Swift River School Current

Click on the beautiful flower to view a second grade class project.

Notes from the Principal’s Desk

Hello All,

This is the last Current of the 2009-2010 school year! There were many highlights this year and Monday was one. The Swift River Talent Show was the best. Kudos to the students who practiced and gave great performances; you were all terrific. What an amazing audience turnout. I know it takes lots of juggling to get here in the middle of a Monday, thanks!

The sixth graders left this morning to explore Boston. Beth and Bertie carried on 85 pounds of snacks, drinks, lunches, maps, phone numbers and itineraries. They went well provisioned. Monday, June 21, at 10:00 a.m. we will have the graduation ceremony in the gym. A reception for the graduates and their families will follow.

This week many of the sixth graders displayed the myriad talents they have. They performed in the Talent Show, the SRS Garage Band, at the Deja Brew restaurant and the Sixth Grade Play, Goblin Island. They wrote the script, helped Sally with the sets and costumes and performed beautifully. This has been an amazing group of students who we will miss. Join us for a final celebration on Monday and bring your hankies

Many thanks to the entire school staff for all the effort and dedication they give to our students, all 180 + 5 days and nights. Many staff members will be here working this summer and attending professional development workshops. I hope they spend time with their families and have a chance to read an adult book on the beach.

Many thanks to all of you for the support you provide our school that makes it so special. Best wishes to Liz and Sean Libbey. Being a parent is the BEST!

Have a wonderful summer and thanks for the great year,

Sheila Hunter

Library Lines
The "Buy One Get One Free" Book Fair was very successful! Many people were pleased and surprised that they could purchase any book and get one of equal or lesser value for free. Many families stocked up on books for summer reading and received a bargain at the same time.

Thank you to the wonderful volunteers who helped with the Book Fair: Cathy Chamberlain, Lisa Jean, Joy Brenneman, Lisa Aubin, Ross Bergantino, Sarah Cocco, Laura Rojo, Christine Morin, Jen Potee and Tessa Yohan. Volunteers are extremely important to make an event run smoothly.

I have received very positive feedback regarding the "Buy One Get One Free" Book Fair and hope to be able to offer it again next year. Many people wondered who receives the profit from the book fair. In this case, it goes directly to the students in the form of the "free" book that they receive and we do not earn a cash profit. This is offered strictly as an opportunity to promote summer reading as a service to our families.

The library shelves are filling up but we are still missing 44 books! Bills for missing/lost books will be mailed home next week. PLEASE help your child return their library book(s) immediately.

Summer vacation is the perfect time to read. Relax and enjoy some good books!
Betsy

ENCHANTED FOREST NEWS
Party at Enchanted Forest on the last day of school!! School will be dismissed at 11:30 on our last day, Tuesday, June 22nd. Enchanted Forest will have a party to celebrate! A flier on violet paper went home earlier this week with details and a sign up. Sign up soon as space is limited and is filling up fast! The cost is $18. Please include payment with your sign up.

Nurse’s Notes
Medication Reminder: If your child has medication in my office, please make a plan to pick it up by Wednesday, June 23rd. Any medication not picked up will be discarded after that date. If your child may need medication at school next year and you do not have the required medication forms, please contact me at the school prior to the end of school. I cannot administer any medications at school without the proper paperwork in place. Thank you for helping keep everyone safe and healthy at school, and I hope everyone has a healthy, fun summer!
Nan Mead R.N., N.C.S.N.

LOCAL ARTISANS AND BUSINESSES NEEDED
For Swift River School’s “Shop Locally” 2010 Fall Fundraiser
The PTCA is looking for local artists, farmers and merchants to participate in an exciting new fundraiser to help support the Swift River School Student Activities Fund. This fundraiser will take the place of the school’s usual Genevieve’s fundraiser. In the fall, the PTCA will produce a catalog of local businesses and artisans. Items such as handmade jewelry, maple syrup products, cord wood, CDs from local musicians, homemade candles and soaps are just a few of the items we would like to include in the catalog. A portion of the proceeds from purchases made through the catalog will support the Student Activities Fund.
Highlight your business or goods in our catalog and reap the benefits of free advertising to local customers!! Pass the word on to your friends who might be interested. The deadline for committing to the catalog is July 15th. To secure a spot in the catalog or to ask questions, please e-mail Jenny Potee at jpotee@cushing.org or call her at 978-544-7333.

SNOW DAY INFORMATION
If school is called off because of inclement weather, power outage or other reasons, information is broadcast on the following stations:

Amherst           WRNX   100.9        WPNI   1430 AM
Greenfield        WRSI      93.9        WHAI    98.3
Northampton WHMP    99.3
Orange            WAHL     99.9        WJDF    97.3
S. Deerfield     WPVQ     95.3
TV       WWLP Channel 22         WGGB Channel 40

Please note that Swift River is part of Erving School Union #28. School closing or delayed openings are made as School Union #28 or Erving Union #28, usually not as Swift River School.

You may also call the school at 978-544-6926. In difficult weather, we will have a recorded message on that line announcing a closing, a delay, or an early dismissal. Kuzmeskus, our bus company, has a website you can check to see if school has a delayed start or will be closed due to bad road conditions. The website can be found at www.travelkuz.com

Things Swift River Needs

As recommended by the School Committee members, we will publish in this box a list of needs for our school. You don't know until you have asked!

Networkable Color Laser Printer

Several iPods - any model except the Shuffle

Community Bulletin Board
These announcements and events are not school sponsored.

Summer Nature Program
Deer Paths has openings!
Deer Paths is a homey and woodsy place in Wendell with a fun and creative program for kids who are 3.5 to 7 years old. Children spend the day exploring nature in various ways; they care for a flock of ducks, explore the beautiful stream, cool off in the pond, share stories, and make crafts. Class size is limited to five students. The summer program is offered in July and August for a total of 6 weeks. There are options for one to three days per week. Deer Paths also offers a program during the school year. Please call 978-544-1990 or email deerpaths@gmail.com. For more information go to www.deerpaths.org

New Salem Old Home Day
New Salem Old Home Day will be held on Saturday, July 17th this year. The theme, “There’s No Place Like Old Home Day”, will have tie-ins to the Wizard of Oz. Look for a Yellow Brick Road, an Emerald City, a Wizard of Oz Costume Contest for all ages (there will be places to change), a free showing of the Wizard of Oz film and more surprises.
Also, in addition to the traditional contests, free pony rides, Bounce House, Fireman’s Pancake Breakfast and Lunch, Congregational Church sales and lunch, Jumptown Sky Divers, Art Show, 1794 Meetinghouse Silent Auction, the Cake Walk, there will be a Pizza Party with a Sing-Along, a performance by the Orange Community Band, Tai Chi and hula-hooping.
Start working on those costumes because we have great prizes!
If anyone is interesting in helping, please send an e-mail to nsoldhomeday@gmail.com or call 544-2660. This event is sponsored by the New Salem Old Home Day Committee.

Free Swimming Lessons
Free swimming lessons are being offered to New Salem and Wendell children from pre-K to 5th grade. One session will run from 9:30-10:30 and the other 10:30-11:30. They will be held at Lake Mattawa and will be taught by the staff of the Athol YMCA Aquatics Program. The program will be offered the week of July 12th and the week of July 19th.

You may register for one or two weeks. Classes will be held Monday through Thursday (with Friday for a rain make-up only). Parents must stay for the duration of their child's swimming lesson. A child cannot attend without pre-registering. Pre-register before June 29th in person at the Athol YMCA or by calling the YMCA at 978-249-3305. This program is sponsored by the New Salem and Wendell Recreation Committees.

African Dance Classes
African dance classes will continue every Monday evening all summer at the Wendell Town Hall from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. These classes are organized and taught by Serena Stone, although a guest teacher, Naia Kee will teach on 6/21, 6/28 and 7/5. Each class has live drumming and is geared to varied levels; children are welcome, too. Try this exciting and energetic class for great exercise! The cost is $12 to $20. Call Serena for more information at 413-519-7686.

Information About Our Town Libraries

Wendell Free Library

Tuesday 3-6
Wednesday 11-8
Saturday 9:30-3:30

New Salem Public Library

Tuesday 12 - 8
Thursday 9 - 3
Saturday 9 - 1

Laptop Computers

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The New Salem/Wendell School District assures that all programs, activities and employment opportunities are offered without regard to race, color, gender, age, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, economic status, homelessness, sexual orientation and physical or mental disability.