On Friday, December 22, 1:05-2:45pm, the 8th grade will hold their annual “Dancing With The Stars” performance in the gym. During the month of December, students learn ballroom dancing in their Physical Education classes, leading to this grand performance right before the December vacation. Parents (as well as students and staff) are invited to sit in the bleachers and spectate. To see your child in formal wear dancing the foxtrot is an event not to be missed!

There will be an informational meeting about ski and snowboard trips on Monday, 12/11, right after school for students (and any parents interested). The Ski and Snowboard Club will be running 3 trips this year, on Wednesdays: 1/10, 1/31 & 2/28.

For more information, please contact Mary Fitzgerald @ Mary_Fitzgerald@newton.k12.ma.us.

From Amy Behrens and the FORJ/RCI planning team

Dear Parents,

As part of our effort to create a welcoming and inclusive environment, the Newton Public Schools are focusing on helping teachers, students, and parents talk about racism and how to reduce bias. In order to facilitate this important work among parents, we have contracted with parent coach, diversity educator and NPS parent, Amy Behrens, to support parent groups working on community building and racial justice. She and her planning team of FORJ/RCI – Families Organizing for Racial Justice and awareness of Race, Culture and Identity – are supporting parent volunteers from all of the Newton public schools on a monthly basis. Parents can meet each other and form groups that facilitate the development of inclusive communities that promote racial justice. Our goal is to have an active team of interested parents at each school who meet on their own and participate in the monthly all-school meetings, which offer opportunities for further education, team planning time and networking. Parents are welcome to join at any time.

Our next meeting is on Wednesday, December 20^th 7:30-9pm at Mason-Rice Elementary School (149 Pleasant St.). Superintendent Fleishman, Newton METCO Director, Maricel Sheets, and teacher Jen Tomaneng will be sharing and answering questions about the “Courageous Conversations” program being rolled out over a 5-year period in our schools. Schools teams may also have time to meet.

Please RSVP here: https://goo.gl/forms/L5ltoDopdCw9U1jg1 or email amy@amybehrens.com to let Amy know you’d like to be on the email list for more information about FORJ project.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Amy Behrens and the FORJ/RCI planning team

From David Fleishman, NPS Superintendent

Dear NPS Families,

With winter weather in the forecast this weekend, I can no longer delay sending you our winter weather reminder.

The time at which the decision is made to close or delay school is dependent upon the weather forecast and our discussions with City officials. You will be notified as soon as the decision is made so that your family can plan accordingly. Notifications will be posted on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), district website, and TV/radio.

Safety is our number one priority as we consider the weather forecast, as well as street, sidewalk, and school parking lot conditions. We are very sensitive to the childcare challenges that you face when schools are closed and only do so if our analysis indicates we should. More detailed information on the evaluation process for determining school closings and delays can be found at: http://www.newton.k12.ma.us/weather.

Enjoy the winter weather and hopefully you won’t be hearing my voice too often in the coming months.

Sincerely,
David Fleishman
Superintendent

Big Night 2018: Saturday, March 24th – Bigelow-on-the-Charles at the Cambridge Boat Club.

This fundraising event is for adults in the Bigelow community to come together for a night of food, fun & cheer. There will be a DJ, a silent auction & more – all at the beautiful Cambridge Boat Club overlooking the Charles River.
Please contact Meredith Andrews @ meredithandrews13@gmail.com, if you would like to be involved in the organization of this fun event. The next meeting will be in January. We will be looking for silent auction donations. Be on the lookout for more information after the winter break. Thank you!

More about the Bigelow Big Night.

On Friday, December 22, 1:05-2:45pm, the 8th grade will hold their annual “Dancing With The Stars” performance in the gym. During the month of December, students learn ballroom dancing in their Physical Education classes, leading to this grand performance right before the December vacation. Parents (as well as students and staff) are invited to sit in the bleachers and spectate. To see your child in formal wear dancing the foxtrot is an event not to be missed!