Arts Equinox is a two day celebration of the Arts held each year at Driscoll.
Parent volunteers are needed to help with different activities in each K-5 class on March 23 & 24.
No artistic skills/experience needed! Instructions for each project and an example will be provided in advance.
Sign up here to volunteer:
http://www.signupgenius.com/
Sign up for the Science Fair
The Driscoll Science Fair is Saturday, March 11th in the Driscoll gym and cafeteria from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Driscoll Science Fair is open to Kindergarten through Eighth grade students! Please visit the Driscoll Science Fair Website: http://www.driscollscience.
PTO Spotlight with Parent David Belchick
PTO Spotlight with David Belchick (dad to Isabel 5H, Gabi 4M and William 2S):Q: How long have you lived in Brookline? What brought you here? Tell us about your family.A: We moved to Brookline in 2006 and have lived here ever since except for a short stint in New York. We moved here for the schools after our oldest daughter, Isabel, was born. I am so lucky to be married to the amazing Robyn Hunter and have 3 wonderful children-Isabel, Gabi and William Hunter. Because I am the only Belchick in the family, I often get the reaction after introducing myself and someone else clarifies who I am related to which is usually "Oh, YOU'RE Robyn's husband?" because I emote less and am the only person in the family who has no musical inclination .Q: What is your favorite Driscoll program?A: Easy: Spring FairQ: Tell us about your hobbies.A: I like to do a lot of things but have let life get in the way of hobbies. I would like to start playing tennis again, but my attempts with a regular playing partner (you know who you are) are erratic. Lately, I am an unpaid uber driver for 3 children's soccer and ballet programs. If you need to know where Taunton is or which ways to get to lower Newton on which days, I am the one to ask.Q: What are your hopes and dreams for your family?A: That they are happy and healthy and are able to give their families and the world more than I have when my time here ends.Q: If you could thank your children for one thing, what would it be?A: Thank you for doing everything you do with bravery, humanity and kindness, even when others might not deserve it. Also, a reminder to not always focus on the endpoint.
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!
PTO Spotlight with 6/7th Grade English Teacher, Courtney Pelletier
PTO Spotlight with 6/7th Grade English Teacher, Courtney Pelletier:Q: How long have you been at Driscoll? Tell us what you did before coming to Driscoll.A: This is my second year teaching at Driscoll. Before coming to Driscoll I taught 7th grade English for four years in Aurora, Colorado. I also taught high school for one year in Indonesia.Q: Tell us how you decided to become involved in education.A: I have always loved working with kids. After completing my undergraduate degree I knew I wanted to become a teacher and attended Northeastern University to earn my Master's in education.Q: What is your favorite part of the teaching day? What is most important to you as you spend your days with children?A: My favorite part of the teaching day is talking to kids about great books! I love when students come into my classroom excited to tell me about the book that they're reading. It's so important to make connections with my students and reading is the perfect way to do it.Q: Fun Fact! What's something we should know about you that we don't?A: When I'm not teaching I'm usually outside. Hiking, skiing, camping, and scuba diving are some of my favorite activities
Thank you!
Dear Driscoll Families,Yesterday marked the end of the Family Giving Campaign.We are grateful to the 290 families who donated a total of $46,798, the wonderful classroom captains who kept us on track, thank you note writers (look in your mailbox over the next week or so if you haven't gotten a note yet!) and the volunteers who have helped us along the way.Thank you, thank you!The Driscoll PTO
PTO Spotlight with 6/7th Grade Science Teacher, Eric Hazlinsky
PTO Spotlight with 6/7th Grade Science Teacher, Eric Hazlinsky:Q: How long have you been at Driscoll? Tell us what you did before coming to Driscoll.A: This is my 6th year at Driscoll. Before teaching here I taught 7th grade math and science in GloucesterQ: Tell us how you decided to become involved in education.A: I was in grad school studying geology and geomorphology and while I was TA-ing classes, I really fell in love with teaching the information.Q: What is your favorite part of the teaching day? What is most important to you as you spend your days with children?A: I think my favorite part of any day is when kids get excited and curious and ask a lot of questions! I like the lasting relationships you can form with kids.Q: Fun Fact! What's something we should know about you that we don't?A: I currently play on multiple recreational soccer teams and I have played in kickball nationals twice.PTO Spotlight with Driscoll School Secretary Kim Longmore
PTO Spotlight with Driscoll School Secretary, Kim Longmore!Q: How long have you been at Driscoll? Tell us what you did before coming to Driscoll.A: I have been at Driscoll 6 years and the town of Brookline for 10 years.Before that I worked at Plimoth Plantation, as everything from a Pilgrim, the basket maker, and the Education Programs Manager.Q: Give us an idea of the scope of your daily responsibilities.A: I do everything from attendance, communications between the teachers, parents, and children.Also,I do staff payroll, ordering all the supplies, keeping track of everyone’s records etc.Anything anyone needs, they can come to me, and I’ll find a way to help them.Q: What is your favorite part of the day? What is most important to you as you spend your days with children, teachers, parents and administrators?A: Number one are the kids, I love when a child comes to see me just to say hello, or give me a hug, or to tell me how their day is going. That is the best!Q: Fun Fact! What's something we should know about you that we don't?A: I have been the recipient of two travelling fellowships from Harvard University, where I studied and documented the last living apprentices and their lives and arts in England, Scotland and Wales.
PTO Spotlight with Music Teacher Vale Southard!
PTO Spotlight with Driscoll Music Teacher, Vale Southard!Q: How long have you been at Driscoll? Tell us what you did before coming to Driscoll.A: This is my 4th year at Driscoll. I started here in 2013 part-time, while working at 2 other schools in Brookline. Last year was my first year full-time teaching just here, and I love it! Right before coming to Driscoll I was a long-term substitute music teacher in Newton, and before that I was in college at University of Miami Frost School of Music, getting my music education degree.Q: Tell us how you became interested in music education.A: Music has always been a huge part of my life. My parents are very musical, as well as my brothers, (one of them is a professional pianist and composer) so music was always a huge priority for our family. I grew up playing piano, clarinet, and singing, and when I started to think about what I wanted to do as a career, I knew it had to be related to music. I actually went to college intending to be a music therapy major, but after taking a few classes, I realized it wasn't the right fit for me. I realized that I wanted to share my love for music with others, and music education seemed to be the best way to do that.Q: What is your favorite part of the teaching day? What is most important to you as you spend your days with children?A: That's such a hard question! I see many different classes in a day, so I would say my favorite part of the day is getting to see so many different students. I teach almost everyone in the school, and I think that's really special. What's most important to me is that my students come away from my class loving music. That doesn't necessarily mean they'll grow up to be a professional musician, but music can and should be an important part of all of our lives. When a student comes into my class really excited, telling me that they sang one of our songs at home, or they looked up and rewatched a performance we watched in class, that's when I feel most fulfilled as a teacher.Q: Fun Fact! What's something we should know about you that we don't?A: I once sang back-up on an album with the Latin American artist Juanes, and then the album won the Grammy for Best Latin Pop Album!
PTO Spotlight with PK Teacher, Mary Dunne!
PTO Spotlight with Driscoll PK teacher, Mary Dunne!
Q: How long have you been at Driscoll? What were you doing before you came here?A: I've been at Driscoll for 16 years. Before that I was at Heath Schoolfor 21 years.Q: What made you decide to go in to education?A: My mom and her mother were both teachers. I loved watching my mom work with kidsand prepare for school in the evenings. I can't imagine myself doinganything else.Q: What is your favorite part of your day with the 3-5 year olds?A: My favorite part of the day is watching a child or children discoversomething for themselves. Seeing the pride and ownership on theirfaces is truly satisfying. I love singing and dancing with kids justas much.Q: What is a Fun Fact that we don't know about you that we should?A: I have terrible taste in candy. The cheaper and chewier, the better!Dots, Jujubes and Circus Peanuts are my downfall.
Family Giving Campaign
Dear Driscoll Families,On October 17, 2016 we kicked off the Family Giving Campaign. Our goal is twofold. We hope to raise $25,000, and we hope that 100% of our families will donate by November 29, 2016.The Family Giving Campaign is the PTO’s major fundraiser for this school year. The Driscoll PTO raises money each year to fund the great programs like Science Solstice, and Arts Equinox, but also professional development for the awesome teachers we have here at Driscoll.On Wednesday, October 26, from 6:00 - 8:30 pm a team of parents from most grade levels will "Dial for Driscoll". We aim to contact each Driscoll family to either thank them for their donation, or encourage them to donate. If you get a call, answer the phone! Our parent volunteers will be eager to chat with you!Sincerely,Driscoll PTODonate here: or by bringing a check to the main office.
PTO Spotlight with Driscoll Math Specialist, Jenna Laib!
PTO Spotlight with Driscoll Math Specialist, Jenna Laib!Q: How long have you been at Driscoll? Tell us what you did before coming to Driscoll.A: This is my sixth year at Driscoll. Before that, I taught 4th grade in Billerica, MA. I also worked as a math coach and math specialist at a school in Newton and several other schools in Brookline.Q: Tell us how you became interested in math and all things supportive and enriching.A: Math has fascinated me for as long as I can remember! I love searching for patterns and discovering connections. When I was a kid, I liked playing with numbers and solving puzzles. Later, as a classroom teacher, I found myself fascinated not only by math but by my students’ mathematical thinking. There are so many ways to make sense of the same problem or idea.Q: What is your favorite part of the teaching day? What is most important to you as you spend your days with children? A: I like that my schedule is always changing; I am all over the building! You might see me teaching in a 2nd grade classroom, then with some 7th graders in a small group, and later meeting with teachers. That said, my favorite thing to do might be one-on-one math interviews with kids. Driscoll students teach me so much!Q: Fun Fact! What's something we should know about you that we don't?A: I am very close to my siblings, even though they live on three different continents, and we aren’t all biologically related. My sister and stepbrother both live in Boston (North America), my brother and his wife live in England (Europe), and my two brothers-in-law live in Algeria (Africa). We are grateful for tools like Skype that allow us to stay in touch!
PTO Spotlight with 2S Second Grade Teacher Erica Sullivan!
PTO Spotlight with 2S Second Grade Teacher Erica Sullivan! Q: How long have you been at Driscoll? Tell us what you did before coming to Driscoll.A: I began working at Driscoll in 2008 when I was a senior at Wheelock College. I was a classroom assistant in Barry and Marybeth's Pre-K class for a few years while getting my Master's Degree in Elementary and Special Education. After that I spent a year at Lincoln School as a maternity leave sub in Kindergarten and then in the Adaptive Learning Center before returning to Driscoll to teach first and second grade. This will be my sixth year teaching grades 1/2 at Driscoll, and I can't imagine being anywhere else.Q: Tell us how you decided to become a teacher.A: I grew up with three younger brothers, so really I was a teacher right from the start. I can clearly remember being five years old and confidently declaring to my kindergarten friends that I would be a teacher when I grew up (well, either that or an actress...). Teaching young children has always been my goal and my passion.Q: What is your favorite part of the teaching day? What is most important to you as you spend your days with children?A: There are so many favorites, but I think I love morning meeting the most. We get to start the day greeting each other, sharing stories, asking questions, and doing silly activities to help bring us together as a community. This community building sets the stage for the challenging work we do throughout the day. It allows kids a safe space to take risks, make mistakes, and build a growth mindset.Q: Fun Fact! What's something we should know about you that we don't?A: Several years ago I was watching a lot of those cake decorating shows on TV and decided that I could do that! I've made some pretty cool cakes since then with fondant and everything. Last year for my son's first birthday I made a Superman cake, and I'm planning on making some kind of "Things That Go" cake for his second birthday.
PTO Spotlight with Kindergarten Teacher Ben Fishkin (KF)!
PTO Spotlight with Kindergarten Teacher Ben Fishkin (KF)!
Q: How long have you been at Driscoll? Tell us what you did before coming to Driscoll.
A: I've been at Driscoll for 12 years! This is my fifth year as a kindergarten teacher. I used to work in the preschool, DEDP, and I did student teaching in a second grade classroom. Q: Tell us how you decided to become a teacher.A: I used to work at camps a lot and always enjoyed working and playing with kids. When I started working in the preschool here, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in education. Q: What is your favorite part of the teaching day? What is most important to you as you spend your days with children?A: I love problem solving with my class. Whether it's figuring out a problem in our classroom or how to support students in a conflict, I enjoy helping students become more independent with their self-help skills. Q: Fun Fact! What's something we should know about you that we don't?
A: I love working with computer hardware. I'm not great at coding, but I can build just about any computer!
Family Giving Campaign
Dear Driscoll Families:Next month we will be kicking off our main fundraiser for the school year called the Family Giving Campaign. With a goal of $25,000, we hope our families will give generously so that we can continue to fund the programs our children know and love.As a Driscoll family, you are members of the Driscoll PTO. Our Parent Teacher Organization has amazing programs, including Art Equinox, Science Solstice, Driscoll After School Activities (DASA), Early Release Movies, Book Fair, Spring Fair, and so much more! The PTO also supports teachers as they continually keep instruction up-to-date.The Family Giving Campaign will begin on October 17, and finish with Giving Tuesday, on November 29, 2016. During this 6 week period of giving, we encourage our families to invest in Driscoll in a way that is meaningful to you. In addition to donations, we hope that families will join us in this community building effort, and sign on in one of the many roles outlined here. From Classroom Captains to Challenge Donors and thank you note writers, we hope our community will come together to run this giving campaign, and meet our $25,000 goal.Thank you in advance for your generosity.We look forward to an engaging and exciting school year.Sincerely,Lori Day, Val Frias, Sara Stoutland Co-Presidents, on behalf of the Driscoll PTO BoardPTO Spotlight with 4th Grade Teacher, Josephine Bouquet!
PTO Spotlight with 4B Teacher Josephine Bouquet! Q: This is your second year having your own classroom. Tell us what you did before coming to Driscoll.A: After graduating from Boston College I worked as an aide, and then as a behavior therapist in different special-ed programs in Newton. I was lucky enough to come to Driscoll to be the substitute for Mrs. Mackie when she had her baby, and then got my own 4th grade classroom last year!Q: Tell us how you decided to become a teacher.A: I have always loved working with kids, but really I became a teacher because growing up I loved so many of my teachers. They taught me so many important lessons, and I really appreciated how they supported me and helped me learn and grow. As I got older I realized more and more the positive impact they had on my life, and I hope to pay that forward in some way. My biggest hope is to help my students enjoy school and find the joy in learning each day.Q: What is your favorite part of the teaching day? What is most important to you as you spend your days with 9 and 10 year olds?A: My favorite part of the day is when the students first arrive. They are so excited to be here and their positive energy can really set the tone for a great day. The beginning of each day feels like a fresh start full of opportunities to learn, and I get really excited to share that with the students. I also love having the opportunity to check in with the students about what is going on in their lives before we hunker down and get into our lessons.Q: Fun Fact! What's something we should know about you that we don't?A: I have an older sister and 3 younger brothers, one of whom is in 4th grade this year! They all live in Maryland, where I am originally from.
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
PTO Spotlight with Computer Teacher Bob Thomas
PTO Spotlight with Computer Teacher Bob Thomas!Q: Tell us about what you do at Driscoll School.A: I’ve been the Educational Technology Specialist at Driscoll since 1999. I really like my job. I get to do so many different things. I teach 6th grade students and I lead other classes in the lab. I work with teachers to help them find digital resources to support their teaching. I keep track of the computers and equipment in the school and make plans for purchasing new equipment.Q: Tell us about how you decided to become a computer teacher?A: I was a classroom teacher for more than 20 years before I came to Driscoll. I mainly taught upper elementary students - 4th, 5th, and 6th grade. I used a lot of technology in my teaching (even in the 1980’s). My favorite part of teaching was working with students on long term projects - especially films and digital presentations. I decided that I wanted to spend all of my time helping students use technology to share their learning with others.Q: You do some other cool things besides being a computer teacher at Driscoll, tell us about those.A: I feel fortunate that I have a job where I get to do so many things. In addition to teaching, I maintain the school website and Twitter account. I take photos of school events. I work with the 7th and 8th graders to produce their yearbook. I make videos and films. I troubleshoot when computers and printers don’t work (I love fixing things). I get to play with new equipment and I love finding new digital tools and games for students and teachers.Q: What do our kids do in Computer Class?A: Students use Macbooks, Chromebooks, iPads and iMacs to enhance and extend classroom curriculum goals. They reinforce skills through games and interactive tools. They explore concepts through digital play. They create presentations to share what they have learned. Students also learn some basic programming skills. Perhaps most importantly, they learn to be competent, comfortable, and ethical users of technology.Q: Fun Fact: What's something we should know about you that we don't?A: I love to travel, especially on trains. I lived in Italy for 5 years and I make great pizza and pesto pasta.
PTO Spotlight with New Driscoll Librarian: Anne Reid!
PTO Spotlight with New Librarian Anne Reid!
Q: You're new! Tell us about what you did before coming to Driscoll.
A: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to introduce myself! Let me start my saying how lucky I feel to be the librarian at Driscoll. I’m just a week into the school year and I can tell how important the library is to the community - not just the students and staff, but the families as well. It is a dream position!I’m joining Driscoll from Watertown Public Schools, where I was for the past two years. Before that, I was working as a librarian on the coast of Maine. And before that, I spent many years working at Simmons College.Q: Tell us about how you decided to become a school librarian?A: It was a winding path to school librarianship! Growing up, I always loved books, reading and libraries. But it wasn’t until later in life that I found school librarianship. In college, I worked at my school’s art library. That’s when I became hooked on librarianship. I loved the books and helping connect people with the information they needed. I was an art history major, so when I went on to graduate school for library science, I pursued art librarianship. After I graduated, I landed what I thought would be my dream job: a visual resources librarian. Within a month of starting, though, I knew I had made a big mistake. Most of my time was spent alone in a room with thousands of slides, cataloging and digitizing. I was so bored! I returned to my graduate school to work. While working, I took more classes. As soon as I took school librarianship classes, I knew I had found my calling. I love the books. I love connecting with kids with books, hoping to help make them passionate, lifelong readers. I love the information literacy aspect too. In our digital age, it is so important for students to be able to efficiently find, evaluate, and use the information they need. I love making the library a welcoming place for all students, the busy hub of a school.Q: What are your favorite books?A: I have so many! Thank you for not asking for just one favorite. Here are a few:
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Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak is one of my alltime favorites. So much happens in a mere 10 sentences and those amazing illustrations.
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Elephant and Piggie series. Mo Willems is brilliant. Another author/illustrator who conveys so much with so little, which is no easy task.
- The Harry Potter series. My daughter and I are currently on third book. JK Rowling created an amazing world.
- Listen, Slowly by Thanhha Lai. A wonderful middle grade novel about family, roots, and culture.
- And two other picture books I just have to mention: Stuck by Oliver Jeffers and This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen.
I am forcing myself to stop now.
Q: What do you have planned for the Amy Neale Library this year?
A: There are so many things I’m excited about! I really look forward to getting to know the students and what they like to read. I can already tell Driscoll has a lot of passionate readers. I’m hoping to run a book award program for students in grades 4-8. Students will be invited to choose from a collection of 40 different books to read and evaluate. At the end of the year, students who read at least 5 of the books will be invited to vote for the one book they liked the best. What I like about this program is that it creates a community of readers, with students really engaged in the books, recommending (or not recommending) them to each other. I also hope to run a picture book award program with students in grades K-3. In addition, I look forward to working closely with teachers to integrate library resources and information literacy skills into the projects they are working on in the classroom.Q: Fun Fact: What's something we should know about you that we don't?A: I am desperate to see a snowy owl in the wild. I love birds. I could get chickadees to eat out of my hand when I was a girl. My daughter, Phoebe, is named both after a bird (the phoebe) and a chickadee song (fee-bee). In general, I keep an eye out for birds. Many snowy owls have been sighted around eastern Massachusetts in recent winters, but alas, despite my best attempts, I have yet to see one. If you get any leads on where to see one this winter, please let me know!
Welcome!
W
elcome 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!