From auvpto at aol.com Tue Jun 3 17:03:25 2008 From: auvpto at aol.com (auvpto at aol.com) Date: Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:03:25 -0400 Subject: [CabotCommunity] Jabberlite for Tuesday, June 3, 2008 Message-ID: <8CA93D465D4D80B-111C-2535@FWM-M19.sysops.aol.com> Hello everyone, it is hard to believe that June is here and there are almost 2 weeks left for the school.?? Today was a beautiful day out there for the Color Day.? It was a well planned and well enjoyed event.? There were so many happy faces out there, participating in many wonderful activities. As the school year winds down, many important events are planned till the end of the year.? So please take a moment and read the Blue Sheet that came home yesterday and this newsletter.? Thanks. ?Archana Vahalia Cabot PTO Co-President auvpto at aol.com 617-244-1435 JABBERLITE FOR TUESDAY, JUNE 3THth 2008 This issue contains information about the following:? Final PTO Meeting Community-Wide Celebration of Teaching Vocabulary Day Special BBQ Lunch, and much more ? Upcoming Calendar - visit www.Cabotpto.org for?the entire?calendar anytime. ? June 4, 2008 Eric Olson visits Grade 3 June 4, 2008 CASP Picnic and DVD 6:00 - 7:30 PM June 5, 2008 Early Release Day, 12:30 PM Dismissal June 6, 2008 Step-Up Day for 5th Graders June 9, 2008 Awards Ceremony, 9:00 AM June 9, 2008 Special BBQ lunch for every grade during lunch hour, rain date 6/11 June 9, 2008 School Committee Meeting, 7:30 PM June 10, 2008 PTO Budget & Election Meeting, 8:40 AM June 10, 2008 Vocabulary Day/ All School Walk June 12, 2008 Recorder and Instrumental Concert 9:15 AM June 12, 2008 Celebration of Teaching, 3:30 onwards June 13, 2008 Deadline for application for extended Out of District Enrollment June 13, 2008 5th Grade picnic June 13, 2008 PTO Appreciation Evening 5:30 -7:00 PM, 53 Sheffield Road, Newtonville. June 17, 2008 Jabberwock Publication 2007-08 Issue #11 June 17, 2008 CASP 5th Grade Trip to Breezy Point 1 - 5:45 PM June 18, 2008 Transition Ceremony for 5th Grade, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM June 18, 2008 Last Day for Students at CASP 6 PM ?Office will remain open on a part time basis ? during the summer June 19, 2008 Last Day of School for Students, 12 Noon Dismissal June 19, 2008 End of Year Picnic on Field, Noon onwards June 20, 2008 Last Day of School for Teachers ? ? ? ? LAST PTO MEETING OF THE YEAR! Join us for the Final PTO Meeting of the year on Tuesday, June 10th at 8:40am in the Library.? At this meeting we will present the PTO Budget for the school year 2008-2009 (a copy of the budget is attached at the end of this newsletter) and ?recap important issues of the past year. PTO board will also be electing its officers for the next year.? Please join us as we vote to elect Sally Brickell as the incoming PTO President, Andrea Steenstrup as Treasurer, Julie Bourgoin as VP of Fundraising, and Krista Kett as Secretary.? Please join us in showing our gratitude to these individuals for their commitment to school and the community!! ? Many PTO positions are still looking for committee chairs, please contact us to volunteer and make a difference in the education of your child(ren). ? Community-wide 'Celebration of Teaching' - June 12, 2008, Cabot School 3:30 ? 5:30 PM? We are hosting a gala celebration for Dr. Quarcoo and Mrs. Mann as they retire from Cabot School.? Many city officials will be in attendance. ?All students, parents, alumni and faculty are invited for the festivities.? Please help us in spreading the word to people associated with Cabot in the past but are no longer part of the Newton schools.?So mark your calendars and we hope you can be part of these special celebrations! ? We are still collecting materials for the memory books for them, so if you want to be part this gift, please drop off items for the memory books in the? PTO mail box or mail them to Cabot School, attn.: Memory Books, 229 Cabot Street, Newtonville, MA 02460. ?If you would like to help out with this event, please contact Sally Brickell at brickland6 at rcn.com.? ? Vocabulary Day on June 10th As you must have heard from your child(ren) and read it tin the blue sheet, June 10th is Vocabulary Day at Cabot. Each chills has received a word to display.? There will be a neighborhood parade.? Ms. Bennett is looking for some volunteers, so if you can help, please let her know. ? Lost and Found Going Going Gone? The lost and found bin is holding valuable coats, sweaters, shoes, sneakers and other personal items that you have been missing at home for all these days.? There will be a table set out on Thursdays June 5th and June 12th on the blacktop with all the items.? Please stop by or ask your child(ren) to pick up your items, after that they will be donated to a local charity. ? Library Volunteers Appreciation Breakfast on June 6th Please join Lani Gerson and Kate Johnson for coffee and breakfast on Friday June 6th from 8:45 to 9:30 AM for yet another wonderful year because of all the volunteers that help in the library. ? Cabot End of Year BBQ on June 9th ( raindate of June 11th ) Order for the BBQ on-line using the http://www.mykidsspending.com site or using the school lunch menu hard copy by tomorrow, June 4th.? There will be hotdogs(turkey), hamburgers, or veggie burgers.? You will not be able to pay and buy lunch on site that day!!! ? YEAR-END PTO THANK YOU POTLUCK on June 13th Please mark your calendar for the Year-End PTO Thank You Pot-Luck Party, to be held on Friday June 13th at Archana Vahalia?s House, 53 Sheffield Rd. from 5:30 - 7:00PM.? This event is held to thank ALL hardworking committee and community members. ?Please bring some finger food or drinks to share.? I hope you can join us for this special event and RSVP me at auvpto at aol.com.? ???? CABOT GOODS FOR SALE ON JUNE 10th Have you been looking for some Cabot wear but didn?t know where to get it?? Helen Cao, our Cabot Goods Guru, will be on the blacktop from 12:00 ? 1:00 next Tuesday afternoon, (June 10th).? She will have a table set up displaying Cabot T-shirts, sweatshirts and hats.? If you have not had a chance to show your school pride, this will be your opportunity to get some gear!? Thank you Helen!!? ? An evening with Judy Blume - June 6th, 5:00 ? 6:30 PM, Pine Manor College You are invited to an evening with? your beloved author of ?Are you there God? It?s me Margaret?, the ?Fudge? books, and the new ?Pain & the Great One?, chapter book series featuring a brother and a sister.? Tickets are $20 per person.? This event is hosted by Ward School PTO.? For more details, visit http://wardpto.org/judyblume. ? Schools out for Summer! Celebrate the End of the School Year with a Picnic on Cabot Field School finishes on Thursday, June 19th at 12 noon. In recent years a tradition has evolved at Cabot to mark this event with a mass picnic out on the Cabot field. So come along. Bring your blanket, a picnic and hang out with friends you have made over the year and discover new ones! ? NEWTON SCHOOL?S GIFT POLICY As we reach the end of the year please remember the Newton School Committee Policy:? ?No teacher in the performance of regular duties shall receive presents from the pupils under his or her direction.?? Each year families are reminded of this policy, and each year most families comply.? It is very natural for children and their families to want to acknowledge and thank their teachers at the end of the year.? Here are some suggestions: A note of appreciation to your child?s teacher, or a card made by your child, would be treasured.? A homemade acknowledgement to your child?s teacher or faculty member, such as cookies or baked goods. Honor your child?s teacher with a contribution to the Newton Schools Foundation ? every teacher gets mentioned in the TAB! For more details go to http://www.nsfonline.org/support/honorteacher2007.html ? Please do not solicit money from families for class gifts. If you need further clarification please speak with the Principal Marilynne Quarcoo or your PTO Co-Presidents. Thank you for your cooperation. Cabot Fifth Graders Make Important Connections Through Art This year?s Cabot fifth grade class engaged in a highly innovative undertaking for their Social Action Project.? After careful consideration of many parent and student suggestions, a project that would embrace all of the Cabot School values and involve every student on a personal and local level was chosen. Led by art teacher Kelly Conroy and Anthony Fisher, Cabot parent and professional artist, the students created three collaborative murals as a gift for our neighbors at the Cabot Park Village senior housing complex.? The project culminated in a wonderful opening event on May 15th. ? Each 5th grade class created its own mural. Three well-known works of art were selected and a black and white photo of each piece was divided into 24 different squares. Each student re-created his or her square, painting on canvas, many for the very first time.? The children mixed their own paints, learned about color values, and were astonished and delighted as their pieces were assembled together into fabulous, vibrant, colorful collaborative interpretations of the original works. ? As part of the process, students were asked to think about important elders in their lives and talked about their neighbors at Cabot Village. They worked on the project knowing it would be their gift to the residents. Thinking about our neighbors, the students then prepared a book of personal reflections on what making the murals meant to them and how they hoped their gift would be received.? This book was also presented as a gift to the residents. ? The Opening was a gala event with all three fifth-grade classes and many Cabot Village residents attending.? NewTV was also there to film it and interview participants. General excitement along with the brilliantly-colored creative interpretations lit up the activity room as several children shared their written reflections with our neighbors.? Residents were also interested in remarks by Dr. Quarcoo, Ms. Conroy and Anthony Fisher.? Mingling easily and serving refreshments, the students chatted with their new friends about the project, their interests, and future hopes and dreams.? Interpersonal interaction was clearly a high point for the seniors.? Some of the residents brought some of their art work to share as well. At the end of the program, a couple of fifth grade girls asked the Director about potential volunteer opportunities.? ? The parents of the Social Action Committee are thoroughly pleased with the process and the outcome of the project.? The students worked hard to make a difference in people?s lives and were able to experience that difference in a very up-close and personal way.? We very much hope that this collective effort with students, teachers, parents and Cabot Park Village will enable this relationship to continue to thrive and open up new opportunities for collaboration. ? Is Your Family Leaving Cabot at the end of this Year? If you and your family know that you will be leaving Cabot at the end of this year then please let Mrs. Driscoll in the office know. Also please ensure that you have completed & returned the Exit Interview Forms before the end of school, available from the office. This has been compiled for you by the Cabot PTO ? Cabot PTO Financial Results ? ? ? ? As of June3, 2008 Budget Actual ? Proposed ? 2007-08 2007-08 Difference 2008-2009 Income: ? ? ? ? ? Artwork for Education Revenues 0 2,000 2,000 2,000 ? Bird Seed Fund ? 500 500 0 ? Book Fair 3,000 2,878 -122 3,000 ? Cabot Fair Revenues 9,000 11,180 2,180 9,000 ? Cabot Goods 600 -337 -937 600 ? Campaign For Cabot 28,000 34,754 6,754 30,000 ? Casey Scheuerell Music Scholarship Fund 0 55 55 0 ? Classified Advertising in Jabber 0 117 117 100 ? Coffee Pond Family Photo Day 500 371 -129 0 ? Community Supper 600 475 -125 450 ? Dues for Memebership 8,000 9,399 1,399 9,000 ? Directory Advertising 3,000 3,025 25 3,000 ? Gift Wrap 8,000 8,290 290 8,000 ? Interest Income 550 725 175 250 ? Misc. Fundraising 850 840 -10 850 ? Repayment of Advance 0 4,000 4,000 0 ? Ruby Bridges Book Sales 0 1,225 1,225 0 ? ? ? ? ? TOTAL INCOME 62,100 79,497 17,397 66,250 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Expenses ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Equity: ? ? ? ? Creative Arts & Sciences 11,000 12,647 1,647 11,000 Program Enrichment 3,000 3,198 198 3,000 Field Trips 3,500 3,500 0 3,500 Individual Teacher Workshops 3,500 0 -3,500 3,500 Library 2,000 2,650 650 2,000 Physical Education Equipment 1,000 714 -286 1,000 Principal Discretionary Fund 3,500 5,500 2,000 3,500 Teacher Discretionary Fund 8,500 8,300 -200 8,500 ? ? ? ? ? Sub-Total 36,000 36,510 510 36,000 ? ? ? ? ? Non-Equity: ? ? ? ? Acknowledgement ? ? ? ? ? General 1,200 687 -513 1,200 ? Retirement 500 57 -443 500 Animal Care 500 500 0 500 Bank Charges 100 0 -100 100 Building Use ? 0 0 ? CAPP 1,250 1,250 0 1,125 Casey Scheuerell Music Scholarship Fund 0 265 265 0 CASP Scholarship 2,000 2,000 0 2,000 Cabot Connecting Families 250 0 -250 250 Community Garden 3,000 843 -2,157 3,000 Computer Supplies ? 0 0 500 Copying (outside) 400 18 -382 150 Core Values 150 147 -3 200 Family Dance 650 539 -111 650 Kindergarten Reg. 50 0 -50 50 Fifth Grade Activities: ? 0 0 ? ? Field Trip 500 0 -500 500 ? PTO Contribution 1,000 45 -956 1,000 Handbook 400 298 -102 400 Hospitality 400 271 -129 400 Insurance 450 415 -35 450 Invention Invasion 400 364 -36 400 Library Committee 100 67 -33 100 METCO Scholarship Fund 100 100 0 100 Donation to Environmental Cause 500 0 -500 500 Playground Repair and Maintenance 1,500 0 -1,500 1,500 PTO Council Dues 170 170 0 170 PTO Miscellaneous: ? ? 0 ? ? Memorial Gifts 250 75 -175 250 ? Miscellaneous expenses 0 177 177 0 ? Presidents' Discr. Fund 700 162 -538 700 Photography 100 11 -89 250 Respect for Human Differences 200 0 -200 200 Ruby Bridges Book Expense ? 844 844 ? Social Action 1,100 ? 289 ? ? Social Action Misc. ? 133 ? 100 ? Newton Serves ? 678 ? 1,000 Technology 15,000 14,689 -311 18,000 Understanding Our Diffs. 450 377 -73 450 Uncashed Checks from Last Year 0 1,153 1,153 0 Website and e-jabber 500 ? -500 500 Wellness Committee 900 79 -821 900 ? ? ? ? ? Sub-Total: 34,770 26,414 -8,356 38,095 ? ? ? ? ? Total: 70,770 62,924 -7,846 74,095 ? ? ? ? ? Net Income: ? 16,573 16,573 ? ? ? -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://cabotpto.org/pipermail/cabotcommunity_cabotpto.org/attachments/20080603/657b79b4/attachment.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: JABBERLITE_FOR_TUESDAY_June3_08.doc Type: application/octet-stream Size: 170496 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://cabotpto.org/pipermail/cabotcommunity_cabotpto.org/attachments/20080603/657b79b4/attachment.obj From auvpto at aol.com Wed Jun 4 22:34:27 2008 From: auvpto at aol.com (auvpto at aol.com) Date: Wed, 04 Jun 2008 22:34:27 -0400 Subject: [CabotCommunity] BBQ Lunch - Did you place your lunch order yet!!! Message-ID: <8CA94CBCF4385A9-8CC-28D0@WEBMAIL-MB17.sysops.aol.com> The BBQ is approaching! On June 9th Cabot students will get a chance to enjoy BBQ lunch - hotdogs(turkey), hamburger, or veggie burger as additional choices for lunch.? These will be prepared on site on a huge grill.?? Did you place an order for your child? More than 222 children will get a wonderful fun and healthy meal. Include your child. Call Food Services at 617-559-9015 or write Rob_Clickstein at newton.k12.ma.us.? Even though the last day of ordering has passed, the food services and school administration wants to make sure that your child gets a chance to participate. ACT now the time is moving ahead quickly! Thanks, Dr. Quarcoo. ?Archana Vahalia Cabot PTO Co-President auvpto at aol.com 617-244-1435 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://cabotpto.org/pipermail/cabotcommunity_cabotpto.org/attachments/20080604/ba5f818e/attachment.html From marykathf at aol.com Thu Jun 5 13:55:17 2008 From: marykathf at aol.com (marykathf at aol.com) Date: Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:55:17 -0400 Subject: [CabotCommunity] Join the fun at the June 12th Celebration of Teaching In-Reply-To: <004f01c8c701$317a6a20$0d00a8c0@brickland> References: <004f01c8c701$317a6a20$0d00a8c0@brickland> Message-ID: <8CA954C72840E3C-220-C1F@WEBMAIL-DF09.sysops.aol.com> Join the fun at June 12 Celebration of Teaching ? Cabot School will be hosting a community-wide Celebration of Teaching on Thursday, June 12, from 3:30 ? 5:30 p.m. We will recognize Dr. Marilynne Quarcoo and Ms. Marcie Mann, who are retiring from Cabot School after many years as outstanding educators. We will also thank other departing teachers. The event will feature music, refreshments, and a presentation of memory books to Dr. Quarcoo and Ms. Mann. ? Here are some ways you can help. Please ? -???????? Join students, parents, alumni, and faculty at this special event. -???????? Drop off items for the memory books in the labeled mailbox in the Cabot office; also watch for collection boxes on the blacktop on?Tuesday, June 10, after school. -????????? Spread the word to anyone you know who is no longer part of the Newton schools. -????????? Email Sally Brickell (brickland6 at rcn.com) if you can volunteer on June 12. The time slots are as follows: -????????? 2:30-3:30 (set up) -????????? 3:30-4:00, 4:00-4:30, 4:30-5:00, and 5:00-5:30 (greeting, cake serving, memory books) -????????? 5:30-6:00 (clean up). ? We look forward to seeing you on June 12. ? Sally Brickell -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://cabotpto.org/pipermail/cabotcommunity_cabotpto.org/attachments/20080605/db35790c/attachment.html From auvpto at aol.com Mon Jun 9 16:05:25 2008 From: auvpto at aol.com (auvpto at aol.com) Date: Mon, 09 Jun 2008 16:05:25 -0400 Subject: [CabotCommunity] Just a few Reminders for this week... In-Reply-To: <8CA95215F4F8196-6BC-8DC@webmail-da15.sysops.aol.com> Message-ID: <8CA988347FE42FF-10E4-1DF2@webmail-da21.sysops.aol.com> Tomorrow is LAST PTO MEETING OF THE YEAR! Join us for the Final PTO Meeting of the year tomorrow, June 10th at 8:40 am in the Library.? At this meeting we will present the PTO Budget for the school year 2008-2009 (a copy of the budget is attached at the end of this newsletter) and? recap important issues of the past year. PTO board will also be electing its officers for the next year.? Please join us as we vote to elect Sally Brickell as the incoming PTO President, Andrea Steenstrup as Treasurer, Julie Bourgoin as VP of Fundraising, and Krista Kett as Secretary.? Please join us in showing our gratitude to these individuals for their commitment to school and the community!! ? Many PTO positions are still looking for committee chairs, please contact us to volunteer and make a difference in the education of your child(ren). ? Vocabulary Day Tomorrow - June 10th As you must have heard from your child(ren) and read it tin the blue sheet, June 10th is Vocabulary Day at Cabot. Each childs has received a word to display.? There will be a neighborhood parade.? Ms. Bennett is looking for some volunteers, so if you can help, please let her know. ? Community-wide 'Celebration of Teaching' - June 12, 2008, Cabot School 3:30 ? 5:30 PM? We are hosting a gala celebration for Dr. Quarcoo and Mrs. Mann as they retire from Cabot School.? Many city officials will be in attendance.? All students, parents, alumni and faculty are invited for the festivities.? Please help us in spreading the word to people associated with Cabot in the past but are no longer part of the Newton schools.?So mark your calendars and we hope you can be part of these special celebrations! ? We are still collecting materials for the memory books for them, so if you want to be part this gift, please drop off items for the memory books in the? PTO mail box or mail them to Cabot School, attn.: Memory Books, 229 Cabot Street, Newtonville, MA 02460.? WE need volunteers for this event, please contact Sally Brickell at brickland6 at rcn.com.? ? Lost and Found Going Going Gone? The lost and found bin is holding valuable coats, sweaters, shoes, sneakers and other personal items that you have been missing at home for all these days.? There will be a table set out on Thursday June 12 th on the blacktop with all the items.? Please stop by or ask your child(ren) to pick up your items, after that they will be donated to a local charity. ? YEAR-END PTO THANK YOU POTLUCK on June 13th Please mark your calendar for the Year-End PTO Thank You Pot-Luck Party, to be held on Friday June 13th at Archana Vahalia?s House, 53 Sheffield Rd. from 5:30 - 7:00 PM.? This event is held to thank ALL hardworking committee and community members. ?Please bring some finger food or drinks to share.? I hope you can join us for this special event and RSVP me at auvpto at aol.com.? ???? CABOT GOODS FOR SALE ON JUNE 10th Have you been looking for some Cabot wear but didn?t know where to get it?? Helen Cao, our Cabot Goods Guru, will be on the blacktop from 12:00 ? 1:00 tomorrow (June 10th).? She will have a table set up displaying Cabot T-shirts, sweatshirts and hats.? If you have not had a chance to show your school pride, this will be your opportunity to get some gear!? Thank you Helen!!? ? Schools out for Summer! Celebrate the End of the School Year with a Picnic on Cabot Field School finishes on Thursday, June 19th at 12 noon. In recent years a tradition has evolved at Cabot to mark this event with a mass picnic out on the Cabot field. So come along. Bring your blanket, a picnic and hang out with friends you have made over the year and discover new ones! Is Your Family Leaving Cabot at the end of this Year? If you and your family know that you will be leaving Cabot at the end of this year then please let Mrs. Driscoll in the office know. Also please ensure that you have completed & returned the Exit Interview Forms before the end of school, available from the office. This has been compiled for you by the Cabot PTO ? Cabot PTO Financial Results ? ? ? ? As of June3, 2008 Budget Actual ? Proposed ? 2007-08 2007-08 Difference 2008-2009 Income: ? ? ? ? ? Artwork for Education Revenues 0 2,000 2,000 2,000 ? Bird Seed Fund ? 500 500 0 ? Book Fair 3,000 2,878 -122 3,000 ? Cabot Fair Revenues 9,000 11,180 2,180 9,000 ? Cabot Goods 600 -337 -937 600 ? Campaign For Cabot 28,000 34,754 6,754 30,000 ? Casey Scheuerell Music Scholarship Fund 0 55 55 0 ? Classified Advertising in Jabber 0 117 117 100 ? Coffee Pond Family Photo Day 500 371 -129 0 ? Community Supper 600 475 -125 450 ? Dues for Memebership 8,000 9,399 1,399 9,000 ? Directory Advertising 3,000 3,025 25 3,000 ? Gift Wrap 8,000 8,290 290 8,000 ? Interest Income 550 725 175 250 ? Misc. Fundraising 850 840 -10 850 ? Repayment of Advance 0 4,000 4,000 0 ? Ruby Bridges Book Sales 0 1,225 1,225 0 ? ? ? ? ? TOTAL INCOME 62,100 79,497 17,397 66,250 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Expenses ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Equity: ? ? ? ? Creative Arts & Sciences 11,000 12,647 1,647 11,000 Program Enrichment 3,000 3,198 198 3,000 Field Trips 3,500 3,500 0 3,500 Individual Teacher Workshops 3,500 0 -3,500 3,500 Library 2,000 2,650 650 2,000 Physical Education Equipment 1,000 714 -286 1,000 Principal Discretionary Fund 3,500 5,500 2,000 3,500 Teacher Discretionary Fund 8,500 8,300 -200 8,500 ? ? ? ? ? Sub-Total 36,000 36,510 510 36,000 ? ? ? ? ? Non-Equity: ? ? ? ? Acknowledgement ? ? ? ? ? General 1,200 687 -513 1,200 ? Retirement 500 57 -443 500 Animal Care 500 500 0 500 Bank Charges 100 0 -100 100 Building Use ? 0 0 ? CAPP 1,250 1,250 0 1,125 Casey Scheuerell Music Scholarship Fund 0 265 265 0 CASP Scholarship 2,000 2,000 0 2,000 Cabot Connecting Families 250 0 -250 250 Community Garden 3,000 843 -2,157 3,000 Computer Supplies ? 0 0 500 Copying (outside) 400 18 -382 150 Core Values 150 147 -3 200 Family Dance 650 539 -111 650 Kindergarten Reg. 50 0 -50 50 Fifth Grade Activities: ? 0 0 ? ? Field Trip 500 0 -500 500 ? PTO Contribution 1,000 45 -956 1,000 Handbook 400 298 -102 400 Hospitality 400 271 -129 400 Insurance 450 415 -35 450 Invention Invasion 400 364 -36 400 Library Committee 100 67 -33 100 METCO Scholarship Fund 100 100 0 100 Donation to Environmental Cause 500 0 -500 500 Playground Repair and Maintenance 1,500 0 -1,500 1,500 PTO Council Dues 170 170 0 170 PTO Miscellaneous: ? ? 0 ? ? Memorial Gifts 250 75 -175 250 ? Miscellaneous expenses 0 177 177 0 ? Presidents' Discr. Fund 700 162 -538 700 Photography 100 11 -89 250 Respect for Human Differences 200 0 -200 200 Ruby Bridges Book Expense ? 844 844 ? Social Action 1,100 ? 289 ? ? Social Action Misc. ? 133 ? 100 ??Newton Serves ? 678 ? 1,000 Technology 15,000 14,689 -311 18,000 Understanding Our Diffs. 450 377 -73 450 Uncashed Checks from Last Year 0 1,153 1,153 0 Website and e-jabber 500 ? -500 500 Wellness Committee 900 79 -821 900 ? ? ? ? ? Sub-Total: 34,770 26,414 -8,356 38,095 ? ? ? ? ? Total: 70,770 62,924 -7,846 74,095 ? ? ? ? ? Net Income: ? 16,573 16,573 ? ?Archana Vahalia Cabot PTO Co-President auvpto at aol.com 617-244-1435 ? Stay informed, get connected and more with AOL on your phone. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://cabotpto.org/pipermail/cabotcommunity_cabotpto.org/attachments/20080609/2a6f5a13/attachment.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: agenda_6_10_08.doc Type: application/msword Size: 80896 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://cabotpto.org/pipermail/cabotcommunity_cabotpto.org/attachments/20080609/2a6f5a13/attachment.doc From auvpto at aol.com Wed Jun 11 15:44:40 2008 From: auvpto at aol.com (auvpto at aol.com) Date: Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:44:40 -0400 Subject: [CabotCommunity] Celebration of Teaching - Everyone is Invited Tomorrow Message-ID: <8CA9A12B8E4953D-F64-24E0@MBLK-M25.sysops.aol.com> Community-wide 'Celebration of Teaching' - June 12, 2008, Cabot School 3:30 ? 5:30 PM? Please join us for? a gala celebration for Dr. Quarcoo and Mrs. Mann as they retire from Cabot School.? Many city officials will be in attendance.? All students, parents, alumni and faculty are invited for the festivities.? Please help us in spreading the word to people associated with Cabot in the past but are no longer part of the Newton schools. ? We are still collecting materials for the memory books for them, so if you want to be part this gift, please bring them with you, there will be tables set up for memory books.? We need volunteers for this event, please contact Sally Brickell at brickland6 at rcn.com.? ? We hope you can be part of these special celebrations! ?Archana Vahalia Cabot PTO Co-President auvpto at aol.com 617-244-1435 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://cabotpto.org/pipermail/cabotcommunity_cabotpto.org/attachments/20080611/f91c5840/attachment.html From auvpto at aol.com Wed Jun 11 23:47:11 2008 From: auvpto at aol.com (auvpto at aol.com) Date: Wed, 11 Jun 2008 23:47:11 -0400 Subject: [CabotCommunity] Raincoats for a worthy Cause- a special request Message-ID: <8CA9A562147FFFD-F64-3F98@MBLK-M25.sysops.aol.com> The family of Sofia Hertz, 3rd grade(Ms. Vaswani's class), will be traveling to Guatemala soon, and have received a request from an organization they have been involved in supporting for several years. ?The organization is called Safe Passage (can be found on line), whose mission is to help the children who work in the garbage dump in Guatemala City in order to provide for their families. ?Safe Passage helps these children get an education, have access to medical care, and learn skills which can help them break out of the cycle of poverty. ?A promised shipment of 500 raincoats fell through for the kids, and their rainy season is around the corner. ?Safe Passage has asked if we can bring raincoats for children ages 2 to 18 with us when we come to Guatemala. If you have any raincoats to give away, ?we would appreciate if you would bring them in to Cabot School on? Tuesday and Thursday, next week. ?We will collect them in a carton in the lobby at the blacktop entrance. Sincerely, Pat, Bob, and Sofia Hertz ?Archana Vahalia Cabot PTO Co-President auvpto at aol.com 617-244-1435 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://cabotpto.org/pipermail/cabotcommunity_cabotpto.org/attachments/20080611/2c940fd4/attachment.html From auvpto at aol.com Sun Jun 15 18:21:09 2008 From: auvpto at aol.com (auvpto at aol.com) Date: Sun, 15 Jun 2008 18:21:09 -0400 Subject: [CabotCommunity] Last Tuesday for School Store In-Reply-To: <8CA9D40F552CA80-1788-26BF@MBLK-M02.sysops.aol.com> References: <8CA9D40F552CA80-1788-26BF@MBLK-M02.sysops.aol.com> Message-ID: <8CA9D4D3E099DE1-8FC-1556@webmail-md13.sysops.aol.com> Hi Cabot Community - The full Jabberwock will come out this Tuesday full of end of the year information for you.? In the meantime, we want to make sure you know that the school store will be open one last time............ BEEN MEANING TO GET TO THE SCHOOL STORE? IT?S NOT TOO LATE!!?? ? The school store will be open one last time on Tuesday, June 17, from 8:00 ? 8:30 a.m.? Remember that birthday certificates (the slips of paper to which the birthday pencils are taped) are worth 50? at the school store.? We?ve only had about 90 redeemed this year and with over 400 students in the school, there are still a lot floating around out there.? So, scrounge around in the bottom of your backpacks and dig through that pile of papers in your desk, and come see us!? Contact:? Karen Lumino, 617-630-5073 or family at swain.name. Thanks, Mary Kathryn Fallon. Do remember?to check the Lost and Found table on Thursday and pick up your valuable belongings before they go to a local charity for a worthy cause. ?Archana Vahalia Cabot PTO Co-President auvpto at aol.com 617-244-1435 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://cabotpto.org/pipermail/cabotcommunity_cabotpto.org/attachments/20080615/3c428d92/attachment.html From auvpto at aol.com Tue Jun 17 15:51:34 2008 From: auvpto at aol.com (auvpto at aol.com) Date: Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:51:34 -0400 Subject: [CabotCommunity] Final Jabberwock of School Year 2008 In-Reply-To: <8CA9EC8B9C219D6-110-2391@FWM-D43.sysops.aol.com> References: <8CA9EC8B9C219D6-110-2391@FWM-D43.sysops.aol.com> Message-ID: <8CA9ECAAD995A32-110-24AD@FWM-D43.sysops.aol.com> Dear Cabot families, as the school year nears an end, we bring you a very special Jabberwock - with Dr. quarcoo's last message to the school, and many goodbyes.? We hope you will find it enjoyable and informative.? We are hoping to bring a new format of Jabber for the next year.? Thanks for your patience with the current goof ups from time ot time. Just a reminder, please send the first page of the report card back in the envelop provided after signing it. Please do write to us during summer and look for important updates. We wish you a safe and healthy summer.? Have a great summer. ?Archana Vahalia Cabot PTO Co-President auvpto at aol.com 617-244-1435 Issue 10?? June 17, 2008 ? Cabot School PTO e-Jabberwock ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????? Respect for self and others??????????? Lifelong learning???????????????? Commitment to school and community ? Cabot School Contact Information ? Main Office: 617-559-9400???????????????????? ?????????????? ? CASP: 617-964-2749 ? Gym: 617-559-9407?????????????????????????????????? ????????????? ? Food Service: 617-559-9021 or 617-559-6315??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ? Inclusion Facilitator: 617-559-9409????? ????????????????? ? Nurse: 617-559-9404 ? Library: 617-559-9406????????? ????????????????????????????????? ? Psychologist & Social Worker: 617-559-9405 ? Call Back/Safe Arrival: 617-559-9390 Call by 8:20 a.m. to report tardiness & absences ? Cabot School website ??????www.newton.k12.ma.us/cabot/ Cabot School PTO ????????????www.cabotpto.org Newton Public Schools? ???www.newton.k12.ma.us/ ? ?Calendar (subject to change) ? June 18, 2008 Transition Ceremony for 5th Grade, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM June 18, 2008 Last Day for Students at CASP 6 PM ?Office will remain open on a part time basis during the summer June 19, 2008 Last Day of School for Students, 12 Noon Dismissal June 19, 2008 End of Year Picnic on Field, Noon onwards June 20, 2008 Last Day of School for Teachers June 23, 2008 School Committee Meeting, 7:30 PM ? ? September 1, 2008 Labor Day, NO SCHOOL September 2, 2008 First Day for Teachers; Superintendent Meeting at NSHS, 8 AM September 2, 2008 Welcome Picnic for New Families, 5:30 - 7:00 PM (rain date 9/3/06) September 4, 2008 First Day for Students Grade 1-5 & Kindergarten "A" students September 4, 2008 PTO Coffee for New Parents, 8:30 AM outside Kindergarten wing September 4, 2008 First Day of CASP for k-5 September 5, 2008 First Day for Kindergarten "B" students September 5, 2008 PTO Coffee for New Parents, 8:30 AM outside Kindergarten wing September 16, 2008 Sally foster Gift Wrap Fundraiser Begins September 18, 2008 Back to School Night, 6 PM September 23, 2008 Cabot Community Supper, 5 PM Cabot Field (rain Date 9/25/08) September 30, 2008 Rosh Hashanah, NO SCHOOL September 30, 2008 Sally foster Gift Wrap Fundraiser Ends October 1, 2008 1st Full day for Group B Kindergarten October 3, 2008 School Picture Day (rain date 10/17/08) October 6, 2008 1st Full day for Group A Kindergarten October 9, 2008 Yom Kippur October 13, 2008 Columbus Day Please check the website www.cabotpto.org for an updated calendar at anytime. ?Marilynne?s Message ? I Bid Thee Farewell! This will be my last Jabberwock message. After eighteen years, I have amassed a collection of writing that will serve as a public record of my advocacy and leadership at Cabot School. I am indebted to all the editors who waited patiently (or not) for my submissions. To those who retyped and formatted (before we could create an e-version) the newsletter, you also have my gratitude. ? This journey called the principal has been a grand, grand privilege. I have learned so much about what is means to create and sustain a covenant among the adults in a school community. Armed with salient research about effective schools, I attempted to use this vehicle as a way to engage you, provoke you and inform you! As I prepare to close the door to my office and relinquish my keys, I leave with the same values and beliefs I brought 18 years ago. I leave knowing that this community will continue to develop itself, that the students will continue to receive the highest quality program and instruction this very gifted and professional faculty and staff can render. I trust that some of my work that is yet to come to fruition will have a positive impact at Cabot school. Children deserve the best we can give and I have followed my mother?s sage advise ?Always do your best with what you have been given!? I have given my all to Cabot School! ? Expressions of Gratitude: I am not sure where to begin but let me start by expressing my sincerest gratitude to the legion of parents and faculty! I have come to know that when we set out to hold an event at Cabot School, people always respond to the call! Thursday was more than I could have imagined. Everything about the afternoon felt so good. I was so proud to have my mother witness children having a formal way to say THANK YOU. I was honored to share this time with others who are leaving. The program was just right---children in the fore and demonstrating the array of competencies we all know they posses! Whether athletic, poetic, dramatic, artistic, or socially driven, they spoke their "truths? and displayed their skills and said a healthy and hearty good bye. Years ago my parents would attend the Spaghetti Supper and my father would comment on proud he was to see me lead this school. He praised me for my accomplishments but also told me to always do what I believe is best. He somehow knew, perhaps he learned from supporting my mother in her work as a guidance counselor, that working with our people's children would require a sacrifice for your own family as well. Both my parents encouraged their children to work in the service of others! I am glad to have done my service. Each detail of the afternoon gave me reason to smile and be happy for the teaching that occurs at Cabot School. I found myself singing and reflecting on my very deeply held values and the compelling reason that at an early age made me know that I wanted to teach. The afternoon was truly a Celebration of Teachers, Teaching AND Community! . I will always believe that we can change the world for the better when all the adults in a community support each other and educate and develop our children to be informed, critical thinkers who feel passionately about and act to pursue a cause or interests! You have helped me to realize the power of my ideas. ? Thank you for inviting Mayor Cohen (who also almost broke out in song!) and the Central Administration represented by Dr. Keegan to share their very kind comments. The music and lyrics of the Cabot Parent Chorus will always ring clear in my mind. I will hold onto the images of the students and teachers from CASP, the musicians, Rohan Vahalia, and the spontaneous cheerleaders! ? Mrs. Driscoll has always said that you say thank you at least three times when you write a letter. For the last time let me thank you for being such unselfish individuals and such a wonderfully supportive community of adults here at the Cabot School! ? A Special Thank You: ?I would be remiss if I didn?t thank the current leadership of the PTO, Mary Kathryn Fallon and Archana Vahalia. This year has been no different from all the rest. I have had the exceptional opportunity to work alongside such dedicated and committed co-chairs. At times I would forget they were parents. I knew I could confide in them, seek their advice, and test out my thinking. Mary Kathryn has been stellar these two years. It isn?t as though her days were not full. Many evening she was at work on behalf of children and adults. Midnight emails and early morning messages attest to the hours she put in. Mary Kathryn gets what the mission of the PTO must be. She might look like her tasks were effortless but I know that is incorrect. It is her style, her mannerism, that made all the heavy lifting she did this year given all the changes and challenges we faced at the school and in the community. I want to thank her family who shared their mother and wife with the entire community. Mary Kathryn put your feet up and sit back and be proud of the contributions you have made. You have affected many lives?mine in particular. Thank you! ? Archana Vahalia rode in that second seat last year doing what new co-chairs do but as this year ramped up she took the steering wheel and is leading this community with great aplomb. There is nothing she won?t do in service of this school. Over and over she asked, ?What do you need Dr Quarcoo? What do the children need?? What do the teachers need? How can we help?? Archana Vahalia is a caretaker, problem solver and visionary in this community. I encourage the community to follow her lead as she is positioned to help you through the year?s transition as you seek a permanent principal for the school. Archana will be the most ardent advocate for this community. She will ensure that there is parity and equity in this community when discussions of the most critical nature emerge. She will champion the cause to seek remedies for the failed override to restore quality education and services to all children and teachers. Throw all your support behind her and Sally Brickell (Kaplan) who has stepped up to provide some stability and historical perspective. Never forget that the PTO is YOU and YOU and YOU! ? Changes, changes and more changes:? I use to think change is good. You certainly have to keep a positive spin on all the changes at Cabot School. This is the longest list I have ever published. Some changes are affected by the budget and faculty and staff that made professional and personal decisions affect other changes. To all listed below, I say thank you for your service to Cabot School and may you continue to know good health and great joy! Retirement???????????????????????????? Marcie Mann??????????????? gr 2????? Helene Reisler .2 Music ??????????????????????????????????? Resignation ?????????????????????????? Alice Cunningham ??????? Building Aide Lori Hodgins ?? ??????????? Sp/Lang Tina Mahon ???????????????? Sp/Lang?????????? Alan Ripp???????????????????? gr 4 Sarah Bea Sater ????????? ELL asst Chris Thonet???????????????? gr 3 Emily Ballard Sayre Inclusion Facilitator Transfers??????????????????????????????? Brenda Doucette ???????? Instructional Technology Specialist John Miranda?? ??????????? Literacy Specialist Elaine Ropi ?.6 Music RIF (reduction in force) ??????? ?Kelly Conroy ? Art Ann Dinsmore Lit Assistant????? Mary Gartland BEST/Social Worker ??????????????????????????????????????????????? Susan Kass ???????????????? Social Worker Allocation Budget????? ??????????? Sharon Foster ? ??????????? PE (Classroom reduction) ??????????????????????????????????????????????? Leave of Absence????? ???????????? Bhavna Vaswani????????? gr 3; Affinity Leader (Child rearing) ? Class Assignments by Teacher: next year the grade five classes will be self-contained. I hope to send out a brief description to parents of students entering grade five to explain this late minute change. Please trust that we have been having an ongoing dialogue for the last few years to determine if we should continue with a more departmentalized model most often associated with middle schools models for instruction. WE are one of a few schools in Newton that works in this way. As our needs to have teachers more comprehensively prepared to meet the diverse needs on classrooms and to truly understand the relationship with all the learning outcomes we have concluded that a self-contained model is best at this time. I have encouraged teachers to continue to share teaching as they acclimate to this new model. I envision that greater collaboration will occur, as teachers will rely on each other at this grade to provide optimal learning experiences for all children. ? Kindergarten??????????????? Ms Bellinger???????????????? Ms Cain ????????? Ms Magoveny Grade 1??????????????????????? Ms Forseter???????????????? Ms Lucas ??????? Mr Miller Grade 2??????????????????????? Mr Lacatell?????????????????? Ms Stahl?????????? Ms Soltoff Grade 3??????????????????????? Ms Bargande??????????????? Mr Velutto?????? new teacher Grade 4??????????????????????? Mr Tirrell????????????????????? Mr Whitney????? Mr Wong Grade 5??????????????????????? Ms Fiorenza???????????????? Ms Robertson? Mr Springer Art?????????????????????????????? Ms Straight Cotton Library???????????? Ms Gerson Music?????????????????????????? Anne Scigliano .2 Tom Morris .2 and Carol Nicolucci .2- general music Elaine Ropi- instrumental?.4 ? Physical Education Health &Wellness??? Ms Bennett ? In the fall you will receive a list of all faculty and staff. ? A Tribute to Ms Marcie Mann: Each year principals are asked to write statements about our faculty who are retiring for inclusion in a book to the School Committee. Please read this and gain a glimpse into this very special teacher. ? Compassion, creative and commitment are words that come to mind when I think about Marcie Mann. Her approach to her work has always been marked by these qualities. Marcie Mann entered the classroom as a teacher at Cabot School. She had held other positions in Newton but the classroom is the place where Marcie Mann would affect the lives of children and their families. ? Marcie Mann has always been a champion of the affective education. Her classroom was a place where children felt special. She believed that children must have an opportunity to develop a positive self-esteem. Her work as a teacher was to set the conditions so all children knew their value. Marcie Mann developed a classroom environment so compliments and praise had a central place in learning. She never distributed the praise that lacks specificity rather she structured each day so children received specific feedback that focused on what was going well and areas that needed improvement. She has been gifted at using a strengths based model in her classroom long before research heralded this as an effective approach to learning. Whether a child excelled in their skill attainment or displayed empathy for others, Marcie Mann valued them all equally! Marcie Mann simply did what made sense---she cared deeply for each child she met! ? Marcie Mann took her passion further as she served as the Open Circle Teacher Leader at Cabot School. Since its inception as a curriculum Marcie Mann has modeled Open Circle lessons, visited classrooms and provided resources, feedback and other supports to a host of teachers. She provided parent training and information to help strengthen a home-school connection. ? As a teacher she lived through many educational movements to improve teaching and learning. Marcie Mann rallied to each demand to adjust her work and continually crafted a developmentally appropriate approach to learning. She used cooperative learning strategies, participated in teacher led study groups, and worked diligently with curriculum specialist to restructure her practice in a standards based classroom. Marcie Mann worked with a high degree of commitment with all her students but always went the extra distance to advocate for children whose learning challenges could negatively affect their life opportunities. Marcie Mann worked with Inclusion Facilitators and Special Educators to ensure her students were adequately served. She practiced what she preached and made whatever modifications were necessary to provide all learners with access to curriculum and the learning experiences of her grade. ? Marcie Mann has taught grades two and three. The Cabot School community can point to many creative projects undertaken in Marcie Mann?s classroom. One notable project was connected to the third grade curriculum on Newton. Working with a group of equally creative parents, Marcie Mann engaged staff at the Jackson Homestead, a local museum and historic home on the National Underground Railroad Millennium Trail. Marcie Mann arranged for her students to study artifacts in the children?s section. She developed a technical writing unit that resulted in each child creating fact sheets written in child friendly language reflecting their detailed, authenticated information displayed by each object. The project also included the production of a video on the life of the Jackson family. Culminating this work, parents produced a compact disk that allowed children to share their voices as well as musical talents. This was a learning experience that exceeded the expectation for the curriculum but demonstrated the power of a teacher?s idea. ? Ideas like this are too numerous to mention, however it is also noteworthy that Marcie Mann also engaged her class with community residents at Cabot Park Village. Marcie Mann is a teacher?s teacher. She understands that teaching is more than delivering curriculum. Teaching is about bringing your passion and commitment to the interpretation of curriculum. Teaching is about skillfully designing learning experiences that allow all children to acquire knowledge, develop skills and dispositions, and find ways to make meaning out of their learning. ? Marcie Mann has a very large piece of the institutional memory of Cabot School. The PTO sought out Marcie Mann regarding the school?s traditions and rituals. Marcie Mann helped to make anniversary celebrations spectacular. Her unselfish commitment to the community leaves a legacy to be proud of for a long time to come! All the best to you Marcie Mann as you move away from Cabot School and towards untold possibilities! ? ? PTO Pen ? First a Word from Mary Kathryn As my 2 year term comes to an end, I can reflect upon all that the PTO has accomplished to support the school and enrich the education of the students.? From helping to implement new traffic regulations and walking school buses, advocating for the modulars, increasing funding for technology, successful Cabot Clean-up days, bringing in Ruby Bridges, the Core Value Evening, and bringing in School Committee members for discussion, to the old stand-bys of the Cabot Fair, Community Supper, Connecting Families Bowling, Book Fair, Invention Invasion, and many, many more activities, we have accomplished a lot as a community!? All these fabulous programs and activities could not have happened without the countless volunteers and dedicated adult members of our community.? The best part of being the PTO co-president was getting to know so many of you.? You were all encouraging, helpful and willing to lend support.? Thank you Cabot Community! I am proud to be a member of such a vibrant and dedicated group of faculty, parents and guardians.? A special thank you to all the committee chairs.? Their organization and assistance made it possible to have so many different programs, enriching and supporting the education of the students and building community relationships.? Thank you. ? Thank you also to the PTO officers.? Thanks to Jo Doherty, my co-president last year for being supportive with a ?can-do? attitude as we tackled many issues facing our school. Thanks to Rosemary Thomsen, who has served as Treasurer for the past 2 years.? Rosemary has accomplished so many things for the PTO.? She facilitated getting the PTO incorporated, filed tax returns, and cut countless checks (with a super fast turn-around) and deposited even more.? Her integrity and attention to detail have served us all well.? We say good-bye to her as a PTO Officer and as a Cabot Parent this year. Thank you Rosemary, you will be missed.? Lori Seuch is also completing her term as VP of Fundraising.? Lori has orchestrated 2 years of record contributions for the Campaign for Cabot.? Each year she ran the campaign without a hitch. This is the largest fundraiser of the year and its success helped ensure that the PTO was financially stable to support the programs and activities that we wanted to support.? Thank you, Lori. ? Heartfelt thanks go to Archana Vahalia, she has been a wonderful partner this year.? She is a dedicated, dependable, compassionate, self-less and intelligent person.? Her level?headedness and straight forward attitude are quite an asset to the community.? She has the ability to focus on the big picture, while attending to every detail underneath.? She has the best interests of the school in mind and takes the time to understand the issues to see what we can do to improve things.? It has been a pleasure to get to know her this year as a partner who became a friend.? To be joined by the tireless, dedicated and knowledgeable Sally Brickell next year, the Cabot PTO is truly in talented hands ? you can be sure that they will do their best to help make next year successful despite the challenges of a school in leadership transition, faculty changes and budget constraints!? ? My utmost appreciation and admiration go to Dr. Quarcoo.? She is an amazing person and I was privileged to get to know her these past 2 years.? Not only does Dr. Quarcoo pursue the best education for your child, she constantly strives to make what is good even better.? I have said that one of my favorite things about Dr. Quarcoo is that after 18 years of being a principal at Cabot, she is never complacent.? She is constantly saying ?How can we make this better? What would help the students more? How can we improve upon this??? I find this inspiring and the mark of a great leader.? Her excellence in hiring quality teachers is another testament of her drive to provide quality education for our community.? She may be leaving, but thankfully, many of the teachers she has hired will still be with us to carry on her legacy. ?Dr. Quarcoo?s leadership has embodied Cabot?s core values and brought them to life.? Because of her inspiration, these values, ?life long learning?, ?respect for self and others? and ?commitment to school and community? are ingrained in our minds and our actions making our school a strong and welcoming community for all people.? It is a sad time for us to say good bye to such a strong and positive presence at our school.? She will be missed. ? I would be remiss to not have a ?shout out? to my husband, Eric, and my children, Jake, Katy & Matthew for their patience and support.? They were always supportive while I ran out to ?another? meeting, spent time on the computer, the phone or talking on the blacktop. Thanks also to my friend Sandy Connors, who was always there, without fail, to lend a hand no matter what needed to be done, despite being a busy committee chair, super- involved volunteer and dedicated mother.? I couldn?t have done it without your support.? Thank you.? ? Finally, a word from Archana Vahalia It is the beginning of summer vacation, it is the end of another school year.? As we say goodbye to Dr. Quarcoo and many staff members, please join me in congratulating them and all the staff in giving another wonderful year to our children. It is hard for me to say goodbye to Marilynne.? She has been there personally for us for 8 years as a dedicated educator and a role model for my children and me.? Marilynne has inspired me to realize that contributing to the school in every little way makes a huge difference in the lives of our children. ?I am sad because I didn't get a chance to work with her as long as others did.?Her leadership has been exceptional because ?mediocrity? never existed in her work. I wish I had traveled with her a little longer... ? Many thanks go to Mary Kathryn, who lead us through a very busy year of override, traffic issues around Cabot, and most successful year of fundraising. She has spent countless hours getting people together to make every event more fun and successful.?? Working closely with her, I have learnt so much from her, she will always say, ?if no body else will do it, I will do it?. Mary Kathryn has a tremendous sense of responsibility and ability to perfectly execute a plan.? A true leader!!!?? We will miss your leadership, we are glad you have many more years at Cabot.? Thanks. ? PTO is successful because of so many committed people step up to lead many committees and many more who work behind the scenes, without whom we will be a different school.? Many of these people are moving on this year from their respective positions that they held last year. Please join me in thanking - Rosemary Thomsen, Laura Dreese, Kim Spencer, Ann Duvall, Liz Lehrer, Mary Heney, Rose Coppola-Flynn, Joy Cline Phinney, Sandy Connors, Suzy Enyeart, Julie Lindstorm, Karen Clay, Alice Cunningham, Andrea Plotkin, Kathy Chivian, Vicki Gartland, Jo Doherty, Amit Nissenbaum, Carolyn Eggert, Lori Seuch, Lisa Spagnuolo, Rick Reilly, Judy McMorrow, Barbara Perlo.? Some of these people have moved on to another committee. ? Thanks to all the co-chairs who are continuing in their role and parents who volunteered for the Community Supper, Community Garden ceremony, Book Fair, Cabot Fair, Wellness Day, Invention Invasion, Teacher Appreciation breakfasts and luncheon, Celebration of Teaching, Cabot Clean up Day, bake sales, Sally Foster Gift Wrap fundraiser, Coffee Pond Picture, and many more. Thanks to all the families who helped us in sending gifts to The Second Step, food for Newton Food Pantry, and many other community projects.? Please join me in thanking all the committee co-chairs who make our enrichment programs and fundraisers possible. The more parents participate in these activities more successful our programs our and we are able to bring more programs to the school.? Through generous donations from local businesses, the PTO has been able to defray many costs and have fabulous food and gifts for many events, including silent auction and raffle. ? We look forward to welcoming Jim Swaim and working together to keep Cabot wonderful school for our children. Have a happy and safe summer. ? New PTO Co-President and other Members At the Final PTO meeting of the Year, held last Tuesday June 10th, we elected our new PTO Co-President, Sally Brickell! Please thank Sally for stepping up to assume this role once more at such a critical time.? Her commitment and dedication to Cabot School makes her a perfect fit for this role and I look forward to working with her.? We also elected Julie Bourgoin as the Vice President of Fundraising, Andrea Steenstrup as the Treasurer, and Krista Kett as our Secretary and Jabber editor.? Krista will be joined by Jennifer Abbott and Susuan Phillips in bringing you the new and improved Jabber. ? Mary Kathryn Fallon???????????????????????? ?????Archana Vahalia???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? Sally Brickell PTO co-President (moving on)????????? PTO co-President??????????????????????????????????????????????????????? PTO co-President (incoming) ? ? ? ?Recent Events at cabot ? Celebration of Teaching Events We hope you were able to join us for last Thursday?s events, which celebrated teaching.? The Assembly during school and the Celebration of Teaching afternoon event each helped to celebrate the contributions of our retiring teachers, Dr. Quarcoo and Mrs. Mann, and all faculty members who we will lose this year. Thanks to the hard work of many volunteers, the never-at-a-loss-for-lyrics Cabot Parent Chorus, other cool musicians and singers, talented students?CASP and non-CASP, devoted alumni and alumnae, diligent and supportive teachers and staff, and special guests, including Mayor Cohen and Dr. Keegan. ?Thanks very much to everyone who helped pull off these special events. ?A special thanks to Sally Brickell, who was the brains behind both events and helped to pull them all together.? They were events to remember and a fitting farewell to some of our favorite Cabot faculty. ? Appreciation Breakfast for the Faculty Thanks to Sharon Dwyer?s brainstorm and Ayako Samuels?s creativity and Kate Johnson and Sandee Simshauser?s culinary skills and Suzy Enyeart?s energy, the teachers and staff enjoyed a great breakfast before school on June 10. They really seemed to enjoy selecting among all of the tempting foods and even eating pancakes and waffles hot off the griddle. This fun event hosted by the Acknowledgment Committee gave teachers an unusual opportunity to relax and chat for a few minutes before school.? Sally Brickell, Acknowledgment Committee. Creative Arts and Science Events The Creative Arts and Sciences committee had a banner year, thanks to the generosity of the PTO and the hard work of the committee members. We were able to bring three programs to each grade level, an all-school storytelling performance and the civil rights activist, Ruby Bridges, to Cabot School. Many thanks go out to Suzanne Wakefield and Jen Abbott (grade K), Solange Lavanchy and Sharon Perkolis (gr. 1), Roni Coughlin and Ayako Samuels (gr.2), Margaret Wazuka (gr. 3), Paula Feldman (gr. 4), and Rachael Leaney (gr. 5). A very special thank you to Sandy Connors, who will be retiring as co-chair this year (but still helping with 5th grade!) ? UCOMING Events at cabot ? Progress Reports The progress reports are coming home today.? Be sure to sign them and send the signature page back in by the last day of school! ? Raincoats for a worthy Cause- a special request REMINDER: Please bring in any children's raincoats that you can donate to an organization that helps poor children in Guatemala City. We will be bringing the raincoats with us when we leave on Saturday. We will leave a plastic bin in the lobby of the school for this collection, and will be on the blacktop tomorrow morning at drop off time. Thanks for your help with this.? ? Picnic On The Last Day Of School Join the Cabot Community for an informal picnic after the last day of school, June 19, 2008, at 12:00 noon on the field.? Cabot goods will be there if you want to get any summer wear to show your school spirit.? Bring a picnic lunch and join the fun!? ? Lost & Found The pile of items in the lobby is quite a sight, Have you seen the lost & found bin? It is reaching a great height! Sweatshirts, jackets, hats and even a comb; All those beautiful items sitting without a home. We?d like to you to check it and claim what is yours, Because if it keeps growing, it will block the lobby doors! Take it away, the T-shirts, lunch boxes, gloves and socks, Because when school finishes on Thursday, we?d like an empty box! ? Volunteer Positions Open for Next Year Did you know that Cabot has 36 PTO Committees, from Program Enrichment to the book Fair to the Social Action Committee?? There are many opportunities for you to support the Cabot school community, and many take just a few hours. Check out the committees and what they do at http://cabotpto.org/volunteer.htm.? All Committees welcome new members, and listed below are important positions we have yet to fill - What about you?? Please contact the committee chairs (listed on the website) or Mary Kathryn Fallon, our Nominations Coordinator, for more information. ? Community Supper Cabot Fair co-chair Invention Invasion Public Relations co-chair Directory Advertising Grant Writing Fifth Grade Activities ? Room Parents Needed "Interested in becoming more active in your child(ren)'s classroom at Cabot?? Looking for ways to support the teachers???Working full or part time?? Home full time?? We've got just the thing!??We are looking for?folks interested in being room parents next year, and would love to hear from you NOW so that we can begin to provide assistance to the teachers as soon as the classes are assigned in August.? Setting up class lists, etc. would be the first task, then being a liaison to the teacher throughout the year, organizing any gatherings, managing Scholastic book orders - there are lots of ways to help out!? K - 2 parents can contact Lori Knowles at armstrongknowles at juno.com, and 3 - 5 parents can contact Chris Kjellson at chrisk729 at yahoo.com.? We look forward to hearing from you!" ? Cabot Says a Fond Farwell to Departing Families Each year at this time the Cabot School Community has the sad task of saying goodbye to wonderful families who have been a vital part of Cabot family. In addition to the traditional ways of saying goodbye to our graduating 5th graders, and those families that are moving to other schools or another state, we would like to acknowledge each family who has contributed in numerous ways and has helped make Cabot School a special place. So we say farewell to these families, wish them all good luck as they move onto another adventure, and hope our paths will cross in the future (in no particular order, and do apologies for any error): Sean Branagan, Kate Chivian, Gabriel De Almeida, Olivia Gomez, Sam Jefferson, Julielle Kahn, Anna Mazzei, Ian McKay, Jake Myhre, Elias Cardoso, Darien Clay, Sam Cohen, Gabrella Coppola-Flynn, Amanda Dai, David Eastman, Karina Ellis, Luke Fisher, Celia Gittleman, Emie Grody, Cheyne Hall, Jillain Lu, Amelia Nicholas, Anthony Niles, Hadeley Overaker, Ethan Plotkin, James Rothwell, Abigail Rowe, Dexter Wadsworth, Jarrod Scott, Peter Sheen, Gabriel Spagnuolo, Brat Stanton, John Thomsen, Cyrus Vaghar, Adam Zupancic, Omer Nisenbaum, Drew Cheng, Ilan Rotberg, Anabelle Bo Lubin, Nathaniel ?Cole?.Robertson, Luis Godoy, Sophia Cohen, Anna Reilly, Erin Simhauser, Aliza Schacter, Julia Clott, Timothy Shulga-Morskoy. ? CABOT BROADCAST Newton Public Schools Food Service News Summer mailings: You can expect to receive your September menu, ordering procedures and past due balances during the third week in July. Once your receive them please fill them out and return them. On-line ordering: We encourage parents to sign up even if they do not want to order on-line. The benefits are: You can view the Elementary menus, your child(s) order, account activity and credits at any time. Program information: You can find information about our program on: ??????? Our web-site - http://www.newton.k12.ma.us/foodservices/ ??????? E-mail - Food_service at newton.k12.ma.us ??????? Phone- 617-559-6315 ??????? Food service brochure about our program coming this fall. ?Coming in the fall?? - Elementary on-line survey.? Fill it out & your child will receive a free lunch -???????? Thanks - Rob Clickstein, Food Service Director, Newton Public Schools ? Safety Tips from CAPP The approach of summer with its change in schedules and activities is the perfect opportunity to have a conversation with children about safety. Reminders to use sunscreen, to wear bike helmets and seat belts, and to cross streets at the corner are all discussions about personal safety.? Adding a few words regarding assault prevention can also help to assure a fun and safe summer for your child. ? Each year children in kindergarten, grades 2 and 5 participate in the CAP program. Each child has had a CAP workshop within the last year or two. Using the familiar CAP language is one way to talk with your children about being safe with known or unknown adults. ? Find a way to start the conversation. Perhaps by noticing something your child does that shows good judgment or remembering a rule: ?I see that you remembered to put on your seat belt. Let?s see what else you remember about being safe?. Continue by posing ?What if? questions to cover everything from ?what would you do if you couldn?t find your beach towel at the pool? to, ?what would you do if you were the only one in the changing room and someone came in and started asking you personal questions?. Adjust the questions to your child?s age and situation. Brainstorm answers together; not only will you get a good sense of what your child is thinking but also you?ll have an opportunity to add your advice and guidance as needed. ? When we parent for prevention, our goals are to give information, to teach problem-solving skills with an opportunity to practice, and to identify resources (trusted adults).?? Here are a few tips: ? Reinforce your child?s right to be and feel safe and to tell someone whenever they feel unsafe. Support their right to say NO; they don?t have to talk to or be polite to someone who is making them feel scared or uncomfortable. Encourage them to trust their feelings, to leave and tell someone if they get the ?uh-oh? feeling. Remind them to keep a safe distance, ?two arms apart? from anyone they don?t know. To ?RUN, (but don?t hide), YELL (CAP yell NO), TELL (a trusted adult) if in an unsafe situation with a stranger. Discuss safe, unsafe and confusing touches. Reinforce safety strategies: the right to say NO, to move away, and to TELL, TELL, TELL (keep telling until someone believes you and helps you). Discuss safe and unsafe secrets and that they never have to keep a secret about something that confuses or frightens them. Discuss possible tricks someone might play on a child to get the child to go with him or her or to do something the child doesn?t want to do. ? Newton?s Child Assault Prevention (CAP) program needs volunteers urgently!!! Each year CAP volunteer Prevention Specialists present 125 workshops to students in Newton?s kindergarten, second and fifth grade classrooms. Working in teams of 3, we teach Newton children that they have the right to be Safe, Strong and Free with their friends and peers, with adult strangers, and with those who are trusted to take care of them. Using simple and age appropriate language we address bullying, stranger safety, and sexual assault by known persons. ? We are looking for parents who are interested in becoming volunteer Prevention Specialists. Please join us. The next training will begin in October. CAP volunteers include parents, grandparents, retirees and other community members who are interested in child safety, and who can contribute 6 hours per month for one school year, October - May.? ? For more information, please call Gail Sommer, (617) 969-5906, ext. 143 or email, gsommer at ncscweb.org or visit the CAP page on our website at www.ncscweb.org for a description of this very rewarding volunteer position. ? A Note From Dr. Paul Stein, Assistant Superintendent Human Resources, NPS On behalf of the Newton School Committee and Superintendent Jeffrey Young, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Judy Levin-Charns to the position of Assistant Superintendent for Student Services.? Dr. Levin-Charns joins Newton from the Sharon Public Schools where she has held executive administration positions since 2002.? She is currently the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services in Sharon and prior to that was the Director of Student Services.? In addition, she served as a TEAM leader and Speech and Language Pathologist for 18 years in the Wellesley Public Schools. ? Dr. Levin-Charns? expertise and experience is extensive.? She holds a Doctorate in Education specializing in applied psycholinguistics and a Master of Science degree with a concentration in Speech and Language Pathology, both degrees from Boston University.? She has previously served as a co-chairperson of the Boston University Conference on Language Development and a United Cerebral Palsy Research fellow at Children's Hospital.? Since 2005, Dr. Levin-Charns has acted as a Public Education Representative for the Department of Education's Executive Office of Health and Human Services. ? Dr. Levin-Charns will begin her position in August.? Please join us in welcoming her to the Newton Public Schools. ? Support Public Schools "We all know that parent participation in our kids' public schools is important, and it is increasingly so in the face of budget and resource cutbacks. If you are looking for inspiration on how to get involved, check out http://onceuponaschool.org/ . This organization is challenging adults to support their local public schools by collecting stories told by those who participate and awarding prizes to the most innovative projects." ? ? FUNDRAISNG ? Coin Drive for Clinic in Ghana Thanks to the generosity of many families and vision of Dr. Quarcoo, fourth graders have collected and counted more than $700 in coins to go to a health clinic in Ghana.? Thanks to all the 4th graders who collected and carried those have bins of coins and wrapped them up. ? Cabot is an Ariadne PTO Partner! Please remember that the Cabot PTO is enrolled in the Partners Program at Ariadne.? Five percent every purchase you make at Ariadne all year (even summer months) will be donated to the PTO.? There is no limit to the amount that can be raised and this is good on any purchase in the restaurant, lunch, dinner, cocktails, private parties, even take out, catering and gift cards. You simply need to write Cabot School PTO on your receipt and give it to your server.? Anyone can participate; grandparents, aunts, uncles & friends. So when you go to Ariadne, don't forget to write down ?Cabot PTO? on the receipt!? ? Artwork for Education Notecards We hope many of you have been enjoying the greeting cards featuring your child?s art.? If you have run out of cards, or would like to purchase them and didn?t get a chance, or family and friends around the country would like to purchase them, you can view and order the cards at the online store at www.artworkforeducation.com The Cabot PTO will still get $8 from each purchase. ? Box Tops Update We collected 5559 Box Tops this year, coming very close to our goal of 6000.? And we collected more than twice as many as we did two years ago!? Please continue to clip and save Box Tops over the summer and turn them in next fall.? Questions, contact: Isabelle Thacker, 617/795-2332, isabelle at thackers.net ? NOTES FROM THE HEALTH OFFICE ? As the school year is winding down, I am sending out a reminder about medications that are in the health room. If your child has any medication at school, all medication must be picked up on the last day of school, Thursday, June 19th. Any medication that is left at school will be discarded. No medication can remain in the health room over the summer. I will distribute medication permission forms for the fall when I give back any medications. The Medication Permission Form can also be found on line at http://www.ci.newton.ma.us/health/school_health.htm Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. ? Don?t forget about the large population of ticks and larval ticks carrying Lyme disease in Massachusetts. Keeping out of tall grasses, damp and woodsy areas is a good preventive measure. If your activities take you into these habitats, long sleeved shirts that tuck into pants, pants tucked into socks and insect repellant with DEET help to keep these ticks away. It?s important to check for ticks every day; bath time is a good time. Even if you do find ticks on you or your child, removing the tick early enough will often prevent the disease. It usually takes 36 hours of tick attachment to transmit the bacteria causing Lyme disease. If you do find a tick, remove it promptly. If it?s embedded, grasp with pointed tweezers as close to the skin as possible then pull up firmly. If some of the mouth parts are still attached, don?t be alarmed, the bacteria causing Lyme disease are in the gut and salivary glands of the tick. If all else fails, seek medical advice if you discover a bug bite that continues to enlarge or develops a bull?s eye around it. You will prevent more complications if you are treated with antibiotics at this stage. ? Last, but not least, remember to use sunscreen, hats and sunglasses. Studies indicate that protecting your skin and eyes prevents skin cancer, cataracts and other eye diseases such as adult macular degeneration. Ultraviolet (UV) light damage is cumulative so, it?s never too late to start protecting your skin and eyes. Have a restful and fun vacation! Karen Kerrigan, RN. CABOT COMMUNITY PARK ? Cabot Community Park Secures Pro Bono Landscape Design Services? We are very pleased to announce that PTO Cabot Community Park committee has recently secured pro bono landscape design services?from?the Community Outreach Group for Landscape Design (COGdesign) to further develop a planting plan for the outdoor learning environment at the Cabot Community Park. The goal is to provide a space where students and teachers can integrate lessons from the K-5 curriculum with the natural world. The space will also continue to be used as an attractive and quiet gathering place by the neighborhood. Through COGdesign, we have been matched up with landscape designer and former Cabot parent Martha Gangemi, who coincidentally wrote the first draft of the grant proposal for Newton Community Preservation funds for the Cabot Community Park in 2004 that resulted in the installation of new walks, sitting areas and plantings. Gangemi is delighted to come full circle to design a planting plan for the space, working collaboratively with several members of the faculty, including Elizabeth Stahl and Patty Fiorenza, as well as the Cabot Community Park committee.?Gangemi studied horticulture with the Royal Horticultural Society in London as well as design with the Landscape Institute in Cambridge. COGdesign is a non-profit service organization of greenspace professionals and students?dedicated to bringing quality landscape design?to under-funded community organizations and neighborhood groups.? These services become?a?catalyst for the development and stewardship of beautiful, safe, and useful public green spaces throughout our?communities.? (www.cogdesign.org) ? In the coming months, as the garden is further developed, the Cabot Community Park committee will be looking for people to assist with amending the soil, planting, watering over the summer, and general garden maintenance. If you are interested in learning more about the planning process or how you can help develop or maintain the Park, please contact Cabot Community Park committee co-chairs Chris Kjellson or Margaret Wazuka. ? COMMUNITY NEWS ? History Grant A One-Million Dollar Grant has been awarded to the Newton Public Schools from the U.S. Department of Education und the Teaching American History Program (CFDA #84.215X).? Newton is one of 121 districts in the U.S. to receive a grant award.? The grant is to provide professional development to American History teachers.? Margaret Spellings, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education said, ?The Teaching American History grant program offers educators opportunities to work with colleges and universities, non-profit organizations, libraries or museums to learn more about our country?s history, culture and democratic tradition.? By providing professional development for teachers, we can help them support young people in becoming informed citizens.?? Newton led a collaborative of area school districts in developing the winning grant proposal.? ?Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness: Narrative as a Lens on History? is a 3-year professional development program for 138 teachers in Newton and 164 teachers in partnering districts and schools.? These teachers serve a total of 25,692 students.? The collaborative includes Brookline High School, Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School, Sudbury Public Schools, Waltham Public Schools, and Watertown Public Schools.? This is Newton?s second federal Teaching American History award.? Those providing professional development include: Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, Boston University, the Education Development Center, the National Archives and Records Administration (Waltham), Museum of Fine Arts (Boston), Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at Harvard University, Plimoth Plantation, the Tsongas Industrial History Center, Discovering Justice, and the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.? ? Under the No Child Left Behind Act, history is a core subject.? The Class of 2012 will be required to pass the History/Social Sciences MCAS test to graduate. Two Additional Years of Funding Likely:? The Newton Collaborative is one of 75 grantees to be conditionally awarded a 4th and 5th year of funding.? If the partnership makes substantial progress in reaching its goals and Congress appropriates funding for the program in FY12 and FY13, the partnership will be able to continue for the 4th and 5th years.? Ms. Adrienne Stang, a History Teacher in Newton for 13 years, has been appointed Project Director. She holds a Masters in Teaching from Brown University and received her Bachelor?s from Princeton University. For more info: Susan Linn, Newton Public Schools Grants Coordinator: 617-559-9038 or susan_linn at newton.k12.ma.us. ? Suzuki School of Newton Come try our introductory level courses for ages 6-9 at the Suzuki School of Newton. Our Introduction to Suzuki (4-day morning classes) is available for the aspiring violin, piano or cello players during the month of July. For our youngest students, try our Introduction to Early Beginners (Aug 25-27) course available in violin, piano, cello and pennywhistle for ages 4-6. Private lessons on all Suzuki instruments are available for all ages by appointment. A Parent Information night will be held June 18th from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. For more information visit www.suzukinewton.org or call 617-964-4522. ? NWLL Summer Baseball Program 7-9 yr olds Once again it is time for Summer Baseball. Newton West runs an intramural league for children 7 to 9 years olds (10 Yr olds who are new to baseball). This is a relaxed league for improving and having fun.? All games are played weeknights (Mondays ? Thursdays) and the season runs from July 7 through August 14th.? In order to form balanced teams, we will hold evaluations at Lyons field on Sat, Jun 21st (rain date: Sun, Jun 22nd). Times are staggered, with 7-year-olds at 9:00 AM, 8-year-olds at 10:00, and 9-year-olds at 11:00.? Additional information and online registration is available at http://www.newtonwestll.org ? Rhythmic Dreams Performance Rhythmic Dreams is presenting a full production of Cinderella on Tuesday, June 17, 7pm, at the Regis College Theatre.? The show will feature a blend of gymnastics, dance and theatrical performances, telling the story through movement, beautiful costumes and stage decor.? Former members of national teams from Romania, Canada and USA will participate, along with over 90 students from the Rhythmic Dreams studios in Newton.? Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for kids.?? Rhythmic Dreams is a non-profit organization, helping children grow healthy and strong through the practice of the Olympic sport, Rhythmic Gymnastics.? Registration for Summer & Fall is open. For more information, please call 617-233-4493. ? Bowen Cooperative Nursery School Bowen Cooperative Nursery School, located in Newtonville, has a few openings left in its Transitional Kindergarten program for the 2008-2009 year.? This program is for children who are 5 years old, or who are about to turn 5, but who will not yet be in Kindergarten as of September.? We are a child-centered, play-based school at which children can continue their social, emotional, intellectual and physical development in a creative, safe and exciting environment.? For more information about our Transitional Kindergarten program and to obtain an application, please visit our website, www.bowencoop.org or contact Barbara Cleary, Director, at (617) 332-3923. ? SPACE 2008 is still accepting students for this summer! SPACE is an enrichment program of the Newton Public Schools for students entering kindergarten through grade 9. ?Lower School (grades K -4) students are placed in age level groups working on our summer theme of "The Wonderful World of Nature." ?Upper School (grades 5-9) students are able to take a variety of electives courses in the arts, sports, sciences, academics and other interesting challenges. ?The program is held at Day Middle School in Newtonville. ?Our staff is Newton teaching staff aided by graduate school, college and high school students. ? The fees vary according to the program you choose for your student. ?We have extended day from 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. and from 3:45 - 6:00 p.m. ?The morning program fee for the entire four weeks is $1,000. ?The full day program fee is $1,500 for the four weeks. ?We also offer a family discount and limited scholarship aid. ? If you haven't made plans yet for the summer, think about joining the fun and learning opportunities at SPACE 2008! ? SPACE at newton.k12.ma.us or 617-559-6150 ? T-ville Trails Summer Program The newest Newton Parks and Recreation camp for children entering K-2nd?grade, will run from July 7th-August 15th?at Bowen School. ?Standard day, 8:30am-3:30pm, is $175 per week for Newton residents.? Extended day options are available from 8-5 or until 6.? Campers may participate in sports, arts and crafts, cooking, water play, and more.? For more information, contact Sasha Bordett at Newton Parks and Recreation at (617) 796-1500 or sbordett at newtonma.gov. ?Visit our website at http://www.ci.newton.ma.us/Parks/SummerCamps/t-ville for info and registration forms. ? Newton Community Ed Summer Programs for Kids Newton Community Ed has openings left in many of our summer programs. We have Clay Workshop the weeks of June 30, July 7 and July 14; Club Invention the weeks of July 28 and August 4, Wicked Cool Science the weeks of July 7 and 14, Domino Physics the weeks of July 14 and 21, Marble Machine Madness the week of July 28, NewKids Cabaret July 7-18, Origami Intensive the week of July 21, Game Creators the week of July 28, and Archery the week of August 18. If you're entering grade 6 we have Architecture Studio the week of June 23, a great new program that is new this summer. We have Soccer and Multi Sports all summer long. Last but not least we are still taking registrations for Camp Innovations, the weeks of August 11 and 14.? For more information or to register, visit our website at www.newtoncommunityed.org, or call us at 617-559-6999. ? ? TWO AUTUMN KINDERGARTEN SOCCER PROGRAMS ?(Program #1) Garden City Kindergarten and Pre-K Fall Soccer registration begins June 16th.? Pre-K kids (4-5 years old) and those entering Kindergarten in September are invited to join.? GCKS introduces kids to the game of soccer, teaching skills in a fun, non-competitive environment.? Team sizes limited to 10.? League registration limited to 80.? Season runs Sept. 6 to Nov. 1.? Practices/games on Saturdays 9:30-10:30 for the Kindergarten league, 10:45-11:45 for the Pre-K league.? Games at Burr School on Pine Street in Auburndale.? Volunteer coaches needed.? No experience necessary and will train.? Cost: $60/child.? GCKS is a joint venture of Lincoln-Eliot and Franklin Schools? PTO and proceeds benefit both PTOs.? Registration deadline is August 15th.? To register: email gardencitysoccer at gmail.com.? Registration forms also on both schools? websites:? www.lepto.org or www.franklinpto.org.? For more info call Lincoln-Eliot parent Melanie Varady at 617-244-5773 or Franklin School parent Deb Rooney at 617-630-8520. ? (Program #2):? Kindergarten Soccer, Fall 2008 - Time to Register!? Boys and girls entering Kindergarten in the fall of 2008 are welcome to join the program that has introduced Newton children to soccer since 1993.? The focus is on fun, introducing soccer, and developing confidence. Teams are usually organized by elementary school -- so it's a great opportunity to meet other families from your school and give your child a chance to make friends before starting kindergarten.? We play Saturday mornings at 9:30am, September 13 through November 8 (except 10/11), at Zervas School Field and nearby Richardson Field.? The $60 fee includes a team t-shirt as well as an end-of-program medal. Info and registration at www.kindergartensoccer.org. Questions? email: ksoccer at kindergartensoccer.org or call 617-527-9238. Registrations after August 13 are accepted on a space-available basis.?? ? Classic Movies under the Stars This summer film series kicks off Friday June 20th at 8:15 with the classic ?Casablanca? on the Hyde Playground, 90 Lincoln Street, Newton Highlands.? Before the screening, at 7:30pm, Boston Globe Film Critic Ty Burr will speak about ?Casablanca? and other movie classics.? Bring your film questions, beach chairs and appetite because Citrio of Newton Highlands will be providing free ice cream to all.?? ?Dr. Strangelove? is waiting in the wings, and will be screened July 25th at 8pm.? Questions?? Contact John at 617-201-7088 or director at hydecenter.org ? A little bit of Hollywood right here in Boston? The star of the movie ?Get Smart?, Steve Carell, will be on hand Thursday June 19th at 8pm for a premier of ?Get Smart? at the Wang Center.? The evening will also feature a special appearance by Duff and Mary Alice from ?Ace of Cakes?.? The bakers of ?Charm City Cake? are creating a ?Get Smart?-inspired cake for the event which will be featured on an upcoming ?Ace of Cakes? show on the Food Network.? That cake, which showcases ?A Premiere Cause?, will be the highlight of a reception that kicks off the evening?s festivities that also include an auction.? Season tickets to the Patriots, a day on the set of ?The Office? and front-row tickets to a Red Sox game will be among items auctioned.? It?s all for the Newton-based ?A Premiere Cause?, with proceeds to the Zachary Carson Brain Tumor Fund at the Dana Farber.? 19 year old Zachary Carson was a Newton native who succumbed to a rare form of brain tumor.? To purchase tickets or for more information call 617-332-0728 or email apremierecause at verizon.net. ? Girls Win Academy and Excel Basketball Girls Win Academy and Excel Basketball are holding a clinic for girls age 9-17 at Oak Hill Middle School August 4-7th.? Lead by Coach Roberts, a Sports Hall of Fame inductee of The Ohio State Buckeyes Women?s Basketball Program and NCAA Division Final Four MVP.? She is also the Head Basketball Coach at Boston Latin School.? To register or for more information about additional clinics, go to www.girlswinacademy.org.? Discounts for 6 or more.? Questions?? Contact Coach Roberts at Robertsgwa at aol.com. ? Time for Families ?Here?s a Toddler program for age 18 months to early 3s, designed to bridge the time between Spring and Summer ?Arts in the Parks? classes.? Adult must accompany up to 2 children.? Families enjoy music with David Polansky and art with Kim Jacques.? Children choose from activities that accommodate their varied learning styles and developmental levels while learning to cooperate through group projects.? June 10th & 12th and 17th & 19th from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Newton Cultural Center, 225 Nevada Street, Newtonville.? www.cinewton.ma.us, then click on ?departments? then click ?cultural affairs?.? Or call 617-796-1540 to register by phone or to have a brochure mailed ? Upcoming Events at the Newton History Museum Wed. June 18th 7 pm:?? ?Baseball and the Boston Red Sox: a 150 Year History Lesson?: Tufts University Professor Sol Gittleman, author of the baseball book ?Reynolds, Raschi and Lopat: New York?s Big Three and the great Yankee Dynasty of 1949-1953? is the featured speaker.? RSVP to 617-796-1450.? Free.? ///Thursday, June 19, 5-7 pm: ?Peeking into Newton?s Toy Chest, opening reception.? What do toys teach us? What are the values and lessons that toy-makers and gift-givers seek to instill in youngsters?? This exhibit highlights items from the museum?s collection that evoke these questions, as it asks visitors to consider possible answers.? Light refreshments served. /// Sunday June 22, 2pm: A Family Program: History Scavenger Hunt.? Bring your family to Newton Centre to test and expand your knowledge of Newton.? Use old maps and photos to find important sites, learn about their historic significance and claim your prize at the end.? Call 617-796-1450 for the meeting place and to register.? Free.? ///Thurs. June 24, 7pm:? Inaugural Meeting of the History Book Club, focusing on social history titles.? Come to this informational meeting, when the title of the first book will be announced and a date set for the first discussion meeting in September.? Free.? Unless otherwise noted, all events at 527 Washington Street 617-796-1450. ? Newton Girls Soccer Newton Girls Soccer Registration for the upcoming Fall Season Intramural (IM) season is currently underway for girls living in or attending school in Newton.? Games are played on Saturdays ? Sundays for High School girls.? Sept 6th through Nov. 8.? For grades 2-8, in addition to Saturday games, there is generally one additional practice per week.? The NGS IM program teaches skills, team work and is lots of fun.? To register of for more info, go to www.newtongirlssoccer.org.? Need-based Scholarships available. ? CLASSIFIEDS ? Tutor Available for Newton Residents Stephen McCarthy, an experienced teaching assistant, worked in Mr. Springer?s fifth grade classroom during this school year and will be working at Newton South High School next year.? He is attending the Boston College Lynch School of Education working towards his M.Ed. in Secondary Education for English.? An undergraduate from B.C., he has a BA in English and Philosophy.? Stephen specializes in writing, reading, verbal standardized test taking, and elementary curriculum (all subjects).? Please contact him at stephenjmccarthy at hotmail.com or at 617-513-8476. ? All That Jazz Dance Studio All That Jazz Dance Studio is now accepting registration for the fall, as well as for our summer session: June 23rd-July 31st.?? New this summer: Dance Camp Intensive Programs for the weeks of June 23rd, July 7th, July 14th?and July 21st.? We offer classes in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Musical Theater Dance, Funky Jazz, and Modern/Lyrical for ages 2-adult.? Classes are taught by experienced professionals who love children and believe in making the process of learning how to dance fun.? Please call Deb Vogel at 617-641-0784, email her at missdeb at allthatjazznewton.com or check out our website: www.allthatjazznewton.com to find out more information and to register.? Don?t forget to ask Miss Deb about having your birthday party at All That Jazz!? ? ? ? -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://cabotpto.org/pipermail/cabotcommunity_cabotpto.org/attachments/20080617/0e803f39/attachment.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Jabber_June_2008[1].doc Type: application/msword Size: 2119168 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://cabotpto.org/pipermail/cabotcommunity_cabotpto.org/attachments/20080617/0e803f39/attachment.doc From auvpto at aol.com Mon Jun 23 09:41:19 2008 From: auvpto at aol.com (auvpto at aol.com) Date: Mon, 23 Jun 2008 09:41:19 -0400 Subject: [CabotCommunity] Budget , Long Range Planning, and Class size News In-Reply-To: <8CAA34D614AA715-11BC-183F@WEBMAIL-DC08.sysops.aol.com> References: <8CAA34D614AA715-11BC-183F@WEBMAIL-DC08.sysops.aol.com> Message-ID: <8CAA34DF385F0A3-11BC-1897@WEBMAIL-DC08.sysops.aol.com> Hello fellow Cabot parents,?as we head into summer, I am writing to you to bring you updates regarding the following: ? ???????? The city and school budget ???????? Long-range facilities planning ???????? Class size at Cabot ???????? Room parent opportunities ???????? Summer coffees with our new principal ? Budget Update: As of Tuesday, June 17, Mayor David Cohen?s current budget will be the city?s budget beginning July 1, 2008. This budget includes a reduction of nearly 80 positions from the schools; 16 positions from the police department; the closing of branch libraries; and reduction in Sunday hours at the main library. ? The School Committee has identified three areas of particular concern with this budget: energy costs; maintenance of school buildings; and special education spending. In view of this, the superintendent has urged each principal to strive for creative use of remaining staff in an attempt to achieve as much as possible for the children despite substantial cuts in staff.? The School Committee has acknowledged the budget difficulties and has urged the community to stress to the children how much we have rather than what we have lost in terms of staff at schools.? ? Long-range facilities planning: The School Committee will vote on a Long-Range Facilities Master Plan at today's meeting (Monday, June 23, 7:30 p.m., Room 210 at the Education Center).? The architects are recommending adoption of ?Option 3,? which includes replacement of four elementary school buildings:? Angier, Cabot, Ward, and Zervas. For information on the different options, click here:? http://www.newton.k12.ma.us/schoolcommittee/_documentsFY08/facilities_report_03_24_08.pdf. ? If you are interested, please feel free to attend the meeting.?If you have any questions, please contact?Sarah Ecker, Isabelle Thacker, or Sue Covitz regarding Cabot's status under the long-range facility plans of the city.? They are Cabot's liaisons to the School Committee and have worked very hard to keep us up-to-date as to all the developments that affect Cabot. They are also good resources for anyone who wants to contact city officials with concerns or questions. ? Class Size at Cabot:? Due to budget constraints, class size at Cabot and most of Newton?s schools will increase next fall.? Historically, all enrollment numbers change throughout the summer.? As of May 30, at Cabot we expect the following enrollment: ? K??????????????????? ?? 70 1st????????????????????????? 61 2nd???????????????????????? 75 3rd????????????????????????? 85 4th????????????????????????? 73 5th????????????????????????? 61 ? Of particular concern to many parents is the potential of having 28 students in each of our 3rd grade classes.? We expect to have three 3rd grade teachers: Ms. Bergande, Mr. Velluto and a newly hired teacher. As far as classroom aides are concerned, I am told that there will be 4 class room aides in the 3rd grade.?? We believe that the school budget includes only one ?reserve? teacher city-wide and that this position will be assigned to a school later this summer.? Cabot is not alone in having more students than desired in some of our classrooms.? We assure you that as soon as we know of any changes with respect to assignment of teachers we will let you know. ? We will also convey to our new principal, Mr. Jim Swaim, that parents are willing and ready, as always, to help our teachers. We will work with Mr. Swaim and the teachers throughout the summer to organize a suitable way for parents to help out in the classrooms, making sure that we don?t unwittingly jeopardize the delivery of quality education. We have to be mindful that, as Dr. Quarcoo pointed out, having too many adults in the class is neither ideal nor desirable for teachers as well as students. ? ? Room captains and room parents: Cabot has two room captains--Lori Knowles for k through 2nd grade; and Chris Kjellson for grades 3rd to 5th.? Lori and Chris help recruit room parents for each class.? The room parents provide an interface between the teachers and the parents for helping in the classrooms.? We encourage everyone to stay involved in the school.? One way is through communication with the room captains.? If you are interested in becoming a room parent for your class, please contact Lori or Chris. ? Coffee with our new principal:? We will be arranging some coffees at parents? homes over the summer to give us an opportunity to get to know Mr. Swaim and have a dialogue before he is inundated with school work in the fall.? If you would like to host a coffee at your home, please let us know.? We will try to get some dates in July and early August. ? Cabot has a very involved, vibrant, and supportive parent community. We have a reputation for collaborating with the school department and respecting the fact that they are responsible for meeting the needs of all 21 Newton public schools.? We hope that we are able to maintain that reputation as we enter a challenging time of bigger classrooms, a search for a new principal next year, and long-term planning for replacing the Cabot building.? ? I assure you that Sally and I are available?to you for support. Please let us know how we can help you.? We will do our best to keep the community informed of new throughout the summer.? ?Archana Vahalia Cabot PTO Co-President auvpto at aol.com 617-244-1435 Get the Moviefone Toolbar. Showtimes, theaters, movie news, & more! -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://cabotpto.org/pipermail/cabotcommunity_cabotpto.org/attachments/20080623/49429a16/attachment.html