K-2 News
Anmari Kicza, Alyssa Marzot & Marie Robinson
|
K-2 was able to participate in several whole school events this week, a reminder of what makes Newton so special. On Wednesday, we went over to Barrett Hall to see a slideshow presentation about the process of creating the mosaic panels with Miss Lizz. Then we had the big reveal of the panels hung in the entryway, and we celebrated by having pumpkin gingerbread and hot chocolate, made by Gret!
On Thursday, we had our whole school sing along in Wolf Den. We think the song “Reindeer Pokey” was a favorite.
On Friday, we had our literacy event where students from all grades participated in a read-aloud and an activity. We hope you all have a safe and happy holiday!
|
|
|
|
3/4 News
Denise Coté & Lauren Lacasse
|
We had a busy, fun, exciting, hectic and quick week! The highlight was the gift exchange! What a talented group of students we have - it was so wonderful to see the thought and time that went into the gifts and the enjoyment all students had in giving, receiving and seeing everyone’s gifts. It was truly heartwarming.
We enjoyed Literacy activities, whole school holiday sing and cluster craft time this week! We also enjoyed the unveiling of the murals students worked so hard! If you have not had a chance to see them yourself yet - please do so soon, they are spectacular!
We wish you all a happy, healthy and joyful holiday season and look forward to seeing you all in the New Year! Thank you for sharing the gift of your children with us.
|
|
|
|
5/6 News
Jasmine Tremblay & Eric Walker
|
Our students are finishing a unit in science and are constructing an essay regarding which behavior norms are best when participating in a productive group.
In makerspace, students are designing websites for other makers. Their sites teach other students how to make a project that solves a problem and includes a reflection on how they would change it next time. Students have created videos using iMovie and the greenscreen, maker notebooks, bookmarks and a website. They are also creating a picture frame to give away as part of a kindness challenge this month.
|
|
|
|
Library & Technology News
Simone Pyle
Some grown-ups of 2nd and 3rd graders may have received an invitation to view a Scratch Jr. project created by their student. In a belated celebration of Computer Science Education Week, these classes created animated cards and emailed them! You do need to have the
Scratch Jr. app on your tablet to open them; the app is free, and the Scratch program comes out of the MIT Media Lab. (Unfortunately, I had assumed that folks would be able to open the cards on a phone as well as a tablet, but that doesn't appear to be the case--at least, not on my Android phone.)
Kindergarteners and first graders completed their "books without words", and should be taking them home this week. They did a fantastic job! As always, you can see more student work by following the library on
Intstagram.
Happy holidays, everyone!
|
|
|
Music News
Julia Waswo
THIS MONTH IN MUSIC…November & December!
All grades have been learning and practicing holiday music for our 1st annual Newton School Holiday Sing-Along!
In addition…
K: Singing and dancing to songs about snow and winter fun.
1/2: Learning about Classical and Jazz music.
3: Learning how to play the Recorder.
4/5/6: Sight-reading and creating arrangements of rhythm patterns.
|
|
|
Lunch Room News
Gret Hewes
From our kitchen to yours...have the happiest and most delicious of holidays!
We will see you in 2020!
|
|
|
Nurse's News
Kerri Rainville
With all the infections going around- stomach bugs, colds, and skin infections- I am passing on a friendly reminder of the following practices:
- WASH HANDS often! This cannot be overstated, and is the primary manner in which we prevent the spread of infection.
- CLEAN all surfaces, commonly touched by hands, with a Lysol or bleach solution (bleach to water ratio of 1:9) often.
- Keep chapped skin and lips MOISTURIZED. Keep them from cracking or opening/bleeding by moisturizing and using lip moisturizer.
- DRINK lots of water - 8 cups per day on average, helps keep the body able to fight off illness on so many levels!
- Be sure to get exercise - enough cardiovascular to produce a SWEAT! This keeps the guard up for the body's immune system and can keep out the microorganisms that cause illness- also in so many ways too numerous to write here.
- EAT LESS PROCESSED FOODS (white flour, pastries, pasta, the like): these foods cause the body to produce phlegm, which creates a perfect environment for bacteria or viruses to take up residence and colonize.
These basic and simple things we so often neglect to do are what often can keep bacteria and viruses from entering our bodies. Stay Healthy!
Have a wonderful holiday break!
|
|
|
Athletic News
Laura DeCapua
|
Basketball Updates
Newton basketball teams took on Rochester at the beginning of the week in their season opener. Both teams looked strong and ready to compete! What an excellent start to the season.
Regular practice continues for the 3/4 team on
Monday, January 6, after school from 3:15-4:45. Over the Holiday break there are
optional practices for the 5/6 team as follows:
December 23, 27, 31, all from 3:30-5 p.m. School resumes on
January 2, with practice from 3:00-4:45 for the 5/6 team.
As always, please always have your players arrive one half hour before game time. Thanks again to our dedicated and supportive coaches!
|
|
|
PTA News
Christine Bailey-Kellogg
|
Artist in Residence - Mosaic Panels are Up!
The mosaic panels created by Lizz Van Saun and the K-8 students (and volunteers, including parents, teachers, and staff) have been installed in the entryway at Newton. If you weren't able to attend the celebration and unveiling this week, do stop by the school to see the finished panels. Thanks to everyone who helped make this wonderful experience happen. We couldn't offer the annual Artist-in-Residence without your financial and volunteer support.
Mark Your Calendars - Details to Come
- Town Meeting is Tuesday, March 3rd
- Winter Carnival will be March 6th and 7th
Next PTA Meeting
Tuesday, January 7th at 6:00 p.m. at the Newton School Library
|
|
|
Montshire Museum of Science Winter Events
|
Travel to Europe This Spring
There is still time to sign up for our school sponsored trip on April 20-29, 2020 to Berlin, Prague, Krakow and Budapest. Enroll or find out more information at the
Educational Tours website. We would love to have you join the 30 participants (12 students and 18 adults) already enrolled for this exciting adventure to Europe! We encourage those interested to sign up
by December 31 to ensure a spot and avoid any possible price increases.
We are also still exploring a proposed school sponsored trip to England in February 2021, possibly including a few nights in homestays with English families. Stay tuned for more on that!
|
|
|
|
|
"If it's Hanukah or Kwanzaa
Solstice, harvest or December twenty-fifth
Peace on earth to everyone
And abundance to everyone you're with.”
― Blues Traveler
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
