School is back in full swing and October has been a busy month at Zervas.  Although the skies looked threatening, the rain held off for Walk to School Day and it was a pleasure to see so many families walking to school that day.  Thanks to Joe Sypek for his dedication in organizing this event, and especially for greeting families at the door with cider, coffee and prizes.  Joe was also instrumental in organizing the A-Z Walk later that week.  Under a beautiful blue sky, the entire school walked to Warren Lincoln Park where we joined with the Angier Community in a celebration of fitness and healthy lifestyles. There was a DJ to get the kids dancing and singing and Whole Foods provided snacks and water.  Special thanks to all the parents who came out to walk with the kids to the park–it was quite a logistical feat to get all of the kids back and forth, and we could not have managed it without all of the parent volunteers.

Kindergarten soccer wrapped up another successful season this month.  We always hear compliments about what a great program Zervas runs.  We are very fortunate to have Debra Stump, Matt Goldstein and Scott Goddess to organize the soccer program.  They put in many hours in the fall and spring to to create a safe and fun environment for our kindergarteners, and we are so appreciative of all their hard work.  Thanks also to the parents coaches who make it possible to for the kids to get out and play.

Lots of ghosts, vampires and other creatures came out to celebrate with dancing, arts and crafts, and mummy making at our annual Halloween Dance.  The dance is a highly anticipated Zervas tradition and we have Julie Kay and Rachel Conroy to thank for the great job they did putting on this event.  The parents had their chance to kick back and enjoy at the Destination Dinner this past weekend.  It was a fantastic evening of great food and company, and there was even dancing at the dessert party!  Thanks to Svet Levin and Erika Pond for working so hard to organize this great evening for the community.  Thanks also to all the hosts who generously opened their homes for this event.  Special thanks to Alicia Collins and Tony Abbiati for hosting the cocktail party, and to Jennifer and Matt Rhodes-Kropf for hosting the dessert party.

We have several committees which have been hard at work inside school as well.  The Understanding Our Differences Committee has begun presenting programs to the third, fourth and fifth graders to help them to understand and accept people with disabilities.  Thanks to Carla Brigham, Jennifer Harter and Lisa DePalma who have worked tirelessly to organize and lead this program at Zervas.  The Creative Arts and Sciences Committee has also been working hard to bring outside presenters into Zervas to enrich the curriculum.  It was an amazing experience to watch the kids on Friday as they encountered the opera, in kid friendly format, as presented by Opera to Go.  The kids sang along with the presenters, laughed, and put on their own short opera at the end.  This program was presented to the students in all classes, so remember to ask your child about their experience.  Thanks to Liz Beckett and Elizabeth Graham for working so hard to bring these amazing presentations into the school.  Amy Behrens and Jacqueline Butera have also been very busy planning activities through the Respect for Human Differences Committee.  Their committee creates and maintains the Kaleidoscope Bags which are available for the kids to check out of the library.  These bags are geared to different ages and are filled with interesting and fun activities which encourage kids to experience and celebrate diversity.  On November 19th, the committee will host a Dynamic Diversity night with a panel of Zervas parents.  Please join us to learn more about the diverse experiences of members of our Zervas community.  Also, keep an eye open for the notice that will come home about the Library Gift Book Sale which will take place the week of November 26th.  This is a great opportunity to benefit the kids by adding to the library collection.  If you are not able to make it into school to purchase a book, you can send back the form and our volunteers will help to choose a book for you.

We have many more events and activities planned for the coming months, and we are always on the lookout for more parent volunteers. If you have any questions about any PTO activities or volunteer opportunities, please feel free to contact us.

Best Regards,

Joanne Hooker and Helen Haley
PTO Co-Presidents