Briggs at Large – Counselor’s Corner

As you know, JRB has teamed up with the Ashburnham Police Department in order to help educate students on the topic of bullying. Students, staff, and community members have been working on an anti-bullying program which we began implementing earlier this month. March Student Council members have also taken an active role in the anti-bullying campaign by promoting the contest as well as facilitating the question/answer portion of the program in grades K-5. All posters that were created for the contest (sponsored by The Sentinel & Enterprise and The Worker’s Credit Union) have been submitted and on their way to be reviewed by the judges! It is our hope that one of our students will win the contest, but most importantly, that the message “Bullying Does Not Belong in School!” becomes a part of our safe and welcoming school environment. Please talk with your children about what they have been learning on this topic and encourage them to use this knowledge to help create a bully-free school!

NEWS from the BEST Room

We are all glad spring is finally here!  All of the students have been working hard on their reading comprehension skills and writing complete sentences.  We have all improved with money and time skills.  Some of us are able to identify all the coins and their combinations up to $1.00.  Some of us are now able to tell time to the hour, half hour, quarter hour and even find elapsed time.  We are working on becoming more independent with all of our work as well.  The students have enjoyed a new addition to our classroom, Mrs. Lenart shares for her office.  She has helped with our hygiene skills such as tooth brushing, hair brushing, face and hand washing, and using deodorant.  We continue to work on having appropriate behavior and are proud of all the hard work we have seen over the past few months.  Keep up the good work!

Kindergarten Registration

      On April 4- 6, 2006 children will be screened for hearing.  Parents are asked to call the John R. Briggs School Office, 978-827-5750, ASAP to make an appointment for one of these days.  At this time, parents will complete forms for registering their child for kindergarten September 2006. 

      Parents of children in Ashburnham may call the Special Education Office, 978-874-6170 to make a separate appointment for screening of any three or four year olds that they feel may have a disability.

We will hold Kindergarten Orientation on May 1^st from 9-10:30 a.m.  There will be no Kindergarten classes for current Kindergarten students on that day.

LOST & FOUND

It is time for Lost and found to be donated.  Everything is being packed up and will be taking a ride next week. If you think you are missing something, please check our lovely display….we still have many unclaimed boots, hats, mittens, ski goggles, sweatshirts, etc.

Save the Date!

The eighth annual Young Children’s Festival will be held on   Saturday, April 8^th from 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at Overlook Middle School, Ashburnham. The Ashburnham-Westminster Community Partnership celebrates the Week of the Young Child at this exciting festival. This free festival provides fun, hands-on activities and crafts for young children, various entertainers, a family raffle, a family show, snacks, valuable resources for families and much, much more.

This event will be free to the public and promises to have surprises and exhibits of interest to families of young children. It will be held in conjunction with the JRB – PTO Easter Bunny Breakfast to be held from 8-11 a.m.

MCAS----------

Great job so far!  We are almost done for April!  Thank you to everyone for coming to school rested and ready to go!   

Student Council

  Our March Student Council is underway…this month we have selected two worthwhile projects. 

  We are working with Officer Ahearn, School Resource Officer, and Mrs. Clark, JRB School Adjustment Counselor to create posters promoting a local “Anti-Bullying” campaign. 

  We will also be assisting our local animal shelter.  Please consider donating dry dog food, pet toys, blankets, or a cash donation to help defray the cost of veterinarian care.

Indoor Flea Market

First Congregational

April 1, 2006       9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Tables available…$15/space

Contact:  Karen Brighenti, 978-874-0632

Briggs Web Page        You can find the Briggs At Large newsletter, PTO meeting minutes, and other important school announcements at the school's web site. Our address is: www.awrsd.org/jrb.

Youth Art Month Exhibit

At the Worcester Art Museum

Students K – 12 from 35 towns are exhibiting their art work now through April 5^th.  The show is free and all are welcomed to attend!

Viewing Hours:

Tuesday-Friday, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Saturday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Sunday, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Congratulations:

          Meghan, Gillian, Arden, A. J. & Emma

American Girl Doll Luncheon

Sunday, April 2, 2006

Ashburnham Community Church

12:30 – 3:30 p.m.

  Bring your favorite “American Girl” doll and learn a little about some of American’s “girls” throughout history as we enjoy Samantha’s and Felicity’s luncheon treats, participate in some of Josephina’s, Addy’s and Kirsten’s craft activities and view a historical skit with Molly. 

American Girl Doll Prizes and a raffle for a new American Girl Doll!

More information, contact:  Deb Mercier, 978-8927-5393

Tickets:  $15.00, c/o Brenda Brown, 97 Hunter Ave., Ashburnham, MA                   978-827-5492.

All proceeds will benefit the Ashburnham Historical Society.

Attn:  5^th Grade Parents

April 4, 2006

6:15 p.m. – JRB Faculty Room

Join us for an informal meeting of any 5^th Grade parents interested in discussing the end of the year celebration for our 5^th Graders.

Communication with Parents

Better Performance:  When parents and schools work as partners, students earn higher grades and test scores, and they stay in school longer.

Everyone Benefits:  When parents are involved in the school, the performance of all children in the school tends to improve.