Friday, May 25, 2018

May 25, 2018


PWS New.pngPWS PrinciPal’s News
PWS Families,
It was a short week, but an exciting week here at Peter Woodbury School. This week we were able to enjoy a performance by the fourth grade chorus and then all watch as Mrs. Daley got slimed. It was a great way to end our Monday. 

Many parents were able to join us for our Volunteer Appreciation breakfast on Wednesday. Even if you were not able to make it please know how thankful we are for all that you do to make Peter Woodbury such a special place to learn, work, and grow.

We have decided to change how we send this blog out to all of you. As you can see, we no longer will be sending you to another site, rather we are containing all the information right here in the email. We hope that this streamlines the process for all of you and gets you the information you need in an easier manner. There will always be a link at the bottom of the email that will get you to archived copies of our weekly blog.

Finally, if you have an incoming Kindergarten student or first grader, please be sure to RSVP and join us for our orientations coming up next week. More information can be found below.

Have a Great Long Weekend,

Cheryl Daley (Principal)
Dan Mitchell (Assistant Principal)

Upcoming Dates to Remember

Mon. May 28thMemorial Day No School
Wed. May 30th
9:00 - 10:30 AM
First Grade Orientation
Fri. June 1st
9:00 - 10:00 AM
Kindergarten Orientation
Thurs. June 7thField Day
Fri. June 8thField Day Rain Day

News from PWS
Destination Imagination Fundraiser - Duct Tape Mr. Mitchell to the Wall!
As you know two of our DI teams are fundraising to help defray the cost of traveling to Knoxville, TN later this month. They have a very creative fundraising idea - for just $1, a student can buy a strip of duct tape to tape Mr. Mitchell to the wall. Teachers will be collecting the $1 and will write the student's name on a list to receive the strip of duct tape at a date TBD.
Students may buy a maximum of 5 strips. Please help us make this a successful fundraiser for our teams.

Here’s an idea of what it may look like:

Request for Yarn:
Do you have any yarn hanging around?  The recess monitors would love any yarn you are looking to get rid of as finger-knitting has become a very popular indoor recess activity with our students.  There will be a donation bin located under the volunteer sign-in table near the front office. Thank you!

From the Superintendent
Special Education Parent Involvement Survey 2018
Do you have a student with an IEP? Please complete the New Hampshire Department of Education’s annual Parent Involvement survey! Paper copies are in the mail to you, or you can complete the survey at www.NHParent.com by June 15, 2018. Share your feedback! Your responses help us continue to improve. Thank you for your time and participation!

From the PTG
BEDFORD PTG COLOR BLAST SUNDAY, JUNE 3RD, 9:30AM at the BHS campus
VOLUNTEER VOLUNTEER VOLUNTEER! If you’re not participating in the fun run/walk, you can still come and be part of our Color Blast event!  Click here for volunteer opportunities. Don’t miss your chance to get in on the colorful fun!  All event information can be found on our website.   

COFFEE WITH SUPERINTENDENT CHIP MCGEE
Join the Bedford PTG for a “Year in Review” with Superintendent McGee on Wednesday, 5/30 starting at 9:30am at BCTV (10 Meetinghouse Rd – behind the Town Hall).  This is a great opportunity to ask any questions you have about the Bedford School District. Children always welcome to attend.

COFFEE WITH THE PRINCIPALS VIDEO LINK
If you were not able to attend our Coffee with the Principals event, you can watch the presentation by following this link, BCTV Principal Meeting

BHS GRADUATION SEAT RAFFLE!!!
The PTG is raffling off FOUR sets of four seats in the front two center rows of the bleachers. These seats will be reserved just for you. Winners will also receive one reserved parking space on campus! $20/Entry or 6 Entries for $100 Winners will be drawn & announced on June 7th. Simply fill out the number of entries you'd like to make and return with cash or check payable to “Bedford PTG” to BHS school office by JUNE 6th.

*All funds raised through this raffle support programming & events in Bedford schools*

BHS PARKING SPACE RAFFLE!!!
$10 Donation Per Entry The PTG is raffling off TWO prime guaranteed parking spaces in the top lot for the 2018-2019 school year. You must have a valid license and a vehicle sometime during the 2018-2019 school year to be eligible to WIN! Simply fill out the number of entries you'd like to make and return with cash or check payable to “Bedford PTG” to BHS school office by June 13th. Winners will be notified before the end of the year.

*All funds raised through this raffle support programming & events in Bedford schools*

From the Community
Now Accepting Bedford School District “HALL of FAME” Nominations
The Bedford School District has been recognized as one of the most exceptional school
districts in the state. This recognition and distinction would not be possible without the many citizens, educators, students and volunteers that over the years have built, maintained and enhanced the mission and the values of our school district. We invite you to nominate individuals who exemplify the spirit of our district along with those who have gone above and beyond in making Bedford an extraordinary school district in all aspects.   Please go to the Bedford Hall of Fame link here found on the BHS homepage for details and nominate someone who should be recognized for their contributions! Nominations for this year’s class will be accepted through July 15, 2018.  
Our inaugural class 2017 included:
William Greiner
Dennis Pope
Ann Remus
Tim Mayes
William Whitmore
Susan Mullen

Repeated News & Messages

First Grade Orientation
On Wednesday, May 30th from 9:00- 10:30 we will be having an orientation for all incoming first graders and their parents in the Peter Woodbury School Multi-Purpose Room. At this time, all students that need a reading screening for placement will be tested. Tours of the school will also be given on this day. Parents and students will take part in different aspects of this orientation so please walk your child to the library for fun filled activities. There will be staff to help with directions.

If you have an incoming first grader or know someone who does please RSVP to vanarsdells@sau25.net by Wednesday, May 23rd. If you cannot attend an alternative time for your child to be screened will be scheduled.

Kindergarten Orientation
On Friday, June 1st from 9:00 - 10:00 we will be having an information session for all incoming kindergarten parents in the Peter Woodbury School Multi-Purpose room. Children are welcome but not necessary. If you do need to bring your child, we will have activities set up for them.

If you have an incoming kindergartener or know someone who does please RSVP to vanarsdells@sau25.net by Wednesday, May 23rd. We are excited for all the new kindergarteners who will be joining us in the fall. We look forward to continuing our partnership between home and school.

Destination Imagination - Shoes, Bags & Belt Drive Starts Monday
Bedford DI is having a special drive through Ecosmith Recyclers.  From now until May 25th, you can donate all your old shoes, bags and belts (any condition) in the marked boxes in our school lobby.  The items must be placed in a special blue bag. This is a great way to get your spring cleaning under way, while helping raise funds for the teams heading to Global Finals in Knoxville, TN.  Just a reminder: clothing, fabrics, stuffed animals etc. can always be donated in the bin in the parking lot. We appreciate your support. For more info, contact bedfordrocksdi@gmail.com

Friday, May 18, 2018

May 18, 2018

PWS New.png
PWS PrinciPal’s News
PWS Families,

As the days wind down and the weather gets better, the students’ excitement has grown.
But, everyone knows there is still much work left to be done so they continue to work hard to
accomplish all that they set out to do this school year.
During the day Wednesday, Mrs. Cassamassino arranged for our second and third grade
students to participate in a STEAM Museum. Students visited the multipurpose room in groups
to explore the various activities related to science, technology, engineering, the arts and math
brought by Mobile Ed Productions. They played with plasma, created music, built structures,
coded Ozobots, worked together to build a roman arch and so much more. You can check out
our Facebook page or Instagram page for photos.  Thank you to the PTG for funding this
wonderful program and to the parent volunteers who took time to help at the stations.
On Wednesday night we had a wonderful performance by our fourth grade chorus and
strings club. The students in these clubs worked very hard all year to put together this
entertaining, touching, and talented event. Congratulations and thanks go out to Mrs. Curran
for her work with the chorus and Mrs. Anderson with the Strings Club.
We look forward to seeing many of you next Wednesday at our Volunteer Appreciation
Breakfast. We hope you can make it so that we may show you how grateful we are for all that
you do.
Finally, please remember that this month we are collecting Cans of Pasta with Meat in
support of the Bedford Food Pantry. The bin will be in the lobby for the remainder of May.
Thank you for your continued support.
Have a Great Weekend,


Cheryl Daley (Principal)
Dan Mitchell (Assistant Principal)


Upcoming Dates to Remember
Wed. May 23rd
9:00 AM
Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast
Fri. May 25th
Workshop Day No  School
Mon. May 28th
Memorial Day No School
Wed. May 30th
9:00 - 10:30 AM
First Grade Orientation
Fri. June 1st
9:00 - 10:00 AM
Kindergarten Orientation
Thurs. June 7th
Field Day
Fri. June 8th
Field Day Rain Day


News from PWS
Destination Imagination Fundraiser - Duct Tape Mr. Mitchell to the Wall!
As you know two of our DI teams are fundraising to help defray the cost of traveling to Knoxville, TN later this month. They have a very creative fundraising idea - for just $1, a student can buy a strip of duct tape to tape Mr. Mitchell to the wall. Teachers will be collecting the $1 and will write the student's name on a list to receive the strip of duct tape at a date TBD. Students may buy a maximum of 5 strips. Please help us make this a successful fundraiser for our teams.

Here’s an idea of what it may look like:



Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast:

Hi PWS Volunteers!
You are invited to our annual Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast coming up on Wed May 23rd
at 9AM in the PWS cafeteria. Whether your volunteering has been minimal or you spend much of your life at PWS, we would LOVE to see you there!! During the program there will be entertainment by some of our adorable 1st graders and we will have a breakfast prepared by our very own PWS staff. Young children are always welcome. Available positions for next year will also be reviewed. Thanks so much for your help this year and making PWS such an amazing community!

Request for Yarn:

Do you have any yarn hanging around? The recess monitors would love any yarn you are
looking to get rid of as finger-knitting has become a very popular indoor recess activity with
our students. There will be a donation bin located under the volunteer sign-in table near the
front office. Thank you!

From the Superintendent

Tick Control Treatment
Todd Zollman (Director of Maintenance) has informed the elementary schools that tick control treatment was done this week (after school hours) for our playgrounds.

Special Education Parent Involvement Survey 2018

Do you have a student with an IEP? Please complete the New Hampshire Department of
Education’s annual Parent Involvement survey! Paper copies are in the mail to you, or you can complete the survey at www.NHParent.com by June 15, 2018. Share your feedback! Your responses help us continue to improve. Thank you for your time and participation!

From the PTG

BEDFORD PTG COLOR BLAST REGISTRATION CLOSES MAY 24TH!
REGISTER NOW
Our event is scheduled for SUNDAY, JUNE 3RD, 9:30AM at the BHS campus – Over 680 runners registered, don’t miss your chance to get in on the colorful fun. Have you signed your kids up to run and are planning to be there to cheer them on? We could use your help as a volunteer! Click here for volunteer opportunities. Check out our website for our new shorter 2 mile course and all things Color Blast!

COFFEE WITH SUPERINTENDENT CHIP MCGEE

Join the Bedford PTG for a “Year in Review” with Superintendent McGee on Wednesday, 5/30 starting at 9:30am at BCTV (10 Meetinghouse Rd – behind the Town Hall). This is a great opportunity to ask any questions you have about the Bedford School District. Children always welcome to attend.

COFFEE WITH THE PRINCIPALS VIDEO LINK

If you were not able to attend our Coffee with the Principals event, you can watch the presentation by following this link, https://tinyurl.com/PTG-Mtg-with-Principals5-15-18

BHS GRADUATION SEAT RAFFLE!!!

The PTG is raffling off FOUR sets of four seats in the front two center rows of the bleachers. These seats will be reserved just for you. Winners will also receive one reserved parking space on campus! $20/Entry or 6 Entries for $100 Winners will be drawn & announced on June 7th. Simply fill out the number of entries you'd like to make and return with cash or check payable to “Bedford PTG” to BHS school office by JUNE 6th.
*All funds raised through this raffle support programming & events in Bedford schools*
Grad Seat Raffle Form

BHS PARKING SPACE RAFFLE!!!

$10 Donation Per Entry The PTG is raffling off TWO prime guaranteed parking spaces in the top lot for the 2018-2019 school year. You must have a valid license and a vehicle sometime during the 2018-2019 school year to be eligible to WIN! Simply fill out the number of entries you'd like to make and return with cash or check payable to “Bedford PTG” to BHS school office by June 13th. Winners will be notified before the end of the year.
*All funds raised through this raffle support programming & events in Bedford schools*
Raffle form

From the Community

Now Accepting Bedford School District “HALL of FAME” Nominations
The Bedford School District has been recognized as one of the most exceptional school districts in the state. This recognition and distinction would not be possible without the many citizens, educators, students and volunteers that over the years have built, maintained and enhanced the mission and the values of our school district. We invite you to nominate individuals who exemplify the spirit of our district along with those who have gone above and beyond in making Bedford an extraordinary school district in all aspects. Please go to the Bedford Hall of Fame link here found on the BHS homepage for details and nominate someone who should be recognized for their contributions! Nominations for this year’s class will be accepted through July 15, 2018.

Our inaugural class 2017 included:

William Greiner
Dennis Pope
Ann Remus
Tim Mayes
William Whitmore
Susan Mullen


Repeated News and Messages

First Grade Orientation
On Wednesday, May 30th from 9:00- 10:30 we will be having an orientation for all incoming first graders and their parents in the Peter Woodbury School Multi-Purpose Room. At this time, all students that need a reading screening for placement will be tested. Tours of the school will also be given on this day. Parents and students will take part in different aspects of this orientation so please walk your child to the library for fun filled activities. There will be staff to help with directions.

If you have an incoming first grader or know someone who does please RSVP to vanarsdells@sau25.net by Wednesday, May 23rd. If you cannot attend an alternative time for your child to be screened will be scheduled.


Kindergarten Orientation

On Friday, June 1st from 9:00 - 10:00 we will be having an information session for all incoming kindergarten parents in the Peter Woodbury School Multi-Purpose room. Children are welcome but not necessary. If you do need to bring your child, we will have activities set up for them.

If you have an incoming kindergartener or know someone who does please RSVP to

vanarsdells@sau25.net by Wednesday, May 23rd. We are excited for all the new kindergarteners who will be joining us in the fall. We look forward to continuing our partnership between home and school.

4th to 5th Grade Band Information Night

The McKelvie Music Department will be touring the elementary schools on Tuesday, May 22nd. There will be a Band Information Night on Wednesday, May 23rd at 6:00pm in the McKelvie Cafeteria. On this night parents will receive information about sign-ups and instrument rentals. There will also be instruments for students to view and hold. Please email Christa Wickham at wickhamc@sau25.net with any questions.

Destination Imagination - Shoes, Bags & Belt Drive Starts Monday

Bedford DI is having a special drive through Ecosmith Recyclers. From now until May 25th, you can donate all your old shoes, bags and belts (any condition) in the marked boxes in our school lobby. The items must be placed in a special blue bag. This is a great way to get your spring cleaning under way, while helping raise funds for the teams heading to Global Finals in Knoxville, TN. Just a reminder: clothing, fabrics, stuffed animals etc. can always be donated in the bin in the parking lot. We appreciate your support. For more info, contact bedfordrocksdi@gmail.com.







Friday, May 11, 2018

May 11, 2018


PWS New.png
PWS PrinciPal’s News
PWS Families,
Words cannot begin to express our gratitude for all the special appreciation the entire staff felt
this week. Thank you to the PTG volunteers who coordinated an outstanding Teacher
Appreciation Week. From the decorated doors to the luncheon and everything in between, the
faculty and staff here certainly felt the love and appreciation from all of you.

Last Friday’s Mother Son Game Night was a fantastic time. Thank you to Joya Shaheen and
the many PTG volunteers who made this event such a success. Based on what we saw we
think that all the moms and sons slept pretty well that night!

Our third and fourth grade students have been working very hard this week on their SAS
Assessments. It is great to see them all use the tools and strategies they have learned. Thank
you for your support and guidance in helping the students be successful.

Finally, we have many great events coming up in the next few weeks. If you have volunteered
in the school in any way this year, we hope that you are able to make our Volunteer
Appreciation Breakfast on Wednesday, May 23rd at 9:00 AM. Thank you for all that you do to
make PWS such an amazing place.


Have a Great Weekend,


Cheryl Daley (Principal)
Dan Mitchell (Assistant Principal)

Upcoming Dates to Remember
Mon. May 7th -  Tues May 15th
3rd & 4th Grade NH SAS Assessments
Wed. May 16th
6:00 PM
Spring Concert
Wed. May 23rd
9:00 AM
Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast
Fri. May 25th
Workshop Day No  School
Mon. May 28th
Memorial Day No School
Wed. May 30th
9:00 - 10:30 AM
First Grade Orientation
Fri. June 1st
9:00 - 10:00 AM
Kindergarten Orientation


News from PWS
Destination Imagination Fundraiser - Duct Tape Mr. Mitchell to the Wall!
As you know two of our DI teams are fundraising to help defray the cost of traveling to
Knoxville, TN later this month.  
They have a very creative fundraising idea - for just $1, a student can buy a strip of duct tape
to tape Mr. Mitchell to the wall.
Teachers will be collecting the $1 and will write the student's name on a list to receive the
strip of duct tape at a date TBD.
Students may buy a maximum of 5 strips. Please help us make this a successful fundraiser
for our teams.


Here’s an idea of what it may look like:


Author Aaron Becker Visit
PWS is pleased to welcome author/illustrator Aaron Becker on Monday, May 14 courtesy of
Gibson's Bookstore in Concord.  Mr. Becker will be sharing his new wordless book,
A Stone for Sasha with the 3rd and 4th grade students. We have long loved his other wordless
books: Journey, Quest, and Return and are excited to hear about the process of writing a
wordless book.

"A wordless book?" you might ask. "Isn't that for much younger children? What is the point of
a wordless book?"

Mr. Becker's sophistication and imagination are inspirational and a great reminder for any age,
that thought can be represented in more than just words.  It is the reader's task to "read" the
pages for detail and context, observing main characters, plot, setting, and dialog. Having read
these books many times, there is always something new to be found in the story of every
page.  Readers of all ages will find the meaning of these stories within the context of their own
lives.

For more information about author/illustrator, Aaron Becker, please see his website.


From the Superintendent
Tick Management

Parents, Staff and Community Members,

Now that spring has really arrived, our students are spending more time outside - both at
home and at school. Mostly that is a great thing. At the same time, we need to be thinking
about safety.
In particular, I am writing to you about tick management. Here are a few items I want to share
with the community on the subject.
The most effective measure for limiting ticks on our property is keeping grass cut short and
removing leaf litter since that is where they prefer to live.
We are also providing selective tick treatments on district properties based on
recommendations from our pest services contractor. This is the same approach the town of
Bedford is using for sports fields.
Families can find additional recommendations for tick bite prevention and treatment in this
excellent New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Resources notice.
Of course no approach will eliminate every potential risk. That is why we ask families to help.
Please remind your children to avoid tick-infested areas such as overgrown grass, brush, and
leaf litter, to use an insect repellent when spending time outdoors, and to do daily tick checks
after being outdoors.
As always, thank you for trusting us with the care of your children.

Special Education Parent Involvement Survey 2018
Do you have a student with an IEP? Please complete the New Hampshire Department of
Education’s annual Parent Involvement survey! Paper copies are in the mail to you, or you
can complete the survey at www.NHParent.com by June 15, 2018. Share your feedback!
Your responses help us continue to improve. Thank you for your time and participation!


From the PTG
HAPPY STAFF APPRECiATION WEEK
A BIG SHOUT OUT to all the amazing staff that work in the Bedford School District!
Thank you to all the teachers, administrative support staff, custodial staff, kitchen staff,
nurses and paraprofessionals that all contribute to making our schools great!!

BEDFORD PTG COLOR BLAST FUN RUN/WALK  SUNDAY, JUNE 3RD, 9:30AM  
Over 630 runners registered, don’t miss your chance to get in on the colorful fun.
REGISTER NOW …Registration closes Thursday, May 24.
Have you signed your kids up to run and are planning to be there to cheer them on?
We could use your help as a volunteer!   Click here for volunteer opportunities.
Check out our website for our new shorter 2 mile course and all things Color Blast!

DISTRICT YEAR IN REVIEW COMMUNITY MEETINGS
Join the Bedford PTG for two upcoming community meetings, first with Principals from
all six of our schools on the Tuesday, 5/15 and then with Superintendent McGee on
Wednesday, 5/30. Both meetings will be held at BCTV starting at 9:30AM.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR STAND BY ME
Lurgio Middle School is hosting the 29th year of Stand By Me on Friday, May 18th
@ SNHU. This event, for all seventh grade students and their parents/guardians, is in
need of volunteers to help the day run smoothly. Since 7th grade families are
participating in the event we are looking for volunteers from other grades to help.
Various shifts and volunteer opportunities available, please click HERE for more
information and to sign up to volunteer.

From the Community
No News at this Time


Repeated News & Messages
First Grade Orientation
On Wednesday, May 30th from 9:00- 10:30 we will be having an orientation for all incoming
first graders and their parents in the Peter Woodbury School Multi-Purpose Room. At this time,
all students that need a reading screening for placement will be tested. Tours of the school will
also be given on this day. Parents and students will take part in different aspects of this
orientation so please walk your child to the library for fun filled activities. There will be staff to
help with directions.


If you have an incoming first grader or know someone who does please RSVP to
vanarsdells@sau25.net by Wednesday, May 23rd. If you cannot attend an alternative time for
your child to be screened will be scheduled.


Kindergarten Orientation
On Friday, June 1st from 9:00 - 10:00 we will be having an information session for all incoming
kindergarten parents in the Peter Woodbury School Multi-Purpose room. Children are
welcome but not necessary. If you do need to bring your child, we will have activities set up for
them.


If you have an incoming kindergartener or know someone who does please RSVP to
vanarsdells@sau25.net by Wednesday, May 23rd. We are excited for all the new
kindergarteners who will be joining us in the fall. We look forward to continuing our partnership
between home and school.
Box Tops For Education Program
The final collection for the year is on Monday, May 14, so please look for any BoxTops at
home and send them in to school.  Also, check out the two graphs on the BoxTops Bulletin
Board showing our current year counts per grade and teacher. We thank everyone for your
continued support to help our teachers!

4th to 5th Grade Band Information Night
The McKelvie Music Department will be touring the elementary schools on Tuesday, May 22nd.
There will be a Band Information Night on Wednesday, May 23rd at 6:00pm in the McKelvie
Cafeteria.  On this night parents will receive information about sign-ups and instrument rentals.
There will also be instruments for students to view and hold. Please email Christa Wickham
at wickhamc@sau25.net with any questions.

Destination Imagination - Shoes, Bags & Belt Drive Starts Monday
Bedford DI is having a special drive through Ecosmith Recyclers.  From now until May 25th,
you can donate all your old shoes, bags and belts (any condition) in the marked boxes in our
school lobby.  The items must be placed in a special blue bag. This is a great way to get your
spring cleaning under way, while helping raise funds for the teams heading to Global Finals in
Knoxville, TN.  Just a reminder: clothing, fabrics, stuffed animals etc. can always be donated
in the bin in the parking lot. We appreciate your support. For more info, contact
bedfordrocksdi@gmail.com

Book Donation Drive
Hello! We are Sydney Leyden and Aubrey Patrick, members of the For'Word Momentum Club
at Bedford High School. The club focuses on collecting books for underprivileged children in
the Manchester School District. We have done a book drive every year and would like to
continue the tradition, but we need your help! We would love it if we could partake in a book
drive at Peter Woodbury Elementary School during the months of April and May to collect
books for the drive. Reading is a fundamental skill to improve a child's language, expand their
vocabulary, and improve attention span and comprehension. We are hoping that students and
staff can donate some gently used children's books for the kindergarten students of Beech
Street Elementary School in Manchester so they can be privileged with their own books.

Thank you,
Aubrey Patrick and Sydney Leyden

BHS For'Word Momentum Club