Sunday, February 28, 2016

2/28/16

Dear McKelvie Families ~

Welcome Home!  I hope that you had a wonderful February Vacation.  I worked this week and accomplished great things.  I will fill you in on those accomplishments in this note and others in weeks to come.  We have 8 weeks between now and April break, so let's buckle down and get to it! 

Lost & Found
Yes, our Lost and Found is a veritable collection of Abercrombie, Old Navy, and everything in between.  It will be available for you to look through until Friday, March 4th.  At that time, it will be donated to a social service agency.

National Geographic Bee
Congratulations to Ryan Prendible who has qualified to compete in the State Competition on Friday, April 1, 2016.  Way to go, Ryan!

Traffic Concerns - ACTION ITEM
McKelvie has been contacted by the Bedford Police Department regarding safety issues on Liberty Hill and County Roads.  Below are four easy steps that can help.

1.  Whenever possible, please have your child take the bus
2.  Do not block the intersection of Liberty/County Roads.  If you can't pull into the drive, wait at the SAU parking lot and come back.
3.  Pull ahead.  Far too many drivers are leaving big gaps between cars.  The tighter you pull in, the more cars our lot can handle. 
4.  Arrive at 3:25.  We dismiss at 3:15, which means it takes a solid 10 minutes for students to get to their car and pull away.  If you arrive a little later, traffic is clear and pick up is more convenient.

Q3 Report Cards
As we move through Q3, I want to let you know that we will be piloting digital report cards.  In essence, this means that you will be notified when the digital report card is available on the parent portal.  If needed, you will be able to print your own report card from home.  OR, you may simply let the report card live in the portal until such a time as it is needed.  Upon completion of the pilot, we will solicit feedback.

Placement for 2016/2017 - IMPORTANT
You may have noticed that each year our schools continue to tighten up placement procedures. With increasingly complex schedules, course offerings, and student learning needs, creating a fair and equitable process is of high value to us.  There are two issues related to placement that we want to bring to your attention:

1.  Teacher & Friend requests are generally not honored unless there is a compelling reason to do so.  We do our best to match students with teachers, but do not believe parents should be in the business of selecting their child's teacher.  Further, friendship requests frequently cannot be honored.  As a result, the placement team will articulate specific standards in our annual placement letter (sent home just before April vacation).

2.  We have found that announcing placement on the last day of school has created challenges that can be eliminated if we hold on placement until the beginning of August.  The placement team and faculty will be working through these issues to land on a decision soon.

In Previous News...

Student Council Lip Sync Showdown
The student council will be hosting a Lip Sync Showdown on Thursday, March 24th at 6pm.   Auditions will be held on Wednesday, March 9th.  Students will need music, printed lyrics and a permission form found on the Student Council web page.

PTG at Manchester Monarchs
Come join the PTG at Max’s Superhero Birthday Party at the Manchester Monarchs onSaturday, March 12th at 7p.m. Look for Batman, Superman and other heroes, even come dressed up as your favorite! Kids will have a chance to participate in the “high five tunnel” to cheer on the Monarchs players as they take the ice (just let us know on your order form).  The first 4,000 fans will get a superhero bobblehead! Tickets are priced at the reduced rates of $20/adult and $15/children under 12. Click here to download an order form and return to your school office by Friday, March 4th.  Contact Lisa Nash with any questions at lisa@eight-stars.com.

Have a GREAT Sunday Evening,

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, February 19, 2016

2/19/16

Dear McKelvie Families ~

We made it!  A big thank you to everyone who helped to make this a great week. Between Tech Ed Open House, the BMX Assembly, and the Ice Cream Making experiment in Mrs. Mueller's class, we accomplished a great deal.

My sincere wishes for a restful and family-filled break.  Safe travels for those going near and far!  See you on Monday, February 29th.

Polite & Right Raffle Winners
Congratulations!

Assistant Principal Pope Moving On
Congratulations to Kathy Pope who was recently named Principal of Sanbornton Central School in SAU 59.  Kathy will remain in Bedford until June 30th and begin her new role on July 1st.

McKelvie Art Teacher Excels
Congratulations to Mr. Mike Flint, McKelvie Art teacher!  Mr. Flint earned his MFA from the Vermont College of Fine Arts.  Mr. Flint is a talented painter.  Click here to see what he accomplished through his program.

Tech Ed Open House
Thanks to all for who came to the Tech. Ed. open house; a good time was had by all!
Parents visiting the the 6th grade classes helped build their wind powered cars and some even got to test them out on the track with the fan!
Students in fifth grade taught their parents how to draw 3D rubric cubes using isometric graph paper, and enjoyed designing and building prototypes of roller coasters!

Click on the link to check out the pictures of:
Master roller coaster designers Jill Seichter and Evan Cibotti
Wind Car designer Sam Rogge and his dad

Student Council Lip Sync Showdown
The student council will be hosting a Lip Sync Showdown on Thursday, March 24th at 6pm.   Auditions will be held on Wednesday, March 9th.  Students will need music, printed lyrics and a permission form found on the Student Council web page.

BMX Assembly
A BIG thank you to the Bedford PTG for our assembly on Thursday.  While the kids LOVED the event, the adults indicated that the message was a little muddled.  We will be proving feedback to the company after vacation.  Click here for a fun picture. 

PTG at Manchester Monarchs
Come join the PTG at Max’s Superhero Birthday Party at the Manchester Monarchs onSaturday, March 12th at 7p.m. Look for Batman, Superman and other heroes, even come dressed up as your favorite! Kids will have a chance to participate in the “high five tunnel” to cheer on the Monarchs players as they take the ice (just let us know on your order form).  The first 4,000 fans will get a superhero bobblehead! Tickets are priced at the reduced rates of $20/adult and $15/children under 12. Click here to download an order form and return to your school office by Friday, March 4th.  Contact Lisa Nash with any questions at lisa@eight-stars.com.

The Community Enrichment Program 
The Bedford School District offers evening adult enrichment courses to the Bedford Community. Courses include Watercolor Painting, Languages, Ceramics, Photography and more. Our spring term classes will be posted in a few weeks and you are encouraged to visit our web page  Bedford School District/Community Enrichment Program for our course schedule.  We are always looking for new instructors! If you have a skill or interest that you would like to share please contact the program’s Coordinator, Susan Sambrano by email : sambranos@sau25.net  or by phone: 603-714-4395.

Target Dollars
This week McKelvie received a check from Target in the amount of $1,242.65!  Thank you to everyone who participates in these rewards!  Clearly, they add up!

In Previous News...

BeBOLD: Start the Conversation
I have yet to hear a parent tell me that they expected their kids to try drugs. As a result, I encourage you to attend our meeting on Wednesday, March 16th from 6:30pm to 8:00pm at McKelvie.  This evening is specifically designed for parents of 5th and 6th grade students.  We would like to open this event up to 4th grade parents too.  However, it is for YOU first.  Please RSVP here.

Social Media Alert
I have been overwhelmed this week with information regarding student use of Social Media.  Of particular concern is when someone poses as another student and posts negative information. Please click here for a non-Bedford story that could easily impact our school.

Instagram Account - IMPORTANT
If your child is following an Instagram Account called, mckelviecouples22, please unfollow immediately.  It has been reported that this site has been posting destructive messages.  We are working to have the site taken down.

Monarchs with the Bedford PTG
Come join the PTG at Max’s Superhero Birthday Party at the Manchester Monarchs on Saturday, March 12th at 7p.m.. Look for Batman, Superman and other heroes, even come dressed up as your favorite! Kids will have a chance to participate in the “high five tunnel” to cheer on the Monarchs players as they take the ice (just let us know on your order form).  The first 4,000 fans will get a superhero bobblehead! Tickets are priced at the reduced rates of $20/adult and $15/children under 12. Click here to download an order form and return to your school office by Friday, March 4th.  Contact Lisa Nash with any questions at lisa@eight-stars.com.

Bedford School District Vote 
All voters in Bedford are urged to vote on Tuesday, March 8 from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM at the Bedford High School gymnasium.
These are the key issues to be decided: 
OPERATING BUDGET: The proposed operating budget is $68.3M, a 3.9% increase over this year.  The increase is primarily due to personnel, health insurance benefits, and significant building maintenance.  If the proposed budget were voted down, the default budget would be $2.3M lower.  
SIDEWALK: There is separate article to fund the construction of a sidewalk along Nashua Road from the Bedford High School lower parking lot to the Department of Public Works parking lot.  The cost would be $234,000.
CAPITAL RESERVES: There are two separate articles about our unused capital reserve funds.  One article would discontinue them.  The other would re-purpose those same funds for a building maintenance reserve. The total amount as of June 30, 2015 was $478,518.  Together, these two articles would have no tax impact.
Additional information can be found here
The total estimated tax impact of a "yes" vote on all articles would be $0.66 per thousand, which would be an increase of $198 for the year on a $300,000 home. 


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, February 12, 2016

2/12/16

Dear McKelvie Families ~

Between Valentine's Flowers from FCCLA and Retro Day, I think we ended the week in a good place.  I know the students have been working on the writing prompt, so having a couple of fun events always helps to round out the day!

There are some important points in this week's note.  Please pay special attention to the BeBOLD information as well as the social media news.

Polite & Right Raffle Winners
Grade 6: Hannah Dambach & Bethany Bursey
Congratulations!

Technology Education at McKelvie
Mark your calendar for TECH. ED. open house!
Date: Wednesday, Feb 17
Time: 9am - 12 noon
Location: McKelvie Intermediate School, Room 31
Grade 5 students will be learning how to draw 3D objects (11:15 - noon).  Grade 6 students will be building wind powered cars (9:00 - 11:15) using the design process.

BeBOLD: Start the Conversation
I have yet to hear a parent tell me that they expected their kids to try drugs. As a result, I encourage you to attend our meeting on Wednesday, March 16th from 6:30pm to 8:00pm at McKelvie.  This evening is specifically designed for parents of 5th and 6th grade students.  We would like to open this event up to 4th grade parents too.  However, it is for YOU first.  Please RSVP here.

Social Media Alert
I have been overwhelmed this week with information regarding student use of Social Media.  Of particular concern is when someone poses as another student and posts negative information. Please click here for a non-Bedford story that could easily impact our school.

Instagram Account - IMPORTANT
If your child is following an Instagram Account called, mckelviecouples22, please unfollow immediately.  It has been reported that this site has been posting destructive messages.  We are working to have the site taken down.

Perfection on Wheels 
A BMX Stunt Show, is coming to McKelvie Thursday, February 18th.
Professional BMX athletes will give students positive and encouraging anti-bullying messages during an energetic and action-packed performance of incredible BMX tricks and stunts your students will love! Two performances will take place during afternoon assemblies for all McKelvie students. For more information about Perfections on Wheels visit www.perfectiononwheels.com

Monarchs with the Bedford PTG
Come join the PTG at Max’s Superhero Birthday Party at the Manchester Monarchs on Saturday, March 12th at 7p.m.. Look for Batman, Superman and other heroes, even come dressed up as your favorite! Kids will have a chance to participate in the “high five tunnel” to cheer on the Monarchs players as they take the ice (just let us know on your order form).  The first 4,000 fans will get a superhero bobblehead! Tickets are priced at the reduced rates of $20/adult and $15/children under 12. Click here to download an order form and return to your school office by Friday, March 4th.  Contact Lisa Nash with any questions at lisa@eight-stars.com.

Bedford School District Vote 
All voters in Bedford are urged to vote on Tuesday, March 8 from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM at the Bedford High School gymnasium.
These are the key issues to be decided: 
OPERATING BUDGET: The proposed operating budget is $68.3M, a 3.9% increase over this year.  The increase is primarily due to personnel, health insurance benefits, and significant building maintenance.  If the proposed budget were voted down, the default budget would be $2.3M lower.  
SIDEWALK: There is separate article to fund the construction of a sidewalk along Nashua Road from the Bedford High School lower parking lot to the Department of Public Works parking lot.  The cost would be $234,000.
CAPITAL RESERVES: There are two separate articles about our unused capital reserve funds.  One article would discontinue them.  The other would re-purpose those same funds for a building maintenance reserve. The total amount as of June 30, 2015 was $478,518.  Together, these two articles would have no tax impact.
Additional information can be found here
The total estimated tax impact of a "yes" vote on all articles would be $0.66 per thousand, which would be an increase of $198 for the year on a $300,000 home. 

In Previous News...

McKelvie Yearbooks - ACTION ITEM
Great news!  The 15/16 McKelvie yearbooks are on sale now and can be pre-ordered for only $22. Click HERE for ordering information.  Online ordering is the easiest method; however, if you prefer to pay by cash or check, complete the order form that was sent home today with your student and return it to his/her homeroom teacher with payment. Checks should be payable to McKelvie Intermediate School.

Last Call for Box Tops
Our next collection due date is February 16th.  If you could have them delivered to the school by then, that would be terrific.  There is a box outside the Main Office. Questions can be sent to Stephanie Richard at spare111778@aol.com.  Thank you!

Labels for Education
When you send in your labels for education, please include BOTH the points and the black bars too.  Both are needed for redemption.  Questions can be sent to Stephanie Richard at spare111778@aol.com.  Thank you!

Happy Valentine's Day!

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, February 5, 2016

1/5/16

Dear McKelvie Families ~

Well, that was a surprise!  Our first snow day.  Aside from skiing, I was really hoping to go from fall to spring.  Not the case.  This week's notes are rather slim.  Enjoy the brevity as they will be jam packed in the next few months. 

New Last Day of School is Wednesday, June 15, 2016
 
NO SCHOOL
A reminder that there is no school on Tuesday, February 9th due to the Presidential Primary.  

Student Council Retro Day
Due to today's school cancellation, Retro Day will now be held on Friday, February 12th.

Super Bowl Sunday
While I was hoping for a different arrangement for the 50th, I will revel in maintaining a regular blood pressure (remember last year!?).  Good luck to the Bronco and Panther fans!  I anticipate sleepy faces on Monday.

Groundhog Day
On Tuesday of this week, some of our students decided to do their math work Groundhog Style.  Your kids' imaginations never cease to amaze.  Click here to see an example of a "burrow."

McKelvie Yearbooks - ACTION ITEM
Great news!  The 15/16 McKelvie yearbooks are on sale now and can be pre-ordered for only $22. Click HERE for ordering information.  Online ordering is the easiest method; however, if you prefer to pay by cash or check, complete the order form that was sent home today with your student and return it to his/her homeroom teacher with payment. Checks should be payable to McKelvie Intermediate School.

Don't miss out on a great book of memories from the 15/16 school year.  Order deadline is April 13, 2016.  We will have a small handful of extra books available when the books arrive, but they will be sold on a first come, first served basis and will sell for $25.

Lurgio's Stand By Me Fundraiser- Tuesday February 9, 2016:
Are you looking for something to do with your kids next Tuesday either before or after you vote? How about helping out Lurgio and the students on the Stand By Me committee. They are holding a fundraiser at the new Sky Zone in Manchester! 25% of ticket sales go back to SBM. Come anytime between 10-3 PM, grab a flyer there and make sure to reference the SBM Fundraiser.

In Previous News...

BeBOLD: Start the Conversation - Save the Date - March 16, 2016
There is a new advocacy group in town and they are on the move.  BeBOLD, along with the Bedford School District, Bedford Parent Teacher Group, and McKelvie Intermediate School are hosting a summit specifically designed for parents of 5th and 6th grade students.  Click here for more information.

Last Call for Box Tops
Our next collection due date is February 16th.  If you could have them delivered to the school by then, that would be terrific.  There is a box outside the Main Office. Questions can be sent to Stephanie Richard at spare111778@aol.com.  Thank you!

Labels for Education
When you send in your labels for education, please include BOTH the points and the black bars too.  Both are needed for redemption.  Questions can be sent to Stephanie Richard at spare111778@aol.com.  Thank you!

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!