Thetford Elementary School

News and Views

November 30 2007    

              Issue 7

 

 

From The PrincipalÕs Desk:

 

I am happy to announce that David Kelman will be returning to TES Beginning December 6th as an artist-in-residence for fifth and sixth grade students. This year David will be directing and producing an adaptation of ShakespeareÕs "Taming of The Shrew" entitled "The Shrewd". A letter from David, which explains the program and outlines procedures and dates for this opportunity, was sent home Monday the 26th with the students.

For sixth grade families who have experienced this amazing and inspiring program, I donÕt need to tell you how lucky we are to have David share his love and knowledge of theater and his wonderful way with children with us once again.  For fifth graders who have seen previous productions but donÕt yet know what is in store for them, this is an opportunity of a lifetime, which students remember for years after the last curtain call.

 

Congratulations are sent to Alicia Stommel, Erica Freund, Natalie Mitchell and Evan Orleck-Jetter for the certificate they were recently awarded for the contribution they made to Heifer International.  The girls organized and held a rummage sale, which successfully raised $190.00 for the organization.  Their gift will provide communities with the help they need to improve nutrition and family income. We admire their energy and are proud of their demonstration of global awareness and good citizenship.

 

Please be reminded that all students are expected to be on the playground in the morning unless they have an appointment and are expected by a teacher or if they are going directly to breakfast.  Children should arrive at school with outdoor wear appropriate for the weather conditions and should be dropped off at the playground, not at the lobby door in front of the school.  We are finding kids wandering around in the building unsupervised in the morning at a time when staff are busy working together to get ready for the day.

 

School Announcements:

 

Art Room News from Kelly Lewis:  Throughout the year all of the grades will take turns working on a "Featured Artist" project.  They will be learning about the chosen artists in depth, including details about their lives and the styles of art they created.  Students will either be recreating a masterpiece or creating their own original artwork using the same styles and techniques that the chosen artists used. 

The first class to complete this project was Mrs. Bondurant's 4th grade.  They studied the life and works of Georgia O'Keeffe and created their own "flower inspired" art. 

Artist Vincent van Gogh was studied by Mrs. Auch and Mrs. Smith's 2nd graders.  They used an impasto painting technique and created their own artwork which was inspired by van Gogh's masterpiece Sunflowers No. 2.  These paintings are currently hanging outside the library.

 

  

Community Announcements:

 

Friday, November 30: James Naismith, Creator of Basketball, A Vermont Humanities Council Speaker's Bureau program with Robert Cheney, explores the life and accomplishments of Dr. Naismith, who, in Springfield, MA in 1891, developed the game of Basketball. TWO shows, 3:30 pm and 7:00 pm, Thetford Elementary School, Route 113, Thetford, VT. No admission charge, open and accessible to all, (best for Grade 4 through adult). FMI: (802) 785-2068. Co-sponsored by Thetford Historical Society and Thetford Youth Sports (from Martha Howard).

 

Sunday, December 2:  Thetford Ski and Skate Sale.  Rummage through your attic and bring your too-small or gently-used winter equipment to the TES gym from 9-11:30 am to consign. Then return between 12:30-2 pm to buy new and new-to-you skis, boards, skates, and other winter equipment.  Great deals!  Several area ski shops bring new equipment too:  Omer & Bobs, Hendersons, Golf & Ski Warehouse.  Don't miss this opportunity to clean your house and to prepare your family for having fun outdoors this winter.  Consignors receive 2/3 of the sale price and the balance supports scholarships to the Thetford Ski Program. Come sell and buy! There will also be a raffle for winter-related goods (from Lelia Mellen).

 

Saturday, December 8:   5th Annual Family Place Gingerbread Festival, Saturday, 10 am – 3 pm, at Tracy Hall, Norwich, VT.  Exquisite handmade gingerbread houses, cafˇ, silent auction, and store; free childrenÕs activities, story telling, and musical entertainment. Admission $10 per family or $5 per person.  Online auction December 2 – December 7, 7 am – 9 pm daily.  All proceeds benefit The Family Place Parent Child Center.  More details – and photos of past houses – at www.the-family-place.org.  Hope to see you there (from Marla Ianello).

 

Wednesday, December 19:  Annual Winter Solstice Celebration at Peabody Library in Post Mills.  Come light up the Library with candles and your smiles to celebrate the darkest day of the year.  Holiday stories for children by the children and Simon Brooks from 3:30-4:45.  Peter will read for adults at 7:00 pm.  Children at TES can take bus #2 to the celebration at Peabody Libaray after school on the 19th (from Stacey Glazer).