Lilja PTO Newsletter (2/14/22)

Lilja PTO Newsletter (2/14/22)

Upcoming events

  • 2/14 Spring enrichment program registrations open

  • 2/21-25 February break

  • 2/28 School Committee Meeting

  • 3/9 Early release

  • 3/29 Town elections

 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Thank you to everyone who purchased our adorable Valentine's Day baskets and spirit wear! We sold 53 baskets in total, and we hope all the lucky kids who got these today are enjoying them.

A special thanks to our tireless president, Kristen Nill, who thoughtfully put all of these together.

 

100th Day/Valentine's Staff Celebration

To celebrate the 100th day of school and Valentine's, the PTO did a full restock of the Staff Snack Station, plus treated everyone with donuts and muffins last Friday. Our ongoing efforts have been deeply appreciated by Lilja staff:

"To the members of our amazing PTO, A million thank yous to all the yummy snacks you have provided to us and everything else you do to support us behind the scenes. I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness!" - Elisabeth Galvin (Special Ed Teacher)

"To all the folks participating in this showering of care and goodies. I am sending right back to you ALL the love you are showering on the Lilja staff. Thank you ALL for keeping us in your minds and spoiling us with your ongoing thoughtfulness and caring generosity!" - Becky Moss (Library)

"Thank you all so much for the healthy, delicious snacks! I cannot believe the options! I found some of my favorites and tried some new things too! What a treat to be able to grab a snack during the school day, I can't thank you enough!" - Nurse Naser

March can be a tough month for school staff, with no vacation days and only one half day. We'd like to continue to show our support by restocking the snack station, so please keep donating if you can! 

 

Spring Basketball

Registration is now open for the spring Hoopsters program run by Natick Travel Basketball

Link: https://tinyurl.com/4hd8eppx

The program will be held on Saturday afternoons for 5 weeks starting on March 19 and ending April 16.


Location: Kennedy Middle School

  • 1:15-2:15pm Kindergarten

  • 2:30-3:30pm 1st Grade

  • 3:45-4:45pm 2nd Grade

  • 5:00-6:00pm 3rd Grade

Players will be required to wear masks and the number of people that can be in the gym during each session will be limited. If you are interested in volunteering, please email info@naticktravelbasketball.org.
Full Hoopsters schedule: naticktravelbasketball.org/events/month

School Newsletter Highlights

Did you catch all the important news in Principal Wasik's Friday Newsletter? A quick recap:

  • Parking on Bacon St and in the front loop is prohibited during dropoff & pickup

  • Lilja's student Covid vaccination rate is currently 72%, short of the 80% target reached by other Natick schools. For more information about vaccine safety for children, click here, and to find your nearest vaccination location, visit vaccines.gov.

  • The Natick Board of Health are meeting tomorrow (2/15) to discuss the state mask mandate changes, and what this means for Natick. Click here for the agenda and the meeting link. If you have any questions or concerns, please email the Board of Health at health@natickma.org. You can also give feedback to NPS through the SpeakUp portal.

  • 83% of Lilja students have opted into the new home Covid testing program. Students will be given their next set of tests this Thu/Fri and be asked to administer one of these on Sunday Feb 27, before returning to school on Monday Feb 28.

  • Kindergarten registration is now open! Click here for more information.

Ongoing Partner Programs & Fundraisers

 

Staff Spotlight: Mary Randolph

What do you do at Lilja?

Teach kindergarten

Can you tell us about your family?

My husband, Alexei, and I have 3 wonderful children- Talia (5), Eloise (2), and Oliver (6 months)

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Reading (for the 2 minutes I can stay awake after putting the kids to bed) and Pilates

You get one song to listen to for the rest of your life, what is it?

California, by Joni Mitchell

Finish this sentence: I can't live without...

Popcorn

What's a surprising fact about you?

That at age 40, I STILL don't have a great answer to this question :)

If you weren't at Lilja, what would you be doing?

Dancing at home with my kids

Talk to us

Whether you're a new or returning family, we would love to hear from you! If you have any questions, ideas or suggestions, relevant news for this newsletter, or want to help us out, please contact us at pto@liljapto.org.

For PTO updates outside of this newsletter, visit our website or find us on Facebook.

For the latest Lilja School Newsletter from the Principal, click here.

If you have received this email in error, i.e. you no longer have children attending Lilja, please contact us at pto@liljapto.org and we can remove you from the mailing list.

Lilja PTO Newsletter (2/7/22)

Lilja PTO Newsletter (2/7/22)

Upcoming events

  • 2/11 100th Day of school

  • 2/14 Spring enrichment program registrations open

  • 2/21-25 February break

  • 3/9 Early release

  • 3/29 Town elections

 

 

PTO Meeting

Thank you to everyone who attended our PTO meeting last week, we had a great turnout! If you weren't able to make it, the minutes are now available on our website. Our next meeting is planned for April 13.

  

 

Staff Snack Station

Thank you to all the generous families who have supported this initiative. We have continued to receive a number of thank you notes from staff:

"I just wanted to say thank you for the amazing snacks and drinks!! It has been a real pick me up! There are few things I wouldn't do for some chex mix :)" - Mary Randolph

"I truly feel happiness every time I step into the teacher's room. The snacks have not only provided a pick-me-up, but also a morale boost. Our PTO is truly one-of-a-kind :) THANK YOU!" - Sarah Quimby

"I wanted to share my heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the snacks the PTO provided (and set up beautifully) in the teacher's room! I feel SO lucky to work at a school where we are continually supported by the PTO in endless ways! From the Book Fair, to the holiday gifts, to the snacks, and everything in between. :)" - Kelly McShane

Friday 2/11 is the 100th day of school, and we'd like to ensure the snack station is well stocked to celebrate this milestone, particularly in this incredibly demanding year for Lilja staff. If you would like to continue to support our efforts, please feel free to donate here.

 

Metrowest Flag Football

The official NFL Flag Football organization in the MetroWest Boston area, offering recreational and competitive flag football for boys and girls aged between 5 - 17. Spring registrations are now open for K-11th. Practices and games are scheduled for 3-6pm on Sundays from April 24 at Sargent Field. Click here for more information and to register.

Lost Property

A reminder for everyone to please check the Virtual Lost & Found or ask their child to have a look during the school day. There are many gloves on the shelves at present, and it would be great if they could find their way home.

School Committee Update

Three School Committee positions are being contested during the Annual Town Election on March 29. Watch this space for more information about the candidates. The committee are holding Virtual Coffee Hours over the coming months to discuss specific topics relating to the district's strategic plan, and all families are welcome to participate to give feedback and ask questions.

  • Tuesday, February 15, 8:30 am.- Financial Planning

  • Wednesday, March 16, 12:00 - 12:45 pm - Communication and Engagement

  • Thursday, April 14, 6:00 - 6:45 pm - Profile of a Graduate

  • Tuesday, May 17, 8:30 -9:15 am - Dismantling Systemic Barriers for Equitable Access to Opportunity

  • Wednesday, June 15, TBD - Social Emotional Learning and Healthy Living

Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86724275279?pwd=aUYzNHpYY3V5UWVaSjNsOVZyeVllZz09

Ongoing Partner Programs & Fundraisers

 

Staff Spotlight: Heather Starkel

What do you do at Lilja?

I teach fourth-grade.

Can you tell us about your family?

Yes! My husband and I live in Ashland. My two brothers, their partners & adorable kids, live in Atlanta. We have family all over - Mexico, Canada, Thailand, California.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I love to plant flowers and to garden. I also enjoy walking, hiking, hot yoga, kayaking/canoeing, and pilates. My family likes to play games/solve puzzles, cook/bake and eat, watch cheesy mysteries. Also, I love a good thrift store.

You get one song to listen to for the rest of your life, what is it?

I changes often! Today it's "Dreaming" by Blondie. (I think I just aged myself.)

Finish this sentence: I can't live without...

Water

What's a surprising fact about you?

I went sky-diving in Swakopmund, Namibia.

If you weren't at Lilja, what would you be doing?

If I weren't at Lilja, I would probably be producing TV commercials in Atlanta, GA. I was working for a commercial production company when I decided on a change and went to graduate school for elementary education.

Talk to us

Whether you're a new or returning family, we would love to hear from you! If you have any questions, ideas or suggestions, relevant news for this newsletter, or want to help us out, please contact us at pto@liljapto.org.

For PTO updates outside of this newsletter, visit our website or find us on Facebook.

For the latest Lilja School Newsletter from the Principal, click here.

If you have received this email in error, i.e. you no longer have children attending Lilja, please contact us at pto@liljapto.org and we can remove you from the mailing list.

Lilja PTO Newsletter (1/31/22)

Lilja PTO Newsletter (1/31/22)

Upcoming events

  • Early Release 12:15pm 2/2

  • PTO Meeting via Zoom, 7pm 2/2

  • Valentine's Basket Pickup 2/13

 

PTO Meeting

Please join us this Wednesday, February 2 at 7pm on Zoom for our first meeting of 2022: https://bentley.zoom.us/j/99539305222

We are starting to plan for events such as the Spring Dance and Carnival, and we need your help! Please dial in if you can, everyone is welcome and feel free remain muted and have your camera turned off if you would just like to watch.

  

Valentine's Day Baskets

If you haven't ordered a Valentine's Day Basket yet, this is your last chance as orders close THIS Friday, February 4 and we are nearly sold out, so click here to order now!

Buy a piece of Lilja spirit wear at the same time and get $5 off with the code VALENTINE at checkout! We'll even pack it into the gift basket for you.

Orders will be available for local pickup on Sunday Feb 13. Basket pictured is for reference only, contents may vary.

Natick Little League

Calling all softball players - registration is now open for the Spring 2022 Softball Season!

Natick Softball begins with the youngest athletes in 1st and 2nd grade. Beginners learn how to throw and catch, hit the ball off a tee/coach pitch, and are taught the fundamentals of the game. Juniors (3rd-5th grades) will hit the ball from a player pitcher on the opposing team, begin to steal bases and learn more advanced strategies of the game. Seniors (6th-8th grades) learn to slide, read signs from their coaches while on base and begin to really hit the ball! No experience is required at any level.

For more information visit naticklittleleague.org and register here

Coaches and coordinators are also needed at all levels, both for the spring and summer programs. If interested please mail John McMahon naticksoftball@gmail.com.

Natick Soccer

Spring registrations are due by February 15 as teams are being formed in the next few weeks.

TOPSoccer
Geared towards player participation and development rather than competition, with players placed in groups or on teams according to ability and NOT age. This program is designed to improve the overall fitness, self-esteem and social skills of the athletes. Open to children in grades K-12.

Kinderkicks
A fun recreational program for kindergarten children. The program is clinic based and designed to provide the players with an outdoor activity to introduce them to soccer through a variety of fun games.

Intramural Soccer
A town-based recreational program open to children in grades 1-4. Players are assigned to teams with one weekday practice and games on Saturdays.

To find out more, visit naticksoccer.org and click here to register.


HUG Program

Thank you to the families who have signed up to be a HUG volunteer so far! We are still on the lookout for a HUG coordinator, so please fill out the form if you are interested.

Visit liljapto.org/hug for more info and fill out this form to be a volunteer.

 

New NPS Covid Policies

Please remember to sign up here for the new take-home testing program due to launch in mid-February and replaces pool testing.

For more information about the new program, click here. For the latest quarantine and isolation policies for confirmed cases and close contacts, please refer to this document:

  • If you have ANY symptoms, regardless of vaccination status, stay home and get tested. You must wait for a negative result and symptoms to improve before returning to school.

  • If you are unsure about sending your child to school for any reason, wait until you have communicated with your school nurse before you send them. This may mean your student is late for school and that is OK!

  • Households with a positive case of Covid, do not send students or siblings to school until you have cleared it with the school nurse.

  • If you have a known exposure to a Covid positive person, it is STRONGLY recommended you get tested on day 5. Covid PCR, antigen or at-home tests are all acceptable. Some exposures require a quarantine, so do not come to school until you have been advised to do so by the school nurse.

Nurse Naser can be reached at bnaser@natickps.org.

 

Summer Resource Fair Information

Information about the camps which would have been at the cancelled Natick Summer Resource Fair is now available here. A list of other local camps was also published in our 1/10 Newsletter.

 

February Lunch Menu

Ongoing Partner Programs & Fundraisers

 

Staff Spotlight: Margaret 'Peg' Haswell

What do you do at Lilja?

Administrative Assistant (Front Office)

Can you tell us about your family?

My husband Tim and I have three daughters. Two are in college and one is a sophomore at NHS

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Going for walks with friends

You get one song to listen to for the rest of your life, what is it?

Too many favorites to list

Finish this sentence: I can't live without...

Coffee

If you weren't at Lilja, what would you be doing?

I'd love to do more traveling.

Talk to us

Whether you're a new or returning family, we would love to hear from you! If you have any questions, ideas or suggestions, relevant news for this newsletter, or want to help us out, please contact us at pto@liljapto.org.

For PTO updates outside of this newsletter, visit our website or find us on Facebook.

For the latest Lilja School Newsletter from the Principal, click here.

If you have received this email in error, i.e. you no longer have children attending Lilja, please contact us at pto@liljapto.org and we can remove you from the mailing list.

Lilja PTO Newsletter (1/24/22)

Lilja PTO Newsletter (1/24/22)

Upcoming events

 

Valentine's Day Baskets

If you haven't ordered a Valentine's Day Basket yet, don't forget to do it soon - orders close next Friday, February 4, so click here to order now!

Buy a piece of Lilja spirit wear at the same time and get $5 off with the code VALENTINE at checkout! Red tees are back in stock, and we'll even pack it into the gift basket for you.

If you are ordering more than one basket, put each one through as a separate transaction to ensure you get the correct discount amount.

Orders will be available for local pickup on Sunday Feb 13. Basket pictured is for reference only, contents may vary.

COVID Testing Update

As per Superintendent Nolin's Friday newsletter, DESE will soon be providing at home rapid tests for families who opt in via this form. This will replace the current pool testing program.

Details will be presented by Dr Nolin in tonight's School Committee meeting at 6:30pm:

Other free tests

You can order free at-home COVID tests directly from the government at covidtests.gov. Private insurance providers will also reimburse you for any tests bought over the counter from Jan 15 onwards, click here for more information.


HUG Program

You may have heard of other Natick schools offering a 'HUG' program to welcome new families to the school. We are hoping to launch this at Lilja, but we need your help! We want to:

  • Welcome new members to our community in an intentional and deliberate way.

  • Provide guidance, resources, and support as requested.

  • Build and strengthen the Lilja community.

If you are interested in finding out more about what's involved, please visit liljapto.org/hug and fill out this form to be a volunteer.

 

Staff Spotlight: Allison Kuzinevich

What do you do at Lilja?
I am a Kindergarten teacher!

Can you tell us about your family?
My fiance Tom and I are going to be getting married in August! We are every excited! We also have a dog named Quint or "Q" who the class loves hearing about! :)

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Trying out new workout classes, going to the beach, walking my dog, and spending time with family and friends.

Finish this sentence: I can't live without...
My family and dog. Also coffee!

What's a surprising fact about you?
I started to study high school English in college but realized quickly that K was what I wanted to do!

If you weren't at Lilja, what would you be doing?
I think it would be so much fun to write a children's book and travel to share it with students all over!

 

Ongoing Partner Programs & Fundraisers

 

Talk to us

Whether you're a new or returning family, we would love to hear from you! If you have any questions, ideas or suggestions, relevant news for this newsletter, or want to help us out, please contact us at pto@liljapto.org.

For PTO updates outside of this newsletter, visit our website or find us on Facebook.

For the latest Lilja School Newsletter from the Principal, click here.

If you have received this email in error, i.e. you no longer have children attending Lilja, please contact us at pto@liljapto.org and we can remove you from the mailing list.

Lilja PTO Newsletter (1/18/22)

Lilja PTO Newsletter (1/18/22)

Upcoming events

  • Early Release 1/19

  • Early Release, PTO Meeting 2/2

  • Valentine's Basket Pickup 2/13

 

Staff Snack Station

Many thanks to all the generous families who donated to our Staff Appreciation Fund! The snack station was set up this morning, and we have already received some feedback from staff.

"Thank you so much for the staff snack station you have provided us! It is so generous of you all and I was blown away seeing the spread, and then opening to the fridge to see even more! You went above and beyond. We are so lucky to have such wonderful families to support us, especially in what feels like another crazy year." - Ms Bracey

"Thank you both so much for the amazing snack station! What a beautiful display with lots of yummy snacks! I found my favorites! Your continued support means so much!" - Nurse Naser

We are planning to replenish the snacks and drinks as the funds allow, and have also been given approval from the superintendent to offer chair massages for staff who opt in at a later date. If you haven't already contributed, or would like to give more toward future staff appreciation efforts, you can click here to donate.

Valentine's Day Baskets NOW ON SALE!

Make this Valentine's a special one for your little Lilja Lion! From today, you can order a gift basket packed full of fun toys and treats, for local pickup on Sunday February 13.

Buy a piece of Lilja spirit wear at the same time and get $5 off with the code VALENTINE at checkout! We'll even pack it into the gift basket for you. If you are ordering more than one basket, put each one through as a separate transaction to ensure you get the correct discount amount.

Basket pictured is for reference only, contents may vary.

BOKS Spring Session

BOKS is a before school physical activity program run at Lilja, and registrations are now open for the spring session, which runs every Tuesday and Thursday morning from February 28 to May 23. Dropoff is from 7:30 to 7:40am in the front loop of the school (off Bacon St). Students can participate as part of regular before school programs and breakfast, and will be directly transitioned to their classroom afterwards.

A typical class is 40 minutes long and includes a warm-up game/movement drills, an activity such as running races, obstacle courses or strength movements, a fun game, followed by a cool down and a 'BOKS Bit' (nutrition component).

For more information about the program, click here or email the BOKS coordinator John Ward at jward@liljaps.org. To register, fill out and sign this form, and return to the Lilja front office with a check made out to Natick Public Schools for $60.

COVID Testing Update

As per Principal Wasik's Friday newsletter, pool testing was conducted at Lilja today (Tuesday) as yesterday was a holiday.

You can now order free at-home COVID tests directly from the government at covidtests.gov. Private insurance providers will also reimburse you for any tests bought over the counter from Jan 15 onwards, click here for more information.

School Calendars

Planning for summer? Click below for the current 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 calendars. 

Ongoing Partner Programs & Fundraisers

 

Talk to us

Whether you're a new or returning family, we would love to hear from you! If you have any questions, ideas or suggestions, relevant news for this newsletter, or want to help us out, please contact us at pto@liljapto.org.

For PTO updates outside of this newsletter, visit our website or find us on Facebook.

For the latest Lilja School Newsletter from the Principal, click here.

If you have received this email in error, i.e. you no longer have children attending Lilja, please contact us at pto@liljapto.org and we can remove you from the mailing list.

Lilja PTO Newsletter (1/10/22)

Lilja PTO Newsletter (1/10/22)

Upcoming events

 

Staff Appreciation

Some families have reached out to ask if there are more ways we can show appreciation to our amazing Lilja staff - teachers, specialists, paraprofessionals, front office, custodians, principal, and last but not least our incredible nurse.

One idea was to create a snack & drink station in the staffroom, and we'd like to make it happen! To contribute to this effort, please click here to donate.

Valentine's Day
Let us take the work out of making Valentine's Day a special one for the Lilja lion(s) in your life! From next week, you'll be able to order cute gift baskets to surprise your child with on Valentine's, and you'll even have the option of including a piece of Lilja spirit wear in it too.

Baskets will be available for pickup at a local address on Sunday 2/13. Stay tuned for more details!

Celtics Evening Update

Thank you to those who expressed interest in our Celtics Night. Unfortunately this will not be going ahead due to the current Covid surge. Hopefully we will be able to organise more in person events in the near future.

January Lunch Menu

To help your family meal plan for the month, click here for January's Elementary Lunch menu.

As per the school newsletter, lunch is free for all but please remind your child to order in the morning if they intend to get it from the cafeteria, as this helps ensure the district is adequately resourced.

 

ASAP / Early Risers

Registration for before and after school programs run by Natick Public Schools open 3/14 and end 4/8 for new families. For more information, visit natickps.org/programs/asap.

After school care including bus transport from Lilja is also available at the YMCA, Longfellow, and Tobin.

 

Intent to Enroll in Kindergarten

If you have a rising Kindergartener you plan to enroll at Lilja for the 2022-2023 school year and have not already done so, please fill out this form. This is not the official registration, however it will help the school for planning purposes. 

 

Summer Camps

Unfortunately the town-wide Summer Resource Fair due to be held at Brown Elementary on Tuesday 1/18 has been cancelled due to the current Covid surge.

Registrations for summer programs run by Natick Recreation and Parks typically open in late March, including for Camp Woodtrail at BenHem. Last year registrations for Camp Sargent run at Lilja opened in mid April. Click here for the 2021 brochure, and we will share the 2022 brochure when it is published.

Other local summer programs include:

 

Ongoing Partner Programs & Fundraisers

 

Staff Spotlight: Amy Hinrichs

What do you do at Lilja?
Long Term Substitute in KM

Can you tell us about your family?
Husband Keith, 4 kids: Caroline (21) Sam (19) Joel (17) Zeke (12)

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Baking, reading, singing, running/exercising, playing board games

You get one song to listen to for the rest of your life, what is it?
Anything from Broadway Musicals

Finish this sentence: I can't live without...
Dark chocolate

What's a surprising fact about you?
I climbed Mt Fuji

If you weren't at Lilja, what would you be doing?
Writing children's books

Talk to us

Whether you're a new or returning family, we would love to hear from you! If you have any questions, ideas or suggestions, relevant news for this newsletter, or want to help us out, please contact us at pto@liljapto.org.

For PTO updates outside of this newsletter, visit our website or find us on Facebook.

For the latest Lilja School Newsletter from the Principal, click here.

If you have received this email in error, i.e. you no longer have children attending Lilja, please contact us at pto@liljapto.org and we can remove you from the mailing list.

Lilja PTO Newsletter (12/20/21)

Lilja PTO Newsletter (12/20/21)

Upcoming events

  • School-wide Pyjama Day 12/23

  • Winter Vacation 12/24 to 1/2

  • Early Release 1/12

  • MLK Jr Day, No School 1/17

 

Thank You Lilja Staff!

As a show of appreciation to all the amazing staff at Lilja, the PTO put on a winter-themed breakfast spread for them this morning. Everyone also received a gift card as a thank you for all their hard work over the past year. We hope they get a well deserved chance to relax with their families this winter break!

Thank you to the PTO members who put this together, and to all the generous families at Lilja for your donations to our efforts throughout the year.

Cub Scouts

The Cub Scouts program is open to students of all genders grades K-4, and is a wonderful opportunity for kids to build character, leadership, and important life skills in the great outdoors.

Cub Scout Pack 22 is open to students at Lilja and includes approximately three activities per month. Some upcoming highlights for 2022 include campfires, hiking outings, outdoor programs at the New England Base Camp, a Rainforest Reptile program, an overnight trip, and the annual Pinewood Derby.

For more information, please email Pack 22 committee chair Erin at erinmlee14@gmail.com.

Celtics Night

The PTO has been given the opportunity to purchase tickets to the below Celtics games as a fundraiser. If you are interested, please complete this survey and we will be in touch with more details in the new year. This is NOT a commitment to purchase, we are only gauging interest for now. All games are at 7:30pm in the TD Garden.

  • Friday, Jan 21 - Celtics vs Portland Trail Blazers

  • Monday, Jan 31 - Celtics vs Miami Heat

  • Friday, Feb 11 - Celtics vs Denver Nuggets

  • Thursday, Mar 3 - Celtics vs Memphis Grizzlies

Covid Procedures

As per last Friday's NPS blast, pooled testing is occurring at Lilja this week, however everyone is urged to remain vigilant over winter break. School offices and buildings are closed until school resumes, and nurses will not be able to assist with contact tracing or advising families about their COVID related questions over break. Use your doctor or local health department for assistance.

A reminder of the daily Covid-19 screening checklist before your child returns to school.

Daily Covid-19 Screening Checklist

    • Temp > 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit, chills, or shaking chills

    • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

    • New loss of taste or smell

    • Muscle aches or body aches

    • Cough (not due to other known causes, such as chronic cough)

    • Sore Throat when in combination with other symptoms

    • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea when in combination with other symptoms

    • Headache when in combination with other symptoms

    • Fatigue when in combination with other symptoms

    • Nasal congestion or runny nose (not allergy related) when in combination with other symptoms

VACCINATED individuals experiencing the above symptoms in bold must submit a PCR test result to the nurse in order to return to school.

UNVACCINATED individuals experiencing any of the above symptoms must submit a PCR test result to the nurse in order to return to school.

Rapid Molecular tests are also accepted for a return to school, these are available at AFC Urgent Care Natick, or may also be available at your pediatrician's office. Free PCR tests are available at Project Beacon Framingham, or the drive-thru testing site at the Ashland MBTA station. You can also find more testing sites at mass.gov/covid-19-testing.

Remember, just like in days prior to Covid-19, if a student or staff member is too ill to attend school (excessive coughing, severe cold symptoms, vomiting and diarrhea, etc.) they should stay home even if a Covid test is negative. For more information click here.

 

Ongoing Partner Programs & Fundraisers

 

Lost & Found

This week is YOUR LAST CHANCE to retrieve items from the Lost & Found before it is cleared out.

By the end of day Thursday 12/23 everything on these shelves will be bagged and put in the donation bins, regardless of how long it's been there.

Unfortunately it is not feasible for staff to keep items on the shelves indefinitely, or to separate out what has or hasn't been there for weeks.

Please make sure all items sent to school are named, this will mean lost items are more likely to be returned to your child. Almost all of the items on these shelves are unnamed.

Check the virtual Lost & Found and if you see an item you would like to recover, ask your child to do so quickly or contact the front office for help. This week the virtual L&F photos should be updated tomorrow (12/21).

 

Staff Spotlight: Kristin Kelly

What do you do at Lilja?
First Grade Teacher

Can you tell us about your family?
I am the youngest of three girls! My two older sisters Kara and Kaitie live close by and we spend a lot of time together. I also enjoy spending time with My parents, Kevin and Joanne. (Pictured from left to right: Joanne, Kristin, Kaitie, Kara, Kevin)

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I love to cook and try out new recipes! I also enjoy taking walks with friends, and trying out different restaurants around the city.

You get one song to listen to for the rest of your life, what is it?
September by Earth Wind and Fire

Finish this sentence: I can't live without...
Coffee!!

What's a surprising fact about you?
I started my education career in working in higher education, and ended up in early childhood education!

If you weren't at Lilja, what would you be doing?
In a perfect (and COVID-free) world, I would love to travel and do some volunteer work in developing countries whose education systems need support.

Talk to us

Whether you're a new or returning family, we would love to hear from you! If you have any questions, ideas or suggestions, relevant news for this newsletter, or want to help us out, please contact us at pto@liljapto.org.

For PTO updates outside of this newsletter, visit our website or find us on Facebook.

For the latest Lilja School Newsletter from the Principal, click here.

If you have received this email in error, i.e. you no longer have children attending Lilja, please contact us at pto@liljapto.org and we can remove you from the mailing list.

Lilja PTO Newsletter (12/13/21)

Lilja PTO Newsletter (12/13/21)

Upcoming events

  • Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza Fundraiser 12/15

  • Winter Vacation 12/24-31

Anthony's Fundraiser THIS WEEK
On Wed, Dec 15 between 3-9pm, the delicious and generous Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza (219 N Main Street) is donating back 20% of Takeout, Delivery & Pick up orders to support a great cause - Lilja PTO!
You’re invited to join us and eat out, not only in support of the organization, but to show one of your Natick restaurants some love too!
We ask that you RSVP here: https://grouprai.se/e211834 (even if you’re not completely sure) so Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza knows roughly how many orders to expect & so you have access to all the event details.
We hope you can make it, and please feel free to forward this invitation to your friends and family. Thanks in advance for your support!

Celtics Night

The PTO has been given the opportunity to purchase tickets to the below Celtics games as a fundraiser. If you are interested, please complete this survey and we will be in touch with more details in the new year. This is NOT a commitment to purchase, we are only gauging interest for now. All games are at 7:30pm in the TD Garden.

  • Friday, Jan 21 - Celtics vs Portland Trail Blazers

  • Monday, Jan 31 - Celtics vs Miami Heat

  • Friday, Feb 11 - Celtics vs Denver Nuggets

  • Thursday, Mar 3 - Celtics vs Memphis Grizzlies

Staff Gift Policy Reminder

The holidays are a great time to show your thanks to staff who have worked hard to help our children all year, including not just classroom teachers but also paraprofessionals, specialists, nurses, custodians and front office staff.

Room parents usually organize group gifts for the classroom teacher, so reach out to them if you have any questions. There is no pressure on families to contribute to a gift, and often just a handwritten card or note of appreciation is just as welcomed.

As outlined in the latest NPS district blast, individual gifts to staff may not exceed $50 in value, while class/group gifts may not exceed $150 in value. You can learn more about the MA law on gifts to staff here.

Festive Events

Looking for some fun events to enjoy with family this holiday season? Here are some ideas:

Ongoing Partner Programs & Fundraisers

 

Lost & Found

We hope everyone took a chance to look through the Lost & Found during the Book Fair.

ALL items left on the shelves right before winter vacation will be bagged and donated.

Keep checking the virtual Lost & Found and if you see an item you would like to retrieve, ask your child or contact the front office for help.

Unfortunately we do not have a Staff Spotlight this week, however you can view our previous features on our website here, and also find out more about our PTO Board.


Talk to usWhether you're a new or returning family, we would love to hear from you! If you have any questions, ideas or suggestions, or want to help us out, please contact us at pto@liljapto.org. For PTO updates outside of this newsletter, visit our website or find us on Facebook. For the latest Lilja School Newsletter from the Principal, click here. If you have received this email in error, i.e. you no longer have children attending Lilja, please contact us at pto@liljapto.org and we can remove you from the mailing list.

Lilja PTO Newsletter (12/6/21)

Lilja PTO Newsletter (12/6/21)

Upcoming events

  • Early Release Day 12/8

  • Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza Fundraiser 12/15

  • Winter Vacation 12/24-31

 

Book Fair - THANK YOU!

Thanks to all the families who shopped at our book fair, and to the volunteers who helped make it such a success! We sold 1,346 books, coming just shy of our $12,000 sales goal, and fulfilled all of the teachers' wish boxes. All profits from the event will go straight back into programs that benefit Lilja students.

Congratulations to all the winners of the coloring page prize draw:

  • Charlotte from Mrs Earner's preschool class

  • Finn O from KM

  • Luca Z from 1P

  • Lily K from 1/2A

  • Ayn S from 3W

  • Fiona B from 4Q

 

Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza Restaurant Night
On Wednesday, Dec 15 between 3-9pm, the delicious and generous Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza (219 N Main Street) is donating back 20% of Takeout, Delivery & Pick up orders to support a great cause - Lilja PTO!
You’re invited to join us and eat out, not only in support of the organization, but to show one of your Natick restaurants some love too!
We ask that you RSVP here: https://grouprai.se/e211834 (even if you’re not completely sure) so Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza knows roughly how many orders to expect & so you have access to all the event details.
We hope you can make it, and please feel free to forward this invitation to your friends and family. Thanks in advance for your support!

Cultural Arts Programs

In a typical pre-Covid year, the PTO provides around $10,000 to cultural arts programs such as field trips and performer/author visits to the school. We have had to make some adaptations due to Covid, such as doing virtual visits instead, however we are still doing what we can to enrich student learning within Lilja.

Upcoming cultural arts programs include:

- 4th Grade: Melissa Stewart (pictured), author of more than 180 science books for young readers

- 3rd Grade: Rob Aptaker from the Ways of the Wampanoags program

If you would like to help support our Cultural Arts programs, please consider making a direct donation here. Many thanks to our Cultural Arts Coordinator Kristine Black for putting in her time to organize these wonderful programs for our Lilja students!

Natick Covid-19 Booster Clinic

Get your booster before winter break! The Natick Health Dep are partnering with V-Care Pharmacy to host a clinic on Saturday, December 11th at Natick High School.

Register for an appointment and make sure you bring your vaccine card! There are still plenty of slots available. The clinic is for fully vaccinated people aged 18+, pediatric doses will not be available.

hipaa.jotform.com/VCarePharmacy/NHSBoosterDoses

Staff Gift Policy Reminder

The holidays are a great time to show your thanks to staff who have worked hard to help our children all year, including not just classroom teachers but also paraprofessionals, specialists, nurses, custodians and front office staff.

Room parents usually organize group gifts for the classroom teacher, so reach out to them if you have any questions. There is no pressure on families to contribute to a gift, and often just a handwritten card or note of appreciation is just as welcomed.

As outlined in the latest NPS district blast, individual gifts to staff may not exceed $50 in value, while class/group gifts may not exceed $150 in value. You can learn more about the MA law on gifts to staff here.

Ongoing Partner Programs & Fundraisers

 

 

Lost & Found

We hope everyone took a chance to look through the Lost & Found during the Book Fair.

ALL items left on the shelves right before winter vacation will be bagged and donated.

Keep checking the virtual Lost & Found and if you see an item you would like to retrieve, ask your child or contact the front office for help.

 

Staff Spotlight: Stefani Wasik

What do you do at Lilja?
Principal

Can you tell us about your family?
My husband and I have a son, Miller, who is 14 and a daughter, Anna, who is 12. Miller is a freshman in high school and Anna is in 7th grade. We also have a big, friendly Bernese Mountain Dog named Guthrie.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
It seems I spend most of time spare time these days driving my children to and from sports and activities! But what I enjoy most is spending time outside with them. We love to run, ski, and hike. We just started working on hiking all 48 of NH's 4000 footers!

You get one song to listen to for the rest of your life, what is it?
Anything by Brandi Carlile!

Finish this sentence: I can't live without...
My family.

What's a surprising fact about you?
I love all sorts of word games and am freakishly good at Wheel of Fortune! It's my hidden superpower. :)

If you weren't at Lilja, what would you be doing?

That's a hard question to answer as I've only ever wanted to be an educator! I do love writing, reading, and working with words, though, so perhaps I'd be a journalist or an editor.


Talk to us

Whether you're a new or returning family, we would love to hear from you! If you have any questions, ideas or suggestions, or want to help us out, please contact us at pto@liljapto.org. For PTO updates outside of this newsletter, visit our website or find us on Facebook. For the latest Lilja School Newsletter from the Principal, click here. If you have received this email in error, i.e. you no longer have children attending Lilja, please contact us at pto@liljapto.org and we can remove you from the mailing list.

Lilja PTO Newsletter (11/29/21)

Lilja PTO Newsletter (11/29/21)

Upcoming events

  • Scholastic Book Fair 12/1-2

  • Early Release Day 12/8

  • Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza Fundraiser 12/15

Book Fair THIS WEEK!

Wed 1 Dec & Thu 2 Dec, 2-8pm

Lilja Learning Commons (Library)

Masks required

We STILL need your help! We urgently need more volunteers, especially for between 4-6pm on Wednesday 1 Dec. Please click here to sign up now.


Everyone is invited to visit the school library to shop from a wide selection of books and gifts. All proceeds will go directly towards new books and supplies for the school. You can also directly purchase a book for your classroom from your teacher's wish box at the fair.

Don't forget to hand in the coloring page that was sent home with your child before 1 Dec for their chance to win some cool prizes! A copy is available to print here.

This is a fantastic chance to get much of your holiday shopping done without having to worry about supply chain issues, while supporting a great cause!

You will also get a chance to look through the Lost & Found shelves during the book fair, before the contents are bagged and donated.

For more details visit the book fair page on our website.

Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza Restaurant Night

Dine in or get takeout at Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza anytime on Wed 15 Dec and help out the PTO at the same time! Simply mention Lilja when ordering by phone or in person, or type 'Lilja Fundraiser' in the comments/special instructions for your online order, and they will donate 20% back to us.

Ongoing Partner Programs & Fundraisers

 

Lost & Found

The Lost & Found shelves are completely full and running out of space! Please remind your child to check the Lost & Found shelves, or visit the virtual Lost & Found. Parents and caregivers will have a chance to look through during the Book Fair when it will be temporarily moved to be close to the library.

After this time, any remaining items will be bagged up and placed in the white donation bins before winter vacation week. 

 

Natick Recreation & Parks Winter Brochure

Full of programs for all ages and interests, these are a great way to keep the kids busy over the winter season. There's something for everyone: learn to skate/ski/snowboard, home alone safety, musical theatre, LEGO classes, engineering workshops, and even a parents' night out.

Registrations open Tue 7 Dec from noon at https://register.communitypass.net/natick

 

Staff Spotlight: Courtney Simoni

What do you do at Lilja?
School Counselor

Can you tell us about your family?
My husband and I have a two year old daughter named Carey and a four month old son named Tyler! We also have a very lovable chocolate lab named Scooby!

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I enjoy spending time with my large family, many friends, getting outside, and cheering on the Boston sports teams!

You get one song to listen to for the rest of your life, what is it?
So hard to pick just one, but maybe some Taylor Swift to get up and dance to!

Finish this sentence: I can't live without…
dogs and ice cream!!! :)

What's a surprising fact about you?
I've been working with elementary school students ever since I was a middle school student myself!

If you weren't at Lilja, what would you be doing?
I'd probably be in the hockey rink! I've been skating since I was little and played all the way through college, and now I spend a lot of time coaching youth hockey! I can't wait for my own kids to have skates of their own!


Talk to us

Whether you're a new or returning family, we would love to hear from you! If you have any questions, ideas or suggestions, or want to help us out, please contact us at pto@liljapto.org. For PTO updates outside of this newsletter, visit our website or find us on Facebook. For the latest Lilja School Newsletter from the Principal, click here. If you have received this email in error, i.e. you no longer have children attending Lilja, please contact us at pto@liljapto.org and we can remove you from the mailing list.