THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL WEDNESDAY NOTICE
October 2, 2013
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GREETINGS FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
I want to begin today's note by thanking all of the parents who accompanied us on the four field trips TGS embarked on last week, including three overnights and a prodigious amount of hiking. From Putney Mountain, to Moosilauke, to the shores of Lake Champlain, students, parents, and faculty had wonderful opportunities to share meaningful experiences in partnership together. I would also be remiss to not say a preemptive thank you to all of the parent volunteers who are working tirelessly to prepare for a legendary iteration of the Medieval Faire, in just a week and a half. These brave parents have put in endless hours and we are deeply appreciative of their work.
I hope you have had a chance to see the emerging design of the mural at the entrance to the Lower School. I love watching the students collaborate on this project, working across grades and asynchronously to complete this shared project. We are all excited to see the finished product, but I believe the spirit and collaboration involved in the process are equally important to celebrate as we watch this take shape.
This Thursday is our second Head of School Coffee and we will spend time discussing the Strategic Plan Draft that was circulated two weeks ago. I hope to see many of you their and look forward to hearing your valuable input.
In closing, I hope you all join me in welcoming Vivienne Eden (TGS class of 2028) as the newest member of our community, and say congratulations to Joanne, Peter, Atticus, and Dexter. We look forward to meeting her!
Sincerely,
Dan Marchetti
Head of School
HEAR YE! HEAR YE! THE MEDIEVAL FAIRE FAST APPROACHES AND MANY TASKS REMAIN!
Please check the sign-up sheets outside Tammy's office or (preferably) go to http://tgs.ivolunteer.com to find a work slot that needs to be filled. We especially need many more hands to help raise the village on Thursday, Oct. 10 and Friday, Oct. 11. Positions are also open for the Photo Booth (no expertise required), the Ticket Booth, and the King's Raffle.
If you have young children and would like to be free to supervise them the day of the Faire, you might consider preparing a food item that can be made in advance for the Marketplace Take-Away. This is one of the Faire's most popular booths, where visitors can purchase meals to take home for the evening. We need additional hands to make: lasagna, quiche, sweet breads, and caramel apples. You might also consider donating home-canned products (pickles, jellies, etc.) to be sold.
If you are unsure about how your talents and time might best be used, please contact one of the Faire Ladies. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you at the Faire! Beth Stickney (beth@mindofwinter.com) Jaja Laughlin (jajalaughlin@hotmail.com) Melanie Kent (mskent@sover.net) Jen Robb (jenrobb@gmail.com)
MUMS, ASTERS, AND PUMPKINS
If you are buying potted mums or asters and/or pumpkins for your house this fall won't you consider loaning them to us for the Faire? You can leave them at the foot of the stairs or by the Upper School Door where there will be Masking Tape and a Sharpie (both locations) for labeling. Pick them up after the Faire. THANKS!
MEDIEVAL FAIRE PRE-SALE PASSES - For your convenience, pre-sale passes are available at the office.
HEAD OF SCHOOL COFFEE
Thursday from 8:30-9am in the auditorium
DANCE! DANCE! DANCE! - The eighth grade is hosting a dance at TGS. The dance is open to 6th-8th graders and runs from 7-10pm
(prompt pick up is appreciated!), and will be fully chaperoned. Admission is $5. Free snacks and great music. Proceeds to benefit 8th grade trip to Boston. Questions? Email lfichter@thegrammarschool.org
PUTNEY FAMILY SERVICES
THANK YOU CHARLIE AND THE FIFTH GRADE AND ALL WHO HELPED FILL BOXES FOR THE PUTNEY FOOD SHELF. IT WAS A GREAT START TO OUR YEAR OF CONTRIBUTING TO THIS IMPORTANT COMMUNITY SERVICE. KATHY AND THE 6TH GRADERS ARE COLLECTING FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER.
Wednesday, Oct. 9 at Mary.
UPDATE: The Power of Discovery - An After School STEM Program at TGSWe are excited to share an update on The Power of Discovery After School STEM Program at The Grammar School. The FIRST Lego Robotics Club for students in grades 4-8 was SWITCHED to Tuesdays-which is GREAT NEWS for students who want to join both the Chess Club (Wednesdays) and the Robotics Club.
More Clubs Available Session I:
We are launching a Math Olympiads Team (Upper Level) for students in grades 7-8, thanks to current TGS parent and Math Department Chair at The Putney School, Kevin Feal Staub. The team will meet on Tuesdays, 3:30-5pm, and run for 7 weeks. Additionally, there will be a Math Olympiads Junior Team for grades 5-6 coached by TGS Parent Jay Reichman, which will run for six weeks on Thursdays, 3:30-5pm! We also are pleased to announce that we will offer a Junior FIRST Lego Robotics Club for young people in grades 2-3, which will run for 8 weeks and meet on Wednesdays, 3:30-5pm, thanks to current TGS parent Whitney Blauvelt. Find more information below.
Two new clubs starting during Session II:
We are pleased to announce that we will offer a Kids Craft Club for young people in grades 2-4, led by the extraordinary Ann-Michelle Andrews. This club will meet on Wednesday for eight weeks, 3:30-5pm. TGS students also will have the opportunity to join TGS's Future Problem Solvers for young people in grades 5-8, coached by Suzanne Rubinstein. Find more information below.
Still seeking mentors:
We still are seeking mentors for a handful of clubs. In particular, we are looking for someone who would like to offer a craft class and/or a read aloud and art class to young people in grades K-1. We are seeking a co-mentor: we found a wonderful mentor for a DIY Maker Scouts Club for Session II, grades 2-4, but he is seeking a partner to help run the club! If you are interested please contact Suzanne Rubinstein or David Hull.
Click here for a comprehensive listing of clubs and links to registration forms.Box Tops for Education It's Box Tops submission time! Please send your Box Tops coupons in with your child or put them in the box in the entrance way. We will be bundling up all the Box Tops on October 24 to get them in by the fall deadline. Once we send in all the Box Tops, our school will receive a check from General Mills in December. Each Box Top coupon is worth 10 cents -- free money for the school! If everyone participates, the money can really add up! This year we're planning to use the money for TGS Athletics. If you have any questions about the Box Tops program, feel free to contact Clare Mundell, TGS Box Tops Coordinator, at cemundell@gmail.com.
COME VISIT ECUADOR's 8th Graders Booth at The Harvest Festival!
When: October 13
Where: The Putney School
Why: To support our 8th grade Service Learning trip to Ecuador.
This is a fundraiser run by the 8th graders attending the Service Learning trip and their teacher, Liz Jackson. Parents will need to drop off their child at the designated time to sell goods at the festival (a signup sheet will be going out to families). If you have any questions please contact Liz at lizzyole@gmail.com.
We will be selling: Bocadillos de Tortilla de Patata (Potato Omelette baguettes from Spain), Cheese and Pesto Baguettes (The PESTO is donated by Laura Gaudette and Dave Hume of Whirlygig Farm), Smokin' bowls CHILI with bread and cheese, and tons of goodies left over from Medieval Fair the day before!
¡!Gracias!!
Liz
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October
3 Parent Coffee 8:30am
6 TGS/SheWinS 5K
9 TGS Fun Run
11-17 Book Fair (during school hours)
12 Medieval Faire
14 Columbus Day No School
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COMMUNITY NEWS!
5K FUNDRAISER AT TGS THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6 - Everyone welcome!
5K Running Race Fundraiser for SheWins, sponsored by Beth Henkle
HARLOW FARM CSA
Is it important to you to feed your family organic, local foods? Are you concerned about investing in a sustainable economy? Is a stronger community important to you? Harlow Farm winter CSA delivery to The Grammar School may be for you! We offer our own Westminster grown root crops, meats and poultry, eggs, fresh winter greens, frozen and canned goods and products from other local producers like cheese, honey, pies and veggie burgers. This year we will be collaborating with the Gleanery to provide convenient frozen prepared foods created with local ingredients. Our CSA is different, as you order what you need to feed your family using our easy online ordering system. Membership starts at $200, but you can join at a level that works best for you. 10% credit will be extended to TGS families and employees until 9/27, 3% credit is added to all TGS members as a benefit of the TGS group. Visithttp://harlowfarm.com/csa/ for more info, store button will list many of our items, sign up will lead to membership, FAQ will provide more info, or contact your coordinator, Tara Meinhard tmeinhar@thegrammarschool.org, or Jeanette on the farm atjstaley@harlowfarm.com
CLEANING OUT CLOSETS AND DRAWERS?
A friend of mine is collecting clothing, bedding, towels, coats and boots for several families living in homeless shelters in Keene, NH. I told her I would send out a plea for items. Any plates, cups, or utensils would also be welcome. These families have nothing. You may email me at lficther@thegrammarschool.org or drop off items at the upper school. If you have more than a few bags, let me know so that I can bring my truck. Thank you in advance, Laurie.
Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day Sunday, October 6 at 10am at the Putney School
Hey parents! Bring your kids and join the national movement to take a kid mountain biking on Sunday, October 6th. Tony Iovino and Tony Coven will be your ride leaders. Everyone is welcome! Some trail riding experience is helpful since you'll be riding single track mountain bike trails through the Putney School. We will have two groups of skill level if necessary. Mountain bikes in good working order with trail gearing and a proper fitting helmet is a must. If you don't have a mountain bike lets us know. We have some rentals. There is no fee for this event but please register by emailing tony@westhillshop.com or calling the West Hill Shop - 802-387-5718.
MAIN STREET ARTS - In Saxtons River, VT is offering several new classes from hula-hooping to conversational Spanish. Check them out online at www.mainstreetarts.org
MUSIC LESSONS
Jared Stolper, who teaches music here at TGS, is giving private lessons on either the guitar, the banjo or the ukelele. He works with ages grade four and up. If you are interested, you can reach Jared at 603-756-4010.
Vinyasa Yoga at The Grammar School
Mondays 4:45-6:00pm in the auditorium - $14 drop-in, $60 for 5-class card, $100 for 10-class card. Please bring a yoga mat.
HOST FAMILY NEEDED FOR CHINESE GIRL
Might your family consider hosting a wonderful 16-year old girl, Tianxin or "Yolanda," who is a sophomore at the Putney School? She needs a host family in the Putney area, starting in mid-October. An accomplished musician, Yolanda plays piano, oboe, and saxophone. She is totally delightful--curious, upbeat, flexible, and helpful. Yolanda is also an excellent student, speaks English well, and hopes to become a diplomat in the future.
The host family receives a generous monthly stipend and is asked to provide a place for the student to sleep and to study, meals, a warm, supportive environment, and transportation to school. Tiaxin has her own spending money and medical insurance. For more information, please contact Ann Newsmith, 802-257-4710, exchangevt@gmail.com.
B1 ZUMBA CLASS w/ PAULINE!! at The Grammar School
Fridays: 4:30-5:30pm. $6 per class for TGS employees, $8 per class for general public. Pre-buy discount tickets available: * 6 Classes for the Price of 5 *
To register or for more information:paulinebob@hotmail.com or 802/376-5397
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