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Winter Newsletter
January 2008 |
A Note from the Presidents |
Dear Boxford Families,
During a recent grammar lesson at the Spofford Pond School, a sixth grade teacher experimented with a new way of teaching the age-old subject. Using SMART Board, interactive whiteboard technology, the students were engaged – even excited – about learning grammar. As she concluded the lesson, our teacher heard a student in the back of the classroom say these magic words:
“Can we do more?”
This same scenario has repeated itself in classrooms utilizing SMART Board technology. Whether it's first graders presenting their own word problems to classmates or fifth graders solving a circuitry puzzle, the result is the same.
Students are engaged in new ways of learning using Interactive Technology, and our teachers are responding to these methods with enthusiasm. Having the tools in place to teach the 21st century student will ensure a learning environment that addresses all student learning styles. What’s more, we stay on par with other outstanding school districts in the state.
Last year we indicated that if every family donated $145 per child, we could dramatically affect how teaching and learning is conducted in our schools. We are only $50,000 shy of our  goal – we are almost there!
Please help us to reach our goal by donating today. Thank you for caring about our children and our community. We Can Do More!
Sincerely,
Kathy Tyler
Diana Merriam
Co-Presidents
B.E.S.T.
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Technologist in Residence |
In October and January the elementary school teachers at the Cole and Spofford Pond Schools had the opportunity to participate in a unique in-classroom training utilizing SMART Board interactive white boards. The training grant funded by B.E.S.T. provided all teachers with a one-on-one tutorial on integrating SMART Boards and the extensive software tools that come with the technology into the day-to-day curriculum. 
What's more, B.E.S.T. was able to reach out to a neighboring community and include them in the training. Esperanza Academy, a non-profit tuition free school for girls in Lawrence, spent a day with Spofford Pond teachers exploring how to use SMART Boards to enhance curriculum.. “Although
Esperanza has SMART Boards that were donated,, they did not have the resources to train their staff,” said Diana Merriam, B.E.S.T. co-president. “We were delighted to offer them the opportunity to join our training session and network with our teachers.” Pictured above is Lauri Bottinger, Headmaster of Esperanza Academy; Diana Merriam, B.E.S.T. Co-President; Larry Fliegelman, Spofford Pond School Principal. Read local news coverage.
Books for Booktalks, Bookwalks and Read-Alouds: Practical Strategies for Choosing and Using Children’s Literature in Your Program – Grades K – 6
Dottie Patch, Spofford School librarian, attended a one day seminar earlier this month to learn about the newest children’s literature and to consider which classic and contemporary books best support the curriculum. It also gave her an opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across the Commonwealth and share ideas. “A librarian can never have enough opportunities to examine books firsthand and discuss the latest buzz in new and exciting books,” said Dottie Patch. “Many thanks to B.E.S.T. for giving me this opportunity to expand my book horizons!” |
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Honor your educators and favorite teachers in the B.E.S.T. possible way! Now you can salute those who have made a difference in your child's education by participating in "Boxford Salutes the B.E.S.T. STAR Program". A tax deductible donation to B.E.S.T. can be made in the name of your favorite teacher or staff member. The honorees will then receive the gift of a B.E.S.T. STAR Certificate thanking them for a job well done! All donations raised through our STAR program go toward Professional Development programs for our teachers.
Please download the STAR Certificate order form and send it along with your donation to: B.E.S.T. , P.O. Box 176, Boxford, MA 01921
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Cartridges for Kids- Raise Money While Recycling |
We are thrilled with the initial success of the Cartridges for Kids®, program that was introduced in the fall. Thank you to all the families that have taken the time to drop off their used items in the receptacles that are in the lobby of the elementary schools. Cartridges for Kids is an environmentally friendly program that pays schools and non-profit organizations cash for recyclable items like empty laser and inkjet cartridges, used cell phones, laptops, PDAs, video games and iPods. Participation in our program helps protect the environment by keeping these items out of landfills and helps to preserve our natural resources.
Simply send your used items into either school and we'll have collection boxes located in the lobbies of both schools. We also encourage families and local businesses to send in any items listed above that you may be looking to recycle. For a complete list of the items that can be accepted please check out the Cartridges for Kids website. |
Put Your B.E.S.T. Foot Forward! |
There will be a B.E.S.T. General Meeting on Monday, Feb 4 at 9:30- Cole
School.
We are gearing up for the second half of our Technology Capital Campaign, the Home Tour / Directory, and Town-Wide mailer.
We could use helping hands in all these areas! |
| Advertise in the 2008 Homeowners Directory |
The Homeowners Directory is one of B.E.S.T.'s largest fundraisers and this year will be no exception. Advertising sales efforts are about to get underway and we need your help. If you are interested in participating in this rewarding fundraising activity, please email Kelly Jung or call 978-887-6304. We need a hand with advertising sales, coordination of the directory and printing.
Advertising Opportunities for Local Businesses:
Local businesses should take advantage of the opportunity to advertise in our homeowners directory which has a shelf life of one year similar to a telephone book. Please email Kelly Jung if you are interested in advertising in the 2008 Directory which will be distributed to over 3,000 Boxford families and several local businesses.
Thank you for your interest and support.
Take a peek at last year's directory and see what it is all about.
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B.E.S.T. Homes Tour...Save the Date!
Join us on May 10! Whether you’re looking for a
fun “Girls Day Out” or you’re considering remodeling a room in your home, The B.E.S.T. Home Tour has something for everyone! Save the date so you don't miss this great event and assist in raising funds for curriculum enrichment in our Boxford elementary schools. |
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