Zervas Elementary School PTO

Auction Update

zervaspto — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:58:37 +0000

Auction Tickets – Help us plan by returning your tickets as soon as you’re able. Our caterer, Miss Jeanie, is preparing a fabulous selection of Mardi Gras themed food. Remember, tickets are $5 less if you buy them in advance! Please contact auction co-chairs Erin Jospe ejospe@mac.com, Heidi Gambino hgambino@verizon.net or Helen Haley haleyhe@gmail.com for ticket information.

Teacher Raffle – Zervas staff have donated fabulous items for the raffle. Your child could cook, eat or play with their teachers. They could even be Principal for the Day! Send in your tickets to the office.

Still room for Donations – No donation is too big or too small. Please send in your donations to Elaine Goldberg elainebg@aol.com or to Kathleen Murray KMM828@verizon.net.

Parents’ Q&A with Principal Finalists

zervaspto — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 01:58:42 +0000

The Principal Selection Advisory Committee has chosen three finalists for the position of the Zervas principal.

Diana Beck is the principal of the Stall Brook Elementary School in Bellingham. Previously, she served as a Program Coordinator in the Brookline Public Schools and as a teacher at the Williams Elementary School in Newton. Diana graduated from Boston College where she earned Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate Degrees.

Barbara Brown is currently the principal of the Lilja Elementary School in Natick. Previously, she was the principal at the Johnson Elementary School in Natick. Barbara also served as an elementary school principal in Derry, NH. Earlier in her career, she was a school psychologist/learning resource specialist in Merrimack, NH. Barbara has a Bachelor’s from Boston University, and a Master’s and Doctorate from Boston College.

Ellen Quirk is the assistant principal at the Bowman Elementary School in Lexington, MA. Ellen has also taught 4th and 5th grade in Lexington, Andover and Acton. She has a Bachelor’s Degree from Vanderbilt University and a Master’s from Lesley University.

You are welcome to join the candidates at the times and dates indicated below. We encourage feedback from all stakeholders, as we come to the conclusion of this very important decision-making process for Zervas. Thank you very much and I will continue to keep you informed.

Sincerely,

David Fleishman
Superintendent of Schools

Schedule for finalists’ visits to Zervas

8:35 a.m. Finalist meets with parents: Monday, February 27, 2012	Ellen Quirk
8:35 a.m. Finalist meets with parents: Tuesday, February 28, 2012	Barbara Brown
8:35 a.m. Finalist meets with parents: Thursday, March 1, 2012	Diana Beck

Auction Update:

zervaspto — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:19:23 +0000

Every year the Auction Booklet is filled with wonderful repeat donations and exciting new ones! In addition to Art, Jewelry & Apparel, Class Baskets, Entertainment & Excursions, Fabulous Fifth Graders, Food & Wine, Health Beauty & Fitness, For the Kids, Necessary Novelties, Professional Services, Sports and Lucky Duckies, we are adding Camps as it’s own section this year. We have Red Sox Baseball Camp, Babson, John Smith Soccer Camp, Boston College Basketball, Park School, Beaver and, new this year, Camp Cody: Cody for Boys and Girls is part of a camping heritage that goes back to 1926. Nestled on the sandy beaches of beautiful Lake Ossipee amidst the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Cody offers a summer experience rich in fun, friendship, learning and adventure. Cody is a traditional summer camp for both girls and boys – campers range in age from seven to fifteen. Find out more at cody.org It’s a remarkable opportunity!

We are rapidly approaching the deadline for donations to make it into the booklet. Please send in your donations by this Friday, February 17th to Elaine Goldberg elainebg@aol.com or to Kathleen Murray KMM828@verizon.net No donation is too big or too small.

Help us plan by returning your tickets as soon as you’re able. Our caterer, Miss Jeanie, is preparing a fabulous selection of Mardi Gras themed food. Remember, tickets are $5 less if you buy them in advance!

Zervas staff have donated fabulous items for the raffle. Your child could cook, eat or play with their teachers. They could even be Principal for the Day! Send in your tickets to the office.

We are excited to see how the Class Baskets turn out this year and, of course, to see everyone at the Auction on March 3rd!

Community 5% Day

zervaspto — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 12:33:00 +0000

Whole Foods in Newton Four Corners (Beacon St. and Walnut St.) is doing a 5% Day for the Centre Street Food Pantry on TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28. The Food Pantry will receive a cash donation from Whole Foods equal to 5% of the amount of their gross receipts that day. If you are interested in supporting this donation effort, please shop that day.

Magic Flutes & Cello Friends, Musical Performance

zervaspto — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:50:19 +0000

The Waban Library Center (WLC) welcomes the Magic Flutes, directed by Deborah Charness, March 3rd at 11:00 am. They will be accompanied by Cello Friends, directed by Nancy Hair, and pianist Jennifer Baverstam. The Magic Flutes are a flute ensemble of nine Newton youngsters who have performed at the WCRB Cartoon Festival in Symphony Hall Boston, Cabot Park Village in Newton, Russell’s Garden Center in Wayland, and the Angier School Multicultural Festival. Coffee and pastries will be served compliments of Starbucks Coffee. The event is open to the public; suggested donation of $5 per person/$10 per family. The WLC is a non-profit organization, staffed solely by volunteers, and relies entirely on private donations. See www.wabanlibrarycenter.org. The WLC is located at 1608 Beacon Street in Waban.

Kripalu yoga classes

zervaspto — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:48:03 +0000

Class is a moderate to vigorous yoga class in the Kripalu style – incorporating varying flow sequences as well as sustaining poses, focusing on breath and concentration – “meditation in motion”. Class size of 8 – 10 participants allows for individualized assists and corrections. Participants of all abilities can find their own yoga, and enjoy lots of space between mats! $150 dollars for 10 sessions. Classes are Tuesdays at 9:15 am – 10:30 am, March 13th – May 22nd (excluding April 17th) at the Waban Library, 1608 Beacon Street, Waban.

To sign up email wabanlibrary@gmail.com. For more information visit www.wabanlibrary.org.

A Step Ahead Basketball (ASA Hoops)

zervaspto — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:44:27 +0000

ASA Hoops is offering tryouts for boys AAU grades: 4-8. Tryouts are starting Feb 12th and taking place on weekends throughout the month. ASA is also holding its annual February Vacation basketball clinic Feb. 20th – 24th, 9:00 am -1:00 pm. All events are taking place in Newton at the Mackenzie Center.

For more information or to register for these events please go to www.asahoops.com or contact Coach Smith: Coachb@asahoops.com , 617-909-5990

Do Not Enter Beethoven during stated hours is permanent law

zervaspto — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:34:36 +0000

The “Do Not Enter” sign at the intersection of Beacon, Evelyn, and Beethoven, approved by the Traffic Council prior to the start of the school year on a trial basis only, has been voted in by that same body as a permanent feature. With increased compliance of the signs on the part of all motorists and our adherence to Blue Zone etiquette and regulations, we are anticipating the continuation of increased safety for all pedestrians and smoother flow of traffic down the street at the critical drop off and pick up times.

An important note: Forming two lanes at the light at Beacon, while seemingly helpful in moving more cars through the light at a time, is illegal and can be dangerous for a few reasons. Once City of Newton road striping begins again in the Spring, the DPW will paint a section of double yellow lines for a short distance on Beethoven to make this more visually clear to drivers.

Update on Principal Candidate visits

zervaspto — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:10:26 +0000

The Zervas Principal Selection Advisory Committee is now planning on finalist candidate visits following February break. Parents and staff will be invited to meet each candidate, and be able to provide feedback on each finalist to Dr. David Fleishman, Superintendent of Newton Public Schools. We hope to know the dates of the candidate visits shortly, and will let you know as soon as we have this information so you can plan your schedules accordingly.

What can you get for $1? A Teacher Raffle Ticket!

zervaspto — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:35:51 +0000

What can you get for $1? A bottle of water, a package of stickers, a ball, OR………

A ticket for the 2012 Teacher Raffle at the Zervas Auction! The Zervas teachers have graciously donated items for a teacher raffle and by purchasing tickets your child has a chance to win one of the following fabulous teacher donations:
· Learn cake decorating skills
· A song written for you
· Learn to play rugby
· Principal for the Day
· And more

Winners will be chosen at the Auction on March 3rd, but you do not need to be present to win.

To order tickets, please fill out the green ticket order form that came home this week and follow the instructions on the letter. Contact aliciamaureencollins@gmail.comor 617.965.1696 to request an order form or more tickets.

There is still time to donate to the Zervas Auction

zervaspto — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:33:51 +0000

The Zervas auction needs your donations and no donation is too big or too small. Please contact auction co-chairs Erin Jospe ejospe@mac.com, Heidi Gambino hgambino@verizon.net or Helen Haley haleyhe@gmail.com if you’d like to contact a local business to request a donation. Please contact Elaine Goldberg at elainebg@aol.comor Kathleen Murray at KMM828@verizon.net to submit a donation by February 17. Thank you for your support!

Newton Kindergarten Soccer Registration is open for Spring 2012!

zervaspto — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:32:40 +0000

Kindergarten Soccer is a fun and non-competitive soccer program for all Newton boys and girls of kindergarten age and has been a program of the Zervas Elementary PTO since 1993. Games are held on Saturday mornings at Richardson Field in Waban. Join us and meet other Kindergarten families in your neighborhood. Late Registrations are accepted on a space available basis. Register by March 1st for the Spring Season!www.KindergartenSoccer.org

Music Camp during February Break

zervaspto — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:30:41 +0000

Students of all instruments are welcome to join Renaissance Camp for a 4-day, February 21-24, 9 am to 3 pm fun filled musical experience! Singers, are welcome, too. Renaissance Camp will explore this historical period via music with additional enrichment classes in dance, calligraphy, and costumes by creating a real live “tableau” of the Renaissance. Advanced players can join in court music and folk music of the Renaissance, as well as a “novice” program on recorder or voice.

Two groups: Ages 6-9 or 10-14. $335. For more info and registration: Sachiko Isihara , 617-964-4522 or www.suzukinewton.org or sachiko@suzukinewton.org

February Vacation Program at Rhythmic Dreams

zervaspto — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:29:19 +0000

Rhythmic Dreams, a quality afterschool rhythmic gymnastics program for girls located on Washington Street in West Newton, is offering three days of fun, challenge and learning for girls ages 5 to 12 during February vacation. The daily 9:00 am-1:00 pm schedule will include ballet, dance, flexibility and strength instruction, and lots of fun with ribbons, hoops, balls and ropes! You can choose one, two or three days. The cost is $40 per day or $100 for all three days. For more information or to register, please call 617-233-4493 or email info@rhythmicdreams.com. Don’t wait, space is limited!

Free trial class of Suzuki Prep class for ages 3 and 4

zervaspto — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:28:36 +0000

Suzuki School of Newton is pleased to offer a free trial class of the Suzuki Prep class for ages 3 and 4 held on Friday, February 10th at 1:00 pm, Saturday Feb. 11th at 10:00 am or Sat. Feb. 11th at 1:45 pm. This is a fun way to share time with your child: sing, move to music, do pre-instrumental Suzuki activities, and hear live instrument demonstrations from the SSN faculty. Students and parents will learn new songs, work on pitch, rhythm and meter and receive help in choosing an instrument. The class lasts 45 minutes and there are 14 more classes in the semester. For more info, call 617-964-4522 or contact_us@suzukinewton.org.

225 Nevada Street, Newtonville

Bridging the Generations: An Intergenerational Music Class

zervaspto — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:26:09 +0000

Join a special kind of music-making! This class combines all the elements of a regular music class, but it is set in a senior living facility, where the residents participate by singing, playing instruments, or simply watching. The class allows for and encourages interaction between the children and the seniors. With rhythm instruments, songs, play materials and movement, there is a rich musical experience for everyone. To Register call Brookline Music School at (617) 277-4593

Mixed ages up to 5 years (younger siblings welcome)
Thursdays at 3:30-4:15 pm

Session 2: March 8-April 5
Session 3: May 3-May 31

One Five Week Session: $100
Two Five Week Sessions: $180

Goddard House in Brookline, Assisted Living
165 Chestnut St. Brookline

Looking for a great volunteer job?

zervaspto — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:21:42 +0000

Newton at Home (NAH) is a quickly-growing non-profit organization in Newton, dedicated to enabling older adults to remain living in their homes safely and independently as they grow older. NAH is looking for a volunteer to serve as an office adminstrator. This means providing general office support for the Executive Director, handling member requests for services, maintaining and entering data into NAH databases, assisting with events and mailings, and scheduling meetings. Volunteers need good computer and communication skills. Must be willing to commit to three days per week from 9:30 am-1:30 pm through the rest of the school year (until June 2012). For more information please contact: Julie Plaut Mahoney, Ph.D., Coordinator of Volunteers, Newton at Home, 617-795-2560 or volcoord@newtonathome.org.

Sign your child up for Newton Educational Workshops!

zervaspto — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:20:12 +0000

N.E.W. is a program run by Newton South students for 4th and 5th graders in the Newton Public Schools who will attend Newton South. All proceeds from this nonprofit organization go to KaBOOM!, a charity that develops playgrounds across the US so that all kids have access to a place to play. For five Saturday mornings, your child will have the opportunity to take fun and exciting classes taught by dedicated high school students. Children sign up for two class periods; classes include arts & crafts, sports, performing arts, cooking, and more. N.E.W. is a great way to learn, make new friends, and have a blast at the same time! If you need a registration form or have questions, email newtoneducationalworkshops@gmail.com. The registration deadline is February 13!

Attention 5th Grade Parents

zervaspto — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:11:06 +0000

OPEN HOUSES FOR HIGHLANDS AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM: The Newton Highlands After-School Program, just for middle school children, is hosting Open Houses for interested families on:

Thursday, March 1 from 5:30-6:30 pm
Sunday, March 11 from 5:00-6:00 pm
Tuesday, March 27 from 5:30-6:30 pm
Saturday, April 7 from 4:00-5:00 pm
Sunday, April 15 from 5:00-6:00 pm

This is a terrific opportunity for parents of 5th graders to learn more about the program as they plan for the next school year. Please join us and see the wonderful space that is the home base of this terrific program. For more information please contact: Rochelle Acker at 617-999-4617 or highlandsafterschool@gmail.com or visit our website highlandsafterschool.org

Brigham House, 20 Hartford Street, Newton Highlands

Israeli Artists Of New England Art Exhibit

zervaspto — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:06:34 +0000

* The event is free to the public – please bring a friend.
* The artwork will be available for sale.
* For more information visit : www.israeliartistsexhibit.com

March 10th, 8:30 pm-11:30 pm
384 Harvard Street, Brookline MA