Greetings from the Mayor's Office for Cultural Affairs

Greetings from the Mayor’s Office for Cultural Affairs!

We are excited to announce that the Mayor’s Office for Cultural Affairs has a new weekly column in the Newton TAB. It is called ‘Spotlight On…’ and it showcases all the arts in Newton. This is an opportunity for you also to promote any cultural or artistic person, activity or group you are involved with.

Please send an email to Linda (lplaut@newtonma.gov) before Wednesday, for publication in the following week issue of the TAB, with one or two sentences (60 words or less) sharing this information. Last week’s column featured a call for sculptors for the upcoming Festival of the Arts. If you, or someone you know locally is a sculptor and would be interested in being part of the outdoor sculpture exhibition at Newton City Hall, please visit this link http://www.newtoncommunitypride.org/festival/sculpture.html

As always, keep checking our new free on-line calendar of the Arts at www.newtonartscalendar.org for everything cultural going on in Newton. And keep an eye on www.newtoncommunitypride.org for the Spelling Bee and Heartbreak Hill Road Race registrations, and the Tanglewood Marionettes “Cinderella” in February vacation.

Linda and I would like to wish you all a very happy and healthy New Year.

Jeannie Smith, Associate Director
Mayor’s Office for Cultural Affairs

First Day… on the Second!

Featuring live performances from Magician Evan Northrup, The Tim Hall Experience, Fortunes from Father Time, and a Broadway Sing-Along! With Visual and Performing Arts workshops for children to experiment with paint, paper, collage, performance, movement, and more!

This event is free to the public and open to families with children of all ages, a suggested donation of $5 per person or $10 per family will be gladly accepted. RSVP to let us know you’re coming. To sign up to sing on stage at the Broadway Sing-Along, register here!

First Day is brought to you in part by Watertown Savings Bank. For more information, please visit MosesianArts.org

January 2nd, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Wishing all of you a very happy holiday season from WCT! Please consider giving the gift of the arts this holiday season by supporting the center with a donation.

Donate 

If you’d rather not donate online, feel free to mail a check to:
Dorothy and Charles Mosesian Center for the Arts,
321 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA 02472

PHYSICS TUTOR AVAILABLE

General support, problem-solving skills, SAT II, AP Exam preparation.

Newton resident, high-school physics teacher with 25+ years of experience; former US Physics Team coach; doctorate with a focus on problem-solving in physics; AP Physics Exam Reader, AP Physics College Board consultant, widely published author.

Experience in teaching high-level problem-solving skills, preparation for standardized tests. Interactive approach, low stress, high efficiency. Sessions in Newton.

My resume can be found here:

http://w2.weston.org/schools/hs/sci/apphy/korsunsky/documents/Korsunsky-CV-2015.pdf

Just Think: Teens Making Smart Choices expo

MIDDLE SCHOOL and HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS and PARENTS/GUARDIANS INVITED

Save the date for a fun, free EXPO at Newton North High School!

Monday, January 23, 2017, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Teens and adults are invited to the Just Think: Teens Making Smart Choices expo

for participative, informative exhibits; live musical performances; free refreshments;

and fun. Meet 30 community exhibitors who help teens navigate life’s pressures in

order to stay safe and healthy. Get information about everything from social media use

and pedestrian safety to healthy eating and positive body image to stress reduction

and mental health support. Sponsored by the Newton North PTSO.

• Community resources for teens and families

• FREE and fun!

• Treat bags for the first 50 students who come with a parent/guardian

• Giveaways and refreshments

• Prize drawing

• Table tennis challenge

• “American Ninja Warrior” demo

 

Drop-in Art and Story-time at the Newton Cultural Center at City Hall

9:30am – 11am -  For Children up to age 6, with an adult.  $10 per child/$25 family (pay on-site)

Art and Story Time with a Time for Partners Art Teacher

1000 Commonwealth Avenue, 2^nd floor Rear, Auditorium.  617-796-1540

 December School Vacation PlaySpace with Paula Gannon 

Tuesday, December 27

January Drop-In PlaySpace with Terry Curtin

Tuesdays: January 10, 17, 24

Wednesdays:  January 18, 25

Thursdays:  January 19, 26

Friday: January 27 (with Paula Gannon)

February School Vacation PlaySpace with Paula Gannon

Wednesday, February 22

Friday, February 24

 

Stop the Power Struggles! Become Problem Solvers!

Parenting Course at Cafe L'Aroma

Cindy Kaplan, MA, Parent/Family Coach, and Certified Practitioner of the Collaborative Problem Method from MGH, will lead a course on Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS), a strength based neurologically-grounded approach that brings new ideas and hope for helping kids with challenging behavior. Enjoy tea and coffee along with great pastries while you learn how to strengthen your relationship with your kids and learn to solve "problem behavior" collaboratively.

DATES:  Friday mornings 10:00-11:30am starting Friday January 6. To Register e-mail Cindy at cindy@cindykcoaching.com, or call 617-869-3305. www.cindykcoaching.com.

Season's Greetings from the Rotary Club of Newton!

Thank you for your support and generosity this past year, which helped us provide financial support to many of the service organizations that help people throughout Newton and the world. Because of you, we were able to provide camp scholarships for kids this summer, assist older residents to maintain their homes, provide support to people with disabilities, give dictionaries to every 3rd grader in the city, and much more.

Our goal is to become the primary provider of volunteer services in the community. We help people in need through the actions of our members and volunteers, and the generosity of our supporters. We are delighted that young people in middle school and high school are now getting involved to serve their community as members of Rotary Interact clubs. These young people are helping folks in Newton and in other parts of the world, and having a lot of fun in the process.

Our fundraisers are well known for the support they provide to the community. "Newton Has Talent" is now held in May as part of the Newton Festival of the Arts, and it's a great show, showcasing many talented performers from Newton. Our annual Holiday Raffle is going on now, offering terrific cash prizes to ticket holders and great financial support to the Newton community. If you don't have your ticket yet, reply to this e-mail and we'll make sure you don't miss out!

As we enter 2017, we are emboldened with a renewed enthusiasm for our mission of serving the local and global communities. Everything we have done in the past, and will do in the future, wouldn't happen without your generous support and involvement.

Happy Holidays! We wish you and yours a very happy and healthy New Year!

On behalf of our members, thank you.

Paul M. Sullivan

President 2016-2017

Rotary Club of Newton

www.rotarynewton.org

Affordable SAT Private Tutoring from NSHS alumni!

Founded by a recent Newton South alumni who has developed a unique approach to tackle the SAT, Winston Tutors promises RESULTS with a competitive price.

Students who have initially struggled with the SAT have seen their score increase by 300 points from just a few session.

With over three years of experience helping high-school students achieve their full potentials, Winston Tutors will guide your child to success through an individualized study plan.

For inquiries, please contact Winston Jiang at 617-309-7910 or at wtjiang7788@yahoo.com. References from past and current students are available upon request.

Spanish Tutor

• Fluent in Spanish


• Massachusetts licensed/certified


• 6 years teaching experience


• BA Latin American Studies: Brown University


• MA Teaching: Boston College


• CAES School Leadership/Administration: Boston College


• Newton Highlands resident


• Available Services:
  
  
  
  • Spanish (all levels)
  
  
  • Organizational skills
  
  
  • Study skills
  
  
  
  

 Contact: Libby Sands at libby@libbysands.com or at (617) 256-4780

Belmont World Film's 14th Annual Family Festival

Where Books Come Alive!

JANUARY 13-16, 2017

Regent Theatre, 7 Medford Street, Arlington

Studio Cinema, 376 Trapelo Road, Belmont

Belmont Media Center, 9 Lexington Street, Belmont

Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle Street, Cambridge

www.BelmontWorldFilm.org | 617-484-3980

Tickets: http://www.ticketor.com/belmontworldfilm?treferrer=Newton

Belmont World Film's 14th Annual Family Festival offers nearly four full days of some of the world’s best films, in English or their native language with subtitles, for children age 3-12 and their families. Many are being screened in the US or on the East Coast for the first time. It might be your only time to see them in New England!

This year’s festival, Where Books Come Alive, features films based mostly on children’s books: from American favorites, including Robert McCloskey’s Make Way for Ducklings, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary, to Johanna Spyri’s Swiss classic, Heidi. There are films about new siblings, friendship in South Korea, Vietnamese immigrants in Germany, Little League Baseball in Uganda, three 12 year-old boys from Brooklyn with a $1.8 million record deal, and so much more!

Aardman's Creative Director Merlin Crossingham (Wallace and Gromit, Chicken Run, Shaun the Sheep) is also coming from the UK to talk and sign autographs after a screening of the Oscar-winning Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit on opening night and to lead two model making workshops (Shaun the Sheep and Gromit)  on Saturday, January 14 (there only a few spots left, so hurry).

Friday, January 13 7:00-9:00 PM Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit + talk and autograph signing with Wallace & Gromit Creative Director Merlin Crossingham. Regent Theater, Arlington

Saturday, January 14 10:00-11:30 AM Aardman Model Making Workshop I: Shaun the Sheep. Belmont Media Center, Belmont 10:30-11:30 AM What’s New from Weston Woods Studios. Studio Cinema, Belmont 12:00-1:00 PM Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Make Way for Ducklings and Other Caldecott Medal Winners. Studio Cinema, Belmont 1:30-2:45 PM Molly Monster with Pat & Mat’s The Vacuum Cleaner. Studio Cinema, Belmont 2:00-3:30 PM Aardman Model Making Workshop II: Gromit. Belmont Media Center, Belmont 3:15-4:45 PM The World of Us. Studio Cinema, Belmont

Sunday, January 15 10:30-11:30 AM Laugh Out Loud with Mo Willems. Studio Cinema, Belmont 12:00-1:15 PM Mr. Frog. Studio Cinema, Belmont 2:00-3:30 PM Fortune Favors the Brave. Regent Theater, Arlington 4:00-5:15 PM Opposite Field + talk with Ugandan Little League Coach Evan Petty. Regent Theater, Arlington

Monday, January 16: Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 10:30-11:30 AM Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Brattle Theater, Cambridge 11:45 AM-1:40 PM Heidi. Brattle Theater, Cambridge 2:00-3:45 PM Little Mountain Boy. Brattle Theater, Cambridge 4:00-5:30 PM Breaking a Monster. Brattle Theater, Cambridge

Pre-school Sing A-long with Steve LaBonte a local and popular entertainer

Saturday, January 14, 2017

10:30am to 11:15am

$5.00 per child payable at door

Newton Lower Falls Community Center

545 Grove Street

Auburndale

Message from the Principal

With the possibility of snow lurking ahead, I wanted to remind you all that following the Blue Zone rules are critical to a safe and orderly arrival and dismissal.  Please check out the helpful reminders the PTO recently posted on their website; http://burrpto.org/pickup-and-drop-off-rules/.  Burr families really do a great job of following these rules and things generally move along very well, however there are a few things that I have noticed and would like to bring to your attention:

• In the mornings parents are parked in Blue Zone waiting for the doors to open.  This really slows down the time it takes to get children into the building and clogs up the traffic outside making it unsafe. I think it is okay to wait in the Blue Zone before school until 8:10 AM and then you must move on. The Blue Zone is to be used to drop off children quickly. Children should be able to get out of the car independently. Practicing this at home will help them learn this skill. This morning I watched a parent hold up the Blue Zone for 5 minutes by coming around to get his child out of the car, put the child’s back pack on his back, and then watch him walk into the building. My blood pressure was going up as I heard the horns beeping to move him along.  If your child needs this kind of support, you should not be using the Blue Zone area for drop off.


• Making a U turn outside the school at arrival and dismissal times is unsafe. Please do not do it. It only takes a few extra minutes to go around and I’m sure everyone would agree that it’s worth following these rules for the safety of our children. Likewise, using the teacher’s parking lot to turn is not allowed. This area has high pedestrian traffic.


• At dismissal time, I ask that you remember to keep moving your car up in the Blue Zone line. We can get all children into cars in about 7 minutes if everyone keeps moving along.


• Parents who are picking up students after school are asked to gather away from Blue Zone sidewalk. Please wait for your children by the flagpole, or closer to the crosswalk. Teachers and children cannot see the cars when parents are blocking the view and it is also very unsafe to have to walk around people when we are loading the cars.

I would also like to remind people that formal instruction begins at 8:30 AM. If your child comes through the door at 8:30 AM he/she will not be ready to begin the day.  Children should be at school by 8:20 AM when the doors open, so they can unpack their bags, greet their teachers and friends, and settle in for the day.  These morning rituals are an important part of transitioning into learning. If this is an area of challenge for your family, please make every effort to have an earlier start in the new year. We are happy to discuss strategies to help you if needed.

The Hour of Code

We live in a world surrounded by technology and we know that whatever field children choose to go into as adults, their ability to succeed will increasingly hinge on understanding how technology works.  At Burr, we continue to explore ways to leverage technology to enhance student learning, and to consider how our programing prepares them for future success.  Over the past few years, we have participated in The Hour of Code event and are doing so again this year. Burr librarian, technology specialist, and math coach have been supporting the teachers in this work. This year, decide to spread it out over a few weeks and you have likely heard about some of the activities from your child or his/her teacher. If you would like to learn more and get some ideas to continue the learning at home, you can check out this website: http://hourofcode.com.   We are looking forward to some wonderful learning and explorations of the world of code together.

Sleep Under

Last week, the Burr staff hosted the Burr Sleep Under Movie Night and about 140 children attended. We had a pizza dinner and watched “The Secret Life of Pets.” I’d like to thank the following staff members for supervising the event:  Sydney Tice, Caryln Foreman, Vanessa Mc Mahon, Nancy Fitch, Natalia Espinal, Kara MacNeill, Amanda McKenzie, Gwenne Foreman, Kaylan Finn, Nicole Golden and Catalina Frail with her wonderful family. It was so kind of them to give up a Friday night. Children and adults all agreed that it was a fun event (pictures visible in attached Dec 12-16-16 news.doc) .

I wish all of you a wonderful vacation.

Best,

Mindy

Learn to Play the Ukulele!

Now Registering kids in Grades 2 – 5 for the Fall Session., Tuesdays, Jan. 31 –April 4 at the Newton Cultural Center at City Hall.

Uke 1 – an introduction class to the ukulele and perfect for kids who want to learn an instrument, while exploring the world of musicianship. Students will learn basics of the instrument, including rhythmic strumming and chords. They will be playing songs in a few short weeks! 1:15pm –  2pm

Uke 2 – The student must have completed Uke 1. All levels of players are welcome for continued learning and weekly “jam session”. 2:15pm – 3pm

Bring your own instrument or contact teacher for rental.  To register: www.activityreg.com , click on MA, click on Newton Parks & Recreation, click on Register, click on Programs or Activities, click on Mayor’s Office for Cultural Affairs, click on Ukulele classes.  Or call 617-796-1540 for more information.

Mayor’s New Year’s Open House

Saturday, December 31^st, 1:30 – 3:30pm

Newton City Hall, 1000 Commonwealth Avenue

Free Family entertainment by the American Chinese Art Society (a cultural gem of dance), Davey the Clown (juggling, magic & wacky antics) and Big Joe the Storyteller (laugh out loud funny).  Also, Face Painting, Arts & Crafts and Refreshments courtesy of KIND Bars.  Kids can climb aboard the awesome  DPW trucks in front of City Hall.  Please contribute to Soldier’s Care Packages and help assemble them.  People are also welcome at 9am in the War Memorial Auditorium to help sort food for the Food Pantries., then come back for the festivities! Please bring a non-perishable item for the Newton Food Pantries.  Details of requested items can be found at www.newtoncommunitypride.org

The Tanglewood Marionettes present “The Dragon King”

Wednesday, December 28^th, 10:30am and 1pm

Newton Cultural Center at City Hall, 1000 Commonwealth Avenue

An underwater fantasy based on Chinese folklore, The Dragon King tells the tale of an intrepid Grandmother who journeys to the bottom of the sea in search of the elusive Dragon King, and the answers to why he has forsaken the land above.  A terrible drought has overtaken the land, and all the world has turned brown and lifeless. The Dragon King is ruler over all things water, and the people are beginning to wonder why he has not brought the life-giving rains in such a very long time.  Colorful sea creatures, an exciting adventure, and a Dragon King that will knock your socks off! All this and more can be found in this award-winning production. Tickets $8 in advance/$10 at the door. www.newtoncommunitypride.org  There are still tickets available for the 1pm show. Call 617-796-1540 for more information.

For Children up to age 6, Drop-in Art and Story time

Drop-in Art and Story Time with a Time for Partners Art Teacher for children up to age 6 with an adult.

December PlaySpace with Paula Gannon
Tuesday: December 27th

January PlaySpace with Terry Curtin
Tuesdays: January 10th, 17th, 24th
Wednesdays: January 18th, 25th
Thursdays: January 19th, 26th

January PlaySpace with Paula Gannon
Friday: January 27th

February School Vacation PlaySpace with Paula Gannon
Wednesday, February 22nd
Friday, February 24th

$10 per child/$25 family (pay on-site)

9:30 am – 11:00 am
Newton Cultural Center at City Hall
1000 Commonwealth Avenue, 2nd floor Rear Auditorium

The Tanglewood Marionettes present “The Dragon King”

Don’t forget…The Dragon King is this week. Two shows!

December 28th, 10:30 am and 1:00 pm
Newton Cultural Center at City Hall, 1000 Commonwealth Avenue

Learn to Play the Ukulele!

Now registering kids in Grades 2 – 5
Uke 1 – an introduction class to the ukulele and perfect for kids who want to learn an instrument while exploring the world of musicianship. Students will learn basics of the instrument, including rhythmic strumming and chords. They will be playing songs in a few short weeks! Sessions 1:15 – 2:00 pm

Uke 2 – The student must have completed Uke 1. All levels of players are welcome for continued learning and weekly “jam session”. Sessions 2:15 – 3:00 pm

Bring your own instrument or contact teacher for rental. To register go to www.activityreg.com , click on MA, click on Newton Parks & Recreation, click on Register, click on Programs or Activities, click on Mayor’s Office for Cultural Affairs, click on Ukulele classes. Or call 617-796-1540 for more information.

Classes held on Tuesdays, January 31st –April 4th at the Newton Cultural Center at City Hall.

Stop the Power Struggles! Become Problem Solvers!

Cindy Kaplan, MA, Parent/Family Coach, and Certified Practitioner of the Collaborative Problem Method from MGH, will lead a course on Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS), a strength based neurologically-grounded approach that brings new ideas and hope for helping kids with challenging behavior.

Enjoy tea and coffee along with great pastries while you learn how to strengthen your relationship with your kids and learn to solve “problem behavior” collaboratively.
The Parenting Course will take place at Cafe L’Aroma.

Friday mornings, 10:00-11:30 am starting January 6th. To Register e-mail Cindy at cindy@cindykcoaching.com, or call 617-869-3305. For more information, please visit www.cindykcoaching.com or see this Flyer.

Spanish Tutor available

• Fluent in Spanish


•  Massachusetts licensed/certified


•  6 years teaching experience


•  BA Latin American Studies: Brown University


•  MA Teaching: Boston College


•  CAES School Leadership/Administration: Boston College


•  Newton Highlands resident


•  Available Services:  Spanish (all levels),  Organizational skills,  Study skills

Contact: Libby Sands at libby@libbysands.com or at 617-256-4780

Wolf Fund Update

December is almost over! That means the opportunity to contribute to Burr PTO’s Wolf Fund and take advantage of the 2016 tax deduction for your contribution is almost gone too.

Please contribute to the Wolf Fund and receive these priceless things in return:

• 3 Creative Arts and Sciences curriculum enhancement programs per grade level in 2016-2017.


• $8,000 in new technology for Burr’s classrooms.


• Knowing that you positively affect your child’s educational experience at Burr.

Here’s how to make a contribution:

• Send a check into school in your child’s folder. Please make the check payable to Burr PTO and write Burr PTO Wolf Fund on the envelope


• Donate online at http://burrpto.org/


• Mail a check to PO Box 66275, Auburndale, MA 02466

As of December 16, 2016, the Wolf Fund has received $14,485 in contributions from 100 Burr families. That’s 66% of the Wolf Fund’s goal of raising $22,000.

We need your help in raising another $7,515 in contributions to reach our goal.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed and everyone who will contribute!

Burr STEM Fair - January 27th, 2017 - Registration Forms Coming This Week!

Registration forms will be in student folders this week for the Burr STEM Fair, which will be held on Friday, January 27th, 2017, from 6-8pm in the Burr cafetorium. Save the date, and start thinking with your young scientists and engineers about what they want to explore! 

Are you in a STEM-related career field? Want to do a demonstration at the STEM fair? Please e-mail Laura Sexton at laurasexton1@hotmail.com. We have three demonstrations so far, keep them coming!! 

Here are some guidelines and ideas and look for registration forms in student folders this week:

STEM Fair Guidelines:

• Kid-quality projects only. Parent support is great (and may be necessary for younger students), but let the students take the lead.


• Students can work alone or in teams. Team members can be in different grades.


• Projects can be inventions (a new gadget to solve a problem), displays (show off something cool you know) or question-hypothesis-experiment-conclusion investigations (guess how something works, try it out and see what happens).


• Experiments that need to be done over multiple days are ok. Do them at home, take photos along the way and show off your results at the STEM Fair!


• Each project should fit on a 2’ x 3’ table space and have a kid-quality poster explaining what you did and the science behind it. You can use words, drawings or photos. Do not get hung up on the quality of the poster. Short and simple is best – it will help you explain your project to the other students!


• Be sure to include your name(s) and grade(s) on your poster.


• Projects do not have to work perfectly. It’s the idea that counts.


• Electrical outlets are limited, and not guaranteed. Let us know right away if your project will need electricity.


• Safety is key! Please make sure that your project is safe. We need to ensure the safety of the gym floor too – please ensure all materials are non-toxic, non-staining and non-corrosive. No dry ice is permitted. Nothing explosive please!


• Students are encouraged to be creative and use common household and upcycled materials. Batteries are allowed, but gas, propane and latex is not allowed. Food may be part of the project (but NO nuts, please!).


• The gadget or experiment may not be harmful to any living thing. Projects that appear unsafe will be asked to be removed.


• Project set-up time will be 5pm to 6pm.

Need ideas?

Check out these websites:

 

Teachers TryScience www.teacherstryscience.org Teachers TryScience is a web site for teachers. This site provides free and engaging lessons, along with teaching strategies and resources, which are designed to ...

 

Science Buddies - Science Fair Project Ideas, Answers, & Tools www.sciencebuddies.org Find a Science Fair Project Idea. Looking for inspiration for a science fair project? Science Buddies has over 1,150 Project Ideas in all areas of science.

 

Rock the Science Fair: Ideas from Teachers for Teachers ... thesciencepenguin.com Science Fair. You’re probably either smiling or cringing now. This post is to help those smiling stay smiling. I hope those cringing work their way into a straight ...

Burr Sch. Winter Youth Soccer Clinics Update (1~5)

On Friday December 2nd, 2016, the first indoor soccer clinic was held at Burr School Gym for youth players ranging from K to Grade 5.  Burr players were thrilled with soccer fun with their teammates and quality time with their friends!   Sports and spirits of Burr Wolves were spreading throughout the whole Burr facility!  Here are a few feedbacks:

Amy (mother of a kindergartner and a second grader): both of my children have a blast,  the program is great without a doubt!

Yuan family (mother of a 1st grader):  Coach Jared is great and I believe this is our first time experience working with such an amazing coach! 

There are still 11 soccer clinics on winter Friday evenings.  Spots are still available for first to fifth graders (except that kindergartners' group is already full).  Please register here: bit.ly/burrsports  if you are interested.

The Tanglewood Marionettes present “The Dragon King”

An underwater fantasy based on Chinese folklore, The Dragon King tells the tale of an intrepid Grandmother who journeys to the bottom of the sea in search of the elusive Dragon King, and the answers to why he has forsaken the land above. A terrible drought has overtaken the land, and all the world has turned brown and lifeless. The Dragon King is ruler over all things water, and the people are beginning to wonder why he has not brought the life-giving rains in such a very long time. Colorful sea creatures, an exciting adventure, and a Dragon King that will knock your socks off! All this and more can be found in this award-winning production.

There are still tickets available for the 1pm show. Tickets $8 in advance/$10 at the door. Tickets available at www.newtoncommunitypride.org  Call 617-796-1540 for more information.

Holiday Hoops Clinic

ASA Hoops is offering Holiday Hoops clinic in Newton for boys & girls ages 7-14. Clinic dates Dec 26th – 30th and January 2nd from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. To register visit: www.asahoops.com or contact Coach@asahoops.com.

High School Start Time Working Group Update

The High School Start Time Working Group reported on community feedback about scenarios under consideration and made a presentation to School Committee on December 12th. A presentation which summarizes the report as well as the full report have been posted online. Please visit the Newton Public Schools web site for full information. www.newton.k12.ma.us/laterstarttime

Au Pair placement availbale

PROaupair is an au pair agency placing professional au pairs with families of children with special needs. The au pairs include occupational therapists, speech therapists, pediatric nurses and teachers. To learn more and sign up for the January Information Session, please call Area Director Marie-Laure Frere at 530-545-2869 or email marielaure@proaupair.com.

Au Pair placement availbale

PROaupair is an au pair agency placing professional au pairs with families of children with special needs. The au pairs include occupational therapists, speech therapists, pediatric nurses and teachers. To learn more and sign up for the January Information Session, please call Area Director Marie-Laure Frere at 530-545-2869 or email marielaure@proaupair.com.

Pre-school Sing A-long

Come to the Pre-school Sing A-long with Steve LaBonte, a local popular entertainer. Brought to you by Newton Parks and Recreation. $5.00 per child payable at door.

January 14th, 10:30 – 11:15 am
Newton Lower Falls Community Center
545 Grove Street, Auburndale

Belmont World Film Family Festival: January 13th – 16th

Belmont World Film’s 14th Annual Family Festival offers nearly four full days of some of the world’s best films, in English or their native language with subtitles, for children age 3-12 and their families. Many are being screened in the US or on the East Coast for the first time. It might be your only time to see them in New England!

This year’s festival, Where Books Come Alive, features films based mostly on children’s books: from American favorites, including Robert McCloskey’s Make Way for Ducklings, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary, to Johanna Spyri’s Swiss classic, Heidi. There are films about new siblings, friendship in South Korea, Vietnamese immigrants in Germany, Little League Baseball in Uganda, three 12 year-old boys from Brooklyn with a $1.8 million record deal, and so much more!

Aardman’s Creative Director Merlin Crossingham (Wallace and Gromit, Chicken Run, Shaun the Sheep) is also coming from the UK to talk and sign autographs after a screening of the Oscar-winning Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit on opening night and to lead two model making workshops (Shaun the Sheep and Gromit) on Saturday, January 14th (there only a few spots left, so hurry).

Schedule and venues:

Friday, January 13
7:00-9:00 PM Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit + talk and autograph signing with Wallace & Gromit Creative Director Merlin Crossingham. Regent Theater, Arlington

Saturday, January 14
10:00-11:30 AM Aardman Model Making Workshop I: Shaun the Sheep. Belmont Media Center, Belmont
10:30-11:30 AM What’s New from Weston Woods Studios. Studio Cinema, Belmont
12:00-1:00 PM Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Make Way for Ducklings and Other Caldecott Medal Winners. Studio Cinema, Belmont
1:30-2:45 PM Molly Monster with Pat & Mat’s The Vacuum Cleaner. Studio Cinema, Belmont
2:00-3:30 PM Aardman Model Making Workshop II: Gromit. Belmont Media Center, Belmont
3:15-4:45 PM The World of Us. Studio Cinema, Belmont

Sunday, January 15
10:30-11:30 AM Laugh Out Loud with Mo Willems. Studio Cinema, Belmont
12:00-1:15 PM Mr. Frog. Studio Cinema, Belmont
2:00-3:30 PM Fortune Favors the Brave. Regent Theater, Arlington
4:00-5:15 PM Opposite Field + talk with Ugandan Little League Coach Evan Petty. Regent Theater, Arlington

Monday, January 16: Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
10:30-11:30 AM Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Brattle Theater, Cambridge
11:45 AM-1:40 PM Heidi. Brattle Theater, Cambridge
2:00-3:45 PM Little Mountain Boy. Brattle Theater, Cambridge
4:00-5:30 PM Breaking a Monster. Brattle Theater, Cambridge

Newton Family & Friends Ski Trip, March 3rd – 5th

Randy Friedman, father of two boys in the Newton schools and  Director of Ski & Travel, an adult ski, sports, and social club in Boston, invites you to join the March 2017 Family Ski Trip.

Bolton Valley is set amidst 5,000 acres of Vermont’s most spectacular Green Mountain vistas with the highest base elevation of any Vermont ski resort. Whether your interest is skiing or snowboarding, telemark or Nordic, backcountry or night skiing or just a relaxing snowshoe in the woods, BV has it all in abundance. Bolton Valley Ski Resort is the perfect location for the entire family.

Trip Includes:
* 2 night’s slopeside lodging at The Inn at Bolton Valley (standard room with 2 queen beds)
* 2-day lift pass
* Daily breakfast buffet
* Saturday night Italian dinner buffet

Cost: $820 for family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children 7-17) in a standard room with 2 queen beds

Adult non-skiers or pass holders may deduct $60 OFF trip price for no lift passes. Child (7-17) non-skiers or pass holders deduct $50 OFF the trip price for no lift passes. Under 4 years old are free, but do not count toward occupancy. 4-6 years old ski free, so deduct $50 for no lift passes needed.

*2 people to a room – $510 (1 adult, 1 child 7-17)
*3 people to a room – $660 (1 adult, 2 child 7-17)
*3 people to a room – $670 (2 adult, 1 child 7-17)
*4 people to a room – $820 (2 adult, 2 child 7-17)

Add $150 for child (7-17) over 4 people in a room
Add $160 for adult (17+) over 4 people in a room

Email Randy at randyhfriedman@gmail.com or call 617-970-3079 for any questions.

Full payment is needed to secure spots.  Make checks out to Seven Travel LLC and mail to Seven Travel LLC; ATTN: Randy Friedman; 7 Parker St; Newton MA 02459. Cancellations before January 13, 2017 are fully refundable. After January 13th, there is NO REFUNDS! Cancellations must be in writing.

IMPORTANT NOTE: ……this is not a chaperoned trip, nor instructions. You must ski with your children or arrange proper care or instruction. Ski school and/or day care are available through Bolton Valley.

For details, pricing, or any questions, contact:

Randy Friedman
7 Travel LLC
randyhfriedman@gmail.com
617-970-3079

Newton Family & Friends Ski Trip, March 3rd – 5th

Randy Friedman, father of two boys in the Newton schools and  Director of Ski & Travel, an adult ski, sports, and social club in Boston, invites you to join the March 2017 Family Ski Trip.

Bolton Valley is set amidst 5,000 acres of Vermont’s most spectacular Green Mountain vistas with the highest base elevation of any Vermont ski resort. Whether your interest is skiing or snowboarding, telemark or Nordic, backcountry or night skiing or just a relaxing snowshoe in the woods, BV has it all in abundance. Bolton Valley Ski Resort is the perfect location for the entire family.

Trip Includes:
* 2 night’s slopeside lodging at The Inn at Bolton Valley (standard room with 2 queen beds)
* 2-day lift pass
* Daily breakfast buffet
* Saturday night Italian dinner buffet

Cost: $820 for family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children 7-17) in a standard room with 2 queen beds

Adult non-skiers or pass holders may deduct $60 OFF trip price for no lift passes. Child (7-17) non-skiers or pass holders deduct $50 OFF the trip price for no lift passes. Under 4 years old are free, but do not count toward occupancy. 4-6 years old ski free, so deduct $50 for no lift passes needed.

*2 people to a room – $510 (1 adult, 1 child 7-17)
*3 people to a room – $660 (1 adult, 2 child 7-17)
*3 people to a room – $670 (2 adult, 1 child 7-17)
*4 people to a room – $820 (2 adult, 2 child 7-17)

Add $150 for child (7-17) over 4 people in a room
Add $160 for adult (17+) over 4 people in a room

Email Randy at randyhfriedman@gmail.com or call 617-970-3079 for any questions.

Full payment is needed to secure spots.  Make checks out to Seven Travel LLC and mail to Seven Travel LLC; ATTN: Randy Friedman; 7 Parker St; Newton MA 02459. Cancellations before January 13, 2017 are fully refundable. After January 13th, there is NO REFUNDS! Cancellations must be in writing.

IMPORTANT NOTE: ……this is not a chaperoned trip, nor instructions. You must ski with your children or arrange proper care or instruction. Ski school and/or day care are available through Bolton Valley.

For details, pricing, or any questions, contact:

Randy Friedman
7 Travel LLC
randyhfriedman@gmail.com
617-970-3079

Newton Family & Friends Ski Trip, March 3rd – 5th

Randy Friedman, father of two boys in the Newton schools and  Director of Ski & Travel, an adult ski, sports, and social club in Boston, invites you to join the March 2017 Family Ski Trip.

Bolton Valley is set amidst 5,000 acres of Vermont’s most spectacular Green Mountain vistas with the highest base elevation of any Vermont ski resort. Whether your interest is skiing or snowboarding, telemark or Nordic, backcountry or night skiing or just a relaxing snowshoe in the woods, BV has it all in abundance. Bolton Valley Ski Resort is the perfect location for the entire family.

Trip Includes:
* 2 night’s slopeside lodging at The Inn at Bolton Valley (standard room with 2 queen beds)
* 2-day lift pass
* Daily breakfast buffet
* Saturday night Italian dinner buffet

Cost: $820 for family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children 7-17) in a standard room with 2 queen beds

Adult non-skiers or pass holders may deduct $60 OFF trip price for no lift passes. Child (7-17) non-skiers or pass holders deduct $50 OFF the trip price for no lift passes. Under 4 years old are free, but do not count toward occupancy. 4-6 years old ski free, so deduct $50 for no lift passes needed.

*2 people to a room – $510 (1 adult, 1 child 7-17)
*3 people to a room – $660 (1 adult, 2 child 7-17)
*3 people to a room – $670 (2 adult, 1 child 7-17)
*4 people to a room – $820 (2 adult, 2 child 7-17)

Add $150 for child (7-17) over 4 people in a room
Add $160 for adult (17+) over 4 people in a room

Email Randy at randyhfriedman@gmail.com or call 617-970-3079 for any questions.

Full payment is needed to secure spots.  Make checks out to Seven Travel LLC and mail to Seven Travel LLC; ATTN: Randy Friedman; 7 Parker St; Newton MA 02459. Cancellations before January 13, 2017 are fully refundable. After January 13th, there is NO REFUNDS! Cancellations must be in writing.

IMPORTANT NOTE: ……this is not a chaperoned trip, nor instructions. You must ski with your children or arrange proper care or instruction. Ski school and/or day care are available through Bolton Valley.

For details, pricing, or any questions, contact:

Randy Friedman
7 Travel LLC
randyhfriedman@gmail.com
617-970-3079

Support Burr with Amazon Smile

Last minute holiday shopping?  If you shop on Amazon, use this Amazon Smile link and Burr PTO gets .5% back!  It's an easy way to support Burr AND get some holiday shopping done!  

Pickup and Drop-Off Rules

Just a few reminders about pickup and drop-off at school.  It often gets trickier in the winter and sometimes we need a little reminder.

There are many ways to get to school:  walk, bike, bus , and parent drop-off. At the beginning of the year and periodically throughout the year we especially need to talk about the blue zone and safety.

Just about anything anyone needs to know about getting to school can be found here on the Burr PTO website: http://burrpto.org/saferoutes/

Parking is a little confusing.  See this map for where you can park.  Please do not park in the Blue Zone.  There is also NO PARKING on one side of Washburn Street (the side closest to the school) so please do not park (or stand) there.  It makes the street very narrow when cars are parked on both sides.

BLUE ZONE:

The Blue Zone are the two zones (directly in front of the school and directly across from it) that are marked by signs and blue paint on the curb. These are the designated areas for parent drop off and pickup.

PLEASE abide by the Blue Zone rules to ensure that dismissal and drop off is as safe as possible for our children. 

Some helpful tips:

• Students in grade K-2 should be picked up on the school side of the road. This will ensure that the teachers see you pull up and can get your child to you quickly and safely.


• Any motor vehicle may stop in a Blue Zone location only long enough to let a child enter or exit the vehicle.


• There is no parking in the Blue Zone before or after school.
  


• 
  

  You can't get out "just to run them inside."

  
  


• 
  

  You can't wait in the Blue Zone while a second parent runs them in.

  
  


• You cannot wait in the Blue Zone to watch them go up the path and into the school.


• In the morning, you cannot wait in the car until 8:20 and then let them out. You must let the kids out of the car if you arrive before the doors open. They will wait outside. They will not melt or freeze. Promise.


• Never let children out the driver's side doors. Always on the curb side!
  

The very bottom line Blue Zone basics: Pull up to the front of the line, kids get out of car, you all wave, and off  you go.

The Blue Zone system doesn't work for everyone, so if you feel it won't work for you or your child, that's really OK. Just plan to walk, or leave enough time to park legally and walk your kids up to the school.

Related to the Blue Zone

• There is a "No Turning in Driveways" policy for cars. Since most of our students walk to school and cross two school driveways or the Gazebo driveway opposite the school, we can only be sure of their safety when cars do not pull into the driveways to reverse direction. It takes a little longer to continue around the block, but please do observe the rules to protect our children.


• Please DO NOT make u-turns anywhere.


• Please do not park in the teachers' parking lot. Parking is difficult at Burr. Trying to get to school to teach our kids and not being able to park would be a difficult start to anyone's morning.

Your generosity can make a difference

Your generosity can make a difference for thousands of Newton students. Donations from generous Newton businesses and individuals like you are enabling Newton Schools Foundation to fund a vast array of new and enhanced educational opportunities for our kids! Thanks to your support:

• 1,760 elementary school students have deepened their writing skills led by teachers trained by the NSF-funded Summer Writing Institute; this year middle school students are receiving similarly enhanced writing instruction.


• 780 tweens and teens have broader access to social and emotional supports through NSF-funded middle school advisory programs.


• 36 high school sophomores and juniors are taking exciting new interdisciplinary courses in STEAM through the DaVinci Program at Newton South, which was piloted last year and will continue to roll out to include seniors. At Newton North, 20 students/year are enrolled in an interdisciplinary Science and Society elective.


• More low-income students and students of color are achieving in advanced mathematics as 110 middle and high school students participate in the Calculus Project. An additional 30 rising seventh graders will enroll this summer.

Without your support, these programs—and many others funded by Newton Schools Foundation—would not be possible. Your partnership with Newton Schools Foundation will continue the good work of the Newton Public Schools to pilot and launch initiatives that promote academic achievement, social/emotional wellness and equity for Newton students across all grades in our 21 elementary, middle and high schools.

Please consider Newton Schools Foundation in your decisions about charitable giving this year. Donate today!

NewPAC meeting on December 14th

The next NewPAC meeting will include a presentation on Transition from Elementary to Middle School, with Newton staff members. We will discuss Newton’s citywide programs as well as neighborhood inclusion and support services and will have a panel discussion.

December 14th, 7:30 pm (refreshments and networking starting at 7:15 pm)
Room 210 at the Education Center, 100 Walnut Street

IMPORTANT: Please send an email to rsvp.newtonpac@gmail.com if you plan to attend. Last year this presentation and panel was very crowded, and we may need to move to a bigger room depending on the RSVPs. Please check www.newtonpac.org for any room changes.

Come Join the Parade!!

The Upper Falls neighborhood is having a party to celebrate the re-opening of the Elliot Street Bridge. Everyone, of all ages, is welcome to be in the parade – on one of the floats, in the kazoo choir, carrying one of the giant puppets, wearing one of the giant heads, etc.

If you want to be in the parade, arrive no later than 10:45 to the mill parking lot at the Eliot Street Bridge over the Charles River … or just come and watch the parade. In any case, everyone is urged to bring something loud to bang on – a drum, a pan and a spoon, two metal trash can covers etc.

Giant puppets, giant heads, a real miniature horse, live chickens, an antique fire truck, Santa Claus, kazoo choir, accappella singers, marching band, refreshments – don’t miss it!

December 17th, 11 AM – 12 noon

Sounds of the Season

Join VOICES Boston, Brookline’s premier children’s chorus, for the annual Sounds of the Season concert. The program will feature Benjamin Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols,” and many other holiday favorites, a true musical celebration.

You can purchase your tickets by following this link: Tickets. For more information about performances or auditions, visit www.voicesboston.org or contact Kathryn DiMaria at 857-366-0034 or kdimaria@voicesboston.org

December 17th, 3:00 pm
First Parish in Brookline

Sounds of the Season

Join VOICES Boston, Brookline’s premier children’s chorus, for the annual Sounds of the Season concert. The program will feature Benjamin Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols,” and many other holiday favorites, a true musical celebration.

You can purchase your tickets by following this link: Tickets. For more information about performances or auditions, visit www.voicesboston.org or contact Kathryn DiMaria at 857-366-0034 or kdimaria@voicesboston.org

December 17th, 3:00 pm
First Parish in Brookline

Media and the Mind: Parent Workshop

Take time out of the holiday rush to join an interactive workshop designed to help you understand the effects of media on the brain, learn ways to set limits on media use, and know what to focus on to keep your children happy, self-aware, and healthy. At this workshop, you will learn about “The Vital 5” – Five things to focus on to make sure your child’s brain is developing in an optimal way. You will have an opportunity to learn and develop ideas and strategies that work for your individual child or children and to get to know other parents in the community. Session Fee: $20, half of which goes to benefit the Waban Library Center.

To RSVP: Please email Amy at amy@amybehrens.com or follow this link: http://www.wabanlibrarycenter.org/parent-coaching-sessions-at-wlc/.

December 13th 7:30-9:30 pm
Waban Library Center, 1608 Beacon Street, Waban

 

Media and the Mind: Parent Workshop

Take time out of the holiday rush to join an interactive workshop designed to help you understand the effects of media on the brain, learn ways to set limits on media use, and know what to focus on to keep your children happy, self-aware, and healthy. At this workshop, you will learn about “The Vital 5” – Five things to focus on to make sure your child’s brain is developing in an optimal way. You will have an opportunity to learn and develop ideas and strategies that work for your individual child or children and to get to know other parents in the community. Session Fee: $20, half of which goes to benefit the Waban Library Center.

To RSVP: Please email Amy at amy@amybehrens.com or follow this link: http://www.wabanlibrarycenter.org/parent-coaching-sessions-at-wlc/.

December 13th 7:30-9:30 pm
Waban Library Center, 1608 Beacon Street, Waban

 

Free open gym

Rhythmic Dreams and Boston Rhythmic are pleased to offer a FREE Open Gym day! Come join them on December 20th from 1:30-3:00 pm for some fun with hoops, balls, clubs, and ribbons! Come stretch, dance, and play games, while discovering the beautiful sport of rhythmic gymnastics!

This Open Gym is ideal for Newton residents, and will take place at both the Needham (422 Hillside Avenue) and Watertown (30 Manley Way) facilities. To register, please email ada@rhythmicdreams.com or call 617-818-2397.

Free open gym

Rhythmic Dreams and Boston Rhythmic are pleased to offer a FREE Open Gym day! Come join them on December 20th from 1:30-3:00 pm for some fun with hoops, balls, clubs, and ribbons! Come stretch, dance, and play games, while discovering the beautiful sport of rhythmic gymnastics!

This Open Gym is ideal for Newton residents, and will take place at both the Needham (422 Hillside Avenue) and Watertown (30 Manley Way) facilities. To register, please email ada@rhythmicdreams.com or call 617-818-2397.

Registration for Newton SouthEast Little League (NSELL) Spring 2017 season is open!

Registration for new and returning players for Newton SouthEast Little League’s Spring 2017 season is now open. NSELL runs several programs in the spring, including T-ball (kindergarten and younger), Farm (1st and 2nd Grade), Minors (AA and AAA) and Majors.

Please visit the NSELL website  for additional details about the programs or click HERE  to register. If you have any questions or comments, please use the online feedback form HERE to send them to the league.

December Break Gymnastics program

Rhythmic Dreams and Boston Rhythmic are pleased to offer a full day December vacation program, December 28th – 31st, in Needham and Watertown! Kids ages 5-18 will learn rhythmic gymnastics tricks with ball, hoop, ribbons, and ropes, as well as flexibility and strength training. The kids will learn dances and perform them at the Needham First Night celebration in Needham City Hall- a real treat! All levels of experience are welcome! For more details please email info@rhythmicdreams.com or call 617-963-6672.

December Break Gymnastics program

Rhythmic Dreams and Boston Rhythmic are pleased to offer a full day December vacation program, December 28th – 31st, in Needham and Watertown! Kids ages 5-18 will learn rhythmic gymnastics tricks with ball, hoop, ribbons, and ropes, as well as flexibility and strength training. The kids will learn dances and perform them at the Needham First Night celebration in Needham City Hall- a real treat! All levels of experience are welcome! For more details please email info@rhythmicdreams.com or call 617-963-6672.

Mayor’s New Year’s Open House

Free Family entertainment by the American Chinese Art Society (a cultural gem of dance), Davey the Clown (juggling, magic & wacky antics) and Big Joe the Storyteller (laugh out loud funny). Also, Face Painting, Arts & Crafts and Refreshments courtesy of KIND Bars. Kids can climb aboard the awesome DPW trucks in front of City Hall.

Please contribute to Soldier’s Care Packages and help assemble them. People are also welcome at 9:00 am in the War Memorial Auditorium to help sort food for the Food Pantries., then come back for the festivities! Please bring a non-perishable item for the Newton Food Pantries. Details of requested items can be found at www.newtoncommunitypride.org

December 31st, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Newton City Hall, 1000 Commonwealth Avenue

Music Lessons with the Best Teachers in Newton are 10% Off!

For a limited time, the best music lessons with the best teachers in Newton are 10% Off!
Finally, get on track with that instrument you’ve always wanted to learn…with the kindest, most patient teachers around. Prepay for a full spring semester of private music lessons and enjoy a 10% discount off of the single-lesson price at The Conservatory at Highlands.

Piano, voice, violin, viola, cello, guitar, drums, bass, saxophone, flute, clarinet, ukulele, and many more! Sign up for rock bands, which meet weekly year-round; summer camps, where you can play your favorite songs with your peers led by professional musicians; or try out the state-of-the-art recording studio with audio production lessons and more.

The Conservatory at Highlands is locally owned and operated and offers a 21st-century music education that is equally inclusive and challenging taught by the best musicians in Boston. The Conservatory is your community music school, where we can all learn and develop the craft of music together. Stop in and check out their cool space at 51 Winchester Street in Newton Highlands.

Call 617-903-0944, visit www.highlandsconservatory.com, or email info@highlandsconservatory.com now!

Multiplication Mastery 2-Day Workshop!

Lack of multiplication mastery is like a stone that drags your child down whether he/she is doing word problems, fractions, long division, finding factors, etc. Fix this problem once and for all. This 2-Day Multiplication Hero Workshop is like no other. It’s innovative, unconventional, and it works!

Through a combination of clever visualization techniques, strategies, memory-reinforcement activities, games and match-offs, your child will HAVE A BLAST transforming into multiplication heroes at the end of the 2-day workshop. Register at www.MultiplicationHero.com Limited to 12 heroes-to-be per workshop. COST: $97.00 with a  100% DOUBLE-GUARANTEE: If your child is a) not having fun or b) not a multiplication hero by the end of the workshop, you are free to request a FULL refund.

Two workshops dates to choose from:
December 27th and 28th, 3:00 – 7:00 pm OR
December 29th and 30th, 3:00 – 7:00 pm
Mathnasium Math Learning Center
1349 Centre St, Newton Center

Thank You From Your 2016 Burr Book Fair!

Thank You From Your 2016 Burr Book Fair!

The Burr Book Fair would like to extend a Huge THANK YOU!!! to all the wonderful volunteers, teachers, staff and shoppers who stopped by to support us with their time and energy, purchases and donations.

At our week-long Book Fair, shoppers had a good time during our classroom hours, and our two special events: enjoying breakfast bagels generously donated by Finagle a Bagel and extra hours at our afterschool event.

We sold nearly 2,000 books and had an approximate net profit of close to $3,000 ($700+ in All for Books donations and Scholastic Dollars for books which benefited the Burr library, teachers, and students in need, and $2,100+, earmarked for PTO funding).

If you didn't have a chance to visit the Book Fair, no worries, you can still order on our Online Book Fair at http://www.scholastic.com/bf/burrnewton until Dec 18th.  However, please keep in mind that deliveries may not arrive until after the holidays. Scholastic suggests that orders through teachers be placed by December 12th for delivery to schools by December 19th.

Thank you ALL for helping us make this year's Book Fair a Big Success!  Happy Holidays!

Understanding Our Differences: Thank You & Upcoming Programs

Understanding Our Differences

Thank you to the following volunteers who have helped run the first three sessions of the Understanding Our Differences program so far this year:

Kristine Carey, Lisa Parker, Michael Grubb, Valerie Wastcoat, Colleen McIntyre, Valerie Miller, Anestis Pistofidis, Justine Fialkosky, Deborah Hill, Jen Sulewski, Ruchi Bhasin, Gina Quinn, Elise Person, Diana Gomberg and Kim Tulimieri.  We couldn’t have done it without them!If you haven’t volunteered, don’t fret!  You still have plenty of opportunities.

You can Be An Understanding Our Differences Presenter to the
Burr School 3rd 4th and 5th Graders for the upcoming programs:
3rd grade (Wednesday 9-11am)
February 1, 2017 -- Blindness/Low Vision
March 15, 2017 -- Deafness/Hard of Hearing

4th grade (Wednesday 9-11 am)
May 3, 2017 -- Chronic Medical Conditions

5th grade (Thursday 11:30-1pm activity; 2-2:30pm Guest Speaker)
January 12, 2016 – Autism

The goal of this citywide program is to increase information, understanding, and acceptance of people with disabilities and individual differences in our community.

Volunteers do not need to have children in a specific grade, teaching experience, or a medical background.  We will provide the training and materials.  You provide the fun!

Can you help out? Contact: Deanna Salemme: salemme@comcast.net or 617-877-7576.

Hockey for a great cause

Please come to the Newton South and Newton North Boys Varsity Hockey Scrimmage to benefit the Travis Roy Foundation. Cheer on your teams and support those affected by spinal cord injury and paralysis. All proceeds collected at the game will benefit the Travis Roy Foundation

DONATE NOW: Newton North and Newton South Boys Varsity Scrimmage – to benefit the Travis Roy Foundation

December 7th, 8:00 pm
John A. Ryan Arena, Watertown

Newton Family Singers presents “Happiness Is the Truth!”

Why do we sing? As Pharrell Williams says, “Because we’re happy!” Newton Family Singers explores joy and happiness with a concert of pop music with strong positive messages and irresistible melodies. Clap — and sing — along as they perform hit songs by Jason Mraz, Alicia Keys, Sara Bareilles and Newton’s own Rachel Platten. Even if you don’t recognize the songwriters, you and your kids will know and love the songs from the pop charts.

Tickets are $10/$8 for adults/kids and are available here:
http://newtonfamilysingers.seatyourself.biz/

December 11th, 4:00 pm
Ellsworth Theater of Pine Manor College

Computer Programming Workshop @ the Library

Check out these exciting computer programming workshop, meetups and lectures coming up in the next weeks and months.

Teen Coding Meetups, 2:30-4:30 pm, Meeting Room A: Do you know the basics of coding and are now looking to extend your skill set while meeting like-minded teens in an informal environment? Keep on coding at this new series for teens in grades 6-12. Open to any teen with an understanding of the core elements of coding: variables, conditionals, loops, and functions. No registration required, just drop by! They have a limited number of laptops, so please bring a laptop if you can. 2016-2017 Meetups: December 4th and 18th, January 8th and 22nd, February 5th, 12th, and 26th, March 12th and 26th, April 9th and 23rd, May 7th and 21st, and June 4th.

Python in the 21st Century, December 14, 7:00 pm, Druker Auditorium: Are you trying to help your child decide which computer language to learn? Do you know a young person who is interested in engineering topics? Are you studying programming outside of school? As the library plans future computer science course offerings, they will be adding Python-focused courses to our activity schedule. The Python programming language is used widely by professional software engineers yet is also very friendly to beginners. Join a presentation on what Python is used for in the real world, led by Robyn Allen. Robyn holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from MIT and is an energy innovator and entrepreneur based in Boston, MA. Open to all ages.

Python Workshops, Wednesdays, January 18th and 25th and February 1st, 8th, and 15th, 4:00 pm, second floor Computer Center: Can Python programs be fun to write? YES! In these workshops you’ll work individually and as a class to write a few fun applications in Python. No prior experience in coding is necessary. This is a series of five workshops. Students who attend at least 4 out of 5 sessions will receive a certificate of completion. Grades 7-12. Online registration begins three weeks before each session.

January 18th: Write a program to generate a random password
January 25th: Write a program which lets the user play a text-based adventure game
February 1st: Write a program to test mental math skills (this program, if time permits, may include database basics)
February 8th: Write a program to automatically read the article headlines from a popular news website
February 15th: Write a program to make a poem from a random set of the words in said headlines

Get in the Game! Register NOW for Newton Girls Softball

Registration is underway for Newton Girls Softball’s 2017 Spring season. This is a recreational league for over 300 Newton girls in grades Kindergarten – 7. Every year, players of all skill levels have a fun and rewarding experience.

Visit the website www.NewtonGirlsSoftball.org for more details and access to on-line registration. Register before January 31st to avoid a late fee (February 28th is the last date you can register with guaranteed placement and pair-me-with requests).

Etiquette Boot Camp for Kids & Teens!

Get your child in shape for the next family dinner, social gathering or formal event with Etiquette Boot Camp. The course is specifically developed for two different age groups, 7-12 and 13-17, and will teach participants how to start and maintain conversations with adults and peers, how to introduce themselves, when to interrupt and much more. Participants will learn how to set the table, use their napkin, pass food and use utensils the European and American way.

The four-hour program is interactive, thought-provoking and fun, and will focus on topics such as good manners, table manners, conversation skills, and interview, cell phone and social media etiquette. The fee is $199.00. For more information and to enroll visit theetiquetteacademy.org or call 617-608-3920.

Etiquette Boot Camp for Kids (Ages 7-12) will take place from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and Etiquette Boot Camp for Young Adults (Ages 13-17) will take place from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

December 18th
Residence Inn Boston Harbor on Tudor Wharf
34-44 Charles River Avenue

Violin teacher

Newton South high school sophomore available to tutor violin. She has studied violin for eight years and played in both public school and regional orchestras for many years. Clara can help your child learn basic technique and theory–and make it fun!
Available Saturday afternoons. $20 per hour.

Please contact Clara at cboberg429@gmail.com.

Piano teacher

Bachelor of Music in Composition from Berklee College of Music, Master of Music in Jazz Studies from New England Conservatory with 30+ years teaching experience. Learn Jazz/Blues/Classical, theory, sightreading. Build a high quality musical foundation with a patient, upbeat, and caring instructor. Beginners especially welcome. Have a positive and successful learning experience. Phone Gloria Jasinski at 617-566-9704 or email: piano566@comcast.net.

 

Tutor available

Former Brookline and Concord teacher with 25 years experience in grades
PreK-12 is available to support students in elementary, middle and high school academic subjects, study, and organizational skills. Certified Reading and Executive Functioning specialist. Excellent parent and professional references.

Please contact Cynthia Carpenter at 978-952-8871 or cscarp@gmail.com.

Tutor available

ActiveMinds Tutoring, LLC: Your source for in-home tutoring. Effective, personalized and convenient. All grades/all subjects, including test preparation. Sign your child up today for academic success! Call 617- 227-2225 or email info@activemindstutoring.com. Please visit the website at www.activemindstutoring.com.

Call Y3K Tutor in your home today…

When schoolwork goes the wrong way!

Their many years of experience in teaching and educational consulting has developed the right way to motivate, the right way to teach, be understood, and be remembered. Y3K tutors special ed. such as ADD, ADHD, Asperger’s, Autism, Executive Function, and gifted, regular ed. and test preparation. In addition to academic subjects, they teach children organizational skills, homework coaching, study skills, and time management.

All subjects and ages are taught. Parents can now receive 25% off the first lesson. Call 781-492-8700 or visit http://www.Y3KTutorInYourHome.com.

Creative Arts and Sciences Welcomes the Wingmasters: North American Birds of Prey (1st Grade)

North American birds of prey are also known as raptors, and their unique characteristics help them to hunt prey. Raptors also have the best eyesight and the sharpest hearing in the animal kingdom. Raptors include eagles, hawks, falcons and owls, and this presentation will incorporate five live birds and give an overview of these different birds of prey. Students will learn about predation, the raptors’ place at the top of the food web, their different hunting adaptations, and their often endangered status in a rapidly changing world.



Tuesday, December 13, 2016

10:30am – 11:30am in the Cafetorium: All Classes (Ms. Espinal, Ms. Fitch, and Ms. Golden)

Creative Arts and Sciences programs are fully funded by the Burr School PTO. Parents are welcome to attend, but no younger siblings please.

Wolf Fund at 65% of Goal!

Thank you for the 97 families who have donated $14,215 to the Wolf Fund so far! That is 65% of the way to this year's financial goal of raising $22,000. The generosity of our community and support for our school is incredible!



 

There is still time to make your contribution. You can contribute by sending a check into school in your child's folder or donate online using this link: http://burrpto.org

Thank you to everyone who has contributed and who will contribute. Every contribution matters!