Notes from the Second Grade

The second grade classes would like to thank everyone who supported the flower fundraiser back in April. The second grade students will be going to the Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory in South Deerfield on Monday, June 5^th. The money that we were able to raise will help defray the cost of the busses.

Attention second grade families. Please reserve the morning of May 26^th. You will be invited to stop by your daughter/son’s classroom from 7:45-8:30 for a special celebration. More information will follow.

MCAS Testing…May 15^th  - 26^th – Gr. 3 – 5

Please be sure your child is punctual, well rested, and has had a nutritious breakfast.  We are looking forward to a successful end to the MCAS testing for the 2005-2006 school year.  Thanks for all of your help and support!

On Placement Next Year

  Just a reminder that if you wish to notify us regarding your child’s/children placement for next year, please follow our guidelines as outlined in last weeks Briggs-At-Large and get your letters in as soon as possible.

  Again, we remind you that the deadline for the placement letter is May 19, 2006.  Please call if you have any questions, 978-827-5750.

Flip Flops, Sandals etc.

From Mrs. Lawrence…

  To ensure the safety of our students, we discourage the wearing of flip-flops and sandals for recess and physical education activities.  Please be sure your child has a pair of sneakers for these activities. 

Also, dressing in layers is always best for this time of year.  And please be sure to mark everything your child/children bring to school.  We have donated a tremendous amount of clothing to charity since school started and we would rather return items to you.

Reminders for physicals that are required for students entering grades 3 and 6.  Forms should have come home with your child, but if you need one, contact me.

For Safety’s Sake…………..

We are asking that all bats, lacrosse sticks, hockey sticks and other hard implements stay at home. 

Bike Rodeo

Join us for the 2^nd Annual Bike Rodeo to be held at John R. Briggs on May 13^th from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.!!!

There will be bike registrations with the Ashburnham Police Department, bike safety instructions, bike and helmet inspections and an obstacle course.  Join the fun and enter your name in the raffle.

This event will be the culmination of the instruction that Officer Ahearn will be giving the children in school next week.

One Mile Fun Run

On Saturday, May 13^th before the bike rodeo begins, at 8:00-9:00 there will be a one mile fun run with Miss Cook on the Briggs Cross Country course for anyone who is interested.  Please meet outside the gymnasium doors, wear sneakers and get ready to move!

Steven’s Public Library

YOGA for every “body” – Wednesday evenings, 6:45 – 8:00 pm

Stories and Song—with Joan Webber on May 23 at 10:30 a.m. for pre-school children

Friday Night Flicks—held on the 2^nd Friday of every month at 7 p.m. for families—popcorn and beverage will be provided.

Book Discussion Group—Tuesday May 16^th at 10:30 a.m.  Read your favorite book and plan to share it.

2006-2007 School Calendar

Important Dates:

·         August 29 – Classes Begin

·         October 6 – No School:  Prof. Devel

·         October 9 – No School: Columbus Day

·         November 7 – No School:  Prof. Devel.

·         November 10 – No School:  Veteran’s Day

·         November 20-21:  Parent-Teacher Conf.

·         November 23-24:  Thanksgiving Break

News for 5^Th Grade Parents

Red Sox Ticket Raffle

Raffle tickets were sent home and additional tickets are available from the Briggs office.

Car Wash

St. Denis Church will be hosting a car wash in the parking lot on May 20^th 10 a.m.-???

All proceeds collected will be used for the 5^th grade barbeque.

Overlook PTO

Become involved at Overlook Middle School…one year term for PTO Secretary.  If interested, please contact Kim Brillon, 978-874-1857.

Briggs PTO Meeting…date change

Please note…the May PTO meeting has been changed from May 18^th to May 11^th, 6:30 p.m.

Guest speaker, Dave Belliveau from the Ashburnham-Westminster Community Access TV, Channel 8.

5^th Grade Transition to Overlook:

• June 5^th, 5B & 5R, 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
• June 6^th, Parent Meeting, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
• June 7^th, 5F & 5J, 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.

John R. Briggs Summer Academy Information

The first round of Summer Academy enrollment for students in grade 1-4 is complete and some of the grade levels still have openings.  The available slots will be offered to those students that were placed on a waiting list and an informational packet will be mailed to those students’ home next week.  The Summer Academy’s focus is to re-inforce the skills taught in English language arts and mathematics throughout the year.  Also, the children will be provided with the opportunity to learn some additional test taking strategies to prepare them for the MCAS exams.  This is a wonderful opportunity for your child to benefit from additional academic support in a small classroom setting so please consider enrolling your child if you received an informational packet about the Briggs Summer Academy.

Extended Day News…

Summer is fast approaching!

Extended Day is now accepting registrations for our summer program.

If you are looking for something for your child to do that is FUN,

FLEXIBLE, and AFFORDABLE, please check us out!

In order to guarantee a space your pre-registration is due by Monday,

May 15 - after that date only accepting children if space is available.