2026-01-04 Newsletter

Dear Countryside Families,

Happy New Year! We hope you had a wonderful and restful winter break filled with joy and memorable moments!

As we begin 2026, we’re excited to share that the PTO has many fantastic events planned over the coming months—including our annual Countryside Parent Party happening in just a few weeks (see below for initial details)!

We look forward to the second half of the school year, filled with opportunities to connect and engage within our Countryside community as we support our amazing children together. We continue to encourage parents to get involved whenever possible—whether by attending events, volunteering, or sharing ideas as we develop programming—all in the spirit of enriching our children’s experiences.

Wishing you all a year filled with joy, health, and success and all the very best to our children!

Warmly,
Steve, Tera and Melissa
PTO Co-Presidents
copresident@countrysidepto.org

Coming Up

Monday, January 5–Friday, January 9

Countryside Spirit Week

Wednesday, January 14

PTO Meeting, 7:00 p.m., in Library

Monday, January 19

Martin Luther King Day, No School

Saturday, February 7

Countryside Parent Party

View Calendar

Updates

PTO Meeting

Please join the PTO on Wednesday, January 14 at 7:00 p.m. We will meet in the library, or you can join via Google Meet. Link to follow. Please contact Casey Allen if you have any questions or items you’d like to add to the agenda. This meeting is open to all Countryside parents/guardians. We always welcome new involvement and volunteers. We hope to see you there!

Save the Date! Saturday Night, February 7!

Get ready for a night out with fellow parents! The PTO is excited to share that we've reserved The Biltmore Bar & Grill, in Newton Upper Falls for this year's PTO Parent Party and we’d love for you to join us.

Come enjoy a relaxed, social evening filled with laughs, mingling, and a chance to connect with new (and familiar!) faces. And since it’s the night before Super Bowl Sunday—with the Patriots having an excellent season—expect some extra fun with games, raffles, and Super Bowl squares for the final score 🏈✨!

Keep an eye out for the official invitation and ticket link coming your way in the next few weeks.

Mark your calendar—we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Multicultural Festival (MCF) - Volunteers Needed

The Multi-Cultural Festival is an incredible celebration of our Community's rich diversity. We celebrate by watching current Countryside students perform a rehearsed number on stage. In addition, Country Leaders put together table presentations including food and a poster highlighting their cultural traditions. This year's event will be held Saturday, March 28 at Brown Middle School.

We have 18 countries currently represented (list and leaders below). Don't see your Country of family origin on our list? Consider becoming a Country Leader! It’s easy—just fill out this FORM.

The Deadline to complete this form is fast approaching - January 18. If your student/s associates with any of the Countries listed and would like to participate in the on stage performance, please contact the Country Leader listed below. Please visit the PTO Website for contact information.

Not sure what’s involved or the time commitment? We’re here to help! Reach out to the MCF Co-Chairs anytime with your questions.

Let’s make this year’s festival the most vibrant yet - join us and celebrate the diversity that makes Countryside special!

5th Grade CAS - Abigail Adams

Our fifth graders were treated to a dynamic live performance of "Abigail Adams" by presenter and actor Sheryl Faye, who vividly brought to life the story of one of America's most influential First Ladies. Students learned about Abigail Adams's remarkable life, her steadfast values, and her enduring impact on the United States—including her advocacy for education and women's rights, her opposition to slavery, her experiences observing the Revolutionary War from her family farm, and her pride in seeing the 13 colonies unite as a new nation with three branches of government.

Thank you to our parent coordinator, Jill Tucker, our Teacher Rep, Kim Jackson, CAS co-chairs Melissa Monokroussos and Heidi Schmerbeck, and the PTO for making this experience possible.

Kindergarten CAS - Crocodile River Music

Kindergartners got an energetic visit from Crocodile River Music this December! The musicians showcased traditional song, dance, and instruments from their home countries in western Africa. The kids learned how dried squash is used to amplify the Balafon and got to practice some dance moves. For the finale the kids got to try each instrument.

Thanks to parent CAS rep Michelle Haimowitz, the K CAS teacher liaison Jennifer Albert, CAS co-chairs Melissa Monokroussos and Heidi Schmerbeck, and the PTO for providing this educational program.

1st Grade CAS - Discovery Museum

Countryside first graders kicked off their first CAS program of the year with an engaging, hands-on workshop from the Discovery Museum all about the science of sound. Students discovered how sound is made and how it travels by experimenting with tuning forks and everyday household items. They tested how sound moves through air and water and built their own sound toys, bringing the idea of vibration to life through play and exploration.

Special thanks to Brigid Tsai and Michele Hosmer (1st grade CAS parent volunteers), Heidi Schmerbeck and Melissa Monokroussos for coordinating this event with the 1st grade CAS teacher liaison, Abbey Bannon, and to the PTO for providing this program.

Thank you!

Countryside Cares (Holiday Gift Drive)

Thank you to our families who contributed to the Countryside Holiday Gift Drive. Thanks to your generosity, we were able to supply multiple giftcards, including grocery and toy/goods cards to multiple families in-need within the Countryside community. Thanks to your generous and giving spirit, we were able to make the end-of-year a little cheerier for these families.

Thanks to Jenn Saputra, Julie Winsett and Melissa Hagerstrom for organizing, and to Gillian Van Delft for facilitating and supporting the community members in need.

Teacher & Staff Holiday Gifts

A huge thank you to our incredible community for your participation in our teacher & staff winter gift collections! Because of your collective kindness, we were able to provide every full-time Countryside employee with a gift of at least $45, ensuring our wonderful teachers, specialists, aides, and staff felt the warmth of your appreciation.

We want to give a special thank you to our Room Parents, as well as our Room Parent Coordinators Erin Geraghty and Beth Harmon, for their hard work in collecting and organizing the classroom gifts - we couldn't have done it without your help!

Thank you for making the season so bright for those who care for our students every day.

Community Updates

Newton Community Education (NCE)

NCE Winter/Spring Clubs

Winter/Spring after-school clubs are now open for enrollment! Elementary students can explore a variety of interests, including STEM, art, cooking, chess, sports, and more. Families can browse and register through the new NCE Registration Portal. Scholarships are available through NCE’s Financial Assistance program.

NCE Summer Camps & Swim Lessons

2026 summer camps are now live, with offerings such as 3D Printing, Glass Art, Creative Filmmaking, Wide World of Storytelling, Art Adventures, Swim Lessons, and so much more! Families can view full camp listings and register through the new NCE Registration Portal. Scholarships are available through NCE’s Financial Assistance program.

Newton SEPAC Hosts: Understanding Basic Rights in Special Education

Guest Speaker: Attorney Alicia Warren

Wednesday, January 21 at 7:00 p.m.

Newton February Break Soccer Clinic

ASA Holiday Clinics will provide a positive yet competitive atmosphere where players can improve their game. Players will be expected to exhibit a strong work ethic and willingness to learn new skills. ASA staff is committed to teaching the game of soccer in an organized and structured environment. Register Online Here.

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