October 31, 2008

 

From Joe’s Desk

Upcoming

 

 

 

Every Tuesday

Text Box:  Pretzel Sales $1.00

After school

Front/Back Lobbies

Ongoing

 

 

Tonight is Halloween!

 

 

Monday, November 3

School Picture Retakes

 

 

Tuesday, November 4

Election Day

School Council – 7:45 AM

 

 

Saturday, November 15

Mystery Dinner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next Edition:

November 14, 2008

 

 

Dear Families,

 

Halloween – As you receive this, you are probably preparing for Halloween festivities, a day of excitement and anticipation in just about any elementary school and a good time to remind everyone about fun and safety.  As you prepare for tonight, let me highlight some safety rules to remember.

 

                        • trick-or-treat with at least one other person. (Better with a group.)

                        • cross the street at the corner, never in the middle of the block

                        • carry a flashlight and/or wear reflective clothing

                        • do not wear a mask while walking. (Wear face paint instead.)

• check your treats.  Remove anything unwrapped.  Share your treats. Don’t try to eat everything at one time.

                        • Have a fun, safe time!

 

          An important drive we support this time of year is the UNICEF collection, sponsored and organized by our school Social Action Committee, a parent run group of older grade students who meet regularly to discuss issues and look for ways to improve our community.  The money your children collect for UNICEF helps benefit children in this country and around the world.  Please support their efforts as they collect treats for themselves and for others less fortunate than them.

 

Election Day – Next Tuesday is an important day in our country that arrives once every four years.  It is the day we hold elections for President of the United States.  Even though you may feel overwhelmed or tired of all the politics, it remains a significant day and teaching moment for your children.  Take time to talk to them about the value of voting and how you made your decision regarding the candidates.  Consider having your older child join you to observe the voting process.  They will find it fascinating and you will be providing a valuable civics lesson.

 

Mystery Dinner – Have you received an invitation to the Mystery Dinner?  If you have then you’ve seen the amazing dining options available to you.  This has become one of the highlights of the year, so if you are new to the school or it’s your last year here, fill out the response and reserve your spot.  It is a nice way to celebrate our community and enjoy some excellent food and lively conversation.  Don’t miss it!

 

 

From the PTO….

 

 

 

RSVP for Mystery Dinner!!

 

Don’t forget to RSVP for our 5th annual MYSTERY DINNER to be held Saturday, November 15.  We have a fabulous night planned that you won't want to miss!!  Please drop off your RSVP in the orange Mystery Dinner box in the front lobby or mail it in.  Hope to see you there!!

 

 

 

Get in Those Dues Donations

 

It’s not too late to win an iPod touch through the HM dues donation campaign. If you give $25, you’ll get a chance to win an iPod Touch. $100 will get you 5 chances. Horace Mann is a 501(c)3 organization and your donation is tax-deductible. And don’t forget to check with your employer to see if they’ll match your donation.

 

 

 

Earn Money for HM When You Dine Out

 

Next time you eat at Ariadne in Newtonville or Vecchia Roma in Nonantum, write Horace Mann on the vendor copy of your receipt or check, and the restaurants will donate 5 percent of the cost of your meal to the school! Be sure to tell your friends and neighbors—they need not have kids at the school to participate.

 

 

 

 

Thank you to HM Community

 

Madeline Ranalli, Alida Parkman, and Marielle Bosco want to say a big thank you to everyone who supported their bake sale last Spring.  The girls raised $165 that they used at Build-A-Bear to make stuffed friends for kids at Children's Hospital.  With a generous donation from Build-A-Bear, they built and dressed nine bears over the summer, and delivered them to Children's Hospital in September. 

 

 

 

 

 

From Newton Public Schools

 

 

 

 

Cyber Safety Lesson

November ‘08 thru March ‘09

 

 

Library teachers and instructional technology specialists are partnering with classroom teachers to instruct students in grades 3 through 5 during the month of November through March about cyber safety. In grade 3, the lesson will outline student responsibility for using the Internet and how to stay safe within a “cyber community.” In grade 4, students will explore the responsible use of the Internet by discussing scenarios, such as bullying on the Internet or inappropriate use of Internet resources.  Fifth-grade students will be focusing on cyber bullying, which is using hurtful or inappropriate comments in an electronic format.  These lessons were developed by Information Technology Department staff members who have been trained to use the I-Safe curriculum, a nationwide program to instruct students in Internet safety.

Please discuss about this topic at home, it will help reinforce the message about personal safety and ethical use of the Internet. Ask your children what they have learned about cyber safety and remind them to confide in you or another trusted adult if they have any concerns.

 

 

 

 

 

Parent Survey on School Security

 

The School Committee has appointed a subcommittee to review system-wide security policies and to make recommendations to the School Committee on how to deal broadly with security issues. That subcommittee has prepared a draft policy and had discussions about how specific security measures then might be implemented. The School Committee is scheduled to vote on the policy in November. The committee is conducting a survey to get community input on some of the areas under discussion. The survey is at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=1GvcCRWDVAVu20DGi3MgjQ_3d_3d

 

 

 

 

Special Education Parent’s Advisory Council

 

The Special Education Parent’s Advisory Council will be holding its next meeting on Wednesday evening, November 5th at 7:30pm.  The topic is Newton's Special Education Programs, featuring Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Judy Levin-Charns, Ed.D.  There will be breakout groups for preschool, elementary, middle and high school parents.  All meetings are held in Room 210 at the Education Center, 100 Walnut Street.  There is time for networking and light refreshments beginning at 7:15pm.

 

 

 

 

 

From The Community

 

 

 

Newton Parks & Recreation

Puddlestompers

 

Nature Exploration. Veterans Day Vacation Drop-off Program for Children Ages 3-6

Tuesday, November 11th 9:00am - 12:00pm (snack provided), Nahanton Park.

Fee: $46.50 (10% sibling discount). Register online at www.puddlestompers.com

 

 

 

Newton Youth Soccer 3rd Grade Try-Out

 

www.newtonsoccer.org

 

Attend one of the three separate 1-hour tryout sessions on Sunday, November 9, at 1:15, 2:30 or 3:45 pm. Location: Lincoln Field, Montclair Road, Waban.

You’ll be notified of your allocated session via email after you’ve registered on the web site.  Please arrive 20 minutes prior to your tryout time. Field directions are available on the NYS website.  If the weather is questionable, check the Newton Fields hotline: 617-928-6061. Do not wear team jerseys, especially BAYS and MPS; it’s not allowed.

 

 

 

Newton Symphony Orchestra

November16

7.30 pm

 

Attend the Newton Symphony Orchestra's concert on November 16th at 7:30 pm at the Rashi Auditorium and listen to Edward Elgar's beloved masterpiece, Enigma Variations.  Tickets; $10 for children under 14, $30 in the orchestra, $25 in the mezzanine with discounts for seniors, students and groups, can be obtained at www.newtonsymphony.org, or by calling 617 965 2555.

 

 

 

 

Calling all Music Parents!

 

 

Are you interested in networking with other music families? A Newton parent is forming a city-wide committee of parents/guardians of music students in grades K-12. Its mission is to advocate for music in all our schools and to provide a forum to share resources and information. If you'd like to join this effort, please contact Lisa Rucinski, at lisa@rucinskis.com or 617-965-0375. Our first meeting is on Monday November 10 from 7-9pm at the United Parish of Auburndale.

 

 

 

Suzuki School of Newton

 

Sunday, Nov 9th

3.00pm

 

Join us for an afternoon of performances from world class musicians, Jennifer Frautschi (violin), Emmanuel Feldman (cello) and Joy Cline-Phinney (piano) as they present works from Bach, Bartok, Gershwin, Kreisler, and Mendelssohn. All proceeds benefit the James Thornblade Memorial Scholarship Fund which provides need based financial aid at our school. Please stay after the concert for refreshments and a chance to meet the musicians! For more info visit www.suzukinewton.org. Located at Trinity Church, 11 Homer Street, Newton Center. $20 adults/ $10 seniors & children. $22/$12 at the door.

 

 

 

Newton Parks and Recreation

Yoga Classes

 

Yoga classes for all levels at the Lower Falls Community Center on Thurs 6-7PM and Sat 9-10:15AM, at the Day Middle School (for Ed Dept employees) on Monday 5:15-6:15PM

and at the Newton Library (for City employees) on Thursday 12-1. Email the instructor, Ruth Landsman, for more info. ruthl_99@yahoo.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Newton Parks and Recreation

 

December School Vacation Programs

 

Family Trip to Disney on Ice. Mickey & Minnie’s Magical Journey – Dec. 27, 2008.

Fee: $32.50. Transportation to the TD Banknorth Garden in Boston is provided and great seats in the Loge section. Bus leaves from the Albemarle Field House at 9:45AM – 1:45PM  

 

Family Movie Nights at the West Newton Cinema during December vacation week. Tickets will be sold starting at 4:00pm at the cinema. Enjoy a movie, popcorn and drink all for only $6.00.

 

Fun-tastic December Vacation Program for Grades K – 6

Dec. 29, 30, 31 & Jan. 2. Several different activities to choose from each day including sports, arts and crafts, gym activities, inside games, cooking, outside games, special events and more.  Located at the Lower Falls Community Center.  Be sure to bring a lunch and snack each day.  8:15AM – 3:30PM with extended day available to 5:15 PM, $42.50 per day or $150.00 for all 4 days.  Add $10.00 per day for extended day. 

 

Thundercat Sports Clinic for Ages 7 – 12. December 29, 30 & 31, 2008. Play a variety of games including basketball, floor hockey, soccer, and more – all in a relaxed, fun atmosphere.  Located at Pelligrini Park.  Be sure to bring a lunch and snack each day. 9:00AM – 3:00PM .  $140.00 residents, $160.00 non residents.

 

Thundercat Basketball Clinic for Ages 7 – 12. December 29, 30 & 31, 2008. This clinic will work on the necessary fundamentals needed in basketball. Games will be played every session. Located at Lincoln Elliot School. 9:00AM - 12Noon, $105.00 residents, $125.00 non residents.

 

 

 

Newton South Preschool Program

 

The Newton South Preschool Program is currently accepting applications for the school year, 2009-2010.  We are a child development lab school based in the Family and Consumer Sciences Department at Newton South High School.  Please contact Director, Melissa Hammel at 617-559-6533 for more information.

 

 

 

Learn to Skate While Supporting Our School

 

If you are currently enrolled or plan on enrolling in the Creative Skate program, mention your child is a student at Horace Mann; we receive 10% of the tuition price.  You can still enroll for the current session.  The next session begins in November. The Creative Skate Program is at the Fessenden Rink on Sundays.  For more information log on to www.creativeskate.com

 

 

 

Free Walking Tours of the Arnold Arboretum

Ends November 2008

 

The tour led by the knowledgeable volunteer docents includes Arboretum history and topics of seasonal interest.  11/1 (Sat) at 10:30am, 11/5 (Wed.) at 12:15pm, 11/9 (Sun) at 1pm, 11/15 (Sat.) at 10:30 am, 11/19 (Wed.) at 12:15 pm., 11/23 (Sun.) at 1pm.  All tours begin in front of the Hunnewell Building Visitor Center and last approximately 60-90 minutes. There is no need to pre-register. Please call 617.384.5209 for more information.

 

 

 

Learn to Skate

Sign Up Now

 

Program begins November 15th through most of March every Saturday at Fessenden rink at noon (advanced group at 1pm).The program is divided into two groups that include beginners and first timers and those that have some skating ability.  To sign up go to www.newtonyouthhockey.com and click on "learn to skate" on the left navigation bar.

 

 

 

 

New Art Center

www.newartcenter.org

617-964-3424

 

February Vacation: Medieval Mayhem

Travel back in time with us as we create art worthy of kings and queens. Spend the week painting, drawing, sculpting, and having fun! Students in grades K-5 will attend four art classes throughout the day, as well as a snack time, lunch, and recess. February 17-20, 2009, 9am-3:30pm.

 

Saturday Drop-In Art

Stop by the New Art Center for our Saturday Drop-In Art class. Parents can either drop off their children or stay and create art together. A fun and exciting art project each week! Saturdays 10-11:30am, $15 cash/check. Class meets: Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, Dec. 6.

 

Birthday Art Parties

Celebrate your child’s birthday with a unique art experience! We provide a talented art instructor, a space for art and a space for refreshments, and 7 possible themes to inspire your party.

 

 

 

 

Freaky Fat Loss PUMP-kin Workout

 

1st Annual "Freaky Fat Loss PUMP-kin Workout" to benefit the Boys and Girls Club, 675 Watertown Street, Newton. Oct. 30, 6:45 pm.  For adults and kids over 14.  Bring yourself, friends and family, a pumpkin for each person (females 8-10 lbs, Males 15-20 lbs).  Enjoy a fun Halloween/Pumpkin-themed Workout.  Fitness attire a must, costumes optional. Free, or make a donation to the Boys and Girls Club.  Please RSVP to Michael Alves, the professional strength and conditioning coach who is conducting the session and will be volunteering at the club this year:  mlalves1@yahoo.com or 617-268-6232. Waiver forms are required for both kids and adults.  See what it's all about at:  www.mikealves.com/pumpkinworkouts.html

 

 

 

 

Setting Limits

 

Communication Between Parent and Teen

 

"Setting Limits----Communication Between Parent and Teen" is the first in a series of discussions about teen issues slated to be broadcast on local cable TV. The guest speaker is Rich Catrambone, Prevention/Intervention Counselor at Newton South High School.  This series is appropriate for parents and children of all ages, including middle schoolers.  The series is broadcast each Monday evening at 6:30 through November 24th.  It's on the Blue Channel of NewTV: Comcast: 10, RCN: 15 and Verizon: 34.  Feedback is appreciated to Martha Hadeler, co-President of the NNHS PTSO at martha_Hadeler@yahoo.com or Laurie Mokriski, former PTSO co-President at lmokriski@rcn.com

 

 

 

Navigating the Rocky Road of Adolescence

 

Featuring Michael Jellinek, MD, Chief of Child Psychiatry at Mass General Hospital and President of Newton-Wellesley Hospital.  Thurs. Nov. 20 7-8pm at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Shipley Auditorium.  Sponsored by Newton PTO Council, Newton parent Advisory council, Newton-Wellesley Hospital and project INTERFACE at WarmLines, a subsidiary of the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology.

 

 

 

Bowen Cooperative Nursery School

 

Bowen Cooperative Nursery School has limited openings in our Transitional Kindergarten class for next fall (09-10). The program runs Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.  To download the application, please go to our website at www.BowenCoop.org. Open House is on Thursday, November 13th from 7:30-8:30pm.  Located in Newtonville at 96 Otis Street across from Newton North High School.

 

 

 

 

Cash In The Trash

 

A Public Forum on Reducing Solid Waste and Increasing Recycling and Savings presented by the League of Women Voters of Newton. Thursday, November 20 7:00pm Newton Free Library, Druker Auditorium. Free to the public.

 

 

 

 

Newton History Museum

 

Newton Salutes! Exhibition opening at the Newton History Museum Tues. Oct 28 6-8 pm. This exhibition honors Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Newton Chapter. An organization of African-American youth and families, Jack and Jill aims to empower youth to excel through leadership and service to the community. Free. Light refreshments will be served. The Newton History Museum at the Jackson Homestead, 527 Washington Street, Newton. www.ci.newton.ma.us/jackson. 617-796-1450.

 

 

 

Classifieds

 

PIANO INSTRUCTION: Berklee & New England Conservatory graduate with 25+ years teaching experience has several openings in studio. Beginners Welcome. Learn Jazz/Blues/Classical, theory, sightreading from a patient, caring teacher. Gloria Jasinski, phone: 617.566.9704, email: piano566@comcast.net

 

HIP HOP CLASS: For 6 year olds - Newton Armory - Washington St, Tuesdays, 1:30 - 2:20 PM. Free class Tuesday October 28. $45 fee for November. Also, 2 hip hop instructors available. All ages - events. You name the location. Please contact agi.sardi@gmail.com

 

SUPERHEROES ROCKIN’ TUMBLE CLASS: ALL BOYS Hip Hop and Gym class held Mondays 1:00-2:30 /Wednesdays 10:00-11:30 for ages 2.9-4.9 at The Joanne Langione Dance Center 35 Border St West Newton Ma 617-969-8724 www.jldancecenter.com.  November 10th-December 15th

 

Spanish for kids: Through Theater, Games & Dance your kids will learn Spanish in a fun way… pretending, playing, dancing & laughing. Join MULTICOLORES! Winter Season open for registration (Jan-Mar 2009). Mondays ages 8 – 12(+) & Fridays ages 5 - 7 from 4 to 5:30 pm at Green Planet Kids in Newton. Tel. 617.943.2935 info@multicolores.net

 

Newsnotes Information

Editors: Michelle Curran, Kathy Baron, Lauren Paton, Gina Mulvaney, Susanti Sugianto, Millicent Lawton, Barbara Huggins

 

Newsnotes are the main vehicle of communication at Horace Mann School.  Newsnotes are published by the PTO bi-weekly.  Please email items of interest to hmnewsnotes@lists.neighborhood.net.

 

Deadline for submissions is 11:00am on Tuesday the week you want the items to appear.  Classifieds from the Horace Mann community are free.  Classifieds from non-community members may be charged a nominal fee.

 

Horace Mann School 687 Watertown Street, Newton, MA 02460 www.newton.k12.ma.us/horacemann/

 

 

Main Office

(617) 559-9510

Call-Back Line

(617) 559-9530

Joe’s Email

Joseph_russo@newton.k12.ma.us

Newsnotes Submission Email

hmnewsnotes@lists.neighborhood.net

Announcement List

hm-parents-announce@lists.neighborhood.net

Discussion List

hm-parents@lists.neighborhood.net

 

 

 

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