T.I.S. Digital Backpack
November 14, 2016
FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE
Minute to Win It
Last week we held our very first HAWK Community Minute-to Win It assembly. While the fifth
grade, under the direction of Mrs. Jones, has been holding their very own Minute to Win It
assembly for many years, this was our inaugural whole school Minute to Win It assembly.
During the assembly upwards of forty students were selected to participate in some crazy, fun
filled games. Students were selected from one of our HAWK Card drawing bins. Any student
receiving a HAWK card had the option of placing their HAWK Card in a special Minute to Win
It assemble bin. Thank you to our Health/PE teacher Mrs. Logsdon for organizing the assembly.
T.I.S. HAWKS Against Hunger Food Drive Winning Class
Congratulations to Mrs. Hurley’s class for being the class that brought in the most donations for
the food drive. Congratulations to following classes for being among the classes that brought in
the most food.
Ms. Leser
Mrs. Bockus
Mr. Slayton
Mrs. Williams
Thank you to the entire HAWK Community for coming together to help those in need.
Staff Appreciation
Thank you to our wonderful PTO for supplying the staff with many delicious desserts. The
desserts were provided to the staff in honor of TEPTO’s own staff appreciation recognition.
Announcements on the Road
This year we’ve added a new item to our HAWK rewards menu called Announcements on the
Road. Announcements on the road consists of us doing remote broadcasts of our morning
announcement program from classrooms. Two days per week, we select a HAWK Card
recipient’s classroom as the site for announcements on the road. This feature, in addition to our
Friday video announcements adds a new level of fun to our announcement program.
Over the course of the last week we’ve done remote broadcasts from the Mrs. Koss and Mrs.
Silberberg and Mrs. Piaseczynski’s classrooms.
NOVEMBER 2016
16
18
23-25
Coffee With The Principals, 9:15
Hat Day
NO SCHOOL
COFFEE WITH THE PRINCIPAL
2016-2017
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
(all meetings begin at 9:15 a.m.)
From the Reading Department
Dear Parents,
The following passage will explain why it is so critical for your student to be reading at home each
evening. We hope it will encourage you to read to and with your child daily. It is important that they
have silent reading practice as well.
Happy Reading.
Why Your Child Should Read for 20 minutes Every Day
“WHY CAN’T I SKIP MY 20 MINUTES OF READING TONIGHT?”
LET’S FIGURE IT OUT --- MATHEMATICALLY!
Student A reads 20 minutes five night of every week;
Student B reads only 4 minutes a night…or not at all!
Step 1: Multiply minutes a night x 5 times each week.
Student A reads 20 minutes x 5 times a week = 100 min. /week
Student B reads 4 minutes x 5 times a week = 20 minutes
Step 2: Multiply minutes a week x 4 weeks each month.
Student A reads 400 minutes a month.
Student B reads 80 minutes a month.
Step 3: Multiply minutes a month x 9 months/school year
Student A reads 3600 min. in a school year.
Student B reads 720 min. in a school year.
Student A practices reading the equivalent of ten (10) whole school days a year.
Student B gets the equivalent of only two (2) school days of reading practice.
By the end of 6th grade if Student A and Student B maintain these same reading habits, Student A will
read the equivalent of 60 whole school days. Student B will have read the equivalent of only 12
school days.
One would expect the gap of information retained will have widened considerably and so,
undoubtedly, will school performance. How do you think Student B will feel about him/herself as a
student?
Some questions to ponder:
Which student would you expect to read better?
Which student would you expect to know more?
Which student would you expect to write better?
Which student would you expect to have a better vocabulary?
Which student would you expect to be more successful in school . . .
and life?
The source for this article is the U.S. Department of Education America Reads Challenge publication
“Start Early, Finish Strong, How to Help Every Child Become a Reader.” For further information see
the America Reads Website.
Tolland Community Women will once again partner with Laura Ann Weekes with
"From the Heart" to run a Hat and Mitten Drive. New or GENTLY used Hats,
Mittens, and Scarves will be collected from November 2nd thru December 16th
at Tolland Intermediate School. Socks and slippers may be donated, but must be
new. Collection boxes, by grade, will be in the office. The grade that collects the
most items will be rewarded with a pajama day. Donations are given to DCF for
children in our area. Please contact Jennifer Shaw at [email protected]
with any questions.
Snack with Santa
at Crandall’s Lodge
Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
* Visit Santa (free 4x6” photo)
* Story Time with Mrs. Claus
* Cocoa/Cookies
* Crafts
$15 per child
(under 1 year free, $40 family max.)
ornaments for sale -free personalization
Questions:
[email protected]
Tolland Community Women, since 1965 ... new members always welcome.
Grade 4 Chorus
Concert Information
Concert date:
2016)
Wednesday evening, December 7, 2016
(Snow date, Wednesday December 14,
Place:
Students arrive:
Concert begins:
Concert dress:
TIS Gym
6:30 and report to room 226
7pm
Appropriate for a performance
Dress your best 
“Back Stage”:
Two parent volunteers are needed to assist
Mrs. Marchesani with escorting Chorus
students to and from room 226 and the Gym.
Please contact me if you are able to help with “back stage”. Please
contact me if your child needs special accommodations to
participate in this activity or if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you,
Mrs. Norma Marchesani
[email protected]
860-870-6885 ext. 40226
Please the form on the next page to Mrs. Marchesani by November 22, 2016.
I have read the 4th Grade Chorus concert information and understand the concert dress
suggestions.
I will bring my child to room 226 at 6:30pm on Wednesday, December 7, 2016. I understand
that my child’s concert begins at 7:00pm.
Student _______________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian _______________________________________________________
Classroom Teacher__________________________________
Date ___________________________________
Return to Mrs. Marchesani by November 22nd
Tolland Public Library
Author Visit with Jane Sutcliffe
On Thursday, November 17th,
At 6:30 p.m.
In Conference Room A
Fans of the bard (William Shakespeare, of course!) will enjoy Tolland author
Jane Sutcliffe's insight into his lasting contributions to the English language
as she presents her newest children's book, Will's Words. For word lovers of
all ages, from elementary age up. This program is free but sign-up is
requested.
Details available at: www.tolland.org./library
Tolland Public Library 21 Tolland Green, Tolland CT 06084
860-871-3620
The Tolland Family Resource Center presents
Family Gingerbread Night
Friday, December 9, 2016 6:00-7:30 PM
(Snow date 12-16-16)
Tolland Family Resource Center, 247 Rhodes Rd., Tolland, CT 06084
Pre-Registration is required. Space is limited!
Join us for a fun filled family evening. We will provide an assortment of delicious
supplies and directions to make graham cracker gingerbread houses. You just need
to bring your imaginations and team work to build your own unique gingerbread
house. Light refreshments will be served. The cost is $5.00 per house. Preregistration by December 2nd is required. Registration will be open to the first 75
houses sold.
We will be participating in the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center “PJ Day for
the Kids.” Wear your PJ’s to support the children fighting cancer and other serious
illnesses at the hospital. Please consider making a donation to benefit the Center
for Cancer and Blood Disorders at CCMC.
******************************************************************************
Please return the form below:
Family Name: ______________________________________
Email:_____________________________________________
Number of children _______
Number of adults_______
Number of gingerbread house kits ____ ($5.00 each; 1 recommended per child)
Please return the bottom of this form by December 2nd, with a check made payable to Tolland
Board of Education. Forms may be mailed to Tolland Family Resource Center, 247 Rhodes Rd.,
Tolland, CT 06084 or returned to your child’s school in an envelope marked FRC.
Tolland Family Resource Center
November Newsletter
Dear Families,
This newsletter is intended to highlight our programs and upcoming activities.
Please visit our webpage frequently for updated information and registration for
specific programs! www.myteacherpages.webpages/tollandfrc Feel free to email
me with any questions! [email protected]
Our Fall Family Harvest Night was filled with special visitors dressed in their
costumes enjoying a variety of games and activities. Special thanks to Mrs.
Mulkin and Mrs. Bradford for their time and energy planning. Thanks to Mrs.
Hiller, Mr. Brian, Mr. Leibowitz, Mr. Mulkin and Miss Julie for their help. Canned
goods that were collected will be donated to the Tolland Food Pantry.
After Halloween if anyone finds themselves with excess candy that they wish to
share with the Tolland Fire Department, they are collecting for distribution during
their Santa’s Sleigh tours. Donations can be brought to the Training center or send
into Mrs. Leibowitz and she will deliver.
New playgroup sessions have begun or will begin soon. It is not too late to
join! (unless full as noted) PLEASE call to register (860)870-6750 x 215
Monday :
_____9:00-9:45 AM Monday morning Fun all ages (free)
_____11:00-12:00 PM Book Worms and Lunch Bunch (ages 3-5)
12:00-12:30 PM Lunch Bunch bring your own lunch and stay to
munch!
11/7, 11/14, 11/21, 11/28, 12/5, 12/12, 12/19 $35
Tuesday:
____10:15-11:15 AM 1000 Books before Kindergarten a joint FRC/Library
playgroup at the Tolland Public Library beginning September 13 all ages (free)
____2:00-3:00 PM Adelante Espanol a Spanish Class Playgroup for
Preschoolers 3-5
11/8, 11/15, 11/22, 11/29, 12/6, 12/13, 12/20
_FULL_3:30-4:30 PM Adelante Espanol for beginners
Advanced Adelante Espanol at Birch Grove TIS students can take bus over from
TIS
_____ 11/10, 11/17, 12/1, 12/8, 12/15
$35
Wednesday
____9:00-10:30 AM Grow with Me for Two and Three Year olds and a
special Adult
(9 payments of $58 plus $25 registration fee)
____11:00 AM-12:00 PM Creative Chefs ... Make it and Eat it Lunch
Bunch ages 3-5 at Tolland Intermediate School FRC.
_____11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14, 12/21
$35 per 7 week session * or cost of supplies for lunch
Thursday:
2:00-3:00 PM Artist in Me Playgroup ages 3-5 *open play 1:30
FULL 10/27, 11/10, 11/17, 12/1, 12/8, 12/15 $35
Friday:
9:00-10:30 AM Babies Toddlers and Twos Playgroup a Birth-3 playgroup.
_____ 10/28, 11/11, 11/18, 12/2, 12/9, 12/16
$30 each session
Upcoming dates to remember!
November 14- Childcare Provider Training upstairs teacher’s lounge 6:00-8:00
PM
November 16~ Let’s be Thankful: SCHOOL Aged Care Family Pot Luck and
Art Show 6:15-8:00 PM Birch Grove Cafeteria
November 23 - 25-No School Closed -Thanksgiving
December
December 9- Family Gingerbread Night 6:00-8:00 PM BG Cafeteria (snow date 12/16)
December 22 half day Afterschool Program opens at the end of school for those
children enrolled on Thursday (additional $6.00 fee)
December 23-January 2 Closed-Winter Break SAC reopens Tuesday, January
2, 2017
January
January 9 - Childcare Provider Training upstairs teacher’s lounge 6:00-8:00 PM
January 10- Preschool- Childcare-Activity Fair 6:00-7:30 PM BG Cafeteria (snow date
1/17)
January 16- Closed - Martin Luther King Day
January 17- In House Registration OPEN for 2017-2018
January 19- TERAC-BG Media Center 6:30-7:30 PM
January 25- Half Day- Afterschool Program opens at the end of school for those
children enrolled on Wednesday (additional $6.00 fee)
Lunch bunch for 4 year old preschool 10:00-12:15 PM
Preschool Enrichment 9:00-12:15 PM
FRC Preschool is Out of this World!
Our themes for November will be; All About Me, My Family and Thanksgiving.
The theme of sharing, is one we speak about quite often in preschool. During
this month, we like to share with our community. We will be collecting nonperishable food for From the Heart, a Tolland based community service
organization run by Laura Ann Weekes. She and her volunteers create Holiday
Dinner Baskets to be distributed through DCF and Dare Family Services. Our
preschoolers are focusing on getting to know ourselves,family, being thankful
and friends.
Remember to send your child with a light jacket or sweater and sturdy shoes!
Preschool Enrichment, in the Barnyard:
We have all been enjoying the beautiful weather by going outdoors to play
and explore. Now with the cooler weather the playground is much cooler
so jackets, sweatshirts and hats are needed.
In November we will be talking, learning and writing about leaves, turkeys and
animals that hibernate. We have started letter formation and the children will
start a writing journal. As always we make time to play, go to the computer lab
and visit the library.
Before and After School Care Program News
Half days are open for all children that are enrolled in the After School
Program on the day that the half day falls. We charge an additional $6.00
for half days. The first half day is Thursdays, November 3, 2016.
November 4, 2016 the FRC is open for those who registered. I am sorry if
you missed the registration there are no openings left.
Don't miss our Pot Luck and Art Show Thursday, November 16, 2016 at
Birch Grove School's cafeteria from 6:15-7:30pm. Sign-ups are by the sign
in/out sheets.
The children are still enjoying playing and running outdoors with their
friends. Please encourage your child to either wear a jacket or bring a
jacket as the afternoons are getting much cooler.
During the month of November we will be focusing on autumn art
projects. We look forward to sharing some of them with you on Nov. 16th
at our Art Show and Pot Luck Dinner.
We include a homework time in our schedule so that the children can get a start
on their school work. As always if you have any questions please let us
know.
After School Program:
At TIS
We have had so many children asking to do homework on the computer
that we started having children signup to use the computer lab. Six
children are allowed to go with one staff member.
Children have started doing crafts on Monday’s with Ms. Hanna. Once the
weather changes we will begin other enrichments. Sorry Bakers Challenge
will not start until January.
Children have been enjoying the fresh air. Many of the boys have been
playing touch football or soccer every afternoon. Four Square is also
among the favorite activities outside.
November activities include making cards for our veterans and working on
projects for the Art Show. We also have the children do I am thankful
project to put on display on our bulletin board.
Some children have signed up to participate in the Tolland Library’s program
“Crochet for Kids” on November 3rd.
As always if you have any questions please let us know.
Laurel Leibowitz and the Fabulous FRC Team
Shop with Scrips --- TEPTO Family Order Form
( Checks payable to TEPTO)
Buy gift cards for your everyday purchases or gifts. More options on line: www.shopwithscrips.com
Due Date: Monday, November 14th, 2016
Child's name/teacher
Phone #
Pick Up Date: Monday, November 21st between 3:30pm - 5:30pm in the Birch Grove foyer
Parent's name
Please check if you wish for your order of $100 or less to go home in your child's backpack
Check #
Email
Order Date
Product
99 Restaurants $25.00
Aeropostale $25.00
% QTY
13%
10%
Total
$
Product
Old Navy $25.00
On The Border $25.00
Amazon.com $25.00
American Eagle Outfitters
$25.00
Applebee's $25.00
3%
10%
$
$
Outback Steakhouse $25.00
Panera Bread $25.00
% QTY
14%
11%
Total
$
$
8%
9%
$
$
8%
$
Payless Shoes $20.00
13%
$
Babies"R"Us $20.00
3%
$
Peapod Online Grocery $25.00
4%
$
Barnes & Noble $10.00
Bed Bath & Beyond $25.00
9%
7%
$
$
Pottery Barn $25.00
Rave Cinemas $25.00
8%
4%
$
$
Best Buy® $25.00
Bonefish Grill $25.00
3%
8%
$
$
Red Robin $25.00
Ruth's Chris Steak House $50.00
9%
10%
$
$
8%
4%
11%
$
$
$
Sally Beauty Supply $25.00
Sam's Club $25.00
Sears $25.00
12%
2.5%
4%
$
$
$
Cheesecake Factory $25.00
5%
$
Shell $25.00
2.5%
$
Children's Place $25.00
Chili's Grill & Bar $25.00
12%
11%
$
$
Staples $25.00
Starbucks $10.00
5%
7%
$
$
Chipotle Mexican Grill $10.00
10%
$
Starbucks $25.00
7%
$
Christmas Tree Shops $25.00
7%
$
Stop & Shop (NOT TOPS) $25.00
4%
$
4%
10%
$
$
SUBWAY® Restaurants $10.00
Sunoco $50.00
6%
1.5%
$
$
Buffalo Wild Wings $25.00
Burger King $10.00
Cabela's $25.00
Cinemark Theatres $25.00
Cinemark Theatres Single
Admit $9.50
CVS/pharmacy $25.00
6%
$
T.J. Maxx $25.00
7%
$
Dairy Queen $10.00
3%
$
T.J. Maxx/Marshalls/HomeGoods
$25.00
7%
$
Darden® Restaurants $25.00
9%
$
Talbots $25.00
13%
$
Dave & Buster's $25.00
13%
$
Tanger Outlets $25.00
8%
$
Dick's Sporting Goods $25.00
8%
$
Target $25.00
2.5%
$
Dressbarn $25.00
Dunkin' Donuts $10.00
8%
3%
$
$
Target $50.00
Texas Roadhouse $25.00
2.5%
8%
$
$
Dunkin' Donuts $25.00
3%
$
TGI Fridays $25.00
9%
$
GameStop $25.00
3%
$
The Home Depot $25.00
4%
$
14%
7%
13%
8%
5%
4%
16%
16%
4%
10%
7%
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Toys"R"Us $20.00
Walgreens $25.00
Walmart $25.00
Whole Foods Market $25.00
Williams-Sonoma $25.00
Other:
3%
6%
2.5%
3%
8%
$
$
$
$
$
Gap $25.00
Groupon.com $25.00
Gymboree $25.00
IHOP $25.00
iTunes® $15.00
Kohl's $25.00
L.L.Bean $25.00
Lands' End $25.00
Lowe's $25.00
Macy's $25.00
Marshalls $25.00
TOTALS
$
What is the Tolland Education Foundation, and how does it directly
benefit my child?
The Tolland Education Foundation is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization created in 2004 for the
purpose of stimulating innovative education in the Tolland Public Schools. When a teacher has an idea
for a new and creative learning opportunity to enhance students’ learning experiences, that teacher can
apply to TEF for a grant. Since 2004, TEF has provided over $250,000 in grants to preschool to grade 12,
regular programs, as well as enrichment and special needs programs!
The Tolland Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization that relies entirely
upon contributions in order to successfully support innovative educational opportunities in the Tolland
Public Schools. You can contribute in a variety of ways:



Attend our upcoming Fundraiser on Saturday, November 19 at the Lodge at Crandall
Park. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit our website at
http://www.TollandEducationFoundation.com.
Make a donation online http://www.TollandEducationFoundation.com, or by check,
mailed to 58 Hartford Turnpike, Tolland, CT, 06084.
Link your Amazon Prime account to Amazon Smile, which will donate a percentage of
your purchase directly to TEF, no cost to you. Go to http://smile.amazon.com/ch/161690006 and choose Tolland Education Foundation as your charity.
TEF has made student outcomes possible in all subject areas including donations for a rock climbing
wall, Hovercraft, smart boards, e-readers, iPads, document cameras and musical instruments. Check out
some of the most recent grants in just the past year (2015-2016):
Family Hiking Backpacks for Birch Grove ($1,300)
Along with promoting an active lifestyle, the backpacks encourage family activities and provide links
between literacy, science and physical education. The child size backpacks are small enough for the
youngest child to carry and contain books and other printed resources to get hikers on their way, help
them identify what they have discovered, and tools to keep even the most reluctant hiker
engaged. Families may borrow the backpack for a one-week loan period.
iPads for Eaglets for Birch Grove Media Center ($9,500)
Birch Grove students are now accessing more of their literary material electronically through a pod of 12
iPad mini tablets, software and accessories. The grant provides students access to many library
collections including the library catalog, eBooks, ePeriodicals, audiobooks, reference resources,
presentation tools and other productivity tools. Prior to the grant, Information Literary Instruction was
reinforced solely with print materials.
Ukuleles for Tolland Intermediate School ($3,500)
All Tolland Intermediate School students will learning to play the Ukulele as they take grade five general
music, and will have opportunities to play during concerts, visits to the Tolland Senior Center, and other
musical venues. “Across the nation, the Ukulele is fast becoming to the grade 5 music curricula what the
recorder is for grade 3 students, but much more. The ukulele is an individual instrument and students
learn to read and improve their reading of standard music notation. It also provides students with an
instrument which plays chords and harmonies and they can learn more advanced musical concepts such
as chord progression,” says Judy Baker, TIS music teacher. “The Ukulele is a lifetime instrument that
students use far beyond the classroom.”
Recording Studio for Tolland Middle School ($2,500)
Students at Tolland Middle School are now able to write, record, share, edit, listen and revise their own
music in a new recording studio that integrates music, electronics and technology. The studio and
equipment will motivate students and help them understand that learning music isn’t just about playing
and practicing; it can involve tapping into higher level thinking skills to experiment and analyze music. “A
recording studio will broaden learning experiences by giving students the opportunity to learn by
doing,” says Matthew Pater, a sixth-grade student and the grant originator.
Traversing Wall Protective Matting for Tolland Middle School ($3,200)
The protective matting system is to be used with a rock climbing/traversing wall, which was already
purchased by the school and will soon be installed. According to former principal Dan Uriano, “The
importance of an active lifestyle is paramount to a healthy life, and physical wellbeing promotes a sense
of self, personal ownership and confidence in students. Tolland Middle School is moving away from the
traditional modality of “gym class” where students participate in the traditional team sports and
integrating more high interest fitness-based, life-long activities. With the funding of the mats, the
students will have a new and exciting activity that could promote a life-long healthy hobby.”
The End