Fifth grade graduation is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, June 18, at 1:30 p.m. Please note that this date is subject to change depending on snow days and other unexpected scheduling concerns.
Volume 5, Issue 6 March 2003
Harrington School, 146 Maple Street, Lexington, MA 02420
(781)861-2540
David Crump, Principal
Mary Rae, PTA President
IN THIS ISSUE
• PTA Video on Diversity
• Town Election March 3
• Upcoming Events
• Family Math Nights
• 3rd Grade Math Mornings
• Big Backyard News
• 5th Grade Graduation Plans
• Family Square Dance
• April PTA Meeting
• Harrington Magazine Drive
• Boxtop$ Program
• Gift Wrap
• White Elephant Sale
• School Council Meeting
• PTA Meeting Minutes
• Heartfelt Thanks
PTA to Screen Video about Family Diversity
Last year the PTA featured a panel of parents who described their family
structures in a program entitled “Is Your Family like Mine?” This
year the PTA’s Diversity Committee is continuing to explore the broad
diversity of Harrington families with the screening of That’s a Family
on the March 12th PTA meeting. Purchased by the school system several years
ago for each elementary school, the video is part of a series called Respect
for All.
That’s a Family is a film made for children that recognizes the wide
range of family structures that form the fabric of our communities today. With
more attention focused on creating safe and welcoming schools, there is a need
to help kids become more comfortable with diversity. Helping children to understand
family diversity is a great place to start.
Family is the first point of reference for children as they begin to understand
themselves and the world around them. If children can name and understand differences
among families, they will have a foundation for understanding and respecting
other kinds of differences as well.
Kids respond very well to other kids speaking directly from their hearts. In
the film it's pretty amusing to watch the parents and guardians step aside
and let their kids do the talking!
Please join us for a wonderful evening of listening to children talk about their
families.
Recently purchased books covering relevant topics will also be on display.
PLEASE VOTE in our Town Election on Monday, March 3
Two candidates are running for one seat on the Board of Selectmen: Peter Kelley and Stephen Tripi. Three candidates are running for two seats on the School Committee: Scott Burson (incumbent), Helen Cohen, and Ann Gilbert. Town meeting members will also be elected.
Your vote has an impact on the future of Lexington schools. Please go to
the polls on Monday. Need more information? Go to www.townonline.com/lexington/ for Minuteman articles pertaining to the election. The 2003 Town Meeting warrant
may also be viewed online at http://ci.lexington.ma.us/townmeeting/Warrant2003.pdf
Family Math nights are almost here. Come join us for an evening of math games presented by Harrington parents. Invitations to students and parents go home about two weeks before the evening scheduled for their grade.
March 3 - Grade 3
March 10 - Grade 2
March 17 - Grade 1
March 24 - Grade 5
March 31 - Grade 4
April 7 - Kindergarten
We still need a few volunteers--especially for Grades 1 and 2. The volunteer
time commitment is quite small and is limited to the evening you volunteer.
We have all of the materials prepared. Many volunteer for a class they have
no children in, leaving them free to enjoy the Family Math night with their
children. Please contact Carol Bukys at 781-674-0339 or bukys@rcn.com to volunteer.
Does Your Third Grader Love Math? Do You Love Doing Math with Your Third Grader?
Then Math Mornings are for both of you. Third Grade Math Mornings will be starting
on Wednesday, March 26 and will run on each Wednesday morning before
school from
7:45 AM to 8:20 AM through June 4. Math Mornings is a math enrichment program
that will introduce third graders to new and fun approaches to solving challenging
math problems. Look for the sign-up form in your third grader's backpack in early
March.
We are still looking for interested parents to help out during Math Mornings.
You need not commit to the entire program; even if you can only attend some of
the sessions, your participation will be greatly appreciated by our third graders.
If you have any questions about Third Grade Math Mornings, or if you would like
to join us on Wednesday mornings, please contact Jeanne Clifford at 781-862-3002
or jclifford@rcn.com.
Spring Is Coming to Our Big Backyard
It's official! Spring is almost here! Come and enjoy the first tastes of
spring as Kindergarten and Grade 1 volunteers conduct their spring training
for parents on March 25. Kindergarten outdoor training will take place 9-10
a.m.; Grade 1 training will be 10-11 a.m. Classroom walks will be held before
April vacation.
The wait is over! Grade 4 twig detective training for parents will be held
March 4 from 1:30 to 3pm in the cafeteria. The walks will be held in mid-March.
As always, no experience is necessary in order to join the Big Backyard team.
Enthusiasm is the only prerequisite! Come and learn about Harrington's very
own backyard habitat. Questions? Can't make the date? Please call DeeAnn at
781-861-6844 or Judy at 781-863-9622 for more information.
A grateful word to Grade 1 volunteers from Grade 1 Coordinator Tricia McLaughlin: “Even
though some of you were sick and some of your services were not needed because
of the severe weather, your commitment to the program is greatly appreciated.
The children continue to enjoy these walks as they learn ‘hands on’ that
the grounds surrounding Harrington are more than just their playground. The
cold weather interfered with some of the outdoor activities, but thanks to
Rebecca Winters and her wonderful tracking presentation, the students didn't
miss out.”
Class of 2003 Graduation Plans Underway
Fifth grade graduation is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday,
June 18, at 1:30 p.m. Please note that this date is subject to change depending on snow
days and other unexpected scheduling concerns.
Interested Harrington 5th grade parents attended the first graduation planning meeting on February 24 to discuss budget, class gifts, and reception plans. The next graduation meeting will be held on Monday, March 10, 7-9 p.m. at the home of the Robinsons, 52 Maple Street. All are welcome to attend. You may also join the graduation email list by emailing pmessenger@rcn.com.
Please look for your packet of information on graduation and related events,
to be sent home in mid-March, and read it carefully. In the meantime, start
sifting through photos and camcorder tape with your 5th grader for material
for the class yearbook and video! And if you have questions or ideas regarding
graduation, please contact Tracy Battite and 781-863-5997 or mtbattite@juno.com,
or Laura McCullough at 781-674-1170 or mack156@aol.com.
Swing Your Partner and Do-Si-Do...
If you missed the Harrington Family Square Dance on February 7, don't worry.
It was postponed because of snow. The good news is that it's been rescheduled
for Friday, March 28.
Susan Elberger, former School Committee member, will be calling the dances, the
Eisner Family Band (Harrington alum) will be providing music, and the rest of
us will just get out there and dance. If you don't know how, you’ll learn,
and learning is half the fun.
So c'mon over to Harrington on March 28. Dancing starts in the gym at 7 p.m.
and light refreshments will be served in the cafeteria at 8:30. And tell your
friends (especially former Harrington students and their families). Everyone
is welcome!!
April PTA Meeting to Take Place in Roxbury
On Tuesday, April 15, at 7 p.m., Dr. Pedro Noguera, Professor of Communities
and Schools at Harvard Graduate School of Education, will be speaking on Creating
a Collaborative Learning Community: Parents' Role in Ensuring Success for All
Students at Roland Hayes Music Building Auditorium, Madison Park Community Center
on 55 Malcolm X Blvd in Roxbury. Instead of having our regular PTA meeting at
Harrington on April 30 as previously planned, we're switching the date to the
15th and encouraging you to go to this event for Boston and Lexington parents.
It promises to be a forum for discussing issues of equity and excellence in education
and how parents can work together to achieve those goals.
Everyone is invited to a reception at 7 p.m. followed by the lecture and discussion at 7:30 p.m. A bus for Lexington residents will leave Bowman School at 6 p.m. and return at the end of the event. Please RSVP to Marcia Butman at 781-861 8893 or mbutman@attbi.com for the event and for bus reservations. There is no cost for the bus.
Funds donated in memory of Sharyn Wong-Chan, a Lexington resident and dedicated activist, are supporting the lecture. It is sponsored by the Lexington Public Schools, the Lexington METCO Program, the Lexington School PTAs, the Boston METCO Parents Group, and the Lexington Coalition for Racial Equality.
Hope to see you there.
Get Ready to Renew! The Harrington
Magazine Drive Starts Monday, March 10th!
You’ll be able to renew old subscriptions—whether or not they’re
about to expire—and find new reading material for your friends, your
family and yourself! Look for your order form in your child’s backpack.
For more information, contact Lynne Helfand at 781-860-0716 or lhelfand@rcn.com.
Box Tops Program Ends March 20th ... Only to Begin Again
Empty your refrigerator magnet bags and send in your saved Box Tops by Friday,
March 14. March is the last month to submit Box Tops to receive cash this school
year. Every Box Top is worth 10 cents and so far we have earned $333. Our goal
is $700, and last year we collected over $500...so, CLIP and SEND IN your Box
Tops for Harrington today.
Are you running out of wrapping paper? Did you know that you can buy Sally
Foster products online all year round and Harrington continues to get the credit
for all of your purchases?! It's simple: type in SallyFoster.com and follow
the prompts. Thanks for your continued support!
There will be a White Elephant table at this year's Spring Fair on June 1. Start looking around your house with an eye to what you would like to get rid of. Is there stuff you can't throw out, but isn't quite right for Goodwill, but could be someone else's treasure? Save it for the White Elephant table at the Fair.
In general things should be no bigger than a breadbox and in good condition, and only children's books will be accepted. Sorry, no stuffed animals or clothes.
Dates and times for drop-off will be announced at a later date. If you have
questions or would like to help, please contact Irene Dondley at irene@looseleaf.net or 781-863-2912)
Minutes of the Harrington School Council - January 16, 2003
Present: David Crump, Mary Yardley, Karen Petersen, Barry Glass, Leora Tec, Nancy
Adler, Mary Rae, Kathy Martin, Mike Spencer, Ellen Basch
Agenda Items: New Harrington School Update, Outdoor/Indoor Recess, Snacks Sold
in the Cafeteria
New Harrington School: Still going out to bid on February 15. Have they put back
in things in the budget that they had taken out? There are a certain percentage
of items that they have to pull out in case the cost goes over the budget. If
they do not go over budget, then those things would go back into the project.
They still have not finalized the list yet. The list will be finalized before
the bids go out. A 90% completion of drawing should come in by Friday, January
17. Those drawings should reflect any of the changes the have been suggested
up until now. The school's requests look like they will be included (i.e. security
systems, new playground). David is satisfied with the response to teacher requests,
with the possible exception of technology. We have asked for presentation systems
in each room, and the infrastructure for that will be included for that to happen.
In focus boxes are expensive and may not be included at this time. There is a
question about how much of our current furniture we will take with us. At some
point, an inventory in classrooms will be taken to determine what we have and
what is usable, although the new school should look new, and there should be
some uniformity to the furniture/look of the new school. Storage of the items
from Harrington and Fiske has not been decided.
No further decisions on the traffic problem according to the community representative,
Nancy Adler. A summit meeting will take place at Harrington on January 16 to
discuss override amounts. There is a question as to what kind of stage we will
have. Lighting system and sound system is also being discussed. Advisory committee
will look at what is being proposed and advise.
Groundbreaking ceremony is being discussed. Judy Crocker is talking to the architects
to find out when construction will begin so that we can schedule the ceremony
before construction begins. Shovels and hard hats for the children are being
considered. May ask children to talk about a favorite moment or memory, poem,
but it may be too early for this. We should notify abutters about the ceremony.
Landscaping has been discussed. They do not know how much or how little to include
in the 90% drawings. It is not one of the things that is absolutely necessary
to build a school and might go on the alternate list. Eventually, landscaping
will be included. Trees must be included as barrier between the school and abutters.
They want some idea of what is wanted for the school landscaping. This month's
newsletter will invite people to be a part of the ground-breaking committee.
Someone has offered to donate shovels, who will be contacted by Mary Rae. The
construction of the school will be followed by teachers, students and parents
to be included in an academic way. Estimated completion date of Harrington is
June 2004.
Outdoor/Indoor Recess: There was a parent inquiry about this issue. It is weather
related. If the temperature is 20 degrees or below, we do not have outdoor recess.
If the playground is not safe (ice, snow, mud) we have indoor recess. If it is
raining, we have indoor recess. Mr. Crump listens to the weather each morning,
goes out to the playground to determine the playground's condition and then decides
whether or not it will be indoor recess. Can be a last-minute decision, but we
usually know ahead of time. Mr. Spencer will decide in Mr. Crump’s absence.
The aides decide in the absence of Mr. Crump and Mr. Spencer because they monitor
outdoor recess. Mr. Crump will include an article in the Harrington Herald. In
it he will mention that parents can help by preparing their children based on
the weather forecast. Aides monitor indoor recess where children can take advantage
of various options in the classroom (games, computers, movie). Staff prefers
that children go out more often than not, but sometimes it is necessary for the
children to stay in for safety reasons. Article in the Herald may prompt more
responses/inquiries from parents. The issue of temperature is town-wide. Safety
reasons should make parents understand.
Snacks being sold in the cafeteria: A parent inquiry was made about the snacks
being sold in the cafeteria. Some parents give their children extra money to
buy a snack (potato chips, corn chips, etc…). We do monitor if kids are
eating their lunch, and parents are informed if a child is not eating his/her
lunch. We could provide healthy snacks. Grades 1 and 2 can only buy on Friday.
Grades 3-5 can buy snacks daily. Kids can buy only one snack. Vending machines
would not provide this limit, but would provide funding to the school. Every
meal has fruits and/or vegetables as part of the meal. Options are good for kids
and parents can decide whether or not their child gets extra money. Healthy choices
are difficult to make when junk food choices are available. Most kids want to
go out to recess, but some will stay for the snack. We should put a piece about
this in the newsletter so that parents are more informed about what is available
and suggest that parents talk to their children about it. Menus that go home
may include snacks available. It may make sense to limit the older children's
snack options as some of the kids are just eating snacks and not their lunch.
Parent conversation with their children is very important. Mr. Crump would make
the decision on whether or not to change the current policy. Mr. Spencer will
research what other schools are doing and whether or not we should change the
policy.
Enrichment Project for an astronomy unit is proposed by the fourth grade in the
amount of $50-60. All were in favor.
Primary Report Card: Report card is being revised. It is currently a draft and
is subject to revision. There has been some opportunity for teachers to provide
feedback, and there will be one more opportunity for teachers. The Director of
Elementary Education will also, at some point, invite parents to give feedback.
Two first grade parents did not like the format of the report card. Thought that
what was talked about at a conference was not reflected in the report card. Parents
who brought up the issue suggested narratives. Many groups have met over the
years to discuss when report cards and conferences take place. They came to a
compromise, the first report card comes out after the conference and the second
report card comes out before the conference. Teachers wanted conferences over
a shorter period of time (Wednesday/Thursday). Parents wanted conferences only
on Thursdays. An article in the Harrington Herald should be written to inform
parents about the new report card. What is actually happening in the classroom
should be reflected on the report card. Richard Grandmont is the Director of
Education and he will solicit further input and make the decisions.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Martin
Harrington PTA
Minutes of the Meeting
Wednesday, February 12, 2003
The Harrington PTA met on February 12. We welcomed guest speaker Susan Bottan,
Director of Business and Finance for the town, who had been invited to discuss
school busing. Susan first addressed the question of how construction of the
new school would affect busing. She reported that every effort will be made
to keep disruption to a minimum. The current Lowell Street entrance will remain
open through the last day of school in June 2003. A new Lowell Street access
road will be built over the summer, and will be ready for the opening of school
in September 2003. One of the subcommittees involved in the planning of the
new school has been looking at all aspects of safety.
Ms. Bottan then turned her presentation to day-to-day busing issues, beginning
with some basic bus statistics. At Harrington, 42% of the students ride the
school bus. There are three Harrington bus routes, and all three buses are
operating at close to capacity. The current bus fee is $200 per student (if
paid before July 1), and the actual cost is $375 per year. Thus the Lexington
Public Schools subsidize parent fees by $175. In fiscal year 2004, the bus
fee will be raised to $225 per pupil (if paid by July 1).
Each bus is driven by a certified licensed bus driver. Each bus is equipped
with a cell phone and seat belts. Ms. Bottan recommended that all parents discuss
with their children whether or not they will use seat belts when riding the
bus. If parents are concerned about whether or not their children know how
to use the seat belts properly, they should speak to Mr. Crump. Bus evacuation
drills are held twice a year, in October and April.
Bus routes at Harrington are designed by Mr. Crump. As students sign up for bus
transportation, he plots their homes on a map of the district. At the beginning
of August, a route is plotted and safe stops are established. Mr. Crump then
drives the routes, stops at the stops, and makes any adjustments necessary for
safety or timeliness. Sometimes, the routes are driven with a bus driver in a
bus to get a more accurate sense of timing. The goal is to have students on the
bus for no more than 35 to 40 minutes. Ms. Bottan suggested that parent assistance
with setting up the routes would undoubtedly be welcome. During the second week
of school, routes and stops may be adjusted if necessary. After that time, changes
are made only to accommodate new students who have moved into the district.
In the spring, principals and secretaries meet to discuss any busing issues which
have come up during the year, to refine busing practices, and to address anticipated
problems. In August, the business office meets with drivers to provide an overview
of expectations and to distribute routes. The bus drivers are employees of C&W
Transportation, owned by David Eagle, a Lexington resident. The manager is John
Henry. Most of the drivers are long-term drivers, and many are or have been residents
of Lexington. They are all certified bus drivers and receive annual driver training.
Children and their parents are responsible for bus behavior. There are guidelines
published in the Lexington elementary school handbook (pp. 21-22). The expectations
include: children will remain seated, all hands and other objects will remain
inside the bus, and indoor voices will be used. At the bus stop, adults waiting
with the children are in charge. On the bus, the driver is in charge, though
s/he may not discipline students. Any inappropriate behavior on the bus is to
be reported to the principal. Policy states that, for a first offense, a letter
and a Bus Conduct Form shall be sent from the principal to the parents. A second
offense may result in bus privileges being revoked for 2 weeks, and a third offense
will result in loss of bus privileges for the year. Mr. Spencer reported that
there have been no serious offenses on the Harrington buses this year, and that
informal conversation with students and their parents has been sufficient to
resolve any issues. He attributed this at least in part to the 5th grade "buddies" program
and to the school-wide initiative fostering an atmosphere of respect.
If parents have any concerns about what goes on during their child's bus ride
to and/or from school, they should feel free to speak with the driver directly,
or to report their concerns to Mr. Crump or Mr. Spencer. If this does not resolve
the problem, parents can also call John Henry at C&W Transportation. There
were also suggestions made to offer additional training (e.g. an anti-bullying
workshop) to support drivers. The possibility of assigning aides to the buses
was discussed. In the current fiscal climate, this does not appear to be a realistic
alternative.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:35. The next PTA meeting, sponsored by the Diversity
Committee, will be held on March 12.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura Maltby, Secretary
Sue and Tom Campbell for pulling together a great Hobby Night and then
following it up by posting a fun photo display in the entryway to the
school. Rumor has it that everyone had a super time!
Suzanne Lowry for making the first Harrington Community Read Aloud Day such a huge success. A special thanks is due to Linda and Dan Rosa who helped with rounding up local community participants: Dr. Brian DiGiovanni (Lexington Pediatrics), Thelma Goldberg (The Dance Inn), Fire Chief Peter Torode, Liz Davenport (Director, Hayden Recreation Center), Ruth Lynn and Sheila Levitan (Cary Memorial Library), Joanne Benton (Lexington Schools Superintendent), Lt. Mark Corr, Detective Kristen French, and Officer Brian Hoiseth (Lexington Police), and Anthony J. Porter (Athletic Director, Lexington Public Schools). The day of the event ran smoothly because of the following who volunteered their time by escorting readers to their classrooms and by setting up a beautiful coffee and sweets table for the participants to enjoy: Debra Hudak, Laura Maltby, Mary Rae, and again, Linda Rosa. A special thanks to Ms. Sarah Widhu who provided space in the library and helped select appropriate reading materials for a few of the community readers.
Big Backyard winter walk volunteers Tali Prescher, Alan
Shute, Kurt Klinzing,
Judy Crocker, Laura McCullough, Laurie
Campbell, Tracy Burke, Kerry Hughes,
Suzanne Lowry, Linda Rosa, Susan
Foley, Barb Deveau, Catherine Bergh, DeeAnn
Rothstein, Tina Bowling, Xiaowen Wen, Blair
Ruocco, Carmen Mincy, Irene Rosenzweig,
Jennifer Goldfinger, Shelley Isaacson and Rebecca
Winters.
Sally Bienkowski and DeeAnn Rothstein for helping sort the Sally Foster orders
back in November, and the girls who helped deliver the orders to the classrooms:
Colleen Hughes, Amy Thomas and her brother Alvin, Allie
Forlenza, Meghan Crocker,
Marissa Herman, Alex Horowitz, Katherine
Bienkowski, Taylor Campbell, Jennifer Trowbridge, Elizabeth
Bergantino, Laura Messenger, Rachel Stone, Becca
Rothstein,
and Malika Rangan, and to those women who helped the Brownies: Bessey
Mathew,
Rosemary Trowbridge, and Patti Messenger.
Susan Bottan, Business and Finance Director for the Lexington school system, for driving over to Harrington on a cold wintry night (during an especially busy time for her) and presenting such an informative and thorough presentation to parents.
Leslie Fagen and Michelle Abramson for putting together another fine Harrington
Reads program, and the parents who prepared as discussion leaders for the evening:
Judy Crocker, Madeline O' Connor, Ann
Johnston, Kerry Heyda, Anne Roche, and
Debra Hudak. A special thank you to Mary Ann Stewart who created the wonderful
Harrington Reads bookmark.
Harrington Herald
Editors:
Patti Messenger, (781) 861-6113
Michelle Abramson, (781) 861-7152
Proofreader:
Leora Tec
The Harrington Herald is the monthly newsletter of the Harrington PTA, published
nine times a year. Newsletter material may be dropped off in hard copy or diskette
to the school office PTA box or e-mailed as a Word, plain text, or rich text
format attachment to: pmessenger@rcn.com
or mabramson@rcn.com.
Visit the Harrington School Web Site at http://harrington.lexingtonma.org.
Webmaster:
Joel Horowitz
Joel.horowitz3@verizon.net
Next Deadline: March 15, 2003
