WILLIAMS SCHOOL PTO

No school

As you might expect, this month is filled to the brim with exciting things of all kinds. The energy level is high and the classrooms are abuzz with learning, laughter, and lively discussions. Let me share just a bit about what has been happening in the area of science in the classrooms of late:

• Kindergarten – Daily discussions continue about the weather and the impact it has on our lives. The kindergarteners love checking the temperature online as well as checking outside their windows to see things “up close and personal.” They also greatly enjoy collecting this data and representing it graphically as they watch the seasons change and note the many ways weather touches us.

• Grade 1 – First graders are engaged in a yearlong look at animal habitats and their adaptations. Classroom terrariums have been up and running since October and include millipedes, beetles, crickets, and pillbugs. The children take care of the terrariums, observe, and even sometimes hold the bugs watching closely for any changes. These observations lead to posing questions and doing experiments, great skills to lay as a foundation for scientific thinking. Ask any first grader about the visit from the Bug Works instructor (compliments of Creative Arts and Sciences) and you will be barraged with information about the giant millipede and the hissing roach!

• Grade 2 – Second graders have been working on one of two units. Some have finished their first part of their seeds unit where they put their observational skills to use, examining, charting, predicting, and recording their data. Others have worked on a study of the sun, the moon, and the stars, another unit that engenders great discussions. The students are transfixed by their new learning and are eager to share their wonder and excitement — just ask!

• Grade 3 – You may be assured that powers of observation are being utilized everywhere as third graders have worked all fall on their tree unit. They have actively engaged in learning all about photosynthesis, an amazing miracle of nature. They know the difference between coniferous and deciduous trees (are you reaching back to retrieve that information for yourselves?), as well knowing how to identify trees by their bark, leaves, and shape. Their “field trips” outside to the playground/field have given them ample opportunities to sharpen their skills and they are becoming quite adept at observing, recording, and representing what they have noted.

• Grade 4 – Fourth graders alternate doing intensive units on social studies and science. They completed a fantastic unit on rocks and minerals in November and are currently on a “train tour” of the northeast region of the United States, putting together scrapbooks as they make their collective way through many wonderful places. Just this week, however, they took a field trip to the Children’s Museum in Boston as a kickoff to their upcoming science unit on energy. They saw a phenomenal demonstration on roller coasters and ramps and they are charged with new excitement (sorry, pun intended) about their upcoming science unit!

• Grade 5 – Our fifth graders have embarked on a study of electricity and love it thus far. They have experimented with conductors and insulators noting the characteristics and properties of each. They have created their own circuits and will even build electromagnetic motors — pretty cool! They are looking deeply into electricity, previously something they have accepted as just part of their lives, but are now seeing and understanding in a whole different way with a greater respect.

As for the specialists, much has been happening there as well:

• Art – The students are having a grand time printmaking. They are exploring all different types, including stamping, rubbings, block printing, monoprinting, and stenciling. Some of the classes have already printed on tissue paper to make gift wrap. Some have crated cards that can be used for notes of thanks or for general purposes. Some classes will create notebooks with decorative covers and a “series” of prints. When all is said and done, you can be assured that the students have thoroughly enjoyed themselves and learned a great deal in this unit.

• Library – Kindergarteners, first graders, and second graders spent some time this month using the listening center in the library as well as learning and playing math games on the computer, both favorite things to do for many. Grade three students were able to do some curriculum integration as they used KidPix to create slide shows about trees. Students in grade four delved into fairy tales and the Dewey decimal system while fifth graders did a study of King Christian of Denmark during World War II who took action against discrimination (The Yellow Star, a wonderful book). All grade levels were treated to a selection of stories portraying different celebrations as Mrs. Kosmo was able to highlight the differences between fiction and nonfiction.

• Music – Kindergarten and first grade students continued to practice singing, keeping a beat, and learning the difference between the rhythm of the words and the beat (such fun to watch this!!). Students in grades 2 – 5 learned a great deal about Ludwig von Beethoven (whose birthday was December 16th) and doing various activities related to his life and music. All grades had the opportunity to learn and sing non-denominational songs of the season with the themes of winter, snow, stars, bells, candles, and peace — beautiful sounds everywhere!

• Physical Education – All students have been busy in physical education classes this month, a good thing for all!! As the weather has turned colder, Mr. T has been heating things up with jump rope activities and rope-climbing, amazing to see! In addition, fifth graders have started the “student leader” program and have been excellent role models as they work with Mr. T helping out students in K, 1, and 2.
NOTES OF INTEREST

• Problem Solving – This falls under the category of planning ahead. There is a PTO meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 17th. As part of that meeting, I will be doing a presentation on problem solving, focusing on some of the strategies that we are teaching to your children and ways that you can support them at home. I hope that many of you can join us!

• Family Math Night – This also falls under the category of planning ahead for a fun-filled night. Many of you will remember that we had a Family Math Night last year that was chock full of good thinking and fun for all. We are planning just such another event for Tuesday, February 6th from 6:30 – 8:30 P.M. There was a tremendous turnout last year and we are anticipating the same this year. Again, I hope that I see you there!

• School Meeting – School meeting on Monday of this week. The topic was a natural one for this time of year (actually, for any time of year) peace. We started with a beautiful song by the second graders, Circle the Earth with Peace. The simple words included,
Peace, peace, peace,
Peace the whole world over,
Building friendships, sharing our worth,
Take my hand, let’s circle the earth
With peace, peace, peace.

They proceeded to sing the song saying “peace” in several different languages — quite simple and moving. One student from every class then came forward to the stage and shared what peace means to them — such simple eloquence from the mouths of your children. Our read-aloud book, The Peace Book (Todd Parr) contributed to the meaning of the meeting with more simple words and images that can be shared by all. As always, we celebrated those who have birthdays in this month –29 students and three staff members, a busy month to say the least.

I always end School Meeting with a poem that I write to complement our topic. I do not pretend that it is great writing (quite the opposite, my poems are simplistic), however, I hope that the ending poem sends the students off with another dimension to their thinking. I am sharing this month’s poem with you as I extend to you all wishes for a wonderful vacation, and for those celebrating holidays, best wishes for days filled with family, friends, love, and of course, peace.

PEACE

Tis a special season,
This time of the year,
For many folks are filled,
With warmth and good cheer.

May we all give peace a chance,
This is my wish for you,
And maybe with all of our efforts,
This wish may really come true.

~ My best to all ~

Chris Moynihan - Principal Williams School

Registration is now open for the 2007 Newton West Little League (NWLL) spring season. NWLL runs baseball programs for children 5-12 years old (as of April 30, 2007). The levels of play range from Tee-ball to coach-pitch to three levels of player-pitch. Children residing in, though not necessarily attending, the Burr, Franklin, or Williams school district, are eligible to play (except for Tee-ball which is open to anybody).

Please register online at www.newtonwestll.org www.newtonwestll.org . If you are not able to register online, need financial assistance, or have any other question please contact the league at info@newtonwestll.org info@newtonwestll.org. The deadline for registration is January 15, 2007.

TIME FOR THANKS
As the year draws to a close, it is a great time to reflect on the past few months or years that we have been at Williams and appreciate what a warm and wonderfully supportive community we have. I can’t count how many times I have mentioned that I am from Williams to parents at other elementary school in Newton and they will say, “I hear that the Williams community is so nice.” Just last month, I received this message from a parent whose children graduated Williams several years ago:

We cherish the memories of the Williams years, and are so pleased to see all the wonderful changes and the activity of the PTO. Thanks to you and all of the many - I know, I lived right behind the school for many years - other devoted volunteers, Williams continues to be a wonderful stepping-stone for its children. I think we are all very lucky.

Thank you to the board, committee chairs and volunteers for your time and energy to continue the mission of the PTO.

To Dr. Moynihan and the entire Williams staff, we are grateful for your commitment to our children and that each child is an individual that brings something special to Williams.

NEW DATE FOR THE WILLIAMS AUCTION
Just before you hang that new calendar, mark the date March 24th for our biggest event of the year, the Williams Auction.

Vintage Williams: 100 Years celebrating 100 Years of History Auburndale and Newton Lower Falls – March 24th
• We have booked the Riverside Center, the caterer and have some of donations already. We are planning for an evening down memory lane of our Villages.
• Norbumbega Park, enjoy amusement park games and gambling.
• Totem Pole, dance the night away with the sounds of 1940’s big band music.
• Turn of the Century Fashion will be represented by Lasell’s Goodwill Costume Collection as students model vintage clothes and accessories.
• Displays of Williams History, Local Architecture and more.

Volunteers are needed. We need several people to help create the historical displays for the evening. You can do this at home and on your own time. If you are interested in helping, please contact Lauren Brooks, Gina Levine or Deborah Gelch president@williamspto.org.

School is dismissed at 12:30 p.m.

If you have ordered school pictures and not yet received them, or if you have any questions, please contact Wendy Hurwitz ( wendyhurwitz@rcn.com ; 617-965-9173) or contact Holly at Hayward Photography directly at 617-698-1840. Thanks.

Contact: City of Newton Planning Department woodlandroadstudy@newtonma.gov
The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in de Witt Auditorium, Winslow Hall Lasell College
This is the first of two public meetings. The purpose of this meeting is for the consultant team to gather information about local traffic issues by listening to the comments and ideas of the general public.

Due to a conflict with a Newton Schools Foundation event, the Vintage Williams Gala (celebrating 100 Years of History Auburndale and Newton Lower Falls) has been rescheduled to March 24th, 2007.

Vintage Williams: 100 Years celebrating 100 Years of History Auburndale and Newton Lower Falls – March 24th

We have booked the Riverside Center, the caterer and have some of donations already. We are planning for an evening down memory lane of our Villages.
Norbumbega Park, enjoy amusement park games and gambling.
Totem Pole, dance the night away with the sounds of 1940’s big band music.
Turn of the Century Fashion will be represented by Lasell’s Goodwill Costume Collection as students model vintage clothes and accessories.
Displays of Williams History, Local Architecture and more.

For more information, please contact Lauren Brooks, Gina Levine or Deborah Gelch president@williamspto.org .

UPDATE !!! The total collected was increased by $5.98 due to late returns. (a grand total of $782.26).

The Williams School children collected a total of $776.28 during the Trick or Treat for UNICEF Kids Helping Kids campaign. Thank you to children who helped raise this money to provide health care, clean water, nutrition and education to children and their families in 156 countries.

Contact: Cindy Duffy jandcduffy@comcast.net, Robyn Phillips robynhphillips@gmail.com, and Shelah Feiss stf54@aol.com. It’s that time of year again, and the social action committee is announcing our annual Toys for Tots gift drive. For those of you unfamiliar with the Toys for Tots, the program, run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, provides Christmas presents for needy children. The coordinators work with local social welfare agencies, church groups, and other local community agencies, to identify and distribute the toys to the appropriate families. To be a part of this great cause, all you have to do it bring in new, unwrapped gifts for children –toys, games, books, dolls, clothes, or anything new you care to donate. Leave these in the gift-wrapped boxes which will be located near the PTO mailboxes and we’ll take care of the rest. Any and all donations are welcome. Please bring in gifts by December 15th.
Each year the Williams community makes a sizeable donation for such a small school. We hope this year to keep up the tradition!
Sponsored by the PTO Social Action Committee
Cindy Duffy, Robyn Phillips, and Shelah Feiss