Hi Everyone,

We survived September! Phewww. At the end of the summer, lots of parents say that they are looking forward to getting back into a routine. But doesn’t settling into the routine of school, homework, fall sports, evening meetings, and making lunches cause your head to spin?!?

We hope your kids are all adjusting well to the new school year. A warm welcome to all of the new Zervas families. Some important events are coming up in October.

Destination Dinner, the big Zervas parent social event of the year, takes place on Saturday, October 15th. Don’t miss out! The deadline to sign up is this Saturday, October, 8th so reserve your tickets now by using this link. We kick off the night with cocktails and appetizers at the home of Lori Berkowitz and Scott Perman. Then we divide up into smaller groups for dinner at the homes of local Zervas families. We meet up again as a big group for dessert at a surprise home that will be revealed that evening. It is a wonderful way to get to know other Zervas parents better and make new friends!

We would love to see you all at the PTO General meeting on Thursday, October 20th at 7pm at the Waban Library Center. This meeting is a great opportunity to ask questions of Dr. Beck and the PTO Board and learn more about how the PTO uses the funds that it raises to support our school curriculum, staff, and community. We’ll also discuss the latest on the new Zervas building, the art mural our children will make for our new school, and our Z notes and other parent communications. Join us to find out how you can become more involved!

Please note that Dynamic Diversity Night has been rescheduled to Wednesday, October 26th at 6:15. The Zervas Community Connections group runs a fun, interactive evening aimed at helping parents and students in the Zervas community get to know each other better. Please join us.

Finally, the month ends with one of the most anticipated activities for kids: The Halloween Dance. For those of you who haven’t experienced it yet, children (and many parents) come decked out in their costumes and enjoy pizza and cookies, DJ-led dances and games in the gym, and quieter activities in a different room in the school. Don’t miss it on Friday, October 28th from 6:30-8:00.

We have a lot of people to thank for helping us get the 2016-2017 school year up and running smoothly.

Thank you to Amy Waksler for reaching out to Kindergarten and new families this summer. She organized two playground playdates, which were very well-attended despite the hot and steamy weather. Thanks also to Barbara Erickson and Peter Torrebiarte for bravely opening their house last Friday night to host the New Family and Kindergarten Pizza party.

The Family Picnic was a huge success thanks to Sanskriti Singh and Peter Torrebiarte! The pizza and oreos were gobbled up quickly, and the kids had a blast on the playground. Peter and Sanskriti were ably assisted by Anoush Mouradian, Greg Beaupre, Tim and Ambika D’Souza, and Catherine Caldwell-Harris.

Annie Ganot and Karen Kipman took the lead in running Class Photo Day like a well-oiled machine! Thanks also to the other parents who volunteered:  Eiffat Karp, Barbara Talvitie, Edna Correia, Erin Grabowski, Wendy Feiner, and Anoush Mouradian.

Lyla Goldstein and Tim D’Souza kept us well-fed and well-caffeinated at both Curriculum Night and the Kindergarten Parent Coffee. They do such a nice job as the Hospitality Team!

Kindergarten Soccer, one of our largest PTO fundraisers, has a record number of players this fall. A huge thank you to Merrill Barnes and Tara Karyanis for coordinating the program! Jenn Martin, who ran the program for years, is lending her support behind the scenes. Thanks also to Sera Miller, Mira Woods, Matt Feiner, and Debra Stump, who help coordinate everything from trophies to t-shirts.

Sera Miller is helping us become a greener school through the Zervas Zebra Water bottles that came home a couple of weeks ago. Thank you, Sera! We hope the kids are enjoying them. Sera also was behind the car bumper stickers distributed at the fall picnic. Look out for more information soon on how to purchase other Zervas spiritwear and swag.

Amy Behrens organized the Zervas Community Connections apple-picking on Sunday the 25th.  70 people came out to get to know each other better while picking apples and enjoying cider donuts on a beautiful fall afternoon. Thanks, Amy.

We have two AMAZING behind-the-scene technology and communication experts: Lorna Dunne and Madhu Natarajan. Lorna produces our school directory, and Madhu sends the weekly Znotes. They are so professional, and without them, we would be lost!

If you have any questions or suggestions, do not hesitate to contact us at pto@zervaspto.org.

Thank you,

Alicia Collins & Jessica Davis

PTO Co-Presidents