The Runner Blog

Eagles Flying Higher at Elmwood School Meeting

2011-06-05T17:04:00.008-04:00

Elmwood School's Meeting of the Eagles on May 25 truly demonstrated its strong American spirit. From fundraising awards to patriotic songs, there was much enthusiasm and pride among students and attendees.

Results for “Coins for Cures”, a program to raise money for Children’s Hospital, were greeted with cheers when the students heard Elmwood School had raised more $3,000.

With 1,200 New England classrooms participating, Elmwood had four of the top six ranking classrooms with highest donations. Mrs. Mack placed first at Elmwood with $429 raised, and second in New England.

She was followed by Ms. Winter’s class ($326), Mrs. Oldach ($284), and Mrs. Prior ($233). Mary Callahan of Children’s Hospital thanked the students for their wonderful contributions.

The top students who participated in the American Heart Association's Jump Rope For Heart program also were recognized for their outstanding contributions. Francesca Shay raised $1,112, Brady Murphy $1,100, Liam Hartson $800 , Caitlin Thomas $670, and Desarae Cioppa
$450.

Elmwood placed second in Massachusetts by raising a total of $14,000. AHA representative Astrid Bigham presented plaques to the top students and said that all of the students’ efforts were truly amazing.

In the true patriotic spirit of the meeting, Mrs. Dixon, a former member of the U.S. military, led the children in a proper salute. David Quinones ,who wore a relative's U.S. military uniform, gave a symbol solo as the students sang “God Bless the U.S.A.”

Other highlights included the Hopkinton Education Foundation's grants presentation of 18 new iPads, Boxtops for Education winners (Mrs. Mortarelli for second grade, and Mrs. George for third grade), and Mrs. Silver and school mascot Swoops presenting Mrs. Diamond with her
marathon T-shirt.

Article and photos by Sally Chambers

HPTA Hosts Hopkinton’s First Green Expo

2011-06-05T16:24:00.005-04:00

On Sat, April 30 the HPTA held the Hopkinton’s first Green Expo. State Rep. Carolyn Dykema kicked off the Earth Day celebration that brought together artists, conservationists, green vendors, entertainers and educators to promote earth-friendly choices and raise awareness about sustainable, green living.

The Expo also hosted a recycling center staffed by the Small Hands Big Hearts kids of the Hopkinton Moms Group and the Annual HPTA HopSwap.

On March 23, 2011, the Massachusetts nonprofit organization, Green Schools, awarded Green Expo chair and creator Jayashree Dattar, and local artist Robin Batchelder, owner of SPARKS! Art Studio, certificates of recognition for making the green difference.

Dattar accepted the award for Outstanding Commitment to Environmental Education, Green Leadership, and Green Community. Batchelder accepted an award under the category of Green Art for her and Dattar’s Bottle Tower project.

The Bottle Tower was the result of a collaborative effort between Dattar and Batchelder, and was not only a work of art, but also a symbol of personal action. Expo attendees were asked to sign a pledge to stop using bottled water. In a blind taste test at the Green Expo, filtered tap water was preferred over Dasani and Poland Spring water by the majority of testers. This demonstration helped the water tower pledges grow.

Keep your eye out for the second annual Green Expo in 2012!

Green School creates greener and healthier learning environments through education and awareness. It offers a number of educational programs and resources to help schools and communities go and stay green. For more information, see www.projectgreenschools.org

Article and photos by Esther Driscoll

Two Hopkinton Students Win Awards at National Level of Reflections Program

2011-05-22T14:28:00.001-04:00

Winning piece by Gao

Hopkinton never had a winner at the national level of the PTA Reflections Program until this year when two students earned national distinction.

Hopkinton High School student Helen Gao won an “Award of Excellence” in visual arts, while Hopkins student Zachary
Ritterbusch won an “Award of Merit” in Film Production.

The Reflections program accepts creative entries in six categories - dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography, and visual arts. Competition takes place in four grade divisions - primary, intermediate, middle/junior, and senior.

This year’s entries followed the theme, “Together we can.”

The students progressed through a local competition then won at the state level before moving onto the national competition. Twenty-five Hopkinton students had submitted 28 entries at the local level and eleven of those had advanced to the national level.

Gao’s painting depicts a girl holding a bouquet of balloons decorated like flags from many nations. Ritterbusch’s entry, a short animated film called “Mission 5,” features battling Lego figures. See his film here.

Zachary Ritterbusch

The HPTA congratulates Gao and Ritterbusch and thanks HPTA Reflections co-chairs Deb Kelly and Selina Paolucci, as well all the students who entered the Reflections Program this year.

Article by Jean Cann

Kickball Tournament Grand Slam Fundraiser for HPTA

2011-05-22T14:15:00.000-04:00

The team “Stealing Bases” won the HPTA’s first annual kickball tournament title, but Hopkinton schools took the biggest prize with more than $2,000 raised at the May 7 event.

Eight teams participated, including several neighborhood teams, a group of Hopkinton teachers and a team from Let’s Sing! Dance! Act!, who also contributed to the raffle.

“It was such a fun day and even with the weather all of the teams expressed enthusiasm and said they had a blast,” said event chair Shannon Hedstrom.

The “Stealing Bases” team included six couples: Heather and Gregg Butler, Kathy and Scott Fraser, Annabel and Bob Champlin, Paige and Tim Lind, Natasha and Sean Clarke, and Christina and Pavel Perlov.

Many children came to watch and cheer for their parents and teachers.

$1,600 of the funds raised came from entry fees, while the other $600 came from the raffle tickets sales.

The HPTA would like to thank Hedstrom for coordinating the event and all participants, raffle donors and sponsors.

Event sponsors include: Cornell’s, Hiller’s Cleaners, Comolli
Construction, Scott’s Landscaping, and Panera Bread.

Cornell’s donated use of the fields as well as the post-game pizza party.

Article by Jean Cann. Photo by Shannon Hedstrom.

HPTA Recognizes Thirteen Hopkinton Heroes Nominated by Local Students

2011-05-22T14:02:00.001-04:00

The fourth annual Hopkinton Heroes essay contest will recognize 13 heroes who were nominated by Hopkinton students. The heroes include teachers, coaches, a principal, a librarian, a fire fighter, a bus driver and a big sister.

Students who nominated heroes all submitted thoughtful essays with many words of praise.

“I chose this lady because she has made a difference in the community, particularly the children," Rebecca Wood said of her hero, children’s librarian Denise Kofron.

Andrew Zaharis said about Elmwood Elementary School principal, Ilene Silver, "Mrs. Silver teaches us about the world and encourages me to be healthy.”

The HPTA will be inviting the heroes and their nominating students to a reception at Marathon Restaurant at the end of May. It wishes to thank the heroes for their service to the community, the students who took the time to write essays, and Jane Wojcik and Celine O’Rourke for coordinating the program.

The 2011 Hopkinton Heroes and the students who recognized them include:

Elmwood School's Mrs. Prior by Alyssa Souza

Coach Ray LeBlanc by Andrea Gendron

Elmwood School Principal, Ilene Silver, by Andrew Zaharis

Meghan Krueger by Hannah Krueger

Elmwood School's Mrs. Prior by Jason Zaharis

Joe Hattabaugh, teacher of “High Flight,” by Jenna Bogan

Hopkins School's Mr. Bernstein by Madeline Holden

Sarah Kinney, Center School, by Maura Souza

Erin Mahoney, teacher of “Girl Power,” by Mirabella Paolucci

Mrs. Diamond, Elmwood School, Paige Stephan

Denise Kofron, Librarian, Rebecca Wood

Ms. Jill Kaufman, Hopkins School, Zara Ali

Article by Jean Cann

Gracias! – A Festive Cinco de Mayo Appreciation Luncheon at Elmwood School

2011-05-08T14:01:00.002-04:00

On May 5, 1862, Mexicans and Americans worked together to defeat the French, who outnumbered them two to one, and prevented them from occupying Mexico. This started a collaborative, supportive relationship between Mexico and the U.S.

Since then May 5, also known as Cinco de Mayo, has become a day of celebration and recognition of the success working together can bring.

It seemed like the perfect day for the HPTA to show its support and appreciation for the 60-70 staff members at Elmwood School. A colorful buffet of Mexican food, brightly decorated tables and sombreros created a festive environment in the school's conference room.

Faculty and staff walking into the room were heard saying, “This is awesome,” and “I love Mexican.”

There were many enthusiastic comments.

Mrs. Prior said, “We are so lucky to have events like this!”

The HPTA's response: We feel very lucky to have wonderful faculty and staff at Elmwood School!

Thank you to Megan Covino and Allison Murphy for organizing the appreciation luncheon and to the many parents who contributed to making this event a success with your kind donations.

Article and photos by Sally Chambers

Center School Gives to Senior Center, Soldiers in Afghanistan

2011-05-08T13:38:00.001-04:00

Hopkinton kindergarteners and first graders completed their community service project before the April break. All kids were asked to do some extra work around the house to earn a dollar to donate.

The kindergarteners were working to buy items off the Senior Center Wish List, and the first graders wanted to buy things for a our troops in Afghanistan, where the husband of Mrs. Saldana, a Center School math tutor, is stationed.

The kids must have done a lot of chores! The kindergarteners earned $300 while the first grade students earned $236.

Thanks to them, soldiers will receive shaving cream, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soups, goldfish, chips, and crackers. The Senior Center will get wild bird seed, hand sanitizer, poster board, Lysol wipes, paper towels, tissues, hard candy, and microwave popcorn.

Many thanks to the students and families for their hard work!

Article by Amy Mick
Photos by Maureen Belger

Hopkinton Students Place at State Level, Five More Move on to National PTA Reflections Program

2011-05-01T09:04:00.003-04:00

Art by Helen Gao, Grade 9

Students from schools across Massachusetts were honored on April 10 in Swansea for placing at the state level of the National Reflections Program competition.

Eleven Hopkinton students placed at the state level and received awards for arts excellence and achievement through the National PTA Reflections Program.

Five students placed first in their categories: Helen Goa, Melanie Cole, Jesse Chambers, Zachary Ritterbusch and Mirabella Paolucci (2 entries).

These five will move onto the national level of competition. It's the first year Hopkinton has had this many students competing at this final level.

We are very proud of all our state winners and excited for those competing at nationals. Results should be available by the end of May. We wish them the best of luck during this competition.

Reflections is a national, arts-based program that encourages students to express their creativity across a theme and through a variety of venues.

This years' theme was "Together We Can." The program competition begins at the local level with winners moving onto state and then the final, national level.

Center School State Winners

Visual Arts: Primary Division

1st Place: Melanie Cole

Literature: Primary Division

3rd Place: Sean Walker

Music: Primary Division

3rd Place: Bridget Walker

Elmwood School State Winners

Literature: Primary Division

1st Place: Mirabella Paolucci

2nd Place: Vivek Dattar

Visual Arts: Primary Division

Honorable Mention: Jack Brady

Photography: Primary Division

1st Place: Mirabella Paolucci

Film: Primary Division

1st Place: Jesse Chambers

Hopkins School State Winner

Film: Intermediate Division

1st Place: Zachary Ritterbusch

Middle School State Winner

Visual Arts: Middle Division

3rd Place: Sean Kelly

High School State Winners

Visual Arts: Sr. Division

First Place: Helen Goa

Literature: Sr. Division

3rd Place: Evan Katz

For more information regarding the Reflections program, visit the HPTA webpage at http://www.hptaonline.com/reflections.html, the Mass. PTA webpage at www.masspta.org, or the national PTA webpage at www.pta.org.

HCAM captures Elmwood Celebration of Kenyan Marathon Runners

2011-04-24T18:46:00.001-04:00

Hopkinton's television station, HCAM, captured the wonderful ceremony Elmwood students enjoyed with Kenyan runners before the Boston Marathon.

You can see the video here: http://www.hcam.tv/videos/kenyan-runners-visit-elmwood-school

Read below for a recap of the event.

It is no wonder the Kenyan marathon runners look forward to coming to Elmwood School every year before the Boston Marathon! This 19th year of the pre-Marathon celebration was filled with anticipation, wonderful speeches, songs, dancing and lots of excitement.

As four-time marathon winner Catherine “The Great” Ndereba put it, "you have no idea how much joy and energy the Elmwood School gives the runners.”

Catherine Ndereba addresses the crowd

The students, faculty, guests and the John Hancock sponsors who filled the gymnasium were wowed with the dramatic entrance of the seventeen runners through fog, flashing lights and confetti.

The children sang the Kenyan National Anthem – it was so moving it brought some members of the audience to tears. And everyone was on their feet clapping when the runners joined Mr. Keane’s class as they sang and danced together to the song “Jambo, Jambo” (loose translation: How are you? Everything in Kenya is fine)

Dr. Phelan welcomed our “extended family” from Kenya, followed by RJ Dourney delivering the message to students to “do your best.” Mrs. Silver hosted the event and presented each runner with a print of the Boston Marathon in Hopkinton. Be sure to look for the banner with signatures of the
Kenyan runners that John Hancock presented her.

Heart-felt speeches given by Kellie Lodge and Kim Bolick of the high school track team revealed how memories of meeting these amazing athletes remain long after leaving Elmwood School.

Kenyan Runners Dance with Elmwood Students

Apparently the memory remains with the Kenyan visitors too. Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot (last year’s
winner setting a course record) told the audience, "In Kenya I think about Boston and I can’t let you down."

Katherine Ndereba inspired us all with her message to Elmwood students, “Work hard, have determination and fly like the eagles...let the sky be your limit.”

There was no doubt Elmwood School was in the company of truly special marathon runners starting their race on a very happy foot.

Article and photos by Sally Chambers

HPTA Auction Raises Between $40,000 and $50,000 for Schools

2011-04-10T09:25:00.000-04:00

With its new format and location, this year’s HPTA auction remained a popular fundraiser and family fun event.

The online portion of the auction raised approximately $30,000, with the encore auction still ongoing, the Children’s Gallery held at Hopkinton High School took in between $5,000 and $8,000 and sponsors added another $10,825, according to HPTA president and auction chair Cindy Bernardo, for a still growing total between $40,000 and 50,000 dollars.

The auction, with the theme “Be Smart – Support Our Schools,” mixed a combination of traditional favorites with the new venue and new games. New activities and wares this year included cookie decorating, Booger Wars, Lazer Tag, Hamster balls, Games2U van, and free Starbucks hot cocoa and coffee.

The four hour event saw a constant crowd with many enjoying free ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery.

“There was a line for Hamster Balls every time I looked that way,” said Children’s Gallery co-chair, Kathy Reynolds. “In the cafeteria with the baskets: obviously the ice cream was a hit, Blinkee the Clown had a line all day for balloon animals, most kids stopped at least once at the ‘lollipop tree,’ and big smiles were all around Swoops and Cubby whenever they appeared.”

The Ticket Tornado, a plastic enclosure with a high powered fan that swirled tickets quickly around children trying to grab them, drew a line like last year. The most sought-after baskets according to Children’s Gallery co-chairs Mary Holden and Kathy Reynolds were:

Hillers Themed basket donated by high school classes and the Boosters Store
Kindergarten Legoland and Mario Bros. Mania
1st Grade Red Sox Nation
2nd Grade “Accessories are a Girl’s Best Friend,” including a basket of accessories donated by Jenny Boston of Westborough
3rd Grade Wands and Wizards
4th Grade “Sweet Tooth”
5th Grade “Beauty Makeover”
Middle School “Extreme Room Makeover”

Thirty adult volunteers and many middle school and high school students helped run the event. The HPTA would like to thank all volunteers and committee members, including Bernardo, Holden, Reynolds, as well as online auction chairs Shelly Carbonneau and Laurie Fromer, volunteer coordinator Nancy Cavanaugh, food coordinator Colleen Souza, autographed items coordinator Kristen Kane, PR coordinator Amy Ritterbusch, and Colleen Barnes, who made the first grade quilt.

The HPTA also appreciates each sponsor, including Phipps Insurance Agency, Hurricane Roofing & Construction, E. L. Harvey & Sons, Hopkinton Drug at the Genius Sponsor level, and Chuck Joseph & Mary Korbey RE/MAX Executive Realty, Main Street Pediatrics, Legacy Farms and Mirick O’Connell as Brilliant Sponsors.

A full list of sponsors is available at www.biddingforgood.com/hopkinton

By Jean Cann

Elmwood School Science Fair Fantastic Success

2011-03-27T13:20:00.000-04:00

The science fair held from March 15 to 17 at Elmwood School was a fantastic success according to Jesse Chambers, a second grade student in Ms. Winter’s class.

Other students, parents and faculty seemed to agree. The event, which began 15 years ago, serves as a chance for all second graders to get their feet wet with fun experiments they choose. They learn how to prepare a presentation board and actually discuss their hypotheses and findings.

Those fascinating experiments run the spectrum from "what juice cleans pennies best," to "what are crystals," and “how launching a catapult affects launch distance."

Some of the experiments, such as Matthew Cooper’s “How do whales stay warm in icy waters” were very hands-on demonstrations. Matthew had a bucket of ice and gloves made out of “blubber” so you could actually experience how the whale stayed warm!

The students thoroughly enjoyed walking around the cafetorium and seeing other experiments, as well as describing theirs to on-lookers.

The many proud parents and faculty attending these three days showed the children the importance of this event.

Elmwood School principal Iene Silver explained that the science fair aims to help second graders find projects they can understand and interest them.

"We strive for children to do their own work, while recognizing parents play an important role (in the project.)” Silver says.

Many students were heard saying the best part of the science fair was the chance to work with their parents on the experiments.

And it was great to hear children and even adults say “I didn’t know that" as they listened patiently to a child’s conclusion and learned something new.

Article and photos by Sally Chambers

Harlem Wizards Entertain and Help Raise Nearly $7000 for Schools

2011-03-27T13:12:00.001-04:00

A packed house in the Hopkinton High School Athletic Center enjoyed an entertaining afternoon of basketball on March 13 as the Harlem Wizards faced the Hopkinton Hot Shots, a team of Hopkinton teachers, administrators, students and community leaders.

After an opening act by two Let’s Sing! Dance! Act! dance groups, players from the Wizards basketball show team engaged the crowd with trick shots and challenges. The game itself was punctuated with physical and comical antics from the Wizards’ players targeted at opponents, the referee and members of the audience. At half-time many purchased refreshments, including Cold Stone Creamery ice cream. At the conclusion of the game, the Wizards signed autographs for the fans.

The event sold 962 tickets, but volunteers and cheerleaders helped to push the numbers over 1000. According the event chair Lauren Thomas, “Our fundraiser figure for the event is not final but we made in the range of $6700.”

The HPTA would like to thank Thomas, ticket sales coordinator Susan Nigrosh and birthday party coordinator Cathy Schaefer, as well as all the other volunteers, the good sports on the Hopkinton Hot Shots and all who bought tickets to support the schools.

By Jean Cann

Expanded Children’s Gallery to Take Place in Hopkinton, Complimenting Online Auction

2011-03-27T13:09:00.001-04:00

The HPTA’s annual auction will take place mostly in cyberspace, www.biddingforgood.com/hopkinton, with no evening event scheduled.

The online auction has opened with bids taken through March 31. The Children’s Gallery portion of the auction will move to Hopkinton this year. The event will take place on April 2 from 12 noon until 4 p.m. in the Hopkinton High School athletic center and cafeteria.

Children may try to win one of the popular themed baskets or other priceless prizes, as well as take part in a variety of interactive games and fun activities.

“Our hope is that by bringing the event into town (as opposed to past year's Westboro Doubletree venue), it will be easier for more people to attend,” said event co-chair Mary Holden. “And of course utilizing our own town’s high school will be a huge cost savings...more money for our schools! The abundance of space now allows for us to offer many more new and exciting entertainment options for kids of all ages.”

Some of the entertainment options that may appeal to many ages include interactive games Booger Wars, Hamster Balls and Lazer Tag, and a Games2U Van with Wii and Playstation games. Other draws include many free offerings, including coffee and hot cocoa from Starbucks, ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery, a free pack of silly bands to the first 200 kids, face painting from the Vineyard Church, crafts with Sparks Art Studio and ballon characters from Blinkee the Clown. Swoops the eagle and Cubby the bear will also visit.

Children will have a chance to grab as many raffle tickets as they can in the Ticket Tornado. The tickets may be used to try to win one of the themed baskets, a Kindergarten Ice Cream Stroll and autographed K-3 class items.

Tickets are also available for purchase for $2 each or three for $5.

“The many themed baskets are a huge source of excitement for kids and parents alike,” said Holden. “With the many generous donations from parents and students throughout all the grades of our school system, our team of volunteer basket makers create as many as 31 awesome, eye-popping baskets that are sure to excite many potential basket raffle winners.”

Children’s Gallery Sponsors include Phipps Insurance Agency, Hurricane Roofing & Construction, E. L. Harvey & Sons, Hopkinton Drug at the Genius Sponsor level, and Chuck Joseph & Mary Korbey RE/MAX Executive Realty, Main Street Pediatrics, Legacy Farms and Mirick O’Connell as Brilliant Sponsors.

By Jean Cann

Legacy of Helen Keller Comes Alive at Center SChool

2011-03-27T12:44:00.001-04:00

On Monday, March 7, the HPTA sponsored a presentation on the life and legacy of Helen Keller.

All first grade classes enjoyed this one-woman-show from Historical Perspectives, whose focus is to present strong character role models to children by portraying the lives of famous historical men and women.

Helen Keller’s story is a wonderful testimony to the power of hard work, determination and belief in oneself.

By watching this actress portray the early years of Helen Keller’s life, the children learned how she overcame the many challenges that she faced without the senses of sight and hearing to become an accomplished author and advocate for the hearing and vision impaired.

It was Helen Keller’s wish that people understand the blind and deaf can live life just as seeing and hearing people do; they just live it in a little different way. At the end of the show, the actress (as Helen Keller) encouraged children to reach out and shake her hand, as she stated, “I won’t know you’re there if you don’t touch me.”

This helped the children understand how to better interact and be comfortable with those who are deaf and/or blind. Once she broke from her character, the actress fielded a variety of questions from the students, and finished by teaching the students a few letters in sign language.

The students were also given the opportunity to check out a braille book at the end of the show.

Article and photos by Sonia Cleven

Big Thanks to Student Volunteers

2011-03-27T10:00:00.002-04:00

On behalf of the HPTA I would like to send out a huge thank you to the wonderful student volunteers who helped with the babysitting during the March 21 Special Town Meeting. Students from the National Honor Society, the Hopkinton Leo’s Club, CommuniTeen, St. John’s and elsewhere helped take care of almost 50 children throughout the evening.

Thank you to the volunteer organizers, nail painters, toddler walkers, infant rockers, movie guys, allergy police, gimp master, duck-duck goose players – you all know who you are.

Every one of them was patient, kind, creative, fun – simply amazing. Parents, you should be very proud of your children, as I was proud to have them with me. I am not exaggerating when I say I could not have offered this service without them.

I also want to thank Gretchen Stephan from Art on Wheels, who helped keep the children inspired, happy and busy with a mural project. I can’t wait to see the finished project.

Thank you, thank you!

Respectfully,

Beth D’Alleva, HPTA Secretary

Volunteers
Shawn Carl
Liz Clark
Jacqueline Disch
Ben Faletro
Lila Gilbreath
Sara Hargrave
Casey Holt
Jamie Horrigan
Emma Johnson
Alee Leteria
Marissa Mahoney
Andrew Marceau
Erin Marceau
Jake Mokler
Shannon Moffat
Stephanie Moffat
Brittany O’Loughlin
Megan Schmit
Erica Stefano
Andrew Stella
Nick West
Kyle Wolfe
Jeremy Woodward
Zachary Woodward
Qiuwei Yang

Six Place First in State Reflections Competition

2011-03-13T09:34:00.003-04:00

Twenty-five students submitted a record 28 entries to the 2010-11 HPTA Reflections competition. Twelve of the Hopkinton entries placed at the state level of judging, and six of those placed first.

Reflections, an art enrichment program started in 1969, encourages students from preschool through grade 12 to create and submit works of art for enjoyment and for judging.

Areas of judging at local, state and national levels include dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography, and the visual arts (which includes art forms such as drawing, painting, print making, and collage).

Entries for the 2010-11 Reflections program used the theme “Together We Can.”

The six entries from Hopkinton’s first-place state-level winners—Jesse Chambers, Melanie Cole, Helen Goa, Mirabella Paolucci (two entries), Zachary Ritterbusch—will all move onto the national level of judging.

All entrants who placed at the state level have been invited to a Reflections State Awards Ceremony to be held April 10.

Hopkinton’s state level award winners include Jack Brady, Vivek Dattar, Evan Katz, Sean Kelly, Bridget Walker and Sean Walker, in addition to Chambers, Cole, Goa, Paolucci and Ritterbusch.

“Congratulations to our state winners! We are very proud of you,” said Deb Kelly and Selina Paolucci, who have co-chaired the HPTA Reflections for four years.

All Hopkinton students who submitted entries will be recognized with an award at the year-end HPTA General Assembly and will receive a free ice cream cone from Golden Spoon.

Artwork and videos from the Reflections competition can be viewed at the HPTA website.

By Jean Cann

Selectman, Principals, HPTA Support Fruit Street School and Ask Town for Yes Vote

2011-03-13T09:07:00.007-04:00

At its March 8, 2011 meeting, the Board of Selectmen voted 4-1 in support of the new K-5 Elementary school on Fruit Street.

"Having started on the other side of this issue, I have come to believe that districting offers the opportunity to make our schools even better," said Selectman Ben Palleiko. "The simple facts are that we need a new school, there are no benefits to come from delaying, and moving to districted schools makes a lot of sense. Change like this is not easy, and we are all correct to be concerned about making sure this works out the way we want it to"

Palleiko urged residents to support the new Elementary School as well.

At the March 7 forum on the new elementary school and districting plan, Principals Jen Parson, Ilene Silver, Greg Martineau, and Alan Keller expressed their full support for neighborhood schools.

According to The Metrowest Daily News, which covered the event:

"School leaders say longer grade spans mean fewer transitions between buildings, which can be stressful for students, particularly those with special needs. And since students move to a different school every two years under the existing system, that leaves staff with little time to develop relationships with students and help them do their best work.

"Sometimes it really does feel like children are visitors in our schools," said Principal Ilene Silver of Elmwood School, which now hosts all second- and third-graders.

"With students transitioning outside of school between daycare, activities and - frequently - parents living in separate homes, the school should provide a refuge," said Principal Jennifer Parson of Center School, home of kindergarten and first grade.

"Elementary school-age children thrive on consistency and routine," she said.

"All three elementary school principals support districting, as does the middle school principal. During the forum, Superintendent Jack Phelan suggested the switch could also boost already high test scores."

Middle School Gets Groovy at Kids Night Out

2011-03-13T08:48:00.000-04:00

The Class of 2017 rocked another Kids Night Out last month. About 160 sixth-grade students attended the event hosted by the HPTA. Eighth grade Ignite leaders joined in the fun as well, once again volunteering their time to help the younger kids have a memorable experience.

The theme honored the 1960s with a groovy jive. The kids danced, sang and applied tattoos, tried out finger knitting, and played games in the cafeteria. As they enjoyed the activities they listened to music provided by DJ Carl Adams and live entertainment from some of the sixth grade students. These
students proved they can entertain a crowd and get them dancing!

In the gym, Eric Robinson organized a great game of dodgeball, including a rematch between the sixth graders and Ignite leaders. We were also lucky to have some dads who took control of the basketball courts.

The kids were able to purchase snacks and water during the event provided by the HPTA. Dianne Goolgasian, one of the HPTA organizers, said she was happy to see the kids laughing, smiling, and all in all just having fun.

Thanks to all the parents who volunteered their time, and making the event possible. More volunteer opportunities are coming up, and we can’t run them without volunteer help.

By Dianne Goolgasian

Elmwood Racks Up Box Tops, Printer Cartridges

2011-03-13T08:42:00.000-04:00

Elmwood students have been busy collecting box tops and used printer cartridges this year, helping to earn money for purchasing useful teaching tools, such as SMART boards and other educational supplies.

The last collection deadline in February brought in 6,523 box tops to be sorted and clipped by HPTA Cash Back for Schools Coordinators Cathy Schaefer and Holly DiNicola.

The payoff for this round of collection will be $652.30. Since the beginning of the year, Elmwood students
have sent in 12,719 box tops. That translates to $1,272 dollars that the HPTA can give back to
Elmwood.

Students have also been bringing in used printer cartridges. Although the February totals have not yet been tabulated, the proceeds from ink cartridge collection already stands at $134.20 for the school year.

Despite these impressive totals, the HPTA is hoping that this last collection cycle will be the best yet for the school year. Totals thus far for both box tops and printer cartridges are lower than the collection numbers for the same time period last year.

By the end of the last school year, box top collection raised $2,040 and ink cartridges brought in $615.

"There are many more classes at Elmwood that still need SMART Boards," says Schaefer. "The
next collection is in May, so please save and send in your boxtops and ink cartridges to Elmwood."

By Laura Schnur

Kindergartners Entertained by Cabrel's Magical Storytelling

2011-02-27T12:23:00.000-05:00

On February 4, all kindergartners were treated to the tales told by famous storyteller Len Cabrel. He told his stories to six kindergarten classes in the morning and then to five more in the afternoon.

Cabrel has a wonderful style and easily engaged the children as he told tales of Anansi the Spider, why a rabbit has a short tail, the Cornbread Man, and one of a coyote and Old Man winter along with many others, all with his own spin on the stories.

He explained that Anansi stories were African folktales. He had the children name animals with horns for the story. The children impressed Cabrel with their answers which included goats, moose, buffalo, wildebeest, long horned sheep, and even an ibex!!

He told the children that the fox eats the cornbread man in the Cornbread Man story because he had a plan. They talked about how important it is to always have a plan, even if you end up not following it exactly.

The children laughed at parts of stories, did some hand and feet movements, and even sang in some stories, and overall enjoyed themselves while having some social lessons reinforced.

Articles and photos by Maureen Belger

Jurassic Junior Roars into Elmwood

2011-02-13T17:31:00.000-05:00

Can you say "paleontology?"

That is how the children in second grade classes at Elmwood School began a special session called “Jurassic Junior,” which was all about dinosaurs and the world millions of years ago.

HPTA sponsored the interactive one and a half- hour sessions for each second grade classroom February 3 through 9 as part of the enrichment programs supporting current curriculum.

The children loved how paleontologists are like detectives as they offered their own theories about why the dinosaurs were extinct. Led by “Radiant Rita” from High Tech High Touch, the company delivering the sessions, students learned all about what paleontologists study and why.

The young student paleontologists happily engaged in several experiments, such as making their own fossils in clay and examining miniature replicas of dinosaurs to draw conclusions about them.

Their favorite experiment was the one conducted inside a baby food jar that simulated an asteroid's impact hitting the earth.

A discussion about dinosaur extinction followed.

The students even learned about a unique dinosaur that ate plants and stones found only in New England!

Elmwood teachers welcome these programs.

“Jurassic Jr. was a great way to introduce our upcoming fossil unit," says Elmwood teacher Ms. Winters. "Composed of interesting and exciting facts about dinosaurs and fossils, the program left the students feeling both enthusiastic and eager to expand their knowledge of dinosaurs and what life was like millions of years ago.”

A sincere thank you to Enrichment Program Coordinators, Joanna DeMartino and Jayashree Dattar, for organizing a great program.

By Sally Chambers

Pyramids and Pharaohs at the Middle School

2011-02-13T17:30:00.000-05:00

Middle School students had a chance to see what life was like during the time of the pharaohs during the Pyramids and Pharaohs event that took place on January 25.

New SmartBoard for Elmwood

2011-02-13T17:28:00.001-05:00

Elmwood students enjoy the new SmartBoard procured with HPTA funds for Mrs. Calrson's second grade class.

Elmwood's Wee Deliver Starts Second Session

2011-02-13T17:24:00.000-05:00

Another group of eager postal workers was sworn in to the Elmwood School's post office on February 3 for the second session of the Wee Deliver Program.

Wee Deliver, a program created by a teacher 13 years ago and now managed by the HPTA, is a letter-writing and delivery program designed to teach children about the postal process. The swearing in ceremony held in the library was officiated by Elmwood School Principal Ilene Silver and Hopkinton Postmaster Carl Zagame.

Zagame answered student questions about how mail is delivered in snowy conditions, and delighted the children when they learned that snowmobiles are used to deliver mail in Alaska.

The new postmasters, third graders Hannah Ianelli and Jack Breslin were sworn into office along with 28 postal workers from second and third grades. If this session is anything like the last one, the postal employees will be very busy delivering thousands of pieces of mail!

Elmwood students enjoy writing to each other at their own unique addresses in the school as well as receiving letters from family and friends outside of school. Families and friends can mail letters in the post box in the lobby of Elmwood School, or at the specially painted mailbox at the Hopkinton Post Office or at Colella’s supermarket.

The Wee Deliver Program runs from February 1 to March 17. Please encourage your child to write letters, and also take the time to write to your child.

Stamps are available in the school office if you need them. The program is a terrific way for all children to learn how to write a letter, practice penmanship, and learn about the postal process, and it brings joy to the students as they open their letters!

Thank you to the HPTA coordinators Carol Quinlan, Niki Battikha, and Christine Tourigny for their management and guidance to make Wee Deliver successful.

Variety of Activities Keep Preschoolers Busy and Warm

2011-02-12T10:00:00.010-05:00

The Hopkinton Integrated Preschool has been keeping busy during these freezing months. Whether the children are using their new slate chalkboards to practice their letters, listening to the amazing Mrs. Grady the Music Lady, or just playing with their friends, they are certainly staying warm!

The HPTA held a Professional Picture Fundraiser in December, which raised $305 for Mrs. Grady’s music enrichment program. There were nine families that participated; some even brought their dogs with them!

We would also like to extend a warm welcome to Lydia Munger, who has stepped in to fill in until Kim Sullivan returns from maternity leave.

By Marsha Birtwistle and Michelle McGowan