Illness Incidence Update from Mrs. Simmons

Important update

To: Frenchtown Families

From: Mrs. Simmons, School Nurse-Teacher

Re: Illness incidence

Date: December 17, 2015

Dear Frenchtown families:

Over the past 48 hours we have experienced a higher than average incidence of gastrointestinal illness and absences. We have been tracking symptoms and communicating with parents about the typical course of illness. Students who have been affected experienced an acute onset of stomach ache and several episodes of vomiting; followed by a fairly rapid return to recovery within hours. Some children also developed fevers. The distribution has not been confined to any particular classroom or grade level. Thank-you for sharing this crucial information and for being mindful of district policies regarding attendance.  

Students should be free of fever and vomiting for at least 24 hours before returning to school. It is common for students to require more additional rest beyond this period, especially if they are still lethargic due to dehydration. 

Please contact me if you are uncertain if your child is “fit for duty”or with any other concerns @ 401-398-1522.

Academic Newsletter for the Week of 12/14

Frenchtown School Play

Registration forms will be coming home in your child's backpack this week for the 2016 Frenchtown School Play! The students will be putting on "Character Matters," in which the Fairy Tale Advice Counsel meets with some of our kids' favorite storybook characters to help them deal with their issues. It's a super fun musical which will run less than an hour and the kids are going to love it!

The play will once again be directed by the fabulous Valerie Remillard Myette of Experiments in Theater and will be performed at the Greenwich Odeum on Main Street in East Greenwich on Friday, April 8th at 6:00 pm and Saturday, April 9th at noon. 

Every student who signs up for the play will be in it. Kindergarteners sing a song at the beginning and the end of the production, and first and second graders can either opt to be part of the Ensemble or audition for a Speaking or Singing Solo Role. Kindergarteners and Ensemble cast DO NOT NEED TO AUDITION.

Here are the important dates to know:

• December 23rd: Registration forms are due - NO EXCEPTIONS
• January 6th: Auditions for Speaking/Singing Solo Roles ONLY from 2:45-4:00 pm at Frenchtown (more info on auditions will be sent after registration forms are received)
• January 11th: Rehearsals begin for 1st and 2nd graders and run every Monday and Wednesday from 2:45-4:00 pm
• February 24th:  Rehearsals begin for Kindergarteners and run every Wednesday from 2:45-3:45 pm
• April 4th-7th: Tech Week and all rehearsals are MANDATORY!

The success of the school play depends on help from volunteers. A SignUp Genius will be going out next week but if you'd like to help with rehearsals, costumes and props, set, programs and publicity or on show days, please indicate that on your child's registration form so we can get you on board as soon as possible. 

If you have any questions, please email Donnah Plante (donnahmathews@live.com), Sarah Meleski (sarahmeleski@gmail.com) or Danielle Medina (daniellemedina@gmail.com).

For scholarship needs, please contact Mrs. Vaughn.

Holiday Outreach

Reminder! Holiday Outreach is still going on and donations will be accepted though Wednesday, December 16th. See what your child's class is donating below, or feel free to send in anything on the list. Monetary donations are also welcome and the PTG will match those up to $250.

More details here (to read in its entirety, please scroll down):

Academic Newsletter for the Week of 12/7

Please scroll down to read the newsletter in its entirety.
 

Frenchtown Apparel for the Holidays

Looking for gift ideas? Why not surprise your Frenchtown student with some school gear?! We've got sizes ranging from XS-L and pricing is:

Baseball tee - $13.00

Hooded sweatshirt - $20.00 

Tie dye tee - $11.00

Drawstring backpack - $7.00

If you're interested in buying, please contact Ericka Owens - erickaowens@yahoo.com.

Classroom Wishlist

Ever wonder if your child's classroom of teachers need any supplies? Now it's easy to find out on the Frenchtown Teacher Wishlist on Amazon! 

This list will be updated regularly and you can browse to see who's looking for what - it's noted under each item which class or teacher it's for.

When you add an item, be sure to click the "THIS IS A GIFT BOX" and you'll have the option to ship the item directly to school (choose the GIFT REGISTRY ADDRESS). We suggest adding in the gift message which teacher you're buying for.

If you choose to buy an item from the list somewhere other than Amazon, you can select the "BUYING THIS GIFT ELSEWHERE" option and the item will be marked as purchased.

Please note that in addition to items each grade's teachers have requested, there are also items for the Mrs. Hayes in the library, Mrs. Brayton-Simmons, our school nurse, Mrs. Cavanaugh, one of the resource specialists and Community Partnership, which provides snacks to students who cannot provide their own. 

Thanks in advance for supporting our teachers and staff!

Help Wanted!

Scroll down to read in its entirety.

The Yearbook Needs Your Pictues

Yearbook development is now beginning and we need pictures of the following:

    FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

    WELCOME PICNIC

    HALLOWEEN HOWL

We will also accept any pictures you may have of other school events.

We try to place only pictures of Frenchtown Students (no parents, avoid siblings if possible).

As much as we love all of your pictures, we cannot place everything, but we certainly will do our best!

Please EMAIL pictures BY FRIDAY 12/11 to Cindy.Speranza@yahoo.com AND please include the event name IN THE SUBJECT LINE.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and happy holiday!

Teacher Conference Day Thanks

Big thanks to the PTG Hospitality Committee for providing the teachers with lunch from Corner Bakery and freshly baked breads to take home today. It was a great way to show how thankful we all are for all that they do!

Square 1 Art Has Arrived

Square 1 Art has arrived! Orders will be sent home with students next week but if you need yours prior to Thanksgiving, please email daniellemedina@gmail.com and arrangements can be made for it to go home tomorrow.

Most orders will be sent home in student backpacks but if your order is large or breakable, we'll be in touch to schedule a time for it to be picked up.

Thank again to everyone who placed an order. If you didn't order or decide you want something additional, you can still order online using your child's access code. If you've lost it, please contact daniellemedina@gmail.com.

Webster Visits Grade 2

It was a hoot for second grade yesterday when Webster the Owl paid a visit. The students loved it!

Elf Festival of Fun

"The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe" is Coming to Frenchtown

Students are in for a treat on Monday when the Hamstead Stage Company brings its production of "The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe" to Frenchtown! This performance is made possible by the Cultural Organization of the Arts (COA), a non-profit group devoted to bringing the arts to East Greenwich public schools.

Please note that this performance is only for students.

Thank you to COA for all that they do, and if you'd like to make a donation to support their mission, you can do so HERE.

Martial Arts Night

It's Martial Arts Night at Frenchtown!

There will be a presentation and instruction by Mastery Martial Arts as well as popcorn and water for the kids on Wednesday, December 2nd from 6:00 - 8:00 pm.
(Mom's Night Out is happening simultaneously if you'd like to drop your Frenchtown students off and then head to Clayground)

Registration and $5 fee is due no later than Tuesday, November 24th.

We're also looking for volunteers to help the night run smoothly. You can sign up HERE.

REMINDER: Frenchtown Moms Night Out Registration Due Friday

Hope you can join us on Wednesday, 12/2 for a fun kid-free night of pre-holiday crafting at Clayground! Registration and payment are due this Friday, 11/20. Get more details and download a registration form HERE.

Academic Newsletter for the Week of 11/16

Scroll down to read in its entirety.

Volunteers Needed for November Lunch Duty

We need a few more volunteers for lunch duty next week and the Monday before Thanksgiving. If your'e free from 11:30-12:30 and have a current BCI check on file, please consider signing up HERE.

Box Top Totals and Winning Class

Huge thanks to everyone who collected and turned in box tops last month - we received 4,400 of them which means Frenchtown will be getting a check for $440!

The class that collected the most box tops overall was Mr. Richard's second grade with 952. They'll be having a special music party with Mrs. Briedenbaum. Great job, Richards!

And a big thank you to Karen Gates for coordinating the Box Tops program and for counting all 4,400 of those little suckers.

Keep on cutting everyone - we'll be collecting again in the spring!

Register for A+ School Rewards at Stop & Shop

Do you buy your groceries at Stop & Shop? Then you could be earning money for Frenchtown!

If you have a Stop & Shop Rewards card, go HERE to register it in the A+ Rewards Program (the Frenchtown school ID number is 10771) and every time you make a purchase and show your rewards card, your receipt will show how many points you've earned for Frenchtown. In March, those point convert to cash!

Feel free to share this link with friends and family who might also want to participate. It costs nothing  for them to help give back to our school!

PS - If you have children in more than one participating schools, you can divide your rewards between them.

REMINDER: Registration for the Providence Bruins Game Due Friday!

If you're planning on coming to the Eldredge/Frenchtown Providence Bruins hockey game on Sunday. November 22nd at 3 pm, registration and payment is due this Friday, November 13th! NO LATE REGISTRATIONS CAN BE ACCEPTED.  

You can download the registration form and get more details HERE.

November Newsletter

Scroll down to read in its entirety.
 

Academic Newsletter for the Week of 11/9

Frenchtown Moms Night Out

Calling all Frenchtown moms!

Join us for a fun (and kid-free!) night of pre-holiday crafting on Wednesday, December 2nd from 6:00-8:00 pm at Clayground, 5600 Post Road in East Greenwich. Can't make it right at 6:00? No problem - come anytime during the evening!

We'll have drinks, snacks and dessert and you can paint however many and whichever pieces of pottery you'd like.

It's $15/person (plus the cost of the pottery you paint) and payment is due Friday, November 20th. Space is limited and will be reserved in the order payments are received.

Also, please note that the Mastery Martial Arts Event will be happening Frenchtown simultaneously if you wan tot from your Frenchtown kids off and then come to Clayground!

Questions? Email daniellemedina@gmail.com.

You can download the registration form below or find it HERE.

Make Your Mark on Frenchtown

Here’s your chance to leave a mark on the school by customizing ceiling tiles!

The hallway leading to the K classes was filled a few years ago and former students still love to come back and look at the tile they personalized.

Now Frenchtown is offering up 30 more tiles which will run along the center hallway. You can buy one for your family, one for each of your Frenchtown students, one for your scout troop, one for your child’s class – whatever you want.

Each tile costs $30 and you can customize them however you'd like. Not only will you be helping to beautify the school, but a portion of each sale goes to the PTG.

We're only selling 30 - get yours today before they sell out!

If you'd like to purchase a tile, please send a check for $30/tile made out to Frenchtown PTG in an envelope marked "PTG CEILING TILES" in your child's folder. Make sure to put your email address in the Memo section so we can be in touch to deliver your tile.

Frenchtown & Eldredge Hit the Providence Bruins

Frenchtown and Eldredge Joint Event: Providence Bruins Hockey Game
Sunday, November 22 at 3pm
$20 per person, which includes a hat, popcorn and drink for every kid in the group

 Please return the attached flier to the office with a check made out to the "Providence Bruins" by November 13 and we will get you your tickets/food vouchers.

 Please note that all adults buying tickets will also receive a $3 gift card to Dunkin Donuts!

If you have any questions, please contact Donnah Plante - donnahmathews@live.com.

You can download the form below or also find it HERE.

Come Support Frenchtown at the EGEF Spelling Bee

This Sunday, November 8th, is the inaugural EG Spelling Bee, sponsored by the East Greenwich Education Fund. Please join us at 4:30 pm to cheer on our Frenchtown PTG team, consisting of parents Mike Owens, Allison Seed and Veronica Syroney, as well as our own principal, Cheryl Vaughn, who will be competing on a team with Meadowbrook's Neil Marcaccio and Hanaford's Beth Cauley. Other competitors include town Democrat vs. Republican town leaders and students from Eldredge, Hanford, Cole and EG High. State representative Anthony Giarrusso will be master of ceremonies.

Non-spellers can get in on the action with intermission EG and RI trivia quizzes, as well as free food. There will also be raffles to raise money for the EGEF.

It should be a really fun event so put on your blue and white Frenchtown gear and join us at the high school to show our school spirit and support our teams! For more information visit www.egefri.org/bee.

Square 1 Art Order Update

All paper orders for Square 1 Art have been mailed in and your items will arrive before Thanksgiving! Thanks to everyone who submitted.

If you missed out or want to order more, we've extended the online ordering deadline to Friday, November 6th. Visit https://www.square1art.com/shop and enter your child's access code to order. If you've misplaced it, contact Danielle Medina - daniellemedina@gmail.com.

All online orders placed by Friday, November 6th will arrive at Frenchtown prior to Thanksgiving break - what better holiday gifts for everyone in your family?

Every item you order benefits the school so please consider purchasing a keepsake for yourself, your child or someone you love.

Square 1 Art Orders Due This Friday

Have you placed your Square 1 Art order yet? Better get it done because orders are due this Friday, October 30th! 

You can order online at https://www.square1art.com/ or send cash or a check with the order form in with your child. Items will arrive at Frenchtown prior to Thanksgiving break - what better holiday gifts for everyone in your family?

Every item you order benefits the school so please consider purchasing a keepsake for yourself, your child or someone you love.

If you have any questions, email Jill Spitzer at jill.spitzer@emc.com or Danielle Medina at daniellemedina@gmail.com.

November Lunch Volunteers Needed

If you're free during a weekday in November from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm, why not volunteer at lunch duty? It's a really easy job - help kids open items in the lunches the have trouble with, hand out utensils, napkins, etc., and just make sure everyone has what they need.

You can sign up HERE and you must have a current BCI on file.

PTG Donation Drive

Huge thanks to everyone who contributed to the PTG donation drive! Our goal was to raise $2,000 and we not only hit that goal but exceeded it by $800!!! We'll be putting that money towards assemblies, field, trips, teacher grants, staff appreciation and more. 

For those who donated, swag is being ordered and will be sent home with your child as well as a receipt for your contribution next month.

Thanks again! It was a truly wonderful way to kick off the year.

Academic Newsletter for the Week of 10/26

The PTG Needs Your Help

The PTG is looking for help!

Are you interested in science or helping our kids learn about science? Then please consider heading up SCIENCE NIGHT! Along with a committee of helpers, you'll come up with fun activities, lecturers or other ideas for students during our ART & SCIENCE NIGHT on May 12th (the Art Night portion is already being chaired). It won't take a lot of time but will make a big difference to the kids.

We're also looking for help with the YEARBOOK! Second grade parent Cindy Speranza does an amazing job putting it together, and this year she's looking for a few people to help with the booster/advertising side of things:

1. Someone with design or graphics experience who would like to help parents create their booster ads
2. Someone who would like to manage the booster ad orders and work with a team of people to solicit ads from local businesses

We'll also be looking for people to assist in laying out the yearbook pages in the spring.

If you're interested in helping out with any of the above, please contact Stephanie Elevado - princessSO@aol.com - or Renee Syed - rd_2003colo@yahoo.com.

East Greenwich Turkey Trot - November 28th

Join the Main Street Association in the 5th Annual Hill and Harbour Turkey Trot, the Saturday After Thanksgiving! 
The day will be filled with runners of all ages enjoying a scenic 5K course through beautiful streets of our own East Greenwich.  We will kick off the morning with a 1 Mile fun run and end it with some yummy treats, kids activities and music while cheering on our 5K runners! 

Register today at www.mainstreeteg.org.

REMINDER: Halloween Howl RSVP Deadline Is Tomorrow!

Frenchtown’s 2nd Annual Halloween Howl is this Friday, October 23rd!!

Don’t miss out! The RSVP Deadline is this Wednesday, October 21st!

A few reminders:

- We still need a few parent volunteers to help our party run smoothly. Please check out the link to see where you may be able to help!  http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0d4facab2cabfa7-frenchtown/

- Please plan on bringing your own bag for trick or treating! 

- Students should definitely come in costume (please remember no weapons), and of course, parents are welcome to dress up if you're feeling that Halloween spirit!

- To keep things running smoothly, plan on having your little trick-or-treaters visit Trick-or-Treat Street first, then move on to (in any order) pizza and popcorn in the cafeteria, games in the gym, storytelling, and movie. 

- Most importantly, plan on having LOTS of fun!!!! It’s going to be a great night!

Any questions or feedback, please contact Susan Riley (sumariley@gmail.com) or Sara Foley (sara.foley@gmail.com)

Academic Newsletter for Week of 10/19

Square 1 Art Order Deadline is October 30th

 

This week, your child will be coming home with a Square 1 Art packet. The front of the flyer shows art he or she created, and inside is a brochure of items you can order featuring their work as well as a free sheet of stickers for your child to keep. 

All orders are due October 30th and can be placed using the oder form and a check or online at square1art.com/shop. Items will arrive on November 19th and be distributed before Thanksgiving break so you can stock up for holiday gifts! All proceeds got to the PTG to be used on programs, activities and teacher appreciation.

If you have any questions, please contact Danielle Medina - daniellemedina@gmail.com - or Jill Spitzer - jill.spitzer@emc.com.

Box Tops Collection Update

Our collection total is near $260 and we still have four days to go! Mr. Richard's, Mrs. Greenberg's, Mrs. Rinn's and Mrs. Kowal's classes are all in close running for the fun music prize, with the other classes not far behind. Send in those Tops by Friday, October 23rd and see if your child's class will come out on top.

Just one reminder - please check the expiration date on your Tops before you send them in. Expired Tops cannot be counted.

REMINDER: Happy Hour RSVPs Due Friday

Don't forget to send in  your RSVP and payment for the Parents Happy Hour on Friday, November 6th from 6:30-9:00 pm. They're due this Friday, October 23rd.

It will be a fun night to mingle with friends and meet new ones while enjoying drinks, hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction to benefit the PTG. 

We are still collecting donations for the auction. If you'd like to help coordinate or have something (a gift certificate, sports or event tickets, a vacation house, a professional service, etc.) that you'd like to contribute, please contact Danielle Medina at daniellemedina@gmail.com.

If you lost your RSVP form, you can download one HERE.

Halloween Howl This Friday

Just a reminder that the Halloween Howl is this Friday, October 23rd from 5:00-7:00 pm where Frenchtown students, parents and siblings will enjoy a frighteningly fun night of games, snacks, storytelling, movies and more! 

Children should come in costume and bring their own bag for trick or treating on "Trick or Treat Street."

Don't forget to return your payment and RSVP by Wednesday, October 21st so we can make sure we have enough goodies for everyone!

If you have any questions, please contact Sue Riley at suemariley@gmail.com or Sara Foley at sara.foley@gmail.com. If you need special accommodations, please contact Principal Vaughn at cvaughn@egsd.net.

Hop to see you there!

Box Tops Collection Underway

We're halfway through Box Tops collection and you've already helped us earn more than $200 for our students! You can send box tops in with your child through Friday, October 23rd - don't forget to write your teacher's name and class on the bag because the class that collects the most will win a fun treat with our music teacher. Get clipping!

Academic Newsletter for Week of 10/13

Donations Wanted for Happy Hour Silent Auction

Invitations have gone our to the adult-only Happy Hour on Friday, November 6th from 6:30-9:00 at Bistro 9, and we hope you'll be joining us for an evening of food, drinks and fun with fellow Frenchtown parents. It should be a great night!

The Happy Hour will also feature a silent auction, the proceeds of which will benefit the PTG and all of the programs and events it puts on, like next week's Halloween Howl, the welcome picnic, the school play, after school activities, assemblies, field trips, teacher grants, staff appreciation and more.

If you have something you'd like to donate - an item or service, a gift card, event or sports tickets, a vacation home rental, etc. - or if you'd like to help the Ways and Means Committee solicit donations from local businesses, please contact Danielle Medina - daniellemedina@gmail.com.

Hope to see you on November 6th! Just a reminder - payment is due by October 23rd.

PTG Meeting Schedule

The PTG Meeting Schedule for 2015-2016 is:

Wednesday, October 21st @ 9:30 am

Wednesday, January 13th @ 6:00 pm

Wednesday, March 9th @ 9:30 am

Wednesday, April 6th @ 6:00 pm

Wednesday, May 18th @ 9:30 am

Wednesday, June 15th @ 6:00 pm

All meetings are held in the Frenchtown cafeteria. Hope to see you there!

October Newsletter

REMINDER: Parent Forum on Teaching and Learning Tonight

STOMP is Coming to Frenchtown!

COA will be presenting "Touch the Sound" with performers from STOMP on Wednesday at Frenchtown.

Thanks to everyone who has donated to COA - your support helps bring amazing programs like this to our kids.

Academic Newsletter for Week of 9/28

Save the Date: Parents Happy Hour

Mark your calendars and book your sitters - we're having a Parents Happy Hour on Friday, November 6th from 6:30-9:00 pm. 

It will be a fun night to mingle with friends and meet new ones while enjoying drinks, hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction to benefit the PTG. More details to come next week!

We are currently collecting donations for the auction. If you'd like to help coordinate or have something (a gift certificate, sports or event tickets, a vacation house, a professional service, etc.) that you'd like to contribute, please contact Danielle Medina at daniellemedina@gmail.com.

October Lunchroom Volunteers Needed

Thanks to everyone who volunteered in the lunchroom during September. If you can help out next month from 11:30-12:30, please sign up HERE.

Save The Date: Open House - October 14th

Parent Forum on Teaching & Learning - October 1st

From Principal Vaughn:

As we focus on our vision of all that we would like our school to be, I would like to extend the invitation for parental involvement in exploring current practices and participate in meaningful, two way communication and problem solving.

Vision Statement

Frenchtown School will be known as a school where

      Students develop independence and cooperation through active participation in inquiry-based, hands-on activities.  Students are confident, successful learners who engage in diverse learning experiences.

     The faculty uses varied, research based instructional strategies.  Through collaboration and shared responsibility, faculty and staff ensure that instruction is focused on the needs of each child and that equitable opportunities exist for all academic and enrichment programs.

     Administration facilitates a collaborative, supportive environment that prioritizes learning through trust, mutual respect and open communication.  Administration provides for professional development and resources necessary for teaching and learning.

     Families and the community are partners who support and expand learning within and beyond the classroom.

To that end, I will be creating regular Parent Forum on Teaching and Learning events.  Our first discussion will be held on Thursday, October 1^st at 6:30 p.m.

Our agenda will be “Fun Friday”.  Please join me in discussing what worked well last year and how we might be able to improve moving forward.

You Can Still Shop the Book Fair!

Did you miss our Family Fun Night at the Book Fair?

Not to worry - purchases can be made ONLINE until 9/26 - and 25% of proceeds go directly to our school to fund materials & activities.

Build your child's book library and also help us reach our fundraising goal - it's a win/win.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Art Fundraiser Assistants

We're kicking off our annual artwork fundraiser next week and students will be making hand print art in art classes with Ms. Melmed.

We're looking for parent volunteers facilitate the process - helping the kids properly position and sign their work, making sure their hands get cleaned up, etc. We have slots available with all of the Grade 1 teachers and Mrs. Elson's K over the next two Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Volunteer HERE!

Huge Thanks!

Huge thanks to Howard Faunce, the PTG and all of the parent and Cole middle school volunteers for making tonight's Family Picnic such a success! From the band and the food to the martial arts and the great company, it was ta wonderful way to kick off the school year.

REMINDER: RSVPs for the Frenchtown Family Picnic Due Tomorrow, 9/9

This Friday, September 11th will be our Frenchtown Family Picnic. It runs from 4:00-8:00 pm and will feature live music, activities for the kids, and a pizza, pasta and chicken dinner from Piezoni's. The Book Fair will also remain open so you can do some shopping!

Please send in your response forms with payment by end of day tomorrow, Wednesday, September 9th so we can get a head count for food. The event will take place rain or shine.

If you need a form, you can find it HERE.

Hope to see you there!

SAVE THE DATE: First PTG Meeting - 9/16

Please join us for the first PTG Meeting of 2015-2016 on Wednesday, September 16th at 7:00 pm in the Frenchtown cafeteria. 

UPDATE: Holly Zenga will not be on site for BCI checks. She will be at the Open House on October 14th.