ForWard 04.09.23
Upcoming Events
April 3 - April 14, 2023
Teacher/Staff Experience Raffle
April 2 - April 15, 2023
Ward School Store Open
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
Ward After School Presents: Seussapalooza
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
Hello Ward Families,
We wish you all the bounty and renewal of spring, a meaningful Passover, a blessed Ramadan and a joyous Easter. May you also enjoy a relaxing April break.
Have a great week,
Caitlin, Rashi & Susan
Teacher/Staff Experience Raffle
Don’t miss out! This is the last week to purchase tickets for one of a kind experiences with Ward Staff. This may be our most exciting list of offerings yet! HUGE thanks to Jenessa Freid for her organization and work on this long standing, beloved tradition. Of course it would not be possible without the generosity of Ward Staff AND the amazing web talents of Betsy Blazar as well. Winners will be announced after break!
Feeling inspired by this fun? Jenessa’s youngest is graduating this year and she is offering her time to share her tips and resources with a volunteer willing to take this on for school year 2023-2024. This is a 100% on your own time position with the huge reward of impacting everyone’s elementary school memories! Let us know: copresidents@wardpto.org.
Mystery Dinner Tickets On Sale Now
The night you do not want to miss! Step one: Get your tickets now - on sale only until April 14!! Step two: book your sitter - this is an adults-only night. Please note, Community building is as important as fundraising! There is a suggested donation of $75-$150 per person—similar to what you would spend on a nice night out. The Ward community would like as many families to be able to participate as possible - we do not want the suggested donation to be a deterrent. In addition to donations being optional, if you need confidential financial assistance for the evening (for associated costs such as childcare) - WardCares is here to help. Please email Keren at keren.wainger@gmail.com. Friend-Raising always comes before Fundraising - our priority for the evening is to welcome as many community members as possible!
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/
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!!
Community Notes & Announcements
Save Newton Strings
On Monday, April 24th Newton Orchestra students of all ages from across the district will gather for a concert outside of the Education Center to advocate for the restoration of the elementary school 4th/5th grade string orchestra program. Due to the failed override vote and budget deficit for next school year the school committee is proposing to cut this vital program, a decision which betrays the promise made to our students and undercuts the future of Newton’s entire orchestra program. The committee will be taking a straw vote on the proposal just inside the ed center during the concert. We urge everyone, whether enrolled in the program or not, to come out in support of our students and educators as they raise their voices to ensure that committee members do not cast their votes lightly.
To sign the petition, visit https://www.savenewtonstrings.com/
For information on how to sign up your NPS string student for the concert click here
When: Monday April 24th, 2023. 5:30 arrival time. 6pm Concert
Where: Newton Education Center, 100 Walnut Street, Newtonville
Newton Inspires 2023
Spend an evening on May 4th with fascinating Newtonians talking about how they got their start, their careers, and what inspires them. You’ll hear anecdotes and insights on everything from science and sustainability to beer and baking!
Join us at Newton Schools Foundation’s Newton Inspires, a celebration of ideas and community.
The evening will kick off with a reception with live music performed by NPS students and a light meal. You will then attend two stimulating sessions of your choice before reconvening for a keynote address by Tiziana Dearing, award-winning host of Radio Boston on WBUR and NPS parent.
Tickets $40 (including boxed meal from Better Life Food) – Buy a Ticket
Sponsors and additional donations welcome – Donate Now
Newton Schools Foundation advances excellence and equity in the Newton Public Schools by making grants in the three strategic areas including new approaches in the classroom, professional development for teachers, and programs that promote equity for all students.
Your ticket purchase provides vital support to Newton Public Schools. https://newtonschoolsfoundation.org/newton-inspires/
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