The High School Start Time Working Group reported on feedback from stakeholders about scenarios under consideration and made a presentation to School Committee on January 23rd. The report on community feedback has been reissued to included feedback from Newton Public Schools teachers and staff and a presentation has also been posted.
Please visit the Newton Public Schools web site for full information:
www.newton.k12.ma.us/laterstarttime
The popular art & music class for children ages 18 months to 4 years with an adult is thriving in the Newton Cultural Center at City Hall! A terrific way to learn, have fun and make friends – and that’s not just for the kids! Parents, nannies and grandparents enjoy this long-running program also. Children make creative and enriching art projects and enjoy singing and fun with beloved performer David Polansky.
The classes fill up very quickly, so don’t wait! Classes are weekdays, 9:30 – 11:15 am, January 30th – June 2nd. There are still spaces on Tuesday and Thursday. 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 Time for Partners and choose your day. Or call 617-796-1540 for more information.
The Williams Elementary School PTO is holding a HUGE auction fundraiser with tons of donations from many wonderful organizations, both locally and around the North East. You’ll find items for restaurants, camps, gyms, salons, hotels, classes, museums, theaters,and so much more! There is something for all ages, interests and budget. The auction will take place from January 28th -February 5th (10:00 pm) at https://www.biddingforgood.com/williamspto/2017.
Thank you for supporting Williams! Please help spread the word!
Mason-Rice Spring Online Auction is Now Open and runs through January 31st. Find something good for yourself while benefitting Mason-Rice’s 500+ Elementary Students. Get a bargain on one of many camps. They have incredible overnight camps in Maine, New Hampshire and the Berkshires as well as wonderful day camps such as BC Ladies Eagle Soccer, Belmont Hill. Fessenden, Meadowbrook, Michals Hockey, Ten Acre and More! Treat yourself by purchasing a gift certificate for a local restaurant or business. Start the New Year off with healthy options for your mind and body with a fitness or yoga class or a personalized massage. Pick up museum or theatre tickets. Check out the auction for these interesting items and many more exciting ones at:
https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/auctionhome.action?auctionId=267626132
Come into the Chipotle at 300 Needham Street in Newton on February 1st from 4:00 – 8:00 pm and tell the cashier you’re supporting the Newton South H.S. Model U.N. Club. The club will earn 50% of your total order. Thank you!
February Vacation Week Math Camp at Mathnasium. Choose any 2, 3, 4 or 5 day option. Programs are individualized to student needs: Addition Mastery, Multiplication Hero, Fabulous Fractions, Decimals, Percents, MCAS practice. Maximum 4 students per Instructor. Cost: $49.00 – $65.00/day. 100% money-back guarantee if your child is not having fun. If it’s not fun, it’s not Mathnasium. Details at: www.mathsense.com/boost.
Grab your friends and come on down to the Paint Bar on March 9th to support Newton South teacher Holly Kee’s Boston Marathon run for Newton Schools Foundation. Holly, a Southside Program Aide and mentor with the Dreamfar High School Marathon program, is running this year’s Boston Marathon to raise funds for Newton Schools Foundation. The money raised will enable the Newton Public Schools to pilot and expand innovative programs, enhance teacher training, and help close the achievement gap.
So have a drink and a bite and get your creative mojo on!
March 9th at 6:30 pm
The Paint Bar
823 Washington Street in Newtonville
Sign-up today—space is limited! To reserve your spot, go to https://www.thepaintbar.com/newton/mar-2017/advreg030917nv630 . Be sure to type “Newton Schools Foundation” in the space the asks with whom you’d like to sit.
You can visit Holly Kee’s fundraising page at https://www.crowdrise.com/hollys-run-for-newton-schools-foundation/fundraiser/keesterkee For more on Newton Schools Foundation, go to www.NewtonSchoolsFoundation.org or visit us on Facebook.
Keep the music in your summer! Sign up now for The Conservatory’s cool and creative music camps and special strings camp and get the early bird 10% discount.
Music Camp
Creative, musical, and fun day camp filled with music theory and ear training; ensemble practice (rock band, jazz, or chamber); and recording, songwriting, and beat-making for ages 6 and up; all instruments and skill levels welcome! Bring your own lunch and snacks. No nuts, please.
Cost: $425/week (July 4th week discounted to $339) Register before April 1st for the early bird 10% discount! Visit highlandsconservatory.com or call 617 – 903 – 0944.
Camp sessions are Monday-Friday, June 26th through August 25th , 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (except July 4th week, which runs for four days); Friday concert
Special Strings Camp
Join Conservatory strings teacher, Debbie Apple, for a day camp filled with singing, games, orchestra, history, theory, practice, guest artists, and performances! Strings Camp is open to students who have been playing for one year or more. The camp runs from July 10th through July 14th, from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm with a concert on Friday from 2:00 – 3:00 pm. Cost for the camp is $425/week. Register at highlandsconservatory.com or call 617 – 903 – 0944 before April 1st for the early bird 10% discount!
The Conservatory at Highlands, 51 Winchester Street, Newton
Looking for a great overnight summer camp where your creative 9-16 year-old can thrive? Find out why Maine Arts Camp could be the perfect choice.
A small camp community that’s big on empathy, quality instruction and personal growth.
Outstanding facilities. Located on the beautiful campus of Colby College, Maine Arts Camp provides access to state-of- the-art studios and performing spaces, a commercial kitchen, tennis courts, fields, lake frontage, and more.
Exceptional creative opportunities. Campers choose a schedule of 10 activities from an
extensive program covering visual arts, theatre, music, dance, culinary arts, robotics and
rocketry, film-making, individual sports and more. Take existing talents to new levels and
explore new ones!
2 or 4 week sessions in July.
To find out more, please visit the website at www.maineartscamp.com, email Camp Director Rick Mades at maineartscamprick@gmail.com, and/or join us at one of our upcoming information meetings in Newton.
February 5th, 10:00 am-12 noon and February 10th, 8:00 – 10:00 am
The Farm at Chestnut Hill, 99 Florence Street, Newton
| ori | from the root of the Japanese verb "to fold," oru |
| gami | from the Japanese word for paper, kami |
| dō | the word for "way" or "path" |
Newton Girls Softball, a recreational league for Newton girls in grades Kindergarten – 7, provides an experience that fosters positive self-esteem, team spirit, and individual growth through personal achievement and as a team member. Players of all skill levels will have a fun and rewarding experience.
Please visit www.NewtonGirlsSoftball.org for more details and/or to register on-line. First deadline is coming up:
January 31st: Deadline to register without paying a late fee.
February 28th: Deadline to register (late fee applied) with guaranteed placement and pair-me-with requests.
After February 28th: Placed on wait list without “pair-me-with” rights
Opening Day: April 30th
For any questions about the league or Spring Rec softball, please email Rec Director Jeanmarie at jpatriacca@gmail.com.
Happy Birthday Mozart Concert, an evening of everything BUT classical music!
Come warm up at Newton South’s Seasholes Auditorium on Friday, January 27th at 7:00 pm for a fun-filled evening of music and dance! Performing will be students from: Plaid Stepdad (indie music), Old News (American standards), Euphonic (a cappella), the Wes Silver Experience (jazz) and the South Asian Student Association Zamaana dance troupe (Bollywood).
Tickets are $5.00 at the door, with concessions available at intermission. Great mix of fun for the whole family!
You are invited to the New Philharmonia Family Concert to benefit the Newton Schools Foundation and Suzuki School of Newton.
The New Philharmonia Orchestra featuring Newton residents Ken-David Masur, conductor and Melinda Lee Masur, pianist will give back to the community through this special family concert! With a life-long interest in making music accessible and a part of everyone’s world, Ken, Melinda and the New Phil are committed to sharing the proceeds of this program with Newton Schools Foundation funded Instrumental Music Enrichment Program at Lincoln-Eliot Elementary School the Suzuki School of Newton Scholarship Fund.
The program will include:
Adults $25.00, Seniors $20.00, Students $10.00, Family of 4 $50.00, Sponsor Premium Seating $100.00. Tickets can be purchased at www.newphil.org.
February 12th, 3:00 pm
“Hi, My name is Abigail Miller. I am in eleventh grade at Newton South High School. Right now, I am running an instrument donation drive, because I really enjoy playing music and hope that I can help others get the chance to love it as much as I do. Through a partnership with Berklee College of Music, the instruments I collect will be donated to local nonprofit organizations and schools who provide music education to underserved populations.
Berklee’s Office of Community and Government relations oversees a donation program to donate quality computer hardware, musical instruments, and production equipment to communities in need. Examples of their partner organizations include the Boys and Girls Clubs, various Boston Public Schools, the Haley House, Girls Rock Campaign and several locations of YMCAs.
If you have instruments that you are no longer using and may like to donate, please contact me at music.drive@yahoo.com. For more information or questions, you can visit instrumentdonationdrive.blogspot.com or shoot me an email. Thank you very much!”
Newton Theatre Company performs “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown”. The show follows a typical day in the life of Charlie Brown, along with his beloved dog Snoopy and the rest of your favorite Peanuts characters. Will Charlie Brown ever get a valentine, pitch a winning baseball game, or get up the nerve to talk to that red-headed girl? Come to the show to find out. Sing along with the Gang’s all-time favorite songs, including ‘Happiness’.
A terrific family show, perfect for children of all ages. Meet and greet the characters after the show! Tickets are $15.00/$10.00 in advance at www.newtoncommunitypride.org or $20.00/$15.00 at the door. More information at www.newtontheatrecompany.com
February 3rd, 7:30 pm
February 4th, 7:30 pm
February 5th, 2:00 pm
Newton Cultural Center in Newton City Hall
1000 Commonwealth Avenue
Mason-Rice Spring Online Auction is Now Open and runs through February 9th. Find something good for yourself while benefiting 500+ Elementary Students. Get a bargain on one of many camps including incredible overnight camps in Maine, New Hampshire and the Berkshires as well as wonderful day camps such as BC Ladies Eagle Soccer, Belmont Hill. Fessenden, Meadowbrook, Michals Hockey, Ten Acre and More!
Treat yourself with a gift certificate for a local restaurant or business. Start the New Year off with healthy options for your mind and body with a fitness or yoga class or a personalized massage. Pick up museum or theatre tickets. Check out the auction for these interesting items and many more exciting ones at:
https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/auctionhome.action?auctionId=267626132
Learn strategies for building body confidence in your child. Come learn 5 strategies for success. Children who feel good about their bodies are:
Please RSVP to Rebecca Manley at rmanley@medainc.org
March 1st, 9:30-10:30 am
288 Walnut Street, Suite 130
Learn strategies for building body confidence in your child. Come learn 5 strategies for success. Children who feel good about their bodies are:
Please RSVP to Rebecca Manley at rmanley@medainc.org
March 1st, 9:30-10:30 am
288 Walnut Street, Suite 130
If you would like to find out whether Maine Arts Camp is the right place for your child or teen to indulge their creative spirit, explore new horizons, and make lifelong friendships this summer, take the opportunity to meet with the Director, Rick Mades, who will be in town this week, and happy to meet and answer any questions.
Maine Arts Camp is a small community that makes a big impact! Located on the beautiful campus of Colby College, MAC offers outstanding opportunities for high quality instruction from professional educators, with access to state-of-the-art facilities to support the program of activities in visual and performing arts, culinary arts, filmography, robotics and more. A camper-to- staff ratio of 3:1 means that campers get the personal attention they need to thrive and grow as artists and individuals. If you would like to know more, please visit www.maineartscamp.com . Email Anabel Cable with any questions or to set up a meeting.
Provide your feedback. Participate in Mosesian Center for the Arts’s Education Survey here: SURVEY
Don't Forget to Register for the STEM Fair!
Burr Night at Fenway Park, Thursday, May 25th
Burr K-5 Youth Basketball Academy by Professional Coach
Sign up at bit.ly/burrschool for 7 professional one-hour training sessions on Tuesday evenings @ Burr Gym!
Varsity coach Vincent Johnson runs this basketball academy.
Temple Shalom Nursery School presents its annual fundraising concert featuring beloved local band, Josh & the Jamtones! Move and groove to a mostly-acoustic version of Josh & the Jamtones! music guaranteed to get kids and their families all singing, shaking, and belly laughing together.
Tickets are $28.00 per family. Order online or purchase at the door.
Temple Shalom of Newton, 175 Temple Street
January 16th, 10:45 am – 12:00 pm (Doors open at 10:15 am)
10:45 am – 11:30 am Concert by Josh & the Jamtones
11:30 am – 12:00 pm Pizza and other snacks for sale & activities with MyGym
Please join the Newton Cantonese School in celebrating Chinese New Year, the Year of the Rooster. There will be a lion dance, student performances, and games. To learn more, please go to www.newtoncantoneseschool.org.
As background, Newton Cantonese School (NCS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has existed since 1978. Its goal is to teach the Cantonese dialect, reading and writing of the Chinese language, and celebrate Chinese culture. The school’s Saturday language program currently enrolls 150 students, ranging from ages 5 to 15 years old. As the only Cantonese-focused language school in Massachusetts, the program connects a widespread community of Newton residents and families across the state, including inner city Boston and towns an hour away.
January 21st, 9:30 am – 12:00 noon
Bigelow Middle School, 42 Vernon Street
The Girl Scouts are hosting a Winter Bash event at their camp property in Waltham later this month and are happy to invite girls in grades K-3 and their families to this event. Please see the flyer HERE for details.
January 29th, 1:00 – 2:30 pm
The show follows a typical day in the life of Charlie Brown, along with his beloved dog Snoopy and the rest of your favorite Peanuts characters. Will Charlie Brown ever get a valentine, pitch a winning baseball game, or get up the nerve to talk to that red-headed girl? Come to the show to find out.
Sing along with the Gang’s all-time favorite songs, including ‘Happiness’. A terrific family show, perfect for children of all ages. Meet and greet the characters after the show! Tickets are $15.00/$10.00 in advance at www.newtoncommunitypride.org or $20.00/$15.00 at the door. More information at www.newtontheatrecompany.com
February 3rd, 7:30 pm; Febriuary 4th, 7:30 pm; February 5th, 2:00 pm
Newton Cultural Center
Newton City Hall, 1000 Commonwealth Avenue
Are you wondering if your child is ready? Are you wondering how to figure out what is the best fit for your child? Are you not sure how long to send your child? This presentation will help you understand the many benefits of overnight camp. You will learn what to ask when speaking with different directors, what to look for when you go on tours. This presentation will help you eliminate some of your anxieties about sending your child away to overnight camp.
This workshop is presented by Jill Vetstein, a licensed clinical mental health therapist specializing in children. She has a B.S in Education and a Masters in Social Work and is also a writer, blogger, professional speaker and a mother. Jill has been working with parents and children in many settings for over 25 years. Jill has over 20 years of experience in the camping world both as a camper and as a professional.
This is a lecture to help parents get general information about readiness for overnight camp and to answer questions and allay anxieties. It is not representing any camp in particular. Camp Specialists is a FREE referral service to help families find the best fit for their child and has no bias for one specific camp over another. For more information on the services, please email naomigoldman@campspecialists.com.
Feb 8th, 7:00 pm dessert reception; 7:30 pm presentation
Needham Historical Society, 1147 Central Ave, Needham
Registration is now open for summer programs at the Newton Community Farm. Preschool through High School, including new additions for 2017.
Register for week long programs before March 18th for the Early Bird Discount.
www.newtoncommunityfarm.org/education
Financial assistance available for qualifying applicants. Questions? Please contact Alison Scorer, Education Director at education@newtoncommunityfarm.org.
Tickets on sale now for Romeo and Juliet! Part one of WCT’s Winter 2017 production series exploring love in its many forms…
Buy tickets online or call Brown Paper Tickets at 800-838-3006
February 3rd, 7:00 pm
February 4th, 7:00 pm
February 5th, 1:00 pm
MainStage Theater at the Mosesian Center for the Arts
Register now for School Vacation Programs! WCT Youth Theatre at the Mosesian Center for the Arts in Watertown.
February Vacation
Around the World (K-8) Register here
Teen Ceramics Intensive and More (Gr. 9-12) Register here
Teen 12-Hour Theatre Project (Gr. 9-12) Register here
Please join Mayor Setti Warren, the Newton Clergy Association, the Newton School Department and The Foundation For Racial, Ethnic, & Religious Harmony at this special event.
Each year the event brings together elected officials, the business community, volunteer service clubs, health and human service organizations, the Newton schools, religious congregations and other members of the Newton community to voice our support of the philosophy that all people should be treated with dignity and respect.
Newton’s diversity is evidenced by the fact that over sixty different linguistic groups are represented within the City’s School system. A broad variety of backgrounds and cultures are spread among Newton’s thirteen villages. The mix of the many races, creeds, and ethnicities in our community is a treasured resource to be nurtured, protected and celebrated.
This past year, with two publicized incidents of racist and anti-Semitic behavior. Newton’s leadership jumped in quickly to take corrective action with the offenders, and sent us all a reminder of the ideals noted above.
An important part of the Celebration is the initiative of the Newton Rotary Club to answer the call from the Newton Food Pantries by donating toiletry items as noted on the Celebration flyer.
We are reminded of the words of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., ” Life’s Most Persistent and Urgent Question is, What are We Doing for Others”. In response to this question, Rotary members will be providing boxes at the event for attendees to drop off their donations. Drop-offs after the Celebration may be made at the office of The Presti Group Realty, 701 Washington Street in Newton.
January 16th, 9:30 am
Temple Beth Avodah
45 Puddingstone Lane, Newton Centre
The Williams Elementary School PTO is holding a HUGE auction fundraiser with tons of donations from many wonderful organizations, both locally and around the North East. You’ll find items for restaurants, camps, gyms, salons, hotels, classes, museums, theaters,
and so much more! There is something for all ages, interests and budget.
The auction will be live January 28th – February 5th at https://www.biddingforgood.com/williamspto/2017
The Newton Community Preservation Committee’s next meeting has been moved to January 19th, in City Hall Room 204. The meeting will start at 7:45 pm. A public hearing will start at 8:00 pm on a design funding request for the Crescent Street affordable housing & community park project (West Newton/Auburndale). The proposal is online from www.newtonma.gov, under “Proposals & Projects – Pending.” For assistance, contact Alice Ingerson, Program Manager, at aingerson@newtonma.gov or 617-796-1144.
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! Tuesdays, 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”. Tuesdays, 2:15- 3:00 pm
Now Registering kids in Grades 2 – 5 for the Spring Session. Bring your own instrument or contact teacher for rental. Register at 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.
Tuesdays, January 31st – April 4th at the Newton Cultural Center at City Hall
Newton Parks and Recreation invites you to their Camp Fair. Talk with camp managers from Newton Parks and Recreation, staff from Newton Public Schools S.P.A.C.E. Camp, instructors at Newton Community Education Summer Programs, and representatives from Historic Newton and the Newton Free Library to see what is being offered in Newton this summer. For more information go to www.newtonma.gov/parks and click on the Summer Camp Fair link.
January 29th (snow date February 5th) from 12:00 – 4:00 pm
Newton North High School Cafeteria.
Would you like to learn to knit? Do you know the basics but are ready to move beyond a scarf? Or have you finished a couple of projects and are ready to learn some new techniques and become more confident? Sign up now for an adults-only knitting class taught by an experienced teacher.
In these friendly classes, beginners will develop a strong foundation of skills so that they can continue knitting many different types of projects. You’ll learn how to: cast on, knit, purl, create a border, read a pattern, identify and fix common mistakes, and bind off. More experienced knitters can expand their skills to cables, lace, chart reading, and/or socks.
To register, email the instructor at maryannhill82@gmail.com. Payment information, address, and a short list of materials to bring to the first class will be sent promptly. Click here to learn more.
Cost is $75.00 for a 5-class Flex Pass (attend when your schedule permits)
Location: Instructor’s home in Newton Centre
Tuesday evenings beginning January 24th, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
OR Wednesday mornings beginning January 11th, 10 am – noon
If you’re the woman who dropped off a lovely afghan to be mended, please let Mary Ann know. It’s all fixed, but she can’t find your contact information!
Create Digital Art with Fresh Paint Beginner
Students 8–12 will learn to create and share their own digital art with the Fresh Paint app for Windows 10. They’ll explore the basics of Fresh Paint, using lifelike oil and watercolors, pastels, and more to craft their own creations.
January 10th, 17th, 24th, or 31st, 5:00-7:00 pm
Create Digital Art with Fresh Paint Intermediate
Students 13 and older will use an array of tools to create lifelike paintings, original drawings, collages, and so much more. They’ll explore more advanced skills like blending paint colors and layering mixed media to create their own unique works of art.
January 11th, 18th,25th or February 1st, 6:30-8:30 pm
Minecraft Events
Minecraft Build Challenge: This free workshop at your local Microsoft Store lets players of every age join a team to create something epic before the clock runs out.
Minecraft Hour of Code – Designer: Program animals and other Minecraft creatures in your own version of Minecraft.
Minecraft Hour of Code – Adventurer: Use code to take Alex or Steve on an adventure.
Free trial classes at Lasell College. Lessons for girls and boys, entry ages 1st thru 5th grades. $79.00 per 7-Week Session, free uniform upon enrolling. For more information please see kids-karate.org or leave message at 617-527-8052.
February 10th, 5:00-6:00 pm or February 11th, 10:00-11:00 am.
Do you ever feel frustrated with your child? Find yourself shouting often and imposing punishments or rewards in reaction to challenging behavior? Do you wish you had a more effective parenting approach that also helps to build a better relationship between you and your child?
The Think:Kids Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) parenting approach provides parents with concrete tools to better understand and parent their kids in the face of day-to-day challenges – e.g., getting to school, homework, screen time – and more serious challenges.
CPS helps parents to:
For more information and to register for an upcoming CPS workshop in Brookline or Needham, please visit BeTheParentYouWantToBe.weebly.com
Students will take on the role of city planners as they develop the City of Newton with residential, commercial, and institutional buildings, as well as parks and green spaces. They’ll need to make sure their city plans meet the needs of its residents!
What is the difference between a rock and a mineral? How do rocks and minerals form? Handle several large specimens representing the three basic rock types. Grow your own crystals and make a sedimentation chamber.
Monday, January 9
Presentations will take place in the Music Room.
Join us! Parents are encouraged to attend, but no younger siblings, please. Thank you for your cooperation.
All Creative Arts & Sciences programs are fully funded by your generous donations to the Burr PTO and the Burr Wolf Fund. To donate, go to Burr PTO.org and click on "Donate."
The next NewtonSERVES day of service will be held Sunday April 30th! SAVE THE DATE….. more details to follow!
