Archie T. Morrison PTO

January Newsletter

Jan 31, 2004

Classroom Communication Network Update ?– The CCN has officially begun! Every Classroom Communicator has received guidelines. Parents who joined the network should anticipate receiving a copy of the guidelines packet from their Communicator by the end of next week. Please note that the Criminal Offender Record Information form (CORI) is TOP PRIORITY! Forms are included in the packet. Anyone volunteering at the school in any capacity must be authorized. Please send a completed CORI form in to the office as soon as possible. It will be processed right away!
The CCN gives us the chance to increase communication between parents and teachers. In keeping with our PTO objectives, let?’s work together to create a supportive and productive environment for our school and enhance our children?’s education. Let this be the year that parents come together and truly make a difference! If you have any questions about the program please contact Marie-Anne Baker @ 781-843-1118.

There's something wonderfully rewarding in being part of an effort that does make a difference. ~ Brian O'Connell ~

Student Holiday Shopping Fair Recap ?– The Fair was a huge success! We had anticipated an expenditure of $650.00. Due to the overwhelming generosity of so many Morrison families we made a whopping $1,457.00 profit! This feat was due to the fact that more than 35 items were donated to the raffle; several families donated sale items; our ?“bargain hunter?” volunteer-shoppers kept our costs low and our sale price between 25?¢ and $2.00. We?’d also like to thank all of the students for buying almost our entire inventory and supporting their school! We are grateful for everyone?’s contribution to the fair!

Morrison Apparel ?– More than 140 Morrison Apparel items (T-shirts, sweatshirts etc.) were sold between December 5th and December 10th. We raised $510.66. We are planning on selling the most popular items again in March. Please look for more information in next month?’s newsletter!

Staff Holiday Luncheon ?– Approximately 24 volunteers provided food, decorations, music and gift ornaments for the staff on December 17th in the faculty lounge. Of the 24 volunteers 16 were new parents to Morrison (mostly K & 1st grade). The staff appreciated so many parents taking time out of their busy holiday schedules to do something special for them. Please stop by the PTO bulletin board and read a few of the many heartfelt thank-you notes sent by the staff!

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.
~ William A. Ward ~

5th Grade Week Update - The 5th Grade Activities Committee met on Wednesday, January 14th. The individual committees have all been formed. The ?“no school?” days have impacted the 5th Grade Week Activities schedule. The final schedule will be posted in April.
If you are a 5th grade parent and you are unable to attend the meetings or join a committee and you would like to be part of the 5th Grade week activities, we welcome contributions such as film (35mm), cash donations, gift cards (Staples, Officemax), blank CD's etc. Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated! Please contact Lauri Bourikas @ 781-849-0428.
The Yearbook Committee is well under way. A timeline for the yearbook publication has been completed. The next meeting for the Yearbook Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, February 10th at 7:00pm in the Media Center. Please plan on attending. The deadline will be here before we know it!
Upcoming Events:

High Touch ?– High Tech ?– The PTO will once again sponsor High Touch-High Tech beginning Monday, February 2nd - Monday, February 9th for all grades.
High Touch-High Tech describes their program as ?“offering an educational and fun 90-minute hands-on, interactive in school science ?“field trip?” in individual classrooms for 15 - 30 students.?” They are ?“committed to increasing scientific and technological literacy.?” The program meets National Science Student Performance Standards and the Massachusetts Curriculum Framework.
Each 1st ?– 5th grade class will receive a 90-minute program. Kindergarten classrooms will receive a modified 45-minute program. The program will run for 6 days with three sessions each day. The classroom teachers reviewed the numerous programs offered in the 2003 - 2004 Elementary School Science Program guide provided by High Touch-High Tech and signed up for their choice and a time-slot that best fit their classroom schedule.
High Touch-High Tech provides all equipment and materials. Teachers remain in the classrooms and participate with the students and the scientists.
Please ask your children to tell you all about their extraordinary programs!

Seminars presented by South Shore Mental Health - The PTO will host a second seminar presented by South Shore Mental Health on Wednesday, February 4th from 7:00pm ?– 8:00pm in the Media Center. The topic is ?“Behavior Management?”.
Our speaker will be Alan Jacobson, Psy. D., a Licensed Psychologist and Certified School Psychologist. Dr. Jacobson is the Director of Outpatient Services at Bayview Associates, a program of South Shore Mental Health and holds a clinical appointment at McLean Hospital and has worked in Community Mental Health on the South Shore for 15 years.
The seminar will talk briefly about normal child development and distinguish some areas where problems can arise. The presentation will also include behavioral strategies and other ways to effectively assist students with difficulties including an overview of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Admission is FREE! Thank you to Mrs. Kane, our school psychologist, for coordinating the seminar for us with S.S.M.H.!

Fun Nights ?– The PTO will be sponsoring a ?“Sweet-Art?” Valentines social for 2nd and 3rd graders on Friday, February 13th from 6:30pm ?– 8:00pm in the cafetorium. The children will be making a Valentines Day craft and decorating cupcakes. Face painting will also be available. Admission will be a small item for Sunny Shaw?’s Clothes Closet (hats, mittens, socks etc.). More information will be forthcoming through PACE.

Valentine?’s Ice Cream ?– The PTO will purchase school ice cream for every child in grades 1 ?– 5 during lunch on Friday, February 13th to celebrate Valentine?’s Day! The Kindergarten and Developmental 1 & 2 students (who do not attend lunch) will each receive a special treat in their backpacks. Happy Valentine?’s Day!

PTO Meeting ?– The February PTO meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 11th at 7:00pm in the cafetorium. The agenda will be sent home through the backpacks a few days before the meeting. We hope to see you there!

Spring Fundraiser ?– The Spring Fundraiser will begin on March 1st and conclude on March 12th. We will be selling Yankee Candles & Spring Flower Bulbs. The PTO will earn a 40% profit. Our goal is to reach $4,000.00. Delivery will be in time for Mother's Day! As always in lieu of participation, donations to the PTO are always welcome. Thank you for your continued support!

Spring Fling ?– The Spring Fling (Beach Theme) is scheduled for Friday, April 2nd at the Emerald Hall, 120 Bay State Drive in Braintree. There will be a grade split (K - 2 and 3 ?– 5). Siblings currently attending Morrison are welcome to both sessions and will not be secluded. Preschool age siblings are always welcome. There will be a DJ, numerous raffle items and 50/50 cash raffles. ?“Radio Disney?” will not be hired this year due to the > $1,000.00 expense. We are able to rent the hall and pay for a DJ for much less. We hope you will plan on joining us! More details will be published in next month?’s newsletter.

PACE Helpful Hint - Mr. Wyatt and the PTO Officers have received a lot of positive feedback regarding the PACE system. Thank you all very much!

We have received one common concern, ?“What if my child answers the phone and I miss the message??” May we suggest the following instructions?

1.) If your child answers the phone and there is an incoming PACE message from either Mr. Wyatt or the PTO please instruct your child to inform an adult right away.
2.) Please ask your child NOT to hang up the phone when the message finishes. Ask your child to hand you the phone or you may pick up an extension.
3.) PRESS the * key on your keypad. The message will be REPEATED from the beginning. You may PRESS * as many times as needed to REPEAT the message.

PTO Methods of Communication ?– One of our top objectives this year was to increase communication between home and school. We?’ve been working very hard towards that goal! The monthly newsletter, the weekly website updates and the PACE reminders are now our three main methods of communication.
In the future if there is an unforeseen schedule change or a last minute opportunity we will update the website immediately and send out a PACE message. In addition we will send a half-page ?“PTO News Flash?” home through the backpacks if deemed necessary.

The best way to get something done is to find people who don't know it can't be done and do it. ~ Alma Williams ~