September, 2015
The East PTO Digest is a monthly recap of all the great activities, events, and initiatives the PTO sponsors. Each month, it will also feature an East School staff member as well as information about fundraising efforts and volunteer opportunities. Special thanks to Chris Ward, Teri Howard, Becky Case and Michelle Parker for their contributions to the first edition.  We hope you enjoy it!
Welcome Class of   2028!
Kindergarten Welcome Party & Bus Orientation
The PTO greeted the class of 2028 at this year's Kindergarten Welcome Picnic. It was a fun day and a great way for the students to meet new classmates.  Bus orientation for incoming kindergarteners followed, giving our newest group of East students a chance to ride on a school bus and learn bus safety rules. Afterwards, the children and their families had the opportunity to visit classrooms and meet their teachers.
Events

Back to School Bash
The 7th annual Back to School Bash was a huge success! This PTO event, unique to East School, and free for East School families, featured BBQ, cotton candy, bouncy houses and the 5th grade floor hockey tournament. Many thanks to the parents, teachers and staff who contributed their time and effort to make this event happen.

Visit with Illustrator, Chris Eliopoulos
Illustrator Chris Eliopoulos visited Kindergarten and First Grade for a drawing demonstration and discussion of his new "I Am . . ." series with New York Times' bestselling Author, Brad Meltzer. Chris and the children learned about and illustrated Rosa Parks, Abe Lincoln, Helen Keller and Albert Einstein.
What's New at East?

Playground Improvements
Recess has never been better for East School students!   The East PTO spearheaded some very exciting playground improvements including a new traverse wall (funded by Hingham Sports Partnership and Hingham Education Foundation, with build assistance by Talbots Corporation and Burnham Builders), n ew chess/checker tables (funded by a Hingham Education Foundation grant), new picnic tables and umbrellas (funded by the Pizza for the Playground fundraising event last spring), and new turf outside of the cafeteria lobby doors to the playground (material and labor donated by the Delmonico Family and RAD Sports).  
Getting To Know . . .
Pam Sibbald (Kindergarten teacher)
Q:  What do you enjoy most about teaching?
A:   My favorite part of teaching is watching children realize what they just learned - the moment that a student understands that - Now I can do it myself! - I know it! - I "get it!" And then seeing them apply what they learned.  It is so rewarding when a child is proud of him/herself!  My students all know that I will never give up on any of them and that I believe in them!

Q:  If you weren't teaching, what would you like to be doing?
A:   If I wasn't teaching, I would be doing something in art! I am always drawing things and I carry a sketchbook almost everywhere with me. Also, I am infinitely curious about nature and always exploring and learning more about it. I also love to travel [and of course I would bring my sketchbook!].

Q:   What is your favorite book?
A:    My favorite book changes from time to time - right now it's "Angels and Demons" by Dan Brown. [I also have many favorite children's books!].

Q:  What is your dream vacation?
A:   My dream vacation is to go anywhere that I can relax, be with my family, hike in uncrowded places, and draw, paint, weave, etc!
We Need You!
When parents get involved, kids do better! Click here to visit the East PTO Volunteer Spot portal and sign up for one day events or ongoing committees! 

Give once. Your kids benefit all year long. All of the PTO events and programs are funded by your generous donations!

STAY CONNECTED:      
For questions, or if you have content you'd like to share for an upcoming Digest, please contact Kathie Cronin at [email protected] or Sarah D'Souza at [email protected].