MORETOWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
September 13, 2007
School Website:
www.moretownschool.orgDear Parents & Friends,
From Roberta
…And lunch is good. Paul Morris, former executive chef of Stowe Mountain Resorts, is the new director of food service at Harwood. Paul is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America with many years experience in restaurants and resorts. Our lunches here at Moretown have already taken a turn for the better. Dessert on four days out of five is a wonderful array of fruit; grapes, cut up oranges or kiwis, bananas and apples galore. More importantly, your children are eating it! Hot food is now served hot and every effort is made to offer entrees that travel well. (We haven’t seen hamburgers yet). The recent serving of Baked Macaroni and Cheese showcased Cabot Cheddar and the chicken entrée was a grilled boneless chicken breast rather than the usual heavily breaded chicken wings and legs. Our students will no longer be asked if they want a roll with their pizza or rice with a sandwich. Pizza comes with a salad and fruit and children can have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (one side whole wheat bread) with fresh cucumbers and carrots and a serving of fruit. We are delighted that Paul is directing our food service and look forward to more healthy choices and food that children love to eat.
So far the cost for lunch is still $2.40. Ask your child about the chef who came to lunch yesterday.
We now have a link to the Moretown School Wellness policy on the front page of our website.
From the Health Office
We are in need of parent volunteers for our Fluoride Mouthrinse program. Volunteers are needed to fill the bags of fluoride and to pass them out to each class. The days and times are flexible. If you are interested, please contact Karyn Kaminski either by email:
karynk@moretownschool.org or by phone Mon./Wed. 496-3742.Box Tops for Education -- Due October 23 If you've been collecting Box Tops for Education now's the time to drop them off! Twice a year we have an opportunity to redeem the Box Tops and the fall redemption due date is coming up. Last year Box Tops earned over $300. The money goes directly to the Moretown PTN to support programs and activities for our children. Drop off the Box Tops (trimmed ones are appreciated!) in the big pink collection box on the bench outside the Library
If clipping coupons is not your thing, Box Tops for Education has a couple of other ways you can support the school. Go to www.boxtops4education.com for more information. If you have any questions, contact Jennifer Tripp Mead, jentm@gmavt.net. Thank you!
Open Hearth Community Center starts its fall programs. In September classes offered include the following...
There is still space available in the
Pre-K Afternoon Enrichment Program which offers quality child care for children ages 3-6. The program runs from 11-3 Monday through Thursday at the Big Picture Theater. It includes a one hour enrichment activity such as Yoga, Karate, Art, Music or Spanish. For more information please call Open Hearth at 496-8990.Paper Making Class
- Explore recycling at its best! Create paper and construct lanterns, seed cards that can be planted, beads and more. Wednesdays September 5-September 26, 3:30-4:30 at the Big Picture Theater. For more information call Dana Anderson at 767-3206 or danaia@excite.com.Karate
- Traditional Japanese style karate offered at the Fayston School, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Ages 5-8, 3:30-4:30PM. Ages 9 and up, 4:30-6:00PM. Classes start on September 4 and run through the year. For more information please contact Tom and Toni Flynn at 802-253-2050 or info@greenmountaindojo.com.Group Flute Lessons
- For beginners and advanced beginners, ages 8 and up. Class teaches basic skills and techniques. Participant must provide instrument. Prior music reading skills are not necessary. The class will be held at the Big Picture Theater. For more information please contact Dana Anderson at 767-3206 or danaia@excite.com.Financial Management Classes- Free of charge. Classes will be held at the Big Picture Theater. Monday evenings 6:30-8:30PM.
September 17 - Financial Planning for Retirement with Craig Eilers.
September 24 - Kids and Money with Vicky Hoefle.
October 1- Financial Preparation for College with a panel discussion.
October 15- Women and Money with Melodie Brown.
October 22, Debt Reduction.
For more information contact Lisa Freidman at 496-9713 or Open Hearth at 496-8990.
PTN News:
Would you like to enhance the relationship with your children? Would strategies that address every day challenges be helpful? Then please come and join us for a 6-week ‘Parenting on Track’ class led by Parent/Teacher educator Vicki Hemenway. The class will be held at The Fayston School on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 starting September 12th, 19th, 26th and October 10th with 2 teleclasses held on Monday October 15th and Monday November 12th from 7:30-8:30. For questions or to register please call/e-mail Lisa Friedman at 496-9713 or lisa@woodenspoon-vt.com .
Vicki Hemenway will once again be conducting this very popular workshop series. Moretown parents who attended her workshop last year could not say enough about the value of the class. The class is free to parents and childcare will be provided. You can view more information on Vicki by going to www.sharedventures.net.
Want To Learn Chess?? Join The Game Room’s Chess Club!!!
Club for beginners starts Tuesday, September 25 and runs for 8 weeks. Sessions will be from 3:30 to 4:30, players are welcome to stay until 5:00 for more chess or other games. Cost, including a snack, is $75 for non-members and $25 for members.
Membership Form The Game Room Beginner Chess Club
Open to ages 6 and older.
Return this form with appropriate dues to the Game Room.
Game Room Members $25. Non-members $75.
Dues include a snack each week.
The group will meet on Tuesdays, starting September 25.
Structured chess time will be from 3:30 to 4:30. Participants may come early or stay until 5:00 for more chess or other games.
Name:
Grade: Gender:
Please circle your estimated skill level:
Beginner: You don’t know how to move the pieces. (lessons will start with the basics)
Advanced Beginner: You know how to move & capture the pieces.
Parental Approval (required before first meeting):
Parent(s)’ Names:
Name of person to ask for when calling numbers below:
Home Phone: Work Phone: Cell Phone:
Email Address:
Emergency contact Name & Number:
Food allergies:
By signing below I confirm understanding of the following:
Parents must arrange transportation for their child no later than 5:00 after meetings.
This completed and signed form with membership dues must be received at the 1st meeting attended.
Chess sets and clocks are provided by The Game Room.
Parent Signature Date
For more information, please call Carol at The Game Room 583.GAME
Junior Girl Scouts, grades 3 - 6
The Mission Statement of girl scouting today is to "build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place". In addition it offers lots of fun, and a variety of great opportunities for girls. Kelly Reagan and I are planning to continue Moretown's Junior Troop. Many girls have expressed an interest in joining scouts, and we need to find out how many definitely intend to register. At this time we are looking at 2 Wednesdays per month after school. Please contact one of us to let us know if your daughter intends to register. *Please note: Third grade girls have the option to be Brownies or Juniors. Heidi Magill is planning to offer Brownies for first and second graders on Tues. Speak to Heidi if you are interested in Brownies. We'd also like to hear from parents who are interested in helping on a regular or occasional basis.
How to contact us:
Jamie: 223-7736 or jcowvt@verizon.net
Kelly: 496-2382 or bkacreagan@gmavt.net
Heidi: 229-4031 or hlmagill@verizon.net
Or just catch us when you see us at school, or soccer practice, etc.
Important Dates
September 25th School Board Meeting, 6:00 p.m.
September 27th Open House, 6:30 – 7:30
October 8th Picture Day
October 10th Early Dismissal
October 23rd School Board Meeting, 6:00 p.m.
DON’T STOP HERE…Keep reading for more information on Mr. Alligator’s after school program, a recipe from Madam Nikki and information about Moretown knitting and fiber arts group.
Mr. Alligator’s After School Programs Redux
Comic Theater: Mondays, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. , Sept. 24 – Dec. 10. (12 2 hour sessions). Grades 3-6. Work on acting skills and techniques as you prepare for a role in a scripted comic play to be performed before an audience in December. $110.Fall Theater Camp: Tuesdays, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sept. 25—Dec. 11
1 ½ hour sessions). Grades 1-6. Theater games, improvisation, acting
skills and skit development. Participants will work in groups to develop and rehearse skits for presentation to an audience in December. $90.
Chess Tournament: Wednesday, Sept. 26, 12 noon to 3 p.m.. (1 3 hour session). Grades 1-6. Open to all skill and experience levels. Play in a fun-centered, low-pressure tournament with a focus on improving your chess skills and having a good time. $15
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Registration Form
Mail to: Thom McAllister 105 Snipe Ireland Rd. Richmond, VT 05477
Or e-mail info to:
thommca@comcast.netPayment is due by the first session (or request a payment schedule that works for you)
___________________________________________ ________________________
student’s name grade/teacher
address phone
alternate emergency contact
Registering for:
__________ Comic Theater (Mondays 3-5 p.m.) $110.00
__________ Fall Theater Camp (Tuesdays 3-4:30 p.m.) $90
__________ Chess Tournament (Wed., Sept. 26, 12-3 p.m.)
Ratatouille
Bonjour, Thanks to the recent Pixar movie, many students have been asking what Ratatouille is and want the recipe. So voilà! The word ratatouille means "mix." As many are not fond of eggplant, you can include it or not. But I told them that it’s so good that you can’t even taste the eggplant! Some people add tomato paste before adding all the vetables back in the pot.
Bon appétit! Madame Nikki.
From Gourmet Magazine July 2003 link: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/108350
Active time: 50 min Start to finish: 2 hrs
Servings: Makes 8 to 10 side-dish servings.
Les ingrédients
2 1/2 lb tomatoes (4 large)
8 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
20 fresh basil leaves, torn in half
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 lb eggplant, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 1/4 teaspoons salt
2 large onions (1 1/2 lb total), quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced
crosswise
3 assorted bell peppers (green, red, and/or yellow; 1 1/2 lb total), cut into
1-inch pieces
4 medium zucchini (2 lb), quartered lengthwise and cut crosswise into
3/4-inch-thick pieces
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish: Parmigiano-Reggiano shavings and fresh basil
La préparation
Cut an X in bottom of each tomato with a sharp paring knife and blanch together in a 4-quart pot of boiling water 1 minute. Transfer tomatoes with a slotted spoon to a cutting board and, when cool enough to handle, peel off skin, beginning from scored end, with paring knife.
Coarsely chop tomatoes and transfer to a 5-quart heavy pot with garlic, parsley, basil, and 1/3 cup oil. Simmer, partially covered, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes break down and sauce is slightly thickened, about 30 minutes.
While sauce is simmering, toss eggplant with 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large colander and let stand in sink 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook onions in 3 tablespoons oil with 1/4 teaspoon salt in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer onions with a slotted spoon to a large bowl, then add 3 tablespoons oil to skillet and cook bell peppers with 1/4 teaspoon salt over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes. Transfer peppers with slotted spoon to bowl with onions. Add 3 tablespoons oil to skillet and cook zucchini with 1/4 teaspoon salt over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until just tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer zucchini with slotted spoon to bowl with other vegetables.
While zucchini are cooking, pat eggplant dry with paper towels. Add remaining oil (about 1/4 cup) to skillet and cook eggplant over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, 10 to12 minutes.
Add vegetables, remaining teaspoon salt, and black pepper to tomato sauce and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are very tender, about 1 hour. Cool, uncovered, and serve warm or at room temperature.
