Mason-Rice CAS AuthorFest Q&A Submission Open!

We are so excited to launch our virtual AuthorFest next Wednesday with Scott Magoon’s presentation to the kindergarteners! Kindergarten reps held an extremely successful book activity in preparation for Scott’s visit on Feb 24. AuthorFest-related activities for other grades are coming soon — be on the lookout for emails from your grade and class reps!

Most students should already have received their AuthorFest books. First graders and DLA 4th graders will receive their books the week of Mar 8, from their teachers (hybrid) or in the materials pickup package (DLA).

Each author’s presentation will include time for Q&A. To allow each child the opportunity to ask a question, students may submit questions up to 3 days before their presentation here.

As a reminder, the authors and dates for CAS AuthorFest are:

• Kindergarten will be visited by Scott Magoon on March 3rd (“Straw,” “Misunderstood Shark,” “Linus, the Little Yellow Pencil”)
• 1st graders will be visited by Brian Lies on April 7th (“The Rough Patch,” “Bats at the Beach,” “Got to Get to Bear’s”)
• 2nd graders will be visited by Vita Murrow on March 31st (“Power to the Princess,” “High Five to the Hero,” as well as the wordless books “Zero Local” and “The Whale”)
• 3rd graders will be visited by Susan Tan on March 10th (“Cilla Lee-Jenkins: Future Author Extraordinaire,” “Cilla Lee-Jenkins: This Book is a Classic,” “Cilla Lee-Jenkins: The Epic Story”)
• 4th graders will be visited by Eric Velasquez on March 24th (“Grandma’s Records,” “Grandma’s Gift,” “Octopus Stew”)
• 5th graders will be visited by Jerry Craft on March 17th (“New Kid”, “Class Act”). Reminder: 3/17 will be an in-school day for Hybrid cohort A due to the schedule change to accommodate Newton’s special election, but CAS presentation will continue as planned.

Lunch Bunch Dates

Ms. Becker’s drop in lunch bunches for DLA & Hybrid students are a great way for our students to connect! Dates and links for upcoming Lunch Bunches are below.

Remember: Lunch bunches are entirely optional, so no need to sign up in advance; just drop in!

Grade 2

Cohort B: Tuesday, March 2nd
1:25 – 1:55pm

Cohort A: Friday, March 12th
1:25 – 1:55pm

Grades 4 & 5

Thursday, March 4th & Tuesday, March 9th
1:25 – 1:55pm

“Crystal Lake” – A Special Presentation for K-5 students (and families)

Please join the Mason-Rice Green Team and guest speaker Crystal Lake Conservancy Co-President, Janice Bourque, for an interactive and educational presentation about our beloved lake. The meeting will be on Zoom, 4-5pm on March 11th.
RSVP and join us to learn and ask questions about all things relating to Crystal Lake, including: the history of the lake, how it formed, where it gets its water, animals in/around the lake, pollutants and how to keep it healthy. See blog to learn more about Green Team events.

Reminder: Go Fund Me for Leo Curry

Many Mason-Rice families know Leo Curry, one of our beloved custodians. Leo is a kind soul, conducting himself with a constant smile and can-do-it-ness, and who is always supporting our students, staff, and school community with delight and genuine care. Last weekend, Leo awoke in his home to a nightmare—his home was on fire. We know many from our community will want to support him during this difficult time. Read more about Leo’s situation and give* to his recovery efforts here.

*An anonymous donor has offered to match any gifts, up to a total of $25,000, made to this GoFundMe to support Leo.

Reminder: Drop Off Your Teacher Wish List Books

Thank you to everyone who purchased books from a Teacher Wish Lists from the now-closed online Book Fair. Wish List books can be placed in the marked bucket outside of Mason-Rice; Book Fair volunteers will distribute the books to the teachers. Questions? Contact Lucy Ewins.

Green Team News: Mason-Rice to Participate in 4C Tree Project

Right now, 4C Tree is preparing to plant 170 trees across Newton this spring, including five trees in front of Mason-Rice. Each tree costs $150; can you help raise the money for the trees at Mason-Rice? Read more about the project and make a donation here.

Kindergarten Registration for 2021-22 School Year

Do you have a incoming kindergartner? Do you know someone who is going to be in kindergarten at Mason-Rice next year? Registration information is now available. Click here.

Sign Up: K-2 Musical Morning

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.)

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.

T-Shirts Showcase Your School Spirit!

The Mason-Rice Spirit Store is still open and stocked with t-shirts. We have t-shirts in two styles: navy with the Mason-Rice logo in color on the front or heather blue with the Mason-Rice logo on the back. T-Shirts are $15 in kids size S, M, L or adult S, M, L. Email Katie Gaines to place an order. All proceeds go to the Mason-Rice Fifth Grade Graduation Fund.

All That Jazz Dance Studio

All That Jazz Dance Studio has been one of the leading dance studios in Newton for 23 years. We are more than a dance studio, we are a family and we aim to encourage a widespread love of dance, welcoming all children who can’t help but feel the rhythm!

Since 1998, Miss Deb Vogel and her experienced staff has aimed to create a positive, welcoming environment which is encouraging for all. To ensure classes are suitable for our students, we offer a range of options across styles, age groups and abilities. Whether your child dreams of being a ballerina one day, wants to make their school musical, or is just hoping to learn some awesome new moves to share with their friends, we have a class for them.

It isn’t too late to register for dance classes this school year and you are welcome to try a class for free at www.allthatjazznewton.com/free.

Please feel free to contact Miss Deb or call 617-641-0784, or visit their website for more information.

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