Wednesday, December 19, 2012

How To Help Sandy Hook

Our guidance counselor sent us an email with this info.  What great ways to help.

Ways to Help Sandy Hook Elementary


When school resumes for Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT; it will be in a new building. The school district is preparing to reopen an older, empty school building to educate the students of Sandy Hook for the remainder of the year. The building is yet stark and undecorated, and here is where we can help. Ways a classroom, child or grandchild can help:

"We are asking your students to make and decorate a snowflake. We will hang them in the hallways at the stark, new building where the Sandy Hook students will be returning. PLEASE NO WORDS! We want just a cheerful, happy (glitter and sparkle) environment for the students entering the new building. Please pass on to any teachers you think may want to participate.

When you send your snowflakes, please include a note to tell us where they are from (your school, class, town, etc) to display along with your snowflakes. You can send them to me directly, and I will give them to our PTA." Bonny Marsicano, 22 Pine Tree Hill Road, Newtown, CT 06470

Parent-volunteers are working to ensure that the students are welcomed back by a winter wonderland with the entire school decorated with as many unique snowflakes as possible. We encourage senders to be as creative as possible, remembering that no two snowflakes are alike. Here are some tips from Martha Stewart on making paper snowflakes.Please make and send snowflakes by January 12, 2013 to the Connecticut PTSA address below.

Donating and Organizing Fundraisers for Sandy Hook Elementary School


Donations will be accepted indefinitely to the Connecticut PTSA “Sandy Hook Fund” to provide ongoing support to the community. Please send checks to the Connecticut PTSA address listed at the bottom of this page. The PTSA also encourages group fundraising projects, like walk-a-thons, spirits days, pajama days, etc., which may be scheduled at your convenience. Student-run coin drive donations should be submitted by Feb. 14. If your school decides to do a group fundraising project for Sandy Hook, please let us know.

The Newtown community has requested only monetary donations at this time. For service or product donation inquiries, please contact newtownboe@gmail.com. To contact Sandy Hook PTA, please email sandyhook@ctpta.org.

Please send all snowflakes and donations to:
Connecticut PTSA
60 Connolly Parkway
Building 12, Suite 103
Hamden, CT 06514

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Parent Letter About Sandy Hook

Because I can't read or write about Sandy Hook without crying, this may be the only thing I say about it.  As a kindergarten teacher (and former first grade teacher) this tragedy strikes extra close to home. 

I know most parents must wonder what schools are doing to help keep their child safe.  I wrote the following letter and will send it home tomorrow.  (I also emailed it to my principal first, just to make sure everything was kosher.) 

Parent Letter


                         

We Grieve With You