Blanchard Bits

Blanchard October/November Calendar

October

7 BSE-PAC Parents Information Night. 6:30 p.m. Blanchard School.

8 School Committee Meeting. 7:30 p.m. Blanchard Library.

9 Professional Day. School Closed.

12 Columbus Day. School Closed.

14 School Council Meeting. 5:30 p.m. Blanchard School.

22 Grants Committee Application Deadline.

23 Pumpkin Walk. 6:30 p.m. Blanchard School.

November

5 Early Release Day. Noon Dismissal. No lunch served.

10 Grade 6 Spaghetti Supper. 5:00 p.m. Blanchard School.

11 Veteran’s Day. School Closed.

12 School Committee Meeting. 7:30 p.m. Blanchard Library.

13 Picture Retake Day.

18 School Council Meeting. 5:30 p.m. Blanchard School.

25 Early Release Day. Noon Dismissal. No lunch served.

26-27 Thanksgiving Recess. School Closed.

Welcome Back by Maryellen Driscoll

I enjoyed seeing many parents at our Open House nights on September 22 and 29. During the first part of the evening, parents had an opportunity to learn about their child’s curriculum while students were supervised in the gym. Students then joined their parents for the Open House segment of the program. It was a great night from start to finish.

On September 21, students at Blanchard celebrated International Peace Day by displaying their decorated pinwheels for peace around the school. Our 600 pinwheels joined an estimated three million pinwheels spinning for peace around the world. Photos of the pinwheels can be seen on our website at http://www.boxboroughschool.org. Thank you to Eileen Barnett, Gail Walsh and all the parent volunteers who dedicated their time to help make this project such a success.

A special thank you goes out to the Boxborough Garden Club who has done a wonderful job maintaining the gardens around our school. Your time and effort are greatly appreciated and the end product is always beautiful.

Another thank you also goes out to Chuck Lord at Carver Hill Orchards and the Blanchard PTF for supplying apples to our students as we celebrated Johnny Appleseed’s birthday. Dr. Bates, dressed as Johnny Appleseed, greeted students with an apple as they entered the school on Monday, September 28.

PTF Updates by Paula Grieco, PTF President

We had our first PTF general meeting of the year on Tuesday, September 15. Thanks to all those that attended! Here are some of the highlights:

The fundraising goal of $27,000 and accompanying budget for this year were approved. We received $2,000 in family donations in September. You can make a secure online donation by visiting our web site: http://www.blanchardptf.org/donate.html

We welcomed our two new PTF Board members, Cathy Winsor – Corresponding Secretary and Wendy White – Recording Secretary.

Kathy Luce, Tim Lundy, and Bob Zurek were elected to serve on the PTF Grants Committee as parent representatives for the 2009-2010 school year.

The first deadline for PTF grant applications is approaching – October 22. If you have an enrichment idea, please submit a grant application. Go to http://www.blanchardptf.org/PTFGrants.html for more information and to download an application.

Chairs Needed!

Auction – Our major fundraiser of the year is in need of new co-chairs. Last year’s co-chairs will work closely with you to ensure a smooth transition.

Pumpkin Walk – Thanks to Beth Bortree, who has offered to chair this year’s Pumpkin Walk scheduled for October 23rd.

We welcome your input and help! If you have an idea or would like to volunteer for as little or as much as your time allows, contact any member of the board! Visit our web site for regular updates on PTF events and other happenings: http://www.blanchardptf.org .

Blanchard’s PTF Presents Pumpkin Walk by Beth Bortree

Wear your Costume and Join in the Halloween Fun, Friday, October 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Blanchard Memorial School. Bring a pumpkin and $2.00 donation per child (maximum $5.00/family) for the Blanchard PTF

Join us for the Pumpkin Walk, Haunted House, Face Painting, Creative Crafts, Light Snacks and Refreshments.

To volunteer for this event or for more information please contact:

Beth Bortree H: 978-635-3912 Email: bufftreeb52@hotmail.com

Boxtops by Judy Kosakowski, Boxtop Chairperson

The 2009-2010 Boxtop program is off and running. Remember, each Boxtop is worth 10 cents and the money earned benefits our students in many ways. So let's start Clipping and Collecting! Stay tuned for further details.

PTF Grants Committee Deadline 3 PM October 22 by Jennifer Campbell, PTF Vice-President

The PTF offers an opportunity to obtain funds for projects that enrich the learning environment for the Blanchard School community. This is open to all to apply, including parents, teachers, and members of the community.

The Grants Committee will award up to $17,500 in grants for the 2009-2010 school year. The Grants committee is comprised of two PTF board members (Jennifer Campbell and Cathy Winsor), two teachers (Janet LaVigne and Dan Shanahan), and three parents elected to a 1-year term (Bob Zurek, Kathy Luce, and Tim Lundy).

Grants are awarded three times per year. The deadline to submit a grant application for the 1st cycle of this school year is October 22, 2009 and notifications of awards will be provided within 30 days of that date.

Applications are available on the PTF board outside of the main office, or on the school’s Web site. Please place eight copies of the completed applications in the PTF mailbox, located in the main office, no later than 3:00 p.m. on October 22 for the first round. Contact Jennifer Campbell at jennifertcampbell@hotmail.com or 978-263-0481 with any questions.

Destination ImagiNation 2009-2010 Signup is Here! By: Tina Stevens and Polly Scherfling

This wonderful innovative program is funded by the PTF. The teams are grade specific and each team has 5-7 children with 1-2 team managers. The team chooses a challenge from a list offered and works together on all aspects of it during the year. The program teaches time management, critical thinking, and problem solving as a group. Teams meet weekly from mid October to mid March to work on their solutions. There is a practice run through in town hall prior to competing at the regional tournament. Last year several of our teams due to their great work scored high enough to compete at the state and global tournaments.

We are in need of team managers for all grades. Having been and still are team managers, we can tell you it is a fun and a rewarding experience. So, please consider the opportunity to manage a team.

If you are interested in the program please go to the Destination Imagination hyper link at the bottom of the www.boxboroughschool.org home page or Contact DI Coordinator Tina Stevens at 978-635-1227 or tstevens_evers@yahoo.com. Please review Destination ImagiNation info at www.madiki.

Boxborough Special Education Parents Advisory Council (BSE-PAC) by Lorrie Clark

The BSE-PAC will kick off the 2009-10 school year with its third annual Parents’ Information Night on Wednesday, October 7, 2009, beginning at 6:30 p.m. This parents only evening will include a tour of Blanchard’s Special Education classrooms; and a presentation: "Evaluations (In a Nutshell)," to be conducted by special education teachers and staff. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session to address parents' questions. Please join us to meet your child’s special education teachers and learn about Blanchard’s special education programs. We will meet in the Blanchard lobby for tours commencing at 6:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. A brief presentation, followed by a moderated Q&A session, will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Science Lab. Refreshments will be served and social time will take place between 8:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. If you would like to contribute refreshments, please contact Lorrie Clark at lorrie.clark.9@gmail.com.

Community News

Boxborough Library Book Sale: November 13 and 14

The Friends of the Boxborough Library will hold its annual fall book sale in the meeting room of the Sargent Memorial Library, 427 Massachusetts Avenue, on Saturday, November 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00p.m. A Preview Sale for members will take place Friday, November 13 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Memberships will be available at the door). Proceeds from the sale of books will go toward additional library programs, including the summer reading program, speakers, and the purchase of museum passes.

Please support this sale by donating your gently used hardcovers, paperbacks and audiovisual items and attending this sale. Books will be accepted November 9, 10, and 12 at the Library during regular library hours. Please no old text books, no magazines or no books in really poor condition.

Boxborough Museum Hours

The Boxborough Museum at 575 Middle Road will be open from 2:00 to 4:00 pm on Sunday October 11, Sunday November 8 and SATURDAY December 5. Admission is free, all are welcome, and members of the Boxborough Historical Society will be on hand to discuss Boxborough’s history and the exhibits. Brochures for the Boxborough Town Center Walking Tour will also be available. If anyone would like to arrange a private tour for a small group at a different time please call John Fallon (978-264-0069).

Free Home Energy Savings Seminar: Wednesday, October 14,
7:00-9:00 p.m., Sargent Memorial Library

Want to reduce your family’s utility bills? Heat can escape from any house, old or new, wasting your energy dollars. Boxborough’s Energy Committee invites you to a free workshop, where you’ll find out how to save energy, and even improve comfort, while reducing your heat and electricity costs. Also get information on home energy audits, rebates, and ways to finance improvements. Free refreshments. For information, contact Becky Busby, 978-264-9467, becky@boxborosystems.com, en.com@town.boxborough.ma.us.

Apply for an Arts Grant from the Acton-Boxborough Cultural Council

The Acton-Boxborough Cultural Council (ABCC) is accepting applications for our Fiscal Year 2010 Grant Cycle. Individuals, non-profit groups, schools, libraries and religious organizations may apply for funding for arts projects. Grant application forms and guidelines are available at both Town Halls, all town libraries, or at www.actonboxboroughculturalcouncil.org or www.massculturalcouncil.org . Applications should be mailed to P.O. Box 2291, Acton, MA, 01720, and must be postmarked on or before October 15^,2009. Potential applicants are encouraged to contact the ABCC by email to abccinformation@gmail.com or by US Mail in advance of the deadline to ask questions and for help in completing applications.

For more information, visit www.actonboxboroughculturalcouncil.org.

AB Community Education Sponsoring Turkey Trot: Nov 27

Acton-Boxborough Community Education is hosting the first annual Acton Turkey Trot to benefit the Acton Food Pantry. This is a 5K race and family fun run/walk on Friday, November 27, 2009, starting at 9 a.m. at the Parker Damon Building. For detailed information, look for a backpack flyer and registration form coming home with your child soon. To make this a successful event, we need your help! If you are interested in volunteering on race day, please send an email to actonturkeytrot@yahoo.com. If you have questions about the event, please send an email to actonturkeytrot@yahoo.com or contact AB Community Ed 978-266-2525. Information will also be posted to the AB Community Ed web site (http://comed.ab.mec.edu/. Proceeds from this event will go to the Acton Food Pantry (Acton Community Supper Inc). Families supported by the Acton Food Pantry increased significantly this summer. The fall estimates predict that they will service more families than ever before. We look forward to your participation and support!

Longwood Opera To Present Puccini's Tosca

The Longwood Opera will present Giacomo Puccini's Tosca at the Acton Congregational Church on Friday, October 23 at 8:00 p.m.. Tickets may be purchased at the door: $23 – Adults; $18 – Seniors; $15 – Students; $13 - Children 10 and under.

Refreshments will be provided by the Acton-Boxborough Cultural Council. Donations will be used for AB Cultural Council projects.

For complete performance information, visit www.longwoodopera.org or call 781/455-0960.

Check It Out @ the Sargent Memorial Library

Sargent Memorial Library: Operating Hours

Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m

Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Saturdays 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

You may request and renew materials online at www.boxlib.org or call the Library at 978-263-4680. The Library will be closed on Monday, October 12 in observance of Columbus Day.

3^rd & 4^th Grade Book Group

Join us for the 3^rd & 4^th Grade Book Club on Wednesday, October 7 at 4:00 p.m. If you would like to sign-up for the book group, please call the Library at 978-263-4680 or email Heather at hwilkins@cwmars.org. A fun snack will be provided.

Pizza & Pages 5^th & 6^th Grade Book Group

If you are interested in joining the Pizza & Pages book group, please contact the Library at 978-263-4680 or email Maureen at mstrapko@cwmars.org.

Monday Morning Story-time & Craft @ 10:45 a.m.

Monday’s story-time is for children ages 3 to 5. This program features popular themes, interactive books, and a fun paper craft.

Children and parents are invited to wear their Halloween costumes to the Library on Monday, October 26 for a special Halloween story-time.

Thursday Evening Pajama Story-time @ 7:00 p.m.

Children of all ages are invited to wear their pajamas and bring their favorite stuffed animal to the Boxborough Library where they will enjoy nursery rhymes, finger-plays, and felt stories.

Saturday Morning Megablocks

Come to the Library on Saturday, October 10 at 11:00 a.m. and have a blast with Duplo Legos! These toddler building blocks are great for small children.

Pups & Pages

On Wednesday, October 14, at 4:00 p.m., children in 1^st & 2^nd grade can come to the Library and read to Lucy, a reading education assistance dog. This program is a wonderful opportunity for children to improve their reading skills and gain self-confidence. Please contact the Library at 978-263-4680 if you would like to sign-up for a 15 or 20 minute private reading session.

New Lego Club @ the Boxborough Library

Join us for the Library’s new Lego Club on Wednesday, October 21 at 4:00 p.m. Children can bring in their favorite creations and share new ideas with the group. This month’s theme is STAR WARS.

The Boxborough Library is currently collecting donations of new and gently used Legos. For more information or to make a donation, please contact Heather Wilkinson, the Youth Services Librarian at 978-263-4680 or via email: hwilkins@cwmars.org

All children’s programs are made possible through the generosity of the Friends of the Boxborough Library!

About the Bits

Blanchard Bits is published by the Blanchard PTF and circulated to all Blanchard families. To submit an article or calendar item, please email Aga Dresser at scottandaga@gmail.com or call 978-264-9709. The submission deadline for the November 2009 Blanchard Bits is Friday, October 23, 2009.

Blanchard School 263-4569

Dr. Curtis Bates X 696, Superintendent/ Curriculum Director

Maryellen Driscoll X 699, Principal

Dr. Sandra Daigneault X 205, Special Education Director

Charles Mahoney X 207, Business Manager

Kathy Bower X 201, Executive Secretary, Superintendent/Principal

Corinne DiPietro X 100, Secretary/Receptionist

PTF Officers

Paula Greico, President

266-9561 pgrieco@etimes3.com

Jennifer Campbell, Vice President

263-0481 jennifertcampbell@hotmail.com