Take the Lead and Read! Readathon is well under way! First week’s results are in and the leaders as of the first week are Mrs. Bruce class in the C wing and Mrs. Gilmore in the B Wing!
Still plenty of time to Take the Lead! Keep reading and send in your child’s weekly minutes on Thursdays! With an extra long weekend coming up there will be tons of time to read!
If you misplaced any of your Read-a-thon materials they are now available to download on this website on the Forms and Flyer page or use the links below:
Weekly Reading Bookmark Sheet
Sponsor Sign Up
Student at home calendar
Instruction Letter
Missed the Meeting? Here’s the PTO MEETING MINUTES IN A MINUTE:
A nominating committee for next year’s Executive Board was elected!
· Linda Piacenza (lindap5899@optonline.net), Karen Hall (coprx22@optonline.net), and Lori Keegan (lorikeegan@optonline.net) will be seeking out nominations for next year’s PTO Board. If you have any interest or want to learn more, please contact them! You can also find the PTO Board Member job descriptions on the “About the PTO” page of this website or CLICK HERE
Various committees/Board members gave updates:
· Treasurer’s Report –Recent fundraisers have added to the coffers – Bingo and Skate nights added over $1,000 each!. Other ongoing fundraisers doing ok, but could use more activity - Birthday Sign, Buy a Book for your Birthday programs and Stew Cards. All great ways to support our kids!
· –Principal’s Report Welcome! To our new nurse – Jaqueline Salsmen-starting next week. Mrs. Brady will be retiring in June and is on medical leave until then L We will miss you Mrs. Brady!!! Bed bug problem in check/being monitored. Exterminators treated rooms where bugs were found –goodbye and good riddance!
· Fundraising Report-Bingo and Skate nights big turnouts! Read-a-thon is on. Spiritwear Shop has inventory and we want to sell it all to make way for new stuff! Looking into a Dairy King Day fundraiser.
· Enchantment Under The Sea is this year’s Gala theme, which is set for Sat May 19th at Quattro Pazzi. Want to increase attendance from last year. Goal is 150 attendees (up from 130 last year). Next planning meeting is Feb 22 at 7pm in library. Anyone interested in helping can and should attend. Contact Tom Keegan at silvershield@gmail.com if interested or just come to the meeting.
· Family events - Hosting 2 events in March – March 2 Pancake Breakfast at 6:30pm; March 25 Bowling at Rip Van Winkle 5:30-7:30pm
Okay, maybe that’s more than a minute! Hopefully you’re all caught up and please try and attend next month’s meeting and then you can skip the write up :) Moving on!
Help our 5th Grade students Shine! You can shine a light on their future by supporting their Candle Fundraiser. Forms are going out soon or you can CLICK HERE to download one. You can order directly from your own form or you can contact a 5th grader to place the order. 50% of all sales go to the 5th Grade, which uses the monies to support the many activities planned for our graduating class. You might not have a 5th grader…but you will someday soon! Orders due by Feb 29th.
· There will be a table set up at pick-up on Wed Feb 15th where you can sample the scents and place your order.
· ATTENTION 5th graders! Pictures are needed from the Discovery Museum Trip of Mr Turchick’s Class and any from this year’s Halloween. Email to the5thgradeyearbook@gmail.com
Here’s a snapshot of events and activities coming up at school. Don’t forget no school Friday Feb 17th, Monday Feb 19th and Tuesday Feb 20th.
*Tues Feb 14th Happy Valentine’s Day!
*Wed Feb 15th – at pick-up, 5th Grade “Smell and Sell” Candles Fundraiser
*Wed Feb 22nd – 7:00pm Gala and Silent Auction Planning meeting
*Fri Mar 2nd – Pancakes for Dinner at 6:30pm
*Tues Mar 20th – FIRST DAY OF SPRING
*Thu Mar 22nd – Conference Night – School’s out at 90 minutes early
*Fri Mar 23rd – No School/Professional Development Day
*Sun Mar 25 – Cranbury Bowling Night 5:30pm – 7:30pm at Rip Van Winkle Lanes. $8 includes 2 hours unlimited bowling and shoe rentals! CLICK HERE for flyer
NOTE: Please continue to clip and send in BoxTops all month!! After the break contest winners will be announced!
Some places to visit nearby on the “mini break”
*Discovery Museum with special exhibit - "Contraptions A to Z" at 4450 Park Ave., Bridgeport 1 mi. south, Merritt Pwy, Ex. 47, Park Ave. Admission: $9.50 Adults; $8, Ages 3-17, seniors, students; Under 2, Free
“Contraptions A to Z,” The Art Exhibit that Teaches Science “Contraptions A to Z” is a unique hands-on exhibit that combines art, history, science, music, literature, and language. It reveals the fascinating mechanisms that are often hidden in black boxes with a playful, humorous approach. 26 interactive mechanical devices combine to create Contraptions A to Z. Each literally embodies a different letter of the alphabet. Individual interactive exhibits include Antique Apple Peelers, the Berserko Ball Bouncer, Cuckoo Cuckoo Clock, the Drum Machine (the exhibit’s centerpiece), the Emu’s Egg Engulf the Egg Scale, the Frog Flinging Frypan Flips Flapjacks Faultlessly, Gear Gizmos, and the rest of the alphabet, from Nervous Nelly to Quackers Quizzing Don Quixote on his Quest, all the way to the Zebras Zooming Zanily in a Zooetrope! Quality Time! Quality Fun!
Phone: 203-372-3521 x11
Email: zuckerman@discoverymuseum.org
Website: http://www.discoverymuseum.org
*The Maritime Aquarium 10 North Water Street | Norwalk, CT 06854 | Exit 14 (n)/Exit 15 (s) off I-95 Phone: 203.852.0700 | Fax: 203.838.5416 | 10am - 5 pm everyday except Thanksgiving & Christmas 10am - 6pm July & August
Fintastic Refurbfishment!
New seal show, 21 new exhibits, 27 new species, more than 300 new animals. Opens Feb 18 See All That's New!
NEW Newman’s Own Hall:
Play the new “Found in the Sound” interactive video game on a map of Long Island Sound the size of a school bus. What’s your animal IQ? And make friends with our harbor seals – and catch one of the all-new seal shows at 11:45 a.m. and 1:45 & 3:45 p.m. daily.
NEW Hokin Family Sound Voyage:
Come explore the richness of life in Long Island Sound and its watershed, from the shallow salt marsh to an inland streams to deep Sound waters. Meet a snapping turtle named Franklin and a culvert full of eels, plus box turtles, snakes and odd creatures like sea vases, nudibranchs, brittle stars, fiddler crabs and more.
FINtastic Gallery Improvements:
We are adding more exhibits, more and new animals, and relighting and reintrepreting all our exhibits. You will find fun facts, interactive displays and new learning opportunities at every turn.
RefurbFISHed Visitor Experience:
Experience the Aquarium following a new, easier-to-navigate, path. Everything is being spruced up, from the floors and walls to the restrooms, plus new lighting and sound systems.
*Earthplace: Admission: $7 adults and children over 12, $5 children 1—12 yrs & seniors 10 Woodside Lane Westport, CT 06881 203-227-7253 info@earthplace.org Building Open Monday-Saturday 9 AM - 5 PM Sunday 1 - 4 PM Grounds Open Daily 7 AM - Dusk Admission to grounds free
SCHOOL BREAK FUN
Drop in to Earthplace during the school break for some fun activities that are included with regular admission.
Friday February 17
10 AM - Meet an animal with Miss Becky and hear a story related to that animal.
2:30 PM - Take a trail walk with Miss Becky.
Saturday February 18
2:30 PM - Meet an animal.
Monday February 20
10 AM - Meet an animal and hear a story related to that animal.
2:30 PM - Take a trail walk.
*Monday Feb 20th - Visit Stamford Museum & Nature Center during vacation break and discover all of the sweet things they have to offer! Join them for a Maple Sugar Open House and see how the sugaring season is progressing. Learn about the ecology of chocolate and make a chocolate craft to take home. Take a winter farm tour to see how all of their sweet spring babies have grown up. Join them at 2:30 for s'mores over the campfire.
Members are Free | Non-Members are Free with gate admission. For more information call 203.322.1646, e-mail info@stamfordmuseum.org, or visit www.stamfordmuseum.org * * * * Stamford Museum & Nature Center is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of art, the natural and agricultural sciences, and history. The Museum is a vital cultural and educational resource for the community, and a focal point for family activity through exhibitions, educational programs and special events.
FOR PARENTS
*Feb 15th - End the Struggle - Free Parent Event 10:30 am - 12 noon Admission: Free
Brain Balance is a drug-free comprehensive, individualized program for families affected by ADHD, Learning Disabilities, dyslexia and Autistic Spectrum Disorders that integrates physical and cognitive activities with dietary change. The Brain Balance Program forms effective neural pathways that improve Attention and focus, academic performance, reduce negative behaviors and improve social skills and interaction. Come hear more and find out how we can help your child. (morning and evening event) More Information: Brain Balance of Norwalk 15 Cross St., Norwalk, CT Phone: 203-847-3000 Email: norwalk@brainbalancecenters.com Website: http://www.brainbalancecenters.com
Community Events Around Town
Are you already thinking of Spring? Well, it's time to start planning for spring sports!
- Jan 23, 2012 4:00pm - Mar 25, 2012 11:59pm
Online registration is available for Norwalk youth soccer players. Visit the league website at www.njsa.org for more information. The league invites players ages 4-and-up.
Players can register online for the Cranbury Baseball League. Players ages 4-12 are eligible. The league is open to players in Norwalk and surrounding communities. Visit www.cranburybaseball.org for more information
Play Little League Baseball. Ages 4-12. Get more info and register online at www.norwalkctlittleleague.com.
* NEF's Taste for Education Mar 1, 2012 - 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Meet Us at: Aitoro's 401 Westport Avenue, Norwalk, CT A fundraising event for NEF, involving the generous participation of Aitoro, Norwalk restaurants, Norwalk Public School students, and several community members. Taste for Education serves as a strong reminder of how our community stands together to ensure that quality education programs are available for all of Norwalk’s 11,000 students. For more information, please e-mail NEF at nef@norwalkeducation.org or call (203) 854-4068. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased online at their website:
http://www.norwalkeducation.org/events/4/nefs-taste-for-education
EDITOR's NOTE: I have attended this event in the past and it is WONDERFUL! the food comes from local restaurants and is phenomenal! There is a silent and live auction. Great as a "date" night or night out with friends! And all proceeds go to Norwalk Schools.
More Fun for Kids:
*Sat Feb 25th: 6:00 – 8:30pm Stepping Stones - Winter Wonderland Children's Ball
Stepping Stones transforms into a snow-kissed wonderland to welcome little princes and princesses for a magical evening. Dress up in your finest, make a crown, learn ballroom moves from the experts and pose for the paparazzi. Members $10/person & Non-members $12/person For reservations, visit www.steppingstonesmuseum.org or call 203 899 0606, ext. 264
ONGOING FUNDRAISERS
*You say it’s your (child’s)birthday! Well say it BIG on the Cranbury Birthday Sign. After our first year offering this cool way to announce your child’s birthday, we realized we needed to make it more attractive. So, this year we’ve cut the price in half! For just $10 have your child’s birthday on the big, loud sign outside of school. Forms were sent home and are available to download from the Forms and Flyer page of this website.
*Stew's Cards/Cranbury Market - Order forms can be downloaded on the Forms/Flyers page. We have pre-purchased gift cards, which you can use for gifts or keep and use for your own shopping. You buy them at face value and Cranbury school receives a percent of each sale. They never expire, so buy one or more and keep on hand for when you need a gift or the next time you shop at these stores
*Clip and send in BoxTops from select products you use. Check packages before throwing them out and clip the pink, blue and white BoxTops. Each one we redeem is worth $$$ to our school. We've raised close to $1,000 this past year! Many schools are able to raise thousands of dollars through this program. With nearly 500 students and hundreds of products with BoxTops, this should be a piece of cake (BoxTops can be found on cake mixes too! Talk about having your cake and eating it too). You have until after winter break to send yours in for the current contest and to help us make our goal. We're really close, so keep/start clipping!
*Clip and send in Labels for Education on Campbell's, Pepperidge Farms and other products. We earn points that can be redeemed for merchandise/supplies.
NOTE: Jen Cobbs is our BoxTop and Labels for Education coordinator -- Contact her at cobbsj@norwalkps.org with any questions.
*Buy green on www.greenraising.com and 25% (or more) of your purchase will go to our school! We’re always looking for ways to help our school while doing good for our community. Greenraising.com sells eco-friendly and reusable products that you can use every day for yourself or buy as gifts for others – soaps, shampoos, teas and candy, reusable bottles, bags, cleaning supplies, gift wraps and more. Go to www.greenraising.com, start browsing and select Cranbury Elementary as your ‘affiliate’ from the green sidebar.
*If you are making online purchases, be sure to register at onecause.com first and then link to your favorite shopping site. Cranbury will receive a percent of your online purchase made through onecause.com
PLEASE ASK A FRIEND OR TWO TO SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER. WE WANT TO HELP YOU STAY INFORMED AND WE NEED YOU TO HELP US REACH AS MANY CRANBURY FAMILIES AS POSSIBLE.
USEFUL LINKS To learn about local events/places to go, Visit:
www.dailynorwalk.net
www.norwalkct.org/NorwalkEvents.htm
www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com
www.norwalkplus.com
www.CTvisit.com/connections.aspx?id=1 -- The Family Fun page of ctvisit.com with lots of ideas for great family fun this winter.
We'd love to hear your suggestions and ideas for keeping this newsflash relevant. Please send any items to include or comments to Susan Zelman at rszelman@optonline.net or 642-4627.