May 1, 2008

Notes from Ms. Heffron May 1, 2008

There are great things happening at Cumberland School every day. I want to highlight two recent events. The 4^th/5^th grade Green Team participated in last week's Clean the Bay event. Team sponsor, Rose Palmer, was joined by 5th grade students: Jessica O'Neill, Marisa Brudny, Elizabeth Dean and 4th Grade Students: Jacob Chmiel, Conner Kimple, George Papajohn, Audrey Head, Zoey Knox, Madeline Yunker, Amelia Windorski. They were assisted by Mr. O' Neil, Mrs. Dean, and a contribution of gloves by Mrs. Papajohn. Thanks to this group for their community wide contribution.

The second event I am spotlighting is a writing contest that one of our fourth grade classes participated in. Sponsored by the Autism Society of Wisconsin, the Autism Awareness Essay Contest required students to write "My Friendship Including Autism" essays. Close to 1,000 entries were received from students in 3^rd-5^th grades . I am thrilled to announce that Delaney Brower, one of our 4^th graders in Ms. Mikkelson's room, was selected as the first place winner! The essays that students wrote are posted on a bulletin board outside Ms. Mikkelson's room, and the content of their writings shows how deeply students have been touched by autism, many by one of our Cumberland students. Working with this student's family, Molly Voiland, one of our Speech and Language therapists presented an autism awareness instructional unit to Ms. Mikkelson's classroom. The students' compassion and empathy are fantastic to see and everyone's efforts to create an accepting school community, including Ms. Mikkelson's and Ms. Voiland's, are wonderful.

Other notes:

• 5^th grade Band-O-Rama, 7:00 tonight at the WFB High School. This 5-12 event is the first ever joint band event. See you there!
• WFB Middle School presents a Salute to Broadway May 9, 10, and 11 in the gym. Tickets are $5.00 and are on sale at the Middle School office. Shows are Friday and Saturday at 7:00 and Sunday at 2:00. Seating is limited to 250 per show.
• Everyday Math Skills Link book orders are included in today's folder. These books provide summer practice for the grade level that your child is currently in. Orders are due May 13^th.
• 2008-09 Volunteers for the Cumberland Library are being sought. A form is in the folder.
• Used Book Donation, May 5^th-30^th: The Cumberland Community team asks Cumberland school students to donate gently used books to the Lisbon Avenue Health Center which provides healthcare services to underprivileged families. Part of the Center's mission is to promote reading and many student who go to the center do not have any books at all. Students can help by donating anything from picture books to chapter books. Donation containers will be in the main lobby. Questions? Contact sponsors Mrs. Riedl, Mrs. Rassmusen, Mr. Moore or Mr. Burgos.
• Spirit Day Changes: May 9^th is now wear cougar clothing or green day. May 16^th is Favorites Day and June 6^th is still Beach Day.