Author Archives: LEPTO Admin

The Science Fair is THIS WEEK!

Make sure you upload your projects before Tuesday, April 13, 2021.  Here’s how:

Students can take a photo of their project, create a Google Doc or Google Slideshow, or make a short 2-4 minute video, and then upload it to our PADLET.  All students will get an opportunity to share their project with a Teacher & Scientist team on Thursday April 15, 2021, our Student Project Day, although presenting is not required.

Upload here: Science Fair Padlet https://padlet.com/nuneze2/xtlrkq2vtrpofmgw
Need some tips? PADLET directions here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1S-Zg1xqC4Jy0aMHHT61hH_LGZK1QEiJFO0tMhb25NCo/edit

Wednesday, April 14, 2021: Science Activity Day

We’re running two events this evening!  Please join “Ask a Scientist” when you aren’t building a paper airplane with parent and pilot Josh Haddad.

5-6:30pm HOW TO BUILD AN AMAZING PAPER AIRPLANE!

  • 5-5:30pm Kindergarten & first-grade
  • 5:30-6pm Second and third-grade
  • 6-6:30pm Fourth and fifth-grade

https://zoom.us/j/94470141591?pwd=WUxsNWhLR1BSUjM1RzU3cDhKN0gxQT09
Meeting ID: 944 7014 1591
Passcode: science

Anyone who wants to learn how to make an awesome paper airplane with parent and pilot Josh Haddad should join the Zoom call!  Kids should come prepared with:

  1. Paper  (2-3 sheets of printer paper or lined paper)
  2. Pencil
  3. Tape
  4. Crayons or markers

5-7pm ASK A SCIENTIST!

LINK: https://zoom.us/j/95933401737

Join scientists from our own community as they talk about fun, gross, cool science.  Kids are invited to submit their science questions.

Special thanks to our scientist volunteers!

  • Felicia Carrington Wilburn, Scientist at Biogen
  • Josh Haddad, Pilot and Flight Instructor
  • Brett Isenberg, Ph.D. Scientist at Draper Laboratory
  • Spencer McMinn, Ph.D. Scientist at Merck
  • David Proia, Ph.D. Scientist at C4 Therapeutics
  • Fernando Vieira, M.D., ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Scientist at ALS TDI
  • Heather Yu, Ph.D., Professor of Biology and Neuroscience at Stonehill College

Thursday, April 15, 2021: Student Project Day

Kids can submit projects, photos, notes, or videos in advance on our PADLET.  Then join us Thursday night from 5-7:15 PM to celebrate as students present their projects!  (Note: presenting is optional!)

Presentation Schedule

All the information and links for the science fair can also be found here: https://lepto.org/virtual-science-fair

We hope to see you there, and we can’t wait to see all the kids’ projects!

FORJ AAPI Solidarity Night: April 14th

FORJ CITY-WIDE EVENT hosted by Newton South High School FORJ
FORJ Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Solidarity Night
Wednesday, April 14th 7-8:30pm, with open discussion until 9pm
RSVP HERE to receive the Zoom Link

Come join parents, students, teachers, and community members to support our Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community through an evening of learning and connection!  Sponsored by FORJ NSHS (Families Organizing for Racial Justice @ Newton South)

You will learn about:

  • the historical and systemic roots of violence and discrimination against AAPI communities
  • how AAPI communities are suffering in terms of mental health and how to help
  • ways to support our young people, family members and friends during this difficult time

Special Guest Facilitators: Michele Leong and Charlene Beh from Newton North High School
Will offer breakout rooms for participants to connect with each other in small groups.

FORJ SCHOOL CHAPTER MEETING
Thursday, April 29th 7:30pm- 9pm
RSVP HERE to receive the Zoom Link

School-based FORJ groups will come together (over Zoom) after a long while since they last met to learn about the work happening at the different chapters.  Please join us on April 29th to discuss the new FORJ Chapter “Playbook”, which provides additional details on how to run a successful FORJ Chapter.  The group will also meet with grade level cohorts (elementary/middle/high schools) to discuss ideas and connect.  This meeting is open to anyone interested in running a FORJ Chapter, all welcome and definitely bring a friend 😉

Mark your calendars for upcoming FORJ City-Wide Meetings:

Thursday, April 15, 6PM – Boston School Desegregation through the Rearview Mirror, Mass. Historical Society
Monday, April 22, 12pm – The Impact of Increased Exposure to Diversity on Suburban Students’ Outcomes: An Analysis of the METCO Voluntary Desegregation Program
Tuesday May 25th 7:30pm-9pm – Looking at the how and why of advocacy and how to avoid common pitfalls. More information to follow.
Wednesday June 16th 7:30-9pm – End of the year celebration
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

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. Our Lincoln-Eliot FORJ contact is parent Lanni Isenberg: lanni_harris@yahoo.com

Principal / PTO Update 4.4.21

Dear families,

We are looking forward to seeing all our hybrid students tomorrow as we expand our in-person learning.  A reminder that this week will be slightly different as we have two early release days to allow time for parent/teacher conferences.  We will have a 12:30pm dismissal on Monday, April 5th and Thursday, April 8th, along with our new regular 1:00pm dismissal on Wednesday, April 7th.

For DLA families, our next supply pick up will be this Thursday, April 8th and Friday, April 9th between 9am-12pm.  Please note that the pick up location has changed to the library door, which can be accessed from Pearl Street.

Walking, Biking, and Cycling to School!

As we plan for a full return to school, we know there will be increased traffic at our schools.  To help mitigate traffic congestion and improve safety, our Safe Routes to School Teams have been working hard to identify safe and efficient ways for students to walk and bike to school.  They have even identified spots for families to park a few blocks away from the school building and walk the rest of the way.  We do ask families who are driving to review the Blue Zone rules.

Below are links to information and resources available on the NPS website:

Walking and Biking: https://www.newton.k12.ma.us/Page/3320

Safety Information and Maps: https://www.newton.k12.ma.us/Page/3426

Safe Routes to Schools website: https://sites.google.com/view/newtonsaferoutes

COVID-19 Testing

As NPS prepares for a full in-person return to school for students at all levels, we strongly encourage families to enroll their student (s) in our COVID-19 testing program.  Testing is one of the best ways we have to quickly identify infection and reduce the possibility of in-school transmission.

Here are 3 reasons to enroll:

  1. It’s easy!  Complete the opt-in in Aspen (here’s the link!)  High school students then create an account at JCM (do it here!) for access to a QR code they use to check in their sample.  Pre-K – 8th grade students will receive their QR code from school staff.

  2. It’s painless!  This is NOT the “touch your brain” swab!  This is a sample taken from the front of your nose with a Q-tip like swab.  It’s super-fast and painless.

  3. It makes a difference!  The more students who participate, the better data we have on infection rates in our community.  This means we can quickly identify infection, reduce the risk of in-school transmission, limit quarantines, and keep our schools open in person.

We ask all families to strongly consider enrolling your student today.  Thanks in advance for doing your part to keep our schools safer.

We hope you had a great weekend and look forward to a wonderful week!

Principal Morrissey & the PTO

L-E Family Science Fair: April 14-15!

Our annual Lincoln-Eliot Family Science Event will be held over ZOOM this year.  Start brainstorming now and mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 14th, and Thursday, April 15th!

Key dates:

Week of April 6-9, 2021: Do-It-Yourself Science Kits Distributed (these will be given out at school or in the DLA supply pickup bags for those who requested them)

Wednesday, April 14, 2021: VIRTUAL Science Activity Day

5-6:30pm: How to build a fast, cool paper airplane with pilot Josh (see times for your grade level here: https://lepto.org/virtual-science-fair)

5-7pm: Ask a scientist!  It’s a forum just for Lincoln-Eliot kids to ask their weirdest science questions.  Send us your science question now to be answered on the 14th by real live scientists!:  https://forms.gle/g3jNTfWDfR96kPoz7

Thursday, April 15, 2021: VIRTUAL Student Project Day

5-7:30pm: Get creative! Kids can submit projects in advance on PADLET (LINK coming soon!) and/or present live via ZOOM with their classmates

Here is the link with the latest info & details: https://lepto.org/virtual-science-fair

Have questions? Feel free to email: Brigitte LaMarche @ brigilam@gmail.com

FORJ: April Updates

FORJ CITY-WIDE EVENT hosted by Newton South High School FORJ
FORJ Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Solidarity Night
Wednesday, April 14th 7-8:30pm, with open discussion until 9pm

RSVP HERE to receive the Zoom Link

Come join parents, students, teachers, and community members to support our Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community through an evening of learning and connection!  Sponsored by FORJ NSHS (Families Organizing for Racial Justice @ Newton South)

You will learn about:

  • the historical and systemic roots of violence and discrimination against AAPI communities
  • how AAPI communities are suffering in terms of mental health and how to help
  • ways to support our young people, family members and friends during this difficult time

Special Guest Facilitators: Michele Leong and Charlene Beh from Newton North High School
Will offer breakout rooms for participants to connect with each other in small groups.

FORJ SCHOOL CHAPTER MEETING
Thursday, April 29th 7:30pm- 9pm
RSVP HERE to receive the Zoom Link

School-based FORJ groups will come together (over Zoom) after a long while since they last met to learn about the work happening at the different chapters.  Please join us on April 29th to discuss the new FORJ Chapter “Playbook”, which provides additional details on how to run a successful FORJ Chapter.  The group will also meet with grade level cohorts (elementary/middle/high schools) to discuss ideas and connect.  This meeting is open to anyone interested in running a FORJ Chapter, all welcome and definitely bring a friend 😉

The Monologue Project: Common Threads
Saturday, April 10th at 8 PM
Directed by Edie Pike and Valerie Goldstein
Click here to reserve your pay-what-you-can ticket

Log on at 7:45 to enjoy live music by Lasya before the show.

Our next virtual production celebrates the voices of Asian American girls and women in the Newton community.  Directed by Edie Pike and Valerie Goldstein, the show brings together a group of Asian American girls and women to share their stories and experiences.  The stories, from a population that has been continuously silenced throughout history, explore both hardships and celebrations of how Asian American women have been able to navigate their identity and break through stereotypes.  The show will include original monologues written by cast members as well as performances by local artists.

Mark your calendars for upcoming FORJ City-Wide Meetings:

Thursday, April 15, 6PM – Boston School Desegregation through the Rearview Mirror, Mass. Historical Society
Monday, April 22, 12pm – The Impact of Increased Exposure to Diversity on Suburban Students’ Outcomes: An Analysis of the METCO Voluntary Desegregation Program
Tuesday May 25th 7:30pm-9pm – Looking at the how and why of advocacy and how to avoid common pitfalls. More information to follow.
Wednesday June 16th 7:30-9pm – End of the year celebration
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

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. Our Lincoln-Eliot FORJ contact is parent Lanni Isenberg: lanni_harris@yahoo.com

Principal / PTO Update 3.28.21

Dear families,

We are actively seeking new board members for the PTO next year — if you have any interest in getting more involved or would just like to know more, please reach out to us at president@lepto.org!  We especially need new co-presidents to keep the PTO running, but there are also many other open positions, and we’d love to help you find something that works with your availability and interests.  It’s a really fun way to find out more about what’s happening at school and shape the events and experiences our kids have.  All the board members are available to answer any questions about what’s involved, so please email us with those anytime!

A reminder that there is no school this coming Friday, April 2, and that April vacation week is coming up April 19-23.

Fifth grade parents of students moving on to Bigelow Middle School, there is a virtual “Fifth Grade Parents Night” this Wednesday, March 31, 7-8:15pm, followed by a 30 minute Q&A about special education services with Courtney Rau-Rogers from 8:15-8:45pm.  A link to the event was sent out on March 18; if you did not receive it, please reach out to Jessica Pierce at piercej@newton.k12.ma.us.

As we prepare for the full reopening of schools and the continued use of outdoor spaces at our schools for student learning and play, we ask all community members to please follow the City guidelines regarding dogs and the use of school property:

  • Dogs are NOT permitted on school property during the school day.
  • Dogs must be leashed when on City sidewalk and/or at parks outside of school hours (exception: designated off-leash parks)
  • Please clean up and dispose of dog waste immediately.
  • The City of Newton has designated off-leash dog parks.  Click here for more detailed information about Newton’s off-leash dog parks and rules.
  • School grounds/playgrounds are closed to the public during school hours.

Please help spread the word.

Have a great week, and happy Passover to those who are celebrating!

Principal Morrissey & the PTO

FORJ: Safety Tips

Safety Tips for Those Experiencing or Witnessing Hate
From Stop AAPI Hate Crimes

5 Things to Consider When Experiencing Hate

1. Safety First: Trust your instincts and assess your surroundings.  If you feel unsafe and you are able to, leave the area.

2. Stay Calm: Take a deep breath, limit eye-contact, and maintain neutral body language.

3. Speak Out (If you can do so safely): In a calm and firm voice establish physical boundaries, and denounce their behavior and comments.

4. Seek Immediate Support: Ask bystanders for support or intervention.

5. Seek Emotional Support: Once you feel safe, take time to recover and reach out to someone to talk about what happened.  Remember this is not your fault, and you are not alone.

5 Ways to Help If You Witness Hate

1. Take Action: Approach the targeted person, introduce yourself, and offer support.

2. Actively Listen: Ask before taking any actions and respect the targeted person’s wishes. Monitor the situation if needed.

3. Ignore Attacker: Using your discretion, attempt to calm the situation by using your voice, body language, or distractions.

4. Accompany: If the situation escalates, invite the targeted person to join you in leaving.

5. Offer Emotional Support: Help the targeted person by asking how they’re feeling.  Assist them in figuring out what they want to do next.

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. Our Lincoln-Eliot FORJ contact is parent Lanni Isenberg: lanni_harris@yahoo.com

Principal / PTO Update 3.21.21

Dear families,

It was great to see everyone who attended our PTO meeting last Tuesday; thank you all for joining us!

Please mark your calendar for Thursday, March 25th from 9-9:45am for a virtual parent coffee, where I will be available to answer any questions you may have about the in-person changes that will take place on April 5th.  A Zoom link was sent out yesterday, but please reach out to the office if you did not receive it.

There were some questions about COVID pool testing for hybrid students at the PTO meeting, so we wanted to share this link with more information about the program and how to participate:

https://www.newton.k12.ma.us/Page/3826

Have a great week, and we hope everyone has a chance to enjoy the sunshine!

Principal Morrissey & the PTO

Elementary Virtual Arts Exhibit – Last Week to Submit!

There is still time to submit your child’s artwork for the Youth Arts Month Virtual Elementary Exhibit!

To celebrate Youth Arts Month, all students in grades K-5 are invited to contribute a favorite piece of art (or two or three!).  Submissions are welcome through March 26th at this link and we’d love for everyone to participate!  For more information and instructions please see:

Elementary Call for Artwork

And don’t forget to check out the video of all the wonderful work that’s been submitted so far!:

Or you can also find it by clicking here:  https://www.newton.k12.ma.us/Page/3849