Driscoll PTO's Science Solstice

Driscoll PTO's Science Solstice On Fri. Dec. 16, Driscoll celebrates “Science Solstice:” a day when the whole school suspends its regular routine to do science.

Grades K to 5 stay in the building and are ‘wowed” by science with presentations of live animals and simple machines, from the Museum of Science and Mass Audubon Society. Students learn about the scientific methods as they build paper geodesics dome, learn how crimes are solved or discover states of matter.  At the end of the day, they respond through writing and drawing about the question: “What do scientists do?” These activities are planned and run by Driscoll parents. For the complete K-5 schedule go here.

The middle schoolers (6th. 7th and 8th graders) leave the building and each student visits one working science lab or facility. This year, we are sending out 18 groups to 18 labs. Most visits are arranged by Driscoll parents. These field trips both pique students’ interest in science and expose them to different careers in science and technology.  For the complete list of labs w/description, go here.

All in all, it’s a great day of learning and discovery!

Science Solstice is entirely funded by your PTO dollars and run by your fellow Driscoll parents volunteers. THANKS!

Sign up to volunteer at Driscoll this school year!

Dear Driscoll Families --The school year is off to a great start! Students have settled into their classrooms, met teachers and made new friends.  Families made introductions or reconnected at last week's Back to School Picnic. Now it is time to look forward to some of the exciting events on the horizon for this year!Each year, Driscoll parents work together, alongside teachers and staff, to create unique experiences that enhance our children's education and build community. From stocking our library with books that ignite imaginations, to day-long science and art activities. Remember Art Equinox,  when our students created a mural in the cafeteria? Or Spring Fair, when cotton candy covered all those smiling faces? Let’s make more memories together this year.Driscoll parents make these events happen.Please take a moment to click here to find volunteer opportunities that are the right fit for you. An event coordinator will be in touch as the date approaches to find a specific role that suits your schedule and interest. It is our hope that every Driscoll family will choose three ways in which to donate their time to the school over the year.

If you have any questions about a particular opportunity, please feel free to reach out to the person listed as event contact on the form or send me an email at driscollvolunteer@gmail.com.

Many thanks in advance for all you do to make Driscoll a magical and inspired place for children to learn and grow.  It takes a village.

 Kind Regards,

Chiara Magini

Fellow Driscoll parent

Driscoll PTO Volunteer Coordinator

Welcome!

Welcome to the 2016-2017 school year at Driscoll School!Have questions for the PTO? Get in touch at driscollpto@gmail.com.Want to keep up to date with all PTO Communications? Email us at driscollbulletin@gmail.com.We hope you have a wonderful school year and we look forward to seeing you at PTO Meetings, and at PTO sponsored events throughout the school year!

Summer Vacation

Enjoy the summer break!We look forward to seeing both students and parents in September.Check out the PTO Facebook page for occasional summer updates.We'll send out the first PTO Weekly Bulletin the week before school starts. If you haven't signed up for the Bulletin, please send an email to driscollbulletin@gmail.com, and we'll get you signed up!

Update from Principal Heidi Cook

Dear Driscoll Community,As we move into the end of the school year, I figured it was a good time to send a note to say hello!I have missed you all, but I feel so fortunate to have this time at home with our three little ones who keep me very busy every day!  I have been following the many complexities, goings on and celebrations in our Brookline Schools and at Driscoll even though you haven’t heard much from me.  I check out the conversations on the public sources, but I’ve also been checking in occasionally with the central office, Eileen Woods, David Youkilis and Driscoll staff.  I continue to feel so lucky that their capable hands have made it possible for me to truly enjoy every last drop of my time off worry-free.One thing I can do while holding babies is think.  And I have been thinking and reflecting on many things while on leave, including my role as Driscoll’s school leader and the impacts I hope to have during my time as your principal.  I very much look forward to returning with a renewed sense of urgency and purpose and with new insights into my own leadership.I’m so proud of our soon-to-be graduates and look forward to wishing them well in High School along with David and Eileen on graduation day. I will see some of you there!I also look forward to re-entering my principal role on July 1st.  Until that point, I will begin some transition activities with Eileen and David, and will weigh in with them on major issues for next year.  Of course, continue to reach out to Eileen and David with current issues.  If you email me information pertaining to next year please know that I will read it and begin the process of responding to folks as quickly as I can once I return in July.I’ve attached a picture of our family from February (the last time we all sat still long enough for a picture).  I look forward to seeing your family again soon!With Love,Heidi

Driscoll PTO seeks nominations for PTO Co-Chair and Treasurer

Driscoll PTO seeks nominations for PTO Co-Chair and TreasurerAny member of the Driscoll community may nominate a community member, including themselves.  Nominations will be accepted until Friday, May 13, 2016. Members of the PTO board will elect these positions during the PTO board meeting on May 17, at 8 a.m.If you are interested in nominating someone or have questions,  please e-mail driscollpto@gmail.com.

PTO Co-Chair

The PTO has three co-chairs, who together are responsible for ensuring the PTO fulfills it's mission of organizing events, building community and fundraising for the Driscoll community. 

As such, the co-chairs:

• Develop and oversee the annual PTO budget, 

• Recruit  program chairs and ensure program chairs receive the support and volunteers needed to run smoothly. 

• As appropriate, act as  point persons, to facilitate communication between Driscoll administration and parents; teachers and parents; and among parents.

• Run the PTO Executive Committee meetings. (historically, Monday at 8 a.m.)

• Chair four meetings of the full PTO board and two Open Forums per year.

• Share these duties based on their strengths and schedules

PTO Treasurer:

• Monitors the PTO budget, processes payments and deposits, and oversees tax returns.
• Works closely with a professional bookkeeper and accountant.
• Produce quarterly financial statements for the PTO board.
• As a voting member of the PTO Executive Committee,  participates in the weekly PTO Executive meetings (historically, Monday at 8 a.m.) 
• Participates in four full PTO board meetings per year. 

The terms for both positions will run for 3 years, from September 2016 to June 2019.

It takes a village: Volunteer!

 Dear Driscoll Families --The school year is off to a great start! Students have settled into their classrooms, met teachers and new friends.  Families made introductions or reconnected at last night's Back to School Picnic. Now it is time to look forward to some of the exciting events on the horizon for this year!Each year, Driscoll parents work together, alongside teachers and staff, to create unique experiences that enhance our children's education. From stocking our library with books that ignite imaginations, to day-long science and art activities. Remember Art Equinox? When our students transformed the gymnasium into a jungle. Or Spring Fair?  When cotton candy covered all those smiling faces?  Let’s make more memories together this year.Driscoll parents make these events happen.Please take a moment to click here http://driscollpto.digitalpto.com/volunteer/ to find volunteer opportunities that are the right fit for you. An event coordinator will be in touch as the date approaches to find a specific role that suits your schedule and interest. It is our hope that every Driscoll family will sign-up to help in both the fall and spring semesters.If you have any questions about a particular opportunity, please feel free to reach out to the person listed as event contact on the form or send me an email at driscollvolunteer@gmail.com.Many thanks in advance for all you do to make Driscoll a magical and inspired place for children to learn and grow.  It takes a village.Warm Regards,Shannon Hedrick.Fellow Driscoll Dragon parentDriscoll PTO Volunteer Coordinator

Welcome Back 2015-2016

Dear Driscoll Families: Welcome to the 2015-16 School Year!The Driscoll Parent-Teacher Organization is an entirely volunteer organization run by Driscoll parents and teachers.  It is where parents can become involved in Driscoll life.  The PTO organizes programs and events;  builds community among and between parents, teachers, staff and students; and fundraises to support these efforts and other educational programs at Driscoll.We raise about $200,000 a year.  We provide funds to teachers for classroom supplies and special projects; to the library for books and materials; and to our own programs that enhance Driscoll’s strong academic curriculum.  The last couple of years, the PTO has also furnished the school with 40 iPads and an iPad charging station.As a Driscoll parent, you are a member of the PTO!  To make it work for you,  give  your time—volunteer with a PTO program or event.  Volunteering is a great way to meet new people or to learn about your child’s schooling. Donate money—go to our website and make a (tax-deductible) donation.This year, the PTO is rolling out improved electronic communications.   Alice Speck has spent the summer moving us into the 21st century.   Here it is:

• PTO E-bulletin.  You will receive one e-mail on Mondays with the E-Bulletin (similar to Bluesheet) and one brief Thursday e-mail with the “Thursday Update.”
• PTO web-site (http://driscollpto.digitalpto.com):   An up-to-date, mobile-friendly site, with an events calendar, new and old e-bulletins; volunteer information, program descriptions, and more!
• Facebook.com/DriscollSchoolPTO page has the latest PTO news.  Like us!  Follow us!
• Twitter: Follow @DriscollPTO for quick updates and reminders.

For grade-level communications: Be on the lookout for e-mails from the classroom’s Room Parent or Village Leader.  They’ll let you know about classroom and grade-level events.We need room parents for 6th, 7th, 8th grade.  Contact Lori Day at DriscollRoomParents@gmail.com.Fall programs: We are already preparing for our great programs and events!

• New parent breakfast (9/16 8 a.m.): Learn about the PTO and meet new families!
• Back-to-school picnic (9/16 5-7 p.m.): Connect with old friends and make new ones!
• DASA—Driscoll After-School Activities (9/21 - 12/2):  Superb 1 hour, 8 session classes.
• Fall Fling Dance (10/22), 6 p.m.: Just a lot of fun for all!
• Early Release Movies (11/10, 11/18, 12/1, 2/9):  Kids see movies; parents get longer day.
• Book Fair (11/16-11/20):  Buy your books for the holidays and support the PTO.
• Science Solstice (12/11):   A day when the whole school does science!

We are looking forward to a fun and participatory year!All the best,The Driscoll PTOSara Stoutland, Lori Day, Lakia RutherfordCo-Presidents.Not receiving the PTO E-Bulletin on Monday’s?  Contact us at  driscollPTO@gmail.com  

What does the Driscoll PTO do for you?

THE DRISCOLL PTO — WE ARE PARENT & TEACHER STRONG!All Driscoll parents are members of the PTO. With over 400 of us, parents and teachers, we are able to do wonders to enhance our children’s academic experience and benefit from the positive energy from the social events. Many friendships are fostered at Driscoll, not only between children, but also parents. A great way to meet people is to BE INVOLVED with the PTO.The PTO is your voice and venue to be involved and be heard. The Driscoll PTO aims to foster interest in the life of the school and provide a means for parents to be involved; promote cooperation, communication, and unity of spirit among parents, faculty, staff, and students; and, encourage understanding concerning the School’s objectives and curriculum.Our fundraising efforts combine raising money and having fun. Volunteer any amount of your time and be part of the Driscoll Community’s enthusiasm while being instrumental in enabling the PTO to provide financial support to the school. In the past few years we furnished the technology department with an iPad Charging Station, and over 40 iPads; provided the library with material and books making Driscoll Library a reader’s treasure island; supported teachers’ projects and classroom supplies, plus a lot more.The fundraising efforts also allow us to fund the special PTO events that the children and parents look forward to every year: Science Solstice, Arts Equinox, Fall Fling, Auction Benefit Gala, and Spring Fair. 

Thank You!

Dear Driscoll Families--As our children are busy reflecting on their year and getting ready for the next, we want to take a moment to communicate how deeply we appreciate all the hours of volunteer work done by Driscoll parents.

"Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something." - UnknownDuring this year, over 700 volunteer opportunities were filled by Driscoll parents.  They rolled up their sleeves and worked with each other and staff  to bring an amazing array of activities to our school.  Kids found 'joy in thinking' during Art Equinox, Science Solstice, Chinese New Year, Driscoll After School Activities. . .  And pure joy, at the Spring Fair.  The book fair encouraged a love of reading and supported our library.  Masquerade Magic, the annual gala and auction, was our time for an adult-only celebration to raise funds to support our teachers and curriculum, including PTO programs.

"The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention." Oscar WildeTo all of you who shelved books in the library; cut out shapes for Arts Equinox; donated  items to the auction; or baked your famous french toast for Teacher Appreciation Breakfast  -- you were noticed.  Each act of volunteerism adds up and helps make our children's school day unique and exciting.

"We often take for granted the things that need the most gratitude." Cynthia OzickWith all these great events, it is easy to  to overlook those who help out every day.  Room Parents reach out to their teacher and parents to help support the classroom and connect parents to the Driscoll community as a whole.  Village Leaders build community within each grade and facilitate communication between the principal and parents.   Early Release movie helpers give so many parents another couple of hours of  'kid free" (or least "fewer kids") time.  Every week, the Bluesheet editor keeps us up-to-date on happenings around Driscoll and the town.  And of course, the chairs of each of our programs and events work diligently over many months.  Without all of you, the dragons of Driscoll would not be.

"I can no other answer make, but thanks and thanks." William ShakespeareOn behalf of the PTO Executive Committee and our children: thank you. This year has been exceptional because of all of you.

With gratitude,Lori Day, Co-chairLakia Rutherford, Co-chairSara Stoutland, Co-chairMeg Brackley, TreasurerDavid Souza, TreasurerHeidi Cook, PrincipalThe PTO Executive Committee