PTO Notes 10-10-21
This Monday 10/11 is Indigenous People’s Day.
No School on Monday.
In This Edition
New & Upcoming
Mason-Rice Outdoor Halloween Spooktacular!
Save the Date: Saturday, October 30th from 5-7pm – Mason-Rice Playground
The 5th Grade Class is bringing back the popular Haunted House but taking it outdoors this year for a safe and spaced out Halloween experience that’s fun for all ages. More details to follow soon! Mark your calendars now for this can’t miss event!
We Invite You to Join the 75 Families Who’ve Already Made Contributions to Support the Mason-Rice Annual Fund
The PTO relies on financial support from families to ensure the sustainability of our community now and in future years. NPS provides most of what’s needed to complete our children’s experience at school, but not all of it. NPS relies on the PTOs of all schools to fill the gaps. Be sure to read “Annual Fund Spotlight,” sent each Wednesday in October to learn more about ways the Mason-Rice PTO puts these dollars to work.
Click HERE to see last week’s spotlight on ways the Annual Fund supports our teachers.
It’s our hope that you will be compelled to support this effort. This year’s goal is to raise $34,000 by October 31st, and so far, we still have $21,000 to go. Will you help? Donate online by clicking the link below. (Suggested donation: $100 per student but all amounts are welcome and amounts in excess of $100 help neighbors who aren’t able to make that kind of commitment.)
Families Organizing for Racial Justice
FORJ (Families Organizing for Racial Justice) is a group of families in and around Newton, who generate understanding and curiosity about differences in our society, and to work together towards racial equity. We are a learning community that is educating ourselves, our children, our schools, and our various communities about race, racism, culture, and identity. We hope to achieve safe and welcoming environments that enhance the well-being of all people. We believe in speaking out against injustice, supporting our kids to be upstanders, and taking action to address bias and inequity.
We welcome you to participate in our Mason Rice FORJ meetings this year. The first meeting is on Wednesday 10/20 at 7:30pm (via Zoom). We will be discussing how we can support the Mason Rice community and activities for the year. If you are interested in attending, please email Molly Perencevich or Janelle Phillips.
Indigenous Peoples Day Newton Ceremonial Celebration
Newton’s first Indigenous Peoples Day Ceremonial Celebration will be this Monday 10/11 from 12-5pm at Albemarle Park (250 Albemarle Rd). This is a free, family-centered event that will feature numerous Indigenous artists from around the Northeast – singers, poets, musicians, painters, and more! Come learn about Indigenous businesses and nonprofits, participate in a talking circle, and enjoy delicious food from Indigenous food trucks!
MUSICAL MORNINGS ARE BACK!
C.A.R.E.S. Assemblies are beginning in October, which means that Musical Mornings are back as well! The Musical Mornings Program provides an opportunity for students to play their musical instruments (virtually) for their peers and teachers.
This year, parents will video their child’s performance and submit it to a Google Folder to be included in Principal Bultema’s in-school assemblies.
Please note that there will be seven assemblies for Grades K-2 and seven for Grades 3-5. Each assembly will feature 3 performances. Slots fill up quickly at the end of the year, so sign up for an earlier slot today!
Questions? Feel free to contact Jay Wood for grades K-2, or Michael Hooper for Grades 3-5.
Mason-Rice PTO Shoes & Home Goods Drive!
Please help us to collect new and gently used SHOES and HOME GOODS for those in need, now through 10/18. In addition, sign up your child to join the Mason-Rice Green Team after school on 10/18 to sort and deliver donated home goods to a local non-profit. See HERE for more information on what, where and when to donate.
Questions? Contact Martha Bixby or Wendy Sheu.
Tea Collection Promotion: Kicks off Tomorrow!
Two days left of the biannual Fall Tea School Days promotion offered by Tea Collection, a globally-inspired children's clothing company! Feel free to shop with our special promo code [see e-mailed PTO Notes] for 20% off for you and 15% back to Mason-Rice PTO at this link! Offer valid through Tuesday October 12th.
Disclaimer: this is a special code created exclusively for fundraising for Mason-Rice PTO community through here, and is not meant to be shared publicly with coupon or deal sites.
Reminders & Updates
Increased Traffic – Road Detours Notice
A traffic advisory which might impact your route to school – be aware there will be more traffic in the area.
Starting Tuesday, Oct. 12th until Thursday, Oct. 21st, traffic will be detoured off Walnut St from Homer to Forest Streets.
Northbound traffic on Walnut Street will be detoured: Lake Street to Crystal Street to Beacon Street. Beacon Street to Garland Road to Homer Street.
No Flu Shots at School This Year
The flu shot will NOT be offered in school this year. The city is offering community clinics on Oct. 21 and Nov. 8. See HERE for information on the community clinics (walk-ins welcomed).
Many other places offer the flu vaccine in and around Newton including your healthcare provider, pharmacies, and urgent care clinics. For a list of locations around Newton, click HERE.
Calendar Reminders
Support the Businesses that Support Us
Your usual shopping can support PTO-funded activities (such as teacher classroom allowances, appreciation lunches, and curriculum-enhancing programming for all our students). Last year, the Mason-Rice community shopped with our partners and raised nearly $1500 while participation in our Spring '21 Restaurant Series raised an additional $1100!
Note that these programs/partnerships, below, run year-round!
- Go to Mabel's Labels homepage and click "Support a Fundraiser"
- Type and select "Mason-Rice Elementary School PTO" in the menu
- Shop your order and check-out as usual
- Mabel's Labels will automatically donate 20% of the order back to the PTO
Enjoy 20% off Minted cards & gifts with promo code [see e-mailed PTO Notes]. 15% of each order will be donated back to the PTO.
Stay in touch. Stay informed. Get involved!
