Friday, March 26, 2010

Calendar of Events

3/26 Go Green Night, 6:30 PM

3/28 Bowling Fundraiser, 1-3 PM

3/31 March Madness, 3-4:30 PM

4/3 Bake Sale at Richmond Post Office,

9-11:30 am

4/9 School Spirit – Sports Jersey Day!

4/9, 4/10 and 4/11 SCAPINO! Check out below for performance info

4/13 PTO meeting, 5:45 PM

School Committee, 7 PM

4/15 Nutrition lecture

4/29 Exercise lecture

5/4 6^th Grade parent meeting

TONIGHT! GO GREEN NIGHT

Hope we see you on Friday, March 26^th in your Go-Green t-shirts! We will have something for everyone! Students in K-2 will be presenting a mini play. All students will plant seeds and have a sing along with Mr. Kennedy. Parents will hear a presentation on our new school garden and Rickard Lasser will have a brief workshop on organic lawns. We also will have a Silent Auction going on – here are a few of the offerings: a Berkshire Botanical Garden membership; a $25 gift certificate to Ward’s; 30 lbs of organic lawn food from Windy Hill Nursery; 1 hour of computer services from Mr. Biancolo; 1 hour consultation from Second Nature Garden Design; $180 garden tractor tune-up from PLT; a $25 gift certificate to SoMA; a Go-Green basket from Richmond School; an organic turf/grass consultation which includes cultural conditions analysis and recommendations; a $25 gift certificate to Hilltop Orchard and Winery, and more!!

Bread Making

Students in grades 4-8 participated in a workshop today where they learned to bake bread. They also brought home materials to make 2 loaves of bread. One loaf is for home to enjoy and the second loaf is to come back to school on Monday to be donated to The Soup Kitchen in North Adams. Included with materials is a plastic bag and twisty to send the bread back into school. Thank you for helping with this project!

6^th Grade Parent Meeting

Thank you to all the parents who were able to attend Tuesday night’s meeting or sent emails. It was a very good meeting with lots of information exchanged. We will be meeting as a staff to discuss the meeting and will send home some notes to all families next Friday. We thought a follow up meeting on Tuesday, May 4th would be beneficial. Hope people are able to join us then.

Thank You!

A big thank you to all the families that attended our 7/8 grade fundraiser! A great dinner was followed by an entertaining game as students and parents matched wits. Many parents, students, and staff supported this event. Thank you to MC’s:  Jennifer Evans, Ashley Glass, and Ashley Harrington; Student lifelines:  Olivia Piazza, Emily Martin, Jacob Giblin, Kevin Stasiewski, Lynsey Castagna, Molly Weinberg, Tyler Harrington, Zev Jarrett, Kyle Stasiewski, Kyle Brogan, Nicole Gamberoni, Melina Triantos, Sarah Rawson, Marley Gamberoni, Emily Erickson, Anna Rawson, and Olivia Glass; Contestants: Mr. Begley, Mr. Randolph, Mr. Goodrich, and Mr. Biancolo; and parents and staff:  Mr. Schroeder, Mrs. Larkin, John Cudworth, Carolyn Jeffrey, Mrs. Strock, Mrs. Evans, Mrs. Mara-Williams, Mrs. Beth Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Glass, Mrs. Martin, Mrs. Danko, Mrs. Harrington, and Mrs.
Gamberoni. Special thanks to Tammy Jervas for the great food!

3^rd Grade Bowling Fundraiser

All families and friends, all ages and abilities, are invited to attend an afternoon of bowling at Cove Lanes in Great Barrington. Sunday, March 28^th from 1-3 PM; $5 per person (includes the shoe rental).

Annual Easter Bake Sale

Get those last minute items for your Easter dinner! The 5^th grade class is having its yearly bake sale at the Richmond Post Office.
Date:  Saturday, April 3, 2010
Time:  9:00 AM-1130 AM
Location:  The porch of the Richmond Post Office

SCAPINO!

Come see our school play, Scapino!, a comedy based on the work of Moliere. There are four performances – Friday, April 9 at 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, April 10 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday, April 11 at 2:00 p.m. Table reservations are strongly suggested and can be made by calling 413-698-2207. Tickets are $4.00 for students and $6.00 for adults.

March Madness

Wednesday, March 31 is March Madness Basketball tournament. The teams can have 3-4 people, $5 per person. The tournament starts right after school in will run until around 4: 30 PM.  Games will be broken up into grades 5&6 and 7&8. Please remember to bring money to the tournament to buy .50 cookies and $1 waters!

Student News

The Berkshire Bruins Organization recently competed in a tournament in Lake Placid.  The PeeWee A division, where Jared Renzi, grade 7 plays, advanced to the finals and beat a team that previously beat them to win the Gold!  They took home the Gold Medal as well as banner to hang in their home rink.

Matt Renzi, 15, a former Richmond School student now attending Berkshire School, had the opportunity to travel to Europe to play in
the prestigious Chris VerWijst Tournament (U16 ) in the Netherlands http://www.chrisverwijst.nl with a team of U 16 players from various MA prep schools.
Teams participating in the 34th tournament were: National teams: Austria, Belgium, England, Netherlands and Slovenia.
Club teams: Belmont Hill School (the name of the team Matt played on), Tilburg Trappers and a team of the Moscow region. Our American team has won this tournament!!!!!!!!!  The first win of an American team since 1978 3-2. Congratulations!

Parent Enrichment Committee- Book/Lecture

We are pleased to announce our spring book selection,

“Worried All the Time: Over parenting in an Age of Anxiety and How to Stop It” by David Anderegg, Ph.D. We are fortunate in that Dr. Anderegg, a resident of the Berkshires, has graciously agreed to moderate what promises to be a dynamic discussion in May (date/time TBD).  Participants will have an opportunity to submit 2-3 questions and/or topics of interest prior to the discussion to help direct the conversation. So don’t miss this exciting opportunity. Get your book and start reading!

See the following links for some helpful information.

http://www.drdavidanderegg.com/page.php?PageID=470&PageName=Worried+All+The+Time

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=worried+all+the+time

http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?store=book&ATH=David%20Anderegg

TUESDAY, APRIL 27th–Save the date!

Richmond School will be having its first fundraiser at Bisque, Beads, & Beyond! (in Pittsfield)

Come and express your artistic side, while raising money for our school!  Anyone crafting there between 4-8 pm on that day, will have 20% of their project’s cost donated to our school PTO.  Projects include: painting ceramics, beading necklaces, bracelets, earrings, glass mosaic, glass fusing, and more!  Bring a friend!  As space is limited, we ask that all coming in join in the crafting fun, so as not to take a seat away from a potential crafter/donation.  Hope to see many of you there!

Bullying Prevention Committee

Our next Bullying Protection Committee meeting will be Tuesday, March 30^th. The District Attorney’s office will be presenting a Cyber-bullying Workshop to grades 5-8 on Monday, April 26^th.

PTO Meeting

The next PTO meeting will be Tuesday, April 13^th at 5:45 PM.

Great Barrington Little League

Signups to play in the Gt. Barrington Little League are this Saturday from 9 am to noon in the Richmond School lobby. The following link allows parents to do this online:  

https://www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=gbll01230

For the hyperlink, follow the links in the upper right hand corner of the web page.

For questions, please contact:   Ron Bartlett  698-3324 or Seth Hoffman  698-2133

Living the Good Life!

The Exploration of Nutrition and Exercise for Optimal Wellness

Please join us for two FREE evening events at the Richmond School sponsored by the Community Health Association of Richmond and West Stockbridge that promises to tackle all of your nutrition and exercise concerns for both you and your children.

Evening #1: NUTRITION

Thursday, April 15, 7pm – 8:30pm

Speakers: Tammy Jervis, Robert Hoechster, R.D., L.D.N. and Diane Piraino, MD, FAAP

Tackle some of the common nutrition myths, Discuss how parents can help children build a positive relationship with food and eating, and School lunch program and local foods; what are your kids eating at lunch time?

Evening #2: FITNESS and CREATIVE EXERCISE

Thursday, April 29, 7pm – 8:30pm

Speakers:  Laurence Cohen MD and fitness expert Stephanie Ambrose

How to burn off what you take in or even more! Working up a sweat and loving it!

How much exercise should you and your kids get? What are some fun exercises to do?

Both events to be held at the Richmond Consolidated School

1831 State Rd.

Richmond, MA

For more information, contact Emilie Jarrett RN., BSN, CHA Director, at 413.232.0122

Ping Pong Tourney

As some of you know, the Richmond Rec Committee originally planned a Ping Pong Tourney for an upcoming Sunday.

Some conflicts have caused us to have to change our Pong Tourney date to Sun. May 2nd.

Basics: Noon – 5 PM at Richmond Cons. School Gym.  All welcome. $5 entry fee ($10 max family)

1st & 2nd place Trophies for each of 5 Divisions (Advanced, Intermediate, Beginner, Women, and Youth)

Purpose: Community fun. Proceeds to benefit Youth Programs.

Go to the Link http://www.richmondreccommittee.org/ for details & sign up form.

And join Facebook pages below.

Please share this info with any friends who may be interested, and sign up to join us!

Thanks,

Jim Nejaime

413.717.0112
Link to the Richmond Rec Committee web page for Pong Tourney Sign up (for Sunday, May 2, 2010):
http://www.richmondreccommittee.org/
Facebook page is updated with the new  information:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Town-of-Richmond-Community-Ping-Pong-Tournament/329186963177
The  Facebook Event page is updated with the new information:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=333436081262&index=1 <http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=333436081262&amp;index=1>

Richmond Scholarship Applications Now Being Accepted

The Richmond Scholarships are awarded each year to Richmond students to help defray costs of attending college.  All High School Seniors and currently enrolled college students are eligible to apply.  High School Seniors will receive applications in the mail and all currently enrolled college students can pick up applications at Town Hall, the Post Office, Bartlett’s or the Richmond Library.  The application deadline is May 1, 2010.  If you have any questions call Holly Freadman at 698-2231.

The Wizard of Oz at MMRHS

Monument Mountain Regional High School proudly presents The Wizard of Oz on

Friday, March 26 7:30 PM

Saturday, March 27 2 PM and 8 PM

Sunday, March 28 2:30 PM

Tickets are $10

RCS Early Childhood Program Fundraiser

The Richmond School Early Childhood Program will continually be set-up online for a fundraiser through www.currentfun.com (Current Catalog)  Categories available are “Gifts & Decor”, “Giftwrap & Accessories”, “Gourmet Treats”, and “Kitchen & Household Helpers”.  We earn 50% of each sale!  Products will be shipped directly to the customer.  Each quarter of the year, we receive a check for the amount of our profits.  To have the sale applied to our account, you must use the website listed above, click the yellow “start shopping” button, and choose your items.  Once you go to the check-out, you will need to select the state first (MA), then the name of the program “Richmond School Early Childhood Program” Thank you for any purchases!

7/8 Washington DC Trip

Please remember that the 1^st payment of $110 was due on January 31^st. The next payment of $110 is due on March 31^st. We are ordering tickets now, so if your child is not planning on going on the trip, or if you need assistance with payments, please call either Mr. Pugh or Mrs. Strock. Thank you.

Berkshire Idol Auditions

Auditions will be held at the following locations:

Thursday, April 8^th 4-8 PM, at Main Street Stage on 57 Main Street, North Adams, MA

Friday, April 9^th 4-8 PM, at the Lenox Community Center, 65 Walker Street, Lenox, MA

Saturday, April 10^th 11 AM-7 PM, at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, 28 Renne Avenue, Pittsfield, MA

For more information, please visit  www.berkshireidol.com

Lost and Found

There was a basketball jersey found in the gym. Please call the school to claim.

You found it!

Thursday, April 1^st

Hot Dog on a roll

Baked Beans, Hash Browns

Fruit, Salad Bar

PBJ or Bologna

PTO Recycling Program

Our school will benefit from recycling your old ink cartridges. All you need to do is drop off your empty cartridges or send them in with your child. Thanks for all your support.

Here is the link: http://RICHMONDPTO.PTOinkStore.com. Please bookmark our site for future orders.

Farmyard fun for your whole flock!

Baby Animals on the Shaker Farm

April 3-25 Romp around with some new fuzzy friends! Visit the newborn lambs, piglets, calves and chicks filling the famous Round Stone Barn. We’ll be open daily from 10am to 4pm. More information can be found at www.hancockshakervillage.org.
Behind-the-Scenes Tours! Make family memories with a special Behind-the-Scenes guided tour for your flock! Available daily at 2pm, families can get up close and personal, helping at feeding time and having special access to the newborns! Your private guided tour includes a fun-filled gift bag and a framed photo of your group to commemorate your visit.  Reservations recommended: 413.443.0188 x203.

IS183 Afterschool Art Programs

IS183 is holding after school art programs on Mondays for grades 1-9 and Wednesdays for grades PK -5. Please visit www.is183.org or call 298.5252 for more information.

The Eagles Band

The Eagles Band will be performing a free spring concert and social on Sunday, April 11 at 3 PM at the First United Methodist Church on Fenn Street in Pittsfield. Bake sale, too!

For more information, please visit www.eaglesband.org

MASS MoCA Events over Spring Break

Looking for something fun to do with your family during spring break?  Try the Kicking and Screening Soccer Film Fest at MASS MoCA in North Adams Friday, April 23, and Saturday, April 24.

This two day event during school vacation week features films that capture the passion and pageantry of this beautiful game.  Matinees and evening films; features, documentaries and shorts; plus soccer jugglers and a panel discussion about the USA’s influence on the world’s game round out the festival.  Festival passes are $25 adults/$15 kids or tickets to individual events are $8 adults/$5 kids. Find complete schedule at massmoca.org or call the MASS MoCA box office at 413 MoCA111.

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.

RICHMOND CULTURAL COUNCIL ANNOUNCES GRANT RECIPIENTS

RICHMOND — The Richmond Cultural Council has announced the award of 18 grants for the fiscal year 2010, totaling $3,939 for cultural programs in Richmond.  The grants were awarded from a pool of funds distributed to the town by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency that supports public programs and educational activities in the arts, sciences and humanities.

A complete list of recipients and grant amounts can be found below.

The Richmond Cultural Council is part of a network of 329 local councils serving all cities and towns in the Commonwealth.  The program is the largest grassroots cultural funding network in the United States.  Thousands of community-based projects in the arts, sciences and humanities are supported every year using funds allocated by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, which receives an annual appropriation by the state legislature.

Decisions about which activities to support are made at the community level by the local cultural council, a board of municipally appointed volunteers.  The members of the Richmond Cultural Council are:  Kathleen Basile (Chairperson), Karen Cellini-Corcoran, Kathleen Fabrizio, Carole Raskin, and Christine Triantos.

Statewide, local cultural councils will distribute more than $2.65 million in 2010.  Grants will support an enormous range of grassroots activities: concerts, exhibitions, radio and video productions, field trips for schoolchildren, after-school youth programs, writing workshops, historical preservation efforts, lectures, First Night celebrations, nature and science education programs for families, and town festivals.  Nearly half of LCC funds support educational activities for young people.  This includes the PASS Program, which provides subsidies for school-age children to attend cultural field trips.

The Richmond Cultural Council will seek applications again in the fall.  In addition to the MCC web site (www.massculturalcouncil.org), information and forms will be available at Richmond Town Hall, Richmond Public Library, and Richmond Post Office, all located on State Road.  They are due Oct. 15.  This year’s grants are as follows:

Barrington Stage Company Youth Theatre LCC $100 Bazaar Productions The Berkshire Fringe LCC $150 Berkshire Children’s Chorus Scholarships for Berkshire County children LCC $100 Berkshire Lyric Theatre, Inc. Concerts and Educational Programs LCC $50 Berkshire Theatre Festival, Inc. BTF PLAYS! LCC $400 Maichak, Greg How to Pastel Paint Expressively: Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” LCC $435 Richmond Consolidated School Colonial Theater/Dr. Kaboom -Science Presentation PASS $620 Richmond Consolidated School Great East Festivals PASS $324 Richmond Consolidated School Historic Deerfield PASS $185 Richmond Consolidated School Norman Rockwell Museum PASS $88 Richmond Consolidated School Sculpture Now PASS $180 Richmond Consolidated School The Berkshire Museum PASS $202 Richmond Consolidated School Eric Carle Museum PASS $205 Richmond Consolidated School Scapino! LCC $250 Sculpture Now Sculpture Now & the Shakers LCC $200 Stockbridge Sinfonia Free Community Concerts LCC $150 Taconic High School Fall Festival of Shakespeare LCC $200 Ventfort Hall Association 2010 Lecture Series LCC $100

SCAPINO! REHEARSAL SCHEDULE

-Unless your character has a specific time in parenthesis after his/her name, you are required to stay for the entire rehearsal.

-Write dates on your calendars; bring script, pencil, and snack to rehearsal.

-Notify Amy Brentano 441-7856 if you must miss rehearsal due to illness.

MON 3/29                  3-5:30PM

THUR            4/1                   3-5:30PM

MON  4/5                   3-5:30PM

TUE    4/6                   3-6PM

WED  4/7                   3-8PM

THUR 4/8                  3-6PPM

FRI     4/9                   5:00PM Call               7PM Performance

SAT    4/10                 12:30PM Call             2PM Performance

5:30PM Call               7PM Performance

*CAST WILL RECEIVE POST VACATION SPECIFIC REHEARSAL SCHEDULE ON 2/8

Friday, March 19th 2010

Calendar of Events

3/19 Are You Smarter Than A Richmond School Student? Dinner and Contest, 5-7 PM

3/23 MCAS begins

3/26 Cap Performance, 9:30 AM K-2

School Spirit – PJ day!

Go Green Night, 6:30 PM

3/31 March Madness, 3-4:30 PM

4/9 School Spirit – Sports Jersey Day!

4/13 PTO meeting, 5:45 PM

School Committee, 7 PM

4/15 Nutrition lecture

4/29 Exercise lecture

Honor Roll

8^th grade:

High honors – Julie Castagna, Jennifer Evans, Ashley Glass, Jason Konowitch, Emily Martin, Bridget Mara-Williams, Olivia Glass

Honors – Taylor Fohrhaltz-Burbank, Ashley Harrington, Thomas Randolph

Honorable Mention –Schuyler Fohrhaltz-Burbank, Roma Sabino

7^th Grade

High Honors – Jordan Begley, Alyssa Doerle, Allie Glass, Mia Smith

Honors – Dina Bilotta, Jessica Bilotta, Lexi Danko, Mollie DiNicola, Jared Renzi, Ceci Reynolds, Matas Rudzinskas, Kevin Stasiewski

MCAS

It’s that time of year again. MCAS tests will start next Tuesday for grades 4 and 7. They will also happen for grades 3-8 on Wednesday and Thursday. Please make sure your child has a good night’s sleep and hearty breakfast. Children in grades 3-8 may have snacks and gum during testing. Please send your child in with a water bottle or buy water from the kitchen. Most tests start promptly by 8:30 AM and will be done by break, so make sure your child arrives at school on time. The next round of MCAS tests are the week of May 10^th.

6^th Grade Meeting

Sixth grade parents are invited to attend an informal meeting to discuss bullying on Tuesday, March 23^rd at 7 PM.

Are You Smarter Than A Richmond School Student?

Come to the “Are You Smarter Than A Richmond School Student? Dinner and Contest! The date is Friday, March 19^th from 5-7 pm.

Dinner will be 5-6 pm and the game will be from 6-7 pm. Tickets are $5 per person, $20 max per family. We are asking all 7th and 8th grade students to sell at least $20 in tickets.  Please see them to purchase your own tickets. There are also tickets available in the office.

4th Grade Yankee Candle Fundraiser

Please help out our little 4^th grade class with p purchase of a Yankee Candle. Proceeds also help fund the book closet. Packets are going home with students today. Fundraiser ends March 22^nd.

Annual Easter Bake Sale

Get those last minute items for your Easter dinner! The 5^th grade class is having it’s yearly bake sale at the Richmond Post Office.
Date:  Saturday, April 3, 2010
Time:  9am-1130 AM
Location:  The porch of the Richmond Post Office

3^rd Grade Bowling Fundraiser

All families and friends, all ages and abilities, are invited to attend an afternoon of bowling at Cove Lanes in Great Barrington. Sunday, March 28^th from 1-3 PM; $5 per person (includes the shoe rental).

SCAPINO!

Come see our school play, Scapino!, a comedy based on the work of Moliere. There are four performances – Friday, April 9 at 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, April 10 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday, April 11 at 2:00 p.m. Table reservations are strongly suggested and can be made by calling 413-698-2207. Tickets are $4.00 for students and $6.00 for adults.

Go Green Night

Hope we see you on Friday, March 26^th in your Go-Green t-shirts! We will have something for everyone. Students in K-2 will be presenting a mini play. All students will plant seeds and have a sing along with Mr. Kennedy. Parents will hear a presentation on our new School Garden and Rickard Lasser will have a brief workshop on organic lawns. We also will have a Silent Auction going on – here are a few of the offerings: a Berkshire Botanical Garden membership; a $25 gift certificate to Ward’s; 30 lbs of organic lawn food from Windy Hill Nursery; 1 hour of computer services from Mr. Biancolo; 1 hour consultation from Second Nature Garden Design; $180 garden tractor tune-up from PLT; a $25 gift certificate to SoMA; a Go-Green basket from Richmond School; an organic turf/grass consultation which includes cultural conditions analysis and recommendations; a $25 gift certificate to Hilltop Orchard and Winery, and more!!

March Madness

Wednesday, March 31 is March Madness Basketball tournament. The teams can have 3-4 people, $5 per person. The tournament starts right after school in will run until around 4: 30 PM.  Games will be broken up into grades 5&6 and 7&8. Please remember to bring money to the tournament to buy .50 cookies and $1 waters!

Bullying Protection Committee

Our next Bullying Protection Committee meeting will be Tuesday, March 30^th. The District Attorney’s office will be presenting a Cyber-bullying Workshop to grades 5-8 on Monday, April 26^th.

PTO Meeting

The next PTO meeting will be Tuesday, April 13^th at 5:45 PM.

Make A Wish Foundation

Kyle Brogan and his mom Louise will be attempting to ski 50 runs at Bousquet
ski area next Sunday 3/21. They are attempting to raise at least $1500.00 for the
Make A Wish foundation. Please see the attached flyer for details. Donations and
pledges are being accepted, and anyone donating over $50.00 has a chance to win
prizes, including a new pair of skis!

Great Barrington Little League

Signups to play in the Gt. Barrington Little League are this Saturday from 9 am to noon in the Richmond School lobby. The following link allows parents to do this online:  

https://www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=gbll01230

For the hyperlink, follow the links in the upper right hand corner of the web page.

For questions, please contact:   Ron Bartlett  698-3324 or Seth Hoffman  698-2133

Art Exhibit, Talk and Reception

SCINTILLATIONS

An exhibition of new oil paintings by local artist, Karen Carmean, will be on view at the Richmond Free Public Library through the end of March.  This exhibit features oil paintings of bright colored pears and pineapples. The public is invited to attend a talk and reception on Thursday, March 25 from 6:30-8:00. Call the library at 698-3834 for more information.

Living the Good Life!

The Exploration of Nutrition and Exercise for Optimal Wellness

Please join us for two FREE evening events at the Richmond School sponsored by the Community Health Association of Richmond and West Stockbridge that promises to tackle all of your nutrition and exercise concerns for both you and your children.

Evening #1: NUTRITION

Thursday, April 15, 7pm – 8:30pm

Speakers: Tammy Jervis, Robert Hoechster, R.D., L.D.N. and Diane Piraino, MD, FAAP

Tackle some of the common nutrition myths, Discuss how parents can help children build a positive relationship with food and eating, and School lunch program and local foods; what are your kids eating at lunch time?

Evening #2: FITNESS and CREATIVE EXERCISE

Thursday, April 29, 7pm – 8:30pm

Speakers:  Laurence Cohen MD and fitness expert Stephanie Ambrose

How to burn off what you take in or even more! Working up a sweat and loving it!

How much exercise should you and your kids get? What are some fun exercises to do?

Both events to be held at the Richmond Consolidated School

1831 State Rd.

Richmond, MA

For more information, contact Emilie Jarrett RN., BSN, CHA Director, at 413.232.0122

First Annual Richmond Ping Pong Tournament DATE CHANGED

The Richmond Recreation Committee is hosting a Ping Pong tournament! The date changed to Sunday, May 2^nd from 12-5 pm. $5 per person/ $10 family max. All children grade 4 and younger must have a chaperone. Tammy’s pizza and desserts will be for sale.

Richmond Scholarship Applications Now Being Accepted

The Richmond Scholarships are awarded each year to Richmond students to help defray costs of attending college.  All High School Seniors and currently enrolled college students are eligible to apply.  High School Seniors will receive applications in the mail and all currently enrolled college students can pick up applications at Town Hall, the Post Office, Bartlett’s or the Richmond Library.  The application deadline is May 1, 2010.  If you have any questions call Holly Freadman at 698-2231.

Richmond Needs You!  Become a Census Taker for Richmond!

As you may know, the 2010 US Census is upon us.  Questionnaires will be arriving in people’s mailboxes within the next two weeks asking just 10 questions.  It is vitally important that everyone answer and return their forms promptly to assure that the town and the school receives the federal funding and representation that it is entitled to for the next 10 years.

To that end, Richmond needs Census Takers who are paid temporary employees of the US Census to go door to door of the residences that do not return their forms.

Census Takers make at least $14.50/hr PLUS mileage which includes paid training.

To apply one needs to take a test…  The next one in Richmond will be held on March 18 at 5:30 pm in the Richmond Library.  (Other tests are available in Pittsfield and West Stockbridge).

Please call 866-861-2010 or visit us on the web at www.2010census.gov/2010censusjobs/.

And, please forward this message to everyone you know!  Richmond Needs You!  Help Count Richmond!  Become a Census Taker Today!

The Wizard of Oz at MMRHS

Monument Mountain Regional High School proudly presents The Wizard of Oz on Thursday, March 25 7:30 PM

Friday, March 26 7:30 PM

Saturday, March 27 2 PM and 8 PM

Sunday, March 28 2:30 PM

Tickets are $10

RCS Early Childhood Program Fundraiser

The Richmond School Early Childhood Program will continually be set-up online for a fundraiser through www.currentfun.com (Current Catalog)  Categories available are “Gifts & Decor”, “Giftwrap & Accessories”, “Gourmet Treats”, and “Kitchen & Household Helpers”.  We earn 50% of each sale!  Products will be shipped directly to the customer.  Each quarter of the year, we receive a check for the amount of our profits.  To have the sale applied to our account, you must use the website listed above, click the yellow “start shopping” button, and choose your items.  Once you go to the check-out, you will need to select the state first (MA), then the name of the program “Richmond School Early Childhood Program” Thank you for any purchases!

7/8 Washington DC Trip

Please remember that the 1^st payment of $110 was due on January 31^st. The next payment of $110 is due on March 31^st. We are ordering tickets now, so if your child is not planning on going on the trip, or if you need assistance with payments, please call either Mr. Pugh or Mrs. Strock. Thank you.

Berkshire Idol Auditions

Auditions will be held at the following locations:

Thursday, April 8^th 4-8 PM, at Main Street Stage on 57 Main Street, North Adams, MA

Friday, April 9^th 4-8 PM, at the Lenox Community Center, 65 Walker Street, Lenox, MA

Saturday, April 10^th 11 AM-7 PM, at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, 28 Renne Avenue, Pittsfield, MA

For more information, please visit  www.berkshireidol.com

Student News

Roma Sabino, grade 8, is performing in Life Is Short, eight comedies by Craig Pospisil. This performance is put on by the Town Players of Pittsfield and will be held in the ballroom at Jae’s Spice on North Street in Pittsfield. Performances are Friday and Saturdays- March 19, 20 at 8 PM. And, Sundays – March 14 and 21 at 2 PM. For tickets, call 443-9279 or visit www.townplayers.org

Lost and Found

There was a basketball jersey found in the gym. Please call the school to claim.

Kidspace Turns 10!

Celebrate a decade of great art at Kidspace’s 10^th Birthday Party on Saturday, March 20. Concert by instrument-maker Ken Butler, “Iron Artists” Competition, family cupcake challenge, art auction, opening of A Delectable Decade: Kidspace Retrospective, and more. Celebration runs from 11 – 4 with concert at 1, Iron Artists at 2, and auction at 3:30.  Admission is $5 which goes directly to Kidspace to support school programming. For tickets and info call 413 MoCA 111 or visit massmoca.org/kidspace

PTO Recycling Program

Our school will benefit from recycling your old ink cartridges. All you need to do is drop off your empty cartridges or send them in with your child.

Thanks for all your support.

Here is the link: http://RICHMONDPTO.PTOinkStore.com. Please bookmark our site for future orders.

Thank you for your support.

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.

RICHMOND CULTURAL COUNCIL ANNOUNCES GRANT RECIPIENTS

RICHMOND — The Richmond Cultural Council has announced the award of 18 grants for the fiscal year 2010, totaling $3,939 for cultural programs in Richmond.  The grants were awarded from a pool of funds distributed to the town by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency that supports public programs and educational activities in the arts, sciences and humanities.

A complete list of recipients and grant amounts can be found below.

The Richmond Cultural Council is part of a network of 329 local councils serving all cities and towns in the Commonwealth.  The program is the largest grassroots cultural funding network in the United States.  Thousands of community-based projects in the arts, sciences and humanities are supported every year using funds allocated by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, which receives an annual appropriation by the state legislature.

Decisions about which activities to support are made at the community level by the local cultural council, a board of municipally appointed volunteers.  The members of the Richmond Cultural Council are:  Kathleen Basille (Chairperson), Karen Cellini-Corcoran, Kathleen Fabrizio, Carole Raskin, and Christine Triantos.

Statewide, local cultural councils will distribute more than $2.65 million in 2010.  Grants will support an enormous range of grassroots activities: concerts, exhibitions, radio and video productions, field trips for schoolchildren, after-school youth programs, writing workshops, historical preservation efforts, lectures, First Night celebrations, nature and science education programs for families, and town festivals.  Nearly half of LCC funds support educational activities for young people.  This includes the PASS Program, which provides subsidies for school-age children to attend cultural field trips.

The Richmond Cultural Council will seek applications again in the fall.  In addition to the MCC web site (www.massculturalcouncil.org), information and forms will be available at Richmond Town Hall, Richmond Public Library, and Richmond Post Office, all located on State Road.  They are due Oct. 15.  This year’s grants are as follows:

Barrington Stage Company Youth Theatre LCC $100 Bazaar Productions The Berkshire Fringe LCC $150 Berkshire Children’s Chorus Scholarships for Berkshire County children LCC $100 Berkshire Lyric Theatre, Inc. Concerts and Educational Programs LCC $50 Berkshire Theatre Festival, Inc. BTF PLAYS! LCC $400 Maichak, Greg How to Pastel Paint Expressively: Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” LCC $435 Richmond Consolidated School Colonial Theater/Dr. Kaboom -Science Presentation PASS $620 Richmond Consolidated School Great East Festivals PASS $324 Richmond Consolidated School Historic Deerfield PASS $185 Richmond Consolidated School Norman Rockwell Museum PASS $88 Richmond Consolidated School Sculpture Now PASS $180 Richmond Consolidated School The Berkshire Museum PASS $202 Richmond Consolidated School Eric Carle Museum PASS $205 Richmond Consolidated School Scarpino! LCC $250 Sculpture Now Sculpture Now & the Shakers LCC $200 Stockbridge Sinfonia Free Community Concerts LCC $150 Taconic High School Fall Festival of Shakespeare LCC $200 Ventfort Hall Association 2010 Lecture Series LCC $100

SCAPINO! REHEARSAL SCHEDULE

-Unless your character has a specific time in parenthesis after his/her name, you are required to stay for the entire rehearsal.

-Write dates on your calendars; bring script, pencil, and snack to rehearsal.

-Notify Amy Brentano 441-7856 if you must miss rehearsal due to illness.

MON  3/8                   3-5:30PM                   TBA

THUR            3/11                 3-5:30PM                   TBA

MON  3/15                3-5:30PM                     TBA

THUR3/18                 3-5:30PM                   TBA

MON 3/22                  3:5:30PM                   TBA

THUR3/25                 3-5:30PM                   TBA

MON 3/29                  3-5:30PM

THUR            4/1                   3-5:30PM

MON  4/5                   3-5:30PM

TUE    4/6                   3-6PM

WED  4/7                   3-8PM

THUR 4/8                  3-6PPM

FRI     4/9                   5:00PM Call               7PM Performance

SAT    4/10                 12:30PM Call             2PM Performance

5:30PM Call               7PM Performance

*CAST WILL RECEIVE POST VACATION SPECIFIC REHEARSAL SCHEDULE ON 2/8

Minutes – 2/9/2010

Richmond School CommitteeMinutes from the 2/9/2010 MeetingMembers Present:

Chairman Lauren Broussal

Christine Triantos

Dewey Wyatt

Others Present:

Superintendent/Special Education Director William Ballen

Principal Jenvera Strock

Richmond staff members: M.Smith and Sharon Renfrew

Richmond Finance Committee Chair Bob Gniadek

Richmond parent Wendy Laurin

The Meeting was called to order @ 7:20 P.M.Citizens’ Concerns. Wendy Laurin expressed concern with the 3:00 P.M. student pick-up and the vehicle traffic at the rear of the school. She is concerned that there might be an accident or someone might become injured. In addition, cars are backed-up into Route 41 from the driveway. She suggested that another memo be sent home requesting that parents participate in helping to improve the situation and making sure that they are aware of the procedures that need to be followed.

Review and approval of minutes from the 1/12/2010 Meeting. On a motion by Christine Triantos, seconded by Dewey Wyatt, the minutes were approved unanimously as amended.

Correspondence.There was no correspondence this month.

Superintendent’s Report. Bill reported that at the recently held School Union #70 Meeting the following topics were covered: the FY’11 budget was approved, % approved, goals for the Superintendent and Administrative Assistant updated, and Jenevra Strock unanimously appointed Special Education Director for the 2010-2011 School Year.

In addition, Bill outlined a change in the manner in which evaluations will be completed for Superintendents and he discussed how these documents will now be a matter of public record. Bill thanked Christine Triantos for leading the meeting despite being under the weather.

Negotiations on a new contract with the Richmond Education Association are set to begin on 2/10 at 3:30. Bill and Lauren will be representing the Committee and Roger Manzolini will be representing the Town.

The Memorandum of Understanding on Race to the Top Funds has been submitted with all three (Superintendent/School Committee/REA) signatures. The Committee thanked the REA for their cooperation and participation.

A contract for the new accounting software for the Town has been signed by the Selectmen and the School Union approved spending their share as well. At the recently held School Union Meeting, Bill outlined the financial cost for each of the Union’s towns as follows: Richmond $9,660; Hancock $3,915; and New Ashford $1,425. In addition, $1,500 will be charged to the Union for a one-time cost to establish a chart of accounts, and $3,541 for support for FY’11 will be charged to the FY’10 budget. All these costs will be divided by the Union’s approved percentages by town.

The Principal’s Search Committee met last week. 31 applications have been received, and the Committee is reviewing the applications in anticipation of selecting a pool to be interviewed in March. The next meeting of the Committee is scheduled for 3/2.

Special Education Department Report. Bill is currently reviewing the budget in anticipation of spending needs for FY’11.

Financial Report. Bill led the Committee in a preliminary review of the FY’11 Budget. This initial budget represents an app. 5% increase over FY’10, and the Committee may be asking the Town for a 2% increase over what was voted for this year. Another budget hearing may be scheduled prior to the next regularly scheduled School Committee meeting.

Principal’s Report. Jenevra reviewed the following items for the Committee: There was an initial discussion about a calendar for the 2010-2011 school year, which would include a start date for students on 9/1, a County-wide Inservice Day on 10/29, and school on Good Friday, instead of a professional development day. As part of the discussion on the calendar, the Committee supported the position that there would be school as usual on Passover as well as Good Friday, reiterating the philosophy that school would be in session on all religious holidays.

Jenevra led a discussion on the enrichment classes that were held in December and reviewed recent survey results. The results indicated that the program was very well received and might be expanded next year.

8th Graders are shadowing at various high schools this week, two new students have registered (Richmond residents returning from Lenox), and the hardware update has been completed.

Jenevra also reviewed several school activities, and indicated that room mothers are becoming part of the PTO for fundraising activities thus centralizing these efforts. Dewey Wyatt added a comment that students, parents and staff should be trained in proper food handling techniques if they are participating in any activities that involve food.

Other Items. There were no other items for discussion.

Citizens’ Comments. There were no additional comments from those present.

There being no other business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned, by unanimous vote, @ 9:05 P.M.

Newsletter – Friday March 5, 2010

Calendar of Events

3/8 School Committee Budget Meeting, 7 PM

3/10 Monument Band plays at RCS 9-10 AM

3/11 Basketball Banquet, 6 PM

3/19 Are You Smarter Than A Richmond School Student? Dinner and Contest, 5-7 PM

3/26 Go Green Night, 6:30 PM

3/28 Ping Pong Tournament, 12-5 PM

School Committee Meeting Changed

The school committee budget meeting on Wednesday, March 3^rd, at 4:30 pm was rescheduled to Monday March 8, 2010 at 7 pm.

PTO Meeting

The next PTO meeting TBA.

Food Fun Fair

Thank you to all that attended the Food Fair on Tuesday night. We had a great time! A tremendous round of applause to Kelly MacDonald for organizing this whole event! We learned a lot. Thank you also to the following people who helped the night of the event with set up, running the booths and break down: Jason Konowitch, Collin Goodrich, Mickey Rivers Murphy, Vicky Layden, Jen Kujawski, Bill O’Gara, Pam MacDonald, Shaun Kennedy, Erin Weeden, Deb Alibozek, Carolyn Jeffery, Dave Schroeder, Ellen Campbell, Alicia Woodbury and Tammy Jervas.

Basketball Banquet Next Week!

Thursday March 11 at 6:00pm (not 5:30 due to play rehearsal)

Who is invited??? ANYONE who played basketball this winter.  If it was in Richmond or the Housatonic League or the Golden Knights you are all welcome including your families.  Pizza and salad will be provided. We ask that K-4 Girls bring drinks and K-4 Boys bring desserts and 5-8 Boys or Girls bring a side to share, nothing fancy at all.

Please contact me or your coach and tell us how many will be attending including your families as well so we can get a head count for the pizzas.

Thanks from the Richmond Recreation Committee.

Are You Smarter Than A Richmond School Student?

Come to the “Are You Smarter Than A Richmond School Student? Dinner and Contest! The date is Friday, March 19^th from 5-7 pm.

Dinner will be 5-6 pm and the game will be from 6-7 pm. Tickets are $5 per person, $20 max per family. We are asking all 7th and 8th grade students to sell at least $20 in tickets.  Please see them to purchase your own tickets. There are also tickets available in the office.

4th Grade Yankee Candle Fundraiser

Please help out our little 4^th grade class with p purchase of a Yankee Candle. Proceeds also help fund the book closet. Packets are going home with students today. Fundraiser ends March 22^nd.

First Annual Richmond Ping Pong Tournament

The Richmond Recreation Committee is hosting a Ping Pong tournament! Join them on Sunday, March 28th from 12-5 pm.$5 per person/ $10 family max. Lunch available.

Planting The Seeds For A Community Garden

Richmond School will be hosting our next Go Green Night on Friday, March 26 at 6:30 pm. That evening we will be discussing our proposed community garden and WE NEED YOUR HELP!  In order to raise funds for this wonderful project, we will be holding a raffle that night and are reaching out to the community to help it be a success.  If you can provide any item or service that we can auction off that night please let us know!  Anything that you could offer would be most appreciated. (It doesn’t have to be gardening related. Anything from snow removal to a painting class to yard clean-up services would be great!…Let’s make this project a success!

Go Green Night

Go Green Night is coming Friday, March 26 at 6:30 pm. The festivities will include: a performance by Grades K-2; a guest speaker to discuss the topic of organic lawns; information on the new community garden; and, various hands-on activities for kids.

RCS Early Childhood Program Fundraiser

The Richmond School Early Childhood Program will continually be set-up online for a fundraiser through www.currentfun.com (Current Catalog)  Categories available are “Gifts & Decor”, “Giftwrap & Accessories”, “Gourmet Treats”, and “Kitchen & Household Helpers”.  We earn 50% of each sale!  Products will be shipped directly to the customer.  Each quarter of the year, we receive a check for the amount of our profits.  To have the sale applied to our account, you must use the website listed above, click the yellow “start shopping” button, and choose your items.  Once you go to the check-out, you will need to select the state first (MA), then the name of the program “Richmond School Early Childhood Program” Thank you for any purchases!

7/8 Washington DC Trip

Please remember that the 1^st payment of $110 was due on January 31^st. The next payment of $110 is due on March 31^st. We are ordering tickets now, so if your child is not planning on going on the trip, or if you need assistance with payments, please call either Mr. Pugh or Mrs. Strock. Thank you.

Student News

Lucy Hoffman, grade 5, competed in a gymnastics meet in Brocton MA and placed 1st All Around and her Level 5 team also got 1st place!

Elizabeth Bartlett, grade 5, competed in a swim meet this past weekend and placed 4^th!

Lost and Found

There was a basketball jersey found in the gym. Please call the school to claim.

Student Council News

Get ready for our own March Madness basketball tournament coming soon. More info to follow…

Upcoming Spirit Days:

Class Color Day – Friday, Mar 12

Children’s Fair

The 1^st Congregational Church in Williamstown is having a children’s fair on Saturday, March 13 from 9 am – 3 pm. Games, food, fun for all. Nutshell playhouse “Pirates!” at 11 am and KDZ Drummers, an interactive drummer circle at 2:30 pm. 900 Main St, Rt 2, Williamstown, MA

YMCA Youth Indoor Soccer

For boys and girls in grade PK – 4. Season dates: March 3 to April 7 (2^nd -4^th grades) and March 6 – April 10 (PK -1^st grades). Games are on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Contact Eric Tyer 499-7650x 33.

Big Y Education Express Program

Big Y has teamed up with The River 105.9 FM radio in Hartford, CT to give away a field trip to the NEW Connecticut Science Center.  The field trip will go to a school in the Education Express Program with the most points earned between February 15, 2010 and April 16, 2010.  The field trip includes 30 general admission tickets with transportation by Dattco Bus and lunch at the center.
For complete rules and details visit www.bigy.com.  To help you spread the word you can download the attached flyer.  Get all the support needed for a chance to win the trip to the Connecticut Science Center and earn valuable FREE educational materials for your school. Questions regarding Education Express please call 1-800-599-9017 or email us at questions@bigyeducationexpress.com

PTO Recycling Program

Our school will benefit from recycling your old ink cartridges. All you need to do is drop off your empty cartridges or send them in with your child.

Thanks for all your support.

Here is the link: http://RICHMONDPTO.PTOinkStore.com. Please bookmark our site for future orders.

Thank you for your support.

Firefly’s “Blue Plate Specials” Menu

Check out the attached menu of “Blue Plate Specials on White China” at Firefly, 71 Church Street, Lenox MA 01240, 637-2700 or http://www.fireflylenox.com/

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.

SCAPINO! REHEARSAL SCHEDULE

-Unless your character has a specific time in parenthesis after his/her name, you are required to stay for the entire rehearsal.

-Write dates on your calendars; bring script, pencil, and snack to rehearsal.

-Notify Amy Brentano 441-7856 if you must miss rehearsal due to illness.

MON  3/8                   3-5:30PM                   TBA

THUR            3/11                 3-5:30PM                   TBA

MON  3/15                3-5:30PM                     TBA

THUR3/18                 3-5:30PM                   TBA

MON 3/22                  3:5:30PM                   TBA

THUR3/25                 3-5:30PM                   TBA

MON 3/29                  3-5:30PM

THUR            4/1                   3-5:30PM

MON  4/5                   3-5:30PM

TUE    4/6                   3-6PM

WED  4/7                   3-8PM

THUR 4/8                  3-6PPM

FRI     4/9                   5:00PM Call               7PM Performance

SAT    4/10                 12:30PM Call             2PM Performance

5:30PM Call               7PM Performance

*CAST WILL RECEIVE POST VACATION SPECIFIC REHEARSAL SCHEDULE ON 2/8

Latest News

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February 3, 2012 3:14 pm

Newsletter January 27th 2012

January 27, 2012 4:04 pm

Newsletter for Friday, January 20th, 2012

January 20, 2012 3:22 pm

School Committee Working Session Meeting 1/24/2012 @ 7:15p: Amended 1/20/12***

January 18, 2012 4:07 pm