Dear Sprague Community, November has arrived and with it comes thoughts of Thanksgiving and the holidays to come in December. It is a time when the days get noticeably shorter. We adjust to more hours of darkness, but it is also take time to reflect on what we grateful for and giving back. Some suggest writing down at least 10 things you are grateful for. I just did that and it was very easy to come up with 10 things quickly. My list included my children, family, friends, home, and being part of the Sprague community. I do indeed feel fortunate to be part of this community and have the opportunity to work with children, families, and teachers at Sprague. I’d like to thank so many of you who give back on a regular basis both to our community and to larger world community. Just this week, we are collecting toys and gently worn clothing for Cradles to Crayons, Candy for soldiers, and money for UNICEF. Your generosity and thoughtfulness are greatly appreciated. Walk to School We had another very successful Walk to School Day today with 285 students participating. We hope to have today’s wonderful weather for all of the “Walk to School” days! Special thanks to Karyn DeVito and Jenn Fallon for meeting the Boston Bus at WMS and walking from there so more students could participate. Candy Drive Wednesday, Nov. 4 is the last day we will be collecting candy for the Candy Drive. It will be delivered to Wellesley Dental Associates for shipping on Wednesday afternoon. Documentary: Please see the invitation below for dates where parents are invited to see a documentary focusing on creativity in schools and 21st century skills. Dr. Lussier brought this film to the attention of the community and hopes it will generate discussion within our community. You will see there are dates below when each school community is invited. However, if you are unable to attend the Sprague date, but wish to see this film, please feel free to attend one of the other screenings. Join us for a film screening and community discussion about education and curriculum reform in 21st Century America. The Wellesley Public Schools in partnership with the Wellesley Education Foundation invite you to attend a screening of the award-winning film, Most Likely to Succeed, a documentary which Superintendent Dr. David Lussier describes as “incredibly thought-provoking in its examination of the underlying assumptions that have guided the development of public education in the U.S. as well as its questioning of whether those same assumptions are still relevant today as we prepare our students for a rapidly changing, interconnected world.” A WEF sources says, “Rather than promote any particular model or approachour goal is to provoke, challenge, and perhaps even inspire, as we remain focused on providing our students with a world-class education in Wellesley. Date and Time:                                      WPS Administration Co-Host(s):           Location:                                      Mon., Nov. 9, 6:30-9 pm       Hardy/Hunnewell/Upham & PAWS         WMS Auditorium
                        Thu., Nov. 19, 6:30-9 pm      Fiske / Schofield                                      Schofield Gym
                        Thu., Dec. 3, 6-8:30 pm        Bates / Sprague                                       WMS Auditorium
                        Thu., Dec. 10, 6:30-9 pm      Wellesley Middle School                          WMS Auditorium
                        Mon., Dec. 14, 6:30-9 pm     Wellesley High School                              WHS Auditorium
  Additional After School Offering: Sprague—Grades 1-5 Tuesdays 3:05 – 4 pm December 1, 8, 15, 22 $55/student Instructor: Jim Della Selva Expert Rating, teaches grades K-8 and older students. Instructs in Weston, Wellesley, Westford, Newton and RI. Chess is a mindful game that is both fun and challenging.  This class will give participants the opportunity to both play and learn strategy.  Instruction will be given so that the advanced player as well as the beginner will benefit. Don’t miss this exhilarating class. To register for this program please go to: www.wellesleyma.gov/recreation You will need a username and password to log in.  Use the Activity Numbers to search for each program.  (Wellesley Recreation and the School Department use the same registration system) Or call the Recreation office to register over the phone. 781-235-2370 Dates to remember: November 3: Walk to School Day November 5: WEF Spelling Bee @ 7 PM @ Sprague (This is a community fundraiser. Adult teams from each school participate.) November 4: Parent Conferences November 6: Parent Coffee with Michelle Chalmers in Sprague Cafeteria from 8:45-9:15. Come participate in a conversation facilitated by Michelle about diversity, building self-identity, and fostering greater social interaction skills in our children. Michelle is an expert in talking to children about race, culture, gender, religion, and different abilities to help them understand the world around them. Michelle Chalmers, MSW and Wellesley parent is the author of “The Skin on My Chin”, and most recently, “The Story Of METCO.” November 11: Veteran’s Day—NO SCHOOL November 17: Picture Re-take day November 20: Concert featuring students in Grade 1 and Grade 3 @ 8:45 a.m. (Parents of 1st and 3rd graders invited.)    

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Weekly note from Ms. Snyder–November 3, 2015