ForWard 12.18.22
Upcoming Events
Friday, November 25, 2022 - December 31, 2022
Ward Annual Fund Drive
Monday, January 9, 2023
Ward Night at the Celtics
Friday, February 3, 2023, 8:30 A.M.
PTO Meeting with Interim Superintendent Smith
See all events on our Calendar
News
From the Co-Presidents
Happy Holidays! This will be our last newsletter until the New Year and we want to thank you for an incredible fall back to school at Ward. It is not too late to contribute to our Annual Fund Drive- we appreciate your support as we look forward to an exciting spring of events and improvements at Ward (yes! The Gaga Pit is FINALLY getting installed at the first sign of spring, 3 new picnic tables are on order, SO many CAS events are yet to come and so much more!). Oh and don’t forget - all 2022 donors will get a WARD car magnet too!
Have a great week,
Caitlin, Rashi & Susan
copresidents@wardpto.org
Ward/Underwood Working Group: Seeking 1 Parent!
As previously presented, both Ward and Underwood occupy buildings that are nearly 100 years old and both schools are experiencing enrollment decline that is impacting the educational experience of students. The Mayor has allocated $100,000 in ARPA funds to move this initiative forward. A consultant will be hired to help us address facility, educational, and enrollment challenges at Ward and Underwood elementary schools. The process to select a consultant will be a Qualifications Based Selection through the city’s Designer Selection Committee as required by City ordinance. The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) will be advertised through the City’s Purchasing Department as part of our standard process.
A working group will be established to provide feedback and information to the consultant. The working group will review and discuss options and will make recommendations to the School Committee for consideration based on their review and community feedback. The working group will meet approximately monthly during the day. Other stakeholders within the City and Schools will be consulted as needed, and parent and community meetings will be held. The intent is to complete the Consultant selection process over the next few months and to complete the work described within the scope of services by December 2023.
The Underwood/Ward Working Group will include:
• The Principal from each school,
• 1 teacher/staff from each school,
• 1 parent from each school,
• 2 to 3 members from the NPS Business, Finance and Planning team,
• 1 School Committee member, and
• 1 member from the City Public Buildings Department.
If you would like to be part of the Underwood/Ward Working Group, please write a short description of why you are interested in representing the Ward parent/guardian community and how you would make a difference to the working group. Candidate statements should be e-mailed to copresidents@wardpto.org and brogadirr@newton.k12.ma.us by Thursday, December 22.
Lost & Found: LAST CALL
Don’t go into winter missing a glove or a favorite cozy sweatshirt. LAST chance to check the current Lost & Found before we donate all that remains in the week ahead. Remind your child(ren) or step into the front lobby yourself and take a quick peak.
FREEDGE Volunteers
The Ward efforts to support the Newton FREEDGE continue. Thank you to our “regular” drivers - we could not do this without you! The PTO and Ward Staff have some open slots next week and many in December. Just a friendly reminder to sign up when you are able. (Sign up here.)
Many thanks,
Maria Sullivan
Community Notes & Announcements
Newton Parks, Recreation and Culture: Time for Partners Winter 2023
Newton Cultural Development's music and art program, Time for Partners, is in full swing Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at City Hall. Toddlers make art, music, and friends, together with their adult partners. The winter/spring session is open for registration now; for more information or to register, click here.
A Visit to the Allen Homestead for Children and Families
This visit invites children and their families to travel 150 years back in time to imagine what it would have been like to live and learn at the Allen home and this historic school.
This historic house was once the home of Nathaniel Allen, founder of The West Newton English and Classical School. Nathaniel Allen was a progressive educator who provided equal opportunities for girls and boys in racially mixed classrooms even before the Civil War. His curriculum was innovative, and students from all over the world came to attend his school.
Guests will explore the parlor, a classroom, and even the bowling alley as we learn about the family, the students, the school, and the unique curriculum. Our visit will finish in the barn, where you will have the opportunity to try some of the games and activities that children enjoyed at this time.
We hope you can join us to learn about the history of this newly renovated Newton treasure. Each visit will run approximately one hour. Free event, 3rd grade and up, registration required.
Dates: Sunday, December 11 3:00-4:00 PM
Thursday, December 15 4:00-5:00 PM
Sunday, January 22 3:00-4:00 PM
Thursday, January 26 4:00-5:00 PM Please register here
Free Public Speaking & Debate Workshop During Vacation Break!
Sign up for a free Public Speaking and Debate Workshop on December 27, 28, 29 (Lexington and Newton), hosted by Lumos Debate! Your child will love Lumos's friendly instructors and fun Argumentation and Reasoning
This workshop is free for all Ward students. Please make sure to use code WARD when you register. Please do not share this code with families that are not from Ward. Email info@lumosdebate.com or call 781-474-3359 with any questions.
Register now at: lumosdebate.com/workshop activities as they learn about Speaking Confidence, Impromptu Speaking and Debate Fundamentals
For more community notes: https://newtonptocouncil.org/category/community/
And please continue to follow the PTO on instagram @wardelementary_pto