Message from the Principal
Parent/Teacher Conferences - 
Conferences are under way. It is great to see so many parents in the building, partnering with us to ensure each and every child’s success. We are fortunate in Westwood to be able to provide students with engaging lessons, a wide variety of curriculum materials, and highly qualified teachers. When students do face challenges and areas for growth, we are able to provide the supports and interventions needed to keep them moving along the path to success. Thank you for your ongoing support of the Westwood Public Schools, and specifically - Martha Jones School.
Electronic Gadgets - There are more and more electronic gadgets out there that record voices and take pictures and videos. This includes many watches and other jewelry being marketed to children. If your child does have a smart watch or other device that can record, video, or take photos, please remind your child that they are not allowed to take pictures, videos, or record others at school or on the way to and from school (including on the school bus). 
It is critical that we are vigilant about each child’s privacy. Even if other students agree to allow their picture to be taken, we do not allow students to take photos, videos, and recording of each other on personal devices. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
On another note about electronics - some students have caught on that they can ask “Alexa” for answers to their homework questions. You might want to keep an eye out for that :).
Thanksgiving Break - Please note that on Wednesday, November 21st Martha Jones students will be dismissed at 12:00 Noon (instead of 11:50 - NO LUNCH SERVED) to begin the Thanksgiving break. There is no school for students on Monday, November 26th. This is a professional development day for teachers. Student return on Tuesday, November 27th.
Pirates of Grammar Island -
All students and families are welcome to join us on Friday, December 14th for the 5th Grade Play. The show begins at 6:30PM. The 5th grade parents will be holding a bake sale that evening to raise money for the 5th grade scholarship (so bring lots of $1. Bills :).
Candy Drive - Martha Jones School gave over 200 lbs of candy to the troops this year! We blew past our record of 152 lbs. last year. Our students and families show their generosity in so many ways, THANK YOU. I would also like to recognize the Wellesley Dental Group for collecting the candy and making sure it gets shipped to our troops. It is a very kind gesture as we think about all those who have served and who are currently service this Veterans Day.
Halloween Thanks!
The Halloween Party and Haunted Hallway were a huge success again this year. It is obviously one of the students’ favorite nights of the year. Please know that I recognize how many people it takes to come to together to pull off such a wonderful event for our kids. A huge “THANK YOU” to the PTO, the coordinators and everyone who helped out. If you didn’t get a chance see The Wake Up Call on Channel 5 on Halloween, check it out. It is from Martha Jones parents who helped in the Haunted Hallway:
https://www.wcvb.com/article/wake-up-call-from-martha-jones-elementary-school/24468748
WESTWOOD GEAR:
Westwood themed gear is on sale now through the MJ PTO, and Order forms came home yesterday! Click here to see some of the products available. Some of the new items for 2018 include Under Armour Backpacks, reversible headbands, and blankets.
All order forms and checks are due back to school by Tuesday, November 6 th . Make checks out to the MJ PTO,and be sure to label your envelope “WW Gear”.
Items are expected to arrive around the first week of December, and items can be sent home with your child or picked up in the office (if it’s a gift, or if you don’t want your child to carry it home). Any questions regarding sizing, etc. should be directed to Mindy Xavier at mindysuex@yahoo.com
ORIGINAL WORKS FUNDRAISER:
We are pleased to announce that we will be running the Original Works Fundraiser again this year. Students have completed their art masterpieces, and the final artwork and online ordering instructions will be sent home on Friday, November 9th!
Original Works is an art program that ties directly into Mrs. Pasquan’s Art Curriculum at Martha Jones, designed to encourage creativity and student self-esteem. The pride and excitement that our students get from seeing their artwork transformed into special keepsakes is truly wonderful. Whether it’s something you treasure for years to come, or give as a unique and special gift, Original Works products are fun and practical for any season or occasion—and they make GREAT holiday gifts for your entire family!
Proceeds from the fundraiser come directly back to Martha Jones and fund our PTO sponsored programs. Last year our profits raised over $2000, and we are hoping we can meet or rise above that this year!
Please check out our display case in the Martha Jones school entrance where you can see samples of the products that you can order (new items too). For more information about the Original Works program, please visit www.originalworks.com, or contact Nancy Blessing at nancynap@yahoo.com or Portia Hennessy at portia.hennessy@gmail.com
SCRIPS FUNDRAISER:
Order forms due this Wednesday, November 1 st .
This fundraiser is an easy way for Martha Jones to raise money. Here’s how it works: The PTO purchases gift certificates from popular retailers at a discount. Parents then buy the gift certificates from the school at face value. The difference in price is kept by the school. Parents spend the gift cards at the retailer, where it’s worth the full-face value. If you give gift certificates for gifts, holidays, or shop at any of the retailers, this is a great way to support Martha Jones with NO additional cost to you.
Scrip order forms came home in backpacks on Friday, Oct. 12. They are due Wednesday, Nov. 1. In order to get all gift certificates back in time for the holidays, late orders cannot be accepted.
Checks should be made payable to the Martha Jones PTO, Inc. Please forward your order form and check to the school office in an envelope marked PTO SCRIP. Orders should be back to you by Nov. 16 - just in time for Black Friday shopping!!
2019 MARTHA JONES PARENT SOCIAL: Save the Date
Please save the date for this year’s MJ Parent Social! The party will be held Saturday, March 2, 2019 from 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm. at The German Club on the Westwood/Walpole line. There will be a DJ, cash-bar, silent auction and teacher experience auction. This is a kid-free event, so book your sitters now!
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 Erica Howe at erica.gregg.howe@gmail.com
If you need this document translated, please call the Westwood Public Schools’ Student Services Department at 781-326-7500 ext. 1346 or email your request to lplouffe@westwood.k12.ma.us. Thank you.
如果您需要翻译本文档，请致电Westwood的公立学校的学生服务部在781 326-7500 ext. 1346 或电子邮件您的要求 lplouffe@westwood.k12.ma.us 谢谢你。
اذا بحاجة الى هذه الوثيقة المترجمة ، يرجى الاتصال على إدارة المدارس العامة ويستوود 'الخدمات الطلابية في 781 326-7500 ext. 1346 أو على البريد الالكتروني الخاص بك lplouffe@westwood.k12.ma.usلك. لطلب كنتشكرا
Если вам нужен этот документ переводится, пожалуйста, позвоните Вествудгосударственных школах "Студенческие службы Департамента по 781 326-7500 ext. 1346 или по электронной почте запрос на lplouffe@westwood.k12.ma.us Спасибо.
