Happy Halloween!

Time for costumes, candy, and spookiness. Be sure to check out the PTSA’s website: https://shsptsa.org, where you can find info about upcoming PTSA events, SHS activities/events, and what the PTSA is up to. You can also sign up to join the PTSA at this site. Just click on the red “join now” button on the top. Check it out!

The Somerville High School PTSA has multiple exciting ways to participate and volunteer in the coming days.

Food Gift Card Donation Drive

We are beginning our annual food gift card donation drive early, with the ambitious goal of raising $5,000 to provide 200 gift cards to Market Basket or Stop & Shop for SHS students and their families. We expect more families will be facing increased food insecurity with the suspension of SNAP assistance due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. Please help the PTSA help our neighbors with an early Thanksgiving donation -- all money raised will be used to purchase gift cards to local grocery stores. Let's keep our families fed and our children able to learn!

Help with SHS Election Day Bake Sales

Somerville High School is seeking adult chaperones/volunteers to help all the classes with their election day fundraising bake sales. Events are happening Tuesday, November 4th, at West Somerville Neighborhood School (177 Powderhouse Boulevard).

Individual grades will be fundraising at these times:

• 7:00am-11:00am - 12th Grade

• 11:00am-3:00pm - 9thand 10th Grades

• 3:00pm-7:00pm - 11th Grade

The Music, Tennis, and Math, Clubs are holding Election Day bake sales at the Dilboy Post (351 Summer Street) at these times:

• 7:00am-11:00am - Music

• 11:00am-3:00pm - Tennis

• 3:00pm-7:00pm - Math

If you’re interested in helping, email Assistant Principal Paul Cooley at pcooley@k12.somerville.ma.

Volunteers needed for Grant Review Committee

The PTSA received several applications for our new Teacher Grant Program. SHS teachers can ask for up to $750 to support a project or activity that enhances learning, improves the classroom environment, and/or supports an existing program. The request for proposals is closed. We’re excited to begin the application review process this week, with the goal of distributing grants in November. If you’d like to help, email info@shsptsa.org

Winter Clothing Drive

The Somerville Family Learning Collaborative is collecting adult sized coats, boots, scarves, and gloves. Donate new or gently used items and help someone stay warm this winter. October-January, drop off in the black bin at the SHS front entrance between 1:00-3:00PM. 81 Highland Ave. Call SFLC for questions: 617 625-6600 x611531

Announcements From the Community

· Somerville Youth Mayoral Forum and Mock Election: Join Teen Empowerment and the Somerville Youth Workers’ Network for a unique opportunity to hear directly from Mayoral candidates in this year’s election, Willie Burnley and Jake Wilson. Dialogue co-facilitated by youth and youth workers. Thursday, October 30th 6:00-8:00, Somerville Public Library Central Auditorium. Registration here:https://somervillepubliclibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/somerville-youth-mayoral-forum-and-mock-election/

· Somerville Public Schools Monthly Food Markets, Thursday, November 6th, 2:45-4:30p.m, East Somerville Community School and West Somerville Neighborhood school. Due to election day, the food markets at East Somerville Community School and West Somerville Neighborhood School will be on THURSDAY next month.

· Somerville Parks and Recreation Center Fall Programming: The Recreation Center has released their fall schedule, which includes classes, sports, and activities for children, teens, and adults. Link here: https://somervillema.myrec.com/info/activities/default.aspx