Hello FitzGerald Family!

It has been great seeing everyone again for the start of the school year and it has been wonderful to meet and teach the Kindergarten class! The beginning of the school year in music finds us reviewing expectations and routines as well as the following content related topics:

Grade K - At the beginning of kindergarten, we spend time becoming aware of the different sounds our voice can make (Ex. whisper voice, calling voice, speaking voice, squeaky voice, singing voice.) We also spend time learning how our bodies move by moving to music, keeping steady beats in our hands and feet, and doing various other rhymes and action songs that involve movement.

Grade 1 - In first grade, we review the many sounds we can make with our voices as we are singing call and response songs, echo songs, and simple songs. We also review how to keep a beat and move musically as we move to music and sing action songs.

Grade 2 - In second grade, we review the concepts of a singing voice and matching pitch while we learn how to sing together and in groups. We will learn the difference between a steady beat and a rhythm while we sing songs, speak rhymes, and play games.

Grade 3 - At the beginning of third grade we review skills from previous years (singing voice, matching pitch, keeping a beat, good singing posture, etc.) The students have also been very excited to begin learning the recorder.They have been learning how to play with proper posture, blowing with a gentle breath, and completely covering the holes with their fingers. The first song they have been working on is Hot Cross Buns.

Grade 4 - Like the other grades, fourth grade will review previous skills learned (singing voice, matching pitch, keeping a beat, singing posture, music vocabulary etc.) We are also learning how to sing songs in a round where the same song is sung but at different times by different groups.

Grade 5 - In fifth grade, in addition to each class's music class, the whole grade meets together once a week for 30 minutes for chorus. They are learning ensemble building skills and are getting used to being in an ensemble with many musicians. And believe it or not, we have already begun to learn songs for the Winter Concert in December! December might be a long way out, but for a musician, the preparations already need to begin!

Mr. Irwin

CharlesIrwin@walthampublicschool.org.

General Music

Walking Wednesday Wins

Congrats to ALL of those who participated in our first week of Walking Wednesday.

A huge congrats to our three classes that saw 100% participation.

K- Scruggs/Gonzalez

3 - Clifford

4 - Foley

Special thanks to Deirdre & James Georgoudis for coordinating and executing the great bi-annual event. Your little ones will have three more opportunities to chase the coveted ‘Golden Shoe’ over the next three weeks.

We are looking for volunteers at both Beal Rd and Charlotte Rd entrances of the school to help us to collect tickets and hand out prizes. We ask that you arrive between 8:00-8:10 am and stay until the first bell. If you are able to stay until 9:00am to help count the tickets, that would be appreciated!

Please use this link to sign up as a volunteer: https://volunteersignup.org/FTFWX

Pumpkin Drop is One Month Away

Our annual Pumpkin Drop is set for October 30th. Students are encouraged to start collecting materials to bring into their classrooms! This can include bubble wrap, cardboard boxes, packaging, and other recyclable items. A list of materials will be shared with your children. We’re happy to answer any questions @ FitzgeraldPTO@gmail.com

FUNDRAISING

⚽ Visit us at the Soccer Shack this weekend at Veteran’s Field and get yourself a snack - see you there!

👕Fitzy Shop is OPEN - New Year - New Fitzy Gear!! Check it out, let us know what you think and don’t forget to sport your new blue & yellow outfits every Fitzy Friday.

Boo-ing begins Oct 9th - Keep an eye out for ghosts to appear in your neighborhood next week! You may get a surprise sent by a friend, or you can email fitzgeraldPTO@gmail.com to request the ghosts visit your yard.

🥧Pizzi Pies are coming back! - We are partnering up with Pizzi Farm again this year to sell their delicious pies and make dessert easy this Thanksgiving. Sign up information coming soon!

🍴Restaurant Nights - What are they? An opportunity to share a meal with family and friends while helping raise funds for the PTO, which directly benefits our school children. We hope to see you there!

Up Next:

Tues, Oct 15 - Bistro 781

Thurs, Nov 14 - Chateau

💸 Ongoing Fundraisers - We can raise money for FitzGerald by leveraging these sites for the shopping we already do! Take a look…

• Raise Right - Earn money for FitzGerald by purchasing Gift Cards! The best bang for your buck in terms of getting a % back for every dollar you spend - check it out

• FitzGerald Elementary Enrollment Code - 1B5L864C89184

• Mabel’s Labels - Lost and Found is already piling up - get some labels now before your kids gear ends up there!

EVENTS

TRUNK or TREAT Friday, October 25th 5pm-7pm

Join us for trick or treating, costume parade, music and more!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!!!!!

If you would like to help plan the event please contact the FitzgeraldPTO@gmail.com Or Francesca at francescaR@gmail.com

If you would like to SIGN UP for volunteering the day of the event or donate Items please see the

Volunteer Sign Up sheet and reach out anytime for any questions!

TRUNK HOST sign up is HERE!!!! If you would like to participate and decorate the trunk of your car for trick or treaters, please see the sign up sheet below! Trunk host fee is $20 and there are only 20 spots available!

TRUNK SIGN UP

FIFTH GRADE

ICYMI -

Fifth grade parents, check out this welcome letter outlining what to expect this year.

Stay in touch! PTO website – Facebook – Instagram