Friday, December 19, 2014

Friday, December 20, 2014

Dear PWS Families, 

Hello and Happy Friday!  The students and staff are all excited about the holiday vacation.  We hope that you are all staying healthy and happy during this very busy time of year!

Lockdown
On Thursday, the school had a lockdown drill.  We had this drill at 11:00 when grade 2 was in lunch and grade 1 was at recess.  The students in the cafeteria did a great job at sitting quietly.  First grade students outside went to the outdoor classroom.   All other classrooms were locked and dark.  The fire department was here to monitor this drill as well. We are pleased with how well the students responded in this drill. 

Hour of Code
The Hour of Code is an international initiative to spark the desire to learn computer science.  It's a one-hour activity that students of all ages can participate in.  Peter Woodbury participated in this initiative last week and have continued into this week.  Mrs. Cassamassino has visited many classes to introduce coding and computer science to students.  Check out the slideshow of photos and videos below to get a peak at what went on. 




INVENTION CONVENTION/SCIENCE DAY - 2015
What:   -  Invention Convention - Science Day
When:   -  Monday, February 16
Why:     -  To learn about science, to become inventors, and to have fun!!
Who:     -   All third graders (mandatory)
 Fourth graders who would like to participate (The Invention Convention is mandatory for all fourth grade Math Apps students.)
Choices of projects:


Type of Project
Partners Allowed?
Judged?
Fun and Great Learning Experience?
Invention
Yes, -  up to 2 team
       members         
Yes
Yes  
Rube Goldberg
Yes,   1 - 4 team members
Yes
Yes
Inventor Report
No
No
Yes
Science Research
 (Science Question)
No
No
Yes

All projects will be exhibited on the morning of the Convention - February.  All parents are invited to attend from 10:30 - 11:15.  Rube Goldbergs and inventions will be set up in the gym.  Inventor and science research reports will be displayed in the front hallway.

4th Grade International/Diversity Day
Starting today our 4th grade teachers are celebrating International Day. This a time to celebrate students heritage and traditions. Students have worked hard on their country reports and we want to recognize them for their accomplishment. We hope you are able to participate in this event. We went into two classrooms today and the food was fantastic. All the students were excited for us to try their favorite dishes.

Finally, we want to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season and vacation.

Take Care,

Cheryl Daley Dan Mitchell
Principal Assistant Principal

Friday, December 12, 2014

Friday, December 13, 2014

Hello PWS Families,

Happy December! I am sure you have already heard that we had a fairly exciting day today. We were without power for approximately 45 minutes today. This happened right around lunch and recess time. However, with a little extra recess for some and the flexibility and hard work of the students, staff, and kitchen crew the impact was minimal. Thanks to all for your understanding and cooperation. This week the weather has not been cooperative and students have spent most recesses indoors. Thankfully, they were able to play outside today. Our goal is to get them outside as much as possible so please remember to continue to send in boots, snow pants, warm coats, hats and mittens. We appreciate your support with this and are hoping that students get outside more next week.

STEM CLUB GRADE 3
Mrs. Beecher, Mrs. Cassamassino and Mrs. Correia will be running a six week STEM Club for 3rd graders beginning in January.  The purpose of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) is to provide students with the opportunity to apply science, technology, engineering and math that make connections between school and the “real world”.  Students will be working within small groups to employ problem solving and critical thinking skills.  STEM Club will be held on the following Tuesdays from 2:30-3:30 Jan. 13th, Jan. 20th, Jan. 27th, Feb. 4th (this is a Wed.), Feb. 10th and Feb. 17th.tDismissal to parents/guardians will be at 3:30 in the main lobby. If your child will be picked up by someone other than a parent/guardian please send a note.  Any student attending after school will be dismissed to the after school program at this time.


The session is limited in the number of students able to participate, so registration will be first come first served.  STEM is a fun extra-curricular activity with the same behavior expectations as the regular school day.  Students are required to participate with appropriate behavior or they may be asked to leave the STEM Club. After registering you will receive an email from Mrs. Cassamassino stating whether or not your child will be able to participate in this session of STEM.   
Click here to register by December 22nd.

Lost and Found
Our Lost and Found is still very full. We encourage you to take a peek and see if any of the items may belong to your family. Over our December vacation we will donate any items still remaining. Please take a look next time you are in the building.


Traffic Reminders

In messy weather we realize how easy it is to drop off your students at the front of the building, however student drop off should take place in the rear of the building until the red flag and barrier is displayed.  The concern with this is that there is no adult out there to monitor traffic.  We have observed students walking in between cars. This can be very dangerous.  A reminder that you need to walk your child in if they are coming in at the front of the building.  After 8:00 we ask that you sign your children in. Thank you for you help with this and keeping our students safe.  

BEF Grant
The Bedford Education Foundation (BEF) is conducting an on-line fundraising auction with some great holiday gift items, including a live SAT prep course, a baseball autographed by former St. Louis Cardinals picture and Bedford resident Chris Carpenter, and a five-day bear hunting trip with Jay Miller, a former Boston Bruin.  The on-line auction will end at 9 PM on Monday, December 15 and is accessible at www.32auctions.com/BEFholidays.  If you are not interested in these auction items but would like to make a donation to BEF, please visit http://www.befnh.org/?nd=donate.

The BEF is also requesting community input regarding fundraising events.  Please click here to respond to a quick 7-question survey.


Food Drive

We want to thank all of you for the support in this week's food drive.  It was heart warming to see all the students so excited about giving to others.  What a great message to give to our students that giving to others less fortunate is so important and feels great we well.   In the end we collected over 4,000 items and we know there are still a few more donations out there as well. GREAT JOB!

Have a great weekend,


Cheryl Daley        Dan Mitchell

Principal              Assistant Principal

Friday, December 5, 2014

Friday, December 5, 2014

Dear PWS Families,

Hello!  We hope you all had a great Thanksgiving even if your power was out.  The students were excited to be back at school and have started to show some Holiday Happiness!

The Bedford Education Foundation

The Bedford Education Foundation (BEF) is conducting an on-line fundraising auction with some great holiday gift items, including: a live SAT prep course, a baseball autographed by former St. Louis Cardinals picture and Bedford resident Chris Carpenter, and a five-day bear hunting trip with Jay Miller, a former Boston Bruin.  The on-line auction will end at 9 PM on Monday, December 15 and is accessible at www.32auctions.com/BEFholidays.  If you are not interested in these auction items but would like to make a donation to BEF, please visit http://www.befnh.org/?nd=donate.

The BEF is also requesting community input regarding fundraising events.  Please click here to respond to a quick 7-question survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1mWuZokoyFsQVvvoBN4kv3IPGY078XQJ4VyaDiBEHImI/viewform?c=0&w=1&usp=mail_form_link.

Lost and Found

Our Lost and Found is still very full. We encourage you to take a peek and see if any of the items may belong to your family. Over our December vacation we will donate any items still remaining. Please take a look next time you are in the building.

Message from the School Nurse

Please remember to pack extra socks for your children.  During the Winter, socks get very wet in the snow. Also, if your child wears/brings boots to play in the snow please also send in other shoes to wear in the building. Wearing heavy boots in school all day is hard for their feet and legs.  Finally, the cold and flu season has arrived.  Please remember to not send your child to school if they have a fever.  Children need to be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school.  We appreciate your help with this.  We like to keep PWS a healthy environment.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Cheryl Daley         Dan Mitchell
Principal                Assistant Principal










Friday, November 21, 2014

Friday, November 21, 2014

Hello PWS Families,

We've had a wonderful week at school.  Students need to remember to wear hats and mittens.  It is very chilly outside.  Last Friday our Masquerade Ball was a huge success! Thank you for all of your generosity.  The total raised appears to be well over the $8,000 needed for a new sound system in our multi purpose room.  



BHS Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
You can purchase tickets online at www.seatyourself.biz/bedfordhigh and are always welcome to purchase them at the door the night of a show.  Remaining shows are playing on Friday, November 21st and Saturday, November 22nd at 7pm.  We would love to see you there!


PTG Gift Cards
Just a reminder that the Holiday Gift card orders are due Tues. Dec. 2nd. 

THE ANNUAL SKI & SKATE SALE IS HERE!
ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22nd! BHS GYMNASIUM - (9AM-2PM)
ENJOY TREMENDOUS Savings & Selection on Winter Sports Equipment and Cold Weather Apparel!!! Join the Bedford community and top ski merchants for a consignment sale of NEW and USED ski, hockey, boarding equipment, skates and winter outerwear and outfit your entire family with winter sports gear for the upcoming season! SALE ITEM DROP-OFF - BEFORE THE SALE* BHS Gymnasium - November 21, 2014 (5:00pm – 8:00pm) Make room for new gear by selling your old equipment, and tag your sale items from the comfort of YOUR OWN HOME!

Target Rewards
Do you shop at Target?  Did you know that they will give 1% of every purchase directly to our school? If you currently have a Target Red Card, just visit Target.com/TCOE and designate Peter Woodbury School!  You can search for our school by zip code or use our Target School ID #2588293.  We have earned a total of $1,600 from last school year. If you don't have a Target Red Card you can apply for one today in store or online. Sign up today and help us fundraise to support our school!

Parent Fee Survey
Dear Parents,
Thanksgiving is approaching, and I want to thank you for all of the support you provide to your children and our schools.  The Bedford School District is in the midst of the budget process for 2015-16, and we want to understand the costs for families to support students' academics and co-curricular activities.  You can submit up to 20 activities per family, and the survey will be open through December 2.
Sincerely,
Chip McGee, Superintendent of Schools (mcgeec@sau25.net)
Click here for the survey. 

A special thank you to all the students and families that made donations to our MooreMart Care Packages for the Troops Drive. Yesterday afternoon a number of staff had the opportunity to help put together these packages for the troops. In all over 1,500 packages will be made and sent to our service members.




Today was our Kindergarten Feast.  It is so endearing to watch the Kindergarten students reenact the Feast that began the tradition of Thanksgiving! 

Just a reminder that we do not have school next Wed., Thurs., and Friday.  We wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

Cheryl Daley                    Dan Mitchell
Principal                           Assistant Principal

Friday, November 14, 2014

Friday, November 14, 2014

Hello PWS Families,

The snow began to fall.  We walked into the cafeteria today and the students had a sparkle in their eyes from seeing the snow.  We asked them about the snow.  Their answers were, "It is awesome", "It was a light snow", "I am ready for 2 inches of snow not 2 feet."

Tonight is our Masquerade Ball.  There is an excitement in the air today with the PWS staff as they talk about the mystery of the evening.  Please remember that it begins at 7:00.  There is going to be a silent auction so please remember to check out all the items.  We hear there are going to be some awesome items to pick from.

It has been so wonderful to see so many parents in school this week.  Parent conferences seem to be going  well.  We always want to remember to give our students (children) the message that if you do not make mistakes you do not learn.  We know this as adults, but sometimes students forget this.



BHS Play-Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat
You are cordially invited to attend the BHS Theatre Company’s fall musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Perky and bright with energetic dance numbers, the show is an absolute hoot Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is enormously entertaining and fun.  Its showcasing of a cornucopia of musical genres, from country-western and rock to Elvis and pop is a blast.  Celebrating the always wonderful message about forgiveness, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a must see for families of all ages.


In conjunction with the show’s opening night on Thursday, November 14th, Bedford High School is also hosting its second annual Empty Bowls event.  For months, students and staff have been turning out beautiful, handmade bowls.  For $10, guests receive a bowl of soup donated by local restaurants and take home the bowl as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the world.  Dinner is served from 5pm to 7pm and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat begins right after.  To reserve a bowl or two or eleven, please email emptybowlsBHS@gmail.com.   


To snag the best seats for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, you can purchase tickets online at www.seatyourself.biz/bedfordhigh and are always welcome to purchase them at the door the night of a show.  The show is on Thursday, November 13th; Friday, November 14th; Saturday, November 15th at 7pm and Sunday, November 16th at 2pm.  It is also playing on Friday, November 21st and Saturday, November 22nd at 7pm.  We would love to see you there!


Sincerely,
The BHS Theatre Company

A few messages from PTG
THE ANNUAL SKI & SKATE SALE IS HERE IN 8 DAYS ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22nd! BHS GYMNASIUM - (9AM-2PM) ENJOY TREMENDOUS Savings & Selection on Winter Sports Equipment and Cold Weather Apparel!!! Join the Bedford community and top ski merchants for a consignment sale of NEW and USED ski, hockey, boarding equipment, skates and winter outerwear and outfit your entire family with winter sports gear for the upcoming season! SALE ITEM DROP-OFF - BEFORE THE SALE* BHS Gymnasium - November 21, 2014 (5:00pm – 8:00pm) Make room for new gear by selling your old equipment, and tag your sale items from the comfort of YOUR OWN HOME! Just CLICK HERE to use our online scanning system and add your merchandise to the sale! * Sorry, straight skis and outdated boots cannot be accepted for the sale. UNSOLD ITEM PICK UP - AFTER THE SALE BHS Gymnasium - November 22, 2014 (3:00pm – 3:45pm) If you do not want to donate your unsold merchandise, please be sure to pick it up by the time specified. At 4:00pm sharp, all merchandise will be donated to local charities. A CHECK FOR 80% OF YOUR SOLD ITEMS WILL BE MAILED TO YOU. VOLUNTEER Please help us to make this year’s event our best yet by getting involved as a volunteer! If interested, please contact your Maria Rocco today. 650150headercollage1 GIFT CARD REMINDERS Pick up Orders TODAY Friday, November 15th from (7:30am-11:00am) at McKelvie Pre-Christmas Delivery Orders Due: Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Upcoming important dates:

11/21 Kindergarten Feast
9:00 AM-Morning Kindergarten
1:00 PM-Afternoon Kindergarten

11/24 First Grade Visitation
10:00 AM-11:00 AM

No school from Wed. 11/26-11/28-Happy Thanksgiving!

Have a great weekend,

Cheryl Daley Dan Mitchell
Principal Assistant Principal


Friday, November 7, 2014

November 7, 2014

Dear Peter Woodbury Families,

We have had many exciting things packed into this shortened week. Our fourth grade students have had opportunity to talk with scientists on top of Mt. Washington via the internet. I was able to stop into a few classes during these presentations. All students were truly captivated by the experience.

As the weather begins to change, we have been talking to the students during lunch about knowing the weather and being prepared to go outside with the proper clothing. Our policy is to have the students go outside for recess if the weather is dry and above 20 degrees. It is important that students have the proper coats and outerwear to be able to participate in recess.

On that note, our lost and found is busting at the seams. Next time you are at school please take a peek and grab what belongs to you. Periodically throughout the year we will donate the unclaimed items to local charities. Please make sure your items are claimed.

Our Wall of Heroes is now up. A special thanks to Mrs. Beltramo and Mrs. Raiche for taking the time to collect these photos and letters and display them for our students to see. Thank you for sharing these photos with us. It is a great impact to our students who have had the opportunity to stop and look at the photos and reflect.

PTG Annual Ski & Skate Sale Event Saturday, 11/22
Get ready for the PTG’s biggest fundraiser and stock up on all your winter sports gear needs for the entire family! Proceeds from this tremendous consignment sale fundraiser provide a variety of wonderful programs supporting Bedford students across all six schools. Please consider supporting this important event in any way that you can by selling your used equipment, purchasing equipment, donating, or volunteering! 
Go to www.bedfordptg.org for all the details and add your equipment to the sale using our easy online scanning system! (Drop off for selling your equipment is Friday, November 21, 2014 between 5:00pm – 8:00pm at BHS.)

A reminder that there will be no school this Tuesday, November 11 in honor of Veterans Day. We would like to extend our warmest thanks to all Veterans and active military.

Have a great weekend,

Cheryl Daley                 Dan Mitchell
Principal                        Assistant Principal



Friday, October 31, 2014

Friday, October 31, 2014

Hello PWS Families,

Happy Halloween!  There was excitement in the air beginning at 7:30 this morning.  We were outside during second grade recess and heard/observed some funny things.  
Some girls were screaming like they had just seen a ghost (clearly it was the excitement for tonight).  Some boys were chasing the girls.  The best part about this was the boys would go over and play soccer in between chasing the girls.  Oh, the girls were chasing the boys as well.  The Kindergarten parade this morning was a huge success.  We saw 10 Elsa's. This afternoon's parade is something we all will remember for a long time.  The students' enthusiasm and excitement for this holiday always make us feel like children again. In addition, some of the parents' enthusiasm is contagious.  

Let’s Get Together, Watch Some Hockey and Support Bedford PTG

What:  Manchester Monarchs Game
When:  Saturday, November 15th 7pm
Where:  Verizon Wireless Center
How:  Send in the order form to school with your child
            Go to www.bedfordptg.org and click on the Monarch
Looking forward to seeing you there!!

Peter Woodbury School Store
Opening DayNovember 5, 2014

Dear Parents and Guardians,                                                                 
     We are excited to announce that once again the 4th grade Student Council will operate a school store. The store will be open to students in grades 2-4 every Wednesday from 7:30 am - 8:00 am (morning bus drop off). It will be located in the gym. During indoor recess days the store will be accessible from the gym hallway. Students will request a school store pass from the duty teacher after they have sat with their class and they can come down to the gym to shop. During outdoor drop off days the store will be accessible from the playground gym doors. Students will form a line outside to enter the gymnasium.
            The store will carry a variety of items including pencils, pens, small notebooks, bookmarks, grips, friendship bracelets, and other similar items. Some items will be in our school colors or have our school name. Items in the store will range from $.25-$3.00. Students should not come to the store with any bills larger than $5.00 in order to facilitate making change. Items will vary throughout the school year.
            Funds raised through the store stay right here at our school. In the past, student council has donated money to the library for new books, purchased new playground equipment, helped buy a light box for the art room, purchased plants for our schoolyard and provided money for several school service projects.
            If you have any questions about the school store please do not hesitate to ask. We can be reached by phone 622-0431 or through the e-mails listed below.
           
Sincerely,
           
Kate Curran         &     Jessica Ferenc
currank@sau25.net     ferencj@sau25.net                                    
                    Student Council Advisors

"Support our Troops" 
Please read this link about the collection bin that will be in the foyer.  As always we appreciate your cooperation.

Have a great fun filled night!

Cheryl Daley            Dan Mitchell
Principal                   Assistant Principal

Friday, October 24, 2014

Friday, October 24, 2014

Hello PWS Families,

Happy Friday!  We are so glad the students got out to recess at least a few days this week.
Walking into the nurse's office this week I saw a first grader falling asleep sitting up in the chair (so adorable).

This week I visited the high school with a first grade class from PWS.  The High School students created children's stories with a moral.  Our students helped the high schoolers act out the stories.  The BHS students and staff loved our PWS students!  The first graders would walk by and you could see the twinkle in the HS students' and adults' eyes.  I am sure they were thinking about their younger years . . .

Blue Ribbon
We attended the Partners in Education Blue Ribbon Award for the 2013-2014 school year. We are proud that we had parents and community members volunteer for a total of over 6,000 hours.  It is so wonderful to be a part of such a giving community.

Ecosmith Recycle Bins for Destination Imagination
Did you know that every school in the district has an Ecosmith Recycle Bin?  Here at Peter Woodbury, it is in our back parking lot, next to paper recycling.   This is a great way to recycle old clothes, while helping raise funds for teams, who advance to Global Finals each year.  You can put many kinds of material in these bins, linens, towels and stuffed animals too.  Ripped shirts and pants with holes are fine.  Also, please notify the office if you find this bin is full when you get there.

A special Note about MooreMart
CLICK HERE

Picture Retakes
Picture retake day is November 5th.

Second Grade Jubilee
Thank you to all the students and parents for participating in the Annual Scarecrow Jubilee.  It was a huge success.  We raised $900.00 for Families in Transition.  A special thank you to all the parent volunteers, Hannaford and Fresh Market for their donations.

Dates to Remember:
10/31 Halloween Parade 1:30
10/31 Morning Kindergarten Parade 10:00
11/4 Teacher Workshop Day-No School

One more week until........THE PWS HALLOWEEN PARADE!

Cheryl Daley              Dan Mitchell
Principal                     Assistant Principal




Friday, October 17, 2014

Friday, October 17, 2014

Hello PWS Families,

Many classes had field trips this week that students, teachers, and parents enjoyed. Fourth grade went to The Little Brook School House, third grade went to Mount Kearsarge, and first grade went to Beaver Brook. Many parents came back saying they were more tired than the students.  All the parent help on field trips is very much appreciated and we enjoy having you as part of these experiences.  

Tattle Tale Correction
It was brought to our attention that Marie Russell was misidentified as a Kitchen Paraprofessional in the latest version of the Tattle Tale. Mrs. Russell is actually a Kindergarten Paraprofessional. We are excited to have her, and all the other new staff listed, as a part of the PWS family.

PTG Gift Card Sale
Gift card sales for the Holiday Season start on October 20th!  There are two submission dates: 11/5 & 12/2 - orders can be ready for the holidays.   Click here  to place your order.

Masquerade Ball-November 14th
Please follow the link for information about the event, a list of our sponsors, and to order tickets.
Masquerade Ball Info 



Public Health Information -
While we do not see any need for concern about Enterovirus or Ebola in the Bedford Schools, information is always helpful.  To that end, the NH Department of Health and Human Services held an Ebola and Enterovirus conference call last Friday for town and school officials.  As a follow up, they provided these links for the most up-to-date information on both diseases from the NH Department of Health and Human Services:  



The links contain fact sheets, frequently answered questions (that are updated regularly), videos, etc.

Bedford Ski Program
Bedford students in grades 1–12 are invited to take advantage of discounted ski/snowboard lessons at Pat’s Peak Ski Area in Henniker, NH.  This parent run program is geared to give kids the opportunity to learn to ski and snowboard at a ski area perfect for all levels.  This five-week Friday night program includes 1-hour lessons and free ski time until closing each week and costs less than the price of a regular lift ticket.  Discounted lift tickets are available for students who do not need lessons.  Included in the program is 1 free Bonus day at Pat’s Peak, Cranmore and Gunstock to be used from February 23rd until the close of the 2015 ski season.

The 2015 Bedford Ski Program begins on Friday, January 9th and runs for 5 weeks.  The choice of lesson times is 3:30–4:30 PM or 4:30–5:30PM.  Parents are responsible for providing transportation or arranging carpools. 


Easy online registration.  Go to www.patspeak.com.  Click on “Learn to Ski & Ride Program”, “Register Here”.  The username for the 330 lesson is bedfordski330 and for the 430 lesson the username is bedfordski430.  The password is “carpool”.  More details are available at www.patspeak.com.  Please contact Carolyn John at ekkoswife@comcast.net if you have questions.

Finally, in closing, we want to remind you that we have 14 days until our annual Halloween Parade.  We look forward to you being a part of this tradition.

Take Care,



Cheryl Daley                 Dan Mitchell
Principal                       Assistant Principal