ForWard 09.03.23
Upcoming Events
Tuesday September 5, 2023
First Day of School
PTO/Principal Coffee - Front of school: 8:20am
Monday September 11, 2023
Back to School Picnic - Ward Field: 5:30-7:00pm
Thursday , September 21
K Parent / Guardian Potluck
6:00pm-8:00pm
Thursday , September 28
Grade 1 Parent / Guardian Potluck 6:00pm-8:00pm
Thursday , October 5
Back to School Night; 6:00pm-7:30pm
See all events on our Calendar
News
From the Co-Presidents
Thanks to everyone for a wonderful turnout at the Ward playground last Thursday to enjoy the sunshine and popsicles while connecting with Principal Brogadir and community members. Kids got a sneak peek into their new classrooms and got to say a quick hello to their teachers. It's clear that everyone is ready for the new school year!
We look forward to seeing you on the first day of school.
Have a safe and happy Labor Day!
Rashi Khanna & Bryan Saltzburg
Ward PTO Co-Presidents 2023-24
PTO/Principal Coffee
After the first-day drop-offs and goodbyes, we invite all community members to gather for a cup of coffee at the front picnic tables. Coffee will be served immediately after drop-off, and Principal Brogadir along with other staff members will join around 8:40 am.
Back to School Picnic
Welcome back Ward! Let's celebrate the start of the new school year together on Ward Field on Monday, September 11th from 5:30-7:00 PM. The PTO will provide pizza* for everyone along with fun games by Knucklebones. Don't forget a picnic blanket, refillable water bottles and some treat money for the Ice Cream Truck. Please note, *if your family requires dietary accommodations for pizza, it would be VERY helpful to let us know so we can order accordingly. Please complete this quick survey ASAP if needed. Also - we would welcome volunteers that can help with picking up pizzas and serving pizza slices. If you are able, please email Caitlin Cusick at caitlincusick@yahoo.com.
Call for Grade-level Potluck Hosts for Grades 2-5
We could use your assistance! One of our cherished fall traditions at Ward Elementary is the grade-level potlucks. Would you be interested in hosting a grade level gathering this coming fall? The hosting process is straightforward. All you need to do is provide a space, some paper goods, and send out invitations. Your guests will take care of the rest! Last fall, many of us enjoyed delightful outdoor events, so we encourage hosts to select a date SOON to take advantage of the pleasant September weather. We're pleased to announce that we have potluck hosts for Kindergarten (Sep 21st) and first grade (Sep 28th) and are hoping for additional hosts for grades 2-5.
We want to express our gratitude to Tracy Buckner for generously offering her assistance in coordinating these potlucks for the fall. If you'd like to learn more or if you're ready to sign up, please don't hesitate to reach out to her at bucknertracy3@gmail.com.
Call for Room Parents
We are seeking 1-2 parents per class to serve as “Room Parents”. Here is a glimpse at some of the responsibilities of a room parent:
Serve as a liaison between the classroom teacher and the parent/guardian community to coordinate classroom events, volunteers, supplies, teacher appreciation, gifts and more.
Serve as liaison between the PTO leadership and your classroom community by helping to solicit volunteers (example field trips, grade level potlucks, grade level programming, etc), encouraging participation in events/meetings and representing your class to the PTO.
Support all Creative Arts and Sciences programming for your grade level - this could involve coordinating volunteers, providing materials for guests and more.
And more! You will have regular communication with the PTO Board to support overall efforts to build community amongst your class and grade level.
Interested? Please email copresidents@wardpto.org with your name, contact information, grade level and classroom of your student.
Community Notes & Announcements
Fall Ball for New and Returning Players in Grades 1-4
This program will be led by former University of Maryland player Sam Byassee and NYL coaches. Sessions will run on Sunday mornings from September 10th through October 22nd (no session October 8th) at Newton North High School.
Grades 1-2: 8-9 am
Grades 3-4: 9-10 am
Click here to register: http://www.newtonyouthlacrosse.com/registration
For Boys and Girls ages 3-8: Learn Lacrosse with SCOOPS Clinics!
Scoops Clinics are designed for boys and girls ages 3-8 who are interested in learning the game, as well as those who would like to work on their lacrosse skills. Players will be divided into different groups based on age and/or skill levels. Scoops Clinics are designed for maximum amounts of fun, confidence building, and skill development. www.scoopslax.com
Sundays from September 10th - October 22nd at NNHS (no session October 8th) 10:00-11:00AM
Link for more info and to register: Newton Youth Lacrosse | Learn to Lax
Questions about either program or Newton Youth Lacrosse? Email us at registrar@newtonyouthlacrosse.com
Walk for Research!
Join us on Sunday, September 10, 2023, for the Walk for Research! Enjoy a three-mile walk, roll, or stroll through Newton (starts at Zervas goes through Waban/Newton Highlands). Bring your friends, family, kids and furry pals, to enjoy a morning of food, music and fun. The walk proceeds benefit ALS Therapy Development Institute, https://www.als.net and their mission to end ALS. Kids from Angier, Cabot, Mason Rice, Zervas, Brown, and Newton South are participating, and we would love to see all the schools represented. Join team Newton School of Walk, or create your own individual or team entry: https://fundraise.als.net/register/2/walkforresearch Please contact Sherie Heywood sherie@heywood.net or ALSTDI if you have any questions.
Join Newton Cub Scouts Pack 210
Boys and girls grades K-5 are invited to join Newton Cub Scout Pack 210 (http://pack210newton.scoutlander.com). Scouting is a great opportunity to make new friendships and learn new skills. We have an exciting year planned, with fun activities including camping, hiking, Pinewood Derby, outdoor activities, community service, overnights, and monthly Den/Pack meetings. Stop by “Join Scouting Day” in Newton Centre on Sunday, Sept 10 from 10am-2pm to learn more - we will have fun, food and games.
Our first meeting is on Thursday, September 14 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at Carroll Center for the Blind, 770 Centre St in Newton Centre. The meeting will feature SubZero Ice Cream, who will provide an exciting science demo, followed by frozen treats for all (food allergies will be accommodated, please contact with specific allergy needs), and it will be a great opportunity to learn more about our upcoming year. Please join us (if able, please let us know you will be attending for planning purposes, but drop-ins are welcome) or email Tom at (tom@tdwright.co.uk) with questions or if you’re interested in joining. We look forward to a great Scouting year ahead!
Join a cool after school class this fall! Check out the Newton Community Education schedule to enroll now. Financial assistance is available too, just apply here. We look forward to welcoming your child! Newton Community Education
Please follow Community Notes updates throughout the summer at https://newtonptocouncil.org/community/
And please continue to follow the PTO on instagram @wardelementary_pto