Our maintenance crew has done a commendable job getting our building cleaned and ready for the first day of school. The office staff spent the summer ordering, organizing and doing all those necessary behind the scene jobs to ensure a smooth opening in September.

In order to prevent a backup in the morning on Rt. 111, we ask that all parents pull around to the end of the circle in front of the school before dropping off their child. This will help to ensure the safety of our children at such a busy time of day. Our administrators and paraprofessionals will be on duty to assist you in the mornings.

Summer Pre-School

We were very fortunate to once again be able to offer a five-week summer pre-school program at Blanchard. These children had a wonderful summer under the guidance and direction of Kristen Kilcommins and Trish Peters.

If you plan on volunteering at the school, please make sure your CORI is current.

Forms are available at the Main Office.

Each Friday, an email will be coming from my office outlining the upcoming week’s events and any updates that you should be aware of.  My hope is that this new format will be a quick and easy scheduling reference for parents/guardians.

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
-- Eleanor Roosevelt.

Welcome to the 2009-2010 School Year! Based on your input, we have a lot to look forward to this year and have set the following goals:

§  Continue to expand the enrichment programs supported. Our primary focus continues to be to raise funds and conduct activities in cooperation with the school administration to enrich our children’s’ education. See the Blanchard Program and Fundraising Overview 2009-2010 located in the list of "must read documents" on the Blanchard Web site for a list of plans for the year.

§  Improve PTF communications.  We plan to focus on improving communication through the use of our web site, more concise email communication, and frequent updates to the PTF bulletin board next to the school administration office.

§  Continued focus on high return and efficient fundraising.  After very successful fundraising campaigns in 2008-2009, we will continue to focus on a small number of fundraisers that have been consistently successful: Fall gift wrap, Boxtops, family donations, and a silent auction event.  Also back this year is the bi-annual KidsArt fundraiser and OneCause. Similar to Boxtops, OneCause allows you to contribute to PTF enrichment programs effortlessly by simply purchasing items that you would already be buying.

How can you participate?

§  Complete the volunteer form. Let us know how you would like to get involved with PTF activities.  You can volunteer for as little or as much time as you have available. A chair or volunteer coordinator will be in touch with you soon!

§  Look for our family donation form in your backpack or simply go to blanchardptf.org. You can make a donation and have 100% of what you give go to the Blanchard PTF’s educational and enrichment programs that you care about!

§  Give us your feedback. If you have any suggestions or feedback, please contact a board member at any time! We welcome your input!

 PTF Event Chairs Needed

The following PTF events are in need of chairs:

Auction Chairs and Committee members – Our major fundraising event of the year, the annual auction, is in need of new chairs.  The chairs for the last several years are ready to transition this event to a new committee but will be providing lots of support to ensure a smooth transfer and a successful event.

Pumpkin Walk Chair – If you enjoy Halloween festivities, consider chairing the annual Pumpkin Walk.

If you would like to consider chairing or co-chairing any of these events this year, please contact Paula Grieco pgrieco@etimes3.com 978-266-9561. 

If you cannot chair an event, please consider volunteering for an event as your time allows by filling out the PTF volunteer form which arrived in your first day packets or e-mail any member of the PTF board. 

Are you new to the school and want to know what the PTF is all about?  Visit the PTF's Web site for information, including how to contact PTF members.

PTF Grants Committee Opportunity for Parent Volunteers by Jennifer Campbell

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.

Sargent Memorial Library Closed September 30, 2009

The Sargent Memorial Library in Boxborough will be closed to the public on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 for a Professional Development Day and staff training. We will reopen Thursday, October 1, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.  To order or renew items go to the library Web site www.boxlib.org and click on Your Library Account.

The Boxborough Museum at 575 Middle Road will be open from 2:00 to 4:00 pm on Sunday September 13, 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.

 Check It Out @ the Sargent Memorial Library

Sargent Memorial Library: Operating Hours

The Sargent Memorial Library in Boxborough will resume Saturday hours on September 12, 2009.  The Library will be open Mondays and Wednesdays, 10-6, Tuesdays and Thursdays 10-8, and Saturdays 10-3.  You may request and renew materials online at www.boxlib.org or call the Library at 978-263-4680.

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.  We will talk about our favorite books and learn about children’s literature.  This book group is a great opportunity for families to share their love of reading!  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.

Early Release Movie

On Thursday, September 17 at 2:00 p.m., come to the Boxborough Library and watch Disney’s Princess Protection Program.  This feature film is rated G.  No sign up is required.  Please bring a comfy pillow from home so you can enjoy the movie!

Story-Times

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. 

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.

New Lego Club

Join us for the Library’s new Lego Club on Wednesday, September 23 at 4:00 p.m. 

The story/craft room will be transformed by your Lego Creations.  Don’t forget to check out our book display on Lego building.  Let your creativity run wild.  This month’s theme is CASTLES. 

Saturday Morning Megablocks