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:  

Ebola Virus Disease: http://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/ebola.htm

Enterovirus D68: http://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/enterovirus-d68.htm

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 23^rd until the close of the 2015 ski season.

The 2015 Bedford Ski Program begins on Friday, January 9^th 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

October 10, 2014

PWS Families,

They say that Columbus Day is the first checkpoint to a school year. If that is true, this is going to be a great year at Peter Woodbury. The time has flown by and the students have accomplished so much in a short amount of time. Some of our students have been honored to have their art work displayed at the Deerfield Fair. The winning pieces are now hanging in the Boardroom of the SAU office.

Please read a few important announcements:

The Manor Masquerade Ball

Manor Masquerade Ball Tickets are now on sale. Please join us for a night of murder, intrigue, and fun. The Manor Masquerade Ball will be November 14 at 7 PM. Tickets may be purchased by following the link below. Individual tickets and whole table options are still available. See you then:

Masquerade Ball Tickets

Attention all fourth grade writers!

There will be a five week “Creative Writing Club” beginning at Peter Woodbury School.  This class will be available to any fourth grader who is not already participating in SEED Writers Group.  The club will be led by Audrey Pederson (a freshman at Bedford High School) and Mrs. Possee, who will be an advisor at all the club’s meeting times.  The first class will begin on Tuesday, October 28 and continue for five weeks.  This Creative Writing Club provides students an opportunity to write, be creative,  and complete a “free write” project.  There are limited spots available.  Sign up quickly so you do not miss this opportunity.  Classes will meet on Tuesdays in Mrs. Possee’s classroom from 2:45 to 3:45.   We hope to see you there.  Come and turn your imagination into writing!  Anyone interested should contact Mrs. Possee  (posseek@sau25.net) as soon as possible.  

Ski and Ride with Crotched Mountain

​

It’s that time of the year again…the sun is going down earlier and earlier every day. This means one thing: sign-ups for the Crotched Mountain ski program! There are several options available, so click on the link below and log in with the information below to check it all out. You may also purchase discounted season passes through our program, but do it soon, as all prices go up October 13.

To sign in, go to www.crotchedmountain.com.

Click on the "Groups/Clubs" tab

Click "School Programs"

Click "School Member Login"

the login is: "BSD Ski & Ride Club"

password: "bsdmember" 

The 5/7 program begins January 9, 2015. Our reservations for lessons are on Fridays at 5:00 p.m.

Passes will be available for pick up in December…perfect for holiday giving! All participants will be notified when passes can be picked up at the town library.

****Please feel free to share this with anyone else who may be interested; they don't have to be Bedford residents to participate!

If you have any questions, email isabelleg@comcast.net.

See you on the slopes!


Remember, our Halloween Parade is only 3 short weeks away. We can't wait to see all the creative costumes you come up with!

Have a Great Long Weekend,

Cheryl Daley           Dan Mitchell
Principal                 Assistant Principal

Friday, October 3, 2014

Dear PWS Families,

Happy October!  Only 4 weeks until the Halloween Parade.  We are thinking about our costumes. Yesterday, we had an All School Meeting about the Zones of Regulation.  Ask your children what it means to be in the blue, red, yellow, or green zone.  

A Message from Superintendent Chip McGee regarding Emergency Planning

Dear Parents,  

On Wednesday, we all faced a scary moment when we had to deal with the bomb threat at Bedford High School.  It was not a phone call I wanted to make, and I am sure it was not one you wanted to receive.  I have three things from the day I want to share with everyone.

First, the Bedford Police is working hard to identify who made this threat.  The police want to make sure whomever did this faces the consequences. I can share with you that I have confidence that the threat came from outside our community.  If and when I have more information about the investigation, I will share that with you.

Second, this emergency was a good reminder of how important quick communication is.  To continue to improve that, I will be testing out the phone message system next Friday, October 10.  I will be placing calls to primary phone numbers and emergency phone numbers.  You will be able to confirm that we have the right phone number(s) on file.  I will also be testing email (and possibly text messaging) capabilities.  If we have the wrong information, I will explain how to change it.

Third, during the day on Wednesday, I was reminded of an observation by Mr. Rogers. He said, "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping."   On Wednesday, I was struck, over and over again, by the helpers - Bedford policemen, Bedford teachers and administrators, fellow students, and patient parents. Together I think we showed each other that we are here to help each other.    

Thank you for all responding so well.

Sincerely,

Chip McGee

Health Alert 

The New Hampshire Division of Public Health Services has identified two human case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis ("Triple E")​ in the state this year. They have asked us to remind parents to use prevention measures to avoid mosquito bites by wearing ​protective clothing, using ​insect repellents, and reducing environmental mosquito populations.  For any questions, please contact NH DHHS, DPHS, Bureau of Infectious Disease Control at 603-271-4496 (after hours 1-800-852-3345 ext.5300).

In addition, seven cases of Enterovirus-D68 have been identified in New Hampshire. Infants, children, and teenagers are more likely to become infected with symptoms that can include a runny nose, sore throat, cough, wheezing, rash and fever.  Parents should keep children home when they are sick. 

Wall of Heroes
Once again Mrs. Beltramo will be creating our Wall of Heroes in honor of Veterans Day. Please read below for information about submitting pictures and information to this wonderful display.

Wall of Heroes Flyer


Masquerade Ball Tickets
Tickets for the Manor Masquerade Ball on November 14 are now on sale. Please use the link below to place your order.

Manor Masquerade Ticket Orders



Have a great weekend,

Cheryl Daley     Dan MItchell
Principal           Assistant Principal

Friday September 25, 2014

Dear Peter Woodbury Families,

We have had a very exciting week here at Peter Woodbury School. It started on Monday with a visit for our fourth graders from the Audubon Society. The students were enthralled by exciting facts about bats. He even had some great visuals to enhance the experience. 

On Wednesday, all students attended a presentation by Officer Phil, learning about how to stay safe inside and outside of school.  

Also, our fourth graders made it into the news. Here is the link to Kevin Skarupa's mention on the WMUR Morning News regarding his visit last week: Fourth Graders on WMUR

Finally, it was great to see so many students express their appreciation and gratitude towards our dining room staff on Thursday, which was food service worker appreciation day!

Bus Evacuations
All students that ride the bus this Tuesday, September 30 in the AM will participate in a bus evacuation drill. This is a safety exercise we do with the students twice a year. Thank you in advance.

PWS Gear Due Tuesday, September 30

An order form went home earlier this week for PWS gear. Now is the time to get the orders in for these great shirts, sweatshirts, and pants. A portion of the proceeds benefit our school. Please return these order forms and payments to the office by this Tuesday, September 30th. It will be so great to see the students wear their PWS pride all around Bedford. 

Masquerade Ball Info
Plans for the Masquerade Ball are well under way and excited chatter echoes in the halls....

Tickets will go on sale on Wednesday, October 1 on a first come first served basis.  We will be using an online Google form to reserve your seat, and submitted payment will confirm it!  Watch for the link to appear on the PWS web page on Wednesday!!

Many hands make light work!  We'd welcome any help in the preparations or donations for the silent auction. 

Looking forward to an exciting and engaging evening....

Halloween Costume Exchange

Girl Scout Troop 10569 is hosting a Halloween Costume Exchange on Saturday, October 4th from 9am to 2pm at Bedford Old Town Hall.  All costumes are $5 or bring one to donate and get one for 1/2 price.  Also, McKelvie and Peter Woodbury are accepting costume donations outside of the Main Office.  Questions should be directed to Vivien Linn at vwlawin@myfairpoint.net.

A message from Captain Scott Hunter from Bedford Fire Department
The Bedford Fire Department invites all families to their annual Open House on Tuesday October 7 from 5:00 -8:00 pm. This is great night for family fun, to meet the local fire fighters, and even take a ride on a fire engine. 

Bedford PTG’s “2014 Gifts, Wrap & More Fundraiser!”

Orders Due: Friday, October 3, 2014

Place your orders for gifts, wrap, goodies and more to be delivered right to your home, with the exception of frozen foods, simply by returning both copies of the Order Form with your payment.  A copy of the form will be returned with your order. Checks should be made payable to the “Bedford PTG”.  Don’t forget that your student can win a chance to win additional prizes beyond those found in the packet your child brought home!  Great news:  Your family and friends can also order online at http://www.meadowfarms.com using the codes found on your child’s order envelope or got to www.bedfordptg.org  

Have a great weekend,

Cheryl Daley             Dan Mitchell
Principal                   Assistant Principal

Friday, September 19, 2014

Dear PWS Families,

Thank you so much for participating in our Back To School Night/Open House.  It was great to see all the students and families.  The students were so excited to show off their school!Please feel free to give us specific feedback on this night by directly sending one of us an email.   

Our fourth grade students had a visit from WMUR meteorologist Kevin Skarupa today. He talked about the water cycle, weather and what it is like to produce the weather forecast.  We appreciate the time he spent answering many student questions.  

Handouts: Youngest and Only
This year we are trying a new way to send home papers.  All papers will be sent home with the youngest or only students in each family at Peter Woodbury School.  Teachers have lists of who gets handouts.  If you have any questions about this please let us know.

Constitution Day

On Wednesday we celebrated Constitution Day.  Every student got to sign the PWS Constitution.  In addition, classrooms reviewed information about the US Constitution and many students dressed in colonial-era clothing.

Halloween Costume Exchange

Girl Scout Troop 10569 is hosting a Halloween Costume Exchange on Saturday, October 4th from 9am to 2pm at Bedford Old Town Hall.  All costumes are $5 or bring one to donate and get one for 1/2 price.  Also, McKelvie and Peter Woodbury are accepting costume donations outside of the Main Office.  Questions should be directed to Vivien Linn at vwlawin@myfairpoint.net.

Other Announcements:

DESTINATION IMAGINATION  - Parent Info Night 

You see the unique and talented individual your child is, and want to give him or her every opportunity to grow,
learn and prosper. The Destination Imagination program not only encourages creativity and self-awareness, but it teaches patience, flexibility, persistence, ethics, respect for others and the collaborative problem solving process.

Destination Imagination's programs teach kids how to work in teams after school to solve hands-on creative challenges and help children improve their self-confidence and communication skills. Our participants form strong bonds with their teammates and often build friendships that can last a lifetime.

• Kids have fun learning, and many continue the program throughout the remainder of their education.
• Students who participate in DI learn to focus, behave, think and test well.
• Participants are able to discover and display their unique abilities and talents in ways they may never have imagined.

To learn more about the program and how to provide your children with this enrichment opportunity, please come to our Parent Info Night and meet our District Coordinator, Marie Russell, in the PWS Library, Thursday, September 25th, 6.30-7.30pm or email mariejrussell@gmail.com for more information.

Bedford PTG’s “2014 Gifts, Wrap & More Fundraiser!”

Orders Due: Friday, October 3, 2014

Place your orders for gifts, wrap, goodies and more to be delivered right to your home, with the exception of frozen foods, simply by returning both copies of the Order Form with your payment.  A copy of the form will be returned with your order. Checks should be made payable to the “Bedford PTG”.  Don’t forget that your student can win a chance to win additional prizes beyond those found in the packet your child brought home!  Great news:  Your family and friends can also order online at http://www.meadowfarms.com using the codes found on your child’s order envelope or got to www.bedfordptg.org  

BEF Wine & Spirit Tasting Fundraiser

The Bedford Education Foundation (BEF) is holding its annual fundraiser on Friday, September 26th, 7:30 – 10:30 pm

 at the Manchester Country Club. 

The event will feature a live and silent auction with many great items including VIP tickets to 
Late Night with Seth Meyers with Green Room access.  

Bedford School District’s very own 

Michael Fournier and Molly McCarthy,
principals at Riddle Brook School and McKelvie Intermediate School respectively, will be the auctioneers.

The BEF contributes approximately $15,000 each year through grants to teachers and administrators in support of continued excellence in Bedford schools.  It promises to be a fun evening out with friends -- all for a great cause.

Tickets are $75 per person and available for purchase online via: http://befnh.seatyourself.biz   

Happy Weekend,
Cheryl Daley           Dan Mitchell
Principal                  Assistant Principal

Friday, September 12, 2014

Dear PWS Families,

Your children are working so hard at school.  We are all so proud of them! On the school yard I was observing some first graders and there was a groups of boys and girls running across the field.  All of a sudden the group stopped and the girls broke into song singing, "Let It Go!"  The boys on the other hand ran off.  It was a sight to see.  The older students are walking around confident and ready to be the role models for the younger students.

Here are a couple of important notices and reminders:

Open House

Students in grades K-2 will still be from 6:00pm to 7:00pm and grades 3- 4 will be from 7:00pm to 8:00pm.  The schedule will be as follows:

K-2    6:00-6:20-Classroom Visit

          6:20-6:40-Technology Presentation (Optional)

          6:40-7:00-Administration Updates (Optional)

3-4    7:00-7:20-Classroom Visit

         7:20-7:40-3rd Grade Parents Technology Presentation (Optional)

         7:20-7:40-4th Grade Parents Administration Updates (Optional)

         7:40-8:00-4th Grade Parents Technology Presentation (Optional)

         7:40-8:00-3rd Grade Parents Administration Updates (Optional)

Although the technology presentation and administration updates are optional we encourage all parents to attend since we all have so much to share with you. :)

Note to Parents regarding a Car Accident at the Middle School/High School from Superintendent McGee

I want to let you know that there was an accident Tuesday afternoon at the Middle School/High School between a pedestrian and a car. Most importantly, we are grateful that everyone involved will be OK. Nevertheless, this accident has reminded us of the need to be especially cautious around all of our parking lots.  In particular, the traffic at the Middle School and High School can be heavy at times.  Please take care to drive slowly and be careful when walking through any of our parking lots.

Thank you,
Chip McGee, Superintendent of Schools

To follow up:  A reminder to PWS parents not to drop your students off at the front door during drop off times.  If you are late dropping off then please use the main entrance. You must escort your child into the building all the way to the office window.  This procedure is implemented for the safety of the students.  We appreciate your cooperation with this.

​​

Health Alert

The New Hampshire Division of Public Health Services has identified two human cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis ("Triple E")​ in the state this year. They have asked us to remind parents to use prevention measures to avoid mosquito bites by wearing ​protective clothing, ​using ​insect repellents, and reducing environmental mosquito populations.  For any questions, please contact NH DHHS, DPHS, Bureau of Infectious Disease Control at 603-271-4496 (after hours 1-800-852-3345 ext.5300).

Constitution Day

“I Signed the Constitution” program sponsored by the National Constitution Center since 1991, encourages citizens of all ages to deepen their understanding of our nation’s founding document. This program has provided millions of Americans with the chance to publicly acknowledge their dedication to the ideals of our constitution by signing their names alongside the signatures of Benjamin Franklin and George Washington. Our school will hold this signing on September 17th.

To heighten awareness and appreciation for our constitution, we are suggesting that students wear simple costumes. Boys could wear vests or for a more accurate look, breeches (ending at the knee) with a collared shirt and knee socks. Girls could wear aprons or collarless shirts and pull-on long skirts.

BEF Fundraiser

BEF Wine & Spirit Tasting Fundraiser

The Bedford Education Foundation (BEF) is holding its annual fundraiser on 
Friday, September 26th, 7:30 – 10:30 pm

 at the Manchester Country Club. 

The event will feature a live and silent auction with many great items including VIP tickets to 
Late Night with Seth Meyers with Green Room access.  

Bedford School District’s very own 

Michael Fournier and Molly McCarthy,
principals at Riddle Brook School and McKelvie Intermediate School respectively, will be the auctioneers.

The BEF contributes approximately $15,000 each year through grants to teachers and administrators in support of continued excellence in Bedford schools.  It promises to be a fun evening out with friends -- all for a great cause.

Tickets are $75 per person and available for purchase online via: http://befnh.seatyourself.biz   

More information about BEF is available at www.befnh.org

From The PTG 

Involvement Opportunities

The Bedford School District has asked the PTG to select a parent candidate to serve on the district’s Bedford Curriculum Committee, beginning in September 2014 for a two year term.  The committee members provide feedback regarding curriculum changes within the Bedford School District.  The group will meet once a month in the late afternoon at the SAU building in Bedford.  Candidates should be open-minded, student-centered and willing to provide insight from a broad parent/community perspective.  Interested parents should contact Melissa Joyce at morgimoo@comcast.net or Adrienne Allen at adrienneallen10@gmail.com, the PTG Co-Presidents, by September 19, 2014.  The new committee member will be selected by September 26, 2014. 

We also are in need of one parent representative for the district’s Professional Development Committee. It meets on the second Thursday of the month from 3:30 - 5:00 at the SAU, September through June.  The term is three years.  The committee implements the Professional Development Master Plan and next year will be completing the master plan revision.  Anyone interested must be dedicated to the committee meetings and to adding positive feedback in regards to the Professional Development Master Plan Revision.  If you are interested you can contact either Melissa Joyce at morgimoo@comcast.net or Adrienne Allen at adrienneallen10@gmail.com, the PTG Co-Presidents, by September 19, 2014 with the decision results to be determined by September 26, 2014.

We look forward to seeing you next week at Open House.  Have a great weekend!

Take Care,
Cheryl Daley          Dan Mitchell
Principal                Assistant Principal

Friday, September 5, 2014

Hello PWS Families,

We just finished our second week of the 2014-2015 school year. The students have been working hard to make our Dining Room a nice place to eat their lunch. The teachers have been very supportive in making this happen.  We finished our classroom visits this week where we talked to the students about what community, inspiration and engagement means.  Students chuckled when Mr. Mitchell explained that engagement does not mean they are getting married. 

The PWS Masquerade Ball
Just a reminder: this event is scheduled for November 14th at 7:00 pm.  We are still looking for volunteers for the silent auction, decorating and hospitality.  This will be a fun night of dancing, mystery, and intrigue; we hear Superintendent Chip McGee will be joining us.  Please contact Mindy Beltramo (beltramom@sau25.net) if you are interested.

Hannaford Helps for Schools
Earn money for PWS by shopping at Hannaford! Choose from more than 700 participating products. Every 4 participating products you buy will earn $3 for PWS!  You can deposit the dollars in the collection tower at the Jenkins Rd. Hannaford store until Dec. 6.

Picture Day
Picture day is Tuesday, September 9th.

PTG
This year, I am going to be a member of the PTG Executive Board.  I am looking forward to the opportunity to give input on what is happening with our PTG.   The PTG does so much  for our school including Eyes on Owls, Math Superstars, Yearbook, Library, Senior Citizens/Grandparents Day, etc.  It is an honor to be working with such dedicated parents.  I encourage you to support the PTG.        -Cheryl

Volunteer Orientation Breakfast
Our volunteer orientation is this Friday, September 12 from 9:00-10:00.  Parents are invited to attend to find out more information about the many volunteer opportunities we have at PWS. These opportunities are for school day and after school times.

Open House/Back to School Night
All families are invited to attend our Back to School Night on Tuesday, September 16. This year we will be including special presentations that parents may choose to attend. Please see below for a list of times for these presentations by grade level. We can't wait to see you all!

Students in grades K-2 will still be from 6:00pm to 7:00pm and grades 3- 4 will be from 7:00pm to 8:00pm.  The schedule will be as follows:
K-2    6:00-6:20-Classroom Visit
          6:20-6:40-Technology Presentation (Optional)
          6:40-7:00-Administration Updates (Optional)

3-4    7:00-7:20-Classroom Visit
         7:20-7:40-3rd Grade Parents Technology Presentation (Optional)
         7:20-7:40-4th Grade Parents Administration Updates (Optional)
         7:40-8:00-4th Grade Parents Technology Presentation (Optional)
         7:40-8:00-3rd Grade Parents Administration Updates (Optional

Although the technology presentation and administration updates are optional we encourage all parents to attend since we all have so much to share with you. :)

Have a great weekend,

Cheryl Daley           Dan Mitchell
Principal                  Assistant Principal