ForWard 04.10.22
Upcoming Events
Ends tomorrow - April 11, 2022!
Teacher/Staff Experiences Raffle
Tuesday April 12, 2022
Creative Arts & Sciences AuthorFest
Wednesday April 27, 2022
Fifth Grade Pizza Fundraiser
Wednesday April 27, 2022
Spring PTO Meeting - Zoom
Saturday April 30, 2022
Spring Mystery Dinner
Sunday May 1, 2022
NewtonServes - Ward School Projects
May 2-6, 2022
Teacher Appreciation Week
Wednesday May 4, 2022
MA Walk, Bike and Roll to School Day
Wednesday May 11, 2022
International Night
Sunday May 22, 2022
Ward FORJ Picnic
News
Last Chance: One of a Kind Teacher/Staff Experiences!
The Teacher/Staff Experience Raffle is a chance to make special memories and to raise funds for the PTO. Students never want to miss out on these special moments with Ward teachers & Staff. Each experience is unique, carefully planned and becomes a highlight of the school year. Buy your raffle tickets and make your selections NOW! Ticket sales close at 11:59pm on Monday April 11. https://www.wardpto.org/teacherraffle
Mystery Dinner Tickets and COVID Protocols Update
On Saturday, April 30th we will come together as an adult community for one of Ward’s longest lasting traditions: The Mystery Dinner! While this event is a PTO Fundraiser, it is most important that all community members feel welcome regardless of the optional donation. Also, if you need additional confidential financial assistance (such as child care cost coverage) in order to enjoy this evening, please contact Ward Cares at keren.wainger@gmail.com. Friend-raising before fundraising! Get your tickets here: https://www.wardpto.org/mysterydinner - all tickets must be purchased in advance (by April 20th!).
COVID protocols will be in place for the Mystery Dinner: We have implemented an “Appetizer and Dessert Only” option for those who would like to only attend the outdoor festivities of the night. Also, please remember that an-at-home COVID test is strongly recommended to everyone attending that night. If you are in need of tests, Ward Cares is happy to help - please email keren.wainger@gmail.com.
For Mystery Dinner questions please contact our wonderful coordinators: bucknertracy3@gmail.com or rebecca.cirel@gmail.com.
PTO Survey: Results!
Thank you so much to all who took the time to share your thoughts with us about the Ward PTO. I can guarantee you that we are taking everything written very seriously - you might even have noticed some changes already! We would like to congratulate Ms. MacKenzie’s kindergarten class on having the highest participation rate! Ms. MacKenzie will receive a $100 Amazon gift card from the PTO to spend on something fun for the classroom. We will be sharing the survey results widely at the next PTO meeting which will be by Zoom on the evening of April 27th. Please be there to further share your thoughts!
Applications for Ward After-School 2022-23!
It is time to apply to Ward After-School for 2022-23! Applications will be emailed to currently enrolled families. For families new to our program, please email us at donna@wardafterschool.com to request an application. You must submit a new application each school year.
Some important things to note about our program and the application process:
We are a private, nonprofit program licensed by the State of Massachusetts
We have a two-day minimum for enrollment
There is a $50 application fee (made payable to Ward After-School Program)
Please let any friends or neighbors with incoming Kindergartners know about our program!
Applications are due by Thursday, April 14. This is a REAL deadline. We typically receive many applications so to be fair to all, we strictly enforce the deadline.
Tuition costs are determined by the number of applications received. For a summary of the current school year's rates, please inquire with the Director, Donna Marohn, donna@wardafterschool.com
Our program strives to accommodate all who apply by the deadline. However, we may receive more applications than spaces available in accordance with our child care license. A waitlist may be necessary.
If you have any questions or to request an application, please contact Donna Marohn at donna@wardafterschool.com or 617-965-3087.
Register for NewtonServes
The theme for NewtonServes this year is Building Community Through Service - what a perfect way to bring us all together! Ward Elementary School will be a Newton Serves site this year and we need your help! Projects will include indoor and outdoor cleaning and beautification. Families and community members will gather at Ward Sunday May 1st from 9-4. Come for as much of the day as you are able and kids are welcome (and encouraged to help!). IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU REGISTER - for many reasons and not the least of which is that the PTO will determine our final budget for supplies and materials based on how many people we will have on hand to get the job done! More volunteers = more budget = greater results! Register here: https://newtonma.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30256
Questions? corenagl@gmail.com
We do notice this could be an early start the morning after the Mystery Dinner so the PTO promises to provide coffee!
International Night Call for Hosts
Ward International Night has been set for Wednesday, May 11 from 5:30-7pm. We are so excited to welcome everyone back to the gymnasium again! Hosts are still welcome - please sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1zuQpoMChzr159_gfsvRKXK4aUO0WJJsHpN1BOlouJnY/edit
If you have questions about hosting, please reach out to our International Night Committee: ronfarrar@gmail.com or krysia.villon@gmail.com or zena_adeeb@yahoo.com
Creative Arts & Sciences AuthorFest 2022 - This TUESDAY!
On April 12th all students will enjoy a special author and/or illustrator visit to Ward. Then all presenters from across Newton will be gathering at Cabot School for a book sale and signing and meet and greet between 3:15-5:30 PM. The event is open to the public. Newtonville Books will be on hand with a selection of books for sale and they are also taking pre-orders now until 3/21. Please stop by the store or go to: www.newtonvillebooks.com/npsauthorfest.
CAS AuthorFest is made possible by a generous grant from the Newton Schools Foundation with additional support from The Village Bank, Harmony Foundation and parent contributions to the PTO.
For more information please see the flier at the end of this email.
Community Notes & Announcements
Newton Youth Bike Rodeo
Celebrate safe biking in Newton at the Bike Rodeo! MA Safe Routes to Schools instructors will teach and review bike riding skills. Volunteers from Bike Newton will also help teach fun stations including knowing signs and hand signals, how to care for your bike, and more.
This program is geared towards students in Kindergarten through 6th grade at Newton Schools that are comfortable riding a bike independently. In order to participate:
Each child needs to bring their own bike. Please make sure the bike fits the child and is in usable condition (chain is intact, brakes work, tires are not flat, etc)
Each child needs to bring and wear a properly fitting helmet.
Each child must have a parent or adult present for the duration of the program. Adults, we want you to learn the skills your child is learning so you can help to reinforce the skills learned when you go home.
Registration Required: https://newtonma.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30165
Healthy Kids Running Series - Get up and Go!
Healthy Kids Running Series is a five (5) week running program in the spring and fall for kids Pre-K through 8th grade. Each HKRS Series takes place once a week and offers age appropriate running events including the 50 & 75 yard dashes, the 1/4 mile, the 1/2 mile and the 1 mile run. Kids compete each week for a chance to earn points. At the end of the Series the boys and girls who accumulate the most points in their respective distances are awarded trophies. All participants receive a medal on Week 5! The registration fee ($35 until April 10, $40 after April 10) covers the entire five (5) weeks of the series and is non-refundable.
PLACE: Newton Centre Playground, 81 Tyler Terrace, Newton, MA US 02459
Learn more here: https://runsignup.com/hkrsnewtonma?rsus=100-200-e537eec1-aaba-4987-8972-9c16f27326bb
Summer Basketball Clinic with Newton South Varsity Coach
Steve Matthews, current Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach for the Back-to-Back DCL Large Champion Newton South Lions, and one of college basketball’s all-time great shooters, will run four-day shooting clinics this summer. Attendees will learn how to shoot with perfect form. The clinics will include all aspects of the game of basketball. There will be lectures, drills, contests, and games.
Location:
Newton South High School Field House 140 Brandeis Rd. Newton, MA 02459
Dates:
Tuesday, July 5th - Friday, July 8th
Monday, July 11th - Thursday, July 14th
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Boys & Girls entering grades 5-9 (Fall 2022) Cost: $299 per attendee
Please complete and submit application online at www.stevematthewsshootingclinic.com
Summer Camps - ASA Hoops
Since 1997, ASA Hoops has been offering summer basketball camps in Newton for boys and girls ages 7-15. Our summer season starts June 20th and doesn’t conclude until Sept 1. Our camps are for all levels of play and promote a fun yet competitive environment. We hope to see you soon: Register at: asahoops.com / Contact: Coachb@asahoops.com
See more Community Notes at https://newtonptocouncil.org/community/
