Cure AT/RT Raffle

Win this Spring basket by donating to the spinathon for Cure AT/RT!
 

 It is filled with seasonal toys such as a butterfly net, baseball bat, frisbee, jump rope, bubbles, watering can, and shovels. The basket will be on display in the Sweetsir Lobby until the raffle on April 26th at 9:00am. 

Raffle for Cure AT/RT

To enter the raffle, make a donation to the "Sweetsir Spinners" team described below.  All proceeds will go directly to Cure AT/RT.  Any size donation is welcome and will qualify you for the raffle!  Donations can be made via the Sweetsir School office (cash or checks made payable to "Cure AT/RT").  If sent via backpack, please use an envelop labeled Cure AT/RT, and include your name for the drawing.  For more information contact Erica Wentworth at ewentworth@prsd.org.

Sweetsir Spinners for Cure AT/RT

Avalanna

As many of you know, at the beginning of this school year Merrimac lost two children to pediatric cancer.  My colleagues and I feel blessed that Emma and Avalanna attended the Sweetsir School.  They were beautiful young girls with amazing personalities.  We have many fond memories of how they, and their families, brought joy to our school community.  For this reason, participating in fundraisers to cure pediatric cancer is a cause near and dear to our hearts.                          

Avalanna's family and friends created a fund to support research and treatment at Dana Farber Cancer Institute to cure AT/RT.  The weekend of April 26th-27th, they will be hosting a second Spinathon and Spa Night fundraiser.  The goal is to have 80 teams, raise $1,000 each, and ride spin bikes for 24 hours at Latitude's in Methuen.  (For more details, visit www.cureatrt.org ).

Last year, a team made up of Sweetsir staff members and parents had a great time at the event and raised $1,675!  (Follow the cure AT/RT label on the right to see pictures).  If you would like to ride with the "Sweetsir Spinners" this year, contact our Team Captain Erica Wentworth at ewentworth@prsd.org.   The Sweetsir Spinners are collecting monetary donations at the Sweetsir School office until April 24th.

Pentucket Cares

Students have decorated posters for the lobby bulletin board
 about the soldier drive.

March 18th-22nd, we will be celebrating "Kindness Week" with theme days and special events.  Students will be encouraged to make cards and write letters of appreciation for members of our school community.  In the lobby, there will be a mailbox to 'mail' the letters in-house.  To show our support to military men and women, we will also be joining "Operation Pentucket Cares."  This High School group will be mailing donations to soldiers overseas.  A box will be placed in our lobby to collect items such as chapstick, popcorn, playing cards, and toiletries.  Students will also be decorating book markers for soldiers during art classes.  Please look for the brochure coming home this week via backpack with more details. 

A Community Against Bullying

'Be A Buddy; Not A Bully' banner held by assembly presenters and students.

It sends a powerful message when adults with different roles in the community stand together to speak against bullying.  On October 4th, Police Chief Eric Shears, Fire Chief Ralph Spencer, and Superintendent Dr. Jeff Mulqueen visited both Merrimac Schools to speak with students about the importance of being "A Buddy; Not A Bully."  The event was part of a community-wide initiative, which also included Groveland, West Newbury, and other neighboring towns.  Police Chief Eric Shears helped bring this initiative to all the Pentucket Schools.

The three Chiefs did a wonderful job tying the anti-bullying message in with the "Bucket Filler" theme we use all year long to promote kindness.  (Follow the link at the top of this blog for additional information about Bucket Filling).  After the assembly, students received green bracelets with the motto "Be A Buddy, Not A Bully" thanks to a generous donation from the Haverhill Bank.  School Counselors, Sarah Angell Pond and Amy Brennan, then invited students to sign a banner pledging to "Be A Buddy and A Bucket Filler." 

Below are some age appropriate examples we use as talking points. 

                  Being a Buddy means being a good friend (Bucket Filler):

§  Smiling and saying hello

§  Saying nice things to others- giving compliments

§  Using good manners- (saying please and thank you)

§  Offering to help others- (hold the door/ pick up someone’s pencil)

§  Inviting others children to play at recess or to sit with you at lunch

§  Sharing and taking turns

§  Respecting others space- ‘Keep your hands and feet to your self."

Buddies help to stop bullying (bucket dipping):

§  Remind others to be kind, and help them to learn and remember the rules

§  Using words to solve problems.  If someone does something you do not like, tell them with your words. ('I do not like it when you lean on my desk, please stop'.)

§  If someone is hurt or really upset, get help by telling a grown up.

Bucket Filler becomes a Trailblazer

Miss Kate Carroll

Congratulations to Miss Kate Carroll~ 2012 Trailblazer! 

The Pentucket Educational Foundation will be honoring one teacher from each Pentucket school with a 'Trailblazer Award' at the June 5th School Committee Meeting.  This is the second year the PEF will be recognizing teachers who 'inspire, energize and motivate others' with $500 to purchase classroom materials.

Miss Kate Carroll is a talented first grade teacher who goes above and beyond to share her passion and skills with others.  Earlier this year, for example, she played a pivotal role in helping colleagues learn to use the online technology component of our upgraded math program.  Her knowledge of smart board technology has made her the building go to person for technology needs.  In May, Miss Carroll was invited to be a presenter at the Teaching and Learning Alliance literacy conference.  She, and colleague Kate Byrne, facilitated a training for Massachusetts educators on how to create focus lessons for Reader's Workshop.  

Miss Carroll was instrumental in bringing the 'bucket filling' concept to Sweetsir School.  I was struck by the warm, positive culture created in her classroom and noticed her using Carol McCloud's book to promote kindness.  The concept has since caught on as our school-wide theme.  Miss Carroll is a prime example of a 'bucket filler.'  She spent much of this year recovering from an injury she sustained practicing basketball for a PTO fundraiser.  She refused to take time off because she didn't think it would be fair to her first grade students.  Instead, she came to work in a wheelchair and used it as a teaching opportunity to help children understand the importance of compassion and acceptance for those with disabilities.  Seeing her smile as she leaned on a chair to reach the smart board, or glide across the hall to share a resource with fellow teachers, one could not help but be inspired.  Miss Carroll's dedication and positive attitude make her most deserving of the title 'Trailblazer'!


Thank  you to the Pentucket Educational Foundation for creating the Trailblazer Awards!  The following list of educators were also selected to receive this honor:

• Bagnall:  Ms. Regan
• Donaghue: Ms. Simmons
• High School: Ms. Sessions
• Middle School: Mr. Beatrice
• Page: Mr. Peterson

Bucket Fillers Bicycling for Diabetes

Emma- 2 years ago

"These two young girls are my superheros.  They showcases the courage it takes to live every day with this difficult disease.  They are two vibrant and wonderful young ladies who are living with type 1 Diabetes through their childhood years as I did.  In honor of their journey, and the journey of their friends and family who are with them, I am riding to support their healthy future."  
          -Courtney Breen (describing a Sweetsir student and a family friend                      who are the inspiration for the family's ride this year).

The Breen Team, 4yrs ago

Emma & Joshua are Bucket Fillers! 

Two Sweetsir Students will be participating in the 'Tour de Cure Bike Ride to Stop Diabetes' on Sunday, June 3rd.  This will be the fifth time for Emma (1st grader) and first time for siblings, Joshua and Regan.  Their team also includes: grand mother- Jeane Lowd and parents - Joel and Courtney Breen.  The ride has special meaning for them since their mom and several dear friends were diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes as young children.  Courtney credits treatments found from fundraising efforts like 'Tour de Cure' for helping her accomplish healthy living goals.  

In the past few years, I've known several elementary age students who were unexpectedly diagnosed with diabetes. They, and their families, were suddenly thrust into a life altering experience. To maintain their health, they must follow restrictive diets, monitor blood glucose levels, take insulin shots and work closely with their health team.  I encourage all families to preview the warning signs listed below and consider joining  the Breen family in their efforts to stop this medical condition which affects over 25 million Americans.

To help Emma & Joshua's team raise money for the American Diabetes Association visit:
Breen Team Page  (donations can be made on-line or by contacting the Breen family directly).
                    

   Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes

• Frequent urination
• Unusual thirst
• Extreme hunger
• Unusual weight loss
• Extreme fatigue and Irritability

Diabetes often goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem so harmless. Recent studies indicate that the early detection of diabetes symptoms and treatment can decrease the chance of developing the complications of diabetes.  Consult with your physician if you notice any of the warning signs above.  For more information visit:  American Diabetes Association Website

Community of Bucketfillers

Spin-a-thon Room with 80 bikes

Thank you to all the FNS families and staff members who helped raise funds for Cure AT/RT.  Our team, the Sweetsir Spinners, surpassed our goal by raising $1,675!  By the end of the spin-a-thon, over $60,000 had been collected.  The total for "Avalanna's Weekend" is expected to be even higher once the proceeds from the Spa Night are tallied in with other proceeds.

For those of us who attended the Spin-a-thon, it was a very emotional and inspiring experience.  Walking into the room, you couldn't help but be awestruck by the number of people who gave their time and effort to support this cause.  It's astonishing that a little 6 year old girl could rally such a large community of people.

Some of the Sweetsir Spinners

Mrs. Erica Wentworth, a kindergarten teacher, went above and beyond as our team captain.  To add spirit she designed these shirts and created a sign for the Sweetsir bike.  This photo shows some of the many staff members who wore the shirts to school on Friday and spent part of the weekend pedaling.

Sweetsir Spinners bike sign

Cake Pops by Terceiro

Mrs. Kathy Terceiro, a third grade teacher, made a bazillion of these fancy cake pops for Cure AT/RT.  You may have seen them being sold around town and outside of West Newbury Food Mart by some Merrimac children. The children also showed up at the club to cheer on the spinners.  They were quite irresistible in their bright yellow shirts (featuring a large 'A'), tutus, and bows.

Spinning for a Sweetheart

Have you heard of the little girl affectionately being referred to as "Mrs. Beiber"?  You may have seen her on the news around Valentine's Day.  This little sweetheart made national headlines when Justin Beiber flew her to New York to play Candyland.  The trip was a media sensation and the world fell in love with her.  Those of us who know her as Avalanna, a Sweetsir kindergartner, were not surprised.  She has that effect on people- her infectious laugh and beautiful personality fills others with joy.

The trip to NY was an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the need to raise money to cure AT/RT.  This form of pediatric cancer is so rare that there is no cure and virtually no funding for research.  April 27th-29th, Avalanna's family and friends are putting together a 24 hour Spin-a-thon and a Spa Night to benefit 'Cure AT/RT Now', which they formed to support research at Dana Farber Cancer Institute.  The Sweetsir School is pleased to announce we are putting together a team to participate in this fundraiser.  Details will be sent home via backpack to explain how you can  form your own team or sponsor the 'Sweetsir Spinners'.   Monetary donations and checks made out to 'Cure AT/RT Now' will be collected at the Sweetsir School Office until April 27th.  Let's join together to prevent other children from experiencing this devastating illness.

Book Characters

Many interesting book characters greeted students on Dr. Seuss's birthday. Among them were Viola Swamp (Ms. Caproni), Teacher from the Black Lagoon, Thing One (Ms. Vienneau) from The Cat and the Hat and the Conductor (Ms. LeGrow) from The Polar Express. This special day was earned by our first and second graders amazing efforts to master math facts.  On Thursday, March 8th, we will also be celebrating with a school-wide "Pajama Day".


I had a blast seeing students react to my costume from  Have You Filled A Bucket today?.  Many responded with giggles and surprised looks upon recognizing the character from the book our school-wide theme is based upon.

I love math!! It is my third favorite subject.

I received this letter from a second grade student.

Joy in a Box

A mailbox was placed in the school lobby for 'Kindness Week'.  A few days later it was overflowing with letters of appreciation written by students.  They were addressed to all different staff members including bus drivers, custodians, office staff and previous teachers.  I am not sure which was more heartwarming, seeing the expressions on the faces of children as they mailed them, or the joy they brought when read.                                                                                                          

So many of the letters I received were truly precious, it was impossible to choose a favorite.  I selected these two to share because I loved seeing how they chose to draw me.

A student who transferred to Sweetsir in the middle of last year gave me this picture with a letter stating, 'You filled my bucket since I met you.'  I remember trying to offer him some words of encouragement when he arrived on his first day looking scared and anxious.  It touched my heart to see that he remembered it too.                  

Talented Bucketfiller

Mr. Sam Bruce, Sweetsir custodian, painted this mural in our cafeteria. He decided to spruce up an old bulletin board and surprised the students with this colorful painting. It's a great reminder of our school-wide theme to promote kindness by filling buckets. To learn more about the bucketfilling concept, click on the tab near the top of this blog.

We will be celebrating 'Kindness' with special theme days the week of February 12th. Students will be collecting donations for Pettengill House and jumping rope for the American Heart Association. There will also be a mailbox in the lobby where they can place letters of appreciation for adults in the building. At the end of the week, some of the letters will be shared at a school-wide assembly.

Pettengill House

During the month of February, we will be collecting personal care products for Pettengill House. Items most needed include: toilet paper, soap, shampoo and diapers (especially larger sizes).

I have known the caring staff members at Pettengill House for several years and have seen them help many area families through troubled times. The Pettengill House mission is "to support and empower children and families by providing education, extensive case management, family stabilization and basic needs." For more information visit their website at http://www.pettengillhouse.org/
Our guidance counselor, Ms. Angell, and some students decorated this bulletin board in our front lobby.

Super Classy Gesture

This beautiful bouquet of flowers arrived today for "The Sweetsir Learning Community."  The card stated, "Looking forward to a great future together". Dr. Jeffrey Mulqueen, who was offered the Superintendent position on Tuesday evening, also sent similar arrangements to the other Pentucket Schools.

I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Mulqueen during the interview process and feel very fortunate to have such a highly qualified professional coming on board.  One of the things that most impressed me was the manner in which he interacted with both staff and students during his tour. Along with a warm smile and handshake, he greeted staff members by asking about their impressions of the district.  Even though we were at the end of a six building tour, he was personable and enthusiastic.

The School Committee Members have devoted a great deal of their personal time to select our next leader.  Along with attending many late night interviews, they traveled to site visits, performed background checks and showed candidates around all three towns.  When you see them, I hope you will join me in extending a sincere thank you for all the support they give our schools!

Merrimac is a Caring Community

The Holiday Helper program was a huge success!  Community members joined with staff from the Donaghue and Sweetsir School to help over 30 families.  Local organizations, such as the Merrimac Garden Club, Merrimac PTO and many others, gave monetary donations to purchase warm clothing and toys.  Throughout the past year, Lion Club Members raised funds to provide each family a turkey dinner.  They partnered with the West Newbury Food Mart to provide the food baskets below.  Students also brought in mittens, hats and food donations. 

 

A special thank you to Kathy Devaney, Judy Kroner, Kathy Sullivan 

and the many other Holiday Helper organizers.

'Holiday Helper' Tradition

Giving Tree 2010
Girl Scouts handmade stockings
filled with mittens.

For many years, the Sweetsir School & Donaghue School have joined forces with community members and local organizations to provide holiday gifts for families experiencing financial hardship.  This wonderful tradition will continue again this year!  If you would like to contribute, food drives will be held at both elementary schools and gift cards or monetary donations may be brought to the school office (checks can be made payable to 'Holiday Helper').  After Thanksgiving, there will also be a 'Giving Tree' in the Sweetsir lobby for children to hang donations of mittens and gloves.  The tree is named after the book, by Shel Silverstein, featuring a tree that showed unconditional love by giving gifts.

A letter recently went home to let parents know how they can apply for assistance from the 'Holiday Helper' program.  For more information, please contact one of the elementary school nurses or guidance staff members. 

Lion Club Members 
help every year!

Both retired & current staff members
are behind the scene organizers.

Heating Units and Bucket Fillers

The Sweetsir School is a bucket filling school!  (For more information about where this saying comes from, follow the tab above for the page with more detail).  Not only do we fill buckets with kindness; we also filled them with rain drops today.

The rain has been a great way to test out our new roof.  A number of buckets adorned our hallways today.  Not to worry... if you look closely at the picture, you will notice in the spot directly above the bucket there is partial duct work.  The rain trickled in the holes made in preparation for where pipes will be installed to connect our heating system to units on the roof.  This was not surprising since we are in the midst of construction.  Otherwise, the new roof held up great! 

Construction Update:  Good news, I saw several very large heating units being placed on the roof today.  Based on the information I am receiving, the heating project appears to be nearing completion.  In the past, the heat was not distributed well and temperatures varied from room to room.  I anticipate things will be much better.  However, as a mom who has worked in several different school buildings, my advice is to always dress children in layers.  I have one child who prefers teeshirts and another who wraps herself in a blanket.  Everyone has their own comfort level, so layers help adjust to individual needs.  Removable sweatshirts and sweaters are great during the winter months.  Thicker layers are especially helpful after weekends and vacations when it can take awhile for large buildlings to heat up. 

High Five:  Next time you go shopping for winter clothes.... remember the high five rule.  Students in grades k-2 go outside all winter long for recess.  If children have the following five articles they can play in the snow:  1) winter coat 2) snowpants 3) hat 4) boots 5) gloves.  It is a blast watching a playground full of children slide down snowbanks during recess.  I look forward to snapping photos and blogging about it in the near future.

Bucket Filling Moments

Everyday at Sweetsir, I see and hear things that are kind and heartwarming....

A 5 year old boy filled my bucket this week.  I asked him if he remembered meeting me last year and he responded with my name.   When asked if he knows what a Principal does, he answered, "You're the one who cares about all the kids." I loved the fact that he stressed the word all.

On Friday, the students in Mrs. Byrne's class proudly informed me they had earned extra recess time by filling up a marble jar.  When asked how they did this, they responded, "We filled buckets!" They then shared stories of helping classmates with kind gestures such as opening a water bottle, returning a lost pencil, and lifting up a chair.  Best of all, the smiles on their faces showed they understood the importance of building a caring, classroom environment.

First Day

I always love the first day of school.  It is filled with sweet moments like this....

A second grader rushes off the bus to greet Mrs. Greeley with a big hug.

At the Kindergarten Open House, children are thrilled to climb aboard a real school bus.

PRSD is fortunate to have Greg Hadden!

Greg Hadden is a topnotch employee!  He is a wealth of knowledge and extremely dedicated.  The Pentucket Regional School District is fortunate to have him as our Facilities Manager.  He cares for all six buildings and supervises the grounds and building crew.  This winter, he worked incredible hours trying to keep up with snowstorms and building maintenance issues.  Earlier this year, he coordinated applications for funding of building improvements through the 'Greens Project'.  Thanks to Mr. Hadden's hard work, several PRSD schools are now slated to have major building renovations.  Plans are underway to replace the roof and windows on the older section of the Sweetsir building.  (We certainly will not miss the leaky ceilings and drafty windows!). Structural engineers have already been by several times to review floor plan maps and tour the building.  Plans are in place to begin the repairs this summer... more details will be posted via this blog once the work begins.

As you can see in this picture, Mr. Hadden even pitches in to fill some of the gaps in staffing left by budget reductions.  He often helps the custodians mow grounds and shovel walkways.