Friday, December 18, 2015

12/18/15

Dear McKelvie Families ~

On Thursday morning we had our annual Toys for Tots Assembly.  Your children were AMAZING!  The band and chorus sounded terrific and the entire student body sang the "Twelve Days of Christmas" with each class doing a separate movement.  We were able to donate approximately 400 toys and received over $600 dollars to purchase additional toys for the Marines.  Click here to see a picture of Staff Sgt. Healy and Staff Sgt. Lewis - both of whom spoke about the impact of our collective work.

Polite & Right Raffle Winners
Congratulations!

Schedule Next Week
We will have school on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.  There is NO SCHOOL on Thursday & Friday.

Ugly Sweater Day
Even the teachers were into Ugly Sweater Day today.  Click here to check out Mrs. Thornton, Mr. Boppel, Mr. Crowell, Mrs. Burke, Mrs. Geddes, Mrs. Steere, and Mrs. Kelliher.  Not to be outdone, click here to see Miss Logan, Mrs. Allen, Mrs. Mail, Mrs. Beyer, Mrs. Waldman, Mrs. Cassin, Mr. Moreau, & Mrs. Parnell

NHBDA Honors Band Participant
Congratulations to Elliott Frank in Grade 6! He auditioned for the New Hampshire Middle Level Honors Band and will be attending as a member of the percussion section in March. Elliott will rehearse throughout the day and participate in a concert. Congratulations, Elliott!

Student Council Event
Wednesday, December 22nd is PJ/Comfy Day*
*School dress code applies.

McKelvie Spelling Bee 
Congratulations to Lucky Kovvuri (pictured with Mrs. Poisson) for winning this year's school spelling bee.  This is Lucky's 2nd year as our school champion. A BIG congratulations to the other classroom winnersMicah Baker, Nick Gibson, Avi Goldman, Owen Tranchemontagne, Maria Lim, Ellie Gregory, Eroka Adler, Annabel Pothuru, Cam Cilley, Sean Greene, Lindsay Mello, Hiba Babar, Isabelle McGinty, & Caleigh O'Connell.

FCCLA Helps Meals On Wheels
McKelvie FCCLA students prepared over 65 holiday gift bags for area Meals On Wheels clients. The community service project is part of the national "Empower" theme promoting students doing great things for their community. Pictured here are Amelia Magay, Kaleigh Robillard, and Kendall Kerr.

MAT Limo Ride Winners
Click here to check out the McKelvie students who rode home in a limousine on Monday afternoon. From left to right: Mrs. Sevilla, Ms. Francis, Raquel DeLeo, Sophia Macdonald, Kenzy Bibawi, Emma LaFleur, Olivia Fitzgerald, & Sam Finnegan.

Grade 6 Art Club
A BIG thank you to Mr. Flint and the 6th grade Art Club for painting a Winter Wonderland Scene in the Library hallway.  Click here to see their work.
from Left to Right:
Back Row:
Olivia Walker, Eleora McCay, & Xavier Forcier
Middle Row:
Ishica Chatterjee, Maya Neuman, Christy Elliott, Olyvia Frongillo, & Mia Kashibara,
Morgan Dias, Mirabelle Elchalfoun, Meghan Hall, Sarah Letourneau, Elizabeth
Whiting, & Cameron Mandeville
Front Row:
Olivia Parashar & Calvin Mandeville

Division 10 Cheer Brings Home National Title
Congratulations to the following McKelvie students who are national champions for their division: Sam Avampato, Kaitlyn Boyd, Ashlee Laliberte, Allie Garron, and Emma Spector

Have a great weekend!

Michael Fournier
Principal
McKelvie Intermediate School
108 Liberty Hill Road
Bedford, NH 03110
603.472.3951 (W)
603.472.4503 (F)
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Friday, December 11, 2015

12/11/15

Dear McKelvie Families ~

The day began with a little adventure, but ended as expected - thankfully.  Next week is our last full week prior to Winter Vacation.  I recommend checking into the Parent Portal to make sure your child is up-to-date on their assignments.  There is nothing like the great feeling of completion when starting a school break!  Below are the notes from this week. 

Winter Concert Tonight
Join us tonight at the BHS theater for McKelvie's Winter Concert.  The concert is from 6:30pm to 8:00pm.

Yearbook Front & Back Cover Contest
Students interested in voting for the McKelvie Yearbook front and back cover winners, click here.  Voting closes on Wednesday, December 16th.

Hour of Code
McKelvie students have been participating in an “Hour of Code” in support of Computer Science Awareness Week. The Hour of Code is a global movement reaching tens of millions of students in 180+ countries and is designed to expose students from all over the world to computer programming. Students were able to choose from a variety of one-hour self-guided tutorials allowing them to work at their own pace and skill level.  Click HERE to see students from Mrs. Opitz’s class enjoying an “hour of code”.

Lost & Found Valuables
Has your child lost a phone or glasses?  If so, we have some of these items in the Main Office.  We do announce this to the students.  However, given that families are incurring the cost of replacement, we want you to know to always have your child check in with the Main Office.  Inquiries can be made to Beth Conaton at conatonb@sau25.net.

Hannaford Helps Schools
This program ended on Saturday, November 28th.  However, school dollars can still be collected until Friday, December 18th.  If you happen to have any school dollars hanging around, we have a collection envelope in the Main Office. Questions can be directed to our Shopping Rewards Coordinator, Stephanie Richard at spare11178@aol.com

Bill Moeckel Food Drive Update
Our second shipment of food and personal care items were received by the NH Food Bank.  This shipment resulted in 1143lbs, which constitutes  953 meals. A HUGE thank you to The Moeckel family, Mr. Brown & Mrs. Mazzella for their coordination!

New Food Pantry in Town
The Food Pantry at Bedford Presbyterian Church is a newly established resource for those in our community who are facing hunger or food insecurity.  The Food Pantry is a 501(c)3 organization that is a well-coordinated effort between 5 area churches, local organizations including the Bedford Lion's Club, the Boy Scouts, and individuals and families in Bedford.  The Food Pantry is located at  Bedford Presbyterian Church, 4 Church Road, Bedford, and is available to all Bedford residents.  

The Food Pantry will open Saturday, December 19th  and will be open on the 1st and 3rd Saturday, and the following Monday, of each month. Hours are Saturdays, 9:00 - 11:00 am, Mondays, 5:30 - 7:00 pm.  If you or someone you know in Bedford is struggling with food insecurity please call Bedford Presbyterian Church at 472-5841. 

Mid-Afternoon at the Movies - Thursday, December 17th
Student Council is proud to collaborate with three BHS students on their Community Action Service (CAS) project for this month's Mid-Afternoon at the Movies event!  These students are raising money for an organization called Pencils of Promise whose mission it is to build schools where there are none.  A contribution of $2 is being requested and may be included with money for pizza and drinks, if ordering.  Together, we invite you to participate in December’s Mid-Afternoon at the Movies when we will be showing the movie “INSIDE OUT.” This event will be held in the McKelvie Cafeteria from 3:30 - 5:30, and pizza and drinks will be available for those who order ahead of time.  Click HERE to view the flyer with complete information and to print out a permission slip/order form. Orders, payment and permission slips are due to your homeroom teacher by Monday, December 14th.

McKelvie School Directory
We would like to thank the active volunteers who took their time to put this year's directory together.  A truly collaborative effort between Gayle HincksJennifer Williams and Barbara Chagnon.  This directory takes many man hours to get put together and we hope you find it useful.  If you have ordered a directory and not received it, please jot a quick note to bchagnon80@gmail.com and she will look into it for you.  Again, thank you for the efforts of those doing so much behind-the-scenes work! 

Have a great weekend,

Michael Fournier
Principal
McKelvie Intermediate School
108 Liberty Hill Road
Bedford, NH 03110
603.472.3951 (W)
603.472.4503 (F)
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Friday, December 4, 2015

12/4/15

Dear McKelvie Families ~

There are 13 school days left before Winter Vacation (I know!).  With that in mind, know that the teachers will be at full throttle motoring their academic way to school break.  During this time of year, I like to live by "one day at a time" and practice patience.  Let your child's teacher know if the pressure is too much.  We would rather use an ounce of prevention...

Today's notes...

Polite & Right Raffle Winners
Congratulations!

Lost & Found
Our lost and found is overflowing.  I BIG thank you to Wendy Emerson for keeping things organized and easy to peruse.  Please take the time to "shop" for your child's sweatshirts prior to vacation.  During vacation week, items will be donated to a social service agency.

Before School Program - Job Opportunity
McKelvie is looking to hire someone to assist with the Before School Program on Thursday's from 7:30am to 8:20am.  The position pays $15 for the hour and would be perfect for a substitute or family member who might like a little extra cash. While the current position is one day per week, there will  be opportunities for more.  Please email me (fournierm@sau25.net) or Kathy Pope (popek@sau25.net) with interest .

Pre-Thanksgiving Yoga!
A BIG thank you to Ellie Gregory's mom for teaching some of our 5th grade students (Kelly/Lovering) yoga to help relax and focus.  The kids were especially happy to hear that Tom Brady practices yoga too!  Check out this great pic!

5th Grade Police Ride Along Winners
A new prize this year for Move-A-Thon was for two students to win a ride to school with the Bedford Police (and go to Dunkins).  A HUGE thank you to the Bedford Police Department and Police Union for supporting this effort.  Pictured here are Officer Stefan Swiadas, Kathy Pope, Drake Sutton & Luke Karr.

6th Grade Police Ride Along Winners
A new prize this year for Move-A-Thon was for two students to win a ride to school with the Bedford Police (and go to Dunkins).  A HUGE thank you to the Bedford Police Department and Police Union for supporting this effort.  Pictured here are Officer Danielle Nightingale, Ainsley Gagne, Deeya Narang, & Michael Fournier.

Family & Consumer Science Skills
FACS students studying the message of manners and table setting in time for the holidays.  Seth Berry, Cole Wolfinger, Ryan Sheridan, Diego Casado, and Andrew Peicker.  Click here to see those smiling faces! 

Toys for Tots… also known at McKelvie this year as Cash for Christmas
The Community Action Team (CAT) is pleased to announce that we will participate in the Toys for Tots drive once again this year. In an effort to “Keep It Simple,’ we are encouraging students, who wish to participate in this drive, to bring in a small cash contribution for toys.  CAT will be using this money to purchase toys on behalf of the McKelvie student body.  We will be collecting contributions until 12/10/2015. Questions can be directed to Michael Crowell (crowellm@sau25.net) or Jodi Parsons (parsonsj@sau25.net).

If your student/family would prefer to donate a toy, students are welcome to bring in a new, unwrapped toy.  Toys for Tots donation bins will be located at the front of the school.

Star Wars Opportunity
Star Wars Fans!  Join the Lurgio Fan Club for a Star Wars Movie Marathon on Sunday, December 13, from 9:45-4:30 at the Bedford High School Theater. We will be showing the original Star Wars trilogy in anticipation of the new release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Admission is only $5.00 and drinks and concessions will be sold on site.  Please bring a bag lunch!  May the force be with you! Questions can be directed to Stacy Baker (bakers@sau25.net) or Rob Dubriel (dubrielr@sau25.net).

Bedford Jaguars Cheer Team
Congratulations to Sam Avampato, Kaitlyn Boyd, Ashlee Laliberte, Allie Garron, Emma Spector, Ellie Tynan, Bryn Schneider, Kylie Woloski, Logan Censabella, Abbie DeGennaro, Neveah Cottle, Brooke Burke, Sydney Gagne, Hannah Spires, Brianna Quigley, Taylor Fraitzl, Emma Hauser

Bulldogs Cheer Team
Congratulations to the Bedford Jr. Bulldogs Dance Team that recently competed at their Pop Warner State competition and won Grand Champs!  Great job girls!  Dancer team members are:  Shea Aulson, Lauryn Barbaro, Lia Berman, Mika Berman, Morgan Bowman, Lauren Christopher, Olivia DeFazio, Sarah DeFazio, Emme Detscher, Ainsley Gagne, Ellie Jamieson, Olivia Keys, Chloe Knight, Sofia Florian, Amanda Johnson, Kayla Leblanc, Sophia Macdonald, Colleen McGeee, Isabelle McStowe, Izzy McGinty, Mya Moore, Alexa Morin, Maya Parshay, Sophia Roundtree, Emily Shupe, Ariana Steinbrueck, Caroline Twite, & Ali Vergato

Have a great weekend!

Michael Fournier
Principal
McKelvie Intermediate School
108 Liberty Hill Road
Bedford, NH 03110
603.472.3951 (W)
603.472.4503 (F)
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Friday, November 20, 2015

11/20/15

Dear McKelvie Families ~

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I know there is so much to do.  The good news is that there is not a lot to report this week.  I guess we can be collectively thankful for less information going out during this busy time. :)

Polite & Right Raffle Winners
Grade 5 = Maya Rao & Natalie Coulter
Grade 6 = Jared Hummel & Joey Piacentini
Congratulations!

Grade 6 Music Festival
A BIG thank you to Mrs. Coughlin and Mrs. Wickham for taking our 6th grade band students to UNH for the Music Festival.  Click here to see our happy group of band members,

Holiday Gift Idea
Help your student (or faculty!) show their school pride while supporting their school!  BedfordWear offers McKelvie spirit wear from embroidered hoodies and fleece to printed tees and sweats!  There are also rhinestones! (and who doesn’t love a little bling?!). And a portion of EVERY purchase of McKelvie spirit wear is donated right back to McKelvie!  Order by 12/14 to make the holiday break! Click here.

Winter Weather
With the colder weather here, I want to remind families that students are to come to school prepared to go outside.  Our general rule is 20 degrees (including windchill).  Keep in mind this is a guideline and not a hard and fast rule.  

Bill Moeckel Food Drive
We received a thank you letter this week for the first two giant bins of food we donated.  The weight was over 1,000 pounds and will provide over 800 meals.  The second two bins are going out early next week.  I will let you know when we hear. A HUGE thank you to everyone for participating!

In Previous News..

Lost & Found
Our Lost and Found is beginning to look like a clearance rack.  If your child has lost articles of clothing (especially sweatshirts) please stop by and check it out. We also have a wide variety of water bottles - all waiting for a home. All items will be donated to a social service agency over Winter Break.

Homework Club 
If your child participates in Homework Club, please pick up promptly at 4:15pm.  A good safety net is to be registered for the After School Program at our school.  Students being picked up late may be required to register in order to continue participation.

Box Tops for Education
Ever wonder what, if any, value comes from all that clipping?  A BIG thank you to Stephanie Richard for organizing our Box Tops program.  Stephanie's recent submission earned our school $410.20!  AMAZING!  Questions can be sent to Stephanie at spare111778@aol.com.

Have a great weekend,

Michael Fournier
Principal
McKelvie Intermediate School
108 Liberty Hill Road
Bedford, NH 03110
603.472.3951 (W)
603.472.4503 (F)
"Like" us on Facebook!

Friday, November 13, 2015

11/13/15

Dear McKelvie Families ~

Despite having Wednesday off in observance of Veteran's Day, we still had a very full week here at McKelvie.  Between parent/teacher conferences and jumping into the 2nd quarter, the holidays are well on their way.  As you likely know, these next few weeks go by FAST!  Savor the moments because your kids are terrific.

Move-A-Thon Makes a Difference!
Thanks to all of you, we are already using 60 new Chromebooks as a result of our fundraising efforts.  Click here to see 60 smiling faces and our brand new Chromebooks!  Thanks also to our top fundraising classes, Mr. Boppel's in 6th and Mrs. Ashby's in 5th.

Polite & Right Raffle Winners
Congratulations!

Lost & Found
Our Lost and Found is beginning to look like a clearance rack.  If your child has lost articles of clothing (especially sweatshirts) please stop by and check it out. We also have a wide variety of water bottles - all waiting for a home. All items will be donated to a social service agency over Winter Break.

Move-A-Thon Assembly
We were able to capture pictures of most of the winners last Friday.  If your child won a prize and you would like a copy of their photo, please click here.  Please be cautious of social media due to other students in the background.

Bill Moeckel Food Drive
A BIG thank you to the McKelvie community for participating in our food drive.  Today marked the last day of collections.  We will let you know the grand total next week.  Also, thank you to both Jennifer and Kate for their support. Click here for a pic of Kate's class.

Girls on The Run Contribute BIG
A HUGE thank you to the Girls on the Run for filling 3 big bags of garbage on the McKelvie campus!  This service project was a huge help to our school and community.  Click here to see those smiling faces.

Mathematical Olympiads
Two McKelvie moms are working with the school on a volunteer basis to start a Mathematical Olympiads Club.  This club is in the infancy stages and will be run as a pilot this year.  There will be limited openings.  However, if there are other parents who would like to advise/coach, that may open up room for additional students.  Click here for an information sheet.  To register click here.

Yearbook - NOTICE
Please be aware that the Yearbook Club will be using photos of all students for our 2015/2016 yearbook.  If you do not want your child's photo in the yearbook, please email one of our advisors, Susan MacMillan (macmillans@sau25.net) or Deb Kelly (kellyd@sau25.net). Otherwise, every child gets in the yearbook.

Homework Club - NOTICE
If your child participates in Homework Club, please pick up promptly at 4:15pm.  A good safety net is to be registered for the After School Program at our school.  Students being picked up late may be required to register in order to continue participation.

Box Tops for Education
Ever wonder what, if any, value comes from all that clipping?  A BIG thank you to Stephanie Richard for organizing our Box Tops program.  Stephanie's recent submission earned our school $410.20!  AMAZING!  Questions can be sent to Stephanie at spare111778@aol.com.

Social Studies In Action
As a culminating activity for the Social Studies unit on Early People, the Burke/Boppel/Thornton  and Crowell/Geddes/Steere pods brought their students outside to experience life as an early person. They became part of a nomadic tribe passing through the Kelvian Forest to encounter the struggles of survival in prehistoric times. Students built shelters, found sources of food and water, encountered danger (Mr. Boppel in full camo gear), and worked together to survive. It was a wonderful experience and one that the teachers and students will remember for many years to come. Click here for some great photos!

Star Wars night with the Manchester Monarchs
Is there a Star Wars fan in your home?  Grab your family & friends and get ready for episode VII, The Force Awakens, by joining the PTG for a fun night out at "Star Wars night with the Manchester Monarchs” on Saturday, December 5th @ 7p.m.  All your favorite characters will be there too! The PTG is offering discounted tickets for adults and children $20/$15 (normally from $17 - $34) AND an opportunity for any student to participate in the  "HIGH-FIVE tunnel”. *Though the PTG will be receiving a small portion of the ticket price we hope this will be a fun community event for our families.  Click here to download and print an order form (please return to your school office by December 1st). 

PTG ANNUAL SKI & SKATE SALE EVENT SATURDAY, NOV. 21st
Get ready for the PTG’s biggest fundraiser and stock up on all your winter sports gear needs for the entire family! Proceeds from this tremendous consignment sale fundraiser provide a variety of wonderful programs supporting Bedford students across all six schools. Please consider supporting this important event in any way that you can by selling your used equipment, purchasing equipment, donating, or volunteering!
Go to www.bedfordptg.org for all the details and add your equipment to the sale using our easy online scanning system!
(Drop off for selling your equipment is Friday, November 20, 2015 between 5:00pm – 8:00pm at BHS.)
Have a great weekend,

Michael Fournier
Principal
McKelvie Intermediate School
108 Liberty Hill Road
Bedford, NH 03110
603.472.3951 (W)
603.472.4503 (F)
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Friday, November 6, 2015

11/6/15

Dear McKelvie Families ~

The BIG REVEAL happened today!  During our annual Move-A-Thon Assembly, we showed a video with not only me jumping from a plane, but 8 other McKelvie staff members! Click here to watch yourself (video courtesy of Mrs. Ramsey).

As promised, I am also including my personal video so that you can see the fear on my face prior to taking a dive from 10,000 feet!  Also - we raised over $40,000 to make this jump happen (so much for the $39,999 plan).

Move-A-Thon Prize Winners
Congratulations to all of the students who won prizes this year!  Click here to check out the winners.  Also - a special thank you to Mr. Dave Waldman of Treasured Memory Video for making a student video for our assembly.

NO SCHOOL
In observance of Veteran's Day, there will be NO SCHOOL on Wednesday, November 11th.

The Bill Moeckel Food Drive - ACTION ITEM
Monday - Mac & Cheese
Tuesday - Peanut Butter
Wednesday - NO SCHOOL
Thursday - Personal Care Items
Friday - Juice

Yearbook Cover Contest
The Yearbook Club is holding a cover design contest for the front and back cover of the 2015/16 yearbook!  All submissions will be published in the yearbook; however, one sixth and one fifth grade design will be selected for the front and back covers. Students and faculty will vote for their two favorite designs and each winner will receive a free yearbook and their artwork will appear on the front and back covers.  Click here for the rules.

School Supply Survey
The PTG is looking for feedback on this past fall's school supply offering. Whether you bought your supplies through the PTG or not, please consider taking this quick survey. Click here to participate.  We value your feedback.  Thank you!
 
Bedford PTG Holiday Gift Card Fundraiser
Don't forget to get your Gift Card order form turned in by Monday, November 9th, for Pre-Thanksgiving and Hanukkah delivery and by Friday, December 4th, for Pre-Christmas delivery.  Click here to download an order form.
 
PTG ANNUAL SKI & SKATE SALE EVENT SATURDAY, NOV. 21st
Get ready for the PTG’s biggest fundraiser and stock up on all your winter sports gear needs for the entire family! Proceeds from this tremendous consignment sale fundraiser provide a variety of wonderful programs supporting Bedford students across all six schools. Please consider supporting this important event in any way that you can by selling your used equipment, purchasing equipment, donating, or volunteering! 

Go to www.bedfordptg.org for all the details and add your equipment to the sale using our easy online scanning system!

Drop off for selling your equipment is Friday, November 20, 2015 between 5:00pm – 8:00pm at BHS and the sale runs 9:00am-2:00pm on Saturday the 21st.
 
Stand By Me Volunteers Needed
Stand By Me, it is a program for Ross A. Lurgio 7th grade students and their parents.  It is run by parent volunteers with support from the Lurgio Middle School staff and the Bedford community.   This day long off campus event, set for May 20th, offers a variety of workshops given by community leaders, motivational speakers, educators, authors and more for students and parents to participate in.
Volunteers (especially those without 7th graders) are needed to help plan this hugely successful event.  If you're interested in learning how you can help, please join us at the next Stand By Me committee meeting on Thursday, November 19th, at 9:15 at Lurgio. For more information you can visit www.sau25.net/standbyme or email Lisa Nash at lisa@eight-stars.com  or Sue Jennato at sjennato@comcast.net

Bedford Substance Abuse Summit
In response to the threat posed to our community by the substance abuse epidemic, the Bedford Police Department in conjunction with the Bedford School District will host a community-wide meeting on Tuesday, November 10th from 7P to 10P at the Manchester Christian Church, 56 Old Bedford Road, Bedford (across from Memorial School).  We want to thank Manchester Christian Church for graciously donating the use of their facility for this important endeavor.

The goal is to involve individuals and groups from throughout our community.  The focus is to first de-stigmatize this issue to encourage parent(s), student(s), loved one(s), friends and family to seek assistance for not only those suffering from substance abuse but also for guidance in education and treatment (agenda).  To accomplish this, we plan to have some gallant members of the community discuss their struggle with abuse in their families followed by a panel discussion and, most importantly, community engagement that we hope will lead to an action plan.

Anyone seeking more information about the meeting may contact the Police Department or the Superintendent's Office in person, by telephone or email.  On behalf of the Bedford Police Department and the Bedford School District, we want to thank you all for your assistance and whatever level of participation you are able to offer.

Smarter Balanced Assessment Results
Last spring, schools throughout New Hampshire (and in many other states around the country) administered a new test known as "Smarter Balanced."  The tests, in language arts and math, were taken by students in grades 3 through 8 and grade 11.  Smarter Balanced Assessments are computer-based tests that replaced the annual NECAP assessment, although the Science NECAP remains.

Next week, the New Hampshire Department of Education will release the results.  You can expect to see summary results by school district on the news and in the local papers.  Our schools will mail home individual student results by the end of next week. Parents of students in grades 4 through 9 and grade 12 will receive individual score reports and letters from NH Education Commissioner Barry and the principal of your child's current school. Questions can be sent to the current school principal.​

Parent Forum on ​
Cyberbullying & Unwise Social Networking
​As a part of the annual NH Christa McAuliffe Technology Conference, 
Sameer Hinduja, the co-director of the Cyberbulling Research Center, is presenting a FREE Parent Forum titled 
​​
Cyberbullying & Unwise Social Networking: The Role of Parents.

Date:  Monday, November 30, 2015
Time:  6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Salon A, Radisson Hotel, Manchester, NH

Designed for parents and community partners, this presentation provides a broad overview of adolescent technological concerns, including cyberbullying and social networking sites.  Foundational information on the way adolescents use the Internet and cell phones is provided first before examining cyberbullying, sexting, and unwise social networking in detail.  Strategies for identification, prevention, and response are then discussed in a conversational format to allow for input and Q&A from the audience.  Attendees leave equipped with an increased ability to promote safe and responsible participation in cyberspace among the youth they care for and with numerous resources to assist them towards those ends.
​ ​
Parents are asked to RSVP for this FREE event at www.nhcmtc.org by Friday, November 20th.

Jags Adaptive Cheer Program
Click here to support their efforts to attend Nationals.

In Previous News...

Report Cards
A quick reminder that the quarter ended on Friday 10/30.  Report Cards will be sent home this coming Friday, November 6th.  Note: McKelvie is exploring the option of moving to electronic report cards.  More information to come. 

Parent/Teacher Conferences
Conferences run from 11/9 to 11/20.  However, teachers and parents typically find mutually convenient times.  If you have not had the opportunity to schedule a time, feel free to email the teacher directly.  

McKelvie Jazz Band Auditions
Jazz Band Audition Music and audition sign up information will be available to students beginning Monday, November 2nd. Students who are involved in band are welcome to audition. In addition, students who privately study guitar, bass guitar, upright bass and piano are welcome to audition. Please email Mrs. Wickham at wickhamc@sau25.net with any questions. 

Have a great weekend,

Michael Fournier
Principal
McKelvie Intermediate School
108 Liberty Hill Road
Bedford, NH 03110
603.472.3951 (W)
603.472.4503 (F)
"Like" us on Facebook!

Sunday, November 1, 2015

10/30/15

Dear McKelvie Families ~

Thank you for your patience in receiving this week's note a couple of days late.  This week's is absolutely packed with information, so you might want easy access to your calendar and a cup of coffee.

The kids did it!  They exceeded the goal of $40K and the jump became a reality! Joining me in jumping out of a plane were: Mr. ChapmanMrs. CleghornMrs. RamseyMrs. GouldMrs. BeyerMrs. BergeronMiss Robinson, & Mrs. Parnell. The kids will view the video during an Assembly on Friday (they get prizes that day too) and I will add the video to Friday's notes as well.  In the meantime, click here to see my life-altering world view!

NO SCHOOL
On Tuesday, November 3rd, there is NO SCHOOL for students.  The teachers, however, will participate in a Teacher Workshop Day.

Polite & Right Raffle Winners
Grade 5: Seth Berry and Emily Walsworth
Grade 6: Sydney Ellis and Nick Purnell
Congratulations!  Picture next week!

Report Cards
A quick reminder that the quarter ended on Friday 10/30.  Report Cards will be sent home this coming Friday, November 6th.  Note: McKelvie is exploring the option of moving to electronic report cards.  More information to come. 

Parent/Teacher Conferences
Conferences run from 11/9 to 11/20.  However, teachers and parents typically find mutually convenient times.  If you have not had the opportunity to schedule a time, feel free to email the teacher directly.  

Student Council Theme Days - ACTION ITEM
Friday, November 6th = Move-A-Thon t-shirts
Friday, November 13th = Dress like your future career, "What do I want to be when I grow up?"

The Bill Moeckel Food Drive - ACTION ITEM
To honor the life of Bill Moeckel, Kate (daughter) and Jennifer (spouse) Moeckel are partnering with McKelvie and the NH Food Bank to give to others.  Please join our entire McKelvie family with a drive that helps others and honors the memory and life of Bill Moeckel.  Click here for the participation flyer.

McKelvie Jazz Band Auditions
Jazz Band Audition Music and audition sign up information will be available to students beginning Monday, November 2nd. Students who are involved in band are welcome to audition. In addition, students who privately study guitar, bass guitar, upright bass and piano are welcome to audition. Please email Mrs. Wickham at wickhamc@sau25.net with any questions. 

Real World Learning in 5th grade
A BIG thank you to 5th grade student Emma Spector and her dad, Dr. Andrew Spector for teaching a lesson on "Ear Anatomy."  Click here to see Dr. Spector in action.  Click here to see Emma and her dad.  Way to go, Mrs. Kelly for having a featured guest speaker!

Q2 Intramural Offerings - ACTION ITEM
November 9th – January 22nd, 2016
Sign-ups for second quarter intramurals will be held from October 30 at 4 PM - November 8th at 3 PM.  You will be able to sign up on the McKelvie website under the intramural tab.  Space is limited so be sure to sign up.  Any questions, please contact geddesa@sau25.net.

McKelvie Snack Shop
Starting on Wednesday, November 4th, the snack line at McKelvie will open.  I have listed the guidelines below.  Questions can be directed to Cyndi Blinn at blinnc@sau25.net or 472-3961 ext. 2218
* Snack Shop will open each day after the lunches have been served, providing there is enough time.
* Purchases are LIMITED to ONE item only, however they can purchase both an ice cream and a Fruit Roll-Up, as the Fruit Roll-Up is an item they can bring home if they do not have enough time to eat it before heading to class/recess.
* ALL purchase are CASH ONLY!!  Also...NO bills over $5, as we will not be able to make change.

Keeping Safe on the Internet
On Thursday November 5 from 11:00 to 12:30 in the Bedford Public Library there will be apresentation for parents on how to keep your kids safe on the internet.  It will be put on my Nate Lindstad of the Manchester Police Department.

Epi-Pen Recall
Parents - As a courtesy, our school nurses have asked all principals to pass this announcement along to parents. S
anofi US is voluntarily recalling ALL Auvi‑Q® (epinephrine injection, USP)
​  The​
 products have been found to potentially have inaccurate dosage delivery.
​  More details can be found here.​

Make Life Sweeter Candy Drive
Beginning the Monday after Halloween (November 2) until the end of the school day on Friday (November 6) with the help of a BHS student, we will be conducting a week-long post-Halloween candy drive. All of the collections will be donated to the New Horizons Soup Kitchen in Manchester. New Horizons gratefully uses these donations as dessert when they serve the homeless, and they also pass it along as a night-time treat to those homeless guests staying in the shelter. The goal of the drive is to make life a little sweeter for those less fortunate. All donations can be placed in the marked box outside the office which will be collected at the end of the school day on Friday, November 6th.

Move-A-Thon Pictures
A BIG thank you to Jo Smith (Headshots Photography) for taking pictures at our 9th Annual Move-A-Thon.  If you were not able to attend and want to check out some pictures, click here.  The password is move.

School Supply Survey
The PTG is looking for feedback on offering families the option of purchasing school supplies online.  The survey will take approximately 3 - 5 minutes to complete.  Click here to participate.  We value your feedback.  Thank you!

The Southern NH Skating Club 
is starting Session 2 of 3 November 7th for their  Learn To Skate Program! It is for all ages and all levels of skating. These lessons are offered 3 days -Sat, Sun, & Mon each week at 2 locations (JFK Coliseum & St. Anselms College). Join in the fun of this wonderful New England activity and be a part of a Christmas show as well as a March Skate Review! It is fun for the entire family! For information and details:
Visit: www.snhsc.com
Email: snhsc@yahoo.com
Call: 485-6144 

Shorty's Fundraiser 
Join the PTG at Shorty’s in Bedford throughout the day on Thursday, November 5th to celebrate “Half Way to Cinco de Mayo”.  Shorty’s will be offering happy hour prices all day long. Let your server know you support the PTG and drop your receipt at the hostess stand. The PTG will receive a portion of the proceeds on all take out and eat in orders (alcoholic beverages excluded) that get put into the box. ole!
 
State of the District
The PTG is hosting “The State of the District with Superintendent Chip McGee” on Thursday, November 5th from 6:30-8p.m. at BCTV. This informative presentation will be followed by a Q&A from the audience. If you have a question you’d like answered feel free to send an email to Greg Girard at bedfordnhptg@gmail.com, all responses will be anonymous.
 
Bedford PTG Holiday Gift Card Fundraiser
The holidays are just around the corner, are you looking for the perfect gift for a friend, neighbor or teacher?  The PTG Gift Card sale is now underway.  We have lots of retailers including local businesses such as The Purple Finch, Canvas Roadshow, T-Bones, Zin Zen Yoga, Copper Door and Wicked Good Butcha!  How does it work? For every gift card you buy, a percentage of the value of the card is donated by the sponsoring retailer to our schools while 100% of the value of the card that you purchased is available for you to spend!  Click here to download an order form today. ORDERS DUE: Monday, November 9, 2015 for Pre-Thanksgiving/Hanukkah Delivery. ORDERS DUE: Friday, December 4, 2015 for Pre-Christmas Delivery.

 Stand By Me at Lurgio is about to celebrate it's 27th year
For those of you who are unfamiliar with Stand By Me, it is a program for Ross A. Lurgio 7th grade students and their parents.  It is run by parent volunteers with support from the Lurgio Middle School staff and the Bedford community.   This day long off campus event, set for May 20th, offers a variety of workshops given by community leaders, motivational speakers, educators, authors and more for students and parents to participate in.
Volunteers (especially those without 7th graders) are needed to help plan this hugely successful event.  If you're interested in learning how you can help, please join us at the next Stand By Me committee meeting on Thursday, November 19th, at 9:15 at Lurgio. For more information you can visit www.sau25.net/standbyme or email Lisa Nash at lisa@eight-stars.com  or Sue Jennato at sjennato@comcast.net.
  
Save the Date: Annual Bedford Ski and Skate Sale
Sale event-Saturday, November 21 from 9:00am-2:00pm
Equipment Drop off-Friday, November 20 from 5:00pm-8:00pm
Check out www.bedfordptg.org for more details.

Have a great night!

Michael Fournier
Principal
McKelvie Intermediate School
108 Liberty Hill Road
Bedford, NH 03110
603.472.3951 (W)
603.472.4503 (F)
"Like" us on Facebook!

Friday, October 23, 2015

10/23/15

Dear McKelvie Families ~

This week our school community experienced a loss.  Bill Moeckel, father of 5th grade student, Kate Moeckel, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday morning. Both Jennifer and Kate Moeckel have demonstrated amazing strength during this difficult time.  As a school, we are planning a food drive in memory of Bill on behalf of the family.  We will be sending out more information next week.  In the meantime, please keep the Moeckel family in your prayers.  Click here for Bill's obituary.

Calling hours are Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. at Lambert Funeral Home and Crematory, 1779 Elm St., corner of North Street, Manchester.  Graveside committal prayers are Monday at 11 a.m. at Bedford Center Cemetery, Church Street, Bedford.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the NH Food Bank, 700 E. Industrial Park Dr., Manchester, NH  03109. 

Polite & Right Raffle
Congratulations!

McKelvie Hosts the Bedford School Board
Next Monday, October 26th, the Bedford School Board will hold their meeting in the McKelvie Library.  The meeting begins at 7pm.  All are welcome.


Move-A-Thon Parent Committee
A HUGE thank you to the following parents who have spent countless hours preparing for Thursday's event: Amy O'Connell, Caryn Butts, Liz Purnell, Jen Cassidy, Jen Theodore, Becky Guibord, & Lisa Wolfinger!  We are GRATEFUL!

Move-A-Thon Teacher Committee
A HUGE thank you to the following teachers who have spent countless hours preparing for Thursday's event: Pam Robert, Naomi Beyer, Deb Ouellette, Sarah Stank, Liz Allen, Danielle Mazzella, Lisa Smith, Sean Donahue, Kim Draper, Diane Zahn, Dawna Cote, Jeremy Opitz, Susan MacMillan, Carolyn Mail, Colby Boppel, Lisa Steere, Mike Brown, Billy Chapman, Nancy Caron, Priscilla McGinty, and Leanne Gould.  THANK YOU!

AM Drop Off
It has come to my attention that AM Drop Off can be hectic and that families have had their cars "clipped".  I know having to wait in line can be frustrating, but being safe must be our first priority.  To make things more efficient, please make sure your child is completely packed and ready to exit the car upon drop off.  Open the door, give a quick kiss, and off they go.  If you need to write a note, discuss after school plans, tie a shoe, or just chat, please park your car and take your time.

Picture Retakes
A reminder that picture retakes are being held Monday, October 26th.  Students will need their original pictures to turn back in that day.

Make Life Sweeter Candy Drive
Beginning the Monday after Halloween (November 2) until the end of the school day on Friday (November 6) with the help of a BHS student, we will be conducting a week-long post-Halloween candy drive. All of the collections will be donated to the New Horizons Soup Kitchen in Manchester. New Horizons gratefully uses these donations as dessert when they serve the homeless, and they also pass it along as a night-time treat to those homeless guests staying in the shelter. The goal of the drive is to make life a little sweeter for those less fortunate. All donations can be placed in the marked box outside the office which will be collected at the end of the school day on Friday.

Bedford PTG 2015 Holiday Gift Card Fundraiser
Finish your holiday shopping early this year by purchasing gift cards through the Bedford PTG to provide support for ALL the Bedford schools with no additional cost to you!

How does it work? For every gift card you buy, a percentage of the value of the card is donated to ALL our schools while 100% of the value of the card that you purchased is available for you to spend!

Order by Monday, November 9, 2015 for Pre-Thanksgiving and Hanukkah delivery and by Friday, December 4th, 2015 for Pre-Christmas Delivery.

Order forms were sent home with your children. Extra forms are available at
www.bedfordptg.org. Any questions, please contact Tammy Goldstein at tammyandjeremy@comcast.net

Drug & Alcohol Prevention - Education & Discussion
Wednesday, October 28, 2015 - 6:30 - 8:30pm
Ross A Lurgio Media Center

Presenters
Tym Rourke - NH Charitable Foundation & Chair, Governor's Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery (and Bedford resident) 
Mary Forsythe Taber - Executive Director, Makin' It Happen Coalition for Resilient Youth
Donna LaRue - Youth Counselor, Lurgio Middle School & Bedford High School

Tym and Mary will talk about what is happening in NH and HOW they know what is happening. They will answer questions and lead discussion about what we can do as parents and a community.

Also in attendance:
Chief Bryfonski, Bedford Police Department
Bill Kassler, Chair, Bedford School Board and parent
Terry Wolf, State Representative and parent
Local pediatricians

Note: The presentation is for adults. All parents and community members are welcome.

In Previous News...

Mid-Afternoon Movie - 10/29
Student Council invites you to October’s Mid-Afternoon at the Movies when we will be showing the movie “HOME.”  This event will be held in the McKelvie Cafeteria from 3:30 - 5:30, and pizza and drinks will be available for those who order ahead of time.  Click here for the flyer with complete information and to print out a permission slip/order form. Orders, payment and permission slips are due to your homeroom teacher by Friday, October 23rd.

6th Annual Witch Way to the 5K! Please consider joining the Ross A. Lurgio Middle School for the 6th annual Witch Way to the 5K on Saturday, October 31, 2015, Halloween day! The kids 1K race starts at 9:30am and the adult race begins at 10am at Lurgio Middle School. For more information, visit http://www.sau25.net/ww5k - registration is now OPEN!

BEF Fall Fundraiser - Shake it Up for Education
Featuring Performances by the BHS Cast of Shake it Up!
Live Auction
Friday, November 6, 2015, 7 PM @ Manchester Country Club
For more information about BEF please check our our website, www.befnh.org.
For tickets to this FUNdraiser, please go to: http://www.seatyourself.biz/befnh

Holiday Craft Fair
Bedford High School proudly hosts a Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday, November 7, 2015 from 9:30-3pm at BHS.  Get a head start on holiday shopping or treat yourself to handmade goods from talented crafters and motivated vendors.  There will be over 90 vendors and plenty of seasonal treats!

Ski Program - Pats Peak​
Bedford students in grades 1 – 12 are invited to take advantage of discounted ski/snowboard lessons at Pat’s Peak Ski Area in Henniker, NH.  This parent run program is geared to give kids the opportunity to learn to ski and snowboard at a ski area perfect for all levels.  This five-week Friday night program includes 1-hour lessons and free ski time until closing each week and costs less than the price of a regular lift ticket.  Discounted lift tickets are available for students who do not need lessons.  The 2016 Bedford Ski Program begins on Friday, January 8th and runs for 5 weeks.  Go to www.patspeak.com.  Click on “Learn to Ski & Ride Program”, “Register Here”.  The username for the 3:30 lesson is bedfordski330 and for the 4:30 lesson the username is bedfordski430.  The password is “carpool”.  More details are available atwww.patspeak.com.  Please contact Carolyn John at ekkoswife@comcast.net if you have questions.

Ski Program - Crotched Mountain
Attention Skiers and Riders!  Registration for the Bedford Crotched Mountain Ski and Ride program is OPEN!
To get your discounted lift passes to a mountain full of great skiing, check out Crotched’s website,www.crotchedmountain.com, and navigate over to Groups & Clubs, then click on school programs. After logging on (using BSD Ski & Ride Club as the club name and bsdmember as the password), you can click on “go shopping” to see the options offered this year.
 
IMPORTANT! Season Pass prices increase Monday, October 12, 2015!
Club Passes increase October 31, 2015!
The Bedford Crotched Mountain Ski and Ride program is available to anyone interested. Our program’s designated night is Fridays, beginning the first Friday after New Year’s and running for 5 consecutive Fridays. Your passes will be available for pick up in December, just in time for gift giving! For more information, contact Isabelle Grenier at isabelleg@comcast.net.  

​Recreational Basketball​
This is a friendly reminder that the 2015-2016 Recreational Basketball is NOW open for registration for Boys and Girls in grades 1st through 8th.  Bedford Recreational Basketball focuses on FUNdamentals of basketball and learning through game play.  This is a great way to keep busy during the winter and allow your child to learn the great game of basketball!  To register go to:  www.bedfordbl.com.  We look forward to seeing everyone on the court!  Also be sure to check your email regarding our “clinic series” that will be hosted on Saturdays leading up to the season!  Once registered you will receive emails on clinic schedule and times.

Have a great weekend,

Michael Fournier
Principal
McKelvie Intermediate School
108 Liberty Hill Road
Bedford, NH 03110
603.472.3951 (W)
603.472.4503 (F)
"Like" us on Facebook!

Friday, October 16, 2015

10/16/15

Dear McKelvie Families ~

The kids are getting close.  They have figured out that if each child raises in the ballpark of $50, they are within reach (they have inferred that corporate sponsors count!) of me plummeting to the earth from a perfectly good plane.  So - we are in the final stretch of raising the funds.  I promise to hold true to my commitment and will even share a video of the event.  I will also be increasing my life insurance policy this weekend.  :)

This week's news below:



Mustache Day with Mrs. Kelly's Class
Check out Mrs. Kelly's class as they show off their mustaches today!  Click here.  A BIG thank you to Mrs. Hauser for sending them in!

Spirit Week @ McKelvie!
Next week is Spirit Week.  Click here for each day and what the kids should wear!

School Pictures
School pictures have arrived!  Teachers will be sending those home today and Monday.  If your child missed their school picture or would like to have a retake, please note that retake day is Monday, October 26th.

Latex Balloons - IMPORTANT
Please do not send students to school with latex balloons.  We have students with airborne and tactile latex allergies.  Mylar balloons are fine.

Mid-Afternoon Movie - 10/29
Student Council invites you to October’s Mid-Afternoon at the Movies when we will be showing the movie “HOME.”  This event will be held in the McKelvie Cafeteria from 3:30 - 5:30, and pizza and drinks will be available for those who order ahead of time.  Click here for the flyer with complete information and to print out a permission slip/order form. Orders, payment and permission slips are due to your homeroom teacher by Friday, October 23rd.

6th Annual Witch Way to the 5K! Please consider joining the Ross A. Lurgio Middle School for the 6th annual Witch Way to the 5K on Saturday, October 31, 2015, Halloween day! The kids 1K race starts at 9:30am and the adult race begins at 10am at Lurgio Middle School. For more information, visit http://www.sau25.net/ww5k - registration is now OPEN!

"The Power of You" Prevention Focused Discussion
This is a roundtable discussion on youth and substance abuse education. Wednesday, October 28th 6:30pm to 8pm at RAL. For more information, click here.

BEF Fall Fundraiser - Shake it Up for Education
Featuring Performances by the BHS Cast of Shake it Up!
Live Auction
Friday, November 6, 2015, 7 PM @ Manchester Country Club
For more information about BEF please check our our website, www.befnh.org.
For tickets to this FUNdraiser, please go to: http://www.seatyourself.biz/befnh

Holiday Craft Fair
Bedford High School proudly hosts a Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday, November 7, 2015 from 9:30-3pm at BHS.  Get a head start on holiday shopping or treat yourself to handmade goods from talented crafters and motivated vendors.  There will be over 90 vendors and plenty of seasonal treats!  

In Previous News...

Ski Program - Pats Peak​
Bedford students in grades 1 – 12 are invited to take advantage of discounted ski/snowboard lessons at Pat’s Peak Ski Area in Henniker, NH.  This parent run program is geared to give kids the opportunity to learn to ski and snowboard at a ski area perfect for all levels.  This five-week Friday night program includes 1-hour lessons and free ski time until closing each week and costs less than the price of a regular lift ticket.  Discounted lift tickets are available for students who do not need lessons.  The 2016 Bedford Ski Program begins on Friday, January 8th and runs for 5 weeks.  Go to www.patspeak.com.  Click on “Learn to Ski & Ride Program”, “Register Here”.  The username for the 3:30 lesson is bedfordski330 and for the 4:30 lesson the username is bedfordski430.  The password is “carpool”.  More details are available atwww.patspeak.com.  Please contact Carolyn John at ekkoswife@comcast.net if you have questions.​

Ski Program - Crotched Mountain
Attention Skiers and Riders!  Registration for
 ​ ​
 the
 ​ ​
 Bedford
Crotched Mountain Ski and Ride program is OPEN!
 ​ ​
 To get your discounted lift passes to a mountain full of great skiing, check out Crotched’s website,www.crotchedmountain.com, and navigate over to Groups & Clubs, then click on school programs. After logging on (using BSD Ski & Ride Club as the club name and bsdmember as the password), you can click on “go shopping” to see the options offered this year. 
 ​ ​
 IMPORTANT! Season Pass prices increase Monday, October 12, 2015!
 ​ ​
 Club Passes increase October 31, 2015!
 ​ ​
 The Bedford Crotched Mountain Ski and Ride program is available to anyone interested. Our program’s designated night is Fridays, beginning the first Friday after New Year’s and running for 5 consecutive Fridays. Your passes will be available for pick up in December, just in time for gift giving! For more information, contact Isabelle Grenier at isabelleg@comcast.net.  ​

​Recreational Basketball​
This is a friendly reminder that the 2015-2016 Recreational Basketball is NOW open for registration for Boys and Girls in grades 1st through 8th.  Bedford Recreational Basketball focuses on FUNdamentals of basketball and learning through game play.  This is a great way to keep busy during the winter and allow your child to learn the great game of basketball!  To register go to:  www.bedfordbl.com.  We look forward to seeing everyone on the court!  Also be sure to check your email regarding our “clinic series” that will be hosted on Saturdays leading up to the season!  Once registered you will receive emails on clinic schedule and times.​

Have a GREAT weekend,

Michael Fournier
Principal
McKelvie Intermediate School
108 Liberty Hill Road
Bedford, NH 03110
603.472.3951 (W)
603.472.4503 (F)
"Like" us on Facebook!