[CabotCommunity] CABOT JABBERWOCK, FEBRUARY 27th 2007

Tue Feb 27 11:51:29 EST 2007

Text Box: Cabot School e-Jabberwock

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

Issue 5 February 27, 2007

Cabot School Contact Information 

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

. Gym: 617-559-9407                                   . Food Service:
617-559-9021 or 617-559-6315

. 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        <http://www.newton.mec.edu/cabot/>
www.newton.mec.edu/cabot/

Cabot School PTO              <http://www.cabotpto.org/> www.cabotpto.org

Newton Public Schools      <http://www.newtonpublicschools.com/>
www.newtonpublicschools.com

 Calendar

 Marilynne's Message

Some of you maybe aware that I have served as a board member on The National
Principals Center Advisory Board at Harvard University for the past five
years. The Principal Center is the oldest of its kind in the United States.
The Principal Center was the brainchild of two Newton principals, Roland
Barth, former Angier School principal, and Marya Levinson, former Newton
North High School principal, and a few others from Boston and Brookline who
recognized the need for principals to have support in meeting the broad
range of responsibilities of their work. This group approached Harvard
University to solicit their support. This past fall I was privileged to
chair the 25th Anniversary Committee and worked with the staff of The
Principals Center to honor the original founders and to set a course for the
next 25 years. As my term comes to an end, I am grateful for all the rich
opportunities I have experienced as a result of this affiliation. Next week
I will travel to Honolulu for my last board meeting. The Executive Director
of the Kamehameha Schools, a private school founded to ensure the education
of indigenous Hawaiians, is hosting the board meeting. We will meet with the
Governor of Hawaii, the State Commissioner of Education, visit both public
and private schools and take in some cultural tours as well. We will engage
in a dialogue with educators about the redefinition of education in the
Hawaiian Islands. I will be joined by educators from all across the country
who represent some of the best principals I have met in my thirty-three year
career in education. In addition to this professional association, I also
hold professional membership in the National Association of Elementary
Principals. Throughout the year I receive a periodical that helps me stay
abreast of current issues facing elementary principals. I get inspiration
and grounding through this and other professional associations I have. I
receive "newsletter ready" articles. I hope to share some of these with you.

The article below seems to fit well as the school community is preparing an
evening discussion based on a shared reading of The Blessing of the Skinned
Knee by Wendy Mogel, Ph.D., in late March. Browse this edition of the Jabber
to get all the facts! 

I hope you find this article something you can reflect upon as you go about
your daily work to raise healthy children..

So Many Activities, Too Little Time

It's good to keep children involved in different activities, but how do
parents know how much is too much?  Check out these tips on how to keep your
children from being overscheduled - they might very well make your child's
life, and yours, a lot less stressful. 

Follow their passions.  The best activities for children give them the
opportunity to learn more about something they love.  To make sure they keep
their passion, instead of surrendering to burnout, keep their involvement to
just a day or two a week, unless they absolutely beg for more.  Even then,
check with them periodically to make sure they still are as eager to attend
as they used to be.  If not, scale back. 

Get their input.  Parents are so eager to provide opportunities for their
children that they sometimes forget the fun of just being a child. Step back
before you sign up for an activity and ask your child to tell you what three
things he or she most likes to do after school or in the summer.  Then
choose activities that meet their interests while also providing
stimulation. 

Broaden their horizons.  Although following your child's interests is
important, it's also great to introduce your child to something totally new,
whether it's a new sport, a musical instrument, or a group like Boy Scouts
or Girl Scouts.  The secret to keeping enthusiasm high is to start slowly
and gauge your child's interest before committing beyond the first few
sessions. 

Be supportive, not critical.  No matter what your child is interested in,
remember that your job as a parent is to be supportive.  The point of
activities is to expand your child's interests and abilities, not to make
him or her a child prodigy or the next athletic superstar. 

Schedule down time.  Creativity can't happen if every minute of a child's
time is scheduled.  Children need time to ponder, explore, and play.  Make
sure that when the day's over and the homework's done, there's still time
for your child to be a kid. 

Play the field.  When it comes to sports, specializing in one activity at
such a young age is bad news.  Not only do pediatricians discourage the kind
of repetitive movements that come from concentrated work in one sport, but
the kids who totally dedicate themselves to a single sport early often burn
out later and regret not having learned several different sports early, so
they have other options. 

Mix it up.  Although every family and child is different, child
psychologists often suggest involving a child in no more than three
activities at a time:  one social activity, like Boys' Club or a church
group; one physical activity, like gymnastics, swimming, or basketball; and
one artistic activity, such as an art class or music lessons. 

Watch for these signs.  The stress of trying to keep up with too many
planned activities can take a physical toll on your child.  If your child is
leading a very busy life, watch for signs of stress, including stomachaches
and headaches, difficulty paying attention, a drop-off in interest in
activities he or she used to enjoy, and increased "clinginess" with a parent
or other close adult (e.g., teacher, babysitter).  If you notice any of
these signs, chances are your child needs to cut back on activities and
de-stress. 

If you have to schedule something for your child, make it family time.
Children need to have meals with their parents, hear bedtime stories, share
chores, and play games. While you're scheduling all their other activities
to help them learn and grow, remember that what they most need to learn is
that they are special and loved.

Cabot Connecting Families: This group works hard to ensure authentic
relationships between families in our community who reside in Boston as well
as Newton. Last month this group sponsored a successful bowling afternoon in
Boston.  We place a high value on forming relationships that encourage all
children to interact with a wide variety of children from backgrounds
similar and different from their own. 

  PTO Pen

Welcome back to Cabot after the winter vacation! 

The year continues on at a brisk pace and there are many great events at
Cabot over the next few months for you and your family to enjoy. Check out
the PTO calendar at www.cabotpto.org <http://www.cabotpto.org/>  & mark the
dates in your diaries. Do you have any questions or concerns about school?
Then come along to one of Marilynne's Fireside chats sponsored by one of
your Cabot neighbors. Those held so far have provided a useful open low key
opportunity to raise questions of Marilynne and the Cabot experience. Learn
exactly what is within Marilynne's control!

Don't miss the evening Book Group discussion "Allowing Childhood",
spearheaded by our Librarian, Lani Gerson, and Cabot parents on March 28th
(more details in this edition). This year our annual Book Fair will run
March 12th through 15th with our usual family evening on the 15th being held
this year in the gym. Look for flyers being sent home soon with more
details. This year wear your PJs, enjoy cookies and milk or a warm beverage
and enjoy hearing favorite bedtime stories read AND browse a great
collection of books to buy. Volunteers are needed for this event - more
details in this edition. 

Got someone in your house who is always coming up with grand ideas? Then
gear them up for our annual Invention Invasion, April 10th. All Cabot
students are welcomed to submit an idea for an invention which they can then
build and show in the gym on the 10th. Let your imagination fun free!!

So, you think Cabot needs a clean or improvements? Then please consider
giving of your time over the weekend of March 28th & 29th to help give our
school some TLC (Tender Loving Care)! Cabot, sponsored by the PTO, is
participating in Newton Serves, a community event run throughout Newton.
Like last year, we are turning our attention to our much  loved, though very
tired looking school to generate a range of projects and tasks that parents
& families can do to spruce up our school. There will be a mix of classroom,
school and outdoor based projects that families can sign up for. Look for
more details nearer the time. 

March is Newton unplugged month - check out the suggested activities for you
& your family that eliminates screen time at
http://www.newtonptocouncil.org/Notices/UnPluggedCalendar.2007.pdf . There
is also a calendar on the PTO notice board.

And finally, thanks to those parents who came to this mornings PTO general
meeting. Minutes of these meetings appear on the PTO website.

Jo Doherty

PTO co-President

Mary Kathryn Fallon

PTO co-President

 Upcoming Events at cabot

Allowing Childhood

An Evening Discussion

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

7:00-9:00 PM

It's tough being a parent and a kid in 2007.  Join us for a facilitated
discussion with Cabot parents and teachers.   We will use Wendy Mogel's Book
"The Blessing of a Skinned Knee: Using Jewish Teachings to Raise
Self-Reliant Children", as a launching point for our conversation.  We will
begin with a general discussion on determining realistic expectations for
each child and resisting over-scheduling.  Breakout groups will follow the
discussion. The objective for the evening is to start a dialogue about how
to reduce the stress and pressure on students, parents and teachers in the
Cabot community.  Some facilitors for breakout groups are still needed. 

Planning Group:  Anya Bassett, Emily Hess, Lani Gerson, and Margaret Hannah

Cabot Book Fair,

March 12 - 15th

Mark your calendars for the annual Cabot Book Fair which runs March 12
through 15. As usual the Book Fair will be held during school hours in the
Library for the 12th through 15th. Then for Thursday evening the book sales
will transfer to the gym where you & your family can enjoy milk, cookies &
warm beverages while you browse books to buy or listen to some favorite
bedtime stories being read aloud by parents and teachers.  Details will be
coming home in your child's backpack soon. If you are interested in
volunteering in the
library during the fair, please contact Kate Johnson at
<mailto:kate at textreviews.com> kate at textreviews.com
or call her at 617-527-3670. If you would like to be a guest reader on
Thursday evening please contact Janet Hart at 617 332 5411 or
pariharts at hotmail.com 

  Volunteers Needed

"Want to Give Cabot School Some TLC?"

Again this year we are celebrating Newton Serves by asking families to
consider donating some of their weekend time during Saturday, April 28th &
Sunday, April 29th to help give Cabot School some Tender Loving Care. A
variety of projects will be available for families to work on both inside
and outside of school - some appropriate for adults and children alike,
others more appropriate for older children and adults. Last year some of the
projects completed were the mulching of the playground area, planting and
weeding of the schools flower beds, and the painting of a bathroom.
Potential projects are currently being assessed & we will send out more
details nearer the time.

Meanwhile save the date and email Jo Doherty at jcdoherty11 at comcast.net or
Mary Kathryn Fallon at marykathf at aol.com  if you would like to join us in
sprucing up your school! 

Cabot Book Fair,

March 12th - 15th

If you are interested in volunteering in the library during the fair, please
contact Kate Johnson at  <mailto:kate at textreviews.com> kate at textreviews.com
or call her at 617-527-3670. If you would like to be a guest reader on
Thursday evening please contact Janet Hart at 617 332 5411 or
pariharts at hotmail.com

CABOT BROADCAST

CABOT School Store

The school store is open every Tuesday morning from 8:10 to 8:30 and is
located in the hallway across from the office.  We have a nice selection of
pencils, mechanical pencils, lead refills, rulers, sharpeners, all sorts of
erasers, glue sticks, and gel pencil grippers, a perennial favorite.  Our
"winter special" is a brightly-colored, woven coin purse for $1.25.  And, by
popular demand, look for the latex-free jungle animal pencil toppers to
return in March!  Proceeds support 5th grade activities including their
yearbook, t-shirts, community service project, school gift, etc.  Contact:
Karen Lumino, 617-630-5073 or  <mailto:family at swain.name> family at swain.name.

Bigelow Fundraiser

Fifth Grade Parents whose children will be attending Bigelow Middle School
next year are cordially invited to attend the Bigelow PTO's Parent/Teacher
Social, Saturday March 3rd from 7 pm until Midnight at the Hibernian Hall,
151 Watertown Street, Watertown.  This is a good opportunity to be
introduced to the Bigelow community, to meet other 5th grade parents from
Bigelow's "feeder" schools (Underwood, Cabot, Lincoln-Eliot and Ward) and
meet some of your child's future teachers.  There will be music, a silent
auction, appetizers and a cash bar.  The entry fee is $15 per person and
$25/couple for this Bigelow fundraiser.  For more information contact Cheryl
Salvucci 617 244-3131  <mailto:chsalvucci at aol.com> chsalvucci at aol.com or
Barbara Howard 617-877-1780  <mailto:BHoward617 at aol.com> BHoward617 at aol.com.

Fundraising

Humpty is on his side.  He's extremely thankful for the 43% of you who
donated to the Campaign for Cabot but he's wondering why participation was
down from 55% of Cabot families last year who participated.  Come to the
February 27th PTO meeting at 8:40 am and talk about what we should or
shouldn't do for fundraising at Cabot School as we plan our activities for
next year.   

"Be a BoxTop Super Hero!"
Does anyone in your house eat Lucky Charms or one of the many products which
bear the Box Tops For Education coupon? Keep your eyes open for the limited
edition Super Box Tops which are now appearing on products - if you clip &
save these they are worth triple the value of a regular Box Top!

So far we've got 1371 new Box Tops to submit! Let's see if we can hit at
least 2000.  Let your children become Box Tops detectives and look at the
food, Kleenex, Ziplock and other items in your home and see if they have the
Box Tops logo on them.  Not sure what products have Box Tops - cereals such
as Cheerios or Chex, Cascadian Farm & Nature Valley products, Kleenex
products, Pillsbury products and Ziploc bags to name just a few. For a full
list of products with Box Tops go to
http://www.cabotpto.org/fund/boxtop_prod.htm  Go on, look in your cupboards
and get clipping!! The Box Tops Collection Box is in the main lobby If you
have any questions, relating to Box tops please contact: Isabelle Thacker
<mailto:isabelle at thackers.net> isabelle at thackers.net, 617/795-2332.

Don't forget the online shopping link through the Cabot PTO website at:
<http://www.cabotpto.org/shop.html> http://www.cabotpto.org/shop.html where
you can access many of your favorite stores and earn money for Cabot at the
same time.     

Technology

What do you think should be the role of technology in our schools?

Now is your opportunity to tell the Newton Public Schools Department of
Information Technology who in partnership with Sun Associates have formed
the Technology Advisory Committee (TAC) to assess how technology is being
used in our schools.  An assessment (Tech Audit) is to be completed
involving teachers, administrators, high school students and parents. The
Tech Audit has two components:  an online survey and focus groups.   Both
the survey and focus groups will give us more detailed information about
what parents think should be the role of technology in the schools.

The focus groups will incorporate a parent volunteer from each school in the
Newton School system and our thanks go to Angela Pitter-Wright who has
volunteered to be Cabot's representative. In the meantime every parent can
participate and voice their opinions about how technology should be used in
our schools by participating in an online parent survey available from
February 26th to March 13, 2007 at
http://sun-associates.com/newton/parent.html

Social Action

Thank you for all the donations to the Newton Food Pantry brought to
the Cabot Family Dance.  We delivered 27 grocery bags full of food!

Community News

Unsung Heroines Nomination

The Women's Commission of Newton, Mayor Cohen's office and the Massachusetts
Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW), are seeking "Unsung Heroines" in
our community. Is there a mother, a teacher, a community organizer, a church
or synagogue member, member of the services/business world in Newton, or a
teammate who doesn't make the news - she makes the difference?
The state-wide Unsung Heroine project solicits nominations and selects just
one "heroine" from each city and town. Last year Fiona Houghteling was
chosen as the Newton nominee to be honored at the State House. This year, in
a more inclusive spirit, the Newton Women's Commission is encouraging as
many Newton nominations as possible to the state project and has decided to
have a City sponsored reception to honor all our Newton "unsung heroine"
nominees -- whether they are selected by the state or not!
You can access the nomination form at  <http://www.mass.gov/women>
www.mass.gov/women.  The deadline is March 1, so please nominate your Unsung
Heroine today!  Contact Jeremy Solomon in the Mayor's Office for more
information: 617-796-1110.[1] <>   

Highland Jazz

Newton, Massachusetts..Highland Jazz presents The George Russell Jr.
Ensemble Saturday, March 10, 8:00 PM at Newton South High School Auditorium,
140 Brandeis Rd. Newton Centre.  Joining Russell will be renowned vocalist
Wannetta Jackson, along with Sear Skeete, drums, Wesley Wirth, bass and Elan
Trotman, sax.  Rev into spring with this turbo-charged blend of gospel and
jazz that will energize your spirit and touch your soul. This concert is
supported and funded in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council as
administered by the Newton Cultural Council.

Advance tickets:  $16 adults; $10 students

At the door:  $18  Send SASE with check to Highland Jazz, Inc. Box 610037,
Newton, MA 02461 or online at  <http://www.highlandjazz.org/>
www.highlandjazz.org. 

Solarize Newton's Schools

The City of Newton and the Newton Green Decade Coalition are participating
in a renewable energy program to purchase wind power and simultaneously
promote solar on schools. They need your help! By contributing $100 one-time
or $5 per month to Mass Energy's the New England Wind Fund you can qualify
Newton for a 2 kW solar array to be installed on either Day or Bigelow
schools. We need 150 sign-ups by March 31st 2007 to qualify for the 2 kW
solar array.  Make your contribution today! Contribute online here,
contribute over the phone by calling 617-524-3950 or mail a check to Mass
Energy, 670 Centre St, Boston MA 02130.

Contributions to the New England Wind Fund will go toward future wind
production in New England. For more information on the program go to
www.newenglandwind.org  or contact Mass Energy at 617-524-3950. Matching
programs are administered by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative
("MTC"). For more information on MTC and matching programs go to
www.cleanenergychoice.org. 

Let's work together to protect our children's health with clean wind energy,
and educate students on energy by installing solar on their schools! Please
forward this on to other parents and PTO members.

North American Computational Linguistics Olympiad (NAMCLO)

This competition is designed to challenge students to demonstrate their
analytic skills in human languages and computation. You can find more
information, sample problems, and registration information at this website:
<http://www.namclo.org/> http://www.namclo.org
Date: March 29, 2007 Time: 9am to 3pm including lunch

Contact: James Pustejovsky, Professor, Department of Computer Science and
Chair of Language and Linguistics Program at Brandeis University
781-736-2709 or  <mailto:jamesp at cs.brandeis.edu> jamesp at cs.brandeis.edu

Project Bread

Project Bread - The Walk for Hunger would like to invite members of your
school community to participate in The Walk for Hunger on Sunday, May 6th.
Project Bread, the state's leading anti-hunger organization, is dedicated to
alleviating, preventing, and ultimately ending hunger in Massachusetts. The
Walk for Hunger is the oldest continual pledge walk in the country and the
largest one-day fundraiser to alleviate local hunger.  Through the Walk,
Project Bread is able to provide millions of dollars each year in privately
donated funds to over 400 emergency food programs in 135 communities across
the Commonwealth.  The 20-mile walk begins on the Boston Common and winds
through Boston, Brookline, Newton, Watertown, and Cambridge before returning
to the Boston Common. 

In 2006, 43,000 Walkers raised $3.2 million to fund emergency food programs,
which served 42 million meals to people in need.  Join us on the Boston
Common this year on Sunday, May 6th as we come together as students,
teachers, faculty, parents, co-workers, and friends to make a meaningful
contribution to our community that will last more than a day.  Last year,
almost 900 school organizations were involved in the Walk for Hunger and of
those, 650 school organizations formed Walk teams and joined together on the
Common to make a positive difference in the lives of hungry families in
their neighborhoods and hometowns.  Teachers can use the Walk to encourage
their students to be involved in the community while integrating nutrition
curriculum and local hunger issues into their classroom discussions.
Students can gain valuable leadership experience while volunteering to help
others in need.  The Walk is also a great way to get parents more involved
in the work your schools are doing!

THE ITSY BITSY PLAY GROUP

Come join us for socialization, support, fun, relaxation, and a great time.
The group is for toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, with their
Nannies, Parents, etc.

Free Play Activities including creative art projects, Music /Dance Movement
with instruments, Yoga/Meditation, Puppet Storytime , Nutritious Snack,
Singing circle &

Educational Support for Caregivers.

Let's get together, connect, and support one another. Interested? Email us
at  <http://us.f559.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=itsybitsyplay@yahoo.com>
itsybitsyplay at yahoo.com 

Or call Nanadea at (617) 795-1567

Purim Shpiel at Temple Sinai, Brookline, Saturday, March 3rd at 7 pm

Temple Sinai in Brookline welcomes the community to its annual, very
child-friendly, Purim Shpiel on Saturday, March 3rd at 7 pm - and you can
come in costume! This is a theatrical art form that celebrates the amateur
and the good-natured above the talented, and is performed in the Temple
Sanctuary every year in celebration of Purim, an important Jewish holiday
that honors freedom and has come to also extol the ability to joke in the
face of adversity. ("Shpiel" is Yiddish for "play".)  

Temple Sinai's Purim Shpiel this year will be held on Saturday, March 3rd at
7 pm at Temple Sinai, 50 Sewall Avenue, in Coolidge Corner, and features a
special guest appearance by our renowned Bubbe Chorus.  We warmly invite the
public to join us for lots of fun - come in costume, and come ready to chime
in - we provide the noisemakers! All are welcome!  Temple Sinai is a small
reform congregation located at 50 Sewall Avenue in the Coolidge Corner
neighborhood of Brookline.   Call 617-277-5888 or go to
<http://www.sinaibrookline.org/> www.sinaibrookline.org for more
information.

Free Tot Shabbat Services for young children at Temple Sinai, Brookline,
Friday, March 2, 2007 

Temple Sinai invites you to join us on Friday, March 2nd from 6:30 - 7:15
p.m. for a joyful and engaging Tot Shabbat service.  With singing and a
Shabbat story followed by Kiddush and challah, this brief service is perfect
for children ages 2-7 and their families.  Our Tot Shabbat services take
place monthly and are open to the community.  All are welcome!  Temple Sinai
is a small reform congregation located at 50 Sewall Avenue in the Coolidge
Corner neighborhood of Brookline.  Call 617-277-5888 or go to
<http://www.sinaibrookline.org/> www.sinaibrookline.org  for more
information. 

Free "K'tonton" Program for Pre-Schoolers at Temple Sinai, Brookline,
Sunday, March 18, 10 am - noon 

Temple Sinai of Brookline sponsors free monthly, interactive "K'tonton"
programs for three and four-year olds, introducing young children to Jewish
holidays through arts and crafts, song, stories and games.  Join us for our
next K'tonton on Sunday, March 18th from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon.
(Parents, this is a wonderful opportunity to drop leave your child in the
capable hands of our teacher, and go enjoy a cup of coffee or run errands!)
Each class has a different theme and all classes are open to the community.
The class is held at Temple Sinai, 50 Sewall Avenue in Coolidge Corner.
Pre-registration is encouraged.  Questions?  Call 617-277-5888.  Come and
bring a friend! 

Newton Girls Softball

Think Spring! Think Softball! Newton Girls Softball has begun online
registration for the Spring season. The program is open to all girls in
grades 1-8. Players of all skill levels will have a rewarding experience.
Visit our website  <http://www.newtongirlssoftball.org/>
www.newtongirlssoftball.org for details about the Spring season and our
ongoing Winter indoor clinics. Register by February 20 to guarantee team
placement. 

Open House at Brandeis

The Brandeis Jewish Education Program (BJEP) welcomes you to an Open House
at Brandeis University in Waltham on Sunday, March 11 from 10:00 am to 11:30
am. Come enjoy coffee and bagels with us, watch a video, and learn about our
creative Sunday School program for Grades 1 -7. You will also have an
opportunity to meet the Director, several teachers, and visit a classroom.
Interfaith families and those without synagogue affiliation are especially
welcome. For more infomation, call Andrea Baron at BJEP at 781-899-6673 or
email  <mailto:abaron.bjep at gmail.com> abaron.bjep at gmail.com. Check out our
website at  <http://www.bjep.com/> www.bjep.com.

BCNS Winter Festival and Concert on Saturday, March
10th  

BCNS Winter Festival and Concert on Saturday, March
10th at the Newton Cultural Center, 225 Nevada Street, Newtonville from
10am-noon.  

Join Burr Cooperative Nursery School (BCNS) for a fun filled morning
including live music from the energetic group, The Polka Dots, activity
stations, arts and crafts, bake sale and amazing raffles!  

Tickets:  $8 per person toThursday, March 8 (children under 1 year old
free), $10 per person at the door (based on availability). For advanced
tickets, please contact Liz Morefield at 617-230-7389 or
<mailto:lizmorefield at hotmail.com> lizmorefield at hotmail.com 

Family Preparedness:  From Pandemic Flu to Everyday Emergencies.

A workshop presentation for PARENTS of Children in Preschool, Family
Childcare and Kindergarten. Presenters include David Naparstek,
Commissioner, Teresa Wood, Public Health Program Specialist, and Linda
Walsh, Director of Clinical Services from the Newton Health & Human Services
Department

  *    Learn how to prepare your family for the unexpected. - Whether the
emergency is a blizzard, house fire or pandemic flu, there are basic steps
you can take to prepare. 

 *    Learn how to create a family communication plan.

 *   Find out what supplies you should have in an emergency kit.

 *   Get your flu questions answered.

 *   Take home great tips and materials for the whole family.

The presentation will be geared toward families with young children, so
come and learn the facts, ask questions and learn how to get ready! A raffle
will be held for an emergency kit.  This workshop is free of charge on
Wednesday, February 7, 2007 at 7:00pm to 8:30pm at the Newton Community
Service Center Auditorium, 492 Waltham Street, West Newton, MA. Please RSVP
to Beverly at the CPC office @ 617-559-6065 or

Email   <mailto:Beverly_Mobilia at newton.k12.ma.us>
Beverly_Mobilia at newton.k12.ma.us

Learn How To Play Real Volleyball

What:     Learn How To Play Real Volleyball
Who:      Newton Elementary School Children
Where:  Newton South High School
When:    Sundays, 2:45-4:45 for 5 weeks
How:  Experienced volleyball coaches will teach the basics of
volleyball and how to have fun learning a new sport.
Bring gym shoes and water and $50 or a check made out to the Newton
Recreational Department.

Newton Community Education Programs

NewKids winter classes are underway. There is a new  Drama class on
Tuesdays starting February 6 at the Lower Falls Community Center, home of
Rec Place. There are openings in many of our other classes so call our
office quick if you mean to register but missed the start of class. We
have several upcoming Saturday classes for kids with adults, and
Babysitting for 5th graders who have turned 11. You can plan for your
winter and spring breaks now; we have lots of vacation programs to choose
from. Our summer programs are now open for registration as well. Call our
office at 617-559-6999 or visit our website at
<http://www.newtoncommunityed.org/> www.newtoncommunityed.org
for more info or to register. 

House of Possibilities

Dear Friends and Kind Strangers,

For those of you who don't know me, I am the parent of a 9-year-old son with
autism.  I live with my family in Newton, Massachusetts.  Approximately two
years ago I became involved with a group that is dedicated to the goal of
building a model respite house to service kids with special needs and their
families.  I was recently honored to be asked to serve on the Board of
Directors of this wonderful organization.  The web site can be found at
<http://www.houseofpossibilities.org/> www.houseofpossibilities.org

After much diligent work by many caring volunteers, our group has obtained a
parcel of land in Easton, Massachusetts, and has raised enough money to
actually begin to design and build the house.  We hope to have it up and
running by late 2007 or early 2008.  We now need to start working on
licensing and program development and would like to hire a capable
professional to assist us in these areas.  

We plan to serve the under-22 population with after-school, weekend and
overnight respite, and possibly even therapeutic day care for the youngest
children.  We also envision a week day program to assist adults in the areas
of recreation, socialization and fostering of self-help skills.

I am trying to cast as wide a net as possible to find candidates who are
interested in becoming partners in this process.  The ideal candidate will
have experience with program development and/or licensing for both children
and adults with disabilities across the special needs spectrum, including
those with special medical needs.  We would anticipate a couple of hours of
work per month at the outset, gradually increasing as the house gets closer
to completion. Interested candidates can reach me at
<mailto:lms at slysardine.com> lms at slysardine.com  Please pass this e-mail on
to anyone who fits the above description and might be interested.

Thank you for your help!

Lisa Snyder (aka Pierce's mom) 

Stories on the Wind

Stories on the Wind, a special performance by Kemp Harris, Bowen School
kindergarten teacher, for Newton Unplugged and Connected. Mr. Harris, a
professional composer, musician, author and actor, will delight elementary
school age children and their accompanying adults with interactive stories
and song. Sunday, March 4 at 1 p.m., Newton Community Service Center, Pomroy
Auditorium, 492 Waltham St., West Newton. Tickets, $5. For more information,
call Gail Sommer,( 617) 969-5906, x. 143. 

Jo Doherty

Cabot PTO Co-President

11 Leonard Avenue,

West Newton, MA 02465

617-332-1530

jcdoherty11 at comcast.net

  _____  

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