PTO Update

Hello NES Families!
    Thanks to everyone who participated in the Lyman Pie fundraiser.  A total of $731 was raised for the NES PTO.   Next week, it's time for Top Turkey!  There is also an early release next Wednesday (1:15 p.m.) and no school on Thursday (Thanksgiving) or Friday. As always, for all the details, please read on, or visit the NES PTO webpage.  
 
Top Turkey Volunteers Needed   
     It's almost Top Turkey time! Volunteers are needed to sell feathers between 8:25 - 9:25 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 25, Tuesday, Nov. 26 and Wednesday, Nov. 27.  Please email Amanda Ruttenberg-Hakian at nespto.vernon@gmail.com to volunteer.  
     For new NES families, Top Turkey is a popular NES tradition - students can buy paper feathers for 50 cents each between Monday, Nov. 25 - Wednesday, Nov. 27.  The NES teacher or staff member with the most feathers gets the "honor" of donning the Turkey costume on Wednesday!  Last year, students enjoyed watching NES Administrative Assistant Mr. Joe Taporco gobble from class to class.  Who will it be this year?  See the attached flyer for all the details!  
 
NES Family Feedback Needed
The annual school climate survey is now available. Please click here to complete it; it should only take a couple of minutes, and not all questions need to be answered. Your feedback is important!
 
Staff and Teacher Appreciation Sign Ups
     Several times during the school year, the NES PTO celebrates NES teachers and staff with pop up events in the teachers' lounge.  We started the year with a Stock the Staffroom event.  For our next special day (Wednesday, Nov. 22), the PTO will be serving up mini-pies to staff and teachers.
     Looking ahead to our next appreciation event on Dec. 5, we are seeking donations for a Make Your Own Trail Mix Bar.  NES families can pick up some pretzels, M&Ms,  raisins, or their own favorite trail mix ingredient to help keep NES staff and teachers energized for conference days, and to show appreciation for all they do.  Click here to donate an item.  Donations may be brought to the NES office between now and Dec. 4.
 
Early Release Days Thursday and Friday, Dec. 5 and 6
     At the start of December, students will have early release days (1:15 p.m.) for the first parent-teacher conferences of the year.  This is a great opportunity to hear about your student's progress and learning plan for the year, and to build communication with your student's teacher.  NES students have a track record of success in large part because of the amazing teamwork between the school and the home!     
Family Paint Nights Coming Up Dec. 5 & 6
     The NES PTO proudly presents  Winter Themed Family Paint Nights on Thursday and Friday, Dec. 5 and 6 from 6 - 8 p.m.  Tickets are only $5 per person - canvases, brushes, paints and step by step instructions will be provided so students and family members can create a winter wonderland style painting.  Artists may bring a snack or dessert to share.  Forms went home last Thursday - and there's a a copy attached to this email.  Forms should be returned with cash or check payable to NESPTO.  Since supplies must be ordered in advance, forms submitted after the Dec. 2 deadline cannot be accepted.    
 
Lyman Pie Order Pickup Set for Thursday, Dec. 12
     Thanks to NES families for supporting the Lyman Pie fundraiser.  Orders will be available for pickup on Thursday, Dec. 12 from 4:30 - 6 p.m. at the cafeteria entrance.  This is the entrance used on Election Day - it's to the left of the visitor entrance on the Hartford Turnpike side of the school. 
 
NES PTO Meeting Set for Thursday, Dec. 1
     All NES families are encouraged to attend the next NES PTO meeting, Thursday, Dec. 12 at 6 p.m.  Families may join the meeting in the NES library, or attend virtually.   A Google Meet link will be provided during the week before the meeting.  (You will just have to "Knock" to be let into the meeting, much like a zoom waiting room).  Free childcare will be provided.
 
NESPTO Holiday Store is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 13     
     The Holiday Store is a wonderful tradition which allows students to shop for the important people in their lives.  All items are $1 and students are offered shopping assistance from NESPTO volunteers.  If you'd like to volunteer to set up the Holiday Store on Thursday, Dec. 12, or help out at the store on Friday Dec. 13, click here.
 
Free Polar Express Family Movie Night Coming Friday, Dec. 13
     NES students and their families will have a wonderful opportunity to cozy up, watch a movie, enjoy free donuts, hot cocoa and the company of friends.
 
Upcoming Events
*Thursday, Nov. 22 - 2nd Grade Field Trip to Science Museum
*Thursday, Nov. 22 - Staff Appreciation Pop Up 
*Monday, Nov. 25 - Wednesday, Nov. 27 - Top Turkey!
*Wednesday, Nov. 27 - Early Release for Thanksgiving Recess (1:15 p.m.)
*Thursday & Friday, Nov. 28 & 29 - Thanksgiving Recess, No School
*Thurs. Dec. 5 & Fri. Dec. 6 - Early Release Days for Parent Teacher Conferences (1:15 p.m.)
*Thurs. Dec. 5 & Fri. Dec. 6 - Staff Appreciation Trail Mix Pop Up 
*Thurs. Dec. 5 & Fri. Dec. 6 - Family Paint Nights
*Thursday, Dec. 12 - Lyman Pie Pick Up (4:30 - 6 p.m.)
*Thursday, Dec. 12 - NES PTO Meeting (6 p.m.)
*Friday, Dec. 13 - NES PTO Holiday Store
*Friday, Dec. 13 - Free Polar Express Family Movie Night (5:45 p.m.)