Stop-n-Shop A+ Rewards...

We are off an running and after a month we have earned $7.44 in Stop-n-Shop A+ Rewards money.  The program runs thru the end of March so there is still plenty of time to participate.  Not sure what it is?  Well check out the details on the PTO web site's Stop-n-Shop page.  It is simple to participate...you just need to register your Stop-n-Shop card using you card number and selecting Sparhawk as your school choice (Sparhawk code is 05245).  It takes up to 7 days for your card to be registered and after that, any qualifying purchase generates a donation from Stop-n-Shop which will be given to the Sparhawk PTO in the spring.

So register your card and watch the dollars grow!

Halloween Party

A fun time was had by all....

School Cancellation Alerts

You can get text messages to your mobile device for school cancellations.  To register for school closing alerts sent out by our local Boston CBS station, go to:
        cbslocal-school-closings
This will bring you to the SCHOOL CLOSINGS TEXT MESSAGE REGISTRATION page.  If you are already registered with CBSBoston, you can login right from here, otherwise, click on the registration link and you will be brought to the first registration page.  It is a brief form that you fill in.  After you click on the Create button, you will be brought to another form where you enter a lot of the same stuff, but also get to enter your mobile number and your email address.

Once you have completed the form and have signed up, if you signed up with a mobile device, you will receive a text message with an activation code that you enter on the page you did the registration from (technically a different page...but it is the next page in the activation process).  You will also be sent an email confirmation.

Now that you have registered....
Since Sparhawk School is closed whenever the Amesbury public schools are closed, you can go to the School Closings link (you must be logged in to get to the School Closing page).  Once there, click on the Public School Edit link.  From there, you can check off which ever public school systems you want to track...check Amesbury to get the Amesbury public school cancellations...which are also the Sparhawk School cancellations.

Anything Goes...

Norah Tinti along with her cast and crew outdid themselves this weekend when the Sparhawk Spotlights presented its spring production of Anything Goes.  This was a fantastic rendition of a classic musical and it was done in Sparhawk style...lots of glimmer, shimmer, laughs and a display of talent and enthusiasm from the entire cast and crew.  The performances were fantastic and built on each other.  It was evident from all involved that the students had a great time putting on this production.

What a wonderful and dedicated staff the Sparhawk schools have.  They work so well with the students and each other and make the entire process of creating an enticing show both fun and very professional.  Below is 2 collections of pictures from all 3 show (but only second half of Saturday night show).  If you click on a slide show, you will be brought to the online album and you can download any shots you  would like.  The first slide show has 236 pictures and the second has 100 pictures.  You may ask "why 2 slide shows" and the answer is because I had technically difficulties uploading all 336 pics in a single album so as a workaround I broke it up into 2 albums.

(Fri full show, Sat 2nd half, Sun 1st half)



(Sun 2nd half)


I hope you enjoy these as much as I enjoyed taking the shots and watching the performances...but that probably is not possible since I thoroughly enjoyed this production each time I saw it.

Rhonda McDonough
Sparhawk PTO President

Friday night was the Sparhawk School PTO Spring Fundraiser.  Jim Plunkett provided the entertainment and there was plenty of food, drink, dancing and laughing.  A big thank you to all those who helped with  the event by donations of both items and time.  It was a blast!  Hope you enjoy the slide show:

Science Lab Update

Hello Everyone,

I would like to share with you a few changes we’ve been making to the Science lab.  The transition to the new building has gone well, but we still have work to do to bring the lab up to higher standards.  Two signs of progress are a new Smart Board, installed a few weeks ago, and an order for a UV/VIS Spectrometer.  The Smart Board has been noted on Edline and this blog and I hope to add additional information by the end of the school year.  Ask to see it if you are visiting.

This UV/VIS Spectrometer is a workhorse analytical instrument in every science lab.  It is used for both identification of a substance and the measurement of its concentration.  UV/VIS stands for Ultraviolet/Visible which signifies the wavelengths of light used for the analysis. The technique is based on the principle that most chemical substances have bonds that will absorb specific wavelengths of light.  The Wikipedia explanation is actually quite good:

“Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy or ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis or UV/Vis) refers to absorption spectroscopy or reflectance spectroscopy in the ultraviolet-visible spectral region. This means it uses light in the visible and adjacent (near-UV and near-infrared (NIR)) ranges. The absorption or reflectance in the visible range directly affects the perceived color of the chemicals involved. In this region of the electromagnetic spectrum, molecules undergo electronic transitions. This technique is complementary to fluorescence spectroscopy, in that fluorescence deals with transitions from the excited state to the ground state, while absorption measures transitions from the ground state to the excited state.^[1]”

I am easily diverted by discussion of the electromagnetic spectrum (ES), so I’ll simply add the following descriptive figure.  The ES is simply the continuum of electromagnetic energy that ranges from high energy gamma waves to low energy radio waves.  “Visible light” simply means that portion that humans can see with their eyes.     (http://www.colourtherapyhealing.com/colour/electromagnetic_spectrum.php):  

This instrument is a direct application of atomic theory principles that are taught at Sparhawk.  It is gratifying to see actual application of these sometimes complex theories.  The electrons in an atom reside in distinct locations known as orbits.  They can move to other orbits by either absorbing or emitting a specific amount of energy.  These energies are very narrowly defined and result in the absorption of light with only that energy (which, in effect, is defined by its wavelength).  Spectral scans of two similar molecules are shown below that illustrate the significant differences in light absorption that can be used to identify molecules, even distinguishing among those with small differences in their structures. 

IR Spectrum of Caffeine

Similar Molecules Produce Different Spectral Patterns

http://www.sgk.mpg.de/private/barbatti/pics/ua_spect.jpg

Each peak results from a different bond structure.  These spectra can be analyzed peak-by-peak to determine a molecule’s identity since the wavelength of light absorbed correlates with the type of bond  .  Most commonly, however, it is matched to an existing database of spectra for known compounds.  The height of the peaks is indicative of concentration.

We will use this instrument in Chemistry, Biology, Forensics, and Earth Science.  Thanks to the PTO for giving the students this opportunity.

Naional Archery in the Schools Program - Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife

Archery In the Schools 

(from the MA Wildlife Website)

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and the Massachusetts Outdoor Heritage Foundation recently partnered with the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) and the Archery Trade Association to promote student education and lifelong interest and participation in the sport of archery. In May 2010, ten pilot schools from across the state sent physical education teachers to participate in the Ba y State's first NASP Basic Archery Instructor training at the JFK Middle School in Northampton.

The ten Massachusetts NASP Pilot Schools include: Brockton High School, Burncoat Middle School in Worcester, Douglas High School, John F. Kennedy Middle School in Northampton, Lee High School, Mahar Regional School District in Orange, Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocation High School in Wakefield, Saugus Middle and High Schools, Waconah Regional High School in Dalton, and Westport Middle School.

The National Archery in the Schools Program teaches an international style target shooting program for students in grades 4-12 that can improve students’ self confidence, motivation, behavior, concentration, focus, and interest in going to school. Taught through school physical education departments, the program also highlights social studies, physics, and mathematics.

For more information about NASP in Massachusetts, contact Tom O’Shea at (508) 389-6327 or by email at tom.o'shea@state.ma.us.

http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/education/archery_in_schools.htm

Archery at Sparhawk

A straw poll of Sparhawk High students showed strong interest for an archery program. I am researching program  logistics and equipment. Based upon staff and PTO member input at the last two PTO meetings, an after-school program is the most viable starting option for late spring, summer and the potential for an integrated archery program in the fall. According to the NASP Archery site, a class of 30 can be outfitted for about $3,500.

USA Archery (U.S. Olympic Team) promotes archery in the schools so that there will be a better pool of world-class competitors. Other organizations have more local goals, which include academic performance and personal growth. There are at least three reputable programs from which to draw guidance and some grant funding and local resources that may provide instructor training, range management and coaching.

1. National Archery in the Schools: NASP Archery Internet Site

2. USA Archery: USA Archery

3. Archery After School Program: Archery-After School Program

I encourage anyone interested to look at these websites, and especially the NASP Archery site curriculum guides for grades 4-12 and also consider the following:

• Archery is a lifetime sport, there are college teams all over the country, including UNH;
• An archery program may be an attraction for international students;
• All the benefits of team-building, community and personal growth;
• Academics that relate to archery include physics, math, social studies, literature and language arts;
• Sparhawk's new HS facilities is a resource that could host outdoor, FITA* competitions up to 90 meters;
• The Lower Campus has adequate distance for an outdoor practice range (9-18 meters);
• Indoor competitions are possible at the High School, as are postal competitions to bridge long-distances among schools and clubs whereby student's competition targets are mailed and scored.

*FITA: Fédération Internationale de Tir à l'Arc http://www.archery.org/

(World Archery)

The next month and a half is a very busy one for the Sparhawk PTO.

This week we have the final days of our Camp Cody Raffle.  All proceeds from the raffle are going to fund some of the Sparhawk theater requests to the PTO.  Two of the larger theater requests we have received are:

1. Choir riser for choral performances done for the different school levels.  These risers would be used for performances for many years to come.  Need two 3-tier risers at $685 each.
2. Stage extension...we have received a $500 donation from a friend of the Sparhawk Theater and need approximately $600 more to complete the project

We are in the midst of coordinating our Spring Fundraiser which is an adult night out at the Sparhawk Theater with entertainment provided by Jim Plunkett.  I am happy to say we have already received several ticket orders.  If you would like to help out, please contact me at rcmcdonough@gmail.com.  We have lots of areas to coordinate and we need many volunteers.  One of the things we are looking for are donations to our silent auction/raffle.  Please consider donating any of the following:

• theme items for silent auction and raffle baskets
• sports memorabilia
• gift certificates: restaurants, stores, online, local shops
• tickets: sports, theater, entertainment...other events
• vacation time share
• any other ideas for items that you may have to donate

Our next PTO meeting is on Thursday, March 15th, and we will be drawing the Camp Cody Raffle winner at 4pm.

Hope to see you there...Rhonda McDonough, Sparhawk PTO President

Scrip and A+ really help non-profits

We are now scheduling regular Scrip orders because each order we place generates much needed funds for the PTO.  The beauty of Scrip is that it costs nothing.  You just order cards for the vendors you usually shop at,  including restaurants, stores, boutiques, online....many of the places you already frequent.  A percentage of the value of each card you order goes to the Sparhawk PTO.  To date, the Scrip program has raised over $800 for the PTO.  Order forms for the next order are due in the office by Friday, March 2nd.

• order form
• waiver form for first time orders

There are 4 more Scrip order opportunities for the 2011-2012 school year:

• Fri March 2nd
• Fri April 6th
• Fri May 4th
• Fri June 1st

Get your orders in and watch our Scrip dollars grow.

We have until March 29th to keep generating money via the Stop & Shop A+ school rewards program.  If you havent yet registered your card please do so by going to the following page:

• http://www.stopandshop.com/aplus  school id:  05245

Then each time you use your card at Stop & Shop to purchase items designated with the A+ logo, you earn money for the PTO.  To see how much the Sparhawk School PTO has earned to date, go to our School Totals link.

No Cost PTO Donations....

While there are many tools available to non-profits to help them raise funds, the Sparhawk School PTO currently is active with 3 of them.  They are programs that have no end user costs associated to them.  Instead, the programs donate a percentage of your purchase to the PTO.  They are simple to use and can generate much needed dollars to help us fund some of the enrichment needs of our students.  For more information on the PTO use of each program, click on the header link and you will be brought to the  PTO web page which has the details.

Scrip -purchase gift cards thru our Scrip coordinator

Purchase gift cards to stores you regularly shop at from our PTO Scrip coordinator.  Use the gift cards instead of cash...or as a different form of plastic.  For each card you purchase, a percentage of you purchase price is donated back to the PTO.  Below are earnings offered by just a few of the retail participants:

Retailer	Percentage Donated
Dunkin' Donuts	4%
99 Restaurant	13%
CVS	6%
Starbucks	7%

Check out our Scrip flyer which has even more details, or go directly to our order form which has the participating retailers.  Fill out the form and drop it at any of the Sparhawk school main offices by Feb 13th  to be included in our next order.

GoodSearch/GooodShop/GoodDining - generate pennies and dollars thru your searches and purchases

With GoodSearch, once you designate SparhawkPTO as you charity choice, each search you do using the GoodSearch search engine (which is just Yahoo!) generates a penny for the PTO.  GoodShop is a way to generate dollars for the PTO with the online purchases you are already doing.  You go to the GoodShop link and designate SparhawkPTO as your charity (if you did it for GoodSearch you dont need to do it again).  Then as long as you to go your favorite online ordering site by selecting it from the GoodShop list, a percentage of everything you buy at the site is donated to the PTO. You dont need to create a GoodSearch account, but if you do you can track how both your searches and your purchases add up for the PTO.  Get your family/friends to use GoodSearch and select the SparhawkPTO as their charity choice...anyone can use it.

GoodDining is a program that local registered restaurants participate in.  You register your credit card with GoodDining then when you dine at a participating restaurant (in or out depending on the restaurant) a percentage of your meal order goes to the PTO.

For information specific to each one, visit

• GoodSearch
• GoodShop
• GoodDining

Stop and Shop A+ - purchase A+ designated items to generate points

We started late with this program...in fact we started our registrations only 3 weeks ago.  So far we have 18 cards registered.  As of this writing, no funds have been generated but we still have until the end of March to make qualified purchases.  Qualified purchases are those items designated with the A+ school rewards symbol:Earn points for the Sparhawk PTO when you purchase any A+ designated products.  To see the latest number of designations and our earnings go to our A+ School Account Totals page.  If you have friends/family members who us a Stop and Shop card and dont currently have a school designation, ask them to support Sparhawk....all with Stop and Shop cards can participate.

The PTO is very grateful for all you do to help us help our children.  If you have questions on any of these programs, please give me a call (get the number from the school) or send me an email at rcmcdonough@gmail.com.

Rhonda McDonough
Sparhawk PTO President