Slight Enrollment Changes, Johnny the K, and Electronic Backpack Notices

Enrollment Changes: has seen an increase of about 35 students in their student enrollment this year. Principal Scott Bazydlo attributes this to the fact that Peaslee now has the half day Kindergarten program for the town. It was previously held at Proctor School.

has experienced a slight decrease in their student enrollment this year per Principal Margaret Donohoe. “Some families moved out and others moved in.” Enrollment went from 315 to 294 students.

No Damage from Irene: Both Bazydlo and Donohoe were happy to report that although there were some branches down and the power was lost from Tropical Storm Irene, there was no significant damage to the building or school grounds.

Johnny the K Enrichment Program: Proctor staff and students were enthusiastically entertained by John Kelleher, otherwise known as Johnny the K, this week. He is an award winning musician, teacher and entertainer.

Previously a fourth grade teacher for ten years, he has now been all over the country and in Canada for the past 23 years with his musical program emphasizing building character and respect.

“I always had a guitar in the classroom,” said Kelleher. “Music is just another way to reinforce messages.”

Using his guitar, a fantastic sense of humor and a variety of themed hats, his message was clear: each one of us can make a difference in school and at home.

One hat he chose to wear was in the shape of a wrapped gift. Although the students thought it was a funny hat, his message was that everyone has special gifts inside of them.

Throughout the program, a slide show and signs were shown with inspirational sayings such as “Attitude is Everything,” “Together We Make it Better,” “Stand Tall, Be Strong, Be Confident,” and “Gratitude is the Attitude.”

He took popular songs, sometimes improvising the words to the tune, to go along with promoting his message. The musical presentation was well received by the students and staff.

Johnny the K will also perform for students on Friday.

Remembering 9/11: Most of the schools are doing something to remember the tragic events  a decade ago on 9/11. At Proctor, if weather permits, there will be an All School Gathering at the flagpole outside on Friday. Peaslee is planning a moment of silence on Monday morning to remember the events and lives lost .

Late Buses: The start of the school year always presents some issues with the buses until everyone becomes more familiar with the routes and schedules.

“We recognize several buses have been running later than we’d like in the afternoon,” said Bazydlo. “District staff members are working diligently to continue to improve bus run efficiency. I expect continued improvement.”

Applefest Parade: All of the elementary schools have plans to march in the annual Applefest Parade to show their school spirit. Families are encouraged to participate. Line-up is at 11:15 am at Lincoln Street School on Sept. 17. An adult must accompany each child.

PTO Sponsored Applefest Program: The elementary schools’ PTOs are co-sponsoring Animal Adventures on Friday, Sept. 16 from 6 pm to 7 pm. This event is free and will be held at Melican Middle School as part of the Applefest weekend. Animal Adventures is a traveling show of marvelous animals, bugs, reptiles and amphibians that all ages can enjoy.

Going Green: In an effort to lower the use and cost of paper, schools are now posting their backpack notices and newsletters electronically.  Parents are encouraged to visit the particular school websites frequently to keep up-to-date on important information and dates.

All Those Forms: Parents all know about the writer’s cramp they have after filling out all the new school year forms, especially if they have more than one child in the school system. Is there a way to automate the information that is repeated on more than one form?

“The district is always looking to improve and go green when possible,” said Bazydlo. “While this isn’t something we’re doing immediately, it may well be in the future.”

Mark Your Calendar: Elementary schools will have a half day on Sept. 22 due to the open house schedule for that evening. Melican Middle School will have a half day on September 21 for the same reason.

In observance of Rosh Hashanah, there is no school on Sept. 29.

This column will highlight some of the schools’ many special programs, speakers, events, and community service projects.  If you are aware of a program that you would like featured in this column, please email Liz Nolan at lizard211@gmail.com.