December 22, 2016

RBS Principal’s Notes

December 22, 2016

From the staff of Riddle Brook School, we would like to wish all of our families a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah and Happy New Year!  It’s always a bittersweet time when the holidays come to a close for the year, but it’s also nice to enjoy some relaxing time with families and friends.  Have a wonderful week, and we will see you in the New Year!

IN THE NEWS:

RBS Directory Cover Contest Winners

We had MANY great submissions this year for our annual RBS Directory Cover Contest!  Thank you to all of the students who participated.  We certainly have some talented kids in our school!  Congratulations to our winners:

Front Cover – Natalie Fenstermacher (Mrs. Bowen’s class)

Back Cover – Izzy Rodgers (Mrs. Dearborn’s class)

RBS Holiday Concert

Pete Macdonald and BCTV have graciously provided a link to this year’s RBS Holiday concert.  You can find it here.  Enjoy!

Ski NH Snow Passports

4^th and 5^th grade students are eligible for a passport booklet containing vouchers for lift tickets and trail passes in New Hampshire.  Click HERE for more information.

REMINDERS:

Morning Drop Off

We’re starting to experience some significant back up during morning drop off, which is typical this time of year.  Please keep the following suggestions and reminders in mind.  It will help everyone out:

1. Please arrive as close to 7:30 AM as possible in order to avoid our busy time.
2. Please have your child take the bus, if possible.  It would really help to alleviate some of these traffic problems.
3. Please do not bypass the drop off lane to park in visitor parking and walk your child across the median, unless you arrive after Mr. Paul shuts down the drop off lane (at 8:00 AM).  By doing this, you are holding up the people in the drop off lane as they are waiting for you to cross in front of them—this number is large, at times.  Parking and walking your child to the office is reserved for those students who need assistance for one reason or another.
4. As always, be kind and patient! J    

PTG Information

Thank you to everyone who supported the PTG through our annual Gift Card fundraiser.  Gift Cards were delivered this week.  If you have any questions, please contact Kim Hastey at kimhastey@hotmail.com

The PTG is excited to announce that Amazon.com shoppers can support the PTG by shopping through smile.amazon.com and selecting "Bedford Parent Teacher Group.”  Amazon will donate .5% on eligible purchases to our organization.  There are no fees or added costs to you.  Special offers and Amazon Prime benefits still apply.

SAVE THE DATE: January 19, 2017, 6:00 – 8 PM in the Lurgio Middle School Media Center

Retired NH Supreme Court Chief Justice John Broderick will present “Mental Health: A Little Knowledge Can Go a Long Way.”  Chief Justice Broderick is leading a statewide campaign to bring mental illness out of the shadows.  He will share his own story and will lead a discussion on ways to address this important issue here in Bedford.  Space is limited, please come early.  The PTG is proud to be co-sponsoring this event with the Bedford School District and BeBOLD.

Recess/Snow Gear

As a reminder, students will go outside for recess (before school and mid day) when the “feels like” temperature is 20 degrees or above.  Please make sure to send your child to school with a warm coat, hat, mittens/gloves, snow pants and boots.  Children will only be allowed to play in the snow if they have on snow pants and boots.  Otherwise, they’ll have to play on the hot top only.

On a similar note, if you drop your child off in the morning, please make sure that he/she has snow gear on and is ready to go out to the playground.  Otherwise, our drop off line will get backed up.  Thank you!

Vacation/Extended Absences

Please send me an email if your child will be out of school for an extended period of time (5 or more days).  Also, as a reminder, (per our handbook), “When a student misses school due to a family vacation, the student will need to make-up the assignments designated by his/her teacher so that he/she does not fall behind.  The student may use texts with an indication from the teacher of the material to be covered during the absence.  Teachers, however, are not required to prepare individualized assignments for such situations.  Make-up work/assignments will be given after a student’s return from vacation.”

UPCOMING EVENTS:

December 23-January 2 – Holiday Recess

December 24-January 1 – Hanukah

January 16 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Observance – NO SCHOOL

January 20 – End of Quarter 2

January 22 – RBS Chorus to sing at the Monarchs

January 26 – Principals’ Winter Read – McKelvie School (More information to come) – Snow Date – February 2^nd

February 3 – RBS Father/Daughter Dance 6:00-8:00 PM RBS Gym (Snow Date – February 10^th)

February 15 – RBS Invention Convention (Snow Date – February 22^nd)

February 16 – RBS Cabaret 6:30 PM – RBS Gym (Snow Date – February 21^st)

February 27-March 3 – Winter Vacation

December 16, 2016

RBS Principal’s Notes

December 16, 2016

We had a great time this afternoon at our annual Holiday All School Meeting!  Staff members dressed in festive garb led a sing-a-long with the students!  Thank you to Mr. Bergquist (Anne Koellmer’s father) for leading us all on the piano. 
Picture 1       Picture 2      Picture 3      Picture 4

IN THE NEWS:

Holiday Concert – Toys for Tots
As always, our Holiday Concert was a great success!  To make it even more special, we had representatives from the Marine Corp attend in order for us to present our Toys for Tots collection to them.  We were able to present them with 450 toys this year.  This was due, in great part, to Mr. O’Reilly (a RBS dad) whose organization, leatherneck4life.com, matched our donations.  A big “thank you” to everyone who donated, including Mr. O’Reilly.  We are appreciative as well to Mrs. Munz for organizing our annual drive, and providing a wonderful choral concert for our families! 

Morning Drop Off
We’re starting to experience some significant back up during morning drop off, which is typical this time of year.  Please keep the following suggestions and reminders in mind.  It will help everyone out:

1. Please arrive as close to 7:30 AM as possible in order to avoid our busy time.
2. Please have your child take the bus, if possible.  It would really help to alleviate some of these traffic problems.
3. Please do not bypass the drop off lane to park in visitor parking and walk your child across the median, unless you arrive after Mr. Paul shuts down the drop off lane (at 8:00 AM).  By doing this, you are holding up the people in the drop off lane as they are waiting for you to cross in front of them—this number is large, at times.  Parking and walking your child to the office is reserved for those students who need assistance for one reason or another.
4. As always, be kind and patient! J    

PTG Information

Thank you to everyone who supported the PTG through our annual Gift Card fundraiser.  Gift Cards were delivered this week.  If you have any questions, please contact Kim Hastey at kimhastey@hotmail.com

The PTG is excited to announce that Amazon.com shoppers can support the PTG by shopping through smile.amazon.com and selecting "Bedford Parent Teacher Group.”  Amazon will donate .5% on eligible purchases to our organization.  There are no fees or added costs to you.  Special offers and Amazon Prime benefits still apply.

SAVE THE DATE: January 19, 2017, 6:00 – 8 PM in the Lurgio Middle School Media Center

Retired NH Supreme Court Chief Justice John Broderick will present “Mental Health: A Little Knowledge Can Go a Long Way.”  Chief Justice Broderick is leading a statewide campaign to bring mental illness out of the shadows.  He will share his own story and will lead a discussion on ways to address this important issue here in Bedford.  Space is limited, please come early.  The PTG is proud to be co-sponsoring this event with the Bedford School District and BeBOLD.

Executive Functioning and Physical Activity Messages
Executive Functioning
During the holiday season, it is especially important to be the Boss of yourself and to be in charge of your body and feelings.  Remember to use your Zones tools to help stay in the Green Zone.  Try your best to Zoom In and listen to all your teachers and parents have to say.  All good Bosses deserve a rest, so after working hard this week, have a restful vacation.
Physical Activity
How many calories am I burning?
Choosing the right activity that fits your lifestyle can be the hardest choice.  Playing a 1 hour game of basketball with your friends will help you burn almost 200 calories!

REMINDERS:

Coat Drive
As we have in past years, Riddle Brook School is sponsoring a Coat Drive.  Items collected will be donated to needy families.  The drive runs from Monday, December 5^th – Thursday, December 22^nd.  Items to be collected include: clean hats, mittens/gloves, scarves and coats for men, women, children and infants.  Boxes are located in the library hallway.

Recess/Snow Gear
As a reminder, students will go outside for recess (before school and mid day) when the “feels like” temperature is 20 degrees or above.  Please make sure to send your child to school with a warm coat, hat, mittens/gloves, snow pants and boots.  Children will only be allowed to play in the snow if they have on snow pants and boots.  Otherwise, they’ll have to play on the hot top only.

On a similar note, if you drop your child off in the morning, please make sure that he/she has snow gear on and is ready to go out to the playground.  Otherwise, our drop off line will get backed up.  Thank you!

Vacation/Extended Absences
Please send me an email if your child will be out of school for an extended period of time (5 or more days).  Also, as a reminder, (per our handbook), “When a student misses school due to a family vacation, the student will need to make-up the assignments designated by his/her teacher so that he/she does not fall behind.  The student may use texts with an indication from the teacher of the material to be covered during the absence.  Teachers, however, are not required to prepare individualized assignments for such situations.  Make-up work/assignments will be given after a student’s return from vacation.”

BHS Fundraiser – Holiday Movies
The BHS UpReach Club is hosting a fundraiser on Saturday, December 17^th in the BHS library for children and their parents to watch holiday movies, make crafts and enjoy snacks.  Please see the flyer below for more information.
Flyer

UPCOMING EVENTS:

December 23-January 2 – Holiday Recess
December 24-January 1 – Hanukkah
January 16 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Observance – NO SCHOOL
January 20 – End of Quarter 2
January 22 – RBS Chorus to sing at the Monarchs
January 26 – Principals’ Winter Read – McKelvie School (More information to come) – Snow Date – February 2^nd
February 3 – RBS Father/Daughter Dance 6:00-8:00 PM RBS Gym (Snow Date – February 10^th)
February 15 – RBS Invention Convention (Snow Date – February 22^nd)
February 16 – RBS Cabaret 6:30 PM – RBS Gym (Snow Date – February 21^st)
February 27-March 3 – Winter Vacation

December 9, 2016

RBS Principal’s Notes

December 9, 2016

IN THE NEWS:

Recess/Snow Gear
As a reminder, students will go outside for recess (before school and mid day) when the “feels like” temperature is 20 degrees or above.  Please make sure to send your child to school with a warm coat, hat, mittens/gloves, snow pants and boots.  Children will only be allowed to play in the snow if they have on snow pants and boots.  Otherwise, they’ll have to play on the hot top only.

On a similar note, if you drop your child off in the morning, please make sure that he/she has snow gear on and is ready to go out to the playground.  Otherwise, our drop off line will get backed up.  Thank you!

Vacation/Extended Absences
Please send me an email if your child will be out of school for an extended period of time (5 or more days).  Also, as a reminder, (per our handbook), “When a student misses school due to a family vacation, the student will need to make-up the assignments designated by his/her teacher so that he/she does not fall behind.  The student may use texts with an indication from the teacher of the material to be covered during the absence.  Teachers, however, are not required to prepare individualized assignments for such situations.  Make-up work/assignments will be given after a student’s return from vacation.”

Hour of Code
This week, Mrs. Rodd and our classroom teachers facilitated Hour of Code lessons with our K-4 students.  These computer-coding lessons were engaging, stimulating and fun for students. 
Mrs. Gamache’s class

BHS Fundraiser – Holiday Movies
The BHS UpReach Club is hosting a fundraiser on Saturday, December 17^th in the BHS library for children and their parents to watch holiday movies, make crafts and enjoy snacks.  Please see the flyer below for more information.
Flyer

Executive Functioning and Physical Activity Messages
Executive Functioning
Good Bosses need to Zoom In to the little things, but you also need to Zoom Out and pay attention to bigger things, like classroom and school rules, or how everyone is behaving in a certain space.  To Zoom Out, pretend you are using a camera with a wide lens, or look around at most of the people in your space.  Zoom out by pretending to put a megaphone on your ear, so you can hear important loudspeaker announcements, the pledge, and what the Cafeteria Monitors are saying.

Physical Activity
Did I really need to eat that piece of candy?
In order to burn the amount of calories in 1 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup (115 calories), you have to ride your bike for 60 minutes at a moderate intensity.  That's pedaling really fast!

PTG Information

• The PTG is excited to announce that Amazon.com shoppers can support the PTG by shopping through smile.amazon.com and selecting "Bedford Parent Teacher Group.”  Amazon will donate .05% on eligible purchases to our organization.  There are no fees or added costs to you.  Special offers and Amazon Prime benefits still apply.

• SAVE THE DATE:  January 19, 2017, 6:00-8:00 PM in the Lurgio Middle School Media Center

Retired NH Supreme Court Chief Justice John Broderick will present “Mental Health: A Little Knowledge Can Go a Long Way.”  Chief Justice Broderick is leading a statewide campaign to bring mental illness out of the shadows.  He will share his own story and will lead a discussion on ways to address this important issue here in Bedford.  Space is limited, so please come early.  The PTG is proud to be co-sponsoring this event with the Bedford School District and BeBOLD.

REMINDERS:

Coat Drive
As we have in past years, Riddle Brook School is sponsoring a Coat Drive.  Items collected will be donated to needy families.  The drive runs from Monday, December 5^th – Thursday, December 22^nd.  Items to be collected include: clean hats, mittens/gloves, scarves and coats for men, women, children and infants.  Boxes are located in the library hallway.

Toys for Tots
RHYTHMICS has kicked off the annual TOYS FOR TOTS drive.  Please bring in a new, unwrapped toy for this really great charity project.  Collection boxes are located in the main entrance hall, near the library and in the music room.  With your help, Riddle Brook School can bring in a record number of items for this project!  The chorus will celebrate and wrap up the drive when they present the toys to the U.S. Marines at our free Winter Concert, scheduled for Wednesday, December 14^th.  All are welcome to attend this 6:30 PM event on our school stage.  We hope to perform for you and a big crowd. 
Picture

UPCOMING EVENTS:

December 14 – RBS Winter Concert – 6:30 PM RBS Gym
December 23-January 2 – Holiday Recess
December 24-January 1 – Hanukkah
January 16 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Observance – NO SCHOOL
January 20 – End of Quarter 2
January 22 – RBS Chorus to sing at the Monarchs
January 26 – Principals’ Winter Read – McKelvie School (More information to come) – Snow Date – February 2^nd
February 3 – RBS Father/Daughter Dance 6:00-8:00 PM RBS Gym (Snow Date – February 10^th)
February 15 – RBS Invention Convention (Snow Date – February 22^nd)
February 16 – RBS Cabaret 6:30 PM – RBS Gym (Snow Date – February 21^st)
February 27-March 3 – Winter Vacation

December 2, 2016

RBS Principal’s Notes

December 2, 2016

IN THE NEWS:

Ellis Island
Today was our annual Ellis Island Day for fourth grade students.  Our immigrants looked and performed great!  Please check out the pictures below to get a flavor of the journey back in time that our students experienced today.
Pic 1   Pic 2   Pic 3   Pic 4   Pic 5   Pic 6   Pic 7

Coat Drive
As we have in past years, Riddle Brook School is sponsoring a Coat Drive.  Items collected will be donated to needy families.  The drive runs from Monday, December 5^th – Thursday, December 22^nd.  Items to be collected include: clean hats, mittens/gloves, scarves and coats for men, women, children and infants.  Boxes are located in the library hallway.

Talented Teachers
As you know, we have MANY talented teachers at RBS.  I’m proud to say that four of our teachers presented this week at the Christa McAuliffe Technology Conference – Hattie Ferns, Deb Rodd, Tristan Bowen and Amy Moskwa.  This is a highly acclaimed educational conference that is designed to highlight the sharing of successful technology practices among educators.

Executive Functioning and Physical Activity Messages
Executive Functioning
Good bosses pay attention to little things and big things.  A tool to help you do this is called “Zoom In ~ Zoom Out.”  Let’s learn about Zoom In today.  To Zoom In, pretend to use binoculars to zoom in and look at your teacher’s face and body when they give directions.  Also, pretend that your ear is a microphone that will zoom in to hear all the parts of what they say.  When you Zoom In, you are paying attention to the little details that are important for learning and doing.
Physical Activity
Fun Physical Activity Facts
Did you know that staying healthy and full of energy requires a good night’s sleep!  Make sure you get 8-9 hours of sleep every night!

PTG Information
We’d like to take a moment to thank you for your continued support of our programs and events.  With your participation in our different fundraisers we are able to fund enriching activities for students K-12 including visiting authors, musicians, live animals, artists, anti-drug and anti-bullying programs, and so much more!  To learn more about the Bedford PTG visit www.bedfordptg.org.

REMINDERS:

Toys for Tots
RHYTHMICS has kicked off the annual TOYS FOR TOTS drive.  Please bring in a new, unwrapped toy for this really great charity project.  Collection boxes are located in the main entrance hall, near the library and in the music room.  With your help, Riddle Brook School can bring in a record number of items for this project!  The chorus will celebrate and wrap up the drive when they present the toys to the U.S. Marines at our free Winter Concert, scheduled for Wednesday, December 14^th.  All are welcome to attend this 6:30 PM event on our school stage.  We hope to perform for you and a big crowd. 
Picture

UPCOMING EVENTS:

December 14 – RBS Winter Concert – 6:30 PM RBS Gym
December 23-January 2 – Holiday Recess
December 24-January 1 – Hanukkah

November 22, 2016

RBS Principal’s Notes

November 22, 2016

Happy Thanksgiving to all!  I hope everyone is able to spend some time over the break with family and friends. 

IN THE NEWS:

Food Drive Information
A big "thank you" to all of our generous families who donated non-perishable food items to The Food Pantry at Bedford Presbyterian Church food drive.  This year, we collected 335 food/non-perishable items, and our Principal's Advisory Group counted and packed up the food, which was delivered to the food pantry this afternoon...just in time for Thanksgiving.
Principal’s Advisory Group

Yearbook Cover Contest Winners
Congratulations to this year’s Yearbook Cover Contest winners:  Anna Johnson (front cover) and Jenna Dinndorf (back cover).  We have some very talented artists in fourth grade this year, so it was a difficult choice!

Toys for Tots

RHYTHMICS has kicked off the annual TOYS FOR TOTS drive.  Please bring in a new, unwrapped toy for this really great charity project.  Collection boxes are located in the main entrance hall, near the library and in the music room.  With your help, Riddle Brook School can bring in a record number of items for this project!  The chorus will celebrate and wrap up the drive when they present the toys to the U.S. Marines at our free Winter Concert, scheduled for Wednesday, December 14^th.  All are welcome to attend this 6:30 PM event on our school stage.  We hope to perform for you and a big crowd. 
Picture

Executive Functioning and Physical Activity Messages
Executive Functioning
Good bosses check-in with the people around them to make sure they are doing a good job.  What did your teacher and friend say about your “Boss of Me behaviors?”  A great boss listens to what others have to say and always tries to do better.  To be a better boss, watch and model someone who knows a skill you are working on.  Try to make your behavior match theirs.  This week try to practice one tool or strategy by modeling a teacher or friend.  Make your behavior match theirs.
Physical Activity
Brrrrrr...it’s cold outside!
Even though it may be cold outside, that does not have to slow you down!  Do not forget your gloves and hat when you make a snowman!

REMINDERS:

Sickness
There seems to be a bug going around in our younger grades.  Please remember, when students are sick – fever, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. – they need to be out of school for at least 24 hours after they are symptom-free.  This helps to ensure that they do not spread their illness to other students and staff members.

PTG News and Information
1.  Did you miss the first round of GIFT CARD ordering?  Gift cards are perfect for any occasion and there is still time to order!!  Orders are due November 30^th.  Simply print your order form and return, with payment, to school with your student.  Gift cards will be delivered the week of December 12^th.
  
2.  It's STAR WARS NIGHT at the Manchester Monarchs on Saturday, December 3rd, at 6:00 PM.  Join the PTG for a community night out at the Monarchs while enjoying discounted ticket prices, family fun and even get your picture taken with your favorite Star Wars characters!  Orders are due Monday, November 28^th.
**Proceeds from this event will support the "Fan Clubs" at BHS and RAL.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

November 23-25 – Thanksgiving Recess – NO SCHOOL
December 2 – Ellis Island Day (Grade 4)
December 14 – RBS Winter Concert – 6:30 PM RBS Gym
December 23-January 2 – Holiday Recess
December 24-January 1 – Hanukkah

November 18, 2016

RBS Principal’s Notes

November 18, 2016

IN THE NEWS:

RBS Directory Cover Art Contest
The RBS Principal’s Council would like to invite all 4^th grade students at RBS to participate in a contest to design the new covers (front AND back) for the school directory.  The theme for this year’s cover is “What RBS Means to You.”  Submissions are due by Tuesday, November 22^nd. 
Directory Cover Art Form

Sickness
There seems to be a bug going around in our younger grades.  Please remember, when students are sick – fever, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. – they need to be out of school for at least 24 hours after they are symptom-free.  This helps to ensure that they do not spread their illness to other students and staff members.

PTG News and Information
1.  SKI & SKATE SALE - THIS SATURDAY at BHS, 9:00 AM – 2:00PM!!  Get all your winter gear and delicious baked goods for the holidays, November 19^th at our annual Ski & Skate sale.  Consignors, volunteers and bakers wanted.  Gear drop-off is Friday, November 18^th 5:00PM – 8:00PM @ BHS.

2.  Did you miss the first round of GIFT CARD ordering?  Gift cards are perfect for any occasion and there is still time to order!!  Orders are due November 30^th.  Simply print your order form and return, with payment, to school with your student.  Gift cards will be delivered the week of December 12^th.
  
3.  It's STAR WARS NIGHT at the Manchester Monarchs on Saturday, December 3rd, at 6:00 PM.  Join the PTG for a community night out at the Monarchs while enjoying discounted ticket prices, family fun and even get your picture taken with your favorite Star Wars characters!  Orders are due Monday, November 28^th.
**Proceeds from this event will support the "Fan Clubs" at BHS and RAL.

Safety Educator
Attached is the Nov./Dec. 2016 Holiday Edition of the SAFETY EDUCATOR.
Safety Educator

Executive Functioning and Physical Activity Messages
Executive Functioning
How are you doing at becoming a better boss of yourself?  Good bosses check-in with the people around them to make sure they are doing a good job.  Today, ask yourself:  Am I using tools to manage my zones?  Do I know how to get back in the Green Zone?  Do I know how to STOP and Read the Room?  This week, ask your teacher and one friend these questions about yourself.
Physical Activity
Physical Activity and Sports
Being physically active in a group can help you make friends, so the next time you plan to be physically active, ask if anyone wants to join you!  And, always be a team player!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

November 23-25 – Thanksgiving Recess – NO SCHOOL
December 2 – Ellis Island Day (Grade 4)
December 14 – RBS Winter Concert – 6:30 PM RBS Gym
December 23-January 2 – Holiday Recess
December 24-January 1 – Hanukkah