ForWard 5.31.26
From the Co-Presidents:
Dear Ward Families
Happy (almost) June! It’s hard to believe there are just 18 days of school left. This stretch of the year always feels especially busy, and we know many of us are collectively taking a deep breath as we head toward summer.
While the next school year may still feel far away, planning is already well underway. Thank you to the many families who have already signed up to volunteer with the PTO for the 2026–2027 school year. Your support helps position us for another wonderful year at Ward. We are still looking for additional volunteers, especially to support our Creative Arts & Sciences program. If you are interested in getting involved or would like to learn more, please sign up or reach out with any questions. There truly is a role for everyone, and every contribution makes a difference. Room parent sign-ups will go out in the fall once classes have been established.
We also hope you’ll take a few minutes to order school supplies for next year. Orders must be placed by July 1 so supplies can be packaged, shipped, and organized into classrooms before school begins in the fall. Our teachers are incredibly grateful for the support!
Thank you, as always, for your continued support of our Ward community!
Encouraging News on the Future of Ward
As most of you know, this past Tuesday, Newton Chief Operating Officer Josh Morse led a city-wide meeting explaining the rationale behind his recommendation that Ward and Underwood remain separate schools rather than be consolidated. The School Committee is expected to vote on this recommendation in June. If approved, the next step would be a 12–18-month feasibility study process.
Some highlights from the presentation are below, though we encourage families to tune in to the School Committee meeting in June, when the presentation will be shared again, and/or watch the meeting recording once it becomes available.
Based on current enrollment projections, a consolidated school would need to accommodate more than 600 students, making it larger than two of Newton’s four middle schools.
The Underwood site is not large enough to support a building of that size.
While the Ward site could physically accommodate a larger school building, the surrounding neighborhood streets are narrow and would create significant traffic and logistical challenges.
At this point, it appears likely that the Ward and Underwood building projects would move forward together as part of a future override package alongside other city building projects. While both projects could potentially happen simultaneously, the current expectation is that Ward would be renovated first, followed by Underwood.
Please know that a school building project of this scale takes many years, and there will be significant opportunities for community input and engagement throughout the process.
Assuming the School Committee approves the recommendation to keep the schools separate, the feasibility study process would begin this summer, with another community meeting anticipated in early September.
We will continue to keep families informed as more information becomes available. In the meantime, this is very encouraging news for our Ward community.
Upcoming Events
Color Day is this Wednesday, June 3rd, from 8:30-12. There are still a few volunteer spots open, but we encourage you to come and join in the fun whether there are spaces available or not. Volunteers are assigned to and lead a station/activity that all the students have played and practiced in PEHW with Ms. Pargoli. This is an incredibly fun day - we hope to see you there. Please email Julia Maggiore at julia@wardpto.org with any questions.
The 5th Grade will host their last Pizza Sale of the year on Wednesday, June 3rd, after dismissal. The 5th Grade Committee appreciates all the support and enthusiasm for their last pizza sale and is ordering even more pizza this time, but it is first-come, first-served. As a reminder, all money raised will directly support end-of-year activities for the 5th-grade class, including graduation, an end-of-year party, and the 5th-grade class gift. See below for more information.
Join us in the gym for the Evening of the Arts on Thursday, June 4th, from 5:30- 7 PM. This event will showcase students in all grades and will include a slideshow of student art.
The Spring PTO Picnic is on Monday, June 8, from 5:30- 7 PM (Rain date: June 15). Please join us on the field for complimentary cheese pizza and field games by Knucklebones. Bring your picnic blanket, water bottle, and money for the ice cream truck. Please sign up here to pass out pizza and/or help with clean up. Many thanks to the wonderful Katie Megrian for organizing this wonderful event. We’ve invited incoming kindergarten families to join us, so if you see any new faces, please give them a warm welcome!
Thursday, June 25th, is our last day of school, with students dismissed at 12:10. Please join us at noon for a lemonade toast at the picnic tables by the front of the building. We would love to take a few minutes to gather as a group and say our thanks for all of your support this school year.
Fundraising Update
We are thrilled to share that we raised $51,417 this school year, exceeding our minimum fundraising goal of $40,000! We are truly blown away by the generosity and support of our Ward community. Thank you for showing up for our school all year long and helping make this such a successful year.
Beyond the fundraising itself, this achievement speaks volumes about the strength, spirit, and connection within our parent community. We are so proud of our little school and all that we continue to accomplish together.
Your support has enabled us to make several meaningful investments in our school this year, including:
Technology Upgrades: We are currently working with NPS to purchase three voice amplification systems, one document camera, and one projector. These new tools will greatly benefit both teachers and students next year, and we are so excited to help bring these resources to our classrooms. Thank you for making this possible!
A New Ward Sign - Ward is here to stay, and we are officially putting our mark in the ground — literally! A brand-new Ward School sign will be installed near the flagpole in the coming months. We look forward to sharing more details soon, including plans for a ribbon-cutting celebration at the beginning of the school year.
Thank you again for your incredible support, generosity, and enthusiasm for our school community. Ward truly is a special place.
School Supplies
Don’t forget to order your supplies! As of now, Ward families have ordered a total of 76 supply kits (as a reminder, 1 supply kit = the supplies for 1 student).
Rising K: 42%
Rising 1st: 38%
Rising 2nd: 55%
Rising 3rd: 36%
Rising 4th: 22%
Rising 5th: 49%
Just click the link, select your child’s grade for the fall, and ensure teachers receive high-quality, name-brand supplies, organized and ready before the school year begins. We’re hopeful this new process will be a true win-win for both families and teachers! Order by July 1 . Supplies arrive and are classroom-ready in mid-August.
As always, please reach out to us at copresidents@wardpto.org with your ideas, questions, concerns, or suggestions on how we can help you. You can also subscribe to our PTO calendar here.
- Elizabeth Loehr + Elizabeth Weinberg, Ward PTO Co-Presidents 2024-27
Upcoming CAS Events (Your PTO donations are going to work!)
June 2 - Rob Buyea, author visit (Grade 5)
June 11 - Techsploration (Grade 3)
June 17 - All-school assembly featuring violinist Adrian Anantawan
As a reminder, Creative Arts and Sciences (CAS) is our biggest PTO spend item and accounts for about 1/3 of our budget. Through CAS and your donations, we’re able to bring up to 3 programs to each grade level each year. Think of these programs as enriching in-school field trips that are tied to the curriculum. Huge thank-you to our Ward families for all your support, and to our CAS volunteers (Anita He, Ceri Evans, Chloe Comins, Jessica Harkiewicz, and Jaclyn Rubin) for coordinating and planning these events.
Click here for a comprehensive look at volunteer opportunities for the 2026–2027 school year. Here are just a few highlights:
Teacher Appreciation Committee – Coordinate bi-monthly staff appreciation efforts (such as restocks and/or breakfasts) and help organize Teacher Appreciation Week in partnership with the PTO board.
Fall Spooktacular - Help plan and organize one of Ward’s favorite community events! Committee members coordinate activities and stations for this free October event, creating a fun and festive experience for families before additional day-of volunteers are recruited.
Ward Auction Committee - We’re looking for an additional volunteer to help organize and upload items to our online platform—and we’d love your ideas and creativity to help make this fundraiser a success! The process is very straightforward, and it’s a great way to support the PTO while working closely with the board.
PTO Treasurer - This board position manages PTO funds, tracks expenses, and helps ensure transparent financial reporting. We’re planning ahead and looking for a treasurer for Fall 2027–Spring 2029, with training beginning in Spring 2027.
Ward Garden Committee: Do you enjoy gardening, getting your hands dirty, or having an excuse to get outside? If so, this is the committee for you! The Garden Committee is looking for new members to help, and no experience is necessary. Some responsibilities include garden maintenance and helping with the Spring Planting days (where each grade gets to plant something in the garden!) Please reach out to the Garden Chair, Sara O’Connor, here to learn more!
Ward Library Volunteers - Our wonderful librarians are looking for help shelving books in the library every Monday and Thursday from 10-10:30 AM. Please sign up here! Thank you to the many volunteers who have already signed up!
Your Child's Best Reading Summer Starts Here
60-Minute Workshop for Parents
SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 3 PM, LIVE ON ZOOM
Walk Into September With a Reader Who's Ready.
Summer doesn't have to undo everything your child's teacher built this year. One afternoon. Three routines. A plan that actually works. Register using the button below to sign up for this free workshop!
Newton Community Education (NCE) at Ward School — School Year 2026-2027
We are happy to announce that an Early Bird 10% discount for parents who enroll in a club for the whole year is now applied automatically at checkout.
Session Dates:
Fall: 9/14 -12/18
Winter: 1/11 - 3/26
Spring: 3/29 -6/11
No classes held on holidays and early release days (9/29, 10/27, 12/3, 2/4, 3/18) and 5/6/27 (make-up day). NCE plans to run all clubs for the entire 26-27 school year. You can now enroll your child for the whole year (all 3 sessions: Fall/Winter/Spring):
To ensure the club runs successfully throughout the year, we need an upfront commitment from the families. The minimum number of enrolled families depends on the club (see below)
You can also sign up for the individual sessions (depending on space availability)
STEAM Clubs with CinemaKidz will be offered for the whole year, with 3 different options:
Adventures in Animation (Fall session)
Creative Filmmaking (Winter session)
Pokémon Movie Adventures (Spring session)
For more information about CinemaKidz, please visit their website and watch the YouTube video:
Destination Imagination will be offered for the whole school year (no individual sessions). More info about Destination Imagination can be found on their website:
A Zoom info session for interested parents will be held in early May
Tuition is $1860. Payment plan
Beginner Chess Club with Santiago will run: Fall session: 9/17- 12/11; Winter session: 1/28 - 3/25; Spring session: 4/2 - 6/11
Dungeons and Dragons will run the whole year with five, 5-week sessions. Tuition for each session is $300.
Session 1 - 9/17-10/15
Session 2 - 10/29-12/10
Session 3 - 1/14 - 2/25
Session 4 - 3/11 - 4/15
Session 5 - 4/29 - 6/3
Questions? Email Monika with any questions.
NCE Summer Camps and Swim Lessons
2026 summer camps are now live, with offerings such as 3D Printing, Glass Art, Creative Filmmaking, Wide World of Storytelling, Art Adventures, Swim Lessons, and so much more! Families can view full camp listings and register through the new NCE Registration Portal. Scholarships are available through NCE’s Financial Assistance program
Click here to learn more and register!
Celebrating 100 Years of Ward — 1928 to 2028
In 2028, our school will mark an incredible milestone: 100 years of learning, growth, and community. As we prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime celebration, we’re inviting you to play a special part.
Our centennial events will bring together students, alumni, families, and the community. To make it unforgettable, we’re building a dedicated team of volunteers and school alumni to support planning and day-of activities.
Be part of a historic milestone
Connect with other parents and staff
Help create meaningful memories for students
Show your pride in our school community
We Need Our Community. Join Us in Honoring the Legacy by filling out this form to let us know if you are interested in attending or participating in the Ward School's 100th Celebration, which will take place in Spring 2028.
We're currently only collecting contact information; the celebration committee will get in touch as we get closer to the event.
Upcoming Event Highlights
Summer Art Camp in Newton!
ActiveMinds Tutoring
The School Year’s Almost Over. Your Growth Isn’t.
Over 15 years providing tutoring for all academic subjects, study skills, and standardized test prep (SAT/ACT, ISEE, SSAT). Contact ActiveMinds to learn more about our personalized plans with experienced tutors. 617.227.2225 | learnmore@activemindstutoring.com | http://www.activemindstutoring.com/
Bright Pearl Academy
Join the Bright Pearl Academy family! This enrichment after-school programs and summer camps offer the perfect balance of academic excellence and creative expression for your child, providing an all-in-one home for families that features immersive Mandarin language, Singapore Math, and professional dance training in both ballet and Chinese dance. In our vibrant, year-round environment, we focus on building your child's confidence and love for learning, even offering carpool and transportation assistance to help support your busy schedule. Secure your spot today by visiting us at 61 Chestnut St, West Newton, MA 02465 or online at www.brightpearlacademy.com.
Please reach out to us by emailing copresidents@wardpto.org