November 14, 2008		From Joe’s Desk
Upcoming
Every Tuesday Pretzel Sales $1.00 After school Front/Back Lobbies Ongoing Saturday, November 15 Mystery Dinner Wednesday, November 26 All School Release NOON Dismissal Thursday, November 27 Friday, November 28 Thanksgiving Break No School Tuesday, December 2 School Council MCAS Presentation 7:00 PM – Music Room Thursday, December 11 HM Shopping Day Learning Express Newton Centre Next Edition: December 5, 2008		Dear Families, New Staff – Please welcome three new staff members at Horace Mann. Melissa Callaghan is our Occupational Therapist who works at Horace Mann on Mondays and Thursdays. She is assuming the caseload of Heather Wenzel, our former OT. Ashley Carlone is a new Inclusion Assistant who has joined our staff and Beth Jones will be the school ISS (School Substitute) on Tuesday and Thursday. She joins Tricia Joyce (M, W) and Kevin McCarthy (F) as our ISS staff. At this point we are now fully staffed. MCAS Presentation – Are you curious about our school’s performance on MCAS last year? Are our students meeting expectations and/or gaining progress? Have you wondered how certain scores are determined? If so, please join me and the School Council on Tuesday, December 2^nd at 7 PM in the All-Purpose room for a presentation of our school’s MCAS results for 2008. 4^th grade teacher Lisa Mikus and principal Joe Russo will share data and information to provide an overview and some specific information that will answer some of your questions. As this is our only edition of Newsnotes in November, let me take this early opportunity to wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving. During this time of year we often take some time to reflect on the year and all we have to be thankful. At Horace Mann thanks begin with our children who brighten each day with their infectious smiles and curious ways. It is a pleasure to come to work each day to be a part of the learning that goes on. No two days are ever the same. Thanks then extend to this magnificent staff who create such a stimulating and engaging learning environment for our children. They go above and beyond on a regular basis to provide curriculum that matches the needs of individual students, work to uncover barriers that get in the way of a child’s learning, and welcome all to the school with warmth and encouragement. The third piece of this “pie” is the thanks to you, the parents, who partner with us in this work we do. Children at Horace Mann arrive ready to go because of the direction parents have set for them. Your involvement, concern, and support are recognized by your children and demonstrated through their care and understanding of the learning process. I often say that I am lucky to have landed in such a respectful and supportive community. Please accept my thanks for all everyone does to make Horace Mann the special place it is. Happy Thanksgiving – even if it is a little early! Reminder: The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is always a NOON dismissal. This can be confusing since our typical early release days are a 12:30 dismissal. This is the one day of the year that we release at 12:00. Be advised that there is no Day-After-Day program on Wednesday and no lunch program. Other after school programs will follow their normal routine. Please make note of this schedule change so all children will be safely dismissed from school.
		From School Council

Newton K-5 Social Studies Curriculum		School Council Report – At our last meeting, Janet Buerklin, Newton’s K-8 Social Studies Coordinator joined us to discuss the K-5 curriculum for the Newton Public Schools. Beginning this spring the social studies MCAS testing will be conducted for grades 5, 7 and 11. The History/Social Sciences test will become a graduation requirement beginning in 2011. The current 9th grade students will be the first for whom the high stakes qualification becomes effective. This year’s students’ scores will be sent to homes and districts in the fall like other tested areas. Social studies material taught in grade 4 and 5 is covered by the MCAS including North American geography and U.S. History. Newton's current curriculum guidelines do not cover all the vast subject matter the can be found in the 5^th grade History/Social Sciences test. The district administrators are currently working through a revision process in 5th grade to see how they can adjust our program to meet state standards. While U.S. geography is covered, Newton's 4th grade geography guidelines currently do not cover Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. And although our 5th graders study U.S. history, Newton's 5^th grade curriculum ends at the Constitution, while the MCAS exam may extend beyond that to cover the Louisiana Purchase, the travels of Lewis & Clark and the War of 1812. Newton’s in-depth study of different Native American tribes and how they shaped our country’s history are not included in the revised state frameworks. This limits the scope of content teachers can effectively teach in a school year. That being said, parents may wish to familiarize your 4th or 5th grader with these topics. There are many good children's books on these subjects as well as child friendly maps and atlases available at Newton Free Library (http://www.mln.lib.ma.us/). In addition, the National Geographic website has a game called GeoSpy which challenges kids geography knowledge (http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/Games/GeographyGames), free downloadable maps (http://maps.nationalgeographic.com/maps) and a Lewis & Clark scavenger hunt and adventure game (http://magma.nationalgeographic.com/ngexplorer/0211/adventures/) and http://www.nationalgeographic.com/lewisandclark/). There are also interactive maps of their trip, video clips, timelines and other information (http://www.pbs.org/lewisandclark/). So help your kids be ready and have an adventure of your own. Plan an imaginary trip. Talk about the places you've been or would like to visit and look at the maps. You'll have a good time and so will your children.

		From the PTO….

Dues Donations Creeping Up but We Still Need Your Help!		We’re up to about 33 percent participation in our dues donation campaign, and anxiously awaiting participation from the other 2/3 of Horace Mann families. The proceeds from the campaign pay for the Creative Arts and Sciences Program, which brings enrichment programs to every child at Horace Mann. Please consider donating even a small amount—every dollar helps! You can still participate in the iPod Touch raffle. Raffle tickets are attached to this issue of Newsnotes and are also available in the school lobby. The second and final drawing will be held next month. An iPod Touch makes a great gift for a family member—or treat yourself! Questions? Contact Marcia Tabenken, mtabenken@rcn.com or 617-965-7322. Donate online at: http://horacemannptodues.eventbrite.com/

Plan Your Holiday Shopping and Benefit Your Child’s Education		On Thursday, December 11, Learning Express in Newton Centre will host a special Horace Mann shopping day. When a customer makes a purchase and tells the cashier to credit Horace Mann, our school will get 20 percent of the total sale. The store will be open 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., so mark your calendars and make your shopping lists. My Pawfect Bear in Newtonville will also host a Horace Mann shopping day. Stay tuned for details.

Don’t Forget to Bring in your Box Tops 4 Education		For each Box Top 4 Education 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.

Earn Money for Horace Mann When Dining Out		Next time you eat at Ariadne in Newtonville or Vecchia Roma in Nonantum, tell your server that you’re from Horace Mann, and the restaurants will donate a portion 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.

Navigating the Rocky Road of Adolescence		Featuring Michael Jellinek, MD, Chief of Child Psychiatry at Mass General Hospital and President of Newton-Wellesley Hospital. Thurs. Nov. 20 7-8pm at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Shipley Auditorium. Sponsored by Newton PTO Council, Newton parent Advisory council, Newton-Wellesley Hospital and project INTERFACE at WarmLines, a subsidiary of the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology.

		From Newton Public Schools

Parent Survey on School Security		The School Committee has appointed a subcommittee to review system-wide security policies and to make recommendations to the School Committee on how to deal broadly with security issues. That subcommittee has prepared a draft policy and had discussions about how specific security measures then might be implemented. The School Committee is scheduled to vote on the policy in November. The committee is conducting a survey to get community input on some of the areas under discussion. The survey is at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=1GvcCRWDVAVu20DGi3MgjQ_3d_3d

		From The Community

Learn to Skate While Supporting Our School		If you are currently enrolled or plan on enrolling in the Creative Skating program, mention your child is a student at Horace Mann; we receive 10% of the tuition price. You can still enroll for the current session. The next session begins at the end of November. The Creative Skating Academy is at the Fessenden Rink on Sundays. For more information log on to www.creativeskatingacademy.com

Learn to Skate Sign Up Now		Program begins November 15^th through most of March every Saturday at Fessenden rink at noon (advanced group at 1pm).The program is divided into two groups that include beginners and first timers and those that have some skating ability. To sign up go to www.newtonyouthhockey.com and click on "learn to skate" on the left navigation bar.

Newton Symphony Orchestra Nov 16 7:30 pm		Concert on November 16th at 7:30 pm at the Rashi Auditorium. Edward Elgar's Enigma Variations will be performed. Tickets; $10 for children under 14, $30 in the orchestra, $25 in the mezzanine with discounts for seniors, students and groups, can be obtained at www.newtonsymphony.org, or by calling 617 965 2555.

Early Release Program Tues Nov 18 3:30 – 5:00pm		Hiding Out: A Personal Story of Hiding Jews in WWII Italy: Hear Newton resident Maria Puzzanghero tell the story of her family's fight to save a Jewish family from the Nazis. Learn about the difficult decisions her family made, her reactions to them, and how they continue to influence her today. Cost: $10 ($8 for members); includes admission, materials, and snack. Appropriate for ages 6 and up. Prepaid registration is required, and space is limited. To register, call 617-796-1450

YMCA Programs For more info Call 617.244.6050		Jam out with the West Suburban YMCA’s Youth and Teen Programs: The West Suburban YMCA offers a wide variety of afterschool programs and activities for youth and teens of all ages including Kids’ Night Out, a Friday night drop-in program with lots of activities and Band Nights where kids can showcase their musical talents. For more info, contact Gregg Ellenberg at 617-244-6050, x 3006 or gregge@westsuburbanymca.org. Have a Blast with the West Suburban YMCA’s Birthday Parties: The West Suburban YMCA has a variety of educational and safe options including pool, sports, climbing wall, preschool, princess, and hip hop parties. Each party is hosted by a trained YMCA party coordinator.

Strategies for Increasing City Revenue		Newton, MA – On November 19, 2008, the Citizen Advisory Group will release a draft report on potential strategies for increasing the City’s revenues. This report’s recommendations will be summarized and discussed at a Public Meeting scheduled to take place at 7:00 pm at the Newton Free Library, 330 Homer Street, Newton Centre 02459.

Cash In The Trash		A Public Forum on Reducing Solid Waste and Increasing Recycling and Savings presented by the League of Women Voters of Newton. Thursday, November 20 7:00pm Newton Free Library, Druker Auditorium. Free to the public.

Bach at the Centre Sun Nov 23, 8pm First Baptist Church		This concert is a fundraiser for the Nathan Alden Robinson Memorial Fund. Nathan was a talented pianist and clarinet player who passed away suddenly last spring during his freshman year at Newton North High School. Nathan, a great lover of the music of J.S. Bach, was very involved with youth programs at the Newton Free Library. Proceeds will help the Memorial Fund donate a bench to the library and contribute towards the renovation of the library's piano. Tickets at the door: $20adults/$10 for students. Food and drink served afterwards. First Baptist Church, 848 Beacon Street in the heart of Newton Centre.

Into the Woods Nov 14 – Dec 14 Turtle Lane Playhouse		"Into the Woods" - Affordable Family Fare for the Holidays. Takes the Brothers Grimm to a whole new level. Bring the whole family for the cost of a pair of tickets in Boston. Turtle Lane Playhouse, 283 Melrose St., Newton (Auburndale). Tickets: $25.00 and $27.50 available online at www.turtlelane.org or by calling the Box Office at 617-244-0169, Monday-Friday from 11am to 5pm and Saturday from 12pm to 5pm.

Newton Open Studios Nov 22 & 23 11-5		Newton Open Studios - Juried Art and Craft Show and Sale. Free. Newton Cultural Center 225 Nevada Street. Featuring 35 artists and craftspeople, chosen by a DeCordova museum curator. Special preview exhibit featuring 10 of the artists at Newton TV Art Gallery, 23 Needham Street, now through Nov. 20. www.NewtonOpenStudios.com or contact info@NewtonOpenStudios.com or 617-872-0228.

Cutler & Millennium Park Hike Nov 23, 2pm		Starting at Cutler Park, explore Cutler Park and Millennium Park and complete the tour via the Wells Avenue Charles River Pathway. These areas have been improved for recreation over the last several years and now provide a wide variety of trails, river landings and playing fields. This approximately 5.5 mile hike will be steady but not fast, and participants should be in sufficiently good shape to keep up with the group. Meet at the Cutler Park entrance, a quarter mile south of the Charles River Bridge on Kendrick Street in Needham, at 2:00 pm. Trip leader is Henry Finch (617-964-4488). Visit www.newtonconservators.org for more info.

Classifieds
KIDS' KARATE--HOLIDAY SPECIAL: Free trial Beginners class, Friday, Dec. 12 (4:45-5:45) or Saturday, Dec. 13 (10-11 a.m.). Free uniform for those who enroll. $79 for once-a-week, or $99 for twice-a-week, per 7 Week Session. Beginners Session starts in January. For more information, please leave message at (617) 527-8052 or see www.kids-karate.org Help Wanted: Director of Development for The Second Step, Inc. The Second Step breaks the cycle of domestic violence by providing survivors and their children with services that empower them to remain free from abusive relationships through economic independence, social connections, and stable, affordable housing. Providing community based services, transitional housing, and a therapeutic After school Program, The Second Step responds to individual needs, and helps families achieve their goals. For further information, contact Roberta Rosenberg, Executive Director, rrosenberg@thesecondstep.org or The Second Step, Inc., PO Box 600213, Newtonville, MA 02460. www.thesecondstep.org. FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHS FOR THE HOLIDAYS!! Consider current family portraiture taken at your home or at my photography studio, conveniently located in Newton on Walnut Street and Beacon. Call for an appointment. DONNA STANGER PHOTOGRAPHY 617-304-1819

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.

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Parents and Friends,

Please support the Horace Mann PTO by participating in our dues donation campaign. Any donation large or small is appreciated. For every $25 you donate you get a chance to win an iPod Touch; $100 gets you 5 chances. Keep the iPod for your family or give it as a gift. The drawing will take place in December. You need not be present to win. Proceeds benefit the school’s Creative Arts and Sciences Program. To enter: Make checks payable to “Horace Mann PTO,” fill out the appropriate number of raffle tickets, put them in an envelope, baggie or paper clip and place them in the PTO box in the front lobby.