PTO Thank You

Thanks to the PTO, students are using
 Ipads to create on-line stories.

A message from the Merrimac PTO~

The PTO Board and members would like to send out a special Thank You to the families and students of Merrimac.

With the support from you throughout the year, by contributing to fundraisers and participating in events that have been held, the PTO was able to award appropriations to teachers from both schools at last month's meeting. (This was the second appropriations of the year).

The total amount awarded was $4,865.86 and included items such as IPADS, Elmos, Weighted lap pads, Rocker Boards, Adventure Bouncer and Crawl Tunnel, Field Day/Relay for life shirts for all students and staff at Donaghue, Balance Balls, and T-shirts for annual bug show for first Grade.

Without the support from families in our community, the PTO would not have been able to increase the budgeted amount of $3,000 to $4,865.86 and fulfill all the requests from our teachers.

Thank You again for your support throughout the year.

-Merrimac PTO  Jen, Crissy, Rebekah, Sara, Julie and Sharon

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

Family Game Night

Game Night was a fun family evening!  Thanks to the PTO, children had a blast playing a variety of board games with their parents, siblings and friends.

I was impressed with the selection of games, most had received parent choice awards for their educational value.  Best of all, when I asked children what their favorite game was, most stated the one they were playing at the time.  As the event wrapped up, I overheard children saying they hoped there will be another game night.  Kudos to Mrs. Daneau, Mrs. Reynold, Mrs. Hadley, the Marden family and other PTO members who helped run this event.


The PTO plans to send home order forms to give families who were not able to attend an opportunity to order the games.  The PTO will receive 50% profit on all games purchased.

May 12th PTO Auction

These items will be up for bid at the PTO's upcoming auction. Staff Members on the second grade team donated this movie theme basket, which includes gift certificates.  Each classroom will be donating unique items created by students. Ms. Rowley's second graders decorated this bag of goodies using their thumbprints to make a garden design (picture to right).

For more information about donating items or obtaining tickets contact Jen Marden, PTO President, at Jen.shane@verizon.net.

Spirit Wear

Kudos to the PTO for this fantastic window display in our front lobby!  There is still time to order your spirit wear. Staff members went crazy over these soft, flannel bottoms... they are planning some school spirit days so they'll have an excuse to wear them to school, lol.  Order forms were sent home via backpack last week, additional copies are available in the school office.