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.

Thompson School News : October 30, 2017

Volunteer

The Thompson PTO is always in need of helping hands for all sorts of tasks. From selling community cards to helping clean-up after movie night to helping plan one of our many events: the link below lists all of the many ways you can give of your time to help your Thompson Community.
http://tinyurl.com/ThompsonPTOVolunteers

Is there an accountant in the house?

As a 501(c)(3) registered charity, the PTO is seeking the assistance of a CPA to prepare our form 990-EZ for FY17. If you or a family member are a CPA who would like to make an in-kind donation of free or reduced-rate tax preparation, please contact us at thomptreas@gmail.com.

In This Issue

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

Save The Date

  • November 1 – No school, Professional Development Day
  • November 8, 7-9 pm – PTO meeting, Special speaker: Lori Pescatore AYCC Arlington Youth Counseling Center)
  • November 9 – Arlington EATS Community Dinner
  • November 10 – No school, Veterans Day
  • November 22 – Early dismissal 12:00 pm
  • November 23 and 24 – No school, Thanksgiving Break

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.

Highlight of the Month

Direct Donation Drive

Only 38 more families needed to reach our participation goal!!!

The Direct Donation Drive is coming to an end in 2 days! So far, 212 families have participated, and we need only 38 additional families to meet our 250 family participation goal! If you have been putting off making a contribution, NOW is the time to act! Send a check in your kid’s backpack or make a contribution online. Click here to DONATE NOW! No donation is too small.

100% of your donation goes toward enriching your child’s educational experience. The Thompson PTO is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, so your contribution is tax deductible! Check with your employer to see if you have a matching gift program; many of these programs match contributions dollar for dollar, and some will even double or triple the amount of your gift!

Email friends and family to help us meet our goal by making a donation in your child’s name.

Principal’s Update

Dear Thompson Families,

Well, it looks like the end is in sight and a new beginning is on the horizon! With the installation of the required fireproof windows last week, the major requirements are in place and the General Contractor can petition for a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy. Right now there is not a firm date of when we will open in the new space, but I am shooting for the Monday after Veteran’s Day. I will have more information in the coming days, but wanted to give your this brief update as soon as possible.

We will likely put a call out for parent assistance with moving, so please stay tuned for more on that.

A few reminders:

I also wanted to ask for your help with the ongoing parking space issue on North Union. I am asking that if you “see something, say something.” Parents continue to park in teacher spots and it is causing much disruption to the start of the day. If you see someone pulling in to one of those spots, please either remind them that they are not drop off spots, or take down the license plate number so that I can ask APD for their assistance.

Lost and found continues to multiply! Please check the rack outside of the cafeteria if you are missing something, and even just stop by to double check that you are not! We will be donating all that’s left during the Thanksgiving Break. (Did I really just say that Thanksgiving is coming?!) Please, please, please label every little bit of belongings with your child’s name – even their gloves, hats and boots!

Are you looking for part-time job? Do you like working with children and even seeing your own during the school day? Well, we are in need of additional lunch and recess staff! The hours are 10:30-1:30 each day, and I am open to having people work even 2-3 days/week if that’s what works for them. Please spread the word and anyone interested should contact me.

Looking forward to a strong start to November!

Karen

Thompson News & Events

Field Trips

Kindergarten – Pumpkin Picking

Pumpkin PickingThe kindergarten enjoyed a beautiful day on Friday October 27th during their field trip to Crescent Farms in Haverhill, MA. The children took a hayride past cornfields and grazing cows to the pumpkin patch, and each child got to pick their own pumpkin to bring home. They also got to see ducks, rabbits, sheep and goats and enjoyed a snack of apples and pop corners. It was a great fall day on a working New England farm.

4th Grade – Habitat, Mass Audubon

On October 23rd the students in 4th grade visited MassAudubon’s Habitat Education & Wildlife Sanctuary. It was wonderful for them to be outside in the warm autumn sunshine, while learning about soil ecosystems from Habitat’s resident ecologists. The students learned that on each fallen twig, under every log, and in each pile of leaves, there are animals and other important living things. Students explored this “hidden” habitat and discovered the decomposers that are constantly working out of sight. This field trip directly ties to the in-classroom learning that took place this fall around soil and soil ecosystems. And, this enrichment opportunity was funded through the Thompson community via its support of the PTO. Thank you!
Thompson Staff Appreciation Breakfast

As a thank you to the Thompson teachers and staff for their continued patience with the ongoing construction, the Thompson Community will host a staff appreciation breakfast on Thursday, November 2nd. To help, please sign up here:

Thompson Staff Appreciation Breakfast

As a thank you to the Thompson teachers and staff for their continued patience with the ongoing construction, the Thompson Community will host a staff appreciation breakfast on Thursday, November 2nd. To help, please sign up here:

Thompson Staff Appreciation Breakfast

HAVE YOU LOST ANYTHING?

Lost & FoundOur lost and found is overflowing. Stop by and you may find your lost treasures!

 

 

Community Card

Fall Family Sales

Community Card 2017 2018Fall Family Sales continue through December 8th. With the holiday season approaching, keep the “makes for great holiday gifts!” pitch on your mind as you are chatting up the card – especially to folks with teenagers! What teen wouldn’t love free popcorn at the Capitol and discounts at Chilly Cow, La Victoria, Andrina’s etc. To sell cards, fill out this form.

Other Ways to Help Boost Card Marketing Efforts
  • Please “Like” our Community Card Facebook page!
  • Follow us on Twitter at @ArlCommCard
  • Post your own visits to, and/or savings experiences at, participating Community Card businesses to Facebook or Twitter, and reference #ArlCommCard.

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

Flu Clinic

Flu ShotThe Arlington Board of Health will be hosting a flu clinic for the students and staff of Thompson Elementary on November 15th from 7:45 AM to 9:45 AM. Mrs. Donato will be sending out a link from the Board of Health to register your child for the clinic over the next few weeks. Paper forms will also go home in the next few weeks as well. In addition, November 16th will the general clinic for Arlington children 6 months – 18 years at Ottoson Middle School, 63 Acton Street (5 PM to 7 PM) where parents are welcome to attend with their child.

 

Community News & Events

Halloween Event at Waldo Park, Tuesday, October 31st

HalloweenAll are invited to the 12th annual Waldo Park Halloween Party on Tuesday the 31st. We’ll gather at the Park beginning at 4 pm, and we’ll have a costume “fashion show” that’ll start around 4:30 – 4:45 pm. A light dinner (hot dogs and veggie items) will be served after the fashion show, so that all who wish can eat a meal before trick-or-treating. (Waldo Park is located at the end of Waldo Road, off Cleveland Street, between Mass Ave and Broadway).

– Alex Hoffinger, Friends of Waldo Park

 

Community Dance Night

Thursday, November 2

6:30-8:30 pm

Arlington High School

Come dance, sing, and create community, all in the space of one short evening. Join us—alone, or with family or friends—and transport yourself to cultures far away. We’ll try contra dancing from New England and French Canada, plus international folk dancing from places as far-flung as Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Tahiti, and Africa. Escape into a world of dance as others around the world have done for years, decades, and sometimes centuries. The nature of this dance is traditional, participatory and inter-generational. If you can get yourself to Arlington High School, we can get you dancing and laughing! For ages 8+, $10 at the door.

Arlington Orthodontics

Annual Halloween
Candy Buy Back Event: November 3rd & 4th

Arlington Orthodontics is gearing up for the Annual Halloween Candy Buy Back Event to benefit Arlington Elementary School PTOs and our troops serving abroad! Children / Parents are invited to drop off their leftover Halloween Candy at their office November 3th and 4th. They will give the child or parent $2 / lb (max $10) as well as make a matching donation to the child’s school PTO. All candy is shipped to troops serving over seas!

Last year, we sent over 1000 lbs of candy to our troops and raised over $1800 for Arlington Elementary School PTOs! We had a great showing from all 7 of the Arlington Elementary schools.

Arlington Orthodontics
800 Massachusetts Ave, #1 (781) 777-2559

The Privates Rule

The Privates RuleJoin Dr. Nora Shine, child psychologist, at Ottoson Middle School on November 7th in a warm and engaging talk about keeping children safe from sexual abuse. “The Privates Rule” teaches empowerment, sexual abuse information and strategies. This talk will show a framework for integrating abuse prevention into good parenting and teaching practices by calming and confidently addressing concerns. You will learn how to recognize adult behavior that should raise concern and you will leave feeling informed, empowered, and eager to use strategies outlined in her presentation.

Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive

Happy ThanksgivingThe Board of Youth Services (BYS) is once again organizing the Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive to provide Thanksgiving food and food staples to families in need during this time of year. Families with school-aged children in Arlington are welcome to participate. If you would like to receive extra food for the holiday please use following link to register: http://bit.ly/2yrxaRv If you have trouble with this link you may email: bys.arlington@gmail.com The deadline for signing up is Friday, November 10th. Sign up today. The BYS is also coordinating a gift card drive, and it is our hope to distribute grocery store gift cards to each of the families who have signed up to receive food. Distribution of gift cards will take place on Monday 11/20 and Tuesday 11/21. We will contact registered families via email by Friday 11/17 to confirm the location and time of gift card distribution. Food will be distributed on Saturday, November 18th from 9:30am – 3:30pm at the Arlington Food Pantry,117 Broadway. If you have any questions please contact the Arlington Board of Youth Services at: bys.arlington@gmail.com.

PTO Fundraising

Amazon

Support PTO

Shopping at Amazon.com? Click the Amazon link from the Thompson PTO website and a share of your purchase will help the Thompson PTO.

Stop&Shop A+ Bonus Bucks Program

Thompson is participating in Stop&Shop A+ Bonus Bucks Program, in which our school receives a check based on the amount of purchases made by people with Stop&Shop cards. Enroll your Stop&Shop card. with Thompson’s school code: 07331.

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)
Judu 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.