Gates School Auction 2008

LIVE Auction Items

1) Ride to School in an Acton Police Car                 

For two lucky children, imagine the thrill your child will experience!  On a school day, he or she will be picked up at home by an Acton Police car, have a picture taken, and be driven to school.  They will make a grand entrance to Gates with lights flashing and sirens blaring!

Thanks to:  The Acton Police Department

2) Principal for the Day                                                                 

Here’s your last chance before he retires, don’t let it slip away, be Mr. McGrail for the day.  How would you like to be in control of over 500 students for the day???  Call the shots.  Give out the candies.  Sound like a piece of cake?  Sure, enjoy the fun with no strings attached.

Thanks to:  Mr. Walter McGrail

3)Mrs. Bitteker’s First Grade Class Gift               

Words To Live By Bookcase

The students in room 3 have rolled up their sleeves and put in many hours to prepare a uniquely-decorated five-shelf bookcase, finished with a walnut stain. Each child had a hand in sanding and preparing the bookcase.  When the children were asked to name some qualities and traits that they felt were important in life, they quickly came up with PEACE, TEAMWORK, KINDNESS, SHARING, FRIENDSHIP & FAIRNESS.  To represent the rich and varied international backgrounds of their class, the children’s parents lent their translation expertise to assist in painting these ‘words to live by’ on each shelf, in many  languages reflective of the backgrounds of their families and those of our broader school community.  This bookcase will be a wonderful treasure for your family, especially to look back over the years and recognize just how wise these first graders were in defining some of the most important things in life.

Thanks to the team of: Surekha Bhade,  Pam Bolen, Susan Cohn-Child,  Preeth Gowrishankar.  Grace Li Huang ,  Xia Man Jiang,  Michelle McMahon, Aruna Sharma, Maria Sousounis & Vanitha Subramanian 

4) Ms. MacLean's First Grade Class Gift           

“Reading with the Seasons" Basket

We have put together a cozy basket of polar fleece blankets decorated for each season, along with four themed seasonal books.  Ms. MacLean's class has decorated four cuddly & colorful blankets, each appliquéd with soft flannel shapes in seasonal designs that were signed by the students.    We have also included four seasonal books: "Owl Moon", by Jane Yolen; "Hurray for Spring", by Patricia Hubbell; "Swimmy", by Leo Lionni"; and "Peepers", by Eve Bunting.  Cuddle up with your child and ‘read with the seasons’.  Thanks to the team of: Lana Alarcon, Erin Bettez, Kate’s grandmother Louise Bettez & Julie Xie.   

5) Mrs. Holt’s First Grade Class Gift                                     

Seasonal Collage

Remember your child's 1st grade year forever with this original, framed "Seasons of Learning" multi-media picture.  The children have put together a handmade, layered collage of all seasons with each child's unique flower, snowflake or leaf print.  This framed artwork would look great in your child’s room as a treasured memento of their time in room 1.

Thanks to the team of: Michele Kenerson & Kirstin Lynch  

6) Nintendo Wii - Value: $400                                                                                 

Are your kids (or you?) disappointed that they didn’t get one for the holidays?!  Here’s your chance to own the extremely popular and hard-to-get video game system everyone wants.  If you haven’t seen it, the Nintendo Wii is revolutionizing video games; it takes the couch potato out of playing video games and can actually get you up and moving with the “wiimote” on your arm.  This exciting package comes with the Nintendo Wii game system including: game console, game bag, sport kit, stylin’ cooling stand, litegun gaming blaster, play’n charge, component cable, racing wheel, jeli grip, console wrap protector, sandisk 1 GB SD Gaming card.

Thanks to: The Biscotti, Easterly, Fenniman, Lee-Smith, Muzilla ,Sears, Shaya & Tabner Families

7) Kevin Garnett Autographed Celtics Basketball

What a great year to be a Boston sports fan!  Kevin Garnett and the Celtics are hot this year and you can own a piece the excitement.  Take home an autographed basketball for the Celtics fan in your home.

8) Ms. Subsick’s Kindergarten Class Gift                          

Framed Canvas ‘Seasons of Learning’ Oak Tree
A large oak tree painted on a 30”x30” canvas has been decorated with the colorful thumbprints of the children in Ms. Subsick’s class. This item has been professionally framed and the oak tree was painted by John Goodnough, owner of Acton Art. The children’s colorful additions to this piece of art work will be a wonderful reminder of the seasons of learning our children are going through during this, their first year in elementary school. This is a piece that you will want to display for a long time, not only for its sentimental value, but for its beauty.
Thanks to the team of:  Donna Biscotti, Julia Du, Jean Occhialini & Stacey Regan

9) Mrs. Taylor’s Kindergarten Class Gift    

Flower Garden Serving Tray

The kindergarten class is proud to present a beautiful serving tray, decorated with a flower garden.  The children added their personal touch by painting the garden creatures with their fingerprints and carefully autographing the edge of the tray. What better way to share your child’s Kindergarten memories with friends and family?

Thanks to:  Tricia Flaum

10) Mrs. Lamonakis’ Kindergarten Class Gift

Hand painted United States Wall Map, Puzzle & Book
The kindergarten class has created a beautiful wall map of the United States of America . This colorful hand-painted wall map has been professionally mounted and framed to become both an educational tool and an original work of art. Each state was individually painted by the Kindergarteners and then “puzzled” together to create this unique map. This gift, a wonderfully educational package for the whole family, also includes a “Scrambled States of America ” book, puzzle and board game. This is a set the whole family will enjoy for years!
Thanks to the team of:   Elizabeth Bruce, Colleen DiPetro, Maureen Flynn, Janice Martineau & Vanessa Volinsky.

11a) YMCA - Camp Takodah - Value: $960

Here’s an Acton favorite: two weeks in the Monadnock mountains at Camp Takodah.  Founded in 1921, this camp has a rich history of providing the classic summer camp experience.  Be sure to bid on this one as its likely your child will be happy to go to camp here with his/her friends from Acton.  This is for ages 8 and above.

11b) YMCA - Mini Camp Takodah  - Value: $620

Same great camp experience tailored for the beginners.  Start them off right with a one week introductory session for ages 7-10.

Thanks to Camp Tokodah

12) Camp Hawkeye - Two Two-week sessions- Value: $1,500 each

What kid wouldn’t enjoy this: an old-fashioned camp experience in Moultonborough, NH on Lake Kanasatka?  This camp strives to create a traditional camp experience in today’s world by creating a safe, tolerant, and diverse community as well as a “green” experience with plenty of the usual outdoor activities, including hiking, for kids ages 8-16.  Our own Gates mom, Amanda Sullivan, will be working at Camp Hawkeye this summer.  This item is for a two week session, either June 29-July 12 or July 13-July 26. 

Thanks to:  Amanda Sullivan and Camp Hawkeye

13) Mrs. Konde’s Second Grade Class Gift            

Painted Oak Bench
Mrs. Konde’s class has worked for weeks sanding, designing, and painting a beautiful oak bench. The top of the bench is a soft green with four paintings of the same scene as the seasons change. The underside is signed by all the children. The lower part of the bench, which includes a handy shelf, has a natural polyurethaned finish. The children felt it would be the perfect place to store a family’s stash of board games. We’ve included a few of their favorite games to get your family started in using this beautiful bench.        
Thanks to the team of:  Betsy Baldwin, Jill O’Brien, Martha O’Neil, Jackie Karess, Lisa Skripps & Ursula Konde

 
14) Mrs. Cranna’s Second Grade Class Gift    

Spring Planting Kit

The children have decorated a shiny green wheelbarrow with bright red fingerprint ladybugs.  Mrs. Cranna and Mrs. Phalen have also added their fingerprints to a traveling caterpillar to represent the whole class.  The wheelbarrow is filled with many gardening must-haves, including a gift certificate from "Johnny's Selected Seeds", so you can choose your own seeds, a set of children's gardening tools, a canvas bag filled with adult sized gardening gloves and tools, and a hand painted wooden backyard bird house so that the birds can keep watch over the fruits of your labor.  Additionally, there are two gift certificates from local gardening centers.  Just as the classroom plants ideas and helps our children grow into the adults of tomorrow, so too have the children planted their creative ideas via their fingertips! 

Thanks to the team of: Susan Bartow, Carol Bradley, Jackie Grady, & Stacey Regan

15) Mrs. Luongo’s Third Grade Class Gift

“Our Favorite Seasons” Shaker-style Chest of Drawers

This unique shaker-style chest originally handcrafted by local artisan, John Takacs, has been personalized by the students of Room 10 with drawings of their favorite signs of the seasons on knob faces, drawer liners & keepsake boxes on top.  This beautiful chest measures 41 1/2 " tall x 19 1/2 " deep x 28 ", with twelve 4" x 15" drawers perfect for storing school supplies, which we have included with the piece, or you can add your own scrap booking or craft supplies, sewing notions or workshop hardware.  The possibilities are endless!  

Thanks to the team of:  Terry Manning, Alison Takacs, James Takacs & Lorraine Wall

16) Lee Weaver Portrait - Value $525

Lee Weaver is one of the area’s most well known and highly regarded photographers of children and families.  This item entitles you to a sitting for your family and/or children and an 8x10 portrait.  Lee will create a memory for you and your family that you will treasure for many years to come.

Thanks to:  Lee Weaver

17) 4 Boston Celtics tickets - Value:  $500

How about those Celtics! Get out and be part of the sports scene, bid on these 4 tickets in Loge Section 3 to the Celtics vs. Phoenix Suns game on Wednesday, March 26.

Thanks to:  The Wall Family

18) Randy Moss autographed picture                                                  

Own a piece of this record-breaking season and this record-breaking Patriots team member by bidding on an autographed picture of one of the Patriots’ most consistent players and Tom Brady’s favorite: Randy Moss.

 
19) Mrs. Olson’s Third Grade Class Gift           

‘Seeds of Wisdom’ Planter and Tree
Our gift is a large planter  (17” in diameter, 14” high, and 54” in circumference at the top) which has been painted white and decorated with “seeds of wisdom” from each of the children.  Each student has hand written his or her piece of advice in a different color, and  a gold painted ivy winds around the sayings. A large braided Ficus tree has been planted for you so you can immediately put this piece in your home and enjoy its natural beauty and third grade philosophies.   We’re sure you will enjoy the perceptiveness, humor, and wisdom of our children!
Thanks to the team of:  Donna Biscotti, Jean Occhialini & Beverly Shorey

20) Ms. Buonopane’s Third Grade Class Gift  

‘Winter is the Warmest Season at Gates’

The class has prepared a beautiful winter-themed gift based on Lauren Stringer’s popular children’s book Winter is the Warmest Season.  The centerpiece of the gift is an heirloom-quality serving tray embellished with colorful mittens designed by the kids, each with their own personal winter emblem.  Accompanying the serving tray is an L.L. Bean snowflake print tote filled to the brim with winter goodies including Stonewall Kitchen Pancake Mix, maple syrup, deluxe hot cocoa mix, and lots of other cold-weather treats.  A hardcover copy of the book which inspired the project is also tucked into the tote for your reading pleasure.  In addition, we have created a scrapbook of the children’s artwork.  Topping off the gift is a warm wool scarf, hand-knit by room 9 mom Denise Olney.

Thanks to the team of:  Susan Culhane, Chris Fenniman & Denise Olney

21) Mrs. Kokkinos’ Third Grade Class Gift   

‘Seasons of Learning’ Framed Artwork

Monet's Gardens of Giverny pale in comparison to Mrs. Kokkinos' class rendition of Gates School and its 'Seasons of Learning'. Each child has composed a panel of this bold work of art with pen and ink drawing and oil pastel overlay depicting Gates School through the year. Professionally matted and framed, this stunning modern art masterpiece will be treasured forever.

Thanks to the team of: Jeri Lee, Barbara Tibbetts & Erin Bettez

22) “The Drowsy Chaperone” Theatre Tickets and Dinner        Value: $375
Don’t miss this package!  Two Dress Circle tickets to the Tony Award-Winning Best Musical the “The Drowsy Chaperone”  at the Opera House in Boston on Saturday, May 3, 2008.  Called a “Musical within a Comedy”, this play begins when a die-hard musical theatre fan plays his cast album on his turntable and the musical literally bursts to life in his living room.  If you’ve ever sat in a darkened theatre and thought “please let this be good”, this is for you.  Combined with a $150 gift certificate to dinner at Troquet and the Original Broadway Cast CD, this is the ideal theatre experience.

Thanks to:  The Clymer Family

23) Red Sox Tickets and Jacoby Ellsbury/Dustin Pedroia “Young Guns” picture

What could be better than to have your own memory of the World Series Champions?  Bid on these two impossible to get field box tickets to see the Red Sox play the Rangers on Saturday night, April 19 at 7:05PM.  These are the best seats you may ever sit in.  They are located in Field Box 19, Row D.  This Box is right next to the Red Sox Dugout, four rows from the field!  These tickets sell out as soon as they go on sale, and you can get them tonight at the auction!  ALSO, we’ll throw in a picture of team favorites Jacoby Ellsbury and AL Rookie of the Year, Dustin Pedroia. 

Thanks to: The Cooperman Family for the tickets

24) Mrs. Wilcox’s Sixth Grade Class Gift              

Divider in Four Seasons

Add an enchanted color to your room through this transparent 8"x20" four-panel mini room divider!  The elegant stand-alone black frame decorative room divider has four glass panels with each season's learning story captured. Through the sunlight, you can see each piece of original art work painted and signed by each child. Each piece has its own character and tells a story of the great learning experiences of your child’s classmates at Gates.

Thanks to the team of: Kate Kent & Angie Tso

25) Ms. Granado’s Sixth Grade Class Gift           

Framed Sunflowers

Each student has created their own rendering of a sunflower with pastel crayons.  The sunflowers were all individually matted and then encased in a large frame.   This beautiful piece will continually remind you of your sixth grader’s many “sunny seasons” at Gates!

Thanks to:  Kris Saponaro

26) Mrs. Montepeluso’s Sixth Grade Class Gift      

7th Grade Survival Kit

Has your 6th grader been wondering what he/she might need in 7th grade?  Well, rest assured because Mrs. Montepeluso's class has just the answers!  Bid now on our "7th Grade Survival Kit!"  Ours is a beautiful royal blue locker-style night table to hold all the  necessities of a 7th grader.  We have included a brand-new Microsoft 30gb Zune Mp3 player, a large L.L. Bean backpack with monogramming available, an AB Colonials sweatshirt, a generous gift certificate to Staples for the long list of Jr. High school supplies, and much more.  Get started on the right foot!  Also included with this useful and functional gift is a lovely book of suggestions for what might be needed in Jr. High, made and written by the children themselves.  Delight in the innocence of our 6th graders, who have their whole worlds before them!

Thanks to the team of:  Kerrie Biggins, Marisa McCullough & Amy Walters

27) Bruins Tickets                                                                           

Not to be forgotten, and always a favorite with New Englanders: get yourself to a Bruins game!   

27a) Bruins Tickets - Value: $500

See the Bruins play the Florida Panthers on Tuesday, March 4 with four tickets.

Thanks to:  The Wall Family

27b) Bruins Tickets- Value: $255

or see the Bruins play the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday, March 15 at 1PM with three tickets. 

Thanks to:  The O'Brien Family

28) Mr. Tomlin's Fifth Grade Class Gift     

Set of 4 Ceramic Seasonal Decorations

Mr. Tomlin’s 5th graders have thought about their ‘Seasons of Learning’ to produce 4 items for one lucky family's home.  Each seasonal item represents the efforts of 4-6 children.  These ceramic-based decorations are cheerful and can be used year after year in any style home. One lucky family will bring home all four items for use throughout the year.  For Winter: A snowball scene with whimsical personalities on the face of the snowballs will make you smile.  For Spring: a ceramic wreath decorated with birds that will fly into your heart and home.  For Summer: frogs and turtles will remind you of the sounds of a summer evening.  For Fall: a wreath to be hung when it is time for "back to school".  You will hit the jackpot when you bid on these four seasonal items decorated by Mr. Tomlin's students!

Thanks to the team of: Lauren Biscotti, Carol Bradley, Jill O'Brien, Diane Sweet & Barb Tibbetts

29) Mr. Grob’s Fifth Grade Class Gift        

Favorite Seasons Framed Artwork

The children of Room 16 have created a beautiful & colorful piece of art. Each of the children & Mr. Grob were inspired by & painted a scene from their favorite season. This piece of art will accent any room in your home and will be cherished for years to come.  The class has also painted a birdhouse as part of thier gift.

Thanks to the team of:Cindi Hoggard & Shirley Stewart

30)Ms. Bennett's Fifth Grade Class Gift              

Seasonal Quilt

Each student has created a seasonal square using stamps and/or stencils which were assembled to make a beautiful , colorful quilt..  We've arranged the quilt into four seasonal sections, joined the students' squares together with bright accent fabrics, and ensured hours of comfort by backing it with incredibly soft polar fleece.   

Thanks to the team of:  Erin Bettez, Maggie’s grandmother Louise Bettez, Chris Fenniman & Julie McCarthy
 

31) Jonathan Papelbon Autographed and Framed Jersey             

This is a real treasure from the relief pitcher that came through for the Red Sox not only during the regular season but also in post-season play and won the final game of the World Series for the Red Sox!  Relive this memorable championship season with a jersey autographed by this famous World Series pitching champion.  

32) “High School Musical” Disney On Ice - Value $ 1,200

What family wouldn’t enjoy this: an Executive Suite for 14 to see the Disney On Ice performance of the popular “High School Musical”.  It’s the perfect vacation week experience for your extended family or friends at center ice for the Thursday, February 21 performance at 1:00.

Thanks to:  Garden Neighborhood Charities

33) David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez autographed framed picture

This picture captures memories from the championship season with two of the Red Sox veterans and top hitters.  They were definitely a big part of this winning season.  Think of the excitement in your home when you bring this one home!

34) Ms. Ryder’s Fourth Grade Class Gift        

Coffee Table and Poetry Book

The students in Ms. Ryder's class have worked hard to create original poetry and artwork reflecting their feelings about the four seasons and have put these together in a book.  Many of the poems were inspired by the Japanese form of poetry known as Haiku.  This collection will undoubtedly become a treasured keepsake. The class has decoupaged a lovely glass-topped coffee table with handmade Japanese rice paper in soft tones of black, gold and coral that would complement many different home styles.  Finished in a cream-colored wood, the table measures approx. 36" x 36" x 20" and also includes four plain glass panels that can be used in place of the decoupaged squares if you wish.  Thanks to:  Megan Bartle & Marianne Blackstone Tabner

35) Ms. Feinberg’s Fourth Grade Class Gift     

Ceramic Tile Mirror

The students of Room 20 have painted and  signed fanciful self-portraits on ceramic tiles that have been kiln-fired and assembled to form the frame of a mirror. This tile-framed mirror is 36” x 24”.  Your room 20 student will think of his or her fourth grade year & classmates every time he or she looks into this mirror! 

Thanks to the team of:  Sherrie Feinberg, Susan Budd, Padma Gowravaram, Sue Mushinski, Kelly Ryder, Jill Shaya & Alison Takacs

36) Mrs. May’s Fourth Grade Class Gift     

Water Color-Decorated Coffee Table

Mrs. May’s fourth grade class has decorated a coffee table which will grace one family's lucky home. Each child has created a landscape watercolor painting depicting their favorite season. These unique paintings have been preserved under a glass table top. This beautiful piece of furniture would be a wonderful addition to your child’s room or your family room and will brighten your home with an original work of art. The table is made of lightly stained wood. (Table top dimensions: 16” x 24”.)  We have also included a Nature Journal which will offer your room 19 student many additional ideas for  creative projects .

Thanks to the team of:  Padma Balaji, Sharon Cotnam, Cathy Defuria, Jackie Grady & Emily McDowell