Lilja PTO Newsletter (2/7/22)
Upcoming events
2/11 100th Day of school
2/14 Spring enrichment program registrations open
2/21-25 February break
3/9 Early release
3/29 Town elections
PTO Meeting
Thank you to everyone who attended our PTO meeting last week, we had a great turnout! If you weren't able to make it, the minutes are now available on our website. Our next meeting is planned for April 13.
Staff Snack Station
Thank you to all the generous families who have supported this initiative. We have continued to receive a number of thank you notes from staff:
"I just wanted to say thank you for the amazing snacks and drinks!! It has been a real pick me up! There are few things I wouldn't do for some chex mix :)" - Mary Randolph
"I truly feel happiness every time I step into the teacher's room. The snacks have not only provided a pick-me-up, but also a morale boost. Our PTO is truly one-of-a-kind :) THANK YOU!" - Sarah Quimby
"I wanted to share my heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the snacks the PTO provided (and set up beautifully) in the teacher's room! I feel SO lucky to work at a school where we are continually supported by the PTO in endless ways! From the Book Fair, to the holiday gifts, to the snacks, and everything in between. :)" - Kelly McShane
Friday 2/11 is the 100th day of school, and we'd like to ensure the snack station is well stocked to celebrate this milestone, particularly in this incredibly demanding year for Lilja staff. If you would like to continue to support our efforts, please feel free to donate here.
Metrowest Flag Football
The official NFL Flag Football organization in the MetroWest Boston area, offering recreational and competitive flag football for boys and girls aged between 5 - 17. Spring registrations are now open for K-11th. Practices and games are scheduled for 3-6pm on Sundays from April 24 at Sargent Field. Click here for more information and to register.
Lost Property
A reminder for everyone to please check the Virtual Lost & Found or ask their child to have a look during the school day. There are many gloves on the shelves at present, and it would be great if they could find their way home.
School Committee Update
Three School Committee positions are being contested during the Annual Town Election on March 29. Watch this space for more information about the candidates. The committee are holding Virtual Coffee Hours over the coming months to discuss specific topics relating to the district's strategic plan, and all families are welcome to participate to give feedback and ask questions.
Tuesday, February 15, 8:30 am.- Financial Planning
Wednesday, March 16, 12:00 - 12:45 pm - Communication and Engagement
Thursday, April 14, 6:00 - 6:45 pm - Profile of a Graduate
Tuesday, May 17, 8:30 -9:15 am - Dismantling Systemic Barriers for Equitable Access to Opportunity
Wednesday, June 15, TBD - Social Emotional Learning and Healthy Living
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86724275279?pwd=aUYzNHpYY3V5UWVaSjNsOVZyeVllZz09
Ongoing Partner Programs & Fundraisers
Amazon Smile (search for Lilja Elementary PTO to automatically donate)
Minted (use code FUNDRAISELILJA to get a 20% discount and donate)
Staff Spotlight: Heather Starkel
What do you do at Lilja?
I teach fourth-grade.
Can you tell us about your family?
Yes! My husband and I live in Ashland. My two brothers, their partners & adorable kids, live in Atlanta. We have family all over - Mexico, Canada, Thailand, California.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I love to plant flowers and to garden. I also enjoy walking, hiking, hot yoga, kayaking/canoeing, and pilates. My family likes to play games/solve puzzles, cook/bake and eat, watch cheesy mysteries. Also, I love a good thrift store.
You get one song to listen to for the rest of your life, what is it?
I changes often! Today it's "Dreaming" by Blondie. (I think I just aged myself.)
Finish this sentence: I can't live without...
Water
What's a surprising fact about you?
I went sky-diving in Swakopmund, Namibia.
If you weren't at Lilja, what would you be doing?
If I weren't at Lilja, I would probably be producing TV commercials in Atlanta, GA. I was working for a commercial production company when I decided on a change and went to graduate school for elementary education.
Talk to us
Whether you're a new or returning family, we would love to hear from you! If you have any questions, ideas or suggestions, relevant news for this newsletter, or want to help us out, please contact us at pto@liljapto.org.
For PTO updates outside of this newsletter, visit our website or find us on Facebook.
For the latest Lilja School Newsletter from the Principal, click here.
If you have received this email in error, i.e. you no longer have children attending Lilja, please contact us at pto@liljapto.org and we can remove you from the mailing list.