Happy Thanksgiving - I want to wish all of our students, families, and staff a very Happy Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving happens to be my favorite holiday. It is the perfect day to honor traditions, visit family, eat too much, watch too much football, play games, and take a catnap (or long snooze) after eating piles of turkey. I’m thrilled that all three of my sons (and my daughter-in-law) will be home again this year to enjoy the holiday with my husband and me, as well as our extended family. Luckily, we go to my brother-in-laws for dinner, so no cooking for me. I always get the easy job of bringing dessert. Thank goodness for Fratelli’s bakery, they do a much better job at baking desserts than I do.
As you think about all the things that you have to be thankful for, please take a moment to remember all the men, women, and children who are not as fortunate as many of us, those who may not have a family to spend the day with, or a warm meal to eat. Remember the veterans and active service members and all of the people affected by war, poverty, and illness and give thanks for the joys in your life. 
Please note that school reopens for students on Tuesday, December 3rd. Staff members will participate in a full day on Professional Development on Monday, December 2nd.
As you shop for your holiday goodies, please consider picking up a few items for the Westwood Food Pantry. I understand that they are always in need of extra food during the winter months.
New MJ School Motto - The Martha Jones School is working on a new motto that embraces our commitment to be kind and caring members of our school community, curious learners, and courageous citizens. Look for more information on our school motto to come in January.
Extended Day is asking any of our families and colleagues, who are able, to help us assist in filling the Boston Toys For Tots warehouse because every child deserves a happy holiday! Extended Day started their annual Toys For Tots collection on November 18th. So if you after the Thanksgiving Break you are out shopping, please consider picking up a toy for the collection. Each year they try to beat the year before! Please note the collection will be run through Thursday, December 12th.
If you donate a toy that needs batteries, please include them. Toys should be given to Eliza Yee at the Extended Day office. Used toys/stuffed animals will not be accepted. No used toys, please!
Families in Need - If you know of a Martha Jones Family in need during this holiday season, please let me or a member of the PTO know (dtobin@westwood.k12.ma.us, momolloy@aol.com, or rachelalyson@gmail.com) . We can work to find ways to support any Martha Jones family in need. We just ask that the family be made aware that you are reaching out on their behalf and have agreed to the support. In addition, families may reach out on their own. Information given to me or the PTO co-chairs will remain confidential.
Winter is Here - Please be sure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather. Students should bring or wear pants to school during the winter months. While they love their shorts, when they are outside at recess for 30 minutes at a time, cold bare skin is susceptible to injury and frostbite.
Don’t forget to check out the lost and found before winter break. All clothing left over the break will be given to charity. If your child’s name is in the clothing it will be returned.
GENERAL PTO MEETING
Rescheduled -Tuesday, Dec 10 @ 7pm - MJ Library
Please join us for the second General PTO Meeting of the 2019/2020 school year. The original date was snowed out, so it has been rescheduled for Dec.10 @ 7pm. Everyone is welcome and we are always happy to see new faces. Hope to see you there!
PARK STREET BOOKS & TOYS
In-store shopping - Monday, Dec. 16
504 Main Street, Medfield 9am-6pm
This year, Park Street Books & Toys is offering the Martha Jones community a special day for holiday shopping. On Dec. 16, Park Street Books & Toys will donate 20% of your qualifying purchase to the Martha Jones PTO. They have a great selection of books and toys, you are sure to find the perfect gift! Please take advantage of this generous offer and support a local small business and the Martha Jones PTO.
MARTHA JONES PARENT SOCIAL
Save the Date - Saturday, March 21, 2020
The Roaring 20’s
"Come as a flapper or come as you are, dress as a gangster or a silent screen star. It's going to be fun, no matter the dress. Just bring yourself, and we'll take care of the rest!"
Please join us for the Annual Martha Jones Parent Social on Saturday, March 21, 2020 from 7:30-11:30pm at The German Club in Walpole. (Rt. 109 Westwood/Walpole town line)
As in the past, there will be a DJ, cash bar, teacher experience and silent auctions along with a healthy dose of fun and dancing! This is an adult only event, so book your sitters now!
SHOP AmazonSmile
Support Martha Jones with every HOLIDAY purchase
Support the Martha Jones PTO while you do your Amazon shopping by using AmazonSmile. AmazonSmile is a simple, automatic way for you to support the Martha Jones PTO every time you shop, at no cost to you.
You will find the exact same prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to the Martha Jones PTO. Just log onto smile.amazon.com, choose Martha Jones PTO as your charity of choice and shop away!
Amazon shopping with an iPhone?
You can use AmazonSmile just like an App by following a few simple steps. Open smile.amazon.com in your browser, tap the “share/forward link” button then tap the “Add to Home Screen” icon (you may need to swipe left to see this). You will now have an AmazonSmile icon which can be used in exactly the same way as the Amazon App but now all of your purchases support the Martha Jones PTO.
BOX TOPS - COLLECTION ONGOING
Download the App and scan receipts within 14 days of purchase
Each Box Top is worth 10¢ for Martha Jones. This money will be used to help pay for school supplies, fund field trip expenses and other fun events! In addition to the Fall and Spring classroom competitions, we collect Box Tops year-round, so please feel free to send them in whenever you have them.
We recently sent home information about important changes to the Box Top program, please take note of these changes and continue to support the Box Top program. Click here for more information.
MARTHA JONES PTO FACEBOOK GROUP
Did you know Martha Jones PTO has its own Facebook group page? Join the Facebook group to get the latest PTO news and updates delivered right to your news feed! Click here to join!
PTO CONTACT FOR EVENTS, NOTICES:
If you have an event or notice for our PTO update, please email it to PTO Co-Secretary Denise Cahill at denisepcahill@gmail.com.
OTHER IMPORTANT DATES:
General PTO Meeting (Rescheduled due to snow): Tuesday, Dec. 10 @ 7pm - MJ Library
Dining Out: Wednesday, Jan 15 - Bamboo Restaurant
MJ Parent Social: Saturday, Mar. 21 @ 7:30-11:30pm - The German Club
