The PTO is once again using Membership Toolkit for our website, PTO Directory, dues collection, and spirit wear sales.

Please go to https://oakhillpto.membershiptoolkit.com to:

• Update your contact information and decide which information you want to share with other Oak Hill families. 

• Pay your PTO dues which help support the PTO programs, teacher appreciation, and cover the cost of the directory. We have a suggested donation of $35/student or $50/family and welcome larger contributions.

• Purchase an Oak Hill car magnet, T-shirt, or sweatshirt.

You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram, request to join our private Facebook group, and you may always reach us by email at info@oakhillpto.org. Fill out the Volunteer Interest Form to let us know how you can help at Oak Hill this year!

You are invited to the PTO General Meeting on Thursday, October 6 from 7-8 p.m. Did you know that all parents and guardians at Oak Hill are members of the PTO? Join us to learn about the activities we have planned for this year and how you can become more involved. 

Zoom Meeting: Thursday, October 6 at 7:00 p.m.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89187679374?pwd=d0U2TWdyU2Rqb01tcWlGZWxDV2Q2dz09

Meeting ID: 891 8767 9374

Passcode: oakhill

Does your child have an IEP or 504 plan?  Are you interested in getting support services for your child?  Then you need to know about the Newton Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) at NewtonSEPAC.org. 

We are a volunteer organization of parents of children with special needs from preschool through high school.  We run an online forum where parents and caregivers can ask each other about special education programs, issues, policies and resources both within and outside of the public school system. We work directly with the school administration regarding our childrens’ special education through our school liaisons, meetings with the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services and by attending Newton School Committee meetings.  

 We hold monthly board meetings that are open to all families whose dates and Zoom links are listed on our website NewtonSEPAC.org under the "Meetings" tab. In the meantime, you can join our "Newton SEPAC" Google Group by clicking on the link on our website. On this online forum, you can post any questions or concerns about anything related to your child with special needs. We also use this group to publicize local/online presentations and conferences as well as DESE policy updates.

Other ways to contact the SEPAC:

Email: Info@NewtonSEPAC.org

Facebook: Newton Special Education Parents - SEPAC

Next SEPAC Open Board Meeting: Thursday, October 13 at 7:30pm

Find the Meeting Agenda and Zoom link on newtonsepac.org under the "Meetings" tab. Zoom meeting link: http://us02web.zoom.us/j/84612646206?pwd=eStpMElVd0ZPNFBXRkNxRmFXY3NVZz09

SEPAC AT Oak Hill Middle School

As the SEPAC Liaison for Oak Hill, my role is to answer any questions and discuss any concerns about your child's special education services and evaluations at Oak Hill. As a SEPAC member, I can also help with any issues outside of NPS relating to your child's disability including private therapies and evaluations, community resources and social opportunities. You can always contact me directly for more information about the SEPAC or with any questions or concerns about your child: 

Hannah Rockwell Schuwarz

hannahschuwarz@gmail.com

Please mark your calendars to attend Newton's Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) annual Basic Rights Workshop on Tuesday, October 18th from 7-9pm, facilitated by the Federation for Children with Special Needs. The session will be virtual and will not be recorded, so we hope you can make it live! Questions will be welcome on general topics not specific to individual cases. 

Registration Link: https://fcsn-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIpcuitrT0uGdcFX2NZf-S60lsrlEWEn3Ag

On Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at 7:00 p.m., the Newton middle school PTOs and the Newton Public Schools will host a virtual forum with Dr. Catherine Pearlman, author of First Phone. The forum is designed to help families navigate some of the challenges around their child's first cell phone. Below is a brief overview of the book. Login information coming soon.

First Phone is a fun and informative illustrated kids’ guide to safely and productively navigating the digital landscape. In the book, Catherine Pearlman—licensed clinical social worker and parenting expert—speaks directly to eight- to twelve-year-old children about digital safety in a manner that is playful, engaging, and age-appropriate. With insights and strategies supported by the latest research, First Phone offers:

• Guidance on privacy, boundaries, social media, and even sexting (yes, young children need to learn about sexting before it happens!) 

• Best digital hygiene and self-care practices, including when to put the darn phone down, when to turn off notifications, and where to charge

• How to be a kind and compassionate upstander in a digital world

On Tuesday, October 25, Oak Hill students will enjoy the first Creative Arts & Science event of the school year, Ball in the House.

Ball in the House is an a cappella group based out of Boston. The group has performed their unique sound for audiences around the world for over 20 years. They have shared the stage with wonderful and noted musicians such as Gladys Knight, the Beach Boys, Patti Labelle and the Jonas Brothers. This in school concert is sponsored by your contributions to the Oak Hill PTO and Creative Arts And Sciences. 

Please join us for the city-wide FORJ kickoff meeting on Wed. Oct. 12 at 7:30 PM, at Angier.  Register here. Oak Hill is looking for a FORJ liaison. 

FORJ's theme for the 2022-2023 academic year is Connection through Action. We are planning to host a series of events exploring practical strategies for the variety of situations where students, parents, and community members could use guidance navigating difficult conversations about race. Together, we can make progress in our collective vision towards a more just and equitable Newton community.  

The Department of Children and Families is seeking to keep Newton children in their schools and communities. We want to ensure that when DCF assumes care and custody of a child, that child is able to remain in their school, with their friends and the adults that support them. In order to accomplish this, DCF is looking for Newton parents who would consider becoming a short-term caregiver for a student in need at their child’s school.

Please complete this brief survey if you are interested in participating or learning more.