bulletin 3/302012

MEMORIAL SCHOOL NEWS

March 30, 2012

IMPORTANT DATES

MARCH 31^ST – Toast to Memorial – 7:00pm – Holiday Inn in Woburn

APRIL 4^TH – Kindergarten Field Trip

APRIL 5^TH - PTO Meeting 7pm – Memorial School Library

APRIL 6^TH – NO SCHOOL – Good Friday

APRIL 12^TH – Story Time for Incoming Kindergarten

APRIL 16-20^TH – NO SCHOOL – Patriots’ Day/Spring Vacation

APRIL 24^TH – Spring Pictures

LUNCH MENU- MAIN ENTRÉE CHOICES (SEE MENU FOR MORE DETAILS)

April 2^nd – 6^th

Monday – Chicken Nuggets or Grilled Cheese

Tuesday – Ham & Cheese on Croissant or French Bread Pizza

Wednesday – Hamburger, Cheeseburger, or Hotdog

Thursday – Spaghetti with Meatballs or Meatball Sub

Friday – NO SCHOOL

FROM THE OFFICE/Mrs. Rickerhauser

MCAS Testing

Dear Families of 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th Graders,

Round One of MCAS testing has been completed, with the exception of just a few children who were absent due to illness. As we discussed here at school (and perhaps you did at home as well), the purpose of the testing is for them to show what they know. Based on teachers’ observations during the testing, and mine during conversations with the students about it before and/or afterwards, they did exactly that. Thank you for ensuring that they arrived at school well-rested and on time, and for the important role you played in enabling them to do it!

Round Two Testing Schedule:

Grade 3 –May 8 & 9 Math;

Grade 4 –May 16 & 17 Math;

Grade 5 - May 14 & 15 Math; May 16 & 17 – Science.

Bucket-Filling at Memorial

Now that spring has arrived and beautiful weather is just around the corner, staff are revisiting what it means to make good choices and be a TeRRiFiCC kid. Each child is receiving a blue card with the Memorial School Promise on one side, and the descriptors of TeRRiFiCC behaviors on the other.

The Memorial School Promise: To make our school a safe, calm, happy, and caring place, I promise to: 1) Be safe; 2) Be respectful; 3) Be a learner; and 4) Be a bucket filler. This will help me to learn to take responsibility for my own actions, and to do the right thing even when no one is watching!

The other side side goes on to explain:

TeRRiFiCC Kids are Bucket-Fillers!

I am a TeRRiFiCC kid when:

-I am Trustworthy. I tell the truth, I keep my promises, and I do the right thing.

-I am Respectful. I use good manners. My words and actions show consideration for others. I treat other people (and their property) the way I want other people to treat me and my property.

-I am Responsible. I make good choices, I do what is right, and I am accountable for my behavior.

-I am Fair. I play by the rules, I am open-minded, and I treat people right.

-I am a good Citizen. I work to make our school and community a better place to live and to learn.

-I am Caring. I am kind, helpful, and giving. Through my words and my actions, I show that I value the feelings of others.

These behaviors help me to make good choices every day. That is what makes me a bucket-filler and a TeRRiFiCC kid!

We thank you for the obvious work you are doing with your own children to develop these qualities too. Because the partnership between home and school is so important, we wanted you to be aware that we are working on them here at school too!

Thank you, as always, for your support,

Mrs. Rickershauser

FROM THE PTO

Are you interested in joining the Board of the PTO? Are you interested in joining the team to do some strategy planning for next years’ fundraising and social activities for Memorial? Currently we are looking for a new Co-President, Secretary, and VP of Communication and Webmaster. Please contact Maryann Vigliotta if interested at maryann.vigliotta@agenusbio.com We will present all position descriptions at our next PTO meeting on April 5^th .

PTO Meeting Reminder: Thursday, April 5th, 7:00pm in the School Library. All are Welcome. We will discuss job descriptions and nominations for the NEW PTO Board of Directors. (Co-President, Secretary, VP Communication and Webmaster) We will also discuss Spring Social Events such as the Pancake Breakfast and School Picnic.

Toast to Memorial: Tickets are still on sale for the Toast to Memorial. The event will be held tomorrow, March 31st, 7:00pm at the Holiday Inn, Woburn. Tickets are $35.00. They can be purchased online at www.memorialschoolpto.org or at the door. Also, if you cannot attend the event, raffle ticket order forms went home in backpack folders this week. Tickets to win all of the themed gift baskets are $1.00 each or 25 tickets for $20.00. Please contact Maryann at maryann.vigliotta@agenusbio.com if you have questions. Mrs. Rickershauser will see that your raffle tickets are put in appropriate containers on the evening of the event.

SAVE THE DATE

Please mark your calendars for the annual Memorial Spring Art Show and Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, May 19th from 8:00-10:00 am! Mrs. York is busy decking the main hall with our children’s amazing artwork. Come and take it all in then enjoy breakfast in the cafe with Memorial friends, new and old. The whole family is welcome!

More information about the event will follow in the coming weeks. For now, we are signing up volunteers to help make it a great morning. Maybe you’d like to flip some pancakes, help set up the kitchen or serve breakfast? A flyer will be sent home this week with your child about volunteer opportunities. Information can also be found online at http://www.memorialschoolpto.org. If you have other questions about the event, please contact co-chairs Sandy Young ( youngs5mv@verizon.net or 781-273-5762); or Judy Foley ( judyfoley113@verizon.net or 781-221-7431). We hope you’ll join us for this fun, Memorial tradition!

BHS MUSIC DEPARTMENT

Burlington High School will present Cole Porter’s award-winning musical, “Kiss Me, Kate!” on March 30 and 31 at 7:30 pm, and April 1 at 2:00 pm. This riotous comedy with a musical-within-a-musical theme based on “The Taming of the Shrew” will have you rolling in the aisles! Another show you don’t want to miss, tickets are now on sale by visiting www.BurlingtonTickets.org or phoning 781-A-FUN-TIC.

ADOPT A CLASS News Come Support the Class of 2020 (4th Grade), Saturday, May 5th. A Night of Music with Jim Plunkett. $25 Per Person Admission. Includes Appetizers. Please order tickets online at: www.franciswymanpto.org/class2020.html

bulletin 03/23/2012

March 23, 2012

IMPORTANT DATES

MARCH 31^ST – Toast to Memorial – 7:00pm – Holiday Inn in Woburn

APRIL 4^TH – Kindergarten Field Trip

APRIL 5^TH - PTO Meeting 7pm – Memorial School Library

APRIL 12^TH – Story Time for Incoming Kindergarten

APRIL 16-20^TH – NO SCHOOL – Patriots’ Day/Spring Vacation

APRIL 24^TH – Spring Pictures

LUNCH MENU- MAIN ENTRÉE CHOICES (SEE MENU FOR MORE DETAILS)

March 26^th – 30^th

Monday – Popcorn Chicken or Grilled Cheese

Tuesday – French Toast Sticks or Cheese Pizza Quesadilla

Wednesday – Hamburger, Cheeseburger, or Hotdog

Thursday – Mac & Cheese or Chicken Patty

Friday – Stuffed Crust Pizza or Tuna

FROM THE OFFICE

MCAS Testing

Dear Families,

Our first week of MCAS testing went very smoothly. Thank you so much for sending your fourth and fifth grade students to school rested and on time! Next week, third and fourth graders will take the MCAS test in English Language Arts, and we will begin make-up testing for those few children who were absent this week. Please assure your child that there is no need for worry; just go to school on ‘test days’ like they do every other day – trying hard, staying focused, and doing their best.

Thank you for your support. -- Mrs. Rickershauser

Testing Schedule:

Grade 3 – March 29 & 30 ELA; May 8 & 9 Math;

Grade 4 –March 27 & 28 ELA; May 16 & 17 Math;

Grade 5 - May 14 & 15 Math; May 16 & 17 – Science.

FROM THE PTO

Are you interested in joining the Board of the PTO? Are you interested in joining the team to do some strategy planning for next years’ fundraising and social activities for Memorial? Currently we are looking for a new Co-President, Secretary, and VP of Communication and Webmaster. Please contact Maryann Vigliotta if interested at maryann.vigliotta@agenusbio.com We will present all position descriptions at our next PTO meeting on April 5^th .

PTO Meeting Reminder:Thursday, April 5th, 7:00pm in the School Library. All are Welcome. We will discuss job descriptions and nominations for the NEW PTO Board of Directors. (Co-President, Secretary, VP Communication and Webmaster) We will also discuss Spring Social Events such as the Pancake Breakfast and School Picnic.

Toast to Memorial: Tickets are still on sale for the Toast to Memorial. The event will be held on March 31st, 7:00pm at the Holiday Inn, Woburn. Tickets are $35.00. They can be purchased online at www.memorialschoolpto.org or at the door. Also, if you cannot attend the event, raffle ticket order forms went home in backpack folders this week. Tickets to win all of the themed gift baskets are $1.00 each or 25 tickets for $20.00. Please contact Maryann at maryann.vigliotta@agenusbio.com if you have questions. Mrs. Rickershauser will see that your raffle tickets are put in appropriate containers on the evening of the event.

Tix for Toast!

Dear Memorial Families,

As you may know, our annual fundraiser is coming up very soon. The Toast to Memorial will be held on Saturday, March 31^st at 7:00pm at the Holiday Inn in Woburn, MA.

To avoid lines at the event, tickets are $35.00 and can be purchased through the school by this week Friday (for distribution next week) or you can purchase at the door.

You can either purchase online at www.memorialschoolpto.org or you can send in a check made out to Memorial School PTO. Please also include with your order:

· # tickets you need

· How much $$ is enclosed

· Child's Name

· Child's Classroom number and teacher

· Parent's Name

We hope to see you there!
Mrs. Rickershauser

Bulletin 03/16/2012

Memorial School News

IMPORTANT DATES

MARCH 19^TH – Gr. 4/5 Math Club Begins Today

MARCH 20-30^th – MCAS Testing Gr. 3-5

MARCH 31^ST – Toast to Memorial – 7:00pm – Holiday Inn in Woburn

APRIL 4^TH – Kindergarten Field Trip

APRIL 5^TH - PTO Meeting 7pm in the Memorial School library

APRIL 12^TH – Story Time for incoming Kindergarten

APRIL 16-20^TH – NO SCHOOL – Patriots’ Day/Spring Vacation

APRIL 24^TH – Spring Pictures

LUNCH MENU- MAIN ENTRÉE CHOICES (SEE MENU FOR MORE DETAILS)

March 19^th – 23^rd

Monday – Chicken Nuggets or Cheese Pizza Quesadilla

Tuesday – Nacho Grande or Grilled Cheese

Wednesday – Hamburger, Cheeseburger, or Hotdog

Thursday – Spaghetti with Meatballs or Meatball Sub

Friday – Stuffed Crust Pizza or Grilled Cheese

FROM THE OFFICE

“Just One: Empowering Bystanders to Stop Bullying” was presented by the
Melrose Alliance Against Violence to all Memorial students yesterday
morning in two assemblies, one for grades k-2, the other for grades 3-5.
The lesson of the program is that "just one" kind act by "just one" person
can make a significant difference in stopping or countering the damaging
effects of bullying. During the program, children learned more about what to
do when they witness or experience bullying, including seeking adult
assistance; the dynamics of bullying, including the underlying power imbalance;
skills to help them engage in healthy relationships and respectful communication;
and how to maintain a healthy, safe school environment that is respectful of
diversity and difference.  This very important program was funded by the BEF,
and was presented to all of the elementary schools
in Burlington.  

MCAS Testing

Dear Families,

MCAS testing in English Language Arts begins next week in public schools throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Please make every effort to send your child to school on test days, and on time. Making sure they are well rested (8 to 10 hours of sleep) and have eaten a nourishing breakfast (even a small one) will help them to do their very best. Please assure your child that there is no need for worry; just go to school on ‘test days’ like they do every other day – trying hard, staying focused, and doing their best.

As always, thank you for your support. -- Mrs. Rickershauser

Testing Schedule:

Grade 3 – March 29 & 30 ELA; May 8 & 9 Math;

Grade 4 – March 20 Long Composition; March 27 & 28 ELA; May 16 & 17 Math;

Grade 5 - March 21 & 22 ELA; May 14 & 15 Math; May 16 & 17 – Science.

THE SPRING SESSION of the MEMORIAL SCHOOL HOMEWORK & STUDY CLUB for 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th graders begins on Tuesday, March 20^th. Additional information and a registration form went home in last week’s backpack folders. If you have questions, please call Mrs. Bogosh at 781-273-7647.

CALLING ALL PROBLEM SOLVERS in Grades 4 & 5! Need extra help with fractions and decimals? Crave a challenge, especially one that involves fractions and decimals? Looking for practice to make your math skills even stronger than they are already? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then Math Club may be for you! Each Monday and Wednesday afternoon for 7 weeks, beginning next week, students will work on: 1) problem solving strategies; 2) writing and solving word problems; and 3) math games to deepen understanding of fractions and decimals. Please see the flyer that went home in backpack folders for additional information and registration form. The Club begins meeting on Monday, the 19^th.

FROM THE PTO

Are you interested in joining the Board of the PTO? Are you interested in joining the team to do some strategy planning for next years’ fundraising and social activities for Memorial? Currently we are looking for a new Co-President, Secretary, and VP of Communication and Webmaster. Please contact Maryann Vigliotta if interested at maryann.vigliotta@agenusbio.com We will present all position descriptions at our next PTO meeting on April 5^th .

PTO Meeting There will be a PTO meeting held on Thursday, April 5^th at 7pm in the Memorial school library.

Toast to Memorial! Just Around the Corner – Saturday, March 31^st – 7pm - at the Holiday Inn in Woburn. Tickets on sale now. See website – www.memorialschoolpto.org – for more info!

Please join us in support of Memorial School at our most successful annual fundraiser, ”The Toast to Memorial!” Sample wine from a variety of different vendors as you socialize and survey all the great raffle prizes and fantastic auction items that have been so generously donated by members of the Memorial community, and the amazing themed baskets assembled by every classroom at Memorial. These coveted baskets are overflowing with items donated by the teacher and families of the students in each class. This memorable and enjoyable event helps to make so many things possible. Funds raised that evening:

· supplement the cost of buses, reducing the price of field trips for families;

· provide assemblies to touch children’s minds and hearts, and enrich their learning in ways that couldn’t be accomplished otherwise;

· bring published authors and experts to speak with students about writing or their area of expertise or both;

· help fifth graders celebrate the end of their Memorial experiences with a Moving On Ceremony, Memory Book, and class picnic.

And the list goes on and on. This is just a small portion of the many things that the PTO and participants in the “Toast to Memorial!” provide for “our kids.”

If you haven’t purchased tickets, it’s not too late! Tickets are $35.00 and can be purchased online at www.memorialschoolpto.org or you can send a check to the PTO. Another way is to buy them at the door that evening. Either way, we hope to see you there! Most importantly, we thank you for contributing items to the BEAUTIFUL and CREATIVE baskets created by each class and many staff members that will be on display, and raffled off, that night! Please contact Maryann maryann.vigliotta@agenusbio.com if you have any questions.

“MEMORY BOOK” Just a reminder that we are in the process of creating a Memory Book for 5^th graders, and our focus is on gathering photographs for it. If you have photos of our current 5^th graders from grades k-5 – individual, small group, or large group – at Memorial or a previous school – sharing them with us will help to make the book an even more special keepsake for them. We will be taking pictures of the 5th graders at school for their personal memory book page, but we also ask that you send in a baby picture or toddler picture and a favorite photo of themselves from any time or place or age (vacation/school/sports, etc.). If you have not already done so, we ask that you send in these pictures just as soon as possible in order to get them formatted into the Memory Book.

If you would like to be involved in the Memory Book Committee, please contact Susan Lavacchia at gnLsue@hotmail.com. Thank you for your help and cooperation in making this year’s Memory Book an extra-special one for the first 5th grade class to “graduate” from the new Memorial School!

bulletin 03/09/12

MEMORIAL SCHOOL NEWS

March 9, 2012

IMPORTANT DATES

MARCH 12^TH – 5th Grade D.A.R.E. Graduation – 7pm

MARCH 14^TH – 5th Grade Parent Meeting re: End of Year Activities – 7pm – Mem Library

Story Time for incoming Kindergarten – 9:15am in the Library

MARCH 31^ST – Toast to Memorial – 7:00pm – Holiday Inn in Woburn

APRIL 4^TH – Kindergarten Field Trip

APRIL 16-20 – NO SCHOOL – Patriots’ Day/Spring Vacation

LUNCH MENU- MAIN ENTRÉE CHOICES (SEE MENU FOR MORE DETAILS)

March 12^th – 16^th

Monday – Popcorn Chicken or Grilled Cheese with Ham

Tuesday – Turkey with Gravy or Mozzarella Sticks

Wednesday – Hamburger, Cheeseburger, or Hotdog

Thursday – Pasta with Butter or Meat Sauce, or Chicken Parm

Friday – Stuffed Crust Pizza or Tuna on a Roll

FROM THE OFFICE

MCAS Testing

Dear Families,

It’s getting to be that time again. MCAS testing in English Language Arts will take place throughout the state of Massachusetts over the next several weeks. Please make every effort to send your child to school on test days, and on time. Making sure they are well rested (8 to 10 hours of sleep) and have eaten a nourishing breakfast (even a small one) will help them to do their very best. Please assure your child that there is no need for worry; just go to school on ‘test days’ like they do every other day – trying hard, staying focused, and doing their best.

As always, thank you for your support. -- Mrs. Rickershauser

Testing Schedule

Grade 3 – March 29, 30 ELA; May 8, 9 Math;

Grade 4 – March 20 Long Composition; March 27, 28 ELA; May 16, 17 Math;

Grade 5 - March 21, 22 ELA; May 14, 15 Math; May 16, 17 Science.

THE WINTER SESSION of the MEMORIAL SCHOOL HOMEWORK & STUDY CLUB for 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th graders ENDS on Thursday, March 15^th. The spring session begins on Tuesday, March 20^th. Look for the registration form and additional information in today’s backpack folder. If you have questions, please call Mrs. Bogosh at 781-273-7647.

CALLING ALL PROBLEM SOLVERS in Grades 4 & 5! Need extra help with fractions and decimals? Crave a challenge, especially one that involves fractions and decimals? Looking for practice to make your math skills even stronger than they are already? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then Math Club may be for you! Each Monday and Wednesday afternoon for 7 weeks, beginning on, March 19^th, students will work on: 1) problem solving strategies; 2) writing and solving word problems; 3) math games to deepen understanding of fractions and decimals. Please see the flyer in last week’s backpack folder for additional information and registration form.

FROM THE PTO

Toast to Memorial! Just Around the Corner – Saturday, March 31^st – 7pm - at the Holiday Inn in Woburn

Please join us in support of Memorial School at our most successful annual fundraiser, ”The Toast to Memorial!” Sample wine from a variety of different vendors as you socialize and survey all the great raffle prizes and fantastic auction items that have been so generously donated by members of the Memorial community, and the amazing themed baskets assembled by every classroom at Memorial. These coveted baskets are overflowing with items donated by the teacher and families of the students in each class. Always a memorable and enjoyable for the Memorial Family, this event helps to make so many things possible. Funds raised that evening:

· supplement the cost of buses, reducing the price of field trips for families;

· provide assemblies which touch children’s minds and hearts, and enrich their learning in ways that couldn’t be accomplished otherwise;

· bring published authors and experts to speak with students about writing or their area of expertise or both;

· help fifth graders celebrate the end of their Memorial experiences with a Moving On Ceremony, Memory Book, and class picnic.

And the list goes on and on. This is just a small portion of the many things that the PTO and participants in the “Toast to Memorial!” provide for “our kids.”

Saturday evening, the 31^st of March, is fast approaching. If you haven’t purchased your tickets to this enjoyable event, it’s not too late! Tickets are $35.00 and can be purchased online at www.memorialschoolpto.org or you can send a check to the PTO. Another way is to buy them at the door that evening. Either way, we hope to see you there! Most importantly, we thank you for contributing items to the BEAUTIFUL and CREATIVE baskets created by each class and many staff members that will be on display, and raffled off, that night! Please contact Maryann maryann.vigliotta@agenusbio.com if you have any questions.

5^TH GRADE ACTIVITIES

D.A.R.E. GRADUATION is scheduled for Monday, March 12^th at 7pm in the Memorial School Cafetorium. 5^th graders have participated in a 12-week program instructed by Officers Steve Cross (Memorial and Francis Wyman) and Keith Sheppard (Fox Hill and Pine Glen). Each week they were not only educated about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and smoking, but also how to resist peer pressure, prevent bullying, choose the right friends, build self-esteem and self-confidence, look out for others, avoid strangers, find strength in numbers, and make healthy decisions. Family and friends are invited to attend.

Parent Information Meeting re: End of the Year 5^th Grade Activities – There is a meeting for all parents of 5^th graders on Wednesday, March 14th, at 7pm in the School Library. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss end of the year activities designed to help our 5th grade students celebrate their elementary school years, and transition to the middle school environment with confidence and enthusiasm. We hope you will join us!

“MEMORY BOOK” Just a reminder that we are in the process of creating a Memory Book for 5^th graders, and our focus is on gathering photographs for it. If you have photos of our current 5^th graders from grades k-5 – individual, small group, or large group – at Memorial or a previous school – sharing them with us will help to make the book an even more special keepsake for them. We will be taking pictures of the 5th graders at school for their personal memory book page, but we also ask that you send in a baby picture or toddler picture and a favorite photo of themselves from any time or place or age (vacation/school/sports, etc.). If you have not already done so, we ask that you send in these pictures just as soon as possible in order to get them formatted into the Memory Book.

If you would like to be involved in the Memory Book Committee, please contact Susan Lavacchia at gnLsue@hotmail.com. Thank you for your help and cooperation in making this year’s Memory Book an extra-special one for the first 5th grade class to “graduate” from the new Memorial School!

FROM MRS. RICKERSHAUSER

Dear Families,

I’m writing to let you know that I will be out of the office until Monday, March 19^th. Although I have been checking in with school each day, Mrs. Dwyer, retired principal of the Pine Glen School, has been sitting in for me. My husband and I have been blessed with a grandchild – our first! – and we are in Austin, Texas with my daughter, son-in-law, and beautiful baby Otto. Please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Dwyer with any questions or concerns at 781-273-7647.

With kind regards,

Mrs. Rickershauser (aka “Grandma R.”)