December PTO Notes

PTO NOTES FOR DECEMBER 2012   TWO SPECIAL REQUESTS:   The PTO had over $8000 in grant requests last month but only $5000 to give out.  We've also been asked to help fund a visiting artist program through the Flynn Theatre and to help repair the playgrounds.  All of these requests are in addition to our yearly budgeted spending.  These things are needed and worthwhile but we simply don't have the money to fund all of these requests.   If you normally make end of the year charitable contributions, please consider making a donation to the SCS PTO.  Your donation is fully tax deductible and will go towards making our school an even better place for our children.  Checks can be made out to SCS PTO and sent to the school.   The Angel Fund is also in need of funding.   The population in Shelburne is changing - in 2009 we had approximately 5% of students on free and reduced lunches.  Currently it's closer to 15%.  The Angel Fund helps families in critical financial need with many of their basic needs. Checks for this can be made out to SCS Angel Fund and sent to the school.   SCS BUDGET MEETINGS are continuing through January.  These meetings are attended by our principals, school board members, CSSU administrators, teachers and community members.  Look for articles in the Shelburne News and other communication from the school board on important issues pertaining to this year's vote.  Of specific concern is a requirement by the state for our budget to be voted on in two pieces - more on that in January and February!   Congratulations to 3rd grade teacher EMILY VIGNEAULT on the birth of her son, Aaron Matthew, born on October 26!  Welcome Kimberly Lewis who will be her long-term sub.   In November, all CSSU teachers were involved in PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT which included a presentation by two Vermonters with autism, Larry Bissonnette and Tracy Thresher.  They were included in a film called "Wretches & Jabberers" and their presentation was insightful and inspirational.  This work was part of the ongoing Common Core professional development specifically addressing the belief that all students can be successful.   Pati Beaumont, SCS guidance counselors and special educators attended training on working with students who have experienced COMPLEX TRAUMAS.   We have sold 44 LOCAL COUPON BOOKS!  There are 4 left!  If you're interested, contact Randy Sweeney (sweeneyrs@gmail.com).   The HOLIDAY FAIR was a wonderful, festive day as always!  We had 108 tables (the most ever!)  and teams had a very successful day fundraising - many teams making well over $500!   The RED BARN FUNDRAISER will begin on January 4 with delivery on February 7.  Look for information on that to come home right after the vacation.   The PTO gave out our FALL GRANTS last month.  Some of the things we funded were:  A visit from VT author, Natalie Kinsey-Warnock for the 4th grade, an ipad for the library, more Kindles for the library, Spanish books, and recess equipment.     MARK YOUR CALENDARS: • Wed. December 12 @ 7p - 6-8 Chorus Concert • Thurs. December 13 @7p - 4/5th grade Chorus Concert • Tues. January 15 @ 6p - Parent, Elena Ramirez will talk about anxiety in children and adolescents.  Hosted by the Alpha team - free! • Fri. January 18, @6-7:30p - International Pot-luck Dinner   THANK YOU TO: • Mark Fragola for printing our colorful Holiday Fair flyers! • Sharon Harkness, Leslie Borrok and Courtney Tharpe for putting together another successful  Holiday Fair! • Jessamyn Walker,Valerie Richardson, Katie Kennedy, Deb Buley, Fiona Kovacik, Susan Dunning and everyone who helped setting up and cleaning up the Holiday Fair! • Dave Kelly, Bob Miller , Randy Mushtare, the rest of the custodian staff and Allan Miller for all their help setting up and cleaning up the holiday fair! • Rita Daley and Teresa Shuptrine for the Holiday Fair bulletin board!