The PTO relies on financial support from families to fill the gap of what’s not provided by NPS–examples include specific technology expenditures, curriculum enhancements, and basic classroom needs. 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 creates and fosters a strong community at Mason-Rice).

It’s our hope that all families will support this effort on some level. This year’s goal is to raise $34,000 by October 31st, and we have $18,000 to go. Will you help? Donate online by clicking the button below. (Suggested donation: $100 per student. We encourage those who can give more to do so as it alleviates pressure for fellow Mason-Rice families who aren’t able to make a contribution.)

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 is fun for all ages. Kids costumes are encouraged!

When: Saturday, October 30th from 5-7pm
Where: the Mason-Rice playground
Time: 5-6 pm (Grades K-2) | 6-7 pm (Grades 3-5)

Families with kids in different grades, please come at any time. This is a guideline for spacing considerations.

Advance tickets are recommended – $5/person (3 and under free)

Pre-Order Tickets Here

Calling all fifth graders and their parents! 

As is our Mason-Rice tradition, our fifth graders and their parents will be creating delicious baked goods for sale to all M-R students and parents, as well as our neighbors who are at our school to cast their vote on election day. This is a much-anticipated event every year, and it is one of two main fundraisers for the fifth graders, with proceeds funding the graduation reception and party, teacher gifts, and class gift to the school. Students and parents, don’t miss this opportunity to purchase some tantalizing baked goods for a very worthy cause–our graduating fifth graders! 

Fifth grade parents, please look out for a SignUp Genius coming soon from your room parents, where you can sign up to make a signature/favorite baked good. A second Sign-Up Genius will go out to help with sales the day of the event.

We are still in need of more donations of clean and new/like-new bedding (sheets and blankets) and towels (all kinds). There will be a final collection at pick-up tomorrow, 10/18 at 2:50pm at the Mason-Rice playground.  

See HERE for more information on what, where and when to donate.

Questions? Contact Martha Bixby or Wendy Sheu.

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 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 this Wednesday, 10/20 at 7:30pm (via Zoom):

Zoom Meeting ID:  826 4428 8081 | Password [see e-mailed Notes]

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.

The Musical Mornings program provides an opportunity for students to play their musical instruments (virtually) for their peers and teachers. This year, parents will submit a video of their child’s performance, which will be shown during Principal Bultema’s in-school C.A.R.E.S. assemblies. Sign up your child(ren) below!

Grades K-2 Sign-Up  |  Grades 3-5 Sign-up

Questions? Feel free to contact Jay Wood for grades K-2, or Michael Hooper for Grades 3-5.

• 10/21  PTO Board Meeting
• 10/30  Outdoor Halloween Spooktacular
• 11/2    Fifth Grade Election Day Bake Sale
• 11/2    Early Release Day
• 11/4    First Thursday Food Trucks (North East of the Border)
• 11/11  No School (Veteran’s Day)

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!

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.