ForWard 05.14.23
Upcoming Events
Thursday, May 18, 2023
Spring PTO Meeting
Tuesday, May 30, 2023
Spring Instrumental Concert
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Celebrating Ward Retirees
Thursday, June 1, 2023
Ward Night at the Red Sox
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
Spring Concert Luau
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Color Day
Monday, June 12, 2023
Spring Picnic
See all events on our Calendar
News
From the Co-Presidents
This week Ward showed appreciation for our amazing principal, nurse, teachers and staff. We hope they felt the gratitude we feel for their work with our children. We owe a HUGE thanks to our truly phenomenal Teacher Appreciation Committee, Melissa Prokop and Kathy Shields. Not only did Melissa and Kathy coordinate multiple meals and chair massages this week but they have supported MANY potluck breakfasts and catered lunches all year and we are so grateful for their leadership, initiative and thoughtfulness. Thank you also to all the families who contributed in many ways during the past week.
We look forward to seeing many of you at Thursday evening’s PTO meeting. While we realize this is a very busy time of year, we hope you can make the time for this important agenda regarding the future of Ward.
Have a great week,
Caitlin, Rashi & Susan
Ward Spring PTO Meeting
All parents and guardians are invited to our spring PTO meeting on Thursday, May 18th at 7:00pm in the Ward library. We will learn about the Underwood/Ward Working Group goals, process, and timeline. Families will have an opportunity to share input. Underwood will be hosting a PTO meeting with the same purpose. We hope to see you there!
When? Thursday, May 18, 2023, 07:00 PM
Where? John Ward Elementary School, Dolphin Road, Library
Family Celebration Honoring Ward Retirees
Please save the date and spread the word! The PTO is hosting an open house for families to celebrate and honor Cynthia Silverman and Maria Sullivan for their combined 38 years of service and dedication to the Ward School community.
When: Wednesday, May 31; 4:00pm-5:00pm
Where: Ward School Library
Color Day
Color Day is soon approaching! This is a much anticipated event by students and teachers, and we need family volunteers to make it a success. If you are able to volunteer the morning of Wednesday, June 7 (or on our possible rain date of June 14), please sign up here. You'll be given directions the morning of, and it really is just a lot of fun! Feel free to direct any questions you may have to Chelsie Garrett: chelsievance@gmail.com.
Community Notes & Announcements
Restore Kindergarten Aides
With recent budget cuts, this very critical position has been elimanted. How can you help?
• Please add your signature to this letter:
https://www.thepetitionsite.com/760/723/039/restore-kindergarten-aides-in-newton-public-schools/
Share this message with all your friends, preschool families, teachers and anyone who might be interested in signing.
• Contact your elected officials by writing emails/letters, attending office hours or if unavailable, inviting them to coffee/walk/conversations.
Email the Mayor at rfuller@newtonma.gov, she has the power to change this.
Email your city council and school committee representative https://www.newtonma.gov/government/city-clerk/city-council and https://www.newton.k12.ma.us/Page/688 (Email messages sent to schoolcommittee@newton.k12.ma.us will be received by the entire School Committee)
Email the Superintendent smithkath@newton.k12.ma.us
• Make a public comment at a school committee meeting.
Community DPW Day
The City of Newton Public Works Department is excited to host a Community DPW Day in celebration of National Public Works Week. We invite you to join us for an exciting event at the War Memorial at Newton City Hall on Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with a rain date of Sunday May 21st.
It is great day for families to enjoy games, prizes, music, a touch-a-truck event, food for purchase from a local restaurant, and learn about how Newton is “Connecting the World Through Public Works”
For more community notes: https://newtonptocouncil.org/category/community/
And please continue to follow the PTO on Instagram @wardelementary_pto