Can you donate $25, $50, $100, or $500?

Did you receive the PTO’s Annual Fund appeal email? The PTO needs your financial support, if you’re able to give, to ensure the sustainability of our community this year, and in the future. Funds raised this year go directly to teachers, students, and community. Our goal is to raise $20,000 by January 31st. You can donate online by clicking here or above. (Suggested donation: $100 per student.)

For more on what we fund, see the appeal email sent this morning or click here. And watch for emails in January with more information about the many ways the PTO supports the Mason-Rice community.

Spring Intramural Registrations are Open!

Lots of Newton sports programs have opened their spring 2021 registrations and are offering early-registration discounts. We will post the ones we receive in our Notes, but encourage families to also post registration links on the PTO’s Facebook Page.

• Newton Boys’ Lacrosse: Registration for grades 1-8 is open now and closes on 1/15/20. Register here.
• Newton Girls’ Lacrosse: Registration is now open and closes on 1/8/2021. NGL is a community based developmental lacrosse program for all Newton girls in grades 1-8. Register here.
• Newton Girls’ Softball: Spring Rec for grades K-7 as well as Panthers U10 and U12 teams are open for enrollment. Register here.
• Newton South East Little League: Registration is open for kids pre-K through 12 years old. Register here.
• Newton Youth Soccer: The intramural program is an in-town program (no travel to other towns) for players from grades 1-6. Register here.

Reminder: St. Mary’s Center donations

Mason-Rice 4th graders Emma, Brieza, Luana, and Vivie are collecting donations for St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children in the donation box located outside Mason-Rice’s main entrance. The deadline to contribute donations is tomorrow, Monday, at 12:30p.

Please consider donating NEW:

• Toiletries
• Baby items (especially diapers)
• Feminine hygiene products

For a complete list of items except click the link here.

Please help us earn commissions from your everyday purchases!

Don’t forget to click through the Amazon logo above or on our PTO homepage and the PTO will earn up to 10% commission from your purchases! (Purchases and purchasers are not tracked by Amazon or reported to the PTO.)

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 hours-including weather and holiday closures.

Give Back Business

Mason-Rice’s annual online auction is usually the PTO’s biggest fundraiser. This year, because of the pandemic, we aren’t hosting the auction. Instead, in each week’s Notes, we are spotlighting the amazing businesses that have generously supported our auction year after year with hopes that now, during their time of need, you’ll 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.

Shachmut Photography

Shachmut Photography is owned and run by Mason-Rice mom, Laura Shachmut. Laura has two daughters who attend Mason-Rice (2nd & 4th grade) and another daughter who recently graduated and now attends 6th grade at Brown.

Laura specializes in family photography with a focus on children, but also enjoys capturing everything from maternity and newborns to weddings and events.

Laura enjoys capturing the details at every age that are all too fleeting as well as the bonds, connections, and emotion between us all.

For a sample of her work or to contact Laura, please visit www.shachmutphotography.com

minted promo: now through 12/31!

Reminder that if you shop at Minted now through the end of December and use code sent in emailed Notes, you will receive 20% off all card and gift orders. Plus, Minted will donate 15% of orders back to the PTO. Win Win!

Stay in touch. Stay informed. Get involved!