Friday, September 22, 2017

Principal Notes 9-22-17

Principal’s Notes

We had our first All School Meeting this week where we talked about our September Messages, recycling, our Hurricane Relief Efforts, and had our big reveal:  Our school theme song for the year Try Everything from Zootopia!

September Messages
Peace Message: Peace & Respect
Brain Message: Everyone Can Learn!

Destination Imagination - Registration Closes 9/29
Destination Imagination is a fun academic program that teaches creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, critical thinking, and management skills through project-based Challenges. These are key skills that all businesses (and colleges) are looking for – the ability to identify challenges and solve them, while leveraging the talents on your team. Designed to complement K-12 education, we offer seven new academic Challenges in the fields of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), fine arts, service learning, and early learning. In solving a challenge, students learn the creative process from imagination to innovation and the skills needed to thrive in school, their careers and beyond. Teams can be made up of 2-7 members and must have an adult Team Manager i.e. - a parent or two.  We need volunteers and we will train you! The 2017-18 registration is open thru Friday, September 29th.  For more info, check out www.nh-di.org; Bedford DI on Facebook, or contact our district coordinator, Marie Russell at www.bedfordrocksdi@gmail.com.

Harlem Wizards v. Lurgio Lions Fundraiser - This Friday!
Tonight, September 22, at 6:30 PM in the Bedford High School Gymnasium, staff from the Bedford School District will face-off against the Harlem Wizards basketball team. All funds raised from this event will go towards extracurricular programs at Lurgio Middle School. Click [HERE] to watch a video about the event then click [HERE] to buy your tickets. You won’t want to miss out on this extraordinary community event!

Bedford Old Home Day
The whole community of Bedford will be celebrating Old Home Day on Saturday September 23 from 10 - 3 at Riley Field. Please join us! Click here for details.

2017 Kids Safety Event
On Sunday, September 24th from 10:00am-2:00pm Primary Bank is teaming up with the NH Child ID Program and the Bedford Fire and Police Departments to bring you this important opportunity to complete your child’s ID kit on-site for FREE!  Along with the ID Kits and Food will be a Bounce House, Face Painting, Games and Prizes.  

Bedford Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Please join us as we recognize the Inaugural Class of the Bedford Hall of Fame.  The ceremony will take place on Homecoming Day - Saturday, October 21st at 2:00 PM - in the Bedford High School Dining Commons.  For more information, and to order tickets, please click HERE.

Special Education Parent Focus Group
The district is looking to expand the parent volunteers in the Special Education Parent Focus Group, a formal partnership between special education parents and the school community. Parent participants represent each of the schools and encompass all grade levels. Meetings are held monthly on the third Wednesday from 9-10 AM at the SAU office. Discussion and activities support family engagement and improvements in the district special education initiatives. Please contact Chris Lassonde, Director of Special Services (lassondec@sau25.net). We would love to have more parents join us!

Hurricane Relief
As we strive to help students become “peacemakers” by developing empathy, care, and concern for others we are continuing our fundraising for hurricane victims in Texas and Florida.   We have identified 2 charities called the Texas Diaper Bank and the Florida Diaper Bank.  These organizations create family kits to help support families in need.  Our “Dollars and Cents” drive throughout the month of September will be split equally to support both charities.  If you are able, please send in cash or coins to donate so that we can help support families who have been affected.  Please send donations in a labeled baggie or envelope during the month of September.  Thank you for your help and support!

Bus Plan
Riding the bus to and from school is a great opportunity for all of our students. We encourage parents to have a conversation with your child regarding the rules of the bus. Further, it is important to create a plan, as a family, for what your child should do if there is no adult waiting for them to get off the bus. Especially with our younger students, the bus drivers will not let them off the bus if no one is waiting. In these cases your child may be returned to the school. Having a backup plan in place will allow for a smooth and seamless bus ride for all. Thank you for your cooperation with this.

September 2017 Safety Educator newsletter
This monthly newsletter is in its 5th year of distribution and has proven to be successful in bringing fire and life safety into the homes of PreK-Gr8 families throughout the State.  The information provided is intended to bring awareness, and create conversations, on fire and life safety in a gentle and effective manner.  
As Fire Marshal Degnan says,” Lives are saved every day because of education and prevention.” Should there be any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact your local fire department or the NH State Fire Marshal’s Office. To access the newsletter please click here.

Classroom Support
We are sharing to let you know about classroom programs at Memorial School that will enrich your child’s learning experience this school year.  Teacher resources are continually reviewed and organized to allow for the most comprehensive program for students.  During instructional portions of the day, a special educator may be working alongside and in conjunction with your child’s classroom teacher.  The help can be in the classroom, and at times, outside the general classroom setting. This type of approach is referred to as a Team Instruction model.

Together, these teachers bring to the classroom a broad range of expertise in all subject areas.  This approach allows us the flexibility to work with students in small groups or individually as needed.  Typically, both teachers will work within the classroom with students, but may work outside the classroom when appropriate.

We anticipate an exciting year of educational challenge and growth for all!  

PTG News!
Meadow Farms Gifts, Wrap and More: Our popular Gifts, Wrap & More fundraiser is underway. Brochures, with ordering details, should have come home with elementary students last week.  All orders are due by Monday, 10/2 and product will direct to your home. 40% of sales are donated back to our schools!
Wonder What The PTG Is And What We Do? Check us out at Bedford Olde Towne Day on Saturday, September 23rd from 10am-3pm. Learn more about school programs and community events sponsored by the PTG, meet our Bulldog, and see how you can be involved.
Support the PTG: Our support drive is under way and if you’d like to make a donation to the PTG you can do so via PayPal by visiting our website www.bedfordptg.org.
Donations via check can be made out to Bedford PTG and returned to school with students in the PTG support envelops that have been sent home. With your support we are able to put over $65,000/year in programs and events into our schools!!
Meet the Principals Event: You are invited to join the PTG and the Principals from all six schools at our annual "Coffee with the Principals" event on Wednesday, September 27th from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. at BCTV (10 Meetinghouse Road). This is a great opportunity to hear what each school has in store for the year. There will be a Q & A following the presentation. Light refreshments will be served and your young children are welcome to attend.
Looking To Volunteer: Volunteer forms were sent home with students in grades K - 8. Please be sure to return these forms in order to receive notifications of volunteer opportunities in your school. Volunteer forms can be downloaded from the PTG website. Bedford High School volunteer opportunities are available by contacting Andrea Ahlstrom via email at andrea.ahlstrom@gmail.com PTG volunteers logged over 23,000 hours last year, earning each of the six schools the Blue Ribbon Award for excellence in volunteering. We'd love to have you join us!
New To Bedford?  The PTG will host a welcome for all new families to Bedford. This open house style event will take place on Wednesday, October 4th at the Bedford Town Library at 9:30am or 6:30pm. Families new to the district will be receiving invitations in the mail. Representatives and/or Administration from all 6 schools will be on hand. Families can learn about school events/programs and town happenings. Light refreshments will be served and your children are welcome to attend. If you have any questions or would like to attend this event please contact Aneesa Fallon at aaf4@comcast.net

Reminders...

Infosnap
We still have families that have not completed the online registration (Infosnap). The online process replaced all the paperwork we have required in the past. It is important for us to have updated information on your child(ren). Please complete the registration as soon as possible. If you have questions about this, please call Deb Gelinas at 627-1776.

Important Dates
· September 18- DI Parent Information Night, Peter Woodbury Library 7:00pm       
· September 27- Coffee with the Principals, 9:30am at BCTV    
· October 4- PTG New Family Welcome 9:30am at the Bedford Town Library
· October 6- No School for students as this is a Workshop Day for staff
· October 9- No School in observance of Columbus Day

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