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 13th 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

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.

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!