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J. R. Briggs Elementary School Briggs At Large Newsletter The Voice of John R. Briggs Elementary School February 3, 2005 Volume 23, Number 18 |
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Upcoming events…FEBRUARY Feb. 4 Father/Daughter Dance Feb. 9 Early Release – Prof. Devel. Day— No Enrichment classes Feb. 17 School Council Meeting, 6:15 p.m. Feb. 17 Spelling Bee Feb. 21 – 25 School Vacation News from the Specialists There have been plenty of “notes” sung and played in the music room as of late! January saw the observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, which provided most children in grades K-3 an opportunity to honor Dr. King’s life through song and introspection. We sang some memorable songs! Plus, it’s now the onset of February, which is Black History Month in schools across America. This will allow us to continue the study of cultural integration by means of a survey of influential African-American musical artists. Also this month, 2nd Grade kids are starting to play the recorder, which is a smaller relative of the flute. The children are applying the concepts of music theory that they have been learning to these instruments. Also, 3rd Grade children are picking up the recorders and continuing from where they left off last year. You’ll likely be hearing lots of “toot, toot, toot” at home while the children get a feel for these instruments! 5th Graders are beginning a very creative project that combines their efforts in music, technology, and science classes. This project integrates the science curriculum theme of “space” and requires the kids to create a piece of music, on classroom instruments, which will be recorded onto a computer, and used as soundtrack music for a Microsoft Powerpoint slideshow presentation. All-in-all, it’s a very rewarding and creative musical process! 4th Graders are amidst an activity called The Great Music Debate, in which they are challenged to defend a group-selected piece of music within a debate format. Lookout for the future lawyers here! The Briggs Chorus, with Mrs. Bollous, will continue its practice schedule, alternating between Mondays during school hours, and the following Tuesdays from 3-3:45p.m.. May music be the “key” to our happiness!! Mr. Seager Student Council We want to THANK everyone who helped to make our January Student Council Project such a huge success. A special “thanks” to the Ashburnham Hardware Store for donating the cotton candy and popcorn machines, as well as all materials and supplies for Festival Day. Due to these efforts we raised $1636 for the Red Cross Tsunami Effort. We also want to thank our performers: Eddie Raymond; magician, Jason Kallio; balloon artist, Jack Webber; juggler and Robert Rivest; mime. These gentlemen entertained the children and staff through out the day. Great Job: Stephen, Jeremy, Frankie, Erin, Katherine, Zachary, Erin, Jeremy, and Lauren. Stay tuned for the February Community Service Project – to be determined soon.
FRIDAY – February 4th – PATRIOT’S DAY MCAS Update The spring will be a very busy MCAS testing time at JRB. This year students in grades 3 and 5 will have additional question try-out sessions. A preliminary testing schedule for grades 3-5 is posted on the PTO – Parent Bulletin Board. School Council Meeting The February J. R. Briggs School Council meeting has been re-scheduled: Thursday, February 17, 2005, JRB Faculty Room. Going soon… Last chance to check out our Lost and Found collection. All items are on display in the school lobby, and will be donated the first week of February. Please have your child look for lost items, or stop in soon. Building Friendships Presented by: AWRSD – PAC When: February 9, 2005 7:00-9:00 pm Where: Family Health Room, #113 Overlook Middle School Social experiences and relationships are a part of life; unfortunately, individuals with intellectual disabilities have historically been excluded from many of the social opportunities that most people enjoy. Best buddies programs pair students with intellectual disabilities in one-to-one friendships with their non-disabled peers. Peer buddy volunteers offer a Buddy the chance to explore a new way of life and feel included in the school environment. Childcare: Call Mrs. Francis, Extended Day, 827-1412 Call Ann Berube, 978-827-5088, for more information or AWRSD – Special Education Department, 978-874-6170. Cure the chore blues… Getting your child to do chores may feel like a chore itself! Use these tips to end the chore wars with your youngster. Be Specific about your child’s chores – explain how and when chores should be done. Limit the chores you assign – make sure your child has time for all the chores. When children feel overwhelmed by responsibilities, they may not do any of them. Keep track of chores – notice when your child completes his chores, and reward with praise! If chores are neglected, privileges may need to be taken away. Give your child a say – talk about jobs that need to be done. Asking rather than telling can make all the difference. HOME SCHOOLING POLICY
We are looking for a small group of interested parents and school employees to be part of an ad hoc committee to develop a home schooling policy with corresponding regulations. Drafted documents which are developed will be delivered to the School Committee’s subcommittee on policy. The Policy Subcommittee may edit or revise the documents as necessary and then take final recommendations to the full school committee for further action. If interested in serving on the ad hoc committee, please call the Office of the Superintendent at 978-827-1434. Thank you. Nature’s Classroom Info……….
There will be a meeting for the parents of 5th graders attending Nature’s Classroom February 10th at Overlook Middle School Team room at 7-8:30 p.m. There are plenty of candy bars to sell. See Mrs. Savoie. Ashburnham Little League The Ashburnham Little League will be holding registrations at the Ashburnham Town Hall (back door) on the following dates: · Saturday, February 5th, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm At registration you will need copies of your child’s Birth Certificate and Proof of Residence. Registrations are also available at Ashburnham Hardware and Ashburnham Pharmacy. Questions: Bob Poulin, 978-827-5976 We are also looking for Little League volunteers! Poster Contest: ATTENTION ALL ARTISTS! The Massachusetts Medical Society and Alliance are hosting an Anti-Tobacco Poster Contest. The themes for this year are: Grades 1 & 2- Tobacco is Bad for Your Body, Grades 3 & 4- Tobacco Affects Other People, and Grades 5 & 6- Why I Won’t Start Smoking. Mrs. Richard and Miss Cook have the contest directions/entry forms for all those who are interested. Please submit any entries to either Mrs. Richard or Miss Cook by Friday, February 18th. Good luck!!
Jump Rope For Heart: This year Briggs will be participating in a fundraiser called Jump Rope For Heart. All proceeds will be donated to the American Heart Association to help prevent heart disease and stroke. The event will be held on Wednesday, February 9th for grades 1-5 during the half day of school in the gymnasium. If you would like to be a volunteer at Jump Rope For Heart please contact Miss Cook. PTO NEWS The girls and their guest attending the Father/Daughter Dance must wear a shoe with a rubber sole (like a sneaker) or slipper like shoes. This will help protect and not mark up the gym floor. Thank you for your cooperation. The final yearbook orders are due this Friday February 4th. Remember 5th graders are NOT receiving a free year book this year. Breakfast……….. Cub Scout Pack 18 will be having a pancake breakfast buffet in conjunction with the Lions Club on February 6, 2005 from 8 - 11 am. Tickets will be available at the door. For more information, please contact Rachel at 827-1466. Magazine Fundraiser Our magazine fundraiser is coming to a close on Monday February 7th. If you can’t find anything to order for yourself, would you consider ordering a magazine for our library? Mrs. Pinsoneault has compiled a list that is available in the office. The prices range from $17.00 to $35.97. Thank you and good luck to all the children. Last updated 02/07/05 by Tiffany Davis. |
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