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!

Friday, October 9, 2015

10/9/15

Dear McKelvie Families ~

Is it me or are the weeks just flying by?  I can't believe it is Friday again!  We completed our All School Read today and the kids were amazing.  We are fortunate to have such wonderful students and families.  I, for one, am grateful.  Below are this week's updates:

Polite & Right Raffle Winners
Grade 5 = Ava Boll & Emily Stabell 
Grade 6 = Evan Perry & Madison Riso
Congratulations!
*Note: Our google domain was down today, so I will include this week's picture later in the week.  My apologies as the picture was very cute!

Columbus Day Observance
A reminder that there is NO SCHOOL on Monday, October 12th in observance of Columbus Day.

Substitute Opportunity
Have you ever thought about subbing, but have not been brave enough to take the plunge? Well, it's time to take that plunge.  We are looking for people who can be confidential, patient, kind, and follow a lesson plan.  AND - do that in a supportive environment with amazing students.  If you are interested, click here and start your application process.  We will even do our best to have the interview at McKelvie.

Holy Chorus, Batman!
The McKelvie Chorus is the BIGGEST it has ever been!  We have 112 singers this year.  Click here to see all of them - well, almost all of them.  There are 22 missing.  Not to worry, there will be other pictures.

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!
Yes - there was a bear sighting on Wednesday around the noontime hour in the vicinity of McKelvie.  As a result, we called PWS, RAL, & BHS to notify them and ran indoor recess. Additionally, we contacted Animal Control.  The students and staff were perfectly safe, but I like to make sure that you are in the know when these types of situations occur.

Chipolte
A HUGE thank you to everyone who participated in the Chipolte event on Wednesday.  Can you believe we earned $800?  Wow.  I guess that's one step closer to me stepping out of a perfectly good plane. :)

Move-a-thon
The Move-A-Thon is coming October 22nd!  This fun, fundraising event is our school's only fundraiser.  We appreciate your support as we raise money to purchase items to enhance our student's learning experience at McKelvie.  

This is a great weekend to have your children reach out to family and friends for sponsorships.  Our principal has kindly been coerced to throw himself out of an airplane if our students raise $40,000.00 - every little bit helps us reach our fundraising goal!

We do offer FANTASTIC prizes to our students to reward their fundraising efforts.  For the top 5 fundraisers at each grade level they can choose from:  a limo ride home from school, a Go Pro Camera, a Chromebook, a suite at the Harlem Globetrotters, or a suite at the Manchester Monarchs.  

For every $10 in pledges a student raises, they earn the chance to win a prize from a raffle basket of their choice.  These baskets include:  a ride to school in a police car, golf passes, pizza party pass, Launch passes, movie tickets, indoor rock climbing passes, ski passes and many more.  Look for more information to come out regarding prizes!!

Move-a-thon Volunteers Needed
We are looking for some additional volunteers for the Move-A-Thon!  Take a moment to sign up and help out at this event on 10/22 (rain date of 10/23).  The Volunteer Sign up link is HERE for 5th Grade and Here for 6th Grade.

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 2, 2015

10/2/15

Dear McKelvie Families ~

Have you heard?  Each year I am asked to do something a little over the top as a way of motivating kids.  I've been slimed, dunked, and silly-stringed (is that a verb?).  This year, I have been asked to jump out of a plane.  I am not kidding!  So - if the school hits $40K (last year we made 46), the kids will get to watch a video of me participating in a tandem jump. It makes me wonder if $39,999 would be a win-win for everyone!  I will keep you updated. Yikes!

Move-A-Thon - ACTION ITEM  
This event is our school's only fundraiser.  The students move for one hour here at school on 10/22.  Registration is going on now, if you have not registered your child for an event, please do so at this link.

Now is the time for your student to start asking family and friends for sponsors!.  Our school is raising money to purchase additional Chromebooks for student use and to create an outdoor learning space in our McKelvie courtyard.  Last year McKelvie students raised over $40,000!!  This year if we reach $40,000.00  Mr. Fournier and other McKelvie faculty are going to jump out of a plane (and we will show the video to the students). 

The sponsor sheet can be accessed at this link or additional copies are available at the school's main office.

Polite & Right Raffle Winners
Congratulations!

World Smile Day
A big thank you to Sari Stein's late great grandfather for giving us the smile for World Smile Day.

Supermoon
If you viewed the moon last Sunday, it was likely a very cool experience.  Have you considered what it might have looked like over Boston?  Well, thanks to the talent of former McKelvie student, Sam Carkin (yes, Mrs. Carkin's son), we have an incredible picture for you to see.  You do NOT want to miss this.  Click here.

Floppy the GIANT bunny
Last year, Marie Hamill shared with me that she has a pet named Floppy.  Floppy is no ordinary pet - he is a HUGE bunny rabbit.  Earlier this week, Marie brought the bunny to school (with her dad) to introduce to me.  Click here to check out Floppy!

McKelvie & the Deerfield Fair
Congratulations to the following students who are participating in the Art Show at the Deerfield Fair!
Grade 6 = Christy Elliott & May Zheng
Grade 5 = Nolan Arnold & Thea Sarajlic

Destination Imagination - Registration is Closing 
Anyone interested in participating on a DI team this year, should register before Wednesday, October 7th. Please email our coordinator, Marie Russell at bedfordrocksdi@gmail.com, if your child is interested in this program.  
You can find more info on www.nh-di.org or www.idodi.org. 

FCCLA
The McKelvie FCCLA is off to a great start. Our 2015-2016 NH FCCLA theme "Shoot for the Stars with FCCLA" will be showcased at the NH Fall Rally Leadership conference in October. Members are also using the national theme "Empower Me" in their year long STAR events.

The Southern NH Skating Club 
is starting its first of 3 sessions this weekend for their Learn To Skate Program! It is for all ages and all levels of figure and hockey 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:
Call: 485-6144
Visit: www.snhsc.com
Email: snhsc@yahoo.com

Bedford Basketball League
Sign ups for BBL are now in process.  Click here to learn more and register.

Coffee with the Principals
On Thursday, October 8th, Bedford Principals will be giving an update at BCTV starting at 9:30am.  The program lasts approximately 90 minutes and is recorded to be played on BCTV.  There is no specific theme - just what is happening at the schools. Questions can be posed at the end.  Questions can be directed to Greg Girard at gmgirard@gmail.com

Science NECAP - Grade 5 Only
Last spring, forth grade students participated in the Science portion of the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP).  The results are now in.  If your child was in Bedford last spring, they will receive a copy of the report in their VIP folders.  Click here to see the letter of explanation.

Mother-Daughter Service Opportunity
The National Charity League Inc, Southern NH chapter is currently in the midst of their membership drive for their year starting this spring.  This is a mother-daughter philanthropic group focused on developing leadership skills through cultural development and community service.  The organization is in its 4th year in our area and is made up of moms and their daughters in grades 7-through 12.  It has grown to almost 200 members! Right now, there is space for current 6th, 7th and 9th graders.  Please consider attending one of the upcoming information nights on October 14th at the Bedford Safety Complex at 6pm or November 17th at the Bedford library at 6 pm.  Bring your daughter so you can both hear all about our dynamic program!  You can email the VP membership, Jo-Anne Johnson at jojohnsonnh@gmail.com with further 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!