November 23rd, 2025
This week at Angier
- Nov. 26 – All School Assembly, 8:30am (Turkey Trot)
- Nov. 27 – Nov. 28 – Thanksgiving Recess – NO SCHOOL
Dear Angier Families,
As we approach this special time of year, we want to express our deep gratitude—not only for our wonderful children, but also for the strength and kindness of our entire community, our dedicated teachers, and our hardworking administration. It is inspiring to witness the generosity and care that make Angier such a supportive place for all families. Whether you’re gathering with loved ones, participating in our holiday initiatives, or simply taking a quiet moment to reflect, we encourage everyone to spread gratitude and kindness. Giving back, whether big or small, strengthens our bonds and makes a meaningful difference. This week, let’s celebrate by sharing thanks and extending a helping hand to those around us, reminding ourselves of the power of community and the joy that comes from giving.
HELPING WHERE IT COUNTS
- Stocking the Newton Community Freedge—sign up here! Please reach out to the co-Presidents team or Andrea Fong with questions.
- Annual holiday card drive for Angier families—Our school administrators will use this money to distribute gift cards to families facing hardship. This year, we will also be supplying the Newton Food Pantry with a portion of the fundraised. Donate here! We will be closing this December 1st, so do not delay.
KIDS AND TECHNOLOGY PANEL (NEW) – December 10th – 7:30 – 9 pm Panel Discussion: Building Healthy Tech Habits at Home and in the Community
Join us for a follow-up conversation on fostering healthy technology use among elementary-aged children. Building on last year’s panel and the recent “Tech Buying 101” seminar, this session shifts from the why to the how—offering concrete, age-appropriate strategies for navigating smartphones, devices, social media pressure, school-issued tech, and after- school/device-heavy environments.
Featuring school leaders and community experts, the panel will address:
- What the Wait Until 8th pledge actually means in practice
- How to support kids socially while opting out of smart devices
- Managing tech in after-school spaces, on buses, and in the neighborhood
- What device alternatives really exist (and how families use them)
- How to revise boundaries if your child already has a smart device
- Realistic safeguards and parental controls
- How families and schools can work together to build a healthier tech culture
Location: Angier Cafetorium. Light refreshments / desserts provided. Adults only.
RSVP TODAY to reserve your spot.
MINTED HOLIDAY CARD DRIVE
Placing an order for holiday cards? Consider using Minted! Using code FUNDRAISEANGIERPTO will get you 20% your purchase, and 10% of your purchase will be donated back to the PTO.
AN EVENING FOR ANGIER!
The legendary “An Evening for Angier” committee has officially entered planning mode! We are beyond thrilled to organize a night where laughter, fun, and questionable dance moves are guaranteed! Ever dreamed of wielding a glue gun for decorations, crafting a signature cocktail that will go down in PTO history, or mastering the art of fundraising while wearing a feather boa? Then we want you! If you’d like to join our merry band of planners—or if you just have burning questions about sequins or snack tables—reach out to the co-chairs here – Parul Agnihotri , Abby Chud, Morgan Maeder, Ritika Singh, or Brigid Tobin. Come for the fun, stay for the group text.
COMMUNITY NOTES AND OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
- 5th Grade Committee: The fifth-grade committee works to support our fifth graders by raising funds for all the special 5th grade opportunities, including a yearbook, end-of-year festivities, commemorative gear, and teacher gifts and class gifts to the school. For fifth grade families that would like to contribute, volunteer or learn more, click here.
- Fun Fridays: If you’re still looking for ways to get involved, we’re looking for volunteers to plan some “Fun Friday” activities—movie night, bingo night, or anything else you might have in mind! Please consider volunteering.
- Lost and found: The lost and found (at the bottom of the center stairs) is overflowing! Please check to see if there are any items belonging to your family. Anything not claimed by December 19th will be donated to families in need.
As always, we’re here as your Angier PTO team – available to help with any questions.
Warmly,
Katherine, Jessica & Michelle
Angier PTO co-Presidents
Copresidents@angierpto.org
COMMUNITY NEWS
NEEDHAM COMMUNITY THEATER PRESENTS ANNIE
Come see Needham Community Theatre’s production of Annie this November, featuring four Angier alums as orphans, alongside Angier After School Program’s theater director, Melanie Donnelly. Performances take place at Needham’s Newman Elementary auditorium November 21-23 and 29-30 (the weekends before and after Thanksgiving), with a number of family-friendly matinee shows. For dates and tickets, visit needhamtheatre.org/annie
HOLIDAY GIFT GIVING IN SOUTH BOSTON
We have a holiday gift giving opportunity with the K-8 James F. Condon School in South Boston! Interested families will receive holiday wish lists to shop, wrap and drop off in Waban by Dec. 14 for delivery to South Boston before the winter break. Past years’ lists have included winter clothes and boots, warm pajamas, school uniforms, slippers, toys, dolls, games, books, bedding, and art supplies. Last year, we helped to deliver holiday cheer to more than 40 children. Would you like to help? Reach out to Elizabeth Brill (elizabethcbrill@gmail.com) if you’d like to volunteer.
Waban Lights & Family Sing-Along
‘Tis the season for celebrating with neighbors. The holiday season is nearly here and what better way to kick it off than with the Waban Improvement Society’s annual Waban Lights & Family Sing-Along event. We look forward to lighting up our beloved Waban Library Center building and surrounding grounds and turning the entire area into a wonderland of light to enjoy throughout the winter. Before we flip the switch to light up the WLC, please join us for hot chocolate, sweet treats and a festive community sing-along featuring songs celebrating the winter holidays. A big thank you to event sponsor, The Village Bank.
- Date: Sunday, December 7
- Time: 4:45pm
- Location: Waban Library Center (1608 Beacon St)
Waban Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot 5K – raising $6 million for Sanfilippo Syndrome treatment opportunity
Join Angier mom Katie Mui in raising awareness and support for Sanfilippo Syndrome (a rare, neurodegenerative, and terminal disease) that her 4-year-old nephew Matthew was diagnosed with last year. Matthew is son of Angier alum Dan Lau and cousin to two current Angier students. More info and ways to help here and on Angier PTO Connection Facebook group post.
CLASSIFIEDs
ACTIVE MINDS
Autumn Colors, and Active Minds! Over 15 years providing tutoring for all academic subjects, studying skills, and standardized test prep (SAT/ACT, ISEE, SSAT). Contact ActiveMinds to learn more about our personalized plans with experienced tutors. 617.227.2225 | learnmore@
Quote of Note
“The turkey. The sweet potatoes. The stuffing. The pumpkin pie. Is there anything else we all can agree so vehemently about? I don’t think so.”
—Nora Ephron
COMING UP
- Dec. 4 – Early Release, 12:10pm
- Dec. 5 – Spirit Day – Demin Day
- Dec. 23 – Spirit Day – Pajama/Cozy Day
- Dec. 24 – Jan 2. – December Recess – NO SCHOOL
