December 19, 2008	From Joe’s Desk
Upcoming
Every Tuesday Pretzel Sales $1.00 After school Front/Back Lobbies Ongoing Tuesday, December 23 Last Day of School 12:30 Dismissal December 24 – January 2 Holiday Break – No School Monday, January 5, 2009 Back to School Thursday, Monday, January 19, 2009 MLK B’day – No School Next Edition: January 9, 2009	Dear Families, It’s difficult to believe that we have found ourselves at the end of another calendar year. How can it be that we got here so quickly! It has been a memorable fall, with a truly historic and encompassing presidential election, worldwide economic concerns impacting all of us, and an enviable Boston sports scene that crowned yet another world champion (Boston Celtics). On behalf of the entire Horace Mann Staff, let me wish you a safe and happy holiday season. We thank you, the parents, for the thoughtful, engaging, and interested children you send us each and every day. The teachers at Horace Mann work hard, day in and day out, preparing their lessons to meet the needs of all children. As a collective group, they are extremely successful, don’t you agree? They will use this extended time off to reflect on what’s gone well, what needs some tweaking, and what needs to change. The support you offer through your kind words and deeds are deeply appreciated. We can all be proud of the wonderful learners our students, and your children, are becoming. Take time during this break to relax with your family, slow down the pace we all complain about so frequently. The best gift we can give to our children is time with us, time to explore, time to cuddle, time to let them know that being with them is the most significant part of our lives. This is not a time for lessons or study; it’s a time for laughter and relaxing. Time for reading a good book or visiting a museum. Make the most of it. I know I will. Happy New Year to all. We’ll see you bright and early on Monday, January 5, 2009.
	From the PTO….
Book Fair A Success	The PTO Book Fair, which took place the first week in December, earned $1,226 for the PTO and brought dozens of new books to the classrooms. The PTO officers would like to thank event chair Alison Rolfe, for once again doing a superb job putting together this event—this was her last book fair as chair and we will miss her; parent volunteers Barbara Connerney, Margaret Wolfe, Susan Sprich and Tina Stuart-Lang; and the custodial staff for all their help. If you are interested in working on the spring book fair, which will take place in early May, please contact Marcia Tabenken at mtabenken@rcn.com
Your PTO Donations in Action: Creative Arts and Sciences	Your PTO money has been hard at work complementing the hard work of the classroom teachers.  Here are some examples: To enrich the study of nursery rhymes, the kindergarten classes all enjoyed a visit by Mother Goose who kept the students captivated with her storytelling, nursery rhymes, songs, and dances. First graders learned about insects from Horace Mann parent environmentalist Eric Olson, who discussed the attributes of all insects and gave the students an opportunity to dig through dirt to find their own creatures, then examine them using a proscope. The second grade field trip to the Chinese Cultural Center, where the children learned calligraphy, did Chinese ribbon dancing, made and sampled dumplings, and experimented with the abacus, was partially funded with PTO money. Third graders were invited into a tipi classroom to look at artifacts of Native Americans and learned how Native Americans used the land and natural Resources in their daily lives.   Fourth graders learned in depth about insects. The entire school was entertained by the Prometheus Dance Company who used the concepts of opposites to show how chorographers use opposites in their dances. In the upcoming months students will be visited by authors and illustrators, scientists, storytellers, and animals. And there’s a lot more to come after the holiday break, so stay tuned….
Looking for a Way to Say THANKS to your Teachers this Holiday Season?	Honor your teachers this holiday season with a donation to the PTO’s Teacher Appreciation Fund. Newton School Committee policy states that teachers may not accept individual gifts from students. A donation to the Teacher Appreciation Fund is the perfect way to say “Happy Holidays and Thank You.” The Teacher Appreciation Fund enables teachers to buy books, materials and supplies for the classroom that are not paid for through the Newton Public Schools budget. Here’s how it works: When you make a donation of $15, you receive a specially designed Happy Holidays card that reads “A donation was made in your honor to the Horace Mann PTO’s Teacher Appreciation Fund.” You can sign it, write a personal note if you wish, and give it to your child’s teacher. The fundraiser is taking place in the front lobby before and after school through Monday December 22. OR you can donate online at http://hmteacherfund.eventbrite.com, and the PTO will deliver the card for you. Thank you to Karen Corrigan for the lovely card design.
Science Night January 23, 2008 EXCITING FOR KIDS  EASY ON PARENTS FUN FOR EVERYONE	Ever wonder ….. How can you make a camera out of a shoebox?  How high could your homemade hot-air balloon go?  Does the shape of a paper airplane affect the distance it can fly? What happens when you blow up a balloon with carbon dioxide instead of air?  Make it dinner and an evening of science fun at Science Night on Friday, January 23, 6-8 p.m.   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 construct 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 project, or choose from our “cookbook” of ideas for experiments and  gadgets, 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.  Join us! QUESTIONS / REGISTRATION:  Register by January 16, preferably earlier if you want to browse the “cookbook” of experiments and gadgets.  Contact Michelle Ciurea at michelleciurea@yahoo.com or (617) 331-9436.
The Horace Mann PTO Spring Auction March 20, 2008	The Annual Horace Mann PTO Spring Auction is scheduled for March 20^th, 2009 and planning is underway -- but we need your help. Please consider volunteering for this fun event, our biggest fundraiser for the school and a great way to connect with other Horace Mann parents. This year’s theme “A Night for the Stars” is sure to be a blast! Here is a list of the sub-committees that need your help… Raffle – Manage the sales of raffle tickets both at the event and at various school functions before the auction. Silent Auction – Solicit items for donation to be included in silent auction and handle layout and display of items at the auction. Ad Book – Work with printer on ad book layout and manage the printing process. Baskets/Class Projects – Work with classroom parents and/or teachers to ensure baskets and projects are completed and coordinate delivery to the auction. Creative –Invitations, Decorations, etc Admin – Assist with stamping/stuffing invitations, mailing sponsorship request letters etc. PR – Handle all signage needs and communication (i.e. Newsnotes, sponsorship letter) for the event. Food – Secure food, appetizers/light fare, from local restaurants and caterers. Cataloging – Making up bid sheets and logging all items as received. Setup/Breakdown – Assist with setup before and cleanup after auction. Contact Lisa DiFelice at ldifelice@rcn.com or (617)630-9009 for more information and/or to sign up.
Happy Holidays!	Wishing the entire Horace Mann community health and happiness in the New Year. The PTO Officers Marcia, Brian, Lisa and Jeff
	From The Community
Red Cross Blood Drive	Wednesday  Dec. 31^st, 10am-3pm.  Newton Free Library on Homer Street.  1-800-GIVE-LIFE
Help deliver holiday baskets and meals.	“Community Servings” needs help. Deliver holiday baskets on December 20th & December 24^th. 20 volunteers are needed to deliver holiday meals with all the trimmings to individuals and families living with critical illnesses.  For more info: www.servings.org or  contact volunteer coordinator Rebecca Ober at 617-522-7777 x 228 or rober@servings.org.
	"Army  of Women" to fight breast cancer.  One Million Women.  That's the research goal as scientists partner with women to find a cure for breast cancer.  The researchers are looking for women from all races, ethnicities, backgrounds and ages.  Women who have had breast cancer and women who are cancer-free.  For more info: www.armyofwomen.org.
Newton Community Preservation Program Public Hearing on Fiscal 2009 Proposals	To be discussed: Archaeology and Pre-1920 Architecture Survey, Charles River Lower Falls Rail-to-Trail Bridge Conversion, 192 Lexington Street, Newton History Museum Exterior Preservation and Warren House Apartments.  Hearing January 14 at 7pm City Hall Rm 209.  Peruse proposals by going to "reports" at: www.ci.newton.ma.us/cpa. Alice Ingerson, Community Preservation Program Manager: 617-796-1144 or aingerson@newtonma.gov.
NewTV is presentsing a second in a series of discussions about teen issues: “Setting Limits 2 – Adolescent Psychology,”	A conversation with Joani Geltman.  Joani, a social worker and an expert in teen-parent relationships, has worked as a therapist, parenting coach and consultant for more than 25 years. Joani is on the faculty of Lesley University and Curry College, has been a parenting columnist for the TAB Newspapers and has produced and hosted a parent-teen talk forum on Wellesley cable tv. This show is appropriate for parents of middle-school as well as high-school students. This NewTV program can be seen every Thursday for the next four weeks at 5 p.m. on Green cable channel 26 (Comcast), 3 (RCN), or 32 (Verizon) and on Mondays at 6:30 on the Blue cable channel (10,15,34 respectively). Please look for additional showings in future listings under  "Setting Limits 2" in the Newton Tab or on the weekly schedules posted on the NewTV website. We hope that you will watch it and communicate your questions and comments to Laurie Mokriski at lmokriski@rcn.com .
Navigating the Rocky Road of Adolescence Free Parenting groups enrolling now!	Four sessions 7-8:30pm at Warmlines at the Newton Cultural Center, 225 Nevada Street.  Meet either on Tuesdays: 2/24, 3/3, 3/17 and 3/24, or Wednesdays: 2/25, 3/4, 3/18 and 3/25.  Discuss relevant topics such as promoting healthy choices, setting realistic limits and appropriate consequences, understanding when and how to negotiate, dealing with changes and crises (e.g., divorce), identifying risk factors for anxiety and depression, handling experimentation with sex, alcohol, drugs, and learning to "let go" while maintaining family connections.  Led by Joani Geltman, MSW, a specialist in Child Development, and therapist, parenting coach and consultant for over 25 years. Pre-registration required: www.warmlines.org or 617-244-INFO.  Also watch NewTV for "Setting Limits 2 - Adolescent Psychology", a conversation with Joani Geltman.
Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute	The Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute, headed by Newton parent Adam Pertman, is looking for a part-time volunteer for our Newton Highlands office, near the “T”.  We are a national not-for-profit organization devoted to improving adoption laws, policy and practice -- through sound research, education and advocacy - in order to better the lives of everyone touched by adoption. For more information: www.adoptioninstitute.org ]  We can be very flexible on days and hours, but need a commitment of at least two days a week, three to four hours per day, during regular work hours. Duties include basic administration and project assistance.  Computer knowledge preferred, advanced computer skills desired, but not mandatory.
Boston College Bubble Ball Winter Clinic	Baseball in the Bubble up to age 12 Starting Soon! (at Boston College):  3 winter clinics are scheduled for kids aged 6-12.  "Holiday Shopper's Clinic" 12/21 - run, catch, throw in the bubble while parents do holiday errands.  "Holiday Youth Clinic" 12/27-30 - Play Bubble-ball during the holiday break.  "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: www.birdballclinics.com
Create-a-Cook for Aspiring Chefs, Grades 6 - 10 Once a week, your kids make dinner!	Sophisticated, multi-cultural cooking and baking classes starting in January.  "Saute, Simmer and Stir Fry": Wednesdays and Thursdays 4:30-6:30 for 7 weeks $295. /// "Calling All Bakers": The art and science of baking explored through English Muffins, Blueberry Crumb Coffeecake, Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake, Rocky Road Brownies and a 4-layer Decorated Cake.  Mondays 4-6 for 4 weeks, $195.  Also classes for adults and younger kids.  Winter vacation camp half day sessions still available. www.createacook.com  53 Winchester St. Newton Highlands 617 795-2223.
Garden City Kindergarten and Pre-K Spring Soccer registration begins January 5, 2009.	Fall session April 11, 2009 to June 6, 2009. Practice/games on Saturdays from 9:30-10:30 am for the Kindergarten league and 10:45-11:45 am for the Pre-K league. Volunteer parent coaches are needed. No experience is necessary and training will be provided. Cost is $60 per child. GCKS is a joint venture of Lincoln-Eliot & Franklin School's PTO. To register, email gardencitysoccer@gmail.com. Registration forms can also be downloaded at www.lepto.org or www.franklinpto.org.  For more information, call L-E School parent Melanie Varady at 617-244-5773 or Franklin School parent Deb Rooney at (617) 630-8520. Registration deadline is March 20^th.
Classifieds
Relax and Rejuvenate with Momentum Yoga! All levels are welcome. No previous yoga experience is required. Classes held: Mondays 9:30 am- 10:30 am (first class is Monday, January 5) at WarmLines, 225 Nevada Street, Newtonville. $15 per class or $130 for a ten class pass (ten class pass expires in twelve weeks). For more information go to: www.momentumyoga.com or call Kelly at 617-733-2664. Warmlines is running an information and support group for parents of young children (2-5 yrs) recently diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders, including Autism, PDD-NOS, and Asperger's Syndrome. For more information, please call 617-332-3666 ext123 or see www.warmlines.org

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	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