March 20, 2009

 

From Joe’s Desk

 

Upcoming

 

 

 

 

Every Tuesday

Text Box:  Pretzel Sales $1.00

After school

Front/Back Lobbies
Ongoing

 

 

 

Tonight

Horace Mann Auction

6:30 – American Legion Post 440

California Street

 

March 30 – April 9

MCAS
Reading – Grades 3-5

 

Tuesday, March 31

Full Day of School

8:30 – 3:30

 

Wednesday, April 1

Early Release

12:30 Dismissal

 

Saturday, April 4

Talent Show

1:30 PM @ Day M.S.

 

Friday, April 10

Good Friday -  No School

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next Edition:

April 3, 2009

 

 

From Joe’s Desk Continue…

 

Dear Families,

     We have much to celebrate here at Horace Mann.  In case you haven’t heard, our own Diana Guzzi has been named the new principal of the Bowen School.  Ms. Guzzi will begin her new role this summer, coincidentally the same time she and her husband welcome their second child to the world.  She, and we, are excited about all the changes in her life and wish her the very best on her new endeavors.  The hardest part will be saying goodbye at the end of the year.

     If that isn’t enough, good fortune has continued to shine on Horace Mann.  Jenny McGowan, our inclusion facilitator, has announced that she and her husband are expecting their first child in early September. This news is in addition to knowing that our learning center teacher, Lucy Couture is planning for the birth of her twins in late May.  The new babies join Ms. Couture’s husband and son Gus as the family quickly expands.  Both Ms. Couture and Ms. McGowan plan to return to Horace Mann following their leave.  And we don’t think there’s anything in the water!

 

Dogs and School – We all love our pets.  It’s not unusual to see children running up to pet the newest puppy, kitten or guinea pig.  As much as we love our pets we need to be cognizant of their impact on others around us, particularly the children in our school.  We do have students who are allergic and/or have fears surrounding animals.  Animals are not allowed in the school building without prior consent by the building principal.  All pets need to be leashed at all times in and around the school.  Finally, when bringing your pet to pick up your child at the end of the day, please keep your distance from the entry doors.  If in the back, please stay at the playground fence.  In the front, please stand near or behind the flagpole.  Following these simple rules will help ensure a safe environment in and around our school.  Thanks.

 

Auction – Tonight is the school auction and I hope to see you there.  The Auction Team has spent long hours gathering a wide variety of items that everyone would be happy to receive.  I’m aware that this is a challenging time financially for all of us, but I wanted to put in one last push to encourage you to attend and bid on some of these wonderful items.  The school auction is the one significant fundraiser dedicated to all the school projects for the upcoming year.  All the Creative Arts programs, significant new technology including an updated desktop computer in each classroom and additional laptops for the portable carts, playground upkeep, especially the wooden structure which is beginning to show its age, library materials, Fitness for Life support and teacher supplies are all funded through PTO funds raised at the School Auction.  In some ways, the monies raised this year may be more critical than the past to keep these programs going.  So, please stop by, have some food, socialize with friends and neighbors and make a purchase to help out the school if you can.  Your support is appreciated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From the PTO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank You, the Auction Committee!

 

 

 

 

As Newsnotes goes to press, A Night for the Stars, the PTO auction, is a day away. This biggest fundraiser of the school year will benefit Horace Mann students for years to come. And it’s happening thanks to the creativity, dedication and tireless effort of the Auction Leadership Team: Jennifer Connley, Lisa Difelice, Nancy Landry, Patty McCabe, Craig and Linda Ross. The PTO officers would like to thank the Leadership Team as well as the Auction Committee that they put together—the room parents and other parent volunteers who stepped up in countless ways to pull off this much-anticipated event: Sue Amatucci, Anne Banks, Kathy Baron, Margaret Briand, Sheri Calcagni, Barbara Connerney, Diane Claflin, Michelle Curran, Noreen Grady, Pam Greene, Kim Hiltz, Lori Howley, Jessica Johnston, Sandy Malec, Stefania Maloney, Rose Mariano, Julie Minkin, Jacqueline Mullowney, Gina Mulvaney, Emily Norton, Cathy Proscia-Simmons, Kate Slocum, Karen Solari, Betsy Spensieri, Susan Sprich, Susan Tuozzolo, and Mari Young.  Thank you also to the parents and staff who donated their goods and services for auction.  This fun and exciting event is a true testament to the talent and generosity of the Horace Mann community.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Planning for Spring and Beyond

 

 

The auction isn’t the only fun event this spring. We have lots more in store: the Talent Show, the Spring Book Fair, International Night, and Fitness for Life, as well as exciting spring classroom activities.

 

As we head into the latter part of the school year, the PTO starts planning for the 2009-2010 school year. And since our terms as officers end in June, along with many committee chair’s tenures, we hope many of you will consider getting involved in new ways to continue our PTO’s tradition of supporting the Horace Mann students, faculty, staff and community.   Watch for details in the next issue of Newsnotes.

 

Brian, Marcia, Lisa and Jeff

2008-09 PTO Officers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Walking Bus Is Ready To Start Up Again

 

In conjunction with a grant received by the Newton Public Schools, Horace Mann is participating in Safe Routes to School, a program offered by MassRIDES, the Commonwealth’s travel options service of the Executive Office of Transportation. The Massachusetts Safe Routes to School program promotes walking and/or bicycling for school trips, to improve the environment around school, and improve the health of children, while making it safer. Your children can gain a sense of freedom, have fun, and establish a healthy lifestyle!

 

But we need walkers and parent “bus drivers” to guide the walkers along the different routes.  If you are interested in having your student(s) participate or if you are interested in being a parent “bus driver,” please fill out the form that was already sent home and return it to your student’s classroom teacher by Monday, March 30, 2009.  If you have any questions, please contact Miss Hart, Horace Mann’s Walking Bus liaison, via e-mail at Lisa_Hart@newton.k12.ma.us.

 

 

 

 

 

Horace Mann Talent Show

 

Saturday, April 4

At 1.30PM

F.A. Day Middle School

 

The date is coming up fast and we hope that all entrants are busy perfecting their acts!!!  For a practice run-through, please attend ONE of our OPEN REHEARSALS: Tuesday March 24 at 12:30 - 1:45 or Friday March 27 at 3:00 - 4:00 in the music room. This is a great opportunity to practice your act in front of an audience and to receive feedback from the Talent Show Committee! We will have CD player available and tumbling mats for those that need them.  Please remember that each act is limited to TWO MINUTES at the final performance.

Ticket to the show is $5.00 at the door.  Come and see the variety of amazing talents that our students have! 

Questions?  email Stephanie Rogers at Stephanie_Rogers@comcast.net, or Marybeth Denucci at denuccifam@rcn.com

 

 

 

 

 

Donation Needed

4th & 5th Grade Social Action Committee

 

We’re doing a collection drive for a local organization that helps Newton families.  Please donate NEW, UNUSED twin sheets and pillow cases, towels, aluminum foil, paper towels, plastic wrap, garbage bags and toilet paper.  We will be collecting items from March 16 through April 3, 2009.  Thank you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From The Community

 

 

 

 

 

 

State House Rally to Protect Education

 

March 24

 

Join us at Stand for Children’s State House Rally!

 

Do you believe ALL children deserve a quality education, and they can’t afford to wait? If so, please join the Newton Chapter of Stand for Children, the statewide education advocacy group, at our State House Rally on Tuesday, March 24, from 10-11:30 AM.

 

Times are uncertain, and we need to make sure legislators know children and schools are a priority no matter what. You’ll have a chance to hear from education reform leaders, community members, and advocates, as well as help deliver thousands of postcards to legislators, showing your community’s support for our public schools. If you believe in preventing further education cuts, spending smarter, encouraging reforms, and improving public education for all children in Massachusetts, please join with hundreds of other concerned citizens on March 24.

 

For more information and to register, visit www.stand.org/ma/rally.

 

There will be a bus leaving from Newton to bring people to and from the State House. It will have you back in time for Elementary School Early Release. Be sure to indicate that you want bus transportation when you register, and you will get the details.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Critical Choices for Newton, 2009 and Beyond

 

A series of discussions based on the Citizen Advisory Group's findings, each focusing on one aspect of Newton's city finances:  School Cost Structure March 24th 7-9pm at the Longyear Museum 1125 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill (rt. 9 at Dunster Road);  Municipal Cost Structure April 6th 7-9pm, Longyear Museum, Capital Infrastructure May 4, 7-9pm at the Newton Free Library, 330 Homer Street; Performance Management/Renewing Newton June 3rd 7-9pm at the Newton Free Library.  Refreshments at 6:45.  Co-sponsors: The PTO Councils, The Newton Free Library, The Newton Tab, Newton Interfaith Clergy Association, Green Decade Coalition, Newton-Needham Chamber of Commerce, Waban Improvement Society, The Chestnut Hill Association, Stand for Children.  For details and directions: www.lwvn.org. Contact: info@lwvnewton.org or 617-964-0014.

 

 

 

 

 

Children

Literacy Day

 

 

Saturday

March 28, 2-4pm

 

Newton Community Partnerships for Children & Quality Full Day Kindergarten Grant are Sponsoring a Literacy Day at the Newton Community Service Center, 492 Waltham Street, Newton, 02465, Gymnasium and Auditorium. Free of charge.  Activities include face painting and arts & crafts; information about resources in the community and snacks will be available; storytime with Pam McCuen, Newton librarian; magic with Carroll Blake - be dazzled by a magic show with audience participation.  A visit from The Cat in the Hat and Curious George is expected!  Each family can take home a treat bag with books. For more information, call the CPC office, 617-559-6065.

 

 

 

 

 

3rd Annual Newton Student Art and Essay Contest on Conserving Energy

 

Sponsored by the Green Decade/Newton, contests are open to all students who live or go to school in Newton, grades 3-12. Students may enter either or both contests; the submission deadline is today, Friday, March 20, 2009. Prizes are sponsored by NSTAR, Chapman Construction, SUEZ Energy Resources, Boston Green Building, and other organizations. Registration info and contest details, contact the Green Decade at 617-965-1995 or visit

http://www.greendecade.org/energycontestinfo.html.

 

 

 

 

 

Supporting Music in Newton Schools

 

 

You are invited to a meeting on Tuesday March 24 at 7:30 at the Oak Hill school library. Richard King, new Fine Arts Curriculum Coordinator for grades K-8 will discuss the current K-8 fine arts curriculum, and his ideas about the future of music in schools. Contact Lisa Rucinski at lisa@rucinskis.com with any questions.

 

 

 

 

 

Lyme Disease Lecture

 April 2nd at 7PM

 

Missed Diagnosis: Learn how to recognize Lyme Disease...often mistaken for ADD, chronic fatigue, OCD, bipolar or other common maladies. How Lyme Affects Our Children’s Lives and Impacts School Performance.  The potentially devastating consequences of undiagnosed or misdiagnosed Lyme Disease are the focus of an evening featuring two top Lyme Disease experts.  Newton South Auditorium, speakers: Dr. Leo Shea III and Dr. Sheila Statlender.

 

 

 

 

 

NCSC

April Vacation Week

Outdoor Skills Program

April 21-23

 

Looking for something fun for your child to do during April vacation week? Newton Community Service Center offers an outdoor skills program at the beautiful Hale Reservation in Westwood. Activities will include team building games, hiking, raft building, a Frisbee throw, reading trail signs, archery, and an obstacle course. 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 mcap-renzi@ncscweb.org or 617-969-5906 ext. 299.

 

 

 

 

 

 

April Vacation Program

 

www.newtoncommunityed.org

 

Newton Community Ed offers several activities for April vacation: Lego Robotics for kids in grades 3-5 on Tuesday afternoons at Newton South for 8 weeks starting April 14. Domino Physics for kids ages 7 and up, Create a TV Show for kids in grades 5 and up, Basketball for kids in grades K-3, Twist and Shout for kids ages 3-7, Moonshot and Splat 2 for kids in grades K-5, and Babysitting for kids ages 11 and up and more. Registration for summer programs for kids from pre-k through high school is open. They are all listed under "KS" for course ID on the website. For more information or to register call 617-559-6999.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Club Invention Program

Registration Is Ongoing

 

Focuses on brain-powered activities and powerful projects that enhance creativity, teamwork, and inventive-thinking skills. For children entering grades 1-6. Newton teachers lead the curricula each day aided by enthusiastic counselors, and Judi Fitts returns as the director. The program features a low staff-to-child ratio, with one staff member for every eight children. Register for one or both weeks: July 6-10 and/or July 13-17. Camp hours are 9-3:30, and morning and extended day program is also available. Fee of $275 includes all materials, snacks and a T-shirt. Register through Newton Community Ed at www.newtoncommunityed.org or call 617-559-6999.

 

 

 

 

 

Newton Child Care Commission

 

Single Parent Support Group

 

Workshop for single parent. Guest speaker: Tod Gross. Topic: Building A Life Outside Parenting. Location: Newton Cultural Center (Small Gym) on Wednesday, March 25, at 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.

 

 

 

 

 

Sleeping Beauty

By

Tanglewood Marionettes

 

Will come to the Newton Cultural Center, 225 Nevada Street, Newton, Sunday, April 5 at 2:00 PM. Advance tickets: $8, at Door: $10 - 617 796-1540 or 617 527-8283.

This classic tale begins in King Felix's great hall for the christening of Princess Aurora.  The party goes awry when the wicked witch arrives and curses the little princess.  Will the curse come true?  Will someone with a true heart" appear?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rabies Clinic

 

The Newton Health and Human Services Department will be sponsoring a rabies clinic on the following dates:  Saturday, April 4 - 9:00-noon; Monday, May 4 - 5:30-7:30 pm; and Wednesday, June 3 - 5:30-7:30 pm.  All clinics will be held at Fire Station #3, 25 Willow Street, Newton Centre.  Cats and dogs must be caged or leashed, and escorted by someone over the age of 14.  $10 fee.

 

 

 

 

 

Theatre Ink Present

“Anything Goes”

March 19-22

At

Newton North HS

 

All are invited.  March 19th, 20th, and 21st at 7:30pm, and March 22nd at 2pm at Lasker Auditorium, Newton North H.S. Ticket prices:  $10, $14 & $16.   Purchase ticket online at www.theatreink.net or at Cabot's Ice Cream on 743 Washington St. The age-old tale of boy-meets-girl and the complications that ensue intrigue every audience. This show is an amusing story wrapped around one of Cole Porter's magical scores.  Terrific Porter songs include "It's De-Lovely," "Friendship," "I Get A Kick Out Of You," "All Through The Night," Anything Goes," "You're The Top" and "Blow, Gabriel, Blow."

 

 

 

 

 

Garden City Kindergarten Soccer Program

Spring Registration

 

Spring program starts April 11th thru June 6th. Each Saturday, the kindergartners meet from 9:30 - 10:30 at Burr Elementary school in Auburndale. During the first half of each session, the kids do activities and play games that teach some soccer skills. During the second half of each session, the kids play a scrimmage against another team. Fee is $60, and all players will receive a t-shirt, team photo, and trophy. To register visit http://www.franklinpto.org/forms/gcks2008.pdf. Email bmrooney95@aol.com for more information.

 

 

 

 

 

The Newton Food Pantry

 

The pantry is having difficulty meeting the growing needs of hungry families in Newton and together we can make a difference! Collection boxes have been placed near the front and back doors of the school. If you are willing and able, please help. Hunger cannot wait and there are families who need our help. Your contributions are greatly appreciated.

 

 

 

 

 

Newton Free Library

Spring Fling

March 28

7.00-10.00pm

 

Opening remarks by NPR's Tom Ashbrook.  Eight local authors will be honored:  Alex Beam, Andre Dubus III, Jack Dzamba, Xujun Eberlein, Mitali Perkins, Solomon Schimmel, Frank Shirley and Jake Tedali.  Jazz, Hors d'oeuvres, desserts and a silent auction.  Tickets: $100.  Mail checks to 'Spring Fling', Newton Free Library, 330 Homer Street, Newton 02459.  To order tickets on-line, preview the auction, become a sponsor or get more info, go to www.newtonfreelibrary.net or call 617-796-1407.

 

 

 

 

 

Classifieds

 

 

 

Donna Stanger Photography and Video: Award Winning Photographer with several years experience. Call 617-304-1819 to schedule an appointment or email donna@donnastangerphotography.com. For more  information visit www.donnastangerphotography.com.

 

Speech & Language Therapy: Home based service for children ages 2-18 located in Newtonville. For more information, email  Erin Cooper at erin@cooperspeechtherapy.com or visit www.cooperspeechtherapy.com

 

Y3K TUTOR IN YOUR HOME: 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.  Parents can now receive 25% off the first lesson.  Call 781-492-8700 or log on to Y3KTutorInYourHome.com

 

Birthday Art Parties at the New Art Center:  Bored with just cake and balloons? Celebrate your child's birthday with a unique art experience! We provide a talented art instructor, a space for art and a space for refreshments, and 7 possible themes to inspire your party. Call for pricing and more details 617-964-3424 or visit us online www.newartcenter.org

 

ActiveMinds Tutoring, LLC:  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 by May 1.    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, 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

 

 

 

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www.horacemannpto.org