Message from the Principal

Dear Parents,

As part of our partnership with Wellesley College this fall to study the use of social media by middle school students, the researchers from Wellesley College have developed a survey for parents on this topic.  If you haven’t already done so, we encourage you participate in this survey.

Here is a link to the letter from them with more information about this parent survey.

The survey should take 20-30 minutes to complete, and all respondents are entered into a raffle for Amazon gift cards.  The link to the survey is here.

As mentioned in their attached letter, the researchers are interested in learning more about how parents manage their child’s use of social technology, such as smartphones, instagram, and online games, as well as your own use of these resources. Even if your child does not use social media yet, they would like to hear from you. Because they are seeking to understand how social media use is related to psychosocial and physical health, the survey also includes questions about your child’s behaviors, such as sleep, dating and sexuality, drug use, etc.  The survey asks for your child’s name so that they can link your responses with your child’s, but all information is kept confidential.

Thanks for your help with this important project–we are eager to learn more about how best to help young people manage this powerful phenomena!

Link to the survey: https://tinyurl.com/bigelowparent

Sincerely,

Todd

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