The holidays are upon is and although there will be no PTO meeting this month, we are still busy at school. Movie night was lots of fun and this week we are gearing up for Kids Go Shopping. Students will be brought to the "store" and can buy gifts for just about eveyone on their list. Volunteers are still needed! The more helping hands, the easier this event goes. Contact Caroline Olmo at colmo1@optonline.net or 203-722-6774. Click Here for the schedule of class visits and volunteer schedule.
Also this week or soon at school:
*Last chance to order Spirit Shop items in time for the Holidays! Spirit Shop items make great gifts too! Order yours today or any time using the form found in each month’s KnowalotMore newsletter and on the forms page of this website. If you have any questions, please contact: Maria Cappadona at 847-5012 or Maria Olivieri at 840-9024.
**December 8, 2009 Cub Scout Pack 97, based out of Cranbury Elementary School, is holding a special flag retirement ceremony on Tuesday, Dec 8, at 7 p.m. The ceremony will be held at school.
The Cub Scouts ask that if anyone has a torn, faded or badly soiled American Flag that they would like to have properly and respectfully retired, to contact them and they will retire it at the ceremony. Please contact Cubmaster Mark Judkins at 847-1866 or may67@optonline.net with any questions or flag requests. Anyone wishing to come and honor the American Flag are welcome.
*Thur Dec 10 Winter Holiday Concert
*Fri Dec 11th - Deadline for submissions for January Knowalotmore newsletter. Contact/send to: knowalot@optonline.net
*Fri Dec 18th - Deadline for donating Giving Tree gifts. In our lobby you'll find a Tree with "ornaments". Each ornament has the gift wish of a child. If you'd like to donate a gift, take an ornament and wrap and return the gift by Dec 19th. Contact Mrs, Jones with any questions.
OTHER NEWS
*Yearbook Photos Needed! I’m sure cameras have been flashing to capture those fun Fall memories around Cranbury School! First day of school, field trips, Harvest Festival, Halloween- already many photo opportunities! It is never too early to submit photos of our Cranbury students and staff for the annual Yearbook.
You may send photo prints in an envelope to school marked Yearbook, or you can send them via e-mail (preferred method) to Bonnie Judkins @ Feb70@optonline.net Please attach your photos to the e-mail (not in the body of the note and please, no links to view photos). Please include your name, the names of the child(ren) in the photos, grade and teacher.
*Tues Dec 15th Coat Drive - The Cub Scout Pack 97, which meets at Cranbury is collecting Coats and Jackets. If you have coats to donate, please bring them to our meeting on the 15th at 7:00pm, contact Mark Judkins at may67@optonline.net or contact your favorite cub scout.
* Labels and BoxTops Needed! Do you use or buy Pepperidge Farm or Campbell’s products? We’re talking Goldfish, bread, cookies, soup, spaghetti o’s and more. Well, we need those labels and UPC codes! Labels for Education is having a Holiday Bonus Offer. If we submit 2500 Labels for Education points before December 31st they will match it with an additional 2500 points, plus we get automatic entry into a sweepstakes for 1 of 3 grand prizes. We have collected 1725 Labels points so far. Just 775 more and we’ll get the bonus. What is Campbell's Labels for Education? Campbell's Labels for Education is a program that helps schools obtain free educational merchandise in exchange for proofs of purchase collected from eligible Campbell brands, including all Pepperidge Farm products. Visit the website www.labelsforeducation.com for more info.
Just last month the school was able to purchase jump ropes and playground balls for the kids to use during recess time using previously submitted Labels for Education points. It's a great way to get things we need at school without asking parents to spend extra cash. So, please send in those labels before Dec 30th!
And don’t forget, the BoxTops contest is still on and runs through Dec. 11, so send those in as well.
ON SALE NOW!
*The Cranbury Connection is now available! Get your copy today! Send in $5 with the form found in the KnowalotMore or on this website or just send in your $5 in an envelope marked Cranbury Connection and be sure to indicate your child’s class/teacher so we know who to send it home with. The Connection is a school directory created by parents for parents. It includes contact info for over 270 students, PTO contact info, Teacher extensions and info on Cranbury “connected” businesses, all in one handy booklet! And, all proceeds benefit our school. Any questions, please contact Susan Zelman at rszelman@optonline.net.
*Stew’s Cards – You can buy Stew Leonard gift cards and the school receives a portion of each sale. Cards are sold at face value. Buy for yourself or for gifts. They never expire! Contact Diane at degranata1114@yahoo.com to order or if you have any questions.
HAPPENINGS OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL
*Fri. 12/11 @ 7p.m and Sat. 12/12 @ 2p.m and 7p.m Stamford All-School Musical presents “Fiddler on the Roof” Stamford All-School is a theatrical organization open to all Stamford students in 4th- 12th grades. This year’s performance of “Fiddler on the Roof” Ticket info: Reserved seats (3 front center sections) $15; General seating (not reserved) $5; Tickets can be ordered by calling 203-977 6155 or e-mail Skigen@optonline.net
*Fri Dec 11 09:00 AM - 09:00 PM Stamford Museum and Nature Center 39 Scofieldtown Road at High Ridge Road Stamford, CT 06903-4023 Holidays on Heckscher Farm - This December, the Stamford Museum & Nature Center invites you to take a holiday from the holidays and come on up for a wintry stroll on Heckscher Farm, which is decked out in holiday cheer. Join us and enjoy the beautiful woodland setting, stop in our galleries, have a complimentary cup of hot cocoa, take a stroll down our luminary path and take a break from the hustle and bustle.
As a gift to the community, admission to SM&NC will be free for everyone on Fridays in December, with extended hours on Heckscher Farm until 7 p.m. Then, at 7 p.m. come in from the cold to see “The Star of Bethlehem” a scientific exploration of the possible astronomical explanations for the Star of Bethlehem, in the Observatory. At 8 p.m. resident astronomer Charles Scovil will open up the Observatory deck for some great night viewing. Join Stamford Museum & Nature Center for Holidays on Heckscher Farm on Fridays, Dec. 4, 11 & 18.
*Sat Dec 12 at 6:30 PM Family Fun: “Escape to the North Pole” Holiday musical performed by elementary and middle school students. Cost: $12 Adults; $10 Seniors/Students; $7 Children 16 Crystal Theatre Performing Arts Center Bayview and Hillside Avenues Norwalk, CT 06850
*A Visit to Santa's House presented by Newman's Own and the Junior Women's Club of Fairfield is this weekend at the historic Burr Homestead. The mansion is transformed into Santa's House creating a magical experience for children of all ages. While meeting Santa Claus is the main attraction, visitors will also find Mrs. Claus baking cookies in her kitchen, crafts, tattoos and face painting, a schedule of live seasonal entertainment, a raffle room, a model train room, bake shop and gift shop, a silhouette artist and guest appearances by costumed characters.
Dates & Times:
Saturday, December 12th, 10am - 4pm
Sunday, December 13th, 10am - 2pm
Tickets:
$5.00 in advance*
$6.00 at the door
(children under 2 free)
Advanced Tickets are available at:
Yellow Moon Toy Company
Blinn's Toys
Hobby Town
JWC Members
Proceeds from this fun-filled event will benefit Brady's Smile, a Fairfield non-profit that provides support to families with children in the NICU and PICU.
"A Visit to Santa's House"
Burr Homestead
739 Old Post Road
Fairfield
www.jwcfairfield.com
* November 14-January 18 Festival of Lighthouses - More than 20 hand-crafted lighthouses will guide visitors through The Maritime Aquarium this holiday season in the eighth annual “Festival of Lighthouses” display. The working lighthouses, from 3 to 5 feet tall, will work as beacons to visitors throughout Aquarium galleries from Nov. 14 through Jan. 18, 2010. Aquarium visitors will follow these creative beacons through the galleries and then may cast a vote for their favorite. Previous years’ entries have been crafted out of about every material imaginable, from the expected – wood, metal, stone, papier mache, plastic and glass – to the unexpected – paper, string, sea glass, credit cards, gingerbread and even paper clips. Cost: Included in Admission. Maritime Aquarium 10 North Water Street Norwalk, CT 06854 Phone: 203.852.0700
*Now Playing at IMAX at the Maritime Aquarium - The Light Before Christmas Two children find themselves magically in the middle of the season’s most famous poem in the IMAX family film, “The Light Before Christmas.” Filmed in the stop-action animation format of TV’s “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” the story follows two siblings who – via the magic of a special friend – find themselves as characters in Clement Clarke Moore’s poem “The Night Before Christmas.” “The Light Before Christmas” features a musical score that harkens back to beloved Christmas classics, and includes a special behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film by Evergreen Holiday Classics and Tandem Motion Picture Studios.
Haven't got your Christmas Tree yet? Here are some local places to cut your own:
Jones Family Farms
This Shelton Farm has been harvesting holiday memories for over sixty years. Hike their 200 acres to find and cut your own tree, or visit their Homestead Barnyard to choose from the hundreds they've harvested for you. For all their information, visit www.jonesfamilyfarms.com or call 203-929-8425.
Jones Family Farms
606 Walnut Tree Hill Road
Shelton, CT
Maple Row Tree Farm
Just around the corner in Easton, this Christmas tree farm is right in Fairfield's back yard. With over 200 acres of trees to choose from, you can cut your own or pick your perfect tree from their freshly cut selection. On weekends, they also offer refreshments, hayrides and a unique grouping of New England style artisan wares. This farm also boasts warming huts and—wait for it—restrooms. Pick up your wreaths and garlands on your way back to the car. Find all you need to know about Maple Row at www.mrfarm.com or call 203-261-9557.
Maple Row Tree Farm
538 North Park Avenue
Easton, CT
CT Audubon Society H. Smith Richardson Tree Farm
This small, local, sustainable Christmas tree outlet also welcome's your family's best friend, on a leash. Cut your own tree from their 12 acre farm, or choose your holiday tree from their freshly cut selection. Saws and twine are available on site, and you'll find wreaths, roping, tree stands and swags in their gift shop. A portion of the proceeds from your sale will benefit the CT Audubon Society. For more information, visit www.ctchristmastree.org or call 203-259-6305.
CT Audubon Society H. Smith Richardson Tree Farm
Sasco Creek Road
Westport
Staying in? Here are some TV listings for Holiday classics:
Monday, Dec. 7
Twas The Night Before Christmas (ABC Family) - 7PM
Elf (USA) - 7PM
Cranberry Christmas (ABC Family) - 7:30PM
Carrie Underwood: An All-Star Holiday Special (FOX) - 8PM
Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town (ABC) - 8PM
Jack Frost (ABC Family) - 10PM
Tuesday, Dec. 8
Mickey's Christmas Carol (ABC Family) - 7PM
Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too! (ABC Family) - 7:30PM
The Year Without a Santa Claus (ABC Family) - 8PM
A Miser Brothers' Christmas (ABC Family) - 9PM
Rudolph's Shiny New Year (ABC Family) - 10PM
Do you like to ice skate or want to try? Here are some local (and not so local rinks) to try:
CLOSEST:
*Darien Ice Rink 55 Old Kings Highway North, Darien CT www.darienicerink.com Phone 203-655-8251 Public Skating Rates: Admission Adults $7.00 Seniors $5.00 Children under 12 years $6.00 Skate Rentals $4.00. check their website for public session schedule.
*Stamford Twin Rinks Conveniently located at 1063 Hope Street, Stamford, CT, 06907. With two NHL regulation Size Rinks providing superior ice conditions and a comfortable dehumidified environment, inside you will find 2 restaurants , 4 attractive party rooms, RedLine Sports Shop, New York Sports Club, Springdale Ballet and Dance Academy, BodyCheck Training Center. video arcade and more. Whether you are a figure skater, hockey player, or recreational skater, STR has what you are looking for! Visit their website for schedules: www.stamfordtwinrinks.com.
* Longshore Park Skating Rink 260 Compo Rd S Westport, CT 06880 Currently under construction, call to check status of the rink at 226-7465 General admission is $9 per session for adults or $7 with a handpass. Children, to age 17 pay $6.25 or $5 w/handpass. Group rates, private parties, seasonal passes and lessons are also available. For more information, call 203-226-RINK or go to http://www.wpalrink.com
A LITTLE FURTHER
*The Rinks at the Sports Center in Shelton. 784 River Road (Route 110)Shelton, CT 06484 • 203.929.6500 • info@sportsCenterCt.com
Conveniently located off the Merritt Pkwy (Rte 15) exit 53, one mile north of Sikorsky Aircraft This unique and exciting recreational activity is fun for the entire family. Our state-of-the-art sound system and planned festivities make every public skate a happening. Top of the line ice skate rentals are always available. Ice skating is available year round. For schedule of open skate sessions, visit their website at http://www.sportscenterct.com/about/hours_directions.html
NOT NEAR, BUT NOT VERY FAR
*The Pond at Bryant Park is open for the skating season. Sixth Ave between 40th and 42nd Sts 212-661-6640 The Pond is one of NYC's most treasured winter destinations and skating is free it you have your own skates. Enjoy a day of family skating or join one of the many events and ice activities this season! If you need skates the cost is $12 to rent skates (or BYO). The complex is surrounded by cute holiday shops, an indoor pavilion and the Canadian-themed lounge Celsius, which conveniently offers a full children's menu and plenty of hot chocolate! Dates: November 6 — January 24; Hours: Sunday — Thursday 8am—10pm; Friday, Saturday 8am—midnight
Never went skiing, but want to try?
*1st Time Experience Day! At Mohawk Mountain Ski Area. Mohawk Mountain would like all first time skiers and snowboarders to join us to learn the winter sport of their choice. Formally called Learn to Day. Never tried a winter sport or want to learn another. The day is for first time participants. When: December 19, 2009
Where: Mohawk Mtn Ski Area Cornwall CT
What you Need: yourself and winter apparel to stay warm
Time of Lesson: Adults (ages 14 and older) - 9:30am, 11:00am, or 1:30pm & Juniors( age 6 to 13 years old) - 10:00am and 1:00pm The lesson start promptly at those time. We do encourage giving yourself ample time at least 45 minutes prior to the lesson so that you are outside on time.
Tickets, Rentals, and Lesson- The program is free but there are some things you need to know. The ticket is a beginner ticket only and there are no upgrades and if you are a first timer than you will be happy with this ticket. Rentals are included. Rentals include skis, boots, and poles or boots and snowboard. The helmet is not included and it is 10 dollars if you choose. Rental agreement forms will need to be filled out for all who would like to participate. Parents will be needed to sign the form. Collateral (driver license or credit card imprint) will be taken at the register so that equipment is returned. Lessons are an hour and half for the adult sessions and two hours for the junior sessions. Juniors will be in our snowhawk program especially for children.
USEFUL LINKS To learn more about local events/places to go, Visit:
www.CTvisit.com/connections.aspx?id=1 -- The Family Fun page of ctvisit.com with lots of ideas for great family fun this winter.
We’d love to hear your suggestions and ideas for keeping this newsflash relevant. Please send any items to include or comments to Susan Zelman at rszelman@optonline.net or 642-4627. Please keep spreading the word about this newsflash and have your friends sign up. Help us keep other Cranbury families highly informed and involved.