ForWard 02.04.23
Upcoming Events
Ongoing though Feb 10, 2023
Fifth Grade Valentine Fundraiser
Friday, March 3, 2023
Ward Night at BC Hockey
See all events on our Calendar
News
From the Co-Presidents
With the Annual Appeal having recently concluded, we thought we’d take a moment to share with you some upcoming curriculum enrichment programming your kids will experience at Ward in the next few weeks, all of which is made possible through your generous contributions!
As a reminder, Creative Arts and Sciences (CAS) is a city-wide effort that “brings high-quality, highly relevant and carefully planned arts and sciences programming to students in Newton’s schools”. Funded by each schools’ PTO, the CAS programs are selected in consultation with teachers for each grade and the CAS parent volunteers. During the months of February and March, Kindergarteners will enjoy visits from Crocodile River Creek Music and illustrator Jef Czekaj. Second graders will be visited by Kevin Hawkes, an author and illustrator of over 50 children's books. Third and Fourth graders will experience the wonder and and beauty of Origamido. Many more experiences are planned for the warmer months (e.g. Soil Science, and Wingmasters world of Owls!).
We hope your children enjoy these programs. We are so grateful for our amazing CAS volunteers Emily Josephsohn, Elizabeth Loehr, Marla Shiff and Anita He!
Have a great week!
Susan, Caitlin, and Rashi
PTO General Meeting with Interim Superintendent Smith and Principal Brogadir
The PTO and many parents had a lively and informative discussion on Friday morning at Ward with Interim Superintendent Kathleen Smith, School Committee Member Rajeev Parlikar, and Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education Ayesha Farag. If you’re interested, I have posted my notes on our PTO google drive!
Send Valentines to Teachers and Staff
The Ward Class of 2023 thanks you for supporting their many fundraising efforts. The money raised supports fifth grade graduation festivities, yearbooks, a class gift and more! Don’t miss your chance to purchase a Valentine’s Candy Gram to send within Ward (teachers and staff only) or to treat your student….or even yourself! https://www.wardpto.org/valentine
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.
Community Notes & Announcements
Important: Please note Waverly Detour This Week
This week Waverly will be closed between Cotton and Clements - NOTE THIS MEANS NO ACCESS TO LORNA ROAD. Plan accordingly.
Tanglewood Marionettes performs The Dragon King
The Tanglewood Marionettes is a nationally-touring marionette company whose unique productions have been seen by hundreds of thousands of children and families across the country. Newton Cultural Development is proud to present their show, The Dragon King, at 11am and 1pm on Thursday, February 24 (February vacation week). In this show, a terrible drought has overtaken the land, the world has turned brown and lifeless, and the people are beginning to wonder why The Dragon King, ruler over all things water, has not delivered life-giving rains in a very long time. An underwater fantasy based on Chinese folklore, The Dragon King tells the tale of an intrepid Grandmother who journeys to the bottom of the sea in search of the elusive Dragon King and the answers to why he has forsaken the land above.
Don't miss the beautifully hand-crafted marionettes, colorful sets, and fully immersive theatrical experience for all ages. Advanced ticket purchase is required. More information and ticket sales can be found on this page. These shows always sell out, so order your tickets today. If you need scholarship assistance, email culture@newtonma.gov.
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.
Nutrition Study Opportunity at Children’s
I am writing from Boston Children’s Hospital about a special opportunity for your students to participate in a unique nutrition study on milk consumption and childhood health. The study is being run by our team at the New Balance Foundation Obesity Prevention Center. We’re aiming to recruit 9- to 12-year-old boys and girls to participate in the trial. The study will compare the effects of whole milk and nonfat milk on nutrition and health-related outcomes.
Eligible children whose parents decide to enroll will receive free milk deliveries from Crescent Ridge Dairy in Sharon, MA, for a full year, with the possibility of financial compensation as well.
Thank you for your consideration!
Elisabetta Ferrero, MPH
Clinical Research Assistant
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