I had the privilege of meeting with Colleen the other day. We met at the Dream Diner here in Tyngsborough and I was amazed at how many people stopped at our table to say hi to Colleen and that she knew them or their family members. It should have been no surprise however, as she is an 18-year incumbent. Representative Colleen M. Garry (D-Dracut) is currently serving her ninth term as State Representative for the 36th Middlesex District, representing the citizens in the towns of Dracut and Tyngsborough. Prior to running for the House, she served for eight years as administrative/legislative aide to former Representative John Cox of Lowell.

A lifelong resident of Dracut, Representative Garry is a 1980 graduate of Dracut Senior High School, a 1985 graduate of the University of Lowell with a B.S. in Biological Sciences, and a 1994 graduate of Suffolk University Law School. She was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in 1995. She is currently a practicing attorney with a law office in Lowell.

Colleen described herself as a “Full Time” representative and a “Part Time” lawyer. She practices Family law mostly (divorces, child custody cases, etc.) and with her “part-time” status, it involves many evening and weekend appointments, which is very convenient to her clients. By still practicing, she feels it adds to her being able to keep her pulse on what is going on in the community and addressing any issues that may come before her.

When asked about the upcoming election, Colleen said she still “loves” being a Representative.  She still feels she is being effective and will only stop running when she feels she no longer is. This year there is actually a Republican Primary to decide who will be running against her. George Boag, who was defeated with Independent Matthew Sheehan, by Garry in 2010, will be challenging Dracut Selectman Cathy Richardson in the Sept. 6 Republican primary.

Democrat Representative Colleen Garry will take on the winner of that election.

She has been instrumental recently setting up a meeting with National Grid. A representative will be at Monday’s Selectman’s meeting to address all the power outages recently.

She is testifying against MBTA’s plans to cut local train service out on weekends and stopping as early as 10p during the week. For many Greater Lowell area residents, the train is the only way they get into Boston, whether it be for a Red Sox or Celtics game or commuting for jobs in the city of Boston.

Colleen said she’s been fighting to keep the sales tax low through her time on Beacon Hill. Garry said she did not support Gov. Deval Patrick’s 2009 proposal to raise the sales tax from 5 percent to 6.25 percent. She also said per Boag’s proposal, dropping the sales tax to 4.5 percent would lose revenue, which she estimated would amount to $1.4 billion and the next slice to 3 percent would equal a $2.6 billion loss.

She also has Concerns for border communities, such as Dracut and Tyngsborough, and keeps their needs in the forefront and has challenged every attempt to raise taxes and increase fees.

2009-2010 was a session that focused on job creation, strong fiscal management and reform that streamlined and improved state government.

For more information on Colleen go to her website or the Massachusetts Legislature website.

She can be contacted:

State House
Room 238
Boston, MA 02133
Phone:617-722-2380
Fax:617-722-2847

District
1105 Lakeview Avenue
Dracut, MA 01826
Phone: 978-957-8139
Fax: 978-957-7829

Email:Colleen.Garry@mahouse.gov or RepColleenGarry@aol.com

There is a Campaign Party for Colleen Garry

Village Inn Barn
Thursday, February 16, 2012
6 pm to 8 pm
Suggested Donation: $20 per family

• Article 1: Submitted by citizen’s petition, requests that the town provide trash and recycling pickup to “The Villages at Maple Ridge” and “Maple Ridge Estates”
• Article 2: Submitted by the Board of Selectmen and Capital Management Committee, requests $363,000 be allocated, from existing funds or be borrowed, to cover the following items:
• Building Commissioner’s Vehicle ($35k)
• Fire Department Car 1 Replacement ($48k)
• Highway Department Wash Station Completion ($80k)
• Pierce Field Bleachers ($175k)
• Norris Road Field Auditorium Design and Engineering ($25)
• Article 3: Submitted by the Board of Selectmen, requests the transfer $150,000 from free cash to the Capital Asset Stabilization Fund.
• Article 4: Submitted by the School Committee, requests $116,878 to supplement the school budget for 2012 from available funds.  This amount represents reimbursements from the Municipal Medicaid Program for school services provided to eligible residents.
• Article 5: Submitted by the Board of Selectmen, requests various transfers between town accounts of already budgeted monies.
• Article 6: Submitted by the School Committee, requests $25,000 from available funds to fund a feasibility study for the athletic fields complex at Norris Road and the auditorium at the high school.
• Article 7: Submitted by the School Committee, requests $175,000 from available funds to replace the bleachers at Pierce Field.
• Article 8: Submitted by the Board of Selectmen asks the town to establish an “Energy Savings Stabilization Fund” per Massachusetts General Laws.
• Article 9: Submitted by the Board of Selectmen asks the town to adopt into its bylaws a “Right-toFarm Bylaw”.

Official Document (via GoogleDocs Reader): STM_2012_0215_FINAL_WARRANT.pdf 

Follow the Principal on TWITTER! If you are interested in updates and information about Tyngsboro High School, follow him @TyngHighPrin.  Various information will be posted regarding student and community events and achievements.

High School

Course selection begins. The Program of Studies for 2012-2013 can be viewed and downloaded from the THS webpage.  Copies are also available in the guidance department upon request.

Josten’s will be in Thursday, February 9th for sophomore class ring delivery.

Congratulations to Christine Meyer who earned Honorable Mention from the Boston Globe Scholastic Art Awards.

Four Friends is having a Clothing and Toiletry drive to collect donations for Catie’s Closet. They are looking for donations of gently used clothes and full size toiletries. These items will go to a local school to provide other students with these necessities. Bring donations to the boxes outside the front office at the High School and Elementary School. For more info on Catie’s Closet or Four Friends visit www.fourfriendsforadifference.com.

Registration for Spring Sports will begin February 1^st.  Sign ups will take place during lunch.

Please visit highschoolsports.net for all upcoming Tiger athletic games and meets. Congratulations Lady Tigers basketball for a fantastic season! Check out the article in the Lowell Sun about the winning season so far.

Middle School

8th grade students received their course selection sheets. Signed course selection sheets are due back to the TMS guidance office on or before Friday, February 3rd.  All students must complete a course selection sheet even if they have applied to the GLTHS or a private school. On Monday (1/30), 8th grade teachers had conversations with the students about the recommendations made. The guidance counselor, Mrs. Mallous, will also be talking with students about elective choices throughout the week. Students should bring their selection sheets to school to facilitate these discussions.

February 1st, is the 8^th grade Program of Studies Night at 6:30 PM in the THS auditorium. Parents of students in grades 6 – 8 are invited to join us to hear from the THS administration and Content Specialists about 9^th grade course offerings.

Grade 7 & 8 students can sign up for the Technology Club in the office next week. See Mr. Koczarski for more information or for any questions.

Mrs. Cassidy is looking for photos of 8th graders in their early years for the yearbook! Pictures showing childhood friendships as they were growing up (with at least 2-3 kids) would be perfect!

Order your TMS 2012 Yearbook! Order forms can be found on the TMS web page OR order online at www.yearbooksonsale.com.

Elementary School

The Computer Teacher has fifth grade computer classes putting the finishing touches on their keyboarding power points.  He’s asked the students to find some more keyboarding tutorial or gaming sites. “The goal is to add some hyperlinks to those sites.  ‘So, yes I did ask them to play computer games for homework, provided those games reinforced good keyboarding skills.’” “Mr. Mac” Intosh

As Valentine’s Day is approaching; they would like to remind you of the procedure on allowing random food at TES. Food, candy, and other edible snacks are not allowed to be given to students.  If you are purchasing Valentine Day cards for your child’s class, they ask that you not buy cards that have candy attached.

Bingo Night is scheduled for Friday, February 3rd.  Session I is open for Preschool to Grade 3, which runs 5:30-7:00 p.m.  Session 2, which runs 7:30-9:00, is for students in Grades 4 and 5.

Wednesday, Feb. 1st – SEPAC Mtg (Topic-Social Thinking)

Thursday, Feb. 2nd – School Council 6:30

Wednesday, Feb. 8th – 4th Grade Field Trip

Wednesday, Feb. 15th -Community Building Assembly Grades 3-5

Thursday Feb. 16th -Community Building Assembly PreK-2

From Assistant Superintendent Kim Oliveira

“Forming and maintaining strong partnerships between schools and families are essential to a student’s success.  Your role in this partnership is to stay up to date and informed on your child’s/student’s progress in all areas of the curriculum, social emotional development and peer relationships.  Attending parent teacher conferences and other school-sponsored events allow you to become more familiar with your schools and staff members.  Reach out to teachers and administrators with your questions, concerns, or for feedback on how to best support your child’s success. Our role in the partnership is to keep you informed and maintain open lines of communication amongst all.  To that end, as our staff members and administrators work diligently to update and align their curriculum with the new Massachusetts State Frameworks which include the Common Core Standards, I wanted to keep you informed as well.  Please visit the link below for a publication from the national PTA group which provides great resources and insight into what our student’s are expected to know and be able to do in each grade level or content area (ELA and Math).  These grade specific (or content specific for high school) parent guides provide you with suggestions on how you can support student learning at home and provide an overview of the standards.  For more detailed information on the new frameworks this link also provides the individual standards at the bottom of the page. As always, please contact us with any questions you may have in regards to your child’s success in school.”

Two Fun-Filled Sessions, Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012 at the Tyngsboro Recreation Center at 120 Westford Road

• 1:00pm – 2:15pm Pre-K thru 1st grade (Parents to attend)
• 1:45pm – 4:00pm 2nd thru 5th grades (Drop-off optional)

$2.00 per child (Parents free with child purchase). Pre-registration required by Feb18th at www.TyngsboroughRec.homestead.com and click on “Programs” or call 978-649-2300 ext 150

View the Official Flyer (via Google Docs)

Submitted from 3rd party via email/Contact Page

Draft Warrant Articles (Google Viewer)

This will be a regular meeting of the Tyngsborough SEPAC, including an account update from Joe Messina, Business Manager of Tyngsborough Public Schools. Following the business portion of the meeting (6-6:30), Dianna Fulreader, TES Assistant Principal & Beth Nolan-Stack, Behavior Specialist have generously agreed to present on “Social Thinking”. Details are below.

All Tyngsborough SEPAC meetings are FREE and open to the public. 

We hope that you will join us!   Please RSVP to julietyn@comcast.net

Official Notice:

“Seussical the Musical” is coming to town! See some of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters come to life, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie, and Jojo. The Cat in the Hat acts as your host and MC in this fantastical, magical, musical, extravaganza based on the famous Dr. Seuss stories.

“Now, imagine a curtain and what lies behind; the kind of a place you might see in your mind… From the page to the stage, come along and enjoy — this tale of an elephant, a bird, and a boy!” -Cat in the Hat. Tyngsboro’s Got Talent and that’s that!

The Middle School Theater Program will put on the show at the Tyngsboro High School Auditorium. Show dates are Feb 10th and Feb. 11th at 7 PM and Feb. 12th at 2 PM. This is a great family night out and a way to introduce young and old to musical theater.

Tickets are on Sale now! All seats are Reserved and will be assigned in the order they are received. Tickets are $15 each. For online ticket orders and more information go to tickets online or call 978-649-3115 x 1122

The mission of the Friends of Tyngsborough Theater (FOTT) is to provide support for the Tyngsborough Theater Program for middle and high school students. They provide funds for things such as Production assistance for Middle School and High School theater productions, Scholarship and financial assistance for the TMS and THS theater program and College scholarships for seniors.

• In the next few weeks, information will be coming out about student scheduling and course selection at THS for the 2012-2013 school year.
• After February vacation, there will be information regarding transitioning from TES to TMS.
• In the next few months there will be meetings with the Board of Selectmen, the Finance Committee and the School Committee to establish a budget for the FY 13.
• There will be a Special Town Meeting on February 15th at Tyngsborough Elementary School at 7pm.
• PTO Meeting January 25th:  TES 2nd Floor Library 7– 9:30p
• January 26th: EARLY RELEASE DAY – NO LUNCH SERVED

Check out the Community Calendar for More information!

Tyngsborough Band Super Bowl Sub Fundraiser
Please support Band Students in Grades 5-12 & order a sub for Super Bowl Sunday. Made fresh & delivered to your door! Order forms can be printed from the Tyngsborough Music Parents Association Website. For more information, contact Nicole Salzano, TMPA President, at: nickijoe0207@yahoo.com. Orders are due by January 25th and may be left for Matt Eaton, Band Director, in the TES or THS Front Office.

The PTO invites you to come out to Nashoba Valley Tubing Park for an exciting time of snow tubing!

Thursday, January 26, 2012 (please note that this is an early release day)
The park has 4 lifts and up to 15 lanes to slide down and is the largest tubing park in New England.
Nashoba Valley Tubing Park, Westford, MA
Any 2 hours between 1pm and 6pm
$21.00 per person
Go to PTO Website for more information.

TST’s Annual Trivia Night
Friday, January 27th at Princeton Station. Teams of four, $25 per player. All proceeds to benefit scholarship applicants from the class of 2012. Student teams are welcomed and encouraged at only $10 per player.
Download a team registration form.
TST Scholarship Applications will be available at the THS Guidance Office and on the TST web site beginning February 15th. Applications must be received in the guidance office of post marked and mailed to the TST by March 16th.

Tyngsboro Girls Youth Softball 2012 Indoor Clinic
This 8 week clinic is offered to girl’s ages 5 to 15 years old, by the directors of Tyngsboro Youth Softball. This is a fun, instructional clinic for girls of all skill levels. The clinic concentrates on fundamental softball instruction including throwing, fielding, and batting. Each player will receive a T-Shirt. Please note that each player should have their own glove and batting helmet.
When: Each Sunday afternoon starting January 29, 2012 through March 25, 2012 (With the
exception of school vacation week February 19th)
2:20 – 3:25PM U10 Instructional players age 5 – 9
3:30 – 4:25PM U14 & U15 players age 10 – 15
Where: Tyngsboro Sports Center, 18 Progress Rd, Tyngsboro, MA
Cost: 1st Child – $60 for the Entire 8 Week Session
$100 Family Cap for additional children
Combine the 2012 clinic and season and save. Clinic and season – $135
New Player Special - If the player did not attend the clinic last year, and did not play Recreational Softball during the 2011 season, and would like to “check it out”, they may do so without obligation during the first 2 weeks (January 29th and February 5th). If they decide to stay in the program, your fee will be due prior to the start of the 3rd week; if they choose not to stay, you owe nothing.

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Haven’t been to this dance in the past? Ask someone who has! It’s an event not-to-be-missed!!! Tickets must be purchased in advance as it has been a sold-out event in the past! $40/couple; $5 each additional girl. Purchase tickets online: http://tyngsboroughrec.homestead.com/events.html and click “Online Registration”.

Pictures of a past dance can be viewed here: http://www.phantomphotographer.com/Photos/TyngsboroRecreationDept/Shamrock2005/img_9737.html

See you on the dance floor!