BHR Student Builds Darth Vader Replica
Blue Hills Regional Technical School junior Eric Manning of Canton has built a nearly life-size model of Star Wars villain Darth Vader. Made out of plastic tubing, wood and aluminum parts, the robot can move its one arm and speak when controlled by a computer. Manning, who began the project during his freshman year, plans to make the robot completely autonomous and computer-controlled. Vader currently keeps watch over the Engineering Technology department at BHR.

New Student Registration Information
If your child will enter the Canton Public Schools in September 2012 as a kindergartner, first-grader or transfer student, you must register him or her this month. Find all the information you need online here, including forms, kindergarten options and associated fees, and required records.

Luce Completes Residency Program with MHS
Luce Elementary fourth-graders concluded a fall residency program with Massachusetts Hospital School in early December. The program brought together Luce and MHS students weekly, to work beside each other while engaged in either visual arts or creative movement. It culminated in a gallery exhibition of art work, an on-stage performance and a slide show presentation. Congratulations to the following artists who were a part of Together We Can Fly: Adrian Bankowski, Anna Mak, Declan Pfeffer, Erin Kilduff, Meg Aldrich, Mikayla Farrell, Troi Wortham, Grace Yong, John Stubbs, Jake Cosentino, Joshua Mei, Nick Cushman, Sean Sullivan, Ryan O’Connor and Tess Grady.

“Sprinkle of Winter” for Hansen CAPT
The Hansen CAPT is holding its second “Sprinkle of Winter” evening and fundraiser on Saturday, January 21, at the Turnpike Café. From 7:00 p.m. to midnight, enjoy appetizers, desserts and raffles, with live music by Dann Russo. Dress code is “jeans encouraged,” and tickets are $25. Contact Sharon Stemm for tickets at Auntie_Shar@comcast.net or 781-562-1514.

JFK Third-Graders Learn “Recorder Karate”
JFK music teacher Rebecca Tellyer is encouraging musical achievement with the third grade Recorder Karate program.

“Basically, each student earns a belt for certain songs learned,” Tellyer wrote in a recent letter to parents. “Students are allowed to test for belts during most music classes and at recess.”

From the three-note beginnings of “Hot Cross Buns” to the black-belt “Ode to Joy,” students are improving their recorder skills with a graduated program of practice and achievement. Tellyer also provided sheet music for students to practice at home.

French Students to say “Bonjour” to Montréal
Canton Public Schools French students in grades 7, 8 and 9 have the opportunity to journey to Montréal during April vacation week. Students will see the Notre Dame Basilica, the Parc Olympique and the Biodome de Montréal, as well as visit traditional Québécois restaurants and even taking part in a curling lesson. Bon voyage!

Upcoming CPS Dates

• Wednesday, January 11: Early release day (Professional Development)
• Thursday, January 12: Galvin Middle School Winter Concerts, 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• Monday, January 16: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – No School 
• Tuesday, January 17: Preschool Enrollment Open House, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. 
• Thursday, January 19: School Committee Meeting, 7:00 p.m., CHS Distance Learning Lab 
• Friday, January 20: CAPE Spelling Bee, 6:00 p.m., CHS Auditorium