Community Input Meeting about the Student Placement Task Force
Monday, June 28, 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Education Center, 100 Walnut Street, Room 210
In response to recent discussion of various student placement policies, the Superintendent of Schools has established a task force to:

• review all existing policies and procedures related to student placements
• review enrollments and feeder patterns, including the goal of two high schools of equal size; out-of-district policies for elementary, middle and high school students, as well as policies for students in choice and/or optional zones for elementary schools and feeder patterns to middle and high schools
• recommend timelines for all out-of-district placements
• review recent enrollment projections and procedures for placement of Boston (METCO) students and students of staff who are eligible to attend the Newton Public Schools.

It is not the charge of this Task Force to study facilities use or facilities planning.  However, to fully complete its work, the Task Force will review: school capacity, potential redistricting, and School Committee guidelines around class size.  This information will inform the work of the Long Range Facilities Committee and short-term space options.

The Student Placement Task Force is a school department working group that will be led by Sandra Guryan, Assistant Superintendent for Business, Finance, and Planning.  The timeline for the review will be June 2010 through October 2010. A second public forum will be held in September and a final report will be presented to the School Committee for their approval in November 2010.

We will be voting on the PTO Slate for next year (the 2010-2011 school year), as well as approving amendments to the PTO Bylaws.

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

Monday’s Schedule:

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

While you are at school on Monday, 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 Monday!

Looking Ahead:

• Tuesday, September 7, First Day of School!

Come to the meeting to hear directly from the developers. This is your opportunity to learn more about the proposed project, and to ask questions and raise concerns about the impact this development will have on our neighborhoods and schools, including Williams.

For more information, visit the Riverside Station Neighborhood Coalition’s website: www.riversidestation.info

Things to remember:

The 5th Grade Play, The Wizard of Oz, will be at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening, June 15. (Please note that the correct time is 7:00 p.m.; the blast on Friday listed an incorrect time!)

Library Gift books must be ordered by Wednesday morning, June 16, in order to be acknowledged on the last day of school.

Thursday, June 17, is a school-wide early release day, and all students will be dismissed at 12:30 p.m.

Looking ahead:

• Tuesday, June 15, 7:00 p.m., 5th Grade Play, The Wizard of Oz
• Thursday, June 17, School-wide Early Release at 12:30 p.m.
• Thursday, June 17, 7:00 p.m., Meeting at Williams about Riverside development
• Monday, June 21, Last Day of School! Dismissal at 12:00 p.m.
• Monday, June 21, 10:00 a.m., Last PTO Meeting, Williams Gym
• Monday, June 21, 10:30 a.m., Arch Day Celebration, Williams Gym

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 16th.

To place an order, please:

1. Send a check payable to the Williams PTO for $15.00 per book, in an envelope addressed to “library gift books,” via your child’s folder.
2. Send an email to Cmcelduff@msn.com with the following information:
   • Your child’s name
   • The Recipient of the Dedication
   • An optional short personal message that can be included on the bookplate
   • 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.

Riverside Station Development

On Thursday, June 17 at 7:00 pm at the Williams School Auditorium (141 Grove St.), BH Normandy will be present at a community meeting to answer questions and update the community on their current proposals for the Station @ Riverside development. You can get more information on Riverside Station Neighborhood Coalition including copies of the Environmental Notification Form.

Honor Thy Teacher

As this school year draws to a close, we reflect on how much our children have grown with the help of so many outstanding educators.  Exceptional teachers motivate, educate and inspire our children everyday.  How to thank them?  District-wide policy prohibits direct gifts to teachers.  The Newton Schools Foundation offers an option that will allow your teacher to be thanked in a public way.  By donating to the 13th annual ‘Honor Thy Teacher’ campaign, the teacher you wish to honor will receive a card of thanks in your name, the teacher’s name will be included in the 13th Annual ”Honor Thy Teacher” spread in the Newton TAB in the fall, Principals and Superintendents will be notified of all honorees, and your donation will help support building 21st century classrooms in Newton.  The Newton Schools Foundation raises funds for all of Newton’s public schools.  For more information or to Honor the teacher(s) of your choice, go to:  www.newtonschoolsfoundation.org

Strawberry Solstice Family Event. Come celebrate Father’s Day and the Summer Solstice at Newton Community Farm! Strawberry and sun-themed activities such as make-your-own sundial, planting sunflowers, bubble printing, make-your-own musical instruments, and relay races. Enter to win a basket of strawberries or strawberry baked goods. Fresh strawberries for sale.
Sunday, June 20, 2010, 1-3PM, At Newton Community Farm, 303 Nahanton Street, Newton. Ages: Preschool – 3rd grade, with adult Fee: $5 per family For more about the farm, visit www.newtoncommunityfarm.org.

Kindergarten Soccer

Newton Kindergarten Soccer Registration is open for Fall 2010!

Kindergarten Soccer is a fun and non-competitive soccer program for all Newton boys and girls of kindergarten age and has been a program of the Zervas Elementary PTO since 1993.  Games are held on Saturday mornings at Richardson Field in Waban.  Join us and meet other Kindergarten families in your neighborhood.  Late Registrations are accepted on a space available basis.  Register by August 18th for the Fall Season! www.KindergartenSoccer.org

Register Now for GCKS K and Pre-K Fall Soccer

Garden City Kindergarten and Pre-K Soccer is now accepting registrations for our 2010 Fall Session. Children in Pre-K (4-5 years old) and students entering Kindergarten this Fall are invited to participate. Pre-K children must be 4 years old by Sept 1, 2010. GCKS provides an introduction to the game of soccer; teaching a variety of basic skills in a fun, non-competitive environment. Team sizes are limited to 10 players in each group. Registration is limited to 80 players per league. Fall session runs from September 11 to November 13, 2010. 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 or www.franklinpto.org.  For more information, call L-E School parent Melanie Varady at 617-244-5773 or Franklin School parent Deb Rooney at (617) 630-8520. Registration deadline is August 13th. Space is limited.

Summer Camps

NCSC Summer Day Camp at Hale Reservation (Grades 1 – 8)

Still have a gap in your summer schedule and you wish your child had something exciting to do?  Openings are still available at NCSC Summer Day Camp at the beautiful Hale Reservation in Westwood (transportation from our West Newton location is included). Join us for fun-filled days of boating, Red Cross swim lessons and free swim, arts and crafts, fishing, archery, a ropes challenge course, nature activities, sports, cookouts, special events, overnights and more at our ACA-accredited camp. For more information and registration materials, visit www.NCSCweb.org.  To check openings, please contact Megan Cap-Renzi at mcap-renzi@ncscweb.org or (617) 969-5906, ext. 224.

Club Invention!

July 12-16 & July 19-23 NSHS. Club Invention focuses on projects that enhance creativity, teamwork, and inventive-thinking skills. Children entering grades 1-6 participate in 5 project modules promoting science, math, history, and the arts through creative problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Newton teachers lead the curricula and Judi Fitts, a Cabot 4^th grade teacher, returns as director. Register for one or both weeks: July 12-16 and/or July 19-23. Newton South High School, 9-3:30. Extended day program available. $275 includes all materials and a T-shirt. For more info or to register, contact Newton Community Ed at www.newtoncommunityed.org or call 617-559-6999.

Newton Track and Field Camp

For Youth Ages 8-14. A fun, challenging and informative camp. Highly experienced and knowledgeable staff. Small camper to staff ratio
Week One: July 5-9
Week Two: July 19-23
Week Three: August 2-6
For more information and to sign up visit: http://newtontrackcamp.weebly.com or email tomdavis@letsrun.com

Newton Cultural Center Summer Programs for Children

Summer is almost here! The places are filling up quickly for our Summer Classes for children at the Newton Cultural Center. We have some spaces in the June Time for Families and the Time for Partners classes from 9:30 – 11:15. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to share a special time each week with your child (18 months – 4 years) making art projects and singing with new friends in our cheerful, air conditioned classrooms. There is also Summer Swing, a drop-off program for 3 – 6 years olds from 9 am – noon from June 28 – August 5, with art, music and creative movement with a different theme each week. There is a lot of flexibility in the available days to fit your schedule. For more information, please call 617-527-8283 or visit www.newtonculturalcenter.org

Joanne Langione Dance Center

Registration has begun for 2010 Summerdance programs. Playdance (ages 2-5) has class offerings every morning 10-11:30 am. The Full Day Dance Program (ages 6-14) runs July 5th- August 13^th from 9-5 pm. Students may register for any number of weeks. Summerdance Intensives (ages 9-12, 13-18) for Intermediate/Advanced students run throughout the summer. info@jldancecenter.com * 617-969-8724 * www.jldancecenter.com

MATH SUMMER

Summer is a great time to catch up, keep up and get ahead in Math. Mathnasium Learning Center in Newton Highlands offers individualized math summer programs in a fun, relaxing environment. Schedule your 12 tutoring sessions ($495) around your vacations and camps.  (617) 340-3665 or www.mathsummer.com

Learn Chess from a State Champion

Last day of school is Monday, June 21st.  No plans yet for the rest of the week?  There is still room in our fun-filled chess camp Tuesday through Friday,  9:30 am through 12:30 pm.  Run by Maryanne Riley, mother and teacher of 2-time state champion, Reilly Nathans.  Hosted at Mathnasium in Newton Highlands.
For details or to register, go to http://www.newtonchess.org

Classifieds

Fruits of their Labors: The Kenrick Nursery’s Legacy on Farlow Hill, Historic Newton, Sunday, June 27, 2 pm. Welcome In his nursery catalog of 1831, William Kenrick boasted that his family nursery was about 35 years old and “now without doubt, the oldest of note in New England.” Many of our most beloved fruit and tree varieties, including many in our gardens today, first came to this country through the Kenrick family nurseries. Their Waverley Avenue home, and the trees shading the streets of Farlow Hill, are fitting tribute to their labors. Join Lucinda Brockway, landscape preservationist, for a walk over Farlow Hill looking at the legacy of the Kenrick Nursery. Meet at the Durant-Kenrick House, 286 Waverley Avenue, Newton.

Host Families Needed for Newton-Beijing Jingshan School Exchange Program - Learn about China and have a family on the other side of the world.  Share your home and culture with a Chinese exchange student or teacher coming to Newton North High School and Newton South High School.  Participants all speak English and are eager to learn about American culture and to share their culture with you.  The Chinese exchange participants are expected to arrive sometime around September 23rd and depart January 23rd.  Students attend regular classes at NNHS and NSHS.  Lunches are provided.  Participants will travel on Columbus Day weekend, the long Thanksgiving Day weekend and winter holiday.  Back-up families available for times when host families may be away. Info: http://www.newton.k12.ma.us/JingshanExchange/ Questions?  Contact the chairperson of the Newton-Beijing Jingshan School Exchange Program:   Donna_Fong@newton.k12.ma.us

Affordable Housing Needed for VISTA Volunteer Beginning, August 1, 2010. The VISTA is the acronym for a Volunteer In Service To America, a domestic peace corps. Some VISTAs work in higher education, and the proposal we are writing is for a VISTA to help the Center For Community-Based Learning work in an inner city charter school developing a college awareness program with Lasell, and several other very meaningful projects. VISTAs work at the poverty level in terms of wages, getting a small stipend which is about $1300 per month. As you know, apartments in this area could easily be that much! So, anything we can do to get an inexpensive rental for the VISTA would be awesome. The student who is graduating that is applying for the position is fabulous, totally responsible, and is an education major. At Lasell she has been (already) a teaching assistant for four courses already and she has participated on three international service-learning trips, as well as served as a coordinator of our America Counts after school math tutoring program. She is currently student teaching this semester in Waltham (in a kindergarten and second grade). If you have affordable housing to offer, please contact Sharyn Lowenstein at SLowenstein@Lasell.edu.

Registration for the 2010-2011 Fourth Grade Instrumental Music Lesson Program is now open.  Parents may now register and pay user fees online.  Look for the link to this program on the Newton Public Schools website at www.newton.k12.ma.us. The website will provide all essential information about this program including how and where to acquire a musical instrument, a roster of our instrumental music teachers listed by school, and registration and financial assistance information.Households without access to the internet may contact the fine arts office to request information by mail.  Contact, Program Administrative Assistant, Barbara Sauro at 617-559-9090.

Read a Book and you could Win a Bike – The more books you read, the more chances to win.  12 bikes will be given away.  Children 6-15 eligible to enter.  No purchase necessary.  Entries accepted May 17 through July 16^th.  Entries may be dropped off at Farina’s Bicycle Center, Anderson Bicycle or any Dependable Cleaners.  Rules, entry forms and locations at www.DependableCleaners.com, then click on “In your community” at the bottom of the screen.

The United Parish of Auburndale is seeking a part-time Church Administrator and a Director of Education Ministries.  Complete job descriptions and contact information are available online at http://www.upanewtonma.org/templates/System/details.asp?id=33780&PID=765304.

Nurturing, goal oriented FLUTE TEACHER welcomes new students of all ages and levels. Professional Flute Studio in Newton. First lesson is complimentary. Barbara@newtonfluteteacher.com or call Barbara Nakazawa (617)527-4413

The Newton Mustangs Pop Warner Football and Cheerleading Program announces that registration for the 2010 Season is now open. The Newton Mustangs compete in the Greater Boston League. Come join our returning GBL championship B Squad team. The season starts in early August and runs through late October. For more information please write: Registration@newtonpopwarner.org or visit our website: www.newtonpopwarner.org

Pierce Elementary School Family Provides Pet Sitting. While you are on business trips, vacations, day outings, etc. give your dog a fun time too! Your puppy/dog will be well cared for while you are away. Your pet will be fed, walked, pampered, played with – in short, will be having fun! Two Pierce School Family kids, age 17 and 10, with experience with their own family dogs, look forward to taking care of your dog while you are away. They have been providing this service for the last few years and it works very well for the animals and the kids. Only one or two dogs will be taken care of at a time. Reasonable rates. References provided. Contact: EMagids@aol.com or 617-527-6654

Parents, are you starting to think about summer reading lists? Please check out this great Summer Reading Program at Borders for ages 6-12. Read any ten books and get one book free (their list but great selection!). Details at http://www.pragmaticmom.com/?p=7103 I have other reading lists as well as suggestions for math and phonics if that is part of your summer plans as well. Pragmatic Mom, http://PragmaticMom.com Type A Parenting for the Modern World.

ActiveMinds Tutoring, LLC. Your source for in-home tutoring. Effective, Personalized and Convenient. All grades/all subjects, including test preparation (MCAS, SSAT, ISEE, SAT…). Sign your child up for academic success and receive a free lesson! Call: (617) 663-5700 during business hours, or (617) 227-2225 Eve/Wknds. Please visit our web site at www.activemindstutoring.com

Two Newton South Juniors have started a new DJ company specializing in Bar and Bat-Mitzvahs, Birthday and Sweet 16 Parties, Graduation Events, Family Functions, Holiday Parties and School Dances. The M&A DJ Company will bring to you a successful dance party or background music for any type of event. High quality professional equipment and an array of enjoyable music for all occasions. Prices start at $300 per function. For booking information, contact Alex at vwlyon@verizon.net or 617-866-3871.

The Sunday School for Jewish Studies is now accepting registrations for grades K-7 for the 2010-2011 school year. The Sunday School is an independent school offering a once-a-week program for children in the greater Boston area for over 40 years. Located at the Oak Hill School in Newton, our school is committed to providing a Jewish education that fosters a strong sense of Jewish identity for children and families with diverse traditions of Jewish observance. Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation is available but not required, and students may enter in any grade. Interfaith and nontraditional families are welcome. For additional information, please visit our website at www.sundayschoolforjewishstudies.org or call 617.264.8855.

A few spaces have opened up in both classrooms of the Newton South Preschool Program for the 2010-2011 school year. We are a Child Development Lab School based in the Family and Consumer Sciences Dept. at Newton South High School. We provide a rich and nurturing learning environment that is focused on supporting each child’s individual interests and learning styles within a developmental play curriculum. Our aim is to encourage children to acquire competence and self-confidence as they explore a wide variety of experiences and interact with our dedicated teaching staff. A full “school day” tuition option or a four-hour “half-day” tuition option is available. The preschool one classroom serves children two years, nine months by September 1, and the preschool two classroom serves children three years, nine months by September 1. The curriculum follows the NAEYC and MA. DOE guidelines and standards for quality early childhood education programs. We follow the Newton Public Schools calendar, opening on September 1, 2010 for the upcoming school year. All interested families should contact Melissa Hammel, Director, by emailing, Melissa_Hammel@newton.k12.ma.us.

Who knew that Jewish Education could be this much fun?!? Fall registration is now open for the Ansin Religious School of Ohabei Shalom (a few blocks from Coolidge Corner). This school prides itself on being on the cutting edge and constantly striving to “break the mold” of a traditional Jewish Education. The goal is to ensure that students and families who walk through the doors feel at home. Offering an exciting and innovative Tuesday-only (K – 6) classroom program in a newly renovated facility along with a robust selection of hands-on Jewish experiences: Shabbat services, retreats, shul-ins, mitzvah projects, youth group events, etc, which compliment classroom learning. Offering a flexible choice in scheduling. Education programs are open to the community and non-members. For more information or to schedule a visit contact Shari Churwin, Education Director 617-739-9200 – schurwin@ohabei.org or visit www.ohabei.org.

The Pine Manor College Child Study Center has openings for the 2010-2011 academic year. This private, non-profit, preschool program serves families with children ages 2 years 9 months up to Kindergarten age. If you have any questions, you may reach Lynne Love, Director at 617 731-7039.

Are you looking for a unique creative Jewish educational experience for your children after school? Kesher Newton provides excellence in Jewish and Hebrew education on weekday afternoons. In a joy-filled, camp-like environment, we explore Jewish knowledge and cultivate a sense of community as our children grow to become proud, educated Jews. Limited openings remain for new students for 2010-11. For more information and a tour please contact Dan Brosgol at (617) 244-5390 or check our website www.keshernewton.org Kesher is licensed by the state of Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.

The BC Lady Eagles Soccer School will be holding their summer clinics clinic for girls ages 6-14 during June 28-July and also July 19-22, 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/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/bc/sports/w-soccer/auto_pdf/summerreg

MATH SUMMER PROGRAMS – Summer is a great time to catch up, keep up and get a jump start on next year’s Math. Mathnasium Learning Center in Newton Highlands offers individualized math summer programs in a fun, relaxing environment. Schedule your 12 tutoring sessions ($495) around your vacations and camps. Save $50 when you register before June 1. (617) 340-3665 or www.mathsummer.com

Library Gift Books are available now!
Each year, our school library grows when parents underwrite the purchase of new books through our Gift Book program. These tributes offer a great way to honor and show gratitude to a special teacher, administrator or friend while complying with Newton’s No Gift Policy. We will pick a wonderful book from Ms. Kosmo’s wish list to dedicate to your honoree.
Your honoree will receive notice of your Gift Book donation on the last day of school.  The name of the honoree, the dedication and your child’s name/family’s name will be inscribed on a bookplate in the book, which will be available for all to enjoy in the Williams library!
Your order must be received by Wednesday morning, June 16th.
Please send a check to the Williams PTO for $15.00 per book, in an envelope marked “Library Gift Books;” also email Carole McElduff (Cmcelduff@msn.com) with your child’s name, the name of the honoree, and an optional short personal message that can be included on the bookplate.

Get your Williams Nation t-shirt and Williams mascots while they last!
We have a limited supply of t-shirts ($10) in youth and adult sizes and stuffed animal mascots ($8.50).  If you are interested in purchasing Williams Wear, please email Sarah Broughel (sbroughel@choate.com).

Riverside Development Informational Meeting:
Developer BH Normandy will be presenting its most recent proposal for the development of the Riverside MBTA station to the community on Thursday, June 17, at 7:00 p.m. in the Williams Auditorium.
The developer is planning to create more than one million square feet of offices, retail stores, residential housing and parking at the current Riverside T station on Grove Street. The housing includes a five-story apartment building with 240 housing units, including 23 one-bedroom studios, 103 one-bedroom units, 109 two-bedroom units, and 5 three-bedroom units. To try to handle an expected 12,000 – 13,000 vehicle trips per day, BH Normandy is planning two roundabouts on Grove Street.

Come to the meeting to hear directly from the developers. This is your opportunity to learn more about the proposed project, and to ask questions and raise concerns about the impact this development will have on our neighborhoods and schools, including Williams.

For more information, visit the Riverside Station Neighborhood Coalition’s website: www.riversidestation.info

The Lost and Found bins are overflowing!
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 school year!

Looking ahead:

Sunday, June 13, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.,  End-of-Year Picnic CANCELLED
Tuesday, June 15, 7:30 p.m., 5th Grade Play, The Wizard of Oz
Thursday, June 17, School-wide Early Release at 12:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 17, 7:00 p.m., Meeting at Williams about Riverside development
Monday, June 21, Last Day of School!  Dismissal at 12:00 p.m.
Monday, June 21, 10:00 a.m., Last PTO Meeting, Williams Gym
Monday, June 21, 10:30 a.m., Arch Day Celebration, Williams Gym

All of the information about the program, including fees, application procedures and answers to frequently asked questions can be found in the Elementary Early Morning Program Information Packet.

We would like to thank you for the generous donations that were put toward new technology for our classrooms. It is amazing to see the amount of financial support and generosity given by you, the parent community. It has truly enhanced our teaching practices and is helping us cultivate 21st century learners.  Most importantly, it is extremely exciting to see the children as they explore all of the new equipment and extend their learning. Thank you for making Williams School such a wonderful place to be!

Sincerely,
The Williams School Staff

Please view our Thank You Video:  welcome.sfly?fid=8b7289c2ea288741&sid=0ActGrlm4bt2Tlg

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 table, you may arrive at 5:30 p.m. to set up.  Tables will be in the first floor main hallway.

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.  Depending on the weather, the food may be set up outside on the blacktop.

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 also be Williams t-shirts and mascots available for purchase.