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Brown School News
PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
The remaining Parent/Teacher conference will be on Tuesday, December 18th, 1:40-3:40pm - early release at 1:30pm
VOLUNTEERS TO SEW COSTUMES FOR HONK NEEDED
We are looking for volunteers to help sew costumes for this year's school musical production of "Honk". Please contact Charlie Roye at Charlie_Roye@newton.k12.ma.us before January.
PLEASE CHECK LOST AND FOUND
Before the December recess, please remember to check the "lost and found" for misplaced items. We have lots of clothing in our "lost and found." There are jackets, jeans, sweatshirts, shirts, sweatpants, as well as, eyeglasses, notebooks and other school-related items. Lost and found items are placed on tables located near the gymnasium entrance.
From the PTO
APPLAUSE, APPLAUSE, APPLAUSE
We have been treated to two evenings of beautiful music, first from our choral groups the Melody Makers and Redwood Singers; then from the Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Band. Thank you to all the talented musicians under the direction of Carlton Doctor, Laurie Wadsworth, Caleb Cutler, and Ted Decola. Thank you also to Lisa Rucinski and Pia Bertelli for coordinating the post concert reception, with help from many other parents who donated goodies to eat.
MATH NIGHT, TUESDAY, JANUARY 8TH, 7:30 PM IN THE BROWN SCHOOL LIBRARY
Join Mary Eich, Newton's Math Curriculum Coordinator; Steven Rattendi, NSHS Mathematics Department Head; and Rebecca Fishbein and Kim Lysaght, Co-Chairs of Brown's Math Department, for an overview of our middle school math curriculum, a discussion on how to help your child with their math homework and information on the transition from middle school to 9th grade math. The discussion will be followed by a Q&A time for your ideas and concerns. This event is sponsored by the Brown PTO.
SAVE THOSE SHAW'S RECEIPTS
Thanks to all who have submitted their Shaws receipts. We have already earned $140 for Brown! Please remember to continue sending these in. We earn 1% of the total of your purchases and this really adds up quickly.
HONOR YOUR TEACHER LIBRARY FUND
As the holidays approach, many people look for a way to show their appreciation to teachers for their dedication to our children. It is against Newton school policy to give gifts to teachers. As an alternative, you may want to “Honor Your Teacher” with a donation to the Brown Middle School Library Book Fund. The funds will be used by the school librarian to purchase books. Honored faculty members will be notified of your contribution. This is a wonderful way to thank our dedicated teachers and to enrich our school’s library! We appreciate your generosity and so will your children with the addition of the many wonderful books we will add to our collection.
To donate to the Honor Your Teacher Library Fund please fill in the form below and return it to the school office. Mail to: Brown PTO, 125 Meadowbrook Road, Newton, MA 02459) with a check payable to Brown PTO.
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“HONOR YOUR TEACHER”
Your name: _______________________________________ Date: ________________
Your child’s name: _________________________________ Amount: _______________
I’d like to make a donation to the Library Book Fund to honor the following staff member(s):
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
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THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE ANNUAL MAGAZINE DRIVE
Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Brown Magazine Drive. You sold or bought magazines, CDs and books that produced over $16,500 in gross sales, which translates to $6,000 in funds for the school. This is less than last year’s total but in these economic times the PTO appreciates each and every sale. These funds will help to continue the many PTO supported school programs such as Creative Arts & Science, Teacher Grants and EEE. We will see additional earnings throughout the remainder of the school year as those who received the “Out-Of-Towner” postcards from students place their orders. Also remember magazine subscriptions make great last minute gifts. All year you can place orders online at www.qsp.com. Click on the SHOP NOW button and remember to use Brown’s ID# 425023954 for the school to earn 40% of your sales.
A major fundraiser like this can only be undertaken with the help of many people. Thank you to all the parents who helped: Susanne Chan-Wong, Leslie Crane, Lucia Dolan, Janet Ferreri, Diane Greer, Vicky Hotvedt, Mimi Karys, Maggie Mallory, Thekla Pears and Xiadong Zhao. A big thank you to Assistance Principals Ruthe L’Esperance, Mark Nardelli and Katrina Antonellis who as always helped make things run so smoothly at school throughout the drive and distributed the prizes during lunch on Friday. I greatly appreciate the support of Principal John Jordan, all the teachers and the office staff.
A special thank you to all the students who donated their prize points to the Gift Drive. The Community Explorers receive $80.00 to purchase books for the children at Brookveiw.
All the magazine orders were sent to the QSP order processing center. Depending upon the frequency, new subscriptions may take 8-10 weeks from the time the publisher receives the order for the first issue to arrive. Allow 6-8 weeks for other product selections and renewals. You can check on the status of your order by going to www.qsp.com then clicking on “confirm order”. Thanks again for supporting this fundraiser.
Regards and Happy Holidays!
Karen Spier
2ND PTO BOARD MEETING! MONDAY, JANUARY 14TH, 2008, 7:30PM, MIMI’S HOUSE
New spring idea: Book Fair/Movie Night. We will need some volunteers and ideas. This will be the topic of discussion along with updates from Ladies Night Out, Building Brown and Faculty Foul-Ups. Please join us for the second of four PTO Board Meetings. All are welcome to come by and share your opinions. Please come if you are a chair of a committee or officer. We are also looking for 6th, 7th and 8th grade members at large. RSVP brownpto@brownpto.org (Mimi’s house: 129 Hagen Rd., 02459, 617-964-2908)
SAVE THE DATE! BROWN LADIES’ NIGHT OUT 7 TO 10PM, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH, 2008
Otherwise known as Siete de Febrero - Important—Venue Change! KITCHEN VIEWS, 718 Beacon St., Newton Centre (next to Post Office)
Kitchen Views is a great space with a cheerful vibe (and some beautiful custom kitchens), perfect for mingling, sipping, and munching. The Committee is now mainly looking for help with food (though we could also use set-up and clean-up helpers). Specifically we need:
- 8 people to make 80 pieces of hors d’oeuvre-y finger food—something easy, perhaps something you’re famous for, which could be served at room temperature (bruschetta, sushi, quesadillas, etc.). Food volunteers would be reimbursed for expenses up to $25.
- 8 people to “showcase” the different hors d’oeuvres in one-hour shifts (4 kitchens x 2 hours = 8). This could be either the food makers themselves, or others.
- 4 people to make 80 of a finger-food dessert (cookies, toffee, tartlets, etc), which would be laid out in the main kitchen during the last hour.
If you can help, please contact Kathleen Hobson at 617-964-5848 or kathleen.hobson@comcast.net
RECYCLING REMINDERRecycle your old cell phones, ink jet cartridges, and laser jet cartridges. Every trashed laser cartridge adds 3 lbs of waste to landfills and takes up to 10 centuries to decompose. Turn your trash into cash for Brown. Drop your old phones and cartridges into the Envirosmart recycling box in Brown’s front lobby. Too many cartridges to carry? Contact Lucia at 617-332-1893 or luciadolan@rcn.com and we’ll give you a FedEx pick-up ready Envirosmart recycling box of your own.
Please feel free to contact us with ideas, questions, anything!
Sincerely,
Mimi Karys (617-964-2908) and Lucia Dolan (617-332-1893), brownpto@brownpto.org
PTO Co-Presidents
From the Newton Public Schools
NEWTON SOUTH STAGE PRESENTS A SOUTH STAGE CABARET
Directed by Judi Pava, musical direction by Jane Raithel. Dec. 15th, 16th & 17th at 7:30pm. Newton South High School. Tickets: $8. Reserve tickets at www.southstage.org or 617-559-6594.
NEWTON COMMUNITY ED CLASSES FOR MIDDLE SCHOOLERS
Registration is now underway for Winter classes through Newton Community Education. Coming up for middle schoolers we have Fencing at Bigelow on Mondays, Chess at Day on Tuesdays, Sewing and Yoga at North on Tuesdays, Create a TV Show at NewTV on Fridays, and Babysitting at North on Saturdays and during both February and April vacations. And if there's a high schooler in your family, we now offer Fencing for high school kids. Call our office at 617-559-6999 for more information or to register, or visit our website at www.newtoncommunityed.org.
NEWTON COMMUNITY EDUCATION FLIES SOUTH
Due to the strain on the Newton North neighborhood occasioned by evening parking and the absence of parking lots, Newton Community Education will be moving most of its evening classes for adults to Newton South at 140 Brandeis Road, beginning January 14th, 2008. The newest catalog, now available by calling 617-599-6999 or online at www.newtoncommunityed.org. The abundance of parking, newer and well-equipped classrooms, and better handicap access should make this a very positive change for students.
STRATEGIC PLANNING TEAM UPDATE
The Strategic Planning Team (SPT) had an extremely productive meeting on November 28th. The members spent a great deal of time working in small groups, which allowed for a thorough and thoughtful exchange of ideas. First, the SPT reviewed a draft of the teacher and parent survey results, which are now available on the NPS web site. Next, the SPT did a substantial review and analysis of the proposed Core Values statement. A new draft is being prepared for a second review. The SPT also began a discussion about the Core Purpose statement, which is defined as the “most fundamental reason an organization or system has for being.” The last discussion topic was the visioning sessions held in recent weeks. The last three topics (core values, core purpose, and visioning sessions) are being further refined in small sub-groups to be presented for discussion by the SPT as the group prepares to define strategic areas of focus. Working groups will be constituted to delve deeply into these strategic areas.
UPCOMING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETINGS
- January 14th, 7:30pm, Superintendent's Presentation of the FY09 Override Budget at Day Middle School
- January 24th 7pm Public Hearing on Override Budget at Day Middle School.
Please check http://www.newton.k12.ma.us/schoolcommittee/ for detailed information on these meetings.
Community News
NEWTON YOUTH LACROSSE BOYS PROGRAM WINTER “OPEN HOUSE” AND CLINIC
Sunday, December 16th 2-4pm at Newton North High School - “SOA”. Please join us for our kick-off event for the Winter and Spring seasons. This indoor event is for “new” players and returning players at all age levels (1st through 8th grades). There will be a fun and informal skills clinic tailored to the age and experience of the kids. Please bring equipment, including helmet, stick, gloves and sneakers. Learn about the program and about the winter program in particular, and get information about Spring registration and schedules. For more info go to: www.newtonlacrosse.com.
SUPPORT NEWTON FAMILIES IN NEED
Donations of NEW unwrapped toys for children ages newborn to 12 are greatly needed for some Newton families. The City of Newton is teaming with the Village Bank to bring Christmas gifts to families in need in Newton. By donating a gift, you are helping bring joy to a child in Newton. There are over 170 families in Newton - single mothers, families in financial crisis or facing hard times - who need our help. Please drop an unwrapped gift: a book, toy, CD or gift card from in the big gift box in the lobby of anyone of these Village Bank locations:
Auburndale: 307 Auburn St Newtonville: 332 Walnut St Nonantum: 411 Watertown St
Newton Highlands: 56 Winchester St Waban: 89 Wyman St.
Donations should be made by Dec. 17th so we have time to give the gifts to these families for Christmas. If you have a question, contact the Department of Health & Human Services at 617-796-1284
BOSTON COLLEGE GIRLS SOCCER CLINIC OVER WINTER BREAK
December 26th-28th, noon to 5pm. Girls age 6-14. BC Main Campus – Bubble Covered Stadium. $175. Open to the first 100 applicants. BC coaches and players provide instruction. Info and to register:
http://bceagles.cstv.com/camps/bc-w-soccer-camps.html
FAMILY MOVIE NIGHTS AT THE WEST NEWTON CINEMA
See a movie and get popcorn and soda all for one low price: $6. Tickets go on sale at 4:15pm for shows at 6:15pm or 6:30pm December 26th and 27th. Program in conjunction with Newton Parks and Rec. West Newton Cinema, 1296 Washington Street, West Newton. 617-964-8074 or www.westnewtoncinema.com
HOLIDAY HOOPS FOR DECEMBER VACATION AT THE JCC
Newton JCC December 26th - 28th from 9am-2pm for boys and girls 7-15. For more information please contact Brendan Smith at Coachb@asahoops.com or 617-909-5990
VACATION BASKETBALL CLINIC
December 26th, 27th & 28th 9-noon at Lincoln Elliot School, Pearl Street. Age 7-15 Co-ed; $100; Limited to 40 kids; taught by professional coaches. For more Info call 617-796-1500 or www.ci.newton.ma.us/parks. Brought to you by Parks and Rec and N.E. Camps.
ALL SPORTS CLINIC AT PELLIGRINI PARK
December 26th, 27th & 28th 9am-2pm. Age 6-14 Co-ed; $110 for full three days; $40 for 9-noon each day; additional $10 non-resident fee. Basketball, floor Hockey, Soccer, Vortexball, Flag Football and more. Register at www.activityreg.com, go to Massachusetts/Newton and the Program button on the Newton Page, and select the vacation program from the dropdown menu at top. Or send payment to: Newton parks and Recreation, 70 Crescent Street, Newton, Ma 02466. Make checks payable to “City of Newton”. First paid first served.
THE FROG PRINCE FOR CHILDREN
Performed by The Finger-Paint Players Theatre Ink’s traveling story improvisational troupe will be performing The Frog Prince on Tuesday, December 18th at 4:30pm at Newton North High School (The Little Theatre). Free Admission. For more information, contact Adam Brown at Adam_Brown@Newton.k12.ma.us, or 617-559-6306
CITY HALL OPEN HOUSE
Sunday December 30th 1:30-3:30pm. Story teller, Puppets, Dancers, Singing, Refreshments, Face Painting. Performances repeat every 45 minutes. Brought to you by the Newton Pride Committee.
BLACK AND WHITE NEW YEAR'S EVE BALL AT THE WINDSOR CLUB IN WABAN
The Waban Improvement Society is sponsoring a Black and White New Year's Eve Ball. The event includes a full sit down dinner from Waban's Kouzinas, wine and champagne, live music and dancing entertainment. Seating is limited, so talk to your friends and neighbors, and purchase your tickets now! Event will be on December 31st at 7:30pm at the Windsor Club, 1601 Beacon St. Cost is $120.00 per person for Waban Improvement Society Members, $135.00 per person for non-members. Purchase tickets on-line at http://www.wabanimprovement.org. For questions, contact Theresa Fitzpatrick at tabilel@yahoo.com
“TAKING CARE OF YOU” CLASSES FOR STUDENTS IN 5TH THROUGH 8TH GRADE
This course is offered through the Newton Community Service Center (NCSC). The 12-week course taught by an EMT and Registered Dietician from Century Health Systems, teaches students essential self-care skills in the areas of safety and nutrition. Topics to be covered include CPR, First Aid Training, Home Alone Safety, Nutrition, and Babysitter Lessons with Safety Training. Classes meet once a week, beginning Thursday Jan. 10th, 2008 from 3:30-5pm, and run through April 3rd. (No classes during Feb. vacation). For information or to register, please call Jennifer Capello McAuliffe at 617-969-5906, ext. 224 or visit www.ncscweb.org and click on Recreational Programs.
EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN: UNDERSTANDING AND TREATING AUTISTIC DISORDERS
This popular class on Autism is being offered again this winter. There is a sequence of two sessions, Jan. 15th & 22nd. Open to the public, but preregistration is required. $49 per person or $86 per couple for the two sessions. To register, go to www.newtoncommunityed.org and register for class: Y1423 or call 617-559-6999.
NEWTON GIRLS SOFTBALL SPRING SEASON REGISTRATION
Think Spring! Think Softball! Newton Girls Softball has begun online registration for the Spring season. The program is open to all girls in grades 1-8. Players of all skill levels will have a rewarding experience. Visit our website www.newtongirlssoftball.org for details about the Spring season and our ongoing Winter indoor clinics. Register before January 31st, 2008 to avoid a late fee.
NEWTON GIRLS SOCCER SPRING 2008 REGISTRATION IS UNDERWAY
Registration for is currently underway for Newton girls currently in grades K-9. Games are played on Saturdays, starting April 5th and continue until June 7th. For grades 2-9, in addition to the games on Saturdays, there is also generally one practice per week. The NGS IM Program offers recreational soccer in an environment where girls learn soccer skills, have fun and are part of a team. To register, please visit our website at www.newtongirlssoccer.org. Scholarships are available based on need.
REGISTRATION IS STILL OPEN FOR CROSS COUNTRY SKIERS, AGE 7-13
This is the largest of over 100 clubs around New England that make up the Bill Koch Youth Ski League. There are both racing and non-racing components. Dry land—off snow—practices are underway. Twice-weekly on-snow practices run from December through the end of February and will focus on small-group instruction and games. The on-snow practices take place at the Weston Ski Track near the intersection of 128 and the Mass Pike. Info at www.easternmassnordic.org or contact Bonnie McEwen at abhg_mcewen@earthlink.net
INTRODUCTION TO HOCKEY
Join Newton Youth Hockey Intramural Program where kids learn the basic hockey skills that they can put to use in half and cross-ice games. Sessions are Saturday mornings for skills, and Sunday afternoons for games. Check www.newtonyouthhockey.com or questions email intramuralVP@NewtonYouthHockey.com
NEWTON ON THE MOVE
The Newton Schools Foundation and the 21 Newton Schools are planning a bike-a-thon for Sunday, October 5th, 2008. Their goal is to raise money for the foundation and individual schools. Teams of parents/students/friends/supporters will gather pledges (to be split 50/50) and will bike a route around Newton that touches each school site and ends at City Hall for prizes, refreshments, etc. Supporters/volunteers are needed to help this wonderful event in many ways. Although the event is almost a year away, it takes a lot of good planning for it to be successful and safe. A team of volunteers will meet once a month to plan the logistics/finances/safety/rules/publicity and more. It would be wonderful to have representation from each of the 21 schools. If you, or any biking enthusiasts in your school/neighborhood, would be interested, please contact Jennifer Huntington at 617-965-5063 or granx4@gmail.com.
SUMMER SPANISH CAMP IN COSTA RICA FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS
Edu-Culture International is an educational non-profit with an outstanding reputation for quality summer language programs. Our Natural Wonders program is tailored for ages 13-15 and located in the beautiful town of Grecia, Costa Rica. Students live in campus dormitories, take Spanish classes, zip through rain forests and volcanoes, and travel with teacher chaperones and a local guide. For more info, please contact Daniella@educulture.org or call 857-233-5773. Please check our website http://www.educulture.org/programs/costa-rica/index.html for pictures and program information, including our $3,000 scholarship essay contest due February 1st.
CUSHING ACADEMY'S SUMMER SESSION
Give your child a competitive edge with intensive academics, a world-class visual arts program, dynamic athletics, and entertaining special events, from July 5TH through August 8TH, at Cushing Academy's Summer Session. www.cushing.org
Classifed
TEENAGERS WANTED TO WORK ON NEW YEAR'S EVE
The Waban Improvement Society would like to hire a few teenagers to work at the Black and White Ball on New Year's Eve at the Windsor Club. We are looking for a few good teens to help with coat-check, set-up, and clean-up. If your teenage is interested, please have them send an email to wabanmoms@yahoo.com, with the following information: Name, Phone Number, Parent's name and number, Hours you can work (i.e. 6:30pm - 8:30pm, or 11pm – 1am)
PIANO INSTRUCTION
Berklee & New England Conservatory graduate with 25+ years teaching experience has several openings. Beginners Welcome. Learn Jazz/Blues/Classical, theory, sight-reading from a patient, caring teacher. Call Gloria Jasinski at 617-566-9704 or email piano566@comcast.net
NEWTON CERTIFIED TEACHER HAS OPENINGS FOR 1-1 TUTORING
Newton Certified teacher K-12 has openings for children needing reading and writing support in Wilson, Orton Gillingham, VV, and other methods. Experience with Aspergers and other spectrum disorders. This is one on one tutoring in Brookline.
Please call Debra Stewart, M.Ed.:SP.Ed at 617-731-0941.
CALL Y3K TUTOR IN YOUR HOME
When schoolwork goes the wrong way! Our many years of experience in teaching and educational consulting has developed the right way to motivate, the right way to teach, be understood, and be remembered. We tutor special ed. such as ADD, ADHD, Asperger’s, Autism, Emotional/Behavioral, and gifted. We also tutor regular ed. and test preparation. All subjects and ages are taught. Parents can now receive 25% off the first lesson. Call 781-492-8700 or www.Y3KTutorInYourHome.com
FREE GUINEA PIG JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Are you looking for a cute furry pet that you don’t have to take out for a walk? Our guinea pig is looking for a new home. He squeals with delight when you open the produce bin of your fridge. He’ll make good use of all your veggie scraps. Free to a good home. Cage and all the other necessities supplied. Call Laurie, 617-332-0081.
DONNA STANGER PHOTOGRAPHY
Are you preparing for a Bat or Bar Mitzvah or perhaps know a family that is? Do you wish for beautiful family portraiture taken at a studio or at your home? How about current holiday photographs of your family? Do you need a current photo on your website? Call for an appointment today. Conveniently located in Newton. Fine portraiture from Donna Stanger Photography, 617-304-1819 or www.donnastangerphotography.com
SINGLE FAMILY HOUSE FOR RENT IN NEWTON CENTER
In a quiet, tree lined neighborhood with a flat play yard. The home has 3 bedrooms plus an upstairs den/office or nursery, 1.5 bath rooms, beautiful fireplace, living and dining rooms, hardwood floors and crown moldings throughout. 1 car garage. Located in Mason-Rice Elementary and Brown Middle School Districts. In walking distance to houses of worship, the T green line, and Newton Center shops and restaurants. Monthly rent $2,900 plus utilities. Extended lease possible. Contact owner 443-831-5633.Brown PTO Newsletter
The newsletter will publish, at the sole discretion of the PTO, articles and other information of interest to the Brown Middle School Community.SUBMISSIONS: by email to editor@brownpto.org,by US mail to Brown Middle School PTO, Newsletter Editor, 125 Meadowbrook Road, Newton, MA 02459, or by drop off in the Brown Office Mailroom. Deadline Saturday evenings.
Important Email Addresses
PTO President - brownpto@brownpto.org
Newsletter Editor - editor@brownpto.org
Webmaster - webmaster@brownpto.org