ForWard 01.29.23
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Ward Winter Concert
Tuesday January 31, 2023
Last Call for Annual Fund Contributions
Wed, February 1, 2023
Fifth Grade Valentine Fundraiser Launch
Wed, February 1, 2023
Winter Walk and Roll to School Day
Friday, February 3, 2023, 8:30 A.M.
PTO Meeting with Interim Superintendent Smith
Friday, March 3, 2023
Ward Night at BC Hockey
See all events on our Calendar
News
Annual Fund Last Call
Last call for this year’s Annual Fund Drive as we will close it on January 31st. We are grateful to all who have contributed as they are able. We are at about half of what we raised last year and we hope that you may feel inspired to give as you look forward to an exciting spring at Ward: the Gaga Pit is FINALLY getting installed; a few new picnic tables are in the works; the Art Show, Mystery Dinner, and Spring Picnic will be here before we know it; and SO many CAS events at each grade level are yet to come. Your continued support of the PTO truly makes all of these things possible - thank you!
PTO General Meeting with Interim Superintendent Smith and Principal Brogadir
Join us in the Ward Library this Friday, February 3rd at 8:30 AM for a meeting of all Ward Community Members with Interim Superintendent Smith and Principal Brogadir. While the March Override Vote will be on the agenda, please also bring any other questions you may have regarding Ward or Newton Public Schools. This is a great opportunity to gather as a school community and to learn and share ideas together. Thank you in advance for joining us for this very important meeting.
Ward Night at Boston College Hockey
Join Ward Families for a fun night out to cheer on the BC Eagles as they take on UConn on the Ice, Friday March 3rd at 7PM at Conte Forum (on Boston College’s Main Campus). The night will also include an exclusive locker room tour for everyone in our group. There are a large number of tickets available (budget $10-20/each). Please complete this form as soon as possible to ensure we are able to reserve a large enough block. Specific payment and ticket details will be released to everyone who submits the form.
Call to artists in grades 2-8 : Safe Routes To School's annual Yard Sign Contest is underway
Students are invited to create a message to encourage drivers to slow down near schools. Four winners will be selected from entries throughout the state and the yard signs will be available for all Massachusetts schools to place in their communities. See link for Guidelines and Eligibility Requirements.
Winter Walk, Roll and Ride to School Day is February 1st
In preparation, Newton parents and caregivers - what is it that keeps you or your children from walking or biking safely to your destination? Be part of the solution and alert the City of Newton via Newton 311 and/or your Safe Routes to School Representative, Keren Wainger (keren.wainger@gmail.com).
Potholes, sidewalk repairs, traffic signals not working, faded or missing crosswalks, shrubs overtaking the sidewalk…snap a photo, note the location, and submit to Newton 311.
Make Newton safer for everyone!
https://www.facebook.com/NewtonSafeRoutes
Earn Cash for Ward; Boxtops for Education is New & Improved!
Looking for another way to earn money for Ward? BoxTops for Education is new and improved and an easy way to earn money for Ward on your everyday purchases. No more clipping and collecting the Boxtops from eligible grocery store products and then turning them into your school. Now you simply download the BoxTops App, set up your account to benefit Ward, and if you purchase eligible products that have the Boxtops proof of purchase, take pictures of your receipt via the app (BoxTops also accepts digital receipts). In a few seconds the app will add up your eligible purchases and turn it into cash for Ward (and sometimes bonuses depending on the store and time of year!). It’s an easy and quick way to turn your everyday purchases into money to benefit Ward! Learn more here: https://www.boxtops4education.com/s/how-to-earn
Ward Night at the Red Sox: Save the Date
We have reserved a large block of tickets for the Red Sox against the Cincinnati Reds at Fenway Park on Thursday, June 1 at 7:10. Note the purchase link on these is delayed - watch for it in February. When we send the link you will have one week to go on and buy your tickets before prices go up. Plan now so you can act quickly. If you want to sit with another Ward family - please collaborate on buying tickets as we will not have control of seat assignment. Go Ward and Go Sox!
Community Notes & Announcements
Important: Please note Waverly Detour This Week
While we have all likely grown somewhat accustomed to the Waverly Ave road work - please know that it is moving closer to Ward in the week ahead. The crew will be on Waverley Ave between Brackett Road and Sherbrooke Road. Detours are shown in the image below. Please plan accordingly for both driving and walking to Ward (especially with our Winter Walk Wednesday!).
Beginner Class in Japanese Language and Culture
Are you an elementary or middle school student interested in learning more about Japanese language and culture? If so, this weekly online offering by Boston Sakura Kids is just for you! This 8-week beginner class will teach you about the Japanese writing system, words and phrases, pop culture, traditional Japanese culture, and whatever else you’re interested in. This program is stress free, cost free, and open to middle school and elementary school students!
If you are interested, please fill out this form.
Free Public Speaking & Debate After-School Workshop!
Sign up for a free Public Speaking and Debate Workshop on February 9, 12, 13 (Online), hosted by Lumos Debate! Your child will love Lumos's friendly instructors and fun activities as they learn about: Speaking Confidence, Impromptu Speaking, Debate Fundamentals, Argumentation and Reasoning
Lumos After-School Online Workshop (FREE)
Ages: 8-14 years old
Locations: Online, 1-hour workshop
Dates: Choose from Feb 9, 12, or 13
Registration: lumosdebate.com/workshop
This workshop is free for all Ward students. Please make sure to use code WARD when you register to get an 100% discount. 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
Ivy Math: Free Online Tutoring Session for Ward Families
IvyMath is providing all Ward Elem families with a free online math tutoring session and an in-depth parent conference to discuss your child's strengths and weaknesses and how they compare to grade level. IvyMath will also create a custom learning plan that maps out the exact areas your child should be focusing on in math. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions, and understand what your child needs to feel confident and stay on track in math this year.
The IvyMath tutoring session, parent conference, and learning plan are free for all Ward Elem families. Popular times fill up, so please register quickly! Signup now at: IvyMath.com/Boost
For more community notes: https://newtonptocouncil.org/category/community/
And please continue to follow the PTO on Instagram @wardelementary_pto