News You Can Use
June 8th, 2020
Presidents' Note
We're sure you've heard the old African proverb "It takes a village to raise a child". But have you heard that "It takes a village to lead a PTA during a global pandemic"? It's not as popular but just as true. We would be remiss to let this year end without giving our immense thanks to our RES PTA Executive Team. Superstar Amy Whittle is completing her second year on the Executive Board. Seana Bedard, Tara Patrick, Laura Gibbons, Lisa MacDonald and Stephanie Ortegon all took the leap with us for their first year during the most unpredictable year to date. Into the unknown they went and never stopped brainstorming, dreaming and making magic happen! Thank you ladies for giving us your passion, creativity and spirit this year!
If you are curious about becoming a part of our volunteer village, please reach out! There are several committees that meet over the summer so we can hit the ground running in September. No amount of time is too small and we're always looking for new ideas!
Additionally, we must give a big high five to our RES Administrators and Staff partners for helping us to make our goals of helping RES families and bringing our school community together, a reality. Thank you to Principal Hammond and Assistant Principal Amodio and the entire front office team. Thank you to our PTA Liaison, Melissa Null. Thank you to our Staff Grants Liaison, Kelly Blessey. We appreciate your time, support and efforts for the PTA this year!
-Meredith and Angela
Activities Around Town
Read a book on a Story Walk!
Mark Twain Library launched 4 story walks around town -- Click here for locations and titles
June 5
Redding's CT Trails Day Celebration Hike at the Ground Pine Sanctuary from 9 am to 11 am.
Explore trails over rolling terrain in this sanctuary named for the "ground pine" that once covered the forest floor. We'll cross an intermittent stream and skirt a vernal pool in the succession forest. Option for experienced hikers to extend hike to 3 miles with co-leader by loop adjoining Mahony Preserve.
June 6
Cub Scout Pack 118's spring campout is at Hoyt Scout Reservation in Redding
All boys in grades K-4 and their families are invited to attend. To learn more about scouting or the campout, visit reddingscouts.org
June 6
Live performances in Georgetown's historic Gilbert and Bennett Church
4PM: Michael Ian Black
5PM: North Country Band
6PM: Coffee House Killers
June & July summer activities calendar
Now available on the Mark Twain Library Website
Dive into summer reading -- earn a free book from Barnes & Noble
Our local Barnes & Noble is participating in a summer reading program. Read 8 and get one free. Grades 1-6.
Click, Clack, THANKS!
Thank you to Sarah Peronace, our class teaching staff and parent organizer Tara Patrick for a wonderful virtual author visit with Doreen Cronin.
Here's a summary from the literary agent!
I spoke with Doreen and she had a great time with the kids! A HUGE part of why the day was so successful was due to Sarah’s preparation with the kids prior to the visit. As I have said previously, when students are exposed and familiar with an author prior to the presentation, it makes the visit so much more impactful. THANK YOU Sarah for all of the hard work you put into the visit. It really paid off!
The other component that contributed to the success was the teamwork you all exhibited. Many times an author visit can seem overwhelming to a school. Having the various tasks delegated to an enthusiastic and capable team makes a HUGE difference.
We're seeking a volunteer to run another Author Visit in 2021-2022. Let us know if you're interested!
Millcon Associates
Location: 98 Picketts Ridge Road, Redding, CT, USA
Phone: (203) 938-3289
Grab-and-Go Meals
Reminder: Grab-and-Go meals are available for pick up to all students this year, regardless of financial need. We urge families to take advantage of the opportunity for healthy meals on the go to support students learning from home. Regular meal pick up at Joel Barlow High School will provide a nutritional boost to hard-working students with little to no preparation needed.
Please feel free to contact David Kennedy at David.Kennedy@compass-usa.com or Deena Robushi at drobushi@er9.org with any questions or concerns.
In case you missed it -- March PTA meeting
Easton, Redding, Region 9 Special Education Committee
The tri-district special education committee works to support students and families who rely on additional support services in kindergarten to 12th grade.
Learn more about the committee's efforts and events at its website here.
Employer Donation Matching
As we approach the end of the year, you may be thinking about charitable donations. The RES PTA is a 501(c)(3) organization, and if our work is valuable to you, you can consider making an angel donation right here, or by mailing it to the RES PTA at 33 Lonetown Rd., Redding, CT 06896.
We'd also like to remind you that your employer might be like Thomson Reuters -- a company that generously matches employee gifts to local nonprofits doing the work communities rely on. If that's the case, please let us know, and we'll help you complete all the paperwork you need to make it happen!
Contact Us
Email: respta4kids@gmail.com
Phone: (203) 938-2519
Join the PTA!
As a PTA, our main goals will remain what they have always been:
- To provide academic, cultural and social programs for our children to enhance their learning and
- To support our teachers and staff and to act to unify our school community.
To fulfill our mission for a unified parent/ teacher community, we strive for 100% PTA membership. Dues are $25 per family this year. For more information on how to join, go to:
RESCTPTA.MEMBERSHIPTOOLKIT.COM
We are planning lots of safe and exciting virtual events this year that will be available to PTA members only, so sign up today!