Principal Mark McAneny ​mmcaneny@arlington.k12.ma.

us

Bishop Weekly Update: September 26, 2019

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

10/4 (Fri)​: Bishop Spirit (wear) Day
10/18 (Fri):​ Walkathon
10/19 (Sat)​: Pumpkin Sale

9/30 (Mon), 10/9 (Wed), and 10/14 (Mon): ​Holidays -- NO SCHOOL

In This Issue:

PRINCIPAL’S CORNER

PTO NEWS
Successful Fall Clean up Day!
Shop for BIshop at Stop & Shop
Phone Directory, Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Spirit (Wear) Day

ANNUAL FUND APPEAL

PTO-SPONSORED EVENTS
Walkathon
Pumpkin Sale: Love To Carve Amazing Pumpkins?

COMMUNITY NEWS

KEEP UP TO DATE
 PRINCIPAL’S CORNER
Flu Clinic for Bishop Elementary School
The Arlington Health Department and the Arlington Public Schools are once again offering seasonal flu vaccinations
at your child’s school. The Centers for Disease Control recommends all persons ages 6 months and older receive the
seasonal flu vaccination each year.
The flu clinic for Bishop Elementary School students will be on Thursday, October 3, from 8:30am to 9:45am. This
clinic will be held during the school day and will be for students, teachers, and staff only, and will not be open to the
public. This year you can complete the form and upload you insurance information online at:
https://www.arlingtonma.gov/departments/flu-clinic-registration​.
Electronic forms must be submitted by Tuesday, October 1.
For your convenience, paper copies of the insurance form will be available in the main office, if you would prefer. If
you are filling out a paper form please include the grade and teacher for your student. Completed forms and a copy
of your child’s insurance card must be submitted to the Main Office by Tuesday, October 1
Jessica Kerr, RN
Public Health Nurse
Town of Arlington
27 Maple Street
Arlington, MA 02476
781-316-3170

Arlington Public Schools

Department of Performing Arts
2019-2020 ARLINGTON TREBLE CHORUS
Choral Opportunity for Students in Grades 4 and 5
The Arlington Treble Chorus is a choral ensemble open to all fourth and fifth graders
from each of the Arlington elementary schools. It provides an opportunity for young
singers to develop their voices, explore a wide variety of music styles, develop
self-confidence and self-esteem, while having fun with new friends in a caring and
supportive environment. Music helps develop our response to the world in a positive
way, develops an appreciation of beauty and gives each of us a voice! What better way
to spend the afternoon!
The Arlington Treble Chorus is open only to students who attend the Arlington Public
Schools. Participation in the program is free of charge. Although no audition is required,
students should exhibit an interest in singing. Arlington Treble Chorus is directed by
Kate Elmendorf, Dallin School Music Teacher.
The chorus performs at various annual school concerts throughout Arlington, including
special events and community venues. Special plans for this year include a performance
at the Massachusetts State House, traditionally a highlight of the year for our singers and
their families.
Additional Information
● Rehearsals are on Wednesday afternoons in the Thompson School music room
from 3:00-4:30pm beginning Wednesday, October 2.
● There will be a parent/caregiver meeting Wednesday, October 2 at 4:00pm
immediately following rehearsal (rehearsal will end at 4:00pm on October 2)
● Rehearsals will be open to new members until Wednesday, October 9.
● Being a member of the Arlington Treble Chorus requires a high level of
commitment. Students are expected to attend all rehearsals and participate in all
performances. Students are expected to arrive to rehearsals on time.
Parents/caregivers should plan to pick up students promptly at 4:30pm.
● Handbook: ATC HANDBOOK
● Visit arlingtonsings.weebly.com to register and for more information
PLEASE REGISTER BY FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO REGISTER YOUR CHILD ONLINE
ARLINGTON TREBLE CHORUS REGISTRATION
or go to arlingtonsings.weebly.com

Keeping Bishop’s Driveline Drop Off Safe

If you are a family who accesses the Bishop Driveline in the Bishop parking lot in the morning, it is important to note
and consider these important safety tips:

● When entering the Bishop Parking lot, please make a right into the driveline and curve around to drop your
child(ren) off.
● PLEASE pull as forward as you can before stopping to drop off
● PLEASE have your child(ren) exit the vehicle on the SCHOOL SIDE of the parking lot.
● PLEASE do not pass the vehicle that is in front of you; this is a ONE LANE drop off.
● PLEASE do not skip the driveline by dropping your child(ren) off on Stowcroft Street - STUDENTS SHOULD
NOT BE DROPPED OFF IN THE STREET.

Thank you so much for your cooperation and collaboration as we continue to make Bishop’s driveline a safe and
responsible process

Library News
Welcome back to school and we hope everyone's year is starting out well! The students have begun checking books
out, and if they are in 2nd-5th grade they may bring them home to share with you (some 1st grade classes too once
they are ready!). Please try to help them keep good track of their books so they don't get lost or damaged. The kids
should also be in the good habit of bringing them in each week on their library day so that they can check out new
books.

We are still looking for a couple of extra library volunteers to help with book shelving and with helping us process the
new books so they can get into the student's hands. In particular, we are looking for someone to come in after drop
off on Thursday mornings to help shelve, and on Tuesday mornings anytime between 10:30-12 to help with book
processing. Please let us know at jbloch@arlington.k12.ma.us if you are available during either of those time slots.

Many thanks and happy school year ahead!

Justine Bloch and Alison Vaishnaw

Returning Student Update Form - Parent Portal in PowerSchool

Parents and families of returning students - The Bishop office and the APS Central Administration asks that
you go into the parent portal within PowerSchool to UPDATE YOUR FAMILY/STUDENT INFORMATION. It is
imperative that you log into PowerSchool ASAP to complete this process. The school and district needs this
information for many reasons to include correct phone numbers, email addresses, and emergency
contacts. Please be sure that ALL information is updated; thank you so much.
 PTO NEWS

Successful Fall Clean up Day!

The Fall Clean Up Coordinator Meredith DiMola thanks

everyone who participated this past Sunday. We had a
great turn out under warm, sunny skies. You may have
noticed a huge improvement in the front of the school. The
volunteers quickly filled 30 leaf bags and we had to go buy
more!). We have also planted more perennials just outside
the door by Crosby Street. Here’s a picture of most of the
volunteers.

Thank You for Helping with Picture Day!

A big thank you goes to all the volunteers who helped with Picture Day! Thank you, Lorie for organizing it!

Shop for Bishop at Stop & Shop

A+ School Rewards are points that can be earned with each purchase made using your Stop & Shop Card.
Shop at Stop and Shop from now through March 14, 2020 and a percentage of all your shopping comes right
back to Bishop at no extra charge to you. Register your Stop & Shop card to your Peapod account to make
your Peapod purchases count, too! For instructions on how to register your card, see​ this link​. Please ask
your friends and family to participate.

Phone Directory, Sponsorship Opportunities Available

Complete/Update Your Info ASAP, 9/25

We’re looking for Bishop-family owned businesses or local businesses to sponsor the directory to defray the
production cost. As the directory will be seen by all Bishop families, sponsorship is a great way to increase
visibility for your business and contribute to a good cause. Sponsorship spaces are available on the back
cover and the inside front cover and can be either a full or a half-page in size. Contact Jessica Tsymbal at
jtsymbal@gmail.com​ for details.

It’s not too late to update your information for the PTO directory. This list is separate from the PowerSchool
parent portal that Mr. McAneny mentioned in his section. There is a checkbox to opt out from your
information being available to others. Please sign up/update at ​the pto directory site​ and also update your
grade and classroom email news subscriptions. A detailed information was sent in the backpack mail and
also ​available at this link​.

Spirit (Wear) Day

The first Friday of every month, students are encouraged to wear their Bishop t-shirts or Bishop colors
(yellow/gold and blue). Look for order forms coming soon and opportunities to buy them at selected PTO
sponsored events.

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 ANNUAL FUND APPEAL

The PTO is asking for a donation of $135 per child for the 2019-2020 school year. Each year, the PTO funds
enrichment programs and events to supplement your children’s school experience as well as to foster a sense
of community within the school. The Annual Fund Fundraiser is a one-time ask that allows us to maintain our
ability to pay for the activities and supplies expected of the PTO. The checks are payable to Bishop PTO. If
you have already contributed, thank you.
For the 2018-2019 school year, the PTO raised about $73,000 and spent about $79,000, for an average spend
of over $165 per student. For the 2019-2020 school year, the PTO plans to spend about $82,000. We plan to
fundraise about $46,000 through events such as the Walkathon, Bear Fair, and Camp Auction. The Annual
Fund Fundraiser will fund the remaining $36,000.

Please support the Annual Fund today!

Proposed Budget
Activities Supported by the PTO
(2019-2020)
Enrichment & Student Events: P ​ rovide 3 to 5 activities/grade.
Themes include: STEM, art, social studies, culture and geography.
Also includes the garden curriculum and maintenance, buses for field $35,200
trips, scholarships, subscriptions, library, Science Night, 5th Grade
Recognition Fund.

Classroom & Teacher Spending: S ​ chool year kickoff activities,

classroom and principal fund, teacher checks, clean-up day(s), $29,150
playground improvements, appreciation conferences etc.

​ urriculum, green team, technology and facility grants

Grants: C $8,500

Supplies:​ ​Agenda books (4th&5th grade), classroom & cleaning

$5,750
supplies, carpet (rug) cleaning etc.

Other Community Initiatives: ​Movie Night, Dance, Bishop Night

$3,150
Out, donations to other groups, administrative and general expenses

TOTAL $81,750
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PTO-SPONSORED EVENTS

Walkathon
Friday, 10/18, After School
 Get your walking shoes on! Our 9th annual Walkathon this year will be held on Friday, October 18. All kids K
through 5th grade can participate in this fun and easy fundraising event for the PTO. The kids walk/run laps
around the field, with the option of earning pledges per lap or a fixed donation. Last year the Walkathon
raised $13K!

For the past 4 years we have used an online fundraising tool called Pledgestar. With Pledgestar, kids can
solicit donations from family members and friends; those choosing to support the kids can make their
donations through the Pledgestar site or via check. A classroom prize will be awarded to the class with the
most pledges raised, and everyone receives a prize for participating! We will be sending you a registration
link soon.

Stay tuned for more information. For more information or to volunteer, please contact ​Katie Stencik
(kastencik@gmail.com).

Pumpkin Sale: ​Love To Carve Amazing Pumpkins?

Saturday, 10/19, 10 am to 3 pm, Bishop Parking Lot

Do you carve fancy, jaw-dropping pumpkins every year? Are you the envy of your neighborhood? Show off
your skills at the Bishop Pumpkin Sale! We’re seeking a few people to carve pumpkins to be raffled off at the
sale on October 19. You can carve yours at home the night before or at a table in the midst of the sale. Kids
LOVE to watch! We can provide the pumpkin. You provide the passion. Contact ​Mark Davila​ to sign up
today!

Please tell your friends and neighbors about the sale!

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Arlington Community Education

There is still time to register for fall classes at Arlington Community Education for youth, high school, and adult
programs, including classes on how to grow your small business or nonprofit. To view what’s currently
available, visit their ​home page​.

ACE is accepting Course Proposals and Requests for Winter 2020

Do you have an idea for a course you’d like to teach, or something you’d like us to offer? We’re starting to plan
our Winter 2020 semester now and are accepting course proposals and requests. Please use ​this form ​to
submit your ideas.

AYCC Benefit Gala

Friday, 11/1, 7 PM to 10:30 PM, Arlington Town Hall

Each year, hundreds of Arlington community members come together to support the work of the Arlington Youth
Counseling Center (AYCC), promote the value of community mental health, and celebrate the year’s
accomplishments. In addition to honoring Carlene Newell, a member of the Board of Youth Services, the gala
will feature raffles, a silent auction, live music by the Arlington High School Jazz band, hors d’oeuvres, and a
cash bar.
For more information about the event and to purchase tickets, visit the ​AYCC Benefit Gala​ web site. Check out
the ​AYCC website​ to learn more about their services and how to access them.

Children's Learning, Language & Development Study Opportunity

The Cognitive Neuroscience Group at the MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston is recruiting children
between the ages of 8 and 12 years to participate in research studies funded by the National Science
Foundation (NSF) and the National Institute of Health (NIH).

Study 1.​ This is a longitudinal study that follows children over a period of 3 consecutive years. Our goal is to
improve understanding of learning in children. The study consists of 1 in-person visit (about 2.5 hours) per year
for 3 years (weekdays/weekends). During this visit, children play several games on the computer and complete
several language/memory tasks. The lab visit includes safe and noninvasive EEG recording. The day after the
visit, kids complete a quick follow-up task from a home/library computer. More information can be found at:
https://clinicaltrials.partners.org/study/feedback_learning

Study 2.​ The purpose of the study is to evaluate the learning patterns of children with typical and atypical
language development. The study will involve 2 visits to the lab at the MGH Institute of Health Professions.
During this visit, children play several games on the computer and complete several language/memory tasks.
The lab visit includes safe and noninvasive EEG recording. A visit will last about 3 hours. A week after the
second lab visit your child will be asked to complete follow up tasks on a home computer or a mobile device.
We are looking for children who were late to develop language, and who still receive services for language or
learning difficulties. More information can be found at: ​https://rally.partners.org/study/does_your_child_stru

Payment is $60 for each in-person visit to the lab. We provide free all-day parking at the Navy Yard.
Please email us at ​cnglead@mghihp.edu​ or call us at (617) 643-4821 if you are interested or if you have
any questions.

Interested in getting information to the Bishop community? Please email the relevant information to Junko
Nagano (Communications Coordinator, Bishop PTO) at ​junkonagano5@gmail.com.​ News received by Tuesday
at 6 pm will be included in the Thursday’s newsletter.
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KEEP UP TO DATE

Bishop Calendar of Events: ​One page view at this link

Bishop PTO Facebook page:​ ​https://www.facebook.com/groups/BishopPTO/

Websites:
Bishop School (general info, links to the school system): ​http://www.arlington.k12.ma.us/bishop/
Bishop School (news and events): ​https://bishopschool.net/
Bishop PTO: ​http://www.bishopschoolpto.com/

Twitter:
Follow Principal McAneny @markmmcaneny (​https://twitter.com/markmmcaneny​)
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