Teachers seeking plants for Learning Courtyard Gardens

Now that the danger of frost is passing, teachers and students in primary grades will begin digging in their plots in the Learning Courtyard Gardens. Over the years the PTO has bought hand tools, peat moss and other basics to get this project off the ground. Each garden is given a budget of $50 by the PTO to purchase some plants, but donations of plants from local gardens will be welcomed. For example, Mrs. Christopher is seeking perennial and annual herbs, both culinary and medicinal. Mr. Busse's Fish Garden needs annuals and perennials that are in the blue/purple color range. Mr. Horn's class seeks native CT plants. A wide range of annuals would be appreciated, especially those that blossom now through June, or that will be in bloom in late August or fall when the students return. If you have items to offer, including spare rakes or tools, please contact Margaret Chatey at 429-0464. Volunteers who can work with small groups of students during the school day, even an hour a week,through the end of the year are also needed.

Visit the PTO Book Fair and Theme Basket Raffle May 7 through 10 in the Library

It's time to stock up on summer reading at the PTO's Spring Book Fair. The Book Fair will be held in the Library Monday, May 7 from 8:30 to 3, Tuesday, May 8 and Wednesday 9 from 8:30 to 6:30, and Thursday May 10 until noon. As always, books for folks of all ages are available, with all the profits from the fair going directly back to the Ashford School library and reading programs, plus a free book for Ashford School students (through Grade 6) on their birthday!

This year the Book Fair also shares space with the Theme Basket Raffle. For just $1.00 per chance, folks can take a chance to win one of the more than 20 baskets prepared by classrooms and friends here at Ashford School. Lucky winners will be drawn Thursday at noon and announced in school that afternoon. All proceeds from the Theme Baskets will be combined with the Teachers' Variety Show ticket take to fund additional improvements to the stage and/or gymnasium areas. Thanks for supporting our efforts!

Boxtops for Education yields $1,082.92 this school year.

The Ashford PTO has collected $1,082.92 in "free money" off of packaging from the BIG G Boxtops for Education program this year. With the support of parents, students and members of the community the boxtops are clipped, collected at school and the Town Hall, and sent in. The result? Some of the proceeds in the Fall bought new soccer nets for the primary playground, for example. More than $1,000 is nothing to sneeze at! Keep collecting these coupons all through the summer--another batch gets mailed in next October. And ask your friends and co-workers to collect for us as well.

Spring Jamboree 2008 Planning is Under Way.

Monday, May 14 at 2:00 will be the kickoff meeting for the return of the popular PTO Spring Jamboree next year. The Jamboree, typically held every other year, is tentatively planned for Saturday, April 28. It's a day of games, entertainment, food, silent auction, prizes, theme baskets and demonstrations for Ashford folks of all ages to enjoy. The PTO has raised between $5,000 and $13,000 on this single day to fund significant items like the playground playsets and the lighting and curtain for the stage. Many volunteers are needed to coordinate and run the events that day--it's a great way for students, parents, teachers and others in the community to experience pride in Ashford School. Other community groups like the Recreation Commission, Babcock Library, Boy Scouts and Ashford Volunteer Fire Department have also participated with this event in past years, as well.

Our goal is to find chairpersons for the SJ committees before summer so we have a full year to prepare and sign on friends for helpers. We're looking for folks to head up Safety Demonstration Coordination, Food, Entertainment, Prizes, Silent Auction, Cake Walk, Ticket Booth, plus more. Volunteers Ginger Lusa, Tammy Sperry, Lisa Hassett, Deb Robinshaw, Nancy Freeman and Beth Supina have already agreed to repeat in their key roles. Please contact Lisa Hassett at 429-3853 if you'd like more information.

June PTO Meeting open to Brainstorming and Election of Officers for 07/08

If you're interested in becoming involved with PTO more next year, please make a point to join us on Monday, June 4, the final PTO meeting of this year. After a brief business meeting, we will review highlights and conduct a brainstorming of direction and ideas for 2007/08.

Officers will be elected, as well. Nominations as presented by Nominating Committee members Barbara Renna and Tracy Maheu include:
Margaret Chatey, President (second term)
Sue Sherman, Vice President, Fundraising (second term)
(Open ), Vice President, Membership (held by Fiona Albert for two terms)
Lisa Hassett, Corresponding Secretary (second term)
Vickie Weidig, Recording Secretary
Cathy Ference, Treasurer (second term)

Nominations from the floor for all positions will be accepted prior to the vote. If you have interest in serving, please contact tmaheu1@sbcglobal.net. The meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. in the Ashford School Library.