If you want to do something special for your child’s teacher or other staff this year, consider the Newton Schools Foundation’s Honor Thy Teacher program, and make a gift which complies with the NPS gift policy.

Make a $25 donation (or any amount) to the foundation in the teacher’s name. Teachers, as well as their Principal and the Superintendent, will be notified of this honor, and their names will appear in a special notification in the Newton TAB.

Go to www.newtonschoolsfoundation.org to donate online and learn more about the programs that NSF funds. Donations are tax-deductible and go toward enhancing the quality of education throughout Newton’s schools. Questions? Call 617-559-6120 or email info@newtonschoolsfoundation.org.

As the year begins to wind down, many of you are looking for a way to honor and thank the exceptional teachers and staff who have motivated, educated and inspired your students to grow and achieve all year.

As a way to show your appreciation to them, consider participating in Newton Schools Foundations’ Honor Thy Teacher campaign. This special program enables you to honor teachers by giving a gift to the Foundation in the name of the teacher. You may also choose to honor a special education aide, a fine arts or music teacher, or a coach or counselor who has made a difference in your child’s life. A suggested donation is $25 per teacher/staff member.

When you make your donation and identify the teacher(s) or staff you wish to honor, NSF will then:

· Notify the honored teachers and staff of your gift;
· Share the honoree names with the Superintendent and Principals; and
· List each of those honored in the Newton TAB.

You can make your donation on-line at www.newtonschoolsfoundation.org. You can also mail it to Newton Schools Foundation, P.O. Box 590020, Newton Centre, MA 02459.

Please be sure to include the names of the teachers and/or staff that you are honoring. A flyer that includes a donation form was sent to the homes of elementary school students in their backpacks last month, and will be sent again before the end of the year. A flyer will also be mailed to the homes of middle school and high school students (letters to senior student households have already been mailed).

Newton Schools Foundation is a non-profit organization that raises funds to enhance the quality of education in Newton’s public schools. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

In early July, Newton North sophomore Gabe Kotsonis will be working with young children (many are AIDS orphans) at a school in Zambia. He’s collecting simple, easy-to-read hard cover books that teach colors, counting, the ABCs, etc. Books featuring animals and people of color are a plus. A few author suggestions: Margaret Wise Brown, Eric Carle, Jan Brett, P.D. Eastman and Bill Martin, but there are countless other authors who would fit the bill.

Gabe is also collecting manipulatives (toys) in good condition to bring to the children, including blocks, Legos, Lincoln Logs, matchbox cars and K’nex. Please contact Vicki,  vicki@ritterbandcommunications.com if you’d like to donate items and they’ll pick up donations at your home.