Newsletter – Friday, December 18

RICHMOND CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL

Newsletter- December 18, 2009

Telephone 413.698.2207 – Facsimile 413.698.3199

Calendar of Events

1/4 Back to School

1/6 Richmond Days at Bousquet begins

1/14 Active Parenting begins, see attachment

1/15 Geography Bee

1/22 Talent Show

Lunch Menu

Monday – January 4

Baked Rotini

Homemade bread, Green beans

Fresh fruit

Sandwiches: PBJ or Egg Salad

Salad Bar

Tuesday – January 5

Pizza Bagel (cheese or pepperoni)

Carrot sticks

Fresh fruit

Sandwiches: PBJ or Deli Turkey

Salad Bar

Wednesday – January 6

Beef Taco (hard or soft) with toppings

Rice, Corn

Fresh fruit

Sandwiches: PBF or Pepperoni & Cheese

Salad Bar

Thursday – January 7

Turkey Roast with gravy

Roasted butternut squash & onions

Homemade bread, Fresh fruit

Sandwiches: PBJ or Ham & Cheese

Salad Bar

Friday – January 8

Fish Sticks

Tater tots, Cole slaw

Fresh fruit

Sandwiches: PBJ or Bologna

Salad Bar

Happy Holidays

The staff wishes you and yours the happiest of holidays. May your vacation be filled with memories to be shared over the years. Do take time to relax and rejuvenate before school begins on Monday, January 4, 2010.

Early Childhood Concert

The cafeteria was full of parents, family members and friends of the children in Pk, Kindergarten and 1^st grade as they performed this afternoon. The word adorable sums it all up!

High Tea

The fourth grade and Mrs. Manzolini celebrated High Tea for the parents on Thursday afternoon. What a wonderful custom to start during the holidays – time to take a breather, a sip of warm tea and enjoy friends and family.

Enrichment Classes

The staff has offered enrichment classes to the 5-8 students this week. Each student was able to choose from 10 classes including yoga, cooking, outdoor survival skills, duct tape art, latch hook rugs, knitting, candle making, fun science fair, sewing and geometric probability. The staff had a great time and we hope the students had fun learning a new skill.

Winter Concert

Congratulations to Mrs. Mullen and all the music students who performed in Wednesday night’s concert. We certainly have talented students who work very hard. Thank you also to Peter Serkin for dedicating his time to accompany our chorus.

4^th Grade Toy Drive

Congratulations to Mrs. Manzolini and her fourth grade class for sponsoring the toy drive. Students donated over 175 toys. Mrs. Manzolini and some families from our school helped to distribute the toys on Monday night. Thank you to everyone who helped in anyway with this worth while cause.

Winner of 3^rd Grade Raffle

Congratulations to Scott Winter, winner of the third grade iPod touch raffle. The entire class sends a big “thank you” to everyone who participated — both those who bought tickets and those who sold tickets. All monies help defray the cost of field trips.

Geography Bee Coming January 15

Congratulations to the following students who will be participating in the school-wide geography bee on January 15: Jack Callahan, Lynsey Castagna, Ashley Glass, Bridget Mara-Williams, Addie McLaughlin, Olivia Piazza, Jared Renzi, Matas Rudzinskas, Braxton Vittori, and Cameron Volastro.

Clock Raffle

The winner of the clock -handmade by Dr. Robert Malinowski and donated to the 7/8 grade class- is the Begley family!

Congratulations! And, another thank you to Dr. Malinowski for his generosity. The clock raised $650.

K-2 Co-Ed Winter Basketball and Girls 3rd Grade Basketball
Join us for boys & girls, K-2 after-school basketball AND Girls 3rd grade basketball on Fridays from 3-4 pm. Basketball basics, skills development, scrimmaging and FUN!  Meet us in the Gym after school or contact Ruth Hanavan at 413-822-1460 or ruth@thehanavans.com or Kelly Smedvig at 413-441-0043. See you there!

The Annual Richmond Talent Show

This year’s talent show will take place on Friday, January 22nd this year. We invite all interested students, parents and teachers to join us and show your talents to raises monies for the middle school end of year trip. Music, dancing, acting, reading poetry, gymnastics and any other talent you may have is welcome. Tryouts will be the first week after Winter Break.  Please ask your children now if they would like to participate as there will not be much time to make a plan in January. If you have any questions please call Regina Serkin at 698-2690.

Principal’s Search Update from Superintendent Ballen
As the holidays are upon us and school vacation is here, I wanted to present you with an update on the status of the Principal’s Search plans.  Several parents have contacted me expressing interest in participating on the Search Committee and I have notified them that our first meeting will take place sometime around the second week of January.  They will be joined on the Committee by a few members of the school staff, as chosen by the teachers.  My hope is that we get one member from the lower school (grades pre-k through 4th) one from the upper school (grades 4-8) and one representative from the specialists (art/music/phys.ed/sped/etc.).  In addition there will be a representative from the School Committee, Christine Triantos, and possibly a member of the Richmond Community at large.  I am preparing a want-ad and comparing prices from on-line and print media.  My expectation is that this ad will be published early in January, and that the Committee will have applications to review by the beginning of February.
When we return from vacation, I will keep you informed on the progress we are making and as always, if you have questions, concerns or suggestions please feel free to e-mail me here at school, WBallen@Richmondconsolidated.org, or call my office at 698-4001.
Have a safe, healthy and happy vacation and a Happy New Year!

Part Time Para Position

We are looking for a 3-day a week Para for one student beginning on January 4, 2010. Please call the office if you are interested.

Active Parenting

Dr. Johnson and Mr. Bondini will be offering Active Parenting in January. Please see the attachment for times and details.

Please consider attending one or all of these sessions. As parents, we aren’t given a manual on how to raise children. And, if you have more than one child, you know how different they can be. So, why not come and listen/share some ideas and add to the tools you have already learned about parenting? The Parent Enrichment Committee supports these sessions. You can find more information at www.activeparenting.com

Specials Abound on Thursdays at Bousquet

$10 Night Owl Special – every Thursday evening receive a lift ticket for just ten bucks. Lift or tubing ticket 3pm-9:30pm, and yes, every Thursday evening.

Check this out, too!
$20 Monday – Thursday Day Lift Ticket
Enjoy the great skiing without long lift lines. Lift ticket valid from 9am-4pm (excluding vacation periods.)

Mommy and Me at Bousquet

Start Date:  Wednesday, January 6th – Reserve your spot now!
This 6 week program is an innovative Learn to Ski Program for 3 and 4 year olds with participation of Mom or Dad.
A one hour lesson is followed by one hour of unsupervised free skiing for child and parent.  11am -1pm each Wednesday
Program Only – $160/With Rentals $240 Contact Cindy Bartlett at 442-8316.

Kids LOVE Bousquet!

Have your kids spend their time on the mountain instead of on the couch.  Learn to ski or ride with the knowledgeable, fun & caring instructors who are part of the Bousquet Team!
Registration for Kids Programs Open Now.
Lessons begin in January 2010 – sign up now to insure your spot.  We want you and your children to be part of the Bousquet family!
The Bousquet Snow Sports School has achieved the reputation of offering enjoyable and economical children’s programs for over 45 years.  Programs are tailored to accommodate beginner through advanced students, 6 years and up (boarders 8 years and up) with a special program for 4 and 5 year old skiers.  The Snowsports School is committed to promoting the values of Safety – Fun –and Learning!

Wednesdays are Richmond Day at Bousquet

All forms must be received by Friday December 18^th. Beginning Wed, January 6^th, from 4-8 PM for a 6 week program, all Richmond children and parents are invited to ski at Bousquet, take lessons, spend time with parents or just meet up with friends for an evening of Ski/Snowboard lesson package.

Questions: Contact Cindy Bartlett at (snowsports@bousquets.com) or 442 8316

Save Your 5-Cent Cans and Bottles!

The second grade class is raising money this year by recycling 5-cent deposit cans and bottles. Containers are available at Kiss and Ride and in the lobby for convenient drop off. Thank you for supporting the second grade!

Swim Club at the Gladys Allen Brigham

Ages 6-18 are welcome! Sign-up is Monday, Jan 11^th to Friday, Jan 15^th at the Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center. Practice starts Tues Jan 19^th and runs through the end of March. Experience not necessary but must be able to swim length of 25 yard pool). Practices will be Tues 6-7 pm and Wed 4:45-5:45 pm. Fee is $40 plus $25 registration fee. Needed items: swim cap, practice bathing suit, towel and goggles. Any questions please call 442-5174 ext 25 or email plantm@misericordia.edu

Common Ground: Views of Richmond, MA

An exhibition of new landscapes by local Richmond artist, Marion Grant, will be on view at the Richmond Free Public Library in Richmond, MA from Thursday, December 3, 2009 through Monday, January 30, 2010.

Call 413-698-3834 for more info.

CAP Concert To Be Presented

Students in grades 3-5 are working on a chorus concert in CAP. The concert will be Tuesday, February 2 at 1:30 p.m. in the cafeteria. (Snow date February 3). Parents and interested others are invited to attend.

Newsletter – Friday, December 11

RICHMOND CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL

Newsletter- December 11, 2009

Telephone 413.698.2207 – Facsimile 413.698.3199

Calendar of Events

12/11 All Day! Barnes and Noble PTO Fundraiser

12/14 Play Auditions! 5^th –8^th graders only

3-5 pm (see below for more information)

School Committee Meeting 7 pm

12/15 Play Auditions 5^th –8^th gr only, 3-5 pm

12/16 Holiday Concert, 7:00 pm

12/17 H1N1 Flu Clinic 3-4 and 5-7 pm

12/18 Last day before holiday break

Remember to bring in your Salvation Army toy donations by today

PK, K and 1^st Holiday Concert, 1:30 pm

1/4 Return to school

1/6 Richmond Days at Bousquet begins

1/14 Active Parenting begins, see attachment

1/22 Talent Show

Lunch Menu

Monday December 14

Cheese Quesedilla

Rice, Corn

Fresh fruit

Sandwiches: PBJ or Pepperoni & Cheese

Salad Bar

Tuesday December 15

Tam’s Pan Pizza (cheese or pepperoni)

School Grown Carrots

Fresh fruit

Sandwiches: PBJ or Bologna

Salad Bar

Wednesday December 16

Chicken Parmesan

Fresh Bread

Roasted Butternut Squash & Onions

Fresh fruit

Sandwiches: PBF or Egg Salad

Salad Bar

Thursday December 17

Sloppy Joe

Cole Slaw

Fresh fruit

Sandwiches: PBJ or Ham & Cheese

Salad Bar

Friday December 18

Hot Dogs on a bun

Baked Beans, Seasoned Potatoes

Fresh fruit

Sandwiches: PBJ or Salami & Cheese

Salad Bar

Barnes and Noble PTO Fundraiser All Day

If you shop at the Barnes and Noble in Pittsfield on Friday, December 11, please mention the Richmond School upon checkout. A portion of your purchase will go to the Richmond School PTO fund. Last year we earned almost $800.00, with the monies donated to the school library. There is no set time for you to shop just make sure you mention our school at check out. Thank you!

Annual Holiday Concert

Please join us for our annual holiday concert on Wednesday, December 16 at 7:00 pm. The concert band, jazz band and chorus will be performing. The snow date is Thursday, December 17.  For detailed information, see attached letter below.

H1N1 Flu Clinic

The second round of shots for 9 year olds and under will be in the cafeteria on Thursday, December 17 from 3-4 pm and 5-7 pm. Students 24 and younger who did not get their first shot may attend.

District Results

Congratulations to the following students who have been accepted in to the Massachusetts Music Educators’ Western District Junior ensembles. Chosen to perform in the girls chorus are altos Stephanie Fasano and Olivia Piazza. Selected to play in the orchestra are Taylor Fohrhaltz-Burbank on the cello and Schuyler Fohrhaltz-Burbank on the string bass.

Boy Scouts

Thank you to Orren Anderson, former Richmond School student, for repairing some of our old picnic tables and repainting the repairs. Orren and some of his troop also worked on our nature trail by clearing more area. They have labeled all the trees. Orren is working on his Eagle Scout badge.

4^th Grade Community Project

Last year our school was able to donate over 200 toys to the Salvation Army for families who were in need of assistance during the holiday season. We need your help again this year to see if we can do the same or even better! Please send in a new toy that is unwrapped at your earliest convenience. Any kinds of toys for all ages are needed.  For example: games, music, creative play, building toys, cooking fun, puppets etc.  Please no stuffed animals or used toys! The toys will be delivered to the Salvation Army on Dec 18.

Snow Day

Did everyone get the automatic phone call announcing the snow day on Wednesday? If not, please call the office so we can check the system. Thank you.

Last Day Before Vacation

Friday, December 18 is a full day of school. We return to school on January 4, 2010.

School Committee Meeting

Our canceled meeting has been rescheduled for Monday, December 14 at 7 pm at the school.

Greenraising

The orders from Greenraising have arrived and arrangements for items to be sent home with kids or pick up will be made over the weekend. For more info, please call Tricia Wyatt 698-3875. Thank you again for supporting our second grade.

K-2 Co-Ed Winter Basketball and Girls 3rd Grade Basketball
Join us for boys & girls, K-2 after-school basketball AND Girls 3rd grade basketball on Fridays from 3-4 pm.. Basketball basics, skills development, scrimmaging and FUN!  Meet us in the Gym after school or contact Ruth Hanavan at 413-822-1460 or ruth@thehanavans.com or Kelly Smedvig at 413-441-0043. See you there!

Auditions for School Play

Auditions for this year’s school play, Scapino!, will be Monday 12/14 and Tuesday 12/15 from 3-5 pm in the school cafeteria. Rehearsals will be on Mondays and Thursdays starting in January and performances will be April 9th and 10th.

The Annual Richmond Talent Show

This year’s talent show will take place on Friday, January 22nd this year. We invite all interested students, parents and teachers to join us and show your talents to raises monies for the middle school end of year trip. Music, dancing, acting, reading poetry, gymnastics and any other talent you may have is welcome. Try outs will be the first week after Winter Break.  Please ask your children now if they would like to participate as there will not be much time to make a plan in January. If you have any questions please call Regina Serkin at 698-2690.

Part Time Para Position

We are looking for a 3-day a week Para for one student beginning on January 4, 2010. Please call the office if you are interested.

Clock Raffle

Come and see the clock handcrafted and donated by Dr. Bob Malinowski. It is in the lobby of the school. All proceeds to go toward the Richmond School 7th and 8th grade trip to Washington, DC. Tickets: $1.00 each or 7 for $5.00.Call the school or Lisa Martin – 698-2174. Drawing to be held on December 16th

Active Parenting

Dr. Johnson and Mr. Bondini will be offering Active Parenting in January. Please see the attachment for times and details.

Please consider attending one or all of these sessions. As parents, we aren’t given a manual on how to raise children. And, if you have more than one child, you know how different they can be. So, why not come and listen/share some ideas and add to the tools you have already learned about parenting? The Parent Enrichment Committee supports these sessions.

School Spirit

School Spirit week starts Monday, Dec 14!

Monday, Dec 14 – Hat day

Tuesday, Dec 15 – Crazy hair day

Wednesday, Dec 16 – Pajama day

Thursday, Dec 17 – Sunglasses day

Friday, Dec 18 – Holiday apparel day

Bousquet Opening Day – 2009

Welcome Back! Bousquet’s anticipated opening date is Saturday Dec. 12th at 10am.
We are experiencing the PERFECT weather to start our seaon off this weekend here at Bousquet.  Mother Nature helped jump start our snow-making both yesterday and over the past weekend. The blue chair is running at full speed.  A new motor has been added to the yellow chair.  AND 20 snow guns have been added to the mountain. Get psyched. We are looking forward to seeing you on the mountain later this week.  Check in at:  Bousquet for current conditions. BUY YOUR SEASON’S PASS NOW! Come in and take your photo this week to beat the rush.

Kids LOVE Bousquet!

Have your kids spend their time on the mountain instead of on the couch.  Learn to ski or ride with the knowledgable, fun & caring instructors who are part of the Bousquet Team!
Registration for Kids Programs Open Now.
Lessons begin in January 2010 – sign up now to insure your spot.  We want you and your children to be part of the Bousquet family!
The Bousquet Snow Sports School has achieved the reputation of offering enjoyable and economical children’s programs for over 45 years.  Programs are tailored to accommodate beginner through advanced students, 6 years and up (boarders 8 years and up) with a special program for 4 and 5 year old skiers.  The Snowsports School is committed to promoting the values of Safety – Fun –and Learning!

Wednesdays are Richmond Day at Bousquet

All forms must be received by Friday December 18^th. Beginning Wed, January 6^th, from 4-8 PM for a 6 week program, all Richmond children and parents are invited to ski at Bousquet, take lessons, spend time with parents or just meet up with friends for an evening of Ski/Snowboard lesson package.

Questions: Contact Cindy Bartlett at (snowsports@bousquets.com) or 442 8316 Eagles Band

There will be a free concert on Sunday, December 13 at the First Methodist Church on Fenn Street in Pittsfield at 3 pm. There will also be a bake sale and Santa.

Holiday Gifts

We are selling aluminum water bottles that say Richmond Goes Green for $10, pencils made from recycled denim for 2 for $1, and car magnets that say RCS surrounded by the words Richmond Consolidated School for $5. Please come in and “shop” or send a check in with your request. (photos are attached)

Save Your 5-Cent Cans and Bottles!

The second grade class is raising money this year by recycling 5-cent deposit cans and bottles. Containers are available at Kiss and Ride and in the lobby for convenient drop off. Thank you for supporting the second grade!

Swim Club at the Gladys Allen Brigham

Ages 6-18 are welcome! Sign-up is Monday, Jan 11^th to Friday, Jan 15^th at the Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center. Practice starts Tues Jan 19^th and runs through the end of March. Experience not necessary but must be able to swim length of 25 yard pool). Practices will be Tues 6-7 pm and Wed 4:45-5:45 pm. Fee is $40 plus $25 registration fee. Needed items: swim cap, practice bathing suit, towel and goggles. Any questions please call 442-5174 ext 25 or email plantm@misericordia.edu

Common Ground: Views of Richmond, MA

An exhibition of new landscapes by local Richmond artist, Marion Grant, will be on view at the Richmond Free Public Library in Richmond, MA from Thursday, December 3, 2009 through Monday, January 30, 2010.

Call 413-698-3834 for more info.

CAP Concert To Be Presented

Students in grades 3-5 are working on a chorus concert in CAP. The concert will be Tuesday, February 2 at 1:30 p.m. in the cafeteria. (Snow date February 3). Parents and interested others are invited to attend.

AUDITIONS FOR “SCAPINO!”

MON. 12/14 AND TUE. 12/15

3-5PM in the CAFETERIA

5^TH THROUGH 8^TH GRADES ONLY*

*LOWER GRADE STUDENTS INTERESTED IN THE PLAY SHOULD SIGN UP IN THEIR CLASSROOMS NEXT WEEK AND WILL BE CHOSEN TO PARTICIPATE ACCORDING TO THEIR FOCUS AND PARTICIPATION IN THEATRE CAP CLASSES.

Letter to band members:

Our annual Holiday music performance and art show will be held on Wednesday, December 16 at 7:00 p.m. in the gymnasium (Snow date, December 17). The schedule for the evening will be as follows:

6:15 p.m. – Band members will warm up on the stage.

6:40 p.m. – Chorus will warm up in room 104.

7:00 p.m. – Concert begins: Jazz Band, Chorus, and Concert Band. There will be no

Intermission. We invite all to view the displayed artwork before and after the concert.

The dress attire will be as follows: For the boys – black dress pants and white dress shirts with ties; and for the girls – black skirts or black dress pants with white blouses. No jeans or sneakers, please.

All woodwind players should make sure that they have an extra reed. I need to order any extra supplies no later than Friday, December 11^th.

Please encourage your child to practice regularly in the few remaining weeks before the concert. Everyone in the band has the potential to play all of the pieces that we will perform.  Band members must know all five of their pieces in order to perform all five of the pieces in this concert. For example if a student is able to play only four pieces, I will ask him/her not to play the fifth piece.

The chorus has potential and a nice sound. As usual, I am trying to encourage the singers to sing louder. Again this year, Peter Serkin will accompany the chorus on the piano. The sectionals do help a great deal, and I will schedule a couple more of these practices.

In order to put the finishing touches on our performance, we have scheduled the following extra practices the week of the concert:

Monday, December 14, 7:30 a.m. – Jazz Band

Tuesday, December 15, 7:30 a.m. – Chorus with Peter Serkin accompanying.

Wednesday, December 16, 7:30 a.m. – Jazz Band. There will be no jazz band rehearsal on Friday, December 18^th.

Wednesday, December 17^th – during the school day, the Concert Band and Chorus will rehearse. All band members need to remember to bring their instruments to school.

Call me if you have any questions or problems. I look forward to seeing you on December 16^th.

Sincerely,

Joy Mullen

Email Link

http://webmail.richmondconsolidated.org

Newsletter – Friday, December 4

Calendar of Events

12/4 iPod drawing, 3^rd grade raffle

12/7 to 12/18 4^th Grade Toy Drive

12/8 PTO, 5:45 pm

School Committee, 7:00 pm

Richmond Rec Comm. meeting, 7:30 pm

12/11 Barnes and Noble Fundraiser

12/14 and 12/15 Play Auditions, 3-5 pm

12/16 Holiday Concert, 7:00 pm

Lunch Menu

Monday December 7

Pizza Bagel

School grown carrots

Fresh fruit

Sandwiches: PBJ or Roast Beef

Salad Bar

Tuesday December 8

Hamburger on a bun

Lettuce, tomato, and pickle

Seasoned potatoes

Fresh fruit

Sandwiches: PBJ or Bologna

Salad Bar

Wednesday December 9

Chicken Parmesan

Fresh Bread, Roasted butternut squash

Fresh fruit

Sandwiches: PBF or Egg Salad

Salad Bar

Thursday December 10

Mac & Cheese

Peas, Spicy cornbread

Fresh fruit

Sandwiches: PBJ or Deli Turkey

Salad Bar

Friday December 11

Fish Sticks

Seasoned potatoes, Coleslaw

Fresh fruit

Sandwiches: PBJ or Ham & Cheese

Salad Bar

Honor Roll for Fall Trimester

Congratulations to the following students who made the honor roll this trimester!
8th Grade
High Honors: Julie Castagna, Jennifer Evans, Ashley Glass, Jason Konowitch, Emily Martin, Bridget Mara-Williams, Olivia Piazza
Honors: Ashley Harrington, Thomas Randolph
Honorable Mention: Collin Goodrich, Taylor Fohrhaltz-Burbank, Schuyler Fohrhaltz-Burbank, David Wyatt
7th Grade
High Honors: Jordan Begley, Lexi Danko, Mollie DiNicola, Alyssa Doerle, Mia Smith,
Honors: Jared Renzi, Dina Bilotta, Alexandra Glass, Ceci Reynolds, Kevin Stasiewski
Honorable Mention: Jessica Bilotta, Matas Rudzinskas

Annual Holiday Concert

Please join us for our annual holiday concert on Wednesday, December 16 at 7:00 pm. The concert band, jazz band and chorus will be performing. The snow date is Thursday, December 17.  For detailed information, see attached letter below.

4^th Grade Community Project

Last year our school was able to donate over 200 toys to the Salvation Army for families who were in need of assistance during the holiday season. We need your help again this year to see if we can do the same or even better! Please send in a new toy that is unwrapped at your earliest convenience. Any kinds of toys for all ages are needed.  For example: games, music, creative play, building toys, cooking fun, puppets etc.  Please no stuffed animals or used toys! The toys will be delivered to the Salvation Army on Dec 18^th.

Barnes and Noble PTO Fundraiser Night

If you shop at the Barnes and Noble in Pittsfield on Friday, December 11^th, please mention the Richmond School upon checkout. A portion of your purchase will go to the Richmond School PTO fund. Last year we earned almost $800.00, with the monies donated to the school library. There is no set time for you to shop just make sure you mention our school at check out. Thank you!

Active Parenting

Dr. Johnson and Mr. Bondini will be offering Active Parenting in January. Please see the attachment for times and details.

Please consider attending one or all of these sessions. As parents, we aren’t given a manual on how to raise children. And, if you have more than one child, you know how different they can be. So, why not come and listen/share some ideas and add to the tools you have already learned about parenting? The Parent Enrichment Committee supports these sessions.

Auditions for School Play

Auditions for this year’s school play, Scapino!, will be Monday 12/14 and Tuesday 12/15 from 3-5 pm in the school cafeteria. Rehearsals will be on Mondays and Thursdays starting in January and performances will be April 9th and 10th.

Richmond Recreation Committee

The Richmond Recreation Committee will have its December meeting on Tuesday, 12/8/09 at 7:30 pm in the Richmond School staff room.

Part Time Para Position

We are looking for a 3-day a week Para for one student beginning on January 4, 2010. Please call the office if you are interested.

Water Fountains

All the fountains have been uncovered since our illness level is back to normal.

Holiday Activities

While we all look forward to this time of year, it does become stressful as we put more activities into an already crowded life. Please try to keep your child’s schedule as close to normal as possible with healthy food, time for homework, time to relax and regular bed times. We promise to keep a normal pace here at school, too.

Student Council News

The Goodwill Food Drive was very successful. The upper grades brought the most food, so they will receive an extra 5 minutes of recess.

The week starting Monday, December 14^th will be School Spirit week.

Monday, Dec 14 – Hat day

Tuesday, Dec 15 – Crazy hair day

Wednesday, Dec 16 – Pajama day

Thursday, Dec 17 – Sunglasses day

Friday, Dec 18 – Holiday apparel day

6^th Annual Gingerbread House Competition

Wheatleigh is again sponsoring a Gingerbread House Competition and Silent Auction from 3 to 5pm on Sunday, December 6^th at the Lenox Community Center. It will benefit Share the Bounty.

They will have houses created by both professionals and students. There will be door prizes and refreshments. It is a great place to take the family and see the different houses and support this organization that helps feed people in our county. It buys local food from farms in Berkshire County to help people in need.  It is a wonderful holiday event that helps the kids see what giving can do. The event is free but donations are welcome.

Holiday Gifts

We are selling aluminum water bottles that say Richmond Goes Green for $10, pencils made from recycled denim for 2 for $1, and car magnets that say RCS surrounded by the words Richmond Consolidated School for $5. Please come in and “shop” or send a check in with your request. (photos are attached)

CAP Concert To Be Presented

Students in grades 3-5 are working on a chorus concert in CAP. The concert will be Tuesday, February 2 at 1:30 p.m. in the cafeteria. (Snow date February 3). Parents and interested others are invited to attend.

Save Your 5-Cent Cans and Bottles!

The second grade class is raising money this year by recycling 5-cent deposit cans and bottles. Containers are available at Kiss and Ride and in the lobby for convenient drop off. Thank you for supporting the second grade!

Swim Club at the Gladys Allen Brigham

Ages 6-18 are welcome! Sign-up is Monday, Jan 11^th to Friday, Jan 15^th at the Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center. Practice starts Tues Jan 19^th and runs through the end of March. Experience not necessary but must be able to swim length of 25 yard pool). Practices will be Tues 6-7 pm and Wed 4:45-5:45 pm. Fee is $40 plus $25 registration fee. Needed items: swim cap, practice bathing suit, towel and goggles. Any questions please call 442-5174 ext 25 or email plantm@misericordia.edu

Clock Raffle

Come and see the clock handcrafted and donated by Dr. Bob Malinowski. It is in the lobby of the school. All proceeds to go toward the Richmond School 7th and 8th grade trip to Washington, DC. Tickets: $1.00 each or 7 for $5.00

Purchase tickets at:

• At Richmond School office; or

• Call Lisa Martin – 698-2174

Drawing to be held on December 16th

at Richmond School.

After School Activities and Absences

Students may not attend after school activities if they were absent from school that day due to illness.

After School Activities

Please be prompt in picking your child up after school. Staffs who offer extra help, art, play, etc. have appointments they need to keep, and if you are late, they must stay with your child until you arrive. If you are not picking up your child, please make sure your child has a note or you have called the school to confirm the change in plans. Please help us in our attempt to keep our students safe.

Get Ready…It Won’t Be Long

Seasonal ski or board rentals $135 – Choose a Ski or Board Package and keep them for the season. The Rental and Repair Shop at Bousquet is NOW open Monday - Friday from 9am to 4pm for tuning, mounting and seasonal rentals. Get ready because the season is just around the corner. Ski/Snowboard Tune Up $25 - $35, Mounting/Remount $25, System Mounting/Snowboard Mounting $15, Quick Wax $10 and Hand Race Tunes $50/$75.
Ask about our Seasonal Tuning Specials!
Call Shana or Bob at 413.442.8316 ext. 13. For additional tune up information and pricing go to our website www.bousquets.com and then click on Tune and Repair Shop.
Drop your equipment off with a copy of this email before December 15th and take advantage of a 10% discount in the repair shop. Wednesdays are Richmond Day at Bousquet

Beginning Wed, January 6^th, from 4-8 PM for a 6 week program, all Richmond children and parents are invited to ski at Bousquet, take lessons, spend time with parents or just meet up with friends for an evening of Ski/Snowboard lesson package (6 lessons)______ $115.00

Ski/Snowboard lessons pass holders (6 lessons)      ______ $105.00

Ski/Snowboard only (6weeks    ______ $80.00

Need rentals (includes helmet) ______ $80.00

Parents: If you are taking advantage of this great offer, please submit a separate registration form. Please include payment with registration. All forms must be received by Friday December 18^th.  Please sign and include Bousquets’ wavier (enclosed).

Questions: Contact Cindy Bartlett at (snowsports@bousquets.com) or 442 8316

Common Ground: Views of Richmond, MA

An exhibition of new landscapes by local Richmond artist, Marion Grant, will be on view at the Richmond Free Public Library in Richmond, MA from Thursday, December 3, 2009 through Monday, January 30, 2010.

The public is cordially invited to attend the Opening Reception and Talk on Thursday, December 3 from 5-7:30 PM.  (Snow date for the Opening is Saturday, December 5 from noon to 2 PM.)  Grant will discuss her methods for capturing landscape in oils at 6 PM, and light refreshments will be served.  A percentage of the exhibition sales will benefit the library’s programs.

There will also be a Free Children’s Program on Saturday, December 5, from 10:30 to noon called “Seasonal Landscapes in Collage.”  All ages are invited.  Space is limited and pre-registration is suggested. Call 413-698-3834 to register.

A Letter to All Band and Chorus Members:

Dear Chorus, Concert Band and Jazz Band Parents,

Our annual Holiday music performance and art show will be held on Wednesday, December 16 at 7:00 p.m. in the gymnasium (Snow date, December 17). The schedule for the evening will be as follows:

6:15 p.m. – Band members will warm up on the stage.

6:40 p.m. – Chorus will warm up in room 104.

7:00 p.m. – Concert begins: Jazz Band, Chorus, and Concert Band. There will be no

Intermission. We invite all to view the displayed artwork before and after the concert.

The dress attire will be as follows: For the boys – black dress pants and white dress shirts with ties; and for the girls – black skirts or black dress pants with white blouses. No jeans or sneakers, please.

All woodwind players should make sure that they have an extra reed. I need to order any extra supplies no later than Friday, December 11^th.

Please encourage your child to practice regularly in the few remaining weeks before the concert. Everyone in the band has the potential to play all of the pieces that we will perform.  Band members must know all five of their pieces in order to perform all five of the pieces in this concert. For example if a student is able to play only four pieces, I will ask him/her not to play the fifth piece.

The chorus has potential and a nice sound. As usual, I am trying to encourage the singers to sing louder. Again this year, Peter Serkin will accompany the chorus on the piano. The sectionals do help a great deal, and I will schedule a couple more of these practices.

In order to put the finishing touches on our performance, we have scheduled the following extra practices the week of the concert:

Monday, December 14, 7:30 a.m. – Jazz Band

Tuesday, December 15, 7:30 a.m. – Chorus with Peter Serkin accompanying.

Wednesday, December 16, 7:30 a.m. – Jazz Band. There will be no jazz band rehearsal on Friday, December 18^th.

Wednesday, December 17^th – during the school day, the Concert Band and Chorus will rehearse. All band members need to remember to bring their instruments to school.

Call me if you have any questions or problems. I look forward to seeing you on December 16^th.

Sincerely,

Joy Mullen

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