PTO eNews Archive

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eNews May 27, 2008

Don’t Miss Out! The Playground On-Line Auction is underway.

What do shopping and playgrounds have in common? They are both fun – especially when you can shop for many unique, donated items and help build a safe playground for our kids at the same time.

New items were listed this weekend! $250 certificate to Burlington Vet ... Custom Jewelry ... a Weekend in NH, and more! Almost 90 items in total. And 100% of all winning bids go to the playground.

Check Out These Auction Super-Bargains!

• 6-month memberships to ATA Black Belt Academy of Burlington – take the whole family for karate lessons!
• A year supply of Haircuts from Snip Its
• Mulch from Jim Martin and Company
• Scrap booking Kit from Sandra Frasier
• $100 Gift certificate for stationery from Distinctive Occasions
• Foil and Dry from Sharper Image Hair Design
• Custom Jewelry by "Designs by Bonnie"
• Piano lessons and CDs from Deb Gruber, co-director of the Burlington Children’s Chorus!
• Free BCAT sponsorship – great for small businesses!
• Two Lafuma Chairs from Relax the Back!
• Plus many restaurant gift certificates, museum passes and tickets to area attractions!

The auction ends this Friday evening (May 30th)

Visit the playground website to get started: www.playground.franciswymanpto.org

and go shopping for a New Playground!

eNews May 16, 2008

Dear Parents,

The Francis Wyman Playground Committee is presenting Warrant Article #53 to Town Meeting this coming Monday, May 19th.

We are requesting $51,000 of matching funds to complete our natural playground. The Playground Committee has already raised $21,000 in cash, grants, and auction donations from parents and small businesses. We are very confident that we can reach our goal of $51,000, but we need the town’s help to complete the project.

The playground design is a modest, but innovative plan that enables disabled and non-disabled children to play and learn together in a safe, enriching environment. Please support our efforts by emailing or calling Town Meeting Members (TMMs) and asking for their YES vote on Warrant Article #53.

You can get TMM emails and phone numbers online at http://www.burlington.org/clerk/tmmlist.pdf. If you want to email all the TMMs at once, please contact Barbara L’Heureux at barbaralh@comcast.net for a full list of the email addresses.

You can also show your support by attending the Town Meeting on Monday, May 19th at 7:30 pm in the Burlington High School auditorium. Don’t worry if you can’t be there right at 7:30. We don’t expect our article to be discussed until 8:30 or so. Parental involvement is very important to the TMMs and may well effect their voting. Please come if you can!

Thank you.

Francis Wyman PTO Playground Committee

eNews May 11, 2008
Reminder … Final PTO Meeting


The last PTO Meeting of the year will be held on Wednesday, May 14th at 7:00 pm in the Art Room. Please join us in discussing some of the final topics of the year.

• Tax Exempt Status
• Playground Update
• Update from PTO Presidents Meeting
• Scrip Program
• Financial Report
• Scholarships for Writing/Reading Camp
• Scholarship for Camp Bournedale

Reminder … Blue Tulip Fundraiser – May 16-18

This is the season where it seems like we are always looking for a unique gift to give – Graduation, First Communion, Bat/Bar Mitzvah or end of the year teacher’s gifts. Blue Tulip at Wayside Commons will be hosting a fundraiser the weekend of May 16-18. Just mention when you check out that you are shopping for Francis Wyman and a portion of the sales will go to our school. Look for more information in your child’s backpack this week.

Reminder … Executive Board Elections

The PTO is looking for a Co-President (2 year commitment) as well as a Secretary (1 year commitment) to join the PTO Executive Board. Elections will be held during the May 14th PTO meeting. This is a great opportunity to meet other parents as well as PTO members from the other elementary schools. As part of the PTO Executive Board you will meet and work with the Principal, Teachers, School Committee Members, and the School Superintendent. Please join us and help continue to make Francis Wyman a great elementary school.

The PTO would like to wish everybody a safe, happy, and healthy summer!!

eNews March 14, 2008

FRANCIS WYMAN PTO MEETING

Wednesday, March 19, 2008 (7:00-8:30 pm)

Welcome and Introductions (7:00-7:05)
Secretary and Treasurer Reports (7:05-7:10)
Open Forum (7:10-7:45)

• Parents (7:10-7:25)
• Teachers (7:25-7:35)
• Administrators (7:35-7:45)

Old Business (7:45-8:00)

• Scrip Program – Town Wide Presentation April 3rd @ Francis Wyman
• Book Fair is scheduled for April 7th – 18th (Book Fair by Bookends)
• Student Enrichment Programs 2008
  • K-2: Valarie Giogas - May 28th
  • 3-5: Darlyne Murawski - April 8th
• Artist in Residence – Roger Marracco
• Fall Fundraiser - Lavender
• Playground – Update
  • Lord & Taylor Event – Tuesday April 8th 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
  • Silent Online Auction
• Craft Sale
• Spring Spirtwear

New Business (8:00-8:20)

• Board Nominations:
  • Co-President
  • Secretary
• Burlington Drug & Alcohol Task Force – Meeting at MSMS April 2nd 7 – 9 pm
• Create New Family Welcoming Committee for 2008
• Teacher Appreciation Lunch: May 5th, 2008 Kathy Webb Update
• Blue Tulip Fundraiser – May 16 – 18th (Friday – Sunday)
• Kindergarten Information

Committee Reports (8:20-8:30)

• Student Enrichment Programs THANK YOU!!! (Chair: Ann Langenfeld) for having Cynthia Lord & Ralph Masiello visit the school.
• Family Carnival Planning THANK YOU!!! (Co-Chairs: Faydeen Sateriale & Nadine Thys)
• Newsletter/Community Notification (Chair: Michelle Feist)
• Fundraising
  • Magazines (Coord: Joanne Horgan)
  • Box Tops (Coord: Kristine Brown)
  • Landscape/Beautification (Coord: Julie Conley)
• Fifth Grade Yearbook (Co-Chairs: Diane Murphy & Tina Pesiridis)
• DARE Graduation THANK YOU!!! (Chair: Joann Terrio)
• Teacher/Staff Appreciation Luncheon (Chair: Kathy Webb)

Next Meeting…Wednesday, May 14th 2008…7:00-8:30 pm…Art Room

eNews March 10, 2008

Come One, Come All …

… enjoy the carnival games & activities, moon bounce, cotton candy, slush, pizza, cake walk and tons of prizes!! The 6th Annual Francis Wyman Family Carnival is Saturday, March 15th from 10-2 … but you already knew that??!

What you may not know is the Raffle Table is hosting some very impressive prizes this year … Capital Grille (Dinner for 4), Cape House (3day/2night weekend), Red Sox Tickets (2), Celtics Tickets (2 – The Boardroom seating/dining), Adirondack Chairs (2) and Samsonite Overnight Bag ($300 value) … just to name a few.

There are also several sought after baskets and items donated by Francis Wyman families … Hannah Montana, High School Musical, WWE Wrestling, Pokemon, Lego, Disney Princess, Pottery Barn Baby and Rock Band (video game for PS2) and much, much more!!! Drop off for donated baskets to the school is Wed 3/12!!

Don't miss out on your chance to walk away with one or more of these great (generously donated) prizes!!! (Helpful Hint: Reduce repetitive writing; print out labels with full name & phone # to stick right on raffle slips!!)

*** We still need … baskets, cakes for the cake walk, goodies for the bake sale and a bit of time running a game or activity. Forms can be found here.

The carnival takes place rain or shine … nobody say snow … just say FUN!?!?

Check the bulletin this Friday for “just added” raffle prizes!!!

eNews February 4, 2008

Cafeteria Changes
After our last PTO meeting in January it was brought up about the changes in the cafeteria menu. We have shared an email that the PTO received from the new Director of Food Services. If you have any suggestions you can either contact Paul directly or drop the PTO an email. Any concerns will be addressed at our next meeting.

Paul Virgin
Director, Child Nutrition and School Foodservice
123 Cambridge Street
Burlington, MA 01803
(781) 270-1899
FAX (781) 272-1648

Spring Fundraiser
The PTO has a spring fundraiser of “new” spirit wear currently underway. All items currently being sold are on display at the school. If you are not sure of the size that you want to order please drop in to Perfect Promotions located across from Shaw’s at 265 Winn Street and try a size on. This is a good way to show your school spirit by wearing the Francis Wyman name around town and to school. The fundraiser will take place thru February 15th.

Update – we are able to get the kids windbreakers and polar fleece vests in a youth XS.

Lowell Devils
Looking for something to do at the end of February vacation? Why not join other families from Francis Wyman and take in a Lowell Devils game. The game is scheduled for 4:05 pm on Sunday, February 24th. Come join the fun and meet new families and join old friends. The cost of each ticket is $13.00. If you have any questions please contact Julie Conley in the school office. Tickets sales will be ending on February 8th . Bring your skates and take part in a free skate after the game. Hope to see you there!!!

DARE Graduation
On February 25th the 5th graders will be graduating from the DARE program.

6th Annual Francis Wyman Carnival
Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 15th from 10:00 am – 2:00 p.m. for our 6th Annual Francis Wyman Carnival…this is sure to be a great time….there will be games… prizes…..food….a cake walk……and raffles.

Next PTO Meeting
Wednesday, March 19th at 7:00 pm in the FW Art Room

eNews January 2, 2008

Happy New Year! The Francis Wyman PTO would like to wish all the Francis Wyman Families and Staff a Happy and Healthy 2008. Here is a list of important meetings and activities that are happening this month. Please mark your calendars!!

THIS WEEK: Playground Presentation
Thursday, January 3rd at 7 pm in FW Auditorium
Please join us for a presentation on the redesign of the Francis Wyman playgrounds. This educational and informative introduction to natural playgrounds will be given by the Natural Playgrounds Company, the leading US expert design firm specializing in natural; play environments and playscapes, who will be starting their redesign of the Francis Wyman playgrounds in February. The goals of this design include:<.p>

• Expanding play areas and optimizing grounds use
• Including new ADA compliant paths and accessible/inclusive natural play structures
• Addressing safety issues
• Incorporating outdoor classroom and natural play opportunities
• Enhancing landscaping and site beautification

The talk will last ~one hour, followed by a Q&A session. Please come and learn about the new and dynamic plans for our children’s playgrounds!

REMINDER…Carnival Planning Meeting
Next Wednesday, January 9th at 7 pm in FW Art Room
The 6th Annual FW Family Carnival is March 15th…less than 3 months away!!! Come join a great group of parents who have fun planning our #1 annual social event at Francis Wyman. We need 2 parents who would like to follow up with businesses by phone regarding donations to the carnival raffle and schedule pickups of the donations with runners (people zooming around town picking up donations). This volunteer opportunity can work right from home during the day. If interested please contact us at Web@FrancisWymanPTO.org.

PAC Meeting
Next Wednesday, January 9th at 7 pm, School Committee Room at BHS
PAC will be hosting Judith Wisnia, founder of Wisnia and Associates. This group is a well respected private group practice of professionals offering speech, occupational and physical therapy as well as related special education services. Judith’s presentation will include an overview of reading/comprehension strategies using executive function and imaging ideas, and also teaching rule-governed systematic phonics through story telling.

The meeting will be held in the School Committee Room at Burlington High School on Wednesday, January 9th at 7:00 pm. These are hot topic items that affect many children with learning disabilities, the correct approach to providing these services are essential to the children’s success.

REMINDER…PTO Meeting
Wednesday, January 16th in FW Art Room
Come join us for the first meeting of 2008! This is an open forum to discuss parent questions and concerns about our school. For this month’s meeting we will review the PTO budget and share updated information regarding last year’s school budget cuts, the restoration of the part-time secretarial position, and the increases in hours for support personnel. The school district budget process has begun so it will be a good time to discuss any other issues that may have budgetary implications. We will also update the current work of the Playground and Carnival Committees among others.

FOR NEW STUDENTS:
Kindergarten Registration for incoming 2008-2009 students will be held at the end of this month, from January 28 through February 1. Registrations will be in the morning, and munchkins and coffee will be available to parents signing up their children.

eNews October 6, 2007

Francis Wyman PTO Meeting
Wednesday, October 17th 7:00 pm
Francis Wyman Art Room

This will be an important meeting because we may have to discuss what items can no longer be funded since we are not bringing in as much money as we have historically brought in the past. Options for other fund raisers can be discussed. We still need volunteers for our SCRIPS gift card program and for the playground fundraiser. Your input is vital. Thank you!

We Need Your Help** … Genevieve Fall Fundraiser … ending soon**

Historically this fundraiser has brought in over $16,000. At this point we are not even near the half way mark. This fund raiser is the main source of support for all the PTO does for our children. It may not even be possible to fund the field trip buses for each grade as we have done for the past 6 years, the Reading: a-z program, the Artist in Residence Program or pay for the In-Class Author Visits to every grade. Tuesday, October 9th (day after Columbus Day) is the last day to place your orders for the Genevieve Fall Fund raiser. Orders can be brought to school or ... ORDER ON-LINE (www.genevieves.com ) and be sure to include the Francis Wyman School Account #6995. Remember 50% of all total sales goes directly to the Francis Wyman students, school, and programs. Thank you for helping us help the students!!!

Membership

Thanks to those families that have joined the PTO already. These membership dues are used to fund various activities including enrichment programs, and magazine subscriptions for classrooms. It is not too late so if you wish to join, the cost per family is $15.00. You can pick up an envelope in the office or the PTO Bulletin Board. The form can also be downloaded from the PTO website.

Playground News

The next FW Playground Committee meeting will be Wednesday, October 10th, starting at 7:30 pm in the Art Room at Francis Wyman (same room as PTO meeting). We'll be focusing on fund raising and reviewing plans/suggestions for the play areas. Everyone is welcome - please stop by!

Francis Wyman Newsletter

Attention all Francis Wyman Students: It’s time to set your imaginations free! Frankly Francis Wyman, our school newsletter, is in search of a new mascot. Our old friend, Frank, has moved on to the middle school along with his creator and our cover is now blank. It’s up to you to come up with a new “Frank,” or you might want to make a “Francine.” It can be a person, an animal, or a character we’ve never seen before, whatever you decide to create! Students will even get to help us choose the mascot to best represent our newsletter from a selection of finalists in a school-wide vote. So, start drawing! Contest forms were sent home this week and submissions should be returned to your teacher by Oct. 26th. For extra entry forms, please go to the Francis Wyman website at www.burlington.mec.edu/fw and click on the PTO link.

Volunteers Needed: Our school newsletter, Frankly Francis Wyman, is looking for volunteers to join the committee. The newsletter is put together approximately three times a year to keep parents informed of what’s happening in the classroom at each grade level, as well as throughout the school. Information is collected from teachers, formatted, and distributed. This involves a small time commitment of approximately 2-8 hours for each newsletter, depending on how much you’d like to be involved.

eNews September 21, 2007

The vote for approving the $104K warrant for playground improvements at Francis Wyman will be taken at the upcoming Town Meeting on Monday, September 24th at 7:30pm. Please consider contacting your Town Meeting members and ask for their support! Not sure what precinct you live in? The PTO website has this information.

www.franciswymanpto.org /playground.htm (look in the yellow column on the right)

It also makes a HUGE difference if people come to the Town Meeting and show their support. Please consider attending! The meeting starts at 7:30p at the High School auditorium - this warrant isn't the first item on the agenda, come when you can. And wear blue so people know the Francis Wyman community supports this initiative.

We also have generated a short playground fundraising survey - your input will help us plan appropriate activities. Click on the "Survey Button" on the right side of the PTO homepage at: www.francisywmanpto.org

Thank you!

New Website!
We're launching our new website just in time for the start of school. All of the old website's content is here, plus new items and features. Please keep checking back to see what's new. We want this site to be a high-quality source of real-time information for the Francis Wyman parents.

Upcoming Meetings
The PTO would like to wish everybody a safe and happy summer. We look forward to seeing everybody in the fall. Here are the upcoming meetings for the next school year. All meetings are held on Wednesdays from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. in the Francis Wyman Art Room.

• September 19, 2007
• October 17, 2007
• November 14, 2007
• January 16, 2008
• March 19, 2008
• May 14, 2008

eNews August 27, 2007
Parents:

On behalf of the PTO we want to welcome you and your child back to another new school year. Mrs. Astone has joined Francis Wyman as the new Principal so we want to give her a warm welcome as well. This year the PTO is committed to helping out with the Francis Wyman Project Playground. First and foremost, we want to address the safety and accessibility issues of the playground, and we here are already working with the town to address these. There are a few additional updates we would like to add if possible including shaded play structures. If you are interested in helping out with updating our playground and making sure it is ADA safe please consider joining the playground committee. For more information see: http://franciswymanpto.org/playground.htm

Other dates of upcoming events include:

• Kindergarten Orientation on August 30th
• No School September 3rd (Labor Day)
• September 4th - Kick Off to School Spirit Wear
• September 6th - Open House for Grade 3 - 5 at 6:30 - 8:00 pm
• September 20th - Open House for Grade K - 2 at 6:30 - 8:00 pm (corrected 28Aug)
• September 17th - Kick Off of the Annual Genevieve Gift Wrap Fund Raiser
• September 19th - First PTO Meeting Q&A with the Principal 7:00 pm in Art Room
• September 21st - End of the Spirit Wear Sale

Samples of the school spirit wear will be available for parents to view during the both open houses.

Please consider joining one of our many committees and support the school and our students. We look forward to helping make this a wonderful school year for both you and your child.

Also don't forget to check out our new website! Go to: http://www.burlington.mec.edu/fw/ and click on the "PTO Home Page" link on the left.

Wendy Czerwinski, Co-President
Joan Ford, Co-President

eNews August 21, 2007
Volunteers Needed!!

We need help assembling the student welcome packets for the first day of school. We hope to get a group of parents together at Francis Wyman on Friday the 24th at 1:00 p.m. to help the new secretary (Julie Conley) assemble the student welcome packets. If you have time to help assemble these packets, contact Julie Conley at conley@burlington.mec.com or 781-270-1701.

Thank you! Enjoy the last week of summer and we'll see you at school!
The FW PTO

Playground Committee Forming
Several parents are forming a committee to address the physical conditions of the recess areas where the students play. If you are interested in helping make a difference, please contact Mary Sweeney at mpssjxl at rcn dot com

Burlington Education Foundation (BEF) Star Awards
Star awards have been awarded to four parents of fifth graders who have been very active PTO members through the years … Rose Marie Conti, Nancy Minghella, Karen Sullivan, and Suzanne Rooney. Star Awards were also given to the retiring PTO board members … Faydeen Sateriale, Amy Small, Tanya Ikier, and Joann Terrio. Last, but not least, an award was given to Mrs. Burns who has led our school for the past five years. In addition to the watercolor portrait of Francis Wyman painted by BHS student and FW graduate, Shauna Leva, presented to her at Arts Night, we would like to dedicate the recently purchased and installed reading benches and reading garden planted by the 2006-2007 Francis Wyman Girl Scouts to her as well. We appreciate all you have done for our children and wish you all the best in retirement.