MEM Principal's News: October 2015

Friday, October 30, 2015

Principals' Notes - October 30th

Dear Memorial Families,

A great take this weekend … the “Witch Way to the 5K”. A group of Memorial teachers will be all dressed for this event. If you are around at 9:30am for the parade, please go Ross Lurgio Middle School and cheer them on! Happy Halloween!!!

NEW NEWS

Guidance Messages

Week of October 26:

Oct. 27: Peacemaker Challenge: “Think before you speak.” Sometimes we think unkind things about others. When this happens, we need to have a “filter” and keep it inside. We need to ask ourselves how we would feel if someone said it to us, and if we wouldn’t like it, we shouldn’t say it to others.

Oct. 30: Review of what students can do if unkind behavior happens to them, or if they see it happen to others. Phrase of the day: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” (Mahatma Ghandi). It is the responsibility of all of us to help keep our school bully-free and peaceful.

6th Annual Witch Way to the 5K!

Please consider joining the Ross A. Lurgio Middle School for the 6th annual Witch Way to the 5K on Saturday, October 31, 2015, Halloween day! The kids 1K race starts at 9:30am and the adult race begins at 10am at Lurgio Middle School. For more information, visit http://www.sau25.net/ww5k - registration is now OPEN!

Make Life Sweeter Candy Drive:

Beginning the Monday after Halloween (November 2) until the end of the school day on Friday (November 6) with the help of a BHS student, we will be conducting a week-long post-Halloween candy drive. All of the collections will be donated to the New Horizons Soup Kitchen in Manchester. New Horizons gratefully uses these donations as dessert when they serve the homeless, and they also pass it along as a night-time treat to those homeless guests staying in the shelter. The goal of the drive is to make life a little sweeter for those less fortunate. All donations can be placed in the marked box outside the office which will be collected at the end of the school day on Friday, November 6th.

Keeping Safe on the Internet

On Thursday November 5 from 11:00 to 12:30 in the Bedford Public Library there will be a presentation for parents on how to keep your kids safe on the internet. It will be put on by Nate Lindstad of the Manchester Police Department.

Epi-Pen Recall

Parents - As a courtesy, our school nurses have asked all principals to pass this announcement along to parents. Sanofi US is voluntarily recalling ALL Auvi‑Q® (epinephrine injection, USP).The products have been found to potentially have inaccurate dosage delivery. More details can be found here.

BEF Fall Fundraiser - Shake it Up for Education

Featuring Performances by the BHS Cast of Shake it Up!

Live Auction

Friday, November 6, 2015, 7 PM @ Manchester Country Club

For more information about BEF please check our our website, www.befnh.org.

For tickets to this FUNdraiser, please go to: http://www.seatyourself.biz/befnh

Please click here for the invitation.

Annual Pet Month

Thank you to all of our families and children for making it such a successful Animal Pet Month.

PTG CORNER

The PTG is hosting “The State of the District with Superintendent Chip McGee” on Thursday, November 5th from 6:30-8p.m. at BCTV. This informative presentation will be followed by a Q&A from the audience. If you have a question you’d like answered feel free to send an email to Greg Girard at bedfordnhptg@gmail.com, all responses will be anonymous.

Join the PTG at Shorty’s in Bedford throughout the day on Thursday November 5th to celebrate “Half Way to Cinco de Mayo”. Shorty’s will be offering happy hour prices all day long. Let your server know you support the PTG and drop your receipt at the hostess stand. The PTG will receive a portion of the proceeds on all take out and eat in orders (alcoholic beverages excluded) that get put into the box. ole!

The holidays are just around the corner, are you looking for the perfect gift for a friend, neighbor or teacher? The PTG Gift Card sale is now underway. We have lots of retailers including local businesses such as The Purple Finch, Canvas Roadshow, T-Bones, Zin Zen Yoga, Copper Door and Wicked Good Butcha! How does it work? For every gift card you buy, a percentage of the value of the card is donated by the sponsoring retailer to our schools while 100% of the value of the card that you purchased is available for you to spend! Click here to download an order form today. ORDERS DUE: Monday, November 9, 2015 for Pre-Thanksgiving/Hanukkah Delivery. ORDERS DUE: Friday, December 4, 2015 for Pre-Christmas Delivery.

Looking for gift wrap or other gift items? The Gift Wrap & More fundraiser will be ongoing online through December. Simply go to www.meadowfarms.com and enter code 1032028 to start shopping.

School Supply Survey…

The PTG is looking for feedback on offering families the option of purchasing school supplies online. The survey will take approximately 3 - 5 minutes to complete. Click here to participate. We value your feedback. Thank you!

“PTG ANNUAL SKI & SKATE SALE EVENT” SATURDAY, NOV. 21st

Get ready for the PTG’s biggest fundraiser and stock up on all your winter sports gear needs for the entire family! Proceeds from this tremendous consignment sale fundraiser provide a variety of wonderful programs supporting Bedford students across all six schools. Please consider supporting this important event in any way that you can by selling your used equipment, purchasing equipment, donating, or volunteering!

Go to www.bedfordptg.org for all the details and add your equipment to the sale using our easy online scanning system!

(Drop off for selling your equipment is Friday, November 20, 2015 between 5:00pm – 8:00pm at BHS.)

REMINDERS

Ski Program - Pats Peak

Bedford students in grades 1 – 12 are invited to take advantage of discounted ski/snowboard lessons at Pat’s Peak Ski Area in Henniker, NH. This parent run program is geared to give kids the opportunity to learn to ski and snowboard at a ski area perfect for all levels. This five-week Friday night program includes 1-hour lessons and free ski time until closing each week and costs less than the price of a regular lift ticket. Discounted lift tickets are available for students who do not need lessons. The 2016 Bedford Ski Program begins on Friday, January 8th and runs for 5 weeks. Go to www.patspeak.com. Click on “Learn to Ski & Ride Program”, “Register Here”. The username for the 3:30 lesson is bedfordski330 and for the 4:30 lesson the username is bedfordski430. The password is “carpool”. More details are available at www.patspeak.com. Please contact Carolyn John at ekkoswife@comcast.net if you have questions.

Recreational Basketball

This is a friendly reminder that the 2015-2016 Recreational Basketball is NOW open for registration for Boys and Girls in grades 1st through 8th. Bedford Recreational Basketball focuses on FUNdamentals of basketball and learning through game play. This is a great way to keep busy during the winter and allow your child to learn the great game of basketball! To register go to: www.bedfordbl.com. We look forward to seeing everyone on the court! Also be sure to check your email regarding our “clinic series” that will be hosted on Saturdays leading up to the season! Once registered you will receive emails on clinic schedule and times.

IMPORTANT DATES

October 30 - Grades Close

Sun. Nov. 2nd - Daylight Saving Time -Fall back an hour

November 3 - No School (District Workshop Day)

November 6 - Official Report Cards

November 9 - 20 - Parent Teacher Conferences

November 11 - No School (Veterans’ Day Observance)

November 16-20 - Book Fair

November 19 - Math and Literacy Night

November 25-27 - Thanksgiving Recess

Thanks,

Pam

Friday, October 23, 2015

Principals'Notes - October 23

Dear Memorial Families,

You can certainly feel the chill in the air … it appears that fall has arrived. The children are really enjoying seeing the pet pictures in our “Howl of Fame.” Thanks to our families who have donated items for the Animal Rescue League. We will continue collecting items until next Friday.

NEW NEWS

Guidance Messages

Week of Oct. 13:

Oct. 13: We can help stop unkind behavior and prevent bullying in our school. A bystander is someone who sees unkind behavior. If we are a bystander, we need to become an Upstander. An Upstander speaks up when he/she sees someone being unkind.

Oct. 16: Phrase of the day: “Stand up and speak out for what's right.” To be an Upstander, we can tell the person who is unkind to stop. If we are afraid to do that, we can ask our friends to do it with us. We can also be kind to the person who was hurt by the unkind behavior m(target).

Week of Oct. 19:

Oct. 20: Phrase of the Day: “Stop, Walk and Talk” If we are afraid to tell a person to stop unkind behavior, we can still be an Upstander. We can “Stop, Walk and Talk.” That means we stop what we are doing, walk away, and tell an adult we trust. The adult may be one at school or home. If we tell an adult at home, he/she can call the school.

Oct. 23: Review of what kids can do to be an Upstander. They can tell the person to stop, ask friends to help them, be kind to the target, or “Stop, Walk and Talk, tell an adult”. There is never an excuse to sit by and do nothing.

Drug & Alcohol Prevention - Education & Discussion

Wednesday, October 28, 2015 - 6:30 - 8:30pm

Ross A Lurgio Media Center

Presenters

Tym Rourke - NH Charitable Foundation & Chair, Governor's Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery (and Bedford resident)

Mary Forsythe Taber - Executive Director, Makin' It Happen Coalition for Resilient Youth

Donna LaRue - Youth Counselor, Lurgio Middle School & Bedford High School

Tym and Mary will talk about what is happening in NH and HOW they know what is happening. They will answer questions and lead discussion about what we can do as parents and a community.

Also in attendance:

Chief Bryfonski, Bedford Police Department

Bill Kassler, Chair, Bedford School Board and parent

Terry Wolf, State Representative and parent

Local pediatricians

Note: The presentation is for adults. All parents and community members are welcome.

6th Annual Witch Way to the 5K!

BEF Fall Fundraiser - Shake it Up for Education

Featuring Performances by the BHS Cast of Shake it Up!

Live Auction

Friday, November 6, 2015, 7 PM @ Manchester Country Club

For more information about BEF please check our our website, www.befnh.org.

For tickets to this FUNdraiser, please go to: http://www.seatyourself.biz/befnh

Please click here for the invitation.

Annual Pet Month

This is our last week for accepting donations for the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire. Thank you to those who have donated … we appreciate your support. The donations can be sent in with students and placed in the bins which will line the front hallway of our school. Some of the most needed items at the shelter include:

· Plain chicken or turkey baby food (for kittens)

· Kitten food (both canned and dry)

· Adult dog food canned and dry (Iams, Purina One, Pedigree, etc.)

· Clay cat litter

· Laundry detergent, high efficiency

· Hand Sanitizer

· Toilet Paper

· Disposable Non-Latex Gloves

· Gift cards to any pet store

We will also be displaying pictures, stories, and drawings of students and their pets. Feel free to send in a picture of your little ones and their pets to be displayed in the Pet Howl of Fame.

REMINDERS

Ski Program - Pats Peak

Recreational Basketball

From the office of the School Nurse

Strep throat- Please let me know if your child is diagnosed with this infection.

Signs and Symptoms:

§ Rapid onset of throat pain

§ Throat pain that is worse when swallowing

§ Appetite loss

§ Stomachache

§ Headache

§ Fever

§ General ill feeling

§ Ear pain when swallowing (sometimes)

§ Tender, swollen glands in the neck

§ Bright red tonsils that may have specks of pus

It is caused by streptococcal bacteria, which are spread from person to person via drops of saliva or nasal secretion. (Sneezing and coughing)

Treatment:

If you suspect strep throat infection, call your child’s physician and have a throat culture done. If culture is positive, they need 24 hours of antibiotic treatment and to be fever free before returning to school.

Scarlet Fever

Is a form of strep infection which presents as a skin rash. The rash is usually red with fine bumps and feels sandpapery and is most noticeable on the neck, chest, groin, or on the inner surface of the knees, thighs or elbows. Often children will have a fever and sore throat prior to the rash, but not always.

Treatment:

If you suspect scarlet fever contact your child’s physician. After 24 hours of antibiotic treatment and being fever free he/she may return to school.

Rachel Higgins, RN

627-1776 ext. 3204

Important - Parking out Front

Chip McGee and I met with town officials today to discuss the area in front of Memorial adjacent to the road. We have used this area for the past few years for parking though it has never been an official parking area. The town will be putting a curb there and ultimately a sidewalk. The good news is that it will provide a safe area for people to walk. The BAD news is that as of Tuesday, October 13th, we will no longer be able to park out there. We will keep most of the marked spaces out in the front open for parents to park and look at parent pick-up at the end of the day to determine what alternatives we have. I am also communicating with the church across the street to see when we will be able to park there. I know that this will be an inconvenience and ask for your patience as we adjust to this change.

IMPORTANT DATES

October 26, 27, 28, 29 Field Trip Little Brick Schoolhouse (Grade 4)

October 30 - Third Graders walk to Nursing Home for Halloween

October 30 - Grades Close

November 3 - No School (District Workshop Day)

November 6 - Official Report Cards

November 9 - 20 - Parent Teacher Conferences

November 11 - No School (Veterans’ Day Observance)

November 16-20 - Book Fair

November 19 - Math and Literacy Night

November 25-27 - Thanksgiving Recess

Thanks,

Pam

Friday, October 16, 2015

Principals' Notes - October 16th

Dear Memorial Families,

I hope that you are enjoying this spectacular fall foliage. Our third and fourth graders had a visit from Randy Pierce and his guide dog, Autumn, this week. He had such an inspiring message for the students. Please ask your child about this visit.

NEW NEWS

Guidance Messages

Week of Oct. 5:

Oct. 6: People bully with their bodies, by hitting, kicking, etc. They bully with their words, by name calling and teasing. They can bully with feelings, by leaving others out, telling secrets, and spreading rumors. Peacemaker Challenge: To stop bully and unkind behaviors if you do them, before they turn into a habit.

Oct. 9: Phrase of the Day: “The time is always right to do what is right.” (Martin Luther King Jr.) Peacemaker Challenge: To remember Martin Luther King's words and do the right thing when it comes to bullying and unkind behavior. If you are angry or tempted to do something unkind, don't do it. Play a game by turning it around and thinking of something kind you can say or do instead. Then do it.

Parking out Front

Thank you to our Memorial Families as we adjust to not having the parking in front of the building. I appreciate your patience particularly at the end of the day as we try to make both BEEP pick-up and elementary parent pick-up work for everyone. I sincerely appreciate your smiles and waves:) Please remember that you can park at the church if all the spaces are taken at Memorial. Special thanks to Manchester Christian Church for their generosity! As always, please email me or give me a call if you have any feedback.

6th Annual Witch Way to the 5K!

BEF Fall Fundraiser - Shake it Up for Education

Featuring Performances by the BHS Cast of Shake it Up!

Live Auction

Friday, November 6, 2015, 7 PM @ Manchester Country Club

For more information about BEF please check our our website, www.befnh.org.

For tickets to this FUNdraiser, please go to: http://www.seatyourself.biz/befnh

Please click here for the invitation.

From the office of the School Nurse

EPI-PEN training is scheduled for Thursday, October 22, 2015 at 7:30am. I’ve sent home invitations with all students who have an epi-pen, inviting parents to meet with child’s teacher on that day. I’ve only heard back from one parent. As a parent you have the responsibility to talk to the teacher and asked if they are comfortable taking the epi-pen on field trips. I can do the training but I cannot ask teachers to be responsible for this task. If you are not able to attend please let me know and please contact your child’s teacher.

Strep throat- Please let me know if your child is diagnosed with this infection.

Signs and Symptoms:

§ Rapid onset of throat pain

§ Throat pain that is worse when swallowing

§ Appetite loss

§ Stomachache

§ Headache

§ Fever

§ General ill feeling

§ Ear pain when swallowing (sometimes)

§ Tender, swollen glands in the neck

§ Bright red tonsils that may have specks of pus

It is caused by streptococcal bacteria, which are spread from person to person via drops of saliva or nasal secretion. (Sneezing and coughing)

Treatment:

Scarlet Fever

Treatment:

If you suspect scarlet fever contact your child’s physician. After 24 hours of antibiotic treatment and being fever free he/she may return to school.

Rachel Higgins, RN

627-1776 ext. 3204

Ski Program - Pats Peak

Ski Program - Crotched Mountain

Attention Skiers and Riders! Registration for the BedfordCrotched Mountain Ski and Ride program is OPEN!

To get your discounted lift passes to a mountain full of great skiing, check out Crotched’s website,www.crotchedmountain.com, and navigate over to Groups & Clubs, then click on school programs. After logging on (using BSD Ski & Ride Club as the club name and bsdmember as the password), you can click on “go shopping” to see the options offered this year.

IMPORTANT! Season Pass prices increase Monday, October 12, 2015!

Club Passes increase October 31, 2015!

The Bedford Crotched Mountain Ski and Ride program is available to anyone interested. Our program’s designated night is Fridays, beginning the first Friday after New Year’s and running for 5 consecutive Fridays. Your passes will be available for pick up in December, just in time for gift giving! For more information, contact Isabelle Grenier at isabelleg@comcast.net.

Recreational Basketball

Annual Pet Month

For many of us at Memorial School, our pets are an important part of our families. During the month of October we'll be celebrating how animals enrich our lives through a variety of pet-themed events.

Starting on Monday, October 5th and ending on Friday, October 30th, we will be accepting donations for the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire. The donations can be sent in with students and placed in the bins which will line the front hallway of our school. Some of the most needed items at the shelter include:

· Plain chicken or turkey baby food (for kittens)

· Kitten food (both canned and dry)

· Adult dog food canned and dry (Iams, Purina One, Pedigree, etc.)

· Clay cat litter

· Laundry detergent, high efficiency

· Hand Sanitizer

· Toilet Paper

· Disposable Non-Latex Gloves

· Gift cards to any pet store

We will also be displaying pictures, stories, and drawings of students and their pets. Feel free to send in a picture of your little ones and their pets to be displayed in the Pet Howl of Fame.

Finally, we'll be welcoming several guests throughout the month of October who will talk to the students about topics like being a responsible pet owner, children with therapy dogs, and the impact a seeing eye dog can have on the life of a blind person.

We look forward to a great month and to seeing those bins fill up with goodies to help our furry friends in need!

REMINDERS

Important - Parking out Front

IMPORTANT DATES

October 23 - Field Trip to Mount Kearsarge Museum (Grade 3)

October 26, 27, 28, 29 Field Trip Little Brick Schoolhouse (Grade 4)

October 30 - Third Graders walk to Nursing Home for Halloween

November 3 - No School (District Workshop Day)

November 9 - 20 - Parent Teacher Conferences

November 11 - No School (Veterans’ Day Observance)

Thanks,

Pam