School Store next week

Do you need pencils, erasers, sharpeners? If so, 

School Store will be open during the week of 

October 7.

Monday: K & 5th grade

Tuesday: 1st grade

Wednesday: 2nd grade

Thursday: 3rd grade

Friday: 4th grade

Store will be open from 8:15-8:30am.

Children should bring quarters and dollar bills only.

$3 spending limit

Any questions?

Contact Jill Feron, sjferon@verizon.net

THANK YOU!

Grade 4 Curriculum Connection

“ENERGIZED”

The overarching theme for grade four science is Energy.  All of our students are studying it and simultaneously showing it---energy, that is. They are eager to learn and are showing lots of effort as they energetically work while adjusting to new routines, high expectations and very full days.

There is a strong emphasis on communication this year, both orally and written. The language arts lessons include reading, writing, listening and speaking. Our hope is to fill the day with great literature and topics for discussion and writing.  Each day fourth graders will be sharing ideas and forming observations and opinions of the chosen literature in writing prompts or conversation.  Currently, in reading and writing, we are focusing on the genre called memoir. After exposing the children to many great memoirs and their characteristics, the students will write a memoir of their own. We’ve explored many ways to prepare for sharing stories of our life; the children especially enjoyed making maps of their neighborhoods and collecting artifacts that hold strong memories for them.

In math we are studying place value to the millions period. Comparing, ordering, estimating and manipulating big numbers are the subtopics for this unit.  

Fourth graders will be switching teachers twice weekly for science and social studies. We begin science with types and transfer of energy; we will quickly switch to learning the forest energy flow before visiting the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary to see the forest in action. In social studies we will begin with a scavenger hunt of the textbook, so that using it this year will be a successful adventure. We then study map skills and landforms; then we plan to make clay relief maps of North America. Watch for parent volunteer opportunities this fall in both subjects.

Be sure your students are rested and well-fed; they need lots of ENERGY this term! 

Picture Day is almost here!

School Picture Day is Wednesday, Oct. 2nd. Get ready with your best smile! Be looking for the picture order form in your child's backpack. We have scholarship certificates available. Contact Dolly McIlvaine at 978-468-8475 or d.mcilvaine@hwschools.net before October 2nd for a scholarship certificate.

Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Assessment

Students will begin MAP assessments this week.  This is a computer-based assessment for literacy and mathematics.  Students will have time scheduled over the next few weeks to complete the MAP.  This is our second year using this tool.  Teachers use the data from the MAP to plan for instructional groups. The MAP will be administered again in the spring, in order to track student progress.

Volunteer Form

In case you misplaced the Friends of Cutler volunteer form- here it is!  If you need a more complete description of committees, etc, please visit friendsofcutler.blogspot.com.  Thank you!

Friends of Cutler—Parent Volunteer Opportunities

2013-2014

Hello Cutler Parents,

The Friends of Cutler relies on volunteers throughout the year to run our various services & fundraisers as well as to support the teachers and classrooms.  If you are looking for ways to get involved in your child's school but aren't sure where to start - here's your chance!

Listed below are different activities, fundraisers and other ways The Friends of Cutler help to support the Cutler community throughout the school year.  If you would like to head a committee that is wonderful, but there are also many needs behind the scenes that are so valuable in running a successful event, we need many committed supporters to handle the tasks.  Many hands make light work.

First and foremost we have two immediate needs:

1.  Volunteer Coordinator - please read more on the next page

2.  Tax Accountant - just to review our past filings

Feel free to address any questions about the events/committees listed below to Carol Harlow-Carlson at (holychurch@comcast.net) or Sarah Olson (sarahpageolson@gmail.com).  We hope we you will consider actively participating in the Friends of Cutler as we grow and contribute to our children’s experience at Cutler.

To volunteer, please detach form at bottom of page with your areas of interest and send back to school office, attention: Carol Harlow-Carlson, by Monday September 16th, or return it to our table at the Ice Cream Social. Thank you for your valued efforts and we’re looking forward to another great year in 2013-2014!

Sincerely,

Carol Harlow-Carlson & Sarah Olson

FRIENDS OF CUTLER

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Volunteer Form:

Your name:________________________________________

Your email:________________________________________ phone:____________________

Child’s name: ______________________________________ Child’s grade/teacher:_____________

FRIENDS OF CUTLER Committee(s): ______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

I am interested in being a Room Parent:   YES    /   NO

I am interested in being a Library Volunteer :   YES    /   NO

I am interested in being a Front Office Volunteer:   YES    /   NO

I am interested in being on the Hospitality email distribution:   YES    /   NO

Message from the Friends of Cutler

Please don't forget to turn in your blue volunteer form! 

Each family should have received one form home in their youngest child's backpack.

Additional forms are available if necessary-email friendsofcutler@gmail.com.

Also, if you are able to contribute to our fund drive, please send the form back to the office, or donate any amount via friendsofcutler.blogspot.com.  The link has been updated and donations can now be accepted via Paypal.  

Thank you for all your support!!

Kids and Company Together for Safety Parent Information Forum

Parents new to the Hamilton Wenham Regional School District with students in grades K-2 are invited to come to the Winthrop School library on Monday, September 23rd from 7:00pm- 8:00pm to learn more about the safety curriculum Kids and Company Together for Safety. This is a program that the school adjustment counselors have taught for several years in our District. Although the program specifically targets prevention strategies for sexual abuse and abduction, it also provides tools for self advocacy and assertiveness. For additional information please contact Dolly McIlvaine at 978-468-8475.

Notice from the Hamilton Board of Health

We want all the Cutler School families to be informed:

Contact Name: Leslie Whelan
Agency: Hamilton Board of Health
Tel: 978-468-5579
Email: lwhelan@hamiltonma.gov

Eastern Equine Encephalitis - Mosquito sample - Topsfield

A sample of mosquitoes collected in Topsfield on 9/10/13 was found to contain the virus that causes Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).

The Hamilton Board of Health offers the following preventative measures you can take to protect yourself, your family, and your neighbors from mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases.

Avoid mosquito bites:
• Minimize time spent outdoors at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening, which are peak mosquito biting times.
• Weather permitting, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are outdoors.
• Apply insect repellent to exposed skin and clothing.
o Choose a repellent that provides protection for the amount of time that you will be outdoors. Read the label and reapply as needed. Generally, higher percentage of active ingredients last longer, but are otherwise not more effective.
o DEET products should not be used on infants under 2 months of age. Children older than two months should use products with DEET concentrations of 30% or less. Always read the product label to determine the percentage of DEET, and reapply as needed.
o Some natural products, such as oil of lemon eucalyptus, are as effective as low concentrations of DEET, though not as long-lasting.
o Spray clothing with repellents containing permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent since mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing. Do not apply repellents containing permethrin directly to exposed skin.
o Link here for more information about Mosquito Repellents.
• Install or repair window and door screens.
• Use mosquito netting over infant carriers when outdoors.

Help reduce the number of mosquitoes by draining standing water (places where mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed).
• At least once or twice a week, empty water from flower pots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, tarps, buckets, barrels, and cans.
• Check for clogged rain gutters and clean them out.
• Remove discarded tires, and other items that could collect water.
o Tires are accepted at DPW Yard on “Ewaste” days (3rd Saturday, 8am-noon)
• Be sure to check for containers or trash in places that may be hard to see, such as under bushes or under your home.

The Hamilton Board of Health has not found sufficient evidence that truck spraying is an effective means of reducing the risk of West Nile Virus (WNV) or Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in humans. Personal protective measures and draining standing water in your yard, described above, are your best protection against mosquito bites and mosquito-borne diseases.

For more information, please refer to the Board of Health webpage http://www.hamiltonma.gov/Pages/HamiltonMA_Health/mosquito.

ATTENTION GRADE 4 AND GRADE 5 PARENTS:

This week your child saw a demonstration of musical instruments,
presented by Erik Fecke, Director of Bands. As a fourth or fifth grader, your child may participate in the Elementary Instrument Program.

 Beginner Group Lessons are offered for trumpet, trombone, clarinet, flute, saxophone and percussion.
 Musicians with at least one prior year of instruction may join the Elementary Ensemble.

For more information, and to register, please go to your school’s homepage, and click on the link to: Elementary Instrument Program.

Interested in group lessons?
Use the tab for Group Lessons Online Registration on the website.

Does your child want to be in the band, and has the required experience?
Download the Ensemble Form from the website, return it with payment to your school’s office.

You will receive a confirmation email with more details from hwelementarymusic@yahoo.com, so please check your spam folder if you haven’t received one.

Group Lessons will begin week of 9/30/13, and the first ensemble rehearsal will be Wednesday, October 2, 2013.

Online group registrations must be completed online by Friday, 9/20/13.
Ensemble forms and payments must be turned into the school office by 9/25/13.

Questions? Please email Chris Petrou, hwelementarymusic@yahoo.com

Ice Cream Social Tomorrow Night

The Friends of Cutler Ice Cream Social

Wednesday September 11^th

Time:  5-7pm.

Place:  Cutler Cafeteria

Free to all cutler families

Bring the whole family!

Cutler Apparel will be on sale!

____________________________

Dear Parents,

Welcome to Cutler for the 2013-2014 School Year!

The Friends of Cutler looks forward to sponsoring our 23^rd Welcome Back Ice Cream Social scheduled for Wednesday, September 11^th in the Cutler School Cafeteria from

5-7pm.  Weather permitting, we will spill out onto the playground as well.  This a free event open to all Cutler families.

The “make your own sundaes” include a choice of chocolate or vanilla ice cream, sauces, whipped cream and a variety of toppings that are served by Cutler teachers and support staff.  It's also a great time to meet other Cutler families and see old friends after a summer apart.

Cutler apparel will be available for purchase.  You can also make a Fund Drive donation and sign up for the multitude of volunteer opportunities that are available throughout the school year.

We look forward to seeing you!

Jacqui Moynihan jacquimoynihan@verizon.net

Ice Cream Social Chair

 ____________________________

Family Fun: CATHERINE’S CRAFT FAIR

Contact:  Will Schmidt, catherinescraftfair@gmail.com, 978-810-1149

Alex MacLean, 978-468-3373

On Saturday September 7th, 2013 from 10 am to 3 pm the 14th annual Catherine's Craft will take place at the MacLean's house at 62 Union Street, S. Hamilton, M.A. The proceeds of the fair will benefit the Aplastic Anemia Myelodysplasia International Foundation (AAMDSIF ), which provides support and hope to patients with bone marrow failure diseases. The fair is being organized and held by Alex MacLean, Will Schmidt, Nate Johnson, and Julia Kuebel (all 10th graders) with help from their friends.

            The fair was started in 1999 when Catherine MacLean was diagnosed with Aplastic anemia at age four and received a bone marrow transplant at age 10. She is now a twelve-year survivor and a senior at Wesleyan University. Catherine organized and ran the fair from 1999 until 2009 when she graduated from Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School. Her brother Ian MacLean and friends Connor Schmidt and Ben Johnson then took over organizing and running the fair. Ian, Connor and Ben even went to Washington D.C. to act as political advocates on behalf of AAMDSIF. They graduated high school in 2012 and the torch was passed to Catherine's youngest brother Alex MacLean along with friends Will Schmidt, Nate Johnson and Julia Kuebel. They are honored to be running the fair for the second time this year and building on what past organizers have done. In its 14 years, the fair has raised over 12,000 dollars for AAMDSIF.

Bone marrow failure syndromes are life-threatening diseases in which the bone marrow fails to produce blood cells correctly. For more information on rare bone marrow diseases, please visit www.aamds.org.

This year's fair has a wide variety of activities, crafts and games for children and families to enjoy! Some attractions include a moon bounce, a mini golf course, balloon pop, bean bag toss, craft stations and many more! Hot dogs, chips and drinks will also be available!

Bring the whole family and come have some fun on September 7th! Rain date is Sept. 8th. For more information visit the Fair's facebook page, "Catherine's Craft Fair 2013" or send Will an email at catherinescraftfair@gmail.com.  To request an interview, please call 978-468-1876 or send us an email.

A few notes about our new dismissal procedures for walkers and car pick ups

Thank you for helping us try out our new system this year!

*    We are trying this new system simply to streamline the process and make it a safer dismissal overall.

*    We would be grateful if all parents picking children up on foot (even those who have parked their cars and walked up) would stand behind the cones and wait for their children there.

*    All parents arriving to pick up their children on bikes should leave their bikes in the bike rack and walk up to the pick up spot.

*    Children will be dismissed as soon as they tell us they see their trusted adult.  They can walk around the cones on either end and meet their parents behind the cordon.

*     'Car Pick Up' dismissal will take place at the same time as 'Walker' dismissal.  We will continue to load only the first four cars in line.   

*    Please make sure that all children are properly secured in their seat belts before you drive off.   

*    Janie Bellenis will be producing car dashboard signs for those that require them as soon as possible.   

GAIL BOUCHER EXHIBITS SEASCAPES AND GYOTAKU (fish prints) AT CUTLER SCHOOL ART GALLERY

         Seascapes and Gyotaku (fish prints) by Gail Boucher are on exhibit at the Cutler School Lobby Art Gallery in Hamilton during September and October, 2013.  

         The sea and the creatures that live in it inspire Mrs. Boucher, a charter boat captain and graduate of Montserrat College of Art. She creates a record of fish caught by herself and her friends, practicing gyotaku, a Japanese tradition that dates from the mid 1800’s.  Gyotaku literally means fish rubbing.  Seeking to create a portrait equal to the beauty of each specimen, she creates a print by applying paint to a fish and rubbing the image onto rice paper. 

Annual Ice Cream Social

Friends of Cutler
Annual Ice Cream Social

Wednesday September 11th
Time: 5-7pm
Place: Cutler Cafeteria
Free to all Cutler families

Bring the whole family!

Cutler Apparel will be on sale!

Jacqui Moynihan jacquimoynihan@verizon.net
Ice Cream Social chair

School Supplies

We hope that all students who ordered School Kidz school supplies in the spring got their supplies. If there are any issues, please contact Leslie Jorgensen at leslie@supportingstrategies.com?

Public Safety Day

Where: Hamilton Public Safety Building When: Saturday, September 21, 2013 Time: 10:00am to 2:00pm Rain or Shine (We Hope Shine) Free Popcorn, Ice Cream See State Police K9 in Action!! Come Meet: Smokey Bear Come Meet: McGruff the Crime Dog Tour the Public Safety Building!!!

Welcome Back from The Friends of Cutler

Friends of Cutler is a non-profit organization which includes all Cutler parents as well as teachers.  Even if you haven't been involved before, you are still part of The Friends of Cutler simply by having a child in our school. Throughout the year we provide services and raise funds that support specific curriculum-linked programs, activities and resource materials not included in the school budget allocation. 

Find out what's going on

Friday, September 6th - 8:30 New Parent Coffee

9:30 Friends of Cutler - Annual Kick-off Meeting

(immediately following New Parent coffee)

Join us as The Friends of Cutler extends a warm welcome to our new Cutler families and as we welcome back familiar faces!  Several Friends members will be available to help answer any questions that you may have about The Friends of Cutler and the Cutler School.  The coffee is a great opportunity to meet other new Cutler families, hear about our fund raising events & services we offer during the year and to speak with our principal, Jennifer Clifford.   

Our first Friends of Cutler meeting of the year will immediately follow the coffee.  All Cutler parents are encouraged to attend the meeting - it's a great way to learn how your family might get involved in new school.  Younger children are welcome.

Friends of Cutler Communication

We communicate with families several ways throughout the year.

Cutler School Blog - This ongoing communication serves as a reminder of upcoming events. Please be sure to subscribe your email in order to receive email messages as the blog is updated.

Back Pack Fliers - The Golden Rod paper is a thing of the past.  You will see our New Blue paper out in back packs on a regular basis.  You will come to recognize this color - anything that comes home on this paper is from

The Friends of Cutler - and will soon feature our brand new logo!

Friends of Cutler Blog – Helpful information about the Friends of Cutler.

This can be accessed from the school website:

cut.hwschools.net

Click on the Cutler tab, then For Parents, then Friends of Cutler

or directly

http://friendsofcutler.blogspot.com

We're updating it now - so check back to make sure you have all of the updated information you need. 

We will let you know if this process changes.

Teacher Lounge Project

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make our teacher lounge renovation a reality.  Whether to came in to lend a hand or donated at the end of last year, we couldn't have done it all without you.

Stop by and see it - it's amazing!