Friday, September 30, 2016

September 30, 2016

RBS Principal’s Notes
September 30, 2016

Have a great start to your October!  It looks like we will be getting some much-needed rain.  Your lawns, wells, plants and pumpkin patches will be grateful!

IN THE NEWS:
Doors at RBS
When leaving RBS, please make sure to securely close the door behind you (you may have to give it a pull).  Although the outside doors close automatically, we have trouble with them not latching properly, and as a result, they are left ajar.  We want to make sure that our building is securely locked at all times during the school day.  Thank you!

Harvest Festival
Harvest Festival Information
Please join us for our 4th Annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 15th.

Harvest Festival Calendar Raffle
Information and ticket sheets for our annual calendar raffle were sent home last week.  Each student received 5 tickets (attached to each calendar).  Tickets cost $10 apiece.  If additional sheets are needed, please feel free to call the office or click on the flyer below.  We have $1,500 worth of prizes to give away during the month of October...feel free to enter as many times as you'd like!

There will be a winner each school day until October 28th, and a there is even a chance to win $500 at the Harvest Festival!  Raffle tickets will be collected until October 28th, and the homeroom that sells the most raffle tickets in each grade level will win an extra recess!

RBS Student Directory
After this year, our current Directory Coordinator, Darlene Boyd, will no longer be at RBS.  Therefore, she is in need of an “apprentice” who is willing to work with her this year to learn the ropes with the intent of taking it over next year.  If you are willing and able, please contact Darlene directly at dbell0809@yahoo.com.  

RBS 4th Grade Strings Club
STRINGS CLUB starts Monday, October 3rd!
Fourth graders are welcome to join STRINGS CLUB at Riddle Brook School.  There is still time and space for your son or daughter.  Our beginner violin players will meet Mondays from 2:30 to 3:30 PM in the Music Room.  Mrs. Munz will be assisted by a volunteer mom who plays violin and teaches private lessons.  Please read the attached brochure for further important information.  

RBS Clothing
You can order Riddle Brook School clothing online!  Please go to www.bedfordwear.com.  Hover over Schools in the menu bar, and select Riddle Brook School.  An order typically takes 7-10 business days to be delivered.  You can order in a variety of colors and styles.  We have a few samples hanging in the office area so you can get an idea of what is offered.  Also, there is a size chart on the website for your reference.  10% of profits come back to the school.

Destination Imagination - Registration Closing Thursday, October 6, 2016
Anyone still interested in participating in Destination Imagination this year must register their child by Thursday, October 6th with our DI Coordinator.  To learn more about the program and how to provide your child with this enrichment opportunity, please contact Marie Russell at bedfordrocksdi@gmail.com.

Ecosmith Recycle Bins for Destination Imagination
Did you know that every school in the district has an Ecosmith Recycle Bin?  This is a great way to donate/recycle old clothes while helping raise funds for our teams who advance to Global Finals each year.  You can put any kind of fabric in these bins - towels and stuffed animals too.  Ripped shirts and pants with holes are fine, as well as well worn shoes.  Bedford DI greatly appreciates your continued participation in this program.

Nutrition and Executive Functioning Messages
Nutrition Message
Power up with beans and peas for your protein and energy.
Eat a variety of protein packed foods.  Include beans and peas at dinner at least once a week.
Executive Functioning Message
When you are in the YELLOW Zone, you might feel frustrated, worried or you could be overly excited, silly and wiggly.  Your body is a little out of control.  To get back in the GREEN ZONE and ready for learning, try these tools:  Ask your teacher if you can take a short break/walk, talk to them, squeeze a fidget ball or take belly breaths.

PTG Information
Membership (PLEASE READ - RBS Membership is down significantly this year)
Please help the PTG continue to bring exciting programs to our schools!  These programs cannot happen without support from parents and teachers in the Bedford community. There is still time to help, simply click on this link to make a donation via credit card or PayPal or send in a check payable to Bedford PTG in an envelope marked “PTG Support” with your name, email address and child’s school.  We sincerely appreciate your support.

Gift Wrap Fundraiser Info.
DID YOU KNOW that the PTG receives 40% of the sales from our Gifts, Wrap & More Fundraiser?  You will find quality wrapping paper, delicious snacks, gifts, gadgets and more through Meadow Farms.  This fundraiser ends Monday, October 3rd and ALL proceeds go right back into our schools.  Click Here to start shopping.  If you’d like to support the PTG but don’t need wrapping paper, feel free to make a straight donation at www.bedfordptg.org

Shorty’s
YOU’RE INVITED to join the PTG at Shorty’s in Bedford on Thursday, October 6th! On the first Thursday of every month the Bedford PTG will receive 15% of all sales, beverages included, dine in or take out, all day long. Simply print or show them this flyer or just let them know to give a copy of your receipt to the hostess.

REMINDERS:
Bedford Education Foundation
The Bedford Education Foundation Fall Fundraiser
Friday November 4, 2016
Manchester Country Club
7:00 PM  
Tickets available at www.seatyourself.biz/befnh
$50 for community members and $25 for faculty and staff in Bedford
Don’t miss this fantastic evening out for a great cause
For more information or for sponsorship opportunities, please email info@befnh.org

UPCOMING EVENTS:
October 2-4 – Rosh Hashanah
October 5 – Fire Safety (Grades 1 & 2)
October 10 – Columbus Day Observance – NO SCHOOL
October 11-12 – Yom Kippur
October 15 – RBS Harvest Festival
October 19 – RBS Picture Retake Day
October 28 – End of Quarter 1
October/November – 4th Grade Field Trip to the Little Brick Schoolhouse:
            Oct. 24th:  Mrs. Koellmer
            Oct. 25th:  Ms. Moskwa
            Oct. 26th:  Mrs. Bowen
            Oct. 27th:  Mrs. Brennan
            Oct. 28th:  Mrs. Gamache
            Nov. 1st:  Mrs. Dearborn
November 4 – Report Cards go home
November 7-18 – Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 8 – Election Day/Workshop Day (No school for students)
November 11 – Veterans’ Day Observance – NO SCHOOL
November 23-25 – Thanksgiving Recess – NO SCHOOL
December 2 – Ellis Island Day (Grade 4)




Friday, September 23, 2016

September 23, 2016

RBS Principal’s Notes
September 23, 2016

Happy Fall!  I hope families will be able to enjoy the beautiful fall weather that is forecasted for this weekend.  If you’re looking for something to do as a family on Saturday, BHS is having their homecoming with the following athletic events taking place:
  • Boys and Girls CROSS COUNTRY Manchester Invitational @ Derryfield Park @ 9:00 AM
  • Boys’ Varsity SOCCER hosting Bishop Guertin in the Bulldog Stadium @ 11:00 AM
  • Girls’ Varsity SOCCER hosting Bishop Guertin in the Bulldog Stadium @ 1:00 PM
  • Varsity FOOTBALL and SPIRIT hosting Goffstown in the Bulldog Stadium @ 5:00 PM

Saturday is also Bedford Olde Town Day, which offers many activities, events and vendors.  It runs from 10:00 AM-3:00 PM at the Riley Field Complex (corner of Nashua & County Road).

IN THE NEWS:
Destination Imagination - Parent Info Night
Parent Information Night for Destination Imagination in all Schools will be held on Tuesday, September 27th at the McKelvie Intermediate School cafeteria.  To learn more about the program and how to provide your child with this enrichment opportunity, please come and meet our District Coordinator, Marie Russell or email Marie at bedfordrocksdi@gmail.com.  For more information and to find out what Destination Imagination is all about, click on the link below.  ​
​
Ecosmith Recycle Bins for Destination Imagination
Did you know that every school in the district has an Ecosmith Recycle Bin?  This is a great way to donate/recycle old clothes, while helping raise funds for our teams who advance to Global Finals each year.  You can put any kind of fabrics in these bins, towels and stuffed animals too.  Ripped shirts and pants with holes are fine, as well as well worn shoes.  Bedford DI greatly appreciates your continued participation in this program.

PTG News
Gift Wrap and More Fundraiser
Help raise money for exciting programs at RBS by participating in the PTG's Gift Wrap and More fundraiser!  Packets went home on Monday, September 19th.  Order online or send order forms back to school by Oct. 3rd.  The three top sellers in the school will earn gift cards worth up to $100!  Even students who sell just one item earn prizes!  Let's make Riddle Brook the top selling school!!!

Nutrition and Executive Functioning Messages
Nutrition Message
Drink water instead of soda and other sugary drinks.  Drink low-fat milk with your meals for a boost of bone building calcium and muscle building protein.
Executive Functioning Message
Today we’ll talk about the Blue Zone.  When you are in the BLUE Zone, you might be feeling sad, tired, sick, or bored.  Your body is moving slowly, and it might be hard to get your work done.  To get back in the GREEN ZONE and ready for learning, try these tools:  Stand and stretch.  Ask your teacher to take a power walk, to do a movement recharger, or for a “heavy work” break - maybe your teacher needs you to carry a pile of books to the back of the room or to the library.

Safety Educator
Please take a look at the September edition of Safety Educator.

REMINDERS:
BCTV Coffee with the Principals
SAVE THE DATE:  Community Event Hosted by the PTG.  You are invited to have “Coffee with the Principals” on Thursday, September 29th at BCTV, 9:30 - 10:30 AM.  Come meet our principals and hear what’s in store for the school year.  A Q&A will follow presentations.  Your younger children are welcome to attend.  Coffee & light refreshments will be served.

Bedford Education Foundation
The Bedford Education Foundation Fall Fundraiser
Friday November 4, 2016
Manchester Country Club
7:00 PM  
Tickets available at www.seatyourself.biz/befnh
$50 for community members and $25 for faculty and staff in Bedford
Don’t miss this fantastic evening out for a great cause
For more information or for sponsorship opportunities, please email info@befnh.org

UPCOMING EVENTS:
September 29 – PTG Coffee with the Principal’s (BCTV 9:30 AM)
October 2-4 – Rosh Hashanah
October 5 – Fire Safety (Grades 1 & 2)
October 10 – Columbus Day Observance – NO SCHOOL
October 11-12 – Yom Kippur
October 15 – RBS Harvest Festival (Information coming soon)
October 19 – RBS Picture Retake Day
October 28 – End of Quarter 1



Thursday, September 15, 2016

September 16, 2016

RBS Principal’s Notes
September 16, 2016


IN THE NEWS:
Bees on the Playground
Unfortunately the bees (hornets, wasps, yellow jackets) are out in force right now on our playground.  This isn’t atypical for us at this time of year.  We are working with our maintenance department to find and eliminate any nests and/or problem areas.  However, the bees seem to be from a variety of spots around the playground, so finding and eliminating them is difficult.  If your child has a bee allergy it is imperative that you bring Mrs. Ouellette an up-to-date epic pen immediately.  Thank you!

Book Fair
Thank you to our families for making our 1st fall book fair a great success!  Thank you, too, to our Book Fair Committee for all of your planning, hard work, talent (artistic and otherwise) and time!  They are:  Lauren Wile sky, Heather Noonan  and Anne Lewis.

Congratulations to our Book Fair Raffle winner, Drew Clark!  Drew won $100 worth of books (and an adorable parrot!).
Basket

Nutrition and Executive Functioning Messages
Nutrition
Make half your grains whole grains. They are good for your heart and digestion and help maintain good overall health.
Executive Functioning
Today we’ll talk about the Blue Zone.  When you are in the BLUE Zone, you might be feeling sad, tired, sick, or bored.  Your body is moving slowly, and it might be hard to get your work done.  To get back in the GREEN ZONE and ready for learning, try these tools:  Stand and stretch.  Ask your teacher to take a power walk, to do a movement recharger, or for a “heavy work” break - maybe your teacher needs you to carry a pile of books to the back of the room or to the library.

REMINDERS:
BCTV Coffee with the Principals
SAVE THE DATE:  Community Event Hosted by the PTG.  You are invited to have “Coffee with the Principals” on Thursday, September 29th at BCTV, 9:30 - 10:30 AM.  Come meet our Principals and hear what’s in store for the school year.  A Q&A will follow presentations.  Your younger children are welcome to attend.  Coffee & light refreshments will be served.

Bedford Education Foundation
The Bedford Education Foundation Fall Fundraiser
Friday November 4, 2016
Manchester Country Club
7:00pm  
Tickets available at www.seatyourself.biz/befnh
$50 for community members and $25 for faculty and staff in Bedford
Don’t miss this fantastic evening out for a great cause
For more information or for sponsorship opportunities please email info@befnh.org

Drop-Off Reminder
I have a few of reminders for parents when dropping your child off in the morning (both back and front of building):
  1. Please do not get out of your car to let your child out.  Not only is this a safety concern, it also backs up traffic.  If your child needs assistance, please park in Visitor Parking and escort him/her to the playground. 
  2. For safety reasons, your child should get out of the car on the sidewalk/passenger side.  If you have a safety lock on your child’s door, please let a duty person know.
  3. (For drop-off in the back of the building)  The first car in line should pull up to the cone.  We need to make room for as many cars as possible in order to avoid back-up from occurring.
I appreciate your cooperation with this. 

Parent Pick-Up (Parking)
I understand that our parking situation at the end of the day is limited.  However, please do not park along the curb in the back loop.  This blocks our special education buses as well as impedes wheel chair access at the back ramp.  Thank you.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
September 29 – PTG Coffee with the Principal’s (BCTV 9:30 AM)
October 2-4 – Rosh Hashanah
October 5 – Fire Safety (Grades 1 & 2)
October 10 – Columbus Day Observance – NO SCHOOL
October 11-12 – Yom Kippur
October 15 – RBS Harvest Festival (Information coming soon)
October 19 – RBS Picture Retake Day
October 28 – End of Quarter 1




Wednesday, September 14, 2016

September 14, 2016

Dear Parents,

I wanted to remind everyone about our Open House tonight.  

K-2:  5:30-6:30 PM
3&4:  6:30-7:30 PM

This is a family event.  All are welcome!

And, don’t forget to stop by our Book Fair (rooms 216/218).  It runs from 2:00-8:00 PM, and it’s our final day! 

*If you’re at the Book Fair before Open House begins, please do not go to the classrooms early as teachers will still be preparing and setting up.  Thank you!




Sincerely,
Molly McCarthy


Friday, September 9, 2016

September 9, 2016

RBS Principal’s Notes
September 9, 2016


IN THE NEWS:
RBS New Students
Mrs. Reese, Mr. Munsey and I had lunch today with all of our new students in grades 2, 3 & 4.  We decided to take “selfies” of each group!  Please take a look below.
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4

RBS Fall Book Fair/Sale (September 12-14)
Riddle Brook School’s "Get Hooked on a Book" book fair/sale will take place September 12-14, 2016 (rooms 216/218).  This will be a great opportunity for students and their families to purchase books in the back to school season.  Please note that this sale will be smaller than the PTG Spring Book Fair.

Book Fair Hours:
Monday, September 12, 2:00 - 7:00 PM
Tuesday, September 13, 2:00 - 7:00 PM
Wednesday, September 14, 8:00 - 11:00 AM and 2:00 - 8:00 PM

RBS Open House
Please join us on Wednesday, September 14th for our annual Open House.
K-2:  5:30-6:30 PM
3&4:  6:30-7:30 PM
 This is a family event.  All are welcome!

RBS Social Media
Please feel free to like Riddle Brook School on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.  You can find the links to these sites on our website. 
https://sites.google.com/a/bedfordnhk12.net/rbs/

Nutrition and Executive Functioning Messages
Nutrition Message
Choose fruits and veggies at meals and snacks.  They’ll help you be your best at school and play.
Executive Functioning Message
All Bosses or executives can be in different behavior and feeling zones at different times, but great Bosses know what zone they are in, and they use tools or strategies to get themselves into the GREEN ZONE.  When you are in the GREEN ZONE, you feel okay or happy and calm.  You are focused and ready to learn.  To stay in the GREEN ZONE use your inner coach or inner voice.  Whisper to yourself, “I’m doing a good job.  I’m being a good listener.  I’m trying my best.  I can do this.”  Also, drink water; it helps your brain and body stay alert.

NH Primary Day – Tuesday, September 13th
Next Tuesday is the NH State Primary. Voting hours are 7am to 7pm at Bedford High School.  Lurgio and BHS will have a two-hour delay for students​.  Please consider a carpool or the bus to avoid unnecessary traffic delays for yourself​.  The elementary schools and McKelvie will follow regular hours.  Voter parking and the entrance for voters is along side the gym entrance at the back of Bedford High School. The traffic pattern around BHS is clockwise one-way. Voters enter the campus and continue straight around the back of the building.  Election information is available on the Town's website: https://nhbedford.civicplus.com/491/Election-Information

BCTV Coffee with the Principals
SAVE THE DATE:  Community Event Hosted by the PTG.  You are invited to have “Coffee with the Principals” on Thursday, September 29th at BCTV, 9:30 - 10:30 AM.  Come meet our Principals and hear what’s in store for the school year.  Presentations will be followed by a Q &A.  Your younger children are welcome to attend.  Coffee & light refreshments will be served.

Bedford Education Foundation
The Bedford Education Foundation Fall Fundraiser
Friday November 4, 2016
Manchester Country Club
7:00pm  
Tickets available at www.seatyourself.biz/befnh
$50 for community members and $25 for faculty and staff in Bedford
Don’t miss this fantastic evening out for a great cause
For more information or for sponsorship opportunities please email info@befnh.org

REMINDERS:
Drop-Off Reminder
I have a few of reminders for parents when dropping your child off in the morning (both back and front of building):
  1. Please do not get out of your car to let your child out.  Not only is this a safety concern, it also backs up traffic.  If your child needs assistance, please park in Visitor Parking and escort him/her to the playground. 
  2. For safety reasons, your child should get out of the car on the sidewalk/passenger side.  If you have a safety lock on your child’s door, please let a duty person know.
  3. (For drop-off in the back of the building)  The first car in line should pull up to the cone.  We need to make room for as many cars as possible in order to avoid back-up from occurring.
I appreciate your cooperation with this. 

Parent Pick-Up (Parking)
I understand that our parking situation at the end of the day is limited.  However, please do not park along the curb in the back loop.  This blocks our special education buses as well as impedes wheel chair access at the back ramp.  Thank you.

SAU Information
Text Message Alerts
Parents - If your cell phone number is in the District's PowerSchool Information System and you wish to receive alerts via text, you can text YES to 68453.

PTG Information
  1. Back to School Info.
Back to school greetings from the PTG!  We are looking forward to another great school year full of fantastic programs and events for our students, staff and families.  We are happy to announce that we are now accepting donations via PAYPAL.  For more information on our programming or to make a donation online visit our website at www.bedfordptg.org.  With your support we are able to put $70,000/year in programs and events into our schools!!  Enjoy the long Labor Day weekend ahead.

Volunteers are an integral part in helping our school provide opportunities for students.  You should have received a volunteer packet with a list of volunteer opportunities.  Please consider lending a hand.  We would appreciate that the volunteer page be turned into your child’s teacher or the front office by Friday, September 9th.  If you have any questions please contact Amy Ciruso at amyciruso@hotmail.com or Jena Slosberg at jenaslosberg@gmail.com.  

  1. Hannaford Helps Initiative
Starting September 1st, at the Hannaford stores located at 4 Jenkins Road, Bedford NH and 7 Kilton Road, Bedford NH, introduced the Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag program, which will be
focused on supporting the Bedford Parent Teacher Group!

The blue bags with the good karma message can be found on the reusable bag rack and at various registers.
          
Here is a link to tell you more about the program.  www.hannaford.bags4mycause.com

UPCOMING EVENTS:
September 12-14 – RBS Fall Book Fair/Sale
September 14 – RBS Open House:  K-2:  5:30-6:30 PM, 3 & 4:  6:30-7:30 PM
September 29 – PTG Coffee with the Principal’s (BCTV 9:30 AM)
October 2-4 – Rosh Hashanah
October 5 – Fire Safety (Grades 1 & 2)
October 10 – Columbus Day Observance – NO SCHOOL
October 11-12 – Yom Kippur
October 15 – RBS Harvest Festival (Information coming soon)
October 19 – RBS Picture Retake Day
October 28 – End of Quarter 1