connection

PTO NEWS UPDATE

We had an informative presentation from Principal Cindy Marchand at the last general meeting of the PTO and a great discussion of school technology and equity policies. The central message is that the school system, the Newton Schools Foundation and the PTOs have jointly improved computer technology across the city. Even as restrictions on what PTOs can raise money for have loosened, the inequities between schools have diminished. The initiative of teachers in writing grant proposals and the ability of PTOs to raise funds allows the central school administrators some flexibility in providing compensating funding to make sure that all the schools are improving.

Next year’s school budget will reduce school system technology spending by 50% to preserve teacher positions and keep class sizes down. (Large portions of the recent increases in school system technology spending were diverted to buy new technology for Newton South in any event.) There are also cuts in administrative accounts, professional development, textbooks, etc. The superintendent has proposed cutting 28 instructional positions in total and increasing the pupil teacher ratio to 20.5:1, despite these offsetting cuts. Kindergarten aides that had been in each class before this year are not expected to be returning, although some parents in other schools have been advocating for that.

This crunch comes primarily from limited increases in state funding, the expected cost of contractual increases in salaries and benefits, and increases in transportation, utility and Special Education tuitions for out of system placements.

Perhaps with a return to more generous state funding increases next year and restraint in contractual spending increases, the system can stabilize and begin to get on track for improvements. The Newton system has been able to weather the downturn in state support with relatively limited budget cuts only because of the override two years ago.

On a happier noteĽ

The Midwinter Coffeehouse was reported on in the last issue of the Connection, but the Executive Committee would like to offer our congratulations and gratitude to the Franklin parents (and alumni parents!) who make this a truly signature event for Franklin School . It was a beautiful evening, not to mention a good fundraiser for PTO programs. Our thanks to Franklinites Mike Gooley, Jennifer O’Brien, Spider Alton, Maire Anne Diamond, Rob Siegel and Cindy Mapes.

International Day will have taken place as you receive this issue of the Connection. This is another unique Franklin event that continues to evolve. Our stalwart organizers Angela Coffidis, Sheila Lenihan, Shiranee Wagner and the many other volunteers do a fantastic job with this fun event.

An important calendar correction: The Monte Carlo/Spring Auction will be held on Saturday, April 3. There is a typo in the school calendar issued last fall that incorrectly lists it on April 13. This is a really fun evening and the single biggest fundraising event we have at Franklin . Make a note to yourself to do three things:

Ř Help your class make an auction basket – you will hear from your room parents about this.

Ř Find one restaurant, friend, or store to provide a single item. It is great marketing for the business. The solicitation letter and form, ready to use, came home in backpacks recently.

Ř Come have fun with us on Saturday night, April 3! For tickets and other information , see page 2.

Our next and final general meeting of the school year is scheduled for May 13. This is when we will elect officers for next year’s PTO. The incumbents are stepping down (or graduating to middle school!) from the co-president positions, the treasurer and the secretary position. In addition, a number of important committees and activities, including School Appreciation, the Connection and several others need new leaders or leaders-in-training next year. Now is the time to think about stepping up. Everyone is busy with work and family (including the folks who are doing these things now), but we need parent engagement to make the school really sing. It is the difference between a good school and a great one.Contact Kelley Brown for more information. It is probably a lot less work and a lot more fun than you think!

- Kelley Brown & Linda Witt-Chappell

Book the sitter now! The Franklin PTO is sponsoring the best fund raiser of the Spring.

MONTE CARLO NIGHT

Sat April 3, 2004

Newton Elks

429 Centre Street

Newton Corner

Tickets on sale in front of the school and at the door.

Our live and silent auctions will include over 200 items generously donated by parents, faculty members, community members and businesses.

There's something for everyone. Here’s a sampling:

· Party @ Lizzie's Ice Cream and Jillian's Billiard Hall

· Restaurant Certificates

· Tiffany's Jewelry

· Farina's Bicycle

· Baker's Best Dinner

· Day of Beauty

· Pizza party w/your favorite teachers

Creative Arts and Sciences Update

During the past few weeks students enjoyed several Creative Arts and Sciences programs related to social studies and science. Here’s what’s been going on:

Second graders kicked off their Ghana unit with a visit from Joe and Vida Galeota presenting their program “A Day in Ghana .” The couple took students on an imaginary trip to the mountaintop village where Vida was raised, where they learn about the food, wares, and rituals of daily life. The information was presented in a fun, interactive way, and included some awesome singing, dancing, and West African drumming.

The following week, third graders received a visit from Nitana Hicks, a Native museum teacher from Plimoth Plantation, who spoke about the Wampanoag tribe. Ms. Hicks shared many interesting facts about traditional Wampanoag culture and brought with her a variety of artifacts that the children could hold and examine. The Newton ’s social studies department worked closely with Plimoth Plantation to develop this unit of the curriculum, so the presentation went hand-in-hand with what the children are learning.

Early in March, author Sara Hoagland Hunter visited the 4th and 5th grade classes to talk about her book “The Unbreakable Code.” The book tells the story of how Navajos were recruited during World War II to develop a message code based on their native language. Ms. Hunter’s spirited discussion about the detective work and methods she used to initiate the writing project and collect information had the students riveted. Her statement, “I guarantee that each of you has a story in you to tell,” resonated with the children and was sure to have inspired many future authors.

Finally, fifth graders were treated to a presentation on North American birds of prey by Jim Parks of Wingmasters. Mr. Parks enlisted the kids' participation as he gave an overview of the native raptors' environment and hunting adaptations. He brought along four birds—a hawk, a falcon and two different types of owls—all of whom have been injured and were rescued by Mr. Parks and his partner, Julie Collier. The presentation was followed by a lively question and answer session.

That’s all for now! Stay tuned for more!

Melanie Adler, Co-chair

Words of Wellness

During the month of March, quite a few special events are happening around the state of Massachusetts .

Theodor Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss, would have celebrated his 100th birthday this year. In celebration of his literary contributions, there are many events planned this month. Here are a few:-Springfield Science Museum is exhibiting ““The Art of Dr. Seuss, A Retrospective and National Touring Exhibition”” through March 21.-Many bookstores are sponsoring story hours featuring some of Dr. Seuss’s works such as Hearts & Stars Bookshop, Canton; Buttonwood Books & Toys, Cohasset; Barnes & Noble, Framingham - check your local bookstore for any special events they may be having!-Composer and conductor Robert Kapilow will perform Dr. Seuss’s Gertrude McFuzz and Lazy Andy Ant at the New England Conservatory, Jordan Hall, 30 Gainesborough Street, Boston. Call for times 617-482-6661.March also means to many people - Maple Sugar Month! There are several places you can go to this month to learn how maple sugar is harvested from the Sugar Maple Tree, watch the slow process from which the sap comes out of the tree through a tap and if you are lucky - sample a taste of local maple syrup. Some local places sponsoring some educational programs are:The Ipswich River Wildlife Sancturary, 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield, 978-887-9264Old Sturbridge Village , Rt. 20, Sturbridge 800-SEE-1830Brookwood Farm, Canton . Parking is at Houghton’s Pond, Hillside Street , Milton and a free shuttle is provided. 617-698-1802.It’s never too early to start taking care of your body!Introduction to Infant massage, March 26 10-11am. This is being offered at Warm Lines Parent Resources, 218 Walnut St. , Newtonville. Call 617-244-INFO for more information.Area Support GroupsNewton Mothers’ Forum is a non-profit organization created to help mothers in Newton and surrounding towns meet, share ideas and information, and build a community for themselves and their families. The group hosts activities for children, families and moms and partners. Call 617-928-0089Beth Ann NohmySharon FosterPhysical Education, Health & Wellness

The Newton School Committee invites you to participate in the School Transportation Fee Survey. The survey will be available online at newtonpublicschools.com from March 8, 2004 through March 19, 2004. Consisting of seventeen questions, the survey takes about five minutes to complete. Paper copies of the survey can be requested through the School Transportation Office at 617-559-9052. The results of the survey and recommendations for changes in the fee policy for 2004-2005 will be presented at the April 12, 2004 School Committee meeting.

Think Spring!Mark your Calenders! The Franklin School Spring Fair will be held on Saturday, May 22. We are looking for volunteers! If you love planning parties for 300 or so kids of all ages and want to share your ideas and enthusiasm, consider joining the Spring Fair Committee! (We promise you won’t have to dress up like Sponge Bob.) Ruth Comstock and Pat Doolin are planning a committee meeting within the next week or two, so if you are intrigued, please call Ruth or Pat for details. We also need volunteers to staff games, booths and activities (and wear the costume) so if you have even just an hour to spare on May 22, give us a call!Needed: One big truck we can use on the day of the Fair to cart around equipment and tables. If you have one you can loan us for the day, it would save us $$ and put dollars back into the PTO fund. Call Pat

CANS FOR COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY

We are still collecting redeemable cans, plastics, and glass as part of the Technology Fund Drive . We are collecting items that are redeemable in Massachusetts (ex: MA 5˘). Please do not send recyclable, non-redeemable items such as water & milk gallons, juice bottles, etc. Keep those in your green recycle bins at home! Items may be dropped off in the bright blue recycle barrel located inside the school. We will be collecting these items through the month of March.

Parent volunteers are needed to return the items. Are you available for one week to return these items at a Redemption Center of your choice? Please email Maria Rufo-Bueno if you can help! Alternatively, children can redeem their bottles with a parent and donate the money by bringing it to the school office.

NEWTON SCHOOLS FOUNDATION

Salsa into Spring, 2004

Dance, Dance, Dance on Friday, March 19

Grab your dancing shoes, shake off the winter blues: come and learn something new....Salsa!

The Newton Schools Foundation is hosting its 6th Annual Spring Event on Friday, March 19 from 7pm to 10pm at the Sheraton Newton. This is a family event, with entertainment for all ages. Salsa dancing for adults, a separate DJ ballroom for teens, and a magician for the younger kids. $100 per family for the evening includes entertainment and hearty appetizers, desserts and beverages all night. Reserve your tickets by March 12 at www.nsfonline.org or by calling the NSF offices at 617-559-6120. An NSF grant this year is helping our fourth and fifth grade teachers develop new approaches for focusing on reading strategies for non-fiction.

NEW! THE NEWTON SCHOOL VOLUNTEER (NSV) PROGRAM!

NSV invites adults of all ages and backgrounds to help support Newton students and strengthen their future. Newton School Volunteers will have the unique opportunity to tutor a second grade student twice a week, one-on-one, helping him or her to attain grade level proficiency in mathematics.Corporate or team project participants, retirees, students and adults who work and live in Newton and surrounding towns are welcome.NSV asks for a "minimal" commitment of two 45-minute to 1-hour sessions of tutoring per week during the school year.A variety of times are available. You will work with students at Cabot, Memorial Spaulding or Franklin Schools.Prior teaching or tutoring experience is not required to volunteer. NSV recruits, trains, places and provides support services for volunteers in Newton Public Schools. Participation begins with two morning orientation/training sessions. The next session will take place from 9 a.m. to Noon on February 26th & 27th. Volunteers are asked to provide two personal references and complete a CORI (background) check.This project is jointly sponsored by the Newton Schools Foundation and the Newton Public Schools . For more information, or to sign up for the orientation session, call Paula Steen, Volunteer Coordinator, at 617.559.6125 or email paula_steen@newton.mec.edu

To: Parents of Incoming Kindergarten ChildrenKindergarten Registration by appointment only is April 1, 2004.Please call Mrs. Vitone (617-559-9500) to make an appointment for registration of your incoming kindergarten child. If you know of any new families who may have a child of kindergarten age, please ask them to contact the school office.

NEWTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE

FY05 BUDGET CALENDAR:

MARCH 15: 7:00 PM, ED CENTER; Straw vote on FY05 budget.

MARCH 18: 7:00 PM, DAY MIDDLE SCHOOL ; Public hearing on FY05 budget.

MARCH 22: 7:30 PM, ED CENTER; Final vote on FY05 budget.

MARCH 25, 7:00 PM, ED CENTER; Extra date for FY05 budget, if needed.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEWTON HEALTH DEPARTMENT Rabies Clinic Dates for Spring 2004:

Sat., April 3: 9:00 - 12:00 PM

Sat., April 10: 8:30-10:30 AM

Mon., April 12: 5:30 - 7:30 PM

Wed., April 14: 5:30-7:30 PM

All clinics held at Fire Station #4, 195 Crafts St., Newtonville. Cats and dogs must be caged or leashed and escorted by someone over age 14. $10 fee.

The Frank Zervas Elementary School (formerly the Beethoven School ) will host its 50^th anniversary celebration on Saturday March 27, 2004 at 2:00pm, at the school on 30 Beethoven Ave. in Waban . There will be a registration and social hour from 1:00- 2:00 PM. A timeline made by current students will be on display as well as photographs and memorabilia sent in by alumni and staff. Tours of the school will also be available prior to the celebration. All alumni, former teachers and staff are cordially invited to attend. The anniversary will be part of the annual spring fair ( 11 am - 3 pm), which will include games, prizes, food. Former students and staff who can help with information on the school over the past 50 years can call John Rice.

ANNOUNCEMENTS/CLASSIFIED

Plowshares School-Age Summer Camp at Newton North High School (For Students entering 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Grades)Offers a variety of Arts and Crafts, Sports, Drama, Learning Activities, Swimming, Field Trips, and More!Hours of Operation- 8:00AM-5:30PMDates- June 28-Aug 24, 2004Tuition Rates- $265/per week(two week minimun enrollment)Financial Aid is availableEnsure that your child has a summer filled with excitement, adventure, and plenty of fun! For further information contact: Plowshares Central Office (617) 527-3755We are also taking applications right now for our morning pre-school program at the Franlkin Site. For more information contact Lou Arcovio at (617) 244-9330 or the Plowshares Main Office at (617) 527-3755.

Middle school student certified by the Red Cross available to baby-sit children ages 3-9. I am mature, reliable and love working with children.

References available. Please contact Michelle Kamen.

Burr Cooperative Nursery School announces the start of our open-enrollment period for the 2004/05 school year. Only a limited number of spaces are available, and applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Burr Cooperative Nursery School, located in Newton's Auburndale neighborhood close to Wellesley and Needham, is celebrating 20 years of providing children and their families with a creative, nurturing, and innovative preschool experience. Parents of Burr Cooperative students often choose the nursery school for its emphasis on children's exploration and creative learning, its nurturing teachers dedicated to children's social and emotional development, and for the opportunity to participate in their children's education. We invite all interested families to come in and see the school in action. For more information, or to schedule a tour of the school, contact Anne Douglass, Ed.M., Director, at 617-332-0886.

Don’’t miss these creative learning opportunities!! The New Art Center in Newton is now accepting registrations for the April –– June spring term including courses in drawing, painting, sculpture and ceramics. Additionally, registration is now open for the popular April Vacation Program for children currently in grades K –– 5 and the exciting Summer Vacation Program for children entering grades 1 –– 5 in the fall 2004. Schedule is 9 am –– 2:30 pm with an extended day option until 5:00 pm. Enrollment is by the week.

Contact the New Art Center at 617-964-3424, email Christine Phillips, Director of Children’’s Programs christine@newartcenter.org or visit our website at www.newartcenter.org.