Principal’s Pen

Dear RCS Community:

I want to thank all of the educators, parents and community members who applied online for a REEF grant.   This fund gives us the opportunity to support innovative, challenging and creative experiences for our students here at RCS.  REEF is still accepting applications for enrichment activities that would be put in place for next year.  Students, teachers, administrators, parents and community members may apply at www.berkshiretaconic.org/grantseekers.  These funds will directly impact the students of RCS.  If you have any questions about the fund or the application process please contact me.  The committee is also seeking new members.  Again, RCS students, staff, parents and community members may join.  We meet two times a year and discuss where best these resources can be utilized for our school community.  Please let me know if you are interested in joining the committee.  The next meeting will be April 29^th at 6:30.

Statewide MCAS ELA testing kicked off this week and will conclude next week.  Grades 3, 5 and 8 have completed their testing.  Grades 4 and 7 will complete the ELA Composition on Monday and grade 6 will complete Reading Comprehension on Wednesday 3/27 and Thursday 3/28.  If your child missed a session due to an absence they will be making it up next week.  All make up testing should be completed by April 4th.

I’ve sent out an email to all community members, guardians and parents regarding our upcoming Heritage Festival and Open House that will be held on Wednesday, April 24^th from 5:30-7:30.  This will include a celebration of all heritages represented by RCS families along with a tribute to all continents.     This event will be open to the public and advertised well as we have many families interested in having their children be a part of the amazing educational experiences offered at RCS.  The school will be transformed into a cultural wonderland with experiences to include: exhibits, crafts, games, music, dancing and food.  Student work will also be showcased through our building.  This will be a school-wide event so I am asking that all families get involved in some way.  Please explore your heritage, talk to relatives who may be able to contribute or come and help.  Ways of lending a hand would be but aren’t limited to: providing memorabilia or photos for specific country, preparing a food specialty for our “Taste of the World”, offering anything specific such as dance, music or clothing, volunteering or set up or clean up, touring families through our building and helping with parking.

Upcoming dates to note:

Yankee Candle – All school fundraiser starts March 14th

Student Led Conferences – ½ Day Friday, April 5th

REEF applications deadline – Monday, April 8^th

PTO Meeting – Tuesday, April 9^th  5:30

School Committee Meeting – Tuesday, April 9^th 7:00

½ Day PD – Tuesday, April 9th

April Break – April 15th – 19th

Heritage Festival/World Fair Open House Wednesday, April 24^th 5:30-7:30pm

REEF meeting – Monday, April 29^th at 6:30

Full Day PD – Wednesday, May 8th

½ Day PD – Monday, May 13^th

PTO Meeting – Tuesday, May 14^th at 5:30

Spring Concert – Wednesday, May 1^st at 7:00

Great East Festival Chorus Festival – Friday, May 3rd

School Committee – Tuesday, May 14^th at 7:00

8^th Grade Semi-Formal (put on by 7^th grade) – Friday, May 10th

Playground Cleanup and Picnic – May 18^th time tbd

School Musical – May 17^th and 18^th

Healthy Kids Week – May 20^th – 24^th

Have a great weekend!

Mrs. Zanin

SCHOOL CHOICE OPENINGS:

Richmond Consolidated School announces SCHOOL CHOICE OPENINGS for the 2013-2014 school year in the following grades:  PreK, K, 1, 3, 5, 6, 7 & 8.  If you know of anyone who may be interested please have them contact the school office for more information.

4^th GRADE NEWS:

The 4^th Grade class is inviting you to their CAP production of, “This Beauty Was A Beast”, a play written by D.M.Larson and adapted by Mrs. Nilan, on Wednesday afternoon, March 27, at 1:45 on the cafeteria stage.   Everyone is welcome at attend…family, friends, the Richmond community.

7/8 GRADE NEWS:

Our last Bake Sale for the 7/8th graders will be at the Richmond Post Office on Saturday March 30th 2013. (The day before Easter) Hours are 9-noon.  Grab some goodies for Easter while supporting the 7/8 grade field trips.

5^TH THROUGH 8^TH GRADE NEWS:

“Walk With Me in the Berkshires” Program

All students in grades 5 through 8 have the opportunity to participate in this community walking program as part of Berkshire Health Systems commitment to healthy living. Their aim is to encourage better health through exercise.

The program runs April 15^th – May 26 during which time students will be given a step counter to record their progress each week.   The team captain will enter individual totals each week on the “Walk With Me” Reporting website.

Participation is voluntary at no cost however, all students interested need to sign up by Monday March 25^th.

HEALTHY KIDS’ WEEK:

“Healthy kids’ week” will take place in May.  We are just beginning the process of organizing what is going to be a great week filled with healthy information and activities.  We are looking for volunteers to be on the committee.  If you are interested in helping please join Mrs. Kanz at the next meeting on March 28^th from 3-3:45 in room 201.

GREAT BARRINGTON GIRLS SOFTBALL REGITRATION:

All girls residing in Gt. Barrington, Housatonic, Richmond, Stockbridge and West Stockbridge who are in grades 3-8 are invited to sign up to play softball.  Please see attached flyer for more information.

GREAT BARRINGTON LITTLE LEAGUE REGITRATION:

All children residing in Gt. Barrington, Stockbridge, West Stockbridge, Richmond, Sheffield, Monterey, Mt. Washington, Alford, New Marlborough, Egremont, Tryingham, Lee, Otis and Sandisfield ages 5-12 are invited to sign up to play T-ball, Coaches Pitch, Minor League (kids pitch) and Little League Baseball.  Please see attached registration flyer for more information.

RICHMOND REC. COMM.:   <<<<<<<<<<<<NO OPEN GYM TONIGHT>>> >>>>>         

Sponsoring Open Gym time for Basketball enthusiasts of all ages.  Patrick Hanavan is running an open clinic for basketball on Friday evenings from 6-7:30pm. All you need to do is show up and have fun, no commitments and of course no cost. There will be minor instruction but mostly playing hoop so come and enjoy. This is open to all Richmond students not just RCS students of all ages and levels from K thru 8^th grade.

Questions? Call or email Jeff Konowitch 698-3415 or Konowitch@rnetworx.com

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS:  In an effort to be mindful of our Health and Wellness Policy, we are requesting that we celebrate all birthdays within a month all on one day.  Not only will this cut down on sweets in classes, it will also reduce the time spent off academics.  Please contact the classroom teacher with coordination of sweet and healthy snacks. The following dates will be our monthly birthday celebrations:   September 18, October 15, November 14, December 14, January 14, February 14, March 13, April 12, May 13, June 10.