ForWard 02.12.23
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, Feb 15, 2023
Rally for “YES” at Ward
Friday, March 3, 2023
Ward Night at BC Hockey
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
Override Election
See all events on our Calendar
News
From the Co-Presidents
We hope that you found time to read the email we sent earlier this week pertaining to the override (vote March 14th!).
Join us on Wednesday morning from 7:50-8:10 for a peaceful VOTE YES standout in front of the school. Faculty, staff, students and families will come together with “VOTE YES” signs and strong voices in support of the Override!
We will take a break from the ForWard during vacation week. We wish you all a great week ahead and a restful break!
Caitlin, Rashi & Susan
Note from SEPAC
Dear Ward Families, as you may know from Ms. Brogadir's announcement in November, Ms. Cynthia Silverman, a longtime member of the Ward School in Special Education, lost her husband to a sudden and aggressive illness. Cynthia is instrumental in planning and coordinating all the accommodations and supports for students with a range of special needs at Ward. She's also usually a fixture at pickup saying hi and bye with a smile and wave to all the students at Ward. Today thru Friday 02/17 2:50p, we have left a card in the School Front Office for anyone to sign. If you'd like, you may also contribute a little something for a gift card for self-care for Cynthia by check/cash to Front Office in an envelope.
From, Jordyne Wu and Tabatha Flores, your SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council) Ward Representatives.
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
Code Ninja Break Camps
Registration is now open to our 2023 Camps this upcoming February, April and Summer at Code Ninjas Waltham-Newton! Fun and exciting camps for kids 5 to 16.
Take advantage of the EARLY BIRD discount until 3/31/2023. Also available - (a) MULTI-CAMP discount for 3+ camp enrollments, and (b) extended care/LATE PICKUP options for morning and afternoon camps. Our in-person camps are weeklong, from Mondays to Fridays. Choose morning or afternoon half-day options OR make it a full-day camp experience by signing up for both AM & PM options! Mix and match your favorites camps each week!
Here's the camp registration link: https://members.codeninjas.com/e/?uuid=4fad7a4b-da4c-4444-a609-62f1d272f539
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