[CabotCommunity] Jabberwock Issue 8 - Tuesday May 15, 2007
marykathf at aol.com
marykathf at aol.com
Tue May 15 11:03:20 EDT 2007
Thanks to Kim Spencer, the editor of this issue. This Jabberwock will be available shortly as a word document on our website, www.cabotpto.org
Cabot School
e-Jabberwock
Respect for self and others Lifelong learning Commitment to school and community
Issue 8 May 15, 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 www.newton.mec.edu/cabot/
Cabot School PTO www.cabotpto.org
Newton Public Schools www.newtonpublicschools.com
Calendar
May 15, 2007MCAS, Grade 5
May 16, 2007MCAS, Grade 5
May 16, 2007Creative Arts & Sciences- Kindergarten, Wingmasters-Birds of Prey 9:00AM
May 17, 2007MCAS, Grade 5
May 17, 2007Evening meeting for 5th Grade parents at Day Middle School 7:00PM
May 17, 2007Creative Arts & Sciences- Grade 2, Ghana with Galeotas 1:00PM
May 18, 2007Ride the Bus to School Day
May 18, 2007MCAS, Grade 4
May 21, 2007MCAS, Grade 4
May 21, 2007Creative Arts & Sciences Grade 1 Dan Perlman
May 22, 2007MCAS, Grade 3
May 22, 2007Incoming Kindergarten School Visitation Day, 1-2 PM
May 22, 2007Affinity Group 12:30 PM
May 22, 2007Grade 5 Parent Puberty Meeting
May 22, 2007Shavuot begins at Sundown
May 23, 2007MCAS, Grade 3
May 24, 2007MCAS, Grade 5
May 25, 2007MCAS, Grade 5
May 28, 2007Memorial Day, NO SCHOOL
May 29, 2007MCAS Make-up
May 29, 2007School Committee Meeting, 7:30 PM
May 30, 2007MCAS Make-up
May 31, 2007MCAS Make-up
May 31, 2007Cabot Class of 2000 Reunion 7:00 - 9:00 PM
June 1, 2007Grade 5 Step-Up Day, 11:30AM
June 1, 2007Creative Arts & Sciences Grade 4, Theatre Espresso-Justice at War, New Art Center, 1:00PM
June 4, 2007Thank you Coffee for Reading Partners 8:45AM
June 4, 2007Creative Arts & Sciences Grade 5, Origamido
June 5, 2007CASP Picnic and DVD at Cabot 6:00 - 7:30 PM
June 5, 2007Color Day (rain date 6/7)
June 6, 2007Grade 4 Instrumental Concert 9:00 AM
June 7, 2007Early Release Day, 12:30 PM Dismissal
Marilynne’s Message
Well school has certainly been abuzz with great learning and community service! Students are very much engaged in learning in all classrooms. In many classrooms, students continue to make extraordinary presentations of their learning. Whether in grade 1 where students are exploring science concepts related to skeletal systems or in grade five where students are writing non-fiction pieces, everyone is aware of how important effort and feedback are to the process of learning!
The whole school gathered for a school assembly to launch a newly revived focus on our core values. Faculty has spent time at our Tuesday afternoon meetings, as well as with parents who have joined our core values committee, to begin to organize this initiative. Last Thursday classes sat together and defined the words: CORE and VALUES. We agreed to the following meaning:
The main things that we care deeply about!
Lifelong learning
Respect for self and others
Commitment to school and community
With help from students in all the kindergarten classes as well as with help from students in Ms. Moriarty (2), Ms. Stahl (2), Ms. Milham (3) and Ms. Vaswani(3) we were able to determine what these core values might sound like and look like at school. Students put on skits that reminded us to show respect for self and others. We also heard why we should care for the school and the facilities, especially our bathrooms. Given the fact that Newton Serves occurred the weekend before and students and faculty could see evidence of our core values, we enjoyed looking at photos of all the families who stepped up to help “fix” our school. A big hit were the musical selections from students. Kindergartens in Ms. Cain and Ms. Bellinger and Ms. Carnemolla’s classes sang and signed “Friends, Friends, Friends”, a popular morning greeting song. We also were treated to some original songs to help us stop, think, and remember the ideas at the center of what we do at Cabot School!
.
Cabot’s Core!
(Lyrics by Elizabeth Stahl; Sung to the tune of “Make New Friends”)
Lifelong learning never ends.
Read, write, investigate and comprehend.
Build respect for self and others, too.
Proud of whom I am, and I have pride in you.
Commitment to school and our community—
See, feel, and participate actively.
Core Values Rap
Lyrics and music composed by Emily Sayre AKA E Ditty
Verse one Verse two
Standing up for others Being respectful of others
If you see a situation I don’t know about you
And you’re not sure what to do But have you noticed this place?
Your friend is being bullied The students are learning
And (s)he’s looking at you In so many different ways!
Say, “Stop it, that’s enough” Some kids like to talk
“You can’t treat him//her that way” And some kids raise their hands
Then comfort your friend Some kids need it quiet
And say, “It’s ok.” That’s cool. We understand.
Standing up for each other It’s important to respect
Is what we like to do Each other in school
Getting help is important So don’t be a distraction
So tell your teachers too! Just follow the rules
Chorus Chorus
We’re the students, the students of Cabot School We’re the students, the students of Cabot School
Walking down the hall, standing straight and tall Walking down the hall, standing straight and tall
We’ve got rhythm, style, and beauty inside We’ve got rhythm, style, and beauty inside
We’re all great achievers and we’ve got pride We’re all great achievers and we’ve got pride
Verse 3 Verse 4
Taking turns and playing fair Listening to others
Have you been out at recess Yesterday in class
And asked to join a game? I was raising my hand
Then you saw somebody cheatin’ But someone blurted out the answer
Dude, that’s SO lame. One that I had planned
Be strong, take a stand And then the other day
And make the call I had something to say
If you can’t play fair Someone told me it’s stupid
Then don’t play at all Now that’s not ok.
Chorus We gotta listen to each other
We’re the students, the students of Cabot School And change our attitudes
Walking down the hall, standing straight and tall Have respect for ALL ideas
We’ve got rhythm, style, and beauty inside And show some gratitude!
We’re all great achievers and we’ve got pride
Chorus
We’re the students, the students of Cabot School
Walking down the hall, standing straight and tall
We’ve got rhythm, style, and beauty inside
We’re all great achievers and we’ve got pride
Enrollment Updates
At this time of year almost daily Mrs. Driscoll is asked to confirm our enrollment. As of last week (May 3rd) we reported an enrollment of 406 students for next school year. Cabot School is projected to have 441 students. I have heard from several families who have plans to leave Cabot for other parts. If you might move and are not certain please just let us know. The faculty and I will start to build classrooms and we factor in many conditions; even one child leaving can impact a class. We will place all students in hopes that your family will decide to remain with us. If you know families that are moving into all those houses that are for sale in Newtonville (I think I have counted 15), please encourage them to call the school and set up a time to register. We are hearing from families as far away as Spain and Turkey. Inquiries are coming from local families as well as from across the United States!
Classroom Configurations…based on current enrollment!
3 Kindergarten (We have an additional classroom should enrollment increase)
4 Grade 1
4 Grade 2
4 Grade 3
3 Grade 4
3 Grade 5
Staffing Updates
We have been given an allocation of 22 classroom teachers for 2007-2008. Since the budget is not approved, we are still awaiting staffing for specialists as well as teaching assistants. At this time I am anticipating the following openings due to retirements and other personnel changes. We will bid farewell to Ms. Carolyn Nelson, our Literacy Specialist. Ms. Nelson has worked for five years in Newton as we launched our literacy initiative. She will be able to look back at her time in Newton as a teacher (Ms. Nelson is a former Cabot parent) and know she made a significant impact on the learning of children and adults. Ms Griffin, grade 3 teacher, has been accepted in the Master’s in Educational Technologies Program at the Graduate School of Education at Harvard University. We should have seen this coming as Ms. Griffin has served as the school webmaster, has been a longstanding member of our Ed Tech Committee and has been instrumental in moving the use of technology to a higher level in many classrooms including her own. Ms. Straight, Art teacher has been granted a year’s leave. Ms. Straight has a bit of wanderlust. She plans to travel extensively. Ms. Straight has helped our children develop an art aesthetic and appreciation for the visual arts as well as a host of skills that will serve them for a lifetime. The quality of our student artwork provides the best evidence of the talent Ms. Straight brings to her work!
Ms. Carnemolla, one of our newest teachers is also leaving Cabot School. The school department did not fund another year of an integrated kindergarten class. This year Cabot hosted a first ever neighborhood school integrated kindergarten class. The classroom has a range of students including those along a wide spectrum of needs. Her program has been stellar! The classroom has been full of extraordinary accommodations so all children get what they need to access the curriculum, grow in the social and emotional arenas and learn the social communications strategies that makes living and interacting with others most successful.
We wish them well in their new endeavors. In typical PTO fashion, there will be appropriate opportunities for families and students to give thanks to this group of outstanding educators. For now, let’s stay focused on the work at hand. There are many days of school left on the calendar!
Hiring: With help from a dedicated group of parents and teachers, I am conducting interviews for the Literacy Specialist and two grade three teachers. This is a very rigorous process and I appreciate the time and effort each committee will give, A few classroom teachers will be out of their classrooms as we conduct interviews. Since this is one of the most important aspects of schooling I am sure you and your children will tolerate the absence of your teacher for a few days! As other staffing decisions are made, I will announce further changes in staffing next month!
Cabot Fair
Was it the weather? Was it all the faces of former Cabot students and parents? Was it my ride on the Pirate Ship with Josh Rubin? Was it the presence of School Superintendent Jeff Young and a host of Cabot teachers and their families? Was it all the good will displayed by fair volunteers? Or was it the effort of two hardworking co-chairs that made this fair seem to be among the best in my history? I am sure it was the combination of all of this!
Each year the fair seems to take on a new event. The yard sale and the demonstration by students who study karate at Giroux Brothers Karate Studio certainly added new dimensions. The teachers and I appreciate the work this event requires. WE know that a huge amount of time goes into making this day fun for all. We appreciate the fact that the revenue raised helps support our work. We say a hearty THANK YOU to all of the community!
Marilynne Quarcoo
PTO Pen
The Cabot Fair was a great success! Many thanks to our wonderful chairs, Sue Sagan and Laura Dreese for doing such a fantastic job. Their cool demeanor and relaxed attitude, combined with their keen organizational skills made for one of the Best Cabot Fair’s Ever!
The Faculty was treated to delicious food, beautiful atmosphere and lovely music by the Cabot Parent Chorus at the Staff Appreciation Luncheon last Tuesday. Many thanks to Sally Brickell and the Acknowledgement Committee who organized this event, and to many of you who shared your culinary expertise. Yum!
Thanks, also, to the 187 of you who completed the Traffic and Fundraising Survey. We appreciate you taking the survey and providing us with all your thoughtful comments. Here is a quick Summary of the Survey. If you have any questions about the Survey, please do not hesitate to ask.
Part 1 Traffic & Congestion
Things are as we suspected, most of you drive your children to school (63.4%) and home (46.2% - less because many children attend CASP) each day.
Most of you are not eligible to take the bus, but of those who are, only 9% of you do take it.
Of those who are eligible to take the bus but don’t, you responded that ‘time was too inconvenient’ (42.9%) as the major reason for not taking the bus, including that you don’t have time/desire to wait at the bus stop with your children.
Most of you who live within the 1 mile radius of Cabot and drive indicated that you drive because you do not have time to walk with your children.
Most of you who drive park on Parkview (36%) or use the blue zone (40%). Only 24% of you park on neighboring streets.
The Blue Zone is valued by our community and many of you like the current rules and feel that the blue zone should remain as is, and rules should be enforced by either parking tickets (25%) or traffic monitors (39%).
Almost everyone is ‘Somewhat to Very Willing’ to park on nearby streets (69%) or to car pool (50%). You are ‘Somewhat Willing to Willing’ to have your children walk with other children in a walking group (34%), but you would prefer to have a parent walk with the walking group (62%).
So what does all this mean and what can we do to improve the situation? Well, we have joined with The Massachusetts Department of Transportation ‘Safe Routes to School’ (SRS) Program. This Program encourages walking to school and helps provide resources for traffic reduction and safety, including money for infrastructure changes. We want to increase awareness of the traffic issue and make alternative means of getting to school (other than driving) easier. To learn more about Safe Routes to School, check out http://www.commute.com/downloads/SRSbrochure.pdf In partnership with the Program we are initiating such programs as a walking school bus using resources, experience and support we are receiving from SRS. Are you willing to help us organize a walking school bus? If so, please contact me at MaryKathF at aol.com. Also, think about setting up a carpool in your neighborhood. And don’t forget, for those eligible, the ‘Ride the Bus to School Day’ is this Friday, May 18th. If you are eligible for the bus, give it a try – you might like it! For others, think about parking a few streets away from Cabot and avoiding the rush. We are asking you to think about your preferred method of travel, and whether this is just a habit, or really the best way for you to get to school.
Part 2 Fundraising
Thanks to most of you who took the survey for supporting our Fundraisers, in this order: PTO Membership Dues (92%), Cabot Fair (86%), Book Fair (85%), The Campaign for Cabot (66%), Gift Wrap (60%), Box Tops (43%), Small Fundraisers, (ie: Papa Gino’s, Learning Express) (38%), Coffee Pond Family Portraits (36%) and online shopping (8%).
Of those of you who took the survey, most of you were ‘Somewhat Interested to Very Interested’ in continuing the Fundraisers in this order, Book Fair (96%), Cabot Fair (92%), PTO Membership Dues (89%), The Campaign for Cabot (79%), Small Fundraisers (56%), Gift Wrap (53%), Box Tops and Coffee Pond (both 47%) and Online Shopping (34%).
Most of you Strongly Agree (69%) that the PTO should continue to provide the enrichment programs and services that the PTO currently supports.
Most of you believe that the current level of awareness is sufficient for most fundraisers, except you would like to know more about the Campaign for Cabot (23%) and Online shopping (22%).
Other Fundraisers you were ‘Somewhat Interested’ in supporting were, in this order, More Family Oriented Events (40%), products with your children’s artwork (36%), Adult Only Events (22%) and an Auction – silent or live, (20%)
There were many thoughtful comments written in the open response section of the survey. Many had to do with environmental and health concerns of Fundraisers, great ideas for new fundraisers, or pleas for fewer fundraisers. Overall, it seems that we are doing an acceptable job with the status quo and will probably continue to keep the fundraisers we currently have in place. We are always open to comments and concerns. The PTO Budget and Spending Plan is a public document for our school which is posted on our website, www.cabotpto.org . Speaking of the PTO Budget and Spending Plan…………….
Join us for the Final PTO Meeting of the year. At this meeting we will submit the PTO Budget for the 2007 – 2008 School Year and Elect our New Officers…. How about you? Come find out what PTO Positions are available and which Committees need members. The meeting will be on Tuesday June 12th at 8:40AM in the Library.
Finally, please mark your calendar for the Year-End PTO Thank You Pot-Luck Party, to be held on Sunday June 10th at 10 Worth Circle, Newton, from 4:00 - 6:00PM. This event is held to thank ALL hardworking committee and community members, especially my co-President Jo Doherty. Jo’s dedication and hard work have truly been an inspiration to me this year, and it has been a great privilege to work with her. Please bring your family and join the celebration!
Jo Doherty
PTO co-President Mary Kathryn Fallon
PTO co-President
Recent Events at cabot
Cabot Fair
Cabot School Rules!
On one of the most beautiful spring days of this year, the Cabot Community came together for a wonderful time at the Cabot Fair.
It was a fun-filled day of tasty treats and pony rides, karate chops and magic shows, dunked teachers and delighted students. But most of all, it was a day of camaraderie and a tribute to our school's terrific sense of community.
If you don't know Cabot, this Fair says it all about who we are, and how we care about our special school.
Putting on an event like this takes the efforts of literally hundreds of Cabot families and friends. As in year's past, our committee chairs spent countless hours preparing to make this year's fair a fundraising success. For the time lost to their loved ones we'd like to thank Carolyn Eggert (Bake Sale), Suzanne Cuccurullo (Cabot Goods), Judy Close and Lory Dix (Candy-grams), Edye Ezzell, Sue Magoveny and Lynda Cain (Face Painting), Daphne Potter (Food and Volunteers), Sue Finnegan, Conner Vasu and Jack Vasu (Games), Sandy Connors, Rachel Boyolan and Rose Coppola-Flynn (Prizes), Maureen Mullowney and Anya Bassett (Publicity), Tiffany Meade (Punch Board), Julie Stonehill, Kate Johnson, Julie Bourgoin and Rachel Leaney (Raffles), Mary Heney (Tickets), Rosemary Thomsen and Michele Weinfeld (Treasurers), Emily Hess (Volunteers) and Deb Klein & Noelle Huntington (Yard Sale). And of course, thanks to Cabot PTO Co-Chairs Jo Doherty and Mary Kathryn Fallon, for their tireless support and enthusiasm.
A special thanks goes to Russell Kaplan for rocking the event as our DJ; to Adam Levin, our magician extraordinaire; to Steve Giroux and Nicole Farrah of Giroux Brothers Martial Arts for their kick-board contests and dramatic karate demonstrations; and as always, to Cabot's custodians, Ed Reardon and Stephen O'Brien, for plugging us in and turning us on!
An extra warm round of applause goes to the victims of the dunk tank: Dana Bennett, Matthew Tirrell, Rashad Adams, John Karam, Steve Giroux, Nicole Farrah and Jo Doherty; who all had the courage of their convictions to brave the 50-degree water. We'll try to use the hot water faucet next year. Promise!
And to those who stepped up when we needed a hand, you to deserve one as well, especially Lisa Barry; Anat Ben-Menachen; Mike, Mackenzie and Chris Dreese; Joy Finney; Jina Pierce; Alan Ripp; Melinda Roman; and Paul Sagan.
And last, but by no means least, thanks to the legions of volunteers who gave their time and good spirits to staff all of the games and stations, ensuring that our kids had one of the most memorable days of the Cabot school year!
A HEARTFELT THANK YOU TO ALL!
Sue Sagan and Laura Dreese
Staff Appreciation Lunch
The annual Staff Appreciation Lunch on May 8 ran smoothly and provided a well-deserved morale boost for Cabot teachers and staff. Thanks to the hard work of many parents—who drove, shopped, cooked, decorated, set up, and cleaned up—the gym was transformed, and the teachers and staff were wined (well, almost) and dined in high style. The highlight of the lunch was a musical appearance by the Cabot Parent Chorus, skillfully performing dance moves and songs from their original repertoire, including new ones about Cabot’s core values and the modulars.
Thanks to all of the volunteers, including Mr. Reardon and Ms. Bennett, and to parents Eileen Morrison, Amy Siegel, Sarah Ecker, Archana Vahalia, Lori Seuch, Isabelle Thacker, Kate Dulit, Judy McMorrow, Emily Hess, Linda Efstratoudakis, Joy Huber, Anat Ben-Menachem, John Overaker, Jo Doherty, Chris Kjellson, Roberta Hing, Mary Kathryn Fallon, Michelle Markert, Joanne Gatnik, Andrea Plotkin, and Lisa Spagnuolo. Thanks also to CASP staffers and attendees for their flexibility.
Special thanks to the talented members of the Cabot Parent Chorus, accompanied by pianist Sayuri Miyamoto; to Magni Bakery, and Shaw’s Supermarket, for their delectable donations; and to the members of the Acknowledgment Committee: Sharon Dwyer, Suzy Enyeart, Tera Hirsch, Kate Johnson, Ayako Samuels, Sandee Simshausher, and Helen Ventouris.
Sally Brickell
Acknowledgment Committee
Volunteers Needed
Cabot Color Day is June 5th (Rain Date June 7th)
Don’t miss out on the fun of Cabot’s Annual Color Day! The whole school participates in this day of friendly competition. Each class is divided into 3 teams (red, white and blue) and participates in the games and activities. We are seeking volunteers to help run the stations. If you would like to help, we will need you from 9:15 – 12:00. Respond to Dana Bennett at Dana_Bennett at newton.k12.ma.us or Daphne Potter at dfpotter at rcn.com
CABOT BROADCAST
EXPERT ON COMPUTER ADDICTION WILL SPEAK MAY 16
Maressa Hecht Orzack, PhD, clinical psychologist and founder of the Computer Addiction Study Center at McLean Hospital, will speak Wednesday, May 16 at 7:30 p.m. on "Internet Usage Disorder: When Online Activity Intrudes on Real Life." Problems with Internet usage, which are widespread in all age groups, include excessive use of computer and Internet-based videogames, as well as repeated visits to web sites providing gambling, sexual content, home shopping, and other material and activities that may be inappropriate. Connecting with these sites often interferes with stable employment, school performance, and relationships with family and friends. Dr. Orzack's talk is sponsored by the Newton Parents Advisory Council on Special Education. It will be held at the Education Center, 100 Walnut Street, Newtonville, in
room 210.
Internet addiction can be the cause of many hours a day of game sessions,
social networking, instant messaging or emailing, as well as researching or browsing products and information. According to Dr. Orzack, as many as 15 percent of the millions of people who play massive multi-player online role-playing games (mmorpg)s are unable to live a balanced life. Often they find it easier to escape into a virtual world because of difficulties in their everyday lives. Recent studies have shown that despite the fact that addiction to these computer/Internet activities is a growing problem, there are very few treatment programs.
Dr. Orzack is an assistant clinical professor at Harvard Medical School. She is the author of many articles on computer/Inter- net addiction problems. She has spoken at many organizations, in-cluding Harvard University, MIT, American Psychiatric Association, the American Association of Psychiatrists, Boston University Mood and Anxiety Medical Center Program.
For more information, please contact Leslie Lockhart at 617-527-5046 or newtonspedpac at yahoo.com.
* Note: Dr. Orzach is a former Cabot Parent & Neighbor!
Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast
Understanding Our Differences
All Current and Former "Understanding Our Differences" volunteers are invited to a "Thank You" breakfast with Mayor David Cohen and Superintendent Jeff Young Friday June 8th 8:30 - 10 a.m. at the City Hall's War Memorial. There will be a special presentation by one of the guest speakers. RSVP by June 4th to carol_weigert at newton.k12.ma.us .
Transitional Kindergarten Program
The Bowen Cooperative Nursery School is currently accepting applications for its Transitional Kindergarten Program. If your child turns 5 after the kindergarten cut-off date, this is the program for you! Call (617) 332-3923 or visit us at www.bowencoop.org.
New England Mobile Book Fair is hosting
NEWTON APPRECIATION WEEK
In celebration of its 50th anniversary, from May 9th to May 18th the New England Mobile Book Fair will donate a percentage of your purchase to the Newton Free Library & Newton School PTOs. Simply identify yourself as a Newton resident or mention the Newton Free Library at checkout time, and the Book Fair will donate 5% of your total sales (before tax) to be split between the Newton Free Library and Newton School PTOs.
The New England Mobile Book Fair http://www.nebookfair.com
Food Service News
We encourage all parents to sign up for on-line ordering even if you do not want to order your child(s) meal on-line. Your personal on-line
account allows you to access your child(s) account balance and your
child(s) orders at any time.
Openings for next School year:
If you are interested in working a couple of hours a week M-W-TH-F as a lunch attendant, please call Rob at 617-559-9015 in the beginning of August
September Menu:
The September menu will be mailed out over the summer. Have a great rest of the year and an enjoyable summer. Thanks from all of the food service staff.
Rob Clickstein
Food Service Director
Newton Public Schools
Cabot Core Values “I’m going to teach you a secret about people”, my first grade teacher told us. “People are just like mirrors. Smile at someone and they will smile back, take a harsh tone with someone and you elicit the same response.” We all tried it at home and school, even with strangers…it worked! She was right. We are like mirrors. One of the most valuable things we can teach our children is empathy. A person who has mastered the art of empathy will be not only be able to follow but will lead. He will grow to understand the many facets of life and allow that understanding to guide his actions. Empathy allows us to celebrate each other, and to model behavior that shows respect. This is a foundation on which to build strength, confidence, and success. The person who commands respect is one who is respectful to others.
The Cabot school community seeks to create an environment that promotes respect for self and others. We seek to see our community embrace this core value and make it an integral part of our learning and living environment. We think it is very important for our children to feel proud of the things they can do and who they are, and to be able to see excellence in others and show respect to them by honoring their wishes. We all deserve respect.
Fundraising Box Tops for Education
We have collected 3505 Box Tops this school year! Help us reach our goal of collecting 5000 Box Tops. Let your children become Box Tops detectives and check for the Box Tops logo on packaging of things like Kleenex, Ziplock and other items. If they carry the logo, clip the tops and put them in the bright pink Box Tops box in the front lobby. If you have any questions, please contact: Isabelle Thacker, isabelle at thackers.net, 617/795-2332.
>From the Nurse
I love the fact that the warm weather has arrived but I would like to
make a suggestion on shoe wear at school. Flip flops and clogs may not be the best choice for play ground wear; more supportive sandals or sneakers are recommended for the safety of your child. Water bottles would be a good item to add to the back pack. Dr. Fagan, an expert in sports medicine at the Alabama Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center in Birmingham, said that the miracle liquid keeps you from being overwhelmed by heat exhaustion, boosts energy levels and even enhances the thinking process. Fruit drinks and sports drinks are not good substitutes because of the calories and caffeinated beverages not only are not good sources of water, they are diuretics. So drink your water!
Just are reminder, I sent home letters to the 5th graders about physicals needed for 6th grade entry. If a 5th grade student has had a physical this academic year, please send a copy to me and I will give to the middle school nurse on June 7th. Any physicals taking place over the summer can be brought to the middle school nurse in September.
Thank you..........
Karen Kerrigan, RN
Cabot School Nurse
Tel: 617.559-9404
Fax: 617.552-5584
Community News iD Tech Camp
Weeklong day and overnight summer technology programs for ages 7-17 at 50 prestigious universities in 22 states. This includes MIT, Smith College, Merrimack University, Brown University, Columbia University, and more. Create video games, experience game modding, improve your gaming skills, build robots, design websites, film and edit digital movies, create your own comic book, learn programming and more. With one computer per student and an average of five students per staff, campers are given the attention they need to excel and take home a project at the end of the weeklong course. Additionally, teens can travel to Spain for our Documentary Filmmaking program or participate in iD Gaming Academy for an intensive 3 weeks of game development. Visit www.internalDrive.com or call 1-888-709-TECH (8324).
Summer Tennis in Newton
Making summer plans? Check out Newton Parks & Recreation tennis classes beginning in late June and continuing into August. Classes for all levels – beginning at age 4! Kids may attend for one week or several, morning or afternoon or both! Check at www.newtontennisw.com for summer schedule. Adults, there are also clinics and round robins for you. Have fun!!
Soccer Camp
The Chestnut Hill School Creative Arts and Sports Program has recently
"kicked" off a specialized soccer camp. The program will be at The
Pine Manor College Soccer Field from July 9-13 and/ or July 16-20 from 9:00a.m. - 3:00p.m. Boys and girls entering grades 2 -6 this fall may sign up for one or both weeks. Soccer instruction provided by experienced coaches. Optional lunch buffet provided by the Pine Manor cafeteria.
Call (617) 566-4394 ext 623, or visit www.tchs.org.
Newton Girls Soccer
Registration for the upcoming fall season of Newton Girls Intramural Soccer is currently underway for Newton girls currently in grades K-8. Games are played on Saturdays, starting September 8 and continue until November 10. For grades 2-8, in addition to the games on Saturdays, there is also generally one practice per week. The goals of the NGS Intramural Program are for the girls to learn soccer skills, have fun and be part of a team. Scholarships are available based on need. To register, or to find out more information about the NGS IM Program, please visit our website at www.newtongirlssoccer.org.
Kids Karate
Summer—Saturday, June 30th through August 25th, 10:00-11:00 a.m. May pro-rate summer payment based on number of Saturdays expected to be attended. Fall - starting week of September 10 (Tuesday, Friday, or Saturday) 7-Week Session. Entry ages--first thru fifth grades. Beautiful space at Trinity High School, Newton. Information: Rich Jacobs, KIDS' KARATE Director (617) 527-8052; www.kids-karate.org.
Summer Youth Theatre
Arts in the Parks, Newton Parks and Recreation Department is taking registrations for the Summer Youth Theatre program of "the Sound of Music” for children in Grades 1 - 6, Monday through Friday; 8:45 AM - Noon; June 28 - July 25. Melissa Salz Bernstein, Director, has a Ph.D in Theatre, University of Colorado at Boulder, Masters of Fine Arts, Emerson College, Boston and brings 20 years of experience to this program. Youngsters learn the A-Z's of putting on a play. A terrific opportunity for kids to develop poise and have a great time. Performance will take place on the last day of class. Enrollment limited to 30 to allow parts for everyone. For information or to register, call 617 796-1540 or 617 527-8283.
Cool Globes
Cool Globes is a public art project that is looking to raise awareness about global warming. It will take place in Chicago from June through September. To get youngsters into the festivities, the “Cool Globes for Cool Kids” was created. The contest is challenging kids to create a piece of artwork shaped like a globe. Along with their globe, entrants must also submit a written description of their solutions to global warming. Students are allowed to work individually or as a group. The globe submissions must be in on Friday May 25th. The winners will be announced on the website by June 1st, and then the artwork will be displayed at the Kohl’s Children’s Museum in Glenville, Illinois. Encourage your child to have a group of friends create a globe together. Maybe suggest to your child’s teacher to make it a classroom activity. Go to www.coolglobes.com for details.
Waban Village Day
Sunday, May 20 from 11AM to 3PM. The Family Fun Run 5K begins at 10AM. Visit the web site to register. On going throughout the day will be a petting zoo, amusement rides, games and activities for children, as well as handmade crafts, gifts and jewelry for sale. Live music provided by Julia Priest and World Beat. The Dance Academy and Siagel Productions will provide Hip Hop Instruction and entertainment. The grills start at 11AM with great food all day long. More information can be found at www.wabanimprovement.org.
Raffle for the Green Decade Coalition
GDC/Newton is a volunteer non-profit organization whose mission is to create an environment in better balance with the natural world by making significant, measurable improvements in the way we use resources. GDC/Newton is holding a raffle: 1st Prize: 2007 Computerized Cruise Control Raleigh Bicycle; 2nd Prize:$300 Whole Foods Gift Certificate; 3rd prize: one month free Clean Air Lawn Care. More prizes listed on-line. Tickets only $10 or 3 for $20. Available on-line at www.greendecade.org. For more info: 617-965-1995 or info at greendecade.org.
Two Positions available at
Burr Cooperative Nursery School
September, 2007
Preschool Lead Teacher: Seeking a creative, nurturing teacher, committed to fostering children’s love for learning, exploration, and experimentation. Five days/week, 8:30 – 1:30, school-year schedule. Qualified candidates should have a degree in Early Childhood Education, EEC Lead Teacher Certification and classroom experience.
Preschool Assistant Teacher/Teacher: Seeking a creative, nurturing teacher, committed to fostering children’s love for learning, exploration, and experimentation. Three days/week, 8:30 – 1:30, school-year schedule. EEC Preschool Teacher Certification and classroom experience a plus.
Please send resume to: Director, Burr Cooperative Nursery School,
64 Hancock Street, Newton, MA 02466 Or email to job at burrcooperative.org
Host Families Needed
Worldwide International Student Exchange (WISE), a non-profit educational organization is seeking families to host Spanish exchange students coming to the Brookline/Newton and surrounding areas from July 2nd to July 29th 2007. Male and female students range in age from 14-17, and have solid English skills and the desire to experience life as part of an American family. During the week the students attend ESL classes followed by afternoon activities. Evenings and weekends can be spent getting to know one another, sightseeing and experiencing American life. Students arrive with their own spending money to be used for any expenses outside of room and meals. Host families will be asked to provide sleeping accommodations (students do not need their own rooms, they do need their own bed) and to drop off and pick up the student each day at the designated meeting point. Please contact Jennifer Reed at (617) 347-8901 or via email at BrooklineJenR at Yahoo.com.
Free Summer Cultural Fun!
Explore Japan is a FREE 2 and ½ week program for girls coming to Newbury College this summer, from July 26 to August 10. In Explore Japan, students will join visiting students from Japan and learn about each other's respective culture in a fun environment. The program includes arts and crafts projects, sports and martial arts, cuisine, music, pop culture and much more. For any family who can host one of the visiting Japanese students for this program, their child can attend the full program free of charge! For more information, visit the website at www.americanlearning.com or call 781 828-2800.
Brought to you by Mother Nature…
Take a moment...Take your kids...Did you realize that one of the largest Blueback Herring runs in Massachusetts is just off Watertown Square, barely a mile from Newton Corner? Mid-May to Mid-June is the best viewing time. This free show is sponsored by: Mother Nature. Watch as these determined little fish battle to swim upriver to their spawning grounds. Some try to leap over the dam, others use the concrete fish ladder. Some years the schools of Herring are so thick at the base of the dam that you could practically walk across the Charles River on their backs. In recent years, fishermen with nets have scooped up these migrating fish by the dozen, but after a couple of off-years, that practice is now banned. To get there from Newton Corner, go down Galen Street toward Watertown Square and at the light just before you cross the river, turn left onto Watertown Street. Take the right fork onto California Street. The dam is about a block down on your right. You can't miss it. If the fish are running, you'll see seagulls and cormorants dive-bombing the dam to catch the fish.
Registration for the 2007 Newton East Little League Summer Baseball season is now open.
Newton East LL is again directing the 10-12 year old Summer Baseball League this summer. This league serves eligible boys and girls aged 10 to 12 who were born on or between May 1, 1994 - April 30, 1997. All new applicants must reside in Newton OR attend the public schools in the Newton school districts. The season begins in early July and runs through the middle of August. Applications and program information are available at http://summer.newtoneastll.org . All registrations must be done on-line at our web site . Coaching information is also available on-line
The registration deadline is June 16, 2007 .
Explore Newton Upper Falls with
Representative Ruth Balser
Walk through a hidden mill village tucked into a busy corner of the metropolitan area, and find 18th and 19th century buildings, curving streets and a National Historic Landmark – Echo Bridge, high above the Charles River's Hemlock Gorge.
Sun. May 20, 2007 12:30 pm 1.5 hours; free to all; flat/accessible
Transit: MBTA Green Line D to Eliot Station
Walk leader: Representative Ruth Balser
Reservations: required – call Rep. Balser's office 617-722-2060
2007-2008 Religious School at Temple Sinai
Temple Sinai, a small, Reform congregation located at 50 Sewall Avenue in the Coolidge Corner neighborhood of Brookline, is currently enrolling students for the 2007 - 2008 religious school year. Our K-10 curriculum emphasizes the basics of Torah, Hebrew reading and comprehension skills, social action and Jewish studies. To register, please contact Director of Education, Heidi Smith Hyde, at school at sinaibrookline.org. Advance registration is recommended. Also, join us on Friday, June 1st, from 6:30 – 7:15 p.m. for a joyful and engaging Tot Shabbat service, free for young children. 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! Call 617-277-5888 or go to www.sinaibrookline.org for more information.
Mary Kathryn Fallon
Cabot PTO Co-President
10 Worth Circle,
Newton, MA 02458
617-244-1821
MaryKathF at aol.com
AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com.
________________________________________________________________________
AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com.
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