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ForWard
The John Ward Elementary School PTO Newsletter
June 22, 2009
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Ward Quick Links and Contacts
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Dear WardPTO Notice,
Welcome to the last edition of the ForWard for the school year.
* To stop receiving this newsletter, or update your email information please use the links at the end of the newsletter.
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 Mark Your Calendars
For a full schedule of events, see the Calendar.
Tuesday, June 23rd -- LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
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 From the Principal's Desk
The year has whizzed by. These final weeks have been especially busy as we prepare for the 2009-2010 school year. At this time, I want to share with you my best thinking regarding the teacher assignments for next year. As always, these are subject to change based on unanticipated changes over summer months.
Grade Teacher
K Cari MacKenzie
K Meghan McGrath
1 Lisa Petrie
1 Jessica Smoler
2 Denise Costello
2 Jennifer Griffiths
2 Jayme Waldron
3 Brad Hammer
3 Margie Turetz
4 Michele Fry
4 Jill Nectow
5 Lisa Addleman
5 Sara McClellan
I am pleased to welcome two new teachers to our staff. Many of you know Meghan McGrath as the former lead kindergarten teacher of the Ward After-School Program and for her work with children with special needs this year. Meghan recently completed her Masters at Lesley University and will bring her enthusiasm, and creativity to her kindergarten classroom. Jayme Waldron joins us after teaching both second and third grades in the Boston Public Schools. Jayme completed her graduate studies at Boston College. The search committee was impressed with the depth of her knowledge about children and curriculum. We know she will be a wonderful addition to the second grade team.
This is a reminder that the last day of school is Tuesday, June 23rd. Dismissal is at noon. If you are NOT returning to Ward School in the fall, please contact the office to have records sent to your new school. The office is closed for the summer and you will have more difficulty obtaining records during summer months. All Newton elementary schools will be sending placement information out on August 28. We are exploring the option of using e-mail.
The dates for the six 12:30 PM Thursday release days are as follows:
- October 22
- December 10
- February 4
- March 18
- May 6
- June 17
Also note that due to MCAS testing all Newton elementary schools will switch dismissal times on March 23 and 24. Tuesday, March 23 will be a 3:00 PM dismissal; Wednesday, March 24 will be a 12:30 PM dismissal.
Next year we look forward to a number of changes. Over the summer, we anticipate that the bathrooms in the kindergarten wing will be renovated. The library will be moving upstairs and the former library will be our lunch room. The first day for students will be Tuesday, September 8. We will be offering a visiting hour on Thursday, September 3 from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM if you wish to drop by to meet your new teacher. Teachers are extremely busy preparing for the opening, so please limit your visit to that time only!
On behalf of of the Ward School staff, I want to thank you for the many ways you have made this such a successful year. We appreciate your support in and out of the classroom, through our PTO, classroom support, and numerous school projects. I want you to know that we truly value the partnership we share with you in educating all children and appreciate the many ways you support our school. We wish you all a relaxing and enriching summer.
Audrey Parad Peller
Principal
John Ward Elementary School
10 Dolphin Road
Newton Centre, MA 02459
(617) 559-6450
audrey_peller@newton.k12.ma.us
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School News
THANK YOU...
...everyone who participated in our visit to Waltham Community Farm on June 4th. It was a hot, sunny day to explore the farm that is practically in Newton's backyard. More than 30 children from kindergarten through 5th grade and 10 enthusiastic parents visited chickens, spotted local birds and built a teepee. We toured the local farm, discussed the life cycle of plants and benefits of eating locally, and planted tomato plants for many of the kids to take home. We appreciated everyone's support and for the childrens' patience on such a hot day!
... for all of your support this year! We accomplished a lot since September:
- We sponsored a great interactive presentation and illustration lesson from Bren Bataclan of Smile, Boston (More than 40 children and adults attended!)
- We collected and sorted a truck full of items for Cradles to Crayons.
- We raised approximately $750 for UNICEF and had our first Halloween costume swap (Even able to donate proceeds to a charity!).
- We had a successful holiday assistance program that made 30 children from Frosty's Friends have their holiday wishes fulfilled.
- We collected 300 pairs of beautiful new pajamas for Cradles to Crayons and had a school-wide pajama day to celebrate
- We played BINGO with the senior citizens at Scandinavian Living Center
- STAY TUNED FOR OUR FALL TAG SALE of USED SPORTS EQUIPMENT - set aside all the bicycles, mitts, baseball bats, soccer balls, golf clubs and other equipment that your children have outgrown!
With all we accomplished, the biggest success was that kids were able to get involved in making a difference and all ages realized they could participate in some way. Everything we do is only made possible by the generosity and hard work of the Ward Community. Thank you to everyone who participated throughout the year! If anyone is interested in getting involved with the CARE Committee next year, please contact Amy Silberstein or Sherri Wolf.
Want to make some space in your basement this summer? The CARE Committee will be sponsoring a fall Sports Equipment & Games Tag Sale. This is a great way to build community, get rid of that old tricycle taking up room in your garage and avoid the Newton cleat swap! We will be holding an event, much like a yard sale, for used toys and sporting goods. This is your chance to pick up a junior set of golf clubs for $10, shin guards for $1 or ballet slippers for $5! Set aside hockey sticks, bicycles, tricycles, mitts, baseball bats, soccer balls, shin guards, golf clubs, ballet shoes, tap shoes... you name the sport and we can tag it! Watch this summer and fall for details...
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What's New at After-School?
Another year has flown by! We had a great year at After-School, and we extend a fond farewell to our graduating fifth graders. Thank you to all of our families for their support! We are already looking forward to 2009-2010.
Special thank you to our retiring board members: Nancy Israel, Marc Zwetchkenbaum and Drou Rus. At our Annual Meeting, the Board welcomed new members: Stephanie Khurana, Bill Land and Beth Werths. They join our returning members: Susan Haber, Lisa Nachtigall, Jian Qin, Ali Burk, Claire Wadlington and Chris Smith. I am fortunate to work with such intelligent and thoughtful people who volunteer their time and expertise in helping me run the Ward After-School Program!
During the summer months, our program is closed. Our voice mail and email will be checked frequently, however, so please do not hesitate to contact us if you are interested in signing up your child for our program. We are currently filling spaces on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please note that we have a 2-day minimum for grades one and up. Our contact info is: (617) 965-3087 or wardafter@juno.com
Best wishes for a relaxing and fun summer!
Sincerely,
Donna Marohn
Director
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Newton News and Events
Mayoral Candidate Forum on Education: On Tuesday, June 23 at 7:00 PM, the Newton PTO Council will host a forum for all four Mayoral candidates to address questions on education. The forum will be held in Room 210 of the Education Center, 100 Walnut Street - where the School Committee meets. NewTV will record the forum for later broadcast. Please come to the forum with questions you want addressed.
Candidates Ruth Balser, Paul Coletti, Ken Parker, and Setti Warren will address questions from a live audience as well as questions collected by member PTOs beforehand.
The upcoming Mayoral election promises to be extremely important for education in Newton. Newton is facing major issues and potential changes in education, and the next Mayor will have a huge impact on them - through a seat on the School Committee as well as in the Mayor's office.
Newton 20/20: Vision For Effective Government is hosting a forum with speaker Somerville Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone on Wednesday, June 24th from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM at the Scandinavian Living Center Nordic Hall, 206 Waltham St, Newton.
The topic is "SomerStat: How Data-Driven Decisionmaking Has Improved Performance and Lowered Costs in Somerville - And What Newton Can Learn From It"
One of the recommendations of the Newton Citizens' Advisory Group (CAG) is that Newton should implement performance management systems. The City of Somerville, under Mayor Curtatone's "SomerStat" program, facilitates regular forums in which City decision-makers meet to study financial, personnel, and operational data to understand what's happening within departments. In the forums they identify opportunities for improvement and over time, track implementation of plans. This has allowed them to improve performance while reducing costs. Newton 20/20 believes that SomerStat offers Newton a valuable model in the pursuit of best practices.
For more information see www.newton2020.org. Dan Fahey, Co-chair, Newton 20/20, Bruce Henderson, Co-chair, Newton 20/20.
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July 4th: Following a 60 year tradition, the July 4th festivities in Newton will begin at 10:00 AM with "Kids Morning" at the Newton Centre Playground. Children 12 and under are invited to participate in the Decorated Doll Carriage Promenade, the Decorated Bicycles, the Teddy Bear Parade the Grande Pet Parade and Foot Races. FREE candy and ice cream are sponsored in part by donations from the Newton Centre Women's Club and Cabot's Ice Cream. Master of Ceremonies will be Mayor David B. Cohen and Ruth Barnett, President of The Newton Pride Committee which sponsors the July 4th festivities. An "Open Air Market" featuring handmade and international crafts, service organizations and professional dealers will be available from 10:00 AM to Dusk at the Russell J. Halloran Sports Complex on Albemarle Road off Watertown Street (Route 16) in Newtonville. Children's amusement rides and food vendors will be available all day. Recorded music will be played from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM for dancing. Fantastic Fireworks by Newton's own Tony Gentile, Master of Fireworks will begin at approximately 9:00 PM. All July 4th activities are presented by The Mayor's Office for Cultural Affairs and the Newton Parks and Recreation Department and are underwritten by The Newton Pride Committee, Ruth Barnett, President. For more information, please call (617) 527-8283.
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The Newton Corner Neighborhood Association (NCNA) is working with the city to find a use for the closed Newton Corner branch library. Give us your ideas! One option is to re-open the library staffed with volunteers from the neighborhood. This is an option currently pursued in Waban for their branch library. The NCNA is looking for members of the community interested in organizing a volunteer branch library in Newton Corner, or with other ideas for reuse. If you are interested please contact: Richard Belkin: boylstonassociates@gmail.com or Jay Walter: entasis@rcn.com.
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Newton Schools Foundation: As the end of the school year is approaching, parents and classrooms often like to remember special teachers in some way. Newton Schools Foundation is presently holding their 12th annual Honor Thy Teacher campaign, which provides families and classes the opportunity to honor the Newton "no gift" policy and instead honor teachers by donating to the Honor Thy Teacher campaign through the Newton Schools Foundation website, www.newtonschoolsfoundation.org Individuals may donate, or class gifts may be made also. This is an opportunity to support both past grants awarded through the Foundation, and the 21st Century Classrooms fundraising for the future.
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Attention Those No Longer in Need of their Lunch Cards (Graduating Seniors, those moving away, those not intending to continue taking part in the lunch service at school). Here is the policy on refunding money left on your child's lunch card: You must put your request for a refund in writing and send it care of the Newton Public Schools Food Service, 100 Walnut Street, Newton, Ma. 02460. Be sure to include your child's name and grade, and the school s/he attends, as well as your name and address. Refunds will be mailed to you within 4 to 6 weeks.
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Community Classifieds
Boston College Student Available for Babysitting. Experienced and reliable BC Junior, Kelsey, available for babysitting every day but Tuesday afternoons. Sitter has been working for another Ward parent for the past year who is happy to provide a reference. Please call (253) 230-0137 or e-mail gasselin@bc.edu.
Needed -- P/T Help with Yard Work: Looking for a high school age student in the Ward neighborhood who is interested in a flexible part-time job doing yard work and miscellaneous jobs for a local family. Hours will vary as needed but are very flexible. Pay is $8/hour. Please contact Beth at jpandbeth@comcast.net or (617) 641-9442.
Boston College Softball Clinics for Girls age 5-18: Beginners, Advanced and Pitching/Catching. July 6-7, July 8-9. Sessions for girls age 5-11 and age 12-18. Information at www.bceagles.com/camps or questions to: karwoski@bc.edu.
Boston College Softball Clinics: Beginners, Advanced and Pitching/Catching. July 6-7th, July 8-9th Girls Ages 5-11, Ages 12-18. For more information or questions, visit www.bceagles.com/camps or email karwoski@bc.edu.
Energy Fitness & Gymnastics - Fun fitness for women, children, teens, and men. Now enrolling for Summer Camp and Fall Session Gymnastics. Visit www.energyfitnessgym.com for details. (617) 795-7177.
Mason-Rice Alumni Available for Babysitting. Newton South High School graduate and currently local college student, Nikki, seeks baby sitting situations. Open availability, previous babysitting courses, Red Cross certification, and camp counselor experience. Access to a car. If interested, please call: (617) 584-7262 or (617) 965-0892, or email nicole.forecast@yotes.collegeofidaho.edu.
ActiveMinds Tutoring, LLC: Your source for in-home tutoring. Effective, Personalized and Convenient. All grades/all subjects, including test preparation (MCAS, SAT, SSAT...). Sign your child up for academic success and receive a free lesson! SUMMER tutoring available. Call: (617) 663-5700 during business hours, or (617) 227-2225 Eve/Wknds. Please visit our web site at www.activemindstutoring.com.
Summer Soccer Clinics for girls age 6-14 at Boston College: Offered by BC Women's soccer coaches on two dates: June 29-July 2 and July 20-July 23, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM daily at the BC newton Campus soccer Complex. For info or to register: www.bceagles.com/camps or call (617) 552-0982.
Keep those Math Skills in Top Form over the Summer. Flexible scheduling, four-day weekly sessions Monday through Thursday, make planning easy. Classes tailored to those entering 3rd, 4th or 5th grade in the fall. Each week students learn techniques and hone math-solving skills, enabling them to solve problems more easily, accurately and with greater speed. More info: www.newtonmath.com or call (617) 795-1557.
Summer is a great time to catch up, keep up and get ahead in Math. Mathnasium Learning Center in Newton Highlands offers flexible math summer programs in a fun, relaxing e nvironment. Schedule your 12 tutoring sessions ($495) around your vacations and camps. (617) 340-3665 or www.mathsummer.com.
Was your house drafty last winter? Want to save energy and money next year? Take advantage of the generous rebates and incentives available to increase energy efficiency. Most Ward households are eligible for $3500 of free work. Call GreenGuild at (617) 277-0290. Ward School families receive $50 off an energy audit when scheduled before August 12, 2009.
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About NPS TAC Support for PTO Communications
Volunteers from the Newton Public Schools Technology Advisory Council (NPS
TAC) are helping to set up and support PTO communications, including this system used by the Ward PTO.
Learn more here.
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