Nominations are now open for the 2020 Newton SEPAC Special Educator Awards. Although the ceremony will be held virtually this year, it is still a great opportunity to thank all the special educators in your student’s life!

The SEPAC Special Educator Awards are presented to Newton faculty and staff members who have done exceptional work with students receiving special education services. Parents, guardians, and students may nominate any NPS staff member who they believe has gone above and beyond in their work with special education students (i.e.: special ed staff, general ed staff, principals, aides, BT’s, administrative staff, custodians, crossing guards, etc).

All nominations must be received by June 17, 2020. Click HERE  to submit your nomination.

If you are looking for a way to say “Thank You!” to your child’s teacher or other school support person as this extremely unusual school year comes to a close, please consider Newton Schools Foundations’ Honor Thy Teacher campaign. This program provides an opportunity for families to thank school personnel by giving a gift to the Newton Schools Foundation in their honor, while also complying with the Newton Public Schools’ teacher gift policy.

Newton Schools Foundation (NSF) is a non-profit organization that raises funds to enhance educational excellence throughout Newton’s public schools. Your gift will support NSF grants that go towards promising educational initiatives, professional development, and programs that close gaps in opportunity and achievement.

After receiving each donation, NSF will notify the honored teachers and staff of your gift, share the honoree names with the Superintendent and Principals, and list each of those honored on the NSF website and in the Newton TAB.

If you have an elementary school child, look for a postcard arriving in your mail for NSF donation information. You can also always make your tax-deductible donation on-line at www.newtonschoolsfoundation.org, or mail it to Newton Schools Foundation, P.O. Box 590020, Newton Centre, MA 02459. Please be sure to include the names of the teachers and/or staff that you are honoring.

Do you miss borrowing physical books, movies, music and more from Newton’s library? The wait is nearly over. The Newton Free Library is launching “Library To-Go,” a new contactless hold and pickup service this week. This service will be available on an appointment only basis.

Now is a great time to place holds on library items through the online catalog so you are ready to take advantage of this new service.  Library staff will soon be contacting residents who already have items ready for pickup and sharing instructions on how to schedule a pickup reservation.

Have a book or movie to return? The Library is accepting returns via the book drop near the Library’s Homer Street entrance. (Returned materials will be held for a few days before they are checked in and readied for the next borrower, out of an abundance of caution.)

Virtual Library programming will continue for some time, and their talented team has prepared a dynamic week of programmings to keep you engaged and connected. Registration is required for all virtual events, please visit the Library website for a full listing of options and click the title to view full program descriptions and registration informations.