ForWard 12.05.21
Upcoming Events
December, 2021
Annual Fund, ongoing
Thursday, December 9, 2021
Teacher Appreciation Holiday Lunch
Desserts welcome, see below
Wednesday, December 15, 2021
El Pelon Take-Out Fundraiser 2-5pm
News
Ward Annual Fund
Did you hear the BIG news this week? Donate NOW and DOUBLE your impact! Ward parent Asher Nichols of Asher Nichols & Craftsmen has generously offered to match the next $5,000 in donations! We are hoping to hit our goal of raising $20,000 by the end of 2021, and this matching donation has the potential to get us there with your help!
There are two ways to donate:
Online at our PayPal page (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=W3QC82Y3M9S8G)
By Check: Made out to “Ward PTO” and sent in an envelope to school clearly labeled “Kristin Golden, Treasurer - Ward PTO”
THANK YOU for your ongoing support!
Teacher Appreciation Holiday Lunch
On Thursday, December 9th (early dismissal day) the PTO will provide Ward Staff with a Holiday Appreciation luncheon. Would you like to bake a dessert to finish off the celebration? We are looking for a few volunteers. If you can help, please sign up (https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A45AEA72AA3FF2-teacher) so we know to count on you. Second, drop your dessert at 50 Prentice Road by 11AM on Thursday 12/9. Desserts can be dropped the evening before or that morning. Please label with any allergens. Thank you!
El Pelon Take Out Fundraiser
Ready for an evening off of cooking while simultaneously supporting the PTO and supporting a great local business? Stop by El Pelon on Wednesday, December 15th from 2-5 PM and mention “Ward PTO” when ordering. 10% of all sales will go to the PTO and the increased business during their usually more quiet hours will help them out as all local small businesses work hard to stay open during these trying times. Hot tip: wise community members have told us that their Platos are delicious and re-heat really well for dinner or for lunches later in the week too!
Winter Illness Reminders
With the Covid pandemic looming on and a rise in cases of Flu and other viruses throughout Newton, we want to remind all community members that we are truly in this together, and we can stop the spread by keeping sick children home. Monitor for symptoms everyday, make conservative decisions about keeping your child home to protect both her/himself and our entire school community. One or two days home is better than a long quarantine for anyone! We are very lucky at Ward with Nurse Gretchen - she is always available and willing to help families make decisions on sickness, absences or any other consult you may require: hillstromg@newton.k12.ma.us.
NPS Gift Giving Policy
Room parents will be reaching out in the coming week to share details for giving gifts during the holiday season. In your room parent emails, please note that we will be giving to ALL staff this year. More details on the state-wide policies can be found here:
https://z2policy.ctspublish.com/masc/browse/newtonset/newton/GBEBC
Policy highlights include:
1. Gifts of commercial value must be presented from the entire class - no individual gifts.
2. Gifts may not exceed a value of $150/year (academic year, not calendar year).
3. Individual gifts in the form of sentimental tokens are allowed.
4. This policy does not include gifts for the classroom (if interested in further regulation on gifts for the classroom, please see the NPS Equity Policy).
Community Notes & Announcements
Support the Williams Elementary PTO at their Online Auction!
Find some bargains and support our friends across town at the same time! Check out the Williams PTO Online auction at www.biddingforgood.com/williamsPTO/2021. The auction runs through December 12!
Newton Community Needs Assessment Survey: Deadline Extended!
The Community Needs Survey will gather data that will inform the City on how best to assist lower-resourced residents who have been impacted by the pandemic. American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) provides money to local communities to help with recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The City of Newton will be directing a portion of ARPA funds to programs addressing the needs of lower-income residents impacted by the pandemic. There is also an option to fill out the survey using your knowledge of resident needs based on providing direct services to these populations. We look forward to hearing from as many people as possible!
English: www.research.net/r/NewtonNeedsSurvey
Translations (Spanish, Russian, Simplified Chinese, & Brazilian Portuguese): www.research.net/r/NewtonNeedsSurveyTranslated
VOICES Boston Children’s Choir
Do you have a child that loves to sing and perform? Join VOICES Boston children’s choir for our 2021-2022 season! VOICES Boston focuses primarily on singing and music literacy, with an added emphasis on dance technique and drama performance. VOICES Boston empowers the youth of the Boston area with a performing arts education that develops confidence, discipline, leadership, and a love of music that will last a lifetime.
We have ensembles for singers grades K-8 and rehearse at First Parish in Brookline, MA. VOICES Boston singers perform a wide range of repertoire, from classical to world music, musical theatre to pop, and even present an opera/musical each year.
If you would like to sign up your singer for VOICES Boston or have any questions please contact Emily Vincent at office@voicesboston.org. For more detailed information about our past performances, staff, curriculum and more visit our website at www.voicesboston.org.
Lacrosse Registration Open for Girls, Boys and a Winter Clinic
Girls: Register at www.newtongirlslacrosse.com by 1/4/22 for grades 3-8 and 3/1/22 for grades 1-2. A quick summary of important details. More details can be found through the registration process.
Boys: Register at www.newtonyouthlacrosse.com, open to boys in grades 1 – 8 who live in Newton or attend a school in Newton.
Winter Indoor Clinic: Get ready for spring with a winter lacrosse clinic run by Newton South! A great way to build skills and have some winter fun at a great price. Open to grades 4-8, the sessions are run by Newton South coaches and upper-class team members on Sunday mornings at 9AM. Proceeds support the NSHS Lacrosse team. Sign up today!
Dates: January 30, February 6,13 & 27 and March 6 & 13
WHERE: Newton South High School Field House, 140 Brandeis Rd., Newton, MA
Contact: briggsm@newton.k12.ma.us
Vaccines for 5-11 year olds
Children 5 to 11 years old are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending the pediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. For more information, including information on local clinics, please visit the Newton Health and Human Services website or speak with your child’s pediatrician or healthcare provider. Find a vaccine appointment at vaxfinder.mass.gov.
Opportunity for Children Ages 4-7 with the BU Learning Lab
BU Doctoral students are working on research for their dissertations and would love for you and your children to be involved! For this work, we will play two quick (10-15 minute) STEM games with your child online. In return, you will receive a $15 Amazon gift card. If you have any questions, please email learnlab@bu.edu. Fill out this form if you are interested: https://forms.gle/TrpNj35k5bktUtYK6
See more Community Notes at https://newtonptocouncil.org/community/