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Principal’s Pad
Spring at last! Children are excited to be outside playing and chasing
balls. This is wonderful to witness but also creates safety issues. Please
help us address some safety issues we are witnessing as of late. The back
parking lot is for staff only. We have had several near misses with
children walking in the back lot and parents pulling into the lot. From
this point on, we will not allow children to leave school from the
auditorium door (except for those students taking special transportation).
The crossing guard respectfully requests that parents use directionals.
There was another near miss in front of the school. Please remember the
blue zone rules (see blue flyer). Since the weather is nice, parents
should consider allowing children to walk home, or to meet them a block
from the school. This would help ease the traffic congestion and increase
safety for all children.

Even though the weather is nice and children are more likely to come early
to play with friends, I would like to remind parents that children are not
allowed in the classrooms until 8:20. Children have been arriving as early
as 7:40 AM. Parents should be aware that children are not supervised at
this hour and that many staff are not yet in the building. For safety
reasons, please do not let your children arrive at school until 8:00 AM.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

International night was a huge success. Many thanks to the parents who
planned, cooked, danced, played instruments, and orchestrated this
wonderful event. A special thank you to Angela Coffidis, Sheila Linnehan,
Shiranee Wagner and the entire International Committee for their time and
efforts in recreating this wonderful day and evening that celebrate our
many cultures at Franklin. The Mayor enjoyed tasting the foods and
mingling with the Franklin community. We thank him for taking the time to
share with us. Thank you also to the Franklin Physical Educators for
coaching the students and providing the day of dance. The students enjoyed
learning the new dances and sharing them with their parents, guardians,
and other relatives. From morning to night this was a truly enjoyable and
affirming event.

Monte Carlo Night was another successful event. Much time and planning
went into creating this fun-packed fundraiser. Unfortunately, I was unable
to attend but all accounts inform me that it was well attended and fun was
had by all. Congratulations and thanks to the cadre of individuals who
developed, set up, cleaned up, and attended this worthwhile event. What a
fantastic community we have!

From the PTO Co-Presidents,

We would like to express our deepest sympathy to Principal Marchand and her family over the loss last week of her dad.

We have only ONE more PTO general meeting left. This is an important meeting. We will be electing new officers for next years PTO board. If you are interested in any of the executive board positions, let us know and you will be placed on the ballot.

PTO GENERAL MEETING

Thursday, May 13, at 7:00.

Get involved. Meet new friends. Enjoy your time at Franklin.

Have a happy and safe vacatiion,

Your co-presidents,

Linda Witt-Chappell and Kelly Brown

MONTE CARLO NIGHT

Monte Carlo Night was a huge success. We made almost $14,000.00 for the school. Everyone who attended had a great time, the food, the gambling and the bidding were all excellent. There are many people to thank for all their hard work: the committee - Stephanie Cunning, Mark Faulkner, Lenor Mahoney, Lisa Miller, Jane Milne Keen, Orry Panaggio, Isabelle Thacker and Vee Zabrecky; the many parents who both donated and collected various items, the crew who came in and decorated; everyone who helped the night of the event at the door, dealing and cashing out. Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you. A lot of hard work went into this event and it could not have happened without ALL the help we received.

The Class Baskets were a hot item, here's a breakdown:

Ms Joseph's Class made 2 Gardening Baskets $255.00

Ms Keane's Class Beach Basket $100.00

Ms Sheehy's Class Coffee & Tea Basket $110.00

Ms Boudreau's Class International Food Basket $75.00

Ms Curtis's Class Movie Basket $75.00

Ms Devaney's Class Rainy Day Basket $85.00

Ms Busa's Class Sports Basket $150.00

Ms Gart's Class Mexican Basket $135.00

Ms Dischino's Reading Basket $95.00

Ms Levine's Office/School Supply Basket $80.00

Ms Connor's Music Basket $65.00

Ms Galbraith's Travel Basket $75.00

Ms Bennison's Night Out in Newton Basket $185.00

Mr Turner's Cocktail Party Basket $105.00

Ms Kramer's Scratch Ticket Basket $160.00

Again thank-you everyone who helped to make this event fun for all who attended.

The Committee Chairs

Mary Baker and Linda Farina

MANY THANKS . . .

The International Day celebration has been an integral part of the Franklin School community for some years. Parents and staff work together to provide a day of cultural appreciation and fun, which includes dances from around the world, performing arts exhibitions, a visual arts showcase, ethnic food, multicultural story telling, and country booths. The intent is to bring together children and adults in a setting conducive to appreciation for and understanding of the diversity of our community and the contributions and uniqueness of ethnic cultures and traditions. The Committee thanks everyone, both staff members and parents, who were involved in making International Day such a great event for our students, and a fun and an enriching experience for all. Special thanks go to: gym teachers Beth Nohmy and Ken Greenberg for the Dances from Around the World that took place in the morning; art teacher Hadley Lapham for the art exhibit; librarian Julianne Toomy-Kautz for the multicultural story time; custodians Steve O’Brien and Ron Luchi for all their help; Mr. Turner for helping with technology; and to Maria Galvagno, Maria Vitone, and principal Cindy Marchand for their enthusiasm and support. A special thank you goes to all the parents who participated by performing and to all the performers who shared their talents with us, the parents who participated by bringing food, by helping out with the set up and cleaning, and to the parents who volunteered to have a country booth. A special thank you goes to Cindy Mapes for offering her special talents and for acting as MC. We would also like to thank Burger King of Waltham; Party Needs of Waltham and Waltham Paper of Watertown. For the staff breakfast we would like to thank Keltic Crust, Dunkin Donuts in West Newton, Starbucks and Great Harvest Bakery in Newtonville. Thank you to Newtonville Camera and to Maria Galvagno for the film donation. Thank you, xie xie, danke, gahm sah hap nee dah, arigato, mercy, spassibo, obrigado, salamat po, mesi, gracias, grazie to all who attended and helped.

The International Day Committee

SOCIAL ACTION UPDATE
Two upcoming events!
Annual Walk for Hunger
The Franklin community plans to join the Project Bread
Walk for Hunger on May 2nd. We meet at Cleveland
Circle at 12:00 and do the 2 mile walk along with the
other walkers to Newton Center. This is an opportunity
for your child to become aware of and help needy
families across Massachusetts. Pledge forms will be available on the PTO notice board. Please contact Bela if you plan to be there.

Scandanavian Living Center Sing-Along

Join us at the third annual sing-along lead by our own Cindy Mapes at the Scandinavian Living Center. This is an opportunity for children to reach out to others in our community.
May 12th at 3:00: Rehearsal after school.
May 19th at 3:00: Sing-along at Scandinavian Living Center.

Please call or email Bela if your child enjoys singing and would like to participate. We are happy to pick children up from Plowshares and drop them back after the events. Parents are also invited to participate and help.

We are still collecting redeemable cans, plastics, and glass as part of the Technology Fund Drive. We are collecting items that are redeemable in Massachusetts (ex: MA 5¢). Please do not send recyclable, non-redeemable items such as water & milk gallons, juice bottles, etc. Keep those in your green recycle bins at home! Items may be dropped off in the bright blue recycle barrel located inside the school. We will be collecting these items through the month of March. Parent volunteers are needed to return the items. Are you available for one week to return these items at a Redemption Center of your choice? Please email Maria Rufo-Bueno if you can help! Alternatively, children can redeem their bottles with a parent and donate the money by bringing it to the school office.

The annual Franklin School Spring Fair is coming up on Saturday, May 22 (rain date, May 23). There will be live music, games and activities, food, and fun for the whole family! We will also be having a book and tag sale, and a plant sale, so plan to come browse for bargains.

Volunteers needed! We are looking for folks to give us a hand the day of the fair to help us set up, run a booth, flip burgers, take tickets at the moonbounce, twirl cotton candy or take a shift at the tag sale table. You could be the one to hand out balloons while wearing a costume! (How fun is that!) So, if you have some time to offer, even just an hour or two, please call Ruth Comstock (before she calls you). Call soon... those coveted jobs are going fast.

Spring Fair Tag Sale: Find more space at home and contribute to your school at the same time! As you do your spring cleaning, think of donating items to the PTO Tag Sale at the Spring Fair on May 22. Books and CDs, Computer Games, Toys, Sporting Goods, Baby Equipment, or Housewares in good condition. If you have had success at organizing tag sales, we would love your helpful hints or your help on the 22nd. Please call Kim Freedman with any creative ideas or questions.

Truck Wanted: to help at set up and clean up the day of the fair. Help us save PTO $. Contact Pat Doolin.

A World of Sound

Franklin kindergartners discovered the world of sound during a recent Creative Arts and Science program presented by the Science Discovery Museum. Students used their eyes, ears, and hands to learn about different types of sound waves and the tones they produce. Students produced sound vibrations using a variety of familiar household items, then took turns describing the sound frequency of each. They also made and played their own instruments—a laughing cup and a bee buzzer—which they got to take home. According to one teacher, “The kids have been learning about senses and hearing as part of the curriculum. They thought it was great!”

Fifth Grade Wellness & Fitness
During the month of May, the fifth grade classes participated in a unit focusing on fitness. As part of a daily warm-up routine involving strength training, the students used canned goods in place of traditional dumbbells or free weights. The canned goods were donated by the students. When the fifth grade classes were finished using the canned goods, we donated them to the Food Pantry at the Newton Public Health Department. A big thanks to all the families that donated canned goods and a very special thanks needs to go out to Lauren Lob and her family for making a very generous donation of canned goods for this project.

The students also were involved in discussions where we talked about how to safely make and use everyday household items that can be substituted for expensive fitness equipment. Find out what these items are by talking with your fifth grader and maybe this can a fun family project!

Check This Out!
A second grader in Ms. Dischino's class, Max Proskauer, brought in this fantastic granola bar recipe as his birthday treat to share with his
classmates. What a yummy alternative to a cupcake or brownie. We hope you enjoy this as much as we did - Way To Go Max!

Max's Granola Bars
1/2 cup butter (or 1/4 cup butter, 1/4 cup peanut butter)
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup flour (wheat works)
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 ts. cinnamon
2 cups rice krisp cereal
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup dried fruit bits
1/2 cup sliced almonds

Heat oven to 350 degrees
coat a 9x13 inch pan with non-stick cooking spray
melt butter in a large pot over low heat
remove pot from heat and whisk in sugar, honey, flour, vanilla and cinnamon
transfer to baking pan and press firmly into pan using wax paper
bake for 20 minutes until golden
allow to cool 1 hour
transfer to rack, cool completely
cut into bars and eat!

Franklin Friends Return

Saturday and Sunday, May 15 & 16, Franklin Friends gather again as one of many teams helping to raise research funds for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. The event starts at 7:00 pm at Newton North High School track. Candle service starts after sunset. Team members take turns walking the track throughout the night. Join us. For team and event info, call Allan Cohen, Alison McCarty, Diane Cabrera, or Ellen Bradley or e-mail Allan.

Angela Torcasio – Hair Stylist and Owner of DREAMS HAIR SALON at 561 Moody Street, Waltham (formerly of Supercuts in Auburndale) is offering a promotion to the Franklin School Community (Students, Teacher and Families). Angela will give the PTO $2.00 for each Haircut she does on a member of the Franklin School Community. This money will go to the Technology Fund.

Franklin parent Cindy Mapes and Sue Kranz perform with their women's singing group, "Constellations," at the New England Folk Festival (NEFFA) on Saturday, April 24 from 7 to 8 p.m. (in the Music Room). They’ll perform original and traditional material, including songs from various cultures, with lots of harmony. NEFFA takes place at Natick High School in Natick; folk music, dance, crafts, and food make for a fun weekend (April 23-25). Go to www.neffa.org for more info.

April is Jam-packed with Fun at theFranklin School Library Media Center!

Did you know that April is not only School Library Media Month, but also National Poetry Month, National TV Turn-Off Week (April 19-25), and Earth Day (April 22)? There are some exciting things happening in the library media center to celebrate these events.

School Library Media Month is a national initiative, sponsored by the American Library Association and the ALA's School Library division. Closer to home, Governor Romney has proclaimed that April is Library Month. The proclamation reinforces the vital roles that libraries play in
our society. One way to celebrate would be to donate a gift book to the Franklin School Library Media Center for a child's birthday or in honor of a teacher or staff member. In our school library media center, we are celebrating School Library Media Month with a bookmark contest. Everyone
wins when they plan and create a bookmark based around the theme of "What's AWESOME about our school library media center?"

The 10th Annual National TV Turn-Off Week will take place from April 19-25, 2004. Help your children to realize that life without television can be even more fun! Make a list of activities you can do with your children or see Mrs. T-K in the Library Media Center for a list of "101 Substitute Activities During TV Turn-Off Week." Here are a few
suggestions from the list: visit your local library, listen to a concert, go to a picnic, read, travel, paint a picture or mural, sing, read magazines or newspapers, cook, go to a museum, start a diary or journal, go bowling, make crafts, write a letter to your favorite author. The list contains 101 activities, but the ideas are endless! You can find more
information about National TV Turn-Off Week at http://www.tvturnoff.org/

Earth Day is April 22nd ! You can help make our Earth a better place! We will be sharing stories with Earth Day themes after April vacation with most grade levels. This is a chance to help children think about their environment in a fun and creative way. You can find more information
about Earth Day at the EarthDay Network website http://www.earthday.net/

Julianne Toomey-Kautz, Library Media Teacher
Franklin Elementary School
125 Derby Street Newton, MA 02465
617-559-9492

With the increased amount of books being checked out from the library, we could really use more parent volunteers to help with the load. If you have even 30 minutes free, please visit the library and help. Contact Joyce Lob for more information.

Last year the 4^th and 5^th grade students created the designs for the Franklin School T-shirts, and this year it is going to be teacher handprints and signatures on the T-shirts.

T-shirts are $10 each and are available in blue, yellow and red. To order yours, please fill in the form that will be given to your child at the beginning of May and return it with your payment.

Newton Public Schools and the Newton Health Department present “Life Threatening Allergies: An Educational Evening with Dr. Michael Young,”on Wednesday, April 28 from 7:00 - 8:30 PM, Oak Hill Middle School Auditorium

130 Wheeler Road, Newton, MA. Dr. Young is Assistant Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Children’s Hospital Boston.

The Newton Parent Advisory Council for Special Education (PAC) serves as a parent resource and a liaison between parents and the administration. We hold monthly meetings at 7:30PM at the Education Center, 100 Walnut St. All parents, teachers, specialists and others are welcome. The next PAC meeting is on Thursday April 29 in Room 210 at the Education Center. Transition experts from three adult agencies, Mass Rehabilitation Commission, Mass Dpt. of Mental Retardation, and the Mass Dpt. of Mental Health will discuss transition from high school to adult services. Please come to learn and ask your questions. Start preparing for your child’s move from school to adult services at age 22 or high school graduation.

The May PAC Meeting is on Wednesday, May 26 in Room 210. Stephanie Powers will speak on Functional Behavior Assessments.

The Partners for Youth with Disabilities (www.pyd.org) Parent Group invites you to hear Attorney Michael Bass discuss special needs trusts and guardianship in Brighton, MA on Friday, April 30 at 7:30 PM. For more information contact Leslie Lockhart at newtonspedpac@hotmail.com

Brigham and Women's Hospital and the Faulkner Hospital are offering several workshops/seminars around Boston. Two local ones are listed below. For more information please call 1-877-BWF-5773 or go to ww.brighamandwomens.org/classes
*Put An End To Emotional Eating, Tuesday, May 18th 7-8:30. Newton Free Library, 330 Homer Street, Newton Center
*Women And Cancer: Know Your Risks, Thursday, May 20th 6:30-8pm. Brigham And Women's Ambulatory Care Center, Suite 420, 850 Boylston Street (Route 9 East), Chestnut Hill.

Free event sponsored by the Newton PTO Council
Join us Monday, May 3rd from 7:00-9:00pm at Brown Middle School Auditorium to hear Dr. Robert Brooks, a leading speaker on the themes of resilience, self-esteem and motivation describe factors that help children and adolescents deal effectively with stress. Learn strategies to nurture and foster resilience in our children and adolescents. Dr. Brooks has co-authored the acclaimed Raising Resilient Children, Nurturing Resilience in Our Children: Answers to the Most ImportantParenting Questions and The Power of Resilience.

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Summer Speech and Language Program
Emerson College, Dept. of Communication Sciences & Disorders, is offering a 6-week speech and language therapy program to students in the City of Newton with documented need for services. Supervised graduate students in speech-language pathology will provide individual therapy twice a week from July 6th through August 13th at the Education Center, 100 Walnut St. The fee is $325.00 for 12, 1-hour sessions. Spaces are limited. Applications will be available from school speech-language pathologists in late March or by contacting Shelley Lipschultz at Emerson College,(617)824-8314.

As part of Newton Serves Day on Sunday, April 25, 2004, the Newton Recycling Committee will be holding a "Trade and Recycling Day" event at the Rumford Avenue Recycling Depot. The following items may be either picked up or dropped off between 9-2PM: contruction/house improvement materials, bicycles, sneakers, books, air conditioners, computers and electronics, white goods, flourescent tubes, mercury thermometers, and items normally collected in a green recycling bin (except yard waste). For a more comprehensive list or more information, please contact City Hall at 617-796-1000 or ReuseRecycle@aol.com.

CALL FOR NEWTON CRAFTERS AND VOLUNTEERS! Third annual CELEBRATE NEWTON! HOLIDAY ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL will take place on Sunday, November 14th at Newton South High School. For the past two years, this PTO-sponsored event has attracted shoppers and spirit from across the city, and this year's fair promises to be even better. The day will feature artists, crafters and vendors with ties to Newton, along with onsite craft projects, live music, a silent auction and much more. If you are interested in participating as a crafter, please contact Sara Coen . (First-round applications will be due by May 31st.) If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Jamie Chaloff. ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE NEWTON SCHOOLS.

April 29 is Movie Night at West Newton Cinema, to benefit Family Day Care System at Newton Community Service Centers. Enjoy the first evening movie of your choice for $10, including popcorn and a drink! All proceeds benefit Family Day Care. For more information on Family Day Care or Newton Community Service Centers, please visit our website at www.NCSCweb.org. To purchase tickets in advance, please call Judy Weinstock at 617-969-5906 x.115.

A Step Ahead Basketball: Two programs April vacation. Location: Brown Middle School Date: April 20, 21, 22. Boys & Girls, ages 7-15 Time: 1:00 - 5:30

Mondays, five 1-hour classes for boys and girls ages 4-15. June 7 – July 6 at the Leo J. Martin Memorial Golf Course in Weston.

Monday-Friday one-week clinic July 26-July 30 at the Stone Meadow Golf course, 675 Waltham St, Lexington. ½ day or full day, for boys and girls ages 6-12.

For more information on either program, contact Kevin Burns at 617-969-5906, X 181.

Riding Instruction, lesson horses available, Indoor and outdoor rings, now accepting students 8-80 years old, first timers to open jumper, now you can learn to ride even if you don’t own a horse. Weekdays and evening times open. Horsemanship camps will be available this summer! Evergreen Equestrian Ctr, 179 Highland St Holliston, MA 01772. Call 508 429-9550 to set up a lesson!

Kids yoga at prana power yoga: Thursdays at 3:30 ages 6-10. Classes are 50 minutes $110 for session ($11 per class). Call 617-641-YOGA 282 Centre St., Newton Corner

HEARTBREAK HILL YOUTH RACE!. Youngsters ages 9 – 18 will have the opportunity to run the world famous Heartbreak Hill for a sanctioned mile at the 12^th Annual Newton Heartbreak Hill International Youth Race which will be held Sunday, April 18, from Noon to 3 PM.

A Pasta/Pizza party will be held Saturday, April 17, at 5:30 PM in War Memorial Auditorium of Newton City Hall for runners and their families. Frank Shorter, Olympic Gold and Silver Medallist will be the keynote speaker.

Race registration forms are available in each school or can be accessed on the web:

ci.newton.ma.us/parks then scroll to 2004 Heartbreak Hill Race. For further information call 617 796-1540.

April Vacation Camp @ Fessenden School

April 19-23, 9am-2pm (am only option 9am-12 for ages 7-10). Boys and Girls Ages 7-14

Watertown,ma. 02472

Newton Parks and Recreation Department is offering 3 April vacation programs: Family Night at West Newton Cinema on Tues., 4/20 and Wed., 4/21; Funtastic Programs for children in grades 4 and above from 4/20 to 4/22, 9:00 – 3:00 p.m; and Museum of Science Overnight Camp for children in grades 3-6, Th., 4/22 – noon Fri., 4/23. For more information, visit www.ci.newton.ma.us/parks or call 617-796-1529.

Please note that ads do not constitute PTO endorsement of products or services.

Are you looking for an experienced tutor to help your child with schoolwork? We will deliver the perfect tutor with the right expertise to help your child reach his fullest potential in school. Teachers To Go, Inc. is a local, private in-home tutoring service. Our certified teachers have experience in all grades and subjects. Please call (617) 964-6401.

Baby sitter available. I love children and have a lot of experience babysitting. I am available weekday mornings and weekends! Please call Clemencia at 617-969-6822.

Need a helping hand? Need help at birthday parties? Someone to help with homework? Maybe just a fun babysitter? Michaela Bethune is an experienced 11-year old babysitter who is available to sit for children ages 1-9. Call her today at 617-964-1272.

Need childcare this summer? Experienced caregiver offers full or part day care for children in grades 1 through 8. Former Franklin School parent. References available. Call Kim Cox at 617-965-1147.

Tiny Tots has 1, 2 or 3-day spots available for children ages 1-3. Half or full day openings. Call Cathy 617-244-5157.

Painting services: Now is the time to call Peter Conley of Summit Painting for that color change in your home (a Newton school parent). 617-965-9816.

Handyman Al. Electrical, carpentry, plumbing, tile, and more. Licensed, reliable, affordable. Excellent references. 617-244-5157.

Got Bugs? We do! Bugworks can bring the wonderful world of bugs to you! We specialize in educational enrichment programs for schools, libraries, scout meetings, fundraising events, birthday parties and more. Call 617-365-8334 or email madbugworks@aol.com for a brochure or more information. Put our bugs to work for you!