October 23, 2009		From Greg’s Desk
Upcoming
Every Tuesday Pretzel Sales $1.00 After school Front/Back Lobbies Ongoing October 21 – November16 PTO Tupperware Fundraiser Sunday, October 25 HM Road Race & Fall Fair Wednesday, November 11 No School, Veteran’s Day Friday, November 13 Mystery Dinner Tuesday, November 17 PTO Meeting Next Edition: November 6, 2009 From Greg’s Desk (Continued)		Dear Families, Under the Massachusetts Education Reform Act of 1993, every school must establish a building-based committee or school council, composed of the principal, parents, teachers, and community members. Their job is to assist the principal in 1) creating a shared vision; 2) planning a school environment that unites all members of the school community in a sense of belonging, commitment and growth; 3) shaping the school’s improvement plan; and 4) shaping the school's achievement of professional development and parent involvement goals. For more information, visit http://www.doe.mass.edu/lawsregs/advisory/schoolcouncils/part1.html. School Council members this year are Louise Martin, K-5 literacy specialist; Nancy Hamill, grade 5 teacher; Robert Daly, parent; Millicent Lawton, parent; Julie Minkin, parent; Diane Erba, Director of Day After Day; Maureen Berardi, grade 3 teacher; Chunhua Liu, parent; and Gregory Hurray, interim principal. Please note that time is set aside at the beginning of each meeting for members of the public to speak. This is a time to share your thoughts with the council and for council members to listen (but not respond), so please join us. Our first meeting, an organizational meeting, took place October 6. The rest of the meetings will take place on the following dates: Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 7:00 PM Tuesday, January 19, 2010, 7:00 PM Tuesday, February 9, 2010, 7:45 AM Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 7:00 PM Tuesday, May 4, 2010, 7:00 PM Tuesday, June 8, 2010, 7:45 AM. We will make every effort to share notes and information from these meetings with the PTO through this publication. Again, please feel free to join us at the beginning of any meeting to contribute your thoughts and ideas! Sincerely, Greg

		From the PTO

The 21^st Century Classroom Campaign Technology Committee 1st PTO Meeting HM Road Race and Horace Mann Fall Fair		Dear Families, Over the past year, the Newton Schools Foundation has dedicated itself to supporting Newton Public Schools’ plan to introduce 21st Century Classrooms in every classroom/instructional space serving five or more students. Our 21st Century Classrooms will have students working collaboratively and creatively while engaging with newly enhanced curriculum. The Foundation will fund Interactive whiteboards, projectors, teacher tablets, student response devices and interactive software for each classroom. Beyond hardware, the NPS Department of Information Technology has made it a first priority to provide the appropriate infrastructure, including teacher professional development and technical support, in order to guarantee that the digital classroom can be successful and sustained. At the end of this campaign, nearly 700 instructional spaces across the system will be transformed into 21st Century learning environments. The PTO is pleased to announce that Horace Mann is in the process of forming a technology committee so that we may participate in this important educational initiative. The participants include parents, teachers and technology specialists. The goal of the committee is to help Horace Mann evaluate its current technological status within the Newton schools, to help teachers obtain their technological goals and prepare for the 21st century classroom. You, too, can be involved. Please mark your calendars for our first PTO meeting on Tuesday, November 17, at 7 p.m. We will be learning about system wide goals and preview exciting information about the system wide move towards the 21st century classroom. The PTO is also really looking forward to a great community-building weekend with the Horace Mann Road Race and Fall Fair. Participants will have the opportunity to win lots of great prizes. If you register as a family team your team will have the chance to win a great family prize basket. We hope every family will participate in some part of the day's events. If you're not a runner you can still enjoy the festivities of the season or throw a few balls and dunk a teacher (or maybe a someone else...) in the dunk tank! Prepare to be SPOOKED out in the D.A.D. Haunted House.

		Also From the PTO

6^th Annual HM Road Race October 25^th, 2009		The HM Road Race is about spending time with family and friends while being physically fit. The proceeds benefit Fitness For Life and the PTO general fund. For ages 6 and under, the Pumpkin Dash is an under.3 mile sprint down Albemarle Rd. All runners get a prize! If you’re looking for more of a challenge, try the Miler. This one mile run takes you in a loop around Cheesecake Brook along Albemarle Rd. It will be timed and it’s for all ages. Ribbons to all who run. Everyone is welcome to take on the HM 5k. Run or walk along our certified 5k course through the neighborhood surrounding Horace Mann and through Fessenden School. This race will be professionally timed with mile splits, a water station, and awards to the top finishers. 8:30 a.m. Registration Begins 10:00 a.m. 1 Mile Race 10:30 a.m. Pumpkin Dash (6 years and under) 10:45 a.m. 5K Fun Run & Walk - All Ages Registration forms are in the lobby and online at www.horacemannroadrace.com Questions? Contact us at hmroadrace@yahoo.com or call Katie Slocum 617-527-2653

HM Fall Fair October 25		The Horace Mann Fall Fair is right around the corner on Sunday, October 25. The fair will run from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Highlights include: Bouncy Houses Dunk-A-Teacher Pumpkin Decorating Games and Prizes and more! Come join us for a day of fun and help support the Horace Mann school!

Mystery Dinner: November 13, 2009		Join us for a fun evening of dining and socializing at The annual Horace Mann PTO Mystery Dinner on Friday, November 13, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. Cocktails will be served to all guests at 280 Nevada Street, hosted by Lisa and Sebastian DiFelice & Linda and Craig Ross. During the cocktail party you’ll receive the name and address of your dinner hosts. Once you arrive you'll be served a wonderful themed dinner. We will conclude the evening by gathering with new Horace Mann friends and see some old friends. Please note this is an adult only evening.

Tupperware Fundraiser through November 12		Get ready for some Holiday shopping with our Tupperware Fundraiser. Our School receives a huge 40% discount. Your youngest child should bring home the catalog & information, so be on the lookout in his or her backpack. Extra catalogs will be in the front and back tables of our school. Ideas to help with our success: bring the catalog to work and ask a friend to do the same. Love Tupperware and Fun themed parties? Consider hosting your own and let Sheri do all the work, our school will receive an additional $20 per party booked! Thanks in advance and happy shopping! Fundraiser ends November 12. Any questions, please contact Sheri Calcagni at (617) 438-0942 or calcagnias@verizon.net.

Box Tops Fundraiser		Have your children been scanning all of your grocery purchases for Boxtops coupons? Keep the collections going. Orange collection papers are due October 29. If you have any questions please contact Diane Claflin at Lochct@aol.com.

		Upcoming Election News

Stand For Children: Read Candidates’ Views on Education		Newton residents will help decide the future direction of our city and our schools when we go to the polls on November 3. The hiring of a new Superintendent and the implementation of the Public Schools Strategic Plan are just two of the many critical issues that our next elected officials will tackle. So Stand for Children sent questionnaires to all mayoral, School Committee, and Alderman candidates in contested races to give voters insight into the candidates’ views on education. Read the responses on Stand for Children’s website at www.stand.org/ma/2009NewtonCandidateSurvey. Remember: On the November ballot, you'll be able to vote for mayor, a School Committee member from each ward, your own ward alderman, and two at-large aldermen from each ward.

		From The Community

30^th Anniversary Celebration of Understanding our Differences		The 30th Anniversary Celebration of Understanding Our Differences will take place on Nov. 10 from 7-9 p.m. at the Brae Burn Country Club in Newton. The guest speaker is Governor Deval Patrick. Leadership Awards will be presented to Carol Kanin, past President of the Board of Directors, who has led with great passion, and Ming Tsai, chef owner of Blue Ginger Restaurant, for his work with State Senator Cynthia Creem in promoting food allergy awareness. The UOD curriculum team members will be honored for their dedication to updating the curriculum and developing the new Autism Spectrum Disorder unit. For more information or tickets, call (617) 559-6075 or visit our website: www.understandingourdifferences.org.

Newton Eco Team Project		Go Green and put more green back into your wallet! Newton Eco Team Project, endorsed by dozens of local institutions, is a community-wide energy conservation program that teaches, step-by-step, how to substantially reduce your carbon output in just a month's time. The program is structured with an easy-to-use workbook. Small groups of neighbors and friends meet four times to learn ways to save money and energy. Schools, cultural groups, faith-based groups, political groups and business groups are all enthusiastically joining this effort with the goal of reducing energy consumption in at least a quarter of all homes in Newton. Please visit our website: www.newtonecoteams.org or contact Bonnie Glickman: bglickman@mindspring.com or Jay Walter: entasis@rcn.com to find out how to involve your school or neighborhood or other group in this project.

Tanglewood Marionettes "An Arabian Adventure"		Tanglewood Marionettes will perform "An Arabian Adventure," Sunday, October 25, at 2:00 p.m. at The Newton Cultural Center, 225 Nevada Street, Newtonville. Sponsored by The Mayor's Office for Cultural Affairs, this story tells of a Persian prince thrown into a dungeon because of his love for a beautiful princess. The courageous prince must battle his way out of the underground prison to save his princess from a tragic fate. Children are invited to wear their Halloween costumes for a parade after the show with the marionettes. Advance Tickets: $8. At the door: $10. Call (617) 527-8283.

Newton Youth Players		Newton Youth Players announces its 2010-11 SHOW LIST. Open to Grades K-7. Rehearsals and Performances held at Newton Cultural Center, 225 Nevada Street, Newtonville. Register by phone (617) 796-1540 or (617) 527-8283 or mail in application on website at www.newtonyouthplayers.com. Director: Melissa Bernstein. Summer 2010: My Fair Lady Fall 2010: Guys and Dolls Winter 2010: Peter Pan Spring 2011: My Fair Lady

*20^th Century: A Theatre Ink Production at* NNHS		This hilarious, fast-paced comedy will have audiences laughing from Chicago to Grand Central Station! "20th Century” follows financially ruined theatre producer Oscar Jaffe's zany plots to win back his former lover and leading lady, Lily Garland. Outrageous characters and wild twists drive this over-the-top farce, complete with a religious zealot writing faulty checks and a plan for a Passion Play starring a menagerie of wild animals. Directed by Julia Mandel-Foley and Ingrid Rudie. November 12, 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. Lasker Auditorium at NNHS, 360 Lowell Avenue, Newtonville. Tickets $7 at www.theatreink.net or (617) 559-6406.

Free Parent Workshop: Helping Children Cope with Divorce		Parent Workshop: Helping Children Cope with Divorce. Wednesday, October 28, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Newton Community Service Center, 492 Waltham St. Susan Sklan, LICSW, will address the social and emotional developmental needs of children of divorcing and divorced parents. Co-sponsored by The Newton Partnership and Newton Community Service Center. Pre-registration required by emailing ssklan@ncscweb.org or by calling (617) 969-5906 x 125. Child care is available.

Free Lecture: “Essential Judiasm” by Rabbi David Kudan		The Sunday School for Jewish Studies presents a lecture titled "Essential Judaism" by Rabbi David Kudan, Sunday, November 1, from 10-noon at Oak Hill Middle School. Rabbi Kudan will explore some key concepts and ideas that have allowed Judaism to thrive throughout the centuries, creating itself anew from age to age. The event is free and open to the entire adult community. For more information, contact info@sundayschoolforjewishstudies.org

“Learn to Skate Program”		Newton Youth Hockey 'Learn to Skate: Sign ups underway. Begins Nov. 14 at Fessenden School. Learn basic skills while having fun. Two groups: Saturdays at noon for beginners/first timers & Saturdays at 1 p.m. for those with some skating ability. Mid-November through most of March. For more information: www.newtonyouthhockey.com Click on "Learn to Skate."

Newton Girls Basketball Association (NGBA)		Join this recreational league for Newton girls; all levels welcome! All Games on Saturdays beginning December 5 into mid-March; for Grades 3-8 practices are one-hour long, one evening in the week (Mon-Thurs). No weekday practices for Grade 2 and high school. Registrations are due by Tuesday, October 20, for Grades 3-8; Tuesday, October 27, for Grade 2; and Monday, November 30, for high school. A late fee applies for registrations received after those dates. Scholarships are available based on need. New player open house will be held on Sunday, October 25. Pre-season clinics for players and coaches for grades 3-6 will take place in mid-November. For more details see: www.ngba.net

Sports Equipment Exchange		Sports Equipment Exchange: Are you looking for a great price on sports equipment? Do you have skates or roller blades that your children have outgrown? Is your bowling ball collecting dust in your closet? Lower Falls Community Center will hold a used sports equipment sale on Tuesday, November 3, from 2:30-5:30 p.m. Baked goods and some crafts will also be on sale. If you would like to donate lightly used gear, please drop it off before 6 p.m. on Nov. 2, or on Tuesday, Nov. 3, before 2 p.m. The center is located at 545 Grove Street in Newton Lower Falls. Please call (617) 332-7327 if you have questions. Proceeds will go to building repairs and improvements.

Annual Fall Fair Eliot Church of Newton		The Eliot Church is having its Annual Fall Fair on Saturday, October 24, from 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. There will be a flea market, kids’ activities, baked goods, live music and a silent auction. The church is located at 474 Centre Street in Newton Corner.

NCSC Halloween Fair		Newton Community Service Center is having a Halloween Fair on Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. This is a fun-filled celebration for younger kids (ages 0 – 10). Kids can wear their Halloween costumes and decorate pumpkins, apples, cookies and try face painting, mask making, goodie bag decorating, and nail painting. The fair also features the annual Halloween Maze. Come celebrate and help raise funds for the early child care programs at NCSC.For more information, call (617) 969-5906. NCSC is located at 294 Waltham Street, Newton, MA 02465

Halloween Writing Competition		Winsor Music, Inc. is sponsoring a Halloween writing competition for all children. The winner will win the chance to read his/her story at the Winsor Halloween Concert on Saturday, October 31, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. (repeated at 4:00 p.m.) at St. Paul’s Church, 15 St. Paul St., Brookline. Dare to be wild and enter this competition today! E-mail your spooky Halloween tale to: info@winsormusic.org Adults $10. Children FREE.

Annual Pumpkin Patch Oct. 4 – 31		The United Parish of Auburndale is hosting its third annual Pumpkin Patch. Pumpkins large and small, gourds and baked goods will be for sale. The proceeds help the UPA support a number of programs in the New England area. Don’t miss this fun family outing! Pumpkin Patch hours are: M-F, 10 a.m. -6 p.m.; Sat, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; and Sun, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. For more information, please contact the UPA at (617) 964-8516.

10^th Annual Halloween Window Painting Contest		Halloween Window Painting Contest: Sat. Oct. 24, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Rain date Oct. 25). For grades 3 through 8. Youngsters are invited to create a Halloween-themed painting on assigned store windows in Newton Centre, Newtonville, Nonantum, Auburndale or Newtonville. Awards given. BYO-supplies (20% discount at Learning Express in Newton Centre or Green Planet Kids in Newton Highlands). Register in person Friday at the Newton Cultural Center, 225 Nevada Street Newtonville, or on Saturday at the Registration Table, Langley Road at Centre Street, Newton Centre. Info: (617) 796-1540 or (617) 527-8283. $10 fee.

Hyde Community Center: Halloween Celebration		Halloween Happenings at the Hyde Community Center: Goblins, fairies, prisoners and princesses will all be on hand this Sunday, October 25. Festivities for those 8 and under kick off at 5 p.m. then at 6 p.m. the older kids join in for the “Parade of Horribles” around the block. The famous “Hyde Haunted House” follows the parade at 6:30 for kids 8 and older. The Haunted House takes up half the gym…activities in the other half. The Hyde Community Center, 90 Lincoln Street, Newton Highlands. (Want to lend a hand? Join the team putting the Haunted House together. Call John Rice at (617) 201-7088.)

Craft Sale		Please join our community in “An Evening of Gifts,” Second Annual Craft Sale to benefit The Second Step on Wednesday, October 28, from 3:00-8:00 p.m. at The Newton Senior Center, 345 Walnut Street, Newtonville.

Classifieds
BOWEN COOPERATIVE NURSERY SCHOOL: Now enrolling for 2010-2011. Bowen embraces the whole child with a developmentally appropriate, play-based curriculum. For more information about this and other programs at our school, please call 617-332-3923 or visit our website at www.bowencoop.org. BURR COOPERATIVE NURSERY SCHOOL: Open House on Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 4-7 p.m. at 64 Hancock Street. Now enrolling for 2010-2011. For more information visit our website at www.burrcoop.org. NEW ART CENTER: New Art Center is soliciting donations of furniture, household items, appliances, adult and children's clothing, toys, videos, sports equipment, antiques, rugs, jewelry, art, and more for our giant indoor Rummage Sale, Sunday, November 1, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., 61 Washington Park, Newtonville. Proceeds will support our art classes, exhibitions and community program. More information, including drop-off info, at www.nacrummagesale.squarespace.com. KESHER NEWTON: Provides Jewish and Hebrew education on weekday afternoons (Tuesday’s our program begins at 12:30 after early release). In a joy-filled, camp-like environment, we explore Jewish knowledge and cultivate a sense of community. Limited spaces available. For more information contact Dan Brosgol at (617) 244-5390 or check our website www.keshernewton.org. MATH TUTOR: Special Education Teacher with 30 years experience modifying curriculum and making accommodations for struggling math students. My experience with teaching the basics, along with state standards, can make a difference for your child. Contact Bruce C. Ditata (508) 287-9395 or ditatabruce@yahoo.com. READING TUTOR: Certified Reading Specialist with M. Ed in Reading Education, trained in Lindamood, Phono-Graphix, & O.G. I specialize in remediating students who read at or below a 2nd grade level. Free assessment. References available. Contact: ChrisMandell@yahoo.com or (617-323-4709). KNIT ONE .. CHAT TOO: Adults, children, mother/child knitting groups/lessons. Offered during the day, after school and at night. Please contact Margot Rendall for specifics at capemargot@aol.com or 617-965-9857. SOAR 55 (Service Opportunities After Reaching 55): Newton Community Center connects adults 55+ with community service opportunities in Newton and Metrowest. We collaborate with over 65 nonprofit and civic organizations and work with you individually to meets your interests, skills and schedule. For more information visit our website at www.soar-ma.org or contact: Jan Latorre-Stiller (617) 969-5906, ext. 120 or at jlatorre-stiller@ncscweb.org. “NEXT LEVEL UP” TUTORING: We are an in-home tutor and mentor service that provides assistance to students of all ages, covering the entire gamut of subjects. We offer highly personalized sessions and consistent quality customer service. Please visit our website to learn more information at www.nextleveluptutoring.com and see how our approach is different.
	Newsnotes Information
	Editors: Melissa Dilworth, Gina Mulvaney, Maura Harrington, Adriana Powderly Bauza, Susanti Sugianto, Deb Randall. 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 5:00 p.m. 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.