ForWard 12.4.22
Upcoming Events
Friday, November 25, 2022 - December 31, 2022
Ward Annual Fund Drive
Monday, December 5 at 7pm
PTO General Meeting In-Person with Principal Brogadir
Sunday, December 11 - 1:30-3:30pm
SEPAC Family Social
Monday, January 9, 2023
Ward Night at the Celtics
See all events on our Calendar
News
From the Co-Presidents
Please join us TOMORROW, Monday, December 5th, at 7PM in the Ward School Library for an in-person meeting with Principal Brogadir and the PTO Board. The jam-packed agenda includes, and is not limited to: Ward Updates (academic, facility, otherwise); Ward-Underwood Task Force Updates; Override-impacts at Ward; Reinstating of School Council; a preview of spring events and more! We look forward to seeing you!
Have a great week,
Caitlin, Rashi & Susan
copresidents@wardpto.org
School Council - Seeking Candidates
Are you looking to make an impact on important school decisions impacting your child(ren)? Now is your chance! Mandated by state law, the School Council serves as an advisory board to the principal. Members include the principal, 2 teachers and 2 parent representatives, and a community member. School Council provides a forum to discuss and advise the principal on issues that arise throughout the year, including programmatic matters; the school improvement plan; safety and building maintenance issues; and other relevant topics. Meetings will be held in January, March and May 2023 and, moving forward, approximately 4 times per year.
The Ward School Council is a separate entity from the PTO. School Council focuses on programmatic, operational, and budgetary issues, while the PTO provides social and community support and curriculum enhancement activities. The PTO administers the School Council election each year.
Parents/guardians are elected for 2 or 3-year terms to School Council. If you would like to be a candidate for School Council beginning in January 2023, please write a short description of your background, why you are interested in the position, and how you would make a difference to Ward. Candidate statements should be e-mailed to brogadirr@newton.k12.ma.us and are due by Friday, December 16. The School Council election will be held the following week and will be conducted through an on-line survey.
If you are considering running for School Council and have questions, please talk with Caitlin Cusick (prior council member) or Becca Brogadir for further information.
Spring Mystery Dinner Save The Date: 4/29/23
Save the date for the Ward mystery dinner! This is the most fun you’ll ever have as an elementary school parent/caregiver!
When: Saturday, April 29th 6pm - midnight
What: A progressive style dinner party and fundraising event for Ward PTO
Who: Adults only! Line up your childcare now! It’s an event you will not want to miss!
How can you help? Great question!
If you are interested in hosting: appetizers, dinners or dessert. Please let us know.
Appetizers and dessert are 75-125 ppl. Dinners are 8-12 people.
This event is made possible by the generosity of our hosts! It’s a wonderful way to meet and get to know our Ward community. If you have questions or are interested in hosting, please reach out to Bekka Cirel (Rebecca.cirel@gmail.com) or Tracy Buckner (bucknertracy3@gmail.com)
FREEDGE Volunteers
The Ward efforts to support the Newton FREEDGE continue. Thank you to our “regular” drivers - we could not do this without you! The PTO and Ward Staff have some open slots next week and many in December. Just a friendly reminder to sign up when you are able. (Sign up here .)
Many thanks,
Maria Sullivan
Save the Date: Joint SEPAC Event
All Newton Public Schools SEPAC will host a family social NEXT weekend Sunday 12/11 1:30-3:30p at Hyde Playground/Field in Newton Highlands. Come play games, see old friends, and meet new ones. See https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040a4faea929abf49-family and flier below.
Community Notes & Announcements
Free Public Speaking & Debate Workshop During Vacation Break!
Sign up for a free Public Speaking and Debate Workshop on December 27, 28, 29 (Lexington and Newton), hosted by Lumos Debate! Your child will love Lumos's friendly instructors and fun Argumentation and Reasoning
This workshop is free for all Ward students. Please make sure to use code WARD when you register. Please do not share this code with families that are not from Ward. Email info@lumosdebate.com or call 781-474-3359 with any questions.
Register now at: lumosdebate.com/workshop activities as they learn about Speaking Confidence, Impromptu Speaking and Debate Fundamentals
For more community notes: https://newtonptocouncil.org/category/community/
And please continue to follow the PTO on instagram @wardelementary_pto
