THE HALLOWEEN DANCE WAS A HUGE SUCCESS!
Thank you to all families that attended. We hope it was a spooky good time! Several individuals played a role in making sure the event went off without a hitch: Carol and Noah Pelon, Carly Semerjian, Michelle and Dru Freedman, Karen Hite, Siobhan Wheeler, Nora Zizlsperger, Holly Georgiadis, Tere Carmona, Jazmin and Ernesto Sr Brau, Debbie Ruiz, Patty Tully, Miriam Alandydy, Jenn Rogan and Lucy Poria. Thank you for all you do for Lincoln-Eliot!

COOLER WEATHER IS COMING AND OUR LOST AND FOUND IS GROWING!
With the cooler weather, children will be coming to school with jackets, hats and gloves. PLEASE mark ALL outerwear with names so we can return them. It is also helpful to label lunch boxes. The lost and found is located in a  barrel outside of the gym.  AS A REMINDER: The online portion of the Meadow farms fundraiser is open until December 14. A nice way to take care of holiday shopping!

Highlights from Classrooms – Spotlight on Grade 5!
Reading & Writing Workshops: In reading, we have reviewed comprehension strategies (connections, asking questions, inferences, sensory images)
while teaching students the reading routines we use over the course of the year. In writing, we
have been studying the art of creating personal narratives. From generating stories that really
matter to new elaboration techniques, we have been working with students to hone their craft.

Math: We are currently working on multiplication with whole numbers and decimals. Students will use what they’ve learned to find the area of rectangles and other polygons that can be split into rectangles. In addition, students will use the skills to solve multistep word problems that focus on conversions (i.e. feet to inches, pounds to ounces, meters to centimeters.)

Science: During our pond life session, students learned about differences between lakes and ponds, pond habitats, life in a drop of pond water, microorganisms, food chains and webs, and the complicated ecosystems of New England ponds. Social Studies: In our current unit, students reviewed basic map skills. We then researched and compared how the environment in differing geographical locations affected the way native peoples in the Arctic (Inuit), on the Plains (Sioux) and in the islands (Taino) lived long ago.

Newton Parks and Recreation has several upcoming programs that we would like you to post in your newsletters.

December Vacation Camp at Lower Falls Community Center for children in grades K-6.  It’s like summer camp in the winter.  Participate in sports, arts and crafts, inside games and more at the Lower Falls Community Center.  Each day features an exciting special event.  Sign up by day or for all 4 days at www.activityreg.com  Standard and extended day options are available.  Be sure to send a snack and lunch each day.

December Vacation Thundercat Sports Clinic at Pellegirini Park for children ages 6 – 12.  Play a variety of sports including basketball, floor hockey, soccer, dodgeball and more all in a relaxed, fun atmosphere.  Located at Pellegrini Park.  Sign up by day or for all 4 days at www.activityreg.com   Be sure to bring a snack and lunch.

Newton Parks and Recreation is hosting a special Family Jump Night at Launch Watertown on December 28^th.  This special Family Jump Night is a fundraising event to benefit the Newton Parks and Recreation Camp Scholarship Fund.  Jump for one hour or jump for more!  The cost is $15.00 per hour per jumper.  Food and arcades games are available for an additional fee.  Register online with code Newton at www.launchwatertown.com to guarantee your admission or use the same code as a walk in (provided they have not reached attendance capacity).

The Newton South Recreation Complex offers a variety of classes for youth and adults.  All programs are held on Sundays and start on January 3^rd.  Pre-registration is required and can be done online at www.activityreg.com   Sign up for Engineering with Lego Minecraft, Quick Start Tennis, Cardio Tennis, Badminton Instruction, Family Badminton, Archery, Pickleball, Open Workout, Walking and Weights and more.

Newton North Indoor Recreation offers clinics, classes and lessons for youth and adults.  Sign up for lap swim, swim lessons, water safety instructor course, fitness training, full court basketball, smash volleyball, lacrosse, baseball hitting clinic and more at www.activityreg.com

SAVE THE DATE!  The Newton Parks and Recreation and Newton Public Schools Camp Fair will be held on Sunday January 31 from 12:00 – 4:00 at the Newton North High School in the Cafeteria.  Come see what is being offered in Newton for the Summer of 2016.

For more information on the programs listed above please contact

Newton Parks and Recreation
246 Dudley Rd, Newton, MA  02459
617-796-1500

www.newtonma.gov/gov/parks

online registration at www.activityreg.com

COOLER WEATHER IS COMING AND OUR LOST AND FOUND IS GROWING!
With the cooler weather, children will be coming to school with jackets, hats and gloves. PLEASE mark ALL outerwear with names so we can return them. It is also helpful to label lunchboxes. The lost and found is located in a barrel outside of the gym.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR! EARLY RELEASE DAY THURSDAY, NOV. 5TH 12:30 DISMISSAL: Next Thursday is an early release day for Parent Conferences. If you have not been able to schedule a conference yet, please reach out to the classroom teacher or Jena Rossi in the office.

UNDERSTANDING OUR DIFFERENCES
Calling ALL parents! Volunteers are needed to assist with Understanding Our Differences on Friday, November 6, 10am-12pm (3rd grade) and 1-3pm (5th grade). You do not have to have a student in one of these grades to help out with this fantastic, engaging program.
For those parents in K-2, what better way to see what the higher grades have in store for your kids, and become involved in a program which makes a big difference in the lives of the students in terms of understanding the different challenges people have.
If interested, please contact Cathleen Morrison at ccanhc@gmail.com or 617-699-2977.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE CLASSROOMS – SPOTLIGHT ON GRADE 4
Fourth grade students had the opportunity to travel to the Lowell Mills and participate in “Change in the Making,” a hands-on workshop and an interpretive tour of the Lowell Mills. The workshops and tour provided students with the opportunity to explore the many ways in which the Industrial Revolution significantly changed the way Americans worked, lived, and used the land. On the tour, students toured and discovered the unique resources of Lowell National Historical Park firsthand. The hands-on workshops complemented the tour by bringing the significance of these historic resources to life, as students explored different aspects of change as people and work moved from farm to factory.

On the tour, students heard the roar of the looms in the Boott Cotton Mills Museum weave room and visited the “Mill Girls and Immigrants” exhibit in the restored boardinghouse. In the workshops, students compared ginning cotton by hand and ginning cotton with a simple machine, became young farm and factory workers dressed in nineteenth-century clothing, and helped tell a multi-sensory story about changes in the use of the Merrimack River and the land surrounding it.

It was an amazing experience watching our students learn about this time period in our nation’s history through hands on activities, role plays, and viewing historical artifacts.

Fundraising

DONOR’S CHOOSE
Support our new teacher!
Ms. Bratslavskaya, Grade 5
My Project: A Space for Every Student
Total Cost: $611
TO GO: $119.00

My Project: I hope to empower my students to take risks and share their ideas in a comfortable and safe environment. A classroom carpet for our meeting/library area is a necessity for establishing a sense of community within our classroom. We will often begin our school day on our carpet to engage in a morning meeting. Students will gather on the carpet many times throughout the day for whole class mini lessons, partner work, group work, and independent work.

A comfortable meeting area is essential, as it would provide a space to develop trust and respect among my students.

Here, we will establish our classroom community by developing a “class contract” and allowing all students to feel that their voices have been heard. We will frequently use the carpet as a space to begin lessons, and engage in read alouds. This space will also serve as a cozy independent reading place, so my students will be able to engage in, visualize and fall in love with books.

Check out my classroom project!
http://www.donorschoose.org/MsBratslavskaya

PAINT BAR FUNDRAISER
The 5th Grade Committee is hosting a “Paint Bar” Fundraiser on November 19 at 6:30pm
Sign Up Now in 3 Easy Steps… 1. Register 2. Indicate that you are with the “Lincoln-Eliot Fundraiser” in the “Group Name” or “Friends I Want to Sit With” field on the registration page 3. Get ready to have a blast!

L-E PIZZA TUESDAYS!
From 12:15-1:00pm at the Jackson Road Entrance
– $2 per slice

Pizza is popular and disappears quickly! Avoid disappointment and pre-order your
whole pizzas by Mondays at Noon ($10.00 each).

Email Jenn- jrogan78@verizon.net to order!  Proceeds benefit the 5th Grade 2015 Graduating Class…We appreciate your support!

WATERTOWN SAVINGS BANK: CUSTOMER CHOICE AWARDS
VOTE FOR LINCOLN-ELIOT SCHOOL AS YOUR FAVORITE NON-PROFIT!
EVERY VOTE COUNTS!

Vote online at www.watertownsavings.com or cast a paper ballot.
Every year over the past twenty years, Watertown Savings Bank customers have voted for their favorite non-profits in our Customer Choice event. As a result, 75 local organizations have benefited and $915,500 has been distributed. This year the total will reach $990,500!
We are very proud of this program and the benefits it has brought to so many wonderful local non-profit organizations. To celebrate this important milestone we will be entering every customer who votes this year into a drawing to receive a $500 Amazon gift card.

Every qualified non-profit that receives at least 1% of the total votes cast within a calendar year will receive funds. The organization with the most votes will receive $5,000. Otherwise the dollars awarded are determined by the voting results, with a cap of $3,500. Anyone with an account at Watertown Savings Bank may vote and each person has one vote. (Beneficiaries are not considered account owners.)

Let us know your favorite local non-profit by using the ballot below or by voting online at www.watertownsavings.com. Deadline to vote is midnight, December 31, 2015.

AMAZON 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.

STOP & SHOP
Don’t forget to 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.

FAMILY INVOLVEMENT IS MULTI-FACETED:
We know from research that when families are engaged in their child’s education, children excel. There are many ways your family shows involvement in the education of your child. There are many things that happen at home to set the stage for successful learning. Ensuring your child goes to bed on time and gets a good rest prepares them to be ready for a day of learning. Packing a healthy snack and lunch each day, ensures your child has the energy they need to work hard throughout the day. Setting aside a time and place for homework builds the routines and organization needed throughout your child’s educational career. Ensuring your child is at school on time (8:30- in the classroom) allows them to begin the day with the rest of the class and in an orderly way to begin a day of learning.

There are many opportunities to participate at school. Finding time to correspond with the classroom teacher when a question or if problem arises helps support your child with math, reading, homework or social issues. Scheduling parent conferences allows you to learn first hand how your child is doing and how you can best support them at home. Attending classroom celebrations gives you a window into the learning and culture of the classroom.

Family involvement also includes participating in school functions and activities. School concerts, art shows, Science Night, and the upcoming Halloween Dance are ways to be involved in the community and life of our school. Research shows that students who feel connected to school perform better. We hope throughout the year you are able to attend school events and help your child feel connected to the school community.

Our School Site Council and PTO have set goals to increase family engagement and participation. We would love to hear your ideas and thoughts. Our next meeting is on Tuesday, Nov. 10^th from 8:15-9:00 AM. Please come and share your ideas.

Save the Date! Lincoln-Eliot Halloween Dance
Friday, October 30 6-8pm

This is a fun event in which the entire L-E community turns out in costumes and students dance to spooky songs and favorite line dances. Pizza and treats are served in the cafeteria. Teacher treat raffles always bring some competitive fun! WE NEED VOLUNTEERS.

• Sell Tickets (4 volunteers)
• Sell Pizza and Treats (6 volunteers)
• Set Up from 3:30-4:30
• Sell Raffles (2 volunteers)

For questions or to sign up to volunteer, please contact:

Carol Pelon                                              Jena Rossi

carolandnoah@comcast.net                  jena_rossi@newton.k12.ma.us

617.480.9923                                          617-559-9540

You can buy your Teacher Treat raffle tickets at any time. See the attached flyer to purchase.

From Nurse Heather Gagnon

Halloween Safety
With witches, goblins and super-heroes descending on neighborhoods this month, it’s important to remember a few safety tips to keep Halloween fun and safe for everyone.

• Walk, slither, and sneak on sidewalks, not on the street or around parked cars
• Look both ways before crossing the street to check for cars, trucks and low-flying brooms
• Carry a flashlight to light your way
• Adults or responsible teenagers should accompany trick-or-treaters
• Save the candy eating for home when an adult can look through the treats
• Throw away opened candy and be cautious of small, hard candy with young children
• Keep the capes & other costume parts away from candles and feet that might trip
• Use face paint rather than masks that can limit vision
• Go only to houses with the lights on

Adapted from the American Red Cross

Highlights from Classrooms – Spotlight on Grade 2!

Writing Workshop :  Small Moments Unit

Our writing time this fall is mostly spent writing personal narratives.  Each student has a list of topics he or she would like to write about.   A small moment could be a personal narrative, a memoir, or even realistic fiction.  In the Small Moments unit, students write text that’s a very focused vignette from their lives.  A topic such as “My Trip,” “Going to Summer Camp,” or “My Baseball Game” typically produces information loosely related to the topic.  Rather, a small moment tends to be very effective because it narrows in on something very specific.  Students will publish one story this fall.

Continents, Oceans, and More…

First Mapping Skills then off to Mexico…
Students are learning so much during social studies.  They read the book Me on the Map by Joan Sweeny to learn about Newton’s place in the world.  In this picture students are placing the correct place from Lincoln-Eliot all the way to the Milky Way.   An upcoming homework assignment will be to make maps of their bedrooms, learn about keys/legends, and practice using a compass.  Students also have been learning about the seven continents, the major oceans, and landforms.  This geography background will help them during the Mexico study.

Math
In Unit 2, students work on fluency of addition and subtraction within 20, represent and solve story problems, and practice strategies for addition and subtraction.  One strategy is called the “3 Reads Strategy”:  What is the problem about?, What is the problem asking us?, and What is the important information?

Science
Students are enjoying our study of Seeds and How they Travel.  This Life Science unit is taught in two parts, the first in the fall and the second in the spring.   In the fall, children experience using a hand lens, the process of germinating seeds, identifying seeds, and learning how seeds travel.  When we conclude this unit in the spring, we study the Life Cycle of a Butterfly.  This is always a favorite with the children.  They have the opportunity to observe the complete metamorphosis, from egg to butterfly.

HOW TEACHERS DIFFERENTIATE INSTRUCTION TO REACH THE WIDE RANGE OF STUDENTS IN OUR SCHOOL:
New parents often ask, “How will you meet the needs of my child?” Each year all students are assessed in ELA (Reading) and Math to determine their current instructional levels. Mid-September to early October is the testing window. This information allows us to differentiate small group instruction for all students. You may hear your children sharing how they are working in small groups (or centers) during reading and math time.

This small group instruction is targeted to stretch students who are working at/above grade level or provide extra support for those still working to master particular skills. Small groups change frequently depending on skill mastery. We are fortunate at Lincoln-Eliot to have extra support from Title I to push teaching staff into classrooms during small group instruction. Our ELL teachers and special education teachers also work with students during small group instruction time. Our schedule ensures students get double doses of instruction – once from the classroom teacher during whole group instruction and again in small groups.

During November conferences, your child’s classroom teacher will share details about how your child is performing in math and reading based on these assessments and their everyday classwork.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM CLASSROOMS:
So much is happening across L-E we are eager to share the excitement and learning with families. We will begin highlighting classroom news from a different grade level each week in a new section of the e-Bulletin. See “Highlights from Classrooms” featuring Grade 3 below.

SAVE THE DATE FOR L-E’S ANNUAL HALLOWEEN DANCE:
Our annual Halloween Dance will be held on Friday, October 30^th  from 6:00-8:00. This is a fun event in which the entire L-E community turns out in costumes and students dance to spooky songs and favorite line dances. Pizza and treats are served in the cafeteria. Teacher treat raffles always bring some competitive fun! WE NEED VOLUNTEERS.

• Sell Tickets (4 volunteers)
• Sell Pizza and Treats (6 volunteers)
• Set Up from 3:30-4:30
• Sell Raffles (2 volunteers)

For questions or to sign up to volunteer, please contact:

Carol Pelon
carolandnoah@comcast.net
617.480.9923

Or

Jena Rossi
jena_rossi@newton.k12.ma.us
617-559-9540

FROM NURSE HEATHER GAGNON IN OUR HEALTH OFFICE:
REMINDER! The Lincoln-Eliot flu vaccination clinic will be held next week on Thursday, October 22. Any parents/guardians who are interested in having their students vaccinated must complete two forms: a consent/screening form and a vaccine administration record/insurance form. Forms are available in the school nurse’s office, or may be downloaded at www.newtonma.gov/flu and must be returned to the nurse by Tuesday, October 20. Parents may choose the flu shot or the nasal spray flu vaccine for their child and must indicate the type of vaccine they wish their child to receive by checking it on the form.

UNDERSTANDING OUR DIFFERENCES PROGRAM:
Encouraging parent participation in the classroom.

Understanding our Differences, a disabilities awareness curriculum, is delivered to all Newton students in grades 3-5 by parent volunteers. In the Fall, we will be delivering the Chronic Medical Conditions unit. All Lincoln-Eliot parents, regardless of your child’s grade, are invited to participate in this dynamic program.

There is a 2 hour time commitment on the day of the unit (dates to be determined) and 30-60 minutes to train for the unit at your convenience with on-line materials. (You do not have to commit to all 3 grades, one session would be great)

This is a wonderful opportunity to engage with our students in the classroom. If you are interested in participating, please contact the L-E parent coordinator, Cathleen Morrison at ccanhc@gmail.com.

Note: We are looking for a co-coordinator as well. If you are interested, please contact Cathleen for more information. It is not a huge time commitment, it involves some parent outreach and participation in delivering the Units. Please consider becoming involved in this fulfilling and wonderful program as we educate the students on how to include peers with disabilities.

OUR PTO NEEDS TAX SUPPORT: The Lincoln-Eliot parent who has helped our PTO with tax support has moved on to Middle School. We are looking for a tax accountant who can help us file our yearly taxes. This is pretty straight forward. If you have this expertise and are willing to support our PTO with this service please contact Mike St. Germain, our treasurer, at: michael_stgermain@yahoo.com

FUNDRAISING…

 DONOR’S CHOOSE:
Support our new teacher!
Ms. Bratslavskaya, Grade 5
My Project: A Space for Every Student
Total Cost: $611
TO GO: $179.00

My Project: I hope to empower my students to take risks and share their ideas in a comfortable and safe environment. A classroom carpet for our meeting/library area is a necessity for establishing a sense of community within our classroom. We will often begin our school day on our carpet to engage in a morning meeting. Students will gather on the carpet many times throughout the day for whole class mini lessons, partner work, group work, and independent work.

A comfortable meeting area is essential, as it would provide a space to develop trust and respect among my students.

Here, we will establish our classroom community by developing a “class contract” and allowing all students to feel that their voices have been heard. We will frequently use the carpet as a space to begin lessons, and engage in read alouds. This space will also serve as a cozy independent reading place, so my students will be able to engage in, visualize and fall in love with books.

Check out my classroom project!
http://www.donorschoose.org/MsBratslavskaya

COMMUNITY NEWS…

The Newton Fire Department is hosting a special pajama story time for Fire Prevention Month on October 20. Please see the attached flyer for details.

HOW TEACHERS DIFFERENTIATE INSTRUCTION TO REACH THE WIDE RANGE OF STUDENTS IN OUR SCHOOL
New parents often ask, “How will you meet the needs of my child?” Each year all students are assessed in ELA (Reading) and Math to determine their current instructional levels. Mid-September to early October is the testing window. This information allows us to differentiate small group instruction for all students. You may hear your children sharing how they are working in small groups (or centers) during reading and math time. This small group instruction is targeted to stretch students who are working at/above grade level or provide extra support for those still working to master particular skills. Small groups change frequently depending on skill mastery. We are fortunate at Lincoln-Eliot to have extra support from Title I to push teaching staff into classrooms during small group instruction. Our ELL teachers and special education teachers also work with students during small group instruction time. Our schedule ensures students get double doses of instruction – once from the classroom teacher during whole group instruction and again in small groups. During November conferences, your child’s classroom teacher will share details about how your child is performing in math and reading based on these assessments and their everyday classwork.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM CLASSROOMS
So much is happening across L-E we are eager to share the excitement and learning with families. We will begin highlighting classroom news from a different grade level each week in a new section of the e-Bulletin. See “Highlights from Classrooms” featuring Grade 3 below.

SAVE THE DATE FOR L-E’S ANNUAL HALLOWEEN DANCE
Our annual Halloween Dance will be held on Friday, October 30^th from 6:00-8:00. This is a fun event in which the entire L-E community turns out in costumes and students dance to spooky songs and favorite line dances. Pizza and treats are served in the cafeteria. Teacher treat raffles always bring some competitive fun! WE NEED VOLUNTEERS.

• Sell Tickets (4 volunteers)
• Sell Pizza and Treats (6 volunteers)
• Set Up from 3:30-4:30
• Sell Raffles (2 volunteers)

For questions or to sign up to volunteer, please contact:

Carol Pelon
carolandnoah@comcast.net
617.480.9923

Or

Jena Rossi
jena_rossi@newton.k12.ma.us
617-559-9540

FROM NURSE HEATHER GAGNON IN OUR HEALTH OFFICE:
REMINDER! The Lincoln-Eliot flu vaccination clinic will be held next week on Thursday, October 22. Any parents/guardians who are interested in having their students vaccinated must complete two forms: a consent/screening form and a vaccine administration record/insurance form. Forms are available in the school nurse’s office, or may be downloaded at www.newtonma.gov/flu and must be returned to the nurse by Tuesday, October 20. Parents may choose the flu shot or the nasal spray flu vaccine for their child and must indicate the type of vaccine they wish their child to receive by checking it on the form.

UNDERSTANDING OUR DIFFERENCES PROGRAM: Encouraging parent participation in the classroom.

Understanding our Differences, a disabilities awareness curriculum, is delivered to all Newton students in grades 3-5 by parent volunteers. In the Fall, we will be delivering the Chronic Medical Conditions unit. All Lincoln-Eliot parents, regardless of your child’s grade, are invited to participate in this dynamic program.

There is a 2 hour time commitment on the day of the unit (dates to be determined) and 30-60 minutes to train for the unit at your convenience with on-line materials. (You do not have to commit to all 3 grades, one session would be great)

This is a wonderful opportunity to engage with our students in the classroom. If you are interested in participating, please contact the L-E parent coordinator, Cathleen Morrison at ccanhc@gmail.com.

Note: We are looking for a co-coordinator as well. If you are interested, please contact Cathleen for more information. It is not a huge time commitment, it involves some parent outreach and participation in delivering the Units. Please consider becoming involved in this fulfilling and wonderful program as we educate the students on how to include peers with disabilities.

OUR PTO NEEDS TAX SUPPORT: The Lincoln-Eliot parent who has helped our PTO with tax support has moved on to Middle School. We are looking for a tax accountant who can help us file our yearly taxes. This is pretty straight forward. If you have this expertise and are willing to support our PTO with this service please contact Mike St. Germain, our treasurer, at: michael_stgermain@yahoo.com

COMMUNITY NEWS…
The Newton Fire Department is hosting a special pajama story time for Fire Prevention Month on October 20. Please see the attached flyer for details.

WEDNESDAY IS INTERNATIONAL WALK/BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY
International Walk to School Day is on Wednesday, October 7^th. Join in the celebration with thousands of other students and families nationwide by walking or biking to school! Students who participate will receive Safe Routes prizes.

3 PTO PROGRAM- THE TREE GUY. HELP NEEDED: This Wednesday, October 7th, LE will be hosting a preview presentation for our third graders tree unit.   We need 3-4 parent volunteers to help with set up and hospitality.  Parents are welcome to stay and watch the morning presentation.   Please contact Elaine at elainesmithpurcell@gmail.com

SAVE THE DATE FOR L-E’S ANNUAL HALLOWEEN DANCE
Our annual Halloween Dance will be held on Friday, October 30^th  from 6:00-8:00. This is a fun event in which the entire L-E community turns out in costumes and students dance to spooky songs and favorite line dances. Pizza and treats are served in the cafeteria. Teacher treat raffles always bring some competitive fun! WE NEED VOLUNTEERS TO HELP DECORATE FROM 3:15-4:30. Please e-mail Marcia Uretsky at Marcia_uretsky@newton.k12.ma.us if you can help.

OUR PTO NEEDS TAX SUPPORT
The Lincoln-Eliot parent who has helped our PTO with tax support has moved on to Middle School. We are looking for a tax accountant who can help us file our yearly taxes. This is pretty straight forward. If you have this expertise and are willing to support our PTO with this service please contact Mike St. Germain, our treasurer, at: michael_stgermain@yahoo.com

FROM NURSE HEATHER GAGNON IN OUR HEALTH OFFICE
The state mandated hearing and vision screenings are being performed this month for all Kindergarten students. Vision for grades 1-5 and hearing for grades 1-3 will begin this month as well and will be performed up until Thanksgiving break. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this, please don’t hesitate to speak with the nurse.

Also from our Health Office you will find FLU SHOT CLINIC INFORMATION and the OCTOBER NEWSLETTER FOR NURSE GAGNON

LUNCH MONITORS NEEDED
Lunch monitors needed at the Newton elementary schools listed below. These are great hours for a stay-at-home parent/grandparent or anyone who wants to work a couple of hours a day. The hours range from 2 ¼  – 2 ½ hours per day at $13.14 an hour.  Please call the school directly to set up an interview.

Burr School ~ 617 559 9360
Cabot ~ 617 559 9400
Franklin ~ 6 17 559 9480
Horace Mann ~ 617 559 9510
Lincoln-Eliot ~ 617 559 9540
Underwood ~ 617 559 9660
Ward ~ 617 559 6450
Williams ~ 617 559 6480

UNDERSTANDING OUR DIFFERENCES PROGRAM: Encouraging parent participation in the classroom.

Understanding our Differences, a disabilities awareness curriculum, is delivered to all Newton students in grades 3-5 by parent volunteers.  In the Fall, 2015 we will be delivering the Chronic Medical Conditions unit.   All Lincoln-Eliot parents, regardless of your child’s grade, are invited to participate in this dynamic program.

There is a 2 hour time commitment on the day of the unit (dates to be determined) and 30-60 minutes to train for the unit at your convenience with on-line materials.  (You do not have to commit to all 3 grades, one session would be great)

This is a wonderful opportunity to engage with our students in the classroom.

If you are interested in participating, please contact the L-E parent coordinator, Cathleen Morrison at ccanhc@gmail.com.

Note:  We are looking for a co-coordinator as well. If you are interested, please contact Cathleen for more information.  It is not a huge time commitment, it involves some parent outreach and participation in delivering the Units.  Please consider becoming involved in this fulfilling and wonderful program as we educate the students on how to include peers with disabilities.

Fundraising

DONOR’S CHOOSE:
Support our new teacher!
Ms. Bratslavskaya, Grade 5
My Project: A Space for Every Student
Total Cost: $611
TO GO: $308

My Project: I hope to empower my students to take risks and share their ideas in a comfortable and safe environment. A classroom carpet for our meeting/library area is a necessity for establishing a sense of community within our classroom. We will often begin our school day on our carpet to engage in a morning meeting. Students will gather on the carpet many times throughout the day for whole class mini lessons, partner work, group work, and independent work.

A comfortable meeting area is essential, as it would provide a space to develop trust and respect among my students.

Here, we will establish our classroom community by developing a “class contract” and allowing all students to feel that their voices have been heard. We will frequently use the carpet as a space to begin lessons, and engage in read alouds. This space will also serve as a cozy independent reading place, so my students will be able to engage in, visualize and fall in love with books.

Check out my classroom project!

http://www.donorschoose.org/MsBratslavskaya

WATERTOWN SAVINGS BANK: CUSTOMER CHOICE AWARDS
VOTE FOR LINCOLN-ELIOT SCHOOL AS YOUR FAVORITE NON-PROFIT! EVERY VOTE COUNTS!

Vote online at www.watertownsavings.com or cast a paper ballot. Ballots will be available at Open House on Thursday night.

Every year over the past twenty years Watertown Savings Bank customers have voted for their favorite non-profits in our Customer Choice event.  As a result 75 local organizations have benefited and $915,500 has been distributed.  This year the total will reach $990,500!

We are very proud of this program and the benefits it has brought to so many wonderful local non-profit organizations.  To celebrate this important milestone we will be entering every customer who votes this year into a drawing to receive a $500 Amazon gift card.

Every qualified non-profit that receives at least 1% of the total votes cast within a calendar year will receive funds.  The organization with the most votes will receive $5,000.  Otherwise the dollars awarded are determined by the voting results, with a cap of $3,500.  Anyone with an account at Watertown Savings Bank may vote and each person has one vote. (Beneficiaries are not considered account owners.)

Let us know your favorite local non-profit by using the ballot below or by voting online at www.watertownsavings.com.  Deadline to vote is midnight, December 31, 2015.

PAINT BAR FUNDRAISER
The Fifth Grade Committee is hosting a “Paint Bar” Fundraiser on Nov. 19^th at 6:30 PM.

Sign Up Now in 3 Easy Steps…

1. Register at:  https://www.thepaintbar.com/newton/nov-2015/advreg111915nv
2. Indicate that you are with the “Lincoln-Eliot Fundraiser” in the “Group Name” or “Friends I Want to Sit With” field on the registration page
3. Get ready to have a blast!

BUILDING A CLASSROOM COMMUNITY
Outside of Ms. Kelly’s grade 5 classroom, students traced their hands to build a class flower sharing, “We are each unique and beautiful, but together we are a masterpiece!”

 The first weeks of school are about establishing routines and building a classroom community. This year, across Newton Public Schools all elementary classrooms will be using techniques from Responsive Classroom, a district-wide social/emotional development curriculum. Throughout Lincoln-Eliot, students begin by sharing their hopes and dreams and setting personal goals for the new school year. You will get a chance to read your child’s hopes and goals at Open House on Thursday.

OPEN HOUSE/CURRICULUM NIGHT
Thursday, Sept. 24^th from 6:00- 7:15 is Open House/Curriculum Night. In the past students and families moved around the school to different locations to find staff. This year we will have a new format in which teachers will present information in their classrooms to help families learn about expectations for the new grade level and ways you can support your children at home and set them up for success.

All our specialist teachers (art, music, PE, and library) and our support staff will also be available to meet with this evening. Please see the attached flyer for more details. Children are invited to attend Open House with their parents.

UNDERSTANDING OUR DIFFERENCES PROGRAM
Encouraging parent participation in the classroom.

Understanding our Differences, a disabilities awareness curriculum, is delivered to all Newton students in grades 3-5 by parent volunteers.  In the Fall, 2015 we will be delivering the Chronic Medical Conditions unit.   All Lincoln-Eliot parents, regardless of your child’s grade, are invited to participate in this dynamic program.

There is a 2 hour time commitment on the day of the unit (dates to be determined) and 30-60 minutes to train for the unit at your convenience with on-line materials.  (You do not have to commit to all 3 grades, one session would be great)

This is a wonderful opportunity to engage with our students in the classroom.

If you are interested in participating, please contact the L-E parent coordinator, Cathleen Morrison at ccanhc@gmail.com.

Note
 We are looking for a co-coordinator as well. If you are interested, please contact Cathleen for more information.  It is not a huge time commitment, it involves some parent outreach and participation in delivering the Units.  Please consider becoming involved in this fulfilling and wonderful program as we educate the students on how to include peers with disabilities.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
We have tripled our music program in the last two years. Our goal is for every fourth grader to learn an instrument. Please read the attached flyers to learn about 4^th Grade Instrumental Lessons and Fifth Grade Band and Orchestra. Registration date is by September 18^th and it is done online. All students are able to have access to an instrument. Please let us know if you need help to apply for a loaner instrument.

PARENT CONNECT: UPDATE EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
Parent Connect is the portal for families to share contact information and to access progress reports.

In the next couple weeks NPS will send out an e-mail to all families. It will let you know your user name and password to set up your new Parent Connect account. If you are already enrolled, it will remind you how to log in.

You can access a video on the NPS website under “Families” to learn more about Parent Connect.

It is important to keep your contact information updated throughout the year should any information change. Jena Rossi and Sharon Fugazzotto in the office will be glad to help you.

LUNCH/RECESS
We are looking to hire 2 Lunch/Recess Aides. The hours are from 11:45-2:05 on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. If you are interested or have a friend or relative who is interested in picking up 3 hours+ 10 min. per week please contact Marcia Uretsky at Marcia_uretsky@newton.k12.ma.us

FUNDRAISING…

DONOR’S CHOOSE:
Support our new teacher!
Ms. Bratslavskaya, Grade 5
My Project: A Space for Every Student
Total Cost: $611
TO GO: $378

My Project
I hope to empower my students to take risks and share their ideas in a comfortable and safe environment. A classroom carpet for our meeting/library area is a necessity for establishing a sense of community within our classroom. We will often begin our school day on our carpet to engage in a morning meeting. Students will gather on the carpet many times throughout the day for whole class mini lessons, partner work, group work, and independent work.

A comfortable meeting area is essential, as it would provide a space to develop trust and respect among my students.

Here, we will establish our classroom community by developing a “class contract” and allowing all students to feel that their voices have been heard. We will frequently use the carpet as a space to begin lessons, and engage in read alouds. This space will also serve as a cozy independent reading place, so my students will be able to engage in, visualize and fall in love with books

Check out my classroom project!

http://www.donorschoose.org/MsBratslavskaya

L-E PIZZA TUESDAYS! 


From 12:15-1:00 pm at the Jackson Road Entrance
$2 per slice

Pizza is popular and disappears quickly!  Avoid disappointment and pre-order your 
Whole Pizzas by Mondays at Noon –$10.00 each.

Email Jenn- jrogan78@verizon.net to order!

Proceeds benefit the 5th Grade 2015 Graduating Class…
We appreciate your support!

PIZZA SALES START TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8^TH!!!

Gift Wrap and Gift Catalog Fundraiser!
September 18^th to October 2^nd 

Meadow Farms is a local MA based, family owned and operated company that offers a variety of: wrapping paper, seasonal items, and gifts for the home.

PRIZES!  Meadow Farms offers tons of FABULOUS PRIZES based on the number of items that you sell!  From cool bracelets and sunglasses to amazing electronics like Chromebooks and iPads – Even selling one item gets you a prize!!

Brochures go home on September 16^th!

New This Year:  ALL orders will be shipped to your home!!!!

WATERTOWN SAVINGS BANK: CUSTOMER CHOICE AWARDS
VOTE FOR LINCOLN-ELIOT SCHOOL AS YOUR FAVORITE NON-PROFIT!

EVERY VOTE COUNTS!

Vote online at www.watertownsavings.com or cast a paper ballot. Ballots will be available at Open House on Thursday night.

Every year over the past twenty years Watertown Savings Bank customers have voted for their favorite non-profits in our Customer Choice event.  As a result 75 local organizations have benefited and $915,500 has been distributed.  This year the total will reach $990,500!

We are very proud of this program and the benefits it has brought to so many wonderful local non-profit organizations.  To celebrate this important milestone we will be entering every customer who votes this year into a drawing to receive a $500 Amazon gift card.

Every qualified non-profit that receives at least 1% of the total votes cast within a calendar year will receive funds.  The organization with the most votes will receive $5,000.  Otherwise the dollars awarded are determined by the voting results, with a cap of $3,500.  Anyone with an account at Watertown Savings Bank may vote and each person has one vote. (Beneficiaries are not considered account owners.)

Let us know your favorite local non-profit by using the ballot below or by voting online at www.watertownsavings.com.  Deadline to vote is midnight, December 31, 2015.

60 Main Street Watertown MA  02472    617-928-9000   Member FDIC    Member DIF

Your vote is worth money. It will support the important work being done throughout our communities!

Please print the name of your favorite local non-profit:

STOP & SHOP:

Don’t forget to 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.

AMAZON 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.

COMMUNITY NEWS…

FALL NEWTON COMMUNITY ED CLASSES (NEC)
Newton Community Education will be offering 3 classes at L-E this fall: LEGO Jr. and Actor’s Studio on Wednesdays and Spanish Class on Fridays. Sign Up is now.

On Tuesday, September 22nd, the Plowshares Program will be going on their first field trip to Honey Pot Hill Orchards in Stow.  We are going apple picking!

Our visit will include a hay ride to the orchard where each child from Plowshares will pick their own bag of apples to bring home, a snack of cider donuts and apple cider, a visit to the petting zoo, and a corn maze walk.  We will be leaving at 1:15 and returning by 5:15.  All 3:00 children are welcome to join us.  The cost is $19 per child.

Permission slips will be available at pick up this week and I have attached the form to this email.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Angela Marra

Angela Marra
Director at Plowshare Childcare@Lincoln Eliot

THIS WEEK
The first week of school is a week of firsts. It is the first day, ever, for our kindergarteners. It is the first day for parents for whom their first child is going to school. It is a first day of the new grade for all our students. For some of our students it is their first day at their new school, in their new home, in their new country. For our fifth graders it is the first day of the oldest grade- they do look taller. For teachers it is their first day with their new class. As principal, it was the first day of the year ahead and all we have to look forward to in learning and growing together.

 “THE PURPLE FOLDER”
The Purple Folder is the way materials go back and forth between school and home. PLEASE help your child learn to be organized by establishing a routine for the Purple Folder. Find a location where it should be put everyday. In our house it was a basket on the kitchen counter. Look through it each day and ask your child questions about what he/she is learning and doing in class. Check out their homework. Use the folder to communicate with the teacher and to return homework and notices.

DROP OFF AND PICK UP
Thank you to everyone for such a successful opening to the school year. It has been extremely smooth with traffic, parking, and morning entry.

REMINDER:
Doors Open: 8:20
Instruction Begins: 8:30.
Dismissal: 3:00 (12:30 on Tuesday)

There is a 10-minute window from when the doors open at 8:20 and when instruction begins at 8:30. Children entering the building after 8:30, must come to the office before entering class so we can record them as present.

BACK T0 SCHOOL PICNIC, SEPT. 17^TH 5:30-7:00 PM (RESCHEDULED)
Tonight the Lincoln-Eliot families and faculty will come together to welcome the new year. Bring a picnic dinner and a blanket and meet us on the playground. As children play, families talk and meet. We hope to see you there.

Pizza and water are for sale for those who want an easy dinner.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
We have tripled our music program in the last two years. Our goal is for every fourth grader to learn an instrument. Please read the attached flyers to learn about 4^th Grade Instrumental Lessons and Fifth Grade Band and Orchestra. Registration date is by September 18^th and it is done online. All students are able to have access to an instrument. Please let us know if you need help to apply for a loaner instrument.

FROM THE NURSE HEATHER GAGNON

Dear Parents/Guardians:

The Health and Human Services Department is once again pleased to offer the influenza vaccine to all Newton students in Kindergarten through grade 12. Both the flu shot and the flu nasal spray vaccine will be administered during the school day at no charge to families.

The Lincoln-Eliot flu clinic will be held on Thursday, October 22nd, 2015.

Forms are due to the school nurse no later than Tuesday, October 20th, 2015.

To download the forms, please visit www.newtonma.gov/flu or you may pick them up in the health room.

If you have questions, please contact the school nurse, Heather Gagnon.

Office number: 617-559-9554; Email: heather_gagnon@newton.k12.ma. 

PARENT CONNECT: UPDATE EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
Parent Connect is the portal for families to share contact information and to access progress reports.

In the next couple weeks NPS will send out an e-mail to all families. It will let you know your user name and password to set up your new Parent Connect account. If you are already enrolled, it will remind you how to log in.

You can access a video on the NPS website under “Families” to learn more about Parent Connect.

It is important to keep your contact information updated throughout the year should any information change. Jena Rossi and Sharon Fugazzotto in the office will be glad to help you.

LUNCH/RECESS
This year we created a schedule to enable grades 2-5 to have their own lunch and recess period. Kindergarten and Grade 1 share lunch recess since half the Kindergarten students go home. This is a wonderful change in the atmosphere in the cafeteria. Children get through the line quicker which allows for more time to eat. The noise level is greatly reduced. The children have more space on the playground. I believe everyone is happy with the change.

You can find the lunch menu on the NPS website at: http://schools.whitsons.com/ma/newton-public-schools?page=menu

School Lunch accounts are managed on the NPS website through “My School Bucks.” You can add money to your child’s account and check your balance. https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/login/getmain?requestAction=home

Families apply for the Free and Reduced Lunch Program on-line. This must be renewed each year. This program applies to breakfast and lunch at the school.  If you need assistant please call or email the office at (617) 559-9540 or e-mail Sharon Fugazzotto at Sharon_fugazzotto@newton.k12.ma.us.

FUNDRAISING…

L-E PIZZA TUESDAYS! 


From 12:15-1:00 pm at the Jackson Road Entrance
$2 per slice

Pizza is popular and disappears quickly! Avoid disappointment and pre-order your 
Whole Pizzas by Mondays at Noon –$10.00 each.

Email Jenn- jrogan78@verizon.net to order!

Proceeds benefit the 5th Grade 2015 Graduating Class…
We appreciate your support!

PIZZA SALES START TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8^TH!!!

Meadow Farms Gift Wrap and Gift Catalog Fundraiser!
September 18^th to October 2^nd 

Meadow Farms is a local MA based, family owned and operated company that offers a variety of: wrapping paper, seasonal items, and gifts for the home.

PRIZES!  Meadow Farms offers tons of FABULOUS PRIZES based on the number of items that you sell!  From cool bracelets and sunglasses to amazing electronics like Chromebooks and iPads – Even selling one item gets you a prize!!

Brochures go home on September 16^th!
New This Year:  ALL orders will be shipped to your home!!!!

STOP & SHOP
Don’t forget to 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.

AMAZON 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.

COMMUNITY NEWS…

FALL NEWTON COMMUNITY ED CLASSES (NEC): Newton Community Education will be offering 3 classes at L-E this fall: LEGO Jr. and Actor’s Studio on Wednesdays and Spanish Class on Fridays. Watch for the brochure and sign up sheet early in September.

COMMUNITY ADS

Guitar Lessons In Your Home

I’m a Berklee College of Music graduate seeking a limited number of students for private/group guitar lessons. Lessons are offered in your home. All levels are welcome, including beginners. Through a comprehensive approach that combines technique, ear training and harmony, I will help your son or daughter develop music skills applicable to all styles of guitar playing. S/he will learn to play and analyze songs and solos from a broad range of musical genres. By working with me, students sharpen their overall musical skills. I also help students interested in song-writing & composition. For references, video and audio samples, please contact Maldi Kellici at maldi.k@gmail.com , cell 617-792-2244 use the contact form on maldikellici.com

Destination Imagination

Last year, over 100 students from nine different Newton Public Schools participated in Regional and State competitions some even taking top honors and advancing to Globals!

Come to one of our “DI Info Nights” to find out more about enrolling your child in a life changing experience.

Tuesday, September 15^th, 2015 from 7:00-8:00PM
Countryside Elementary (191 Dedham Street)

Thursday, September 17^th, 2015 from 7:00-8:00PM
Mason Rice Elementary (149 Pleasant Street)

Monday, September 28^th, 2015 from 7:00-8:00PM
Horace Mann Elementary (687 Watertown Street)

 The Destination Imagination program encourages teams of learners to have fun, take risks, focus and frame challenges while incorporating STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), the arts and service learning. DI students learn patience, flexibility, persistence, ethics, respect for others and their ideas, and the collaborative problem solving process.

More than 1.5 million youth have taken part in Destination Imagination problem-solving challenges in the past 30 years. Participating in DI has helped them develop critical thinking skills they can apply to their future schooling and careers to give them a competitive advantage for the rest of their lives.

If you have any questions, or are unable to attend one of the sessions, please email Matthew Miller at matthew@newtondi.org