[CabotCommunity] Fwd: Jabberwock for Tuesday November 20,2007

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 Jabberwock –
Jabberwock –
The Cabot School PTO Newsletter

November 20, 2007 

2007-08 Issue #3

  Respect for self and others            Lifelong learning                 Commitment to school and community

Cabot School Contact Information 

• Main Office: 617-559-9400                   • CASP: 617-964-2749

• Gym: 617-559-9407                               • Food Service: 617-559-9412                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

• Inclusion Facilitator: 617-559-9409    • Nurse: 617-559-9404

• Library: 617-559-9406                         

• Psychologist & Social Worker: 617-559-9405

• Call Back/Safe Arrival: 617-559-9390 

              Call by 8:20 a.m. to report tardiness & absences

Cabot School website       www.newton.k12.ma.us/cabot/

Cabot School PTO             www.cabotpto.org

Newton Public Schools     www.newton.k12.ma.us/

 Calendar

November 20, 2007

Jabberwock Publication 2007-08 Issue #3

November 21, 2007

CASP Closed

November 21, 2007

12:00 Noon Dismissal for Thanksgiving

November 22, 2007

Thanksgiving, NO SCHOOL

November 23, 2007

Thanksgiving Recess, NO SCHOOL

November 26, 2007

School Committee Meeting, 7:30 PM

November 27, 2007

Affinity Group 12:30 pm

November 27, 2007

Child Assault Prevention Program - Grade 5

November 30, 2007

Child Assault Prevention Program - Grade 5

December 4, 2007

Hanukkah Begins at Sundown

December 6, 2007

All School Creative Arts & Sciences presents David Zucker 'Poetry in Motion'

December 10, 2007

School Committee Meeting, 7:30 PM

December 13, 2007

CASP Advisory Board Meeting  7:45am

December 13, 2007

Early Release Day, 12:30 PM Dismissal

Please check the website www.cabotpto.org for an updated calendar at anytime.

 Marilynne’s Message

As we start to feel the weather change to a more predictable temperature for New England, it should be noted that we have just completed the first quarter of the school year. Much of those first 45 days were filled with excitement about our local sports team and World Series Champions, The Boston Red Sox. I must admit that I found myself also peering at the television screen late at night with baited breath, hoping the home team would defeat their opponent from Colorado. Now that many of us have regained a normal sleep pattern we should keep our eyes focus on the conversation occurring about the city. The Superintendent had formed a strategic planning committee and they have completed a successful survey of faculty and parents. Be on the lookout for public meetings where the superintendent invites you to share your thoughts about schooling in the future. Remember my reminder at back To School Night that the current kindergarten class will graduate in 2020! As I was reading a current educational journal I came across a statement that suggested that if we can no longer attempt to recreate the schools of our past, nor be complacent about the schools we have (assuming they are high achieving schools) but rather we must use our collective understanding of what the world will need as our children inherit a legacy that mandates a more developed ability to live and work and contribute to a global society. You have an unprecedented opportunity to be part of this exciting venture!

Note these dates:

    Community Sessions

    November 13th - 9:15am-11:45am in Druker Auditorium at the Newton Public Library

    November 20th - 6:45pm-9:15pm in the South cafeteria

Perhaps you have high school students or even your own children who feel that they want to participate in this civic activity! Consider joining the student sessions.

Student Sessions

November 13th - South - 2:15pm- 3:45pm in the Faculty Dining Room (off of the Student Center)

-          North - 2:40pm - 4:00pm – in Room 353

The Thanksgiving holiday usually signals the time of school year where the expectations of all classrooms increase. Students have had time to learn routines, become familiar with the structure of lessons and continue to learn about the standards for their effort and work. Teachers have worked to help children develop the dispositions that allow them to gain comfort with the learning style and needs. The work in classrooms focuses on ensuring that children will take reasoned risks so they can grapple with new concepts and applications under the teachers’ guidance. Children are asked to understand what a “just right book” means. In classrooms children who have meet these goals are more assured of great learning. We know that if a child reads a book above their independent reading level (more than five decoding errors per page or approximately 5 out 100 words) they learn to either “pretend read” or not learn any new strategies they can apply in another treading setting and they compromise their ability to comprehend the more subtle elements of the text. I am sure you have heard each classroom teacher discuss the importance of the just right book. Help your child learn to differentiate the types of books they read. It is certainly great when a parent assist a child with a book that may be a challenge but also help them understand what they are reading. Read for them and let them retell the story or discuss the character, plot or make inferences about what may happen next. Children also love to make text connections. Maybe the storyline has a familiar theme. Talk about how you relate to what is being read. Ask your children about text –to -text, text to self and text to world connections! This small activity can help your child’s comprehension. Use more sophisticated questioning every once in a while. Recall questions are making use of lower level thinking skills but questions that ask for predictions, inferences, and author’s purpose tap into your child’s higher order thinking skills.  This year, occasionally I have been able to personally provide 20 minutes of coverage for classroom teachers to meet with the Literacy Assistant for planning purposes at grades K-3. I have had an opportunity to see first hand how your children approach this requirement. Some offer a bit of resistance as they want to read “hard books”, “chapter books” or “books a friend” is reading. Others are more comfortable settling down with that “just right book”. Those students generally have a more open disposition about reading instruction and will most likely see the greatest growth.  The Literacy program in the Newton Public Schools is based on the best research regarding learning. Encourage your child to be open to instruction and to give themselves permissions to discover what learning feels like and looks like so together we can develop sophisticated readers.

BURRRRR, it’s cold inside! Yes, that is what we have been saying regularly during the past two weeks. This year we have experienced a day with no heat. The very old boiler that provides heat for the building excluding both modular wings can be very tempermental. Perhaps your child has come home to say how cold they were in their classrooms. Temperatures have been noted at a low of 52 degrees in the music room and a few classrooms in the 1957 wing. Our custodian Mr Meliones has worked hard to monitor the heat but even he has been troubled by the lack of consistency. We have had some servicing and hopefully things will be better. As the temperature drops I do suggest that children dress appropriately. Perhaps dress in layers or bring an extra sweater or shirt to leave in a locker or cubby. It is far easier to peel layers off if we get warm.

You may be saying my child’s class is just the opposite! Yes, a few areas are very hot (on days the boiler has worked). The school department system requires that a work order be submitted and then usually a change in the thermostat quickly fixes that problem. Given that this is the start of the heating season and we have old buildings (we are the second oldest operating a school), the response time can be slower than desired.

As I have other updates I will keep you informed. 

THANK YOU…it is time to say how grateful we are to the PTO and its committees. As a group of educators we have been helped to do our work. Your financial generosity matched by the volume of volunteerism holds this school up. This year I have been able to purchase new easels, tape/cd players, and some maps and globes for classrooms. The Program Enrichment Committee in addition to the Educational Technology committees have provided enrichment materials that will include resources to help make more classrooms sensory friendly, literacy enrichment materials for grade 3, special media for art, consultants for a technology engineering project at kindergarten and a host of other request totaling over $3000. Technology continues to be upgraded and replaced. This year with a generous line item of $15,000 our committee hopes to explore new technologies such as Smartboards. My list could go on and on! Social Action, Core Values, Walking School Bus Initiatives, School Council, and Creative Arts and Sciences all make the faculty and staff  forever grateful!

So as we take a short break, may you and your family have a safe, restful and enjoyable weekend! For those new to Thanksgiving, may you experience a bit of the deep meaning of Thanksgiving—a gathering of people to share food and conversation across our differences!

A second grader told me that he had just finished reading a book about Thanksgiving. When I asked him what new information he had learned, he looked up and said quite innocently, “I had no idea there were Indians at Thanksgiving. I only knew about the Pilgrims!” So if you have time go to Plymouth, Massachusetts with your families and let them discover how close they reside to the scene of significant events in American history!

One last thank you…to all of the families who have made an effort to walk not drive to school; to park on streets other that Parkview and to respect the needs of our neighbors and not block driveways, THANK YOU THANK YOU! I would say we are in good shape for the snowy days of winter! YOU are the BEST!

  PTO Pen

This past month has been a busy one at Cabot!  Starting with the Core Values evening, the Grand Opening of Cabot Community Park, Wellness Day, the visit from the School Committee members, the gift wrap drive, the food drive, the launch of the Campaign for Cabot and culminating with the AutumnFest celebration today; these events are all a reflection of the strong community we have at Cabot.  These events and this time of year have made us think about giving thanks. There are so many things we are thankful for and here are just a few:

We are thankful for the teachers and faculty who give it their all on a daily basis to make a difference in our children’s lives and in their learning.

We are thankful for our dedicated Principal who is constantly striving to improve the education of our children in countless ways.

We are thankful for the parents and volunteers who are always willing to lend a hand.

And, of course, we are thankful for our wonderful students who always have a smile to warm your heart, a willingness to jump in and help out, a sense of adventure to try new things and new ways of learning, and who have mountains of energy to inspire us all. When they break into an impromptu rendition of The Cabot School Song, who can not feel happy?

 Enjoy this holiday weekend and don’t forget to pick your children up at 12:00 noon on Wednesday!  

Mary Kathryn Fallon                              Archana Vahalia

PTO co-President                              PTO co-President

   Recent Events at cabot

Understanding Our Differences

Grade 4

Last Thursday, Nov. 15, Fourth graders participated in an Understanding Our Differences unit on learning disabilities. Two students from Newton South High School talked to them about what it is like to have a learning disability and how they have been successful at school thanks to the help of teachers and the understanding of other students. The fourth graders also participated in workshops designed to help them understand what it feels like to have an LD. Thanks to all who participated in making the program a success. The next unit will take place in March and will focus on special medical conditions. If you'd like to volunteer, it is a great way to participate in your child's class! Call Carolyn Eggert at 617-630-1501 or email at carolyneggert at yahoo.com. 

Thanks to our volunteers ~ Shirley Schultz (a grandmother of a 4th grader), Kate Dulit and Rick Reilly. 

Grade 5

On November 8th, a grandmother, a big sister, 2 mothers and 2 dads put on the 5th grade Understanding Our Differences program on physical disabilies.  This group was helped greatly by the school specialist teachers (Dana Bennett, Sharon Foster, Lani Gerson, Elaine Ropi and Kelly Conroy).  We also had a presentation by Rosemary Larking, a Newton Parent, who told us her moving story of living in a wheelchair and being told she "couldn't do it" and then proving them wrong.  There will be two more 5th Grade UOD sessions (Jan. 10th on Developmental Disabilities and May 8th on Autism).  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Rick Reilly @ 617-332-3006 or rmreilly at rcn.com.  Again, a special thanks to Myra Chivian, Sarah Jefferson, Judy McMorrow, Marya Van't Hul and Mark Nardone for their time.

School Committee Members Visited Cabot

On the evening of November 1, 2007 School Committee Members visited Cabot School to discuss the long term facilities plan in the City of Newton, specifically regarding the plans for Cabot School.  Approximately 20 people attended the meeting in which the School Committee answered questions and explained their decision making.  For a more complete discussion of the City’s long term facilities recommendation, read the Oct. 18 memo from Jeff Young:

http://www.newton.k12.ma.us/schoolcommittee/_documentsFY08/long_range_facilities_planning_10_22_07.pdf

 Connecting with Core Values Evening – A great turnout!

We hope you were one of the more than 200 individuals who joined us for the first ever Connecting with Core Values on October 25th. The Cabot School faculty and staff, students, and their parents/guardians participated in an evening of hands-on activities illuminating Cabot’s core values. Stations were placed throughout the school where we learned about Open Circle, solved problems through teamwork, and explored Cabot’s ties to the wider world.  Our thanks go to the more than 40 parents and teachers who volunteered their time and ran stations.  We are especially grateful Dr. Quarcoo, Mrs. Forseter and to the dedicated, talented and organized Sally Brickell.  These 3 individuals worked non-stop to make this evening as successful as it turned out to be!!  Thank you !!

 Upcoming Events 

Strategic Vision Sessions – 

An Invitation from the Superintendent to Participate 

A message from Jeff Young, School Superintendent - ”For those of you who have become interested in our strategic planning effort, I invite you to participate in one of the parent/community sessions to create a shared vision for the NPS. Here are the particulars: 

Session #2: Tuesday, November 20, 6:45 - 9:15 p.m. 

                   Newton South High School Student Center 

At these sessions, we will build upon the strengths that have been identified across the system and create a shared picture of the "envisioned future" for Newton Public Schools in the year 2020, when this year's kindergartners graduate! Participants in these sessions will be invited to work creatively and collaboratively to brainstorm what they would like to see evident as NPS' key accomplishments and outstanding qualities at that point in time. The sessions will be very interactive and give people a chance to be bold and vivid as they consider the future they would like to call forward for the district and its various stakeholders. Please click on the link https://fmweb.newton.k12.ma.us/fmi/iwp/cgi?-db=Attendance%20Questioner%20Parents&-startsession&-visibility and take 10 seconds to tell us whether you will attend one of the sessions. We need to get some rough idea as to the likely size of the group. 

About 700 parents completed the electronic survey on “enduring strengths.” We are now analyzing the data (from a similar faculty/staff survey as well) and will be ready to report the results shortly. Thank you for your ongoing interest in this project.” Jeff Young. 

Cabot’s Annual Food Drive 

Cabot’s annual food drive will start this week. The members of Social Action Committee will be collecting food and delivering it to Newton’s Creative Start. Please bring in your non-perishable items this week (no glass please).  

HOUSEKEEPING

GOING AWAY extra days? Kids Sick?   Don't FORGET to Call the office!

The Cabot Safe Arrival/Call Back Program helps ensure that children arrive safely at school each morning.   If your child will be absent or late, call 617-559-9390 between 6:00 pm the night before and 8:35 am on the day of absence.  Speaking slowly and clearly, leave the following information:  Your name, your child’s name, teacher’s name and grade, and date of absence.  This is an important safety program; please help by notifying the office ahead of time.

School Out-of-District Policy

Out-of-District placements for students who wish to attend a school in Newton other than his/her district school are limited. Such placements are made on a space available basis only. Newton families, as well as members of Units A, B, C, D, E, NESA, Custodians and Boston parents of students participating in the METCO Program, should call the Attendance Office at 617-559-6030 for information.* Students who receive acceptance for Out-of-District placement must remain in the school selected or file for out-of-district placement at the appropriate time. 

• Applications for the following school year must be submitted on forms, which will be available in the Attendance Office at the Education Center beginning November 1. 

•If necessary, a lottery will be implemented to determine the order in which placements will be made. Completed applications, signed by the in-district principal, can be submitted no earlier than January 2, 2008 and no later than April 30, 2008. 

Applications submitted after April 30, 2008 will not be included in the lottery. 

•Hand-delivered applications will only be accepted from the parent or legal guardian. Application forms must have the 'Reason for Request' section completed in order to be considered. 

•Class size in a given grade, in a given year, in a specific school, may preclude any placements including siblings. 

•Parents will be responsible for transportation. 

* Tuition Free Enrollment is limited to the per pupil cost of regular education. 

Thanks………………………

We would like to express our appreciation to:

Kate Johnson     – for organizing and executing the successful gift wrap fundraiser!

Jenny Gamson, Marya Van’t Hul, Rick Reilly and Marc Svensson – our directory gurus, for working hard through the summer and fall to gather, compile and prepare the invaluable Cabot directory!

Chris Kjellson and Margaret Wazuka  - for planning the Cabot Community Park Grand Opening Ceremony

Daphne Potter & Susan Sagan – for helping Dana Bennett organize Wellness Day, a fun day of health and learning. 

Jen Borhegyi     – for organizing the Grade 2 Pedestrain Safety Day.

Sally Brickell     – for spearheading, organizing and running Cabot’s first ever Core Values night – as well as all the volunteers who gave their time and energy to make this a successful event! 

Isabelle Thacker – for getting us going on recycling printer cartridges and cell phone by starting up Think Recycle

Lisa Poerter and Kelly Phillips – for organizing the UNICEF, candy drive and Soap collection

Julie Stonehill   – for organizing the Papa Gino’s fundraiser and giving many of us a night off from cooking.

Sharon Dywer   – for organizing the Coffee Pond Family Picture Day.

Lost & Found Bin

Have you seen the pile of sweatshirts, t-shirts, gloves, hats and even socks accumulating in the Lost & Found bin in the main lobby?  Please take a look through and find those missing items!  We will empty the bin and donate the contents at the end of the month.

CABOT BROADCAST

Kids Corner – We are now accepting student submissions to the Jabberwock!!  

We are initiating a new and exciting part of the Jabberwock.  We invite Cabot students to submit original poems, haikus or short paragraphs to the Jabberwock.  Any submission will be considered, however, we encourage those with a focus on Cabot’s core values, which are: 

     * Lifelong learning

     * Respect for self and others

     * Commitment to school and community 

Each month the students and faculty are focusing on a word that relates to the core values. The words so far this year have been:

     September – Routines

     October – Advocacy

     November - Effort

Students may use these words to inspire a poem, haiku or short story to be published in the Jabberwock.  Students may work alone, as part of a group, with their family or as a class.  This is a completely voluntary effort.  All submissions should be sent to jabbereditor at gmail.com to be considered for inclusion in the Jabberwock.  Submissions received by December 11, 2007, will be considered for inclusion in the December issue.  We will continue to add more words as the year progresses and would like to make student work part of the monthly publication. We look forward to reading all your wonderful stories and ideas!  

Halloween Window Painting Competition

It is hard to miss all the wonderful art work of the children in Newton School system on the windows of various businesses around the city. Because of the rain it had to be postponed to Sunday, but that did not dampen the spirits of these children. Please congratulate Olivia Duvall who painted at the window of Newtonville Books, Newtonville - and won the prize for most Comical for the 3rd grade group. 

Congratulations to Olivia, and to all the children at Cabot, who participated in this year's contest!

FUNDRAISING

Campaign For Cabot is Here!!! 

We are pleased to inform you that the annual Campaign for Cabot 2007-2008 has been officially launched. You should have received a letter in the mail detailing that the Campaign for Cabot is our single largest source of funding for the PTO each year, ensuring the fulfillment of our mission to enrich the educational experience of all our children, support the school staff and build the community that makes Cabot School such a special place. We hope you will be able to participate and help make a difference for your child(ren)’s education and supplement the educational budget provided by the City. This year the PTO will spend $63,100, or approximately $150 per child on a range of programs and services, while the Newton Public Schools provides $100. Of course we request that you be as generous as you can so we can continue to provide all the wonderful opportunities and programs, but we would also like to increase participation of this fundraiser.  Last year 47% of you contributed to the Campaign, if more of us contribute, we will each have to contribute less! To help increase participation, we are raffling off 2 ipod shuffles for all those who make a donation, regardless of the amount, to the Campaign.  All those who make a donation by December 18 will be entered to win the first ipod shuffle to be raffled off on Wednesday December 19,2007.  The second one will be raffled off at the Cabot Family Dance on February 2, 2008. Anyone who has made a donation will be entered to win!! 

Thanks to Karen Blatt, Susan Philips, Sue Finegan, Jo Doherty, Ayako Samuels and Liz Haas for stuffing the envelopes and getting the mailing out the door!  Very special thanks go to Lori Seuch, our VP of Fundraising, for organizing and distributing the letters and donation cards and to Emily Hess for her technical expertise working with our database to print the letters. 

BoxTops!

Congratulations Cabot!  We just shipped off 2,791 Box Tops for reimbursement.  Our goal for this year was 6,000 Box Tops, but we are doing so well, we should increase our goal to 8,000 or 10,000 or more.  Keep bringing them in and let's see how many we can collect this year.

And, when you start your holiday shopping on line, remember to start

at http://cabotpto.org/shop/index.html  It doesn’t cost you any extra and the many of the vendors that you use donate a percentage of the purchase price to the Cabot PTO! You maybe surprised, many of the stores you already shop at are listed!

If you have any questions, please let me know: Isabelle Thacker,

isabelle at thackers.net, 617/795-2332.

Think Recycle!

Cabot will once again collect and recycle used print (laser or ink jet) cartridges and old cell phones. This is mainly an environmental project but it can also bring in some funds to Cabot.  Think Recycle will pay us for qualifying items we recycle and will plant one tree for every 12 qualifying items we submit.  Even if Think Recycle cannot pay us for a particular type of cartridge/cell phone, they will properly recycle/dispose of the items.

There is a big Think Recycle box in the front lobby to put your used printer cartridges and old cell phones.  Collect them from home, the office, neighbors and friends.   Please put the used print cartridges in a bag before putting them in the box, so that ink doesn't get all over the cell phones.

If you want to learn more, go to www.thinkrecycle.com

If you have any questions, contact Isabelle Thacker, isabelle at thackers.net, 617/795-2332

FIFTH GRADE ACTIVITIES

The Fifth Grade Election Day Bake Sale was a Great Success!

We would like to thank all of the parents who helped out with the Fifth Grade Election Day Bake Sale on November 6th. Although it was a cold and rainy day, we sold all of the delicious treats brought in by the families. Thank you to everyone who helped sell at the sale and to all of those families who made it possible with the yummy baked food (and the fresh picked apples)!! The fundraising for Fifth Grade activities is off to a great start.

                              -Lisa Spagnuolo and the Fifth Grade Activities Team

SOCIAL ACTION

Cabot Wide Community Service Project

Again this year Cabot will participate in the holiday gift drive to benefit the families of The Second Step, Newton's shelter for homeless mothers and their children who have experienced domestic violence. Everyone should have received a blue sheet which describes the program and procedures.  If you choose to participate volunteers will return the form back to you with the age, gender and specifics about what to buy.  Gifts should be brought to Cabot School on 12/10 or 12/11.  Gifts must be new and unwrapped.  Donations of gift wrap, tape, and ribbons are needed also.  Contact Rose Coppola Flynn at 617-332-2573 or e-mail her at roda at gis.net.  

Trick or Treat for UNICEF

Thanks to all who participated in Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF.  Cabot School raised $1,454.10 this Halloween to help kids around the world!

                           - Kelly Phillips, Co-chair of Social Action Committee

Cabot’s Candy Donations Well Received

After Halloween, Cabot families donated at least 300 lbs. of candy to the Pine Street Inn. The candy is distributed to the hundreds of men and women who visit the homeless shelter every day. The shelter freezes the candy to be used for parties and birthdays throughout the year. This year’s donation was greatly appreciated. Thank you to everyone who contributed candy and helped out with the drive.

COMMUNITY PARK

Grand Opening Ceremony of the Cabot Community Park

Thanks again to all who made the Grand Opening Ceremony of the Cabot Community Park such a spectacular event - and hope you didn't miss the terrific article in the November 7th TAB!  It was a great way to both kick off Wellness Day and acknowledge all who worked so long and hard to make the Park a reality!  The birds have found the birdfeeders donated by Cabot's 2005 5th grade graduating class, and Ms. Fiorenza is spearheading a movement to begin composting.  It's exciting to see the Park appreciated in so many ways.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Thank You for Wellness Day

I wanted to give a huge thank you to all that were involved in making our 4th annual Wellness Day a success. For all the parents and teachers that volunteered your time please know that this day could not go on if it wasn’t for your constant support and generosity. I tip my hat to Daphne Potter and Sue Sagan together they’ve spent endless hours recruiting volunteers, getting apples, advertising the event and much much more… They give new meaning to “right hand (Wo)man”. 

If you had an opportunity to visit wellness day I hope that you enjoyed the festivities. I’m already looking for ideas and volunteers for next year. All ideas and suggestions are welcome.   Yours In Wellness,  Dana Bennett

FROM THE NURSE

Dear Newton Public Schools Parents/Guardians: 

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are becoming more common in community settings, including schools and more specifically among sports teams. MRSA infections in these settings can cause anxiety for parents and school staff. The following information about MRSA (and other types of staphylococcus aureus infections) is important for you to know: 

·        Although severe, life-threatening infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (staph), can be dramatic and frightening, they are rare. 

·        More commonly seen in children are minor staph infections like ordinary boils, furuncles, impetigo and cellulitis. 

·        Severe staph infections are uncommon in healthy children. 

·        The most serious staph infections usually occur in health care settings, not in school or community settings. 

Preventive steps include: 

·        washing hands thoroughly with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer 

·        keeping wounds clean and covered until healed 

·        avoiding contact with other people’s wounds or bandages 

·        avoiding sharing towels, razors and other personal items in school gyms and locker rooms 

·        sanitizing athletic and exercise equipment that is immediately shared by other people 

Please read the Frequently Asked Questions for Parents and Students about Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA),  which is attached to this document.

For more information about MRSA, visit the MDPH website at www.mass.gov/dph

Or contact me at : 617-559-9404, Karen Kerrigan, RN.

SOCIAL WORK & SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST

Single Parent Support Group / Tactics for Managing Anger

The second in a series of six workshops on Wednesday, November 28, 2007 with Psy. D. Tod Gross. 

Lecture and Discussion:  Tactics for Managing Anger.  

Location:  Newton Community Service Center, The Cooper Room 

                 492 Waltham St., West Newton

Time:  6:30 to 8:00 pm

Child Care will be provided on site by staff from the Newton Community Service Center child care program.  To register or for more information call 617-332-6723.  Sponsored by the Rebecca Pomroy Foundation and coordinated by the Newton Child Care Commission.

LITERACY RESOURCE CENTER

The National Mythology Exam 

At Cabot School, we are offering students in grades three, four, and five an opportunity to take the National Mythology Exam. Students must sign up with their classroom teachers by December 7, 2007. The exam will be given between February 25 and March 7, 2008. 

The National Mythology Exam, sponsored by the American Classical League, is a multiple choice, machine scored exam given across the country each year to assess students’ knowledge of Greek and Roman Myths. Each year, the American Classical League announces the study pages in d’Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths for this self-directed study of mythology. Signing up for the exam requires students to make a commitment to study the material. At Cabot, we offer the exam to any students in grades three, four, and five who consider themselves “scholars” in this literary genre. 

For more information, please contact me by email john_miranda at newton.k12.ma.us or by phone at Cabot School (617) 559-9400.   

                                   -John Miranda, Literacy Specialist 

Parent Volunteers Needed for Reading Partners Program

Would you like to help in a primary classroom?  Cabot School is recruiting volunteers to help support readers in the first and second grades as they develop and strengthen literacy skills.  No prior teaching or tutoring experience is required.

The Reading Partners Program will begin its fifth year in January 2008. We are asking for a commitment of one day per week for 45 minutes each day.  The time slots vary but are in the morning for grades one and two.  Each time slot is during the literacy block in the individual classrooms.  Volunteers pick which day they would like to work.   

Parent volunteers will work one-on-one with students, listening to them read.  John Miranda, Literacy Specialist, will provide training on how to support readers.  The training will teach parents how to prompt students to support the use of reading strategies.  John will be available to coach and support parent volunteers throughout the program. 

For more information, or to sign up, please contact Marilynne at marilynne_quarcoo at newton.k12.ma.us, or John Miranda at john_miranda at newton.k12.ma.us. 

COMMUNITY NEWS

Celebrate Newton at the Holiday Arts and Crafts Festival

The sixth annual CELEBRATE NEWTON! HOLIDAY ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL will take place on Sunday, December 2nd from 10 am until 4 pm at Newton South High School. This Citywide PTO-sponsored fair will feature 60+ artisans with ties to Newton: crafters and artists in the show are Newton residents, teachers, parents, students, employees, alums and more. Shoppers can also enjoy onsite craft projects, live music from community and school groups, a silent auction, bake sale and lunch cafe. ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE NEWTON SCHOOLS FOUNDATION. Please see www.perugi.com/newton for more details. Questions? Please contact Sara Coen at 617-558-3695 or at saracoen3 at aol.com.

Wondering about….MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES?

The new INTERFACE Community Resource & Referral HELPLINE is now available to parents and community members to assist in finding appropriate mental health services for children and families. A licensed mental health professional helps callers with navigating the mental health system. You may call 617-990-4975 on Tuesday, 4-6 PM, and Thursday, 2-4 PM.

The HELPLINE is a service of Project INTERFACE, which is an initiative to improve the integration of mental health services within school systems and their greater community. A major goal of the project is to enhance access to mental health services for children and families. This project was successfully piloted over the past two years within the Newton Public Schools. Additional funds were recently granted to maintain and expand this Web site and database, now also serving the communities of Waltham and West Roxbury. 

On the Project INTERFACE Web site, www.projectinterface.org, parents can find information related to mental health questions and services for children and families, including a calendar of community trainings and events. 

The Project INTERFACE database, developed and maintained by WarmLines, includes individuals and groups providing mental health services in the area. With the assistance of this database, the mental health professionals of the Newton Public Schools are able to provide parents and students with referrals to appropriate local resources outside the school.  For General Information about Project INTERFACE, please call:  617-332-3666 x411.

NCSC FEBRUARY VACATION  -

WINTER SKILLS PROGRAM

Looking for something fun and exciting for your child to do during their school vacations?  This winter the Newton Community Service Center is offering a Winter Skills Program during February Vacation for 3rd through 6th grade students.  We will be heading to Hale Reservation to learn essential winter skills in the areas of fire building, ice rescue, and stretcher building.  Additional activities include Big Box Hockey, Archery, team sledding, and more.  For information or to register, please call Jennifer Capello McAuliffe, NCSC Camp and Recreational Director (617) 969-5906, ext. 224 or visit www.ncscweb.org and click on Recreational Programs.

Helping kids in your community…for a week, a month, a year…a lifetime.  

Dare Family Services is a private, nonprofit social services agency that specializes in providing intensive foster care to children that have been abused or neglected.   We are searching for foster parents in Newton to provide homes for local foster children/teens.  If you have a desire to help a child in need of a family or would like to make donations, please call Marilyn or Janelle at (617) 628-3696.  And remember...Dare....to make a difference.   www.darefamily.org

Newton TAB Editor to Speak

Newton TAB Editor Gail Spector to discuss candidate coverage:  All are invited to join the members of the Ward 6 Democratic Committee to hear how the Newton TAB approaches candidate coverage and what factors are considered before the paper makes an endorsement.  Sunday Dec. 2 at noon at NewTV's studios, 23 Needham Street.  Handicap accessible.  Bring a friend.  Info at 617-244-7092.

Entertainment

Hansel and Gretel, presented by the Tanglewood Marionettes, Sunday, Nov 25 1 pm and 3 pm at the Newton Cultural Center 225 Nevada Street, Newton.  617-527-8283 or www.ci.newton.ma.us

Playspace for kids under 7 with adult: The antidote for the shorter days.  Open four days per week at the Newton Cultural Center, 225 Nevada Street.  Art projects and playing time with riding toys, trucks, balls and lots of running, jumping and climbing.  Season unlimited membership: $95/$125 Newton residents/non-residents.  Drop-in fee $12/$15 residents/non-residents.  Tues, Wed and Thurs 2:30-5pm, Sat: 1-4:30. 617-796-1540 or 617-527-8283 or www.ci.newton.ma.us

Family Movie Day at the West Newton Cinema, sponsored by Parks and Rec:  For families of all ages.  See a movie and get popcorn and soda all for one low price, $6/person.  Tickets will be sold starting at 11:45 a.m. at the Cinema on the day of the event, Tuesday November 27th.  Movies start at 1:30 and 1:45 pm. 

SPORTS PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

NAA Basketball League - C League (Third Graders)

The NAA is accepting applications for third grade basketball players for our league.  If you are interested, please register at our web site: www.naabasketball.org by November 19th (or sooner).  The league games (Saturday mornings) and practices (one weekday evening) are all held at Underwood School.  If you have questions, please check our web site or send an email to info at naabasketball.org

Cross Country Skiers

Calling all Cross Country Skiers, age 7-13!  Here’s your chance to ski with the Eastern Massachusetts Bill Koch Youth Ski Club.  This is the largest of over 100 clubs around New England that make up the Bill Koch Youth Ski League.  There are both racing and non-racing components.  Dry land—off snow—practices begin this weekend, Nov. 18th.  Twice-weekly on-snow practices run from mid-December through the end of February and will focus on small-group instruction and games.  The on-snow practices take place at the Weston Ski Track near the intersection of 128 and the Mass Pike.  Info at www.easternmassnordic.org or call Bonnie McEwen at abhg_mcewen at earthlink.net

Girl's Ice Hockey Learn to Play

The Eastern Commonwealth Girl’s Hockey (ECGH) program is for girls with basic skating skills who want to play the fastest game in the world! Practices and skill sessions start in early November on Saturdays and varying weeknights with full-ice scrimmages and games beginning in January. Sessions are held at Fessenden School Rink in West Newton. For more information go to www.ecgh.org or call Bill Walker at 617-964-2799. 

Newton Girls Soccer

Newton Girls Soccer Spring registration is now open.  Deadline for travel team registration is December 1st, intramural deadline is January 31st.  The spring season starts in April.  (Tryouts for travel high school girls is this weekend 11/18.)  For info or to register: www.newtongirlssoccer.org

CLASSIFIEDS

Preschool Openings

Come PLAY with us! Burr Cooperative Nursery School (BCNS) in Auburndale is a small, nurturing program for children age 3 to 5, offering a choice of 3, 4 or 5-day enrollment. Participate in your child's education!  Accepting applications for 2008-09.  www.burrcooperative.org. 617-332-0886. NAEYC accredited.

Bowen Cooperative Nursery School, located in Newtonville, has one remaining space in its Transitional Kindergarten program for the 2007-2008 school year.  This program is for children who are 5 years old, or who are about to turn 5, but who are not yet in Kindergarten.  Bowen is also accepting applications for the 2008-2009 year.  We have programs for 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds,  as well as our Transitional Kindergarten program.  We are a child-centered, play-based school at which children can continue their social, emotional, intellectual and physical development in a creative, safe and exciting environment.  For more information and to obtain an application, please visit our website, www.bowencoop.org or contact Barbara Cleary, Director, at (617) 332-3923.

American Hockey League
The Lowell Devils of the American Hockey League will be having a Newton Schools Night on December 14th at 7:05pm. The Devils will be hosting the Albany River Rats (Affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes). Tickets are only $10 for Newton students and their families. For more information or to order tickets call 1 978 848 6981 or email: kmclaughlin at lowelldevilshockey.com

Mary Kathryn Fallon
Cabot PTO Co-President
marykathf at aol.com
617-244-1821

Email and AIM finally together. You've gotta check out free AOL Mail!

________________________________________________________________________
Email and AIM finally together. You've gotta check out free AOL Mail! - http://mail.aol.com
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