Friday, January 29, 2016

Principals' Notes - January 29th

Dear Memorial Families,
We had such fun reading at the Principal’s Read last night. Thank you to all the children and their families who came … we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did! We were able to share the video from our Artist in Residence, Drums Alive, with the School Board on Monday night … they enjoyed seeing our children perform! Thank you to the School Board for holding their meeting at Memorial.



NEW NEWS


Guidance Messages
Word of the Month: Friendship
During the month of February, the students will be introduced to the concepts of friendly and unfriendly behaviors.  They will learn about things they can do to help them make and keep friends (friendly behaviors), as well as things they can do that may cause them to have difficulty making and keeping friends (unfriendly behaviors).

Week of February 1:
February 2: Phrase of the Day: “The only way to have a friend is to be one.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Introduction to the concept of friendly and unfriendly behaviors.  
February 5: Phrase of the Day: “Friendship isn't a big thing.  It's a million little things.” (Author Unknown) Being caring and thoughtful is a friendly behavior.

Deliberative Session Feb. 2 at 7:00 p.m. BHS Theater
All voters in Bedford are urged to come to the Bedford School District Deliberative Session on Tuesday, February 2 at 7:00 p.m. at the Bedford High School Theater. This is when the community either affirms or revises the School Board’s proposed budget for 2016-17 (The budget is presented in the School District Warrant.). The proposed budget is $68.3M, a 3.9% increase over this year. The increase is primarily because of personnel, health insurance benefits, and significant building maintenance.  Voting on the warrant is on Tuesday, March 8 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Bedford High School Gymnasium. If the proposed budget is voted down, the default budget would be $2.3M lower.  Additional information can be found here.

"Babysitting" for the Deliberative Session
The Bedford High School National Honors Society students will be available to watch children for parents who wish to attend the Deliberative Session on February 2.  Students will be available in the Bedford High School Library.  Thank you NHS!  

Reminder - Toys at School
Toys of financial or emotional value should stay at home.  Cards or toys should not be traded at school anytime and any toys that do come into school must stay in bags until recess or after school. Toys can be a distraction to the students, can get lost and can cause hurt feelings. During indoor recess teachers have games and activities that students can do, so that bringing in toys is not necessary.

Bingo Night - February 11th
Memorial will be hosting our second annual Bingo Night on Thursday, February 11th.  Last call: We are looking for donations of board games for that night. Children loved being able to win a board game.

Barnes & Noble Bookfair * SAVE THE DATE *
Beat the cold weather and join the PTG January 29th and January 30th at the Barnes & Noble at 1741 South Willow Street, Manchester for a warm and delightful family outing complete with something for everyone including a display of artwork by Bedford Students K-12, musical performances, and story time (readings by school staff) all while you shop for books, movies, toys or even while you grab a treat! Be sure to mention BEDFORD PTG at the time of any of your purchases to help earn money for our schools! Click here to download a flyer.  Can’t make it? Shop online at www.bn.com/bookfairs January 27th – February 3rd and enter Bookfair ID#11706355 at checkout! Check out the times and readers by clicking here.
Coordinator: Darlene Boyd dbell0809@yahoo.com

Health Alert
Please report any of these infections to Rachel Higgins, our School Nurse:
Strep Throat 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 sand papery 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.

Impetigo
Impetigo is a superficial infection of the skin, caused by streptococcus or staphylococcus bacteria. Impetigo is quite contagious, it usually involves the skin of the face, arms and legs. Impetigo is a red rash with many small blisters.  Some blisters contain pus, and yellow crusts form when they break. The blisters don’t hurt but may itch. If you suspect your child may have this rash contact your child’s health care provider. After 24 hours of antibiotic treatment your child may return to school.

Educational Farm at Joppa Hill
The First Annual Snow Ball will take place at LaBelle Winery on Feb 13, 2016, 7-10PM to benefit Bedford's Educational Farm at Joppa Hill. Featuring a live band, hearty hors d'oeuvres, cash bar, and silent auction, this event is your chance to spend a romantic evening out and also support the Farm. Tickets are $75 per person and can be purchased by visiting www.theeducationalfarm.org or calling Drew Cline at 661-8383.



REMINDERS


Recess
Students will go outside for recess (both morning and afternoon) if the temperature is 20 degrees or above (including wind chill).  Please make sure to send your child(ren) in with the appropriate outerwear – coat, boots, snow pants, gloves/mittens.  Also, in order to play in the snow, children are required to wear boots and snow pants.  Otherwise, they’ll need to remain on the black top.

Bedford Food Pantry
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT:  The Food Pantry at Bedford Presbyterian Church is a newly established resource for those in our community who are facing hunger or food insecurity.  The Food Pantry is a 501(c)3 organization that is a well-coordinated effort between 5 area churches, local organizations including the Bedford Lion's Club, the Boy Scouts, and individuals and families in Bedford. The Food Pantry is located at  Bedford Presbyterian Church, 4 Church Road, Bedford, and is available to all Bedford residents.The Food Pantry will open on the 1st and 3rd Saturday, and the following Monday, of each month. Hours are Saturdays, 9:00 - 11:00 am, Mondays, 5:30 - 7:00 pm. The dates for February are February 6th, 8th, 20th and 22nd. Please click here for the flyer.
If you, or someone you know in Bedford is struggling with food insecurity please call Bedford Presbyterian Church, 472-5841.



IMPORTANT DATES


February 2 – Deliberative Session – 7:00 PM Bedford High School Theater
February 3 - Homework Club
February 4 - Chorus Practice
February 5 - Mad Scientist (Grade 1)
February 8 – School Board Meeting – 7:00 PM – SAU
February 9 – NO SCHOOL – Presidential Primary Day
February 11 - Bingo Night (Memorial Cafe - 4:30 - 6:00)
February 22-26 – Winter Vacation

Thanks,
Pam  

Friday, January 22, 2016

Principals' Note - January 22nd

Dear Memorial Families,
We certainly have been indoors more than the children like this week … it has been way too windy. We have had a busy week with the Drum Lady, the Monarch Players and our annual Spelling Bee.  Congratulations to Sunny Kovvuri for being Memorial’s Spelling Bee Champion and to runner-up Ryan O’Connor. Sunny will represent Memorial at the State Spelling Bee on February 27th.


NEW NEWS


Guidance Messages
Week of January 19:
Jan. 19: Phrase of the Day:  “You are valuable.  Don't let anyone make you feel differently.” Babe Didrikson Zaharias was a famous athlete whose differences made her special.  If someone makes fun of you because you are different in some way, remind yourself that your differences are what make you special. Don't let others keep you from believing you are valuable.
Jan. 22: Phrase of the Day: “Each one, teach one.” Each of us is good at some things and not very good at other things.  We can learn from each other by teaching our strengths to others and having others teach their strengths to us.  This sharing of strengths is yet another reason why being different is great!

School Board Meeting - Monday, January 25th
The School Board will be holding its monthly meeting on Monday, January 25th at Memorial School at 7:00 pm. Memorial will showcase this year’s Artist’s in Residence Program at the start of the meeting.

Deliberative Session Feb. 2 at 7:00 p.m. BHS Theater
All voters in Bedford are urged to ​come to the Bedford School District Deliberative Session on Tuesday, February 2 at 7:00 p.m. at the Bedford High School Theater. This is when the community either affirms or revises the School Board’s proposed budget for 2016-17 (The budget is presented in the School District Warrant.). The proposed budget is $68.3M, a 3.9% increase over this year. The increase is primarily because of personnel, health insurance benefits, and significant building maintenance.  
​Voting on the warrant is on Tuesday, March 8 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m
​ at the Bedford High School gymnasium​.  If the proposed budget is voted down, the default budget would be $2.3M lower.  Additional information can be found here.

Artist in Residence - Friday, January 22nd
We  have had a very fun-filled week with the Drum Lady, Anne Poirier… just ask the students. It was a joy seeing all of the students participating.  The third and fourth graders performed for the first and second graders as well as to their parents today. They did an awesome job!  Anne used stability balls, round laundry baskets, and drumsticks to teach students rhythm sequences  and eventually added music and movement. It has been a rich experience integrating of music and physical education.

Bingo Night - February 11th
Memorial will be hosting our second annual Bingo Night on Thursday, February 11th. We are looking for donations of board games for that night. Children loved being able to win a board game.

Monarchs Against Bullying
Players from the Monarch’s team read to our first and second graders on Thursday afternoon … the children were a great audience and they were excited about getting autographs from the players.

PTG Principal Winter Reading Night * Thursday, January 28th *
It’s time for some fun as the Bedford principals from our six schools read their favorite books during this special time of year… winter!
All Bedford Elementary school children, staff and their families are invited to join us at the McKelvie Intermediate school cafeteria.  Wear your pjs or comfy clothes and grab a blanket to sit on. Light refreshments will be served and at each session there will be a door prize of all six books being read.  There is no admission to attend but tickets are required for entry.  Click here to download the registration form.  ALL CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT.
Contact Coordinators: Cindy Detscher mdetscher@comcast.net), or Stacie McAuliffe staciemcauliffe@yahoo.com); Snow date: Thursday, February 4th

Barnes & Noble Bookfair * SAVE THE DATE *
Beat the cold weather and join the PTG January 29th and January 30th at the Barnes & Noble at 1741 South Willow Street, Manchester for a warm and delightful family outing complete with something for everyone including a display of artwork by Bedford Students K-12, musical performances, and story time (readings by school staff) all while you shop for books, movies, toys or even while you grab a treat! Be sure to mention BEDFORD PTG at the time of any of your purchases to help earn money for our schools! Click here to download a flyer.  Can’t make it? Shop online at www.bn.com/bookfairs January 27th – February 3rd and enter Bookfair ID#11706355 at checkout!
Coordinator: Darlene Boyd dbell0809@yahoo.com



REMINDERS


Recess
Students will go outside for recess (both morning and afternoon) if the temperature is 20 degrees or above (including wind chill).  Please make sure to send your child(ren) in with the appropriate outerwear – coat, boots, snow pants, gloves/mittens.  Also, in order to play in the snow, children are required to wear boots and snow pants.  Otherwise, they’ll need to remain on the black top.

Bedford Food Pantry
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT:  The Food Pantry at Bedford Presbyterian Church is a newly established resource for those in our community who are facing hunger or food insecurity.  The Food Pantry is a 501(c)3 organization that is a well-coordinated effort between 5 area churches, local organizations including the Bedford Lion's Club, the Boy Scouts, and individuals and families in Bedford. The Food Pantry is located at  Bedford Presbyterian Church, 4 Church Road, Bedford, and is available to all Bedford residents.The Food Pantry will open on the 1st and 3rd Saturday, and the following Monday, of each month. Hours are Saturdays, 9:00 - 11:00 am, Mondays, 5:30 - 7:00 pm. The dates for February are February 6th, 8th, 20th and 22nd. Please click here for the flyer.
If you, or someone you know in Bedford is struggling with food insecurity please call Bedford Presbyterian Church, 472-5841.



IMPORTANT DATES


January 25 – School Board Meeting – 7:00 PM - Memorial
January  27 - Homework Club
January 28 - Chorus Rehearsal
January 28 – Principals’ Winter Read (McKelvie School) – More information to come (Snow date – February 4th )
January 29 - Report Cards go home
February 2 – Deliberative Session – 7:00 PM Bedford High School Theater
February 8 – School Board Meeting – 7:00 PM – SAU
February 9 – NO SCHOOL – Presidential Primary Day
February 11 - Bingo Night (Memorial Cafe - 4:30 - 6:00)
February 22-26 – Winter Vacation

Thanks,
Pam  

Friday, January 15, 2016

Principals' Notes - January 15th

Dear Memorial Families,
The children have been troopers going outside on these cold days. Though I must admit I think it is harder on the adults because the children love being outdoors. You can certainly feel that winter has arrived.


NEW NEWS


Guidance Messages
Week of January 11:
Jan. 12: Phrase of the Day: “Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.” (Oscar Wilde) The most valuable things in the world are originals, not copies.  Peacemaker Challenge: Like who you are and remember that your differences are what make you “an original”.
Jan. 15: Martin Luther King Jr. was a hero because of the ways he was different.  He peacefully stood up for equal rights when others didn't.  He was one-of-a-kind.  Students are urged to think of the ways they are different than others and to recognize that those are the things that make them one-of-a-kind.

NO SCHOOL - Monday
Just a friendly reminder that we do not have school on Monday, January 18th in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Artist in Residence - Tuesday, January 19th - Friday, January 22nd
We are excited to have the Drum Lady, Anne Poirier, with us next week. She will be working with grades 1 - 4 through the week. Anne uses stability balls, round laundry baskets, and drumsticks.  Anne teaches students rhythm sequences  and eventually adds music and movement. It will be an exciting integration of music and physical education.
Reminder to third and fourth grade parents:
Friday - January 22nd
11 - 11:30 - Grade 3 will be presenting to 3rd grade parents
1:30 - 2:00 - Grade 4 will be presenting to 4th grade parents
We hope you will be able to join us!

Spirit Day - Thursday, January 21st
Ever wish you could wear pajamas to work? Memorial students and staff are encouraged to wear pajamas on Thursday, January 21st for PJ Day.

Monarchs Against Bullying
Players from the Monarch team will be visiting Memorial on Thursday to read to our first and second graders … we are excited to have them!

Winter Concert  
Congratulations to all of our third and fourth grade chorus members who performed on Thursday evening … we are so proud of them. Thank you to music teacher, Sean McConnell, for all of his work developing the program and working with the children. Our poets and speakers added a new dimension to the Winter Concert … very well done!!! The sing-along at the end was another great addition. A special thank you to Martha Westlund and Leslie Fredette for all their support of the music program and special thanks to you, our parents, for all of your support.

Bedford Food Pantry
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT:  The Food Pantry at Bedford Presbyterian Church is a newly established resource for those in our community who are facing hunger or food insecurity.  The Food Pantry is a 501(c)3 organization that is a well-coordinated effort between 5 area churches, local organizations including the Bedford Lion's Club, the Boy Scouts, and individuals and families in Bedford. The Food Pantry is located at  Bedford Presbyterian Church, 4 Church Road, Bedford, and is available to all Bedford residents.The Food Pantry will open will be open this Saturday, January 16th and on the 1st and 3rd Saturday, and the following Monday, of each month. Hours are Saturdays, 9:00 - 11:00 am, Mondays, 5:30 - 7:00 pm. The dates for January are January 16th and 18th. The dates for February are February 6th, 8th, 20th and 22nd. Please click here for the flyer.
If you, or someone you know in Bedford is struggling with food insecurity please call Bedford Presbyterian Church, 472-5841.
 


REMINDERS


Recess
Students will go outside for recess (both morning and afternoon) if the temperature is 20 degrees or above (including wind chill).  Please make sure to send your child(ren) in with the appropriate outerwear – coat, boots, snow pants, gloves/mittens.  Also, in order to play in the snow, children are required to wear boots and snow pants.  Otherwise, they’ll need to remain on the black top.


IMPORTANT DATES


January 11 – School Board Meeting – 7:00 PM – SAU
January 12 – District Budget Hearing – 5:00 PM – BHS Theater
January 14 - Memorial Winter Concert (McKelvie School - 7pm)
January 18 - No School ( Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
January 19 - 22 - The Drum Lady (Grades 1-4)
January 21 - Spirit Day (Wear PJs)
Spelling Bee (1:00- 2:00)
January 25 – School Board Meeting – 7:00 PM - Memorial
January 28 – Principals’ Winter Read (McKelvie School) – More information to come (Snow date – February 4th )
February 2 – Deliberative Session – 7:00 PM Bedford High School Theater
February 8 – School Board Meeting – 7:00 PM – SAU
February 9 – NO SCHOOL – Presidential Primary Day
February 22-26 – Winter Vacation

Thanks,
Pam