From the PTO
TONIGHT! Author, Speaker and Yoga Guru: Ann Biese
The PTO Cultural Arts Committee and Richards School are excited to host author, speaker and yoga guru Ann Biese! Ann will be presenting to both parents and students with two separate presentations focused on mindful breathing and calming techniques.
Parent Presentation TONIGHT!
The parent presentation, “Say YES to the Breath for Parents and their Families!” will take place this evening, Thursday, April 4th at 6:15pm with an hour presentation followed by a book signing. Finding your breath is key to better living. Through the use of visual aids and practical demonstrations, Ann will help parents understand and apply the benefits of breathing and calming techniques to "discover life in the calm zone.” Ann uses impromptu, engaging and fun activities and gets her audience involved.
If you pre-ordered one of Ann’s books, they will be available for pick-up at the parent presentation. If you are not planning to attend tonight’s presentation, the books will be sent home Friday with your child. Ann’s books will also be for-sale at the parent presentation.
Student Presentations TOMORROW!
The student presentations will take place tomorrow, Friday, April 5th during the school day in the morning. Grades K4-2 and their teachers will learn about proper breathing. Ann will demonstrate proper breathing techniques and will read from one of her books. She will use visual props, show-and-tell her way through Worry Bee and enlist students or teachers in an impromptu demonstration. At the end of her program, Ann will give students a chance to ask questions. Grade 3-5 will learn how finding their breath is the key to learning to live better. Ann gives students a glimpse into the process that creates this lifelong skill and will use demonstrations—by modeling how the lung and brain response to breathing and practice.
Ann Biese is an international Yoga Instructor and is the author of the award-winning children's book Worry Bee and Mindful Moon. She is also a Meditation and Mindfulness Specialist in pediatric settings, including Tufts Floating Hospital for Children in Boston, and has taught MBSR and yoga to various youth groups and teen athletes across the country. Ann has been a featured speaker on meditation and mindfulness in hospitals and further facilitates trainings for ChildLight Yoga & Mindfulness for Tweens and Teens. You can visit Ann's website at: http://www.annbiese.com. Questions? Contact Aine McMenamin-Johnson at ainemcj@me.com or Sarah Nowak at sarahzirbelnowak@gmail.com.
Spring Plant Sale
Richards PTO Spring Plant Sale is on now! Enhance your home and garden, provide habitat and food support for our native pollinators, and benefit the Richards PTO all at the same time! Visit richardspto.org to place your order today. Plant Sale orders are due Wednesday, April 17th. Plants will be available for pick up on Saturday, May 4th at the Richards Main Entrance from 9-11am. Questions about the plant sale? Ask Susan! susan.stadt@gmail.com.
High Interest Day
High Interest Day is right around the corner! Mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 24th from 12:50-2:40pm. Grades 2-5 will have the opportunity to participate in THREE High Interest Day sessions of their choosing:
- Session 1: 12:50-1:20pm
- Session 2: 1:30-2:00pm
- Session 3: 2:10-2:40pm
What about Grades K4-1?! Don’t worry, they’re participating too! The presenters for the lower grades were pre-selected based on subject matter and grade level appropriateness. For a list of the Grade K4-1 presentations, visit richardspto.org.
What is High Interest Day?
High Interest Day brings together parents, friends, family and community members to our school to talk to our students about things they are interested in or passionate about. This might mean they talk about their career, or a special hobby. It gives the children the opportunity to learn about things outside the topics regularly covered in their classrooms.
What do you need to do?
Please take some time to look over the session offerings - which can be viewed on the Richards PTO website – richardspto.org. Have your child(ren), in Grade 2-5, indicate their top 5 session choices.
When and how do we register?
Registration will be online starting Monday, April 8th. To register please visit richardspto.org for the link to register. Every child must be registered using this method. We need EVERY student in Grade 2-5 to register online no later than Sunday, April 14th.
Any student not registered by then will be assigned to the remaining presentation spots. Questions? Contact Jill Fink at thinkjfink@gmail.com or Sarah Nowak at sarahzirbelnowak@gmail.com.
Staff Appreciation Week
Attention Richards Families! Each year there is one week we celebrate our Richards teachers, staff, and crossing guards and show them how much we appreciate all they do for our children. This year, Staff Appreciation Week will be May 6th-10th and the Richards PTO has exciting plans! Each day, the PTO plans a special activity, including breakfast, a catered lunch, gifts and sweet treats. Everyone gets excited for the daily raffle as well, and this is where we can use your help! We are looking for donations from our Richards Community to help make the raffle a success. You can contribute online by visiting richardspto.org and scrolling down to the “We Love our Richards Staff Members” section or by sending in the form and a check.
Questions? Email MaryKathryn Malaney at marykathryn.malaney@gmail.com or Abby Williams at acdwilliams@mac.com.
Donuts for Dudes
Please join us for Donuts for Dudes on Friday, May 31st at 7:15am in the Richards Great Hall! All students are invited to bring a special dude to join them for donuts before school. Dudettes are welcome to attend as well. Donuts, coffee and beverages will be provided. Nut free and gluten free donuts will also be available.
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