• Williams Technology Fund Drive In Full Swing and Moving Forward
• News From Williams Principal Dr. Midge Connolly
• Understanding Our Differences Program Educates Students, Seeks Volunteers
• Come Enjoy An Evening of Cabernet & Cabaret
• Fifth Grade Class Looking for New or Used Laser Printer
• Newton SpedPAC Alerts Parents to Several Events
• PTO Co-Presidentsʼ Column
• Community Listings

It is appropriate then that the Spring Auction is open for bids and will remain open through March 19.
Remember to share the auction website (http://www.williamspto.cmarket.com) with friends, family and coworkers!!

It isn’t too late to donate an item — for example, are you a fabulous baker who would like to share your talent by donating a special occasion cake?  You can choose to limit your item to the Williams Community for bidding.

Questions?  Gail Sokoloff (gasok@aol.com) or Carol Bradford Roe (laghampark@yahoo.co.uk)

The Spring Social Event is only TWO WEEKS AWAY:

Please remember to respond to the Evite invitation and let us know you will be joining us for our adults-only night out on Saturday, March 20.
We need volunteers for set-up, decorations, serving, clean-up and post-event follow-up.
Contact Lauri Hoeffler (clhoeffler@verizon.net) with questions and to volunteer!

Reminder: The Williams School is holding a penny drive to collect money to donate to the relief efforts in Haiti!  Please bring coins to school to add to the collection jar in the Williams office.

Newton School Superintendent Search Update:
The School Committee voted unanimously on Sunday, February 28th to appoint Dr. David Fleishman as the Superintendent designee pending approval of a site visit to his home district and an agreed upon contract.
Dr. Fleishman is currently the Superintendent of Schools in Chappaqua, NY. Prior to that, he was Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Wellesley, MA. Dr. Fleishman will begin his term on July 1, 2010.

Volunteer needed:  If anyone is interested in attending a Safe Food Handling Training as a representative of the Williams PTO on Tuesday, March 9 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Ed Center, please let us know!

Looking ahead:

• Thursday, March 18, 12:30 p.m., Schoolwide Early Release
• Friday, March 19, Online Auction closes
• Saturday, March 20, 7:30, Cabernet and Caberet Social Event
• Tuesday, March 23, 3:00 p.m. Dismissal (MCAS Long Composition)
• Wednesday, March 24, 12:30 p.m. Dismissal

Have a nice weekend!

-Carie, Donna, Katie and Wendy

Here is a follow-up from Melissa and Heidi:

Ruby Bridges’ Presentation – Yesterday, students in Grades 2-5 were treated to a 2-hour program by Ruby Bridges, a Civil Rights icon who integrated the public schools in New Orleans in 1960.  An engaging speaker, Ms. Bridges outlined the roadblocks her community faced to implement the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision of 1954.  Through a Question & Answer format, she helped the students understand what it meant to overcome these roadblocks one by one.  Here are some questions to engage your child about this program:

Q: What do you do when you don’t agree with a law?

A: You have to challenge it in court, and you better have a really good case.

Q: What did the Black community do when the governor of Louisiana said: ‘I’ll integrate first grade or nothing.  Take it or leave it.”?

A: They “took it,” because they had been fighting for integration for 6 years.

Q: How did the 137 Black six-year-olds who took the White school entrance exam feel?

A: Initially, they felt the weight of their community’s expectations.  Ultimately, most of them felt sad and angry, because the test set them up to fail, and only 6 girls passed.

Q: How did President Kennedy facilitate integration in Louisiana?

A: He sent in teams of Federal Marshals to escort and protect Ruby Bridges and the other 3 girls, who attended another elementary school.

Q: Why did Ruby Bridges hide her lunch in the supply closet?

A: She wanted to go to the cafeteria for lunch, because she was lonely and thought other students would be there to make friends with.

Q: What kind of candy did Ruby Bridges compare the Williams student body to?

A: “A bag of M&Ms, and it’s really neat.”

Q: What is the message in Ruby’s story?

A: It doesn’t matter what you look like, it’s what’s inside.  If you give a person who’s different than you a chance, you might just make a friend for life.  (That’s what happened to Ruby Bridges and her teacher, Mrs. Henry, who was, and still is, her best friend.)

The Creative Arts & Sciences Committee would like to thank the Williams PTO and the Foundation for Racial, Ethnic and Religious Harmony for funding the event.  Additional thanks to Michael Lorant for tech support, and Erin Giesser and Maura Butler for organizing the book-signing.

View All Auction Items

Tell Your Friends.

Please help us spread the word and tell others about our auction. The Refer Friends feature is a fast and easy way to get your friends, family and co-workers involved.  With the exception of a small category for “Williams Bidders Only”, anyone can bid on items available in our auction.

A list of our Top Referrers will be noted on our auction homepage.  The person who refers the most people to the auction by March 19th will receive a $100 credit toward their auction purchases. So, start referring friends, families and coworkers today!

Newton Youth Only, Ages 8 to 18, Auditions March 18 and 19, Semi Finals March 20, Final Rehearsal Saturday March 27, 12:00 p.m., Finals Saturday March 27, 7:00 p.m., Perform live on our professional stage, Top prize includes a $500 savings bond. If you have a talent and would like to participate you must have your parent or guardian fill out an application. Deadline is March 10, 2010. Go to www.turtlelane.org.

Stand for Children

Like school districts across the state, Newton is facing a fiscal crisis. In FY 10 we saw a $3 million revenue loss from cuts in state aid, which followed several years of staff and program reductions when the cost of contractual and legal obligations exceeded budget increases. In the next fiscal year, we’re looking at even further cuts unless we the state sustains education and local aid funding, restores special education funding that was cut two years ago, and identify savings and efficiencies as well as new revenue sources.

Stand for Children is sending a petition letter to the Newton legislative delegation (http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/sfcnewton/) urging them to take a lead in fighting for adequate support for our schools this year. Because this is an election year, our legislators need to hear that their constituents are behind them when they take measures to shore up education funding—even though those measure may be unpopular with certain constituencies.

Please take a moment to read through and sign the letter. The more constituents our elected officials hear from, the stronger our message will be.

Online Rally: Make an online “sign” to send to Beacon Hill to show legislators how many people care about public education. Go to www.stand.org/ma/signs and help spread the word by asking your friends to make one, too!

Join us on March 23 for Stand for Children’s Day on the Hill. Education advocates from across the state will unite at the State House to show our support for public education. We’ll hear from speakers in the field of education policy and practice during the indoor rally, and have an opportunity to tell our legislators what matters to Newton. The event is free and open to the public, and transportation will be provided, but advanced registration is requested.  For more information and to register, please visit www.stand.org/ma/dayonthehill.

Newton Parks & Recreation Dog Owner Survey.

Please help Newton Parks & Recreation Department better meet the needs of Newton’s dog owners.  Complete the dog owner survey at:  www.ci.newton.ma.us/Parks/DogInformation/index.htm

Vacation programs and more with Newton Community Ed

NCE has a variety of exciting and unusual programs coming up for April vacation. Sign up for Marble Machine Madness, Create a TV Show, Engineering with Legos or Painting. Older kids can choose to take our Babysitting Certification class over spring break. We also have openings in some of our ongoing winter classes. Private violin lessons are available at Mason Rice, Bowen, and Countryside. For weekend fun, young ones can sign up for Soccer Tots, Play Soccer, or our Spring Nature Walk.

Registration has begun for all our summer programs. We have some great new offerings this year, such as Check I.T. Out, Fiber Arts,  Engineering Workshop, Sew…What’s New, and lots more. Plus we have our popular returning favorites like Clay Workshop, Domino Physics, and Club Invention. We have lots for middle school siblings too.

Call our office at 617-559-6999 or visit our website at www.newtoncommunityed.org for information or to register.

Historic Newton

Sunday, March 14, 2 pm
WHAT WOMEN WORE: A FAMILY PROGRAM
What did women wear in the 1800s in New England? How was it different or similar to what they wear today? Get an exclusive view of historic dresses pulled from the museum’s collection in this hands-on program for all ages. Look at styles of the time and consider how women’s day-to-day lives would have been impacted by their clothes. Complete the afternoon by designing your own fashions for a nineteenth-century paper doll. Cost: $15 per family ($10 for members); includes museum admission, materials, and snack. Prepaid registration is recommended; call 617.796.1450 to register. Historic Newton is located at 527 Washington Street, Newton.

History Book Club Open to the Public at the Newton History Museum/Jackson Homestead.  New members always welcome.  Next meeting Thursday March 18th at 7:30pm when the Pulitzer Prize winning “Slavery by Another name, the Re-enslavement of Black Americans from the Civil War to World War II” by Douglas Blackmon will be discussed.  Blackmon, longtime Atlanta Bureau Chief for the Wall Street Journal, focuses on this largely unexplored aspect of American history.  At the History Museaum.

Newton’s Only Working Farm: The Historic Newton Angino Community Farm and Sustainable Local Food. The 2 and a quarter acre homestead on the corner of Winchester and Nahanton Streets was a family farm for 300 years.  Generations of the Angino family farmed there from 1917 to 2005.  Now it’s owned by the city and operated as a non-profit, preserving a valuable cultural and historical landscape and serving as a model for sustainable agriculture in our community.  Newton Community Farm Board Member and Landscape Designer Ted Chapman gives a talk about what this special piece of land can tell us about the history of Newton and the vital role of farming in daily life.  ThursdayMarch 25th at 7pm at the Newton Free Library, 330 Homer Street.  Free.  Part of the ‘Roots in our History – The 2010 Newton History Series’

PARENTING WORKSHOPS

Cyberbullying Workshop

Is cyberbullying just for parents of older children to worry about? No. According to Dr. Elizabeth Englander, Founder and Director of the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center, parents should begin talking with their children “as soon as children begin to go online and play interactive games – usually first or second grade. It’s not necessary to frighten children; just ask them how children speak to each other – both online and offline – and discuss it if they say they see or read something that was mean or cruel.” Learn more on Saturday, March 20 8:30 A.M.-1:00 P.M. at Parenting Newton Kids in 2010: Keeping Our Kids Safe and Enhancing Learning in the Digital Age at Brown Middle School. This half day parent conference will feature a keynote presentation by Dr. Elizabeth Englander, Founder and Director of the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center (MARC), as well as Technology and “How To” Clinics, workshops on adolescents and cell phones, special issues of technology and children with special needs, and more. RSVP not required.

What is cyberbullying? Cyberbullying and traditional bullying are closely linked. To learn more about what you can do to prevent and intervene with bullying, come to a talk by Dr. Kim Storey on Monday, March 15 7:00 – 8:30 P.M.: Eyes on Bullying: Practical Tips and Strategies for Parents of Elementary School Aged Children at Mason Rice Elementary School. RSVP not required.

“Sharing the Journey” – Support Groups starting in March for Parents Dealing with Children with Mental Health Issues.

“Why is my child so moody?”  “How do I help other family members understand this behavior?”  Come join with other parents in similar boats and understand the diagnosis, the myriad of services, medications and complex issues families face.  Whether your family is just starting the journey or well along the path, these helpful forums will allow you to ask questions and explore answers.  All groups are free of charge and held at Newton Community Service Center, 492 Waltham Street, West Newton 02465. // For parents of preschool and elementary school-age children, 10 Wednesdays starting March 10^th from 7-8:30pm.  Register with Susan Sklan LICSW 617-969-5906 x 125. // For parents of Middle School Children, 10 Thursdays starting March 11^th from 7-8:30pm.  Register with Debra Sosin LICSW 617-969-5906 x 297.  //  For parents of High School Children, 10 Wednesdays starting March 10^th from 7-8:30pm. Register with Maggie Downing M. Ed. LMHC 617-969-5906 x 129.

The Teen Brain and Today’s Chemical Culture

Recent brain studies show that judgment, impulse control and decision-making abilities don’t fully mature until the early 20’s. Given the recent explosion of prescription and over-the-counter medications and a culture in which teen alcohol consumption is rampant, this research suggests today’s youth are particularly vulnerable to the “a pill or drink will make it better” culture.  Understanding some of the intricacies and landmarks of adolescent brain development in the context of today’s complex world can aid parents in helping their teens avoid risky decision-making that can lead to dangerous patterns of  behavior.  On March 4 at 7 p.m. in Brookline High School’s Roberts/Dubbs Auditorium, the Brookline Public Health Department co-sponsors a free special evening of information, insight and discussion for parents and teens.  More information:  june_harris@brookline.k12.ma.us.

Navigating the Rocky Road of Adolescence

This popular parent series explores, with a professional facilitator, the many changes that occur during adolescence and how they affect relationships at home and at school.  Four Wednesday evenings 7:00-8:30pm, starting April 7th at Warmlines at the Newton Cultural Center, 225 Nevada Street.  This program is free for Newton residents, but pre-registration is required.  Go to: www.warmlines.org.

VACATION WEEK PROGRAMS

April Vacation Week at the New Art Center.

Two programs for elementary and for middle school students, grades K-9.  Painting, drawing, sculpting, ceramics and drama.  Extended days and sibling discounts available.  For info and to register: www.newartcenter.org or call 617-964-3424.

Vacation programs and more with Newton Community Ed

NCE has a variety of exciting and unusual programs coming up for April vacation. Sign up for Marble Machine Madness, Create a TV Show, Engineering with Legos or Painting. Older kids can choose to take our Babysitting Certification class over spring break. We also have openings in some of our ongoing winter classes. Private violin lessons are available at Mason Rice, Bowen, and Countryside. For weekend fun, young ones can sign up forSoccer Tots, Play Soccer, or our Spring Nature Walk. Call our office at 617-559-6999 or visit our website at www.newtoncommunityed.org for information or to register.

SUMMER CAMPS

JCC Kaleidoscope Creative Arts + Science Camp Open House

Sunday, March 28, 2-4pm Leventhal-Sidman JCC, 333 Nahanton St., Newton, MA
617 558-6523 kaleidoscope@jccgb.org
Meet the director, tour the facilities, and learn about this day camp where boys and girls in grades K-8 make new friends, learn new skills, stay active, and nurture their “inner artists.” CIT program available (grades 9-11). Transportation available from Brookline, Wayland and Framingham. 2010 Camp dates: June 28-August 20. www.kaleidscopecamp.org.

Farmer-in-Training

Summer Program for Middle Schoolers at Newton Community Farm – This summer program for Middle School Students (going into 6^th through 9^th).  Spend a week outdoors with friends and staff from Newton Community Farm.  Learn to plant, maintain and harvest a farm garden.  Discover how food is produced and enjoy camaraderie as you work at the farm and maintain garden plots at Nahanton Park, growing food for the Newton Food Pantry.  Sign up for one week or as many weeks as you’d like.  Learn a lot, work hard and have fun.  Mon – Fri 8:30 am to 1:30pm at Newton Community Farm, 303 Nahanton Street.  Weekly sessions run July 5^th through August 27^th.  Weekly fee: $135 for members, $150 others.  6 student limit per week, so sign up early.  For more info or to register: www.newtoncommunityfarm.org.  Questions? education@newtoncommunityfarm.org or 617-916-9655

Summer Art Programs for Children and Teens at the New Art Center.

Both elementary and middle school programs for grades K-9.  Different age-appropriate themes each week; register by the week or for the full 9 weeks.  Extended hours and sibling discounts available.  For information on weeks and themes and to register, go to www.newartcenter.org or call 617-964-3424.

Vacation programs and more with Newton Community Ed

Registration has begun for all our summer programs. We have some great new offerings this year, such as Check I.T. Out, Fiber Arts,  Engineering Workshop, Sew…What’s New, and lots more. Plus we have our popular returning favorites like Clay Workshop, Domino Physics, and Club Invention. We have lots for middle school siblings too. Call our office at 617-559-6999 or visit our website at www.newtoncommunityed.org for information or to register.

Boston Symphony Orchestra “Days in the Arts” (DARTS) Summer Camp in the Berkshires.

Pre-application forms now available from your school’s music or visual arts teacher.  This popular overnight camp for 5th, 6th and 7th graders is entering its 42nd year.  For one week, August 2-6, 15 Newton students join kids from around Massachusetts in the beautiful Berkshires, a hotbed of professional arts activity.  Selection is by lottery.  Pre-application forms must be mailed or dropped off at the Fine Arts Office at the Education Center, 100 Walnut Street by the deadline, 5pm Friday March 19th.  Questions?  Contact Richard P. King:  richard_king@newton.k12.ma.us or 617-559-9090.

Hale Reservation Summer Camp

For boys and girls grades 1-8.   June 28-August 27.  “Everything a summer camp should be”.  Extended days and transportation available.  Reasonable rates.  Highly recommended by Newton families.  Newton Community Service Center.  Visit the website at: www.NCSCweb.org or call 617-969-5906 x 224.

Summer Speech and Language Program

Emerson College, Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, will be offering a 6-week speech and language therapy program to students in the City of Newton with documented need for services. Supervised graduate students in speech-language pathology will provide individual, one-on-one therapy, twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from July 6th through August 12th at the Newton Educational Center. The fee is $325.00 for 12, one hour sessions. Spaces are limited. Applications will be available from school speech-language pathologists in March or by contacting Laura Glufling-Tham at Emerson College: (617) 824-8318 or laura_glufling_tham@emerson.edu.

OTHER STUFF

Clean out you closets and put those Prom Dresses to good use.  Two Newton South Juniors are collecting “gently worn” prom dresses, shoes and bags for “Becca’s Closet”, a global non-profit that provides formal attire to students in need.  Donations may be dropped off at Holly’s Cleaners, 1314 Centre Street in Newton Center by March 24th.  Questions?  Contact:  dressdonation@gmail.com.

“Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North”. A New England Family Confronts its Legacy as the Largest Slave-Trading Dynasty in US History.  Come view and discuss this award-winning film…discussion led by Newton resident James DeWolf Perry, direct descendant of this 18th century slave-trading family.  Thursday March 11th 7-9:30pm.  Boston College Law School, 885 Centre Street, East Wing Building, Room 120.  This free program is presented by The Newton Human Rights Commission, Historic Newton/Jackson Homestead, Mayor’s Office for Cultural Affairs, Newton Foundation for Racial, Ethnic & Religious Harmony and www.TracesoftheTrade.org.  More info at: www.newtonhumanrights.org.

7th Annual “Hoopin’ for Newton” (formerly “3 on 3 for Charity”) Sunday March 21st at 2 pm at the Newton North High School Gym.  Here is one of the last chances to play in the NNHS gym.  This event is for everyone who enjoys playing or watching basketball from 2nd grade right on up to adults.  Girls and Boys, Men and Women.  All levels of experience, beginner to college hoops.  Teams are matched by experience and play for fun.  This charity event benefits Newton families in need, providing seed money for Newon ASC, ONE Newton (the fund inspired by the plight of the Beatrice family and designed to help other families as well) and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.  For more info or to reserve a place: westmanj@comcast.net or 617-285-2632.

4th Annual Winter Dinner Series to benefit programs of The Newton Schools Foundation: “Global Education Leadership Fund Dinner” Friday March 12th, to help deserving high school students take part in study-abroad programs.  “Tailgate 2010″ on Saturday March 27th, funds technology in the classroom.  “4th Annual Winter Dinner” April 10th, raises more funds to keep classrooms technologically up-to-date.  “Turkish Delights” Sunday April 11th helps fund The Newton Schools Foundation.  Find out more about these great nights out at www.newtonschoolsfoundation.org.

TEMPORARY POSITION AVAILABLE – PART-TIME ADMINISTRATOR. The United Parish of Auburndale, a Congregational (UCC)-Methodist church in Newton, Mass., needs to hire a part-time administrator to manage the day-to-day needs of the parish. Duties include maintenance of the church’s web site [www.upanewtonma.org]; preparation of the weekly church newsletter and Sunday worship bulletin; some financial chores, with spreadsheet experience required; and routine office work, including telephone and e-mail communications, in support of the minister and the church. The administrator often works alone, and often comes in contact with church members’ confidential information. Common sense, tact, initiative and a sense of humor are desirable qualities for this position. This job is intended to last for three or four months, and will require a commitment of 20 to 25 hours a week. The hourly salary will be in the $12-$15 range, depending on experience. The UPA is an open and affirming congregation, and an equal opportunity employer. Applicants should send a current resume and a brief note about themselves to the Rev. Jean Alexander, at jobs@upanewtonma.org, or to
Rev. Jean Alexander
United Parish of Auburndale
64 Hancock Street
Newton, Massachusetts 02466

Tuesday, March 2, is Dr. Suess’ birthday and in celebration the Williams Community is going to have “Hat Day” (we will also be reading Dr. Suess books!).

Tomorrow, students can wear any type of hat they would like as long as it does not interfere with the learning process.

Best,

Dr. Midge Connolly
midge_connolly@newton.k12.ma.us

The School Committee voted unanimously on Sunday, February 28th to appoint Dr. David Fleishman as the Superintendent designee pending approval of a site visit to his home district and an agreed upon contract.

Dr. Fleishman is currently the Superintendent of Schools in Chappaqua, NY. Prior to becoming Superintendent in Chappaqua, Dr. Fleishman was Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Wellesley, MA.  Before that he was an Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources in Ossining, NY. Dr. Fleishman began his career in education as a teacher in the New York City Public Schools. He holds an Ed.D from Teachers College, Columbia University.  Dr. Fleishman will begin his term on July 1, 2010.

We have been asked by the school department to assess interest in the Williams Community for before school child care.  Please take a moment to complete this survey as soon as possible: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GML65VX
Thanks to Christina Hardway for designing the survey!
Creative Arts & Sciences Update: Our keystone Creative Arts & Sciences program – a presentation by a noted Civil Right activist – will take place on Thursday afternoon, March 4, for grades 2 through 5.  Generously funded by the Williams PTO and the Foundation for Racial, Ethnic and Religious Harmony, this is a must-see event for Williams students.  If at all possible, please try to schedule discretionary appointments for another day.

The orders for Through My Eyes and The Story of Ruby Bridges have been placed and will be signed according to the order form information.  If you would like to drop off your own book for a signature, please leave it in the labeled box on the table next to the PTO copier.  Include your child’s full name, grade level, and teacher, as well as the requested inscription.  All books will be distributed back through the classroom teachers.

Coffee with Dr. Connolly:
Please join Dr. Connolly on Friday morning, March 5, at 8:30 a.m. in the cafeteria to discuss issues surrounding the Blue Zone and brainstorm solutions to make drop off and pick up safer for our kids.

Technology Fundraising Drive:

Thanks to everyone who has already donated to the Technology Fund!  Remember, we are hoping for 100% participation.  Please send back your donation envelopes or donate online.
Questions? Brian Gorin (bgorin@rcn.com)

Spring Online Auction: The Spring Online Auction will be open for bids on March 4 and will be live through March 19.
It is important to remember that in addition to our technology campaign, we need to raise enough money to meet the PTO Annual Operating Budget.  With this year’s online auction, we hope to meet our annual goal, in part by reaching people outside the Williams community.  Remember to share the auction website (http://www.williamspto.cmarket.com) with friends, family and coworkers so we can bring in those outside dollars.
The auction site generates emails in addition to the PTO blasts and we apologize if there is overlap.  We want to make sure everyone has all the necessary information to bid on our fabulous items.
Questions?  Gail Sokoloff (gasok@aol.com) or Carol Bradford Roe (laghampark@yahoo.co.uk)

Spring Social Event — Cabernet and Caberet:

Join us for an adult-only night out on Saturday, March 20 with your friends in the Williams Community.  We thought a talent show would be fun, but it won’t work if we don’t have enough participants.  Please put together an act!  We also need volunteers to help organize the event!
Contact Lauri Hoeffler (clhoeffler@verizon.net) to talk about your talent and/or to share your ideas about making this event one to remember!

Social Action/Community Service:

It is important to remember that there are people in our community in need, not just at the holidays.  The gift cards that we collected in December were distributed by Dr. Connolly and Nurse Dolly, and were much appreciated by the recipients.  The next time you are at Shaw’s/Target/CVS, please think about purchasing a gift card to drop off at the Williams office.

Williams School is also kicking off a penny drive to collect money to donate to the relief efforts in Haiti!  Please bring coins to school to add to the collection jar outside the Williams office.

Reminder:
The final Town Hall meetings with Mayor Setti Warren will take place this weekend:

Scandinavian Living Ctr, 206 Waltham St,  Saturday, February 27th, 1:30PM
Emerson Community Center, 51 Pettee St, Sunday, February 28th, 2:00PM

Pelligrini Field House, 11 Hawthorne St, Sunday, February 28th,  4:00PM

Oak Hill Middle School, 130 Wheeler Rd, Sunday, February 28th, 6:00PM
Questions? Andrew Warner ( 617-796-1103; AWarner@newtonma.gov)
Reminder:
On Sunday, February 28th, the School Committee will hold an open session at 12:00 noon at the Ed Center, Room 212, to deliberate and decide on a preferred candidate for Superintendent.  The session is open to the public and will also be broadcast on New TV.
For more information, and to find detailed resumes for the candidates: http://www.newton.k12.ma.us/schoolcommittee/

Looking ahead:

Thursday, March 4, Online Auction opens for bids
Thursday, March 4, Creative Arts and Sciences Civil Rights Program, gr.2-5
Friday, March 5, 8:30 a.m., Coffee with Dr. Connolly to discuss Blue Zone
Thursday, March 18, 12:30 p.m., Schoolwide Early Release
Friday, March 19, Online Auction closes
Saturday, March 20, 7:30, Cabernet and Caberet Social Event

Dr. David Fleishman is currently the Superintendent of Schools in Chappaqua, NY. Prior to becoming Superintendent in Chappaqua, Dr. Fleishman was Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Wellesley, MA. Before that he was an Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources in Ossining, NY. Dr. Fleishman began his career in education as a teacher in the New York City Public Schools. He holds an Ed.D from Teachers College, Columbia University. Resume of Dr. David Fleischman (.pdf)
Dr. Susan Marks is currently the Associate Superintendent for Human Resources in the Montgomery County Public Schools, Rockville, MD. Before that, she was a Community Superintendent for five years in Montgomery County where she led the instructional programs in 30 schools. She has also served the Montgomery County Public Schools as Chief Information Officer, and as Principal of two elementary schools. Dr. Marks received her Ed.D from the University of Maryland. Resume of Dr. Susan Marks (.pdf)
Dr. Stacy Scott is currently the Associate Superintendent for the Office of Shared Accountability in the Montgomery County Public Schools, Rockville, MD. Prior to that, he was the founder and President of the Center for Understanding Equity, an organization that coaches school districts on data management, accountability and equity. Earlier in his career, Dr. Scott was a middle school Math and Spanish teacher. Dr. Scott holds an Ed.D from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education. Resume of Dr. Stacy Scott (.pdf)

Each finalist will spend a day in Newton during the upcoming week:

• Tuesday, February 23–Dr. Scott
• Wednesday, February 24–Dr. Marks
• Thursday, February 25–Dr. Fleischman

The schedule for each of the three days will be:

• 8:30 – 10:00 am School Committee Interview (Frazier Room 210, Ed Center)
• 10:00 – 12:00 pm School Tours
• 12:00 – 2:30 pm Staff sessions
• 4:00 – 5:00 pm Search Committee Interview (Frazier Room 210, Ed Center)
• 7:30 – 9:00 pm Public Forum, Day Middle School

All are invited to attend the interview sessions and the public forum or to tune in on NewTV.  Written feedback forms will be available at all sessions and/or comments can be sent to: schoolcommittee@newton.k12.ma.us

On Sunday, February 28th, the School Committee will convene in open session at 12:00 noon to deliberate and decide on a preferred candidate.  This will be followed by a site visit and salary/contract negotiations with the offer finalized at the end of March.  If the School Committee is unable to decide on February 28th, a revised process will be developed for moving forward.

For more information, and to find detailed resumes for the candidates: http://www.newton.k12.ma.us/schoolcommittee/

We hope that everyone has a wonderful vacation!  While you are relaxing, here are some things to think about:

We’re off to a great start in our Williams Technology Campaign!
Did you remember to send in your contribution?

As you know, the 2010 Williams School Technology Campaign launched this week, and we’re off to a great start!  After a spirited evening of phone calling, we have raised $25,825 toward our goal of $75,000!
We hope to have every family at Williams participate in this drive to fund technology equipment for our kids; your participation is more important than the size of your gift.  After just a few days, we are already at 24% participation!
Remember, new equipment purchased with early donations is already in the classrooms!  Additional equipment will continue to be purchased as it is funded!  We promise to put your contribution to work quickly!

If you want to make your donation during February break, you can do so online: www.williamspto.org/community/technology/

Questions? Brian Gorin (bgorin@rcn.com)
What talent will you share at “Cabernet and Caberet” on March 20th?
Our list of acts is growing… we have some music and magic on tap, but we still need you!  So, grab a friend and start practicing your stand-up routine!  How about an a capella group of kindergarten moms?  Are there any dads who want to organize a barbershop quartet?
Whatever your talent, we need you to entertain at our spring event for the adults in the Williams community.
Contact Lauri Hoeffler (clhoeffler@verizon.net) to sign up!

Did you know that by clicking here, you could help the Newton Schools to win a grant to create a Mobile Algae Lab to teach Science and Engineering?

This innovative project is “a strategic partnership between Save that Stuff, Newton Schools, and MITSea Grant that will offer cutting edge science and engineering curriculum to schools throughout New England. The algae lab will engage students through an integrated curriculum of biology, chemistry, engineering, environmental science, economics and business of alternative energy.”

You can help to make it happen by clicking to vote once a day during the month of February; grants are awarded based on number of online votes.

Have you checked out the latest Community News Listings posted on the PTO website?

Coming up after vacation:
Do your kids use Myrtle Street to walk to school?  On Thursday, February 25, the Newton Traffic Council will discuss the request for an evaluation of placement for a possible stop sign at the intersection of Myrtle Avenue and Seminary Avenue in Auburndale.  This item will be on the agenda at 8:30 p.m. or later (meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. in Room 222 at City Hall).

Looking ahead:

February 15 – 19, NO SCHOOL, February Vacation
March 4, Online Auction opens for bids
March 20, 7:30, Cabernet and Caberet

Happy Valentine’s Day!