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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 MLK
B’day – No School Thursday, January 22 Winter
Concert Orchestra,
Troubadours and 4/5 Chorus Friday, January 23 Science
Night Friday, February 6 Progress
Reports Sent Home (Change from Next Edition: |
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Dear
Families, Welcome
Back and Happy New Year. This is our
first edition of Newsnotes in the new year.
Everyone, adults and students alike, seemed to return from vacation
with renewed energy and commitment.
This is a critically important time in a school year. The focus on learning is strong, and as
partners in your child’s education, we need you to help us secure solid work
habits now which will reap benefits later.
Helping to ensure that your child arrives at school well rested (at
least 8 hours of sleep), having eaten, and expected to work to his/her best
ability are ways you can help to prepare your child for success. At home, we ask that you commit to having
your child read each evening as part of a regular work at home program. One recent study has identified parents
listening to their child read at home as one of the more effective tools in
developing strong reading skills. In this Review
of Educational Research article, researchers Monique Sénéchal and Laura
Young report on their study of different ways for parents to support their
K-3 children’s reading development. The authors looked at 16 intervention
studies involving 1,340 families, and found that overall, the effects of
parent involvement were quite positive. However, there were marked
differences among three different approaches: • Parents reading to their children –
Although this is always a good thing for parents to do, the studies showed
very little impact on children’s reading achievement – an effect size of only
0.18. • Parents listening to their children read
books – The impact of this was much more robust, with an effect size of
0.52. This does involve some parent training on the basics of listening to
children reading. • Parents tutoring their children in
specific literacy skills with activities – This was the most effective
intervention, with an effect size of 1.15. However, it does involve more
extensive parent training and the selection of the most effective activities. “The Effect of Family Literacy Interventions on
Children’s Acquisition of Reading From Kindergarten to Grade 3: A
Meta-Analytic Review” by Monique Sénéchal and Laura Young in Review of Educational Research,
December 2008 (Vol. 78, #4, p. 880-907) Working
together as partners not only gives your child a strong message about the
importance of school and learning, it sets them on a road to success that
will be beneficial as they reach secondary school and beyond. When we all do our part your child is sure
to achieve. |
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From the PTO…. |
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Help Make the Year’s Biggest Fundraiser a
Success Night for the Stars Spring Auction Friday, March 20 |
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Thank you to all of the parents
that turned out on Tuesday evening or have volunteered to date. We are excited to have people who want to
be a part of the success of this night!
Our goal is to raise enough money to provide a new desktop computer
for every classroom! If
you could not make the meeting but are interested in volunteering, please
contact us! There are signup sheets in
the lobby, or you can contact us directly Lisa DiFelice ldifelice@rcn.com 617-630-9009 or Jenn
Conley at Jennifer@gooddeedsllc.com.
Here
is a list of committees for which we need volunteers:
Watch your
mail for more information on this event!
And don’t forget to save the date: |
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Science Night January 23 Registration Deadline January 16 |
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Ever wonder
….. Why does popcorn pop? What
vegetables make the best dye? Why is the swing of a pendulum so regular? How can you make a camera out of a
shoebox? Or a two-stage rocket out of
a balloon? All this is part of the fun at Science Night. Join special
hosts Joe Russo and David Tynes to learn some amazing things about the
everyday world in an interactive, noncompetitive atmosphere. Science Night is
….. EXCITING FOR KIDS: The fun is
in the tinkering! Perform an experiment or build a working gadget. The more interactive and participatory your
project, the better! Kids can work
with their friends, siblings or on their own (one adult required). Each participant will get a science “goody
bag” and a raffle ticket for a science-related prize. EASY ON PARENTS: You can
design your own, or choose from our “cookbook” of pre-selected projects, each
with step-by-step instructions and an explanation of the science
involved. Each project should fit on a
table, and should have a (kid-quality) poster explaining it. Operative words: kid-quality! FUN FOR EVERYONE: Food will be
available for sale, so you can feed the family, browse the exhibits, and
socialize. PLUS: Special demonstrations by the Clay Center Observatory and
the Green Decade Coalition: Ride a
Segway! Check your weight on different
planets! See how much electricity you
can generate by pedaling a bike! QUESTIONS / REGISTRATION: Contact
Michelle Ciurea at michelleciurea@yahoo.com
or (617) 331-9436. Mention
if you want to browse the “cookbook” of experiments and gadgets. |
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Holiday Card Fundraiser Made $1,600 for Classrooms |
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Thank you to all
the families who helped make the holidays jolly for the Horace Mann staff by
participating in the Holiday Card Fundraiser. The fundraiser brought in about
$1,600 for the Horace Mann Teacher Appreciation Fund, which enables teachers
to buy books, supplies and other classroom items not fully covered by the
Newton Public Schools budget. Special
thanks to Karen Corrigan for designing the lovely cards and helping out with sales
and to Liz Martin, Mary Beth DeNucci and Karen Solari for staffing the sales
table. |
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Energy
Efficient Light Bulbs |
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Energy
Efficient Light bulbs selling is ongoing.
Complete the order forms to place your purchase. 100% of the proceeds go
to HM PTO. Save money, save energy and
help the Horace Mann PTO. Check out
our display at this year’s Science Night on January 23! |
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The Annual HM Variety and Talent Show March 28 Registration Deadline: Jan 30 |
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This
year’s show is at F.A. Day Middle School on Saturday, March 28, 2009. All children must register individually via
email, whether they are in a solo act or group act. Please send your child’s name, grade,
teacher, act and permission to photograph and video tape and the
adult/guardian’s name and phone to Mary Beth DeNucci denuccifam@rcn.com by
Friday, January 30, 2009. Any
questions contact Mary Beth or Stephanie Rogers Stephanie_Rogers@comcast.net |
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From Newton
Public Schools |
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Community Forum on Strategic Planning |
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For
over a year, School Committee members have been working with administrators,
teachers, parents and community members to develop an exciting vision and
strategy for the Newton Public Schools.
This effort has produced a new definition of our mission: "to
educate, prepare, and inspire all students to achieve their full potential as
lifelong learners, thinkers, and productive contributors to our global
society" and the adoption of four core values: excellence, innovation,
respect, and responsibility. The
strategic plan will be completed early this year and then we will begin the implementation
process. Community Forum on
Strategic Planning: On Thursday evening January 15th,
Superintendent Jeff Young led a community forum at the Oak Hill Middle School
Library. A second forum is scheduled for Tuesday, February 10. The
Parent Advisory Council for Special Education is sponsoring the same program on
Tuesday, January 27th from 7:30-9, Education Center, 100 Walnut Street. All
interested parents/guardians are invited to attend. |
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The Newton Schools Foundation Annual Fundraiser Jan 24 – March 15 |
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The
Newton Schools Foundation’s 2009 “Green and Global” annual fundraiser will
offer a diversity of dinners presented by local restaurants and community
hosts across Newton. Each venue offers a distinct green and global theme
supported by international cuisine and stimulating conversation: a unique
opportunity to spend an evening with friends and neighbors while supporting
public education. This year’s Winter Dinner Series will begin on January 24th
and run through March 15th, with all proceeds benefiting Newton Public
Schools. Details on specific dining options can be found at www.newtonschoolsfoundation.org,
by email tori_filler@newton.k12.ma.us, or by calling the Newton Schools
Foundation office at 617-559-3120. |
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From
The Community |
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4th Annual Winter Concert & Festival |
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Get the family dancing at the 4th Annual Winter
Concert & Festival featuring Vanessa Trien! Live music, activities,
crafts, bake sale, raffle prizes, and door prize from Exxcel Gymnastics in
Newton ($300 value). Saturday, Feb 7, 10am-12pm, Newton Cultural Center, 225
Nevada Street, Newtonville. For tickets contact Joanna Mantell at tickets@burrcoop.org, $8 in advance,
$10 at the door. All proceeds to benefit Burr Cooperative Nursery School, a
non-profit organization. |
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Child Assault Prevention (CAP) |
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Newton’s Child Assault
Prevention (CAP) program needs volunteers.
Trainings January 30th, 31st and Feb. 1st from 9-4. CAP is looking for parents of pre-school
and school-aged children, empty nesters, professionals and retirees who are
interested in child safety and who can contribute 6 classroom hours per month
for one school year. For more info:
www.ncscweborg, or contact CAP Director Gail Sommer: 617-969-5906 x 143 or
gsommer@ncscweb.org. |
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Stand for Children's 5th Annual Statewide
Education Summit |
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“Keeping our Commitment to Kids in a Tough
Economy", January 24th at Reading High School. The summit, featuring
hands-on workshops, information sessions, and a chance to meet education
leaders, aims to give participants the knowledge and skills to become
effective advocates for their own kids and kids across Massachusetts. Childcare is available. To register or for
more information, go to www.stand.org/ma/summit or call 781-891-1300. |
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Newton History Museum |
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CELBRATING
THE JACKSON HOMESTEAD & ITS ARCHITECURE Join
us for an evening of celebration of our building, the Jackson Homestead on
Thursday January 29 from 6.00-8.00PM.
The house, built in 1809, has seen 200 years of physical and social
changes. To mark this important occasion, we will be unveiling a new exhibit
about the architecture and use of the building throughout its history. In
conjunction with the unveiling, there will be a lecture about the architecture
of the house. Part of the 200th Anniversary Series. Free. FAMILY
PROGRAM SURVEY Are you a parent with children under 18? The Newton History Museum would like to
know how we can best serve your family. Please share your thoughts with us to
help us improve our programs. Tell us
about your program needs, concerns, and any suggestions you have. At the end of the survey, you may choose to
be entered into a drawing for a $100 gift certificate donated by Whole Foods Market
in Newtonville. Click this link to take the online survey: |
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JCC Kaleidoscope
Creative Arts & Science Camp Open Houses Sunday, Feb 8
and March 15 2.00 – 4.00pm |
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“A Place to Spread Creative Wings,” 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, 333 Nahanton Street, Newton, MA 02459. Meet
director Betty Lehrman; hear program details; tour the facilities. For grades K-8.
Two, four and eight-week sessions are available. 2009 Camp Dates & Hours:
June 29 - August 21, 9:00am - 4:00pm; Early drop-off and extended day, 8:00am
- 5:45pm. Check out our website for more information: www.kaleidoscopecamp.org or call or email:
617 558-6523; kaleidoscope@jccgb.org |
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Baseball in
Bubble |
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For age 6-12 at Boston College: "Parents'
Night Out" Jan. 17, Feb. 7 and Feb. 14 (Valentine's Day) - The folks get
a night off while the kids play Birdball.
Info and registration, and more about upcoming summer clinics, at
www.birdballclinics.com |
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Newton Child
Care Commission Single Parent
Support Group |
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A
Social Evening at Newton Community Service Center, the Copper Room, on
Wednesday, January 28, from 6.30-8.00PM. Register via
email: newtonccc@gmail.com to attend or send your information to
Newton Child Care Commission and Fund, 225 Nevada Street, Newton,
Massachusetts 02460. Dinner will be
provided. Child care onsite is available. Visit website: www.newtonchildcare.org
for more information. |
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February Vacation Winter Skills Program |
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NCSC
offers a 3-day (2/17-2/19) outdoor skills program at the beautiful Hale
Reservation in Westwood. Activities include fire, fort, and shelter building,
team snowshoeing and sledding, big box hockey, and ice rescue for Grades 3
through 6. Transportation from Newton to Westwood is included. Sign up for
one day or all three! Extended day care is available. For more information or
to register go to www.ncscweb.org/recreation.html or contact Megan Cap-Renzi
at 617-969-5906 ext. 299 or mcap-renzi@ncscweb.org. |
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Spring Registration for Newton North Little
League |
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Registration
is underway for Spring NNLL for girls and boys age 5-12: Registration
deadline is February 23rd, after which costs go up, with the final deadline
March 4th. Register online at
www.newtonnorthll.org. NNLL is an all-volunteer organization and welcomes new
help. If you are interested in
coaching, contact Stephen Mastromattei at stephenandlisa@verizon.net. If you
are willing to offer any other kind of help, such as serving on the board of
directors, fundraising, league administration, concessions, umpiring, field
maintenance, etc, contact Chris Banks at chrisbanks@rcn.com. |
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Kindergarten
Soccer Spring
Registration |
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Time to Register! Boys and girls now in Kindergarten
or entering Kindergarten in the fall of 2009 are welcome to join the program.
Kindergarten children play at 9:15am and those in preschool play at 10:45 on
Saturday mornings, April 25 through June 20 (except 5/23), at Zervas School
Field and nearby Richardson Field. The
$60 fee includes a team t-shirt and an end-of-program medal. Info and
registration at www.kindergartensoccer.org.
Questions? email: ksoccer@kindergartensoccer.org or call 617-527-9238.
Registrations after March 31st are accepted only on a space-available basis. |
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Soccer Clinic At Boston College |
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APRIL VACATION SOCCER
CLINIC - The Women's Soccer staff invite girls aged 6-14 to join them for a
soccer clinic at BC. The program runs April 21st – 24th from 9am-3pm, late
pick up is available. For information on all
programs and registration please visit: www.bceagles.com/camps or call
617-552-3214 or email soccer.clinic@bc.edu
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John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton |
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Support
the annual Make it Shine Raffle. The grand prize is two tickets to the Boston
Celtics Game vs. The Thunder on Sunday March 29th. Second Prize is a TQ Gas
Generator. Third prize is a DeWalte Power Screwdriver. Tickets available in
the club’s lobby all weekend and in admin office of Edinboro Street on weekdays
for $5 each, 3 for $10, and 7 for $20. Also
this month we’re holding a brand new special event. "A Night of Comedy" on Friday,
January 30th at American Legion Post 440.
The night includes free Hors D'oevres and a live band. Contact Daniela Proia at 617 630-2066 for
ticket information. |
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Classifieds
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PIANO LESSON: Teacher with Harvard
master’s degree has a few mid-year openings in her studio for new students.
Over 20 years experience including piano accompanying in the Newton Public
Schools. Active member of the New England Piano Teachers' Association.
Beginners especially welcome. Call Anne for interview at 617-332-5092 or
e-mail: annehartman@comcast.net Y3K TUTOR: We tutor special ed.
such as ADD, ADHD, Asperger’s, Autism, Emotional/Behavioral, and gifted. We also tutor regular ed. and test
preparation. All subjects and ages are
taught. Receive 25% off the first lesson.
Call 781-492-8700 or log on to Y3KTutorInYourHome.com TUTORING: Newton Public School teacher with
Masters in Elementary Education and 8 years teaching experience is available
this year to tutor students in grades 1-6 in all subject areas (reading,
writing, math, etc.). Call Alicia at 617-875-6870 or email aliciakeat@aol.com. BABYSITTING: Julia Techler age 11 and
Ashley Campbell age 11 former students of Horace Mann have had experience
with babies to kids in elementary school. We can help with homework and we
will both be getting babysitting certificates on January 30. Julia Techler’s
phone: 617-527-1448, Ashley Campbell’s
phone: 617-527-8815. Julia’s parent’s
e-mail: mtechler@comcast.net, Ashley’s
parent’s e-mail: lisac@comcast.net. KEYS FOR KIDS: Outstanding
methodology. Experienced, certified instructor. Small groups organized by age
(4-11). February registration. Free sample lesson February 4th. Contact
Marina Gorny: MDGorny@comcast.net or (617)527-4942. Visit website: www.NewtonKidsLoveMusic.com. Individual instruction is also offered. PRIVATE PIANO LESSONS – Private
lessons for students in Kindergarten through 12th grade. Half hour, 45 minute, or hour lessons
available. All skill level. Instructor
Kathy Raiz. Sign up now for lessons in January! Call 617-584-2153, or e-mail
at kraiz@raizlabs.com. |
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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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