Upcoming Dates

Tuesday, April 5th
Early Dismissal, Parent-Teacher Conferences

Wednesday, April 2nd
Walk to School Day

Get Involved in 2014/15!

Our goal in 2014-15 is to have as many parents involved as possible. It doesn't matter how small a commitment you can make, we'd love to have you engaged.

Sprague has always thrived on its rich parent involvement. Next year is a critical transition year as we welcome in new principal, Ms. Snyder. Let's ensure she has a successful first year! 

Work full-time? 
How about helping organize an evening social at a local restaurant?

Kids in preschool? 
Choose a more flexible position, like updating the website or blog!

Available only part of the year? 
Help run one of our many fundraisers and social events!

Interested in a role with more impact?
Consider a board position.

Don't know anyone on PTO?
We're friendly and we'd love to have you involved! 

Please talk to a representative of the Sprague PTO about ways you can help. You can also send current Vice President Matthew McKay an email at mgmckay@gmail.com if you would like to learn more.

Below is a partial list of ways to help next year:

Executive Board	Positions	Description
President ('14/'15)		Matthew McKay mgmckay@gmail.com
Vice President(s)		Great way to try out a little of everything throughout the year, and help set the direction of the PTO.
Treasurer(s)		Prefer numbers? The Treasurer/ Assistant Treasurer is a great way to make an impact.
Secretary		Carrie Reepmeyer
Chair - Ways & Means	- Spring Party/ Auction - Cookie Walk - Teacher Raffle - Book Fair - Remember Me Books - Sprague Store - School Picture Day - Box Tops	Organize and administer fundraisers throughout year. Larger fundraisers, like the Spring Party and Cookie Walk, require multiple individuals. In many cases leaders for these events have been identified, but we are looking for helpers. A great way to make a significant impact in a short period of time, and meet new people.
Chair - Social	- K & New Family - Parent Socials - Grade Socials - Welcome Table - Ski Trip - Year-end Picnic	Organize and administer community building events that enable parents and families spend time together and have fun. We are looking for a Social Chair to oversee the events, as well as parents to help out at events.
Chair - Communications	- Blog - Website - Summer Mailing - Directory/ Handbook - Yearbook - External Publicity	Oversee communications by the PTO. These roles are critical to ensuring everyone understands what is happening. Parents with blog and website experience, but with only limited availability, may find these positions attractive.
Chair - Enrichment	- Room Parents - Environmental Science - Creative Arts & Sciences - Summer Reader's Breakfast	Where the "rubber meets the road." Help administer the actual programs that the PTO funds.  Highly rewarding experience as you see first-hand the impact of the PTO.
Community Service	- Teacher Appreciation - Lost and Found - Field Day - Wellesley Parade - Garden Club	Give back to the community in many ways, from helping organize teacher appreciation lunches to organizing for the parade. Also a highly rewarding experience for people who wish to say 'thank-you' directly.
Town Liaisons	- METCO - Committee 21 - POPS - Cradles to Crayons	Help Sprague stay informed with town committees and activities. For those people interested in understanding the broader scope of impact of the PTO.
PAC Representative		Help create a responsive school environment for families with children with disabilities.

Parents of Children in 3rd, 4th and 5th Grades: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for Spring Teacher Appreciation Lunch May 7th!!

Please join us in providing another fantastic lunch for our Teachers and Staff sponsored by the 3rd, 4th and 5th grades!   To provide a menu offering, drinks, supplies and/or to help out that day, please volunteer by using this link - Teacher/Staff Appreciation Luncheon - May 7, 2014 - Sponsored by 3rd, 4th and 5th Grades .   For questions, please contact Becca Cahaly at rebecca@tellalian.com.  Thank you!!

Around Town

Wellesley Science and Technology Expo:   Registration & Volunteering FILLING UP FAST!
Don't miss out on events during the Expo!  Sign up now as popular events are filling up fast!  Please see HERE for more information and to register.

Cerebral Saturday:  Games that Help Kids Stay Healthy
WHEN:  Saturday, May 10th, 2-3:30 pm
WHERE:  Wellesley Free Library, Jackie's Room

Have you ever wished your child had better skills to manage emotions? As soon as children can read, they can practice coping skills within the educational game site, Whyville.net.  In this class, parents can become expert guides to Whyville for children in grades 1-7. Tour Whyville with instructor Bob Anthony from Adolescent Wellness, Inc. (AWI), and learn how to introduce skills that can help with learning in school and emotional development. Free and open to the public.  Skills required for this class: mouse, keyboard and basic internet Registration is required as space is limited.  Register HERE or by calling 781-235-1610 x1105 or in person at the reference desk Raider Softball Lead-off Clinic WHEN:  Saturday, April 12th, 9-12 pm WHERE:  Hunnewell Field $25 per player, FREE for coaches Open to ALL GIRLS in grades 1-8 and Wellesley Little League Softball Coaches See website HERE for more information. Wellesley Players Family Theatre:  Pinocchio WHEN: Sat., April 5 at 11:00 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Sun. April 6 at 3:00 p.m. WHERE:  Wellesley Middle School By Barbara Tarlin, Bob Barker and Wil Breden Pinocchio is an original musical performed by local pre-teens and adults. Long-time Wellesley Players members and town residents, Wil Breden and Barbara Tarlin are teaming up as music director and stage director to bring this new version of Pinocchio to the stage. Breden and Tarlin have collaborated on Family Theater productions many times for the Players, and this incarnation of Pinocchio promises to be another hit. All children attending the performances will have a chance to meet Pinocchio, The Blue Fairy, Geppetto and the other characters following the show when the cast sits on the edge of the stage for hellos, hugs, photos and autographs. This production is sponsored in part by a grant from The Fund for Wellesley, which provided access to the performances for families who might otherwise not have been able to attend. Directed by Barbara Tarlin, Music Direction by Wil Breden Click HERE for tickets and more information.

News from Committee 21: Budget Override

News From Committee 21: What’s in the Gap List?

Wellesley Public Schools superintendent David Lussier and the School Committee have finalized the so-called “Gap List,” which details the $2.8 million in cuts from Wellesley schools that will be made should Town Meeting and the voters not approve the proposed town budget.

If the voters do not pass an override (or Town Meeting fails to give voters the opportunity to pass an override by not approving the proposed budget) the cuts to the proposed Fiscal Year 2015 school budget will total $2,820,082. Fully 46 percent of those cuts would be to existing staff and services.

Here is the breakdown by category*:

46 percent: Level Service - Base (existing staff, services), $1,303,787

16 percent: Level Service - Enrollment Driven (new spending due to increased enrollment, particularly at the HS), $461,260

8 percent: Strategic Plan - Technology, $215,277

19 percent: Strategic Plan - Full Day K, $537,240

4 percent: Strategic Plan - Curriculum, $125,454

6 percent: Other spending & programs, $177,064

*Click HERE to see the Gap List in an easy-to-read graph. 

For more on the Gap List and town government, visit the Committee 21 website home page and FAQ page. The full Gap List can be found here.

How do I contact my Town Meeting members about the budget? 

During Town Meeting, which begins March 31, Town Meeting members will vote on the proposed budget. If Town Meeting approves the budget, the proposed budget override (approximately $3.3 million total, which includes funds for other town departments) will be presented to the voters in the form of a ballot question in late May or early June. 

If Town Meeting does not approve the proposed budget, there will not be a town-wide vote, and items from the above Gap List will be eliminated. 

If voters feel strongly about an issue, they are encouraged to contact their elected representatives and express their views. Names and addresses of Town Meeting members can be found on the Town of Wellesley Website.  If you are unsure about which precinct you live in, you can check the Precincts map, or contact the Town Clerk’s office.

Want to get involved? Contact Becca Cahaly (rebecca@tellalian.com), Mate Converse (mtconverse@comcast.net) or Eunice Groark (egroark@yahoo.com), Committee 21 reps or email Committee 21.

Save the Date: Sprague Garden Opening Sunday, April 13th!

Please, SAVE THE DATE

SPRAGUE COMMUNITY GARDEN DAY

Sunday, April 13^th

2-4 pm

BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY!

The Sprague Community Garden Opening Day will be Sunday, April 13^th. Bring your families and friends, as well as any rakes, shovels, and gloves you have and join us as we wake up the soil, add new beds and expand our raised beds.

Smiles, stories and garden prep work runs from 2-4 pm.

Please add your name to this Google doc to let us know you will be there.

For those new to Sprague, the garden is a lovely asset to our community offering a place for classroom seedlings to grow, an alternate recess for students, an outdoor classroom scenario, a meeting place for parents and families, not to mention the bounty of food it produces that we share amongst the Wellesley Food Pantry, Sprague teachers and Sprague family farmers.

Can’t make it?

No worries, perhaps you have family or friends willing to donate organic compost or organic soil, and or recycled plastic (preferably black plastic for the beds. 50' by 4' made from post-consumer content).

Be on the look out to sign up for future garden time to help maintain the garden during school hours. It’s a nice time to get outside, talk with the Sprague parents while helping the Sprague community.

Sign ups for the Summer Family Farmer of the Week will come closer to June.

**No experience necessary**

See you April 13^th!

Have questions?

Email Elizabeth May at elizabethhumber@yahoo.com

Or Phyllis@Theermann.com

Around Town

Save the Date for Wellesley Kitchen Tour!
WHEN:  Saturday, May 3rd from 11 am - 3 pm

Explore the possibilities as we open the doors of six uniquely beautiful homes!

Tickets may be purchased in advance for $30 online at whjwc.org, at Roche Bros. beginning April 21, 2014 or at a Tour home on the day of the tour for $40.

Proceeds benefit local charities and scholarships.  See attached FLYER for more information.

Shop Roche Bros. to benefit WHS Class of 2014 All Night Party!
WHEN:  Monday, April 29th 10 am - 2 pm*

To support this effort, Roche Bros. is generously donating 5% of the value of register receipts collected during WHS shopping hours as well as gift cards purchased.

*If you are unable to shop on April 29th, you can purchase Roche Bros. gift cards in advance which can be used like cash any time you shop.  Click HERE for further information about this event.

Wellesley Science and Technology Expo:  Registration and Volunteer Sign-Up now Open!
Online registration and sign-up is now available.  See HERE for more information!

America 4 Boston:  Help Celebrate the Spirit of the Boston Marathon
The Wellesley Free Library is proud to participate in a nationwide show of support for those impacted by last year's Boston Marathon bombings by displaying a large 18 foot by 6 foot canvas, which will be available at the Main Library March 28 - March 30.  The canvas has 360 squares on which local residents can write messages and sign.  It will be part of a much larger quilt that includes signatures by people from all 50 states, including President Obama, members of Congress, police and fire fighters, MLB players, teachers and schoolchildren throughout our nation.

For more information, please see flyer HERE.

Nurses needed for WHS drama festival Sunday 3/30 to help fill 1pm - 9 pm slot
Volunteer nurses are needed at WHS for any part of Sunday afternoon/evening on March 30th.  Please contact Jenny Bortnick at bortnicks@yahoo.com or leone Johnson at leone55@comcast.net.  Unfortunately we cannot hold the festival without a nurse on site at all times so help would be very much appreciated!

14^th Annual Wellesley Earth Day Clean-up,  April 26, 2014, 10 AM – 12 PM

The Wellesley Natural Resources Commission will hold its 14^th Annual Earth Day Clean-Up along the Charles River on Saturday, April 26^th from 10 AM – 12 PM and volunteers of all ages are asked to come help keep Wellesley clean and green. Meet in the Town parking lot at the intersection of Rt. 16 (Washington Street) and River Street near the Newton line. Free Earth Day T-shirts and refreshments will be provided to all volunteers. Volunteers should wear appropriate clothing and shoes and bring a reusable water bottle. For more information please contact Janet Hartke Bowser, NRC Director at 781-431-1019 ext. 2294 or by email at jbowser@wellesleyma.gov.

 

Upcoming Week

Tuesday, March 18th
8:45 Sprague PTO meeting

Reminder about Remember Me! - Books

Remember Me! Books is a great program at Sprague that helps the library grow it's collection of new and exciting books for your children.  Throughout the year families can purchase books from a special wish list created by Librarian, Ellen Mandel, donate them to the library and then dedicate those books to their children: celebrating accomplishments, birthdays or honoring a staff/teacher.

There are 2 ways to donate:
Amazon:
1. Go to "Wish List" then "Find Someone's Wish List" and type in Sprague School
2. View our list, choose a book(s) and add them to your cart
3. Make sure you ship to "Ellen Mandel - Wellesley, MA " - Sprague's Librarian.  If you are buying books for yourself at the same time, you can ship to your home and have your child bring the donated book to school
4. Don't Forget - click on "Ordering a Gift" and type your dedication that the Librarian will add to the inside cover of the book once it arrives at the library

Wellesley Books:
1. They have a Sprague wish list on file at the children's desk at the back of the store
2. Choose and purchase your books off the list and deliver them to the Sprague Library desk where you can fill out a dedication form

Once your book is in the library and it has a dedication plate...
It will be shared with your child's class during Library time
Your child will have their picture taken for the Remember Me display board and be the first to borrow the book if they choose
Your gift is noted in the PTO blog
The book will then become a part of the permanent library collection for all the Sprague students to enjoy!

THANK YOU - Remember Me! Books 
Thank you to the following Sprague families and groups for their amazing support and generosity to the Sprague Library: Wechsler, Sankar and Girl Scout Troop 73850 

News/FAQ from Committee 21: Budget Override

With Wellesley voters likely to be asked to approve a budget override this spring, Committee 21 is addressing a number of Frequently Asked Questions in the coming weeks, starting with some of the basics about town government.

This week’s FAQ: What is the “Gap List”?

If budgets exceed revenues, the Town may determine that an override (See “What is an Override?”) is necessary.  A “Gap List” consists of those budget items that will be cut should the override fail to be approved by the voters.  This year, the Gap List consists of, among other items, school library assistants, professional staffing to class sections, which will result in larger class sizes, and technology programming.  For more information on the Gap List, see FY15 School Gap List . 

What are “Level Services”?

"Level Services” are those services that the department currently provides.  A budget request for level services reflects the increased cost of providing those services without adding any additional items.  For example, in Wellesley, an increase in the student population has led to an increase in the cost of providing “Level Services.”   

Around Town

Supporting Children with Special Needs: Developing Resources and Capabilities through Your Free Library

Are you a parent, caregiver, teacher or special educator of a child with special needs? Are you looking for additional or new materials, resources and information to shape or facilitate your experiences and interactions with this child at home or at school? Are you a parent of a typical child who wants to know more about special needs or learning differences in order to discuss these with your child? If so, please join us for a presentation and discussion about how your Free Library can support you and your child. Farouqua Abuzeit, Children and Youth Services Supervisor and Leslie Richman, Co-President Wellesley SEPAC will talk about building special collections at a public library for children with special needs and their parents, bibliotherapy, and generally finding your way.

Sponsored by Wellesley Free Library and Wellesley Special Education Parent Advisory Council.

This presentation and discussion are free and open to the public.

Date: March 26, 2014

Time: 7:30pm

Place: Wakelin Room, Wellesley Free Library, 530 Washington St, Wellesley, MA

HERE is the link from the Library calendar.

Wellesley Science and Technology Expo - Panel Discussion

Wednesday, March 19th 7:30 - 9:00 pm at the Wellesley Free Library

Come learn about innovations in STEM education K-college and beyond with the Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Wellesley Public Schools, Dr. Dean Blase and Olin College Professor, Dr. Robert Marello.

See HERE for related flyer.

Part-Time Bookkeeper needed for Wellesley A Better Chance

Wellesley A Better Chance Program, Inc. is looking for a part-time  bookkeeper with non-profit accounting experience and proficiency in QuickBooks, Excel and Word.  If you are interested, please send a resume to, or contact, Leslie Petzing, Treasurer, at Wellesley.ABC@comcast.net and put ABC Bookkeeper in the subject line.  Reimbursement is commensurate with skill level. 

Sports Related Concussion Presentation presented by Wellesley United Soccer Club

April 2nd at 7:00 pm, Wellesley Middle School Auditorium

Dr. William Meehan, Director of the Micheli Center and Sports Medicine at Children's Hospital

See HERE for more information.

Wellesley Scholarship Foundation (WSF) Boston Marathon Fundraiser

WSF is thrilled to report that running the Boston Marathon this year to help students from Wellesley pursue their higher education dream is Brennan Mullin, a Wellesley High School graduate and current Boston College junior.  Please consider sponsoring Brennan at a dollar or more per mile and helping other worthy students from Wellesley attain a collge degree.  Please click HERE for more information.

Wellesley Junior Women's Club Inaugural Wonder Run 5K registration open!

The Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club (WHJWC) is pleased to offer its inaugural Wonder Run on Sunday, May 18, 2014, a welcome addition to Wellesley Wonderful Weekend!  The WHJWC is a nonprofit organization of over 80 committed volunteers dedicated to giving back to our community.  The Wonder Run serves as one of its key fundraisers.  All of the proceeds generated from the Wonder Run will help this organization continue to support community groups, raise money for scholarships, and fund organizations and programs that provide education, enrichment and essential services to our local population.

With an 8:30 am start at the Wellesley High School, the Wonder Run 5K road race course goes through scenic Wellesley. As a great addition to Wellesley Wonderful Weekend, we expect hundreds of participants and great community support for this much anticipated event. We hope you will join us. Online registration is $25.00 and is now available on our website www.whjwc.org or www.wonderrun.racewire.com.  For questions about the Wonder Run 5K road race, please contact the event directors at wellesleywonderrun@gmail.com.  

Upcoming Week

Wednesday, March 12th
8:45-9:30a  Parent Interview of Principal Finalist (Sprague Library)

Thursday, March 13th

8:45-9:30a  Parent Interview of Principal Finalist (Sprague Library)

Sprague Principal Finalist Days

Dear Sprague Community,

As you know, a search for our next principal is currently underway. An extensive screening and interviewing process has occurred and narrowed the search down to what should be two exceptional candidates. The names of these candidates will be announced on Monday, March 10.

There are two finalist days scheduled for this week, Wednesday March 12 and Thursday March 13. Each finalist spends an entire day at the school, learning about the school and meeting with parents, teachers and administrators.

Each day from 8:45a to 9:30a in the Sprague Library there will be a session for questions from parents to be answered by the candidate.

This session provides an opportunity for every parent to listen to the candidate's answers. Feedback forms will be available after each session for parents to provide their comments about the candidate. Dr. Lussier, and his staff, make sure they consider every comment offered by the parents. Input by the parents is absolutely invaluable during this search process, and can have a significant impact on the final decision.

Just as we are interviewing the candidate, the candidate is evaluating the school. A strong and positive session with the parents can make a significant impression on the candidate, and ultimately determine their final decision.

We, the parents, have a responsibility to help enable the success of our next principal. Demonstrating a strong engagement in the search process is the first step towards this goal.

For these reasons we would love to have at least one, if not more, parent representatives from each classroom attend each session. 

Thank-you for your help.

Regards,
The Advisory Search Committee

Around Town

Wellesley Science and Technology Fair
When:  Saturday, April 5th
75+ exhibitors will be showcasing an extraordinary range of interactive science and technology exhibits.  Exhibitors include all the K-12 Wellesley public schools, Dana Hall, St. John, St. Paul, Tenacre and three local colleges: Mass Bay, Olin and Wellesley College (in addition to many other universities throughout New England).
For more information, please click HERE.

Witness the Thrill of Victory with Cub Scout Pack 140’s Pinewood Derby!
Cub Scout Pack 140, open to boys from Sprague & Hardy, invites Sprague families to stop by our annual Pinewood Derby car races Saturday March 15th at the Wellesley Community Center, 219 Washington St. next to the Congregational Church. Racing begins around 10 am, tracked by our big screen scoring system, with awards given out around 11:45 am. Root for your favorite car & get to know more about the fun activities that Cub Scouts has to offer!

Save the Date:  PAWS Auction welcomes Alumni to join on Friday, March 21st!
WHAT:  Auction to raise money for PAWS (Preschool at Wellesley)
WHEN:  Friday, March 21st from 7-10 pm
WHERE:  Italo-American Club
For more information, please see the flyer HERE.

Wellesley Youth Football Registration for Grades 2-7 Open on April 7th!
Go to wellesleyyouthfootball.com to register to play.

Want to learn more?  Come enjoy a night of Jr. Raider football Wednesday, April 2nd from 6:30 - 8 pm.  Learn about the WYF while the kids enjoy a football throwing contest with our players and coaches.

For more information, please see the flyer HERE.

News from Committee 21

With Wellesley voters likely to be asked to approve a budget override this spring, Committee 21 is addressing a number of Frequently Asked Questions in the coming weeks, starting with some of the basics about town government.

 

Last week we addressed “What is an Override?”

This week’s FAQ: What is Town Meeting?

 “Town Meeting” is a form of local government that has been practiced in New England since colonial times, when all the residents of a town came together to make decisions about how the town was governed. Today, the town of Wellesley is governed by a representative Town Meeting that meets annually. A total of 240 Town Meeting members (i.e., representatives) serve as the legislative body that makes final decisions on items like the town budget, town bylaws, zoning changes, appropriations and many other issues put forth by the five-member Board of Selectmen. The proceedings of Town Meeting are open to the public and televised live on the local cable channel.

What is Town Meeting’s role in an Override?

Town Meeting members vote on a budget proposed by the Board of Selectmen.  If the increase in the proposed budget exceeds the 2-1/2 percent limit imposed by state law, voters will be asked to approve an override “What is an Override?” in the form of a ballot question.   This ballot question is usually put to the voters in May or early June. 

Upcoming Week

Thursday, March 6th
Principal Search Update - 1:30 pm (At Sprague)

The purpose of the meeting is to provide an update on the process and to formalize the questions and the format of our parent interviews the week of March 10th. As a reminder, finalist days are scheduled for March 11, 12 and 13 at 8:45. 

Sprague Open House - 6:30 pm

All Grade levels will perform a song that they have been rehearsing with Mr. Hagar-McKee, Sprague’s stupendous music teacher.  After the singing has concluded, parents (and students) are then invited to visit their classrooms to view student work.

WPS Budget News from Committee 21

It is the mission of Committee 21 to help educate parents of students in the Wellesley Public Schools about issues related to the budget. This spring, Wellesley voters likely will be asked to approve a budget override for fiscal year 2015.

To help demystify the process, Committee 21 will be addressing a number of Frequently Asked Questions in the coming weeks. Look for them on the Committee 21 website.

FAQ: What is an override? Towns in Massachusetts obtain most of their funding through property taxes. In 1980, voters approved Proposition 2½, which requires towns to obtain voter approval for any property tax increase greater than 2½ percent (an “override” of Proposition 2½). An override. which applies to the operating budget, differs from a debt exclusion, which covers a capital expense such as a new building or renovations. An override becomes a permanent part of the budget, where with a debt exclusion the tax burden decreases as the debt is paid off. In Wellesley, both voters and Town Meeting must approve any override and debt exclusion.

For more information about Town Meeting and Wellesley town government, click here. For details on the budget process, click here.

Reminder: Town Election is this Tuesday, March 4. There are three candidates running for two spots on the School Committee, as well as contested Town Meeting Member elections in Precincts C, D, and H (and if you live in Precinct F, there are unfilled TMM spots available for write-ins). This is an especially important election year for the schools, so please make the time to learn about the candidates and VOTE.

The lists of candidates are here for town-wide office and here for Town Meeting. Absentee ballots are available until noon Monday.

Reebok BOKS Spring Session Registration Open

We are pleased to announce the next session of BOKS.  BOKS is a before school physical activity program.  BOKS will be held every Tuesday and Thursday mornings 7:30 - 8:10 beginning the week of March 18 through the week of June 3.  Class size will be limited and preference will be given to those students who have not had the opportunity to participate.

We are always looking for more parent participation so please let us know is you want to join the fun!  Email us at spragueboks@gmail.com

To register please complete the entire application and return by March 10th.