Principal's Update
Hello Center Community!
It is with much excitement that I announce, on behalf of all our students, the new name of our school mascot: FINLEY THE CENTER SCHOOL FOX! Finley attended the SPTO Halloween Dance last Friday night, in a first of many exciting appearances!
The Halloween Dance was a huge success, and there are many people who must be thanked! Here is a list of just a few of those who helped make this a success:
- Kate Forrestall, Event Coordinator
- Kara Killough, Concessions (and maybe something to do with Finley's appearance)
- Kate Schoon, social media and signage
- Kelly Melcher, finder of generous donations
- Michela Mathur, finances
- Maureen Mazzone, logistics
- And so many others! Erin Bearfield, Jen Cobb, Maggie Radl, Kirsten Erbse, and Mallory Sidorchuk and many other volunteers who staffed the tables.
- And finally, a special thanks to Jessica Barry, owner of J Barry Designs who designed and donated all of the decor.
On behalf of all who attended, thank you to our amazing volunteers. All of you created such a memorable experience for students and the Center Family! Please enjoy all of the photos shared in this newsletter.
Wishing everyone a wonderful week!
Warmest regards,
Shelley Dulsky
Principal
BE YOUR BEST SELF. PAVE YOUR PATH. IMPACT THE WORLD.
Meet Leah Cullinane - The Center School's Amazing Art Teacher!
I am a dedicated and established artist/teacher of 19 years in this district. Working with K-5 students brings me so much joy. Cultivating an artist’s community full of innovators and creative thinkers is of high importance to me. I work hard to establish a safe place for students to feel included while sharing ideas and taking risks.
Through well designed art experiences, students engage in creative processes and develop appreciation of the art of various subjects. Utilizing a wide variety of materials and techniques, students are exposed to diverse cultures and current perspectives.
Every student is valued as a student-artist. Instruction is differentiated based upon the skills and needs of the individual.
When I’m not teaching art at Center, I go on fun adventures with my husband and 2 boys. I also work part time as a classical pilates instructor in Harvard, MA. I spent the first half of my life in Tennessee and moved north to attend Mass College of Art. I earned a BFA and MSAE and continue to take classes to grow professionally in my practice. I love my life and aim to share joy with as many people as possible. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to share my passion with the Stow community.
I welcome and appreciate volunteers in the art room. Email lcullinane@nrsd.net if you have any interest.
This is our 9th year participating in the Square 1 Art fundraiser. I am pleased to report that this year we will fulfill 2 fundraising opportunities. Our first is happening now. The second will take place in the Spring. This week I will ship approximately 500 self portraits to the company. In a couple of weeks, your student will bring home their custom catalog. November 23rd is the order deadline. All orders will be placed online and shipped to families.
The funds directly support the artist community at Center. In past years, the program has afforded us clay drying cabinets, artist E books, specialty supplies otherwise not available, as well as a membership to AOEU for professional development and curriculum resources. We are so thankful for your support of the arts in our community.
Conferences are Coming!
Fall Caregiver-Teacher Conferences will take place on November 7th and November 8th.
Please sign up through the Pick-A-Time process. Pick-A-Time opens for scheduling on
October 24th at 7:00 p.m. and closes on October 31st at 7:00 a.m. Please find all the details for signing up for a conference in an email that was sent to all families last week.
Parents and Caregivers have the option to choose an in-person or virtual conference. Simply let your student's classroom teacher know which format you prefer. We look forward to meeting with all of you soon!
Ms. Fitzgerald's Book Recommendation / Upcoming Book Fair Volunteer Opportunities
Some Places More Than Others - Renee Watson
Amara feels stuck, almost like she doesn't belong, or doesn't feel like part of her family. Some things are said more than others, and Amara is trying to tell her story and take it with her. With her Dad’s childhood shrouded in mystery on the elusive East Coast, can she solve the missing pieces before her sister is born?
Fall Book Fair at The Center School
Mark your calendar, the Book Fair is coming! The Center School Library Program will host a Scholastic Book Fair from 11/7-11/10, and we need your help! Mrs. Fitzgerald is looking for a few parent volunteers to help students browse during the school day and run the cash register during conference hours. Please contact Mrs. Fitzgerald for more information - jfitzgerald@nrsd.net. Thanks for supporting our library in this way!
Breakfast at Center ... an Update
The Center School started serving daily breakfast this year. Each day classroom teachers ask students if they would like a breakfast for the following day. Many students are taking advantage of this opportunity! We are working to ensure that no food is wasted and our Cafeteria Staff is doing an incredible job balancing all the demands of this new school offering.
Should families want to opt out of this choice, please let your student's classroom teacher know your preferences.
Current & Upcoming Community Service Opportunities
Rotary International - Donate a Dollar - Save a Life
Rotary International is working to eliminate polio, and we are getting down to two countries: Afghanistan and Pakistan. World Polio Day is October 24th. The Rotary Club of Nashoba Valley is holding a Purple Pinkie Day fundraiser where families give $1, the cost to inoculate a child in a developing country. Those children have their pinkies marked purple to show they have received the medicine.
The Center School will send an envelope home with each child on Monday, October 24th. Please return it with a donation of $1 or more on Wednesday, October 26. Best of all, your donations are matched 2 for 1 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation so your money will go even farther. The families in the Nashoba School District have helped inoculate tens of thousands of children around the world. Thank you!
Donate Old Halloween Costumes - Nashoba Regional High School students are sponsoring a drive to collect donated Halloween costumes. If you have old costumes that you can donate, please bring them to the lobby and place them in the large purple box.
Important Upcoming Dates
October 24, 2022 // Diwali Observed
October 24, 2022 // World Polio Day (See Community Service Announcement below)
October 26, 2022 // Center School Council Meeting (3:30 p.m.)
November 7-8, 2022 // Caregiver-Teacher Conferences
November 7, 2022 // Early Release at 12:15 p.m.
November 7-10, 2022 // Book Fair
November 11, 2022 // Holiday - No School
November 23-23, 2022 // Thanksgiving Break - No School
For the entire Center School Calendar click here:
Connect with the SPTO!
Thank you to everyone who volunteered for, and attended the Annual SPTO Halloween Dance! A wonderful time was had by all!
The Center School Charleston Wrap store is open! Please be on the lookout for catalogs coming home with your student(s) this week. Participation is easy, just shop using the store link and share the store link with friends and family. The SPTO will get 40% of sales (30% on personalized items) to help with school enrichments.
How to stay connected with the SPTO?
Website: https://www.centerhalepto.org
Email: board@centerhalepto.org
Our 2022/2023 fundraising goal is $50,000. How to donate to the SPTO?
