Support the PTA by Joining Today!

Each year, the Bowman PTO spends nearly $100 on each child at Bowman – for fun family-friendly social events throughout the year; for family Math Nights and the Science Fair; for grants to teachers to supply their classrooms and improve their teaching craft; to bring in guest speakers to enrich student learning; and so much more! But that’s only possible if we all pitch in. Won’t you take 5 minutes now to join the PTA community and support valuable programming with a 2018-19 membership?

Purchase a PTA membership by September 30th (note the early deadline this year!) to receive this year’s coveted Bowman swag: pencils and sharpeners, new stainless steel water bottles, and a canvas tote! Check out the membership levels below, and visit bowmanpto.org/membership to see pictures of the swag items and to join today!

New Membership Levels!

Basic Membership $25

• Support enrichment and community events at Bowman

Sharp Writer Membership $35

• Support enrichment and community events at Bowman
• Printed Directory
• 1 Bowman Pencil
• 1 Bowman Pencil Sharpener

Anniversary Membership $52

• Support enrichment and community events at Bowman
• Printed Directory
• 1 Bowman Pencil
• 1 Bowman Pencil Sharpener
• 1 Bowman Water Bottle (24 oz Stainless Steel)

Bowman Pride Membership $100

• Support enrichment and community events at Bowman
• Printed Directory
• 2 Bowman Pencils
• 2 Bowman Pencil Sharpeners
• 1 Bowman Water Bottle (24 oz Stainless Steel)
• 1 Bowman Canvas Grocery Tote

Family Pack Membership $200

• Support enrichment and community events at Bowman
• Printed Directory
• 2 Bowman Pencils
• 2 Bowman Pencil Sharpeners
• 2 Bowman Water Bottles (24 oz Stainless Steel)
• 2 Bowman Canvas Grocery Totes

Triple-Pack Membership $250 (New Tier – great for families with three kids!)

• Support enrichment and community events at Bowman
• Printed Directory
• 3 Bowman Pencils
• 3 Bowman Pencil Sharpeners
• 3 Bowman Water Bottles (24 oz Stainless Steel)
• 3 Bowman Canvas Grocery Totes

Disco Bingo Membership $500

• Support enrichment and community events at Bowman
• Printed Directory
• 2 Bowman Pencils
• 2 Bowman Pencil Sharpeners
• 2 Bowman Water Bottles (24 oz Stainless Steel)
• 2 Bowman Canvas Grocery Totes
• Plus a special Disco BINGO pack which includes 20 Disco BINGO raffle tickets and your child guaranteed to be one of the BINGO callers on Disco Bingo Night

Library and Arts Membership $500

• Support enrichment and community events at Bowman
• Printed Directory
• 2 Bowman Pencils
• 2 Bowman Pencil Sharpeners
• 2 Bowman Water Bottles (24 oz Stainless Steel)
• 2 Bowman Canvas Grocery Totes
• Plus a portion of your donation is directed to Arts Created Together (ACT) for live performances that align to grade level curricula, and a book will be donated to the Bowman Library in your family’s name.

Please note: The PTA exists for every member of the Bowman community regardless of financial ability. The Bowman School and the Bowman PTO are committed to ensuring that cost is not a barrier to becoming a member of the PTA or participating in any of the PTA events throughout the year. Please feel free to reach out to Principal Jenny Corduck to privately inquire about financial assistance.

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Are you in the Bowman PTO Online Directory?

The Bowman PTO uses MySchoolAnywhere (MSA) to manage its online student/family directory and PTA membership. We strongly suggest that ALL families register in MSA to confirm contact information and ASSIGN your child’s teacher. This allows the PTA to keep you up to date with our weekly emails and grade-specific notifications; and it’s a great way for you to be able to send out party invitations or coordinate playdates with classmates!

If you were already part of the directory, then you should have received an email with a link to update your information for this year. If you are new to Bowman, you can register here and become a member of the Bowman PTO family.

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Volunteers Needed!

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Big Back Yard

One More Volunteer Coordinator Needed

Do you love Big Back Yard (BBY) or just getting kids outside? The BBY group is looking for one more coordinator to join our group of four to help ensure this amazing program runs easily this year. The coordinator would assist in training other parents during the school day periodically through the year or helping to schedule walks which takes place anytime online

.  Please contact us ASAP at [email protected].

More about Big Back Yard…More than 20 years ago, the Big Backyard (BBY) program was dreamed up and made possible through a collaboration between the Lexington School District and parents with funding by Lexington Education Fund (LEF). The goal – to provide real life opportunities for students to connect with nature and for students to BE THE SCIENTIST. Today, this program is still running strong thanks to all our amazing parents who volunteers.

There are two ways to volunteer: A small group of coordinators organize the walk times with the teachers and train other parents. This year we are seeking one additional coordinator. Secondly, we need lots of parents to volunteer throughout the year on walks in their child’s classroom. You will receive information about the walks (one each in the Fall, Winter, Spring) from your classroom teacher over the course of the year. A pre-walk overview is always provided right beforehand so parents are well informed. No experience necessary!

Interested in being a coordinator or have questions? Contact us at [email protected].

BBY committee: Victoria Moule, Ming Tregay, Karin Ornstein and Lori Wright

General Introduction and Training for Lexington’s K-5 Big Backyard Program

When: Tuesday, September 11, 2018, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 pm
Or Wednesday September 12, 2018, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Volunteers attend only one training

Where:  Lexington Public Schools, Central Office Building (lower level Conference Room #2)

To learn more visit  http://lps.lexingtonma.org/Page/2304

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Bowman Library Volunteers

When you think of becoming a parent volunteer at Bowman School, please remember the library. Volunteering at the library is a great experience and one of the best ways to get to know Bowman, the community and the children. This is generally a one hour commitment, once per week, during the school year to support our librarian and children as they visit the library.

Library volunteers help with checking in and out books for children, shelving books and organizing the library, and book selection. We hope you can consider giving your care and energy to the Bowman Library. The library volunteers are a lovely group of parents who typically return year after year because it’s a great place to volunteer!

We especially  need volunteers for the following times:

• Mrs Day’s Kindergarten class – Wednesdays 12-12:30pm
• Lee/Schlect Kindergarten classes – Tuesdays 11am-12pm
• Curran/Udell 4th grade – Mondays 9-10am
• Studley/Gallardo 5th grade – Fridays 11am-12pm

Please contact Wendy Bertsekas and Rebecca Fagan Gorospe asap at [email protected] if you are interested in volunteering.

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Be a Bowman Room Parent

Each fall, 3+ parents per classroom volunteer to become Room Parents. It’s a GREAT way to get to know your child’s teacher, classmates, and other parents better. Room Parents divide up tasks, which typically include organizing classroom parties, communicating with classroom families, collecting and allocating classroom funds, and coordinating volunteers for activities such as Big Backyard nature walks. Parents can choose tasks which fit their schedule. Sign up at: https://tinyurl.com/bowman-rp2018

Want to Learn More?

Come to a Room Parent Orientation (Optional, but recommended for new RPs – pick ONE)
Fri. Sept. 14th @ 8:45-9:30 AM (Bowman playground shade structure)
Mon. Sept. 17th @ 7:30PM social, 8:00-8:45 PM (evening) at private home
For details/address of evening meeting, please RSVP to [email protected]

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PTA Open Positions

Consider volunteering for one of the open PTA positions this school year.

VP Events, Fundraising

Support existing fundraising initiatives such as our Spring Auction, Spirit Wear, Shopping Days, and Class Raffles, while seeking new fundraising opportunities in conjunction with PTA Board. This is a great position for returning or new Bowman parents who are interested in getting involved and who can attend monthly PTA meetings.

Class Baskets

Each classroom puts together a basket filled with fun items for a raffle that takes place during Bingo Night. The baskets have themes like Movie Night, Legos, and Winter Fun and they are displayed in the front hallway the week of the raffle.

2018-19 Auction

Event held every other year.  Parents assist in the food, beverage and decorating selections for the evening and also write to, or call, vendors seeking donations to raise money for our school.

YES Club

The 4th & 5th Grade Y.E.S. (Youth Exploration in Science) Club meets weekly, over a three-month period, after-school providing students the opportunity to explore the world of science through a series of hands-on activities.  The program involves high school and parent volunteers with small group settings in which to experience the variety of physical, earth and life science areas.

Lost & Found Shadow

The Lost & Found is located next to the door leading out to the back playground area. Labeled items are returned to students; unclaimed items are donated to area charities, such as Cradles to Crayons.

Staff Appreciation

The PTA organizes breakfast and other events during one week in May to show how much we appreciate all that the teachers and staff do for our children throughout the year.

Safe Routes to School

Help us cut down on traffic congestion and get some exercise by walking, biking, or scootering to school. Promote ‘walk to school’ days and advocate anti-idling and less traffic at our schools.

To volunteer, please contact [email protected].

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Coming Soon…

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Welcome Back Potluck Picnic

Friday September 14th, 5:30 pm, Bowman playground

Join us for a back to school family picnic at Bowman! It’ll be a great opportunity to see our children play together and visit with other Bowman families as we start off the school year.

This year’s welcome back picnic will be pot luck. Bring a favorite dish to share! More info to come!

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School Picture Day

Wednesday, October 3rd

This year’s school photos are being taken on Wednesday, October 3rd. Make a note on your calendars to get your son or daughter spruced up and looking picture perfect that morning.

Picture forms will be sent home in your child’s folder the end of Sept. Please fill these out and bring them in by Oct. 3rd. If you order online, please print the confirmation out and send that in with your child.

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7th Annual Bowman Adventure Run

Sunday, October 21, 2018

5K and Kids 3⁄4 Mile Run Fun
Kids fun run starts at 1:30 PM
5k starts at 2:00 PM

Enjoy a fall afternoon with this fun event that will take you through the streets of the Bowman neighborhoods, ending with the Dunback Meadow boardwalk and trails… lace up your running OR walking shoes and come be a part of the Adventure!

Post race party to follow behind the school with free food, DJ, crazy hair coloring, prizes for top finishers, jump house, fun and more!

Online registration will be opening soon. Stay tuned for more details.  

If you have any questions about the Adventure Run, know a company who would like to be a sponsor or want to help please email [email protected].

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Bowman Book Fair

Wednesday October 24th – November 1st
In the Bowman Gym

Kids will come through with their class to make a WISH LIST!  The Bowman Book Fair will be open during Parent Teacher Conferences on October 24, 25, 31 & November 1.

Please visit our webpage at http://www.scholastic.com/bf/bowmanelementaryschool2 for information on volunteering or contact Katie Quick at [email protected]  for details. We look forward to seeing you at the Bowman Book Fair.

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PTA Minigrants

Did you know the Bowman PTO awards $2000 in Minigrants each year? Minigrants are used to fund programming, professional development, materials, and technology that are outside the normal school operating budget. Last year, Minigrants were funded to support the Hoops and Dreams program for fourth graders, professional development for 2 teachers, and a special library of Stephen Krensky books for the first grade classrooms. Minigrant applications are considered on a rolling basis throughout the year and are in addition to the teacher stipends the PTA provides every teacher for classroom supplies. The PTA Minigrant application is available for download from the Bowman PTO website.

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Box Tops for Education

The Box Tops for Education fund raising program earns cash for technology related supplies. This fundraiser requires no door-to-door selling by the children, and it costs nothing to become involved. Please clip the Box Tops logos from participating products and send them to school with your children. Bowman receives 10 cents for each Box Top we collect! Last year, we raised over $1,200! Our goal for 2018-2019 is to reach $1,500+. The more Box Tops we collect, the more cash we earn. Let’s smash those numbers this year!

You can find the Box Tops logos on participating products such as Annie’s Organic snacks, General Mills cereals (like Cheerios), Green Giant vegetables, select Avery school supplies, Juicy Juice, many Betty Crocker baking products, Old El Paso products, Ziploc bags, Scott brand paper products (like Kleenex), Nature Valley Granola bars, Huggies diapers & pull ups, Hefty trash bags, Pillsbury rolls and many more. A complete list of participating products can be found by clicking here. Please encourage your friends, neighbors, relatives and co-workers to save their Box Tops for Bowman.

Back by popular demand this year are the collection sheets. Your child may tape or staple the Box Tops onto a sheet and then send it into the classroom when it is complete. Click here to find a variety of collection sheets made available on the Box Tops for Education website.

Or if you would prefer, just send your Box Tops into the classroom in a plastic bag or envelope once or twice a month. Each teacher will have a designated collection envelope. There is also a collection box on the table outside the office.

You are also welcome to try the Box Tops Bonus App on your phone and turn your everyday receipts into cash for Bowman! Download the app at the App Store or on Google Play, find offers & buy products, scan your receipt, and watch the earnings stack up. Learn more.

Each month the classroom that collects the most Box Tops will receive custody of the Box Top BOT, the Bowman Box Top mascot.

Questions? Contact the Box Tops Coordinators: [email protected]

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Directory Cover Design Contest

ALL BOWMAN STUDENTS can participate in designing the cover for the 2018-2019 PTA printed directory (available to PTA members ONLY). Watch out for the flyer with more information this month.

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Behind The Scenes – Our Bowman Volunteers

The Bowman PTO (and all of the PTA-run community and enrichment events) is run entirely by volunteers. We are so fortunate to have so many terrific volunteers and we’re excited to introduce a couple of them to you each month.

There are many ways to get involved at Bowman. Please check here to see a list of open PTA positions: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rmKTySsvFCbD57giGB_6L76rN4bkhmIX5t8jHLbGnTg/edit?ts=59a445f3

Gary Van Deurse – PTA Co-President

I volunteer with the Bowman PTO because I want to understand what is going on at my children’s school. I have two daughters: Devon in 1st Grade and Morgan in 4th. I love the opportunity that volunteering gives me to collaborate with the Bowman teachers and staff and it has also given me the chance to build stronger ties with other families in the Bowman community. When we first entered Bowman I became a room parent and Big Backyard volunteer. Both these positions are a great “get your feet wet” opportunity and allow you to interact with your child in their school environment. I like volunteering in the library for the same same reason. Two years ago I joined the PTA board and got more of a view of how programming happens at Bowman. I was really impressed by the team of parent volunteers who bring so many enriching and valuable programs to Bowman. I am now starting my second and final year as PTA co-President. I’m excited to fine-tune and improve on the work that the PTA does and to collaborate with our new school Principal. I would be thrilled to talk to any parent who is thinking of getting involved or to hear your ideas on what you would like to see the PTA accomplish. (Gary is on the left in the picture)

Katie Quick – PTA Co-president

I volunteer with the Bowman PTO so I can get to know the Bowman community better – family and community have always been important to me. When our son started at Bowman, I served as a room parent and library volunteer. I quickly realized that I loved being in the library and meeting and interacting with all of the children that were in school with my son (and now daughter). It has been really fun to see the kids grow over the years. For Bowman’s 50th Anniversary, I was co-chair for the Auction, and last year I ran the Bowman Book Fair. I have really enjoyed getting to know other parents that I might not interact with if their child is not in the same grade or class as one of my children. This year I am taking on the role of PTA co-President. I’m excited to learn the ins and outs of the PTA and would love to meet and talk with anyone who would like to get involved or has new ideas for the PTA.

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Going Green!

Bowman community helps raise money for being ‘green’!

Your work to recycle your food waste at home has helped raise $150 for Bowman so far and there is more coming! Thank you for signing up for curbside pick-up with Black Earth Compost and mentioning “Bowman PTO” in the referral section, it’s helping our school, our community, and our earth. The “Race to Compost” is still ongoing, the first school with 50 referral sign-ups gets two 13-gallon compost bins and liners.

New route for the new school year? With the new sidewalks on Pleasant St. more Bowman students are able to safely walk to school. If you don’t already, consider walking to school, even if it’s only a few times a month! It’s the ‘greenest’ mode of transport, plus you get some great exercise and see more of your community.

Questions? Want to get involved with Bowman’s Green Team? Check out our page or email [email protected].

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Corduck’s Corner

I am thrilled to join the Bowman School community. The welcome I have received from staff and parents has been wonderful.

Last spring, I had the good fortune of being included in an end of the year PTA gathering for parents who served a role in the association. The energy, enthusiasm and passion of this group of Bowman parents was most impressive. These individuals clearly see the impact their volunteering had in supporting our school and, as a result, the direct benefit to our children.

I strongly encourage your participation in helping to support the efforts of our PTA. There is a strong correlation between student success in school when families/parents are actively involved. No matter how big or small your role is, serving or volunteering to help with PTA is one of the many ways in which a relationship between home and school can be established.

This summer I had an opportunity to see first hand a result of Bowman PTO fundraising when boxes of books began arriving. The books were part of a “wishlist”, suggested by members of our staff, in conjunction with Dr. Anton. The purpose of the books is to support the ongoing efforts to expand and enhance Bowman’s own – “Dismantling Racism Curriculum”. As a result of these purchases, we have created a robust lending library for staff. A few of the book covers are featured below:

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