Sylvio Gilbert Elementary School
 Pre-Kindergarten - Sixth Grades
1 Sunset Ave.
Augusta, ME 04330

Phone #207- 626-2491  FAX 626-2538

 

Gilbert Elementary Newsletter

"Nurturing one child at a time, we create tomorrow."

This Newsletter is Published and Sent Home Every Wednesday!

“One child at a time, we create tomorrow.”

Sylvio J. Gilbert Elementary School 

Bi-Monthly Newsletter

 

Mrs. Sue Dionne                                                             September 29, 2008

Principal                                                                         Volume 2

 

Principal’s Pen

Dear Gilbert Family and Friends,

 

The second newsletter of the month will not have a personal letter from me. Instead you will see an attachment at the end of this newsletter titled Home & School Connection. I hope you enjoy reading all the information in this Connection.

 

As always, feel free to call me if you have questions or concerns about your children.

 

Educationally yours,

Sue C. Dionne

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

 

10/8      9:00-2:15  !st Grade to Chipman Farms

10/10    WORKSHOP DAY - NO SCHOOL

10/13    HOLIDAY – NO SCHOOL

10/16    12:45-2:15 Pre K to Augusta Nature Trail

10/20    School Pictures

10/21    EARLY RELEASE – 11:45

12/9      6:30 p.m. 3rd -5th Concert

 

Winter Band Dates:

1/15      9-11 a.m.  Rehearsal @ Cony (6th only)

1/20      9-11 a.m.  Rehearsal @ Cony (6th only)

6:30 p.m. 5th & 6th grade concert @ Cony

Spring Band Dates:

5/12      9-11 a.m. Rehearsal @ Cony (5th & 6th)

5/20      9-11 a.m. Rehearsal @ Cony (5th & 6th)

5/28      9-11 a.m. Rehearsal @ Cony (5th & 6th)

            6:30 p.m. 5th & 6th Concert @ Cony

 

STUDENT TRANSPORTATION

 

Ø       Please remember to let the school know if there is any change in transportation for your children. A note should be sent to the homeroom teacher if there is a change in transportation.  This is the best way to be sure your child gets to the correct location.  Of course, a phone call is always acceptable in an emergency. To avoid confusion it is best to let your child go home the same way every day. Frequent changes make it difficult for bus drivers, school staff, and especially children.

 

Reminders:

 

Ø       Please remind your children to keep track of their clothing, backpacks, lunches, etc. Last year we had many items left in the lost & found at the end of the year.  Putting your child’s name in their jackets & backpacks is a tremendous help.

Ø       The school bell rings at 8:20 for students to go to class & get settled. Classes begin at 8:30. It is very important that your children be here on time. It is very disruptive for the classroom and the teacher to have students coming in late on a regular basis.

NOTES FROM MRS. KONEICZKO, COUNSELOR:

 

Some parents have called me for information about heating assistance.  One resource to try is LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program).  They offer help based on your income, household size, and energy costs.  For more information call 624-5778.

 

Have you heard of Dial 211?  This is a resource for Mainers to get information about health, human services, economic services, and more.  You can call them to find out what is available for heating assistance as well as for other family needs.  The call (211) is free from anywhere in Maine.

 

Edmund N. Ervin Pediatric Center is pleased to announce a six session training series for parents of children ages 8-11 with autism spectrum behaviors.  Parents are provided with the tools to define behaviors, target the most important behaviors, and practice interventions to reduce stress on the family.  Trainings are held from 5-7 pm every other Thursday at the Maine Developmental Disabilities Council conference room at 225 Western Avenue, Augusta.  For more information contact Jean Youde at 623-6503 or email jean.youde@mainegeneral.org.

 

Does your family enjoy bowling?  On Saturday, October 11, from Noon to 4 pm, the Spare Time Recreation Center at 215 Whitten Road will offer free bowling, free shoes, and free lessons plus other fun activities.  Get there early, because it’s sure to be busy!

 

On Wednesday, September 24, Hillary Hopkins from the Family Violence Project presented a program called Respectful Connections to all of our 4th grade students.  This program teaches 4th graders to communicate effectively and to learn what qualities are needed for healthy relationships.  On September 29, Hillary will talk to our kindergarten students with her presentation Hands Are Not for Hitting which teaches students how to deal with anger and conflict in positive ways. 

 

It is a pleasure to work with your wonderful children at Gilbert School.  Feel free to call me if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s social or emotional development.

HANNAFORD HELPS SCHOOLS

Check your receipts when doing your grocery shopping at Hannaford. Certain products are worth money for K-12 schools and are redeemable for the face value of the receipt. See the example below. THESE COUPONS EXPIRE DECEMBER 15, 2008 SO PLEASE TURN THEM IN PROMPTLY.

AUGUSTA BOYS & GIRLS CLUB BOOK FAIR

 

The Augusta Boys and Girls Club will be having a Book Fair at Barnes & Noble on Saturday, October 4, 2008 from 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. 20% of total purchases made during the book fair will benefit the Teen Center.

 

PLAY IT AGAIN SPORTS

 

Any family who goes into Play It Again Sports and mentions Gilbert School will receive a 10% discount off any purchase.

BOX TOPS

We are still collecting BoxTops for Gilbert School. More information will be available in the next newsletter.


 

NOTES FROM NURSE ELLIE

 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HEAD LICE:

 

What are head lice?  Head lice are one of the three species of lice – small insects – that prey on humans. Head lice are also parasites, which means they look to a host for food and a hospitable place to lay their eggs – in this case the human scalp. It is when lice begin to feed that the scalp usually begins to itch.

 

What does it mean when my child has head lice? It does not mean that you or your child has been guilty of poor hygiene, only that lice landed by chance in your child’s hair. Head lice can – and do – affect anyone. Children are particularly vulnerable because they congregate in groups and work and play in close proximity. Head lice can’t fly, but they’re adept at crawling quickly from one head to another. Children should be cautioned about sharing combs, articles of clothing, and other personal items. Lice don’t need much encouragement to spread.

 

How can I tell if my child has head lice? Adult female lice lay eggs that are small, oval, and silvery white. They are called nits, and looking for them is the easiest way to discover whether your child has head lice. Nits may look like dandruff or particles of dried hair spray. Lice lay their eggs close to the scalp, tightly attached to the hair shaft. Check your child’s scalp (move the hair aside), the nape of the neck, and behind the ears. A magnifying glass may help.

 

What can I do about head lice? Effective treatment is available without a prescription. Most products are shampoos that require a second treatment 7 to 10 days after the first. Special combs are usually included with these medications and should be used to comb all nits out of the hair. Whatever medication you choose, it is important to follow label directions exactly, and, or course, consult your school nurse or doctor if you have any questions.

 

Clean the child’s clothes and surroundings. Lice can live for up to 48 hours off the human body; nits can survive for up to 10 days. To avoid reinfestation, therefore, it is important to clean your child’s home environment.

 

-          Carefully clean clothing, sheets, blankets and pillowcases, as well as other personal belongings that could harbor lice, by washing them in very hot water and leaving them in a dryer set at high heat for at least 20 minutes. Dry clean items that cannot take washing and drying at high temperatures.

-          Items that can’t be cleaned, such as stuffed animals, should be placed in sealed plastic bags for 14 days.

-          Vacuum carpets, upholstery and mattresses thoroughly.

-          Clean combs and brushes in hot water.

-          Animals do not carry human head lice, so there is no need to treat family pets.

 

All nits need to be removed!! This will help to prevent reinfestation. It also guarantees that the treatment was complete.

 


 


 Gilbert's Home Page

Updated 10/08/08