Join in Lincoln-Eliot’s 6^th Newton Serves and help spruce up Lincoln-Eliot’s playground and exterior.  We will be spreading mulch, raking, preparing our school garden as well as other needed outdoor maintenance.  Adult workers are needed, as well as kids ready to work with their parents! 

We need 50 volunteers.  Please register before April 23 to make sure you can our project “Lincoln Eliot Elementary School” as well as receive important information!  Everyone must complete and submit a release form before going to the project site.

REGISTER ONLINE at:  http://www.newtoncommunitypride.org/NewtonSERVES-volunteer.php

For more information, contact arpollack2@yahoo.com or noraziz@gmail.com

RECESS
It is wonderful that the weather is getting warmer with the beginning of spring. It also means that the snow is melting. PLEASE CONTINUE TO SEND IN BOOTS WITH YOUR CHILD FOR RECESS DUE TO THE PUDDLES AND WET PLAYGROUND.

Kindergarten, Grade 1 and Grade 2 families may want to send an extra pair of sox and pants to school in case your child gets wet. It is important that the children get to go outside for some fresh air and activity. If we wait for the earth to dry out, I am afraid we will be inside until June.  THANK YOU!

PARCC TESTING CONTINUES THIS WEEK
This week students in grades 3, 4, & 5 will begin the MATH PARCC Assessment. There are two sections of math for each grade level. Students will maintain their regular schedule around the test. Lunch/recess times will remain the same. All classes will attend special subjects (PE, music, library, and art).

GR. K, 1, & 2 PARENTS SAVE THE DATE: Our K, 1 & 2 Spring Concert is on Thurs. April 16^th from 9:00-10:00 in the Gym.
Due to all the snow days, our Music Teacher, Ms. Nelson pushed back the date of the concert to give the students more time to learn in Music Class. This is always a wonderful “Info-formance” in which our youngest students share what they learn in music class.

GRADE 5 CAMP TRIP INFORMATION NIGHT APRIL 15^TH
Every year our fifth graders go on an incredible 2 night camp experience filled with character and team building activities before they go off to Middle School. Our fifth grade parents fundraise all year to make this trip happen. Join us on Wednesday, APRIL 15^th from 6:00-7:00 to learn about the trip and ask questions. This night is open to ALL Lincoln-Eliot families.

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!
Looking for an easier way to stay connected?

Click the link to our LEPTO Facebook Page and “Like us” to receive new article alerts on your Facebook page.

CLASSROOM NEWS…

NEWTON SERVES
Newton Serves is a community service day across the city. Mark SUNDAY, APRIL 26^TH (9:00-12:00) on you calendar and come to Lincoln-Eliot to help us spruce up our grounds and the playground to get ready for the spring. More details to follow.

UNDERSTANDING OUR DIFFERENCES PROGRAM
Understanding our Differences, a disabilities awareness curriculum, is delivered to all Newton students in grades 3-5 by parent volunteers.   All Lincoln-Eliot parents, regardless of your child’s grade, are invited to participate in this dynamic program.   In Spring, 2015 we will be delivering the following units:

At least six parents are needed on each of the following dates to help lead activities:
There is a 2 hour time commitment on the day of the unit and 30-60 minutes to train for the unit at your convenience with on-line materials. 

Grade 3 (Blindness):                                   Monday, May 4, 2015     10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Grade 4 (Intellectual Disabilities):            Thursday, May 14, 2015               12:45 – 2:45 p.m.

Grade 5 (Autism Spectrum Disorders):   Friday, April 17, 2015                   12:45 – 2:45 p.m.

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 coordinators, Debbie Berechman, dberechman@gmail.com and Cathleen Morrison, ccanhc@gmail.com.

COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS

Third Grader, Mark Collins and his family are supporting the Aleppo Shriner’s Children’s Transportation Fund for Shriner’s Hospital.

What is the Pull-Tab Program?
The pull-tab program at Aleppo Shriners in Wilmington, Massachusetts was founded

several years ago and as a way for the public to help raise funds for the humanitarian and life-saving services provided by Shriners Hospitals for Children. In Eastern Massachusetts, tabs are collected by many different organizations and collected at the Shrine Center in Wilmington, Massachusetts. The tabs are redeemed at a recycling center and the proceeds benefit the Aleppo Shriners Children’s Transportation Fund.

What is the Children’s Transportation Fund?
Funds generated in the pull-tab program are used to transport children

and their parent or guardian, free of charge to a Shriners Hospital for Children. Volunteers from local shrine organizations use specialized vans, small buses and automobiles and give freely of countless hours of their time providing transportation to and from doctor’s visits. One very important mode of transportation this fund pays for are the life-saving med-flights transporting children from all over the world to a Shriners Hospital when their life is in the balance. These specialized med-flights cost tens of thousands of dollars, but when a child’s life hangs in the balance, money is no object. Parents of injured children admitted to a Shriners Hospital for Children do not see a single bill for transportation provided thru this fund.

How Can You Help?
You can help by saving aluminum can pull-tabs and bringing them to school. A collection will box is in the office. Together, we can make a big impact! (See the attached flyer for more details.)

http://www.alepposhriners.com/ads/TabCollectionTriFold2013.pdf

DONOR’S CHOOSE:

Mr. Raisner, Grade 2
My Project: Interactive Projector
Total Project Cost: $1945.00
$1629.00 TO GO

Having an interactive projector will allow my students to use this technology as a tool for their learning. The work that’s projected on the board can be moved around and manipulated. For example, when learning about geometry, students will be able to transpose shapes on top of each other. Using an interactive projector is a 21st century skill for students.

Several upper grade classrooms have this technology available to them. Getting them used to it now will help them in the future.

You can support Mr. Raisner’s Project by linking to:

http://www.donorschoose.org/raisner

COMMUNITY NEWS…

NEWTONPAC Program
On Wednesday, April 15 the NewtonPAC will host a session on Mediation with Board of Special Education Appeals Mediator Myrto Flessas.

Have you ever wondered what mediation is about, and what it can accomplish in special education?  The BSEA website says:

Special Education Mediation is a voluntary and confidential dispute resolution process available at no cost through the BSEA. When school personnel and parents disagree about the educational needs of a student with disabilities, either party may request mediation.

In mediation, an impartial mediator helps parents and school staff clarify the issues and underlying concerns, explore interests, discuss options and collaborate to reach mutually satisfactory agreements that address the needs of the student. The mediator does not decide how to resolve the dispute. When the parties resolve all or some of the issues, they work together with the mediator to put their agreement(s) in writing.

What do you need to know in deciding if mediation is a good option for you?  What should you do to be prepared for mediation and get the best possible result?

Myrto Flessas, the BSEA mediator who works with Newton, will be coming to speak to the NewtonPAC to answer these kinds of questions.

The meeting will be on Wednesday, April 15 starting at 7:30 pm., with refreshments and networking starting at 7:15, in room 210 of the Education Center at 100 Walnut Street in Newton.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Eileen Sandberg at Eileen.sandberg.newtonpac@gmail.com.

(For more information, see the flyer in the flyer folder on the L-E website.

SPRING INTO SWING CREATIVE ARTS AND SCIENCE FUNDRAISER
Spring Into Swing Creative Arts and Sciences Fundraiser with Jazz singer Semenya; wine and beer from Newton’s VinoDivino

Tickets: $35 music and open bar!
Semenya and her band are amazing.  Every year one outstanding program is chosen by the Creative Arts and Sciences Committee (CASC) to perform at ALL of the Newton elementary and middle schools.   This year  Semenya McCord’s program highlighting the 400-year history of America’s black community through song was presented to Newton elementary and middle school students.

This special performance gives parents and the community an opportunity to see an example of the quality of performers that Creative Arts and Sciences brings to our schools.  Plus, all the proceeds from the event DIRECTLY benefit ALL our kids.   The proceeds will  support next year’s concert series.

Click here to buy tickets and more information

Stacey Moriarty, Director Creative Arts and Sciences Committee Curriculum Resource Center (CRC)Newton Public Schools
617-559 6152
stacey_moriarty@newton.k12.ma.ushttp://www.newton.k12.ma.us/CASC

We still have spots available in our summer program.  If you are interested in sending your child to us over the summer, please let us know as we are in the process of hiring our staff so they can start planning.  This is dependent on enrollment.  All of our Summer staff  consists of coordinators and teachers who currently work at one of our Plowshares sites.

Sign up for Ploughhshares

Spring Into Swing”  Creative Arts and Sciences Fundraiser with Jazz singer Semenya; wine and beer from Newton’s VinoDivino
Tickets: $35 music and open bar!

Semenya and her band are amazing.  Every year one outstanding program is chosen by the Creative Arts and Sciences Committee (CASC)  to perform at ALL of the Newton elementary  and middle schools.   This year  Semenya McCord’s program highlighting the 400-year history of America’s black community through song was presented to Newton elementary and middle school students.

This special performance gives parents and the community an opportunity to see an example of the quality of performers that Creative Arts and Sciences brings to our schools.  Plus, all the proceeds from the event DIRECTLY benefit ALL our kids.   The proceeds will  support next year’s concert series.

Hope you can make it!!

Click here to buy tickets

Click here for more information

Especially for Kids at the Festival of the Arts!
Outdoor Festival under the big tent and on the lawns of Newton City Hall, 1000 Commonwealth Avenue.

Entertainment! Food Trucks! Juried Craft Show! Music! Dance!

Tanglewood Marionettes “Cinderella” – Saturday, May 9^th: 10am

A classic fairy tale told with wit and style, the story unfolds as the pages of a giant book open to reveal each beautifully painted setting, featuring lavishly costumed marionettes. All your favorite characters are here, from gentle Cinderella to the bumptious stepsisters and the charming prince, but we do offer a few new surprises: Cinderella’s method of conveyance to the ball is NOT the traditional horse-drawn coach, and, when all hope seems lost, a clever little bluebird saves the day for Cinderella.

Tickets: $10 per person (2 yrs and older)/$25 Family of 4 www.newtoncommunityprice.org/festival

Rock-A-Baby with Siagel Productions – Saturday, May 9^th: 11:15am

After “Cinderella”, jam out with the Siagel celebrity puppet band to music that will get you on your feet and the whole family groovin’! Rock-A-Baby is free for everyone attending the puppet show, or $10 per family. Tickets: www.Newtoncommunitypride.org/festival Be sure to check the website for the month of exciting cultural events throughout Newton in May…55 events in 31 days!

If you’re following the ShopWithScrip^® Facebook page, you’re one of the first to get the latest and greatest scrip updates, right in your News Feed. We post about new products, promotions, and fun activities from around our office. Today, you have one more great reason to follow us: we’re giving away a $30 ScripNow^® eCard!
For a chance to win, just tell us what scrip you’re bringing along on Spring Break. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post and you’ll be eligible to win. On Monday at Noon Eastern, everyone who commented will be entered in a random drawing to win a $30 ScripNow eCard of your choice, from this list of retailers.

Visit our ShopWithScrip Facebook page and comment on the giveaway post before Noon on Monday for your chance to win. While you’re there, check out some of the other posts for the latest news, and to see what other scrip shoppers have to say!

RECESS
It is wonderful that the weather is getting warmer with the beginning of spring. It also
means that the snow is melting. PLEASE CONTINUE TO SEND IN BOOTS WITH YOUR CHILD
FOR RECESS DUE TO THE PUDDLES AND WET PLAYGROUND.

Kindergarten, Grade 1 andGrade 2 families may want to send an extra pair of sox and pants to school in case your child gets wet. It is important that the children get to go outside for some fresh air and activity. If we wait for the earth to dry out, I am afraid we will be inside until June. THANK YOU!
PARCC TESTING CONTINUES THIS WEEK
This week students in grades 3, 4, & 5 will complete the ELA PARCC Assessment. Next week we begin the Math portion. Students will maintain their regular schedule around the test. Lunch/recess times will remain the same. All classes will attend special subjects (PE, music, library, and art).

Spring Concert
GR. K, 1, & 2 PARENTS SAVE THE DATE: Our K, 1, 2 Spring Concert is on:
Thurs. April 16th, from 9:00-10:00 in the Gym

Due to all the snow days, our Music Teacher, Ms. Nelson pushed back the date of the concert to give the students more time to learn in Music Class. This is always a wonderful “Info-formance” in which our youngest students share what they learn in music class.

PTO ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS AT LINCOLN-ELIOT SCHOOL
On Friday morning Amelia Earhart visited the first graders in a one-hour presentation
by Historical Perspectives. Students watched and listened as she guided them through her life,
from an adventure seeking young girl to becoming an educated women pilot. As Amelia was
telling her story she transformed her costumes before the students eyes, she also had real
photographs projected and background music that made the story really come to life.

After her presentation the students asked a variety of questions the actor answered for them. All first graders really enjoyed this presentation which supported the Grade 1 Biography Unit of Study.
CORRECTION- GRADE 5 CAMP TRIP INFORMATION NIGHT APRIL 15TH : Every year our fifth
graders go on an incredible 2 night camp experience filled with character and team building
activities before they go off to Middle School. Our fifth grade parents fundraise all year to make
this trip happen.

Join us on Wednesday, APRIL 15th from 6:00-7:00 to learn about the trip and ask
questions. This night is open to ALL Lincoln-Eliot families.

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!
Looking for an easier way to stay connected?  Click the link to our LEPTO Facebook Page and “Like us” to receive new article alerts on your Facebook page.

CLASSROOM NEWS…

NEWTON SERVES
Newton Serves is a community service day across the city. Mark SUNDAY, APRIL, 26TH (9:00-12:00) on you calendar and come to Lincoln-Eliot to help us spruce up our grounds and the playground to get ready for the spring. More details to follow.

NewtonSERVES announces Project Registration is Now Open for Day of Community Service on Sunday, April 26, 2015.  

Volunteer projects are welcome from Newton non-profits, Newton city departments and schools, individuals, and groups of citizens interested in accomplishing specific tasks with the help of over 1,000 volunteers from the community. Projects can easily be registered online, by visiting www.newtoncommunitypride.org/NewtonSERVES-project.php.

Projects can be in the morning, afternoon or all-day on Sunday, April 26th or they can be set up individually on an alternate date during the City of Newton’s Volunteer Week, April 27th-May 2th. In addition to gaining access to volunteers to tackle specific tasks, project sites may be eligible to receive additional resources such as mulch, garbage and yard waste bags. Project sites also benefit from raised awareness within the community and all participants receive NewtonSERVES T-shirts and refreshments in honor of their volunteer service. New projects leaders are encouraged to sign up along with recurring projects and experienced leaders.  Volunteer registration will be open on April 1^st at www.newtoncommunitypride.org   For more information, please call (617) 796-1540.

The April Vacation Week Sign Up is ready.  This will take place from Tuesday, April 21st through Friday, April 24th.

Monday, April 20th we are closed in observance of Patriot’s Day (aka Marathon Monday). We can only take a maximum of 50 children for this week at our site.  Since our vacation week programs are open to both Plowshares sites, I suggest signing up your child as soon as possible if you know you will need care that week.

The theme, special events, and activity fees are listed on the attached sign up form, and will also be available at pick-up.

Sign Up Form

PARCC TESTING BEGINS THIS WEEK
This week students in grades 3, 4, & 5 begin taking the PARCC Assessments in English Language Arts (Reading and Writing) and Math. For each grade level there is 3 sections for ELA and 2 sections for Math. We space the days out to have a break between each section. Unlike the MCAS, the PARCC is a timed test ranging from 60-90 minutes in length per session. Because the test is timed, impact on the schedule is reduced. Students will maintain their regular schedule around the test. Lunch/recess times will remain the same. All classes will attend special subjects (PE, music, library, and art).

This assessment is a new test designed to measure proficiency on the Common Core Standards.  We are treating this year as a baseline experience for gathering information about both the test and our performance.  We will use the results of the assessment to plan for growth in future years and determine if additional shifts in our curriculum are necessary.

Our goal is to guide students through this experience with as little stress as possible.  It is important for children to receive a similar message at school and at home.  We are communicating that this is a brand new assessment and that the students are helping teachers, the test developers, and our state legislature learn about the assessment. This year, we are actually “testing the test” see if the questions are valid and reliable. Students (and our school) are not held accountable for the assessment in any way. The school district will use the results to make decisions about curriculum. The legislature will vote next fall to determine if Massachusetts will switch to the PARCC or stay with the MCAS.

PTO ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS AT LINCOLN-ELIOT SCHOOL
This week our PTO sponsored two in-school enrichment programs. Our Kindergartener received a visit from Newton author/illustrator Emile Boon. Emilie Boon has published over 20 books. Her presentation shares the step by step process of writing and illustrating books. Her presentation includes the creation of an original piece of artwork for the class. Students also have the opportunity to create their own crayon and watercolor pictures and an accordion book.

Our fourth grade classes participated in a Traveling Rock and Mineral Science Program from the Discovery Museum in Acton MA. Students learned the difference between a rock and a mineral, how rocks are formed, and had the opportunity to handle several large specimens of the 3 basic rock types. 

On March 27^th our first graders will experience a historical visit from Amelia Earhart. This coincides with the grade 1 Biography Unit.

• GRADE 5 CAMP TRIP INFORMATION NIGHT: Every year our fifth graders go on an incredible 2 night camp experience filled with character and team building activities before they go off to Middle School. Our fifth grade parents fundraise all year to make this trip happen. Join us on Wednesday March 5^th from 6:00-7:00 to learn about the trip and ask questions. This night is open to ALL Lincoln-Eliot families.

• RECESS: Please continue to ensure your children dress appropriately with coats, hats, mittens, snow-pants and snow boots. I have a feeling we will need boots through the spring as the snow melts and the playground is wet and muddy.

• LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! Looking for an easier way to stay connected?

Click the link to our LEPTO Facebook Page and “Like us” to receive new article alerts on your Facebook page.

CLASSROOM NEWS

Mr. RAISNER’S GR. 2 COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT
Mr. Raisner’s Class is raising money for their pen pal class in Costa Rica. The La Paz School students are making eco bricks to build garbage cans for trash and waste. Money will go towards buying cement, paint, and chicken wire to build walls. To learn more about ecobricks, please visit this website: www.ecobricks.org.

Please bring bottles and cans to Room 318 through March 28^th. (See the attached flyer for details.

NEWTON SERVES
Newton Serves is a community service day across the city. Mark this date on you calendar and come to Lincoln-Eliot to help us spruce up our grounds and the playground to get ready for the spring. More details to follow.

UNDERSTANDING OUR DIFFERENCES PROGRAM
Understanding our Differences, a disabilities awareness curriculum, is delivered to all Newton students in grades 3-5 by parent volunteers.   All Lincoln-Eliot parents, regardless of your child’s grade, are invited to participate in this dynamic program.   In Spring, 2015 we will be delivering the following units:

At least six parents are needed on each of the following dates to help lead activities:

Grade 3 (Blindness):                                       Monday, May 4, 2015     10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.               

Grade 4 (Intellectual Disabilities):            Thursday, May 14, 2015               12:45 – 2:45 p.m.

Grade 5 (Autism Spectrum Disorders):   Friday, April 17, 2015                   12:45 – 2:45 p.m.

There is a 2 hour time commitment on the day of the unit and 30-60 minutes to train for the unit at your convenience with on-line materials. 

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 coordinators, Debbie Berechman, dberechman@gmail.com and Cathleen Morrison, ccanhc@gmail.com.

DONOR’S CHOOSE
Mr. Raisner, Grade 2
My Project: Interactive Projector
Total Project Cost: $1945.00

$1897.00 TO GO

Having an interactive projector will allow my students to use this technology as a tool for their learning. The work that’s projected on the board can be moved around and manipulated. For example, when learning about geometry, students will be able to transpose shapes on top of each other. Using an interactive projector is a 21st century skill for students.

Several upper grade classrooms have this technology available to them. Getting them used to it now will help them in the future.

You can support Mr. Raisner’s Project by linking to:
http://www.donorschoose.org/raisner

COMMUNITY NEWS…

PAC Parent Advisory Group…
Talking with Your Child About Their Diagnoses/Disabilities
(This meeting was originally scheduled to take place on January 8th.)

Date: March 24, 2015
Time: 7:30 – 9:00 pm
Location: Ed Center, 100 Walnut St, Room 210 Newtonville, MA

Our presenters will be:

– Dot Lucci, M.Ed., CAGS, program director at MGH Aspire

– Daniel Almeida, Ph.D., BCBA-D, NPS District Supervisor of Applied Behavior Analysis Services

– Andrew D. Aspel, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist, Licensed School Psychologist, Newton South High School

– Kathleen Browning, M.S.Sp., C.C.C., M.Ed., NPS Coordinator of Speech, Language and Hearing Services

– Lynn Chachkes, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist, Licensed School Psychologist, NPS Countryside School

– Alison Mountford, Psy.D., NPS Coordinator of Therapeutic Services

Light refreshments and networking will begin at 7:15, and the presentation will start at 7:30 pm.

Please RSVP to Eileen.sandberg.newtonpac@gmail.com if you are planning to attend, just so we know who to email if we have another weather cancellation. We will post cancellations on our website at http://www.newtonpac.org.

MAYOR’S STEM NIGHT
Date: MARCH 30, 2015
Location: Newton North High School Cafeteria

About Mayor’s STEM Nights:
Mayor Setti D. Warren has started a new event series with local STEM industry businesses featuring an interactive, participatory experience to spark Newton students’ interest in STEM. These nights are a time for our students to get their hands on the latest technology, hear from local innovators and get excited about all that STEM has to offer. Each evening will be a partnership with a local business in the STEM field and will involve a speaking program as well as an interactive workshop for young people.

In partnership with the Newton Public Schools, we are committed to reaching out to our most vulnerable populations including young women, minorities and low-income children and families in an effort to help bridge the achievement gap. By partnering with STEM industry businesses, the “Mayor’s STEM Nights” will provide students with an exciting, hands-on experience that will demonstrate the practical application of STEM beyond the classroom and help to generate interest in the many opportunities STEM offers.  Local innovators will also share their own stories about how they became interested in the STEM disciplines, what led them to their current career paths and answer students’ questions.

Event Schedule:
6:00pm – Public begins to arrive and food is available buffet style
6:30pm – Speaking Program

• Mayor Setti D. Warren
• Superintendent David A. Fleishman
• Employees of Featured Business

7:00pm – Workshop/Interactive Portion
8:00pm – Wrap-Up and Conclusion of evening

Please contact Youth Services at youthservices@newtonma.gov with any questions.
(For more information, see the flyer in the flyer folder on the L-E website).

Save the date for Spring into Swing
Jazz concert & reception featuring jazz vocalist Semenya McCord to benefit NPS Creative Arts & Sciences 2015–2016 programs.

Date – April 10, 2015
Time – 7pm – 10pm
Location – Newton South High School

Newton Public Schools’ Creative Arts & Sciences Concert Series performer, Semenya McCord, has been invited to present a very special concert for Newton parents, faculty, and friends. Limited tickets for this 21+ event go on sale February 23rd.

Look for flyers in February. For more information contact Stacey Moriarty at stacey_moriarty@newton.k12.ma.us

NEWTON LITTLE LEAGUE…
Registration for the 2015 Spring Season is Open!  Newton Little League baseball is for boys and girls, ages 4 through 12.  Beginners and advanced players- Everyone is placed on a team!

Register today at: www.NewtonLLBaseball.org