5 Things: Winter Reading Night is Jan. 31

1. The weatherman says ... Today's forecast, obtained through Weather.com, calls for sunshine and a partly cloudy afternoon with a high of 40 degrees and a 0-percent chance of rain.

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3. Winter Reading Night. On Wednesday night, Jan. 31, all six Bedford school district principals will gather in the McKelvie Intermediate School cafeteria, from 4:30-6:30 p.m., to read their favorite books to local elementary school students, staff and families. There is no admission charge, but children must be accompanied by an adult and tickets (which also serve as raffle tickets) are required for all who attend. Click here for the Winter Reading Night registration form, which is due by Jan. 21, or obtain more information at www.bedfordptg.org.

4. K-plus registering soon. The Bedford School District's K-Plus Program is an extension of the kindergarten day that allows a child to spend the whole day in a Bedford school. This half-day afternoon program is open to any eligible kindergarten student who resides in Bedford. The annual cost is $5,000 per year (pro-rated depending upon the date of entry) and requires a $500 registration fee deposit that will be used for the last month's payment. Registration for the program begins March 5. If you are interested in the K-Plus Program, contact your child's school at:

• Memorial School - 627-1776
• Peter Woodbury School - 622-0431
• Riddle Brook School - 471-1082

5. Cardboard sled derby. The Bedford Recreation Department, this February vacation, encourages local children to collect giant cardboard boxes to make a sled. It must be completely homemade and able to travel down the sledding hill by the Town Playground. Prizes will be awarded for fastest sled, longest traveling distance and best looking sled. Advanced registration is required by Feb. 18, and the derby will take place at the sledding hill on the town playground on Tuesday, Feb. 26 at 10 a.m. Cost is $5 per sled.