The Goffstown Edge

Goffstown Elementary School Open House for Community

The Goffstown School Board would like to invite any resident of Goffstown to take a tour of Bartlett Elementary School and Maple Avenue Elementary School. Residents of Goffstown will be asked to vote on a warrant article for the renovation and expansion of both elementary schools on voting day, March 13, 2012.  This is an opportunity for community members to see our schools as they currently exist and to review the proposed plans. There will be time to explore the buildings and ask questions about the projects!  The open house for Bartlett Elementary School will be on Wednesday, February 15, 2012. The open house for Maple Avenue Elementary School will be on Wednesday, February 22, 2012.  The open house will run from 6:00-7:30.   Please stop in at any time during that period!

Maple Avenue Elementary School Quilt Project

Maple Avenue Elementary School alum Nancy Pingree Mackenzie never forgot the lesson of community service that she learned growing up in Goffstown.  Reaching out to her college roommate Barbara Mostue, who is now a staff member at Maple Ave, she started a quilt project that has energized students and teachers alike.  30 hand-pieced quilts, all carefully cut and sewn by members of the Maple Avenue family, will be shipped to Nancy and hand-delivered to the Umphiem refugee school in Tak, Thailand, for a group of Burmese students who struggle for an education far from their families.

“When I was first approached by Nancy, I thought we’d maybe put together a couple quilts.  But then people really stepped up and wanted to be a part of this,” said Mostue.  “People are happy to come together to accomplish something,” added Maple Ave Principal Suzanne Pyszka.

The Maple Avenue staff have been meeting after school for sewing bees, and Information Specialist Linda Mistretta color coordinated all the different fabric squares sent in with the students.  Mrs. Lamson’s First Grade sent in 533 squares, and wrote letters to all 68 children at the camp.

“Each quilt is different,” explains Mostue.  Each quilt has 35 squares, with 5 across and 7 down, creating a 40” x 56” blanket.  The children took the project very seriously.  One first grade girl in particular went home and told her mother she wanted to make squares out of a bathrobe that had been given to her as a gift from her grandmother.  “When she gave me that it meant so much to my heart, now I want to share this with these children to pass that special feeling on to them.  That is the true spirit of Christmas Mom".


Visitors to Maple Ave can see quilt tops hanging on bulletin boards throughout the school, and fabric squares are piled in many classrooms.  Mostue said that the project has created such a positive result that the group is thinking about continuing their sewing bees and donating quilts to other NH causes.

If you’re a quilter or can run a sewing machine, and would like to assist with the assembly or complete an entire quilt, please refer to the following instructions. We’d also be happy to accept any donations of batting and/or backing.

In order for the quilts to be as similar as possible:
use 8 1/2” squares and 1/4” seams
5 squares across
7 squares down
no border or sashing, just sew the squares together so the front measures 40” X 56” (see the attached picture)
don’t feel you need to use an expensive batting; polyester is fine
you may quilt them any way you’d like, or tie them if you prefer – either is fine
if you have any sheets you no longer use, or can find some at Goodwill, etc.feel free to use that for the backing.

Please keep them simple – the children will love and appreciate them! If you would like to make a cash donation or have other questions, please contact Barbara Mostue at bmostue@goffstown.k12.nh.us.

Maple Ave Santa Breakfast Photos

Elizabeth Dubrulle, Joanne Boouchard, Joe McCarthy, Scott Callander

Maple Ave Holiday Breakfast

The Maple Avenue School PFT will host its annual holiday breakfast at the school on Saturday, December 3, from 8 am until 10:30 am.

Tickets are $4 for ages 5 and older, with a family rate of $15.  Admission includes an all-you-can-eat breakfast and children's holiday workshop.  There will also be photos with Santa $5, and a raffle, with tickets 50 cents each, 3 for $1 or 25 for $5.

Maple Ave Family Craft Night

Maple Ave Ice Cream Party

Apparently adults like ice cream, too. Who knew? Andy and Janine Chancy, Jeff Day and Phuong Hoang.

Matthew Lamparelli gets some ice cream scooped by Stephani Smith, as Lucas Smith and Stacey Smith watch.

Emily Dugrenier and her little sister Alivia enjoy some ice cream with Alexis Tramontozzi

Make It & Take It Craft Night for Kids

On Wednesday evening November 17th, the Maple Avenue Elementary PFT invites all elementary and kindergarten aged children and their families to come and create at Make It & Take It. The children can make unique and inexpensive seasonal crafts and gifts. Total cost per child is less than $7.00 to make one of each craft item! Join us from 6:30 to 8 pm in the Maple Ave. Elem school cafeteria/gym. For more information contact Christal Vandecar.

xtal@inthemeantime.com
(603) 497-4517 home

Viksters Pizza Donates to Maple Ave Elementary

This year on the second Monday of each month, there will be a Maple Avenue Night at Vikster's Pizza.  During the hours of noon to 7 p.m., Vikster's will donate 15 percent of all sales to Maple Avenue School in Goffstown.  This money will go towards paying for field trips.

Vikster's Pizza is located at 23 Main Street.  There is ample indoor seating and take-out available. 

SAU #19 Bus Routes

All bus routes for the Goffstown, Dunbarton, and New Boston School Districts are now posted on the website (www.goffstown.k12.nh.us).  Please review the routes carefully, as some have changed since last year.


Stacy Buckley
Superintendent of Schools
SAU #19

Parent Volunteer Wanted for Elementary Building Committee in Goffstown

The Elementary Building Committee is looking for a parent volunteer to serve on the committee.  Over the next two years, the committee will be looking at renovations and addition projects at Maple Avenue and Bartlett Elementary schools in Goffstown.  The volunteer should be familiar with the building's needs and be available to meet twice a month.  If you are interested or for details, contact Leslie Doster at 497-3550, Suzanne Psyzka at 497-3330, or David Bousquet at 623-8088.