May 22, 2009

 

From Joe’s Desk

 

Upcoming

 

 

 

 

Tuesdays

Pretzel Sales have Text Box: ended for the school year.

 

Monday, May 11 – 29

MCAS

Math – Grades 3-5

Science – Grade 5

 

Friday, May 22

(rain date: May 29)

Fitness for Life

 

Monday, May 25

Memorial Day – No School

 

Thursday, June 4

All School Release

12:30 Dismissal

 

Thursday, June 4

Teacher Appreciation Luncheon

 

Thursday, June 4

Writing Festival

6:30 – 8:00 PM, Gym

 

Tuesday, June 9

Spring Instrumental Concert

7:45 PM, Music Room

 

Tuesday, June 23

Last Day of School

Noon Dismissal

 

 

 

Next Edition:

June 5, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From Joe’s Desk (Continued)

 

 

 

Dear Families,

 

Horace Mann School Council Election- Below you will find the statements of our four (4) candidates for the three (3) open School Council positions: Robert Daley, Millicent Lawton, Julie Minkin and Paul Thayer. Please read through the candidate statements and make your choices on the ballot attached at the end of Newsnotes. You may vote for up to three (3) candidates, but can only vote once.  Ballots can be submitted to a ballot box in the front lobby of the school.  Voting ends on Fri., May 29 at 3 PM. Additional ballots are available in the front lobby of the school.

 

Candidate statement for Robert “Bob” Daley: As parents of four boys, it is important for my wife and I to take an active role in their lives so that we can help shape them into the men we would like them to become.  For our older sons (ages 8 and 6), active participation usually means volunteering to take over a leadership position within one of their many extra-curricular activities.  As such, we have become active board members of Newton Youth Hockey, team parents/coaches for soccer and baseball teams.  Until now, “Schooling” has been left to the professionals.  However, when we learned that there was a way for our family to make a tangible impact and possible difference in the student’s lives at Horace Mann, there was little or no discussion on if we should get involved, only how.  We would relish the chance to give back to a school that has fostered a safe and enthusiastic approach to education in our two older sons. By now, you surely will have noted that this application has been written in the first person plural.  As you consider our application, please do so understanding that we – the Daleys - are a team.  Though Bob is the formal applicant, Kim will be the parent with the most hands-on touches at Horace Mann.  Her opinions and experiences will help shape and define how Bob interacts with the Council.

 

Candidate statement for Millicent Lawton: My name is Millicent Lawton, and my daughter, Claire Gardner, is in first grade.  I am running for a parent seat on School Council because I would like to use my career experience in communications to help the Council with clear and consistent public reporting of its work.  As a Horace Mann volunteer, I have served as a kindergarten room parent and, for two years, as an editor of Newsnotes.  Professionally, I have spent my career as a writer and editor, specializing in K-12 education and child policy issues.  Currently, I work at the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, where I produce reports and publications. Prior to that, I worked at the Center for Science Education at Education Development Center in Newton, which advises educators how to improve science instruction in schools.  Before joining EDC, I was a journalist in Washington, D.C., and Boston, covering elementary and secondary education, politics, and public policy on the local, state, and national levels.  I have written extensively on such topics as testing and assessment (including MCAS), math and science curriculum, and school finance, and I can help the Council communicate these and other issues to the community.

 

Candidate statement for Julie Minkin: As the parent of a two Horace Mann students, one graduating this year and the other moving up to the first grade next year, I would be honored to represent the Horace Mann community as a member of the school council. For the past six years, I have been appreciative of the outstanding staff and curriculum at our school, and now I would like to assist further in this pursuit of excellence at Horace Mann. Over the course of my 23 years in sales, I’ve had many opportunities to lead teams, train professionals, manage budgets, and create new uses for technology. I would utilize these skills to bring a unique perspective to the council. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to working with the school council and contributing to our school improvement plan.

 

Candidate statement for Paul Thayer: I would hope to contribute perspective, useful and honest feedback, integrity, and commitment to the school council. As a council member, I have a responsibility to listen carefully to parents, kids, teachers, staff, and administrators and bring forward their (sometimes diverse) views, in addition to my own views, to assist the principal and others to make good educational decisions.  My interests include progress assessments, special education services, and teacher support.  My wife Donna and I have three kids- Jenny graduated from Horace Mann in 1998, Carly, who is moving on to middle school next year, and Sam, who will be in fourth grade.  I am an Associate Professor of Education and Child Life at Wheelock College in Boston.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From the PTO

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teacher Appreciation Luncheon

June 4

 

The annual Teacher Appreciation Luncheon will take place Thurs., June 4, at the home of Kathy and Bruce Baron. The luncheon celebrates all that the Horace Mann staff do for our children. Horace Mann parents donate the food and supplies. If you have a dish that you’d like to contribute, or if you’d like to provide drinks or supplies (plastic cutlery, tablecloths, paper plates and cups, table centerpieces), please contact Betsy Spensieri, betsystreit@comcast.net. It’s a wonderful “Thank You” for our dedicated teachers and staff.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Make a Difference at School:

Become a PTO Officer

 

 

Horace Mann needs a few good women and men to lead the PTO’s fundraising and community building efforts as officers for the 2009-2010 school year. Are you ready to get involved? If so, please contact Marcia Tabenken, Co-President, at mtabenken@rcn.com or Brian Zabin, Co-President, at bzabin@agmednet.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mayoral Candidate Forum on Education

June 23

 

The Newton PTO Council will host a forum on Tues., June 23, at 7 p.m. for all four mayoral candidates to address questions on education. Candidates Ruth Balser, Paul Coletti, Ken Parker, and Setti Warren will respond to questions from a live audience as well as questions collected by member PTOs beforehand. The forum will be held in Room 210 of the Education Center, 100 Walnut St., Newtonville, where the School Committee meets. If you have questions you’d like considered for inclusion in the forum, please send them to Marcia Tabenken at mtabenken@rcn.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 From Newton Public Schools

 

 

 

 

 

 

Public Hearing on Bus Fees

May 28

 

The Fees Subcommittee of the Newton School Committee is holding a public hearing on bus transportation fees on May 28 at 7 p.m. in the Frazier Room (# 210), Education Center, 100 Walnut St., Newtonville. All members of the public are welcome to attend and provide input. The Fees Subcommittee is following up on a report published by the Citizens Advisory Group on School Cost Structure. (Go to www.ci.newton.ma.us/CitizenAdvisoryGroup/2009/01-20-09CAGDraftSchoolCostStructure.pdf )

 

 

 

 

 

Stay in the Know with School Committee Newsletter

 

The latest issue of the Newton School Committee’s newsletter discusses the status of the budget, the process for searching for a new superintendent, the new fundraising policy, the work of the Citizen Advisory Group, and an update on the Strategic Plan.  To receive this resource automatically via email, sign up at: www.newton.k12.ma.us/schoolcommittee/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Avoid Late Lunch Menus with Online Account

 

Rob Clickstein, Food Service Director, alerts families to the policy regarding late menus for school lunches: When a late menu is submitted after the cut-off date posted on the menu, your child will be offered the choice of the bagel or breakfast fun lunch. To avoid this, we encourage you to sign up for an online account. This will prevent any confusion about what your child will get for lunch. To sign up, e-mail us at: k5foodmenu@newton.k12.ma.us with your child’s name and school. If you have questions regarding our policies, please contact the Food Service Office at 617-559-6315, or e-mail us at: Food_Services.newton.k12.ma.us.

 

 

 

 

 

Newton Schools Foundation’s
12th Annual “Honor Thy Teacher”

Campaign

 

Show your gratitude to a teacher, administrator or other staff member by taking part in the Newton Schools Foundation’s “Honor Thy Teacher” campaign. Honoree teachers receive a card of thanks in the donor’s name; teachers are mentioned in a spread in the Newton Tab; principals and the superintendent are notified; and your donation supports grants to teachers. Donate by credit card (call 617-559-6120) or by check, payable to “Newton Schools Foundation,” and mailed, with a note indicating name and school of honoree, to:  Newton Schools Foundation, 100 Walnut Street, Newton, MA 02460.

 

 

 

 

 

 

SPACE: Summer Enrichment

at Bigelow in July

 

SPACE is a 4-week enrichment program (July 6 -July 31) administered by Newton Public Schools, offering upper school (entering grade 5- entering grade 9) and lower school (entering K- entering grade 4). All students take art, music, science, movement, games, recreation, drama, and other activities at Bigelow Middle School. Applications available in schools, by calling 617-559-6150 or 617-559-6105 or e-mailing SPACE@newton.k12.ma.us. Download applications: www.newton.k12.ma.us

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From The Community

 

 

 

 

 

 

Volunteers Attend Newton House Tour for Free

May 31

 

Volunteer to help out with the 27th Annual Newton House Tour, and take the tour for free. The house tour takes place from noon to 5pm on Sun., May 31. Volunteers are still needed to greet visitors at the homes, provide general information, and to ensure everyone enjoys themselves. Work one of two shifts: Noon-2:30 or 2:30-5pm. In exchange, receive a free $30 ticket to tour the homes during your off-shift.  Please contact Melissa Westlake as soon as possible at 617-796-1456, or at mwestlake@newtonma.gov.

 

 

 

 

 

Support Across the Spectrum: Helping Parents

  Understand Autism

 

 
A new information and support group for parents of young children (2-5 yrs) diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, including autism, PDD-NOS, and Asperger's syndrome. Tuesdays starting May 26, 9:30-11 a.m. for six, 90-min. sessions. Co-led by Carole Slipowitz, Psy.D. and Joan Murray, Ph.D. Group meets at WarmLines, 225 Nevada Street, Newton. $75 for 6 sessions. Learn more at www.warmlines.org or 617-332-3666 x 123.

 

 

 

 

 

Support Community Rowing: Garage Sale May 30

 

 

Sat., May 30, 8 am - 4 pm at the Daly Ice Skating Rink (Nonantum Rd. on Brighton/Newton line). Good-quality items: sports equipment, books, clothes, tools, furniture, lamps, jewelry, boats, appliances, china, dishware, mirrors and more. Donations: come the week before to new Community Rowing Boathouse. (No obsolete electronics, or old computers, magazines or encyclopedias.) Proceeds benefit Community Rowing, www.communityrowing.org. For more, email maura@communityrowing.org or call 617-779-8264.

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy

Cabot Fair

May 30

 

Come one, come all to the Cabot Fair, featuring children’s carnival rides, a moonwalk, an obstacle course, pony rides, a karate demonstration, and other child-friendly games. Sat., May 30, 10am to 3pm, rain or shine. Yard sale, silent auction, and giant raffle. Food and beverages will be sold. The Cabot School is at 229 Cabot Street in Newtonville.

 

 

 

 

 

Newton South Book Sale

May 30

 

NSHS Book Sale, Sat. May 30, 10am-2pm, Wheeler Commons, 140 Brandeis Road, Newton.  Parents, children, and community members are invited.  We have collected over 3,000 fabulous books--fiction and non-fiction, for children, teens and adults. All paperbacks are 50 cents and hardcovers are $1.  All proceeds will support literacy at Newton South.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apply Now for Juried Arts and Crafts Show

in Dec.

 

CelebrateNewton! is accepting applications for the 8th annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Festival. This juried craft show will be held Dec. 6 at Newton South High School. Final date for submission is June 1. The day will feature 60+ artisans who are Newton residents, teachers, parents, students and more. This Citywide PTO-sponsored fair raises money for ALL Newton schools. Go to www.celebratenewton.com for an application or email info@celebratenewton.com. You may also call 617-243-0261.

 

 

 

 

 

A Free Workshop for Immigrant Parents of Young Children

 

Loraine Araujo, M.Ed., a native of Brazil, is a multi-lingual therapist for The Parents Program of the Newton Community Service Center, where she works closely with immigrant families. She is presenting a workshop, “Raising Your Children in America: Challenges and Hopes,” for free on Weds., June 3,  7 – 8:30 PM at Newton Community Service Center, 492 Waltham St, West Newton. Child Care Available. Pre-registration required. E-mail laraujo@ncscweb.org or call 617-969-5906. Co-sponsored by Safe Schools/Healthy Students and NCSC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Critical Choices for Newton, 2009 and Beyond: A Summing Up

 

 

The last forum in the League of Women Voters Newton’s series on the Citizen Advisory Group (CAG) reports will be held on Weds., June 3, from 7-9 pm at the Druker Auditorium, Newton Free Library. Panelists will be the members of the CAG. The forum will include a Q&A session and an opportunity to discuss further action. Doors open at 6:30pm; refreshments will be served before. Visit the Newton League website at www.lwvn.org, or email info@lwvnewton.org or call 617-964-0014.

 

 

 

 

 

New Art Center

Open House & Annual Student Show

 

 

Join us in celebrating the achievements of the New Art Center’s emerging and accomplished artists at our Open House/Annual Student Art Show! View artwork by artists of all ages and learn about the many classes we have to offer! Meet and mingle with students, staff, and faculty! Fri., June 5, 5-7:30pm. Call for more info, 617-964-3424 or visit us online at www.newartcenter.org

 

 

 

 

 

Summer Arts in Action

New Art Center Grades 1-5

 

Our popular children’s vacation arts program provides students with the opportunity to try a variety of art mediums and develop new skills in a fun, safe, and supportive environment! Ten art-filled weeks available: June 29-Sept. 4, Mon.-Fri., 9-3:30 pm.  Register for one week, two weeks, or all 10! Call for more information 617-964-3424 or visit www.newartcenter.org

 

 

 

 

 

Need something to do on Saturday mornings?

 

Stop by the New Art Center for our Saturday Drop-In Art class. Parents can 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: June 6 & June 13. Call for more information, 617-964-3424, or visit us online www.newartcenter.org

 

 

 

 

 

Girls’ Summer Soccer Clinics at Boston College

 

The BC Lady Eagles Soccer School will be holding two sessions of summer clinics for girls only, ages 6 and up. Dates are June 29-July 2 and July 20-23. Cost is $295 for each session, held at the Newton Campus Soccer Complex from 9am-3pm each day. To register please go to: http://bceagles.cstv.com/camps/bc-w-soccer-camps2.html For questions, contact Assistant Coach, Neel Bhattacharjee, at (617) 552-0982 or bhattacn@bc.edu.

 

 

 

 

 

Boston College Summer Soccer for Boys

 

 

Sign up for Boston College Summer Soccer Clinic for boys ages 6 to 12, July 27-July 30, at the   Boston College Newton Campus Athletic Complex from 9am-3pm each day. Go to www.eaglessoccerprogram.com or send e-mail: msoccer@bc.edu.

 

 

 

 

 

Classifieds

 

 

 

BABYSITTER/PETSITTER: Horace Mann alum available for babysitting and petsitting: I am 15 years old and have been babysitting/ petsitting for over 3 years. I am looking for work over the summer months. Please contact Molly Rolfe at 617-833-9080, or email me at mollyr123@hotmail.com. References available.

 

TUTOR: Experienced tutor available this summer. Elementary level: Reading, written expression, math, study skills. I work in the Wellesley Public Schools and live and tutor in Newton. My approach is motivating and highly interesting for your child. I am available before and after camp. Please contact me for a free consultation: Haralie Alpert, M.Ed., MS. (617) 630-0608; Haralie@gmail.com.

 

KEYS FOR KIDS: Piano lessons. Small groups organized by age (4-11). Outstanding methodology. Experienced, certified instructor. Proven success. Keys for Kids goes beyond ordinary piano lessons; it teaches well-rounded musicianship. Fall enrollment. Free tryout class June 18. MDGorny@comcast.net (617)527-4942. www.NewtonKidsLoveMusic.com. Individual instruction is offered year round.

 

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL CAMP/CLINIC: Hosted by Hank DeSantis, Newton North Girls’ Varsity Basketball, will take place at Day Middle School from July 6-July 10. Current grades 3-8 welcome. T-shirts and trophies along with games and fundamental skills training. The cost is $225. Contact us for more info at hoopschool1@gmail.com or 617-922-8309.  A deposit is required to secure your spot.

 

SUMMER MATH PROGRAMS: Summer is a great time to catch up, keep up, and get ahead in math. Mathnasium Learning Center in Newton Highlands offers flexible math summer programs in a fun, relaxing environment. Schedule your 12 tutoring sessions ($495) around your vacations and camps.  Save $50 when you register before May 31.  (617) 340-3665 or www.mathsummer.com.

 

QUILTERS SOUGHT: Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, please consider joining the Newton Patchworks Quilting Guild. This is an informal group that meets to share ideas, help one another, socialize and do some community service (i.e., making quilts as a group for those less fortunate).  If you’re interested & would like more information, please contact Fran Newton at cipsnewt@rcn.com.

 

ACTIVEMINDS TUTORING:  Your source for in-home tutoring.  Effective, personalized and convenient.  All grades/all subjects, including test preparation (MCAS, SAT, SSAT).  Sign your child up for academic success and receive 1 free lesson! Summer tutoring available.    Call (617) 663-5700 during business hours, or (617) 227-2225 Eve./Wknds. Please visit our web site at www.activemindstutoring.com.

 

 

 

Newsnotes Information

 

 

Editors: Michelle Curran, Barbara Huggins, Millicent Lawton, Gina Mulvaney, and Susanti Sugianto.

 

Newsnotes is the main vehicle of communication at Horace Mann School.  Newsnotes is 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

 

 

 

We’re on the Web!

www.horacemannpto.com

www.horacemannpto.org