Teacher Raffle Coming Up

Please look for Teacher Raffle information in your child's folder later this week!

The staff at Sprague has been very generous this year by donating their time to support the Teacher Raffle. There are many fun opportunities for your student to spend time with their favorite staff member while enjoying lunch at a restaurant or engaging in a fun and exciting activity. Dr. Goodwin has been especially generous this year with his time, offering multiple opportunities for students to squeeze in a little extra personal time with our favorite principal.

Important Upcoming Meetings Regarding FY15 Proposed Budget / Overrride

Wednesday, January 29, 7:30pm, Juliani Room, Town Hall  Town Advisory Committee Public Hearing on FY15 proposed budget. Opportunity to speak in support of proposed school budget/potential override

Tuesday, February 4, 7pm, Town Hall  School Committee meeting, "gap list" presented -- what would be cut if budget/override not approved -- Citizen speak opportunity at beginning and end of meeting

If you would like specific information about what is in the proposed school budget, please visit the school website School Budget Documents

Sprague Annual Ski Trip

LAST CHANCE FOR SPRAGUE ANNUAL FAMILY SKI TRIP (Feb 7-9 at Waterville Valley, NH) - almost SOLD OUT!

Contact spragueskitrip@gmail.com for more information on discount lift tickets, discount suites, acoustic entertainment, DJ and fun.

Around Town

Wellesley Parents Supporting (Visual) Art Students (WPSAS)  would like to invite you to the WPSAS Open House -- its first potluck -- scheduled for Friday, 24th January 2014 6:30 pm - 9 pm at the home of the Reddy family, at 4 Swarthmore Road, off Wellesley Avenue. 

We ask you to please RSVP at info@wellesleypsas.org so we can organize ourselves better.

If you would like to volunteer, there is a signup here: 

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090849A5AF2EA20-open

All parents, faculty, grand-parents and people who love the Visual Arts  and are committed to support Visual Arts in Wellesley are invited.

WPS Visual Arts Director Thom Carter will prepare a slide show with the main Wellesley Public Schools  (WPS) activities.

We want to hear from you to make the Visual Arts experience for our children (K-12), more fulfilling for everybody: so if you cannot make it, please send us a note, we still appreciate your input.

Charity Benefit Dance Performance for The Home for Little Wanderers

Wellesley Students To Perform In

A Charity Benefit Dance Performance

To Support The Home for Little Wanderers

Sunday, February 9, 2014

2:00 pm

The Wayland High School Auditorium

Members of The Greater Boston School of Dance competitive teams from Wellesley and other surrounding Metro West communities (ages 7 to 17) will showcase their award-winning talents to raise money for the Home for Little Wanderers.

Morgan Ettinger, currently in the 7^th grade at WMS, initiated a community outreach and chose The Home for Little Wanderers because it is a social services organization that helps children succeed despite seemingly insurmountable difficulties.  She and her fellow company members believe in the importance of children helping children.

Please lend your support to this worthwhile event!

Tickets are $10.00 at the door.  All proceeds go directly to the charity.

Questions?  Email Morgan at Morgancatherine3@gmail.com

Looking for some STEM activities, summer camps or internships?

The Wellesley Science and Technology Expo, a Wellesley Education Foundation Event, is a community-wide celebration of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) featuring speakers, hands-on activities, workshops, student work showcase and a variety of other informal STEM educational experiences for residents of all ages to celebrate the area’s strength and accomplishments in STEM.

In preparation for the March 19 Panel Discussion on Innovations in STEM Education and the April 5 Expo, the group has compiled a listing of STEM classes, one day events, internships and summer activities for K-12 students.  View listing HERE.  This list is not exhaustive and parents are encouraged to complete appropriate due diligence.

Join us as we attempt to spark curiosity, generate enthusiasm and inspire the next generation of scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians. Help us build a community to promote STEM!  Join our facebook page (www.facebook.com/groups/wellesleysciencetechexpo) or contact us (wellesleysciencetechexpo@gmail.com) for more information.

Registration for 2014-2015 Wellesley Youth Hockey

Registration for Wellesley Youth Hockey is now open for the 2014-2015 season.    Go to:  wellesleyyouthhockey.org to register.

Contact Kara Sullivan at registrarwyha@gmail.com with any questions.

Upcoming Week

Monday, January 20th
NO SCHOOL - Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Tuesday, January 21st
8:45 am PTO-Sponsored Parent Forum - Dr. Goodwin and John Foley
10:00 am PTO Board Meeting

Wednesday, January 22nd
3:00 pm - 1rst Grade Lego Robotics Club

Thursday, January 23rd
7:00 pm -  Principal Search Parent Meeting with Dr. Lussier (Sprague Library)

Parent Discussion with Dr. Lussier

Topic: Discussion of Search Process to Find Sprague Principal
When: Thursday, January 23, 7:00pm
Where: Sprague Library

Please join Dr. Lussier this coming Thursday at 7pm in the Sprague Library to discuss the search process for a new Sprague Principal. Come with questions and suggestions of important characteristics you value in the Sprague principal.

Around Town

Wellesley Parents Supporting (Visual) Art Students (WPSAS) Potluck Open House:
Wellesley Parents Supporting (Visual) Art Students (WPSAS)  would like to invite you to the WPSAS Open House -- its first potluck -- scheduled for Friday, 24th January 2014 6:30 pm - 9 pm at the home of the Reddy family, at 4 Swarthmore Road, off Wellesley Avenue. 

We ask you to please RSVP at info@wellesleypsas.org so we can organize ourselves better.

 

If you would like to volunteer, there is a signup here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090849A5AF2EA20-open

Innovations in STEM Education: A Panel Discussion with the Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Wellesley Public Schools, Dr. Dean Blase, and Olin College Professor, Dr. Robert Martello.  

Sponsored by the Wellesley Science and Technology Expo (WSTE) and the Wellesley Free Library

When:  Wednesday, March 19, 2014, 7:30 - 9:00 pm

Where:  Wellesley Free Library - Wakelin Room

               530 Washington Street

               Wellesley, MA

Ever wonder how U.S. educators are preparing our young people for today's high-tech, globalized society?  Curious about the latest thinking on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and what primary and secondary schools are doing to develop innovative students?  Would you like to know what you, as a parent, can do to nurture your child's creativity and imagination?  If so, please come to learn about and discuss leading-edge approaches to education, their role in building cultures of innovation, and their implications for our kids and their development.  For optional background reading, please pick up a copy of Creating Innovators, by Tony Wagner, at the Wellesley Free Library.    

This panel presentation is a lead-up to the Wellesley Science and Technology Expo (WSTE), a Wellesley Education Foundation event taking place at Wellesley High School onSaturday, April 5 from 10:00 - 2:00 pm, followed by a keynote address from 2:00 - 3:00 pm.  This festival will include approximately 50 hands-on exhibits, workshops, a speaker series, a showcase of local students’ work, and a meet-the-STEM-professionals forum.  WSTE is free and open to the public from Wellesley and surrounding communities. 

For questions and/or to be added to the WSTE e-mail list, please contact Marybeth Martello (marybeth.martello@gmail.com).  To learn more, click here, http://wellesleyeducationfoundation.org/wste.php.  You can join our Facebook group at at https://www.facebook.comgroups/wellesleysciencetechexp. 

Wellesley Community Center Creates Grand Illusion with Special Guest Lyn Dillies.

On Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at 4:00PM, the Wellesley Community Center will tape another episode of Gil Stubbs’ World of Magic, featuring special guest magician and illusionist, Lyn Dillies.

Lyn has performed all over North American and has made many television appearances over the years.  She is regarded in the entertainment field as the most accomplished female illusionist in the business. “One of her most notable performances was to make two live Asian elephants, Ruth and Emily, appear in succession.  The event was held outdoors in front of a live audience for the grand opening of the Buttonwood Park Zoo in her hometown of New Bedford MA.  It took eight months to prepare for this incredible spectacle and required more than 5,000 square feet of fabric, 300 feet of truss, two cases of red seedless grapes (the pachyderms' favorite treat) and a little sleight of trunk! “Using an original concept that took years of planning, Lyn performs her “Magic at the Symphony” program live with symphonies all around the country including several performances at Lincoln Center.  This program combines the majesty of classical music with Lyn’s breathtaking illusions encouraging children to discover the magic of classical music while experiencing the harmony of her illusions.”

Her heritage is anchored by magic.  Her great-grandfather, Thomas Wyatt, was an amateur magician and member of the New Bedford Magic Wand Club, an organization she was to join in her early teens.  While Ms. Dillies’ parents are not performers, each has gotten into the act by supporting her career.  I the early days, mom Loretta acted as a booking agent and wardrobe manager, while father Calvin built her first illusion.  They shared chauffeur duties and marveled when their daughter began to drive a large truck to transport her seven ton show.  “I never would have made it without them,” say Ms. Dillies of her two most ardent fans.  “My family and friends are the real magic in my life!”

To learn more about Lyn Dillies, visit her website at: www.magicoflyn.com/mainhigh.html

The show starts at 4:00PM and runs until 5:00PM.  Admission is free, but you must register for your seats by emailing the Wellesley Community Center at info@wellesleycommunitycenter.org or call the main office at 781-235-4172.

Keeping Children Safe: A Community Conversation

When: Tuesday, February 4, 11:00 am - 12:00 noon

Where: Wellesley Free Library

Laurie Myers, Founder of Community VOICES, a victim's advocacy organization in Massachusetts, will discuss keeping kids safe online and in the world.

FRIENDS OF WELLESLEY FREE LIBRARIES WINTER 2014 BOOK SALE   

This sale features a great selection of gently used hardcover, softcover, and children's books as well as audio books, CDs and DVDs.

Where:  Wellesley Free Library, 530 Washington St., Wellesley, MA. 

Member Preview Sale:

Thursday, February 6, 5-9 p.m. (Not a member? Join now with a tax deductible membership to take advantage of the advance sale for the best selection)

Public Sale:

Friday, February 7, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday, February 8, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, February 9, 1-5 p.m. ($5 per bag sale).

Through book sales and membership, the Friends are able to fund all adult and children's library programs, Jackie’s Room programs, the Annual Arnold Lecture, museum passes, maintenance of the fish tank and support library staff enrichment.

Join online at friendsofwellesleyfreelibraries.org

Thanks for supporting your local library! 

Upcoming Week

Wednesday, January 15th
3 pm - 1rst grade Lego Club

Monday, January 20th
Martin Luther King Day - NO SCHOOL

Sprague Family Ski Trip

GET STOKED . . . for the 10th Annual Sprague Family Ski Trip!

Waterville Valley, NH February 7-9

• Book your rooms at The Golden Eagle Lodge by calling 888-703-2453 and asking for Sprague Discounted Rate
• Dicounted lift tickets - email spragueskitrip@gmail.com for the form
• Welcome Party on Friday night in Room #228, anytime after 7pm
• Apres Ski Mixer on Saturday (4:30-6pm) with amazing acoustic music (at Golden Eagle in Alpine Room)
• Family Buffet Dinner on Saturday night with Sundae Bar, DJ, Contests, Prizes and Fireworks - RSVP to spragueskitrip@gmail.com for payment instructions
• Heated Indoor Pool
• Mountaintop Group Photo
• Short 2-hour drive

CAN'T WAIT TO HIT THE SLOPES WITH SPRAGUE!  Good times, Great Memories!

Like Us at https://www.facebook.com/spragueskitrip

Sprague Cafeteria Column Mosaic - Final Push to Complete!

Thanks so much to so many of you for your hard work and efforts with our Sprague Cafeteria mosaic. While we completed the wall last year, we are attempting to finish up the columns in front of the mosaic.  Our next and hopefully final attempts for an evening session will be on Tuesday, January 14th and Thursday, January 16th from 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. 

We hope you can join us. Please click on the opportunities here, night and day, to help us finish up the Mosaic!  Thanks so, so much! Any questions email Michelle Heath at mandpheath@yahoo.com.

Around Town

Diversity and Cultural Awareness: Talking about Differences with Children

Thursday March 6, 2014 and Thursday March 13, 2014

7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Wakelin Room, Wellesley Free Library

An instructional team from Empowering Multicultural Initiatives (E.M.I.) will provide a two-part diversity/cultural awareness workshop for parents that will focus on understanding the unconscious biases that all of us hold and awareness of the impact of our multiple group memberships (e.g. gender, race, age, sexual orientation, country of origin, class). We will consider what parents - and media- may communicate, often unintentionally, about people who are 'different' from themselves. Parents are invited to bring challenging situations or dilemmas they have faced in responding to/talking with their children about issues of race/ethnicity or other differences, in order to discuss options of ways to initiate conversations or respond to comments and questions from children. Sponsored by Wellesley Free Library and World of Wellesley. The expectation is that participants will attend both sessions. This workshop is free, however space is limited and pre-registration is required. Register on wellesleyfreelibarary.org or call 781-235-1610 x 1107.

Sign up to attend HERE.

Talk Together about Diversity

Thursday March 27, 2014

7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Wakelin Room, Wellesley Free Library

Wellesley resident Michelle Chalmers, MSW, gives parents and teachers a tool to use to feel comfortable talking with children about racial differences. Her book, 'The Skin on My Chin,' is a rhyming picture book geared toward children ages 2 to 8. Don't miss this opportunity to raise awareness and acquire practical tips on having honest and open family conversations. Co-sponsored by World of Wellesley and Wellesley Free Library.

Sign up to attend HERE.

"Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it is faced."

-- James Arthur Baldwin Wellesley Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) Meeting Wednesday, January 15th 7pm at the Wellesley Middle School Library Linda Waters, the Director of Student Services of Wellesley Public Schools will present a brief overview of the district’s Special Education program and services.  Afterwards, the SPED Department Heads and Linda will host an open forum. All those interested in any and all aspects of Special Education in Wellesley are welcome.  This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about SPED in Wellesley!   To learn more about the Wellelsey SEPAC, please visit www.wellesleypac.org Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Monday, January 20th, 11-2 pm at Wellesley High School. Presenting the film, 'Our Friend Martin', an animated educational video for families.  Movie, pizza and cake will be included, as well as a children's orchestra performance. Please see HERE for more information.

Upcoming Weeks

Tuesday, January 7th

Walk to School Day

Monday, January 20th

NO SCHOOL - Martin Luther King Day

Sprague's 10th Annual Family Ski Trip

                                               Waterville Valley, NH 

 February 7-9, 2014

Rooms still available so Book SOON 

The Golden Eagle Lodge -www.goldeneaglelodge.com

***Don’t forget to ask for your Sprague discounted room rate when booking your reservation!***

RSVP by Monday, February 3 at Spragueskitrip@gmail.com  

Highlights to include:

Skiing, Snowboarding, Swimming and Fun

Sprague Family Dinner with DJ, Sundae Bar, Contests

Discounted Lodging and Lift Tickets.  Mountaintop Group Photo!

Book your 1 or 2-BR condo style room (sleeps 4-8, kitchen, living room) by calling the Golden Eagle Lodge at 603.236.4551  or email www.goldeneaglelodge.com (only a limited number of rooms on hold, so please book soon).  Families staying here may check out at 3pm on Sunday!  ***Don't forget to ask for your Sprague discounted room rate when booking your reservation ***Alternative Lodging: Silver Fox Inn (sleeps 4), 603.236.3699

1. Fill out the attached Lift Ticket Form  and return by Feb 4th
2. Sign up for the Saturday family dinner by sending a check to:  Jennifer Vernazza, 21 Ivy Rd, Wellesley, MA  02482  ($46 adult and $25 child)

Questions? Please contact…Spragueskitrip@gmail.com ...Spread the Word!

See you at the cocktail party Friday night Golden Eagle lodge room #228 any time after 7pm

Click HERE to view and complete lift ticket form. 

Please visit the website at http://www.spragueschool.org/events-clubs/social/family-ski

Around Town

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!
Monday, January 20th, 11-2 pm at Wellesley High School.
Presenting the film, 'Our Friend Martin', an animated educational video for families.  Movie, pizza and cake will be included, as well as a children's orchestra performance.
Please see HERE for more information.

CAMPAIGN FOR THE OFFICIAL STATE GROUNDHOG OF THE COMMONWEALTH   

Calling all students—Ms. G needs your vote! A local groundhog named Ms. G who resides at Drumlin Farm in Lincoln is running for the office of “Official State Groundhog of the Commonwealth” and she needs the help of Wellesley Public School students to get elected!

To Vote for Ms. G online:  Visit MAStateGroundhog.com


Sunday January 5^th 3-5pm: Campaign rally at Wellesley Public Library

Meet in the Wakelin Room for refreshments and a chance to learn about Ms. G (currently, Ms. G is in hibernation and is fast asleep!). A naturalist from Mass Audubon will be on hand to answer all questions “groundhog” and to share an educational video. Next, a representative from the State House will explain how a bill becomes a law and how students can speak on Ms. G’s behalf at an upcoming hearing to help get her elected. Students will then make campaign posters, campaign buttons, and work as teams to prepare testimony for the upcoming hearing.

PLEASE RSVP: MishMichaels@gmail.com

Wednesday January 8^th  Noon-2pm: Hearing on Ms. G Bill at Wellesley Public Library

The Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight is planning a one-time special hearing on the Ms. G Bill. Wellesley Public School students are invited to speak on Ms. G’s behalf. Meet at Wellesley Public Library at noon in the Wakelin Room for pizza, craft testimony, and to make a campaign poster. If your child has already attended a previous rally, bring their campaign posters, buttons, and testimony! Testimony begins at 1pm and should not last for more than an hour, giving each student a chance to speak briefly. Both print and TV media coverage will be present.

Please RSVP: MishMichaels@gmail.com