Boston Public Schools has announced on their website that school bus drivers are staging a work action today with only 30 of 650 school buses running as of 8am today. According to WBUR, this is part of an ongoing dispute over GPS locationing on school buses.

The page on the BPS site with all the details is here, and includes a list of buses that ARE running:

http://www.bostonpublicschools.org/alert/boston-school-bus-drivers-stage-illegal-work-action-significant-delays-some-trips-will-not-occ

That list is also below but is only accurate as of 8am today so please check the BPS page throughout the day:

• B387
• B431
• B438
• B519
• HS056
• HS121
• HS136
• HS157
• HS169
• HS214
• MS138
• MS140
• MS162
• MS171
• MS172
• MS210
• MS219
• MS253
• WB057

For the students affected, the BPS website states that:

“While all schools will be open on normal schedules, Boston school officials are warning families to expect significant school bus delays and some trip cancellations. Because of this, students will not be marked late and absences will be marked as “excused” in the Boston Public Schools during the disruption. BPS will attempt to list buses that are running and not running on [the BPS website] but this information will not be available until officials can begin to track the impact.”

BPS has provided the following ways for families to keep in touch about the strike:

There’s no word on whether this is a one day stoppage or not.

Check the BPS website or the WBUR website for updates.

Each school in the district is asked to submit a Quality Schools Plan, which outlines the goals and priorities for the school year.

On Wednesday, October 16th from 6 pm – 7 pm Principal Katie Grassa will present the final plan to all interested community members.

The presentation will be made in the Auditorium. Childcare and translation will be provided.

All families and staff are welcomed and encouraged to attend.

There is a lot of excitement about the proposed new playing field at the Curley K-8, and all the students are looking forward to spending more time outside.

Earlier this school year, two Curley second graders – Ella and Ellie – spent their weekend selling crafts and collecting donations to benefit the playing field campaign. Their younger sisters Katie and Audrey, both K1 students at the Curley this year, brought their enthusiasm to the cause, as well.

By selling the craft treasures they had made over the course of the summer, and by spreading the word about the Curley’s urgent need for improved access to outdoor recreation and exercise on the school’s grounds, they received an overwhelmingly positive response. Our community is ready to support this project if we can really get the word out. By the end, the girls not only managed to raise $50, one of their donors also turned out to be major foundation contact!

Please join us in our efforts to help Ella, Ellie, Katie, Audrey, and more than 900 other students at the Curley K-8 realize the potential of the space we have!

See the playing field campaign web site for more information on how you can pitch in.

The School Site Council (SSC) and the Health and Wellness Committee will both meet this coming Tuesday, October 8th.

Health and Wellness Committee

The Health and Wellness Committee meets every second Tuesday of the month from 3 pm – 4:15 pm in the Guidance Office.

This Tuesday’s meeting will cover the Committee’s Nutritional Walkthrough to be held on November 15th, including finalizing the criteria for the walkthrough, and review other relevant materials including the BPS Nutritional Standards.

The draft of the nutritional survey the committee is developing will be reviewed as well, together with discussions about parent, student and administrative recruitment for the walkthrough.

For more information, please contact Sue Trotz or Katie Fitch.

School Site Council (SSC)

The School Site Council (SSC) is the central decision-making body of the school, and is made up of parents, teachers, and staff. It is chaired by Principal Katie Grassa and a parent co-chair (or co-chairs). It discusses such issues as the budget, hiring, academic performance, school climate, and the uniform policy.

The SSC also meets on the second Tuesday of each month, from 5:30 pm – 7 pm in the Library.

The SSC Meeting Minutes from the last meeting are here.

The preliminary agenda for this Tuesday’s meeting includes reports from Principal Grassa on the draft Quality Schools Plan being developed at this time. Other issues discussed with include a brief overview of the enrollment which affects our budget this year, an update from the Instructional Leadership Team, Health and Wellness, and brief updates on school climate, parent involvement, and school uniform initiatives, and the Curley Handbook.

All SSC meetings are open to the public though formal voting is limited to the Principal, the 7 elected parent and 6 BTU representatives.

For more information, please contact Heshan Berents-Weeramuni, this year’s parent co-chair.

This week’s Paw Prints from Principal Katie Grassa:

• Outward Bound: Last week fifty 7th graders took part in the environmental connection program on the Boston Harbor Islands. The program provides an extension of the current science curriculum by bringing students out for a hands-on, Island experience lasting three days. Located on Thompson Island students participate in team and leadership building activities, environmental awareness activities, and experiential learning. The program provides an introductory class lesson about the history and formation of the Boston Harbor and the islands. A content specific classroom visit to better prepare students for what they will be doing during their expedition what to expect and how to prepare for it and one field expedition stretching over three days including two overnights. Students stay in dorms and work in small groups of about 10 with 1 to 2 facilitators. Typically the students will have the first day filled with teamwork and leadership building activities, the second day is largely curriculum programming, and the third day of brief project followed by graduation. Students and staff explore together the wonderful resources of Boston and build stronger relationships with each other and the facilitators and rangers of Thompson Island and National Park Service. Thank you to the Curley Staff who helped to make this trip a reality: Sue Trotz, Charity Murphy, Tim Smith, Alisa Fleming, Carolyn Norton, Joe Robinson, Officer Rodriguez, Maria Amy-Moreno, and Kiki Iatrou.
• Health and Wellness Committee: Our next Health and Wellness Committee meeting will be on Tuesday, October 8th from 3:00pm-4:15pm in the Upper School Guidance Office.
• Quality Schools Plan: Each school in the district is asked to submit a Quality Schools Plan, which outlines the goals and priorities for the school year. On Wednesday, October 16th from 6:00pm-7:00pm I will present the final plan to all interested community members. All families and staff are welcomed and encouraged to attend.
• Fall Fling: Save the Date for the Curley K-8 fundraiser! The Fall Fling will take place at the school on October 18th from 5:30pm-8:30pm. Please come with your family and support our school!
• School Site Council: Our 2nd School Site Council (SSC) meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 8th from 5:30pm-7:00pm in the Upper School library. All families are welcome but only elected adults can vote on proposals.

Curley Guidance Counselor Sue Trotz sent us a report from Thompson Island where she accompanied scores of Curley 7th graders while they attending a 3-day overnight Outward Bound fieldtrip:

“Currently there are 50 7th graders on a Boston Harbor Island taking part in the environmental connection program. It takes place at the beginning of every school year. The program provides an extension of the current science curriculum by bringing students out for a hands-on, Island experience lasting three days. Located on Thompson Island students participate in team and leadership building activities, environmental awareness activities, and experiential learning.

The program provides a introductory class lesson about the history and formation of the Boston Harbor and the islands. A content specific classroom visit to better prepare students for what they will be doing during their expedition what to expect and how to prepare for it and one field expedition stretching over three days including two overnights. Students stay in dorms and work in small groups of about 10 with 1 to 2 facilitators. Typically the students will have the first day filled with teamwork and leadership building activities, the second day is largely curriculum programming, and the third day of brief project followed by graduation.

Students and staff  explore together the wonderful resources of Boston and build stronger relationships with each other and the facilitators and rangers of Thompson Island and National Park Service.”

For more information on the program, contact Sue Trotz directly.

Curley 4th graders last week were part of a worldwide Green Apple Day of Service last Friday. The U.S. Green Building Council and the Center for Green Schools hosted the Green Apple Day of Service with projects at thousands of schools around the world, including over 15 Boston Public Schools. The aim of the initiative is to “put all children in schools where they have clean and healthy air to breathe, where energy and resources are conserved, and where they can be inspired to dream of a brighter future”.

Science teacher Stephanie Selznick updated us on the part Curley students played in the BPS Green Apple Day of Service last week:

“We participated in the Green Apple Day of Service on Friday September 27th. The 4th grade students picked up all the trash that was on the grounds of the Curley. 2 black garbage bags filled with trash were collected. We also cleaned up the raised beds in the Outdoor Classroom and made recycling posters for the upper cafeteria.

Students in Grade 4 participated and really got into looking for every little piece of trash. I was so proud of the seriousness of the students.  Some of the students couldn’t believe other students in our school throw trash in our schoolyard.”

Curley students also made the “cover” of the Boston Green Schools website story. Their story also included a sighting of the neighborhood rabbit who visits the Curley regularly:

“It was bedlam as Ms. Selznick’s 4th Grade science class streamed through the Curley K-8 School’s outdoor classroom, picking up trash and winterizing the garden beds. Then suddenly the call went up, “Bunny!” and everyone fell silent, slowly circling around to catch a glimpse of the animal. It was not the only wildlife to capture the attention of the students. They also learned about snails and garden management, explored the outdoor classroom and picked up litter for their Green Apple Day of Service.”

Judging from the pictures below, it was a fun learning experience.

On Saturday, 5th October, there will be a blitz chess tournament hosted by Cafe Bartlett Square to benefit the Curley K8 School.  All ages are welcome, there will be a 1st and 2nd place prizes as well as one for the best placed under 14 yr old.

WHAT IS BLITZ CHESS?
Blitz chess is a fast action version of chess.   Each player has a total of 5 minutes per game, which can make the play very exciting.   Players are responsible for hitting the button to stop the clock after completing each move.    A player wins by either checkmating his/her opponent, or if their opponent’s clock runs out.    Blitz chess is a fun way to play chess as mistakes are often made under the pressure of time, so you never know how it’s going to go.  You can read the RULES in advance by clicking HERE.

REGISTRATION
Registration starts at 2 pm and the games begin at 2:30 sharp.  The cost to enter the tournament is $10 (includes one complimentary coffee per player).   The proceeds go to benefit the after school program at the Curley K8 (CASP).   Anticipate about 2-2.5 hrs until the winner is decided.

WHEN & WHERE?
Cafe Bartlett Square @ 2 pm this SATURDAY (Oct 5th)

By train:  Directly across from the Orange Line‘s Green Street Station.

By bus:  #39, stop at Green Street or Seaverns (walk down either Green or Seaverns).

This week’s Paw Prints from Principal Katie Grassa:

• Open House: Thank you to all the families who came to the Curley K-8 Open House event on Thursday, September 26th! It was great to hear from families, we hope you enjoyed meeting the staff and seeing some of your child’s student work displayed. If you were unable to make the Open House please contact your child’s teacher to get any missed information.
• Principal Breakfast: Thank you to all the families who attended my first principal breakfast on Friday morning. I was glad to have another opportunity to introduce myself to the community and to answer important questions. More information will follow around themes for upcoming breakfasts throughout the school year.
• Terranova Assessment: Students in grades 3-5 will be taking the Terranova test on Wednesday, October 2nd, and Thursday, October 3rd. This test is used to decide which students will be accepted to the Advanced Work Class (AWC ) for SY 2014-2015. It is a timed assessment and no results will be shared until January 2014. Please be sure that your child gets a good night sleep and eats a healthy breakfast before coming to school on Wednesday and Thursday. If you have any other questions please reach out to your child’s teacher.
• Outward Bound: Several of our 7th graders will be taking an overnight field trip to Thompson Island Wednesday, October 2nd-Friday, October 4th. We are grateful for our partnership with Outward Bound for providing our students with this amazing opportunity for FREE! We are also grateful for the staff that accompanies the students for the three days as well! Please check in with Ms. Trotz for more information.
• School Parent Council: Our first School Parent Council (SPC) meeting is on Wednesday, October 2nd from 6:00pm-8:00pm. This is an important committee for families to participate in and you will have opportunities to support the school in many ways. I will be attending the first meeting to introduce myself to everyone and I hope to see you all there!

Ms. Alissa Ferro, with four of last year's 6th grade homeroom students. All were members of 2012/13 Curley Sole Train Running Club.

Below are some sports opportunities your kids may like to be involved this year in at the Curley, and at Curtis Hall Community Center in Jamaica Plain. But hurry, some of the deadlines for signing up are coming up soon.

Curley Sports

Please visit the Curley sports page to find out about the teams the Curley fields each year – including our very own championship-winning baseball and basketball teams. One in particular which is starting soon is Sole Train.

Sole Train
Sole train is a group of Curley 6-8 grade students who are training to run a 5 mile race or a half marathon (13 mile) race in May.

Sole Train starts this year on Tuesday, October 8th.

This is the second year of the very successful program, and a lot of fun. Contact Alissa Ferro or Maria Monteiro-Roby for more details.

Sports Team Opportunities at JP’s Curtis Hall

Fall sports are kicking off, and JP’s own Curtis Hall has some great options!

Basic info is below; for more details, stop by Curtis Hall (20 South Street in JP) or call (617) 635-5193.

Basketball – Sign Ups Tomorrow
Basketball League sign-ups will take place tomorrow (Saturday, September 28) from 10am-12pm. All skill levels welcome – no need to have played before and beginners are encouraged! Practice and game schedules will be determined after sign-ups are complete and league size is determined. Curtis Hall will offer weekly drop-in Skills & Drills in October and November, leading up the to official season, which begins in November. League options are below. Please note that the Girls’ League is being newly-created in response to the increase in interest in a girls program!

• Girls’ League for ages 8 – 12
• Lower Boys’ League (formerly coed) for ages 8 – 10
• Upper Boys’ League for ages 11-13

Swim Team – Practice Begins Wednesday, October 2
The coed Curtis Hall Koi swim team is open to new members, ages 5 and up! Swimmers must be able to complete one length of the pool without flotation or other assistance. Swimmers must attend at least two practices per week and are expected to participate in competitive meets as well. Practices are at 5pm on Wednesday and Thursday. On Fridays, swimmers either have practice or a swim meet against other community. For more information, please call or stop by Curtis Hall.

Join Autism Speaks as we walk to support and celebrate individuals and families living with autism! Wear your Curley shirts to Support the Curley School Autism Program! The Walk will begin on Sunday, October 6th at approximately 10:30am. at Suffolk Downs.

Walk Now for Autism Speaks is a fun-filled, family friendly event and is our single most powerful force to fund vital research that will lead us to the answers we need. Experience the power of thousands united by a single cause by joining Walk Now for Autism Speaks.

Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disorder in the U.S. – we need more volunteers to join our cause. Whether this is your first walk or the 10th, take the first step and register today. You will not only raise funds, but you will become a part of a fun and supportive family-focused community.

Ways to support the Curley Autism Program:

• Donors Choose Projects:
  http://www.donorschoose.org/project/autismaba-materials-for-communication/1065415/
• Curley Teachers Wish Lists:
  http://www.curleyk8.com/parent-involvement/teacher-wish-lists/
• Walk Now For Autism Speaks:
  http://www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1059177

For more information about the Curley PACE Program, please email Colleen Leary.

Busy times ahead at the Curley once again. Some important reminders for the next few days are below.

Open House

Tonight, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Your student’s homeroom

The Curley Welcome Open House for all parents is tonight from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The teachers and staff look forward to meeting all of our families. Parents will have an opportunity to see their child’s classroom, meet their teachers, and discuss the curriculum for the coming year. Please go to your child’s homeroom.

Principal’s Breakfast

Friday, September 27th, 8:45 a.m – 9:45 a.m
Upper School Library – Room 206

The Principal’s Breakfast will be held this year on the fourth Friday of each month from 8:45 a.m – 9:45 a.m. in the Upper School Library. The first one of the year will be held tomorrow morning.

All parents/guardians are cordially invited to our monthly breakfast. These gatherings are designed to provide a regular opportunity to:

• Get to know our new Principal, Ms. Grassa
• Receive updates on what is happening at our school
• Participate in positive conversations
• Give feedback to make our school a better place
• Answer any questions you may have

For more information, please get in touch with Betty Villalba-Alvarado at 617-304-6771 or Maria Monteiro-Roby 617-756-3667.

Desayuno con la Principal

Viernes, 27 de Septiembre, 2013
En la Biblioteca de la Escuela Intermedia – Room 206

Todos los padres estan cordialmente invitados a nuestro desayuno mensual con la Principal. Estas reuniones han sido diseñados para proveer oportunidades para los padres:

• Que conozcan a la nueva Principal, Sra. Grassa
• Recibir noticias de qué esta pasando en nuestra escuela
• Participar en conversaciones positivas
• Dar sugerencias para hacer de nuestra escuela un mejor lugar
• Contestar cualquier pregunta que Ud. pueda tener

Para más información, por favor pongase en contacto con Betty Villalba-Alvarado (617-304-6771) o Maria Monteiro-Roby (617-756-3667).

Help with Fall Fling Raffle Ticket Sales

Help is still needed with Fall Fling raffle sales outside JP Licks this Saturday, and next Saturday. Please sign up by expanding the accordian fold on the doodle poll! One of our biggest fundraisers of the year, the Fall Fling this year is on Friday, October 18th from 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. Always fun and a huge event for our community. For more information on how to get involved, click here.

School Parent Council (SPC) Meeting

Wednesday, October 2nd, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Lower School Cafeteria

The first SPC meeting of the year is this coming Wednesday. It’s potluck, and a chance to meet new and old friends. Details are here.