Middle Gate Elementary School
schoolhouse-pic
7 Cold Spring Road, Newtown, CT 06470
Middle Gate Minute
A Bi-Weekly eNewsletter
Edition: March 15 2016

Parent Teacher Association 
PTA Comments or Suggestions?  
Important Notes: Notes
Tickets on sale for Parent's Night Out
Table of Contents (Click the links)
(some dates are tentative and subject to change)
 
April 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
  Used Book Sale  

April 3, 4 and 6, (7) 
Muffins with Mom 
 
April 5:
General PTA Meeting
 
April 22:
Parent's Night Out with
Silent Auction

April 25:
PTA Awards Dinner

May 8:
4th Grade Spring Concert

May 19 (rain or shine):
Middle Gate Madness

June 2 
Fourth Grade Celebration 
 
 
Downloads:
(updated every newsletter) 
 
Quick Links  QuickLinks

Contact us
:
PTA Phone: (860) 532-0464
 
2016/17 PTA Board of Directors
President:  
Vice President
Secretary:
Corresponding Secretary:
Assistant Treasurer:
Yearbook Photos:
HOT TOPICS
BIRTHDAY WISHES - MAR 15Bday 
Happy Birthday Mr. Geissler!

Mr. Geissler's Birthday is Wednesday, March 15th. Make sure to wish him a happy birthday if you see him! Singing to him is encouraged. ;)
2016-2017 PTA REFLECTIONS WINNERSReflections
Congratulations Winners! 
image




PTA REFLECTIONS 2016-2017 "What Is Your Story?"
Congratulations to all of Middle Gate's Overall Winners in the 2016-2017 Reflections Contest

VISUAL ARTS: Mallory Angelovic grades K-2, Maya Raslan grades 3&4
PHOTOGRAPHY: Lukas Durrwachter grades 3&4
MUSIC COMPOSITION:   Jessica Powers grades 3&4
LITERATURE: Jace Angelovic grades K-2, Kayla Sinapi grades 3&4
DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY:   Ella Grace Renak grades 3&4

Second and third place awards were presented to the following students:
Mason Garthwait, Willem Howard, Jaclyn Mauri, Jessica Powers and Katherine Allen for Visual Arts; Nicholas DeBlasi, Maya Raslan and Nathaniel Hoag for Literature; Nathaniel Hoag and Lily Ammerman for Photography; Jessica Powers and Ashley Schrader for Dance Choreography.

The first place entries competed at the state Reflections contest and Middle Gate had three winners at that contest!  They are:

Mallory Angelovic - 3rd Place in Visual Arts, Primary Division for "Pretty Acorns"
Ella Grace Renak - 3rd Place in Dance Choreography, Intermediate Division for "Dance
Your Heart Out"
Jace Angelovic - 1st Place in Literature, Primary Division for "Dino Diary"

Congratulations Mallory, Ella and Jace!!  Because Jace's entry took first place at the state competition it will now go on to compete at the national contest!  Good luck Jace!

Thank you to all of our participants -- we look forward to seeing more of your work next year!
USED BOOK SALE COLLECTION - THROUGH MAR 31BookCollect
Dear Parents,
 
It is spring time...which also means it is collection time for the annual Middle Gate Used Book Sale. This year the Used Book Sale is scheduled for April 3rd through April 6, 2017. As with all fundraising events, the most difficult task is collecting the items, sorting and organizing before the selling process even begins.
 
So isn't now a great time for spring cleaning those bedrooms, closets and especially those bookshelves, which have more dust than fingerprints on them? A donation bin will be located right outside of your child's classroom, so please start sending in those used books, children's magazines and DVD's you no longer want or watch.
 
Collection time will run until March 31, 2017.
 
Each week the books collected will be tallied and the classroom totals will be posted in the cafeteria. There will be rewards for the classes who collect the most books at the end of collection time.
 
In addition to your donations, and volunteers to work the sales event, the PTA is looking for parent volunteers to help pick up the books from each classroom, count and help sort according to genre in the bins located in the cafeteria. This effort is the most critical and time consuming in order to make the book sale a success. If we can get volunteers to do this regularly, we will not be inundated with books left to sort on the last few days.
 
If you would like to volunteer, please contact the UBS chair, Kim Marks at kim.marks@charter.net , or UBS co-chair, Kathleen Shope at katbdaly@aol.com  , at your earliest convenience. Any help with this effort would be greatly appreciated. image
 
Thank you so much for your support in this effort. 
 
Warmest Regards,
 
Kim Marks
Kathleen Shope
Used Book Sale 2017

Book collection flyer 
USED BOOK SALE / MUFFINS WITH MOM - APR 3-7BookMom
Celebrate Mom with Muffins!

We will be having our annual Muffins with  Mom on April 3, April 4, April 6 and if needed April 7
(skipping April 5 due to a staff development day and delayed opening)

Please look for flyers coming home in backpacks soon.

Also the Used Book Sale is happening April 3 through April 7

After you enjoy a muffin - browse through the books to find something interesting.
Additional times for the books sale will follow
AERIAL PORTRAITAerial 
We are looking at doing a new aerial portrait of all students/staff at Middle Gate this year. Our goal is to have the photo taken some time in April so we will have lovely merchandise for sale with the photo in May.
PTA IMPROVEMENTSPTAImprove 
We have done lots of additions and improvements this year. Next up, additional playground equipment for the K-2 playground.
FRIENDS OF THE MIDDLE GATE LIBRARYLibraryFriend 
Thank you to all that have already donated.

This is an open event so if you haven't sent in your donation and want to, you still have time. Bridget Hartigan will be reaching out to you in the coming weeks to find out what you want your leaf to say. It will be so beautiful watching our Mural Tree "Bloom" with the leaves representing donations.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR PTA BOARD AND COMMITTEESPTAVolunteers 
Calling all Volunteers! image

We are looking for people to shadow chair people this year for next year's events and committees. Most events/committees do not take a big investment in time but give a lot back. Things like Box Top Chairperson/Chair people can be done mostly at home. Cultural Arts Chair can be done from home. I have chaired that by myself for 4 years. We have all the information you need to be successful and make it an easy volunteer spot to take over. You are never alone on any volunteer events, there are plenty of people to help or to give you helpful hints and ideas.

There will also be openings for several PTA Executive Board positions for next year. We have someone interested in the PTA President and VP Positions. We have openings for 2nd VP, Assistant Treasurer, Secretary and Corresponding Secretary. You can make a big difference in the educational experience of your child and all the students and staff at Middle Gate by being involved as much or as little as you want. There are so many ways to help.

I am working hard to fill all the positions for next year for the new PTA President. This way they do not have to spend their first months in office trying to set all this up. It will hopefully allow them a smooth transition with as much already in place as possible.

Thank you.
Debbie DeBlasi
DAISY TROOP 50239 TOY DRIVEToyDrive 
Yale New Have Children's Hospital Toy Closet Program image

"A hospital stay can be scary and lonely for a child. The goal of the Toy Closet Program is to provide pediatric patients with comfort, enjoyment and support while they are receiving care at Yale New Haven Children's Hospital. Toys are given out 365 days a year."
 
The girls from Middle Gate Daisy Troop 50239 will be taking part of their earned cookie money to purchase toys for these children. In addition we will be having a toy drive to help support the Toy Closet as well. If you would like to donate donations can be brought into school, there will be a collection box in the office. These toys are imageplaced in small closets throughout the children's wing for the children to pick.
  • Infant to age 3
  • School age children 4-12
  • Teens
The drive will run from
March 13th to April 7th   
 
All Toys must be new and unopened
No stuffed animals are allowed.
THANK YOU!

PARENTS NIGHT OUT - APR 22Tkts
Parent's Night Out Ticket Order Form 
 
PARENTS NIGHT OUT - SILENT AUCTION - APRIL 22Auction
Seeking Donations for Silent Auction for Parents' Night Out image
 
Middle Gate Elementary School's PTA will be hosting a Silent Auction at our "Parent's Night Out" fundraiser on April 22, 2017.   This fundraiser, held at Rock Ridge Country Club in Newtown, will support our PTA. Our PTA funds such programs as school assemblies, grade enrichment, and cultural arts programs. We also purchase much needed items for MG. We have purchased a lot this year for the school and have some additional purchases needed. The school needs another swing set and we would like to purchase shade tarps to go with the picnic tables that were purchased last year for outdoor class time on hot days.  We had sound panels installed in the cafeteria and really need them in the gym. 
 
We are currently seeking donations of items and services to be auctioned off at the event.  If you are able to donate please let us know.  It doesn't matter how big or how small, all donations are gladly accepted and greatly appreciated. Do you or someone you know have timeshare weeks you aren't using that you can donate? Are you crafty/artistic and want to make something to be auctioned off? Do you want to put together a basket with some friends with gift cards and a theme to donate from your families? Please let us know! Thank you!
 
 
Any questions, please contact kelleymmichael@charter.net
SILENT AUCTION GRADE BASKET REMINDER - MAR 31Baskets 
As you know, Middle Gate Elementary School's PTA will be hosting a Silent Auction at our "Parent's Night Out" fundraiser on April 22, 2017. image

We are asking each grade to create a themed basket to be auctioned as part of this event.
Below you will find the themes and links to the flyer to see donation ideas that could be donated to go in the basket.

Please have donations at school by Friday, March 31 If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Kelley Michael  kelleymmichael@charter.net or 203-770- 1276. 

 

We thank you for your consideration and your generosity.
MIDDLE GATE MADNESS - MAY 19Madness
LOOKING FOR ACTS FOR THE TALENT SHOW image

Middle Gate Madness is May 19th . Why are we telling you this during a snowy March day? Because this year, in addition to all the events you love, the entertainment will be YOU! Yes, you heard that right. We will be having a "Talent" portion of Middle Gate Madness. If you/your child are interested, start practicing now. A form will come home at a later date but we wanted to give you plenty of time to practice. We have many talented people at MG and this will be a fun way to showcase their talents for all to enjoy!
FOURTH GRADE EVENT - MARCH 27FourthGrade 
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT PETTING ZOO
Reed Intermediate School Performing Arts Cafetorium
March 27, 2017 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
(Snow date-March 28)
 
RIS is beginning the transition activities for the incoming RIS 5th graders. The Music Department is once again offering a Music Expo/Petting Zoo night for students to come and try out an instrument to help them in their music selection process.

An informational open house to have your questions answered by the RIS music
teachers and rental companies.
  • Try out a variety of instruments.
  • Get instrument rental information and speak with music store representatives
  • Rent early to receive incentives
  • Meet your music teacher
  • Discuss options with music teachers
  • Receive helpful advice about how to choose an instrument

Download Flyer
SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDScholarship
Did you know Middle Gate PTA offers Scholarship to graduating Seniors?
 
Hi Everyone! I am seeking volunteers to participate on the Middle Gate PTA Scholarship Committee. This year, the PTA has decided to add an additional award and we will be selecting two former Middle Gate students who are graduating from Newtown High School in June. We need about 5-10 people who would be interested in reading application packets and providing feedback by completing an online rating form for each candidate. If the decision is too close to call, there may need to be one meeting in person to discuss the candidates.

The work begins at the end of March and the decision will be made by the beginning of May. Please let me know if you have any questions, or are interested in participating on this committee.

Bonnie Voegeli image

Please send an email to: mgspta@gmail.com  if you are interested.

IMPORTANT BUDGET INFORMATIONBudget
Your voice can have powerful results when our town boards are determining whether or not they will support a budget or issue.
 
The next step in the school budget process is with review by the Board of Finance. Click here to see the BoE's proposed budget.
 
Wednesday, March 22, Legislative Council Public Hearing, 7:30 pm, Municipal Center. This will be your last chance to give your input before the LC sets the final amount for the April town budget referendum. NYA will again offer open gym on 3/22, 7 - 9:30 pm for kids for $5, click here to register.
 
Tuesday, April 25 Town Budget Referendum, 6a-8p, Newtown Middle School
BOE MEETINGS - NYA OPEN PLAY - MAR 22 BOENYA 
Don't miss the next BOF meeting - NYA is hosting an Open Play 
 
For the next BOF meeting and Legislative Council meeting the BOE has cooredinated with NYA to have an Open Play at the same time:
March 22: the Legislative Council meeting from 7:30-9:30.
Cost: $5 per kid.
YEARBOOKS NOW ON SALE Yearbook
Order Yearbooks!  On-Line Order Only. image
 
All orders must be placed on their website, www.coffeepond.com 
no order forms will be distributed.  
Hard Cover $30
password: middlegate2017

Soft Cover $27
 
password:
middlegate

Please remember to upload your photos from events and activities at Middle Gate. The kids love looking through the yearbook at the end of the year and remembering all the fun times with friends. If you haven't already uploaded the APP, it's easy and convenient. The Pictavo Community APP and the school id is 63963. Any questions, please contact kelleymmichael@charter.net
CONTINUED NEWS
BUDGET SEASON SCHEDULE BudgetSched
Budget Season is here!

Mr. Geissler's budget was submitted to the Superintendent and the Superintendent's budget was submitted to the Board of Education. We need parents to be involved in this process to avoid more cuts in the budget. We will provide updates periodically regarding meetings, voting, etc. Here are a few dates to keep in mind:

3/22- Legislative Council PUBLIC HEARING
4/5 -  Legislative Council ADOPTS THE BUDGET