Holiday Concert – ORHS, Dec, 20, 2006

November Student Council

  We have sent our best wishes to soldiers overseas.  Thanks to all of our students who created a holiday card to send to our service men and women stationed far from home.

HELP WANTED

Registered Nurses are needed as substitute school nurses for all of our schools in the Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School District.

If interested call Marcia Sharkey RN at Meetinghouse School, 978-874-0163. 

What is your child wearing to school?

It has been unseasonably warm, but we ALL know a change is coming.  Please help us out…coats and jackets are a MUST!

Dealing with Stress

  All families deal with stress at one time or another.  But during the holiday season, stress is more common and can be much more difficult to handle.  With the images of “perfect” holidays we so often see in magazines and on TV, parents and children can begin to develop unrealistic expectations for both ourselves and our family members.  Before we know it, the holidays have passed us by and we were so busy we didn’t even get to enjoy them with our children.

Work together as a family to fight stress.

Talk about your feelings during the holidays.  Keep the lines of communication open so that every family member feels comfortable voicing their feelings if they start to feel stressed out. 

  If you think your kids might be getting overwhelmed by all of the activities and events, ask them about it.  Let them know it’s okay if they need a break.  Then take action.  If late bedtimes and crazy schedules are wreaking havoc on their behavior, you might need to say “no” to some activities.  Spending a quiet night at home with the family will help your kids feel better and shows them that above all, your family comes first. 

Cont. next week

Basket Weaving

Art Project
During the 1/2 days of school in November and December our fifth grade students have an opportunity to spend a morning in the art room weaving their own baskets. Students learn about basket history from different cultures and observe materials and styles that are used in the making of various baskets. Students are instructed in the materials and techniques that they will be using, they weave with pre-soaked round reeds that are provided for them. Individual baskets of all shapes and sizes are made during this special three hour class. Students gain a new appreciation for the skills and patience that are needed to create in this ancient art form.

Snowflake Run              

Students in Grades 2 – 5

Dec.4^th or 11th

One-Mile Snowflake Run

To enter, please donate a non-perishable item for the Ashburnham Community Pantry.

From The Library

  Thanks so much to everyone for contributing to a very successful Scholastic Book Fair.  Special thanks go to those who volunteered to help set up, take down, and work at the Book Fair.  It was great to see some new faces.  We had a wonderful turnout of volunteers.  You are each very much appreciated! 

  Funds generated from the Book Fair are used to purchase replacement and new resources for the library, which services the entire school.  Thanks again for all your purchases!

FLU FIGHTING TIPS FROM THE NURSE

1)       Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.  Then wash your hands. Encourage others to do the same.

2)      Wash your hands often.

3)      Avoid rubbing your eyes or nose.

4)      Don’t share food or dishes with anyone.  Even people who appear healthy can spread the flu virus.

Staying Safe on the Internet

Today, with more school and household than ever having Internet access, it is not only important for parents to talk with their children about keeping safe while online but to also follow some simple tips:

ã      Clear, simple, easy to read rules should be posted on or near the monitor.  Create your own computer rules or use the Internet Safety Pledge that is available at www.netsmartz.org

ã      Look into safeguarding programs or options your online service provider might offer.  These may include monitoring or filtering capabilities.

ã      Websites for children are not permitted to request personal information without a parent’s permission.  Talk to your child about what personal information is and why you should never give it to people online.

ã      Know who children are exchanging email with, and only let them use chat areas that are child-friendly and only when an adult is present to supervise.  Talk to them about never meeting in person with anyone they first “met” online.

ã      Talk to children about what to do if they see something that makes them feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused.  Show them how to turn off the monitor and emphasize that it is not their fault if they see something upsetting.  Remind children to tell a trusted adult if they see something that bothers them online. 

For a complete list of internet safety tips for more information, visit www.netsmartz.org .

Connect Ed

As many of you know, our school system subscribes to the Connect Ed Message System.  School-wide announcements are delivered to your home via the telephone.  Just to remind you the Superintendent’s Office will notify you of school cancellations and delays through this service.  We hope this will keep you informed of inclement weather situations.  These phone calls generally are early in the morning, 6:00 a.m. 

Safety………….

Are you thinking about helping out your child’s teacher?  Once or on a regular basis?  Helping out during concerts?  Helping during the spring Book Fair?  Going with the fifth grade to Nature’s Classroom?  

We really would like your help and welcome everyone but before we can allow anyone in the building to be near the children, we need to have a C.O.R.I report.  According to Criminal History System Board with authority granted by Massachusetts General Law c.6, sections 167-178B “all current or prospective employees, licensee, or volunteers” must have a C.O.R.I. done prior to being in the school.  This is an easy procedure.  All you have to do is to see Mrs. Theriault in the main office with your license and fill out the form.  The information is not shared with any other agency and kept completely confidential.  Please note that it can take up to three weeks to get a report from the C.O.R.I. Board. 

Music News

 Last updated 11/30/06  by Tiffany Davis.