After much work from CAS representatives across the district, we’re excited to confirm that all M-R students (DLA and Hybrid) will partake in one CAS program this spring. Classroom teachers are working with CAS representatives to coordinate. What to know:

• All Mason-Rice students in the same grade will see the same program.
• Hybrid and DLA M-R students in the same grade will be blended for their presentation.
• All presentations will be virtual for ALL students.
• All presentations will be scheduled on Wednesdays mornings.

In order to minimize disruption in DLA classes, homeschools in the same split class will attempt to schedule presentations on the same day at the same time. As in a normal year, presenters are limited to those already vetted by CAS leadership.

Questions? Email Mason-Rice’s CAS representative, Martine.

Commitment varies. Options include:

• ~1hr/week on alternating prescheduled weeks with predictable workflow (e.g., posting the Sunday Notes to the website each weekend)
• ~2hrs/month of intermittent support (e.g., making content updates as needed)

Experience requirements:

• HTML or WordPress knowledge is great, but the basics of both can be taught to anyone who understands word processing (and has internet connectivity)

Email Annie to learn more. 

Will you join the 100+ Mason-Rice families who are supporting our teachers (Hybrid and DLA) and families this year? We’re 70% of the way to our $20,000 goal! Help us get to the finish line before January 31st. This year, the PTO is directly supporting our people and our classrooms (both in school and virtual). It is an investment with long-lasting impact!

Click this link to donate online. (Suggested donation: $100 per student.)

Lunch Bunch is an informal time for DLA and Hybrid students to socialize and chat. Each Lunch Bunch starts with a GoNoodle activity where kids will learn how to draw something fun. Lunch Bunch is optional; no sign up required.

For Grades K-1, 2, 3, and 4-5, please see emailed PTO Notes for links and info.

For grades K-1 the following dates & times have been added: 

• K/1 A Thursday January 21: 12:35-1:05 and 1:25-1:55
• K/1 B Monday January 25: 12:35-1:05 and 1:25-1:55
• K/1 A Thursday February 4: 12:35-1:05 and 1:25-1:55

* If you didn’t receive the invitation to these events, email Monica so she can report the issue to NPS’s IT team.

Musical morning is fun way for kids to showcase their musical talent! K-2 Musical Morning spots are still open. Sign up here. 

(All grades 3-5 slots have been filled.)

The Social Committee will host Parents’ (virtual) Trivia Night on Thursday, February 11th, at 7:30pm. Details will be shared closer to the event.

Mason-Rice’s annual online auction is usually the PTO’s biggest fundraiser. This year, because of the pandemic, we are not hosting the auction. Instead, in each week’s Notes, we are spotlighting the amazing businesses that have generously supported our auction year after year. We hope that now, during their time of need, you will consider patronizing those who have consistently supported our PTO.

Don’t forget to support the previously-spotlighted businesses! You can find them in the past Notes on our PTO webpage.

Joanne Langione Dance Center has ongoing enrollment in all classes – they offer In-Person (with simultaneous livestream), JLDC@Home Online Classes, Privates, Pods and Playdates!

Named Best Dance Classes for Kids by Boston Magazine, JLDC is a community based school committed to providing exceptional dance training in a fun, loving and supportive atmosphere. With over 45 years of experience, JLDC offers a unique program of dance education for students of all levels ages 6 mos – 18 yrs. Their age-appropriate curriculum is taught by dedicated, qualified teachers in a safe and caring environment. The new, state-of-the-art facility in West Newton has been upgraded to include the highest safety standards for the 2020-2021 school year.

Email/call to learn more, set up a trial class or schedule a private tour. For more information, check out their website.

38 Border St.
West Newton, MA 02465
617-969-8724