Originally delivered on 9/29/2024 9:44 am

SUBJECT: Sprague Pulse | Week of September 30

Stay connected with Sprague Pulse, your weekly update.
Weekly Newsletter - September 30, 2024
Presidents' Message

Hi Sprague Community! 

We are still looking for Grade Social hosts. If you would like to host or co-host at your home, or organize an event at a local venue, please email us. These events are an important way for parents to connect in a relaxed way (i.e., no kids tugging at your sleeve), and just have fun. Please consider raising your hand to help with this annual tradition.


Annual Appeal

Our organization spends over $175 per student per year directly on field trips, community building and classroom support. 

Our request this year is a donation of $150 per student, but any donation amount is greatly appreciated. Ask your employers if they have a gift matching program. Sprague PTO is a tax-exempt 501(c) (3) organization. 

Our participation goal is 75%, and in the spirit of fun, our generous and always enthusiastic principal, Leigh, has offered a special Pajama Day for our students if we hit that goal. 

DONATE NOW


Wait Until 8th

We're excited to share more details about this growing movement within the Wellesley Community. Kudos to our First Grade for inching closer to becoming active. Time for the other grades to play catch-up! Read on to learn about how to sign the pledge and help keep kids off smartphones.


Warm Regards, 

Rose & Wendy

Sprague PTO Calendar
View & Subscribe to Sprague PTO's Calendar

Visit our website to view the entire calendar for the year. Events are always being added, so we recommend subscribing to stay up-to-date!

Upcoming Events
Wednesday, October 2
School Custodial Workers Recognition Day
Thursday, October 3
No School - Rosh Hashanah
Friday, October 4
5th Grade Field Trip to TreeTop Adventures!
Saturday, October 5
World Teacher Day
Monday, October 7
Cradles to Crayons Donation Drive
Tuesday, October 8
Cradles to Crayons Donation Drive
Wednesday, October 9
Cradles to Crayons Donation Drive
7:30a International Walk/Ride/Roll-to-School
8:35a PTO Meeting
Thursday, October 10
Cradles to Crayons Donation Drive
Friday, October 11
Cradles to Crayons Donation Drive
9:00a Kindergarten CAS Event - Sensory Play Lab
Saturday, October 19
9:00a Garden Clean-up
International Walk/Ride/Roll-to-School: Wednesday, October 9 - New Date!

International Walk + Roll to School Day is a global event that involves communities from more than 40 countries walking and rolling to school on the same day. This is a DATE CHANGE from our planned event on October 8.

All are encouraged to join by walking or rolling to school! Meet Ms. Flitsch, P.E. teacher, and the Sprague parent volunteers at the Sprague main entrance to receive your footie necklace.

Complete this Google form to volunteer from 7:45 - 8:30 am on Walk/Bike/Roll-to-School Days.  

**PTO Meeting: Wednesday, October 9**

NEW DATE to coincide with Walk/Bike/Roll-to-School!

We will be gathering on the playground (weather permitting) or, if you prefer, you can join us virtually via Google Meet. 

This is a great opportunity to connect with other parents, discuss upcoming events, and share your ideas for the school year. We look forward to seeing you there and working together to make this year amazing for our students!

Add to Google Calendar

Video call link

Volunteer Opportunities

Grade Social Hosts Needed

Each fall, families host these gatherings to help parents get to know one another better. They’re usually potluck-style, but they can also be hosted at local establishments. If you're interested in hosting, please email us at presidents@spragueschoolpto.com.

All Hands on Deck

We love our volunteers and appreciate any amount of time you are able to give. Short on time? We also have opportunities for volunteer at various events. Add your name to the All Hands on Deck Volunteer list – we'll be in touch when a need arises. 

Open Board Seats

Looking for more? We have the following open positions for our Board:

  • Communications
  • Social Events Co-Chair
  • Fundraising Co-Chair

Interested in joining a committee? Reach out to a Board Chair!

Events & Programs
2024 Cradles to Crayons Drive: Oct. 6 - Nov. 1

Join Sprague Elementary’s efforts to make a difference to the children served by Cradles to Crayons!

  • Drop off donations of new or gently used children's clothing in the main lobby from now until November 1st.

  • The week of October 7, our 5th grade student volunteers will help with clothing collection in the morning before school during carline and at Walk-Bike-Roll-to-School Day on Wednesday, October 9.


5th GRADERS - SIGN UP TO HELP

Annual Sprague Fall Fest
Annual Sprague Fall Fest

The Annual Fall Fest & Movie Night is a Sprague family favorite! Yummy food and treats, pumpkins, crafts, costume sale, and a special viewing of Monsters University. 

Date: Friday, October 25, 2024
Time: 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Where: Sprague Field & Playground

Skip the line by purchasing Fall Fest tickets in advance using the form below and click RSVP to give us a headcount. 

Cares

CARES is a PTO committee with a mission to build community through families helping families in need. To receive support, contact:

We have a few families in need of fall/winter clothes for their children. Please consider donating new or gently used clothing (clothing should be relatively neutral — please no sports teams items). Sign up here: Sprague Cares Clothing Drive Sign Up

Wait Until 8th

We hope families are settling into their fall routines and enjoying the sunshine! We are excited to share that Wait Until 8th has hit 75,000 pledges in the United States! And Sprague's first grade class is ONE PLEDGE AWAY from becoming active, so if you are considering delaying giving your first grader a smartphone until at least the end of 8th grade, please sign the pledge today!

Many parents say 'yes' to a smartphone sooner than they would like as they don't want their child to be one of the few kids without one. This pledge is designed with community in mind: when a grade at Sprague hits 10 pledges, the pledge is activated! This helps alleviate any concern about being the only family who commits to this pledge. Since the pledge is only activated when 10 families from a grade commit, parents can sign without concern about being the only ones. 

The pledge is for smartphones only. If parents need a communication device for their child before the end of 8th grade, there are basic phones and watches listed on the website: waituntil8th.org


Let's do this, Sprague!

https://www.spragueschoolpto.com/wait-until-8th

SEPAC

The Wellesley Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is made up of parents and caregivers whose children receive special education services (IEPs) or accommodations (504 plans). The SEPAC advises the district on matters relating to the education and safety of students with disabilities AND provides support and community for families of children with IEPs and 504 plans or who are going through the evaluation process. 

If you’d like to learn more, share input or feedback, or just get connected, contact Sprague SEPAC rep Nicole Katz at sepac@spragueschoolpto.com

Show Your Sprague Spirit!

Spikey got a glow-up, which means it's time to update your Sprague swag! 


Order your Sprague gear from 1stPlaceSpiritwear

Yearbook
Send in Yearbook Photos

The yearbook team is already hard at work gathering memories for the yearbook. Send in your First Day of School photos — and whatever else you've snapped so far this year — to yearbook@spragueschoolpto.com

CAS
Creative Arts and Sciences (CAS)

On Monday, our 5th graders journeyed into the galaxy through a traveling planetarium. New England Sci-Tech amazed our students with a live show about the stars, planets, moon, solar system, nebulae, and galaxies, as well as constellations they might see in the Wellesley sky this fall. Students even had the chance to hold a real 5-pound meteorite from the asteroid belt. View photos from the event.

Ask your 5th graders:

  • Why can we only see planets at certain times of the year?
  • Can you name a few constellations you might see this winter?
  • Where would be a good location to search for a meteorite? 
  • Who was Galileo and how did he have a profound impact on our understanding of the universe?

Learn more about CAS or email cas@spragueschoolpto.com.

Stay Connected
Sprague PTO's Socials

Follow the links below to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Share your photos with social.media@spragueschoolpto.com

Sprague Family Directory

Find a friend on Sprague's Family Directory.

Facebook
Facebook
Instagram
Instagram
Sprague PTO Board

Meet and connect with the Board.

Interested in joining as a Co-Chair or Committee Member? Email presidents or the relevant contact on our Board page, or join us at an upcoming PTO Meeting to learn more.

From the Community - Sports
Wellesley Girls Lacrosse Fall 2024 Specialized Clinics with Erin Coykendall

10/3/2024 Clinics - All Clinics held at Sprague Turf Field #2

Shooting:

  • Grades 3-5 at 11:00 - 12:00 pm
  • Grades 6-8 at 1:00 - 2:00 pm

Dodging & Cutting:

  • Grades 3-5 at 12:00 - 1:00 pm
  • Grades 6-8 at 2:00 - 3:00 pm

10/30/2024 – Shooting Clinic

  • Grades 3-5: 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
  • Grades 6-8: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

11/6/2024 – 8 Meters & Defense Clinic

  • Grades 4-5 at 12:30 - 1:30 pm
  • Grades 6-8 at 1:30 - 2:30 pm

These times do not conflict with youth soccer or youth field hockey. 

Register here: https://go.teamsnap.com/forms/451751

Please check out our website for more information: https://www.wellesleygirlslacrosse.com/fall-registration

Please follow us on @wellesleyglax for program updates and events.

Wellesley Youth Basketball

Wellesley Youth Basketball Registration is open!

Wellesley's Youth Basketball Association offers programs for players grades K - 12. Click Here to Register

For more information please visit wellesleybasketball.org 

or email WellesleyBasketball@gmail.com.

Summary of programs:

Mini Raiders (Grades K & 1st): Introductory program run by professional coaches and high school students that will develop skills and fundamentals in a fun, high-energy clinic each week.

Saturdays 12/7/24 - 2/8/2025; fee $180

Hoops (Grades 2 & 3): Twelve hour-long sessions including basketball skills and drills (30 minutes) and a scrimmage (30 minutes). Players are assigned to a team of 7-8 players typically with other students in your player’s elementary school.  Parent coached - please get involved!

Saturdays (3rd grade) or Sundays (2nd grade), 12/7/24 - 3/22/25; fee $240

Wellesley Hoops League (Grades 4-9):  A competitive and fun basketball experience, coached by parents or high school coaches. All games are played against other Wellesley teams in Wellesley gyms.  Please consider volunteering to coach.

One weeknight practice (Tues, Thurs or Fri) and Saturday games. 11/18/24 - 2/8/25 (playoffs: 2/25/25-3/8/25). All teams make playoffs. Fee: $275.

Please don't hesitate to contact us confidentially about financial aid. 

Click here to register if you're interested in coaching.

Wellesley Youth Hockey

Wellesley Youth Hockey is proud to offer our Learn to Play (LTP) program as part of a multi-year introduction for those who are new to the sport of hockey. We encourage you to register your child born in 2019, 2020 or 2021 (or older kids who may want to skate for the first time) for the upcoming program. We look forward to seeing you on the ice during the 2024-25 season! 

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN 

Click here to register your skater.

SEASON SCHEDULE

Start Date: Week of October 14, 2024, through March 2025

Tuesdays: 5-6pm Coaches/Volunteers/Parent-led practice with direction from WYHA and USA Hockey

Fridays: 5-6pm Driscoll Skills every other week

Saturdays: 8:10-9:10am Cross-ice scrimmages

Where:

Boston Sports Institute

900 Worcester St.

Wellesley, MA 02482

From the Community - WPS
WHS Homecoming - Community Invited

Dear Wellesley Families,

We’re excited to announce our very first Homecoming event, a celebration of our community and school spirit! Join us for a night football game at Wellesley High School on Friday, October 18th, at 6 pm where we take the field against Newton North. 

The festivities continue on Saturday, October 19th, from 11 AM to 2 PM at Hunnewell fields, featuring a day of fun activities for kids, including pumpkin decorating, face painting, and much more! There will also be food for sale and profit made at community day supports the current classes at Wellesley High School.

|This is a wonderful opportunity for families to come together, enjoy the festivities, and show our school pride. Please feel free to email the Class of 2025 faculty advisors Julie Caparco (caparcoj@wellesleyps.org) or Leah Marshall (marshalll@wellesleyps.org) with any questions. 

We would love to see lots of younger families in our community at these events. We can’t wait to see you there!

Wellesley Green Schools

Wellesley Green Schools is collaborative group of caregivers, students and staff working together to reduce Wellesley schools' ecological footprint and to inspire students to create a healthy sustainable world. 


WGS TIP OF THE WEEK

You know the scariest part of Halloween? Buying a new costume when there are so many hiding in the back of our closets that have only been worn for a few hours!!! Bring Dorothy, Harry Potter and those Ninja Turtles back to life!!! You’ll feel good that your closet is cleaner and Mother Nature will thank you for cutting down on waste! Consider donating on the Facebook groups Wellesley Give and Take and/or Buy Nothing Wellesley, MA (must be Wellesley Resident).  You can even post an "In Search Of" (ISO) if you are looking for a specific costume.  Other donation options are: RDF Take-It-Or-Leave-It rack, the Schofield Shoppers Corner (open Wed. 8:30-noon) or Sprague's PTO Costume Sale (drop box in front of the Sprague school). Don't wait to donate!!!

Upcoming Meetings at the Wellesley Free Library Commons Area

11/14, 1/16, 3/13 and 5/15

Shoppers Corner at Schofield
Shoppers Corner at Schofield

Did you know Shopper’s Corner is a unique resale shop located right in the basement of Schofield Elementary School? The shop sells new and gently used clothing and accessories from infant through adult. 

Not only do they promote sustainability, their prices are rock bottom: items start at $1 and most are less than $5!  

The store is open during the school year every Wednesday that school is in session from 8:30am to 12:15pm and the first Saturday of most months from 9am to 11am.

From the Community - Miscellaneous
Cub Scout Pack 140

Cub Scout Pack 140 is sponsored by the Hardy PTO, and affords the opportunity for both boys and girls in grades K-5 to learn new skills, make new friends, and take in a host of new experiences, while encountering the outdoors and our community. 

The Pack has tons of exciting activities planned for the 2024-25 scouting year, including local hikes, the Pinewood Derby, canoeing, as well as several overnight adventures to places like Battleship Cove.

Pack 140 holds pack meetings usually once a month at the Wellesley Hills Congregational Church (207 Washington Street) on Monday evenings at 6:45. Scouts also have monthly den (grade-specific) meetings, scheduled to suit participants.

For more information, or to sign up online, visit http://wellesleypack140.org/

New Initiative to Encourage No-Cost Home Energy Assessments

Door-to-door canvassing begins soon — Look for HomeWorks Energy in your neighborhood. A new Town of Wellesley collaboration with HomeWorks Energy, a Mass Save® partner, can lower energy use and carbon emissions while improving home comfort for Wellesley residents who are gas customers of National Grid. Beginning in early October, HomeWorks Energy representatives will visit Wellesley neighborhoods to invite residents to schedule a no-cost home energy assessment. Representatives wear bright yellow vests displaying Town of Wellesley and HomeWorks Energy logos. National Grid customers can schedule a home energy assessment now by calling HomeWorks at 781-305-3319 or visiting HWE.Works/Wellesley Residents who heat with oil, propane, and/or electric resistance, should call the Center for EcoTechnology at 888-577-8448 or schedule an assessment with the Wellesley Municipal Light Plant at www.wellesleyma.gov/EnergyAuditForm. To learn more, read the Home Energy Assessments news release here.

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