Forging Ahead at Williams-Cone!

I know it's hard to believe, but spring is right around the corner! Before we get too excited about warmer weather, however, we have a lot of excitement going on RIGHT NOW at Williams-Cone!

• Congratulations go out to MORGAN ALLARD and LYNDSEY HANNAH for winning art entries in the 2011 Maine Recycles Calendar!!!
• Kids Academy Talent Show set to begin the week of 2/14 instructed by music educator Susan Brown.
• Kids Academy Children's Garden will begin the week of April 25th. This after school program will have the children taking part in expanding our garden.
• SPIRIT WEEK! The week of February 14th...look to order carnations, wear crazy hair or crazy hats, show your school spirit by wearing red and white and participate in backwards day! Look for information in backpacks.
• ROLLERWORLD NIGHT Thursday 2/24 during February Vacation

What can YOU do to help???

• Grant a "teacher wish." These wishes are often as simple as reading in class for an hour. FMI email Holly Kopp or Lynn Sirois
• Look up our school at Donors Choose to see if you can help a teacher with a request of an item. Mrs. Dunn and Mrs. San Pedro have both been successful with this site in getting items for their classrooms.

What's to come?

• Be on the look out for COIN QUEST 2011!
• School Spruce up Day is being held on Saturday, April 9th
• Staff Appreciation Week
• 5K Run
• Spring Book Fair
• Spring Picture Day

Remember to check back often to see how YOU can help make our school a FUN PLACE TO BE!

Busy Season!

It's been quite a winter so far! We've had a lot of snow, a lot of snow days and a lot of fun!

If you're wondering what Friends has been up to, here's a list of what we did in 2010:

• Parents and Staff painted 4 classrooms over the summer
• First Day of School Breakfast
• Ice Cream Social
• Bus Driver Appreciation Week
• Book Fair
• Picture Day
• Playground Clean-up Days
• Harvest of the Childrens Garden

And what about MONEY???

• The Williams-Cone Craft Fair was a success resulting in the creation of an Art Enrichment Fun worth $1170 for Williams-Cone Students
• We earned approximately $1200 from the annual Art Fundraiser
• We raised about $3600 from the Pasta Dinner and Basket Raffle

And how can YOU help?

• Get involved with our new Healthy Learning Environment Initiatives at Williams-Cone
• Purchase Hannaford Gift Cards (notices go home with your children monthly)
• Donate old cell phones, ink and toner cartridges
• Collect Box tops

and most importantly....
VOLUNTEER! You may think you have nothing to offer, but you do. An hour of your time is like gold in our school. Ask around, see what you can do to make Williams-Cone a GREAT PLACE TO LEARN!

Craft Fair THIS SATURDAY! 10-30, 9am-3pm

Wet-felted acorns will be for sale on Saturday!

This is a fair you will NOT want to miss!

The children in grades 2-5 have been hard at work for the past 5 weeks creating art to sell at the fair. All of the money raised will support arts enrichment at Williams-Cone School. The 4th and 5th graders will be working at their table and selling all of the children's-made art.

There will be over 30 professional crafters, a bake/lunch sale, a 50/50 raffle...so much fun!

Please come out and support our school!

Welcome Fall!

Fall is upon us! The air is crisp, the leaves on the trees are changing color and things are getting busy at Williams-Cone School!

Did you know that we have a Children's Garden at Williams-Cone? Last spring we planted carrots, tomatoes and flowers and just recently  have been harvesting the "fruits of our labor." Check out the garden for yourself, it is located just to the left of the school entrance.

Summer brought lots of branches and fallen debris on the playground. A group of volunteers came in at the beginning of the school year and cleaned up the playground to make it safer and more pleasing to our children. A BIG thank you to them!

Even though things are turning "orange" outside, we are becoming more "green" at Williams-Cone. How?
1. 4 classrooms were painted with VOC-free paint earlier in the year.
2. We are encouraging email use (you can get the Principal's Newsletter via email!) to cut down on paper usage.
3. We are starting to recycle ink cartridges, cell phones, digital cameras and laptops. We'll keep you informed about our new recycling program as it unfolds.

We have also welcomed our new School Improvement Coordinator, Monique Barker. Monique will be working with the school to help us create healthy learning environments for our children.

Hard workers at Williams Cone School

A lot of parent volunteers helped paint classrooms at the school earlier in the year. Thank goodness for our dutiful volunteers!

Painting slideshow

URGENT: Public Hearing May 13th WE NEED YOU!

Our School Board is considering contracting out for custodial services.  Possible questions to ask are

1)Will sub-contracted custodians have background checks?

2) Will sub-contracted custodians be ever changing in a school and therefore have less ownership in the cleanliness and safety of our schools?

3) If custodians are contracted out, will bus drivers and kitchen staff be next? 

There is a public hearing at the May 13^th budget meeting to be held in Room 201 at the high school.  This is an opportunity to voice your concerns.  You may also choose to discuss the issue with school board members.  Their names and contact information can be found on the district website.

Yardsale Fundraiser Saturday, May 15th

You know that old adage "one man's trash is another man's treasure?" Well, your trash might well be your school's treasure.

We're asking our school community to clean out your homes and bring us items to add to our yard sale. We'll be collecting your gently used items THIS SATURDAY, May 8th from 9am-12noon. Please email us for more information.

Your Voice Is Needed!

Public Budget Forum Meeting

Tuesday, April 6th at 6:30pm

Williams Cone School

The MSAD 75 School Board is trying to figure out what to do with our 2nd grade. We have too many students for our 2 existing classrooms. They are seriously considering moving to a multi-age classroom where the 2nd and 3rd graders will be lumped together.

This solution is not good for our school, our teachers and, most importantly, our students.

What we need is another teacher.

Please come to the public budget forum and help us, the parent body of our school, encourage the School Board to grant us money in our budget to hire an additional 2nd grade teacher.

This meeting will be your opportunity to hear what the School Board has in store for our school as well as give you the chance to ask questions of the Board.

If you cannot attend the meeting and have concerns that you would like communicated, please email Holly Kopp:

hollykopp@suscom-maine.net

Looking for a GREAT way to spend 20 minutes?

Read to a child at Williams Cone!

We have "wish lists" from teachers who would love some extra help for the kids in their classrooms. All it takes is about 20 minutes of your time.

20 minutes and you can have a positive impact on the life of a child at the school.

Please email Holly to find out what hours are available for volunteering.

Baskets for Raffle

On Friday, November 13, 2009 at 6:45 p.m., the following baskets will be raffled off at the Pasta Dinner.  All monies raised will help fund the educational field trips for the children during the school year.  Tickets are for sale in the lobby after school this week on Thursday, November 12th and Friday, November 13th.  You do not need to be present at the Pasta Dinner to win any of the following baskets, but we would love to see you there!!

“A Chocolate Dream”

donated by Mrs. Warner’s class

contents:

6 – Brownie Mixes

2 – Cake Mixes

Cocoa Krispies

Pop Tarts

Pudding Snack Pack

Bag of Kit Kats

Raisinets

Andes

3 – Lindor Truffles

Dipping chocolates

Bag of Dove

Wethers candy

Molten Chocolate cake

Toblerone

Nesquick Syrup
Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix
7 – Chocolate Bars

“Family Fun Night”

donated by Mrs. Dunn’s class

contents:

Cranium Whoonu

Pictureka

Apples to Apples

Jenga

Cars Puzzle

Puzzle

Bingo

Dominos

Scabble

Life

Cranium Zooreka

Mancala

Puzzle

Famous Inventions card games

Tales of Despareaux movie

2 – Phase 10 games

Deck of cards

2 – Uno games

U got to be kidding crazy card game

2 – bags popcorn

Pizza kit

Box of Brownies

2 – Popcorn seasoning

2 – $10.00 gift cards to Regal Cinemas

“Fitness/Wellness”

donated by Mrs. Richard’s class

contents:

3 – pedometers

3 – jump ropes

body ball

 hand grips

2 – water bottles

yoga pilates dvd

wrist weights

plilates yaga bands and dvd

toning band

Wheelee ball

Boom Boom Hockey

Swing trainer (Hitting Practice)

Chin up push up exercise bar

Yoga mat

3 – trail mix bars

Gift Certificate - $60.00 value – Womens Fitness Studio – 1 month membership

“A little Taste of Italy”

donated by Mrs. Door's class

contents:

Oven Mit set

2 – cook books

Oil drizzler

4 piece utencil set

Spaghetti spoon

3 – mini grators

pizza cutter

croutons

Good Seasonings salad dressing kit

Italian seasoning

2 – grated parmesian

Marinara sauce

Spaghetti Sause

Alfredo saude

Basil Pesto

Biscotti

2 – Thin bread sticks

2 – spaghetti noodles

2 – lasagna

fettuccine

ziti

farfalle

rigatoni

Pasta machine

Hot plate

Longerberger Pasta Bowl

Pizza Baking Stone

“Boston Team Spirit”

donated by Mr. A’s class

contents:

Boston Red Sox beach towel

Red Sox baseball cards

Patriots water bottle

Bruins penant

Red Sox and Patriot Christmas ornament

Red Sox pez dispenser

Red Sox license plate holder

Red Sox talking bottle opener

Patriots book cover

Red Sox poncho

Bruins lunch box

2 – Red Sox decals

Red Sox playing cards

Patriots hamper

Patriots football

Celtic toy ball

Red Sox bumper sticker

Red Sox Christmas stocking

Red Sox bag

2 – Patroit bags

2 – Patriot ball caps

Patriot puzzle

Red Sox t-shirt

“Finding Nemo Aquarium Basket”

donated by Mrs. San Pedro's class

contents:

10 gallon aquarium kit donated by Brooks Feed & Farm valued at $ 75.00

net

4 aqua plants

1 coral reef

gravel vac

jaws decoration

fish peek-a-boo decoration

dragon aquatic décor

shark aquarium ornament

goldfish flakes food

floating fish friend

green gravel

white gravel

algae pad

3 bags of glass rocks

shark book

deep sea creatures book

whales and dolphins book

fin facts handbook

$10 gift certificate to Brooks

“Build a Bigger World”

donated by Mrs. Marstaller’s class

contents:

K’nex cool construction

Activity bucket – 400 piece

Magnetix

Clay bucket

Playdoh picnic bucket

Playdoh 4 pack

Bendaroos

Cast and paint Batmobile

K’nex 400 piece

K’nex airplaine

4 Lego misc. creations

Klutz Castle building cards

100 piece puzzle

3 flutterbees craft projects

pom-pom & chenille kit

slinky junior

“Planes, Trains and Automobiles”

donated by Mrs. Greenleaf’s class

contents:

Tonka Lights and Sound Helicopter

Hot Wheels Crash Cage

8 – Hot wheel cars

5 – match box emergency vehiles

match box boeing 737

Super Wheels convertible

2 volvo models – Donated By Goodwin’s Volvo

Remote Controll Racer Police Car

Sky Wings Air plane

2 – Thomas train movies

Puzzle – airport

3 – small cars

1 snuggie race car blanket

Air Hogs – motorized foam plane

“Razor” Motorized Scooter and Helmet

donated by Mr. Ridge’s class

contents:

E150 Red Razor Motorized Scooter

Razor Candy Apple Red Helmet – Size Ages 8 +

“Road to Reading”

donated by Ms. Kennedy’s class

books:

Look Alike Jr.

Peter Cotontails Easter Egg Hunt

Sophie’s Masterpiece

Curious George

Lion King Pop Up Book

Dog Blue

Book of Bears

4 – Winnie Pooh Series

Tale of Custard the Dragon

Custard the Dragon and the Wicked Knight

Spider Man Coloring Book

Sharks – How to draw

Explore and Discover

Best book of Sharks

Moosekitos

Whales & Dolphins

My Little Pony

Tornados

Sharks

Hungry Hungry Sharks

The Case of the Missing Monkey

Halloween Howls

Amelia Bedelia – Play ball

Amelia Bedelia for Mayor

Junie B – First Grader at Last

Junie B – The Mushy Gushy Valentime

Junie B – Boss of Lunch

Junie B – Is not a Crook

Nate the Great

Minute Mystery

Junie B – Dumb Bunny

Junie B – Aloha-ha-ha

Reindeers Do Wear Striped Underwear

Romona and Her Mother

Captain Underpants and the Perilous Plot of Professor Poopie Pants

Peppy the Puppy

other items:

Borders Gift Card – 10.00

2 – book covers

LED Book task light

Digital book mark

pack pencils

pack pens

chalk

colored pencils

erasers

notepad

notepad

Old Maid game cards

crayons

Only Hearts Pet

Saucer reading chair – round brown corduroy

“School Supplies”

donated by Ms. Dutton’s classes

contents:
Olivia Helps with Christmas book

Construction Colored Paper

Marker and water color pad

Water colors

Crayons

2 - Primary writing tablet

colored pencils

Magnetic Dry Erase Board

Chalk – indoor and outdoors

Washable markers

Pencils

Gluesticks

Erasers

Hole puncher

Tape

Sticky pads

Glue bottle

Scissors – organizer tray

Child scissors

Ruler

Glitter Glues

Foam Letters

Sticker Activity Book

Note Book

White lined paper pads

Drawing pads

Soft touch compass

Modeling clay

Contractor

Follow dot coloring books

Book of mazes

Colring and Activity book

Glitter markers

Folders

Story time dvd collection

Paper clips

Notebooks

Dinosaur cut outs book

Pencil case

Planet earth activity books

“Arts and Crafts”

donated by Mrs. Kish’s class

contents:

Basic Paint

Fleece Picture Pillow

Foamies

Crayola 3-D Activity

Klutz Build a Book

Crazy Clay

Foam Figures Paint set

Build a book

2 - Glitter Glue

3 - Glitter Shakers

3-D stickers

Pet Pals

2 - Water Colors Paint

Pompoms

Feathers

Foam Book marks

5 – fun foams

Fabric Paint

Christmas door knob decoration kit

3 – googly eyes

1 pack jewels

3 – scissors

2 – packs colored pencils

1 – tacky glue

1 – craft glue

Christmas tree skirt craft kit

2 – packs glue sticks

2 – crayons

25 piece brush set

color mixing markers

markers

pencils

pencil, eraser, sharpener set

scribble pad

decorated laser paper

I can draw book – wild animals

2 – cinnamon brooms

1 – spiral wreath

Christmas elf kit

Mini instrument decorations

7 sheets of plastic grid

4 small packs of Christmas ornaments

“Nintendo Wii”

donated by an anonymous donor

“Gift Certificates”

Gift Certificates from local merchants valued at over $500!

donated by Friends of Williams-Cone Group

gift certificates include:

Goodwin's Volvo

Boot N Buckle

Fairground Cafe
Urban Garden

Irving

BootLeggers Beverage Warehouse

99 Restaurant

Lilla's Restaurant

Applebees

Regal Cinemas

Music & Moore

Grampa's Garden

Amato's

The Great Impasta

The Sea Dog Restaurant

Tire Warehouse

The Basket Raffle

Coming soon will be pictures and descriptions of the baskets that will be raffled off during the Pasta Dinner next Friday! Stay tuned!

Meeting Tomorrow!

A quick reminder of the upcoming Friends meeting to be held Tuesday, October 27 at 7 pm in the library. Hope to see you there!

Michelle

Meeting Minutes ~ September 2009

Meeting Minutes ~ September 22, 2009
Meeting began at 7pm

Attendees: Holly Kopp (chair), Michelle Mathieu (secretary), Jenn Dwinal (treasurer), Steve Ciembroniewicz, Cuyler Holden, Leslie Beattie, Sue Saucier, Monique Barker, Kiernan Bryant, Sue Lawrence, Lori Kane, Heather Hollenbach, Loralie Spooner

Principal’s Report:

• Mr. C provided information regarding the start of the school year and several new curriculum items and standards being implemented.
• Wellness will be a general theme for the year. We will not have a school wide theme.
• NWEA testing is currently taking place. NECAP testing to follow.
• The flu shot clinic has been postponed without a specific future date.

Meeting Reminder

Hello Everyone- This is to remind you of the first Friends meeting of the school year. It is scheduled for 7pm on Tuesday, September 22nd in the library. This meeting will be a little different as the first half will be open house style followed by normal business. Steve Ciembroniewicz will also be speaking. Hope to see you there!

Michelle

Principal's Newsletter - September

Check out the September edition of our Principal's Newsletter here:
http://www.link75.org/wcs/newsletters/sept2009.pdf

Important Dates and Volunteer Opportunities

The first week of the school year is behind us and it seems that everyone is enthusiastic about the beginning of the year. As always, we have a busy fall schedule and I wanted to get some important dates and announcements out so that everyone has an updated schedule.

Principal's Newsletter - August

Check out the August Principal's Newsletter here:
http://www.link75.org/wcs/newsletters/newsletter.pdf

Hello Friends

I wanted to provide you all with an update in preparation for the beginning of school in just one week! I met with our new Principal, Steve Ciembroniewicz, over the summer and I am excited about Steve’s enthusiasm and energy with regards to our school. I believe this will be a great year!

2008-2009 Meeting Minutes

***UNDER CONSTRUCTION***