Prinicpal Update 3.25.18

Dear Families,

This is an exciting time of elementary school facilities renovation and expansion in the Newton Public Schools. The second phase of student reassignment has begun in the 2017-18 school year in advance of the completion of the new Cabot School and the planned move of the Horace Mann School to the Carr building in September 2019.

The Student Assignment Working Group is ONLINE with regular updates and information – and outreach to residents in affected areas has begun. Feedback will help the working group refine scenarios over the next few months to arrive at a recommendation in June. It is important to understand that no currently enrolled families will be impacted – student assignment changes only apply to future enrollment.

There are Seven Preliminary Scenarios that involve some areas near Cabot including boundaries with Horace Mann, Franklin, Pierce, Burr and Underwood. Also, the area of the Lincoln-Eliot school district near the Carr building on Nevada Street is impacted. Some key streets and surrounding areas that may potentially be impacted include: Adams, Bridge, Central, Prescott, Court, Washington, Parsons, Eliot, Taft, Harding, Morrill, Elm and Cherry.

Some additional scenarios have been investigated but are not progressing due to key drawbacks including timing, walkability, or the less balanced enrollments that could result. A detailed presentation on the methods used and rationale for scenarios was provided at School Committee on February 12, 2018 and is available on line at NewTV. Contact your School Committee representatives on the working group at Margaret_Albright@newton.k12.ma.us and Diana_FisherGomberg@newton.k12.ma.us.

If you would like to receive regular updates from the Student Assignment Working Group, please email sawg@newton.k12.ma.us to request to be added to the distribution list.

 

Mark your Calendar:

  • Friday, March 30th: No School: Good Friday
  • Thursday, April 5th: In celebration of Red Sox opening day please have students wear Red Sox gear or red, white and blue clothing.
  • April 16- 20: April Vacation: No School

2018 MCAS Testing Schedule

ELA

 

Date

 Monday, 4.2.18 Tuesday, 4.3.18

 

 Wednesday, 4.4.18 Thursday, 4.5.18 Friday, 4.6.18 Monday, 4.9.19
Grade Level 3rd 3rd 4th 5th 4th 5th

MATHEMATICS

Date Friday, 4.27.18 Monday,

4.30.18

 Tuesday, 5.1.18 Wednesday, 5.2.18 Friday, 5.4.18 Monday, 5.7.18
Grade Level 4th 5th 3rd 4th 5th 3rd

 

STE (5th Only)

Date Friday, 5.18.18 Monday, 5.21.18
Grade Level 5th 5th

 

  • Parking is challenging at Lincoln Eliot but please do not park in the teacher’s parking lot at pick up time. Due to safety concerns, we need to keep the fire lane clear and teachers and other staff members are sometimes blocked in. Thank you for your cooperation.
  • FORJ (Families Organizing for Racial Justice) is a coalition of school-aged families in Newton coming together to teach our children – and ourselves – how to stand up for racial equality. Each school in the district has a team of parents organizing FORJ and the Lincoln-Eliot team is looking for more parents who are interested in enhancing our diverse community through this race, culture, and identity work. If you’re interested in learning more about FORJ at Lincoln-Eliot, please contact L-E parent Lanni Isenberg, lanni_harris@yahoo.com

Click here for the FORJ Newton Facebook page, which includes info on FORJ Newton events.

 

A few reminders from previous weeks:

  • Arrival and Dismissal:
  • Arrival and dismissal time has become a bit chaotic and dangerous at times. As a result, I am asking you to please adhere to the following to ensure the safety of all scholars:
  • Students should only be let out of the car on the curbside of the street never into the street.
  • The blue zone (on both Pearl Street and Jackson Road) is a no parking zone; it should be used for quick drop off and pick up only
  • If coming from the Capital Street area, please cross students at the Pearl/Jackson light in the designated crosswalk; not in front of cars on Jackson Street.
  • The fire lane in the staff parking lot is a no parking zone

  

  • Dogs:
  • Dogs are not allowed on school property but we have come up with a plan that should work for all. If you choose to walk your dog to school at arrival and dismissal times, you and your dog must wait by the Flagpole on the corner of Pearl St and Jackson Rd. Make sure to inform your child’s teacher that you give permission for your child to walk to the Flagpole area on his/her own. It is imperative that you talk with your child to create a plan in case you are late. Make sure to communicate that plan to your child’s teacher.

 

  • In an effort to ensure student safety, we are asking for parents and teachers to remind students NOT to climb through the bushes in the front of the school when entering or exiting the building. Thank you for your assistance with this matter.
  • Please notify the office if you have a change of address or phone number. It is important to have up to date contact information in the case of an emergency.