On Thursday, June 13, Memorial-Spaulding elementary school students, families, alumni, and educators, as well as Newton elected officials, gathered on a sunny late afternoon to unveil the latest Newton school mosaic by artist David Fichter, whose projects for NPS include murals at Burr, Bowen, and Ward elementary schools. The mood was warm and celebratory, with children presenting bouquets of flowers to various speakers that helped create and sponsor the project.
The Mosiac Mural Project for Spaulding was created over many months by Mr. Fichter, student participants, and community volunteers coordinated by Spaulding art teacher Alexandra Etscovitz. Ms. Etscovitz is a Spaulding graduate and has taught art at the school for over 20 years. Her passion and loyalty to the community was palpable during the event, culminating in a heartfelt speech during the unveiling ceremony with theme “in these walls.” She said, “It is you, the children for the past, and the present, and the future of Memorial-Spaulding that we celebrate today and every day in these walls. So finally these walls can do what I care most about: The walls can make everyone who walks by have a little glimpse into the most the hopeful and joyful part my world — the world’s best gifts, the children.”
Balloon release (photo credits: Adam Bernstein) 
Memorial Spaulding Mural 
Memorial Spaulding Mural 
Superintendent Anna Nolin, Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, and Asst. Superintendent Ayesha Farag 
Co-chairs of the Mosaic Mural, Kristen Pontoriero and Jessica Poltarak, receive flowers from a student 
Artist David Fichter 
Principal Tom Morris
Memorial-Spaulding Principal Thomas Morris reiterated the emotion of Ms. Etscovitz’s speech, telling Fig City News, “This project came at exactly the right time for us. It brought together parents, teachers, students, alumni, former staff, and community members around the common theme of ‘joy.’ Creating this beautiful public art allowed our school community to heal after a very divisive and contentious time. I am grateful for everyone who made this project come to fruition, especially our very own “super woman,” Alexandra Etscovitz, who makes the magic of art come alive in our school every day.”
Jessica Poltarak and Kristen Pontoriero, former Spaulding PTO Presidents and current parents, co-chaired the Mosaic Mural Project and its fundraising. During her comments while both chairs were at the podium, Ms. Poltarak said, “The Mosaic Mural Project was a true labor of love, born out of a need to reunite our community post-Covid, and to beautify our school. Never before have I seen something so magnificent come from the work of hundreds of people — Kindergartners and their grandparents and everyone in between.”
Attendees at the event included Mayor Fuller, Newton Public Schools Superintendent Anna Nolin, Assistant Superintendent Ayesha Farag, and Ward 8 School Committee representative Barry Greenstein. Mayor Fuller told Fig City News, “The joyous murals are perfect expressions of the Memorial Spaulding community. A tribute to learning, children, and community, they reflect the values of inclusivity and creativity. I’m grateful to the PTO leaders, Art Teacher Alexandra Etscovitz, and Artist in Residence David Fichter for leading this project. The murals will be enjoyed by generations of Newtonians to come.”
The Memorial-Spaulding Instagram page has additional photos of the mural.