October 12, 2022

Newton Public Schools' Creative Arts & Sciences welcomes Boston-based Ball in the House to all K-8 students as part of the annual CAS Concert Series. This 5 member a cappella group has shared the stage with Gladys Knight, The Beach Boys, Patti Labelle, and the Jonas Brothers. Through contemporary and classic cover songs and original works, students will discover how “a cappella” works; how various voice parts fit together; how to beatbox and use rhythm. From chant through doo wop, students are introduced to songwriting and collaboration.

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission Program that helps connect families and households struggling to afford internet service. Benefits for eligible households include:

• A discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.

• A one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.

Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) using an online or mail in application.

Learn more about the benefit by visiting www.fcc.gov/ACP, or by calling 877-384-2575.

Here are a few reminders about the meals programs this year:

1. First "reimbursable" meals are free for all students. A “reimbursable lunch” has a minimum of three of five of the required meal components. Second meals and a la carte items are fee-based and must be paid for with cash or with MySchool Bucks.

• Milk is free if part of a reimbursable lunch. However, if a student brings their lunch from home but would like milk, there is a charge. The price of a single milk is $.40.

• The student charge for second meals is $5.25 for elementary students and $5.50 for middle and high school students. If a student purchases just an entree, the cost is $3.50.

• Meals and drinks can be purchased using cash or with funds on a student’s MySchoolBucks account.

The Department of Children and Families is seeking to keep Newton children in their schools and communities. We want to ensure that when DCF assumes care and custody of a child, that child is able to remain in their school, with their friends and the adults that support them. In order to accomplish this, DCF is looking for Newton parents who would consider becoming a short-term caregiver for a student in need at their child’s school.

Please complete this brief survey if you are interested in participating or learning more.

Please mark your calendars to attend Newton's Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) annual Basic Rights Workshop on Tuesday, October 18th from 7-9pm, facilitated by the Federation for Children with Special Needs. The session will be virtual and will not be recorded, so we hope you can make it live! Questions will be welcome on general topics not specific to individual cases.

Registration Link: https://fcsn-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIpcuitrT0uGdcFX2NZf-S60lsrlEWEn3Ag

On Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at 7:00 p.m., the Newton middle school PTOs and the Newton Public Schools will host a virtual forum with Dr. Catherine Pearlman, author of First Phone. The forum is designed to help families navigate some of the challenges around their child's first cell phone. Below is a brief overview of the book. Login information coming soon.

First Phone is a fun and informative illustrated kids’ guide to safely and productively navigating the digital landscape. In the book, Catherine Pearlman—licensed clinical social worker and parenting expert—speaks directly to eight- to twelve-year-old children about digital safety in a manner that is playful, engaging, and age-appropriate. With insights and strategies supported by the latest research, First Phone offers:

• Guidance on privacy, boundaries, social media, and even sexting (yes, young children need to learn about sexting before it happens!)

• Best digital hygiene and self-care practices, including when to put the darn phone down, when to turn off notifications, and where to charge

• How to be a kind and compassionate upstander in a digital world

The week of October 17-21 is Digital Citizenship Week sponsored by Common Sense Media. We encourage you to find time to engage your students in conversations about Digital Citizenship.

At this link, find Digital Citizenship Week Activities broken up by Elementary, Middle and High levels. Thank you for your partnership in working with students to maintain good digital citizenship.

National Hispanic Heritage Month is the annual celebration of the history and culture of U.S. Latinx and Hispanic communities. It is celebrated from September 15 to October 15t. This year's theme for Hispanic Heritage month is "Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation."

During this time, we honor the contributions made by American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The term Hispanic or Latino (or the more recent term Latinx) refers to a person’s culture or origin—regardless of race. With a population of more than 60.6 million, equivalent to 18.5% of the entire population of the United States, Latino culture is increasing in everyday life through music, food, dance but we also find it in science, art, economics, politics and other fields.

Last week at Memorial-Spaulding Elementary, ELL teachers Alla Mantsur-Shane and Jackie Mahoney met with all ELL families to welcome them to the school and offer support for engaging in their student’s learning journey.

This year at Newton South, 14 students qualified to be National Merit Semi-Finalists. This means that their PSAT scores put them in the top 0.5% of scorers in Massachusetts, one of the most competitive states in the country. Last week, Newton South celebrated this achievement at a breakfast for the students.

Pictures below: (Front Row L to R: Wasan Rafat, Sarah Wei, Ben Modiano, Jessica Weinfeld; Back Row L to R: Audrey Wei, Kyle Zhang, Addie Shanahan, Josh Sebastian, Rohit Paradkar, Director of Guidance Dan Rubin, Alex Lim, Counselor Donna Segal, Dean Marc Banks, Ella Hou, Dean Meaghan Martin, Dylan Curran, Interim Dean Ted Dalicandro, Emily Cheng, Interim Principal Josepha Blocker, Vice Principal Jason Williams; Not Pictured: Larry Qiu)

On October 11th and 12th, Newton North held its college nights fair for all students. More than 100 colleges and universities came to North to share information with prospective students. Families also received information on the financial aid application process. Thank you to all the college admission representatives, students, and families who attended. It was a terrific turnout!

Newton North High School is in need of a short-term Spanish teacher from mid-October to mid-November. If you or someone you know is interested, please contact Chris Wood at:

617-559-6300

woodc@newton.k12.ma.us

Would you like to work for the Newton Public Schools? We are hiring! NPS has open positions for the following:

• Special education aides, Behavior Therapists,

• Lunch monitors

• Part time early literacy aides

• Part time math intervention aides

• Instructional Support Staff (substitutes)

• Building aides

Following this link to apply:

Apply to join the Newton Public Schools