ForWard 6.16.24
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, June 19
No School - Juneteenth
Thursday, June 20
Fifth Grade Graduation
Wednesday June 26
Last Day of School
Lemonade & Popsicle Toast
See all events on our Calendar
News
From the Outgoing President
I would like to thank this community for your tireless efforts, support and collaboration throughout my two-year co-presidency. This role helped me forge strong friendships and brought me closer to many of you with whom I worked closely to organize all of our wonderful Ward events. We have a small but mighty group of volunteers who keep the traditions of Ward school alive. If you are passionate about Ward, care deeply about your child(ren)’s elementary school experience and want to have an active role in NPS affairs - we strongly recommend considering a leadership role with the PTO in your time here.
I would be remiss if I did not mention the continued support, kindness and dedication of Becca Brogadir who has been a wonderful partner and leader during this time. And a HUGE thank you to Kristin Golden for her expertise as treasurer; she has graciously extended her term for another year while mentoring a new volunteer for this role - Jun Ma to take on the reigns of our finances. Thank you Jun!
Last, but definitely not the least, I would not be leaving Ward Elementary with such peace of mind, if not for Elizabeth Loehr and Elizabeth Weinberg who will be Ward Co-Presidents for 2024-26 term. We literally could not have had a better team! Our PTO leadership has passion to bring joy to our children and keep our community together - and that is what I am so grateful for.
Signing Out & Happy Summer!!
Rashi
Last Day Lemonade & Popsicle Toast
Hooray for summer! Parents and guardians are welcome to join for a Lemonade Toast starting at 11:50 on Wednesday, June 26th (prior to the 12:10pm dismissal) at the picnic tables in front of Ward. After dismissal, students are welcome to stop by and grab a popsicle. Stop by and congratulate the new leadership and toast to summer with friends!
Community Notes & Announcements
Smartphone Forum: June 18 at 7pm at Brown Middle School Auditorium
Are you grappling with whether to purchase a smartphone for your child? Are you finding yourself in battles with your child over screen time? Please join us as a community to discuss how we can work together to support each other as we help our children to be safe and kind in the digital age.
The PTO Council for Newton Public Schools will be sponsoring a Parent Town Meeting titled, Smartphone Questions? You're Not Alone! We encourage you to attend and hear from a panel of middle school educators about how these devices impact daily life at school, learn about alternatives to smartphones as well as tips and tricks parents can use. You will also have a chance to connect with other parents. None of us have all the answers, but together we can help and support each other as we navigate the challenges.
Looking for a great way to thank a teacher or school staff member?
Newton Schools Foundation Honor Thy Teacher program enables families to pay tribute to teachers and school staff by making a gift to Newton Schools Foundation in their name. It’s a great way to show your appreciation as this school year comes to a close, while adhering to the Newton Public School’s teacher gift policy.
A donation to Newton Schools Foundation will support grants that fund new approaches in the classroom, professional development for teachers, and programs that promote equity for all students. To learn more about the programs NSF funds, see our Impact page. You can seea list of teachers honored to date HERE.
Find out more and donate on the NSF website, scan the QR code, or mail your donation to Newton Schools Foundation, P.O. Box 590020, Newton Centre, MA 02459. (Please be sure to include the name(s) of your child(ren) and the names of the teacher(s) and/or staff you are honoring and their schools).
THANK YOU for your donation!
Please let us know if you have any questions!
And please continue to follow the PTO on instagram @wardelementary_pto