Flynn PTO Update 9/30/12

Hey There Flynn Families - Fall is finally upon us.  Bundle up your muchkins and hunker down - it won't be long before the heat kicks on....  Ahhh, October in Vermont! As you clean out and arrange Fall outerwear, keep the PTO in mind.  We will setting up our yearly outerwear swap for Flynn families - coats, boots, mittens, hats and fleeces in good condition and washed will be accepted.  We'll let you know, but in the meantime we appreciate any items you could set aside.  Have a great week! Kate


International Walk to School Day is this Wednesday, October 3rd!  Walk, bike, scooter, skate, jog or hop - we take all forms of body transportation! Let's celebrate safe streets, healthier habits and cleaner air! There will be tables set up at 3 locations outside. Check in by signing your name on one of the posters and let's aim for a record number of participants! Go Flynn Fireflies!

PTO Meeting this week!  Everyone is welcome as YOU are the PTO!  Join us in the library from 6:30 - 7:30 pm.  The agenda is included at the end of this post.

Picture Day for Grades K-2 is Tuesday, October 2st.  Picture Day for Grades 3-5 has been moved to October 8th

PTO Pizza order forms due this week- the deadline is Friday!  Get your order forms in for a hassle free no cooking night next Tuesday!  Need a form? Questions?  Contact Tammy at kuypers5@yahoo.com

Here is what some Flynn parents had to say...

"We have soccer at Leddy Tuesday night- I pick it up before practice and have a picnic dinner on the sidelines!"
"My wife picks it up on her way home from work- it is so nice to know in advance that I don't have to cook that night"
"I wish every Tuesday was PTO Pizza Night!"

"School Lunch for Dinner"...and a Movie! Burlington's celebration of local foods and local farms. 
Burlington High School      

October 12th,  5:30 - 8:30 p.m.  Free! 

 

What are kids eating in the cafeteria these days? Experience school lunch Burlington-style and pamper your pallet with an array of delicious local school food items.   After dinner join us for a screening of  What's on Your Plate?, a fresh and funny documentary about two 11-year-old girls as they explore where their food comes from.  Dinner and the movie are free and we will be gratefully accepting a $5-10 donation to the Burlington School Food Project at the door.

NECAPs start on October 2nd and there will be 8 testing days.  The best way you can help your child be in top tip shape is to make sure they are getting plenty of rest, some down time and good, fresh food!  Be sure to ask them how the tests are going and assure them that you recognize the great effort of testing!

<sub>SAVE THE DATE

October 1 - School Picture Day at Flynn K-2
October 3 - Walk to School Day
October 4 - PTO meeting 6:30-7:30ish in the Library
October 8 - School Pictures for grades 3-5
October 10 - Principal's Coffee - 8:15 am</sub>

OCT PTO Meeting

10/4/12

6:30 pm

AGENDA

·         Welcome- Tammy Kuypers  -(Will’s broken wrist, Secretary for tonight)

·         Introductions & introduce board members

UPDATES

·         Treasurer’s report- John Boone

·         Principal’s Corner – Graham Clarke

·         Enrichment Update  -Sarah Smith

·         Fundraising Update- Tammy Kuypers – PTO pizza, wrapping paper, pay it forward, Nov. book fair, School Pics ,  new chairs of the team

·         School/Family Partnership Update– Shanta Eastman

·         Room Parents – Lisa Tulkop ( the role of room parents in the classroom)

·         Playground Update– Mary Mitchell – volunteers for the Mall fundraiser

OTHER

*      Idling Facts – Holly Hauser

*      Garden grant and Farm to School Grant- Sarah Kleinman

*      Outerwear swap

*      Black signs – anyone?

*      Magnetic Calendars

*      Sign-ups for 2012-13 Events

        *     Babysitting – guidelines for kids/sitters- Mary

        *     Family directory

        *     How do we want to spend our $

OPEN FORUM – What’s on your mind?  Burning questions and novel ideas:

Next Meeting:  Thursday, Nov/1/12   6:30-7:30

Flynn PTO Update 9/23/12

Hey There Flynn Families - Super turnout at the 3-5 Open House last week.  Open House is a great way to kick-off the school year and show your child how important school is.  Come on in and meet the teachers, poke around in the classroom and find out who your child spends 6+ hours with everyday!  While you're there, the spirit may strike you to volunteer to be a room parent for your child's class - much appreciated!  Have a great week!

Wrapping Paper Fundraiser coming to a close- you're not too late!  Please turn in your order forms and/or make your on-line purchases.  We appreciate your support - your time and generosity help us  offer many great opportunities to all Flynn students.  Questions?  Contact Theresa Giallorenzo at tgiallorenzo@hotmail.com

School Picture Day is fast approaching.  Keep an eye out for forms that have been sent home via your child.  Didn't find one in the backpack????  There are extras in the Flynn office on the Form display. Forms can be sent back in to the classroom from now until picture day.   We have a new photo company this year- Ambient Photography (local company).  If the weather is nice, pictures will be taken outside- let's cross our fingers for sun!

PAY IT FORWARD FUNDRAISER GETTING CLOSER TO OUR GOAL!!!!  Thanks to all the families that have given already!  We have raised over $200!  Well on our way to our goal of $2000!!  Thank you for your kind support of Flynn
School!  Let's try to meet our goal!  Thanks again, The Fundraising Team :)

 

Intervale Food Hub comes to Flynn Here's your chance to join in on the 2012-2013 Farm Share.  Last year's School Farm Share was a great success.

As a participant you will receive a local vegetable basket every Thursday at your respective school.
The farm share will run for 24 weeks (October 30th - May 21st).
We will also be offering our popular Red Hen Bread Share.
Can't get enough local then try BOTH.

Costs are as follows:

• Vegetable Share = $575
• Bread Share = $96

There are 3 easy payment options:

• 4 payments of $143.75
• One lump sum!
• EBT payments of $48 every two weeks.

Spread the word! To register go to- www.intervalefoodhub.com/ourmarkets/schools  (vegetable list included)

Thanks,  Sarah Heusner

_{SAVE THE DATE
September 26 - No School
September 27 - Open House at Flynn for grades K-2, 6-7pm
October 1 - School Picture Day at Flynn K-2
October 2 - School Pictures for grades 3-5
October 3 - Walk to School Day
October 4 - PTO meeting 6:30-7:30ish in the Library
October 10 - Principal's Coffee - 8:15 am}

Flynn PTO Update 9/16/12

Hey There Flynn families - Hope you had a smashing weekend.  Open House for grades 3-5 this Thursday - hope to see you there!

Box Tops are being collected in the library (there are labeled bins) or via the classroom.  Stick 'em in a plastic bag/old envelope and send them in via your child's backpack or march them into the library yourself.  We loooove free money and your kiddoes love all the playground goodies we buy with the loot!

Pizza pickup at the Flynn office on Tuesday between 4:30-6.  Don't forget or Mr. Clarke might snag your pizza!

4/5 Teachers need your old magazines for a social studies unit on culture.  Bring magazines to the office at Flynn ASAP or bring them to Open House on Thursday.  Please make sure that magazines only have images/text that is appropriate for children... 

Open House this Thursday at St. Joes from 6-7pm.  Come on time if you want to hear Mr. Clarke open the evening.  Parents can gather in the gym around 6pm to hear Mr. Clarke.  Afterwords, mix and mingle and visit your child's classroom to see what they have been working on! 

Message Boards are out front and along Starr Farm road to keep you informed about important school events - Karen Carr is looking for some help getting messages onto the boards.  Can she add your name to the list as a helper?  This would be a great parent/child afterschool job or a pre-pick-up task.  Many hands make light work and if it helps, think of it as a literacy opportunity for you and your child!!!  Contact Karen at kcarr@bsdvt.org

THANKS! to all the parents who sent in goodies, fruit and yogurt to school on Wednesday for the September Staff Appreciation.  Your generosity and baking skills were well received!

Walk to school Day is rapidly approaching on October 3rd.  Looking for some folks to assist in our annual walking school bus.  Intrigued?  Do you already walk your child to school?  Might you take a few extra minutes on 10/3 to pick up other walking kiddoes on the way to school?  Please contact Alex Messinger for more info or to volunteer to help!  Alex can be reached at alex.messinger@gmail.com

The Principal's Coffee was held on Wednesday.  Around 15 interested folks showed up to chat about construction, parking and homework.  What's on your mind?  Missed it?  There will be another one next month - date is on the district calendar.

Minutes from the September PTO meeting are included at the end of this post.

SAVE THE DATE
September 18 - PTO Pizza pick-up 4:30-6
September 20 - Open House at St. Joe's school for grades 3-5, 6-7pm
September 26 - No School
September 27 - Open House at Flynn for grades K-2, 6-7pm
October 1 - School Picture Day at Flynn K-2
October 2 - School Pictures for grades 3-5
October 3 - Walk to School Day


SEPT PTO Meeting
9/6/12
6:30 pm

MINUTES

Welcome by Tammy Kuypers
Attendees enjoyed delicious baked goods brought in from volunteers
Several new families were in attendance

UPDATES

Treasurer’s report- John Boone
Flynn PTO has temporarily lost their non-profit status due to a change in the tax laws.  John is working to restore it this year
$19,249 in checking account and $3,251.96 in savings ($7,600 of these funds are restricted for the playground and gardens)

Principal’s Corner – Graham Clarke
A description of safe pick-up/drop-off procedures will be coming out in an upcoming blog
Parents were reminded to stay in the designated drop-off lane and to use the designated walkways (and not walk their children through the parking lot)
28 new staff members have been hired this year

PLayground Update- due to bedrock issues when drilling for the GeoThermal wells- the Universally Accessable PLayground site will need to be moved and will e slightly delayed.  Graham is working with the company and the contractors to select a new site.

Enrichment Update  -Sarah Smith
Tammy shared on Sarah's behalf that the K-2 will be taking a field trip to the Flynn Theater and that 3-5 will be performing Frankenstein with Very Merry Theater
It was approved to reimburse Sarah for materials to create a Scrapbook of past plays to be kept in the library

Fundraising Update- Tammy Kuypers – PTO pizza, wrapping paper and D.O.T. theme
Pizza orders are on the school calendar and wrapping paper materials went home this week
DOT, or Do One Thing will be an ongoing campaign throughout the year to encourage ALL families to participate in school

School/Family Partnership Update– Shanta Eastman
FSP will  continue to support and strengthen the relationships between families, school and the community

Room Parents – Lisa Tulkop
Sign-up for room parents will be available at Open House
Lisa encouraged all parents to sign up and assured them that she would support them in the role

Playground Update– Mary Mitchell
see Principal's Corner

OTHER

*      Idling Facts – Holly Hauser- Holly shared some information about the state law that prohibits idling engines, she will make the information available in the next blog
*      Picture Day, Oct.1 – Need volunteers- contact John Boone- volunteers receive a free package 
*      Magnetic Calendars- there has been a slight delay but they are on the way!
*      Sign-ups for 2012-13 Events- this was passed around the room
        *     Babysitting – guidelines for kids/sitters- Mary?  Tabled until next meeting

OPEN FORUM – What’s on your mind?  Burning questions and novel ideas:
Next Meeting:  Thursday, 10/4/12   6:30-7:30

Flynn PTO Update 9/9/12

Hey There Flynn Families - So nice to see 25+ attendees at the first PTO meeting last week.  Great conversation/information, yummy snacks and some drama to boot!  An update on poor Will Kuypers - he did break his arm and will soon be sporting a fancy new cast.  Never a dull moment at the monthly meetings.... Minutes and a treasurer's report will be posted next week.  On the agenda for October is a close look at our 2012-13 budget.  You might want to review it this month and come join the discussion on how we should spend our money on October 4th.

New Playground Update Fundraising continues to purchase a new universally accessible playground at Flynn School to be built and ready for the 2012-2013 school year.  A universally accessible playground provides activities that children with mobility issues can enjoy and interact with their peers.  Specifically, the proposed playground will address the need for ramp access, play panels at ground level, and surfacing that walkers and wheelchairs can ride over with ease.  This is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and support our children by providing them with a safe and inclusive playground. 
We have raised nearly over $30,000 from grants and donations and we only need $9,000 more to complete the project!  Every amount helps!  Donations can be made to JJ Flynn Elementary School, and sent to the office at 1645 North Avenue, Burlington, VT 05408 with the word “playground” noted on the check.  Please see if your employer is willing to match your contribution!  Every dollar helps- with your help, we can make this happen!  For questions or more information, please contact:

Sarah DeShaw
399-2882 
sdeshaw@mac.com

Mary Mitchell
863-8983
maryellemo1@hotmail.com

PTO Pizza orders are due by this Friday, September 14th.  pizzas will be delivered to the Flynn school office at 4:30 on September 18th. You can pick your pizza up between 4:30-6pm. Misplaced your form? Contact Tammy Kuypers at kuypers5@yahoo.com or stop by the office and pick one up on the wooden shelf full of misc forms (right next to the chairs)

September Staff Appreciation will be hosted by the PTO this Wednesday.  The PTO will be purchasing drinks and parents will be sending in breakfast goodies for staff at Flynn and St. Joes.  Each month Flynn parents celebrate our fabulous staff by organizing small appreciation events to benefit Flynn staff.  If you would like to get in on the action this Wednesday, email or call Lisa Tulkop at 864-3886 or lisaspurplepalace@gmail.com.  If you already signed up to send something in, Thank you! and Don't Forget!

Principal's Coffee this Wednesday at 8:30 in the multipurpose room at Flynn.  This is your chance to get up close and personal with Mr. Clarke - bring your questions, comments and constructive criticisms!

Wrapping Paper Fundraiser has begun - did you get your packet?  Your participation helps Flynn school!  Not interested in any of the items offered? Consider a straight donation to the PTO - 100% of your donation comes back to Flynn families via programming... Checks can be made out to the Flynn PTO and sent into the office.  In the check memo, just write "no fundraiser, fundraiser"  Question about the Fall fundraiser can be directed to Theresa Giallorenzo at 540-0025 or tgiallorenzo@hotmail.com

Open House for Grades 3-5 is on Thursday, September 20th from 6-7 pm.  Open House for K-2 is on Thursday, September 27th from 6-7pm at Flynn school.  These are great opportunities to meet your child's teacher, poke around the classroom and hear from our fearless leader, Mr. Clarke.  While you're there, consider signing up to be a Room Parent for your child's class.  Room parents are special helpers that help teachers organize celebrations, assist with a staff appreciation event and act as a parent leader. Sign-ups will be in each classroom. If you want to be sure to get on the list or have questions about what a room parent does, I encourage you to contact the PTO Room parent/Appreciation Coordinator - Lisa Tulkop.  She can be reached at 864-3886 or lisaspurplepalace@gmail.com.

Idling Gets You Nowhere - Let's start the school year right by setting up some good parking lot habits! 

Turn your engine off — Parked and idling in your car at a store, bank, post office or school? More than 30 seconds of idling uses more fuel than is required to restart the engine.
Unnecessary Vehicle idling is Harmful and Wasteful to All of Us.Here are the facts on idling:

• Our Health.
Emissions contain toxic chemicals that can affect our respiratory systems. Children, the elderly, and individuals with asthma are especially vulnerable.
• Fuel Waste.
An idling vehicle gets 0 MPG. 30 seconds of warm up idling usually suffices. Once oil circulates, driving moderately is the most efficient way to warm up.
• Needless Engine Wear.
Many owner’s manuals state to limit idling to avoid increased engine maintenance and shortened engine life.
• Climate Change.
Greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, including carbon dioxide (CO_{2), cause climate change.
• Vermont Law.
Unattended vehicles may not idle in public. School buses may not idle on school property; all other vehicles on school property may also be subject to this law (depending on a school district’s policy).}

SAVE THE DATE

September 12 - Principal's Coffee at 8:30
September 14 - Pizza orders due in office
September 18 - PTO Pizza pick-up 4:30-6
September 20 - Open House at St. Joe's school for grades 3-5
September 26 - No School
September 27 - Open House at Flynn for grades K-2
October 1 - School Picture Day at Flynn K-2
October 2 - School Pictures for grades 3-5
October 3 - Walk to School Day 

Flynn PTO Update 9/4/12

Welcome to Flynn!

 

DOT - Do One Thing

 Hey There Flynn Families - On behalf of the Parent Teacher Association (PTO), Welcome to Flynn families new and old!  It was fun to see so many friendly faces at the annual Back to School Potluck held at our St. Joseph's campus.  We had a super turnout, families were treated to yummy potluck fare and Mr. Clarke led a very informative tour of our temporary school building.

Shanta is happily signing up on the Do One Thing display.  The PTO will be challenging all families to think about and commit to one thing they can do to support our Flynn learning community.  Look for the display at Open House and put your DOT on the board.  I committed to penning the blog this year to help connect families with Flynn happenings.  What could you do?  Attend PTO meeting each month?  Help with picture day?  Attend your child's Parent/Teacher conference?  Bake something yummy for the Fall Book Fair Dinner?  We can help you find something that fits into your schedule!

Back to School Transition/Construction  What a perfect storm of chaos - first days of school, construction at one school and half the school shuttling back and forth to another...  Especially for new Flynn families and K parents, this was likely a stressful week.  It is just like Flynn families to weather this storm with patience and understanding - thank you to all the parents who have been patient and calm - I'm sure you know that student safety is at the center of this chaos!  It has been interesting for me to both observe and be part of this transition as both a parent and building sub.  So many moving parts to consider and so little time to tweak the process.  My guess is that by the end of next week we will all settle into a comfortable routine - until then, feel free to share your constructive criticisms, helpful ideas and observations with Mr. Clarke.  Contact him at gclarke@bsdvt.org

Annual Fall Fundraiser is right around the corner!  You may have already rec'd a notice alerting you that the annual fundraiser is upon us.  Keep your eyes open for a packet coming home at the end of the week.  On average, the PTO (that's you!) brings in around $4,000 with this fundraiser - just over one third of our yearly operating budget.  A successful Fall fundraiser means we can focus more of our energy on providing programming, opportunities and fun family events for all Flynn families.   You can place orders on-line and share the opportunity with friends and family.  Not interested in any of the items offered?  Consider a straight donation to the PTO - 100% of your donation comes back to Flynn families...  Question about the Fall fundraiser can be directed to Theresa Giallorenzo at 540-0025 or tgiallorenzo@hotmail.com

Desperately Seeking Lego Guys and little Lego's for Mrs. T's kindergarten class. Young engineers in need of inspiring building materials!!! No duplos please!  Contributions can be dropped at the Front Desk with Ms. Carr or sent in with your child. 

PTO Meeting this Thursday, September 6th from 6:30-7:30pm.  We will be meeting in the library and there will be childcare in the multi-purpose room.  There is no joining or fees involved - each and every Flynn family is a member of the PTO.  Come find out what is in store for the year, how you can be involved in your child's school and meet other involved families.  Have an issue/idea to pitch - bring it on - this is your group and your concerns are important.  You can enter through the office on Starr Farm road and someone will be available to guide families through the maze to the library!  The meeting agenda is included at the end of this blog post.  Hope to see you on Th!

PTO Pizza is back!  Take the night off from cooking and help fund PTO events by participating.  For every pizza you order, Ramuntos will return $8 to the the PTO.  Think of us as back scratching buddies...  The next order is due next Monday - September 11th and pizzas will be delivered to the Flynn school office at 4:30 on September 15th.  You can pick your pizza up between 4:30-6pm.  Misplaced your form?  Contact Tammy Kuypers at kuypers5@yahoo.com or stop by the office and pick one up on the wooden shelf full of misc forms (right next to the chairs)


Election help  Thinking about the upcoming Presidential election?  Wondering how you match up with the candidates?  Check out the following website for help matching your concerns with theirs...  Take a look!   electnext.com

BOX TOPS = FREE MONEY.....

Hello Flynn families,
I just wanted to send some information out to you regarding the Box Tops for Education, Labels for Education, and Hannaford Helps Schools programs.  The Flynn PTO participates in all 3 programs which involve collecting and submitting the Box Tops, Labels, and Coupons at Hannaford.

Box Tops for Education- These are small pink coupons that include an expiration date on them.  We get 10 cents for each coupon, may not seem like a huge amount but these coupons add up very fast when collected so please clip them and send them in.  Some products have bonus certificates on them particularly when you buy a product in bulk-please clip the certificates and send them in!  Some of you may shop at Shaws and get certificates for box tops with your receipt-please send those in as well!  The website for Box Tops is 
http://www.boxtops4education.com/Default.aspx  On the website you will find information about products that carry the coupons, special bonus offers and the box top marketplace.  If you register, identify Flynn School as your school, and do frequent shopping online through the marketplace, we get a certain percentage of money from your online shopping as long as you are logged in.  A suggestion for collecting the box tops is having a zip lock bag in your kitchen or near your recycling and filling it as you go.  You can send in the box tops in zip lock bags, envelopes or however is convenient for you.  There will be a collection box in the office at school where you can put it or have your child give it to their teacher to send to the office.  I will sort, collect, and submit the box tops twice this year.  The first submission is at the end of October.  The second is in the Spring.  The PTO receives checks usually in November and April.  We have increased our earnings the past several years due to increased participation in this program.  Please ask neighbors and relatives to save them for you as well.  I've found that most people are happy to save and send them in as long as they are aware that we are collecting them!  The products vary in that they are on paper products as well as food products.  Please check the website and participate by collecting and sending in box tops!  Thank you

Labels for Education-These are UPC symbols that say Labels for Education on them.  The labels are collected and can be turned in for points that are good toward a variety of school supplies.  They are found on many products including Campbell Soup labels, Pepperidge Farm goldfish, and Bic pens.  Each label is worth a certain number of points.  The website for Labels for Education is   http://www.labelsforeducation.com/  The website has a complete list of participating products and more information on how it works.  Please send in the labels/UPC's V8 bottle caps to school and again, there will be a box in the office for the labels. 

Hannaford Helps Schools-This program is run by Hannaford in the Fall.  When you shop at Hannaford and buy certain products, you will get a slip with your receipt that says "Hannaford Helps Schools".  There is a collection box near the registers at the North Avenue store marked JJ Flynn School that you can drop the slip into.  You can also send it into school with your child to be sent to the collection box in the office.  Last school year our school raised the most money for the North Avenue stores and got a bonus check of $1000 on top of our collections.  Great job!  The PTO appreciates your support!

I think that's it for now.  Happy collecting!  Please email me if you have any questions about these programs!  denihaggerty@yahoo.com

Thanks,
Denise Haggerty

SAVE THE DATE

September 6 - First PTO meeting of the year - 6:30-7:30pm - library - childcare available - Everyone welcome
September 11 - Pizza orders due in office
September 18 - PTO Pizza pick-up 4:30-6
September 20 - Open House at St. Joe's school for grades 3-5
September 27 - Open House at Flynn for grades K-2
October 1 - School Picture Day at Flynn K-2
October 2 - School Pictures for grades 3-5

SEPT PTO Meeting

9/6/12

6:30 pm

 

AGENDA

• Welcome- Tammy Kuypers  (Welcome Back Coffee thanks)
• Introductions & introduce board members

UPDATES

• Treasurer’s report- John Boone ( PTO 501c3 suspended)
• Principal’s Corner – Graham Clarke
• Enrichment Update  -Sarah Smith
• Fundraising Update- Tammy Kuypers – PTO pizza, wrapping paper and D.O.T. theme
• School/Family Partnership Update– Shanta Eastman
• Room Parents – Lisa Tulkop ( the role of room parents in the classroom)
• Playground Update– Mary Mitchell

OTHER

*      Idling Facts – Holly Hauser

*      Picture Day, Oct.1 – Need volunteers (John B.?)

*      Magnetic Calendars

*      Sign-ups for 2012-13 Events

        *     Babysitting – guidelines for kids/sitters- Mary?  

OPEN FORUM – What’s on your mind?  Burning questions and novel ideas:

Next Meeting:  Thursday, 10/4/12   6:30-7:30

Flynn PTO Update 8/20/12

Hey There Flynn Families - Hope you had a relaxing and fun filled summer - can't beat the weather!  Hope to see you next week at the Potluck, but if not, the first day is right around the corner!  Have a great last week of vacation...

Volunteer Opportunity!  Can you do a little copying and binding at St. Joes?  Anytime, m-f 8-2.  There may be some other misc jobs that teachers/admin need to get set for the school year.  Got some free time?  Call Karen Carr if you can help!  864-8478

Meet and Greet and Eat and take a peek at St. Joe's   Monday, August 27th, 5:30-7pm.  Bring a potluck dish to share and a blanket to eat on.  If you can swing it, bring your own dishes to help us cut down on waste!  The PTO will provide the drinks, dishes and watermelon for dessert.  Parking is VERY limited on site.  Plan to carpool, bike or take the bus.  There might also be parking in the adjacent neighborhoods.  Want to bike and can't get your food there?  Send us an email and we can help make a plan to get your food to St. Joes!  E-mail Kate at akbelluche@aol.com or flynnschoolpto@gmail.com


Target is giving away $25 giftcards for every 25 votes.  Click the link below to help us get free money/supplies from Target.  Right now we are only 4 votes away from our first card!
https://givewith.target.com/?ref=web_canvas
Back to School  Word on the street is that there will be NO parent parking at Flynn....  Options abound!  Walk, bike, bus (neighborhood special) or drive and drop in the south parking lot (adjacent to Starr Farm Road).  Bike racks will be relocated somewhere towards the front of the school by the first day.

First Day Coffee and snacks!!

Where: In front of the school between North Ave and Starr Farm Rd.

When: Wednesday, August 29th at 8:15

Why: Why not?!! It's a fun time to connect with old friends or meet new Flynn families. We'll be sad, happy, conflicted - there are a whole range of emotions that come with the start of school!

Who: All parents, guardians, family that are part of the Flynn community:)

Hope to see you there!!

D.O.T. at Flynn  (not the Department of Transportation....)  Intrigued?  Come to the potluck next week and find out all about it!

SAVE THE DATE

August 27 - Potluck - 5:30-7pm, St. Joe's school - EVERYONE is welcome! (please carpool!!!!)
August 29 - First day at Flynn
September 6 - First PTO meeting of the year - 6:30-7:30pm
September 20 - Open House at St. Joe's school for grades 3-5
September 27 - Open House at Flynn for grades K-2
October 1 - School Picture Day at Flynn K-2
October 2 - School Pictures for grades 3-5

Flynn PTO Update 6/4/12

 Hey There Flynn Families - The third graders had the most gorgeous weather for their annual overnight adventure to Camp Abnaki in North Hero.  Yes, that's Mr. Abbey, guiding his boat to a photo finish against Ms. Lessard and her crew!  Students, staff and families got out onto the Archery range, tried indoor rock climbing, crafted, sang by the bonfire and ran themselves ragged during their 24 hours away from school.

Playground Update: We received a $2,000 wellness grant and $600 more in contributions from families- only $12,400 to go!  On our way to a fancy, new, universally accessible playground...  Great work Mary, Sarah and Shelley!

Postponed Flynn Olympics!!!  Too rainy and sloppy today for field games.  TOMORROW is the rain date - let's hope for sunnier skies on Tuesday...  If you volunteered and can come back tomorrow, Flynn school needs you!  Let Lida know at ldvorak@bsdvt.org.  Free on Tuesday and can now volunteer??  Contact Lida above and she will find you a fun station to help at!  Either way, wear your rain boots or wettable sandals!!!

St. Joseph's Tour   Hello 3,4 and 5 Grade parents,
Many of you were able to partake in the tour of St.Joesphs that took place Wed.May 30, but for those of you who were unable to attend, here is the short and skinny:  St. Joes is an absolutely beautiful school.  It has great tall ceilings and wonderful woodworking throughout the building. The classrooms are all huge with tons of windows bringing in lots of natural light. Most classrooms have a nice space built in for coats and backpacks. The childcare for the 6:30 tour was in the Gym and the children seemed to love it!  The cafeteria is in the lowest level of the school.  It has nice brick walls and is a big space with plenty of room for everyone!  It looks like a school that is straight out of a movie!  Out back there is a playground, not as extensive as Flynn's but decent, and a large grassy area for playing as well.  There will be another tour, potluck dinner and open house on August 27th. (all Flynn families are invited and encouraged to re-connect at St. Joes. This tour will be geared toward the children as by then they will know their teachers and will be able to see exactly where they will be. Have a great summer and we'll see you at St. Joes in the Fall:)  Thanks Tammy for the blow by blow - felt like I was there!

Free Perennials  During construction, all of our perennial flowers will be removed and discarded to make room for construction equipment.  Feel free to pop by the school this week with pots and a shovel and pick up some plants.  There are irisis and day lilies and daisies on the Starr Farm side of the school and some astilbe and bleeding hearts right out front.  Let's not let these beauties go to waste!  The PTO has put aside several thousand dollars from our two plant sales to help replace the landscaping once construction is complete.  All we ask is that you clean up after yourself!  Enjoy!

Sundae Scoopers!  Sundaes for lunch is being moved to Wednesday to accommodate the Flynn Olympics.  Volunteer scoopers should contact Edith Ducharme if they are not available to scoop on wednesday (educharm@bsdvt.org)

Narnia DVD's will come home with your child before the end of the week - keep an eye out in the backpack...   HUGE thank you to Rich Nadworny for volunteering countless hours taping, editing, trouble-shooting and copying all the DVD's.  His effort is greatly appreciated!

FREE Stuff, LOST stuff  There are huge bins of lost and found clothes in the front entry, a box of items for free and unclaimed dishes in the office.  If you are missing anything or just want some things new to you, COME ON IN!  All unclaimed items will be donated at the end of the school year.


PTO Meeting this Thursday!  Join us in the library at 6:30 to wrap up the school year.  The agenda is included at the end of this post.  School Board Reps from Ward 4 will be around during the last half of the meeting to hear feedback from Flynn parents concerning the June School Board meeting and vote to extend or sever the contract for Superintendent, Jeanne Collins. 

Flynn Archives  If you have a digital scanner, some free time and an interest in things from the past, Flynn school has an opportunity for you!  There are a few boxes of old photos, yearbooks and other Flynn school memorabilia that need to be scanned/saved.  Walk down memory lane aqnd see pics and info about Flynn in the past 20 years.  Take you time, this project has no deadline...  Intested?  Contact Karen Carr and she will hook you up!  kcarr@bsdvt.org

Just released Diversity Plan for BSD.  Click on the link below to view the 13 page document.
https://docs.google.com/open?id=1zkZpdotE92n8w96BG98_RIzVAsQ0PblvxI0Ov71yuerNTz4o58kGRmvvm--D

OP ED by Armando Villesesca, VT Comissioner of Education-- Speaks up on the diversity and equity issues in Burlington Schools- for unknown reasons, the Burlington Free Press has not run this...

Monday May 28, 2012
Vermont is becoming more racially and ethnically diverse, bringing perspectives and benefits that strengthen our state. As an immigrant resettlement destination, we are home to many people from around the world, making Vermont finally reflect the diversity found across the country.

As a refugee from another country myself, I understand well the challenges that being a new American brings to families as well as to communities and schools. Learning a new language and adapting to the social and cultural differences can be daunting to new Americans who are also often struggling financially.

Having recently visited Winooski schools I was very impressed by the dedication and efforts being made to support and educate these students. My experiences with the Burlington School District (BSD) are similar. Having visited the Integrated Arts Academy and the Sustainability Academy, I am moved by the dedication and supports made available to all students.

However, BSD has faced criticism that it has not been supportive of our new American students, and that some of these new Americans have been treated badly by the school staff and fellow students. BSD has an Equity Coordinator that works directly with the district on these issues. I know that as much as the district does to support all students, including the many programs and systems they have in place to support new American students, there is always more work to be done.

One of the issues of concern is the federal requirement that English Language Learners (ELLs) must take annual standardized content assessments before they've had a chance to develop sufficient English language proficiency. Vermont has appealed to the U.S. Department of Education to change this requirement, but without success. Although these assessments may not accurately reflect everything these students know or can do, they do serve as one source of baseline information about students' current level of functioning in English in the core academic curriculum. In the long term, districts are held accountable through these annual assessments for showing that their instructional programs help ELLs as a group to make progress in content subjects and attain proficiency.

Federal civil rights and equal access laws, policies, and court decisions also require school districts to provide ELLs with specialized language and academic support services until they have attained the level of academic English proficiency necessary to participate meaningfully in their academic courses and on content assessments. While these support services should never replace students' participation in more academically rigorous grade-level classes, these programs seek to provide ELLs with greater access to content instruction in English while they are at the same time learning a new language.

Over the years, both the Burlington and Winooski School Districts and their communities have demonstrated steadily growing recognition, support, and resource allocation for creating the kinds of extra services needed to meet the educational needs of an increasingly diverse population of students and families. The schools have faculty and staff who are dedicated to supporting all students, and continue to work with staff on becoming more culturally and ethnically sensitive. The data shows that the group of students receiving ELL services during their Burlington High School career graduate and continue their education at virtually the same rate as their peers across the state.

At the same time, the district needs to be clear that harassment will not be tolerated. All schools need to address the challenges that students bring to schools in a way that is respectful and productive. I believe the statements made by the superintendent and the way the community has come together to address concerns and supports for students is a move in the right direction.
Armando Vilaseca, Commissioner of Education, lives in Westford.

Check your Calendar...

• June 5 - Flynn Olympics - Parent help needed! e-mail Lida at ldvorak@bsdvt.org
• June 6th - Sundaes for lunch - Thanks Edith and parent scoopers!
• June 6 - 5th Grade Bridging Ceremony, 6:30 pm
• June 7 - Last PTO meeting of the School Year - 6:30 pm in the library, childcare provided. Let's wrap up the year and vote in our 2012-13 PTO Board.
• June 8 - Early Release @11:30
• June 11 - Last Day for Flynn!!!! Early release w/ parade out back at 11:30
• June 19 - Support the Burlington Schools Foundation by dining at American Flatbread.  $4 from each pizza goes to the foundation and back to our schools!
• August 27 - Flynn Back to School Potluck and Tour of St. Josephs - 5:30pm at St. Joseph's school on North Street.
• August 29 - 1st Day of School!

June PTO Meeting, 6/7/12, 6:30 pm

AGENDA

• Welcome– Kate Belluche
• Thanks to departing PTO superstars: Brad, Kim, Bella…

UPDATES

• Treasurer’s report-  John Boone  (line item for playground help? Toys, towards new equipment? Also Mr. Ding a Ling)
• Principal’s Corner – Graham Clarke
• Enrichment Update  -Sarah Smith
• Fundraising Update- Tammy Kuypers – Spring Fest and beyond
• School/Family Partnership Update– Shanta Eastman
• K Orientation/Lunch
• Playground Update– Mary Mitchell
• Sign-ups for 2012-13 Events
• 1^st Day Coffee – Lisa T. to help  coordinate – in library?
• Babysitting – guidelines for kids/sitters – vol to draft a 1 pager? – maybe it can be handed out at PTO meetings for parents to review with kids and sign?  Mary?
• VOTE  PTO Officers for 2012-13…  President, V President/Communications, Fundraising
• Back to school potluck – August 27, 5:30
• 7:15 – Ward 4 Reps