grade Minstrels Chorus and 4th/5th grade bands will be performing for this school-wide ceremony. 
------------
"SHARES:"
"In-Class Music Shares" --- classes will share what they've learned in music class and parents will participate with some activities!  These are all held in the MUSIC PORTABLE.   Due to space limitations in the portable, these "shares" are only open to the parents of the children in that class.  Parents should sign in at the front desk. 

Wednesday, June 1 - 11:30-11:45am ---  1-M Music Class (Ms. Kozlowski)
Monday, June 6 - 11:00-11:45am  --- 1-K Music Class  (Ms. Theisen)
Tuesday, June 7 - 2:00-2:45pm --- 3-N Music Class  (Ms. Theisen)
Wednesday, June 8 - 11:00-11:45am --- 1-H/H Music Class  (Ms. Theisen)
Wednesday, June 8 - 2:00-2:45pm --- 3-Mi Music Class  (Ms. Theisen)
Friday, June 10  - 2:00-2:45pm --- 3-Mo Music Class (Ms. Kozlowski)

For all events at royle school:  if the parking lot is full, parents may park on Royle Road- SCHOOL SIDE ONLY!

Please direct questions to Ms. Theisen -  [email protected]   - or visit the ROYLE MUSIC BLOG: http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/
Field Days Dates

K-1st Tuesday May 24th 9:00-10:45
Raindate: May 31st
 
2nd -3rd Monday May 23rd 9:00-10:30
Raindate: June 1st
 
4th-5th Thursday May 26th 9:00-10:30
Raindate: June 2nd
 
All parents are invited to attend and watch their children participate in fun, outdoor activities. Please remind your children to wear sunblock, light clothing and to bring a water bottle! Students will need to wear red, yellow, blue or green t-shirts. Classroom teachers will let their students know what colors they will be wearing! Each teacher will travel with their entire class this year. If the parking lot is full, parents can park on Royle Road school side only!
Darien Library Summer Reading

On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, May 24, 25, 26, the Darien Children's Library will be visiting every classroom at Royle to share information about the Library's Summer Reading program. This year's theme is "Darien Olympians!" The librarians will also share specially crafted Summer Reading Booklists and present a variety of books to the students.

Registration for the Summer Reading Program opens Monday, June 6. If children register between June 6 and June 16, they will be entered into a raffle for a BB-8™ Robot. The Library will draw a winner on Friday, June 17 at 5:30 p.m.

Learn more about the Library's Summer Reading books and programs online at http://www.darienlibrary.org/kids.

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

Darien EMS Post 53 brings you the Memorial Day Food Fair at Tilley Pond Park following the parade!  Come enjoy food, entertainment, games and variety booths.  The Fair is great fun for all, family and friends.  Extra surprises in the silent auction, bags and buckets, kids games, art corner and more. Entry is $5.  The Fair opens after the Memorial Day parade until 2PM.  Tickets will be on sale around town - buy early or at the gates.The Memorial Day Food Fair is a major fundraiser for Post 53 which provides 24 hour emergency medical service for the town of Darien, CPR training and stand by EMS coverage for sports and events.
For more information contact (203) 655-8980 or www.post53.info.

The Darien Nature Center is gearing up for its annual Down on the Farm event, a beloved community event that brings good old-fashioned fun for the entire family to Darien. This year's event will be held on Saturday, May 28th from 10:00 am to 2:00pm on the grounds of the Darien Nature Center. The rain date is Sunday, May 29th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Early entrance for families with special needs children will be at 9:30a.m. Whole Foods Market, Darien will be serving a barbecue of hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, chips, drinks and fresh fruit. There will also be an ice cream truck, sure to help beat the heat for adults and children alike. Live music by Dre Towey, pony rides, a petting zoo, "travel to the treetops", games, facepainting and more are sure to make the day a fun-filled time!  The drawing of the winners of the Darien Nature Center 2016 Raffle, featuring an array of great prizes, will take place at 1:00 pm on May 28th. The admission fee for the event is $10.00 per child and $5.00 per adult. Food, raffle tickets and other merchandise are an additional cost.  Tickets are available at the entrance to the event at the Darien Nature Center on the day of the event. For further information contact Elizabeth Hearle at the Darien Nature Center at 203-655- 7459.


Darien 2016 Fireworks - Save the Date 
The Town of Darien's fireworks display returns Saturday, July 2nd with a rain date of Sunday, July 3rd at the Darien High School.  Parking passes will be on sale at Town Hall from June 15th through July 1st (8:30am - 4:00pm) for $30.   Pedestrians are free. We are excited to welcome back our local food vendors and the Darien Community Band.   For the first time, we will also have a sensory-friendly location for viewers.  We would like to thank the Town of Darien, Darien Chamber of Commerce, Darien Sport Shop, PG Properties, Baywater Properties, Rings End, Maguire Cheswick Tuttle, Halstead Properties, First County Bank, Nielsen's, Dan Anderson/Merrill Lynch, Rand Insurance, Orchard Tree Care, and Dolcetti Inc. for their continued generous sponsorship.  More updates to follow. In the meantime, please direct any questions to Rachel Hennemuth (203-912-8122), Susan Marks (203-219-7933) and/or Stacey Ti� (508-641-2054).

Noroton Yacht club Summer Jr. Sailing Program - Open to All!
Noroton Yacht Club is accepting non-members to its junior sailing program this summer, 2016.  NYC offers classes appropriate for both young beginners and advanced teen racers (and everything in-between).  Boat types are: Optis, Pixels, c420s, Lasers (4.7 rig, radial rig & full rig), BIC O'pens and Big Boats.  8-17 year olds are eligible.  Beginner and intermediate programs are 4 & 8 weeks; advanced and racing programs are 8 weeks only.  Program highlights: experienced instructors; superior beginning sailor instruction; racing team; exceptional racing coaching; fun classes and big boats.   Please email Connor Brady at sailingdirector@norotonyc.org or view website at www.norotonyc.org . 

Join the Darien Land Trust for Trails Discovery Day on Sunday, June 5, from 11am - 3pm, a day filled with scavenger hunts, hands on animal exhibits, fishing, tad pole catching and more at Dunlap Woods on Parkland Drive.

Darien Junior Cheerleading Registration extended 1 week                          
Registration for the Darien Junior Cheerleading League is underway and will close at midnight on May 20, 2016.   Darien girls entering grades 2 through 8 in the Fall 2016 can register for the Fall Season by visiting www.DJFL.org.  Two uniform sizing sessions will be offered.  The first uniform sizing session will be held on this Thursday May 19th 6:00-7:00 pm in the Hindley Elementary School common room.  Registered cheerleaders must attend on one uniform fitting session.  The second uniform fitting is expected to be during the week of June 6th.  The exact date, time and location will be determined.  For more information about the program, key date and contacts, visit the CHEERLEADING tab atwww.djfl.org website.  GO DARIEN!

 
Previously Published Community News

5th Grade Parents - Get your MMS Spiritwear!
It's not too early to get ready for middle school.  Great gear is available for your incoming 6th grader to wear all summer. Fill out the form  http://middlesexpa.org/spiritwear/ and email your request to Anne Chiapetta at [email protected]. Limited availability in some sizes.

Learn to Sail this Summer with DJST!  
Darien Junior Sailing Team teaches students ages 8-14 how to sail using our own fleet of Optimist sailboats.  Limited space is still available in our Level 1/2 sailing lessons as well as older beginners in the afternoons.  Three individual sessions will run throughout June 20th to August 12th and take place at Weed Beach. For more information on available programs and session dates, refer to our website www.darienjuniorsailing.com or email [email protected].

Darien Little League will hold the 8th annual military care package drive "Operation DLL Cares" on May 21st and 22nd at McGuane field.
Please help support our troops all over the world by bringing care package items,
Saturday May 21st (11:00am - 6:00pm)
Sunday May 22nd (11:00am - 6:00pm)
- Early drop off can be arranged
- Letters to servicemen/women are encouraged
- If you have a soldier's address, we will send them packages 
For a list of suggested care package items and more information go to the Darien Little League website at www.dybs.org
Monetary donations are welcome for shipping costs. Donate online at www.dybs.org or 
make checks payable to Darien Little League, with "Operation DLL Cares" in the memo and mail to Jen Laird, 37 Red Rose Circle, Darien, CT, 06820.  
Email Jen Laird at [email protected] with any questions, to arrange an early drop off, or if you have the address of a serviceman/woman.
 
Balloons for Campers Day is on Saturday, May 21st!
By supporting the Opus for Person-to Person Balloons for Campers Day, you will provide much-needed support and endless opportunities for a child this summer!
Donations can be made online at opus4p2p.org/balloonday
As a thank you for your generosity, a red balloon will be tied to your mailbox on Saturday, May 21st.
We appreciate your support and thank you for your kindness! 
Balloons for Campers Day Chairs
Beth Morgan, Jen Ward, Jamie Lombardy
P.S. Donations will be accepted after May 21st.  To receive a red balloon, all donations must be submitted by Monday, May 16th at 5:00 PM.

Summer stem camp offered June 20-24th at the Darien boy scout cabin
Start your child's summer off with a BLAST of experiments in Chemistry, Gravity, Circuitry, Robotics and Forensics developed by the CT Yankee Council in conjunction with scientists from the Oakridge National Research Laboratory, and taught by our knowledgable, trained staff! For Boys & Girls entering 1st-6th grade. Darien Scouts will be on hand to assist with the program as well, which will end with a science fair to showcase the campers' work. June 20-24 from 9am-3pm, $350 covers instruction, materials, t-shirt & water bottle. $25 Early Bird discount by May 15th, and sibling discount offered. Register online by visiting http://stemdaycamps.org/camp/15/connecticut-yankee 

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