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From Joe’s Desk |
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Upcoming
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Every Tuesday
After school Front/Back Lobbies
Ongoing
Tuesday, February 3 School
Council Thursday, February 5 All
School Release Friday, February 6 Progress
Reports Sent Home
School
Vacation Begins
at Monday, February 23 School
Resumes Friday, March 20 Spring
Auction Saturday, April 4 Talent
Show Next Edition: From Joe’s Desk (continued) |
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Dear
Families, Gung Hei Fat
Choy – Happy New Year to all our Chinese families. This is the year of
the Ox, also known as Spring Festival. It is the most important of the
traditional Chinese holidays. The festival traditionally begins on the first day of the first month
with a new moon and ends 15 days later; this day is called Lantern
Festival. The Chinese New Year celebrations are marked by visits
to relatives and friends, a practice known as "new-year visits" New
clothing is usually worn to signify a new year. The color red is used in all
decorations. Red packets containing money in certain
numbers that reflect good luck (8 is considered very lucky) are given to
children by older friends or relatives. Several foods are consumed to usher
in wealth, happiness, and good fortune. We wish all who celebrate, and those
who wish to, much luck in the new year. Absence/Tardy
Notification - This week, 43 letters were sent home to families of children
who have been absent or tardy 10 or more times during the first 90 days of
this school year. While excessive
absences can be understood in unusual circumstances, it is hard to imagine
what precipitates a child being tardy more than 30% of the days we have been
in school. Arriving late to school interrupts the start of the day for all
children in a class while leaving your child uncomfortable and possibly
confused. Missing the beginning of the day results in disorganization and
missed connections with their peers. Extensive absences have a direct
connection to our rating as a high-performing school under No Child Left
Behind, if we are unable to meet Annual Yearly Progress for student
attendance. As a school community, we need to make a better effort to get all
children into school and on time. Thank you very much. Horace Mann News – There has been a lot
of staff activity of late that I am pleased to share with you. Over the past
few months, first-grade teacher Colleen Murphy, second-grade teacher Melissa
Basquiat, and fourth-grade teacher Lisa Hart have all announced their
engagements. We congratulate them and their betrothed on their upcoming
nuptials. In the meantime, learning center teacher Lucy Couture and her
husband are proud to announce the expansion of their family, by two! Lucy is
expecting identical twins in June to join their 17-month-old son, Gus. Congratulations
to all. Science Night – Congratulations to all
who participated in Science Night last Friday. There were scores of science
projects, all carefully done and explained with excitement by the eager young
scientists. Many thanks to the sponsors: the Clay Center Observatory for
providing the Segway and R2D2 robot (look for summer camp brochures in the
front lobby); the Green Decade Coalition for the demonstration of the
electricity-producing bicycle; and Pfizer Pharmaceuticals for their generous
donation of free passes to the Museum of Science Omni Theater or Planetarium
for each Science Night participant and a guest. Thank you to the committee, (including
Jean Chang, Martha Penalosa, Rebeca Ramos-Kelsey), as well as Amy Kropke,
Sheryl Bauer, Gayle Larson, and Nick King, who helped out with preparation,
food and logistics. However, the
largest thanks goes to Michelle Ciurea for her organization, planning, and
facilitating such a successful and engaging event. Science Rocks! |
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From the
Library |
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Parent Info on Cybersafety Feb. 12 |
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The library teacher,
Mrs. Karam, invites you to a parent information session on the Newton Public
Schools’ cybersafety lessons conducted with students in grades 3-5. Please
come review the materials and ask questions on Thurs., Feb. 12, |
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From the PTO |
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Talent Show Registration Deadline is TODAY! |
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The annual Horace Mann Variety and Talent
Show is Sat., April 4, at |
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Science Fair Brought Science Alive Thank You to All Volunteers and Sponsors Photos Are Now Online! |
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Last Friday, Jan. 23,
science came alive in the Horace Mann gym, when 84 students ran dozens of
experiments, ranging from creating rainbows to launching balloon rockets to
powering light bulbs with a lemon. Students and adults lined up for
interactive demonstrations of a Segway and an electricity-producing bike,
which demonstrated how much less energy is needed to power a CFL than a
traditional light bulb. The PTO officers
would like to thank Event Chair Michelle Ciurea and committee members Jean
Chang, Martha Penalosa, and Rebeca Ramos-Kelsey for putting together this
wildly successful and educational event. Thank you as well to the many
additional volunteers who helped make the event happen, including Horace Mann
parents Amy Kropke, Sheryl Bauer and Gayle Larson, and Horace Mann alumni
Nicholas Ciurea King and Sahil Desai. We would also like to
thank the Clay Center Observatory for its extremely popular demonstrations of
a Segway, planetary scales, and robot; the Green Decade Coalition, for its
eye-opening demonstration of an electricity-producing bicycle; Pfizer
Pharmaceuticals, which donated Museum of Science tickets for each participant
(obtained through Rebeca Ramos-Kelsey); and Maturana Photography. Photos
taken at Science Night are now available to view and purchase at olgaphoto.photoreflect.com.
The site is secure. To view, click on the link to Newton Science Fair 2009.
You will be prompted to enter a password which is: NSF2301. |
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Spring Auction and Gala: “A Night For the Stars” March 20 At Post 440 |
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There’s
a real buzz in the air about our upcoming Spring Auction, “A Night for the
Stars!” The response by parents, local businesses and school staff has been
overwhelming! With our PTO goal to raise enough funds to give every classroom
a new desktop computer, it’s great to have had so many generous offers of
money, time and items. Thank you to
all who have donated to date. We
already have many tantalizing auction items, including overnight stays at great
hotels, a Kevin Youkilis signed ball, spa treatments, camps/activities for kids,
and a whole lot more! Don’t miss the chance to place the winning bid on one
of these! We
also have raffle tickets available for a chance to win a 26” Sony flat-screen
television and Apple TV package, valued at over $800. Tickets are $10 or 3/$25.
Other prizes will be announced as the date approaches. If
you are interested in purchasing tickets, or have friends and relatives that
you would like to sell to, please contact us. Winning raffle tickets will be
drawn at the Auction, but you need not be present to win. If you did not
receive the letter about the Auction in the mail, please contact Lisa
DiFelice at ldifelice@rcn.com or
(617)630-9009. Look for an invitation
soon. See you on March 20th!! |
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Volunteer |
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The PTO needs
volunteers to coordinate the spring book fair, which is the week of May
4. Responsibilities include
coordinating with the book fair company and the school’s custodial staff,
publicizing the event, helping the book fair company staff set up before the
event and break down at the end of the week. Please contact Marcia Tabenken, mtabenken@rcn.com or 617-965-7322. |
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Your PTO $$ at Work |
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Wondering
what your PTO dollars are being used for these days? This month, the first
graders learned about and met some live birds of prey through a demonstration
by Wingmasters. Next week, 4th graders will hear first-hand about
life among different cultures during a visit from author Mitali Perkins. Meanwhile,
second graders will meet Lucinda Landon,
author/illustrator of the popular Meg MacIntosh series. |
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From Newton
Public Schools |
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Reminders about
Late School Lunch Orders |
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Rob Clickstein, Food Service Director, reminds parents that if
you were unable to place your child's online school lunch order by the
deadline of Jan. 28, please plan on packing the child a lunch for the first
week in February. Please make
every effort to place your order by the deadline. When a child brings a late
menu in, Lunch Managers do not always have the time to add each order to the classroom
list. This results in an enormous number of students being sent to the
kitchen for a lunch. If a child comes to the kitchen, every effort is made to
give them a choice of lunch. However, we can not guarantee their first
choice. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in adhering to the
cut-off dates posted on the menu. This will greatly assist us with
providing your child with a nutritious lunch of their choice and a happy,
stress-free environment. If you have already submitted a hard copy of the
February menu, please disregard this reminder. |
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Conversation
on NPS Strategic Plan Feb.10 or Feb.12 |
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Community members interested in the future of our children's
education are encouraged to join the conversation about the exciting new
vision for the Newton Public Schools and weigh in on the proposed strategic plan
initiatives. Citizens will be briefed on the key concepts that are driving
the movement for 21st century education, hear about Newton’s
current programs that promote 21st century skills, learn about the
proposed initiatives for educational innovation in Newton, and react to the
strategic plan (strengths, gaps, and priorities). Same program on two dates: Tues.,
Feb. 10, 7-9 p.m., Oak Hill
Middle School Library ( |
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Newton Schools Foundation Fundraiser Jan. 24 – Mar. 15 |
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The
Newton Schools Foundation’s 2009 “Green and Global” annual fundraiser offers
dinners presented by local restaurants and community hosts across |
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From
The Community |
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Two
Events this Weekend for the John M. Barry Boys and Girls Club of |
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Tonight, Fri., Jan. 30: “A Night of Comedy,” at
American Legion Post 440. Includes
snacks and live band. Contact
Daniela Proia at 617 630-2066 for ticket information. Tomorrow, Sat., Jan. 31, drawing for “Make it Shine” Raffle. Grand
prize: 2 Tickets to Boston Celtics Game vs. The Thunder on Sun., March 29.
Tickets available in the club’s lobby (weekend) and in office (weekdays), |
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Raising a Student-Athlete Feb. 3 |
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Mason-Rice Elementary and Peirce
Elementary invite you to a talk by Adam Naylor, Ed.D., AASP-CC, Director of the |
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Workshop
on Your
Child’s Self-Esteem Feb.
5 |
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Positive
self-esteem is crucial to a child's healthy development. Safe Schools/Healthy
Students and the |
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Feb. 11 |
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Come for a closer look at
some of the innovative ways Assistive Technology can provide diverse learners
with increased access to communication, learning and life, at school and at
home, Feb. 11, 7:15 to 9pm, opening with light refreshments and
networking. Speaker: Kathy Reilly, Ed.S., Assistive Technology, from the
Integrated Center for Child Development in |
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Feb. 17-20 |
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Puddle Stompers Program for Ages 3 – 6 at Fun-tastic February Vacation Program for Grades K
– 3. Enjoy a fun trip or special event each day. Located
at the Fun-tastic February Vacation Program for Grades 3
– Above. Join us for a fun field trip each
day. Located at the Thundercat Sports Clinic for Ages 7 – 12. For
the sports enthusiast. Located at Family Movie Day and Night at the West Newton
Cinema. Enjoy a movie, popcorn and drink all for just $6
per person. Family movie night will be on Feb. 17. Tickets sold
starting at 4:15 PM and movies will start at 6 pm. Family Movie Day will be
on Feb.18. Tickets sold starting at 9:45 am and movies will start at 11 am. |
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Step Into Art: Newton’s February Vacation Program |
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2-Day Step into Art
Program sponsored by The Mayor's Office for Cultural Affairs. Day 1: Tues.,
Feb. 17, 10:30 am -12:30pm or 1:30- 3:30pm at Newton Cultural Center, bringing
art to life with story-telling and exploring color, sound, movement and
light. Day 2: Wed., Feb. 18, 12:30 – 2 p.m. or 2:30 – 4 p.m. at Harvard's |
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Events For Kids and Adults |
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The
Feb.
4 – Adults and interested kids are invited to Map Night, when curator Susan
Abele will examine historic maps of Feb.
5 – Kids 8 and over are invited to “After the Underground Railroad: A
Thursday Early Release Day Program.” From 3:30-5 pm. $10 ($8 for members);
includes admission, materials, and snack. Prepaid registration required. Space is limited. Feb.
7 – Adults are invited to “Insulating Your Historic Home,” with hands-on
demonstration. 1-4pm. Call 617-965-1995 to register. Co-sponsored with the
Green Decade Coalition. $30/person ($15/Green Decade or Newton Historical
Society members). Feb.
12 – Adults and interested kids are invited to “ |
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JCC Kaleidoscope
Creative Arts & Science Camp Open Houses Feb. 8 &
March 15 |
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Kaleidoscope offers visual arts, drama, dance, music, science,
swimming and sports in fully-equipped art studios, a professional stage, and
indoor and outdoor fitness facilities at the Leventhal-Sidman JCC, |
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Sleep and the School-Age Child Feb. 24 |
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Join
Dr. Dennis Rosen, a pediatric pulmonologist and sleep specialist at
Children's Hospital Boston, on Tues., Feb. 24, at 7-8:30 PM at the |
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Book Talk by PBS TV
Host Neil deGrasse Tyson Feb. 26 |
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Don't miss this
opportunity to have your child meet the scientist who
helped to demote Pluto from Planethood! Neil deGrasse Tyson is to
speak at the Newton Free Library on Thurs., Feb. 26, at 7:30
pm. Director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural
History and host of PBS’ “NOVA scienceNOW,” Tyson will talk about his book, Pluto Files: The Rise and Fall of
America's Favorite Planet. For more, see www.newtonfreelibrary.net
or e-mail emeyers@minlib.net or call
617-796-1410. |
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Classifieds
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PIANO
TEACHER: Highly experienced, all levels. Specializing
in teaching young children. Currently teaching APRIL VACATION CAMP: The Paul Green School of
Rock in APRIL VACATION
SOCCER CLINIC:
The Women's Soccer staff invite girls aged 6-14 to join them for a soccer
clinic at Boston College on April 21– 24 from
9am-3pm; late pick up is available. Come and join the BC players and coaches
for a great soccer experience. For information on all programs and
registration: www.bceagles.com/camps or call 617-552-3214 or email soccer.clinic@bc.edu SUMMER CAMP: Express yourself at
Creative Arts at Park, at the Park School in Brookline, June 29 to July 31, a
day camp for students ages 8 to 15 with over 130 courses in video, visual
arts, photography, theatre, dance, music, creative writing, and sports,
including fencing, karate, gymnastics, swimming, soccer, tennis and basketball.
Call (617) 274-6065 or go to www.parkschool.org/caap |
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Newsnotes
Information
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Editors:
Michelle Curran, Kathy Baron, Lauren Paton, Gina Mulvaney, Newsnotes are the main vehicle of communication at 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. |
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Horace Mann School |
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Main Office
(617) 559-9510 Call-Back Line
(617)
559-9530
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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 |
We’re
on the Web! www.horacemannpto.com www.horacemannpto.org |
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