October 3, 2008

 

From Joe’s Desk

Upcoming

 

 

                     

Every Tuesday

Text Box:     Pretzel Sales $1.00

    After school

    Front/Back Lobbies

    Ongoing

 

Sunday, October 5

     Family Fun Run & 5K  Run/Walk

     Registration: 8:30 am

     Events begin 10am

 

Wednesday, October 8

International Walk to School Day

 

Thursday, October 9

 Yom Kippur – No School

 

Monday, October 13

Columbus Day – No School

 

Thursday, October 23

     All School Release

     12:30 Dismissal

 

 

Next Edition: October 17, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From Joe’s Desk

(continued from page 1)

 

 

Dear Families,

Blue Zone - You have probably seen me outside at dismissal the past few weeks reminding folks where they can and cannot park for student pickup.  I have to say it is a disheartening task.  Although I attempted to be humorous about it at Curriculum Night last week, the fact remains that there is likely to be a serious accident involving a child and a vehicle if the behaviors I have witnessed continue.  People continue to park in the marked handicapped spot or even directly in the school driveway assuming that, "I'm only here for a minute," makes it okay.  Drivers double park on Albemarle Road or park on the banks of the brook seemingly unaware that they are blocking traffic on the street or that their child is in danger when they enter the car in the middle of the street.  Even though I have been forceful, leafleting cars, shouting at drivers, threatening police action, it does not seem to matter to folks as they are back at it the next day or as soon as I am not there.  Come on people!  You do realize that every action you take is a direct example to your children.  They are better served by you arriving at 3:05 to pick them up than by you risking their safety by waiting illegally at 2:55.  While I understand it is an inconvenience to park further down the street and walk back, shouldn't we be encouraging our children to follow the rules of the school even if it is inconvenient?  How will they act as teen drivers if they've seen you cutting corners and breaking the law because it is convenient?

 

I realize this diatribe will fall on deaf ears to some who don't recognize themselves in the comments.  Maybe you don't pick up your children at school.  I ask you to share this with the babysitters, grandparents, and any other driver who drops off or picks up.  If we are a community, we all need to accept a collective responsibility to keep our children safe.  That means letting others know when they are parked illegally or not following the blue zone rules, not necessarily in the authoritarian tone I seem to have had to adopt, but in a neighborly, informative manner.  Attached you will find the Blue Zone rules.  Please detach them and keep them handy as a reminder or to share with your child care provider.  If we all can get behind this initiative, our drop off and pick up should improve. 

 

International Walk to School Day - Walking Bus Kickoff- Join us next Wednesday for International Walk to School Day, an event sponsored by MassRides. Whether you participate in the Walking Bus or not, everyone is encouraged to walk to and from school on Wednesday, October 8th.  We have invited our elected officials to join us in welcoming students to school on this day.  Feel free to join in the fun yourself.  A good walk is good for all.

 

MCAS Results – Parents of 4th and 5th graders should have received a copy of their child’s MCAS results in the mail last week.  If you have not, please contact the school.  If you have questions about your child’s results you can contact your child’s teacher and/or Mr. Russo. I will present data at our next School Council meeting on Tuesday evening.  Another parent meeting will be scheduled in the near future to discuss school results with families.  Watch for the date. 

 

 

 

 

 

From the PTO

 

 

 

This Sunday

October 5

 

5th Annual

Horace Mann

Family Fun Run & Walk

 

Check-in & Registration Begin 8:30am

Check-in & Registration End 9:45am

 

Kids Dash  10:00am

5K             10:30am

 

Come run or walk with your family!  This family social event is all about enjoying time with family & friends and feeling the benefits of a healthy life style. 

 

Pumpkin Dash: Children under 12 can participate in an under .3 mile flat dash along Albemarle Road from Gath Pool to Horace Mann Lawn Finish Line.  5K Run: Starting on Albemarle Road the course proceeds through the historic neighborhoods of Newtonville via Watertown and Waltham Streets. 5K Walk: Same as 5K Run. 

 

Post-Race refreshments, Free T-shirts to first 100 registrants, Mile Splits, Water Station, Professional Timing, Certified 5K

 

Ribbons to Dash participants.  Trophies to top 3 male & female 5k finishers.  Medals to top 3 in under 15, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and over 60 male and female 5k finishers.

 

Online registration is now closed, but you can still register on race day!

 

Adult 5K Run or Timed Walk: $20 race day   Walk/Youth Dash/Youth 5k: $10 race day

 

For more information go to:  www.horacemannroadrace.com

 

 

 

Horace Mann ‘Lil Duck Race

Oct 5 10:45am

 

It’s not too late to get your ducks for the Duck Race!   Purchase them at the Family Fun Run and Walk from 8:30am – 10:00am. 

 

The race will take place along the side of the Horace Mann School around 10:45a.m.

 

 

 

Family Picture Days are Coming!

 

Looking for the perfect holiday photo of your family? Horace Mann is participating in Family Photo Days in association with Coffee Pond Photography. A sitting fee of $25 goes directly to Horace Mann.

 

Family photo sittings are being held at the Auburndale Cove on three Saturdays in October:

Oct. 11 (rain date: Oct. 12)

Oct. 18 (rain date: Oct. 19)

Oct. 25 (rain date: Oct. 26)

 

Here’s how it works: Contact PTO co-president Marcia Tabenken, mtabenken@rcn.com or 617-965-7322, to sign-up and submit your sitting fee.  Next, contact Coffee Pond to book your appointment. (Marcia will provide the contact information). You’ll need to call Coffee Pond no later than 3 p.m. on the Wednesday before the date of your desired photo session.  Coffee Pond assigns appointments on a first-come first-served basis and requires a $35 administrative fee at the time of the booking. Approximately one week after your scheduled sitting, you’ll be able to go on line to view your family portraits and place your order.  In addition to portraits, Coffee Pond offers holiday cards, an 8X10 calendar, photo magnets and notepads.

Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity for you to preserve a moment in time with your family, while supporting our school.

 

 

 

Bring in your Box Tops 4 Education

 

 

Horace Mann participates in the Box 4 Education Program. For each box top we submit we receive 10 cents in return. It may not sound like much, but with widespread participation, schools have earned thousands of dollars.  Look for the Box Tops 4 Education logo on your favorite grocery store items, including Cheerios, Betty Crocker, Juicy Juice, Kleenex, Ziploc bags and many, many more. Cut them out, bring them into school and drop them in the Box Tops collection boxes in the front and back lobbies.  You can even get the kids involved: Ask them to investigate your cupboards to locate as many pink box tops as they can. They’ll love playing detective!

 

 

 

Earn Money for Horace Mann 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.

 

 

 

Don’t Forget Your Dues Donation

 

 

You could win an iPod Touch! A $25 donation gets you one chance to win. Donate $100 and you get five chances to win! Proceeds support the Creative Arts and Sciences Program.  Donate on line at www.horacemannpto.org or submit a check, made out to the Horace Mann PTO, along with completed raffle tickets in the PTO box in the school’s front lobby. Extra raffle tickets are available in the front lobby or by contacting Marcia Tabenken at mtabenken@rcn.com, 617-965-7322.

 

 

 

Holiday Arts & Crafts

Festival

 

Call for Newton Crafters, Artists and Volunteers! The 7th annual Celebrate Newton! Holiday Arts and Crafts Festival will take place on Sunday, Dec. 7th at Newton South High School.  Featuring artists and crafters with ties to Newton along with live music, onsite craft projects, a raffle, cafe, author signing and more.  Contact Sara at saracoen3@aol.com or 617-558-3695. www.perugi.com/newton.  ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE NEWTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS via THE NEWTON SCHOOLS FOUNDATION

 

 

 

Horace Mann Newsnotes

Editors Needed

 

Do you want to be involved in your child’s school, but don’t have a lot of time?  Do you want to be the first to know what is going on in school?  Become a Newsnotes Editor!  The commitment for an editor is minimal – 4 times a year, about 12 hours a year.  Training will be provided.   Knowledge of Microsoft Word and computer with internet access required.  Contact Michelle Curran, currangang@hotmail.com.

 

 

 

 

 

From The Newton Public Schools

 

 

 

Security Policy

 

In the wake of the concerns about the use of security cameras at Newton South High School, the School Committee formed a subcommittee to review current security policies and provide recommendations about the use of security cameras and related issues.  The subcommittee, chaired by Marc Laredo, included Committee members Reenie Murphy and Geoff Epstein, staff and student representatives of the school community, officers from the Newton Police Dept., and Middlesex County District Attorney Gerry Leone and members of his staff.  The subcommittee examined existing policies and procedures; discussed the security and safety issues facing our elementary, middle and high schools; gathered information from other communities and general information about safety and security in public schools; and met with the superintendents of Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School and the Somerville Public Schools.  The subcommittee has submitted a draft policy to the Committee that will be voted on in Nov. The Committee welcomes comments and suggestions regarding the draft policy. Please email schoolcommittee@newton.k12.ma.us.

 

 

 

Long Range

Facilities Planning

 

At the September 22nd School Committee meeting, The Long- Range Facilities Committee reported on the issues that will be the focus this year and a timeline for the efforts:  1. Funds are being requested for feasibility studies for Angier, Cabot, Zervas, and Carr.  2. Materials are being prepared for the required November 15 update of the Statements of Interest (SOIs) for the 15 schools and Carr submitted last year to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). 3. Plans for short-term space solutions are being developed for the middle schools. 4. Plans for long-term space needs for middle schools will be established and evaluated.

 

 

 

Lunch Program Analysis

 

The food services program in the Newton Public Schools continues to operate in the negative with a loss of $1.2 million for FY08.  A subcommittee has been established to review the current program, including food costs, employee benefits and student participation, and study other school systems that break even on food services. The subcommittee is expected to make an initial report to the Committee in January 2009.

 

 

 

School Committee meeting documents on website

 

Agendas of upcoming meetings can be found on Newton School Committee website. Meeting documents are posted by noon on the day of each Committee meeting.  In addition, the Committee publishes a summary of recent meetings by the Friday after each meeting. This document is meant to give a timely update on issues deliberated by the School Committee before the detailed minutes are approved and archived.  See

www.newton.k12.ma.us/schoolcommittee/meetings/related_docs/html

 

 

 

Newton Parent's Advisory Council for Special Education

 

First meeting of the 2008 - 2009 year: A Conversation with Stephen Shore on Monday, October 6, 2008 at 7:30pm at the Education Center, 100 Walnut Street, Room 210. Light refreshments and networking from 7:15pm to 7:30pm. www.newtonpac.org or email info@newtonpac.org

 

 

 

Child Assault Prevention Program

Seeking Volunteers

 

Each year CAP volunteer Prevention Specialists present 125 workshops to students in Newton’s kindergarten, 2nd and 5th grade classrooms. Using simple and age appropriate language we address bullying, stranger safety, and sexual assault by known persons. The next training will begin the week of Oct. 13th.  Contact Gail Sommer, (617) 969-5906, ext. 143; gailns@aol.com or gsommer@ncscweb.org. CAP is a program of the Newton Community Service Center. www.ncscweb.org.

 

 

 

 

 

From The Community

 

 

 

Funtastic Fridays for 5th graders

 

Funtastic Fridays are back!  These social gatherings for Newton's 5th graders feature a DJ, games, music, pool, and snacks.  Admission $6.  2008 dates:  9/19, 10/17, 11/21, 12/19. 7-9pm at the Hyde Community Center. Sign up for a fast pass at fevercoach@aol.com.

 

 

 

Ideas for Community Preservation Projects

 

Help determine priorities for future funding of Community Preservation Projects.  Newton’s Community Preservation Committee is holding a series of meetings to solicit ideas. Historic Resources:  Oct. 22nd, 7pm at the Newton Free Library.  Open Space and Recreation: November 19th, 7pm at the City Hall Cafeteria exploring.  Info: 617-796-1144   Alice Ingerson, Program Manager.

 

 

 

Newton Girls Basketball Registration

 

Join the more than 500 players from second grade through high school who play NGBA basketball, a recreational league for Newton girls with fun for beginners and experienced players alike! Registrations due Oct. 20th for Grades 2-8; Nov.17th for High School.  A late fee applies after those dates. Scholarships available. Pre-season clinics for players and coaches for all grades on Nov.16th and Nov. 23rd. Registration, details, and more about the league: www.ngba.net.

 

 

 

Foster Parents Wanted

 

 
You have the power to change a child's life. Dare Family Services is a private, nonprofit social services agency that specializes in providing intensive foster care to abused or neglected children and teens.  Foster parents are needed in all areas to provide homes for local foster children while they go through the healing process and try to just "be a kid".  Please call Janelle at (617) 628-3696.  www.darefamily.org

 

 

 

Newton Symphony Orchestra

 

The Newton Symphony Orchestra will open its 2008-2009 season with Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto, Dvorak’s Symphony #4 and Chadwick’s Jubilee on Oct. 5th at 7:30 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 76 Eldridge St., Newton Corner.  Tickets: $30, $25, $10 for children 13 and under; discounts for seniors, students and groups. Call 617 965-2555 or go to www.newtonsymphony.org and click the red violin.

 

 

 

Ice Skating Lessons

 

Ice Skating Lessons offered at local MDC rinks for ages 4.5 - adults.  Info and Registration online at www.activityreg.com. Click: MA. Click: Newton Parks & Rec. Under menu click on “programs.” From the dropdown menu select “Skating Lessons Session I”  Starts 10/10/08.

 

 

 

Creative Skate Program

 

If you are currently enrolled or plan on enrolling in the Creative Skate program, mention your child is a student at Horace Mann and we receive 10% of the tuition price.  The 2008-2009 season began on 9/14.  You can still enroll for this 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.

 

 

 

Women’s Volleyball

 

Women's Volleyball:  Mondays 7-9pm at the JCC, Nahanton St., Newton Center.  Free clinic 10/20 & 10/27.  Individuals and teams welcome.  League play November - March. Call Judy Dore, League Director, at 617-796-1525.

 

 

 

Stand for Children Sponsoring Community Education Forum on Question 1

 

This November, Massachusetts will vote on Question 1, a ballot initiative that would eliminate the state income tax. "Newton Stand for Children", an education advocacy organization, will host a forum to discuss the potential impact of an income tax repeal.  Oct. 7th, 7-8:30 pm, Newton Senior Center, 345 Walnut Street, Newtonville. Info at www.stand.org, click "Massachusetts".  Questions, or to RSVP: abalter@stand.org or 781-891-1300.    

 

 

 

j0215161[1]j0215161[1]j0215161[1]   Pumpkin Patch

 

United Parish of Auburndale announces its second annual Pumpkin Patch.  From Oct. 11th- 31st , the church grounds will be covered with pumpkins big and small.  Gourds, baked goods and crafts also for sale.  Mon-Fri 10:30 am - 6:30 pm.  Sat. 9 am - 6:30 pm. Sun. 11 am - 6:30 pm.  Corner of Woodland Road and Grove Street.  617-964-8516.  

 

 

 

Puddlestompers

 

Let us lead your children in discovering the beauty and wonder of fall during PUDDLESTOMPERS Columbus Day and Veterans Day vacation drop-off programs.  Based outdoors at beautiful Nahanton Park in Newton.  Info at www.puddlestompers.com

 

 

 

Education Survey

 

 

Ken Parker, a candidate for Mayor of Newton, is soliciting opinions on Education.  To participate, visit www.colsurvey.com/newton_education/survey.

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

 

KIDS' KARATE--FREE TRIAL CLASS    Friday, October 24, 4:45-5:45 p.m. or Saturday, October 25, 10:00-11:00 a.m.  Cost per 7-Week Session: $79 for once-a-week or $99 for twice-a-week.  Beautiful space at Trinity High School, Washington and Adams Streets.  Free uniform if continue.  For more information, please leave message at (617) 527-8052 or see kids-karate.org

 

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.) for extra help, enrichment work or for general homework assistance. I can be reached at 617-875-6870 or by email at aliciakeat@aol.com.

 

TUTORING:  Experienced tutor available at elementary level for reading, written language and math.  I work in the Wellesley Public Schools and I live and tutor children in Newton.  I will meet your child's unique learning style and find the best strategies to help promote learning.  References available.  For a free consultation:  Haralie Alpert, MS, M.Ed., (617)630-0608; Haralie@gmail.com.

 

RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS is coming to the Boston TD Banknorth Garden in Boston from Oct 8-13. Mom Central has a special 20% discount for families who would like to attend.  For a 20% discount visit www.ringling.com, select state, date and time and enter the coupon code: MCC

 

SEW EASY sewing classes/camps for kids & teens. Enrolling now for the after school & Saturday FALL session!  Visit or call seweasy.org or 781-453-2222.  We are located at 908 Great Plain Avenue, Needham.

 

CREATE A COOK  Sign up now for our next session of children's and adult cooking classes. Children's classes start Oct. 27 and our new Adult classes start Oct. 20. Bring home dinner for your family! www.createacook.com 53 Winchester St. Newton Highlands 617 795-2223.

 

 

 

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

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Joseph_russo@newton.k12.ma.us

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hmnewsnotes@lists.neighborhood.net

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Discussion List

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