Family Fair -- A Fun Time Was Had By All!

There was a terrific turn-out at the Family Fair this past Tuesday.

Diversity and Social Justice at Fort River School

If you are interested in exploring issues of Diversity and Social Justice within our school community we would love to have you join us for the upcoming meeting of Parent Council's Diversity and Social Justice Committee. We will meet in the school library Wednesday morning, September 26th from 8:40 - 9:40 am. Everyone is welcome! If you are interested but cannot attend the meeting or if you would simply like more information, please contact Sheri Schmidt (253-9666, sschmidt@mac.com).

Annual Family Donation Fund Update for Sept 21, 2007

We’ve already received a great response to our Annual Family Donation Fund, in which we ask all families at the start of the year to make a donation to support Parent Council activities (field trips, cultural events, books for the library, scholarships for children in need, etc.) – we have already raised $2,488 from 75 families (21% of families so far)! Although we suggest $20 a child, larger and smaller amounts are welcome – and all contributions are tax deductible (and anonymous). Checks (made out to Fort River Parent Council) or cash can be sent to the Parent Council mailbox in the main office or to Catherine Sanderson, 23 Alyssum Drive.

Important Playground Update

As many of you know, we installed Phase 1 of the new playground for the younger grades last year, and are working this year on Phase 2 (which includes landscaping, benches, more satellite equipment, and a brick walkway). Included on this blog is information about playground-specific fundraisers (which isn’t supported by regular Parent Council fundraising), including our popular Fort River Roasters coffee program, a new pizza fundraiser, and the final chance to buy a brick engraved with your child’s name or a special phrase! If you’d like to help with installation of the new equipment, benches, and trees in October (on a date to be determined!), contact Catherine (256-4977, casanderson@amherst.edu) ASAP! We need volunteers to assist with digging holes, assembling equipment, and providing childcare during these activities. We also are in search of equipment, including a bobcat (to move away woodchips and dig holes) and a cement mixer, so please let us know if you can help in any way.

Family Fair Musical Entertainment

New at the Family Fair this year: musical entertainment!

A Note of Thanks to Parent Council

Catherine, Sue, Elly, Ann, and Lynn, Thank you so very much for the check for excess school supplies. I find this money very useful each year when we run out of CD's, batteries, DVD's etc. I cannot tell you how much it is appreciated. I was amazed as I read your note, at all the funds you have generated to give to teachers for many different purposes. It is so helpful to have your support in these very tough budget times. We are all very grateful for all that you all do. Thanks a million! Joan Joan Gallinaro Technology Resource Teacher Fort River School PS Please pass my thanks along to all parent council members.

Fort River Roasters from Dean's Beans -- MMM....Good!

Help support our new playground by buying something that we all love (or know someone else who does)….. COFFEE. Here are a few reasons why this Dean’s Beans fundraiser is so great:

• Dean’s Beans coffee is not only delicious, but it’s also organic and kosher. Not to mention, Dean’s Beans is committed to Fair Trade, which make every sip worth while.
• No need to come to school to pick up your order. Coffee will be sent home with your child (unless you otherwise specify).
• The price of the coffee is cheaper than if you purchased it at the grocery store. WOW! Not only are we saving you a trip to the store, but we’re also saving you money.
• Your friends, co-workers, and family members can save money too. Ask them if they’d like to buy some delicious coffee at a cheaper price.

If this sounds good to you, fill out this order form and send it in with a check made out to Fort River Parent Council to the Parent Council mailbox in the main office. Questions or comments? Contact Libby Stanforth (253-8039, bstanforth@comcast.net) or Hana Rivkin (256-2330, hrivkin@yahoo.com).

Orders are due the first Friday of every month (Oct. 5th, Nov. 2nd, Dec. 7th, Jan. 4th, Feb. 1st, March 7th, April 4th, May 2nd, June 6th), and the coffee will arrive within two weeks.

REMINDER: Make checks payable to Fort River Parent Council.

Not only do we thank you, your taste buds thank you too!

Price List

Regular Coffee
Dark: $8.50. A strong and exceptionally smooth cup of coffee from Nicaragua. Medium body and slightly dry.
Medium: $8.50. Complex, full-bodied bean from the Andean slopes near Colombia. (The traditional standard in coffee.)

Swiss-water Processed Decafs
Dark: $9.50. A full-bodied, but flavorful and aromatic Peruvian coffee. The best tasting decaf in the world!
Medium: $9:50. A delightful dance of light and dark roasted Mexican Chiapas beans. Smooth and nutty, with a bold finish.

Dean’s Beans' Other Fun Products
Hot Cocoa, Wow! : $4.50
Field tested by a playgroup of wild 4-year olds over the spring and summer, this hot cocoa mix really passes the test. Guaranteed to be the best tasting and lowest cost organic hot cocoa mix available!

Milk and Dark Chocolate Chocolate Java Drops : $8.50
Vienna-roasted, shade grown Guatemalan and Mexican coffees sensuously surrounded by pure dark or milk chocolate. A mouthful of 100% organic pleasure. Half of the profits are returned to the indigenous cooperative in Costa Rica that provides the cocoa butter.

Coffeelands CD from Putamayo: $14.00
We absolutely love this CD (and part of the proceeds goes to Coffee Kids for development work). Incredible music from around the coffee world.