The Bake Sale Was a Success! Thanks to everyone who participated in Briarcliff Elementary’s Bake Sale to raise money for our playground improvements. We met our $1250 goal! The success of this fundraiser has allowed us to purchase the materials to install the rubberized surface on the kindergarten play area. This much-needed improvement will help increase the safety of the playground and, most importantly, the enjoyment of our kiddos! For those who signed up to help with the installation of the new materials, work is scheduled for Saturday, March 23, 2013. If rain is in the forecast, check the school website the day before to see if the work has been rescheduled. Our Beloved Mrs. Winscott Is Retiring After 35 years as educator, the last 18 of which were spent as Briarcliff’s librarian, Mrs. Julia Winscott is ending her career after the end of this school year. Mrs. Winscott has long been a favorite staff member of many children at Briarcliff, and for good reason. Her passion for books is contagious, and she has instilled her love of reading in so many children over the years. Defying the common stereotype of a quiet, prim bookworm, Mrs. Winscott loved to dress up as some of her favorite characters and act out well-known scenes from famous literary works. Her presence will be greatly missed by students and staff alike. When asked what she will do in her retirement, Mrs. Winscott said she hopes to do some traveling with her husband Bill and spend more time with her 7 grandchildren. She also admitted she will probably spend even more time than ever...reading! Want Some New Snack Ideas? Tired of sending the same old boring (or perhaps less-than-healthy) snacks in your child’s lunchbox every day? Here are some ideas to help you mix things up a little: 1. Mix equal parts Nutella and Greek yogurt. Send this as a dip for fruit. 2. Instead of salad dressing or dip, send hummus as a complement to fresh veggies. 3. Apple slices and peanut butter provide a good balance of carbohydrates and protein. 4. Roasted, seasoned chick peas are a better alternative than chips or other snack foods. 5. Send a spreadable cheese wedge with whole wheat crackers. 6. Make homemade trail mix with your child’s favorite blend of nuts, dried fruits, seeds, and other goodies. Let them help! Upcoming Events March 18–22: Spring Break! No school! March 29th: Good Friday. No school! April 17th: Annual Briarcliff Elementary Art Show May 4th: Spring Fling May 20th: School’s out!