School Day Hours Changing - Effective November 30, 2015

Here are the new Manchester School District hours:

Elementary School
Students Arrive - 8:30am
Class Begins - 8:45am
Dismissal - 2:50pm

Morning Pre-School
Students Arrive - 9:00am
Class Begins - 9:15am
Dismissal - 11:45am




Afternoon Pre-School
Students Arrive - 12:35pm
Class Begins - 12:45pm
Dismissal - 3:15pm

Full Day Pre-School
Students Arrive 8:45am
Class Begins - 9:00am
Dismissal - 2:00pm

Middle School
Students Arrive - 7:20am
Class Begins - 7:35am
Dismissal - 2:20pm

High School
Students Arrive - 7:38am
Class Begins - 7:45am
Dismissal - 2:53pm

Halloween Family Night

Thanks to all who came out to celebrate Halloween at HGF -  we raised over $450! Thanks to the volunteers who helped make this event a success!

Support HGF PTA with Amazon Smile

Did you know that through Amazon Smile you can set up a charitable donation to the HGF PTA?

 You can use your current Amazon account and there is not cost to you. Here is everything you need to know about Amazon Smile:

What is AmazonSmile?

AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization. You can choose from nearly one million organizations to support. 

How do I shop at AmazonSmile?

To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device. You may also want to add a bookmark to smile.amazon.com to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at AmazonSmile. 

Which products on AmazonSmile are eligible for charitable donations?

Tens of millions of products on AmazonSmile are eligible for donations. You will see eligible products marked “Eligible for AmazonSmile donation” on their product detail pages. Recurring Subscribe-and-Save purchases and subscription renewals are not currently eligible. 

Can I use my existing Amazon.com account on AmazonSmile?

Yes, you use the same account on Amazon.com and AmazonSmile. Your shopping cart, Wish List, wedding or baby registry, and other account settings are also the same. 

How do I select a charitable organization to support when shopping on AmazonSmile?

On your first visit to AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com), you need to select a charitable organization to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. We will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.com will result in a donation. 

How much of my purchase does Amazon donate?

The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible AmazonSmile purchases. The purchase price is the amount paid for the item minus any rebates and excluding shipping & handling, gift-wrapping fees, taxes, or service charges. From time to time, we may offer special, limited time promotions that increase the donation amount on one or more products or services or provide for additional donations to charitable organizations. Special terms and restrictions may apply. Please see the relevant promotion for complete details. 

Can I receive a tax deduction for amounts donated from my purchases on AmazonSmile?

Donations are made by the AmazonSmile Foundation and are not tax deductible by you. 

How can I learn more about AmazonSmile?

Please see complete AmazonSmile program details.

"No Sale" Reminder & Cowabunga's Raffle

By now you should have received our Fall Fundraiser “No Sale” Flyer.  We are looking for your help to support and fund the programs that PTA would like to sponsor this year. Without your assistance things like reading intervention programs and field trips will not be funded or supplemented by PTA.

Unfortunately, we receive very little financial assistance from the district for things like books for classroom libraries or technology.  Therefore, we have to rely on the generosity of our HGF families and community to help provide the tools needed to help our students succeed.

We have taken this “No Sale” fundraising approach based on feedback from parents who have said they would prefer to make a tax-deductible donation rather than sell products.

As you know we have set a goal of $35 per student to help us achieve our fundraising target.  If we are unable to meet that goal with our “No Sale”, then we will either have to send out a more traditional fundraiser or cut back on the programs and activities we support.

Thank you to all who have already donated to our "No Sale" fundraiser.  Cowabunga's in Hooksett has donated a 4-pack of tickets and anyone who has donated by October 29, 2015 will be entered into a raffle to win this prize.

We're making it easier for you. Not only do we accept cash and check donations, you can now donate online as well.  Scroll down to the bottom of the page to make a secure online gift via Paypal.  Simply print your receipt and retain it for your tax records.

You don’t have to have a Paypal account—just a debit or credit card.  You can either make a one-time donation or set up a recurring payment.

Be sure to let anyone you approach for a donation, such as family and friends,  know that Highland-Goffe’s Falls PTA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We will receive 100% of their donation which can qualify as a tax-deductible contribution.  In addition, we greatly appreciate any corporate matching donations.

The top 3 classrooms that raise the most money as a percentage of their

class room goal will be awarded a supply of playground equipment.

DOWNLOAD THE FLIER AND DONATION FORM.

- OR - 

DONATE ONLINE:

 

October PTA Meeting Reminder

There will be a meeting tomorrow, 10/21/15 at 6:30pm in the Art Room. Childcare will be provided.

The topics to be discussed include:

• Volunteer Opportunities, VolunteerSpot, and District Policies
• Mrs. Matthews to clarify birthday invitation policies
• Status of "No Sale" including upcoming Raffle

We will also be voting to approve the 2015-16 budget.

 

There will be free popcorn awarded to the class most represented by parents (be sure to sign in)!

We look forward to seeing you there!

I-Scream Social Reminder

Reminder that this Friday is our I-Scream Social Family Night.  Mad Science is coming to celebrate Halloween at Highland-Goffe’s Falls!  They are bringing their fun and interactive SPOOKTACULAR stage show to the HGF gym.

Friday, October 23, 2015

6:30 - 7:30 Show

7:30 - Ice Cream

$5.00 per student/ max $15 per family

Please pay at the door.

Don’t forget to wear your costumes!

                                                                                 

Spotlight on Mrs. Chase, 4th Grade Teacher

Name: Melissa Chase  
Position: 4th Grade Teacher  
Birthdate: August 13  
Hometown City/State: Manchester, NH  
College(s) Attended: UNH and New England College
Family:
I currently live in Manchester with my wonderful husband, Rob and our two cats, Riley and Ritz. Riley is really sweet, but a bit of a "scaredy cat." Ritz is also sweet, but very naughty, which only adds to his charm. Ritz also has a heart on his paw. 

 

What I Like Best About HGF:
What I love most about teaching at Highland are the students and staff that I get to work with each and everyday. 

We are individuals and have own own styles, but we all work together toward the common goal of helping children learn and grow! 
Favorite Snack: Anything chocolate!  
Favorite Season: Summer
Fun Fact:
As a child, I loved to collect sand from different beaches. Whenever anyone went on a trip to a beach I hadn't been to, I would ask them if they could fill up a film can of sand for me (unless they were going to Hawaii, as I think it is bad luck to take sand from there). It's a little sad to say, but I think all of the sand is now somewhere in a box in my mother's basement. Sorry Mom! 

I also love to travel and my favorite place in the world is Bermuda!!

 Favorite Quote: 
Yesterday is history. Tomorrow's a mystery. Today is a gift, that's why that call it the present. -Unknown 
Also, Carpe Diem!  
Wish List Items:
colored Expo dry erase markers 
30 small pieces of felt (for erasing white dry erase slates) 
2 boxes of gallon size zip lock type storage bags 
Handi- wipes (sanitizing wipes for hands and faces) 
clear sheet protectors tissues
 

Bakers & Store-Bought Donations Needed!

We need help with our upcoming Bake Sale which will be Wednesday, October 28th. We need LOTS of folks to participate in order to make this successful. This bake sale benefits the 1st Grade.

Do you love to bake? We'd love your help! Please bag each item, except cupcakes.  Please note any allergens such as gluten, nuts, etc.

Short on time? Store-bought snacks such as crackers, granola bars, fruit snacks, juice boxes, fruit cups, etc are welcome also. If you provide something that needs a spoon or fork, kindly send those along as well.

Please label any containers you need returned to you with your child's name and teacher.

Thank you!

Sign up here: http://vols.pt/GSQsDT

Introducing VolunteerSpot

We're using VolunteerSpot (the leading online Sign-up and reminder tool) to organize our upcoming Sign-ups.  Here's how it works in 3 easy steps:



1) Click this link to see our Sign-Up on VolunteerSpot: http://vols.pt/GSQsDT
2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.
3) Sign up! It's Easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on VolunteerSpot.

Note: VolunteerSpot does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact me and I can sign you up manually.

Stay tuned for more volunteer opportunities that will be added in the coming days, as well as future opportunities as well!

1st Annual "No Sale" Fundraiser

For years Highland-Goffe’s Falls PTA has relied on the generosity of its families and community members.  We work hard to develop programs and provide educational opportunities for all of our students.  We are asking for your help once again to reach our fundraising goal.

If each student raises only $35 we will reach our $17,500 goal by the end of October!

Here are some of the items your donations provide:

• ·         $5,000 for a 3^rd-5^th grade literacy intervention program
• ·         $5,500 for field trips and 5^th grade celebration
• ·         $3,700 for classroom library texts
• ·         $875 for agenda books and communication folders
• ·         $500 for birthday books

We have made it very easy for you to support your PTA.  There is no need to sell anything to friends or coworkers.  No need to deliver products.  Simply complete the form at the bottom of the page and return it to your child’s classroom teacher.  Only one form is necessary. 

GREAT NEWS … you are also able to make a secure tax-deductible donation online (click the donate button at the bottom of this page). You can even set up an automatic payment if you would prefer to donate in monthly installments.

Because HGF PTA is a 501c3 non-profit organization, your donation may be entirely tax deductible.  We will also accept any corporate matching contributions. (Tax id #51-0509287)

The top 3 classrooms that raise the most money as a percentage of their

class room goal will be awarded a supply of playground equipment.

DOWNLOAD THE FLIER AND DONATION FORM.

- OR - 

DONATE ONLINE:

Save the Dates! October Events

10/9           School Store Opens

10/12         No School

10/16         BoxTops Due
                  The class with the most BoxTops turned in will win a special surprise.

10/19-23    Scholastic Book Fair

10/21         PTA Meeting - 6:30pm
                  The class with the most parents in attendance at the PTA meeting will win free popcorn for the entire class.

10/22         Early Release 11:15am

10/23-23   Parent/Teacher Conferences 

10/23         Good Citizens Assembly K, 3rd, 4th - 9:00am
                  Good Citizens Assembly 1st, 2nd, 5th - 9:45am
                  Halloween Party - 6:15pm

10/28         Bake Sales (benefits 1st grade)

10/29         Chuck E. Cheese Night Fundraiser (details to come)


Looking ahead to November:

11/3          No School
11/11        No School
11/26-27  Thanksgiving Break

Halloween Party

Some parents have expressed concern about changes to the Halloween Family Night.  As many of you know the Halloween night has traditionally included a haunted house set up on the stage and various games set up around the school.  Two years ago, during the event, the fire alarm was set off by the fog machine.  The fire department responded and expressed concern about the lack of fire retardant materials being used in the haunted house.

Last year, the administration called MFD to have the fire alarms disabled during the event and the response from MFD was swift.  They sent their fire prevention chief to the school to assess the situation.  At that time, only a short time before the event was to begin, MFD wanted to shut down the entire event due to the lack of fire retardant materials.  Luckily a compromise was reached and MFD allowed the event to continue as long as a manned fire truck was outside of the school.  Fortunately, we were not billed, but that would not be the case this year.

After speaking with the fire prevention bureau this year, to confirm what materials would be acceptable, we learned that ALL items used to make the haunted house, props for games and decorations would have to be fire retardant.  The same regulations apply whether the event is set up inside the school or outside/adjacent to the school.

Given the cost of purchasing all new supplies (the tarps alone would have cost over $600), spraying our other props with special fire retardant spray and keeping our safety data available for inspection by MFD, we determined that to have the event as it was would be difficult both from a cost and compliance perspective.  However, given how popular this event has been in the past, we didn’t want to cancel it altogether.

After talking about it at the last PTA meeting and speaking with the administration, we decided to go in a different direction.  Sticking with the Halloween theme, we contracted with Mad Science to come and present their fun, interactive Halloween themed show. Although we talked about Mad Science facilitating activity stations, unfortunately their staffing levels would not allow for that.  Instead of candy and the Bake Sale, we are offering ice cream, provided by The Puritan Backroom.  Students are encouraged to wear their costumes.

We know some children and parents may be disappointed in this change.  However, we are hoping that in spite of that you will make plans to attend and support the efforts of your PTA.  As you know we work hard to provide both fun family events and educational opportunities for the students of HGF.  We look forward to seeing many HGF families on October 23^rd.  And if you or your children learn a little something about science while you’re there, that's a bonus.

We have reconsidered our ability to run games and providing we have enough volunteers who are willing to coordinate and run every aspect of the games, then we'd be happy to include them.  Any decorations we have used in the past do not meet MFD compliance and cannot be used. We would need to have 10 parent volunteers to facilitate games. Please contact Stacey Weigler if you would like to coordinate this effort.

Download the Halloween Party Flier

Fluency Friends - Volunteer Opportunity

Our Reading Specialist, Mrs. Rivard, is looking for volunteers to help students with reading fluency with a new program called Fluency Friends.

We have many students that need reading intervention.  Volunteers will be paired with students for a variety of tasks including flash cards, listening to students reread books, or give 1-minute reading passages.

Because volunteers will be working one-on-one with students, they will be considered Designated Volunteers.  Volunteers will need to have a background check and finger printing paid for by MSD.

A brief training will also be required for volunteers.  Please fill out the form below to sign up and Mrs. Rivard will be in touch with you.

Scholastic Book Fair - Oct 19-23

The HGF Scholastic Book Fair will be held from Monday, October 19th through Friday, October 23rd. The book fair will be held in our school library from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and students will have an opportunity to visit the book fair during their scheduled library time. Family members are welcome to attend the fair during the school day. We will also be open on Wednesday October 21st from 3:00 to 6:00 during Parent Conferences.

Dates/times for volunteers to come in to help the younger grades shop will be organized soon. Helping them make a wish list to bring home or to help pick age appropriate books with the money they bring in. (Update to follow with more info).

If you are interested in ordering online, you may do so here. 

Designated Volunteer Information

Volunteers are extremely important for the running of many events and learning experiences for our students at HGF.  In order to ensure a safe environment for all, we ask that all volunteers please adhere to the following information.  According to the MSD Board Policy, volunteers who serve in an on-going capacity and have a one-on-one interaction with students are considered to be designated volunteers.  These volunteers will be required to submit to a criminal background check and fingerprinting that will be paid for by the district.  A few examples of this type of volunteer is as follows:  mentors, homework helpers, overnight chaperones, and coaches. Volunteers whose contact is limited and who will be volunteering in hallways and other public areas will not need to be screened by the district's human resources department.

Designated volunteers will be receiving packets to be filled out.  We thank everyone in advance for helping us with this process!!

Originally posted on the HGF website. More information will be shared as it becomes available.