|
|
Please join the Holmes School community at the "H Factor" talent show thisSaturday, February 27 from 3-5pm in the Darien High School auditorium. Children in grades 3-5 have worked tirelessly to put on a fun show for us. There will be singing, dancing, musical performances, gymnastics, karate and much more to entertain the whole family! We hope to see you all there!
|
Dear Parents,
Have you ever wondered what the difference was between a level L book and a level Q book? Have you ever struggled with the kinds of questions to ask your child about his/her book? Have you ever wondered what the expectations are for comprehension, as students move up the grades and up the levels? Have you ever wanted to know how to support your child at home?
All of these questions and many more will be answered at a parent workshop on February 25th (10am, 35 Leroy Ave.).
Cory Gillette and a team of upper grade teachers will lead a short workshop on comprehension skills. Parents will also have a chance to apply what they have learned in small teacher guided book clubs around the popular children's novel Because of Win Dixie by Kate Di Camillo. Copies of the book are available at the Darien Public Library and Barrett's Book Store.
|
Good news - after lots of work, input and due diligence from all of the schools and parents, the 2016-2017 school budget was passed by the Board of Ed on 2/9! This budget includes strategic investments in technology, professional development and world language for all of our schools. The budget also includes funding for some much-needed capital projects that are designed to increase safety in our schools and address a few outstanding issues at the high school. But we are only 1/3 of the way there in getting it passed - the school budget also will need to be passed by the Board of Finance in March and then by the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) in May.
On March 8th, the Board of Finance will have a public hearing to which all are invited. The Board of Finance has the authority to eliminate specific capital expenditures, and to reduce the overall school budget.
During this time, let your voice be heard in support of your schools - attend the public hearing or send a brief email to your elected Board of Finance & RTM reps!
Feb/March: Reach out to the Board of Finance & RTM to let them know you support strategic investment in our schools.
March 8th (7:30 p.m., Town Hall): Board of Finance public hearing- Come!
May 9th (8:00 p.m., Town Hall): RTM approval - public comment available if cuts are proposed.
The Superintendent's Proposed Budget can be accessed here.
Please contact your CDSP reps or PTO chairs with any questions or comments.
|
|
Come learn about the adaptations, behaviors and habitats of reptiles and amphibians. New Canaan Nature Center naturalists will bring live animals such as turtles, frogs, snakes and toads to the school so that the children can compare and contrast these amazing creatures.
Who: Grades K-5. Kindergarteners MUST attend with parent or caregiver
When: Thursday, March 10th from 1:30- 2:30pm
Children MUST be picked up at the Common Room promptly at 2:30pm
Fee: $15/child or $25/family
Confidential scholarships available for those qualifying for financial assistance. Contact Tara Levinson tara.levinson@me.com
Please register online at:
Deadline for registration is Wednesday, March 9th. SPACE IS LIMITED.
Adult chaperones are needed. Children of chaperones attend for free. Please email to volunteer.
|
Did you know studies show that children who participate in quality afterschool programs get along better with others and have higher grades and self-esteem than children who don't participate in these programs? Ask your child if there are any new activities they would like to try. As they try new things, don't forget to keep your child's schedule in balance. Make sure to prioritize family time, homework time and playtime in addition to organized activities.
A Community Fund initiative: Let's Get Talking - Thriving Youth.
|
|
|
February
25 2nd Grade Share, 9:30am, CR
26 Spirit Day at Holmes School
26 H Factor Rehearsal,
3:45pm-5:30pm, CR
27 H Factor 3-5pm, DHS
Auditorium
March 1 Coffee with Principal, 9:15am, CR 3 International Cultures Event 7 PTO Meeting, 7-8:30pm, CR 8 Board of Finance Budget Public Hearing, 7:30pm,Town Hall Auditorium 9-11 Early Dismissal for Conferences 16 Holmes Literacy Submissions
Due 25 No School (Good Friday) 28 No School (Staff Development)
|
Getting ready to pack lunches? Reusable food containers save the Earth, and they save you money! Please pack waste-free lunches!
| |
|
|
|
 |
|
Community News
BRITISH THEATER GROUP PRESENTS ALADDIN
In its 24th Season the British Theatre Group of Darien presents a brand new production of Aladdin. with a funny spin on the fairytale classic and the hysterical punchlines of a traditional British Panto show. Saturday, February 27 and Sunday February 28 at 3pm at the Darien Town Hall Auditorium. Doors open at 2:30pm. Don't forget to bring some cash as for each show we will raffle off two tickets with Jet Blue Airlines to any JetBlue destination of your choice. All ticket and raffle proceeds will go to Neighbors Link Stamford to support their great programs and family services. For more information visit us on Facebook. Tickets are available here. ***
Darien High School Club Unite for AfricaPlease join the Darien High School Club Unite for Africa on Sunday, February 28 at Terry Conners Rink from 10:50a.m. - 12:30p.m. for their Strides for Strength fundraiser. We need our communities' support to raise money for a solar paneled roof at Saint Joseph's orphanage in Tanzania. Suggested Donation: $10.00 Child: admission $3.00/skate rental $2.00 Adult: admission $5.00/skate rental $2.00 Unite for Africa is a student run club. Through volunteering the students have empowered people in Tanzania and eased suffering. Questions please contact: Kiera Quinn at kieraq26@gmail.com
***
CALLING ALL SPELLERS!! JOIN THE FUN AND SUPPORT THE DEPOT COMMUNITY SPELLING BEE SPONSORED BY CARNEGIE POLLAK TEST PREP!!
We are thrilled to have Dr. Boccanfuso and Marc Power from Middlesex Middle School emcee the event again this year! The Spelling Bee is organized into three member teams. Teams compete in rounds, with the winners of each round participating in the Championship Round. Come and cheer on your favorite team! Sunday, March 6, 2016 at 3:00 pm at Darien Town Hall Auditorium. $150 per team. For additional information contact janice@dariendepot.com or visit The Depot's website www.dariendepot.com.
***
DARIEN ARTS CENTER - PicDarien: Smartphone Photo Contest Fundraiser Open to All Ages Submit smartphone photos online at darienarts.org between Mar.14 and April 4. Enter either as a student age 15 & under or as an adult age 16 & over, in 1 of 7 themed prize categories: My Darien, Family and Friends, Landscapes/Nature, Travel, Pets, Abstract, Selfie. 1st place & Honorable Mention cash prizes will be awarded to adults & children in all categories. Slideshow of entries will be shown at Award and Reveal Reception at DAC on April 8 and at Darien's Got Talent on June 25. Find out more at darienarts.org or call (203) 655-8683. The DAC is located at 2
Renshaw Rd., behind Town Hall.
***
Attention Darien first graders and kindergarteners! Darien Little League Jamboree!
For the first time this year, Darien Little League will be partnering with professional coaches to introduce the love of baseball to your children. On Saturday, April 23rd, DLL will be hosting an opening season jamboree run by experienced baseball coaches filled with exciting games, new skills and lots of friends! Come meet your coaches, teammates and become a part of Darien baseball! Don't miss out on the fun and register today for Darien Little League! www.dybs.org. Registration is only open until March 15th!
Waking up to a cold house in the middle of winter can be very scary. If you or someone you know is having a hard time staying warm. Call Darien Human Services, 203-656-7328, for information on Energy Assistance programs. We care about our neighbors: The Community Fund of Darien and the Darien Dept. of Human Services
***
Volunteer Opportunities Available 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. Please contact nominating chairs Dawn Edgar at dawnedgar@mac.com, Elizabeth Fitzpatrick at ebfitzpatrick24@gmail.com, or Liane Zielinski at lcarita@optonline.net 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.
***
'Celebration of Trees': Tree Conservancy of Darien Photo Contest Fundraiser for all ages
All who live, work or volunteer in Darien are encouraged to submit photos of trees! Photos should be taken within the past 2 years & can be black & white or color. New: photos of trees outside of Darien are allowed, a new category for Fairfield County professionals, & all contestants can offer their photos for sale, with 30% of the sale price going to TCD. Photo entries from non-professionals must be 8x10 in size & will be matted by TCD. Submit photos at the Darien Nature Center, 120 Brookside Rd., on Feb. 25 & 26 from 9am-2pm, or Feb. 27 from 9am-1pm. Fee is $10 for students, $15 for adults & $15 for professionals, w/ a limit of 3 entries per person & 1 per category. Rules for entry & printable entry form can be found at treeconservancyofdarien.org.
|
|
|
Submission Guidelines:
Please send your submission in the text of your e-mail, single spaced and left adjusted, with "HTH Submission" in the subject line to holmes2home@gmail.com. Make sure you include a contact name and email or website in the text of your submission for questions.
We do not accept files or formatted text.
Please limit your submission to one paragraph. All text may be edited. Submission does not guarantee publication.
Community submissions must be local, 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organizations and parent or child-related. We will not include advertisements for businesses. Submissions will run for two weeks.
The deadline for submission is Monday by 4pm; H2H is normally distributed on Wednesdays.
|
|
For recently distributed newsletters please visit our archive. Holmes to Home / Holmes School / Darien, Connecticut 06820 / (203) 353-4371
|
|
|
|
|
