Principal's Notes 9/27/19

Messages
Peace Message: Peace and Respect
Brain Message: Everyone Can Learn!

Important Dates

• October 2 - PTG New Family Welcome @ Bedford Public Library 9:30-10:30am & 6:30-7:30pm
• October 10 - PTG Coffee With the Superintendent
• October 11 - Workshop Day - NO SCHOOL for Students
• October 14 - Columbus Day - NO SCHOOL
• October 15 - Spirit Day "Sports Day"
• October 16 - Picture Retakes
• October 18 - Grade 2 Annual Butterfly Parade, 8:15am
• October 31 - Happy Halloween

Tripod Survey Information
Between October 7th and October 25th, the district will administer the "Tripod Survey" to students in grades 2 - 12 (grade 1 will participate in the spring). For the elementary schools, this includes "specials" (i.e. art, music, library and physical education) as well as enrichment. This survey asks for the students' perspectives on our teaching practices. All survey responses are anonymous and confidential. The purpose is to use this feedback to help our professional staff continue to improve. This year, parents were able to provide permission for their child to take the survey through InfoSnap registration. If you opted your child out of the survey, please know that we will make other arrangements for him/her during the time that his/her class is taking the survey.

If you would like to view the surveys, please click on the links below.

Early Elementary (grades 1 & 2)

Upper Elementary (grades 3 – 6)

Secondary (grades 7 – 12)

Walk for SJOGREN'S
The Memorial staff has put together a team to walk in memory of Karen Caron, a former paraprofessional in our BEEP program, to support  fundraising efforts for Sjogren's research and education.  

Click below for more information.
http://events.sjogrens.org/site/TR?fr_id=1330&pg=entry The team is called Memorial School Walks for Karen.

Destination Imagination - Registration Now Open
Registration is now open for Destination Imagination. New and returning students must complete this google form Registration closes on Friday October 4th, 2019. Destination Imagination is an extra curricular that relies on parent volunteers. There is no guarantee that your child will be placed on a team, but we work very hard to place every child who registers. For more info on this wonderful extracurricular program offered by our district, please check out www.nh-di.org or contact our coordinator, Marie Russell 
at bedfordrocksdi@gmail.com. 

MEADOW FARMS GIFTS, WRAP AND MORE: Looking for quality gift wrap, unique gifts, Kringle candles, kitchen items and gourmet snacks? Our popular GIFTS, WRAP, AND MORE fundraiser is going on now! Brochures, with ordering details, should have come home with elementary students this week. Families, students, and staff at McKelvie, RAL and BHS will be able to ORDER ONLINE. 40% of sales goes back to our schools and orders ship direct to home! Students in elementary schools who sell at least 5 items earn a coupon for a free ice cream at Inside Scoop
Sale runs from Wednesday 9/25-Thursday 10/10.

NEW FAMILY WELCOME- If you recently moved to Bedford or are sending your first child to a Bedford School, you’re welcome to attend Bedford School District’s New Family Welcome hosted by the Bedford PTG on October 2nd, from 9:30-10:30am or 6:30-7:30pm, at the Bedford Public Library. Representatives from each school will be available to answer questions, provide school and town information, share opportunities on how you can be involved, and welcome you into our community. RSVP to psvdm617@gmail.com and specify if you will attend the morning or evening session.

COFFEE AND CONVERSATION with Superintendent Fournier: Hosted by the PTG, Superintendent Mike Fournier invites you to “Coffee and Conversation” on Monday, October 7th, 9:30am at the Town Library. This will be a small, informal gathering to discuss Bedford School District happenings. Questions and comments are encouraged. Please click HERE to RSVP if you wish to attend.

SKI, SKATE AND MORE SALE: PTG is excited to be planning another amazing Ski, Skate and More consignment sale. The sale will take place on Saturday, 11/23 at BHS from 9am-2pm with equipment drop off of on Friday, 11/22 from 5-8pm. As we try to streamline and improve our point of sale process and reduce our expenses, we are looking for 4 laptops that could be donated to the PTG for this event. Please email bedfordnhptg@gmail.com if you have a laptop you no longer need and would like to donate to the PTG. More Sale Details Coming Soon. Thank you!

PTG OPEN BOARD POSITION: The PTG is looking to fill the Vice President of Publicity role, which is a board position. This role will work with Print and Media Coordinator, Webmaster and Co-Presidents to plan and publicize all fundraising opportunities and upcoming community or school events and meetings. The VP Publicity will attend monthly board meetings, update marketing materials, work with vendors to obtain quotes for marketing materials, assist with Ski and Skate and Color Blast planning, and ensure the overall marketing plan is up to date and on task. If you are interested or would like more information please email bedfordnhptg@gmail.com

MATH SUPERSTARS PROGRAM UPDATE: Math Superstars (MSS) will no longer have classroom volunteers to collect and correct worksheets. We appreciate that MSS does help with critical thinking and problem solving skills, so worksheets (and answer keys) are available for staff, teachers and families on the PTG website for anyone that wants to use it as a supplemental math program.

Reminders

Bedford Fire Department’s Open House

If your family is interested in attending the Bedford Fire Department’s Open House on Tuesday, October 8th, please see THIS FLYER for more information.
Box Tops News:

Box Tops Update: If you haven’t already heard, the box tops program is going digital! Over the next few years the clipped box tops are going to be phased out on the product packaging. What this means is that you can still clip and send in box tops to your child’s teacher as well as earn money on the app. It is definitely going to be a transition over to the digital program and the kinks are still being worked out.

Memorial’s Box Tops coordinator has received $80 of clippings and $15.40 on the digital app since the start of the school year. It’s been a slow start and we need all your help to reach our year end goal of $1200. Remember this money goes directly to the school for the teachers and our kids. The fall submission deadline is November 1st.

Visit the App Store on your smart phone and download the Box Tops for Education app and select Memorial as your school of choice. Let your family members know as well and they can also contribute to Memorial’s earning. Scanning your receipts takes seconds once the app is set up. Your receipts must be scanned within two weeks to earn the credit. Box Tops has also created a credit button. When you scan your receipts you can click on the credit button on the bottom of the screen, add a teachers name, and that credit goes to the class earnings. This is all a great deal of information to take in and if you have questions you can also visit www.boxtops4education.com

Principal's Notes 9/20/19

Messages
Peace Message: Peace and Respect
Brain Message: Everyone Can Learn!

Important Dates

• September 27 - PTG Coffee with Principals @ BCTV 9:30-10:30am
• October 2 - PTG New Family Welcome @ Bedford Public Library 9:30-10:30am & 6:30-7:30pm
• October 10 - PTG Coffee With the Superintendent
• October 11 - Workshop Day - NO SCHOOL for Students
• October 14 - Columbus Day - NO SCHOOL
• October 15 - Spirit Day "Sports Day"
• October 16 - Picture Retakes
• October 31 - Happy Halloween

Our New Cafeteria Menu

Mrs. Purcell and Miss Hodgdon have been working with our students on expectations while eating lunch.  This menu is hanging in the cafeteria as a reminder for everyone to see.  These skills are being emphasized throughout the school, playground area, bus, and bus stops.

Destination Imagination- Registration Now Open
Registration is now open for Destination Imagination. New and returning students must complete this google form Registration closes on Friday October 4th, 2019. Destination Imagination is an extra curricular that relies on parent volunteers. There is no guarantee that your child will be placed on a team, but we work very hard to place every child who registers. For more info on this wonderful extracurricular program offered by our district, please check out www.nh-di.org or contact our coordinator, Marie Russell at bedfordrocksdi@gmail.com. There will also be an Info Night on Thursday September 26th at 6.00pm at McKelvie Intermediate School, Rm 17. This is for all new parents K-12 who are interested in hearing more about the program. 

Elementary Kitchen News

The lunch program will be featuring a yummy and nutritious build your own salad on Thursday, 9/26. Start off with a bed of mixed lettuces from Oasis, a local hydroponic farm in Nashua. Top it off with a choice of protein that includes crunchy chicken, hardboiled egg, shredded cheese and roasted chickpeas. Fresh, chopped vegetables from local Brookford Farm include tomatoes, cucumbers and shredded carrots. A warm, whole grain bread stick, assorted dressings, fresh fruit and milk will also be offered. Please come join us for lunch. It’s a great way to get some essential nutrients into our students.

Box Tops News:

Box Tops Update: If you haven’t already heard, the box tops program is going digital! Over the next few years the clipped box tops are going to be phased out on the product packaging. What this means is that you can still clip and send in box tops to your child’s teacher as well as earn money on the app. It is definitely going to be a transition over to the digital program and the kinks are still being worked out.

Memorial’s Box Tops coordinator has received $80 of clippings and $15.40 on the digital app since the start of the school year. It’s been a slow start and we need all your help to reach our year end goal of $1200. Remember this money goes directly to the school for the teachers and our kids. The fall submission deadline is November 1st.

Visit the App Store on your smart phone and download the Box Tops for Education app and select Memorial as your school of choice. Let your family members know as well and they can also contribute to Memorial’s earning. Scanning your receipts takes seconds once the app is set up. Your receipts must be scanned within two weeks to earn the credit. Box Tops has also created a credit button. When you scan your receipts you can click on the credit button on the bottom of the screen, add a teachers name, and that credit goes to the class earnings. This is all a great deal of information to take in and if you have questions you can also visit www.boxtops4education.com

MEMORIAL SCHOOL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:  

The Bedford PTG is excited to introduce a faster, paperless way to share your information for volunteering at Bedford schools. Instead of sending paper forms home with students we have created a Volunteer Google Form for each school.

Click here: Memorial School Online Volunteer Form to access the Memorial PTG Volunteer Form for the 2019-2020 school year.

Simply fill out the Google form for Memorial and you will be informed of all the great opportunities throughout the year. You can help at the events that interest you and fit into your schedule. Schools must receive a completed Google Form in order for you to volunteer at the school. If you need any assistance with the form please contact your Memorial School Volunteer Coordinator Danielle Brimblecom at memptgvolunteercoordinator@bedfordnhk12.net.

Thank you for sharing your time and talents with our school!

MEET THE PRINCIPALS EVENT SEPTEMBER 27TH: You are invited to join the PTG and the Principals from all six schools at our annual "Coffee with the Principals" event on Friday, 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.

MEADOW FARMS GIFTS, WRAP AND MORE:  Looking for quality gift wrap, everyday gifts, tote bags, and gourmet mixes? Our popular GIFTS, WRAP, AND MORE fundraiser is just around the corner. Brochures will be coming home with elementary students at the end of the month with ordering details. Families, students, and staff at McKelvie, RAL and BHS will be able to order online. 40% of sales goes back to our schools. Sale runs from Wednesday 9/25-Thursday 10/10.

PTG OPEN BOARD POSITION: The PTG is looking to fill the Vice President of Publicity role, which is a board position. This role will work with Print and Media Coordinator, Webmaster and Co-Presidents to plan and publicize all fundraising opportunities and upcoming community or school events and meetings. The VP Publicity will attend monthly board meetings, update marketing materials, work with vendors to obtain quotes for marketing materials, assist with Ski and Skate and Color Blast planning, and ensure the overall marketing plan is up to date and on task.

If you are interested or would like more information please email bedfordnhptg@gmail.com

NEW FAMILY WELCOME- If you recently moved to Bedford or are sending your first child to a Bedford School, you’re welcome to attend Bedford School District’s New Family Welcome hosted by the Bedford PTG on October 2nd, from 9:30-10:30am or 6:30-7:30pm, at the Bedford Public Library.

Representatives from each school will be available to answer questions, provide school and town information, share opportunities on how you can be involved, and welcome you into our community.

Please RSVP to psvdm617@gmail.com and specify if you will attend the morning or evening session.

SUPPORT OUR SCHOOLS: Through Donations and Fundraisers the PTG helps fund…

For our Students…Author Visits, Motivational Speakers, Science Programs, Musical Performers and much more. 

For our Community…Principal Winter Reading Night, Seniors Day, New Family Welcome and many other community focused events.  

For our Staff…Staff Appreciation, Library Donations, Nurse Donations and more. 

Click HERE  for more program information.

We couldn’t do it without your continued support. Please consider making a donation to the PTG either via PayPal on our website www.bedfordptg.org  or send in a check payable to Bedford PTG in the support envelopes that have been sent home (K-6) or an envelope labeled with your name and email address. Thank You!

COFFEE AND CONVERSATION with Superintendent Fournier: Hosted by the PTG, Superintendent Mike Fournier invites you to “Coffee and Conversation” on Monday, October 7th, 9:30am at the Town Library. This will be a small, informal gathering to discuss Bedford School District happenings. Questions and comments are encouraged. Please click HERE to RSVP if you wish to attend.

Reminders

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.

Principal's Notes 9/13/19

Messages
Peace Message: Peace and Respect
Brain Message: Everyone Can Learn!

Important Dates

• September 17-Open House
• 5:30-6:15pm BEEP
• 5:45-6:15 AM Kindergarten
• 6:00-6:30 Grades 1 and 2
• 6:15- 6:45 PM Kindergarten and K Plus
• 6:30-7:00 Grades 3 and 4
• September 20 - Volunteer Orientation/Welcome Meeting 9:00-10:00am in the library
• September 27 - PTG Coffee with Principals @ BCTV 9:30-10:30am
• October 2 - PTG New Family Welcome @ Bedford Public Library 9:30-10:30am & 6:30-7:30pm
• October 10 - PTG Coffee With the Superintendent
• October 11 - Workshop Day - NO SCHOOL for Students
• October 14 - Columbus Day - NO SCHOOL

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.

Box Tops
There has been some confusion with the collection and return of Box Tops.  We are still collecting unexpired Box Tops (in addition to the new way of digitally scanning them), so please continue to send them in. Thanks for your continued support.

Kitchen News
Food Service is serving some exciting, nutritious meals that your children won’t want to miss. Can’t let go of summer yet? Well, please join us for a tasty BBQ lunch on Thursday 9/19! We’ll be serving oven roasted chicken drumettes with our own BBQ sauce, warm homemade cornbread, a tangy family recipe of mom’s homemade pickles, fresh celery sticks, brown sugar baked beans, fresh fruit and milk! On Friday, 10/20, the kitchen is preparing a delicious and completely from scratch meal. We’ll serve local Pineland Farms meatballs baked in our own savory & sweet glaze of honey, tamari, garlic, ginger and apple cider vinegar. This will be deliciously paired with wholesome sticky brown rice, a garden-fresh Thai cucumber salad, seasoned corn and fresh fruit. These healthy meals are filled with essential nutritional building blocks including protein, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fiber! Additionally, they are virtually preservative free with all of our from scratch recipes and are just too good to pass up!
Thank you,
Emily Murphy
Director of School Nutrition

PTG News

SUPPORT OUR SCHOOLS: Through Donations and Fundraisers the PTG helps fund…
For our Students…Author Visits, Motivational Speakers, Science Programs, Musical Performers and much more.
For our Community…Principal Winter Reading Night, Seniors Day, New Family Welcome and many other community focused events.
For our Staff…Staff Appreciation, Library Donations, Nurse Donations and more.
Click HERE for more program information.
We couldn’t do it without your continued support. Please consider making a donation to the PTG either via PayPal on our website www.bedfordptg.org or send in a check payable to Bedford PTG in the support envelopes that have been sent home (K-6) or an envelope labeled with your name and email address. Thank You!

LOOKING TO VOLUNTEER: Bedford PTG is again offering a faster, paperless way to share your information for volunteering for Bedford Schools. Instead of sending home a paper volunteer form to fill out and return, we now offer a Volunteer Google Form for each school. To access the form click HERE, or check school websites, or the PTG website www.bedfordptg.org under PTG Forms. You need to fill this form out in order to hear about volunteer opportunities at the schools or district wide.

PTG VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Looking for some great opportunities to volunteer this year? The PTG has several district level and committee positions available…
Vice President of Publicity: This role is a PTG Board position and will work with Print and Media Coordinator, Webmaster and Co-Presidents to plan and publicize all fundraising opportunities and upcoming community or school events and meetings. VP publicity will attend monthly board meetings, update marketing materials, work with vendors to obtain quotes for marketing materials, assist with Ski and Skate and Color Blast planning, and ensure the overall marketing plan is up to date and on task.
Ski, Skate and More Committee members: Due to the success of our annual sale, we are looking for new members to be part of the planning committee. The Ski, Skate and More sale is schedule for Saturday, November 23.
Color Blast Fun Run Committee Members: Get in on the Colorful Fun and be part of planning this amazing community event!! Color Blast is looking for anyone that might be interested in being part of the planning committee. The committee meets monthly starting in October and more frequently closer to the event which is scheduled for Sunday, May 31st.
District Book Fair Coordinator- Oversee the Scholastic Book Fair held in the spring at the 3 elementary schools and McKelvie. Work closely with school level coordinators to ensure they have what they need for a successful book fair.
If you are interested in any of these roles or would like more information please email bedfordnhptg@gmail.com

MEET THE PRINCIPALS EVENT SEPTEMBER 27TH: You are invited to join the PTG and the Principals from all six schools at our annual "Coffee with the Principals" event on Friday, 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.

MEADOW FARMS GIFTS, WRAP AND MORE: Looking for quality gift wrap, everyday gifts, tote bags, and gourmet mixes? Our popular GIFTS, WRAP, AND MORE fundraiser is just around the corner. Brochures will be coming home with elementary students at the end of the month with ordering details. Families, students, and staff at McKelvie, RAL and BHS will be able to order online. 40% of sales goes back to our schools. Sale runs from Wednesday 9/25-Thursday 10/10.

BOX TOP PROGRAM CHANGE: Put away the scissors! No More Clipping! Box Tops is changing to fit today's families. The new and improved Box Tops mobile app uses state-of-the-art technology to scan your store receipt, find participating products and instantly add Box Tops to your school's earnings online. Visit www.btfe.com to learn more and start earning for our schools.

COFFEE AND CONVERSATION with Superintendent Fournier: Hosted by the PTG, Superintendent Mike Fournier invites you to “Coffee and Conversation” on Monday, October 7th, 9:30am at the Town Library. This will be a small, informal gathering to discuss Bedford School District happenings. Questions and comments are encouraged. Please click HERE to RSVP if you wish to attend.

MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER AT MCKELVIE: PTG is always excited to bring new motivational speakers in for students. Next week BRIAN WILLIAMS will be speaking with students and staff at McKelvie about kindness. Mr. Williams’ mission is to inspire kindness movements in schools across the nation.

Bedford Fire Department’s Open House

If your family is interested in attending the Bedford Fire Department’s Open House on Tuesday, October 8^th, please see THIS FLYER for more information.

Reminders

Interested in Volunteering at Memorial?
If you are interested in volunteering this year at Memorial please click on the link below for the volunteer form.  This needs to be filled out in order to volunteer and receive information about the different opportunities available throughout the year.  
Memorial Volunteer Form

In addition to completing the Volunteer Form, come to our Volunteer Orientation/Welcome meeting!

Date:  Friday September 20th
Time:  9:00am-10:00am
Location:  Memorial School Library

Come and learn about volunteer opportunities throughout the year and how you can be a part of making a difference by volunteering at Memorial.  
If you are unable to attend the Volunteer Orientation/Welcome please come meet some of our coordinators at Open House on 9/17.  - We will have a Volunteer Table set up in the lobby!  
Thank you for volunteering,
Danielle Brimblecom (Volunteer Coordinator)

Drop off and Pick up
We realize this can be a difficult time with traffic backing up. Please look for the adults directing traffic as we will do our best to move cars through as timely as possible. Our preschool students will be brought out to cars in front of the building by adults on duty. As for the rest of you picking up your children we ask that you park in available spots in our front parking lot or in the church parking lot across the street. You may enter through the cafeteria door where you will be able to sign your child out.
Thank you!

Infosnap
If you have not already done so, please take a few minutes to complete the Infosnap process. If you do not have the email with the link/snapcode that was sent to you this summer, please contact the school office.

Anti-Bullying Partnership Agreement
Please keep an eye out for a document coming home with your children this week about bullying. Last year’s District Bullying Task Force developed a Partnership Agreement among students, teachers, and families to better understand and address student conflict, and what is and is not considered bullying. We are asking all families to read, discuss, and sign this document to help ensure a happy, safe, and nurturing environment for all. Please click HERE if you would like an electronic copy of that agreement.

Bus and Lunch Account Questions
Many parents have questions about adding money to their child's lunch account or about their bus stop and times. Click HERE to add money to your lunch account and HERE for bus stops and times. Please make sure your child has the yellow bus tag with their bus number on it. Please know that the first week of school busses are slightly delayed as routes are being adjusted and dismissal procedures are being learned.

Strings Program is coming back to Memorial
If you child is interested in learning how to play the violin, viola, or cello, The Manchester School of Music will be offering classes here at Memorial School. Click HERE for more information.

Classroom SupportWe are sharing to let you know about classroom programs at Memorial School that will enrich your child’s learning experience throughout 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!

Principal's Notes 9/6/19

How quickly we get right into the school routine. We welcomed our BEEP students this week which completes our school.   Great to have everyone here!

Messages
Peace Message: Peace and Respect
Brain Message: Everyone Can Learn!

Important Dates

• September 11- Picture Day
• September 12- Picture Day Two
• September 17-Open House
• 5:30-6:15pm BEEP
• 5:45-6:15 AM Kindergarten
• 6:00-6:30 Grades 1 and 2
• 6:15- 6:45 PM Kindergarten and K Plus
• 6:30-7:00 Grades 3 and 4
• September 20 - Volunteer Orientation/Welcome Meeting 9:00-10:00am in the library
• September 27 - PTG Coffee with Principals @ BCTV 9:30-10:30am
• October 2 - PTG New Family Welcome @ Bedford Public Library 9:30-10:30am & 6:30-7:30pm
• October 10 - PTG Coffee With the Superintendent
• October 11 - Workshop Day - NO SCHOOL for Students
• October 14 - Columbus Day - NO SCHOOL

Protect 180

Each School Day is Important:

As we enter a new school year, I would like to remind folks to make every effort to maximize instructional time for students and teachers. Simply put, all stakeholders should work to protect the the learning for days when school is in session. Everyone has a role to play:

• Students can arrive at school on time each day and be prepared to put forth their best effort.
• Parents can closely monitor student attendance and avoid scheduling vacations and appointments during the school day.
• Teachers can strive to provide high-quality lesson plans and assessments to ensure that students are actively engaged every single day.
• Principals and assistant principals can work proactively to eliminate interruptions and distractions during the school day.
• Support staff can make sure that facilities are well-maintained and equipment is functioning properly.
• Central office administrators can avoid pulling teachers from classrooms for workshops and meetings unless absolutely necessary.

Research shows that access to high-quality instruction is the best tool for improving student achievement; therefore, I encourage everyone to Protect the Learning.

Automated Attendance Call

Again this year, families in the Bedford School District will receive a phone call confirming their child's absence via our "School Messenger" system.  Once we have taken attendance, a message will be generated confirming your child's absence.  The elementary calls will go out at approximately 9:30 AM, McKelvie and Lurgio will go out at 10:30 AM and the BHS at 11:00 AM.  If this call comes to you in error, please contact the Main Office, so that we can correct the attendance report.

Interested in Volunteering at Memorial?
If you are interested in volunteering this year at Memorial please click on the link below for the volunteer form.  This needs to be filled out in order to volunteer and receive information about the different opportunities available throughout the year.  
Memorial Volunteer Form

In addition to completing the Volunteer Form, come to our Volunteer Orientation/Welcome meeting!

Date:  Friday September 20th
Time:  9:00am-10:00am
Location:  Memorial School Library

Come and learn about volunteer opportunities throughout the year and how you can be a part of making a difference by volunteering at Memorial.  
If you are unable to attend the Volunteer Orientation/Welcome please come meet some of our coordinators at Open House on 9/17.  - We will have a Volunteer Table set up in the lobby!  
Thank you for volunteering,
Danielle Brimblecom (Volunteer Coordinator)

Reminders

Principal/Parent Communication
As my primary form of communication you will receiving an email to Principal’s Notes, each Friday afternoon. This will include Important Dates for upcoming events, informational news, and action items (highlighted in yellow). I appreciate you reviewing these weekly and taking care of any action items highlighted.

Drop off and Pick up
We realize this can be a difficult time with traffic backing up. Please look for the adults directing traffic as we will do our best to move cars through as timely as possible. Our preschool students will be brought out to cars in front of the building by adults on duty. As for the rest of you picking up your children we ask that you park in available spots in our front parking lot or in the church parking lot across the street. You may enter through the cafeteria door where you will be able to sign your child out.
Thank you!

Infosnap
If you have not already done so, please take a few minutes to complete the Infosnap process. If you do not have the email with the link/snapcode that was sent to you this summer, please contact the school office.

Anti-Bullying Partnership Agreement
Please keep an eye out for a document coming home with your children this week about bullying. Last year’s District Bullying Task Force developed a Partnership Agreement among students, teachers, and families to better understand and address student conflict, and what is and is not considered bullying. We are asking all families to read, discuss, and sign this document to help ensure a happy, safe, and nurturing environment for all. Please click HERE if you would like an electronic copy of that agreement.

Bus and Lunch Account Questions
Many parents have questions about adding money to their child's lunch account or about their bus stop and times. Click HERE to add money to your lunch account and HERE for bus stops and times. Please make sure your child has the yellow bus tag with their bus number on it. Please know that the first week of school busses are slightly delayed as routes are being adjusted and dismissal procedures are being learned.

News from the Health Office
Click Here for important Health News from our nurse Anna Cook.

Automated Attendance Call
Again this year families in the Bedford School District will receive a phone call confirming their child's absence via our "School Messenger" system. Once we have taken attendance, a message will be generated confirming your child's absence. The elementary calls will go out at approximately 9:30 AM, McKelvie and Lurgio will go out at 10:30 AM and the BHS at 11:00 AM. If this call comes to you in error, please contact the Main Office so that we can correct the attendance report.

Picture Day
Scheduled for September 11th and 12th.  If you are ordering your pictures online you should use the Memorial Shoot Key #8S49TD37

Strings Program is coming back to Memorial
If you child is interested in learning how to play the violin, viola, or cello, The Manchester School of Music will be offering classes here at Memorial School. Click HERE for more information.

Parents of 3rd and 4th graders
Chorus is an after school singing ensemble that meets once a week on Thursday afternoons from 2:30-3:00pm in the chorus room. Chorus has two large performances during the school year (typically in January and May). Chorus is open to all interested third and fourth graders. If your child decides to participate he/she will need to be picked up at 3:00pm in the Memorial cafeteria, or signed up to return to the after school program once the rehearsal has ended. (If your child is going into fourth grade and was not in chorus last year they are still more than welcome to join chorus this year! We would love to have them!!!)

NEW THIS YEAR: Chorus sign-ups will be ELECTRONIC. In an effort to save paper, as well as organize email lists better this year, I have decided to make chorus sign-ups electronic. If you are interested in signing your child up for chorus, please fill out the online form below NO LATER THAN TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH. The first chorus rehearsal will take place on Thursday, September 12th. Last year’s choir reached around 80 - 3rd and 4th graders, which was incredible!!! I would love to have those numbers again this year!

Here's the link: https://bit.ly/2MN0w5x

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns that you may have!
Thank you!
Courtney Magoon
Ext. 23241

Classroom Support
We are sharing to let you know about classroom programs at Memorial School that will enrich your child’s learning experience throughout 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
MEMORIAL SCHOOL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: The Bedford PTG is excited to introduce a faster, paperless way to share your information for volunteering at Bedford schools. Instead of sending paper forms home with students we have created a Volunteer Google Form for each school.

Click here: Memorial School Online Volunteer Form to access the Memorial PTG Volunteer Form for the 2019-2020 school year.

Simply fill out the Google form for Memorial and you will be informed of all the great opportunities throughout the year. You can help at the events that interest you and fit into your schedule. Schools must receive a completed Google Form in order for you to volunteer at the school. If you need any assistance with the form please contact your Memorial School Volunteer Coordinator Danielle Brimblecom at memptgvolunteercoordinator@bedfordnhk12.net. Please complete the Volunteer Form by September 9th.

BACK TO SCHOOL GREETINGS FROM THE PTG! We are looking forward to another great school year full of fantastic programs and events for our students, staff and families.

SUPPORT THE PTG: Help the PTG continue to bring exciting programs/speakers to our schools like Project Nature, Wildlife Encounters, Music In Technology, David Flood Motivational Speaker, and Chris Herren Drug Prevention Speaker. If you’d like to make a donation, simply click on the PayPal link at www.bedfordptg.org or send in a check payable to Bedford PTG in the support envelopes that have been sent home (K-6) or an envelope labeled with your name and email address. Click HERE for more information on the PTG and programs funded with your support. Thank You!

PTG VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Looking for some great opportunities to volunteer this year? The PTG has several district level and committee positions available…

Ski , Skate and More Committee members: Due to the success of our annual sale, we are looking for new members to be part of the planning committee. The Ski, Skate and More sale is schedule for Saturday, November 23. The first committee meeting is Friday, September 13th at 3:40 at McKelvie.

Color Blast Fun Run Committee Members: Get in on the Colorful Fun and be part of planning this amazing community event!! Color Blast is looking for anyone that might be interested in being part of the planning committee. The committee meets monthly starting in October and more frequently closer to the event which is scheduled for Sunday, May 31st.

District Book Fair Coordinator- Oversee the Scholastic Book Fair held in the spring at the 3 elementary schools and McKelvie. Work closely with school level coordinators to ensure they have what they need for a successful book fair.

If you are interested in any of these roles or would like more information please email bedfordnhptg@gmail.com

BOX TOP PROGRAM CHANGE: Put away the scissors! No More Clipping! Box Tops is changing to fit today's families. The new and improved Box Tops mobile app uses state-of-the-art technology to scan your store receipt, find participating products and instantly add Box Tops to your school's earnings online. Visit www.btfe.com to learn more and start earning for our schools.

MEET THE PRINCIPALS EVENT SEPTEMBER 27TH: You are invited to join the PTG and the Principals from all six schools at our annual "Coffee with the Principals" event on Friday, 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.