Author Celebration
Wow! The Author's Celebration was a huge success! Thanks to all of you for creating an environment and culture in which students feel safe and proud to share their writing. Although it doesn't seem like a "risky" activity, sharing a personal story that you have committed to paper requires a lot of confidence. I am proud of our students and I am excited to watch them grow as writers throughout the year. Go Tobin!

Happy Thanksgiving!
This is our last edition of the Weekly before Thanksgiving. Wishing you all a restful and fun-filled holiday with family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Spotlight on Hannah Shin
Hannah, our Behavior Specialist, is only at the Tobin two days a week, but when she is here...her smile lights up the place! Meet Hannah >>

Your Opinion Counts!
Thanks for letting us know how we are doing!

Save-the-Date:
Mindful Parents – December 3 
We are honored to be welcoming Dr. Beatriz Valencia – Pediatrician, Mindfulness Instructor, and Tobin Parent – to share with us how Mindfulness helps students focus and improve their emotional regulation. Please join us Thursday, December 3rd at 8AM in Room 129 for this informative and inspiring presentation. As always, refreshments will be provided. 

What is the Turkey Trot? 
The Turkey Trot is an annual event sponsored by our very own Ms. Spencer! The students from different grade levels gather around behind the school where the students participate races. Lower and Upper Elementary students compete for Turkeys, pies and apple cider! The Children's House students enjoy munchkins and cider in the cafeteria after their event! You are invited to stop by and cheer the kids on if you like. I will send home a schedule next week. Donations of turkeys (frozen... we have room in our freezers) pies and cider are needed. Please make all donations by Monday, November 23rd. Thanks for helping to make the Turkey Trot a HUGE success!

International Night – Volunteers Needed on December 10th! 
It's only three weeks away, and we are looking for volunteers for the Parade of Nations, cafeteria, and the activities tables. Learn more >>                                     

Read Across Time Has Begun! 
Students have been looking for evidence that a story is set in a time that is different from our present time. They have been practicing how to fill out the Timeline Slips that will go on display on the large timeline that you will see as you come up the ramp at Tobin. I invite you to complete them at home if you read a book that is set or is about some time in the past or the future (CH timeline slip; LE/UE timeline slip). Students pick one image or idea that demonstrates the book is set in another time period to include on their record slip. Since everyone who comes to Tobin will be looking at our timeline we are taking time to create something complete and beautiful that we can be proud of. The timeline will grow all year, it will be fun to see how it fills out.

WIC 
I am writing to introduce you to or perhaps reintroduce you to WIC. WIC is a health and nutrition program that can benefit many families living in Cambridge WIC provides food and nutrition services to pregnant women, infants and children under 5 who meet income guidelines. Many families may be eligible but don’t realize it-especially working families. I’m asking your help in getting the word out to families about WIC and, if you learn of a family that may be in need of our services, please have them call our office at 617-665-3750 or 617-6575-5330. We have two offices in Cambridge, one at the Windsor Clinic building near Central Square. This office is open Monday 11-7:30, Tuesday 10-6:30 and Thursday 8:30-5:00. The second office is in North Cambridge at 266 Rindge Ave. The North Cambridge office is open Wednesday 8:30-5 and Friday 8-4:30. Please feel free to call us if you have any questions about the WIC program or would like to schedule an appointment for a family. Additional info can be found on our website >>  

–Maria Bettencourt
([email protected]; 617.575.5343; 617.665.3760)

Tobin is Collecting Seasonal Care Items for Our Military 
November 30 – December 11
Collection boxes will be in the lobby. A list of items is below and more detailed information will be given out next week.
Food/Drink: Hot Chocolate packages, Tea bags, Instant creamer, Sugar, Canned fruit, Pop tarts, Popcorn, Instant oatmeal, Powdered drink mixes, Cereal, Crackers, Granola bars, Hard candy, Pudding cups, Peanut butter, Jelly, Boxed Mac and cheese, Tuna fish (In pouches are best), Candy canes, Gum, Mints, Beef jerky
Misc: Holiday decorations, Lotion, Chap stick, Anti Bacterial wipes, Deodorant, Disposable hand and feet warmers, Playing cards, Greeting cards, Board games, Stationary with pens
Clothes: Men and women’s T-shirts (Brown or green), Bandanas, Scarves, White and black socks

Mindful Parenting Day Just for You!  
If you are like me and you get a little anxious about the upcoming holiday season adding a little more stress in your life, I would like you to consider escaping for a day to breath. This may be one of the best gifts you give yourself and your family. On Dec 5th from 9AM-5PM, there will be a one day retreat in Connecticut (just 2 hours away) for parents! The retreat's theme is Mindful Parenting and will be led by Carla Naumburg, author of  Ready, Set, Breathe: Practicing Mindfulness with Your Children for Fewer Meltdowns and a More Peaceful Family
The cost is $125, includes lunch and a free mindful parenting book, and scholarships are being offered.
More info: www.copperbeechinstitute.org/parenting