Heather Dias Memorial Plan
We are in the early stages of planning a memorial for Heather Dias a beloved 5th grade teacher who passed away in June of this past school year. We are looking to create a small outdoor space and would like to consult with someone who has expertise in the area of landscape design to help us draft our very modest project. If you are interested in offering your time, or know someone who might be, please contact me at nardellimv@newton.k12.ma.us
Back to School/Curriculum NightLinks
For anyone who may have missed it, I again wanted to provide the links page to this year's presentations:
Indigenous Peoples' Day
History
“On Monday, October 11, 2021 more states, cities, and communities than ever will observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day in place of or in addition to Columbus Day. They’re part of a larger movement to see a more complete and accurate history of the United States taught in our schools and public spaces. Given research showing that the majority of state and local curriculum standards end their study of Native American history before 1900, the importance of celebrating the survival and contemporary experience of Native peoples has never been clearer.” Smithsonian Magazine
Newton's first official Indigenous Peoples' Day Ceremonial Celebration will take place on Monday, October 11 from noon-5pm, at Albemarle Park. Indigenous Peoples Day Newton 2021 will spotlight and celebrate the music, dance, poetry, and the visual art of diverse Native artists who currently live in the Northeast. It will be an outdoor, daytime, family-oriented cultural and spiritual celebration that is open, accessible, and welcoming to all residents of Newton and neighboring towns. Organized by the volunteers IPD Newton Committee, this ceremonial celebration is made possible through the support of Newton Community Pride.
The goal is to make concrete our city's recent recognition of Indigenous Peoples' Day as an official city holiday. The intention is for this event to become a beloved annual event on our city's calendar.
Over 40 artists, performers, speakers, vendors, and community organizations will attend. Refreshments can be purchased from onsite food truck(s). Spend the afternoon in celebration, ceremony, and support of the rich Indigenous traditions that are an enduring and vibrant facet of our community!
General Resources
PebbleGo: Native American History
Learning for Justice: Indigenous Peoples Day
National Museum of the American Indian: Smithsonian Website
PBS Native American Heritage Collection
BrainPop: Native American Traditions
BrianPopJunior: Native Americans
Picture Books
What the Eagle Sees: Indigeonous Stories of Rebellion and Renewal - Eldon Yellowhorn & Kathy Lowinger
Buffalo Bird Girl: A Hidatsa Story -S.D. Nelson
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story - Kevin Noble Maillard
We Are Grateful -Traci Sorell
SEPAC
WHAT IS THE SEPAC?
Does your child have an IEP or 504 plan? Are you interested in getting support services for your child? Then you need to know about the Newton Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) at newtonpac.org.
We are a volunteer organization of parents of children with special needs from preschool through high school. We run an online forum where parents can ask each other about special education programs, issues, policies and resources both within and outside of the public school system. We work directly with the school administration regarding our childrens’ special education through our school liaisons, meetings with the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services and by attending Newton School Committee meetings.
We hold monthly board meetings that are open to all families and interested community members whose dates and Zoom links are listed on our website NewtonSEPAC.org under the "Meetings" tab. In the meantime, you can join our "Newton SEPAC" Google Group by clicking on the link on our website. On this online forum, you can post any questions or concerns about anything related to your child with special needs. We also use this group to publicize local/online presentations and conferences as well as DESE policy updates.
Other ways to contact the SEPAC:
Email: Info@NewtonSEPAC.org
Facebook: Newton Special Education Parents - SEPAC
Next SEPAC Open Board Meeting: Thursday October 21 at 7:00pm
Find the Meeting Agenda and Zoom link on newtonsepac.org under the "Meetings" tab
SEPAC AT HORACE MANN
As the SEPAC Liaison for Horace Mann, you can also contact me directly for more information about the SEPAC or with any questions or concerns about your child: kim.bourdeau1@gmail.com
BLUE ZONE UPDATE
A quick update and request regarding our BLUE ZONE.
- The Blue Zone is the area in the front of the school that has curbs highlighted in blue.
- This area is meant for LIVE PARKING and QUICK DROP OFFs.
- If you are coming to school each day and parking in the blue zone while waiting for your child as they line up, I would ask that you park on a side street and walk the short distance.
- I'd like to keep the BLUE ZONE open for those people are are doing a quick dropoff and then moving on to their next destination.
- Also, please do not use the front or rear parking lot for drop off or pickup during the school day.
Thank you for your help!
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