Hello Peirce Caregivers,

Yesterday I had the opportunity to participate in the 36th annual METCO Directors Conference. Amanda Anderson (3rd Grade teacher), Mike Smalley (Math Coach), and Melissa Wong (METCO Counselor) were additional Peirce staff who attended along with numerous others representing Newton Public Schools. I am honored to be a part of a school district that is deeply invested in providing learning and growth for ALL children. “METCO creates environments where students, parents and teachers of different backgrounds can appreciate diversity, find common ground through shared experiences, build lifelong friendships between diverse students, and strive toward the mutual goal of preparing young people to become global citizens.” (https://metcoinc.org/)

Strengthening my learning with colleagues from Peirce, Newton, and other districts makes for a meaningful start to Inclusive Schools Week. The keynote speaker from yesterday's conference was John King --Former U.S. Secretary of Education-- who reminded us that, "Diversity, equity, and inclusion is not somebody's job; it's everybody's job." Please read below to find out more about Peirce's plan for Inclusive Schools Week, designed by invested parents with PTO, FORJ, and SEPAC. Also, I hope staff, students, and families alike can take the time this week to reflect on the roles we all play to ensure that Peirce continues to grow in our ability to successfully educate all children.

Warmly,

Andrea

In this season of giving, caregivers are reminded to adhere the gift policy for all Newton Public Schools staff. NPS allows a group gift to an individual staff member only if:

• The gift is identified as being from the entire class.
• The identity of the givers and the individual amounts are not disclosed to the recipient.
• The gift does not exceed $150 per school year.

Individual gifts of appreciation in the form of sentimental tokens are allowed. Individual gifts of commercial value are not permitted. NPS allows and encourages giving to charitable organizations such as the PTO or the Newton Schools Foundation Honor Thy Teacher Program, which honors staff while supporting our schools. For any questions about this policy and our procedures, please see the Equity Policy for information on classroom gifts or donations.

Please see this evite for more details.

If you are planning to have your child apply to private school this year, please contact Trisha Carey as soon as possible so that we can be sure to have records and other required information submitted on time. Similarly, teachers will need advance notice to adhere to deadlines for school recommendations.

Help make the holiday season enjoyable for everyone! This holiday season, the Peirce Community Impact committee is supporting the Toy Drive being held by the New Art Center of Newton and The Village Bank to collect new or unused toys, books, games, and gift cards for over 200 families in the local area. Your gift will benefit children ages newborn to 10 in our community this holiday season. Drop off a new, unwrapped toy or a gift card at Peirce from Wednesday, December 7th to Friday, December 9th. Collection bins will be located at the front and back doors during morning drop-off.

Next week is Inclusive Schools Week (December 5-9th), which celebrates the progress that schools have made in providing a supportive educational environment to an increasingly diverse student population. Be on the lookout for a star for your child to add to our 'Together We Shine' Art Installation at Peirce. This is a great opportunity to talk to your kiddo(s) about what makes them....them. What are they great at? What challenges them? How do the things that make us unique add to our amazing world? How can we value everyone for their uniqueness?

(Please return stars to the school office by Monday, December 5th.)

One of the Peirce Extended Day Program’s (“PEDP”) biggest annual events is coming soon! The PEDP Craft Fair is a fun opportunity for the children to learn about community service and also buy gifts for family and friends. Each year, the proceeds from the fair are donated to a charity. This year’s charity is Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, which is focused on saving the Earth’s coral reefs. The Craft Fair is open to everyone and will be held for two days, Wednesday December 7th and Thursday December 8th from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m.

December 6- Author Visit, 3rd Grade

December 8- Special Early Release Day, Dismissal at 12:10

December 7-8- PEDP Craft Fair

December 16- SEPAC Coffee

December 24-January 2- Winter Vacation

MCAS:

English Language Arts

Grade 5: 3/27 and 3/28

Grade 4: 3/30 and 3/31

Grade 3: 4/3 and 4/4

Math

Grade 5: 5/1 and 5/2

Grade 4: 5/4 and 5/5

Grade 3: 5/8 and 5/9

Science

Grade 5: 5/15 and 5/16

Peirce Elementary School

170 Temple Street

Newton, MA 02465

(617) 559-9630