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10.17.2012

TheBridge

WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW

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PRINCIPAL'S CORNER 
USDA Visits Pierce School

On Wednesday, October 3rd, Audrey Rowe, Administrator for Food and Nutrition Services for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), visited Pierce's cafeteria. Our first through fourth graders talked with Ms. Rowe and her colleagues from the regional office about the changes in the food portions. Her job is to monitor the guidelines from the USDA Office of Food and Nutrition and report back to the Secretary of Agriculture about how the schools are doing with the changes mandated in public schools across the country.  

Ms. Rowe reported that our students were full of ideas and compliments about the quality of the food that Pierce cafeteria manager Merima Kantardzic serves each day. Ms. Rowe stated that she visits hundreds of schools across the country and rarely hears students praise the food. She said her favorite comment came from one of our second graders who exclaimed, when asked what she thought of the cafeteria food, "It's awesome!" Older students did share their complaints that they missed the regular-sized bagels. 

All in all, it was a very informative visit as Ms. Rowe and others sat down to join our students for their taco meal that day. It was clear that they were impressed with the quality of the food and even the quantity of the serving that day. Students in grade 4 and above received two tacos as part of their meal. As they left, the last comment shared was how impressed Ms. Rowe was with our students' ability to respectfully share their ideas and concerns. It was truly another Pierce Pride moment.

Kudos to Merima Kantardzic and the other cafeteria staff for working hard to meet the federal guidelines of nutrition and serve tasty, healthy food!
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PTO CORNER >PTOCORNER

For the full list of up-to-date news and events, please visit our website pierceschoolbrookline.org

 

8th GRADE PARENTS' POTLUCK THIS FRIDAY

Friday, 10/19, 7pm - 9:15pm @ 403 Washington St. #6 

Attention 8th grade parents! Attend a fun potluck dinner this Friday, 10/19, at 7pm at the home of Eileen and Serge Regis (Becca's parents), 403 Washington St. #6. The evening will include a discussion of concerns on the minds of 8th grade parents! Please RSVP, and submit any questions/topics in advance, to Eka Mareneli (Nana's mother).  

 

Please bring a dish to share (appetizers, salads, entrees, desserts).

7:00 - 7:45   p.m.   Potluck and chatting

7:45 - 8:30   p.m.   Discussion

8:30- 9:15    p.m.   Dessert   

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THE PTO & THE BROOKLINE FOOD PANTRY PRESENT: FOOD ON WHEELS! 

Donations accepted at Main & Historical Building entrances now through Friday, 10/26; Parade on Sunday, 10/28

Donate non-perishable food and supplies (canned goods, jarred goods, boxed goods, toiletries) through 10/26. On 10/28 at 1pm, Pierce families will walk from Pierce to the Brookline Food Pantry to hand-deliver our collective donation (bring wagons, backpacks, shopping carts, etc.). Refreshments provided at the Pantry, and a group playdate at Pierce park after that! Contact Marissa Heller-Treistman with questions. 

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SIP, SHOP, AND SUPPORT PIERCE PTO 
Friday, 11/9 6pm-8pm @ ReDress Boston, 395 Washington St. 
ReDress Boston will host an event with special deals, a door prize, and the opportunity to enjoy a drink and shop with your fellow Pierce supporters. Donate your consignment-worthy clothes starting 10/23 up until and at the event, and ReDress Boston will donate half of the sales proceeds to the Pierce PTO. For more information, please contact Kha Dickerman 
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HARVESTFEST THANKS!
Thanks to all the parents, teachers and other members of the Pierce community who attended the PTO's inaugural Harvestfest! The cafeteria was transformed. Over 200 people mingled and learned more about the PTO and the Brookline Education Foundation. The raffle raised nearly $1,800 for the PTO!

A special thank you to those who organized Harvestfest and the following teachers who attended: Tracy Bare, Dawn Galolo, Amy Hintzman, Reed Rathgeber, Mary D'Amore, Rob Garrison, Edith Pieper and Eowyn Daly.

Additional thanks to all who helped make the evening a success, including: Jen Rothstein, Deb Troderman, Hillary Janowski, Toby Raybould, Theresa Hopp, Catalina Escalante-Roseto, Ana Otero, Sushma Boppana, Jen Amigone, Alexandra Hall, Mika Winder, Gerlinde Struhkamp, Cherries Gaehde, Boryana Panova, Michele Mendoza, Ian Roffman, Sarah Bishins, Beth Waisburd, Snezana Pejic, Kim Rowell, Jennie Greene, Juliet Eastland, Maria McDonald, Jean Sandler, Tim Rowell, Jennifer Hunt and Ben Moor.

A special thank you to the following local merchants who donated to the Raffle: La Morra, HC Studio, Boston School of Guitar, Boabom, Baptiste Yoga, Stop 'n Shop, Brookline Dog and Grooming, Children's Bookstore, Orinoco, Get in Shape for Women, Edible Arrangements, Whole Foods, Beacon Hill Athletic Club, Healthworks Fitness Centers, Boston Organics, Etiquette Academy of New England, Village Pizza, Wine Gallery, Sara's Supper Club, Abeille, Pod, Framers' Workshop, and Nails Connection.
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LOOKING TO VOLUNTEER?

HarvestFest was a great way to bring the community together as we begin this new year. Pierce has a wonderful, strong community with so much volunteer support. There are many ways to get involved with the school, no matter how much time you have or what skills you can share. There is a place for you! Please use this link to sign up to be a PTO volunteer! 

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PERFORMANCES FOR STUDENTS PRESENTED BY ARTS COUNCIL/PTO

The Arts Council, funded by the PTO, carefully selects performances
to expose students to a variety of high-quality arts including dance, theater, puppetry, music, storytelling, poetry and more. These performances, presented throughout the year for all grades, provide a creative and fun way for students to engage in and learn about arts, science, history and literature, as well as to spark conversation around important issues.

Artbarn,
a community theater program based in Brookline, is generously presenting two performances of Follow the Leader: A Look Beyond Leadership at no cost to the school. We are grateful for Artbarn's commitment to the community! To learn more, contact info@artbarn.org or call 617-975-0050.

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NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH WEEK!
In honor of National School Lunch Week we'd like to say thank you to our awesome lunch room staff. 

 

We also welcome Brookline's new food service director, Alden Cadwell, who worked as a top adviser to chef Jamie Oliver on "Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution" in West Virginia. Cadwell previously worked as food services director for the Concord schools and for Concord-Carlisle High School. 
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Brookline Education Foundation Banner    

  

Have You Heard? 
Over 25 Pierce teachers and administrators are participating in Brookline Education Foundation initiatives this year including:
  • Connecting Inquiry Science & Literacy: Pre-K to Grade 2 educators are combining science inquiry and literacy instruction to support meaningful learning.
  • Spark In Action: This innovative grant weaves increased physical activity into the school day to help improve student comprehension and executive function and reduce behavioral issues.
How can you learn more?
Check out our new website, brooklineeducation.org, for a more complete listing of grants and the names of Pierce teachers receiving grants this year.

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ELECTRONIC DIRECTORY UPDATE

Many of you have registered using the new Electronic Directory. Thank you! We've yet to have an entire class register, so we're offering an incentive. The first two classes that reach 100% registration will receive a gift card to the Brookline Booksmith for their classrooms! It's quick and easy, and detailed instructions are available here!

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PROBLEM OF THE WEEK 
>POW  


PROBLEM OF THE WEEK - 4: TOO MUCH HALLOWEEN CANDY

Three children got on the scale at the same time. They weighed 181 pounds. Then one child got off and the scale read 119 pounds. Then another one got off and the scale read 74 pounds. When the last child got off, the scale returned to zero.

"I weigh the least, because I am the smallest," said Sophie.

"I weigh the most because I am the biggest," said Morgan.

"I must have eaten too much Halloween candy," said Danny.

 

How much does Sophie weigh?

 

Show your work using pictures, numbers or symbols. Answers due Wednesday, 10/31 at 8am.  

  

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SPECIALISTS' CORNER>SPECIALISTSCORNER  

 

 

MUSIC 


What is the difference between a steady beat and a rhythmic beat? How does music tell us a story?  How do we write that story in notes and in songs? These are some of the concepts our students are exploring this fall in K-8 Music. Click here for details by grade on Pierce music and chorus specialties.
  

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SCHOOL CORNER >SchCorner
 
 
7TH AND 8TH GRADE SPIRIT WEEK CONTINUES!
Monday, 10/15 through Friday, 10/19
Remaining themes for the week:
Thurs. - Fancy/Formal Day
Fri.     - Pierce Pride Day
Let's enjoy this fun week of celebrating Pierce! 
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MOCK PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION, 11/5

Pierce School will hold a Mock Presidential Election on Monday, 11/5. We hope to instill a sense of the democratic process, the importance of voting and some of the rights and responsibilities of being a U.S. citizen. Results will be announced at the end of the day and later in the Bridge. In preparation for the national event, many teachers are discussing the election in the classroom.
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COMMUNITY CORNER >COMMUNITY 
For complete community news please click: pierceschoolbrookline.org/news  

  

 

The Thursday, October 25, 2012, meeting of the School Committee has been canceled.

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FOOD DAY CELEBRATION
Wednesday, 10/24; Events @ Brookline Main Library and Town Hall
 
 
The Brookline Schools' Food Services Department will honor the day by serving vegetarian chili at the public schools. Children visiting the Brookline Main Library after school on Wednesday, October 24th, can participate in special art activities and will be able to choose from an array of food-related books chosen by the librarians. Contact Lynne Karsten, Director of Community Health, at 617-730-2336 or lkarsten@brooklinema.gov
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CELEBRITY SERIES OF BOSTON
Tickets $10 - Now Available!
World-class performances presented by Celebrity Series of Boston, just $10 per ticket through their "Take Your Seat" program! Ticket quantities are limited, so place your order soon. More information and order form available at  pierceschoolbrookline.org or contact Mara Littman.
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B-PEN COFFEE AND CONVERSATION BREAKFAST
Thursday, 10/25, 8-10am @ Brookling High School, Martin Luther King Rm

"The New Brookline Student Health Survey - What it tells us, and where we should go from here." For more information and to RSVP, please contact Mary Minott.

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BROOKLINE BOYS TRAVELING BASKETBALL TRYOUTS 
Next Meeting: Sunday, 10/21 @ Brookline High School, Schluntz Gym 
4th - 8th Graders, register online at BrooklineRec.com before the tryouts!
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8TH ANNUAL DRESS FOR SUCCESS CLOTHING DRIVE

Friday, 11/2 & Saturday, 11/3

The Brookline Commission for Women will hold its 8th Annual Dress for Success Winter Coat & Clothing Drive on Friday, Nov 2nd (from 11am-7pm) and Saturday, Nov 3rd (from 8am-11am) at the Brookline Public Safety Headquarters, Community Room, 350 Washington Street, Brookline.

Questions? Please contact BCW@brooklinema.gov  

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BROOKLINE WARRIORS BASKETBALL YOUTH SKILLS CLINIC
Wednesdays: 10/17, 10/24 & 11/7 @ Brookline High School, Schluntz Gym
The times are 7-8:30 pm. Open to 9- to 14-year-olds.
Questions? Contact Dave Ford at dave_ford@brookline.k12.ma.us or visit
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BOSTON UNIVERSITY PRESENTS: ARCHAEOLOGY DAY - FREE ADMISSION

Saturday, 10/20, 11am-3pm @ 675 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, Stone Science Building, 2nd Floor 

Learn about archaeology from real BU archaeologists. Hands-on archaeological activities for all ages! For more information, please contact:

sbelkin@bu.edu or visit www.bu.edu/archaeology

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CLASSIFIEDS > Classifieds   


READING, WRITING AND MATH TUTORING
I am a first grade teacher with a Master's degree in Elementary Education. I worked in Newton for three years and have extensive experience as a tutor. I have worked at Pierce and am familiar with the curriculum, teachers and community. I will work with your child to improve his/her skills in reading, phonics, writing or math. References available upon request. Please contact Olivia at ohewett@gmail.com
for more information.
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UNCORKED: "A Sip & Paint 
Studio" 
Washington Square, 667 Washington Street
Come on out and "Uncork your Creative Side" with a little wine and a lot of fun!
First-time painters encouraged! Go home with a painting you will be proud of!
October Dates: 10/13, 10/19, 10/27; 
Please visit our web site for more details:  uncorkedwashingtonsquare.com 
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CHILDCARE AVAILABLE
Experience: volunteering at an orphanage in Cape Town, South Africa; volunteering at an orphanage in Lesotho, Southern Africa; au pair in Yorkshire, England, caring for four children under six years old. References and resume upon request. Dominique Sinagra, Dominiques12@aol.com
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ART WITH AMY: AFTER SCHOOL ART CLASSES!
A program for children who love to make art!  Space available in after school classes on Tuesdays and Fridays. Pick up available from Pierce. All classes a short walk from the Pierce.  Paint! Draw! Build! For full listing email solomonamy@yahoo.comartwithamy.com 617-566-2667
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PIANO INSTRUCTION
Berklee & New England Conservatory graduate with 30+ years teaching experience. Beginners welcome. Build a high quality musical foundation with a patient, caring teacher. Gloria Jasinski, phone: 617.566.9704, email: piano566@comcast.net
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