• The Winter Break is quickly approaching and the excitement of the holidays can be felt in the air. Lincoln-Eliot is a wonderfully diverse school with families from all over the world who speak many languages and hold different customs and beliefs. It is wonderful to learn from one another how holidays are celebrated in different parts of the world.

  As we enter this season of holidays and vacations, we ask that families please be mindful of the Newton School Committee’s Gift Policy stating, “No teacher in the performance of regular duties shall receive presents from the students under his or her direction. This policy does not apply to gifts of classroom supplies or materials that are for student use.”

• Technology Update: This month Lincoln-Eliot has received two technology carts of class sets of laptops (25 each cart). The carts are checked out by classroom teachers so every student can use technology for classroom projects. This is in addition to the five devices per classroom that already exist. We also received 3 new much needed printers from the district.

• Recess Reminder: We go outside every day unless the temperature drops below 20 degrees F. Please ensure your children dress appropriately with coats, hats, mittens, boots.

From Mayor Setti Warren…

Lincoln-Eliot will be a Drop-Off Location for the Food Drive this year. Please join fellow Newton residents and donate goods to help others this time of year.

Many of you may have seen the recent Boston Globe article about the food insecurity our neighbors in Lawrence are facing—their food pantries are really struggling this year. I was struck by the story, spoke with Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera about the issue, and we have decided to partner in our efforts to collect food during this holiday season for both our Newton and Lawrence food pantries.

We have teamed up with the United Way and United Parcel Service to get the donations we collect in Newton for Lawrence packed and delivered to our sister city alongside the packing of Newton supplies at the Mayor’s Open House on December 31st.

We will be reaching out to provide you all with new labels for a second box that designate Lawrence as a recipient community to place on boxes alongside the Newton boxes you’ve already put out. We are asking Newton residents to contribute both to Newton and Lawrence. We also ask that you promote your participation as a food drive location on social media to spread the word far and wide, reaching customers and contacts in other communities to support the regional effort.
Thank you again for all that you’ve contributed and for your help in supporting our residents and neighbors.

Fundraising Notes….

• Amazon.com Shoppers: With the upcoming holiday season, don’t forget to access amazon.com through the PTO website. Our school receives up to 10% of all purchases simply purchased through this link.

• Don’t forget to bring in your Box Tops, Coke Points and your Labels for Education labels into school.  This is an easy way to raise money for programs at L-E.  Drop off boxes are located near the Main Office.   Check for labels on the following products: BIC, Campbells, Dannon, Emerald, Glad, Pace,  Pepperidge Farm, Pop  Secret, Post, Prego, Spaghettios, Swanson, V8 Beverages, and Wolfgang Puck!

• Everyone, please register you Stop & Shop card for the Stop & Shop A+ Rewards! Great News!  If you registered your card last year, it will re-register automatically! If you are new to the program, just log on to www.Stopandshop.com/aplus to register online.  Our school ID is 05887.  Or, dial 1-877-275-2758 to register your card over the telephone. Ask family members to register too and select Lincoln-Eliot!

Fifth Grade On-Line Auction…
Lincoln-Eliot PTO – 5th Grade Winter Wonderland

Our auction date is fast approaching!  The Winter Wonderland opens for bidding on November 27, 2014 at 8:00 AM EST Time. Our goal this year is to raise $10,000 to send the 5th Grade to camp! We need your support!  This is an exciting and fun way to help us, and at the same time have a chance to win cool items!
We’ll be adding new items to our auction for you to preview as the auction date approaches.
Check back often to see what’s new. Feel free to place a Watch on your favorites,
so that you’ll know as soon as bidding begins!
https://m.biddingforgood.com/auctions/226741598/categories

DONOR’S CHOOSE…
“DonorsChoose.org is an online charity that makes it easy for anyone to help teachers fund classroom projects. Teachers post projects on the site and people across the country help fund projects that interest them.” Check out Donor’s Choose at http://www.donorschoose.org