Friday, November 17, 2017

11.17.17

Dear McKelvie Families ~

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for attending conferences.  It was encouraging to see so many families in and out of the school these last two weeks.  As you know, the task of educating our children is not exclusive to the school day.  It is a team effort.  Thank YOU for your part in this important stage of our kids’ lives.  Below are this week’s notes:

Thanksgiving Recess
A reminder that we DO have school on Monday (11/20) and Tuesday (11/21).  We DO NOT have school Wednesday through Friday (11/22 to 11/24).

Move-a-thon Prizes
As you may have heard, we had a  really FUN assembly last Friday to end our annual Move-a-thon.  Click HERE to see our prize winners.  Click HERE for WMUR’s coverage of our event.  Click HERE for the FULL video with Recycled Percussion.

Wear a Hat - Support Hurricane Relief
On Tuesday, November 21st, McKelvie students are encouraged to wear a hat to help hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico.  Students are being asked to donate $1 for the opportunity to wear a hat to school [hats must be school appropriate].  All monies raised from hat day will be donated to All Hands and Hearts - a volunteer relief organization helping to rebuild in Puerto Rico.

Military Holiday Cards
The final day to bring in holiday cards for members of the USS Theodore Roosevelt is Monday, November 21st.  Cards can be of any denomination or simply seasons greetings.  Homemade or store bought, a note of thanks to those deployed over the holidays will mean a lot to our service men and women. Questions can be directed to George Robinson at robinsong@sau25.net

From the Library
As part of the 1:1 Chromebook program, students were asked to bring in a pair of inexpensive headphones/earbuds to leave at school. We want to remind parents that there is an option for students to purchase a pair of inexpensive earbuds (similar in quality to what you would purchase on a plane) from the library for $1.

McKelvie Meets @ the Movies
  • Please join some of the McKelvie Staff at Cinemagic in Merrimack, NH, on Monday, November 20th to view Wonder! (PG 1 hr. 53 min.) We will attend the show @ 7:00 PM.  
  • This much anticipated movie is based on the New York Times Bestseller Wonder by R.J. Palacio. Click HERE to see the official movie trailer.
  • Parents/Guardians are required to stay at the event with their child as McKelvie staff will be coming to view this movie with their family members and will not be available to supervise students. We appreciate your support!
  • Ticket are available through Fandango , Movietickets.com or the Cinemagic website. These sales will be on a first come, first serve basis. We hope to see you and your child(ren) at the movies!

Bedford Food Pantry
You may know that Bedford has it’s own food pantry to help those in our community.  If you or your child are interested in donating, please click HERE.  We will have a box outside the Main Office. Questions about the food pantry can be directed to George Reese at georeese@msn.com.

Tardy & Dismissal Letters
Each quarter McKelvie sends home a letter to families of children who were either early dismissed or tardy in excess of 5 occurrences during that quarter.  This is for informational purposes and should be weighed with the circumstances under which they occurred.

ScreenAgers - Growing up in the Digital Age Screening
“I’ve Got Your Back” (IGYB) would like to invite you to join us for a special screening of ScreenAgers - Growing Up in the Digital Age on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 from 6pm-8pm at Ross A. Lurgio Middle School.  Click here to view the flyer.

Homework Club
Please note that HWC will only be offered on Monday, November 20th of Thanksgiving week.  The club will NOT meet on 11/21.

Cold Weather
Just a reminder that students should wear layers to school with the expectation that they will go outside for recess.  Coats, hats, and mittens/gloves are encouraged.  We use +/-20° (including wind chill) to make the call for indoor/outdoor recess.

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.

Typing Club
Click HERE to see our McKelvie students working hard at Typing Club.

What is Vaping?
NOVEMBER 27 FROM 7 - 8 PM AT THE BEDFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Bedford Police Chief John Bryfonski, Officer “Spike” Donahue and Officer Danielle Nightingale, School Resource Officers at Bedford High School/Ross A. Lurgio Middle School and McKelvie Intermediate School respectively, will give you the facts about vaping. Can you smell it?  Can people vape marijuana? Can people vape other substances?  What does a vape look like?  Where do people get vapes?  Is it legal for kids to vape? In addition, Dr. Joseph Hou, Pulmonologist at Catholic Medical Center, will also provide clinical information on vaping.  Is it addictive?  Is it harmful?  How does it affect young people?  How does it compare to smoking? The 40 minute presentation will be followed by a 20 minute question and answer session.  Get your questions about vaping answered!

From the PTG
SKI & SKATE SALE THIS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18TH - Save​ ​HUGE​ ​on​ ​new​ ​and​ ​used​ ​winter​ ​sports​ ​equipment​ ​&​ ​apparel!
Our annual Ski and Skate Sale will take place on Saturday, November 18th from 9AM-2PM at Bedford High School. Join​ ​local​ ​vendors​ ​bringing​ ​top​ ​name​ ​brand​ ​equipment​, ​both​ ​new​ ​and​ ​used, along​ ​with​ ​our​ ​tremendous​ ​consignment​ ​inventory​ ​of​ ​ski​ ​and​ ​boarding​ ​equipment,​ ​skates,​ ​and winter​ ​apparel​ ​and​ ​outfit​ ​your​ ​entire​ ​family​ ​for​ ​the​ ​upcoming​ ​season!
Drop off items for consignment on Friday, November 17th from 5PM - 8PM.
Visit our Ski and Skate Sale  page to find out more information about the sale and how you can tag and consign your items.
If you would like to sign up to volunteer, please email BedfordPTGSkiSkate@gmail.com.
Items are needed for the bake sale (homemade or store bought), click HERE to donate a baked good.
GIFT CARD FUNDRAISER – ORDERS DUE 11/29 A gift card is the perfect gift for any occasion! Purchasing gift cards through the PTG provides support for the Bedford schools with no additional cost to you! Final order due date isWednesday November 29th.  To download an order form please click here… Gift Card Order Form For more information about this program, click here… Gift Card Program. HAPPY SHOPPING!

MANCHESTER MONARCHS-Discount Tickets
Join the PTG at the Manchester Monarchs Ugly Sweater Holiday Game on Saturday, December 9th, at 6pm as they take on the Royals. Special discounted ticket price of $15 for child or adult! Kids will have a chance to participate in the “high five tunnel” to cheer on the Monarchs players as they take the ice.  Click HERE  for order form and return to your child’s school by Friday, 12/1.
SCREENAGERS: Growing up in the Digital Age Documentary. Join us for a special screening on Wednesday, December 6th 6-8pm at Lurgio. Following the movie there will be a panel of staff and guidance for a discussion and Q&A session.
Are you watching kids scroll through life, with their rapid-fire thumbs and a six-second attention span? The film SCREENAGERS…explores struggles over social media, video games, academics and internet addiction. Through poignant, and unexpectedly funny stories, along with surprising insights from authors, psychologists, and brain scientists, SCREENAGERS reveals how tech time impacts kids’ development and offers solutions on how adults can empower kids to best navigate the digital world and find balance. Visit ScreenagersMovie for more information.
PTG NIGHT AT PANERA BREAD – Take the night off from cooking and stop by Panera at Colby Court on Thursday 12/7, between 4-8pm, a percentage of the proceeds will be donated back to the PTG. A hardcopy of their flyer must be turned in and electronic versions not accepted. You can find a copy of the flyer here: Panera December Flyer
AmazonSmile! Did you know that every time you buy on Amazon, you can support the Bedford PTG?  Simply visit AmazonSmile and select “Bedford NH PTG” as the organization that you’d like to support.  Now, every time you shop at smile.amazon.com, Amazon will donate a percentage to the Bedford PTG.

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!

BeBOLD Board Member

Thursday, November 9, 2017

11.9.17

Dear McKelvie Families ~

This week has been a bit of a whirlwind at McKelvie.  However, we ended it with an OUTSTANDING assembly that included Recycled Percussion!  With all of the videos and pictures that were taken, it’s going to be a few days before I can share more of the details with you (editing, of course).

Please know that WMUR was here filming the event.  While they did not say when their footage would be aired, I suspect it will be on this evening’s news.  Fingers crossed!

I am proud of our kids and proud of Bedford.  Thank you, as always, for making our school and district so special.

NO SCHOOL
A reminder that there is NO SCHOOL tomorrow (11/10) in observance of Veteran’s Day.

Q1 Report Cards
Quarter 1 Report Cards are now available as a pdf through the Parent Portal.  If you are unable to access yours or require a paper copy, please contact your child’s teacher.

Homework Club
Please note that HWC will only be offered on Monday, November 20th of Thanksgiving week.  The club will NOT meet on 11/21.

Cold Weather
Just a reminder that students should wear layers to school with the expectation that they will go outside for recess.  Coats, hats, and mittens/gloves are encouraged.  We use +/-20° (including wind chill) to make the call for indoor/outdoor recess.

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.

From the Library
Thank you to all of the Veterans in the Bedford community for your service and sacrifice! Enjoy the day set aside for you and for all those who have given of themselves.

The McKelvie Library has been busy as we use the States and Regions LibGuide and the Westward Expansion LibGuide to help us research and learn as we take notes. These LibGuides are a curation of resources to help our researchers at McKelvie. A LibGuide created here at McKelvie has links to our eBooks, subscription databases, print sources, images, YouTube videos, and provides MLA 8 Citation examples. These LibGuides are linked to the McKelvie Library Homepage. Be sure to check them out under the "LibGuides" tab



Ski & Skate Design Winner!
Congratulations to Sofia Di Stefano for submitting a design for this years Ski & Skate t-shirt.  Her design was selected and will be featured on the front of this years shirt.  Sofia will also receive a complimentary shirt for her work.  Click HERE for a picture of this years winning design.

Yearbook Cover Contest
Calling all artists! The cover design contest for the 2017-18 McKelvie yearbook is underway. This year's theme is "Today's Learners, Tomorrow's Leaders". Please click HERE for all of the details. Submissions are due by Wednesday, November 15th.

Social Media Help for our Kids
Technology and social media are a big part of our children's daily lives.  Below are some tips to establish healthy limits and routines for your child's electronic access.  
  • Set up media-free times and places, for example during mealtimes, or in your child's bedroom at night.
  • Know what platforms and apps your child is using, and what websites they are accessing online.
  • Be a role model by limiting your media use, and teaching kindness and good manners online.
  • Have your child take a break from social media.  Encourage reading, and unstructured, unplugged playtime.

For more information, check out these resources:

ScreenAgers - Growing up in the Digital Age Screening
“I’ve Got Your Back” (IGYB) would like to invite you to join us for a special screening of ScreenAgers - Growing Up in the Digital Age on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 from 6pm-8pm at Ross A. Lurgio Middle School.  Click here to view the flyer.

Hannaford Helps Schools
If you shop at Hannaford and participate in their “Helps Schools Program,” click HERE for more information.  

Have a Great Veteran’s Day 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!
BeBOLD Board Member

Friday, November 3, 2017

11.3.17

Dear McKelvie Families ~

It has been a good week at McKelvie, albeit a short one!  We had a terrific day in costumes and really enjoyed the creativity shown by students and staff.  As you know, the first quarter of the year ends today.  Our plan is to have electronic report cards available next Friday, November 10th.  Below are the notes for this week:

NO SCHOOL 11/10
A reminder that there is no school next Friday, November 10th in observance of Veteran’s Day.

Q1 Conferences
Please know that each family is invited to conference with your child’s teacher during these next few weeks.  This is an excellent time to check in on academic progress and get a sense of how your child is learning.  Please contact your child’s teacher to schedule a mutually convenient time.

Halloween Pics
Your kids (and the staff) are adorable!  Click the links below to see some great costumes!

MAT Update
A HUGE thank you to our corporate sponsors!  Please take a moment and check them out HERE.

MAT Faculty Thank You…
Thank you to the following McKelvie staff who helped to carry out this year's Move-A-Thon:  Jen Asdot, Naomi Beyer, Mike Brown, Susan Cavanaugh, Billy Chapman, Nicole Conner,  Sean Donahue, Amy Francis, Charlotte French, Leanne Gould, Priscilla McGinty, Kelley Parnell, Jaclyn Parolin, Pam Robert, Lisa Steere, and Diane Zahn. From leading stations, organizing penny wars and the t-shirt contest, and assembling prize baskets, "Thank You" to these teachers who went above and beyond to help with this year's fun and successful event.

New Last Day of School Date
With two days of no school this week, our new last day of school is now Friday, June 15th.

Mid Afternoon at the Movies - ACTION ITEM
Student Council is excited to offer a viewing of Lego Batman on Thursday, November 16th, 2017!  

Our viewing will begin after school (approximately 3:30 pm) and is scheduled to end by 5:30 pm.   Please make arrangements to have your child(ren) picked up by 5:30 pm at the front entrance of the school.

Attendance is free, but “Snack Shop” novelty ice cream treats, chips, and water will be available for $1 each.  Students may bring money to purchase a snack or bring the snack of his or her choice. Proceeds will benefit our school through promoting Student Council activities.

In order to attend, students must bring this completed form to their homeroom teacher by Wednesday, November 15th.

From the Library
Congratulations to our 2nd Search Slip winner of the school year. Many students entered the raffle for the month of October. Noah Cassamassino's Search Slip was pulled! Click HERE to see Noah, his Search Slip, and his prize to put towards a sweet treat!

Many 5th grade classes are beginning to research the overarching topic of Westward Expansion as well as the many subtopics that fall under that umbrella. Click HERE and HERE to see students accessing some of the print sources that we have available for research! The note taking and citing of sources has begun.

McKelvie Meets @ the Movies
Please join some of the McKelvie Staff at Cinemagic in Merrimack, NH, on Monday, November 20th to view Wonder! (PG 1 hr. 53 min.) We will attend the show that will be scheduled close to 7:00 PM. The exact show time will not be determined until Friday the 17th due to this being a new movie release.  

This much anticipated movie is based on the New York Times Bestseller Wonder by R.J. Palacio. Click HERE to see the official movie trailer.

Parents/Guardians will be asked to stay at the event with their child as McKelvie staff will be coming to view this movie with their family members and will not be available to supervise students.

Ticket sales will open up online Friday, Nov. 17th, through Fandango , Movietickets.com or the Cinemagic website. These sales will be on a first come, first serve basis. We will announce the exact show time Friday, November 17th, through Principal Notes. We hope to see you and your child(ren) at the movies!

From the PTG
SKI & SKATE SALE NOVEMBER 18TH - Save​ ​HUGE​ ​on​ ​new​ ​and​ ​used​ ​winter​ ​sports​ ​equipment​ ​&​ ​apparel!
Our annual Ski and Skate Sale will take place on Saturday, November 18th from 9AM-2PM at Bedford High School. Join​ ​local​ ​vendors​ ​bringing​ ​top​ ​name​ ​brand​ ​equipment​, ​both​ ​new​ ​and​ ​used, along​ ​with​ ​our​ ​tremendous​ ​consignment​ ​inventory​ ​of​ ​ski​ ​and​ ​boarding​ ​equipment,​ ​skates,​ ​and winter​ ​apparel​ ​and​ ​outfit​​your​ ​entire​ ​family​ ​for​ ​the​ ​upcoming​ ​season!
Drop off items for consignment on Friday, November 17th from 5PM - 8PM.
Visit our Ski and Skate Sale  page to find out more information about the sale and how you can tag and consign your items.
If you would like to sign up to volunteer, please email BedfordPTGSkiSkate@gmail.com.
Items are needed for the bake sale (homemade or store bought), click HERE to donate a baked good.
GIFT CARD FUNDRAISER – ORDERS DUE 11/29 A gift card is the perfect gift for any occasion! Purchasing gift cards through the PTG provides support for the Bedford schools with no additional cost to you! Final order due date is  Wednesday November 29th.  To download an order form please click here…Gift Card Order Form.  For more information about this program, click here… Gift Card Program. HAPPY SHOPPING!
AmazonSmile!  Speaking of buying gifts, did you know that every time you buy on Amazon, you can support the Bedford PTG?  Simply visit AmazonSmile and select “Bedford NH PTG” as the organization that you’d like to support.  Now, every time you shop at smile.amazon.com, Amazon will donate a percentage to the Bedford PTG.

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!
BeBOLD Board Member