PTO Notes 06-06-21

Jun 6, 2021 | News

Did you miss the last PTO board meeting? Read the recap here.
 
Save the date for our next PTO board meeting: June 10, 7:30p. All are welcome!

In This Edition

New & Upcoming

You’re Invited: PTO’s Annual Meeting, Thursday at 7:30p (on Zoom)

The PTO’s Annual Meeting will be on Thursday evening and all are welcome to attend. We will be approving the slate of officers for the 2021-22 PTO Board, as well as the 2021-22 PTO budget. 
 
We encourage everyone to review both and vote either by proxy (click below by EOD Wednesday, June 9) or at the meeting (zoom info, below).
 
  • Review the 2021-22 Slate of Officers here.
  • Review the 2021-22 PTO budget here.
To join the Annual Meeting via zoom, click here. (Meeting ID: 870 5271 2309; Passcode: [see e-mailed Notes]).
 

Teacher Appreciation Lunch

Mason-Rice teachers were treated to a special lunch last Wednesday: Sal’s Pizza Truck! As part of the PTO’s ongoing effort to thank our teachers and staff for their flexibility and commitment this year, we were excited to sponsor another celebratory event. Parents, it’s through your generosity to our Annual Fund that we are able to fund these special events this year. On behalf of our Mason-Rice PTO community, thank you for providing the funds to help us show appreciation for our hardworking and dedicated staff.

Honoring and Thanking our Teachers

Thank you to all the Parent Reps who organized and collected contributions for the teachers’ year-end class gifts.
 
For those who still wish to show their appreciation, you may consider making a donation through the Newton Schools Foundation in the teacher’s honor. Details can be found on NSF’s website.
 
As always, individual gifts of appreciation in the form of sentimental tokens are welcomed and encouraged. Gifts of commercial value are not permitted.

June 11: Crossing Guard and Bus Driver Appreciation

On Friday, June 11th, we will show our crossing guards and bus and van drivers how much we appreciate their help getting to school safely. They have been with us through the pandemic, shifting schedules multiple times and keeping us safe throughout. 
 
Please help your child make a thank you note and give it to your crossing guard on your way to school on Friday, June 11th or write a note to your bus driver. Your note can be simple: “Thanks for helping me get to school safely!” You can also print out a card to decorate. They will appreciate it so much!

Reminders & Updates

Order Your 2021-2022 School Supplies

For the 2021-2022 school year, Mason-Rice will be using the services of 1st Day School Supplies again.
 
This program is not a fundraiser and the prices are competitive. It’s easy and convenient – order today!
 
ALL orders must be placed ONLINE by Thursday, July 1.
  • Just click here, enter the school zip code 02459 and select Mason-Rice.
  • Choose your kit(s) for your child(s) grade(s) next year.
  • Enter your child’s name and Add to Cart.
  • Complete the shipping and payment information.
  • The kit will arrive at your house. Please look out for communication in August about what to bring in on the 1st day of school.
If you have any questions about ordering, please contact Sylvia Eng. Our PTO willingly supports those families who might benefit from a scholarship for school supplies. Please contact Jake Bultema for assistance.
 
Families are also welcome to purchase their own supplies. Click here to see the supply list for each grade level.  

Sign Up & Keep Our Community Healthy

Will you help us keep our students and staff safe? NPS STRONGLY ENCOURAGES families whose students are participating in in-person learning to enroll their student(s) in the COVID-19 testing program. Testing is one of the best ways we have to quickly identify infection and reduce the possibility of in-school transmission. Testing is ongoing at Mason-Rice, it’s not too late to join! 
 
It’s easy to sign up! Complete the Consent Form in the Aspen portal for your child to participate (here’s the link!). 
 
Details: Once you enroll, it may take a week for your child to receive their first Monday kit. The asymptomatic pooled testing is a separate consent process from giving consent for Nurse Becky to administer a rapid Covid test in school should your child becomes symptomatic at school.
 
Thank you all for doing your part to keep our kids, teachers, and community safe!

NPS Calendar Reminders

June 14-18: Virtual Color Day WEEK! 
See slides for info. 
 
Friday, June 18: NO SCHOOL
The City of Newton is observing Juneteenth on Friday, June 18. The Newton Public Schools will be doing the same to observe this important day in our history with no school on this day.
 
Tuesday, June 22: Last day of school for students.
As a reminder, you can always access NPS’ calendar, updated regularly, here.

Free: Breakfast and Lunch for Families

For the 2020-2021 academic year, FREE breakfast and lunch is available for ALL students. There are grab-n-go options for in-person pick-up or separate pick-up locations at the high schools for virtual learners. 
 
See the City of Newton’s website for updated information on pickup locations and other important updates.

Support the Businesses that Support Us

Shop with These Partners and a Portion of the Sale will be Donated to the Mason-Rice PTO!

Year-Round Promotion from Mabel’s Labels

Just follow these simple steps and Mabel’s Labels will donate 20% of sales from your order to the PTO!
 
  1. Go to Mabel’s Labels homepage and click “Support a Fundraiser”
  2. Type and select “Mason-Rice Elementary School PTO”  in the menu
  3. Shop your order and check-out as usual
  4. Mabel’s Labels will automatically donate 20% of the order back to the PTO

Year-Round Promotion from minted

Enjoy 20% off Minted cards & gifts throughout the year when use unique promo code [see e-mailed Notes] at checkout, and 15% of each order will be donated back to the PTO.

Disclaimer: this is a special code created exclusively for fundraising for M-R PTO community and is not meant to be shared publicly with coupon or deal sites.

Select ‘Mason-Rice PTO’ with AmazonSmile and the PTO Benefits from Your Everyday Purchases. Set it up once and never again!

#1: Select Mason-Rice as Your AmazonSmile Charity-of-Choice

  1. Visit AmazonSmile and sign in with your Amazon.com credentials.
  2. Choose and select Mason-Rice Elementary School PTO as the charitable organization to receive donations.
  3. Start all of your Amazon shopping at the Smile homepage, versus amazon.com. The shopping experience is the exact same, but your purchases will qualify for Smile commissions to the PTO.

#2: Turn On AmazonSmile on Your Amazon Shopping app

  1. Make sure you’re signed up for AmazonSmile in web browser.
  2. Open the Amazon Shopping app and find “Settings” in the main menu (☰).
  3. Tap on “AmazonSmile” (under “Programs & Features”) and follow the on-screen instructions to turn on AmazonSmile in the app.
  4. Shop as usual!

(Hot Tip: Anyone can participate, so be sure to share with grandparents and other friends/family!)

Stay in touch. Stay informed. Get involved!