GOALS & PHILOSOPHY

Purpose

The Friends of Ipswich Elementary Schools – Winthrop is the parent organization of the Winthrop Elementary School, Ipswich, Massachusetts.  The purpose of this organization is to improve the educational environment for our students by connecting parents to the Winthrop School community.  We provide volunteers where needed and help fund the enrichment and supplemental equipment that the schools budget can not.
We encourage and invite parents to join FRIES. Meetings take place 5 times each academic year (September, November, January, March, May) at 7:30 pm on various nights. See the Winthrop Weekly for specific dates.  Meetings are one hour, including a special school faculty or staff member who speaks briefly at the end of the meeting about their area of expertise.

Committees:

Budget Committee: CynthiaFrontiero frontierocfrontiero@infomedics.com
The role of the Budget Committee is to direct funds raised through the FRIES-Winthrop organization. Requests for FRIES funds from the Winthrop School faculty or staff, or from other FRIES Committees are reviewed, discussed, and voted on by the Budget Committee.  The results of the Budget Committee vote are then shared with the FRIES general membership for their vote. For example, FRIES funding has supported special cultural enrichment programs, playground equipment, library books, computers and other equipment for classroom use
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Meetings take place in the Winthrop School Faculty Lounge and commence one hour prior to regularly scheduled FRIES meetings, approximately 5 times per academic year.  Periodically, additional special meetings may be organized to address issues that cannot be deferred until the next regularly scheduled meeting.  The Committee is comprised of the Chairperson(s), a FRIES-Winthrop Coordinator, the Treasurer, a school staff representative, and interested Winthrop parents. The Budget Committee is open to all Winthrop parents and a broad, diverse, representative, inclusive membership is encouraged.

Request For Budget Form

Fundraising Committee: Liz Lombard liz@copleyharris.com
Tracy Maidment tracy.maidment@mullen.com
The Fundraising Committee plans and implements events and programs throughout the year to generate funds to support students at Winthrop.  Several events are offered on a regular basis and the group always welcomes new ideas.  The popular Wrapping Paper Sale each September is a great example of a program that parents look forward to each year.  In 2006 - 2007, this group raised funds to purchase a Rock Wall for the gymnasium, and also created great community excitement through many fun events that benefit the entire Winthrop School community.
The fundraising committee is always looking for new committee members and volunteers to assist with Winthrop fundraising opportunities.  Any and all types of assistance are welcome and appreciated.

Family, Friends and Fun: Kerrie Bates bates@dwbates.com
Winthrop Family, Friends and Fun is a group who’s goal is to create activities so that families can play together with other Winthrop families and grow our sense of community.  In February, they had a winter movie and pizza night, in the fall a potluck dinner and dance.  This group coordinates the annual Ice Cream Social the first Friday night in June on the front yard of the school.

Hospitality Committee: Tracy O’Brien  richard.obrien5@comcast.net
The Hospitality Committee is made up of a network of parents who provide refreshments and a welcoming atmosphere at special functions, programs and meetings for parents, students and other special guests. Events occur on a regular basis all year long.  You can help by donating refreshments, setting up for an event, or organizing a particular event.  Some of the major events supported by this group include:  Kindergarten Coffee, Authors Week, Art Show and Kindergarten Screening.

Playground Committee:  Sara Corcoran cscorcoran@comcast.net
Cara Doran caradoran@comcast.net
The purpose of the Playground Committee is to ensure that our children engage in a safe positive play experience outside on the playground that is fun, exciting and developmentally appropriate. The Committee organizes some maintenance (safety issues, planting flowers, spreading mulch), as well as planning for and purchasing new and replacement playground equipment. Recent additions include new swings with short term plans for a new bucket swing, climbing structure, and picnic tables.  Come join this group as they continue to make structural additions to the outside facility.

Special Programs:  Karen Barnes rcbarnes@comcast.net
Betsy Johnson walbet@comcast.net
Singing, dancing, drama, musical instruments from near and far.  This committee brings special assemblies to the Winthrop school all year long.  They are entertaining, educational, and enriching programs for our elementary school students.  The Special Programs Committee also organizes Science Day in the fall and Authors Week in the spring.  These programs bring many special presenters to the classrooms to supplement learning.

Volunteers In School:  Charlotte Marsh charlotte.marsh@comcast.net
Jodi Quinn   david.quinn3@comcast.net
There are various opportunities to volunteer in school throughout the year.  Work in the classroom, library, art room on a regular basis, or help with special projects as the need arises. Different grade levels and classrooms have differing needs for volunteers.  Work with VIS to see how you might best help.  In September this group sends a form home for new volunteers, but you may contact the Committee Chairs anytime during the academic year regarding your interests.

Other FRIES-Winthrop Contacts
Bulletin Board-Lobby:  Janet Wallace
Meeting Minutes: TBD
Teacher Appreciation:  Kim Marsh
Tours of School:  Josephine Brouillette