Hello Spraguewell Community!

Two important dates this week - don't forget to VOTE on Tuesday, and there is no school on Friday! Be sure to scroll through the For Your Community section, there are a bunch of new events listed this week. As always reach out with any questions or concerns.

Best,
Sneha & Rose

TOO MUCH HALLOWEEN CANDY?

Baker Loccisano and Caleb Mirucki of 3JB have an idea for all that extra candy! Please sneak the leftover candy out of your home (or have your kids bring it ;) to the drop off box tomorrow, Monday 11/7 by 9:30am and donate it to children in the Ukraine.

Helen Livson and Kiki Loccisano will see that it gets shipped to the Ukraine and, hopefully, arrives in time for the holidays.

YEARBOOK PHOTOS

Parents! Please forward along your Sprague photos to the yearbook at spragueschoolphotos@gmail.com 

Thank you!

SPRAGUE SCHOOL PTO DONATION ANNUAL APPEAL

Thank you to the 41% of Sprague Families who have donated!

Our goal is 100% family participation in the Annual Appeal. 

The ideal donation is $65 per student, though any amount makes a significant impact. Please give what you are able so that our community can continue to provide programs and events for the students during the school.

If you would like to donate via PayPal or Venmo visit

https://www.spragueschoolpto.com/giving

and click the "DONATE"  on the right hand side of the page.

PTO donations are 100% tax deductible ( ask if your employer matches). 

Employer Tax ID: 01-0694293

CREATIVE ARTS AND SCIENCES (CAS)

Ever ask your kids, "did anything exciting happen at school today?" and get the answers, "Nothing," or "I don't remember" in return? If you're looking for better conversation starters to get them talking, check in with the Pulse each week for details about Creative Arts & Sciences (CAS) events! As a reminder, your PTO donations fund these informative, hands-on lessons. Thank you for your kind contributions! 

Questions about CAS? Contact Wendy Englebardt.

GRADE SOCIALS

We are still looking for party hosts in Grades K & 3

Each fall a family from each grade hosts a parent get together at their home. All parents are welcome and typically food and drinks are provided pot luck style, with the hosts sending out a Sign up Genius to the grade for those who wish to participate in contributing. 

Grade 1 got creative and several parents planned their social at Lockhart on December 1st with parents paying $25 each for a ticket (grade 1 parents - your classroom reps will be in touch with details if they haven't already!) You can get creative with the venue or plan, there's more than one way to skin a cat! 

If you are considering organizing or hosting a parent social and have questions about logistics - please don't hesitate to reach out. Email Liz Sower (lizsower13@gmail.com).

JOIN THE SPRAGUEWELL TURKEY TROT TEAM

Run!! A huge thanks to Jenny Lee for creating a Spraguewell team for the 2022 Wellesley Turkey Trot! 

REGISTER HERE

Instructions: 

• To join the Spraguewell team, click 'Join a Team' on the Registration page
• Then click 'Spraguewell Elementary' under the "Select Your Team" dropdown list (screenshots below)

Questions? Reach out Jenny (leejennyh@gmail.com) and she'll point you in the right direction.

WALK, RIDE, & ROLL TO SCHOOL - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!

Can you volunteer for 45 minutes to help with Sprague/Hunnewell Walk, Bike or Roll to School? This monthly event is a great tradition and the kids love collecting their footies! 

Volunteer time is 8:00am - 8:45am. Volunteers help with table setup, assisting kids with signing in, and table breakdown. Available dates are in the SignUpGenius form. 

Questions? Contact Katherine MacRostie at kmacrostie@gmail.com & Doreen Barrett at mabarrett2012@gmail.com.

Sign Up Here:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080844A5AF2FA02-spraguehunnewell

HELP! GREEN TEAM MEMBERS WANTED

The Green Team is a group of people who work with students, teachers, administration as well as other schools via Wellesley Green Schools to reduce the Sprague's ecological footprint and inspire students to become ecologically-minded citizens.

The projects we have accomplished in the past:

• Recycling in the cafeteria
• Cafeteria Food pantry donation
• Book Swap
• Donated Lanyards to school office
• Promoting Car line Anti-idling
• Recycling/Zero Waste Lunch Raffles
• Ongoing – Sprague Vegetable Garden (managed by the Garden Committee)

Just a few years ago, the Sprague Green Team was recognized by the Mass DEP for its effort to increase recycling and pollution prevention in the school and community, and won the grand prize!!  We have accomplished so much and would love to keep things going!

If you are a green-minded person and want to help school become more green, this position is for you. 

If you are interested or want to know more, please contact SpragueGreenTeam@gmail.com  

Both Sprague and Hunnewell parents are welcome!

PTO MEETING

Our monthly Parent Teacher Organization meetings are your inside track into what's happening at Spraguewell - all are welcome! Attending does not commit you to anything - though we'd love for you join in on any events or projects that interest you!

Join Us!

Wednesday, December 7th at 8:45am

Upcoming Meetings:

WELLESLEY CONSERVATION & LAND TRUST EVENT

The Wellesley Conservation Land Trust and Pippa and Judith (Cronk's Neighborhood Stewards) invite you to join your neighbors for hot cider and donuts at Cronk’s Rocky Woodland

Sunday, November 13th at 2-4PM (shine or rain)

18 Crown Ridge Road

Come enjoy an open fire and celebrate our new fire screen, explore the charming Hansel and Gretel cottage, and learn how you can help “Cronk’s” continue as the wildflower garden that Gertrude Cronk established in the 1930s for all our neighborhoods to enjoy in perpetuity.

website: http://www.wellesleyconservationcouncil.org/cronks-rocky-woodland.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1066805454012489

Michael Tobin

President, Board of Directors

The Wellesley Conservation Land Trust is our local 501(c)(3) non-profit land trust that protects 14 sanctuaries across more than 45 acres of natural land in Wellesley and bordering lands in Needham and Weston. More information about our mission, the sanctuaries and membership can be found at WellesleyConservationLandTrust.org.

JOIN US FOR THE GREEN COLLABORATIVE

Save Money While Combating Climate Change in Our Community:

Learn About Local, State, and Federal Incentives

Join Us at the Green Collaborative Meeting 

Wednesday November 16th 9 - 11 a.m.

The Town of Wellesley invites you to a Green Collaborative meeting on Wednesday, November 16th from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Great Hall at Town Hall, 525 Washington St., Wellesley. This event is FREE and in-person, with a Zoom attendance option.

Register HERE

Learn about new and existing local, state, and federal incentives and opportunities for home heating, cooling, and appliances; electric vehicles;sustainable mobility; and tree protection. Reducing emissions and building resilience are easier and more cost effective than ever. Town employees and elected officials will present and answer questions about sustainability programs to benefit you!

Join us at this free event to learn about:

• Rebates and tax credits for decarbonizing buildings, vehicles, and lawn care;
• Resources for increasing the energy efficiency and comfort of your home;
• Moving around town—without a car;
• Trees & homeowner resources for sustainable landscaping; and
• Climate action in our community, and how you can be part of it.

44TH  ANNUAL WELLESLEY MARKETPLACE

Saturday, November 19, 2022

9 a.m.-4 p.m.

(9 a.m. – 10 a.m. for premium admission ticket-holders only)

Wellesley High School, 50 Rice St., Wellesley, MA 02481

Tickets: 

VIP admission tickets $25 (provides early entry from 9-10 a.m. and a complimentary tote bag),

General admission $20 (at door), or $15 (advance purchase).

Purchase Tickets Here: 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wellesley-marketplace-2022-tickets-438543524487?aff=Swellesley

Instagram: @wellesleymarketplace

Facebook: @Wellesley-Marketplace

PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL (PAC)

Join the PAC at our monthly coffee on Thursday, November 3 at 9am at the home of Christine Mizzi at 16 Suffolk Road. 

If you are unable to make a weekday morning event, we will also be meeting on Monday, November 7 at The Local at 7 pm! Join us!

If you are unable to attend this coffee, following are the dates for the remaining coffees in the 2022-2023 school year. All of them are on Thursday mornings as they have been for the past few years. The coffees will be hosted at the home of Christine Mizzi at 16 Suffolk Road from 9-10:30 am. Please feel free to bring a friend or forward to someone that you think may benefit from meeting others within the PAC community. 

Upcoming Meetings:

Thursday, December 1, 2022

Thursday, January 5, 2023

Thursday, February 2, 2023

Thursday, March 2, 2023

Thursday, April 6, 2023

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Thursday, June 1, 2023

WELLESLEY FIELD FUND

The Wellesley Field Fund (WFF) has launched its Phase II campaign to raise $1.5M to get lights, team rooms/bathrooms, and a new sound system installed at the WHS Track & Field.

Students can jump into the fundraising action with WFF’s new matching program: Challenge Match! The goal of Challenge Match is to match group fundraising efforts as follows:

Match of up to $10K:

• Interested elementary schools
• WHS sports teams
• Non-field town sports leagues

Match of up to $25K:

• WPS classes (2023-2029)
• Town field sports leagues

WFF is thrilled to announce matches have already been secured for Wellesley RedZone, WPS Class of 2025, and WHS Boys Soccer with many more to come.

Get on the Wall

Also, any individual, family, or group who raises/donates at least $1,000 will be included on the Phase II donor wall at WHS Track & Field. Join a community invested in play and get on the wall!

Check HERE to see if your child’s team/class/school has started a fundraising group. If not, encourage them to coordinate with peers to get one up and running – it’s easy to do and the impact is big!

To Learn More/Donate:

• Visit www.Wellesleyfieldfund.com
• Text “FieldFund” to 53-555
• Scan the QR code
• EIN 47-2147009

Questions?

Please email ContactUs@wellesleyfieldfund.com

RUN THE BOSTON MARATHON FOR FWMI

Are you interested in running the Boston Marathon in support of Friends of Wellesley METCO, Inc? We’re looking for someone to lace up their shoes, tackle 26.2 miles on the historic course, while supporting the educational experience of the 154 METCO students in Wellesley Public Schools. 

• Applications are due by November 14th by 5 pm. 
• If you’re interested in receiving the application or have any questions, please contact Erica MacInnes, Boston marathon runner and Friends of Wellesley Metco Inc. board member at emacinnes14@gmail.com or 617-784-9428.

You can make a difference by running for FWMI. The Friends of Wellesley METCO, Inc is an independent charitable ordination program dedicated to helping Wellesley's METCO students make the most of the education opportunities and enriching experiences provided by the METCO program.

WELLESLEY GIRLS LACROSSE SPRING REG OPEN

Pre-K: https://go.teamsnap.com/forms/342787

K-8th: https://go.teamsnap.com/forms/342782

Wellesley Girls Lacrosse Spring 2023 Programs: 

For more information, please visit our website: 

www.wellesleygirlslacrosse.com

Consistent with Spring 2022, WGL has kept the $50/player decrease in registration fees for all travel team players. 

Prior to Spring 2022, this fee had been $350/player. 

* All players must be registered with the Founders Girls Lacrosse League (“FGLL”) for insurance coverage purposes. An annual fee of $35/player is also assessed for registered players each spring season. 

^ The Select Team program is a try-out-based team. Please use the registration link to register your daughter to try-out. No registration fee should be paid in advance. If a player is rostered to a team, a $200/player fee will be assessed at that time. 

SPECIAL EDUCATION - STUDENT SERVICES

For your information, please review the Wellesley Parent Rights Presentation:

Parents, Students and Schools as Partners Rights and Responsibilities in Special Education

Morning infromation may be found at: 

https://wellesleyps.org/teaching-learning/student-services/special-education/

WGS GREEN TIP OF THE MONTH

Did you know that nearly 15 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions come from the production of meat, dairy, and eggs? Livestock production produces more greenhouse gases than the world’s entire transportation sector — cars, trucks, planes, trains — combined.  Believe it or not, a plant-based burger has a carbon footprint twelve times smaller than a beef burger. (Source).  Whitsons, WPS's lunch provider, is making a difference by offering Meatless Mondays at WHS and WMS.  Kids can choose from Vegabols (vegan plant-based entrees), Meatless Prime Grillers (plant-based burgers) and Meatless Nuggets.  Tell your kids to look for custom signage and table toppers for more information.  

THE SPRAGUE 2022-2023 PTO BOARD

Co-Presidents: Sneha Patel & Rose Nolan

Co-Vice Presidents: Sita Mehta Merchea & Liz Sower

Treasurer: Hande Alparslan & Jill Wells

Creative Arts and Sciences: Wendy Englebardt

Secretary: Katie Sullivan

Communications: Liz Sower

Social Co-Chairs: Dena Giggie & Sangita Kalidas

Social Media Chair: Catherine Cerio

Spirit Wear Chair: OPEN POSITION

Auction Chair: Bry Tartamella

Yearbook Coordinator: Jenny Lee & Julie Covino Vogel

METCO Liaisons: Katie Sullivan & Kasia Schwarzman

Walk-to-School Coordinators: Katherine MacRostie & Doreen Barrett

Green Team: OPEN POSITION

Sprague Garden Masters: Tomoe Harrison, Margaret Flitsch, Xiaojing Su, & Rose Nolan

Sprague Elementary needs your help! In order to organize and facilitate all the wonderful programs for our kids, we need an amazing PTO Board to get the job done!

Please email spraguepto@gmail.com with any questions.

SPRAGUE SOCIAL MEDIA

Hi Guys! Today I just wanted to like, share our social media links with you. Be sure to like and follow! Thanks, byeeeee!

Instagram  @sprague_pto

and

Facebook  @spraguePTO

SPRAGUE SCHOOL FAMILY DIRECTORY 

Clickthis link to access our Directory and create/update your account and be sure to download the Membership Toolkit app onto your phone!

This will ensure that you are included in the 2022-23 Family Directory and that you will receive Sprague PTO communications.

AMAZON SHOPPERS HELP SPRAGUE

Did you know that every purchase you make at Amazon.com could - at no added cost to you - send a donation to our PTO?

A percentage of each sale adds up to major financial support for our school, especially during the holiday season. Follow these three easy steps:

1. Sign in to your account using this link EVERY TIME you make a purchase: https://smile.amazon.com

2. Set your Charity (found under Account Settings) to "Sprague School Parent Teacher Organization Inc. Wellesley, MA".

3. Make your purchase! Questions? More details can be found here.