ForWard 04.02.23
Upcoming Events
April 3 - April 14, 2023
Teacher/Staff Experience Raffle
April 2 - April 15, 2023
Ward School Store Open
Saturday, April 29, 2023
Mystery Dinner
Thursday May 4th, 2023
Ward Art Show
Sunday, May 7, 2023
Newton Serves
Thursday, June 1, 2023
Ward Night at the Red Sox
See all events on our Calendar
News
From the Co-Presidents: NPS Budget Resources
Hello Ward Families,
This week’s budget announcements have many of us feeling uneasy. We have been inspired by community members who have reached out to us asking, “What can we do?” and to that end we want to use this space this week to share some thoughts and resources. Part of our mission is to advocate for public education in Newton therefore we continue to advocate for funding that our students need. To be clear, however, PTOs have no ability to directly influence the NPS Budget and related decisions - we ALL as parents, families and consumers of Newton’s public education have equal voices and we need to use them!
NPS is facing severe budget cuts which will have an impact on our children and families. If you have not seen the news yet, please check out the links below.
Although we may each have programs or schools that we hold particularly dear, it would not be helpful to resign ourselves to the current insufficient amount allocated to NPS by the City and wage battles between different schools or different programs within the schools. We believe this is a time for us to come together to advocate for a greater overall budget allocation for the schools from the City.
This NPS Budget resources toolkit provides information about the NPS budget process timeline, the proposed cuts and how to advocate (with the School Committee, the City Council and the Mayor) to encourage the Mayor to increase the allocation to the school budget. Please use these resources to inform yourself and to take action - let your voice be heard!
As always, we are here if you need us. We are grateful for our passionate community and look forward to collaborating with you all.
Have a great week,
Caitlin, Rashi & Susan
Ward After-School Presents SEUSSAPALOOZA!
The third through fifth graders of Ward After-School are proud to present "Seussapalooza!" on Wednesday, April 12. We are inviting the Ward community to attend our 2:00 pm show in the Ward School gym. Please note that all students MUST be accompanied by an adult (before, during and after the show). We thank you for your cooperation and hope to see you there!
Doors will open at 1:40 and will close at 2:00 pm to start the show. Entrance is free, however, as stated above, any student not accompanied by an adult will not be allowed to attend. Thank you!!
Ward School Spirit Gear: Store Open Now!
Need to update your Ward Spirit Wear? Now is the time. The store is back open until April break. Check out the new zip-up hoodies and by-request pajama bottoms! Shop early:
https://johnwardschool.itemorder.com/
Last Week to apply for Ward After-School 2023-2024!
It is time to apply to Ward After-School for 2023-24! Applications will be emailed to currently enrolled families. For families new to our program, please email us at donna@wardafterschool.com to request an application. You must submit a new application each school year.
Some important things to note about our program and the application process:
We are a private, nonprofit program licensed by the State of Massachusetts
We have a two-day minimum for enrollment
There is a $50 application fee (made payable to Ward After-School Program)
Please let any friends or neighbors with incoming Kindergartners know about our program!
Applications are due by Thursday, April 6. This is a REAL deadline. We typically receive many applications so to be fair to all, we strictly enforce the deadline. Note that there is no school on Friday, April 7 so all apps must be received by Thursday.
Tuition costs will be determined by the number of applications received. For a summary of the current school year's rates, please inquire with the Director, Donna Marohn, donna@wardafterschool.com
Our program strives to accommodate all who apply by the deadline. However, we may receive more applications than spaces available in accordance with our child care license. A waitlist may be necessary.
If you have any questions or to request an application, please contact Donna Marohn at donna@wardafterschool.com or 617-965-3087.
No Idling! A New Artwork Campaign by Ward Second Graders
Come check out the artwork by second graders to remind parents and caregivers to turn off their engines during drop-off and pick-off.
Idling is particularly harmful around schools, but we want to send the message that it is a habit we should all avoid, anywhere. Basically, idling causes unnecessary air pollution. Even if the vehicle isn't in motion, the engine is running and fuel is being consumed and pollutants emitted. Children are particularly vulnerable to poor air quality – they breathe faster than adults and inhale more air per pound of body weight. Those with asthma are particularly affected, and emissions also aggravate heart and lung diseases, and cause respiratory illnesses. Hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, for example, are two common tailpipe emissions that react to form ground-level ozone, which irritates and inflames the respiratory tract. Idling is also unsafe, given children aren't aware of drivers' intentions when a car is started; it's also sub-optimal for your vehicle. We hope you consider turning off that engine, as well as other ways to alleviate emissions and model environmentally and health-conscious habits during the school commute!
The PTO thanks a wonderful collaboration for their efforts initiating and overseeing this project: WardCares & Ward Safe Routes to School(Keren Wainger) & Ward Green Team (Katie Young & Penny Ismay) and Ward Staff (Ms. Corbo-Hudak and Ms. Wong)....way to go!
Community Notes & Announcements
PMC Kids Ride Newton/Needham
Registration is now open for this year's PMC Kids Ride. We are hoping to make this year's ride the most successful yet! Registration and details can be found here: https://kids.pmc.org/newton-needham
We also need volunteers to help in planning as well as on ride day. Please register soon and spread the word.
GELF Fundraising Dinner
We would like to invite you to come to the GELF (Global Education Leadership Fund) Fundraising Dinner at 6:30pm on Saturday, 4/29, at the Wilson Chapel. It will be a fun night celebrating international travel experiences with families who share the same passion. The evening also highlights food from local restaurants, performance by Newton South Jazz Band, as well as stories from former GELF recipients and NPS administrators. With your participation, we'll be able to provide financial aid for more students to go on future trips. Tickets are selling fast, and please get yours HERE.
For more community notes: https://newtonptocouncil.org/category/community/
And please continue to follow the PTO on Instagram @wardelementary_pto