ForWard 01.09.22
Upcoming Events
January 2022
Stay Safe and Healthy!
Tues, Feb. 8, 2022
Pedestrian Safety Training (Grades 2-5)
Thurs, Feb. 10, 2022
Pedestrian Safety Training (Grades 2-5)
News
From the Co-Presidents
Happy New Year! Well, that was quite a first week back. I don’t think we can dive into all of our normal updates without acknowledging the stress and confusion that many of us have felt coming back to school in the midst of a Covid tsunami. We are so grateful to Nurse Gretchen and all of the Ward teachers and staff for doing their best to help all of us get through this. As a reminder, the Ward Cares committee is in possession of a few boxes of Binax test kits that are available to families in need. Remember - the PTO encompasses our entire community of families and teachers - and all are welcome to request assistance through our Ward Cares representative Keren Wainger at Keren.wainger@gmail.com.
All our best,
Caitlin & Susan
Ward Annual Fund
We are thrilled to be able to share with everyone that we have surpassed our Annual Fund goal! As of today, we have raised $20,011.81 plus a $5,000 match from Asher Nichols of Asher Nichols & Craftsmen. We are so grateful for our strong community of supporters, and we are excited for all the upcoming community events and curriculum support we are able to offer.
If you have not yet donated, you will have more opportunities to support the PTO! First of all, donations are always welcome. Donations can be made at any time though our website (https://www.wardpto.org/donate). In addition, more fundraising opportunities await you in the coming months. Stay tuned!
THANK YOU for your ongoing support!
Safe Routes to School Pedestrian Safety Training: Volunteers Needed!
All students in grades 2-5 will participate in Pedestrian Safety Training this February. Trainings will be led by Massachusetts Safe Routes to School but we need a couple of parent volunteers for each training too. Ideally we are looking for parents who are interested in supporting children but also learning from SRTS representatives so that we can continue to offer trainings on our own at Ward in years to come. Volunteers are needed on two dates: Tuesday February 8th and Thursday February 10th (weather dependent as these will be held outdoors). Email copresidents@wardpto.org for more information and/or to sign up to join us!
NCE Winter and Spring Offerings at Ward School
Newton Community Ed will be offering new classes at Ward this winter and spring! For more information and/or to get registration information please contact Anna Ford McKeown of Newton Community Education at mckeowna@newton.k12.ma.us or visit https://www2.newtoncommunityed.org/registration/.
Winter offerings include:
Spring offerings include:
Ward is fortunate to have a site coordinator to assist with the transition from the end of the day to the beginning of class. The site coordinator handles this completely and no one has to come and pick up their child/children in the interim time period. There is, however, no lunch period or snack time, but kids can have a water bottle in the class for sipping.
Also, NCE’s At A Glance Flier will be going home in backpacks this week so keep an eye out for it!
Community Notes & Announcements
Newton Youth Hockey Winter Programming
Girls Learn to Play Hockey: A program for girls of all ages who are interested in playing hockey. Starts Saturday, January 8th at 5pm (4 weeks). Register HERE
U8 Skating Skills and Development: A program to strengthen skating skills and build on previous instruction. Participants must have at least 1 year of skating experience. Starts Saturday January 8th at 4pm (4 weeks). Register HERE
Lacrosse Registration Open for Boys and a Winter Clinic.
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
See more Community Notes at https://newtonptocouncil.org/community/