Softball registration deadline

Newton Girls Softball, a recreational league with over 300 Newton girls, is committed to providing 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.

In addition to age group divisions for players in Grades 1 – 7, the league offers T-Ball. Open to all girls in Grade Kindergarten who live in Newton or attend a Newton Public School, this program is a fun introduction to softball. Sessions consist of 30 minutes of skill development rolling into a short 45 minute game on six Saturday afternoons. Will your kindergartner join her friends in the excitement of learning softball?

February 28th is the last date to register with guaranteed placement and pair-me-with requests. After February 28th: Placed on wait list without “pair-me-with” rights. Please visit www.NewtonGirlsSoftball.org for more details and to register on-line.

Opening Day Grades 1-7:  April 30th
Opening Day T-Ball: May 6th

Newton Community Preservation Committee

The next Newton Community Preservation Committee meeting will include a final report on a 2-unit affordable housing project at Taft Avenue in West Newton, plus approval of the Fy18 annual budget and other committee business.

For details, see the program website at www.newtonma.gov/cpa or contact Program Manager Alice Ingerson at 617-796-1144 or aingerson@newtonma.gov.

March 9th, 7:00 pm
Newton City Hall Room 204

Don’t miss Theatre Ink’s Fiddler on the Roof

Set in the little village of Anatevka, the story centers on Tevye, a poor milkman, and his five daughters. With the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and instill in them traditional values in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia. Rich in historical and ethnic detail, Fiddler on the Roof‘s universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion, leaving audiences crying tears of laughter, joy and sadness.

Based on Sholem Aleichem stories by special permission of Arnold Perl, book by Joseph Stein, music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick.

Purchase Tickets $10.00/$14.00/$16.00 for reserved seating. Pay by cash, check or credit card in person or with a credit card at Theatreink.net.

If not sold out, Tickets will be available at the Box Office 1 hour before the performance. Tickets also available at Newton North: March 3rd, 10th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 10:50 am – 1:00 pm。

If you have special seating, audio needs or general questions, please contact
adam_brown@newton.k12.ma.us for accommodations。The March 19th performance will be ASL interpreted。

Performances
March 16th, 17th, 18th, 7:30 pm
March 19th，2:00 pm
Newton North High School Performing Arts Center

What’s Happening at the Y

Kids Night Out  for ages 7-13 – Friday, March 10th, 6:00-10:00 pm
Parents: Drop off your kids for a fun Friday night with YMCA qualified child care staff. We order pizza for dinner and keep the children entertained with games, swimming, movies and sports. $25.00 per child for members and $30.00 for non-members. A 20% discount is offered per child for those with two or more children. Go out for the night and take advantage of this low-cost alternative to hiring a babysitter.

Shop for a Cause at Bloomingdale’s – Friday,  March 10th, 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Join the West Suburban YMCA at Bloomingdale’s Chestnut Hill for our first ever Shop for a Cause event! Bloomingdale’s will donate 10% of your purchase (on anything excluding rugs and furniture!) to the Y’s Annual Campaign. For more information, contact Rosie Carey at 617-244-6050 x3099

FREE Family Fun Night at the Y- Tuesday, March 14th,  from 7:00 – 8:00 pm
Join in an hour of free family fun! Family Fun Nights are open to the community. All are welcome to enjoy gym activities, a bouncy house and snacks courtesy of The Belmont Savings Bank Foundation.

Spring Programs

Early Spring program registration is currently open to all! With Early Spring programs just starting up, late spring registration takes place on April 3rd for members and April 7th for non-members. Program options include:

· Learn to swim – swimming lessons for all ages including Parent & Child classes
· Lifeguard Training Certification Classes
· Sports Leagues – Spring YBA Basketball, Soccer, Flag Football
· School Vacation Week Programs
· Adult Sports Leagues – Pick-Up Basketball, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball
· Music and Creative Arts programs
· Personal Training and Small Group Training

Visit wsymca.org to download a copy of our Early & Late Program Spring Guide, or stop by the Y and we can help you register.

Discover Camp – Registration is Open for all Camps!
All summer long, the West Suburban YMCA keeps kids engaged and safe with our camp programs. We inspire kids to work and play together, creating friendships that can last a lifetime, and we make sure all kids feel welcome and comfortable being themselves. Registration is currently open for all WSYMCA summer camps.

Day Camps – Weekly sessions, Monday-Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Daily Swim lessons are included and extended care is available both in the morning and afternoon.

Camp Chickami is a traditional outdoor camp located in Wayland, MA welcoming boys and girls ages 6-15. Bus transportation is available from the West Suburban YMCA and stops throughout Newton.

Camp Pikati, located at the West Suburban YMCA, welcomes kids between the ages of 3-15 years with a half-day option for our youngest campers (ages 3-4). Pikati campers enjoy weekly themes in the traditional camp program, or they can participate in Pikati Sports Camp.

Overnight Camp – Camp Frank A. Day is located in East Brookfield, MA and welcomes boys and girls ages 7-15. Spanning 52 acres, Camp Frank A. Day has direct lake access with a beachfront, athletic fields, modern cabins, basketball courts, climbing towers and all the facilities needed to run a fun and safe summer camp.

For more information on summer camps, join us at the Y on Saturday, March 11th, 12:00 – 2:00 pm or contact campings@wsymca.org, or call 617-244-6050 x 3008.

Financial Assistance is always available for Y Memberships and Programs
The West Suburban YMCA is a non-profit charitable organization and it is our mission to never turn anyone away due to their inability to pay. Please contact our Membership Department at 617-244-6050 x3653 for financial assistance with membership or program participation.

Newton Spelling Bee

The buzz is…the Newton Spelling Bee is back! The fun and educational Spelling Bee for Newton elementary school children is back for its 10th year! Just in case you haven’t already signed up, there are five dates for the Bees, with multiple grade sessions on each day, March 6th, 7th, 13th, 20th, and 27th.

Each grade session is a separate Bee with a first and second place prize donated by Learning Express. Every speller receives a goody bag to celebrate their hard work. There are a few spots left. Please register on line at www.newtoncommunitypride.org for $10.00.

Free Storytime at the Museums

– Free for kids (18 months to 6 years old), parents, & caregivers.
– Programs include reading from children’s book, activity, & museum takeaway.
– Focus on play, Newton history, literacy, & lessons from our two museums.
– Morning at 10:30 am & Evening at 7:00 pm, lasting 30-45 minutes.

March 1st, 10:30 am in the Library: In this first installment of our exciting new Storytime at the Museum program, preschoolers and their caregivers will learn how much fun a library can be with Amelia Bedelia, Bookworm. Children will then be invited to create their own book, which can be added to each time they come back for Storytime. This program will be held in the Dewing Library Exhibit at the Durant-Kenrick House & Grounds. Learn More Here

March 15th, 7:00 pm Growing Up in the 19th Century: This week preschoolers and their caregivers will get a glimpse into 19th century life with The Ox Cart Man. They will get to interact with household items from our collection and learn about growing up in Newton in the 19th century at the Jackson Homestead. Learn More Here

Click here to Subscribe to Storytime Updates
Questions, comments, or concerns? Contact education@historicnewton.org

Learn about Building Sciences this March

Come to the Building Sciences Workshop to learn about the joys and challenges older homes present! Explore the joys and challenges of older homes with industry expert, Peter Yost of BuildingGreen, Inc.  You’ll get to share your ideas, work with one another to evaluate common building problems, and learn tools and techniques to diagnose these problems.

Session 1 on March 16th will look at common building problems, such as how heat and moisture interact. Yost will present building science “puzzles” and ask you to work together to determine the cause of the problem.

Session 2 on March 28th will give you the opportunity to bring in your own building science puzzles and questions. Yost will provide an overview of tools and techniques used to diagnose building issues and create energy efficiency.

RSVP & Learn More Here: Workshop information

March 16th and 28th, 7:00 – 9:00  pm
Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds
286 Waverley Avenue

March 9th Newton Community Preservation Committee – West Newton Housing Project Final Report & Committee Business

Newton Community Preservation Committee: March 9th – West Newton Housing Project Final Report & Committee Business

-------------------------------- The Newton Community Preservation Committee’s next meeting will be on Thursday, 9 March 2017, at 7 pm in City Hall Room 204. This meeting’s short agenda includes: ¨      final report on the 2-unit Taft Avenue (West Newton) affordable housing project ¨      a brief report on a recent presentation to the Needham CPC about the Echo Bridge Historic Railing project (please note: the Newton CPC will take no action at this meeting on this project, for which it has agreed to consider a fall 2017 full proposal) ¨      approval of Fy18 annual budget and other committee business The full agenda is online from Committees & Meetings – Current CPC Meetings on the program website, www.newtonma.gov/cpa. The pre-meeting packet will be online by March 1st.

-------------------------------- Newton CPA Fy18 Funding Deadlines EXTENDED If you would like to request CPA funding for a new project in the fall 2017 regular annual funding round, please contact staff by these newly extended deadlines: ¨          Friday 1 April 2013 (former deadline 3 February 2017) to request the required in-person orientation meeting ¨          Monday, 1 May 2017 (former deadline 3 March 2017) to submit a pre-proposal for discussion with the CPC at one of their regular public meetings ¨          2 October 2017 is the deadline to submit a full proposal, if the CPC invites one based on its pre-proposal discussions

-------------------------------- Program Website & Staff Contact website: www.newtonma.gov/cpa contact: Alice Ingerson, Program Manager, aingerson@newtonma.gov, 617.796.1144

When responding, please be aware that the Massachusetts Secretary of State has determined that most email is public record and therefore cannot be kept confidential.

What's Happening at the Y

Kids Night Out (Ages 7-13) - Friday, 3/10 from 6:00-10:00 p.m.

Parents: Drop off your kids for a fun Friday night with YMCA qualified child care staff. We order pizza for dinner and keep the children entertained with games, swimming, movies and sports. $25 per child for members and $30 for non-members. A 20% discount is offered per child for those with two or more children. Go out for the night and take advantage of this low-cost alternative to hiring a babysitter.

 Shop for a Cause at Bloomingdale’s - Friday, 3/10 from 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Join the West Suburban YMCA at Bloomingdale’s Chestnut Hill for our first ever Shop for a Cause event! Bloomingdale’s will donate 10% of your purchase (on anything excluding rugs and furniture!) to our Y’s Annual Campaign.  For more information, contact Rosie Carey at 617-244-6050 x3099

FREE Family Fun Night at the Y- Tuesday, 3/14 from 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Join us for an hour of free family fun! Family Fun Nights are open to the community. All are welcome to enjoy gym activities, a bouncy house and snacks courtesy of The Belmont Savings Bank Foundation.

Spring Programs

Early Spring program registration is currently open to all! With Early Spring programs just starting up, late spring registration takes place on April 3^rd for members and April 7^th for non-members. Program options include:

• Learn to swim – swimming lessons for all ages including Parent & Child classes


• Lifeguard Training Certification Classes


• Sports Leagues – Spring YBA Basketball, Soccer, Flag Football


• School Vacation Week Programs


• Adult Sports Leagues – Pick-Up Basketball, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball


• Music and Creative Arts programs


• Personal Training and Small Group Training

Visit wsymca.org to download a copy of our Early & Late Program Spring Guide, or stop by the Y and we can help you register.

  Discover Camp - Registration is Open for all Camps!

All summer long, the West Suburban YMCA keeps kids engaged and safe with our camp programs. We inspire kids to work and play together, creating friendships that can last a lifetime, and we make sure all kids feel welcome and comfortable being themselves. Registration is currently open for all WSYMCA summer camps.

Day Camps – Weekly sessions, Monday-Friday, 9am – 4pm. Daily Swim lessons are included and extended care is available both in the morning and afternoon.

Camp Chickami is a traditional outdoor camp located in Wayland, MA welcoming boys and girls ages 6-15. Bus transportation is available from the West Suburban YMCA and stops throughout Newton.

Camp Pikati, located at the West Suburban YMCA, welcomes kids between the ages of 3-15 years with a half-day option for our youngest campers (ages 3-4). Pikati campers enjoy weekly themes in the traditional camp program, or they can participate in Pikati Sports Camp.

Overnight Camp – Camp Frank A. Day is located in East Brookfield, MA and welcomes boys and girls ages 7-15.  Spanning 52 acres, Camp Frank A. Day has direct lake access with a beachfront, athletic fields, modern cabins, basketball courts, climbing towers and all the facilities needed to run a fun and safe summer camp.

For more information on summer camps, join us at the Y on Saturday, 3/11 from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. or contactcampings@wsymca.org, or call 617-244-6050 x3008.

  Financial Assistance is always available for Y Memberships and Programs

The West Suburban YMCA is a non-profit charitable organization and it is our mission to never turn anyone away due to their inability to pay. Please contact our Membership Department at 617-244-6050 x3653 for financial assistance with membership or program participation.

 

 

Activate Newton Community Partner Meeting

The Newton Health and Human Services Department is launching Activate Newton -- a new initiative to promote improving physical health, emotional well-being and social connectedness.  This will be a walking challenge program with organized walks happening throughout the city. We plan to launch in April with the help of our valued community and business partners. We are writing to you in hope that you’ll partner with us to make this program successful and fun!

Join us for an initial meeting on Wednesday, March 1, at 9:30am at Newton City Hall in City Council Chambers on the 2nd floor, to talk more about our plans and to get some initial feedback and we would love to have your organization at the table. RSVPs can be sent to Elizabeth at egrella@newtonma.gov.

Please see the attached letter for more information. If you know of any other groups/organizations that might be interested in being involved, please email Elizabeth at egrella@newtonma.gov.

Sincerely,

Deborah Youngblood

Commissioner of Health and Human Services

City of Newton, MA

When responding, please be aware that the Massachusetts Secretary of State has determined that most email is public record and therefore cannot be kept confidential.

Activate Newton Community Partner Letter

 

Don't miss - Theatre Ink's Fiddler On The Roof

March 16, 17, 18, 2017 at 7:30 PM March 19 at 2:00 PM at Newton North High School Performing Arts Center Based on Sholem Aleichem stories by special permission of Arnold Perl Book by JOSEPH STEIN Music by JERRY BOCK Lyrics by SHELDON HARNICK Set in the little village of Anatevka, the story centers on Tevye, a poor milkman,and his five daughters. With the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and instill in them traditional values in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia. Rich in historical and ethnic detail, Fiddler on the Roof universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion, leaving audiences crying tears of laughter, joy and sadness. Purchase Tickets at Theatreink.net $10/$14/$16 for reserved seating Pay by cash, check or credit card in person or with a credit card at Theatreink.net Make checks out to City of Newton If not sold out, Tickets will be available at the Box Office 1 hour before the performance Tickets on sale in person at Newton North during the following times. March 3,10,13,14,15,16 from 10:50AM-1:00PM March 16 from 10:50AM-12:00PM March 17 from 10:50AM-1:00PM If you have special seating, audio needs or general questions,  please contact adam_brown@newton.k12.ma.us for accommodations The Sunday 3/19 Performance will be ASL interpreted

Adam Brown

Director of Theatre Ink

Newton North High Schools and Working Theatre

457 Walnut St

Newtonville, MA   02460

617-559-6306

Adam_Brown@Newton.k12.ma.us

www.Theatreink.net

 fiddler tickets

fiddlerposter_final

 

Emotional Intelligence for Teenagers

If you are concerned about socio-emotional learning or the 'Emotional Intelligence' of your teenager, this is an opportunity not to be missed!

The Youth Empowerment Seminar is a unique program that combines breathing practices, yoga and mindfulness along with interactive processes to help kids get a better understanding of themselves and learn powerful tools to deal with stress and changing emotions.

Organized by the International Association for Human Values in Newton, the program is from the 23rd - 26th Feb at the Durant Kendrick House for kids between 13- 17 years.

http://youthempowermentseminar.org/

International Association for Human Values - Course Details

YES! Course Ages 13-17 (1) Newton 2017

Native American Perspectives for Grade 3 on Tuesday, Feb 28

Brought to Burr through Creative Arts and Sciences and your ‘Gift to Burr’.

 

Using a tipi as a classroom, Dan Cripps dresses in clothing of the western plains of the 1800s to present a hands-on learning experience about the land, animals and native people of North America. Through this interactive learning experience, students learn about the different ways Native Americans lived and how their descendants live today.

 

Cultural Tipi Presentation (Cafetorium)

8:45-9:30                Ms. MacNeill

9:30-10:15             Ms. Oh

10:15-11:00          Ms. Canning

11:00-11:45          Ms. Tice

 

Fur and Bones Presentation (Classrooms)

8:45-9:15                Ms. Tice

9:30-10:00             Ms. Canning

10:15-10:45          Ms. MacNeill

11:00-11:30          Ms. Oh

 

If you would like to volunteer for the program, please contact janhavi108@yahoo.com.      Parents are welcome to come attend the session. No younger siblings please.

February Vacation math camp

There are still a few more spots for Next Week’s February Vacation Math Camp at Mathnasium. Choose any 2, 3, 4 or 5 day option during Vacation Week, February 20th – 24th.

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 it’s not fun, it’s not Mathnasium.

Details at: www.mathsense.com/boost

Unlocking your personal and professional transformation

Are you ready for more clarity, confidence and direction in your job search? If so, join in a free workshop Three Keys to Unlocking Personal and Professional Transformation featuring a panel discussion with three contributing authors to Coaching for Powerful Change. They will share valuable exercises to help you navigate your professional transition, recognize your significant professional accomplishments, connect with your purpose and learn how to promote your value in negotiations. Speakers are Deb Elbaum, MD, CPCC, ACC, Heidi Werther, CPCC, and Mamak Charepoo.

For additional information, please cntact Deb Elbaum at 617-213-0858. See her upcoming events here: Events

February 21st, 7:00 pm
Newton Free Library

Cabin Fever

Worried about Cabin Fever this school break? Get the kids to a free event at the Microsoft Store. Check out the fun-filled week below.

Minecraft Build Challenge
February 21st, 3:00-4:00 pm
Looking for a fun way to experience Minecraft? Visit your local Microsoft Store for a Minecraft Build Challenge workshops! Players will work in teams to create something epic before the clock runs out. Register today and put your skills to the test!  Only 5 spots left.

Create Digital Art with FreshPaint
February 21st, 5:00-7:00 pm
In this free, hands-on, 2 hour camp, 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. They’ll also get a sneak peek of advanced digital art skills like mixing paint and layering media. Activities will focus on learning through experience and peer-to-peer learning, and themes may be based on upcoming seasons and special events.

At the end of the camp, participants will:
· Be familiar with the creative possibilities of digital drawing and painting
· Have experience with the Fresh Paint layout and tools
· Create original artwork and share it with peers

Register Today! Only 7 spots left.

Minecraft Hour of Code – Designer
February 23rd, 3:00-4:00 pm
Go behind the scenes to learn how to code, program, and play in your own gaming world. You’ll use kid-friendly programming to learn how creativity and problem solving come together to make something all your own.

During Minecraft Hour of Code: Designer you’ll program animals and other Minecraft creatures in your own version of Minecraft. The parent, legal guardian, or authorized adult caregiver of every camp participant must remain in the Microsoft store for the duration of the event. Register Today! Only 4 spots left

Forza Friday
February 24th, 6:00-8:00 pm
Come test drive the new Forza Horizon 3 in the gaming lounge. Challenge a Microsoft Employee to a best lap time competition and win free swag. Register today! Space is unlimited

Minecraft Build Challenge
Saturday, February 25th, 10:30 – 11:30 am
Looking for a fun way to experience Minecraft? Visit your local Microsoft Store for a Minecraft Build Challenge workshops! Players will work in teams to create something epic before the clock runs out. Register today and put your skills to the test!
Register today! Only 6 spots left.

Hoops & Homework Party
February 25th, 1:00-4:00 pm
Join a free party to support Hoops & Homework at the Microsoft Store. Explore one of the many fun stations—get creative with Fresh Paint, play games with Xbox, and even try out virtual reality—all in the name of a good cause.

Hoops and Homework was chosen as one of the six local organizations to participate in the Team Framingham fundraising for the 2017 Boston Marathon. Runners will be expected to raise a minimum of $1,500 for one of six organizations, with a fundraising target of $3,000. Help spread the word and show the runners your support! Register today!  Space is unlimited.

Minecraft Hour of Code- Adventurer
February 26th, 11:30 am –  12:30 pm
Go behind the scenes to learn how to code, program, and play in your own gaming world. You’ll use kid-friendly programming to learn how creativity and problem solving come together to make something all your own. During Minecraft Hour of Code: Adventurer you’ll use code to take Alex or Steve on an adventure.

The parent, legal guardian, or authorized adult caregiver of every camp participant must remain in the Microsoft store for the duration of the event.
Register today! Only 6 spots left.

Newton Kindergarten Soccer — registration now open

Registration is now open for Newton Kindergarten Soccer. The spring program has two divisions: the Kindergarten Division is for those children currently in kindergarten. The Pre-K Division is for children who will enter kindergarten in the Fall of 2017. This year games are at Oak Hill Middle School beginning April 1st. To be eligible, children must live or attend school in Newton, including private schools. Register by March 17th.

To find out more or to register, please visit the website: http://kindergartensoccer.org/.

Newton Kindergarten Soccer, run by the Zervas PTO, is an introduction to soccer with a focus on making friends, learning teamwork, and developing confidence. Each spring, over 250 incoming kindergarteners and 200 current kindergarteners throughout Newton play in the league. Players are grouped with other children who either live in the same neighborhood or will attend the same school for kindergarten, so that incoming kindergartners can meet future classmates.

Note that Lincoln-Eliot and Burr families generally participate in Garden City Soccer, and that Memorial Spaulding usually has its own program.

Spring Activities in Newton – Newton Heartbreak Hill Road Race & Walk

It’s time to start dusting off those running (or walking) shoes! The 25th annual Heartbreak Hill Road Race and Family Walk is a perfect way to shake off some of that cabin fever! Just one mile, up and down famed Heartbreak Hill!

Every runner receives an official digital-clock time, a race medallion, goody bag and a free ticket to the pre-race pasta party at Newton City Hall on Friday, April 14th. The 1st, 2nd & 3rd place runners in each category win a trophy! The first 500 registrations receive a free t-shirt.

There are fun free activities for kids organized by the Lasell College Special Events students. Not a runner? Everyone can walk the course at 11:30. Register at www.newtoncommunitypride.org $10 child/$12 adult.

April 15th, 11:30 am – 3:00 pm
Newton City Hall

Spring Activities in Newton – Spelling Bee

The buzz is…the Newton Spelling Bee is back! The fun and educational Spelling Bee for Newton elementary school children is back for its 10th year! Just in case you haven’t already signed up, there are five dates for the Bees, with multiple grade sessions on each day, March 6th, 7th, 13th, 20th, and 27th.

Each grade session is a separate Bee with a first and second place prize donated by Learning Express. Every speller receives a goody bag to celebrate their hard work. The sessions fill up quickly, so please register on line at www.newtoncommunitypride.org. Cost is $10.00.

NewtonPAC meeting February 16th

The Newton Parent Advisory Council for Special Education will be hosting Leslie Leslie, MassPAC Project Manager to discuss Best Practices – Running a Parent Advisory Council. Her presentation will include covering legal requirements and ways to improve the PAC, creating by-laws, elections, events, outreach and more.

This is a great meeting for anyone who is interested in being more involved in the PAC and helping to reach more families and serve them better. It is especially recommended for anyone who is considering running for the PAC Board at the next election in May 2017.

Please RSVP to rsvp.newtonpac@gmail.com

February 16th,  7:30 pm – 9:00 pm (light refreshments and networking begin at 7:15 pm)
100 Walnut Street, Room 210

ActiveMinds Tutoring for academic success

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.

Vacation Week Math Camp

February Vacation week Math Camp at Mathnasium. Choose any 2, 3, 4 or 5 day option February 20th – 24th. 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 it’s not fun, it’s not Mathnasium. Details at: www.mathsense.com/boost

The Tanglewood Marionettes present “Cinderella”

A February school vacation treat… Set in the eighteenth century and featuring a dozen lavishly costumed 30” marionettes, this production of Cinderella is a Tanglewood Marionettes showpiece.

The story unfolds as the pages of a giant book open to reveal each beautifully painted setting – the village square, the rustic kitchen, the magnificent ballroom, plus many more. All your favorite characters are here, from gentle Cinderella to the bumptious stepsisters and the charming Prince, and a few new surprises: Cinderella’s method of conveyance to the ball is NOT the traditional horse-drawn coach, and, when all hope seems lost, a clever little bluebird saves the day for Cinderella.

A classic fairy tale told with wit and style, Tanglewood Marionettes’ production of Cinderella is sure to please audiences of all ages.

To learn more, visit www.newtoncommunitypride.org.  Tickets $8.00 in advance/$10.00 at the door. Purchase tickets on-line and pay with your credit card or PayPal.

Newton Cultural Center
City Hall, 1000 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton
February 25th, 10:30 am and 1:00 pm

Catchball: The fastest growing team game for women!

Catchball is like volleyball only you catch the ball. Geared toward women of all ages and abilities! Come check it out and join the team at the JCC on Tuesdays at 7:30-9:30 pm, February- June.

For more information and to register contact bostonetcatchball@gmail.com and visit the website https://bostonet.wordpress.com/ or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bostonetcatchball/

Little Adventurers Program

Three to five year old adventurers can now spend Saturday mornings having fun outdoors at Nahanton Park. They will explore the river, hunt for bugs, make mud pies, discover local habitats and wonder about nature. These adventurers should find a joyful, nature rich morning – one full of play, exploration and wonder.

For more information and registration, please visit:  http://www.newtonma.gov/gov/parks/programs/children/nahanton_park_nature_center_activities.asp

MBTA Community Meeting: Auburndale Commuter Rail Station Accessibility Project

MBTA Community Meeting
Auburndale Commuter Rail Station Accessibility Project

Date: Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: The Village Bank, 307 Auburn Street, Auburndale, MA

MBTA project team and its Architect will provide a slide presentation and answer questions about the 100% design of the Auburndale Commuter Rail Station Accessibility Project along the Framingham/Worcester Commuter Rail Line.

If you have a disability and need an accommodation to fully participate in the meeting, American Sign Language interpreters, assistive listening devices, and /or handouts in alternate formats, please submit your request to Trish Foley at 857-368-8907 or email trish.foley@state.ma.us at least 7 days prior to the meeting. In case of inclement weather, meeting cancellation announcements will be posted at www.mbta.com and our scheduled meeting date will be March 8th.

MBTA Auburndale Station Meeting Flyer

Be a part of the new art installation

Be part of a creative, public art project that will certainly get everyone “Hooked on Newton”. Using Crystal Lake as our palette, we plan to install your knitted and crocheted images of birds, flowers, water, sailboats, frogs and fish on the trees, fences and benches in the park.

“Can you knit or crochet? Would you like to learn how? We need people of all skilled levels – in other words WE NEED YOU!” says Paula Gannon, the Chair of the “Hooked on Newton” event, a project of the 2017 Newton Festival of the Arts.

Please join one of the introductory meetings to learn more about this project. Meetings on February 8th, 12:00 -1:00 pm, or February 16th, 7:00- 8:00 pm at Newton Cultural Center at Newton City Hall. For more information, call 617-796-1540.

Please RSVP to musicbypaula@gmail.com.

Opportunity at the Centre Street Food Pantry

Be a vital part of the Centre Street Food Pantry! Seeking candidates for a new Volunteer Coordinator position. Ideal candidates are enthusiastic, good planners, kind and have experience in volunteer management or training. Send resume to: n.surmeli@centrestfoodpantry.org

Discount on massage

Take advantage of Dionysia‘s discount on a massage. $20 dollars off any one hour massage for Newton teachers, students and parents.  Offer valid from February 1st to Februry 28th. Call 617-888-1780 or email dionysiamt@gmail.com for appointment

Dionysia Massage Studio
On the lower level of Vaiani & Clarke Salon, 15 Cypress Street

High quality theater in interesting and unconventional spaces

The acclaimed Newton Nomadic Theater brings its traveling theater to living rooms in Waban and Jamaica Plain this week. Their new show “Doubt” features an all-star cast of Linda Goetz, Matt Winberg, Sarah Morrisette, and Ramona Lisa Alexander.

If you’ve never seen a production by this unique theater, it’s not to be missed. Tickets ($20.00) and additional information at NewtonNomadicTheater.org

February 10th and 11th, 7:30 pm at the Finch home, 153 Windsor Rd, Waban
February 12th, 3:00 pm at the Dean home, 22 Rockwood Terrace, JP

Open enrollment for dance

Creative Steps Dance Studio has open enrollment, and welcomes new students at any point-not just in September! They offer a variety of classes with warm and energetic teachers and tuition is very reasonable. Dancers range in age from 2-18 years old.

Offerings include ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, modern, and boys only hip hop. The main goal of Creative Steps is that students leave the studio each day with a sense of pride and joy as they take on his/her own knowledge of proper dance technique. Recitals are optional! The studio is located at the Boys and Girls Club of Newton.  For more information, please call the director at 617-645-7786.

Newton CPC Discussion of Community Preservation Plan

The main agenda item at the next Newton Community Preservation Committee meeting is a working discussion of the potential future CPA proposals listed in the Community Preservation Plan, especially those drawn from the City of Newton’s Capital Improvement Plan.

This informational discussion involves no funding votes or other formal decisions. For details, see the program website at www.newtonma.gov/cpa or contact Program Manager Alice Ingerson at 617-796-1144 or aingerson@newtonma.gov.

February 9th,  7:00 pm
Newton City Hall, Room 204

Mindful Parenting Series

Mindful Parenting Class starting soon. Do ever lose it with your kids and then feel guilty and surprised at how your emotions got the best of you? You are not alone. Come join a 4-part Mindful Parenting series that will help you understand how to become more aware of your own and your children’s internal states.

As a result, you will identify ways to respond in more “mindful” ways that bring about connection, clarity, and mutual understanding in your family. You will get to think about real-life situations, practice new ways of thinking and responding, and assess your responses during our classes so that you walk away more confident, competent and mindful as a parent and person. This class is appropriate for parents of children of any age and will be tailored to the group who joins. Session Fee: $109.00. The fall session sold out, so sign up quickly!

Sign up here: https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/ws?studioid=208968&stype=-8&sView=day&sLoc=0&sTrn=100000040&date=02/15/17

February 15th, March 1st, March 15th, March 29th,  7:30 to 9:00 pm
Classes will be held at Artemis Yoga, 639 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown

Instructor Amy Behrens, M.Ed. is a certified parent coach and educator who taught in middle schools for 11 years and who currently runs workshops and coaches parents to help families experience more happiness and connection in their daily lives.

February Break basketball

ASA Hoops is hosting a February Vacation basketball Clinic at the Brown Middle School in Newton. This clinic is for boys and girls ages 7-15, and will run from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm daily. Last year’s clinic did sell out, those interested are encouraged to pre-register at: www.asahoops.com/clinics. For questions email: Coachb@asahoops.com.

“Talking to Children about Race: Why and How?”

On Wednesday, March 22nd, Newton Public Schools will host a forum entitled “Talking to Children about Race: Why and How?” The session, designed for a K-5 parent audience and led by Horace Mann Elementary teacher Mike Feldstein and METCO director Maricel Sheets, will:

• Allow reflection of your own experiences around issues of race and racism


• Demonstrate the importance of early conversations with children on race


• Provide “how-to” help for guiding children and answering challenging questions


• Highlight resources available to help parents and families navigate the issues

The forum will be held at Angier Elementary, 1697 Beacon Street, from 7:00 – 8:30 pm. An RSVP is not required, but will help the district plan for materials and activities. Please RSVP here: https://goo.gl/forms/eDB56M2MEcUz7aUX2.

Letter from the Superintendent

Dear Newton Community,

Over the past few years, the Newton Public Schools have undertaken the important work of addressing issues of race, bias, and culture. We have a number of exciting initiatives underway for both staff and students. Recent events in our community and across the country have made this work more important than ever.

Earlier this year, I was approached by a group of parents interested in learning more about how we extend the work we are doing in the classrooms to the home and to the larger Newton community. To that end, I am pleased to invite you to a community forum: “Talking to Children about Race: Why and How?” to be held on Wednesday, March 22 nd at 7:00 p.m. at Angier School (1697 Beacon St.).

The session, led by Horace Mann Elementary teacher Mike Feldstein and METCO director Maricel Sheets, is designed for a K-5 parent audience and will:

• Allow reflection of your own experiences around issues of race and racism


• Demonstrate the importance of early conversations with children on race


• Provide “how-to” help for guiding children and answering challenging questions


• Highlight resources available to help parents and families navigate the issues

As one who has participated in Mike and Maricel’s workshops, I can tell you that they are lively, engaging and meaningful. Our country is becoming more diverse and we are fortunate that many of our students are exposed to differences at a young age. As a school district, we must continue to help our students develop positive racial identities and attitudes so that they can comfortably and productively navigate in all settings. There is no greater gift we can give our children than ensuring that they are prepared to be active, engaged, and respectful citizens of our diverse world.

An RSVP is not required, but it will help us plan for materials and activities. Please RSVP here: https://goo.gl/forms/eDB56M2MEcUz7aUX2

I hope to see you on Wednesday, March 22nd .

Sincerely,
David Fleishman

Wolf Fund Exceeds Goal!

We did it! We did it together! The Wolf Fund exceeded its goal and received $22,570 in individual contributions and matching corporate gifts. The generosity of our community and support for our school is incredible!



All proceeds from the Wolf Fund are used to pay for Creative Arts and Sciences programs and technology for our kids' classrooms.

Thank you to everyone who made a donation! Every contribution matters.

From Nurse Best: Cold and Flu Season Is Upon Us

EXCLUSION FROM SCHOOL FOR SUSPECTED COMMUNICABLE CONDITIONS

POLICY:

Students suspected to have a contagious health condition can be excluded from school at the discretion of the school nurse. The purpose of this exclusion is to prevent the spread of disease that can cause absence and discomfort for other students and staff. Some conditions may require immediate dismissal. Written documentation by a health care provider may be required for school re-entry.

PROTOCOL:

The school nurse will assess each presenting condition on an individual basis.

A student will be excluded from school if he/she has:

• A fever of 100° or greater in the past 24 hours


• A communicable disease diagnosis


• A cold in the active stages – coughing, sneezing, nasal drainage


• A sore throat and/or swollen neck glands


• Vomiting or diarrhea in the past 24 hours


• Acute pain that requires relief by narcotic medication


• An undiagnosed rash or skin eruption


• Head lice that have not been chemically treated

Parents should make every effort to pick up children as soon as possible when notified by the school nurse.

Emergency contact information must be up-to-date.

Exclusion Policy

Lunar New Year Celebration

On January 28, 16 families gathered at Burr School Cafetorium and celebrated Lunar New Year's day. The event was co-organized by Burr families who celebrate this traditional holiday, i.e. Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese. In the potluck party, families shared some authentic home-made foods, and right afterwards children went up on stage and showed talents in singing, dancing, and instrument playing individually or in groups, which pushed the event to its most memorable moments. Casual sports were played in the gym in the meantime.


There are traditional decorations placed by the entrance, on the stage and on the walls. The best one should go to a pair of Chinese calligraphy hanging by Burr main entrance on the day of event.

 

Creative Arts and Sciences Welcomes Chiao Bin Huang to the 2nd Grade

When: Wednesday, February 8, at 10:30 am
Where: Cafeteria 

Dressed in a traditional Chinese costume, Chiao Bin Huang shows us the beautiful Chinese Ribbon Dance. We will learn the rich history of the dance and its significance in Chinese culture. We will learn to express ourselves by creating our own ribbon dance as well!

Join us! Parents are encouraged to attend, but no younger siblings, please. Thank you for your cooperation.

This program was 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." Thank you!