Bridges

• June 19
• June 13
• June 6
• May 30
  • Yoga for Kids
  • All in one Summer
  • Lacross 2008
  • Recycle your cellphone

Up coming dates

August 27 First day of school

more dates

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A Note from the Deerfield Police Department: The State of NH has a new law in place regarding bike helmets. Any child under the age of 16 is now REQUIRED to wear a bike helmet when riding their bike. Remember, it is also school policy that any child on the school property with their bike must be wearing a helmet. It is our wish that every child be safe while riding bikes in our community. Thanks for your assistance in this matter

Are you in need of a fire detector? If you are please call Fire Chief Mark Tibbitts

4th Grade Biographies

Superintendent Tom Haley and his assistent Rita Miner retire.

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Louise and Will named

New England League of Middle Schools,

DCS Scholar Leader for 2008 on June 5th

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Concord Bus Meeting June 12

This meeting is for all parents of Concord High School Students (CHS) who have incoming freshmen-seniors for the 2008-9 school year. The School Board will meet with parents from 5:30-6:30 to discuss the plans for high school transportation. Items that may be discussed include possible bus routes, registration process and general bus related issues. This meeting is IMPORTANT so that information on how many students plan to make use of this transportation (full or part-time). This is also a time for parents to ask any and all questions regarding transportation. The scheduled School Board Meeting will start at 6:30 in the cafeteria directly following the bus meeting.

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Congratulations to Maria Knee, Kindergarten teacher at DCS

e-School News - School Library Journal

Mrs. Knee's class were in on the surprise phone call that notified their teacher about her award.

Having been selected as the Technology Teacher of the Year for the State of NH, a committee who became aware of the tremendous work she has done with children, advanced her nomination for an international award sponsored by the International Society for Technology Education. As a result of her diligence, passion for integrating technology to improve education for her students, her vision for the future of technology and ability to share her knowledge with other teachers, she has been selected as the recipient of the 2008 Kay L. Bitter Vision Award for Excellence in Technology-based PK-2 Education Award. In the words of the selection committee, “we wish to extend our gratitude in allowing us to learn more about and honor your incredible contributions to enhancing the teaching and learning experience in your daily efforts”. Maria has received a monetary honorarium, a plaque to recognize her achievement, and a complimentary membership in the International Society for Technology Education (ISTE). She will also be featured on the ISTE website and in their publications. Maria has been invited to receive her award at the annual National Educational Computing Conference (NECC) to be held in San Antonio, Texas (June 29-July 2). We are very proud to have Maria as a member of our staff and are ecstatic to be able to share in her good fortune!

Check out her classroom blog.

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HEALTHY KIDS Fruits & Veggies– Every Day the Tasty Way! Eat at least 5 servings (and up to 9) of fruits and veggies each day. Help kids learn “More Matters”!

1. Snack Attack! – Recognize added sugar and fat in foods as a step in making choices for healthy balance. Choose foods with added sugar and fat less often or in smaller amounts.
2. Active Play EVERY Day! – Increase physical movement through the day in every way. Choose things you LIKE to do for at least 60 minutes of active time most days.
3. Breakfast GO POWER! – Eat breakfast to THINK-LEARNGROW- PLAY
4. Discover Smart Servings! Recognize how sometimes it is not WHAT but HOW MUCH. Choose larger servings of foods lower in added fat and sugar.
5. Drink Think! Make a healthy SPLASH with a Drink Think. Choose water or low fat milk more often.

To see some of Maria's exemplary work go to her class blog.

The DCS Class of 2007 is pleased to dedicate
a very special granite bench
in memory of their friend and classmate Ricky McGregor.

The bench is located on the front lawn under the tree
that was planted in his memory over a year ago.
We encourage everyone to come and view the bench knowing that it represents a warm wonderful young man that touched the hearts of everyone who knew him.

FRUITS AND VEGGIES - MORE MATTERS

NOVEMBER 2007

The food pantry and homeless shelter of New Horizons, in Manchester, is in urgent need of food this season. They provide food to 784 households, and cannot continue to do so without our support. Their amount of food is down to a minimum, so donations of nonperishable food items are very important at this time.

The 8th Grade Social Activism magnet is organizing a Food Drive here at DCS. Any donation of a nonperishable food item would be greatly appreciated. The final collection date is Friday, November 9th. If you have any questions, see Rod Dudley, Trish Lafond, or a member of the Social Activism magnet.

Thanks for your support, The Social Activism Magnet

Scenes from the

NECAP Testing Kick Off

New PE teacher Tim Losee entertains the crowd with juggling.

Seventh grade team cheers on

4th grade team peps up the students

6th grade team leads the way

Your Best Effort is All It Takes

International leaders visit DCS

International visitors talk with students in a Deerfield Community School foreign language class.

Eight international visitors, after spending time in the nation’s capitol and the weekend in New York City, arrived in Deerfield this week to see the other side of American culture. With hosts provided by the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire under the sponsorship of the International Visitors Leadership Program of the State Department, the visitors spent the morning of September 25 on the grounds of the Deerfield Fair, then visited the Community School and moved on to Jenness Farm in Nottingham.

At Deerfield Community School the visitors spent time with principal Paul Yergeau discussing national, state and local education and educational policies. They were surprised that curriculum requirement were state based while assessment was a national policy through No Child Left Behind.

Some of the visitors were also surprised that students read a variety trade books in the reading program and that students met in less formal situations like sitting as a group on the floor during whole class instruction. Principal Yergeau said, “It was very interesting to reflect on why we do things we do in the United States.”

[Courtesy posting ForumHome.org. For full story see Rural Growth and Politics: Universal Issues

Zach Dugas and Mel Rowell named
DCS Scholar Leaders 2007

On Thursday night June 7th, 2007 Zach Dugas and Mel Rowell
were named DCS Scholar Leaders. This program is intended to give public recognition to two students from each middle level school in New Hampshire who have distinguished themselves in terms of outstanding scholarship and leadership.

The Mel and Zach, along with their guests, attended the statewide Awards Banquet with Governor Lynch, his wife, the Commissioner of Education, and other dignitaries. Each student will received a plaque with his or her name on it signifying the honor. A photograph of the Scholar Leader receiving the award will also be given to each of the students.

Walmart Teacher of the Year

On Tuesday May 8, representatives Jay Aviles and Tom O'Brien of the Walmart Distribution Center in Raymond, presented Deerfield Community School's Bruce Turnquist with a Teacher of the Year award in this area. Caught by surprise during an 'emergency' staff meeting called by Principal Paul Yergeau, Mr. Turnquist was given a framed certificate, a $100 check to use in his classroom, and an official Walmart Teacher of the Year polo shirt to add to his wardrobe. Walmart also presented a check the school for $1000. Normally reserved and quiet, Bruce appeared a tad uncomfortable with all the well deserved attention and commented briefly to the gathering of colleagues in the DCS library.

"This honor comes to me but only represents what we all do together. Thank you."

Paul Yergeau remarked with a chuckle, " Bruce has been here forever, …and well, as a senior member of the staff, his recognition is long over due!" This was confirmed with a warm round of applause from all present.

A long time Deerfield resident, Bruce Turnquist began teaching as an intern at the George B. White building in 1981. He admits that he initially avoided a career in teaching in his youth, as he comes from a family of teachers ( his mother and grandmother) and had been determined to do something "different." It was on the job working with disabled adults and later as a paraprofessional in Hopkinton, that he discovered that he loved to teach.

"I never get tired helping kids learn. When the light comes on [in them] it's exciting… and it happens everyday."

Mr. Turnquist commented that Deerfield has a good community feeling and he has always felt that there is great support from he parents and other parts of the community. It is even exciting for him now to be seeing children of former students making their way into his classroom.

Carol Richards and Kristine Pouliot are paraprofessionals working in '1T' at DCS this year. Everyday, they see Bruce in action and are impressed with his abilities.

"There are so many things he teaches well, it's hard to choose. It's how he integrates regular academics into every moment of learning." commented Ms. Pouliot. " A reading story can become a math lesson and visa versa." She noted that if the students are excited about a lesson, he will keep them on it and let them explore.

Carol Richards has worked with Mr. Turnquist before and expressed her pride in him as an educator. "The biggest thing is his dedication to providing an education to all children of every level," she said. "He modifies all the material for each child appropriately," but the work will look the same to the other students.

Mr. Turnquist plans to use his award money to fund a special spring reading and writing project. The children will choose an art media to complete it and those special mediums that school isn't able to supply - special clay, etc., he will purchase with the check. He also mentioned that he might replenish a few classroom supplies like pocket charts that have worn out over the years of teaching.

This reporter admits to having a bit of the inside scoop on Bruce Turnquist. As a paraprofessional in the first grade at DCS, I have observed him up close and in his natural "habitat." Chaos and confusion seem never to fluster him. He remains calm and unflustered as he directs and instructs 5, 6 & 7 year olds in the ways of courtesy, and consideration of others, as well as their education. He leads with exemplary patience, kindness and respect toward every person-child or adult. My favorite recollection of Bruce Turnquist is amidst a sea of noisy children at a long lunch table on frequent Friday afternoons. There he perched on a low, tilted stool in the cafeteria, conducting conversations with marshmallow and pizza encrusted gourmets, as if he were conversing with the world's kings and queens!

Food Play comes to DCS

Be patient while this loads.

See Forumhome.org for features on DCS at the Concord Chorale Concert, the first grade story hour night and the 6th grade environmental camp.

Roger Essley visits DCS November 29th and 30th

Author/illustrator Roger Essley presented to students grades 4-8 and to staff members after school. The author's presentation featured his new book Reunion, a story about a boy who climbs into an old photograph and has adventures in the past with his own great grandfather.

November is 5-A-Day month at DCS.

5-A-Day, Fruit and Vegetables Month is off to a great start! There are colorful posters everywhere. Students and staff are keeping track of the Fruit and Vegetables they are eating, the library has books and displays of all kinds of fruits and veggies, art, music, PE and world language are incorporating 5-A-Day into their classes. Tina Layton and Patience La Pierre have been visiting classrooms with Fruit and Veggie Activities and classes on nutrition.

On Wednesday, November 22nd we will have a "Rainbow of Colors Day " or better known as "a fruit salad day". We are asking the students and staff to wear a Rainbow of clashing colors, have a crazy hairstyle or colorful hat and bring some fruit salad to eat.

Joe Stone visits the 4th grade for his last time as State Legislator. He has generously shared his time with students for many years. He will be greatly missed.

RAISING GOOD EATERS

Be a good role model and show your children how to be good eaters by doing what you want them to do.

1. Provide structured, planned meal and snack times on a regular basis. Don't let them "graze" all day or eat all the time. Don't let them carry around a bottle or cup when they are not at the table. Try to allow for about 3 hours in between meals and snacks
2. Make mealtimes pleasant. Turn off the TV. Don't argue or have negative discussions about food (forcing). Have a pleasant social conversation. Keep lines of communication open.
3. Plan ahead for meals. This helps us have good tasting and good for you foods. Always have a backup that is somewhat nutritious but simple if you can't be prepared. Kids should not have a lot of "fat free" foods because we need some fat and it makes food taste good. Limit high sugar and high fat foods.
4. Eat slowly and chew food well. Eating is just one of life's great pleasures, enjoy it. Trust your child's body to know when they're full.
5. Don't cater and make separate meals for everyone in the family. Cook one meal for everyone but make sure there are at least 2-3 things everyone likes. Provide a protein, dairy source, starch or carbohydrate, a fruit or vegetable and a small amount of fat.
6. Try new foods. It can take 15-20 times to discover you like a food. In order for us to decide we like a food we have to be able to refuse it at first. Offer a new food with an old favorite.
7. No dieting. Kids need to identify the feelings of hunger, appetite and satisfaction in order to learn how much to eat.

To Snack or Not to Snack

1. Fill ziploc bags with raw veggies (carrots, celery, cucumbers)
2. Buy low fat frozen yogurt or frozen juice bars
3. Keep frozen fruit on hand for fruit smoothies
4. Carry dry snacks in your backpack (dry cereal, trail mix, raisins, rice cakes, etc.)
5. Replace cookies with graham crackers

Brain Power Salad

1. For dressing, in a small bowl stir together mayonnaise dressing, sugar, and vinegar
2. 2. in a medium bowl combine broccoli, carrot, cheese, water chestnuts, and, if desired, onion.
3. 3. Pour dressing over broccoli mixture: toss to coat. Sprinkle with bacon.
4. Cover and chill 1 to 5 hours.

Smiling Baked Oatmeal

This tasty oatmeal casserole puts a smile on your kids' faces and gives you the comfort of knowing that you started their day with a healthy serving of protein and soluble fiber.

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
• ½ cup mixed dried fruit bits
• 2 cups fat-free milk
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• Mixed dried fruit (for smiling decoration) 2 Tablespoons maple syrup

1. Lightly coat four 10 oz custard cups with cooking spray; set aside. Stir together the oats and the ½ cup of fruit bits. Divide oat mixture among the four custard cups. In a medium bowl combine milk, egg product, sugar, vanilla, and salt, stirring to dissolve sugar and salt. Pour milk mixture into the custard cups, dividing equally. Place custard cups in a shallow baking pan.
2. Bake at 350 degree oven for 30 - 35 minutes or until centers are nearly set. Arrange additional dried fruit bits on top of each serving to make a smiling face. Serve warm. If desired, drizzle with syrup.

   From: Kid Favorites Made Healthy, Better Homes and Gardens, 2003

Tips for being a good nutrition role model:

1. Don't skip breakfast.

2. Turn off the TV during meal times.

3. Dine together as many times during the week as your schedule allows.

4. Snack on fruits and vegetables more often than chips and processed foods.

5. Let kids enjoy their favorite treats...there are no "bad" foods, occasional sweets can be part of a healthy diet.

6. Let kids help with food selection and preparation.

7. Be cautious about dining out...limit fast food trips and watch the portion sizes.

8. Introduce a variety of foods.

Make your vegetables easy to prepare!

Purchase pre-washed bags of veggies, or cut up your own ahead of time and store in bags for up to a week. Salad greens, baby carrots, celery sticks, cherry tomatoes, broccoli florets, radishes, colorful peppers Prepare these ahead and store to go along:

Dipping Sauce (dole5aday.com): ·

• 1/4 cup plain nonfat yogurt ·
• 1/4 cup light sour cream ·
• 2 teaspoons spicy brown mustard ·
• 2 teaspoons honey

Salad topping: · squeeze on some fresh lemon and drizzle with olive oil

HIDING VEGETABLES!

A Few Rules:

1. Combine similar colors like cauliflower and mashed potatoes. 2. Don't leave lumps. Kids sometimes don't like lumps.
3. Add a little at a time so they are not overwhelmed and the taste of the vegetable won't overpower the other food.
4. Make slow changes. Hide vegetables once a week then increase to twice a week.
5. Use foods they like to start with.

Examples:

• Mashed cauliflower in mashed potatoes.
  
• Shredded carrots in lasagna or spaghetti sauce.
  
• Pureed spinach in a banana bread or zucchini bread.
  
• Cooked onions chopped up very tiny in sauces and
• casseroles.
  
• Sweet potato French fries.
  
• Soups- call it a different name than vegetable soup like crazy soup, colorful soup, button soup or growing soup.
  
• Go to the Internet to get more ideas on picky eaters and hiding vegetables. Kids like colorful food, foods of different shapes that they can recognize and foods that are easy to chew.

Other tips:

1. Be a good role model and eat these foods too.

2. It can take 15-20 times of offering the new food before they realize they like it.

3. Offer new foods when you know they are hungry then they are more likely to try it. Do your kids eat breakfast?

By many reports, 40% of kids don't. But everyone knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, right? Here is some proof:

• The State of Minnesota Breakfast Study showed that 'students who ate breakfasts before starting school had a general increase in math grades and reading scores, increased student attention, reduced nurse visits, and improved student behaviors'

• Children who eat a healthy breakfast 'meet their daily nutritional needs, keep their weight under control, have lower blood cholesterol levels, attend school more frequently, and make fewer trips to the school nurses office complaining of tummy aches.'

• Kids 'who eat breakfast are more likely than children who skip breakfast to consume foods with adequate levels of minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamins, such as riboflavin, vitamins A, C, and B12, and folate.'

Baked Egg and Toast Cups

This is a great quick and easy breakfast that's fun to eat and will give you and your kids a healthy start for the day!

From: Your Guide to Single Parents, Dianne Hadaway Prep Time: 5min ; Cook Time: 20min

INGREDIENTS: 6 slices white bread, trimmed 1/4 cup butter flavor shortening, melted 6 eggs 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese Salt and pepper or seasoned salt to taste

PREPARATION: Preheat oven to 350ºF Lightly grease 6 muffin cups. Brush both sides of trimmed bread slices with melted Butter Flavor Crisco.

-Press one slice of bread into each muffin cup so that corners come up over edges of cup.
- Bake at 350ºF for about 15 minutes, or until lightly toasted. · Remove from oven. ·
Break one egg into each toast-lined cup. ·
- Top with cheese, dividing equally among 6 cups. · Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes longer, or until eggs are set. Watch those drinks

Kids Drinks

Drinks are the perfect opportunity for sugar, caffeine, and empty calories to sneak into an otherwise healthy diet. Many times we grab a soda, sports drink, or "fruit" flavored drink without considering what is really in it. Did you know?

• There are about 10-13 teaspoons of sugar in 12 ounces of soda

• Consuming one 12-ounce sweetened soft drink per day increases a child's risk of obesity by 60%.

• Kids who fill up on sugary beverages don't get the vitamins and minerals they need from healthy sources, especially calcium

• The high sugar content in sweetened drinks can lead to the erosion of tooth enamel and cavities

• The calories in these drinks take the place of nutritious snacks and meals. Good choices, which keep the body well-hydrated and/or provide vitamins and minerals are water, reduced fat milk, and 100% fruit juice.

THE TOP TEN SUPERFOODS

Here is a list of nutrition packed foods that are available fresh (or frozen), throughout the year, even in New Hampshire! There is sure to be at least one item (or more), to please everyone on your shopping list.!

1. SALMON: Contains B vitamins, potassium and high quality protein

2. GREEN TEA: Best consumed without milk or sugar, green tea contains loads of flavonoids which help to build strong bones.

3. BROCCOLI: Contains heaps of vitamin C (1/2 cup supplies you with 65% of your recommended daily allowance, as well as vitamin A. Broccoli also contains fiber, folate, calcium, beta-carotene, lutien and Vitamin K.

4. OATS: A great day way to start the day, oats contain fiber, potassium, zinc, copper, thiamin, calcium, and magnesium.

5. NUTS: Although nuts are high in fat, a few go a long way and walnuts and almonds are the best bet. Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, fiber, magnesium, polyphenols and vitamin B6. Almonds are exceptionally high in fiber, vitamin E and calcium.

6. SOY: Soy products are a good source of protein, contain potassium, folate and magnesium.

7. BLUEBERRIES: Filled with anit-oxidants, and only 80 calories per cup! GREENS: In general, dark green leafy vegetables are high in vitamins A, B6, C, E, and K.

8. Spinach in particular has plenty of iron.

9. SWEET POTATOES: A great complex carbohydrate and a favorite of athletes, they have high amounts of vitamin A, carotenoids, potassium and fiber.

10. BEE POLLEN: A rich source of carbohydrates, protein and vitamin C,

[More next week]

THINK COLOR

Eating 5 or more servings of colorful fruits and vegetables a day is part of an important plan for healthier living. Deeply hued fruits and vegetables provide the wide range of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals your body needs to maintain good health and energy levels, protect against the effects of aging, and reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.

Blue and Purple Beat the Effects of Aging Blue/purple fruits and vegetables contain varying amounts of health-promoting phytochemicals such as anthocyanins and phenolics, currently being studied for their antioxidant and anti-aging benefits.

Since the new My Pyramid was released, whole grains have gained national attention, yet a recent survey shows that 42% of Americans never eat a whole grain! That means quite a few people are missing out on whole grain nutrient "gusto". Whole grains are packed full of fiber to keep things running smoothly, and vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates to keep us feeling fit and healthy! With all the great benefits, it is worth giving them a try!

School lunches

There is some great variety here at Deerfield Community School when it comes to school lunch. As a dietitian working in a nearby city who sees children as patients, I've heard that some schools only offer 1 choice and that's hot lunch. The choices aren't always kid friendly either. In some schools there's not a daily choice of pizza or salad bar in addition to hot lunch. WOW! The school lunch program needs to follow certain guidelines by the federal government to offer a calcium source, protein, grain and fruits and/or vegetables. The school lunch program is one option to eating at school. The other option is packing a lunch. This can be healthy too. Many kids find that when they help pack their lunch they will eat what's in it and it doesn't come home. Foods that are easy to pack and nutritious are small fruits, cut up fruits and veggies, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, ham and cheese sandwiches, yogurts and yogurts, drinkable yogurts, mozzarella cheese sticks, crackers and peanut butter, popcorn, pretzels and trail mix.

Why do they need to eat at school? Studies have shown that kids do better in school when they are well nourished. Eating can be a social break from schoolwork. Eating should be fun. Kids come back refreshed and ready to learn after eating a healthy meal.

Concentrated sweets such as soda, candy, fruit gummies, candy bars and cookies have lots of sugar and calories but are not full of nutrients. These should be limited to 3-4 times a week. A last word from this nutritionist… Parents should be responsible for what is in the house and kids should be responsible for how much they eat and if they eat it at all (That doesn't mean give up on the first try!). Save the goodies for when you go out or a special treat.

Tina Layton, RD, LD Nutritionist