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Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Cafeteria Mosaic Help

Work on the Sprague Cafeteria Mosaic
HAS BEEN CANCELLED for Thursday, Nov 29th
Please look for future dates.


Cookie Walk

Cookie Walk
is on Thursday, December 13 2:30-5:00pm

Check out these websites for ideas:  Better Homes and Gardens and Martha Stewart.
We appreciate ANY amount you bake; we hope for at least 3 dozen per family.

Click and sign up to bake here.

Wellesley United Soccer Club Spring Registration -- Now


Wellesley United Soccer Club 
Spring 2013 Registration 
Grades 1-12

Online registration and program dates and times are available at www.wellesleysoccer.org.   

Deadlines:
  • Grades 4-8 is December 8
  • Grade 1-3 is Jan. 18
  • Grades 9-12 is March 1
  • Information about Kindergarten will be posted in late January.   
For further information, email admin@wellesleysoccer.org.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

What's Happening this Week at Sprague - Week of Nov. 25th


Monday, November 26
 No School Professional Day
Thursday, November 29
 Picture Makeups - Julie Knudson, Chair
6:30pm
 Cafeteria Mosaic Mural Help Night - click here to sign up
Friday, November 30
6:30pm
 5th Grade Game Night - chairs Leslie Del Col and Michelle Heath

Cafeteria Mosaic Help


Sprague Cafeteria Mosaic Mural Volunteers for Thursday, Nov 29th from 6:30-9:00pm
Please click and sign up HERE.

Completed wall so far.  Come check it out!

Help us install further. Children are welcome. Please be aware that we will be working with broken ceramic pieces this evening.  Questions, contact Michelle at mandpheath@yahoo.com. 
Detail of border where your broken up plates will go.


We need your plates!
Please bring in your broken or chipped dishes to the Sprague Art Room so we can add a piece of your family to this amazing permanent art work.




Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Family Fun Idea for the Thanksgiving Holiday = Baking Cookies

Cookie Walk
Thurs, Dec 13th at 2:30-5:00pm

Bake with your kids this Thanksgiving holiday and freeze some goodies for our walk!
Check out these websites for ideas: Very Best Baking and Food Network.

We appreciate ANY amount you bake; we hope for at least 3 dozen per family.
Click and sign up to bake here.

Garden Clean Up - Thank you!



Thank you Sprague Garden Committee!

We got so much done and the garden is now "put to bed" for the winter. Many thanks to everyone who came out to help the cause.

Poresky family
de Peyster family 
Lindquist family 
Foley family 
Dr. Goodwin
Ms. Flitsch

Happy Thanksgiving!

Margaret Flitsch
Fitness and Health Specialist
Sprague Elementary School
(781) 263-1965 X524

Tour the Wellesley High School this Saturday from 11:00am to 12:30pm


Come see the new Wellesley High School!
  
The building is finished and the reviews of the new WHS are overwhelming positive! In case you haven’t yet had a tour, we are offering an opportunity to view our new ‘green’ building on Saturday, November 24, 2012 from 11 am to 12:30 pm.  Tours will start every 15 minutes from the main lobby and will take approximately 45 minutes.  Please note that the school parking lot is still under construction; available parking is shown at:

We hope you can join us.
Suzy Littlefield                                        Katherine Babson
Wellesley School Committee                     WHS Building Committee

Box Tops For Education Thank You!!


A BIG Thank You to all of those box top clippers!  With your help we raised $410 for Sprague - Great Job!! You can still earn more box tops and money for Sprague by shopping online.  Visit www.boxtops4education.com to see the participating stores. 

Sprague students invited for a session on Wed. Dec. 5th with the WHS Girls Gymnastics Team


Come Do Gymnastics and Have Fun With the
Wellesley High School Girls Varsity Gymnastics Team!!

Wednesday, December 5th, 2012
12:45 – 1:45 p.m.
$20 per child
Boys and Girls Ages 4-11
All levels welcome!

All Proceeds to Benefit the WHS Girls Gymnastics Team

At Exxcel Gymnastics
88 Wells Avenue
Newton, MA
Space is limited.  Sign up early!

Yes, sign us up!  $20 per child.
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<!--[endif]-->hild(en)’s Name(s)__________________________________
Child(ren)’s Grade(s)_________________________________
Address:_________________________________________
Email Address: _______________________________
# Participating ______                              Check Amount: _________
Please make check out to WHS Gymnastics Fund
Mail to: Christa Perry, 75 Hopkinson St., Wellesley, MA 02481. 
Questions?  Email gibper@verizon.net

Saturday, November 17, 2012

What's Happening this Week at Sprague, Week of Nov. 18th


Monday, November 19
6:30pm
 Cafeteria Mosaic Mural Help Night - click here to sign up
Thank you to the many parents who came out last week to help!
Thursday, November 22
 No School Thanksgiving Recess
 Thanksgiving
WhenThursday, Nov 22, 2012
Friday, November 23
 No School Thanksgiving Recess
Monday, November 26
 No School Professional Day

More Dates can be found on the Sprague PTO Calendar - http://www.spragueschool.org/

Creative Arts and Sciences News

Ask Your 1st Grader About...WINGMASTERS.

On Thursday, November 15th Jim Parks of WINGMASTERS presented a program to first grade students studying North American birds of prey. The program, which incorporates lives birds of prey, is "designed to explain predation, the birds' place at the top of the food web, their different hunting adaptations and their status in a rapidly changing world."



This program supports the first grade science curriculum.
Sponsored by the Sprague PTO/Creative Arts and Sciences committee

Shop & Save this Holiday Season - Share Merchant Rebates with Sprague

Shop for Sprague is back with Online Ordering!

Sign up for Shop for Sprague, a no sell fundraiser, and earn money with Sprague while you shop.  

  • Gift Cards and E-Cards available from merchants & American Express.  
  • No card fees 
  • Allow 48 hours for Online Sign Up prior to placing an order

Click here for Online Sign Up instructions

Gift Card Order/Delivery Schedule
Order by Tues. Nov. 20, Delivery Mon. Nov. 26
Order by Tues. Nov. 27, Delivery Mon. Dec. 3
Order by Tues. Dec. 4, Delivery Mon. Dec. 10

E- Card Order/Delivery Schedule
Instantly or within 1 hour


Check out the rebates being offered on thank-scrip-ing day, click here 














Questions:  Contact Jean Walsh at walsh70@aol.com

Thank you Sprague - from Environmental Sciences and Remember Me Books

Fall Nature Walks - Thank you!




A great big thank you to all of the parents who led groups of students on the fall nature walks.  Without your help, this program would not be able to take place!

And a special thank you to the grade level coordinators for K - 2 who did a great job organizing the walks:  Annalisa Weigel, Heather Kirkpatrick, and Todd Lehmann.

Come join us for the nature program in the spring!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Remember Me! Books

Thank you to the following Sprague familes for their amazing support and generosity this fall - Green, Gordon, Aufranc, Foley, Dehn, Cahaly, Leone, McKay, Rosenbaum, Tong, O'Neill, Charney.
We already have 112 books donated so far this year. We're well on our way towards the goal of 180 books!

For information on how to support the Sprague library through the Remember Me! program, click here.

Buy your Luminary Night Kits while supplies last!



Sunday, December 9, 2012

Join your neighbors for a town-wide community celebration!


Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Order your holiday cards through Cardraising & earn $$ for Sprague

Dear Parents/Staff,
 
Have you heard about the new way to “give back” to our school? Please consider ordering your holiday photo cards with Cardraising this year. We earn 30% profit from your order! 
Just click here: 
Cardraising makes it easy to download your favorite photos and create beautiful, personalized holiday cards.  There are thousands of card designs to choose from and the prices and quality are comparable to the most popular photo cards on websites such as Snapfish, Shutterfly and Tinyprints. The cards, themselves, are printed on heavyweight card stock papers, include envelopes and will ship directly to you within one week of ordering.
 
One more way you can help our school is to also click on the ‘Register’ button, before Nov. 18. The school with the highest percentage of registrants per student will win $2,000. Placing your order by 12/15/12 also enters you into a drawing for $2000, good luck!
Thank you!

Create Your Holiday Cards Today -
- Easy Online Ordering for Print Shop Quality Cards
- Delivery to Your Home
- Sprague Earns 30%
- Share deal with your Facebook friends



Extended until 11/18 due to Hurricane Sandy

Sprague Garden Clean Up Day Saturday, November 17th

Sprague Garden Clean Up Day Saturday, November 17th 1:00-3:00pm
It's that time of year when we have to put the Sprague Garden to rest for the winter. It is scheduled for Saturday, November 17th from 1:00-3:00pm. We do not want to wait any later than this date as we would like to beat the cold weather. We need volunteers to come and help by getting rid of all the dead plant material (which we will be taking to the dump) as well as moving some mulch so it will be ready to start fresh in the Spring. Remember the Sprague community gets to enjoy the garden throughout the season so why not come out Saturday November 17th and lend a helping hand. Any and all help will be appreciated but the more help there is the faster it will go!! Please bring your gardening gloves, rakes, shovels, loppers, hand pruners, and spare garbage bins/pails. Please rsvp to Margaret_Flitsch@Wellesley.k12.ma.us

Cafeteria Mosaic Mural



Cafeteria Mosaic Mural
Please click here to sign up for the last session this month. 

Bring in your broken or chipped everyday dishware to the Sprague art room through the end of November.  
Contact Michelle mandpheath@yahoo.com for more info.

Wellesley Marketplace Sponsored by WHJWC - Sat., Nov. 17th from 9am-4pm

Wellesley Marketplace
Wellesley Marketplace is one of the premier holiday craft fairs in the Boston area.  Held on Saturday, November 17th from 9am - 4pm at the Wellesley Middle School.  Wellesley Marketplace is widely known for offering a variety of high-quality and unique, hand-crafted items including jewelry, stationery, pottery, clothing, personal accessories, artwork, gifts, home accessories, edible delights and much more.  

This year, the raffle is back with fabulous prizes including:
  • an iPad, 
  • a Hermes bracelet, 
  • Celtics tickets,
  • and other wonderful items.  

Tickets for Marketplace, as well as raffle tickets, can be purchased at Roche Bros. starting November 1st or online at www.whjwc.org.  Proceeds from Wellesley Marketplace  provide the financial support for the Club’s Donation and Scholarship programs.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

What's Happening at Sprague? Week of Nov. 11th

No School, Monday, Nov. 12th 
(Veterans Day)

Cafeteria Mosaic Mural Volunteer Sign Ups!
Evening Volunteer Hours this Week 
Click here to sign up.  
Contact Michelle mandpheath@yahoo.com for more info.

Don't forget to bring in your broken or chipped everyday dishware to the Sprague art room through the end of November. 
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Coin and Used Glasses Drive for Tanzania
through Friday, Nov. 16th
As reported in Dr. Goodwin's weekly email from Elana Wolkoff, Sprague School Psychologist. 
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Parents invited to Friday Student Assembly
Friday, Nov. 16
9 to 10 a.m. - Assembly for Grades 3, 4 and 5 in the gym.  
1:15 - 2:15 - Assembly for Grades 1 and 2 in the gym.  
(Bill will also being doing a couple of songwriting workshops with our three fifth grade classes in the music room)

Photo by Tom Thurston
Genuine, irreverent, universal, ridiculous and original, Bill Harley is a two-time Grammy® award-winning artist who uses song and story to paint a vibrant and hilarious picture of growing up, schooling and family life.  A longtime commentator for NPR’s news program “All Things Considered” and recipient of the lifetime achievement award from RI Council for the Humanities “for his use of music, song, and story in building community; promoting our common humanity; and encouraging lifelong learning, exploring and growing”, Bill tours nationwide as an author, performing artist and keynote speaker.  www.billharley.com


Many thanks to the PTO for sponsoring this terrific event!
Ellen Mandel, Library Teacher, Sprague School

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sprague Garden Clean Up Day 
Saturday, November 17th 1:00-3:00pm
It's that time of year when we have to put the Sprague Garden to rest for the winter.  It is scheduled for Saturday, November 17th from 1:00-3:00pm.  We do not want to wait any later than this date as we would like to beat the cold weather.  We need volunteers to come and help by getting rid of all the dead plant material (which we will be taking to the dump) as well as moving some mulch so it will be ready to start fresh in the Spring.  Remember the Sprague community gets to enjoy the garden throughout the season so why not come out Saturday November 17th and lend a helping hand.  Any and all help will be appreciated but the more help there is the faster it will go!!  Please bring your gardening gloves, rakes, shovels, loppers, hand pruners, and spare garbage bins/pails.   Please rsvp to Margaret_Flitsch@Wellesley.k12.ma.us

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you Sprague Volunteers & Staff

Special thanks to....


All of our Sprague walkers who walked to school last Thursday despite the nor'easter; along with Marissa Rosenbaum, Laura Brown MacKinnon, Susie Ellis, Catherine Mirick and Margaret Flitsch who helped with check in and footies.   

All of the parents and staff who came to the PTO Coffee last Thursday to hear Glen and Jane Magpiong speak about, "Are your kids Coach-able?"  The lecture was very well received by parents.  Thank you to Andrea Giroux for scheduling the speakers and bringing the coffee:-)

Brian Hagar-McKee, Laurance Stuntz, and Andrea Giroux for their participation and representing Sprague in last Thursdays Spelling Bee sponsored by WEF.  What a great team they were - almost won Round 2, but got beat out by the Schofield PTO.  Maybe they'll take home the cup next year!

Jeny Brown and Lisa Jones for leading our Box Top Collection Drive last week and the many parents/teachers who clipped box tops for Sprague!

Leslie Tellalian for leading our UNICEF Drive and the many children who took collection boxes out on Halloween night.

Leslie Tellalian and Anne-Marie Hayden who led 5th grade babysitting services during conferences and to all of the 5th graders and parents who worked the event.  Kudos to  the 5th graders who also helped out in the front office and with the lost and found during their shifts. 

Jenn Caiazzo for running the Sprague Spirit Shop this week during parent conferences and the PTO Coffee -- as well as coordinating the online sale this week.


Andrea Giroux for setting up the CPK day and Moms' night out.  And to the many families, Sprague staff including Lennie Becker and moms who came out to support the event.

Room Parents and volunteers who helped out this week in the classrooms and who attended the Old Sturbridge Village field trip.

Scott Grady, head custodian, and the custodial staff for their amazing coverage during a very busy week with Election Day and the WEF Spelling Bee.  Scott is always there to lend a hand even during difficult weather like we have had lately:-) 

Yolanda Tong for chairing the Original Works Arts Fundraiser.  Thank you Yolanda for the time you put in to work with our children after school and organizing all of the order forms. 

Jeny Brown and Danae Foley for chairing the Sprague Garden Committee this year along with Margaret Flitsch, our super fitness and health specialist.  Thank you for your recent work leading the Butterfly garden, the efforts were made possible by a grant applied for by Ms. Flitsch.  And a big thanks to the parents who came out to help on a Saturday morning.  

Margarent Flitsch for organizing the Sprague Candy Drive with Wellesley Dental Group and to all of the Sprague students who donated candy to support our troops.  

Andrea Doglioli, Katy Comstock and Becca Cahaly - these ladies are doing an amazing job getting ready for the Cookie Walk - Thurs. December, 13th.  

What do all of these volunteers have in common?
Aruna Reddy - Website, Julia DePeyster - 5th grade chair, Lisa Moore - 5th grade chair, Yolanda Tong - 5th grade communications, Karen Haberly - Sprague Yearbook, Andrea Doglioli - Car Line Bulletin, Julie Vogel - Town Announcements, Jean Walsh - Sprague Announcements, PTO Board: Kim Khoury and Carla Panell - Co-Vice Presidents, Shaune Berg - Treasurer, Lynn Sanville - Secretary, Elise Rodino and Kirsten Stevenson - Co-Enrichment Officers,  Janae Goodall and Andrea Scampini - Co-Community Service Officers, Carrie Reepmeyer - Metco Officer, Mason Smith - PAC Officer, Sarah Greene - Social Officer, Matthew McKay - Parent Liaison, and Bevin Hale and Lisa Mortarelli - PTO Teacher Liaisons.  

They graciously donate their time every week and in some cases several hours a day to support Sprague.  Much of their time is spent behind the scenes.  Thank you for all you do to support Sprague!  

 ~  Andrea Giroux and Jean Walsh - Co-Presidents, Sprague PTO

Conjunctivities: Is it contagious? From Sprague School Nurse, Sharon Kahn RN

          Often I see students with reddened eyes at school, and the first question the teachers and parents ask is, “Is it contagious?” Here’s some information about conjunctivitis:

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pinkeye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the outermost layer of the eye, a normally clear thin membrane that covers the white part of the eye and lines the inner surface of the eyelids.  The three most common causes of conjunctivitis are: infectious, allergic, and irritant. 

          Infectious conjunctivitis is usually caused by either bacteria or viruses.  The viral type is often associated with a cold or sore throat. Ear infections may accompany bacterial conjunctivitis because similar bacteria can cause both infections. Bacterial conjunctivitis occurs more frequently in younger children and viral conjunctivitis is more common in older children and adults. Parasites and fungal infections are rare causes of conjunctivitis.

          Outbreaks of infectious conjunctivitis are seasonal in nature. They tend to occur most frequently in the winter, when children are indoors more often and in close contact with each other; outbreaks decrease during warm weather, when close contact decreases.

          Allergic conjunctivitis occurs more frequently among those with allergic conditions. It may be seen only at certain times of the year, if caused by allergens such as grass or ragweed pollen. Other allergy-causing substances like animal dander, dust mites, or cosmetics can cause year-round symptoms of conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis typically affects both eyes at the same time.

          Irritant conjunctivitis can be caused by chemicals, such as those in chlorine and soaps, air pollutants such as smoke and fumes, wearing contact lenses, dry eye, or related to the use of medications.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms?
The different types of conjunctivitis can present differently. In addition, symptoms may vary from person to person.

                             Viral conjunctivitis
¨       Watery discharge
¨       Irritation
¨       Red eye
¨       Usually begins with one eye, but spreads easily to the other eye
¨       Recent upper respiratory tract infection  

                              Allergic conjunctivitis
¨       Usually affects both eyes
¨       Itching, discomfort
¨       Tearing, reddened eyes
¨       Swollen eyelids
¨       Exposure to allergen
 
                              Bacterial conjunctivitis
¨       Thick discharge may cause the lids to stick together
¨       Swelling of the conjunctiva
¨       Redness
¨       Tearing
¨       Irritation and/or a gritty or burning feeling
¨       Mild eyelid swelling
¨       Usually begins with one eye, but spreads easily to the other eye

Severe eye pain or blurred vision that fails to clear with a blink are not typical features of conjunctivitis. Anyone with these complaints should be seen by an ophthalmologist.

Is It Contagious?
All types of infectious conjunctivitis are contagious and can spread by touching the eyes. A child can first become infected from direct contact with someone who has the infection or something that person has touched, such as a used tissue. The infectious organisms can also spread through coughing and sneezing. In addition, certain viruses spread in the summertime when children swim in contaminated water or share contaminated towels.

          Allergic and irritant conjunctivitis are not contagious.

          Treatment
          Conjunctivitis requires medical attention.  The appropriate treatment depends on the cause of the problem.  Although infectious conjunctivitis usually is not serious, in rare cases it can cause permanent damage so be sure to follow the doctor’s directions.

          For the allergic type, allergen avoidance, cool or warm compresses and artificial tears may relieve discomfort in mild cases.  In more severe cases, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and antihistamines may be prescribed.  Some patients with persistent allergic conjunctivitis may also require topical steroid drops.

          Bacterial conjunctivitis is usually treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments that cover a broad range of bacteria. 

          Like the common cold, there is no cure for viral conjunctivitis; however, the symptoms can be relieved with cool or warm compresses and artificial tears (if needed). For severe cases, topical steroid drops may be prescribed to reduce the discomfort from inflammation.

Often, infectious conjunctivitis will go away by itself without medical treatment, but doctors usually recommend treatment because it speeds up the healing process and decreases the likelihood that the infection will spread.

          Frequent proper hand washing with soap and warm water can reduce the spread of this highly contagious infection. Additional measures include avoiding touching the face, not sharing towels or washcloths, and avoiding shaking hands.


          When Should I Call My Child's Doctor?

If you think your child has conjunctivitis, it’s important to contact your child's doctor to determine what is causing the conjunctivitis and the best form of treatment.

If the conjunctivitis does not improve after 2 to 3 days of treatment, or after a week when left untreated, call the doctor again. Other serious eye conditions can mimic infectious conjunctivitis, so schedule a visit to an ophthalmologist if your child complains of severe pain, changes in eyesight, or sensitivity to light.

If you notice increasing swelling, redness, and tenderness in the eyelid and skin around the eye, especially if your child also has a fever, it may mean the infection has spread to the tissues around the eye, which would require antibiotic treatment and close follow-up.

Thank you, 

Sharon Kahn RN

          Sprague School Nurse
          781-263-1965