Principal's Notes 1/31/20

Message of the Month
Mindfulness and balance- Focused and ready to learn

Important Dates

• February 4 - School Board Deliberative Session 7:00pm BHS
• February 11 - No School, NH Primary Day
• February 24-28 - No School, Winter vacation week
• March 10 – District Workshop Day/Town Voting Day – No School 
• March 27 – End of Quarter 3
• March 31- Spirit Day inside-out, wacky, or backwards day

MEM Geography Bee

Each year thousands of students in the US participate in the National Geographic GeoBee. The contest is designed to encourage students' curiosity about the world and give them an opportunity to show their knowledge. Geography questions are developed by the National Geographic Society and include questions about US Geography and world wide geography. The following 4th grade Memorial School students were the finalists in our GeoBee: Matthew R., Adrianna R., Myles C., Eddie B., Damien K., Addie P., Eli P., Chloe L., and Cassie M. 

Matthew R. placed first in out competition and will take an online qualifying test to determine eligibility to compete in our State GeoBee.  

Best of luck to Matthew, and congratulations to all of our finalists this year!

A Safety Message from our Transportation Coordinator (Anne Wiggin)
It has been reported that when some students miss their bus in the morning, their parents are dropping them off at a different bus stop to take the bus to school. Often times, they get out of a parent's vehicle and run up to the bus door from behind the bus. The bus drivers aren't able to see them coming, which creates a very dangerous situation. Moving forward, if students miss their bus, parents will need to bring them to school rather than trying to catch up with the bus.

Krispy Kreme Fundraiser (BHS Prom Committee)
The BHS Prom Committee is holding their annual Krispy Kreme fundraiser. If you would like to pre-order a box (or more) of donuts, please use this link. Pick up is Tuesday, February 11th, at Primary voting from 7 am-7pm. Boxes will also be on sale until donuts run out.

THANK YOU FROM THE PTG: Thanks to everyone who came out to enjoy stories read by our Principals and Assistant Principals at Principal Winter Reading Night!

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS: The PTG has a busy spring planned with community speakers, book fair, district art show and of course, the Color Blast Fun Run/Walk. Stay tuned for more details!

COLOR BLAST FUN RUN/WALK COMMUNITY EVENT: Save the date…Sunday, May 31st as PTG hosts another Color Blast Fun Run/Walk. Registration opens March 13th. More exciting details coming in the next few weeks.

Local businesses…want to join the PTG’s efforts in providing enriching educational opportunities, creating community events, and helping support the individual needs of our Bedford School District, while gaining positive exposure for your business? Consider becoming a Color Blast Fun Run/Walk sponsor! Visit HERE for more information or contact bedfordcolorblast@gmail.com.

STAY CONNECTED TO THE PTG: Please visit our PTG WEBSITE and follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) to see all the exciting things happening in our schools. Thank you for your support!

Reminders

Bedford Childfind Day

The Bedford School District is sponsoring a Childfind Day.

Free vision, hearing, and developmental screenings are offered for children suspected to have delays in language, learning, and/or development.

Who: Preschool Children, between the ages of birth and 6

What: The Childfind Program purpose is to identify children that may require special educational services.

When: Friday, February 21, 2020

Where: Memorial Elementary School, 55 Old Bedford Rd

Appointments are Required

For an appointment, please call 627-1776 ext. 23275 February 1st to February 14th between 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM

Kindergarten and 1st Grade Registration (2020 – 2021)
Starting Monday, February 3rd, you may download and print out registration packets HERE or stop by our school to pick one up. *Please do not download the form until closer to February 3rd as there is information that needs to be updated. The packets need to be returned to the school by Thursday, March 5th. A $525 deposit is required with the K+ registration (checks made out to Bedford School District).
A child must attain his/her 5th birthday on or before September 30, 2020 to be eligible for kindergarten.
A child must attain his/her 6th birthday on or before September 30, 2020 to be eligible for first grade.
Kindergarten students who are currently enrolled at MEM (or anywhere in the district) do not need to register for 1st grade.

Principal's Notes 1/24/20

Message of the Month
Mindfulness and balance- Focused and ready to learn

Important Dates

• January 28 - Geography Bee finals
• February 4 - School Board Deliberative Session 7:00pm BHS
• February 11 - No School, NH Primary Day
• February 24-28 - No School, Winter vacation week

  

Bedford Childfind Day

The Bedford School District is sponsoring a Childfind Day.
Free vision, hearing, and developmental screenings are offered for children suspected to have delays in language, learning, and/or development.

Who: Preschool Children, between the ages of birth and 6

What: The Childfind Program purpose is to identify children that may require special educational services.

When: Friday, February 21, 2020

Where: Memorial Elementary School, 55 Old Bedford Rd

Appointments are Required

For an appointment, please call 627-1776 ext. 23275 February 1st to February 14th between 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM

THANK YOU - MINDFULNESS AND STRESS MANAGEMENT SEMINAR: A big thank to Terri Hamilton for teaching parents of children in Grades K-6 about the benefits of Mindfulness and simple ways to incorporate it into our daily lives.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS: The PTG has a busy spring planned with community speakers, book fair, district art show and of course, the Color Blast Fun Run/Walk. Stay tuned for more details!

STAY CONNECTED TO THE PTG: Please visit our PTG WEBSITE and follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) to see all the exciting things happening in our schools. Thank you for your support!

Reminders

Kindergarten and 1st Grade Registration (2020 – 2021)
Starting Monday, February 3rd, you may download and print out registration packets HERE or stop by our school to pick one up. *Please do not download the form until closer to February 3rd as there is information that needs to be updated. The packets need to be returned to the school by Thursday, March 5th. A $525 deposit is required with the K+ registration (checks made out to Bedford School District).
A child must attain his/her 5th birthday on or before September 30, 2020 to be eligible for kindergarten.
A child must attain his/her 6th birthday on or before September 30, 2020 to be eligible for first grade.
Kindergarten students who are currently enrolled at MEM (or anywhere in the district) do not need to register for 1st grade.

Spring Chorus Information
The spring session of chorus will begin after school in the music room on Thursday, January 30th.  If your child was not involved in the winter session and would like to join chorus for the spring session please fill out this Google Form.  Chorus meets weekly on Thursday afternoons.  Pick up is at 3:00pm in the cafeteria.

Thank you!
Courtney Magoon

Box Top News
To date Memorial Families have clipped and scanned $421.70 worth of Box Tops for our school.  Box Tips is still accepting all clipped box tops on participating products.  Please keep sending these in!  If you still haven't downloaded the Box Tips app to your smart phone please consider doing so!  It's quick and easy and the app is user friendly.  Our goal is to reach $1000 by the end of the year so please keep clipping and scanning to help Memorial reach this goal!

Snow Day Lunch Info/AnnouncementsIn the event of additional snow days this winter, we want to let parents know how the district deals with hot lunches the following day. There is no rule of thumb when determining the lunch menu on the day following a snow day as the menu for that day is dependent upon what was on the menu the day of the snow day, what prep the kitchen had to do, and what fresh produce the kitchen had ordered. Therefore, our district’s Food Service Director (Emily Murphy) provides an announcement on the SAU’s website (www.sau25.net) in the District News box, which will detail, by school, what the hot lunch offering will be the day following the snow day. This information will be available the day of the snow day.

Principal's Notes 1/17/20

Message of the Month
Mindfulness and balance- Focused and ready to learn

Important Dates

• January 17 - Second Quarter Report Cards Released On-Line
• January 20- No School; Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• January 21- Spirit Day; PJ or Comfy Clothes Day
• January 22 - Family Fun Night 6:00-7:30pm
• January 23 - PTG Principals’ Winter Read at McKelvie School
• January 28 - Geography Bee finals
• February 4 - School Board Deliberative Session 7:00pm BHS
• February 11 - No School, NH Primary Day
• February 24-28 - No School, Winter vacation week

Report Cards

As a reminder…
Student report cards are available online only in the PowerSchool Parent Access Portal. To access your child's report card online, log into the PowerSchool Parent Portal and you will see a Report Cards icon in the left hand pane. When you click on this icon your child's report card will appear on the screen. You can scroll to see the entire report card and choose to print it, if you'd like. Anytime you click on the Report Cards icon, the most recent report card will generate. Quarter 2 report cards will be available today , January 17th at 2:30 PM.

Family Fun Night
Join us Wednesday, January 22nd from 6:00-7:30pm for a pizza dinner and a fun night of activities.  Explore a variety of educational games and activities.  Feel free to drop in and leave at any time. There will be ongoing activities that you can participate in whenever you arrive.  Pizza will be offered for $2/slice and $1 for a bottle of water.  We look forward to seeing you there.   

MEM Poetry Competition Winners
The following students in Writer's Group had their poems accepted for publication in the Creative Communications Poetry Competition Anthology.  Congratulations Brady D., Elise G., Sophia C., Ava B., Charlotte H.,Chloe L., Brynn L.,Cassie M., Emily Y., Louisa J., Myles C., Nora B., and Trevor K.

Box Top News
To date Memorial Families have clipped and scanned $421.70 worth of Box Tops for our school.  Box Tips is still accepting all clipped box tops on participating products.  Please keep sending these in!  If you still haven't downloaded the Box Tips app to your smart phone please consider doing so!  It's quick and easy and the app is user friendly.  Our goal is to reach $1000 by the end of the year so please keep clipping and scanning to help Memorial reach this goal!

MEM Strings Program
If your child is interested in participating in Violin Lessons after school on Tuesdays this winter/spring (January 27-May 11), please take a look at THIS FLYER for more information. The registration deadline is January 21st.

Spring Chorus Information
The spring session of chorus will begin after school in the music room on Thursday, January 30th.  If your child was not involved in the winter session and would like to join chorus for the spring session please fill out this Google Form.  Chorus meets weekly on Thursday afternoons.  Pick up is at 3:00pm in the cafeteria.

Thank you!
Courtney Magoon

PRINCIPAL WINTER READING NIGHT: Dress in your PJ’s, bring a blanket and come listen to the Bedford principals read you a story! This fun-filled family event will be held on Thursday, January 23rd at McKelvie in the Cafeteria.  Choose between two session times, 4:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. Details on how to register for the event coming soon.

COMMUNITY ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION with Superintendent Fournier: Join us on Wednesday, January 22nd at 9:30 a.m. at the Bedford Town Library for a small round table discussion with Superintendent Fournier. We will discuss the school budget and other items on the upcoming March ballot, as well as other district happenings. Come and share your questions and feedback about our school district, we’d love to hear from you! If you are able to attend, please RSVP HERE.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY - Program Research Coordinator: Help the PTG find new educational and enriching programs to bring into our schools, and relevant speakers to bring to our community. The PTG funds author visits, artists, performance groups, animal encounters and so much more. We are looking for someone to help us research new ideas and speakers. Please email BedfordNHPTG@gmail.com by January 10th if you are interested in this role.

Reminders

Kindergarten and 1st Grade Registration (2020 – 2021)
Starting Monday, February 3rd, you may download and print out registration packets HERE or stop by our school to pick one up. *Please do not download the form until closer to February 3rd as there is information that needs to be updated. The packets need to be returned to the school by Thursday, March 5th. A $525 deposit is required with the K+ registration (checks made out to Bedford School District).
A child must attain his/her 5th birthday on or before September 30, 2020 to be eligible for kindergarten.
A child must attain his/her 6th birthday on or before September 30, 2020 to be eligible for first grade.
Kindergarten students who are currently enrolled at MEM (or anywhere in the district) do not need to register for 1st grade.

Important reminder from the health office:

Flu season generally peaks in January and February.  If your child is showing symptoms of the flu, it is important to consult with a doctor.  If your child is diagnosed with the flu/and or shows flu symptoms such as fever, it is important to keep him/her home.  For the Flu Guide for Parents please click this LINK .  Please remember, when students are sick with fever or vomiting or diarrhea- they need to be out of school for at least 24 hours after they are symptom –free.

Please keep your child home if they have a fever of 100 degrees or higher, 24-hour fever free without using fever reducing medications such as tylenol or advil to recover and to help minimize spread of germs.  This helps ensure that they do not spread their illness to others. This includes special days at school such as class parties, field trips etc.  it can be hard to miss these special days but it’s important to follow the guidelines and not spread germs. 

If your child has been diagnosed with a communicable disease, please notify the school nurse.  Please also notify nurse if your child has strep throat.  The child should stay home on antibiotics and fever free for at least 24 hours.   This is very important because some students must notify their doctor of any exposures.  It is helpful to inform nurse on absentee line as to what symptoms your child is exhibiting.  The nurse tracks trends of illness to help keep school healthy.

HERE is a good article for parents regarding screen time.  It is worth reading.

Thank you for helping to keep Memorial School healthy!

Snow Day Lunch Info/AnnouncementsIn the event of additional snow days this winter, we want to let parents know how the district deals with hot lunches the following day. There is no rule of thumb when determining the lunch menu on the day following a snow day as the menu for that day is dependent upon what was on the menu the day of the snow day, what prep the kitchen had to do, and what fresh produce the kitchen had ordered. Therefore, our district’s Food Service Director (Emily Murphy) provides an announcement on the SAU’s website (www.sau25.net) in the District News box, which will detail, by school, what the hot lunch offering will be the day following the snow day. This information will be available the day of the snow day.

Principal's Notes 1/10/20

Message of the Month
Mindfulness and balance- Focused and ready to learn

Important Dates

• January 17 - Second Quarter Report Cards Released On-Line
• January 20- No School; Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• January 21- Spirit Day; PJ or Comfy Clothes Day
• January 22 - Family Fun Night 6:00-7:30pm
• January 23 - PTG Principals’ Winter Read at McKelvie School
• January 28 - Geography Bee finals
• February 11 - No School, NH Primary Day
• February 24-28 - No School, Winter vacation week

Congratulations to all our chorus and violin participants who did an outstanding job singing and playing last night during our Winter Concert. Special thanks to Ms. Magoon and all the volunteers who provide this opportunity for our students.  The event was recorded by BCTV, please check their schedule to see when it will be aired. 

Family Fun Night
Join us Wednesday, January 22nd from 6:00-7:30pm for a pizza dinner and a fun night of activities.  Explore a variety of educational games and activities.  Feel free to drop in and leave at any time. There will be ongoing activities that you can participate in whenever you arrive.  Pizza will be offered for $2/slice and $1 for a bottle of water.  We look forward to seeing you there.   

MEM Strings Program
If your child is interested in participating in Violin Lessons after school on Tuesdays this winter/spring (January 27-May 11), please take a look at THIS FLYER for more information. The registration deadline is January 21st.

MINDFULNESS AND STRESS MANAGEMENT SEMINAR: Tuesday, January 14th, 7:00 p.m. at McKelvie, for parents of children in Grades K-6. Come learn about the benefits of Mindfulness including increased focus for learning and stress management for life. Terri Hamilton, a Mindfulness & Stress Management Coach and former teacher and Guidance Counselor, will be sharing her expertise.

Click HERE for more information.

PRINCIPAL WINTER READING NIGHT: Dress in your PJ’s, bring a blanket and come listen to the Bedford principals read you a story! This fun-filled family event will be held on Thursday, January 23rd at McKelvie in the Cafeteria.  Choose between two session times, 4:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. Details on how to register for the event coming soon.

COMMUNITY ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION with Superintendent Fournier: Join us on Wednesday, January 22nd at 9:30 a.m. at the Bedford Town Library for a small round table discussion with Superintendent Fournier. We will discuss the school budget and other items on the upcoming March ballot, as well as other district happenings. Come and share your questions and feedback about our school district, we’d love to hear from you! If you are able to attend, please RSVP HERE.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY - Program Research Coordinator: Help the PTG find new educational and enriching programs to bring into our schools, and relevant speakers to bring to our community. The PTG funds author visits, artists, performance groups, animal encounters and so much more. We are looking for someone to help us research new ideas and speakers. Please email BedfordNHPTG@gmail.com by January 10th if you are interested in this role.

Kindergarten and 1st Grade Registration (2020 – 2021)
Starting Monday, February 3rd, you may download and print out registration packets HERE or stop by our school to pick one up. *Please do not download the form until closer to February 3rd as there is information that needs to be updated. The packets need to be returned to the school by Thursday, March 5th. A $525 deposit is required with the K+ registration (checks made out to Bedford School District).
A child must attain his/her 5th birthday on or before September 30, 2020 to be eligible for kindergarten.
A child must attain his/her 6th birthday on or before September 30, 2020 to be eligible for first grade.
Kindergarten students who are currently enrolled at MEM (or anywhere in the district) do not need to register for 1st grade.

Important reminder from the health office:

Flu season generally peaks in January and February.  If your child is showing symptoms of the flu, it is important to consult with a doctor.  If your child is diagnosed with the flu/and or shows flu symptoms such as fever, it is important to keep him/her home.  For the Flu Guide for Parents please click this LINK .  Please remember, when students are sick with fever or vomiting or diarrhea- they need to be out of school for at least 24 hours after they are symptom –free.

Please keep your child home if they have a fever of 100 degrees or higher, 24-hour fever free without using fever reducing medications such as tylenol or advil to recover and to help minimize spread of germs.  This helps ensure that they do not spread their illness to others. This includes special days at school such as class parties, field trips etc.  it can be hard to miss these special days but it’s important to follow the guidelines and not spread germs. 

If your child has been diagnosed with a communicable disease, please notify the school nurse.  Please also notify nurse if your child has strep throat.  The child should stay home on antibiotics and fever free for at least 24 hours.   This is very important because some students must notify their doctor of any exposures.  It is helpful to inform nurse on absentee line as to what symptoms your child is exhibiting.  The nurse tracks trends of illness to help keep school healthy.

Thank you for helping to keep Memorial School healthy!

Reminders

Snow Day Lunch Info/AnnouncementsIn the event of additional snow days this winter, we want to let parents know how the district deals with hot lunches the following day. There is no rule of thumb when determining the lunch menu on the day following a snow day as the menu for that day is dependent upon what was on the menu the day of the snow day, what prep the kitchen had to do, and what fresh produce the kitchen had ordered. Therefore, our district’s Food Service Director (Emily Murphy) provides an announcement on the SAU’s website (www.sau25.net) in the District News box, which will detail, by school, what the hot lunch offering will be the day following the snow day. This information will be available the day of the snow day.

Principal's Notes 1/3/20

Message of the Month
Mindfulness and balance- Focused and ready to learn

Important Dates

• January 9 - Memorial's Winter Concert at McKelvie School
• January 17 - Second Quarter Report Cards Released On-Line
• January 20- No School; Martin Luther King Day
• January 21- Spirit Day; PJ or Comfy Clothes Day
• January 22 - Family Fun Night 6:00-7:30pm
• January 23 - PTG Principals’ Winter Read at McKelvie School
• January 28 - Geography Bee finals

Welcome back, and Happy 2020!  I hope everyone had time to rest and gear up for the second half of our school year.  

Family Fun Night
Join us Wednesday, January 22nd from 6:00-7:30pm for a pizza dinner and a fun night of activities.  Explore a variety of educational games and activities.  Feel free to drop in and leave at any time. There will be ongoing activities that you can participate in whenever you arrive.  Pizza will be offered for $2/slice and $1 for a bottle of water.  We look forward to seeing you there.   

Snow Day Lunch Info/AnnouncementsIn the event of additional snow days this winter, we want to let parents know how the district deals with hot lunches the following day. There is no rule of thumb when determining the lunch menu on the day following a snow day as the menu for that day is dependent upon what was on the menu the day of the snow day, what prep the kitchen had to do, and what fresh produce the kitchen had ordered. Therefore, our district’s Food Service Director (Emily Murphy) provides an announcement on the SAU’s website (www.sau25.net) in the District News box, which will detail, by school, what the hot lunch offering will be the day following the snow day. This information will be available the day of the snow day.

MINDFULNESS AND STRESS MANAGEMENT SEMINAR: Tuesday, January 14th, 7:00 p.m. at McKelvie, for parents of children in Grades K-6. Come learn about the benefits of Mindfulness including increased focus for learning and stress management for life. Terri Hamilton, a Mindfulness & Stress Management Coach and former teacher and Guidance Counselor, will be sharing her expertise.

Click HERE for more information.

PRINCIPAL WINTER READING NIGHT: Dress in your PJ’s, bring a blanket and come listen to the Bedford principals read you a story! This fun-filled family event will be held on Thursday, January 23rd at McKelvie in the Cafeteria.  Choose between two session times, 4:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. Details on how to register for the event coming soon.

PTG INFORMATIONAL VIDEO: Curious to know more about the PTG? Ever wonder where the "G" in PTG came from? Where do your donations go? How do fundraisers work? How to get involved? And more...watch this short PTG INFORMATIONAL VIDEO for the answers to all of your PTG questions.

HANNAFORD HELPS REUSABLE BAG PROGRAM: During the month of December, the PTG will receive a $1.00 donation for every Hannaford Community Bag sold at the Jenkins Road location.

Save the Date - next COFFEE AND CONVERSATION with Superintendent Fournier: Wednesday, January 22nd, 9:30 a.m. at the Town Library. Stay tuned for more details!