[CabotCommunity] Jabberwock for Tuesday April 15, 2008

Tue Apr 15 16:14:14 EDT 2008

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Jabberwock for Tuesday April 15, 2008
Issue #8 - 2007-08
Edited by Kim Spencer

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: 617-559-9021 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.k12.ma.us/cabot/

Cabot School PTO             www.cabotpto.org

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

 Calendar

April 15, 2008

Jabberwock Publication 2008 Issue #8

April 15, 2008

Education Advocacy Day at State House

April 15, 2008

CASP Play “Peter Pan”

April 21, 2008

First Day of Spring Break

April 28, 2008

School Resumes

April 29, 2008

Affinity Group 12:30 pm

May 1, 2008

Creative Arts & Sciences Event for Kindergarten – Bug works, various times

May 2, 2008

All City Chorus Spring Tours 8:30 – 3:00

May 3, 2008

Cabot Fair 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

May 6, 2008

School Council Meeting 5:00 – 6:45 pm

May 6, 2008

Teacher Appreciation Luncheon

May 7, 2008

CASP Annual Meeting & Coffee House, 5:00 pm

May 7, 2008

All-City Chorus Concert, Brown Middle School 7:30 pm

May 8, 2008

Understanding Our Differences, Grade 5 1:00 – 2:45 pm

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

  PTO Pen

Now that spring is in the air, we again encourage all of you to walk to school or take public transportation!  Did you know that 85% of Cabot School students live within a 1 mile radius of the school?  Residents of Newton have emphasized the importance of having neighborhood schools and that is why we have 15 different elementary schools located around the city.  Remember there are 2 Walking School Buses, one from Morse/Blake Street and the other from Landgon/Surrey Road, each morning. 

What are the benefits of having a Walking School Bus?

·         Reduced chaos and traffic congestion around the school (better for safety and the environment). 

·         Healthier, more active children. 

·         Increased independence for children. 

·         Opportunities for children to learn about road safety from a pedestrian’s point of view. 

·         Safety from ‘stranger danger’. 

·         Provides social opportunities for children and parents. 

·         Helps to create closer and friendlier communities. 

·         Extra time for parents, for example, if there are enough volunteers, for 1 day’s commitment to the Walking School Bus you need not go the other 4 days. 

Please mark your calendars for May 7th, Massachusetts Walk to School Day.  Cabot will be participating along with many other cities and towns in the state.  We know not everyone can walk, but please try if you can.  Also, for those of you who need to drive to school, please be aware of the many pedestrians we have each day and take a second look near those crosswalks.  Little heads are hard to see sometimes and an extra moment of caution could make all the difference.  Please also be courteous of neighbors by not blocking driveways and parking only in legal places.

We were so pleased with the number of volunteers and the amount of work accomplished this weekend during Cabot Clean-up Day/NewtonSERVES.  There is more detail below of all the jobs we completed, but we were thrilled with the turnout and dedication of over 100 members of the Cabot Community! 

We now have two approved budgets for the city, the allocation budget and the override budget.  We encourage you to take the time to learn about the issues and how each budget will impact your family and our community.  We have links posted on our website www.cabotpto.org to the City budget page at http://www.newton.k12.ma.us/schoolcommittee/budget/budget09.html  You can also check out the Newton PTO Council website at www.newtonptocouncil.org ,  and the Move Newton Forward Website at www.movenewtonforward.com.  Most importantly, we encourage you to all get out and vote on May 20th.

Preliminary planning has begun to celebrate the retirement of  Dr. Quarcoo and Mrs. Mann, so mark your calendars for the afternoon of June 12th.  We also look forward to meeting and welcoming the new Interim Principal, Jim Swain.  As soon as something is planned for this, we will let you know.

Wishing you all a safe and enjoyable spring vacation!!

Mary Kathryn Fallon                              Archana Vahalia

PTO co-President                              PTO co-President

 Upcoming Events at Cabot

CABOT FAIR NEWS!

The Cabot fair is on the way-Rain or Shine - Mark your calendars for Saturday May 3rd from 10-3!  We are looking forward to a wonderful day filled with games, gourmet foods, spin art, an amazing yard sale, cotton candy, amusement rides, face painting, candy grams,  pony rides, cabot alumnus disc jockey, the world famous 'Cabot Raffle' ,  prizes and the best dunk tank ever with many teachers jumping into the fun!  

Volunteers:  If you have not already signed up to help out the day of the fair, WE NEED YOU!!  Please contact either your room parent or Laura Dreese at tiggermack at aol.com or Deb Klein at deb.klein at approachgroup.com and let them know when you can help make this day a success.  

Please consider donating items to our yard sale- spring clean with a purpose!!

Staff Appreciation Luncheon

Every year the PTO hosts a Staff Appreciation Lunch for the faculty of Cabot School to express our gratitude for their hard work all year long.  This year the luncheon will be held on Tuesday, May 6th.  Thanks to Sally Brickell and the Cabot Acknowledgement Committee for planning this important event. 

Massachusetts Walk to School Day – May 7th – 

Mark your calendars and make an attempt to walk to school on this Wednesday with the Cabot Community!

 RECENT EVENTS at Cabot

Cabot Clean-Up Day/NewtonSERVES

Have you noticed some changes at Cabot School this week?  We hope so, because over 100 people rolled up their sleeves to pitch in and Clean-up Cabot! The PTO and School Council would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you for your efforts.  We can't even begin to express our gratitude for all your hard work.  Cabot School was cleaned-up big time!  Here is a sample of projects completed:  

Every door knob in the school was wiped & cleaned

Chicken wire was put up around the backboards in the gym to prevent balls from being caught behind them

Blinds were repaired in Ms. Bellinger’s classroom

Door stops were put on many doors

New cubbies were built, stained and hung near the 5th grade classrooms

Sinks were re-caulked and repaired in Mr. Velluto’s and Mr. Wong’s classrooms

Shelves were hung in Ms. Bargende’s and Mr. Velluto’s classrooms

Bookcases were repaired in Ms. Magoveney’s and Ms. Stahl’s classrooms

The paper cutter was repaired

Bulettin boards were hung

Cabinets were brought upstairs (very HEAVY work!)

The nurse’s office bathroom was painted

Ms. Sayre’s office was touched up with paint.

Book shelves and cabinets were painted in Mrs. Mann’s, Mrs. Lucas’, Ms. Stahl’s, Ms. Bellinger’s, Mr. Wong’s, Ms. Bargende’s, classrooms

Sinks’ were cleaned in many classrooms, and especially scrubbed in Mrs. Cain’s and Mrs. Forseter’s classrooms

A lock was installed in the faculty bathroom

The 2nd floor girl’s bathroom stalls were repainted

Bathrooms were wiped down and cleaned

The water fountains were cleaned

The 2 faculty refrigerators were scrubbed

Bookshelves in the library were re-painted

Much, much mulch was spread

Flowers were planted

Areas were weeded and raked 

Whew – and we still have more to do, so remember to sign up again next year!!

We were thrilled with the amount of volunteers and the level of work.  No matter what we asked you to do, no matter how dirty the job, we received a 'sure, no problem'.  Thank you.

We appreciate EVERYONE'S help, but must recognize a few individuals who went above and beyond:

Thank you to Mark Geffen who took on the job to organize NewtonSERVES at Cabot and organized all the volunteers.  He rolled up his sleeves on both days to hang shelves, fix bookshelves and door locks and utilized his other handy skills to complete technical jobs.  Then he spearheaded the afternoon NewtonSERVES outdoor portion of the weekend by organizing the volunteers, supplies and equipment, getting all the mulch delivered and spread, the plants planted and the areas cleaned up.  Thank you Mark!!

Thank you to Jim Robertson for helping us determine what supplies we needed, donating all the supplies and for coordinating the deliveries.  Thank to you Jim and his son Ted for installing door stops through out the entire school.

Thank you to Jay Schwartz who volunteered his master carpentry skills to make the beautiful new cubbies (we heard he stayed up very late finishing them) and for cutting all the shelving to spec.  

Thank you to Martin Buckton, whose skill and expertise completed many jobs which were far beyond our capabilities, including fixing the paper cutter, hanging the chicken wire around the backboard and fixing the window blinds, then going out and finishing off the day with the outside crew. 

Thanks to Chris Collins and Rubeni Godoy for their expertise fixing sinks and faucets. 

Thanks to Mark Miller who took on repainting the library shelves for both days.

Thank you to Rohan and Sughosh Vahalia for helping in anyway we needed for the entire day and for staining the cubbies. They were a great team and helped out no matter what, or how many things, we asked them to do.

We are in gratitude to all those listed below for their help. We are also grateful to all the families who shared their spouses, children, sisters and brothers with us this weekend. (Please forgive us any omissions, there were so many volunteers.   

Mark Geffen

Alan Safran

Sally Brickell

Todd Abbott

Jim Robertson

Caroline Safran

Forrest Brickell

Mimi Pantuhova

Teddy Robertson

Ellen Taylor

Donnalyn Kahn

Lily Pantuhova

Archana Vahalia

Ron Schachter

Joy Huber

Seth Rafel

Mary Kathryn Fallon

Aliza Schachter

Liam Geffen

Karen Clay

Rubeni Godoy

Ann Manaktala

Ashley Babigian

Mary Heney

Martin Buckton

Maya Manaktala 

Sally Babigian

Darien Clay

Colin Buckton

Rohan Vahalia

Maya Seckler

Chris Kjellson

Jay Schwartz

Sughosh Vahalia

Kelly Phillips

Kit Gunning

Mark Miller

Jennifer Abbott

Aiden Farrar

Maren Gunning

Carrie Jasper

Todd Abbott

Liam Geffen

Lars Erickson

Zoe Jasper

Liz Haas

Nora Geffen

Coco Erickson

Rose Flynn

Sonia Haas

Erin Delaney

Ian Ericskon

Gabriella Flynn 

Elijah Haas

Eric Fallon

Eric Medoff

Jennifer Hyde

Ken Rothwell

Matthew Fallon

Mark Sagan

Sharon Jacobs

James Rothwell

Jake Fallon

Nathlie Hart

Annika Vahalia

Brett A Leav

Katy Fallon

Janet Hart

Madison Griswold

Alison Leav

Rohan Vahalia

Ken Lai

Andy Griswold

Joseph Liu

Sugosh Vahalia

Rick Reilly

Haberly Kahn

Cate Liu 

Alison Hong

Judy McMorrow

Julielle Kahn

Ana Hoffman

Cindy Calloway

Anna Reilly

Janet Hsu-Lin

Lisa Ann Carbone

Will Riley

Mark Wadness

Julie Bourgoin

Robert Lakomski

Sarah Riley

Tera Hirsh

Isabelle Thacker

Julianna Lakomski

Alexandra Steenstrup

Alex Hoffman

CJ Thacker

Clark Lakomski

Niels Steenstrup

Sarah Hoffman

Tiana Quigley

Rebecca Wadness

Bruce Brumberg

Kerry Hurwitz

Maggie Quigley

Emily Goldberg

Janet Lehman

Jules Hurwitz

Virginia Dean

Isabela Longo-Lehman

Jeanettte Hurwitz

Elijah Choos

Chris Campbell

Rebecca Hurwitz

(If you did volunteer, and you are not on this list, we first of all apologize, and also request that you please let us know so we can have accurate records – thank you)

  VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Cabot Fair Volunteers

Volunteers:  If you have not already signed up to help out the day of the Cabot Fair, WE NEED YOU!!  Please contact either your room parent or Laura Dreese at tiggermack at aol.com or Deb Klein at deb.klein at approachgroup.com and let them know when you can help make this day a success!!

Love to cook? Delicious food needed for Staff Appreciation Luncheon on May 6!

Let’s show our gratitude for all of the effort Cabot’s teachers and staff make on our children’s behalf. Lend a hand with the PTO’s Staff Appreciation Luncheon, scheduled for Tuesday, May 6, at 12:45 p.m. If you can help with food (8-10 servings of a homemade dish), set up, or clean up, please contact Sally Brickell (Acknowledgment Committee) at brickland6 at rcn.com or 617-527-5438.

HOUSEKEEPING

Call Back/ Safe Arrival

If you and your family will be missing any school days as a result of the upcoming vacation, please be sure to notify the office at 617-559-9390.

LOST & FOUND
As always, the bin is overflowing! Be sure and check to see if there’s anything in there that belongs to you! Thanks.

Think Recycle!

Please keep brining in your old cell phones and empty ink cartridges and place them in the box on top of the teachers' boxes in the front office. Questions: contact Isabelle Thacker, isabelle at thackers.net, 617-795-2332.

CABOT BROADCAST

School Council Nominations 

2008 Cabot School Council Nomination Process 
As part of the Education Reform Act of 1993, School Councils were mandated for each school across the Commonwealth. The Council offers a way for parents, teachers, and community members to work together in an advisory capacity to the Principal to identify educational needs, set educational goals, review the school building budget, and prepare the school improvement plan. The Council consists of the Principal, up to two appointed community members who are not Cabot School parents, and an equal number of teachers and parents, representing our diverse school community. The parent representatives are elected by Cabot parents.
Nominations for three parent representative positions are now open. Each newly elected parent member will serve a two-year term of office. The Cabot School Council meets 8 times during the school year and members are expected to attend 80% of the meetings. Frequently subcommittees are formed to research and provide recommendations about a variety of school improvement issues.
If you would like your name to appear on the ballot, or to nominate someone, please:

1. Write a brief statement (100 words or less) that includes a biographical sketch (employment, family, etc), number of years you have been a Cabot parent, grade levels of your children and why you wish to be a School Council representative. Along with your statement, please include your name, telephone number and e-mail address. If possible, please write your statement in Microsoft Word and send it as an e-mail attachment, along with a digital photo, to Virginia Dean at vrd1966 at comcast.net 

2. If you are unable to submit electronically, please put your statement, and a small photo, in an envelope addressed to Virginia Dean and put it in the PTO mailbox in the school office.

3. Nominations must be submitted by Friday, April 25th.

An information packet about School Council will be sent to all nominees.
The biographical statements submitted by the nominees will be published in the Jabberwock during the month of May. If there are more than three candidates, there will be an election. Details regarding the election process will be published in early May, if one is needed. The new School Council members will be announced in the Jabberwock at the end of the process.

You may also contact any of the following parents who are the Current School Council Parent Representatives:
Term expiring June 2008: 
Liz Haas (617 969-5008), Lesley Roberts (617-630-1838), Janet Hart (617-332-5411)
Term expiring June 2009:
Virginia Dean (617 641-0878); Jay Schwartz (617 332-5538); Jim Robertson (617 795-7061)

PTO Co-Presidents (ex-officio members of School Council): 
Mary Kathryn Fallon (617-244-1821) and Archana Vahalia (617-244-1435)

KINDERGARTEN and GRADES ONE THROUGH FIVE: REGISTRATION FOR THE 2087-2009  SCHOOL YEAR
Children who will be 5-years-old on or before August 31, 2008 are eligible to enter kindergarten in the Newton Public Schools in September 2008.  Students who will be 6-years old on or before August 31, 2008 are eligible to enter grade one. Please share this information with anyone with in your neighborhood.  We encourage all residents who anticipate enrolling a child in kindergarten or any grade for next school year to contact the school now at 617.559.9400. Mrs. Driscoll, our school secretary, will answer your questions and provide all the necessary documents and requirements for school enrollment.
PLANS FOR 2008- 2009
Do you anticipate any changes for next school year? If you have a move to a new home in Newton or elsewhere, please contact Mrs. Driscoll at 617.559.9400 immediately. We will keep your information confidential until early Spring and will only use this information to help predict our classroom needs for next year.

Do your children receive free or reduced school lunch? Are you eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit? Do you receive fuel assistance?  If you meet the criteria for these programs, you may also meet the income guidelines for food assistance through the federal Food Stamp Program. Food Stamps can help you provide your children with the nutritious food they need to do their best in school.  For more information about Food Stamps and other resources, or to find out if you are eligible, call Project Bread’s Food Source Hotline Monday – Friday from 8:00am – 5:00pm.  1-800-645-8333

Invitation from the School Committee to sign up for Newsletter

In our continuing effort to communicate with the Newton community, the School Committee has started publication of a biweekly newsletter. The purpose of this newsletter is to keep all Newton citizens apprised of our ongoing activities.  Newsletters include a link to the summary of the most recent School Committee meeting (posted on our website) and other news of note. 
We are hopeful that our mailing list will grow to include an email address for every parent or guardian of a student in the Newton Public Schools.  To sign up, please go to our home page http://www.Newton.k12.ma.us/schoolcommittee/ <http://www.Newton.k12.ma.us/schoolcommittee/> and enter your email address in the Sign Up for Our Newsletter box.

Cape Cod Getaway 

Hi, this year, along with Dana Bennet and 11 other teammates, I am riding

in the Cape Cod Getaway, a 150 mile bike ride for Multiple Sclerosis.  One

of the ways I can fulfill my pledge requirement is to turn in Shaw's

grocery receipts. So, I'm gathering them to help in my fundraising. If you

shop at Shaws, could you save up your receipts and put them in our mailbox

at Cabot.  I'll collect them all and mail them to the MS society.  This

program is ongoing, so I'll be collecting until the end of the school

year.  Thanks!

Sharon Foster

Physical Education, Health and Wellness

Franklin and Cabot Elem. School

For more information, you can go to www.nmss.org.

Parent Advisory Council 

The next meetings will be on Thursday, May 15 and Wednesday, June 11. They are at 7:30pm at the Education Center 100 Walnut Street. Please visit the web site at www.newtonpac.org. Last month there was a fantastic speaker, Sarah Ward, who spoke about Executive Functioning Skills. There is a handout from that meeting in the PAC folder in the office. It has some great information about strategies and resources.

We are re-running this piece from last April’s (2007) Jabberwalk, we thought you might find it interesting!

Turkey Talk – Cabot’s Wild Neighbors

Those wild turkeys have been out and about in our neighborhood.  Isabelle Thackers contacted the Massachusetts Department of Wildlife and spoke with Jim Cardoza, who is a wildlife biologist specializing in turkeys and found out some interesting facts for us:

Turkeys are dominant creatures and they have a pecking order.  It is mating season and the male turkeys view humans as a threat and want to dominate us.  They do this by pecking and beating their wings toward us.  

Turkeys do not bite and disease is spread through contact with excrement (touching poop, not washing hands, and then touching something that gets to your mouth.) 

Mating season runs from March to May, with the peak being towards the end of April. 

The turkeys' aggression has nothing to do with hunger.  

Turkeys are moving into more residential areas because there are fewer predators (no hunting and no "other" wild animals)....they feel they can dominate humans.

Jim suggested carrying an umbrella and flaring it out so that the turkey appreciates the human's dominance, (we tried this over the weekend, and it really worked, the turkey started squawking and walked away).  He also suggested carrying a broom and swatting at the turkey.  He said running is not a good thing to do because the turkey views that as victory and it reinforces its dominance.  The police can kill a turkey if it has harmed a person. It's very hard to catch turkeys and there is no place to move them to.  Here is a link which details a lot of this information:

http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/dfw_turkey.htm

Thanks to Isabelle for taking the time to inform us of our wild neighbors!

FUNDRAISING

The Cabot Raffle ticket contest is underway!!
The race to sell the most raffle tickets began April 4th when every student took home their packets of raffle tickets to sell with instructions. Back by popular demand the classroom that sells the most tickets from April 4th up to 3pm on Friday May 2nd (the day before the Cabot Fair) will earn themselves an ice cream party, and the class that comes in second wins a cupcake decorating party! A new feature this year - during the contest we will be awarding tickets (redeemable the day of the Fair for rides and games) to classes that sell the most tickets during the middle weeks of the competition! So get selling!! Please remember, for your sold tickets to count towards the contest, the name of the student selling the ticket & their teacher’s name must be filled out on the ticket stub, as well as the details of the person buying the ticket. All properly completed ticket stubs returned before the 3pm cut-off time on May 2nd will count towards the contest. Any returned after that time will be included within the raffle to be drawn from noon onwards on the day of the Fair but will not count towards the contest. Remember that extra tickets are available from Mrs. Driscoll in the school office and we'd be grateful if you could return any unused raffle tickets to Mrs. Driscoll.
This year’s raffle features a huge variety of great prizes valued at more than $6,000 & remember you don't need to be present at the Fair to be a winner!
Any questions please contact Jen Abbott at fiveabbotts at hotmail.com  or Claire Ryan-Robertson at c_ryanrobertson at yahoo.com.

Yard Sale at the Cabot Fair

The yard sale at the Cabot Fair is only weeks away.  Cabot families donated great merchandise and there were lots of buyers last year and this year will be even better.  Items for elementary school age kids (books, toys, DVDs), summer outdoor gear (bikes, trikes, sports gear, yard games) and household gadgets all sold especially well.  We are also planning a great winter coat/gear "swap".  So as you do some spring cleaning over the next few weeks, please save those good condition castoffs for the Cabot Fair Yard Sale.  Donations for the yard sale can be dropped off at the school gym on Friday, May 2nd, between 3:00 and 8:00.  For more information, please email Noelle Huntington at noelle.huntington at childrens.harvard.edu.

Artwork for Education – 

Thank you to many members of the community for ordering the greeting cards with your child’s artwork.  The final orders have been tallied and 341 packages of cards were ordered.  Thank you to Susan Poole for collecting and tallying the orders and to Rosemary Thomsen for endorsing all the checks and depositing them.  We can’t wait to receive the final product around May 7th.  Together we earned over $2,000 to use toward technology at Cabot.

Box Tops

We have collected 4841 Box Tops this year!  Help us reach our goal of collecting 6000.  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.  If they do, clip them 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.

FIFTH GRADE ACTIVITIES

Funtastic Fridays for all Newton 5th Graders

Funtastic Fridays for all Newton 5th graders --  A great way to meet kids from the “feeder” elementary schools, as our 5th graders get ready to move up to Bigelow.  Here are the monthly dates for the remainder of the school year to put into your calendars: 5/2, 6/13.  All are 7-9 pm. at the Hyde Community Center 90 Lincoln Street. $6 admission for Music, games and more. Snacks and drinks available for purchase. Sign up for a “Fast Pass” card to speed entry by emailing your name, phone number and school to fevercoach at aol.com.  Sponsored in part by Parks and Rec. Questions? Call Judy Dore: 617-796-1525.

LIBRARY

Internet Safety

Cabot students, grades 3 through 5, have recently participated in cyber safety lessons.  Brenda Doucette, Cabot’s instructional technology specialist partnered with the grade 3 teachers to present a lesson on responsible use of the Internet, focusing on how to stay safe within the “cyber community”.  Lani Gerson, Cabot’s library teacher, co-taught a lesson with each of the grade 4 and 5 classroom teachers.  Students explored the responsible use of the Internet by discussing scenarios, such as bullying on the Internet and inappropriate use of Internet resources.  The students exhibited great interest in the subject, and the discussions were thoughtful and lively. 

Parents are encouraged to continue the discussions about cyber safety at home, reinforcing the importance of being safe on-line and being ethical members of the “cyber community”.  Recognizing that the use of the Internet and World Wide Web has become a routine part of many children’s lives at home as well as at school, an additional presentation for parents has been organized for parents of elementary students.  Please see the attached notice.  

Lani Gerson, Library Teacher

Internet Safety Presentation for Elementary Parents, Grades 3-5

Are you worried about cyber-bullying? Do you wonder about social networks that your child might be joining online? Do you have questions about what is appropriate use of the Internet? Join us at the Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St. in Newton on May 13, 2008, from 7:00 – 8:30 pm for a presentation by Sarah Sogigian, Youth Services Consultant for the Metrowest Regional Library System.  Sarah will be speaking to parents about recent Web trends and innovations as well as offer tips on Internet Safety for elementary children, grades 3-5. Her presentation will include a question and answer, with time to share your personal experiences and concerns.  There will be no charge for this event. For more information call or email Shelley Chamberlain, Director of Information Technology at 617-559-6190 or shelley_chamberlain at newton.k12.ma.us.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Newton Community Education is sponsoring three lectures at Newton South HS this spring.  $7 each or $15 for all three (free for high-school students).  All are at 7PM in the Lecture Room (Rm 7121) at Newton South, 140 Brandeis Rd.

"My Life as a Journalist - And Other Mistakes I've Made"

April 17th - Alex Beam, the Boston Globe columnist, author (Gracefully Insane: Life and Death Inside America’s Premier Mental Hospital), and novelist (The Americans Are Coming!, Fellow Travellers) ... is a keen, often humorous observer of everything from the media and politicians to business personalities and his own personal life as a father and husband (living in Newton). Don’t miss this opportunity to spend an evening with one of Boston’s most independent and wide-ranging cultural critics. https://newtoncommunityed.org/viewDesc.php?CourseNumber=X5004-01

"Religion as a Natural Phenomonon"

May 8th - Daniel C. Dennett is a prominent American philosopher, whose areas of inquiry include philosophy of mind and philosophy of science. Currently the co-director of the Center for Cognitive Studies at Tufts University, he has authored and edited numerous books, including Brainstorms, The Mind’s I (with Douglas Hofstadter) and, most recently, Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon. Dennett’s latest workand the reactions to itwill be the topic of his talk. He argues that viewing religion as a natural phenomenon, like music or language, can lead to some startling conclusions. With the growing presence of religion on the global stage, his approach is interpreted by some as hereticaland by others as long overdue. https://newtoncommunityed.org/viewDesc.php?CourseNumber=X5004-02

"Drawn & Quartered: Editorial Cartooning in an Election Year"

May 22nd - Boston Globe cartoonist Dan Wasserman is one of America’s most well-known practitioners of the art, whose visual skits cut to the heart of the latest political and social concerns. While he approaches most issues from a progressive standpoint, Wasserman doesn’t hesitate to skewer those on either side of the political spectrum. His syndicated cartoons appear in newspapers across the nation, including the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Washington Post, and the San Francisco Examiner. An election year presents more than the usual fodder for any editorial cartoonist, and 2008 is no exception. Come hear what Dan has to say about his craftand bring your questions.

Student Showcase at Newton North

April 17th, 5:00 - 8:30 pm. Newton North's Main Street will come alive with musicians, Jubilee Singers, face painters, art exhibits, scenes from Grease and Hot Mikado and more on Thursday, April 17th. Check out a sport clinic and dine on something tasty at Tiger's Loft. Design a notepad, try an Improv class or observe the skill of argument at Model UN debate. Student Showcase is an evening of entertainment for the entire Newton Community designed to celebrate the remarkable and highly varied talents of our student body. Student Showcase offers something for everyone. It's the ideal opportunity for 8th graders to see the clubs and organizations of NNHS come to life. There will be crafts for elementary aged kids as well. It promises to be an evening of great entertainment for the entire family. A ticket to Student Showcase supports student talent and the Educational Excellence Campaign of Newton North High School. Admission $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for students, and $25.00 for families. Tickets can be purchased on line at the NNHS website www.nnhsedex.net or at the door on April 17th.

Newton Schools Foundation 2nd Annual B.I.G.* Ideas EXPO
Tuesday, April 15, 2008 Newton South HS Cafeteria – 3:30-6 p.m. Brilliant teachers -- Innovative ideas -- Great students. The Newton Schools Foundation supports professional and innovative curriculum development through an annual awards program, funding grants in all 21 Newton Public Schools. Come out and meet the teachers who make the difference in your child's life with the support of your dollars. Join us for a great time of music, fun, food – and much, much more! Check our website for more information and to make a donation http://www.newtonschoolsfoundation.org.

Children's annual Day on the Hill 

On Tuesday morning, April 15, Newton parents and other education advocates will join hundreds of Massachusetts residents at the State House as part of Stand for Children's annual Day on the Hill. The group will meet with legislators to ask that they use tax dollars wisely by investing them in our future—strong public schools for our kids. This year, members of Stand for Children are advocating for: Financial Relief for schools, including increasing Chapter 70 aid for 2009 and raising the state reimbursement of local special education costs; Reform, including updating state estimates of what it actually costs to educate a child, closing corporate tax loopholes and providing property tax relief for low-income residents and seniors; Innovation, including investing in teacher quality, and offering early education and extended learning time for communities that want it. 

The event begins at 9:30. A bus will leave from Cold Spring Park at 8:50 a.m. and depart from the State House at 11:25 so parents can be back in time for early-release pick-up.  (Reservations required for those wishing to take the bus.) To learn more or sign up to attend, visit www.stand.org/ma <http://www.stand.org/ma> .

DEADLINE: APRIL 30 - Out of District Policy Statement 2008:

- 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 are available in the Attendance Office at the Education Center.

- 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 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.      

April is Autism Awareness Month

Countryside Elementary School is hosting "An Autism Spectrum Panel Discussion" for Elementary, Middle and High School parents, whether or not their families are directly affected by autism.  Teachers are especially encouraged to attend.  This is open to the entire community at no charge.  Monday April 28th 7-8:30 pm in the Countryside Auditorium at 191 Dedham Street, Newton Highlands.  The evening features distinguished experts in the area of Autism Spectrum Disorders: educators, medical professionals, parents of children affected and an adult living with Austism. Reservations are not required. Contact Countryside Elementary School at 617-559-9450..

"Here Comes the Sun: A Concert for Youth Suicide Prevention"May 15th at 7 pm at the Emerson Umbrella Theater in Concord.  This event features the well-known Beatles cover band 'Beatlejuice', a silent auction and speakers on the subject of youth suicide prevention.  Tickets available at http://www.acteva.com/go/familyaware. Sponsored by Families for Depression Awareness: Helping families recognize and cope with depressive disorders to get people well and prevent suicides.  For more info: http://www.familyaware.org/BeatleJuiceConcert.php. Contact info at familyaware.org or call 781-890-0220.    

Bowen Cooperative Nursery School

There are still a few openings left at Bowen Cooperative Nursery School’s Transitional Kindergarten program for the 2008-2009 year.  This program is for children who are 5 years old, or who are about to turn 5, but who will not yet be in Kindergarten as of September.  Located in Newtonville, 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 about our Transitional Kindergarten program and to obtain an application, please visit our website, www.bowencoop.org or contact Barbara Cleary, Director, at (617) 332-3923.

The Newton Free Library's 24th Annual Book and Author Luncheon 

May 2nd at noon at the Newton Marriott.  Featured authors will be Anne Easter Smith, author of Daughter of York, and Stephen Puleo, author of The Boston Italians: A Story of Pride, Perseverance and Paesani, from the Years of the Great Immigration to the Present Day.  Reserve a spot by mailing a $35 check payable to 'Friends of the Newton Free Library' to: Book and Author Luncheon, PO Box 600533, Newtonville, Ma 02460.  Include a note with the names of those who will attend, preference for chicken, fish or vegetarian lunch entree and a Self-addressed Stamped envelope.  Tickets will be mailed to you.  Reservations after 4/19 will be held at the door.  Info: 617-997-7942 or bookandauthor at gmail.com.    

To join these authors on May 2, please send your check for $35.00 per person (payable to the Friends of the Newton Free Library) to Book and Author Luncheon, PO Box 600533, Newtonville, MA 02460.  Please specify the names of those who will attend the event and include a stamped, self-addressed envelope.  Indicate your preference for chicken, fish, or vegetarian entree for lunch. Tickets and table assignments will be mailed two weeks before the event. Reservations received after April 19 will be held at the door.  Early reservations are recommended. Seating is limited.  No tables or seats will be held without payment.  For more information, please call 617-997-7942 or email bookandauthor at gmail.com. 

Facing History's Choosing to Participate exhibit at Boston Public Library

How do you talk to your children about the hard choices they face? About what to do when they encounter differences, prejudice, or exclusion? These are some of the hardest conversations to begin. Facing History's Choosing to Participate exhibit offers unique opportunities for families with children in grades K-6 to engage in activities, storytelling and conversations about respect and tolerance.

Bring the family and join us at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 3 for Not In Our Town: Lessons from a Community of Upstanders

Boston Public Library, Dartmouth Street Entrance

Space is limited. Please RSVP to kyle_meingast at facing.org or call 617-735-1646.

For more info: www.choosingtoparticipate.org.

Newton Youth Players

“Oklahoma”, the classic musical, will be featured this summer by the Newton Youth Players.  Registration is underway for summer classes, June 30 through July 24, 9-noon held at the Newton Cultural Center, 225 Nevada Street, Newtonville.  Oklahoma features memorable songs including "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning", "The Surrey with the Fringe on Top" and "Oklahoma".  Students learn basic acting techniques, dancing and scenery.  Parts for everyone.  For info and to register call the Mayor's Office for Cultural Affairs 617-796-1540.  Fee $650 for Newton Residents, Non-resident fee: $700.

Girls Intramural Basketball League

The Newton Girls Basketball Association (NGBA) and the Boys and Girls Club have formed a partnership to bring your daughter an 8-week Developmental League for 4th through 8th grade girls.  Season starts Wed. April 16 at 7 pm.  Weekly games, occasional practices.  4 teams, coaches, referees and jerseys.  Free with membership in the John M. Barry Boys and Girls Club.  Info at 617-630-2066, x 121 or www.rrivera at newtonbgc.com.    

Heartbreak Hill Youth Race

Sunday, April 20, from 12 - 3 PM, from City Hall Drive. Runners may register online at
www.newtonpride.org <http://www.newtonpride.org> 
Pizza/Pasta Party will be held Friday, April 18, at 5:30 at War Memorial Auditorium,
Newton City Hall. Call Mayor's Office for Cultural Affairs - 617 527-8283.

Citywide Bike Rally

Sunday, May 18th.  "Family and Friends Ride” - 3 miles, tentatively scheduled for 1:30; "All Newton Ride” - 24 miles, through all Newton villages at 2:15.  Not a fundraiser, but a rally to drum up support for safer bicycling in Newton.  Register at 12:30 at Newton City Hall, War Memorial Steps.  Sponsored by the Green Decade Coalition.  For more info go to www.bikenewton.org.

Get Hooked on Fishing 

Basic Fresh Water Fishing Clinic Tuesdays April 15, 22 and 29 at Nahanton Park along the Charles River in Newton.  6:30-8:30 pm.  Children 8 and up.  Learn the history of fishing, all about casting, equipment, tackle and knot tying, hooking, playing and landing a fish.  Donation $5 per family to cover costs.  Register at www.activityreg.com. Sponsored by Newton Parks and Rec.

Time for tennis!  

Newton Parks & Rec. offers Spring and Summer 2008 Tennis for kids and adults of all levels.  Most kids' classes begin the last week of April and adult classes start the first week of May.  Summer clinics begin during the last week of June and continue through part of August.  Kids may enroll for one or several weeks and may attend a.m. and/or p.m. classes. Please visit www.newtontennis.com <http://www.newtontennis.com/> for more info and to download a registration form.  Questions - send to newtontennis at earthlink.net <mailto:newtontennis at earthlinl.net> (or call 617 661-PLAY). Classes are filling up fast. Register today!!!

"Colorful Chemistry" 

Lava lamps, slime rainbows, UV Bracelets and colorful totebags... 'The Wicked Cool Girls Science Club' is expanding this spring.  By popular demand there will be three four-week classes offered, two at Pierce on Thursday starting May 1st, and the second starting May 15th.  The third class will be Wednesdays at Zervas starting April 30th.  All three classes run four weeks from 3:15 to 4:15.  For more info or to register: 617-559-6999 www.newtoncommunityed.org.

Spring Skills Team Challenge During April Vacation 

Looking for something fun and exciting for your child to do during their school vacation? This April the Newton Community Service Center will be heading to Hale Reservation for a Spring Skills Team Challenge. Children in 3rd through 6th grade will team up and learn essential spring skills in the areas of raft Building, compass, trail signs, archery, and more!  Additional activities include wagon races, Frisbee throw, obstacle courses 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 <http://www.ncscweb.org/> and click on Recreational Programs.

New Art Center - April Vacation "Seuss on the Loose" 

Bring on the Sneetches, Thing 1 and Thing 2, Yertle the Turtle, Red Fish and Blue! Just leave the Grinch at home as we spend the week creating art inspired by the wacky worlds of Dr. Seuss. April 22-25. 2008 9AM-3:30PM. Students grades K-5 attend 4 classes daily, including drawing and painting, ceramics, sculpture, and activities taught by our talented art instructors.

Saturday Drop-off

Parents can drop off their children or stay and create art together from 10 am-11:30 am on Saturdays. A different project and theme each week! Grades K-5. No pre-registration required, $15 cash/check. Upcoming Dates: April 12, 19; May 3, 10. 

Newtonopoly

A great graduation/bar mitzvah/birthday present idea! Newtonopoly plays like the popular game, but features local businesses as property. Proceeds will pay for software and computer updates in the Newton North Business Department, along with a portion to benefit the Carroll Center for the Blind. Developed and marketed by the Newton North Business Club. To order: Mail a check for $20 payable to Newton North Business Club c/o Robert Kane NNHS 360 Lowell Ave., Newtonville, MA 02460. Include your name, address, phone, email.  Free local delivery.

When does $20 buy $2,000? When the Newton Seasons Pass arrives!!
The Newton Seasons Pass is a new discount program, jointly sponsored by
the Newton Schools Foundation and Newton North and Newton South High
Schools.  The Newton Seasons Pass provides access to on-line coupons to
nearly 40 retailers, restaurants and other businesses in Newton.  Combined
value of the coupons is in excess of $2,000 – all for the cost of only
$20.  Newton Seasons Pass cards will be sold by students at both Newton
North and Newton South, with all of the proceeds being shared between each
student's varsity sport or club and the Newton Schools Foundation.  Please
be on the look out for students selling these cards and please support the
Newton Seasons Pass!

26th Annual Newton House Tour

Sunday, May 18, 2008. Save the day for the Boston area's premier house tour. Visit homes throughout Newton, which showcase excellence in architecture and design.  For more information contact the Newton History Museum, 617-796-1450.

NCSC Summer Day Camp Registration is Underway

Come join us at Hale Reservation in Westwood where campers enjoy fun-filled days of boating, Red Cross swim lessons and free swim, arts and crafts, fishing, archery, ropes challenge course, nature activities, sports, cookouts, special events, overnights and more. Camp begins on June 23rd and runs through August 22nd.  Camp begins at 8 a.m. and the bus leaves at 8:30 a.m. for Hale Reservation and returns to the Newton Community Service Center at 4:30 p.m.  Extended Camp is available until 6 p.m.  The cost for a two-week session is $540.  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 <http://www.ncscweb.org/>  and go to Summer Camp.

The Harlem Quartet and All Newton Music School

Celebrating Diversity in Classical Music.  June 9th 7:30 pm at Regis College, 235 Wellesley Street, Weston.  Go to: www.allnewtonmusicschool.com and click on "Special Events".  

Move Newton Forward Campaign 

The MNF Campaign is looking for people who currently have a child in preschool or people who still have a relationship with their previous preschool in order to begin outreach to this parent community. If you have an affiliation or know of someone who does, would you please contact Liz Richardson at dlrich1 at comcast.net or Sarah Ecker at sarahecker at comcast.net.and.

CLASSIFIEDS

prana power yoga!! 

282 Centre Street, Newton Corner.  www.pranapoweryoga.com - Only a mile from Cabot—across from Bertucci's in Newton Corner--and the best way ever to move stuck energy and blues out of your body, mind, and life.  Come try a free class, and see what everybody's talking about.  It's heated, so you'll feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and recharged.  No membership required. You don't have to be a "yogi," have "yoga clothes," and/or be "flexible."  Come as you are, and just do your best with breath. And watch yourself transform--on the inside and out—effortlessly.  See you soon and have the best day ever!!  Namaste!! 

Taylor and Philippe. 

Experienced Tutor

Experienced Tutor (Ed. M, Harvard Graduate School of Education), certified in reading & elementary education, specializing in Reading, Writing, Math through Pre-Algebra. I have worked with many non-native English learners, including Koreans, Chinese, Haitians, Hispanics, etc.  Margaret Kelner, Ed.M. 617-332-3222, m.kelner at att.net

New Website… super-mom.com    Check it out!

Coming Mother’s Day 2008…super-mom.com!!  Taylor Wells’ (pranapoweryoga.com) new website, blog, and more.  Super-mom.com is a celebration of moms.  A place to find support, insight, inspiration, humor, advice, and connection.  A place to remember who you are, and why you were chosen to be a parent, the most important job there is.  Come home to www.super-mom.com, where you’re always welcome and you’re always honored and respected—just as you are.  

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

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