Thompson School News : December 11, 2017

In This Issue

  • Save the Date | School Calendar
  • PTO Update
  • Thompson News and Events
  • Community
  • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Connect with Us

Save The Date

* New *

  • December 12 – Early Release at 11:15 (No lunch)
  • December 11-15 –Book Fair
  • December 12 – Literacy Night, 6 -7.30pm
  • December 13 – Helena’s Hang with Friends & Light Refreshments, 7-9pm
  • December 13 – Spirit Day, Favorite Book Character Day
  • December 13 5-7 PM – Flu Vaccination Clinic @ Arlington Senior Center
  • December 14 – Arlington EATS Community Dinner
  • December 15 – Treble Chorus Concert @ Town Hall
  • December 15, 8:15 – 10:00 AM – PTO Meeting in the Cafeteria
  • December 22 – Spirit Day, Wear Pajamas to School

School Calendar

Click http://tinyurl.com/ndp8spb for Thompson’s Google Calendar to get school holidays, early release days, and PTO events on your own calendar. Click http://tinyurl.com/y7u5k2on for a printable version of this month’s calendar.

PTO Update

Presents 00

The Holiday Season is here! Shop through these partners AND help the Thompson PTO.

Helena's 00Helena’s – Wednesday, December 13th. All day 10% of sales go to Thompson PTO, when you present our Holiday flier. Look for it in backpacks soon. Light refreshments and a fun chance to get together with friends between 7 and 9 pm.

Maxima 00Maxima’s – Are you aware that anytime you make a purchase and mention Thompson School, a percentage of your purchase goes to us? More on the My School program here.More on the My School program here.

Community Card 2017 2018Looking for stocking stuffers? Teachers, coaches or babysitter’s gifts? Buy an Arlington Community Card.

Support PTO

The Amazon Associate Program brought in $1,160 between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day last year. That is money that we earn when YOU go about your regular Amazon shopping after clicking the Amazon banner on the Thompson PTO website.

ShopStopAndShop

Stop & Shop A+ School Rewards is a fundraising program that earns us hundreds of dollars a year, and cost you nothing! To participate, just add Thompson’s school ID number (#07331) to your Stop & Shop rewards card through their website.

Once Thompson is added to your card, all you have to do is scan your Stop & Shop card when you are checking out. Tell your family and friends to follow these directions too! Thanks for your support!

Highlight

 

Thompson News & Events

Thompson Drama Project

Theater 00

Hello Third, Fourth, and Fifth grade parents, It’s time to sign up for the Thompson Drama Project. Our three wonderful directors, Maf, Gaggi, and Ziza, will be back for another year! Our 3 plays will begin rehearsals the week of January 8. Auditions will be on Thursday Jan 4th and Friday Jan 5th after school in the Music Room. All actors who audition will receive a part – the auditions are for casting purposes. To sign your child up for an audition slot – click here. Prior to the audition, you must fill out a registration form for your child – click here. Please be sure to read the Ground Rules – click here. Mark your calendars – performances will be April 5th and 6th! Please let us know if you have any questions at thompsondramaproject1@gmail.com.

Lise White and Karen Roth LoRusso

📖 December 11 – 15 is Literacy Week at Thompson! 📖

The Book Fair

The Book Rack 00We are excited to work with the Book Rack again for this year’s Book Fair. During the school day, students will be able to browse and fill out wish lists. Sale hours will be held after school on the following days:

  • Monday: 2:30 – 3:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 11:30 – 3:30 pm (due to parent-teacher conferences)
    5:30 – 8:00 pm (also Literacy Night)
  • Wednesday: 2:30- 3:30 pm
  • Thursday: 2:30 – 3:30 pm
    5:30 – 8:00 pm (due to parent-teacher conferences)
  • Friday: 2:30 – 3:30 pm

Community Card Update

Community Card 2017 2018Family Sales concluded on Friday December 8th. Please remember to turn in all of your earnings + any unsold cards THIS WEEK to: Ashley Lorenz, Gaggi DeStefanis, Shannon LeMay Finn, or Vicki Rose. Not to worry if you weren’t able to sell all (or any) cards. We will continue to market the card via social media and posters around town, while supplies last.

On that note, we still only have a few hundred cards left for sale. As always, tell folks to get them while they last! Cards can be purchased anytime at The Book Rack, Menotomy Beer and Wine, or www.arlingtoncommunitycard.org.

@ArlCommCard

Follow us at @ArlCommCard on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and like/comment on any posts that inspire you. Follow us at @ArlCommCard on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and like/comment on any posts that inspire you.

Any questions? Contact ashley.e.lorenz@gmail.com

Literacy Night – December 12th

Literacy Night 2017 11 a

Literacy Night will showcase graphic novels created by Thompson students. This project is open to all grades and abilities. Your child can partner up with a friend, or be author and illustrator of a story they’re longing to tell. The drawings can be monochromatic or in color, the comics can be in the form of booklets or pamphlets. The only rule is to run with it and have fun! The deadline for submissions is December 8th at the latest. Please drop off at the front office. Each child will receive 1 raffle ticket for their submission.

For activity details, learn more here.

Arlington EATS

Arlington EATSJoin us at the table for our next Community Dinner on December 14!

When we say please join us at the table, we mean just that. No matter your circumstances, you are part of our community and we TRULY want to share a meal with you. If you are hesitant to join us because you are not currently experiencing financial hardship, consider offsetting the cost of your meal with a small donation to Arlington EATS. But whether you choose to donate or not, you ARE welcome and we would love to have you with us.

Join us at the table:

To get food assistance: info@arlington-eats.org
To learn more: www.arlington-eats.org
To donate: www.arlington-eats.org/giving/
To volunteer: www.arlington-eats.org/volunteer/
To follow along: www.facebook.com/Arlington.EATS
To contact: sarah@arlington-eats.org

Spirit Wear Update

Thank you for making Thompson’s 2nd Spirit Wear sale such a big success! We received 195 orders, which is more than we expected. More notably, we received $1088 in Sponsorship! With these generous donations, the PTO was able to meet the needs of every single student who requested financial assistance, which still left us with a surplus of $346. This money will be earmarked for other school events, such as the upcoming Book Fair, and used specifically to provide financial assistance for those families in need.

Watch out for your Spirit Wear orders in the next week or two. Again, thank you all for your participation!

If you have any questions please reach out to Judy Hu (hudyju@gmail.com) or Melissa Crowley (melish26@yahoo.com), your Spirit Co-Chairs.

Arabiqa

Thompson students got a taste of Arabic music on Friday when Karim Nagi came to present his Arabiqa program. Karim demonstrated several instruments, including the duff (Arabic round drum), riqq (Arabic tambourine), buzuk (Arabic guitar), segat (Arabic brass castanets), and the darbuka (Arabic goblet drum). Students in grades 3-5 also got to see (and try to dance) some Arabic dances! A number of students at Thompson have families that hail from the Arabic world, and we are glad everyone had a chance to learn more about their culture.Arabiqa 2017 11 00Arabiqa 2017 11 01Arabiqa 2017 11 02Arabiqa 2017 11 03

Additional Media

  • https://twitter.com/ThompsonK102/status/936712699966242816
  • https://twitter.com/ThompsonK102/status/936708967941763073

Community

Flu Vaccination Clinic

Flu ShotArlington Board of Health will be holding a flu clinic for Arlington residents on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 from 5:00-7:00 pm at the Arlington Senior Center located at 27 Maple Street. Both children and adults will have the opportunity to be vaccinated. Participants must being their insurance cards with them. Residents that do not have insurance will still be able to be vaccinated. If you have any questions please contact Jessica Kerr, Public Health Nurse, at 781-316-3140.

Volunteer Opportunities

The Thompson PTO has many volunteer needs both small and big. If you’re looking for a way to give back to Thompson, here’s a list of ways you can help.

Book Fair & Literacy Night (Dec. 11th-15th)

Have just a short amount of time to give? Sign-Up for a shift at the Book Fair or help out on Literacy Night (Dec. 12th)

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f49adad2aa0f49-thompson6

Amazon Coordinator

The PTO needs someone to help promote the PTO/Amazon fundraising link. Thompson School earns 4-10% back on purchases made through the Thompson/Amazon page but shoppers must use the link on the PTO website.

Interested in helping get the word out?

Contact: Kate Murphy at thompsonschoolvolunteers@gmail.com

Winter Parent’s Party – Jan 27th

Interested in helping with planning the Winter Parent’s Party?

The party is moving venues this year, and as always there are many tasks (both large and small) that the planning committee needs help with, from running errands for supplies in the weeks approaching to helping set up on the day of the event.

Contact: Kate Murphy at thompsonschoolvolunteers@gmail.com

Calling All Science Enthusiasts: Science Explo March 17th

Are you a professional in a scientific field or just a lover of all things science related? We need volunteers to set up and run interactive tables at the Explo in March! Let us know if you’re interested. Contact: Yael Beals at yael.beals@gmail.com.

Help Throughout the Year

To check all current volunteer opportunities: http://tinyurl.com/ThompsonPTOVolunteers

Connect with Us

THOMPSON PTO BOARD

Nandana Mewada, Co-President (Mom to Eshaan, 3rd)
Diana Trudell, Co-President (Mom to Matilda, 4rd and Joaquin, 1st)
Yael Beals, Vice-President (Mom to Annabella, 2nd)
Carolyn Schneyer, Co-Treasurer (Mom to Leah, 4th)
Sara Wilkinson, Co-Treasurer (Mom to Ezra, 4th, and Amelia, 1st)
Emily Gauthier, Co-Secretary (Mom to Sophia, 5th)
Fiona Ehring, Co-Secretary (Mom to Emma, 4th and Elise, K)
Danielle Gottesman, Communications Chair (Mom to Oliver, 3rd, and Penny, 1st)
Melissa Crowley, Spirit and Appreciation Co-Chair (Mom to Joseph, 1st)
Judy Hu, Spirit & Appreciation Co-Chair (Mom to Sofia, 1st)
Sarah Gupta, Room-Parent Chair (Mom to Norah, 3rd, and Meena, 1st)
Juliet Moir, Fundraising Chair (Mom to Jack, 5th, and Eva, 2nd)
Maf Terry, Enrichment Co-Chair (Mom to John, 5th)
Tonja Bishop, Enrichment Co-Chair (Mom to Ellen, 2nd and Neil, K)
Ashley Lorenz, Community Card Chair (Mom to Oliver, 5th, Melanie, 3rd, and Peter, K)
Gaggi DeStefanis, Community Card Chair (Mom to Sofia, 3rd)

If you have news to share with the community, please email ThompsonPTOevents@gmail.com by Thursday at 12 noon to be included in the next newsletter.

Please note that we will only include news from the Thompson School and Town of Arlington. Announcements of interest to the Thompson community from other non-profit organizations may be included at our discretion.

Thompson School News : November 20, 2017

In This Issue

  • Save the Date | School Calendar
  • Principal’s Update
  • PTO Update
  • Highlight
  • Thompson News and Events
  • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Community News and Events
  • Connect with Us

Save The Date

* New *

  • November 20 – Thompson extension opens!
  • November 22 – Early dismissal 12:00 pm
  • November 23 and 24 – No school, Thanksgiving Break
  • November 27 – Picture retake day
  • December 1 – Arabiqa enrichment featuring Arab music, dance and culture
  • December 5, 12, & 14 – Parent-Teacher Conferences
  • December 5-8 – Science Camp 5th Grade
  • December 6, 7-9 pm – PTO Meeting (NOTE: not the regular schedule)
  • December 11-15 –Book Fair
  • December 12 – Literacy Night, 6 -7.30pm
  • December 13 – Helena’s Hang with Friends & Light Refreshments, 7-9pm

School Calendar

Click http://tinyurl.com/ndp8spb for Thompson’s Google Calendar to get school holidays, early release days, and PTO events on your own calendar. Click http://tinyurl.com/y7u5k2on for a printable version of this month’s calendar.

Principal’s Update

Dear Thompson Community,

The time has finally arrived….we are open in the gorgeous addition to Thompson! It has taken longer than we expected and would have liked, but I know it will all be worth it to have us all under ONE roof once again. I am already thinking ahead to next year, and how awesome it will be to have the modular classrooms gone, and everyone in their space – our “new normal” from Day 1 so to speak!

During this season of gratitude, I would be remiss if I didn’t take this opportunity to extend my sincerest thanks to so many.

Thank you to our staff – those who moved classrooms, those who gave up their space, those who didn’t have a space, those who were flexible with their space, those who created new phone lists and fire drill routes, those who hung them up, and those who pitched in in any way big or small.

Thank you to our Tech. Department, Facilities Department, Custodial Department – we had a major push last week to be sure that Tech was up and running, iPad Carts could be moved, soap and paper towel dispensers were installed, barrels were delivered, extra custodial staff was on site, and Janeil, Brahim and Steve worked their behinds off as they moved furniture, swapped old for new, delivered materials, responded to calls as needed, and got what is now our ENTIRE school, ready for our kids tomorrow morning.

Thank you to our students – you’ve been flexible as we used one staircase, had limited playground space, helped your teachers pack and move some belongings, and given all of us the “WHY” behind we do what we do.

Thank you to our parents – to those who began this entire process by advocating for what we needed and deserve, those who attended countless meetings to see it through, those who gave words of encouragement and offered their expertise along the way, and those who volunteered to help in classrooms and monitor students as we reached the finish line.

Thank you to Dr. Bodie, Mr. MacNeal, the Staff on the 6th Floor who answered all my questions, School Committee, and Permanent Town Building Committee. Thank you to PMA Associates Staff Burt Barachowitz, Brian DeFilippis, and Kevin Nigro, and GTC Site Superintendent Steve Witherell – it was a long haul, but we made it over the finish line!

During the 1st week of December we will have times for the Community to take a walk through the addition. Please allow the students and staff to adjust to their new spaces these next few days.

Wishing you all a wonderful and restful Thanksgiving holiday and break!

With Deepest Gratitude,

Karen

PTO Update

The Holiday Season is approaching and we want to share with you several easy-ways to help the Thompson PTO during this time.

  • Helena’s – Wednesday, December 13th. All day 10% of sales go to Thompson PTO, if you mention our organization. Light refreshments and a fun chance to get together with friends between 7 and 9 pm.Helena's 00
  • Maxima’s – Are you aware that anytime you make a purchase and mention Thompson School, a percentage of your purchase goes to us?Maxima 00
  • Looking for stocking stuffers? Teachers, coaches or babysitter’s gifts? Buy an Arlington Community Card.Community Card 2017 2018
  • And of course, there’s AMAZON!
    • The more purchases, the higher the percentage we get from them.
    • Use the Amazon Associate Program NOT Amazon Smiles.
    • Click on the Amazon banner on our website https://thompsonschoolpto.org and then shop as usual.
    • Still confused? No worries. Here are the details December Amazon Flyer.Support PTO

Highlight

Arabiqa

Arabiqa 2017 11We are pleased to bring Egyptian-American Karim Nagi to Thompson on Friday, December 1. Karim will introduce all students to Arab dance and Arab music in a high-energy performance featuring exciting traditional dances, and soulful folk music played on a variety of traditional instruments. Karim uses authentic costumes, maps, Arabic language, lots of audience participation, and humor, as he enlightens his audience about a captivating world beyond the headlines. Students will clap unique rhythms, dance, and celebrate as they learn about these ancient cultural traditions.

Thompson News & Events

Boys in Motion 2017

Boys in Motion 2017 11Congrats to all our 4th and 5th graders who participated in Boys in Motion this year. Boys in Motion is a non-competitive fitness initiative that inspires active lifestyles, friendships, personal growth, and the confidence that comes from working toward and achieving goals. Ms. Brayfield and Mr. Allen coached these boys through eight weeks of team building, strength training and training runs. On November 18th, the boys had the chance to participate in a local Turkey Trot 5k!!! Thank you to the coaches for another incredible season and congrats to all the boys on this huge achievement.

Lost & Found

Last call! Check the Lost and Found by Tuesday morning. We’re donating all items to The Little Fox Shop before the holiday break. You may be surprised that you’ll find things! One mom’s account:

“Just last week I found two sweatshirts and a winter coat I didn’t even know was missing!”

Picture Retake Day – November 27th!

Let your child’s teacher know if you would like to have their picture retaken. CoffeePond has a retake form available online. If your child was absent on picture day their picture will be taken on retake day. Send in their original order form or a printout of an online form. Contact Kate Murphy (katejoycemurphy71@gmail.com) or Ema Rodrigues (emarod77@yahoo.com) with questions.

Tell Your Teachers They Are STARS! Deadline: Friday, December 1

AEF 01The Arlington Education Foundation STARS (School Teachers are Really Special) program is a way to say, “Thank you for all you do!” For a donation of $20 or more, the teacher of your choice will receive a certificate that honors him or her with a gift in his or her name. You will receive a receipt for your tax-deductible donation.

STARS donations go back into our schools as funding for AEF grants both large and small. Read more on our website about projects that have been funded by AEF grants.

Give your STARS Online: http://www.arlingtoneducationfoundationma.org/wp/stars

Parent Teacher Conferences

To sign up for Parent Teacher Conferences go to Thompson School Fall Conference Sign Up Links

Community Card

Arlington Community Card sales are breaking records!

Community Card 2017 2018

Approximately 1,450 cards sold to-date, and if you haven’t heard, we’re 400 cards AHEAD of the game overall compared to this time last year. We might even sell out if it keeps up – keep talkin’ up the card, and tell people to get ’em while they last! Cards can be purchased anytime from Family Sales parents, Book Rack, Menotomy Beer and Wine, or online at www.arlingtoncommunitycard.org.

@ArlCommCard

Follow us at @ArlCommCard on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and like/commment on any posts that inspire you. The more activity we get, the more we can leverage these platforms now and in the future to further promote the card, the deals, and where to buy it.

Any questions? Contact ashley.e.lorenz@gmail.com

Literacy Night – December 12th

Literacy Night 2017 11 aMark your calendars for Literacy Night on December 12th from 6pm-7:30pm! This year, Literacy night is inspired by Graphic Novels and illustration. For activity details, learn more here. Literacy Night will showcase graphic novels created by Thompson students. This project is open to all grades and abilities.

Your child can partner up with a friend, or be author and illustrator of a story they’re longing to tell.

The drawings can be monochromatic or in color, the comics can be in the form of booklets or pamphlets. The only rule is to run with it and have fun! The deadline for submissions is December 8th at the latest. Please drop off at the front office. Each child will receive 1 raffle ticket for their submission.

Volunteer Opportunities

The Thompson PTO is always in need of helping hands for all sorts of tasks.

Book Fair & Literacy Night (Dec. 11th-15th)

Literacy Week is right around the corner and we need a lot of volunteers to make it run smoothly! Sign-Up here to help with the Book Fair or on Literacy Night (Dec. 12th): http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f49adad2aa0f49-thompson6

Amazon Coordinator

The PTO needs someone to help promote the PTO / Amazon Fundraising link. Interested in helping to get the word out?

Yearbook Design

Do you love to lay-out photo books? The PTO is looking for someone to help with yearbook design.

Community Card Sales

  • Community Card seeks a volunteer to do a small data entry project, using google sheets. Can be done on your own time. Email ashley.e.lorenz@gmail.com if you can help.
  • Fall Family Sales continue through December 8th! To sign out cards, fill out this form.

Check all current volunteer opportunities here: http://tinyurl.com/ThompsonPTOVolunteers

Help Throughout the Year

To check all current volunteer opportunities: http://tinyurl.com/ThompsonPTOVolunteers

Community News & Events

 

#SmallBusinessSaturday Nov 25th

Nov 25th is Small Business Saturday. While we can’t find EVERYTHING we need in Arlington, each time we do, we put 20% more income into our local economy. Many of Arlington’s unique shops and restaurants are Community Card partners too. Don’t forget to put your card in your wallet/purse this weekend! #Arlington #holidaygifts #economicvitality #shopsavesupport

AEF District Investment Grant

The Arlington Education Foundation (AEF) has committed to awarding the Arlington Public Schools $200,000 over the next 3 years to support the district’s ‘Safe & Supportive Schools’ initiative to create a comprehensive behavioral health program. A $100,485 grant in the first year will fund:

  • Youth Mental Health First Aid certification for 300 staff
  • Ongoing work on ‘Safe & Supportive Schools’ action plans for each school

Visit here for more in-depth information.

Connect with Us

THOMPSON PTO BOARD

Nandana Mewada, Co-President (Mom to Eshaan, 3rd)
Diana Trudell, Co-President (Mom to Matilda, 4rd and Joaquin, 1st)
Yael Beals, Vice-President (Mom to Annabella, 2nd)
Carolyn Schneyer, Co-Treasurer (Mom to Leah, 4th)
Sara Wilkinson, Co-Treasurer (Mom to Ezra, 4th, and Amelia, 1st)
Emily Gauthier, Co-Secretary (Mom to Sophia, 5th)
Fiona Ehring, Co-Secretary (Mom to Emma, 4th and Elise, K)
Danielle Gottesman, Communications Chair (Mom to Oliver, 3rd, and Penny, 1st)
Melissa Crowley, Spirit and Appreciation Co-Chair (Mom to Joseph, 1st)
Judy Hu, Spirit & Appreciation Co-Chair (Mom to Sofia, 1st)
Sarah Gupta, Room-Parent Chair (Mom to Norah, 3rd, and Meena, 1st)
Juliet Moir, Fundraising Chair (Mom to Jack, 5th, and Eva, 2nd)
Maf Terry, Enrichment Co-Chair (Mom to John, 5th)
Tonja Bishop, Enrichment Co-Chair (Mom to Ellen, 2nd and Neil, K)
Ashley Lorenz, Community Card Chair (Mom to Oliver, 5th, Melanie, 3rd, and Peter, K)
Gaggi DeStefanis, Community Card Chair (Mom to Sofia, 3rd)

If you have news to share with the community, please email ThompsonPTOevents@gmail.com by Thursday at 12 noon to be included in the next newsletter.

Please note that we will only include news from the Thompson School and Town of Arlington. Announcements of interest to the Thompson community from other non-profit organizations may be included at our discretion.