June 17, 2013

PARENT NEWSLETTER

 

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Barnstable Community Horace Mann Charter Public School (BCHMCPS) is to be a whole school community that provides a challenging and enriching environment for all children Kindergarten through grade 3; and where all children achieve high academic standards and develop character. We support the whole child and continuous improvement in the teaching process, and consider a whole school community as integral to success.

 

From Mrs. Cantelmo, School Leader/Principal:

 

Dear Parents/Guardians:

 

The last day of school for students is a half day on Friday, June 21^st.  

Dismissal is at 12:00 p.m.  Report cards will be sent home on Friday. 

 

There WILL be Morning DayCare on Friday.   There will NOT be   Afternoon DayCare on Friday.  We will start dismissal for Walkers and Parent Pick-up at 11:50 a.m.

 

Best wishes to our Gr. 3 students as they move on to a new school. 

We will continue the tradition of a Gr. 3 Clapout at 11:30 a.m. on Friday.

 

The first day for students for the next school year will be Tuesday, September 3^rd.

 

Have a safe, restful and happy summer!! 

 

Mrs. Marilee A. Cantelmo

Marilee A. Cantelmo

School Leader/Principal                       

508-790-6485, Ext. 153

 

May 24, 2013

PARENT NEWSLETTER

 

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Barnstable Community Horace Mann Charter Public School (BCHMCPS) is to be a whole school community that provides a challenging and enriching environment for all children Kindergarten through grade 3; and where all children achieve high academic standards and develop character. We support the whole child and continuous improvement in the teaching process, and consider a whole school community as integral to success.

 

From Mrs. Cantelmo, School Leader/Principal:

 

Dear Parents/Guardians:

 

MONDAY, MAY 27-MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY/NO SCHOOL:

Monday, May 27, 2013 is Memorial Day and a school holiday.  There is NO SCHOOL and NO DAYCARE on that day.

 

 

REMINDER OF SCHOOL TIMES:

Just a reminder that school is in session from 9:00-3:30 p.m. daily.  Child may enter the building at 8:45 a.m.  Please do NOT drop off your children outside or in the Front Lobby before 8:45 a.m.   Teachers are preparing for the day or in meetings and are not available to greet students in their classrooms until 8:45 a.m.  Thank you for your cooperation. 

 

FRIENDS OF BCHMCPS AUCTION-May 17, 2013: 

Thank you to all the families that attended the Fourth Annual Friends of BCHMCPS Annual Auction and Parent Social on Friday, May 17^th at the Oyster Harbors Club in Osterville.  The weather was great, bidding was strong and we all had lots of fun!  Special thanks to Jennifer McCartin, Auction Chair, and the Auction team-Eric Brahms, Daniel Atwell, Jennifer Curley and Shelby Powers. Your support to our school and the enrichment programs are greatly appreciated!

 

PRINCIPAL’S COFFEE HOUR:

The last Principal’s Coffee Hour will be held on Friday, May 31^st at 9:30 a.m. in the Cafeteria.  The guest speaker will be Rosemary Williams, Barnstable United Principal, who will share information about Barnstable United, the grade 4/5 school, and transition for grade three students.

 

Enjoy the long Memorial Day weekend!

 

 

Mrs. Marilee A. Cantelmo

Marilee A. Cantelmo

School Leader/Principal                       

508-790-6485, Ext. 153

  

 

 

Week of May 20, 2013

PARENT NEWSLETTER

 

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Barnstable Community Horace Mann Charter Public School (BCHMCPS) is to be a whole school community that provides a challenging and enriching environment for all children Kindergarten through grade 3; and where all children achieve high academic standards and develop character. We support the whole child and continuous improvement in the teaching process, and consider a whole school community as integral to success.

From Mrs. Cantelmo, School Leader/Principal:

Dear Parents/Guardians:

 

This week is Teacher’s Appreciation Week and Wednesday was National School Nurse Day.  The PTO and many families have showered the staff with appreciation throughout the week!!  The PTO provided a luncheon for the staff on Tuesday and a Bagel Breakfast on Friday.  There have been treats every day in the Staff Room.  Thank you to everyone that contributed in some way.   The staff appreciates your support!

 

Monday, May 6, 2013 was half day for students.  The teachers worked on planning for placement next year and spent most of their time working on curriculum planning.  The Playground Committee met on Tuesday to review design plans and space.  The Charter Renewal Team continues to work on our renewal application weekly.  Friday, May 10 is Kindergarten Screening Day where incoming Kindergarten students and their families visit school.

 

Next week, the staff will participate in Cadre training with Denise Nelson, National ASP Trainer, on Monday. See note below about Emergency Board of Trustees Meeting and Retreat. Grade three students will be taking the MCAS Math tests on Tuesday and Wednesday.  Enrollment for the Wait List closes on Wednesday.  Steering Committee meets on Thursday.  The social event of the year is the Friends of BCHMCPS Auction on Friday, May 17^th (see note below)!!

 

EMERGENCY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING-MONDAY, MAY 13 AT 5:00 P.M. AT THE  BARNSTABLE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION OFFICE BASEMENT CONFERENCE ROOM (SOUTH STREET):

The Board of Trustees will hold an Emergency Board Meeting on Monday, May 13 at 5:00 PM to discuss and vote on the proposed move of an Intensive Learning Center (ILC) to our school.  Everyone is invited to this public meeting to hear a discussion and ask questions about the District’s request to locate an ILC at our school next year. The BOT Retreat will be held after the Emergency Meeting.

 

FRIENDS OF BCHMCPS AUCTION UPDATE:

Auction Tickets are now on sale.  Don’t miss this great opportunity to support our school and have a great night out!  Bring your friends and family to the 4^th Annual Friends of BCHMCPS Parent Social & Auction on May 17, 2013 at the Oyster Harbors Club at 6:00 PM.  Items are still being accepted for the raffle, silent and live auctions.  Please send any items in to school with your child, and put them in the Friends mailbox in the Main Office.

 

Thank you for all the ways you support our students, staff and school! 

 

Mrs. Marilee A. Cantelmo

Marilee A. Cantelmo

School Leader/Principal                       

508-790-6485, Ext. 153

IMPORTANT DATES:

May 27/Memorial Day/No School

June 3-7 – Scholastic Buy One Get One Book Fair

June 6 -  Field Day

June 7 – Field Day Rain Date

June 13 – 3^rd Grade Celebration

 

NOTES FROM THE NURSE/Tick-Tock:

Spring is here and it’s time to get out and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. The fields and paths are the natural home to the tick. They cling to grass and hop on you and your dog as you travel the trails. After you hike, or after doing yard work, always inspect yourself, your kids, and your dog. You can easily see ticks crawling around. You can use sticky tape to catch them. Any tick that is crawling around has not fed and is not a danger.

 

All bugs have a head and a body. The lyme bacteria live in the body of the tick, not the head. So all you need to do is remove the body and the risk is gone. You can remove the tick with a tweezer by just pulling upward. Avoid squeezing the tick. You could also add a few drops of liquid soap on a cotton ball . Put this on the tick and gently rub counter clockwise for about 30 seconds. Repeat as needed. This will cause the tick to back itself out…intact.

 

Remember to wear protective clothing, use tick repellent, and avoid areas known to have an abundance of ticks. Now that you have all the information get going and go outside and have some fun!

We are starting a group called “Changing Families”, in which we discuss dealing with changes in families such as divorce or separation and assisting students as they develop their own coping tools throughout the change. The group will meet once a week at school for about 5 weeks. If you think your child may benefit, please call Krista Swanson, School Adjustment Counselor, at BCHMCPS at 508-790-6485.

 

NOTES FROM THE PTO:

PTO is looking for parents to help donate sliced oranges, watermelons, or a box of icicles pops for the upcoming Field Day on June 6th.  If you would like to help, please email Dawna Baird at dlbtemp@hotmail.com.  Thank you.

NOTES FROM THE GARDEN:

Seedlings will be ready to plant into the Garden just before/after Memorial Day.  If you want to spend time with students in the Garden planting their seedlings, please contact Tara Bedenkop at 508-648-5459, email at taehb8@me.com or Facebook.  Volunteers must be Coried.  Thank you.

 

 

 

Week of Jan

Week of January 28, 2013

PARENT NEWSLETTER

 

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Barnstable Community Horace Mann Charter Public School (BCHMCPS) is to be a whole school community that provides a challenging and enriching environment for all children Kindergarten through grade 3; and where all children achieve high academic standards and develop character. We support the whole child and continuous improvement in the teaching process, and consider a whole school community as integral to success.

 

From Mrs. Cantelmo, School Leader/Principal:

January has been a busy month at (BCHMCPS)!  We open enrollment to our school, celebrate each grade level’s Community Service Projects, start Enrichment Clusters and administer ACCESS tests to our English Language Learner (ELL) students!  Author Jeff Kelly, sponsored by the PTO, has been working in all grade three classes for a week.  Teachers participated in ELA and Math Data and Curriculum Meetings.  We also have a national Accelerated Schools Plus (ASP) trainer onsite for three days this month! 

 

BCHMCPS is accepting applications for the 2013-2014 school year during January.  If your child is currently attending our school, he/she is automatically enrolled for next year and you do NOT need to complete an application.  If you have a sibling eligible to enroll, you must complete an application form by January 31^st.  Siblings have first preference for enrollment.

 

Several enrollment activities have been held for interested families.  Parent Ambassadors visited story hour at Libraries.  A team attended the Jan. 15^th District Kindergarten Kick-off and held two Open Houses on Jan. 17^th and Jan. 24^th.   Student and Parent Ambassadors offered daily tours Jan. 22-31^st or by request.  Students recorded a commercial for the local cable station and I also recorded an ad for the radio.  This is an exciting time at our school as we invite new families to join our community!  We are a school of choice, offer enrichment for all and welcome volunteers!!  Please help spread the good news about our school!!

 

Student Ambassadors led the All School Community Meeting on January 18^th.  This meeting focused on how “We Can Make A Difference in our Community” and celebrated grade level community service projects.  The children also learned about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who believed we all have the power to make a difference in our community and the world.  Kindergarten’s project, “Warm Hearts, Helping Hands” is collecting 100 pair of mittens by the 100^th Day of School, which will be donated to   needy community members.  First Grade Classes are sponsoring “Pennies for People” and are collecting pennies to help needy members of our school community.  Second Grade Students collected “gently” used or new picture books and children’s chapter books so every child in our school is able to have a “Library in Every Home.”  The Third Grade Students collected hats, mittens and scarves for their “Giving Tree.”

Finally, Mrs. Miller’s art students are making Valentine’s for a local nursing home.  We are so proud of our students and how they demonstrate helping others and making a difference in our community!

 

Finally, we are reviewing security procedures and now ask visitors to identify themselves when entering the building after 9:00 a.m.  Thank you for all the ways you support our students, staff and school! 

 

Mrs. Marilee A. Cantelmo

Marilee A. Cantelmo

School Leader/Principal                       

508-790-6485, Ext. 153

 

IMPORTANT DATES:

January 28-Board of Trustees Mtg. @ 6:00PM (Staff Room)

January 31-Principal Coffee Hour with ASP Training @ 9:30AM - 11:00AM (Café)

January 31-“Taking Stock” ASP Parent Training @ 12:30PM - 2:30PM

January 31-Steering Committee Meeting @ 3:50 PM (Staff Room)

January 31-Enrollment Closes @ 5:00 PM

February 1-School Store @ Lunches

February 5-School Committee Meeting @ High School Knight Auditorium

February 12-Spaghetti Dinner @ 5:30PM & 6:30PM

February 15-Box tops due

March 1-Walk-a-Thon

March 7-Pizza Night

 

BOX TOPS-DUE  FEB 15!!

Box top flyers went out and are due back February 15^th.  The winner will be “Principal for the Day.”  Please

print first and last name as well as the teacher’s name on the form.

 

PTO NEWS:

*The Elbow Concert was held this past Saturday.  Everyone who came had a great time singing and dancing with the Elbow’s!

*Anyone who has a business or knows of someone who would want to buy an ad, please help our yearbook out by buying an advertisement.  Any help would be greatly appreciated!

*Third grade students will be holding our 3^rd annual Spaghetti dinner on Feb. 12^th.  There will be two seatings - 5:30PM and 6:30PM and take-out.  Please come and join in on the fun and help support our third grade team.

*Mrs. Sollows our gym teacher and Tammy Smith will be holding our first Walk-a-Thon, Friday, March 1^st.  We hope everyone will help us reach our goal of $2,500.00.   100% of the funds go to help cover field trips and activities for our students.

*PTO will be holding a pizza night on March 7^th – watch for more details.

Thank you for all your help and support.

 

School Nurse Information:

Frostbite is, literally, frozen body tissue-caused by the skin being exposed to extreme cold.  Frostbite requires medical attention by a health care provider.  Kids are at greater risk for frostbite than adults, both because they lose heat from their skin more rapidly and because they may be reluctant to leave their winter fun to go inside and warm up.  The areas most prone to frostbite are the head, face, ears, hands and feet.  Frostbite can also be associated with hypothermia, a serious medical condition that requires emergency medical care.

Frostnip is a milder form of injury.  It usually affects areas that are exposed to the cold, such as the cheeks, nose, ears, fingers and toes, leaving them red and numb or tingly.  Frostnip can be treated at home and gets better with rewarming.   

How to Treat:

* Bring your child indoors immediately. 

*Remove all wet clothing.  Wet clothes draw heat away from the body. 

*Immerse chilled body parts in warm (not hot) water for 20 to 30 minutes until all sensation returns.  Don’t let your child control the water temperature during rewarming.  Numb hands won’t feel the heat and can be severely burned by water that is too hot.  Body heat can also be used to rewarm. 

*Don’t use heating pads, stoves, fireplaces or radiators to rewarm because the affected skin can be numb and easily burn. 

*Call your doctor if sensation does not return or there are signs of frostbite and/or hypothermia.

 

 

January 14, 2013

PARENT NEWSLETTER

 

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Barnstable Community Horace Mann Charter Public School (BCHMCPS) is to be a whole school community that provides a challenging and enriching environment for all children Kindergarten through grade 3; and where all children achieve high academic standards and develop character. We support the whole child and continuous improvement in the teaching process, and consider a whole school community as integral to success.

 

From Mrs. Cantelmo, School Leader/Principal:

Dear Parents/Guardians:

 

Barnstable Community Horace Mann Charter Public School (BCHMCPS) is accepting applications for enrollment for the upcoming 2013-2014 school year from January 1^st-31^st.

 

If your child is currently attending our school, he/she will be enrolled for next year.  If you have a sibling eligible to enroll, you must complete an application form by January 31^st.  Siblings have first preference for enrollment.

 

An Enrollment Open House will be held at BCHMCPS on Thursday, January 17, 2013 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Gymnasium.  An Enrollment Coffee Hour will also be held on Thursday, January 24, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. in the Cafeteria.  These sessions will provide parents interested in enrolling their child at BCHMCPS with information about the school and the enrollment process.  The application process is open to all students in grades K-3.

 

Thank you for the support you give our school. 

 

Mrs. Marilee A. Cantelmo

Marilee A. Cantelmo

School Leader/Principal                       

508-790-6485, Ext. 153

 

IMPORTANT DATES:

January 1-31st, 2013/Open Enrollment at BCHMCPS

January 10-February 12^th/ACCESS State Testing for English Language Learners

January 17^th  @ 6:30 PM-8:00PM/Enrollment Open House for New Parents (Gym)

January 18^th  @ 9:15 AM/All-School Community Meeting (Gym)

January 21^st /Martin Luther King Day-No School

January 22^nd-25^th  @ 9:30 AM/Tours for New Parents

January 23^rd @ 6:30 PM/ “ASP Speaker/Miss Beth-Anne Allen (Café)

January 23^rd @ 7:00 PM/PTO Meeting (Café)

January 24^th @ 9:30 AM/Enrollment Coffee Parent for New Parents (Café)

January 26^th @  11:00 AM/Elbow Concert (Barnstable United School Café)

January 28^th-31^st @ 9:30 AM/Tours for New Parents

January 28^th @ 6:00 PM/Board of Trustees Meeting (Staff Room)

January 31^st @ 9:30 AM/Principal Coffee Hour (Cafeteria)

January 31^st @ 3:50-5:00 PM/Steering Committee Meeting (Staff Room)

January 31^st @ 4:00 PM/Open Enrollment Closes

 

PTO NEWS:

The PTO would like to say a huge “Thank You” to all the parents who stepped up and helped the PTO with all our December events.  We would like to say a special thanks to Cheryl Quast, Joanne White and Kate Fredericks, we could not have done it without them.  We would like to say from the bottom of our hearts, “Happy New Year - All the best in 2013.”

 

SCHOOL NURSE INFORMATION:

The flu is different from a cold.  Both a cold and the flu are respiratory illnesses, but caused by different types of viruses with different symptoms.  The flu usually comes on suddenly.  To recognize flu symptoms, remember Flu F.A.C.T.S. (Fever, Aches, Chills, Tiredness, and Sudden Onset.)  Children can have other flu symptoms that are rare in adults, including vomiting and diarrhea.

Good hygiene habits help control the spread of the flu virus.  Teach your child these tips to help prevent the spread of flu:

     1.)  Cover your cough and sneezes.

     2.)  Wash your hands with soap and water.

     3.)  Avoid touching your face-especially your eyes, mouth and nose as this can spread germs.

     4.)  Get plenty of sleep.

     5.)  Eat healthy foods and make sure to get out and exercise every day.

If your child gets the flu, it’s important that they spend time home resting.  Keep your child home at least 24 hours after his/her fever is gone.

 

NOTES FROM THE SCHOOL ADJUSTMENT COUNSELOR:

Isn’t it wonderful when your children finally get ready for school by themselves, picks out their own clothes and dresses themselves?  You can see how proud they are to dress themselves.  Sometimes children like the same outfit and wear it more than once in a week.  There is an important balance between independence and appropriateness, however.  Parents need to check the choices before they leave the house.  In the winter months, the weather is cold and children need to be dressed appropriately with warm clothes, coats, hats and mittens.  We can still make children feel good about their independence while checking on their choices.  If you are having any problems providing appropriate clothing for your child, please feel free to contact Krista Swanson, School Adjustment Counselor.

   

STOP & SHOP A+ SCHOOL REWARDS PROGRAM:

It’s a record!  Thanks to all the students who entered the contest to sign up new families.  We now have 257 shoppers enrolled to earn cash for our school.  Great Job!  The program ends in March, so there is still time to sign up!  Information is available on our website or stop in to the Main Office.  Here is the list of our Stop & Shop Rewards Program winners who each received a $25 Barnes and Noble Gift Certificate!!

K:    Sabrina Pinto/Mrs. Jones

1^st:   Amaya Martin/Mrs. Sproul

2^nd:  Caralena Lindberg/Ms. Cabral

3^rd:   Leticia Silva/Mrs. Whelan

 

 

WEEK OF DECEMBER 17, 2012

PARENT NEWSLETTER

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Barnstable Community Horace Mann Charter Public School (BCHMCPS) is to be a whole school community that provides a challenging and enriching environment for all children Kindergarten through grade 3; and where all children achieve high academic standards and develop character. We support the whole child and continuous improvement in the teaching process, and consider a whole school community as integral to success.

From Mrs. Cantelmo, School Leader/Principal:

December is here and what a busy month we are having at BCHMCPS!  A few highlights of events for this month include a Stop and Stop Contest to sign-up family and friends (see next page), Skating on Dec. 20 at the Community Center and our All School Community Meeting on Dec. 21 at 9:15 a.m. in the Gym.  Parents are welcome to attend the monthly All School Community Meetings.  Please review the December Calendar for other upcoming events!!

Thanks to all families that attended the BCHMCPS “New Standards-Based Report Card Overview” at the November PTO Meeting (Nov 28) and Parent Coffee (Nov. 30), Parent/Teacher Conferences (Dec. 4 and 6) and the Title 1/Intervention Parent/Child Afternoon (Dec. 5).  Thank you also for attending and supporting the PTO Scholastic Book Fair (Dec. 3-7), the Ice Cream Social (Dec. 5) and the Craft Fair and Bake Sale (Dec. 8)!!  

Grade 1 students attended the Nutcracker Gala production on Friday, December 7^th at the High School Performing Arts Center.  The students learned all about the Nutcracker before the concert with visiting dance instructors due to the support of a Barnstable Education Foundation Grant. The concert was produced by the Atlantic Coast Academy of Dance, owned by Coby and Tanya Vincent who are BCHMCPS parents!

This week we are assessing all students using AIMSWeb.  The purpose of this assessment is to measure reading and math progress from September to December.   Grade Level Teachers meet monthly in data teams.    These meetings are led by our coaches-Ms. Norwood, Reading Specialist, and Ms. Allen, Title 1 Math Teacher.  I attend these meetings to work with the teachers and our coaches to discuss classroom strategies that support student improvement.    

We continue to focus on giving at our school.  We are currently collecting donations to send to the students and staff of the  Joseph B. Cavallaro Middle School in Brooklyn, NY who were victims of Hurricane Sandy (a list of suggested donations is attached to this newsletter).  Please help by sending in any donations by Friday, Dec. 14^th.   Rose Rogan, one of our staff members, has volunteered to deliver the donations next weekend!

Mrs. Marilee A. Cantelmo

Marilee A. Cantelmo

School Leader/Principal                       

IMPORTANT DATES:

December 10^th-Special Education Parent Advisory Council Mtg./6:30 PM at Barnstable High School (Cafeteria)

December 14^th – Stop & Shop Rewards Program sheets due.

December 19^th – Stop& Shop Rewards Program winners announced.

Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) News:

On December 10th the SPED Parent Advisory Council will hold an informative meeting at 6:30 PM at the High School Senior Café.  The topic will be “Let’s Get Organized.”  It will be a skill-building hands-on workshop for families of children with special needs to help get organized with the paperwork associated with special education.  Please call Nancy Molinari at 508-862-4977 to reserve a spot.

Stop & Shop A+ School Rewards Program Contest (Due Dec. 14^th):

The A+ School Rewards Program has started and we’re having a contest to register our friends and families!  Every BCHMCPS family member or friend who is registered and shops at Stop & Shop earns CASH for our school!  Our school will receive a check at the end of the program and the money can be used for any of the school’s educational needs.  Last year, our school community earned $1,226.54.  Remember, even if someone registered their card last year, they must re-register this year for our school to receive credit.

We are ready to award a $25 gift certificate to the student in each grade (K-3) who turns in the most names and numbers, so get started today!  The sign-up sheet was sent home in your child’s backpack mail last week!!

Library News:

On the database page of the library website, you will find links to some resources that are provided to us courtesy of the Massachusetts Library System.  One is to the on-line Encyclopedia Britannica (elementary level) and the other two are for basic research for elementary students - KidsInfoBits and InfoTrac Junior.   Please take a look.

Week of November 12, 2012

PARENT NEWSLETTER

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Barnstable Community Horace Mann Charter Public School (BCHMCPS) is to be a whole school community that provides a challenging and enriching environment for all children Kindergarten through grade 3; and where all children achieve high academic standards and develop character. We support the whole child and continuous improvement in the teaching process, and consider a whole school community as integral to success.

From Mrs. Cantelmo, School Leader/Principal:

This year the Barnstable Community Horace Mann Charter Public School (BHCMCPS) is piloting the MusicWorks! Everyday curriculum.  Our students listen to classical music by a famous composer for five minutes every morning at 9:05 a.m.  Mrs. Krikava, English Language Development Teacher, or I read a script describing the composition each day during the week.  Each classroom teacher receives the script on Friday for the upcoming week.  It is important that children arrive at school by 9:00 a.m. which is the start of the school day.

MusicWorks! Everyday is a non-directed music listening program which encourages each child to engage with music in a way that is uniquely personal for him or her.  The curriculum, authored by David Brummitt and Karen E.  Taylor, is published by Tall Timbers Publishing Corporation.  The Cape Cod Symphony has loaned us this curriculum and is sponsoring this program.

During my last Principal’s Coffee on Thursday, November 1^st we discussed the MusicWorks! Everyday program.  Parents asked if they could also have a copy of the script (see attached).

Weekly November Composers:

Week of Oct. 29-Nov. 2:  Modeste Mussorgsky

Week of Nov. 5-Nov. 9:  William Byrd

Week of Nov. 13-Nov. 16:  Johann Sebastian Bach

Week of Nov. 19-Nov. 20:  Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Week of Nov. 26-Nov. 30:  Sergey Prokofiev

Please join us in listening to great music and famous composers!

Mrs. Marilee A. Cantelmo

Marilee A. Cantelmo

School Leader/Principal                       

IMPORTANT DATES

November 12-No School

November 15-Steering Committee Meeting @ 3:50 p.m. (Staff Room)

November 16-All School Community Meeting @ 9:15 a.m. (Gym)

November 16-Fit Friday @ 5:00-6:00 p.m. (Gym)

November 19-Polished Dental Program @ 8:30-2:00 p.m.  (Gym)

November 19-Board of Trustees Meeting @ 6:00 p.m. (Staff Room)

November 28 @ 7PM – PTO meeting in the café

(Over)

Fit Friday Counselor:

Friday, November 16^th from 5PM-6PM in the BCHMCPS gym is “Fit Friday”!  This is a FREE event for students and their families.  Please join us in various fun fitness stations and dancing!

Notes from the School Adjustment Counselor:

BCHMCPS would like to be a Giving Community so we are offering two opportunities to give back:

1.  We can collect any extra Halloween candy and send it to the troops!  We will have a box out in the lobby of the school for collection.  We have a parent who will take the candy and bring it to Cape Cares for the Troops next weekend.

2.  Mrs. Melley and Mrs. Rogan would like to collect clothes for the New Jersey and New York community.  If you have anything you could donate, please contact Mrs. Melley for drop off.

Health Office Notes:

The Dentist Is Coming To Our School:

Did you know that when children’s oral health suffers so does their progress? Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease. It affects five times more children than Asthma. The good news is we know how to prevent this disease. Prevention includes dental exams and treatments.

The dentist is coming to BCHMCPS on Monday, November 19^th. The permission slips were sent out last week. It is not too late to sign up.  Polished dental is providing preventative dental care right in the schools gym.

For more information ask: Ann Marie Melley RN 508-790-6495 or Lynn Couto 508-789-0703.

The following dental services will be provided:

1        Dental exams

2        Dental cleanings

3        Sealants

4        Fluoride varnish application

5        Toothbrush and toothpaste

6        Referrals to dentists

7        Temporary fillings (as needed)

PTO Notes:

The PTO has been busy this month!  Thank you to all who participated in the third Annual Halloween Party.  Everyone had a blast and the PTO raised $960!  It would not have been possible without all our volunteers and people who donated decorations and baked goods.  Thank you so much.  PTO is still accepting donations if you did not wish to participate in either fundraiser.  The money goes 100% to your child’s field trips!  Thanks to all the families who supported us by either selling raffle tickets, soup or cookies, or making a donation.  It is very important that we are able to continue offering our teachers field trips for free.   We have many volunteers, but we are still looking for someone to chair the craft fair taking place on Dec. 8^th.  Please let us know if you are interested. We also need volunteers for our upcoming book fair and ice cream social which will be December 3-8 and the ice cream social on Dec. 6^th. 

Box Tops:

Congratulations to Mrs. Cabral’s class who won a pizza party for collecting the most box tops, 995!  Our school mails the box tops twice a year, fall and spring, to receive a check to add to the PTO budget.  The next collection deadline is in February.  Information about box tops can be found at www.boxtops4education.com.

Box tops may be sent to the school at anytime and will be counted toward the fall and spring contest.  The school does not receive money for expired box tops, Labels for Education, Campbell’s soup labels, Betty Crocker labels, etc.    Any questions? e-mail Kate Fredericks at kate@fredricks.org.

The Barnstable Community Horace Mann Charter Public School (BHCMCPS) All School Community Theme Celebration will be held on Thursday, October 18, 2012!

Our theme this year is “A Giving Community that Grows Together!”  There are many special events planned during the day.

Schedule for the Day:

9:15-10:30 a.m.   All School Community Meeting (Gym)

10:30-1:45 p.m.   Classroom Tour Displays

2:00 p.m.             All School Photograph in shape of “The Giving Tree” (children wear green or brown)

6:30-8:00 p.m.     Open House for Families (please come to the front lobby when entering the building)

                             Scavenger Hunt/A Community Passport/Displays in the Gym/Refreshments and

                             Reflections (Cafeteria)

Please join us as our children demonstrate how they are learning about giving and community at our

School!

Mrs. Marilee A. Cantelmo

Marilee A. Cantelmo

School Leader/Principal                        

IMPORTANT DATES (See October calendar)

October 15-Composer of the Week/Aaron Copland (Rodeo:  Four Dance Episodes #4Hoe-down)

October 15-PTO Otis Fundraiser Ends

October 15 @ 6:30-8:30 p.m./Special Education Parent Advisory Council Meeting, “Basic Rights in Special Education”/Senior Cafeteria/Barnstable High School 6:30-8:30 p.m.

October 18 @ 9:15 a.m./All School Community Meeting/Theme Day Celebration (BCHMCPS)

October 18 @ 6:30-8:00 p.m./Theme Day Celebration (BCHMCPS)

October 19 @ 3:00-6:00 p.m./Garden Fall Clean-Up

October 22 @ 6:00 p.m./Board of Trustees Meeting

October 23 @ 6:00 p.m./Sugar & A Healthier Halloween Free Lecture-childcare available (Cafeteria)

October 23 @ 7:00 p.m./PTO Meeting (Cafeteria)

Notes from the School Library

The library automation project has been completed.  Classroom teachers and families are now able to view the school library collection online.  A live link has been added to the library website page for added ease of use.  To access the online library catalog simply click on the live link.  The database is similar to the one used by the Cape Cod Libraries C.L.A.M.S. network—although it is in a much simpler format.  There are drop-down boxes to allow a user to search by author, subject, or title.  There is also a student friendly version using icons rather than searchable terms.  Additional information is provided such as; how many copies are in the collection and if the book is available.  Please be aware the system does not provide an auto-correct.  Spelling counts!

Notes from the Enrichment Teacher:

Carol Panasci, our new Enrichment Teacher, will be starting her project-based learning Enrichment with a school-wide Mock Election to be held on Friday, November 2.  Voting will take place in the cafeteria during each grade's lunchtime.  There will be no politics in this election! 

Notes from the School Adjustment Counselor:

Sometimes it’s hard for children to think of things that are going well in the moment.  It is a skill to really focus on the positives.  It is good practice for children and perhaps adults too, to take the time to think about things that are going well.  November is a good month for families to start a thankful journal.  Each person writes down three things each day that they are thankful for like a warm home, a great school, a loving pet.  This may seem silly at first, but if you stick with it and write three things down each day for one month, your thoughts may become more positive.  It’s worth a try!  Mrs. Swanson, School Adjustment Counselor, 508-790-6485.

Health Office Notes:

Flu season is upon us.  The best way to prevent the flu is to get your flu shot.  Barnstable residents can get a flu shot on Wednesday, October 17^th from 9:30AM to 11:30 AM at the St. George Greek Community Church Center, 1130 Route 28 in Centerville.  The fee is $3 (correct change) or no charge if unable to pay.  No children under 4.  Drive-through service provided.  Questions: 508-862-4644

For Kindergarten Parents:  If you have not handed in a copy of your child's physical with required immunizations, it is important that you do so as soon as possible.  Any questions or concerns, please call Mrs. Melley at 508-790-6495.

PTO Notes:

Otis Spunkmeyer is due Monday, October 15^th.  Please bring all envelopes back in.  We are looking for Volunteers for our Huge Halloween Party.  We would love if you can help us in anyway possible.  Volunteer your time or bring in some items that are needed to make it a success.  PTO will be hosting a breakfast party in Ms. Long’s class Friday, October 19^th for selling the most raffle tickets.   Boxtops are due Friday, October 26^th.  There will be a pizza party rewarded to the class sending in the most boxtops.  Make sure to check the board in the lobby of the school for the winners of the raffle to date.  Ms. McGuinness was the lucky winner of a manicure in this week’s teacher drawing. 

Garden News:

Kids - bring your parents to the Annual Fall Clean-up Event for families!  It will be Saturday, Oct. 13th from 10AM-1PM and Friday, Oct. 19th from 3:30 PM-6PM.  Face painting and water will be provided.  "Pick a Weed and Get Your Face Painted!”

Stop & Shop A+ School Rewards Program:

The Rewards Program is underway and we have 45 families enrolled and shopping to earn cash for BCHMCPS!  Last year, 87 families earned $1,226 for our school.  Register you card today and let’s make this the best year ever!  Please remember… If you registered your card last year, you must re-register this year for BCHMCPS to receive credit.  Registration information has gone home with students – If you need more information, please visit or call the Main Office.