Last call for your child’s creative input on the posters! Encourage your child to decorate the carnival poster sent home recently or hang it up around town. Let us know where you place it be leaving the completed form in the office by Friday, May 17th to claim a prize!

We could still use help staffing some of the booths for the day of the event. Classes should have received a message recently from room parents. Now is the time to get in on the fun! Make sure you don’t miss out staffing on of the many fun activities by contacting Beth Thut at elizabeththut@yahoo.com.

For more info on Carnival, visit the Willard Carnival web page.

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

The Willard Teachers were thrilled when they arrived at school last Friday and saw wonderful messages of thanks and praise inscribed in colorful chalk on the concrete walkway in front of the building.  I want you to know that this simple act was very much appreciated!!  Thank you to the anonymous and thoughtful parents who are responsible for this sweet gesture!  It was a great way to end Teacher Appreciation Week!

As I mentioned last week, Boston Spirit Day at Willard on May 3^rd was a great success!  I am grateful to Mrs. Lyons and her class for all of their work spearheading this project.  I wanted to let you know that a total of $638.55 was collected and mailed to The One Fund from the Willard School as a result the generous contributions of students and staff.  I also submitted an article and student photos to the Concord Journal about this wonderful student led initiative.  Hopefully, the newspaper will recognize our students for their efforts and publish the article and student photos.

Field trips and special experiences continue at Willard. This week, first and second grade students enjoyed a visit from Firefighter Sean Murphy who visited each class to teach students about Fire Prevention.  The Concord Fire Department was able to offer this special program to students through funding provided by a state grant. Fourth graders enjoyed an indoor field experience “ponding” in the classroom with Science Curriculum Specialist Diane Kablik.  This experience helped to prepare students for their field trip to the Town Forest.  Each grade level will participate in Willard Field Day in early June.  Mr. Germond leads the Field Day experiences with help from parent volunteers.

MCAS testing concluded yesterday with 5^th graders participating in Science /Technology & Engineering.  Make-up sessions will be offered for students who missed any MCAS subtest.

Last week, the Willard School Advisory Council (SAC) concluded its work for the school year.  At the May meeting, parent members Emma Brown and Christine Kielar concluded their two-year terms and are stepping down.  I am very grateful to Emma and Christine for their dedication and participation in SAC for the past two years.  During their tenure, they spearheaded the development of the Willard Parent Resource Guide and the Willard Teacher Resource Guide.  Both are very helpful resources. Willard teachers Christen Lekorenos and Susan Halter have also just completed their two-year terms and will also be stepping down.  I am grateful to Christen and Susan for their faithful service to SAC. The teachers provide an essential communication link as SAC members by sharing the nuances of the K-5 grade level experiences with parents. SAC is an important part of the Willard School Community. The committee is comprised of three staff members, four parents, a community member, and principal.  The SAC serves in an advisory capacity to the principal; monitoring school wide achievement is an important focus of SAC. Another important role of SAC is to collaborate in the development of the School Improvement Plan and to oversee the implementation of the School Improvement Plan.  During monthly meetings, staff members share updates on grade level curriculum progress, special subject units, and other general topics of school-wide interest. The SAC meets once a month from October – May.  If you have an interest in filling one of our two parent vacancies, please contact me by phone or email by May 30th.  If more than two parents express an interest in serving, the PTG will hold an election to fill the positions, as required by law.

I would like to communicate a few important dates to 5^th grade parents.  Please mark your calendars for the following:

• Arts Night – June 5^th (Arts Retrospective 6:00 PM, Chorus, Band, Orchestra Concert -7:00 PM.

• 5^th Grade Celebration – June 20^th at 10:30 AM in the Auditorium.  This is our transitional ceremony, which marks the end of the Willard experience. Parents are invited.

As always, thank you for all you do for Willard School.

- Pat Fernandes, Principal

WILLARD NEWS & EVENTS

CARNIVAL UPDATES

Calling all tent owners! We are looking to borrow tents for some of the booths for the day of the Carnival as we anticipate a day of sunshine for our families! Please contact Gina Celi at ginaceli@verizon.net.

Last call for your child’s creative input on the posters! Encourage your child to decorate the blank poster sent home recently or hang it up around town. Let us know where you place it be leaving the completed form in the office by Friday, May 17th to claim a prize!

We could still use help staffing some of the booths for the day of the event. Classes should have received a message recently from room parents. Now is the time to get in on the fun! Make sure you don’t miss out staffing on of the many fun activities by contacting Beth Thut at elizabeththut@yahoo.com.

THE PTG NEEDS YOU!

As we begin planning for next year, the PTG has identified several roles that need new volunteers. Now is the time to see how you can get involved for the 2013-2014 year with Game Night, Staff Appreciation and New Families Coordination. Please click on the following link to find out more http://willardptg.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/help-wanted-3-positions.pdf.

FIELD DAY

We are just about a month away from the Willard Field Days, and as always, we are looking for parent volunteers to help run the events. All parent volunteers must have an up to date CORI on file in the Willard front office. If you anticipate volunteering, please check that your CORI is current or complete a new one. Just contact the Willard office.

This is an exciting day for the children of Willard and each student looks forward to it every year. This day would not be possible without your help. This is a great opportunity for you to see your child in action and it’s a ton of fun for everyone! This day would not be possible without your help. We especially need help with grades 4/5.

Please consider volunteering for any of the following Field Day dates and times. PLEASE NOTE THERE HAS BEEN A CHANGE IN THE DATE FOR GRADES 4/5!:

Grades 2 & 3  June 3rd  9:10 – 11:45

Kindergarten  June 4th   9:10 – 10:35

Grade 1         June 4th    10:40 – 12:00

Grades 4 & 5    June 6th     9:10 – 11:45

Rain Dates TBA  June 6th – 12th

To volunteer, please go to: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/60B0D4CA5AA5-field

If you have any questions, please contact Paula Lublin at paulalublin@comcast.net. Thank you and hope to see you on field day!

– Mr. Germond

CALL FOR PHOTOS

The PTG is preparing a fun slide show for the end of the year Volunteer Appreciation Event that takes place in June. Please forward any photos taken at PTG events this school year — from ice cream social to game night, before and after school activities, science fair and more — to Liza Carey at lizacarey@comcast.net. (Photos are for ptg use only. Event may be named, but kids will not be identified)

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

The week of May 6^th – May 10^th is Teacher Appreciation Week across the country.  I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the Willard faculty.  I know that you join me in recognizing our teachers.  Without a doubt, the most important component of a quality education is the caliber of the teacher.  We are fortunate to have an excellent teaching staff at Willard. Within the framework of Teacher Appreciation Week, school nurses were recognized by the state of Massachusetts on Wednesday with School Nurse Appreciation Day.  We are grateful for Mrs. Gaudreau, our dedicated and skilled school nurse.

Boston Spirit Day at Willard on May 3^rd was a great success!  Spearheaded by Mrs. Lyons’ fifth grade class, students and staff were invited to wear some type of Boston apparel as a positive expression of Boston Community spirit.  In addition, staff and students were invited to donate to The One Fund.  The students planned all aspects of this special day.  They made posters to promote the event.  They designed collection boxes and volunteered to position themselves at the boxes as greeters. They responded to a terrible tragedy in a positive community-building manner.  In fact, their kindness and generosity of spirit served as a wonderful example to the entire Willard Community.  Because of their efforts, a total of $632.75 was collected for The One Fund from the Willard School Community. As adults, I think that we can learn from these students.  I commend Mrs. Lyons and her class for their collective efforts.

Field trips and special experiences are common at this time of year.  In kindergarten, students enjoyed a visit from Firefighter Sean Murphy who visited each class to teach students about Fire Prevention.  The Concord Fire Department was able to offer this special program to students through funding provided by a state grant.  Students enjoyed seeing the firefighter’s equipment and learning how the equipment is used for fire safety.  Tomorrow, kindergarten students will enjoy a visit from a representative of the Cambridge Savings Bank.  Students will learn about saving through a special educational presentation that is offered by the bank to the schools as a community service.  This week, our first graders have enjoyed a visit from Dr. Bryan Windmiller, a biologist and local researcher.  Dr. Windmiller introduced students to a collection of reptiles and amphibians in the classroom.  Students seemed especially curious to see the snake that Dr. Windmiller shared!  Second graders extended their study of science with a field experience at Drumlin Farm.  What child wouldn’t enjoy these opportunities!

MCAS Math testing began on Monday for Grades 3 & 5. Fourth grade students participated in Math testing yesterday and today. Fifth graders will participate in the MCAS Science test next week. The testing schedule is as follows:

Math

Grade 4: May 8 & 9

Science /Technology& Engineering

Grade 5: May 14 & 15

Congratulations are in order for strings’ teacher Anna Anderson and her 5^th Grade All Town Orchestra.  They participated at the MICCA Competition last weekend and earned a Silver Medal.  The Festival Orchestra, also under Ms. Anderson’s direction, earned a Gold Medal at the same competition.  The future looks bright for these musicians.

I would like to communicate a few important dates to 5^th grade parents.  Please mark your calendars for the following:

• Arts Night – June 5^th (Arts Retrospective 6:00 PM, Chorus, Band, Orchestra Concert -7:00 PM.

• 5^th Grade Celebration – June 20^th at 10:30 AM in the Auditorium.  This is our transitional ceremony, which marks the end of the Willard experience. Parents are invited.

As always, thank you for all you do for Willard School.

- Pat Fernandes, Principal

WILLARD NEWS & EVENTS

WILLARD SPIRIT DAY POEM BY CARL SWEENEY

It’s Spirit Day here on the third of May, and with the money we’ve collected,

We’ll try our best to help Boston friends whose lives were so greatly affected.

From Nine Acre Corner to Baker Ave, we’re considered the district jewel,

Displaying acts of support and kindness here at the Willard School.

One thing we’ve known for quite awhile is that Willard folks are proud, and

We’ll always search for the sunshine, through bad times and the clouds.

We love the Sox, we love the Pats and we wear their colors proudly, in a

city full of hopes and dreams we’ll state our case quite loudly!

So thanks to Mrs. Lyons class which thought and acted quick, to come up

with this awesome Spirit Day, they knew it would do the trick.

Today we all will act as one, and try to right a wrong, we’ll forever remain

united and together keep Boston Strong!

– Carl Sweeney

PACK 149 NEWS

Our May pack meeting will be held this Saturday, May 11 at the Higgins Armory Museum in Worcester from 1 – 2.30pm.  The Cub Scout program includes a 45 minute interactive program with an introduction to knights and armor throughout history and into present day. After this, there will be a guided 45 minute tour of the museum. The entire visit is open to all family members of scouts of Pack 149.   Please sign up at our website http://www.concordpack149.org.

CARNIVAL UPDATES

Encourage your child to help us spread the word about the Carnival by decorating the poster sent home recently. Completed posters may be returned to the front office or hung up around town. Let us know where you place it be leaving the completed form in the office by Friday, May 17th to claim a prize!

The Golden Ticket Raffle keeps getting better! On the day of the carnival, your $5 purchase will give you an opportunity to try your luck for the prize of your choice. Right now, prizes include two weeks at Camp Sewataro, Fenn Camp, a birthday party at On Your Toes and more!

THE PTG NEEDS YOU!

As we begin planning for next year, the PTG has identified several roles that need new volunteers. Now is the time to see how you can get involved for the 2013-2014 year with Game Night, Staff Appreciation and New Families Coordination. Please click on the following link to find out more http://willardptg.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/help-wanted-3-positions.pdf.

FIELD DAY

We are just about a month away from the Willard Field Days, and as always, we are looking for parent volunteers to help run the events. All parent volunteers must have an up to date CORI on file in the Willard front office. If you anticipate volunteering, please check that your CORI is current or complete a new one. Just contact the Willard office.

This is an exciting day for the children of Willard and each student looks forward to it every year. This day would not be possible without your help. This is a great opportunity for you to see your child in action and it’s a ton of fun for everyone! This day would not be possible without your help. We especially need help with grades 4/5.

Please consider volunteering for any of the following Field Day dates and times. PLEASE NOTE THERE HAS BEEN A CHANGE IN THE DATE FOR GRADES 4/5!:

Grades 2 & 3  June 3rd  9:10 – 11:45

Kindergarten  June 4th   9:10 – 10:35

Grade 1         June 4th    10:40 – 12:00

Grades 4 &    June 5th     9:10 – 11:45

Rain Dates TBA  June 6th – 12th

To volunteer, please go to: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/60B0D4CA5AA5-field

If you have any questions, please contact Paula Lublin at paulalublin@comcast.net. Thank you and hope to see you on field day!

– Mr. Germond

CALL FOR PHOTOS

The PTG is preparing a fun slide show for the end of the year Volunteer Appreciation Event that takes place in June. Please forward any photos taken at PTG events this school year — from ice cream social to game night, before and after school activities, science fair and more — to Liza Carey at lizacarey@comcast.net. (Photos are for ptg use only. Event may be named, but kids will not be identified)

PMC KIDS RIDE

Join the Fight to Conquer Cancer.  6^th Annual PMC Kids Ride Concord Registration Open Now. The PMC Concord Kids Ride will take place on Sunday, June 9th from 8:30-12 at Middlesex School in Concord. This is the 6^th year of the ride and we hope to break a record with at least 500 kids riding.  Kids from ages 5-15 from Concord, Carlisle, Sudbury, and Lincoln are encouraged to sign up to ride for 1,5,10 or 15 miles.  Ride to raise money for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.  Kids under the age of 5 can take part in the Kids Junior Ride as well so bring the whole family. The morning includes lots of festivities, food and of course the ride.  For more information, to register to ride or volunteer online go to http://www.kids.pmc.org/concord.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Draw your favorite booth, carnival theme or prizes.
• Draw a picture of your friends and family having fun at the Carnival.
• Use bright colors and fill in all the spaces you can.

Turn the poster in at the Willard School office by Friday, May 17th and Collect a Prize.

Visit the Carnival web page for more info on the Carnival!!

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

It’s May and it finally feels like spring!  Sun and warmer temperatures really do have a positive impact on students and staff.  Tadpoles and caterpillars have arrived and first graders are eagerly charting their growth process, looking forward to their eventual transformation into frogs and butterflies. Second graders monitor chick development and plant growth and look forward to a trip to Drumlin Farm.  Fourth graders anticipate the release of their classroom Blanding’s Turtles to the wild. As you may have guessed, Life Science is an important focus this time of year. Spring has indeed arrived.

Everybody loves a birthday and the Willard Talent Show celebrated an important birthday milestone on Sunday! The 15^th Annual Willard Talent Show was fantastic.  I was so impressed with every child’s performance.  It was clear that Willard has very talented students.  Speaking of talent, a group of 12 staff members opened the show with a great dance number.  I would like to acknowledge the Talent Show Co-Chairs Rita Staniar, Missy Wahl, and Allison Larew.  Due to Fire Department Safety Codes, a new ticketing process had to be developed and implemented this year.  Thanks to the efficient and careful planning by the Co-Chairs, this new process was effectively communicated to families and worked out really well. I would also like to thank the many parent volunteers who contributed to the success of the show.  Special thanks are extended to “retiring” committee members: Joe and Suzanne Jachinowski, Charles Spofford, Pamela Gilderhaus, and Barbara Sheehan.

Yesterday, Willard Kindergarten students and staff enjoyed a visit from local author and illustrator Nancy Poydar.  Young children enjoy Ms. Poydar’s books for many reasons. With colorful illustrations, Nancy’s books immediately grab children’s attention and are written to offer students amusing insights into holiday events and everyday experiences.  Often that experience is connected to school, so her school visits offer a wonderful connection for kindergartners.  Funded by the PTG, Nancy has visited our kindergarten classrooms for many years as an extension of the Willard Author’s Fest.  Although the Author’s Fest is a fall event at Willard, we have found that kindergarten children are better able to appreciate an author’s visit in the Spring – and the children certainly appreciated this visit!

Last night an interested group of parents attended the Sarah Ward Presentation on the topic of Executive Functioning.  This presentation was the second parent workshop by Ms. Ward this year at Willard.  As you know, Ms. Ward has been working with Willard staff all year.  Staff members have enjoyed and benefitted from this work and are incorporating new and effective strategies into their classroom routines. During her presentation, Ms. Ward focused on a variety of topics, including advice on how to help children manage long-term projects.  The presentation was enjoyable and informative.

As you know, the next round on MCAS testing begins on Monday. We ask that you ensure your child’s prompt school arrival on testing days.  Since the testing is untimed, children will not eat their snack until late morning.  Therefore, it is suggested that students eat a hearty breakfast. The testing schedule is as follows:

Math

Grade 3: May 6 & 7

Grade 4: May 8 & 9

Grade 5: May 6 & 7

Science /Technology& Engineering

Grade 5: May 14 & 15

Kindergarten Registration continues at Willard today (May 2^nd).  The first two session of Kindergarten Registration were held on Tuesday. The children were adorable and enthusiastic about their visit to their new school.  During their time in the classroom, they played peers and with classroom materials, they interacted with staff, and they enjoyed a light snack. As usual, they enjoyed the concluding activity, a bus ride around the Willard neighborhood.

The district is asking each school to update our student information database. Student Verification forms were mailed home to families. The forms were due on Friday, April 26th. If you have not returned your forms, please do so this week.  Be sure to check the appropriate box if you want your child to be included in the PTG Directory in the fall.

As explained in last weeks’ Willard Weekly, Willard is sponsoring a Boston Spirit Day on Friday.  Students are invited to wear some type of apparel celebrating Boston (Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, Patriots).  Boxes will be set up at both entrances for all interested students and staff to offer contributions to the One Fund.  Mrs. Lyons’ 5^th grade class is spearheading this effort.

As always, thank you for all you do for Willard School.

- Pat Fernandes, Principal

WILLARD NEWS & EVENTS

THANK YOU FROM THE TALENT SHOW!

The Talent Show Committee wishes to extend an enormous THANK YOU to the many, many volunteers who made our 15th annual Talent Show such a rousing success!  From the students onstage and behind-the-scenes, to the teachers who amazed all of us with their dance moves, to the appreciative audience of families who supported our performers, to the parents who helped coordinate and rehearse their children’s acts, it was a wonderful group effort.  But, our biggest thank you goes out the numerous parent volunteers who worked as a team in all aspects of the show — ticket staff, refreshment crew, set parents, check-in parents, and each and every Talent Show committee member!  Your enthusiasm and hard work made the show an outstanding, memorable accomplishment!

Thank you again for your support of the Willard Talent Show.  We’re already looking forward to next year’s Talent Show!  Join us!

–The Talent Show Co-Chairs: Rita Staniar, Melissa Wahl, and Allison Larew

ATTENTION 5th GRADE PARENTS!

Plans are well underway for the 5^th Grade Celebration Activities all sponsored by the PTG!  By now you should have received multiple e:mails detailing the events and dates that will mark the end of your child’s time at Willard.  If you have not received any e:mails, please reach out to one of us and we will make sure you get the information you need.  The PTG Website is also updated with the latest information.  We look forward to a fun and exciting last few months of school!

CARNIVAL UPDATES

Calling all face painters! Come join one of the coolest volunteer jobs at the Carnival. You will have the opportunity to lean how to decorate with flair using glitter and paints after just a few training sessions.   We could use some more painters and promise to make it fun!  Contact Judith Long for more information at jglong@gsd.hardvard.edu.

Thank you for the quick response from parents so far who have signed up to volunteer at booths. If you find that a time slot is already filled and you are still willing to help out, please indicate that in the comments section of the poll or by emailing Beth Thut at elizabeththut@yahoo.com. We always find that extra help is needed as we get closer to the date and for booths that get especially busy.

We are still accepting donations for raffle prizes or neighborhood collections to be pooled for bigger ticket items! In the past, these collections have really generated excitement with the raffle with such items as kids’ bikes, scooters or electronic devices. Be creative and encourage your neighbors to participate!

Also, raffle tickets were sent home this week with your child so that we can begin selling! There are two contests to acknowledge the individual and the class who sells the most tickets. Let’s get started…fabulous prizes await!

THE PTG NEEDS YOU!

As we begin planning for next year, the PTG has identified several roles that need new volunteers. Now is the time to see how you can get involved for the 2013-2014 year with Game Night, Staff Appreciation and New Families Coordination. Please click on the following link to find out more http://willardptg.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/help-wanted-3-positions.pdf.

FIELD DAY

We are just about a month away from the Willard Field Days, and as always, we are looking for parent volunteers to help run the events. All parent volunteers must have an up to date CORI on file in the Willard front office. If you anticipate volunteering, please check that your CORI is current or complete a new one. Just contact the Willard office.

This is an exciting day for the children of Willard and each student looks forward to it every year. This day would not be possible without your help. This is a great opportunity for you to see your child in action and it’s a ton of fun for everyone!

Please consider volunteering for any of the following Field Day dates and times:

Grades 2 & 3  June 3rd  9:10 – 11:45

Kindergarten  June 4th   9:10 – 10:35

Grade 1         June 4th    10:40 – 12:00

Grades 4 &    June 5th     9:10 – 11:45

Rain Dates TBA  June 6th – 12th

To volunteer, please go to: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/60B0D4CA5AA5-field

If you have any questions, please contact Paula Lublin at paulalublin@comcast.net. Thank you and hope to see you on field day!

– Mr. Germond

CALL FOR PHOTOS

The PTG is preparing a fun slide show for the end of the year Volunteer Appreciation Event that takes place in June. Please forward any photos taken at PTG events this school year — from ice cream social to game night, before and after school activities, science fair and more — to Liza Carey at lizacarey@comcast.net. (Photos are for ptg use only. Event may be named, but kids will not be identified)

Thousands of youth and adults play on the CCHS turf fields and work out at the Beede Center each year.  Master planning for a new project conceived in the same spirit – a major renovation of the recreation facilities at CCHS – is just getting underway.  You are invited to attend a series of public meetings to help make those facilities the best they can be!  The first public meeting is this Thursday @ 7:30-9:30 PM in the CCHS Auditorium.

Concord Carlisle at Play – the new name for a committee of parents, coaches, and interested citizens – hatched this idea last summer.  We aim to renovate and improve the existing lower grass fields, the lighted stadium, and the area at the top of the hill where five tennis courts resided.  Those facilities are used by CCHS baseball, softball, lacrosse, field hockey, soccer, cross country, football, ultimate Frisbee, cheerleading, and band and a wide variety of youth groups including CC Youth Baseball and Softball, CC Youth Lacrosse, Pop Warner Football, and others.

Your input now will contribute to a significant aesthetic and functional upgrade to an important community asset.  The first meeting will be held Thursday May 2 @ 7:30 PM followed by site walks on Saturday May 11 @ 9:00-noon and May 16 @ 7:00-8:00 PM.  See www.CCatPlay.org for more information.

CONCORD CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC HOSTS “PLAY DAY”

Play Day is a whole day dedicated to celebrating music with our community and “Playing Together” on Saturday, May 11th from 11:45 – 5:00pm. All proceeds from this event support the CCM Financial Assistance Fund. Last year CCM granted over $14,000 in assistance to area students. Come by CCM to hear student performances, drum with Jorge Perez-Albela, eat hot dogs, play musical games, try our “Instrument Petting Zoo” even have your face painted!

Founded in 2005, the Concord Conservatory of Music is an energetic community of people who are deepening their involvement with music education.  As a non-profit school, CCM serves Concord and the surrounding 15 communities. The mission of the Concord Conservatory of Music is to foster a sense of community through music by providing accessible high quality music education and performance opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. Our vision is to provide a community center for high quality 21st century music instruction for all who desire it. 

THOREAU SCHOOL ROAD RACE

Get ready to Run!  The 7th Annual Thoreau School 5K and Kids Fun Run is Sunday, May 19th.    Mark your calendars for this fun family-friendly, community event!   All proceeds benefit the Thoreau PTG. Registration opens at 10am with a 5k run at 11Am and kids races at 12 noon. A family barbecue, games and an award ceremony will follow the races.

For faster race day registration, a free t-shirt, and a reduced entry-fee, please pre- register online at:   http://www.thoreauptg.org .  Questions?  Email: khmonks@gmail.com

See you at the Finish Line!

PMC KIDS RIDE

Join the Fight to Conquer Cancer.  6^th Annual PMC Kids Ride Concord Registration Open Now. The PMC Concord Kids Ride will take place on Sunday, June 9th from 8:30-12 at Middlesex School in Concord. This is the 6^th year of the ride and we hope to break a record with at least 500 kids riding.  Kids from ages 5-15 from Concord, Carlisle, Sudbury, and Lincoln are encouraged to sign up to ride for 1,5,10 or 15 miles.  Ride to raise money for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.  Kids under the age of 5 can take part in the Kids Junior Ride as well so bring the whole family. The morning includes lots of festivities, food and of course the ride.  For more information, to register to ride or volunteer online go to http://www.kids.pmc.org/concord.

2013 GIRL POWER!

Girlpower is for girls ages 10-14 who are looking for a unique summer experience. A holistic wellness program in its sixth summer, GirlPower! brings together girls with different interests and abilities to learn, explore, exercise, create, relax, bond and nourish.  The program supports physical and social and emotional development with activities such as yoga, Barre Pilates, creative culinary and healthy eating demonstrations, journaling, local field trips, hiking, organic skin care, expressive dance (African, bellydance, Nia^®) the art of dressing and body image, recycled art, and, of course, teen talk.

It moves from its CCHS location this summer, to Concord’s “Yoga & Nia for Life” studio in West Concord.

The fee includes lunch, snacks, professional instruction and materials. Workshop leader Susanne Liebich is a Concord-based yoga practitioner, certified Pilates instructor, certified Nia instructor, and dance instructor. She is accompanied by guest teachers who are experts in their fields. More at www.dancingwellness.com.

Three summer sessions:

1.  June 24-28, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM, $550   #1168

2. July 8-12, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM, $550   #1169

3. 4-day session, Monday through Thursday, August 26-29, $440   #1170

Meets 9:00 AM-4:00 PM, at Yoga and Nia for Life

POP WARNER REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

Registration for the 2013 Concord Carlisle Pop Warner Football and Cheerleading program is open.  CCPW expects to field teams at 5 levels for players and cheerleaders from 2nd grade through 8th grade.  The first practice will be on August 11 and the season will open on September 7th.  You can register on line and get other information about the program at the CCPW website at www.ccpopwarner.com or call Kevin Smith at (978) 369-0634.  Registration is on a first come, first served basis so make sure we have a place for your son or daughter and sign up now.  All those who register by May 1st will receive a $25 discount. Please note: you can register now and pay in August!

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Thank you again for your support of the Willard Talent Show.  We’re already looking forward to next year’s Talent Show!  Join us!

-The Talent Show Co-Chairs

Rita Staniar, Melissa Wahl, and Allison Larew

A few remaining tickets to the Talent Show are available to the Willard community.  Please proceed to TICKET SALES
to read important information about this year’s ticket policy and purchase tickets.

The Talent Show Committee wishes to thank the Willard Community for your patience.  Because of your understanding and willingness to return unneeded tickets, we have been able to accomodate 175 more people and still adhere to our capacity limits!  We are looking forward to a terrific show and an enthusiastic audience!

Please contact talenttickets@willardptg.org with questions.

Thank you again for your support of the Willard Talent Show.

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

We return to school after April Vacation with heavy hearts in the aftermath of the Patriot’s Day tragedy.  As residents of the Greater Boston area, many parents & staff members had a connection with the Marathon, either as participants, friends or family member of a participant, or as spectators.  As a community, Massachusetts’ residents and others across the country are pulling together to recover and move forward. As an extension of this effort and in keeping with our School Community Outreach goals, Mrs. Lyons’ 5^th grade class has asked to spearhead a Boston Spirit Day at Willard.  This day will offer students and staff an opportunity to celebrate our Boston Pride by wearing some type of apparel that celebrates our Boston connection (perhaps a Red Sox, Celtic, or Patriots’ shirt). There will be boxes set up at the main entrance and the bus entrance where students can contribute a dollar to the One Fund, if they choose.  The focus of this initiative will be positive, celebrating the sense of community and pride that we feel as members of the Greater Boston Community, it will not focus on the tragic events of last week.  Participation is, of course, optional.  We are planning this day for Friday, May 3^rd.

Thank you to all Willard Families for your generous contributions to the Willard Food Drive.  More than 80 boxes of food and personal care items were delivered to Open Table last week.  These items will go a long way toward helping local families in need.

The next round on MCAS testing will occur in May.  The testing schedule is as follows:

Math

Grade 3: May 6 & 7

Grade 4: May 8 & 9

Grade 5: May 6 & 7

Science /Technology& Engineering

Grade 5: May 14 & 15

Kindergarten Registration at Willard has been scheduled for April 30^th and May 2^nd. We look forward to welcoming approximately 75 students to orientation.

The district is asking each school to update our student information database. Student Verification forms were mailed home to families.  Please complete and return them to the Willard Office by Friday, April 26th.  Be sure to check the appropriate box if you want your child to be included in the PTG Directory in the fall.

Please mark your calendars for the parent presentation by Sarah Ward on May 1^st at 7:00 PM in the Willard Auditorium.  Ms. Ward has been working with the Willard staff all year providing training on strategies to promote Executive Functioning skills in children.  Her parent presentation in November was very well received.  This presentation will be different from her November presentation and will include information about helping your child managing long-term projects.  I encourage you to attend.

As always, thank you for all you do for Willard School.

- Pat Fernandes, Principal

WILLARD NEWS & EVENTS

ATTENTION 5th GRADE PARENTS CMS PTG NEEDS YOU!

Please check out the link to see what positions need filling during the 2013-2014 school year at CMS.  This is a great way to get involved at the Middle School. Most jobs require very little time yet have a very large impact at the school. These are chair or co-chair positions. If you have any questions about the jobs please Aimee Cupp cuppcrew@gmail.com.  Thank you in advance!!

www.SignUpGenius.com/go/9040C49AAA9238-cmsvolunteers

CARNIVAL UPDATES

We are still accepting donations for raffle prizes or neighborhood collections to be pooled for bigger ticket items! In the past, these collections have really generated excitement with the raffle with such items as kids’ bikes, scooters or electronic devices. Be creative and encourage your neighbors to participate!

Also, don’t forget the Golden Ticket raffle: $5 tickets sold on the day of carnival only. You pick the prize you would like to try for: Camp Sewataro, Fenn Camp, kids sewing class, birthday party @ On Your Toes, Nintendo 3D DS….& more!

This year, be on the lookout for the town water station. Bring your own bottle to fill up on Concord’s own free water or purchase a Carnival water bottle for $3 at the Carnival.

PACK 149 CUB SCOUT NEWS

Our 4th and 5th grade boys, as well as our Cubmaster John Dow, were honored to have played major roles in both the Meriam’s Corner parade and the Patriots Day parade.  In fact, we hope you recognized 5th grader Hugo Vella (and 3rd grade Brownie Ailish Wilson) on the front page of the Concord Journal!

The pack also celebrated everyone’s hard work and achievements this year at our annual Blue and Gold dinner.  We now look forward to the Raingutter Regatta at our upcoming family camp out.

CALL FOR PHOTOS

The PTG is preparing a fun slide show for the end of the year Volunteer Appreciation Event that takes place in June. Please forward any photos taken at PTG events this school year — from ice cream social to game night, before and after school activities, science fair and more — to Liza Carey at lizacarey@comcast.net. (Photos are for ptg use only. Event may be named, but kids will not be identified)

SCHOOL COMMITTEE UPDATE

For the latest School Committee update, please see the following link: http://willardptg.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/School-Committee-Update-4-16-13-2.pdf. Discussion items included FY2014 budget, CCHS building update, a review of the 2012 School Performance Report as well as reports regarding Core State Standards and more.

CAMP QUINEBARGE SPECIAL OFFER FOR WILLARD STUDENTS

Located on 65 acres of beautiful forest and pristine waterfront on Lake Kanasatka in Moultonborough, NH, Camp Quinebarge is extending their special for first-time campers from Massachusetts schools for just $500 per week (2 week min.). This limited time offer expires on May 15th.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Online ticket sales have been re-opened TODAY for families of performers and crew ONLY.

Tomorrow (Thursday, 4/25) any remaining tickets will be available for sale to the rest of the Willard community.

Please proceed to TICKET SALES
to read important information about this year’s ticket policy and purchase tickets.