We are excited to launch the 2011 – 2012 Campaign for Williams, our annual fundraising drive to support programs, events, and technology improvements at the Williams Elementary School!  The Williams Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) plays a significant role in raising funds needed to support improvements that enhance our kids’ educational experience and build connections among families.

Our Goal

Our goal this year is to raise approximately $42,000 – about $150 per child – in order to provide financial support in four key areas: student enrichment, special events, technology improvements, and school operations, including playground maintenance and upgrade, now the responsibility of the PTO.

Where Does the Money Go?

Last year, 95% of the money raised through the PTO went directly to fund programs and equipment purchases at the school. Specifically, the money was spent on:

•  Innovative student programs: This included the Creative Arts and Sciences program that brought over a dozen presentations from historians, artists, and authors to Williams; Understanding Our Differences and The Child Abuse week; field trip subsidies; and funding for teacher instructional software and specialized tools.

•  Special events: These included Color Day, Multicultural Night, Arch Day, the annual art show, and teacher/staff appreciation events, to name a few.

•  Technology equipment:  PTO fundraising enabled the purchase of 13 laptops, 4 digital microscopes (“Proscopes”), and closed the gap so that each classroom now has a modern projection device (“Elmo”). We are getting closer to our goal of having a ratio of 1:3, computers to students.

•  Improved School Operations:  Funding went to teachers and staff for the purchase of classroom supplies not otherwise available, including financial support of the arts, music, the library and physical education programs. And also for the purchase of technology incidentals to keep current technology in useful operation.

This Year

The PTO plans to continue to support these important programs, services, and needed equipment upgrades that enhance our kids’ education and experience at Williams. We are also committed to fostering a greater sense of community and connection among students, family and faculty, and consider this an important part of our mission.

We look forward to sharing more of our exciting plans for programs and community-building events once the school year is underway. In the meantime, we are asking for your support as we rely on the annual campaign to raise a significant portion of the money needed to fund our programming.

In order to meet these goals, every family is being asked to make a donation of $150 to the Campaign for Williams during the months of September and October. If each and every family donates at this level during the Campaign for Williams, we will raise nearly $30,000 – approximately 70% of our PTO fundraising goal.

We also respectively ask that families consider making larger donations if you are able. Families with more than one child in the school might consider an additional donation of $50 per child. If you are unable to commit at this level, please give what you can. In addition, please consider volunteering your time for any of the valuable and fun PTO programs: everyone can make a difference for our kids and school and it’s a great way to get to know teachers, meet new people and enhance your understanding of the Williams community

All donations are tax deductible.  Checks made payable to the Williams PTO can be returned in your child’s folder or mailed to the Williams PTO, 141 Grove Street, Auburndale, MA 02466.  Donations can also be made by credit card by using the PayPal link on the Williams PTO website (http://www.williamspto.org/fundraising/paypal/).

We look forward to working together this year to continue to put our funds to work for our kids and our wonderful Williams community.

Sincerely,

Erin Giesser, Christine Lacey, Michael Lorant,  Elizabeth Tarmey

PTO Co-Presidents

Kelly Fattman

PTO Vice President of Fundraising

We will be voting on the PTO Slate for the 2011-2012 school year.

Attending the meeting is a sure way to claim a good seat for the Arch Day celebration, when each grade will perform a song or two and be announced by Dr. Connolly as an official member of the next grade.

Wednesday’s Schedule:
10:00 a.m.– PTO Spring Meeting
10:30 a.m. — Arch Day Program
12:00 p.m. — Dismissal!

We still have some 2011 “W” photos available for purchase at $5 each. We will be selling them before and after the Arch Day celebration. Don’t miss the last chance to get your copy of this keepsake picture of the entire Williams School from the 2010-2011 school year!

While you are at school on Wednesday, don’t forget to check the Lost and Found, on the first floor outside the gym and on the second floor in the hallway near the copy machine!! All unclaimed items will be donated to Goodwill at the end of the day on Wednesday!

• Monday, June 20, 5:30 p.m., Celebration for Mrs. Holmes
• Wednesday, June 22, 10:00 a.m., Annual Spring PTO Meeting
• Wednesday, June 22, 10:30 a.m., Arch Day Celebration
• Wednesday, June 22, 12:00 p.m., Early Dismissal, Last Day of School

Tuesday, September 6, First Day of School!
Remember:  Shop amazon.com through the Williams link and earn money for Williams while you shop!

Sign up to earn money for Williams at over 100 participating online retailers with Boxtops as well!

Dear Williams Parents,

There are only three days of school left, but they are packed with lots of end-of-year celebrations!

Please join us on Monday, June 20, from 5:30 -7:30 p.m., to honor our wonderful music teacher, Martha Holmes, who is retiring this year.  The celebration will take place in the Williams Gym, and light snacks and drinks will be served.  Don’t miss the special musical program at 6:00 p.m.!

Everyone in the Williams Community is invited to the Williams PTO Spring Meeting on Wednesday morning, June 22, at 10:00 a.m. in the Williams Gym.  We will be voting on the PTO Slate for next year (the 2011-2012 school year).

The meeting will be followed by the Williams School Arch Day celebration at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 22, also in the Williams Gym. Each grade will perform a song or two and be announced by Dr. Connolly as an official member of the next grade.

There will be a schoolwide early dismissal on Wednesday, June 22, the last day of school, at 12:00 p.m.!

We still have some 2011 “W” photos available for purchase at $5 each.  We will be selling them before and after the Arch Day celebration.  Don’t miss the last chance to get your copy of this keepsake picture of the entire Williams School from 2010-2011!

While you are at school on Wednesday, don’t forget to check the Lost and Found, on the first floor outside the gym and on the second floor in the hallway near the copy machine!!  All unclaimed items will be donated to Goodwill at the end of the day on Wednesday!

Summer Reading Information from Mrs. Kosmo:

The Summer 2011 Reading List is now available.  You will find selections from all genres for grades K-6.  There is also a section on Websites to keep you reading, learning, and having fun.  There is a reading log to help you keep track of what you read and record what you liked about the book.  This list is compiled every year by the Newton Public Schools elementary librarians.

You should also check out the booklists posted on the Newton Free Library Children’s room Website.
Let’s keep the kids reading all summer long. It is fun and helps sustain good reading habits while school is out.

Enjoy the weekend!

Doug, Erin, Katie and Wendy

president@williamspto.org ]]> http://www.williamspto.org/2011/06/17/the-week-at-williams-11/feed/ 0 http://www.williamspto.org/2011/06/13/1886/ http://www.williamspto.org/2011/06/13/1886/#comments Mon, 13 Jun 2011 09:26:50 +0000 Doug Cornelius http://www.williamspto.org/?p=1886 Looking ahead:

• Tuesday, June 14, 7:00 p.m., 5th Grade Play
• Thursday, June 16, 7:00 p.m., WASC Show
• Monday, June 20, 5:30 p.m., Celebration for Mrs. Holmes
• Wednesday, June 22, 10:00 a.m., Annual Spring PTO Meeting
• Wednesday, June 22, 10:30 a.m., Arch Day Celebration
• Wednesday, June 22, 12:00 p.m., Early Dismissal, Last Day of School

Remember:  Shop amazon.com through the Williams link and earn money for Williams while you shop!

Sign up to earn money for Williams at over 100 participating online retailers with Boxtops as well!

Dear Williams Parents,

It is hard to believe we are almost at the end of the year!  There are some fabulous events still to come, so make sure to check the calendar above and on the PTO website.

We would like to thank Heidi Tobin for organizing yet another amazing Book Fair!  Thanks also go to everyone who helped set up, clean up, and sell books, and everyone who supported Williams by buying books to read over the summer!

Special Box Tops earning opportunity this week at Shaws:

Offer: Save $5 instantly and Get 25 Bonus Box Tops ($2.50 value) when you buy 10 participating General Mills products (see flyer in store for list).

Dates: 6/10/2011 – 6/16/2011

Details: Purchases must be made in a single transaction. Coupon to redeem Bonus Box Tops prints at register. Visit GrowingLocalLearning.com

to enter code or send coupon to school with your child.

Questions: Suruchi Kaul (skaul0@hotmail.com)

Doug, Erin, Katie and Wendy

president@williamspto.org

For more information, visit the NSF website at http://newtonschoolsfoundation.org. For more information on New England Mobile Book Fair®, go to www.nebookfair.com/ .

All of the items featured in this extended blast, as well as the information from the regular weekly blasts, will also be available on the PTO website.

Please contact us with questions, comments or items to submit (editor@williamspto.org).

Here is the link to the most recent Community News listings on the website. To submit Community News items, please contact newsletter@williamspto.org.

Thanks!  Tracey Lavey and Wendy Hurwitz

Coming up at Williams:

• Tuesday, June 7, Color Day
• Wednesday, June 8, 7:30 p.m., Orchestra/4th Grade Chorus Concert
• Thursday, June 9, 7:00 p.m., Riverside Community Meeting at Williams
• Friday, June 10, 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Williams Spring Book Fair
• Tuesday, June 14, 7:00 p.m., 5th Grade Play
• Thursday, June 16, 7:00 p.m., WASC Show
• Monday, June 20, 5:00 p.m., Celebration for Mrs. Holmes
• Wednesday, June 22, 10:00 a.m., Arch Day Celebration
• Wednesday, June 22, 12:00 p.m. Dismissal, Last Day of School

In this Issue:

News From Dr. Connolly
Around Williams
Program Updates: Understanding Our Differences, Library News, Gift Books, Special Education
Around Newton

The Auburndale Community Association is hosting the 5th annual Rove the Cove 5K road/trail race on June 18. The race starts and finishes in the picnic area of The Cove in Auburndale. Cotton t-shirt to the first 100 registrants. Prizes raffled at the end. All fitness levels welcome! You can walk or run. All finishers 14 and under receive official finishers medal. Start location: “The Cove” Auburndale Park, West Pine St, Auburndale, MA (Commonwealth Ave to Melrose St. Left on to W.Pine). Start time 9:30 . Check in 8:45. Registration forms available at www.auburndalecommunity.org.

Donate TODAY to Honor Thy Teacher 2011

To date over 500 of Newton’s faculty and staff have been honored by donations from 20 of Newton’s schools.   We have raised $20,000 towards our goal of $60,000.  Send in your donation today to honor  the exceptional Newton teachers and staff who motivate, educate and inspire your children daily to be the best they can be.  Please support their efforts and honor their dedication to our children by donating to the Newton Schools Foundation’s 14th Annual “Honor Thy Teacher” Campaign.

The suggested donation is $25 per teacher/staff member. Make your Honor Thy Teacher donation:

• • By Check – Made out to “Newton Schools Foundation” and mailed, along with a note containing the name and school of the teacher to be honored, to:
    Newton Schools Foundation, 100 Walnut Street, Newton, MA 02460
  • By Credit Card – Phone the office at 617.559.6120
  • Online by PayPal or Credit Card

We celebrate Newton Public Schools teachers and staff by:

• • Notifying honored teachers and staff
  • Listing all honored teachers and staff in the Newton TAB
  • Sharing honoree names with the Superintendent and Principals
  • Ensuring your donations go to support 21st Century classrooms in Newton

Join us for our 2011 PMC Newton-Needham-Brookline Kids Ride on June 5, 2011 from 8 – 11AM. More than 75 NEWTON Students have already registered. Call a friend, family, classmates and come Ride for the Cure! Over 300 kids and their families are expected. Party starts at 10 AM. 100% of Rider Registration Fees and Fundraising benefit the 2011 PMC NNB Kids Ride goal of $75,000 for Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund. REGISTRATION will Close on Thursday, JUNE 2nd! Register online at kids.pmc.org/nnb

Summer Camps

Rockin’ Opera Workshop

If you have a budding ‘rock opera’ star in your home, waiting to burst into the limelight…we have the program for you at the Newton Cultural Center this summer! For kids in Grades 1 – 7. Session 1: June 27 – July 8. Session 2: July 11 – July 21
Mondays – Fridays, 1:00 – 3:00pm. Choose one or two sessions, they will be different. – $250 per session.
Write an ‘opera’ as a group, in a rock ‘n roll style, using a familiar tune and story line, perform it for your family and fans. Something for everyone: lyrics, singing, stage crew, costume design. Choreograph a fun ‘rock ‘n dance’ day in the middle of each session. This is a great way to fill a free afternoon, and do something new! To register: Activity Reg.com, click on MA, click on Newton Parks & Recreation, click on Register for Activities, click on Recreation Programs & Activities, click on Mayor’s Office for Cultural Affairs

Fun Summer Enrichment Programs for Preschoolers

Don’t let the summer get under way without signing up for a class at the Newton Cultural Center. You can go with your child and enjoy art and music classes, or drop them off for a morning of fun!
To register: Activityreg.com, click on MA, click on Newton Parks & Rec., click on Register for Activities, click on Recreation Programs & Activities, click on Mayor’s Office for Cultural Affairs.

Time for Families
For adults and children ages 18 months to 6 years
Art and music classes every day..
Tuesdays & Thursdays, June 14, 16, 21 & 23
9:30 – 11:30am, $85

Time for Partners
For children 18 months to 4 years, with an adult
Art & music classes every day.
Choose Mondays – Thursdays
June 27 – August 4, 9:30 – 11:15
Mondays – $105, Other days – $130

Summer Swing
A drop-off program for children ages 3 – 6
Art, music & creative movement every day.
Monday – Thursday, June 27 – August 4
9:30am – Noon – with optional lunch bunch 12 – 1pm
Flexible 2,3 & 4 day options available. $40 per day
Call 617-527-8283 to Register

Week-Long Summer Art Programs at the New Art Center, June 27-Sept. 2, 9:00-3:30pm & 3:30-5:30pm. Grades 1-10. Join us during our fun and creative week-long sessions for children and teens this summer! Be inspired by exciting and educational themes in our Children’s Program for grades 1-5. Daily classes in Visual Arts, Drama, Ceramics and Sculpture/3D, give children the opportunity to learn and grow with friends while being creative and having fun! Special presentations booked weekly with our favorite community partners! Teens entering grades 6-9, have the opportunity to explore their interests and develop skills with small classes and highly individualized projects in Ceramics, Painting/Drawing and Sculpture/Mixed Media. Teen Afternoon Ceramics, for students entering grades 6-10, also gives teens more opportunity to work on hand-building skills and on the Potter’s Wheel. All skill levels are welcome. Tuition: $115-$380/wk. Early Drop-Off, Extended Day options available. To register or for more information, visit www.NewArtCenter.org or call 617-964-3424.

Sports

The BC Lady Eagles Soccer School will be holding their Summer Clinic for girls ages 6-14 during June 27-30 and July 18-21, 9:00am-3:00pm at the BC Newton campus. Come join us for soccer fun and development. Registration may be found at: http://bceagles.cstv.com/camps/bc-w-soccer-camps2.html

KIDS’ KARATE — Free Trial Class. Friday, Sept. 16, 5:00-6:00 p.m. or Saturday, Sept. 17, 10-11:00 a.m. Girls and boys, entry ages 1st thru 5th grades. $79 for once-a-week or $99 for twice-a-week, per 7-week Session. Renting beautiful space at Trinity High School, Newton, since 2002. For more information, please leave message at (617) 527-8052 or see www.kids-karate.org/p>

Newton City-Wide Summer Baseball for 10-12 Year Olds – Registration deadline: June 10 – Evaluations: June 11, 9-11 AM at Jay Gordon Newton East Little League is running a summer baseball program open to all eligible players residing in the city of Newton. To be able to play in this short-season program a player must also have been eligible for the Spring 2011 Little League Program within one of the Newton Little Leagues (North, South, East, West or Central). All players ages 10-12 who participate in the evaluation process will be placed on a Summer Intramural team. 9 year olds who believe they are skill eligible can tryout but may not be placed in the 10-12 Summer Program. Those not placed will instead be directed to the 8 and 9 year old league, administered by Newton West Little League (www.newtonwestll.org). 12 year old players who have graduated from the Spring Little League Major Division are eligible for this program. The season is expected to run from about July 1 through August 18. Teams are created to accommodate vacations. The program cost is $95 and a discount of $20 will be applied for each additional child registered in the program. Evaluations are scheduled for Saturday, June 11 (rain date, June 12) from 9-11AM at Jay Gordon (50 Homer Street, Newton Center). The online registration deadline is June 10. For further details and to register, please visit the NELL website: www.newtoneastll.org.

Registration for Fall K and Pre-K Soccer begins June 15th. Garden City Kindergarten and Pre-K Soccer is now accepting registrations for our 2011 Fall Session. We encourage all incoming Kindergarten students to participate and sign up for Fall soccer. The program is a lot of fun and your child will enjoy getting to know their new classmates! Younger siblings, friends and neighbors are also encouraged to sign up for the Pre-K league. Children in Pre-K (4-5 years old) are invited to participate. GCKS provides an introduction to the game of soccer; teaching a variety of basic skills in a fun, non-competitive environment. Registration is limited to 80 players per league. Team sizes are limited to 10 players in each group. Fall session runs from September 10 thru November 5, 2011. Practice/games are held Saturdays from 9:30-10:30 am for the Kindergarten league and 10:45-11:45 am for the Pre-K league. Games are played on the field at Burr School, Pine Street in Auburndale. Volunteer parent coaches are needed. No experience is necessary and training will be provided. Cost is $60 per child. GCKS is a joint venture of Lincoln-Eliot & Franklin School’s Parent Teacher Organization. Proceeds benefit both schools PTO programs. To register, email gardencitysoccer@gmail.com. Registration forms can also be downloaded from the PTO website’s at www.lepto.org. For more information, call L-E School parent Melanie Varady at 617-244-5773. Registration deadline is August 15th. Space is limited.

Classifieds

Have you ever wondered…
“Where is the best place to take Karate lessons around here?”
“How do other parents handle it when their kid does….”
“What can you actually give your teacher during teacher appreciation week?”

Have we got the place for you! A yahoo online discussion group was recently started to help Auburndale parents get answers, support & connect with other parents. It is a CLOSED group which means that only people that fit the qualifications (parents who live in Auburndale or have kids in the Auburndale schools) can join or view information. If you are interested in joining, click on the link below: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Auburndaleparents/

Call Y3K TUTOR IN YOUR HOME today, When schoolwork goes the wrong way! Our many years of experience in teaching and educational consulting has developed the right way to motivate, the right way to teach, be understood, and be remembered. We tutor special ed. such as ADD, ADHD, Asperger’s, Autism, Emotional/Behavioral, and gifted. We also tutor regular ed. and test preparation. All subjects and ages are taught. Parents can now receive 25% off the first lesson. Call 781-492-8700 or log on to http://www.Y3KTutorInYourHome.com

Attention 5th Grade Parents – FINAL OPEN HOUSES FOR HIGHLANDS AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM: The Newton Highlands After-School Program, just for middle school children is hosting Open Houses for interested families on: Sunday June 5 from 4-5:00 pm. and Monday, June 13 from 5:30-6:30 pm. at the Brigham House, 20 Hartford Street, Newton Highlands. SPACE IS LIMITED! This is a terrific opportunity for parents of 5th graders to learn more about the program as they plan for the next school year. Please join us and see the wonderful space that is the home base of this terrific program. For more information please contact: Rochelle Acker at 617-999-4617 or highlandsafterschool@gmail.com or visit our website highlandsafterschool.org

Cabot Fair Saturday, June 4 10-4 Rain or Shine 229 Cabot Street, Newtonville. Rides, games, yard sale, ponies, raffle, bake sale, obstacle course, water balloon toss, soccer challenge, moon walk…and MORE! Food: sausage & pepper sandwiches, hot dogs, smoothies, ice cream, baked goods, nut & gluten free options

When you underwrite a Gift book, your honoree will receive warm greetings on the last day of school. The greetings will tell the honoree:
• The title of the Gift Book
• The name of the underwriter (usually your child’s name or your family name)
• A short message from you that will be included within the dedication
The name of the honoree, the dedication and the name of the underwriter will be inscribed on a bookplate affixed to the book for all to enjoy in the years to come!

We can fill orders for checks received by Wednesday morning, June 15th

To place an order, please:
1. Send a check payable to the Williams PTO for $16.00 per book, in an envelope addressed to “Library Gift Books,” via your child’s folder.
2. Send an email to Carole McElduff (cmcelduff@msn.com) with the following information:
o Your child’s name
o The Recipient of the Dedication
o An optional short personal message that can be included on the bookplate
o Specific book selection criteria. We will do our best to accommodate your wishes within the limits of the wish list. If this is important to you, please order early!
3. Look for the email confirmation of your order that we will send upon receipt of your check.
Additionally we will be selling the gift books during the Book Fair on June 10th
Thank you for supporting the Williams library!
Carole McElduff (cmcelduff@msn.com)
Anne Stephens (anneoc.stephens@rcn.com)

Thursday, May 26, 6:00–8:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m.–Families arrive, receive passports, begin to “travel” and dine.

7:15 p.m.–Performances begin in the auditorium; all are welcome.

If you are hosting a country/culture table, you may arrive at 5:30 p.m. to set up.  Tables will be in the gym.

If you are bringing food, please bring it to the cafeteria along with appropriate serving spoons/forks and a sign explaining what the food is and what the ingredients are.

If you are performing, please check in at the auditorium by 7:00 p.m. to make sure everything is ready.

We encourage everyone in the Williams Community to join us on Thursday, even if you are not hosting a table or performing.  Please consider bringing a favorite dish to share with the community.

There will be brand new Williams t-shirts ($10) and 2011 “W” photos ($5) available for purchase, so bring money or your checkbook if you are interested.

This is the last weekend to see Williams School artists featured at Wally’s Ice Cream! Come see the “Mixed Media Jungles” by first grade artists!

Kathy McGill, Williams Art Teacher, will be at Wally’s on Thursday this week, May 26, after school from about 3:15 – 4:00 p.m. for picture taking and ice cream eating!