Last 24 hours to sign up for soccer preseason clinics (bit.ly/burrschool) (April 1st, 2017)

2017 Spring Soccer PreSeason Clinic (April 2nd, 2017)

***************************************************
A PRO-COACH SOCCER TRAINING SESSION (ONE TIME ONLY),  TO RAISE FUNDS FOR YOUTH SOCCER GOALS DEDICATED TO BURR SCHOOL STUDENTS!   SIGN UP AT bit.ly/burrschool
*********************************
This youth soccer clinic will be a great opportunity to learn through fun-based drills, small-sided games, and scrimmages; or just to meet schoolmates/ friends in a “no pressure” setting. All games and drills will be age appropriate and are set to improve skills. Skills based, with small elements of game play, this is a great opportunity and training environment for soccer players looking to condition their skills before the spring soccer season!
********************************

Professional coach runs this preseason training.  Sign up at bit.ly/burrschool for this preseason training session on April 2nd@ Burr School Yard!

Location: Burr School Yard
Dates:  April 2nd, 2017;  Times:
Group 1: Sunday 09:30pm-11:00am for G2-5 boys and girls
Group 2: Sunday 11:00am-12:30pm for K- 2 boys and girls;

2nd graders could go either way depending on his/her physique and skills.

ALL PROCEEDS GO TO BURR SCHOOL SOCCERGOAL FUND.   Pay $20/each player for this clinic.  Donate extra for funding soccer goals!  

Please direct all questions to Burr PTO contact Alex (guolinwen@gmail.com)

Please always have shin guards, cleats, bottled water and comfortable clothing ready for participating in this OUTDOOR soccer training session.

Last 24 hours to sign up for spring basketball clinics (9 Tuesdays) (bit.ly/burrschool)

2017 Spring Burr Basketball Clinics (9 Tuesdays)

************************************
Burr K-5 Youth Basketball Academy by Professional Coach is ending its
winter session and having a new Spring session open to Burr School
Students!

Spaces are limited! Sign up at bit.ly/burrschool for 9 professional
one-hour training sessions on Tuesday evenings @ Burr Gym!

Varsity coach runs this basketball academy.  Pay $150/each player for
9 training sessions.  ALL PROCEEDS GO TO BURR SCHOOL SOCCERGOAL FUND.

Dates:
April 4th, April 11th, April 25th; May 2nd, May 9th, May 16th, May
23rd, May 30th; June 6th (2017)
Times:
Group 1: Tuesday 6:15-7:15pm for K, 1 and 2 boys and girls
Group 2: Tuesday 7:15-8:30pm for 2, 3 & above boys and girls;

Creative Arts and Sciences Welcomes Storyteller Valerie Tutson (5th Grade)

Valerie Tutson is a mesmerizing African American performer who uses dynamic storytelling and visual presentations to captivate students. She draws her stories from around the world with an emphasis on African and African American traditions. Her repertoire includes myths, folktales and historical pieces, particularly stories of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad.

“The Right to…Liberty”: Ms. Tutson tells the biographical tales of three black people who lived during the Colonial and Revolutionary War periods: Maria Judge was George Washington’s runaway slave;  Elizabeth Freeman, a Massachusetts slave, fought for and won her freedom from slavery; and James Forten, who as a teen risked his life fighting against the British.

Date: March 28, 2017

Time: 10 to 10:45 am

Presentations will take place in the Cafetorium for all 5th grade classes

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!

PTO Meeting Tuesday, March 28, with Nicki Eastburn

The next PTO meeting is on Tuesday, March 28 at 7 pm. The PTO is excited to have Nicki Eastburn, Burr School Special Education Team Chair and Social Worker, speak about incorporating mindfulness at home and in school. This is a great opportunity to hear about all the great things that Nicki and her team have done at Burr School to encourage mindfulness and learn about ways to incorporate these strategies with the kids at home. 

Finish Strong-Math Tutoring

Finish strong in math this school year. Affordable, effective, individualized math tutoring -  8-session, 16-session and unlimited option packets starting at $375 ($25 to $47/session). Individualized Learning Plans targeted to helping students fill in any gaps and solidify the year's math topics.  At Mathnasium, math makes sense, and math is fun.  100% money-back guarantee if program is not right for you.

Details at:  www.mathsense.com/finish-strong

OPEN HOUSES FOR HIGHLANDS AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

The Newton Highlands After-School Program, just for middle school children is hosting 3 Open House events for interested families on:Monday, March 27, Thursday, April 6 and Sunday, April 9 all from 5:30-6:30 PM. at Brigham House, 20 Hartford Street, Newton Highlands. This is a terrific opportunity for parents of 5th graders to learn more about the program as they plan for the next school year. Please join us and see the wonderful space that is the home base of this terrific program.

For more information please contact: Rochelle Acker at 617-999-4617 or highlandsafterschool@gmail.com or visit our website highlandsafterschool.org

JCC Kids’ Choice Passover/April Vacation Program

April  13-21 (9am-4pm) for grades K-6 and CITS in grades 7-9

From sports to swimming to arts, dance, cooking and rock climbing, kids have their choice of activities at the JCC Kids’ Choice Passover/April Vacation Program. Held at the Leventhal-Sidman Center (333 Nahanton Street) in Newton on April 13-21 from 9am-4pm with early drop-off and extended day available. For boys and girls entering grades K-6 (and CITs in grades 7-9 at a reduced rate – please call for details). Special highlights include bingo bash, Spring Olympics, carnival, talent show, trip to Wheelock Family Theatre to see Charlotte’s Web, arts and crafts festival and a performance by singer-songwriter Janet Feld. Come for one day or as many days as you would like. Kosher lunch provided during Passover! Everyone welcome. Early bird rates available.

Register at bostonjcc.org/schoolvacations. For more information, visit bostonjcc.org/schoolvacations or contact schoolvacations@jccgb.org or 617-558-6529.

A few more days to get matching donations

The Newton Schools Foundation is honored for the second consecutive year to have a
very generous donor who will match up to $25,000 in contributions from the community
to the Calculus Project during the month of March.

Double your impact and donate today: www.newtonschoolsfoundation.org

The Calculus Project has been transformational for Newton students. Since its 2013
launch, enrollment growth in high-level mathematics among traditionally
underrepresented student groups is significant:

• Hispanic student enrollment has increased 70 percent.
• African-American student enrollment has tripled.
• Low-income student enrollment has increased nine-fold!

Here’s how the program works:Calculus Project students attend intensive small-group
summer classes to preview upcoming curriculum, boost their math skills, foster
attitudes that support academic risk-taking and perseverance, and cultivate relationships among peers in the program. During the school year, students receive mentoring and after-school academic support. The program also uses lessons and activities designed to improve self-perceptions about academic accomplishment.

Your support this year will help deepen and extend the Calculus Project’s reach.
Currently serving 109 students in grades 7-10, the program will welcome a new cohort
of 30 incoming 7th graders this summer. If we successfully complete this match challenge,
the resulting $50,000 will support nearly half of the students in the Calculus Program for
this coming year—including the entire new 7th grade cohort.

At a cost of $1,000 per student for a full year of programming, the Calculus Project’s
success depends on a public-private partnership between the Newton Public Schools,
private foundations and corporate donors, and generous individuals like you.
Please help us meet the donor match challenge. Please Donate today!

www.newtonschoolsfoundation.org

​

After School program Open Houses

The Newton Highlands After-School Program, just for middle school children is hosting 3 Open House events for interested families. This is a terrific opportunity for parents of 5th graders to learn more about the program as they plan for the next school year. Please join them and see the wonderful space that is the home base of this terrific program. For more information please contact: Rochelle Acker at 617-999-4617 or highlandsafterschool@gmail.com or visit our website highlandsafterschool.org

March 27th,  April 6th,  April 9th, 5:30-6:30 pm
Brigham House, 20 Hartford Street, Newton Highlands

Presentation on Assistive Technology

The Newton Parent Advisory Council for Special Education will host a presentation on Assistive Technology. Kayla McAlister, Assistive Technology Specialist for the Newton Public Schools will speak on the technology available in the district. She will cover the definition of an AT consultation vs. an AT assessment in grades K-12.

Kayla determines which device and/or strategy is the best fit for the student by following the SETT Framework. Looking at the student, their environment, and the tasks they need in their educational setting in choosing the appropriate tool. Kayla has a BA in Psychology from Stonehill College and a M.S. Ed in Assistive Technology from Simmons College.

April 5th, 7:15 pm light refreshments and networking
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm Presentation
Room 210, The Education Center, Newtonville

Conscious Parenting

Learn to nurture your children while establishing the boundaries they need. Conscious Parenting, based on the work of Dr. Shefali Tsabary, helps you build awareness of your values and societal pressures, and the impact they can have on your ability to see what is best for your family. Learn to accept your kids as unique individuals and support them in becoming their most authentic selves. Through in-class exercises and presentations, you’ll gain tools to set boundaries from a calm and centered place, and you’ll learn to recognize your triggers, understand your child’s behavior, and foster a greater connection between you and your child. $89.00/person. To register, visit newtoncommunityed.org.

Four Wednesdays, April 5th – May 3rd (no class April 19), 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Newton South High School

Newton Community Preservation Committee

The agenda for the Newton Community Preservation Committee meeting includes discussions of general program issues and two potential projects: a pre-proposal for historic preservation and affordable housing on Auburn Street in Auburndale and updated plans for the Jackson Road New Senior Housing project in Newton Corner.

CPC pre-proposal discussions are advisory and do not include funding votes. For details, see www.newtonma.gov/cpa or contact Program Manager Alice Ingerson at 617.796.1144 or aingerson@newtonma.gov.

April 6th, 7:00 pm
Newton City Hall, Room 204

Sounds of Spring concert

You are invited to join VOICES Boston*, Brookline’s premier children’s chorus, for their annual Sounds of Spring concert. This eclectic concert will feature works from around the
world!  You can purchase your tickets here: http://www.ticketstage.com/T/VOICESBOS

April 8th,  3:00 pm, First Parish in Brookline

*With singing at its core and training in dance and drama, VOICES Boston changes the lives of its children, building confidence, discipline, leadership and a love of music that will last a lifetime. VOICES Boston choristers perform a wide range of repertoire, from classical to world music, gospel to new music and present an opera every year.
For more information about performances or auditions, visit www.voicesboston.org.

One Voice, A Newton Family Singers Concert Benefiting Best Buddies

The Newton Family Singers and Team Believe have joined together to bring you a concert with a purpose.  Join the One Voice, A Concert Benefiting Best Buddies where the Newton Family Singers will sing a program of songs about strength, diversity, inclusion and friendship by an eclectic group of popular artists such as Natalie Merchant, U2, Katy Perry, Matisyahu, Carole King and many more. These songs are sure to inspire and bring joy to you and your family! Clap and sing along and learn about Best Buddies, an organization that offers friendship, employment and leadership opportunities for individuals with disabilities!

All proceeds from the show will benefit Best Buddies. Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $8.00 for kids. Purchase tickets to the show, or become a corporate or family sponsor, all on the web site at www.newtonfamilysingers.org/events, or email admin@newtonfamilysingers.org.

April 9th,  4:00 pm
Reimer-Goldstein Theater, JCC Newton, 333 Nahanton Street, Newton

JCC Kids’ Choice Passover/April Vacation Program

From sports to swimming to arts, dance, cooking and rock climbing, kids have their choice of activities at the JCC Kids’ Choice Passover/April Vacation Program. For boys and girls entering grades K-6 and CITs in grades 7-9 (at a reduced rate – please call for details). Special highlights include bingo bash, Spring Olympics, carnival, talent show, trip to Wheelock Family Theatre to see Charlotte’s Web, arts and crafts festival and a performance by singer-songwriter Janet Feld.

Come for one day or as many days as you would like. Kosher lunch provided during Passover! Everyone welcome. Early bird rates available. For more information, visit bostonjcc.org/schoolvacations or contact schoolvacations@jccgb.org or 617-558-6529.

Register at bostonjcc.org/schoolvacations.

Leventhal-Sidman Center, 333 Nahanton Street, Newton
April 13th-21st,  9:00 am-4:00 pm with early drop-off and extended day available.

Upcoming Programs for Teens

Teen Crafterhours,  meet on the second Monday of every month to make crafts and eat snacks. This month will be making bullet journals! Grades 7-12.
April 10th, 6:30 pm, second floor Teen Area

Black Out Poetry, take creativity to a whole new level with Blackout Poetry by using words on the page of a book or newspaper to create one-of-a-kind works of art. All you need is
your imagination. The rest will be provided. Learn more about the art of Blackout Poetry by visiting austinkleon.com. For ages 13 and up. Register online.
April 13th, 7:00 pm, second floor Computer Center

Get Hooked on Crochet & Knitting, join on the first and third Tuesdays of every month from 3:30-5 pm. They have crochet hooks, knitting needles, yarn and the know-how to teach the basics of crocheting and knitting. Come learn how to knit and crochet or just hang out and work on a project! Refreshments will be served. Open to ages 10-18. Register online.

Tween Crafternoons,  meet on the second Tuesday of every month to make crafts and eat snacks. This month: slime! Grades 5-7.
April 11, 3:30 pm, second floor Teen Area

Newton Heartbreak Hill Road Race & Walk

The snow has almost gone, and 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 registrants receive a free t-shirt. Everyone receives cheers and admiration from the crowd! 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 am. Register at www.newtoncommunitypride.org $10 child/$12 adult.

Spring and summer etiquette classes

Etiquette classes for Grades 2-12 cover topics such as improving social and communication skills, projecting confidence, combating shyness, strengthening self-esteem and leadership skills, navigating friendships, resolving conflict, understanding social cues, basic manners, table manners, and more. Now enrolling for spring and summer classes in Brookline!

The spring session begins on April 24th and the summer session begins on June 26th! Enroll before it’s too late at theetiquetteacademy.org or call 617-608-3920.

Not quite ready for kindergarten?

Begin your child’s journey to school and lifelong learning at Bowen. Enrollment in Bowen’s Pre-K Program is now open for Fall 2017.  Bowen’s Pre-K program offers a unique opportunity for a third year of pre-school. Pre-K combines an exciting mix of academics and social skills, taught by a dedicated team of educators. Older 4’s and young 5’s work toward goals comparable to those in kindergarten, but at a modified pace in a much smaller community with a 7:1 child teacher ratio. This class of 14 quickly becomes a cohesive group working and playing together with enthusiasm. The program runs Monday-Friday from 8:30 am-1:00 pm.

Parents are welcome to visit the school to observe firsthand how their child will benefit from Bowen’s Pre-K program. For more information about Bowen’s Pre-K program, please contact Bowen’s Director Nina Tebaldi at 617-332-3923 or visit www.BowenCoop.org for more details and our online application form.

For questions, please contact Nina Tebaldi at 617-332-3923 or director@bowencoop.org.

Newton Has Talent

Auditions for Newton Has Talent are OPEN! Please share the attached flyer with your friends, family and colleagues. Anyone over the age of 13 who lives, works or goes to school in Newton can enter!

Reschuled Meeting of the Newton Parent Advisory Council for Special Education

The Newton Parent Advisory Council for Special Education is having its next meeting on March 20th. This meeting is a rescheduling of the March 14th meeting which was canceled due to snow.

“Everything you always wanted to know about Student Services and Special Education in Newton and were afraid to ask” The NewtonSEPAC Board Officers invite you to join an open conversation and Q & A session. No topic is too small or insignificant. The agenda will include a presentation of proposed amendments to the by-laws, and then an open conversation with questions and answers. All NewtonSEPAC meetings are free and open to the public.

Please rsvp to rsvp.newtonpac@gmail.com and include a topic of interest, if possible.

March 20th
7:15 pm Light refreshments and networking
7: 30 –  9:00 pm General Meeting
The Education Center, 100 Walnut Street, Room 210

Studio of Engaging Math & STEAM summer program!

Come learn about the math classes & STEAM summer program. Play games, solve puzzles, and win prizes! STEAM is a summer program in July and August for children ages 6 – 12. Broaden your child’s exposure to science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM). The fun and intimate, hands-on activities of the classes strive to excite and inspire participants about STEAM, creating enthusiasm that will spill over to schoolwork and school choices in future years. Classes include introduction to programming, building and modeling, arts and crafts, logic puzzles and board games.

OPEN HOUSE:
March 26th, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
320 Washington Street, Suite 301, Brighton

*Studio of Engaging Math is a K-8 after-school math program. The small groups and expert teachering provide an ideal environment for developing critical thinking and advanced problem-solving skills.

JCC All Camps Fair

Meet the day, overnight, and specialty (arts, sports, technology, science) camp directors and register for Summer 2017 at the All Camps Fair.  No charge for camp fair. Everyone is welcome. JCC camp options for boys and girls from preschool to high school, with transportation from many locations in Greater Boston:

Day Camps/Programs
Camp Grossman
Camp Kaleidoscope
JCC Specialty Camps
Empow Camps
JCC Early Learning Center preschool summer programs
JCC Kids’ Choice School Vacation Programs
Overnight Camp
Camp Kingswood
Camp Kingswood Zohar Special Needs Inclusion and Vocational programs

Register on March 26th and receive a $36 credit, per camper, for 2017 camp tuition with your deposit — $50 if your child enrolls in two camps! For more information, visit bostonjcc.org/camp or contact camp@jccgb.org or 617-244-5124.

March 26th, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Leventhal-Sidman Center, 333 Nahanton Street,  Newton

Boston-area Jewish Education Program (BJEP) Open House

Boston-area Jewish Education Program (BJEP) located on the Brandeis University campus, an independent and vibrant Jewish learning community from pre-K to Grade 7, invites the community to join the April 2017 Open House.

Through an interactive curriculum, BJEP instills in their students a sense of joy and belonging within the Jewish community and knowledge of Jewish traditions and the Hebrew language. BJEP celebrates its 50th anniversary during 2017-2018, and looks forward to meeting new families at the upcoming Open House:

April 2nd, 10:00 -11:30 am
Brandeis University, Waltham

For more information, please email info@bjep.com or call 781-386- 7278 or visit www.bjep.org.

What’s Happening at the Y-Late Spring Programs

Registration for the following late Spring Programs opens April 3rd for WSYMCA Members and April 7th for Non-Members. Visit wsymca.org to download a copy of our Early & Late Program Spring Guide, or stop by the Y if you’d like help to register.

• Swim Lessons for all ages, Aquatics Fitness Classes


• Sports Leagues – Soccer, Tee Ball and NFL Flag Football


• April School Vacation Week Programs


• Music Lessons and Rock Band


• Personal Training and Small Group Training

NFL Flag Football League – Ages 9-11. Get your friends together to enter a team or join as a free agent. Games are 5 v 5, played on the Y’s Turf Field, officiated by Y staff and authentic NFL team jerseys are provided. For more information, or to sign up, contact Kimberly Benzan at kimberlyb@wsymca.org. April 2nd – May 21st

Find your inner dragon!

Find your inner dragon! The Wellness Warriors are looking for new paddlers to join the team. The Wellness Warriors Dragon Boat Team is a fun Paddling support Program for those touched by cancer. Come for an information session and Paddling Skills Building Workshop to learn more about this exciting program!

The Wellness Warriors will teach you what you need to know to get started in the exciting sport of dragon boating. There are two opportunities to participate in informational and skills building workshops designed to prevent injury and teach the fundamentals of dragon boat paddling. Please email membership@wellnesswarriorsboston.org for additional information and to RSVP if you can attend one of these dates.

Skills Building Workshop dates:
April 12th, 7:00 – 9:30 pm
April 30th, 3:00 – 5:30 pm
BodyScapes Longwood, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston

Additional info and directions/parking will be provided once you sign up.

Newton Mustang Football

We are happy to announce that the 2017 Fall Football and Cheer Season is now open for registration! The registration fee will be the same as last year however, new registrants will be required to pay for their jersey in addition to the registration fee. Spots fill up fast so please get your registration and payment in ASAP! The late fee for registration will be June 15, 2017. We look forward to another great season. Please feel free to contact us with any questions!
Thank You!
GO MUSTANGS

Newton Mustangs Youth Football & Cheer - Powered by PlayAYF
NEWTONMUSTANGS.ORG

Creative Arts and Sciences Welcomes Poet and Author Lyn Littlefield Hoopes (4th Grade)

Explore the power of metaphor, rhythm, voice, and pattern in writing poetry. Lyn Littlefield Hoopes will help students develop strategies for writing poetry through imagination, listening for voice, creating similes, and using the five senses, vivid verbs, and breaking lines. Lyn emphasizes the joy of creating as she teaches a unique, simple, and original technique for charting each phrase of a poem. Often she creates a collaborative poem with the class, demonstrating how to discover its rhythms and patterns.

Wednesdays, March 22 and March 29

9:00-10:15 Ms. McLean

10:15-11:30 Ms. Miller

1:00-2:15 Ms. Collins

Presentations will take place in the Classrooms.

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."

Burr Parents/Guardians: Please Complete a Survey on Homework for the Burr School Council!

This year, the Burr School Council has decided to review homework practices at Burr. We have already surveyed the teachers and would now like to invite you, Burr parents/guardians, to complete a survey. We want to know what you value and/or feel needs changing. Please answer the questions as they relate to YOUR OLDEST CHILD at Burr. The survey is short and should not take more than 5 minutes to complete. Google forms will collect the responses anonymously. Here is the link that will take you to the survey: https://goo.gl/forms/caXVzyakCWdaR26h1. Thank you in advance for taking the survey!

What’s Happening at the Y-Summer Camp Open Houses

With two day camps – Camp Pikati located at the Y and Camp Chickami in Wayland – and an overnight camp in East Brookfield – Camp Frank A. Day – the West Suburban Y keeps kids of all ages healthy, engaged and safe all summer long.

Come to an Open House to meet camp staff, take a tour and learn more about Summer Camp with the West Suburban YMCA. For more information about the camps or the open houses, please contact campings@wsymca.org, or call 617-244-6050 x 3008.

April 8th, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm at Camp Chickami, 139 Boston Post Road, Wayland
April 8th, 1:30 – 3:00 pm  at Camp Pikati, 276 Church Street, Newton
April 9th, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm at Camp Frank A. Day, 125 South Pond Road, East Brookfield

Other things happening at the Y

Y Birthday Parties! The West Suburban YMCA is a great place to host a birthday party. They offer pool parties, sports parties, dance parties and music parties. All festivities include staff supervision and loads of fun! For more information, visit wsymca.org.

Kids Night Out! Drop off your kids, ages 7-13, for a fun Friday night with the qualified staff members at the Y. There’s pizza for dinner and they’ll 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. April 14th,  6:00 – 10:00 pm. For more information, contact Georgette Chiasson at georgettec@wsymca.org.

FREE Family Fun Night at the Y! Join for an hour of free family fun! All are welcome to enjoy gym activities, a bouncy house and snacks. Family Fun Nights run throughout the year on the second Tuesday of every month and are sponsored by The Belmont Savings Bank Foundation.  Next one is April 11th, 6:00 – 7:00 pm.

What’s Happening at the Y-April Vacation Programs

The West Suburban YMCA’s Child Care and Sports Departments offer full-day and half-day programs during the April School Vacation Week for kids between the ages of 6-12. From arts & crafts to sports and swimming – a variety of daily activities will keep kids entertained and safe all day.

To sign up, or for more information contact Georgette Chiasson at georgettec@wsymca.org or Kimberly Benzan at kimberlyb@wsymca.org.

Camp runs  Tuesday, April 18th – Friday, April 21st.

Coach Jones Basketball Clinic

Coach Joe Jones and the BU basketball staff welcome boys ages 7–18 to the sixth-annual Coach Jones Basketball Clinic. Campers will be divided by age and skill to receive training from the highly qualified coaching staff, in order to ensure that each camper has a meaningful and fun experience. Please see the website for more information or to register.

Cost: $250 (due to NCAA rules, it is not permitted to give discounted rates to any camper.)
Session 1: June 26th – June 29th, 9:00 am–3:00 pm
Session 2: July 31st – August 3rd, 9:00 am–3:00 pm
Case Gymnasium

Contact Dave Feinstein or 603-401-5731

Donor Will Match $25,000 for Calculus Project in March!

The Newton Schools Foundation is honored for the second consecutive year to have a
very generous donor who will match up to $25,000 in contributions from the community
to the Calculus Project during the month of March.

Double your impact and donate today: www.newtonschoolsfoundation.org

The Calculus Project has been transformational for Newton students. Since its 2013
launch, enrollment growth in high-level mathematics among traditionally
underrepresented student groups is significant:

• Hispanic student enrollment has increased 70 percent.
• African-American student enrollment has tripled.
• Low-income student enrollment has increased nine-fold!

Here’s how the program works: Calculus Project students attend intensive small-group
summer classes to preview upcoming curriculum, boost their math skills, foster
attitudes that support academic risk-taking and perseverance, and cultivate relationships among peers in the program. During the school year, students receive mentoring and after-school academic support. The program also uses lessons and activities designed to improve self-perceptions about academic accomplishment.

Your support this year will help deepen and extend the Calculus Project’s reach.
Currently serving 109 students in grades 7-10, the program will welcome a new cohort
of 30 incoming 7th graders this summer. If we successfully complete this match challenge,
the resulting $50,000 will support nearly half of the students in the Calculus Program for
this coming year—including the entire new 7th grade cohort.

At a cost of $1,000 per student for a full year of programming, the Calculus Project’s
success depends on a public-private partnership between the Newton Public Schools,
private foundations and corporate donors, and generous individuals like you.
Please help us meet the donor match challenge. Please Donate today!

www.newtonschoolsfoundation.org

​

Support Zervas At The Most Extensive Online Auction!

Now through  March 19th, bid on amazing deals such as certificates to many of Boston’s premier restaurants, including En Boca, Grill 23, Doretta Tavern, Mamelah’s, Smoke Shop, Craigie On Main, Alden & Harlow and many more! There are also spaces for dozens of day and sleepaway camps, memberships and passes to the best fitness and health clubs, including Equinox, Soul Cycle, Barry’s bootcamp​ and Pure Barre.

Check out these great offers, and support your local Newton Zervas Elementary School!
www.biddingforgood.com/zervas

Community Concussion Education Program

The Day PTO is sponsoring a concussion education program for parents. The program will cover issues related to the care and management of concussions, including:

(1) recognition and management,
(2) treatment and rehabilitation options, and
(3) concussion safety and preparation.

Leading the program will be two speakers from the Dr. Robert C. Cantu Concussion Center at Emerson Hospital, along with local NNHS student, Lily Winton, who suffered a serious post-concussive syndrome that required medical leave from her junior year of high school. This program is offered free of charge through a grant from the Oak Foundation. There will be time for questions and answers after the presentation.

March 21st, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
FA Day Auditorium

Interested in traveling with Newton Community Ed?

Have you ever considered traveling internationally with like-minded Newton adults?
Newton Community Ed is considering offering international summer travel to some
spectacular destinations, and would like your feedback!

This interest survey will only take 5 minutes and may make you eligible for a travel discount: https://goo.gl/forms/PZvqIBRNeqTHh3692.

Opportunity at the Centre Street Food Pantry

Seeking candidates for a new Volunteer Coordinator position. Be a vital part of the Centre Street Food Pantry!  Ideal candidates are enthusiastic, good planners, kind and have experience in volunteer management or training.

Send resume to: n.surmeli@centrestfoodpantry.org

Newton Parent Advisory Council for Special Education meeting on March 14th

“Everything you always wanted to know about Student Services and Special Education
in Newton and were afraid to ask”. The NewtonSEPAC Board Officers invite you to join in an open conversation and Q & A session at the next meeting of the Newton Parent Advisory Council for Special Education. This is an open conversation, no topic is too small or too insignificant. This meeting location is accessible.

March 14th,  7:30 pm (Light refreshments and networking begin at 7:15 pm)
Room 210 of The Education Center, 100 Walnut Street

Weather cancellations will be posted on our website www.newtonpac.org

Ukuleles to borrow! Newton Free Library

Want to learn to play the ukulele? Now you can borrow a ukulele from the Newton Free
Library! There’s also a “Learn” collection in the Music Center with self-instruction books and DVDs to help you learn to play many musical instruments including ukulele, banjo, flute, guitar, piano,  tuba and many others.

For more information call the Newton Free Library at 617-796-1360.

Nomad Story Slam

The Nomad Story Slam is back for another great night of story-telling, inspired by the
Moth Radio Hour. Anyone can throw their name in the hat and tell a five minute, true
story connected to the theme of the night. The theme this time is “appetite”, appetite
for risk, appetite for love, for food, for danger, …

March 19th, 7:30 pm
Gregorian Rugs, 2284 Washington St, Lower Falls

Rummage & Boutique Sale – March 19th

Temple Shalom Newton Sisterhood Rummage & Boutique Sale features bargains on all
sorts of useful items and unique treasures: kids & adult clothing, shoes, accessories,
housewares and decor, books, toys and baby equipment. The Designer Boutique offers
premium upscale couture and collectibles. Everything priced to sell. Admission $1.00/person.

March 19th, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Preview hour 9:00 – 10:00 am for $20.00/person admission.
March 20th is Bag Day – $10.00 per bag for everything you can stuff inside.

Temple Shalom
175 Temple Street, West Newton

Newton Parks and Recreation’s great programs starting this Spring

Archery: Join indoor archery at the Newton Centre Hut. Learn the fundamentals of archery and put your skills to the test in mini competitions and archery games. Classes are offered for people ages 10 and up, adults can participate too. This class is led by a certified ASA Archery Instructor from On The Mark Archery and all equipment is provided.

Wednesdays March 22nd – April 12th, 6:30 – 7:30 pm

---

Horseback Riding:There are still a few spaces open for the horseback riding program at Lil Folk Farm in Holliston. Group lessons in horseback riding and horsemanship are offered for children in grades 3 – 8.  Transportation is provided from the Albemarle Field House in Newton.

Grades 3 – 8 on Sundays April 23rd – May 7th, 1:00 – 5:15 pm and
Grades 3 – 5  on Tuesdays April 25th – May 16th, 1:00 – 5:15 pm

---

Golf: Join Commonwealth Golf Course for this year’s golf instruction including SNAG
(Starting New at Golf), Weekend Clinics, After School Programs, April Vacation, Summer
Camps and Ladies Beginners classes. A variety of dates and times are offered.

---

April School Vacation Camps: A variety of programs are offered for kids in Kindergarten through 6th grade including sports camps at Pellegrini Park, field trip camps at Burr Park and field trip and special event camps at Lower Falls Community Center. School vacation programs run April 18th – 21st and participants can register by day or for all 4 days.

---

To register online, go to www.activityreg.com and click on Massachusetts, then Newton
Parks and Recreation. Click on the Register tab, then select programs or activities and
all of the above programs are listed under the Recreation Programs and Activities
section.

GELF Dinner is April 1st

Help fund low-income students to participate in NPS’s life-changing travel opportunities; come to the GELF Dinner!

GELF will hold its annual not-to-be-missed community event, featuring an amazing 5-course gourmet meal (cooked from scratch on-site!!), paired fine beers & wines
(featuring Sam Adams beer pairings, a major hit last year!), dancing (with a great live
band featuring our own Katani Sumner), 150 like-minded community members, table
service by Newton administrators, and a fabulous raffle.

Buy your tickets by March 13th and get access to an exclusive early bird raffle for homemade ice cream and waffle cones!

You may pay online here: http://www.newton.k12.ma.us/Page/2289 (scroll down to the bottom for the PayPal button) or send a $150.00/person check (made payable to Newton Schools Foundation with GELF in the memo line) to Newton Schools Foundation, ATTN: Diane Greer, P.O. Box 590020, Newton Centre, MA 02459.

Whether you are coming or not, please consider donating to Support a Teacher to
attend the event ($100/person) or making a tax-deductible donation, all possible here: http://www.newton.k12.ma.us/Page/2289.

GELF is also looking for volunteers any time between now and April 1st–please email Samantha Mandel at samantha_mandel@newton.k12.ma.us if interested. Thank you for your support.

Newton Family & Friends Ski Trips

Randy Friedman, father of two boys in the Newton schools and Director of Ski &
Travel in Boston, recently started Seven Travel LLC for the purpose of creating community by planning ski and ride family trips. These are the upcoming ski trips this season:

Smugglers Notch, VT – March 24th-26th

The # 1 Rated Family Ski Resort in New England! Completely self-contained, Smuggs
offers all the amenities you could wish for. Ski in, ski out condos, walk to everything
village, indoor pool, snowshoe, XC ski, and much more. Smuggs is the perfect location for the entire family.

Jay Peak, VT – April 7th-9th

Jay Peak is renowned for the most snow in the east. Spring skiing at its finest. But
skiing is only part of the fun as they have a host of off-site facilities including an indoor
ice rink and an INDOOR, always 80 degrees, waterpark. Not just for kids, there is
surfing, boogie boarding, slides, and the only aqua-loop slide in the states. Spring at
Jay is as good as it gets with warm days, soft snow, and hot fun. We have condos
slopeside, with full kitchens…..ski in ski out and walk to everything else! Come join us!

There are many details about these trips, Please email Randy at randyhfriedman@gmail.com or call 617-970-3079 for further information.

Family looking for summer companion

Local family is looking for a young mentor (teenager to young adult) for their daughter to assist her in summer camp for 4 weeks. Special Ed training is not necessary, just someone kind and supportive to be a friend. This has been successful model for her in the past. They’re looking to replicate this mentor relationship helping her navigate socially as well as providing confidence.

Please email Andrea at zzzafa@gmail.com.

Student DJ Entertainers & Balloon Artist for Hire!

Current 7th graders at Brown, and proud Countryside alums, Ben Kalis and Brendan Weissel have started their own business!

BNK Entertainment offers student DJ entertainers and balloon artistry for your school event or private party. Contact Ben at 617-485-4855 or email them at bnkentertainment2016@gmail.com.

Rescheduled!! Understanding Our Differences Needs You!

We are in desperate need of volunteers for the rescheduled Wednesday, March 23, Understanding Our Differences Unit on Deafness/Hard of Hearing. The program goes from 9-10:30am.

Can you be an Understanding Our Differences group leader to the Burr School 3rd and 4th Graders for the upcoming programs which are:

3rd grade (Wednesday 9-11am)
Rescheduled: March 23, 2017 -- Deafness/Hard of Hearing
We need 12 volunteers to run small group workshops with the 3rd graders on Lipreading, Finger spelling and Assistive technology used by people with deafness/hard of hearing on Wednesday, March 15 from 9-10:30am.

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

Burr Online Auction

Let the Bidding Begin!
Burr Online Auction
March 10th–18th
https://www.biddingforgood.com/burrelementary

√ Auction Items Include: Summer Camps, Birthday Parties, Restaurants, Entertainment Tickets, Vacations, Retail and more.
√ Register to Bid: Complete the registration process online so you will be ready to bid when the auction opens on March 10th.
√ Refer Family and Friends: Do you know people (colleagues, friends, family) who would be interested in our auction? Send them an email and help us build our community.

Support Burr Elementary School
Event proceeds will go directly to:
The Burr Elementary School PTO

Rescheduled!! Creative Arts and Sciences Welcomes the Museum of Science’s Weather: Wind, Water, and Temperatures (5th Grade)

How do air, water, light, and heat interact with each other to create weather? Students will see how atmospheric phenomena interact with each other to create the weather we experience every day. They’ll see a hot air balloon lift off inside the school, pressurize a tank to create enough wind to power a cannon, and watch clouds form before their very eyes.

Date: Tuesday, March 21
Time: 10 to 11 am for all 5th grade classes

Presentation will take place in the Cafetorium.

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 and click on "Donate."

Thank you!

Burr Family Ice Skating at Daly Rink on Sunday, March 26

Please join us Sunday, March 26th for Burr Family Ice Skating at Daly Rink!

WHEN: Sunday, March 26^th from 5:00 – 5:50pm

WHERE:  Daly Ice Skating Rink
(4 Nonantum Road Newton, MA)

WHO: Everyone is welcome – bring the entire family!

COST: FREE! (Skate Rentals Available:  $6.00 per person.)

WHY: Why not? Just a fun community-building event on a Sunday afternoon! And did we mention – it’s FREE!

QUESTIONS:  Contact Stacey Richard (svrichard@gmail.com).

Please note that this is a family event.  It is not a drop-off activity.

2017 Spring Burr Basketball Clinics (9 Tuesdays)

Burr K-5 Youth Basketball Academy by a professional coach is ending its winter session. There will be a new spring session open to Burr School Students!

Spaces are limited! Sign up at bit.ly/burrschool for 9 professional one-hour training sessions on Tuesday evenings @ Burr Gym!

A varsity coach runs this basketball academy. Pay $150/each player for 9 training sessions. All proceeds go to the Burr school soccer goal fund.

Dates:
April 4th, April 11th, April 25th; May 2nd, May 9th, May 16th, May 23rd, May 30th; June 6th (2017)

Times:
Group 1: Tuesday 6:15-7:15pm for K, 1 and 2 boys and girls
Group 2: Tuesday 7:15-8:30pm for 2, 3 & above boys and girls

2017 Spring Soccer PreSeason Clinic (April 2nd, 2017)

There will be a pro-coach soccer training session (one time only) to raise funds for youth soccer goals dedicated to Burr school students! Sign up at bit.ly/burrschool

This youth soccer clinic will be a great opportunity to learn through fun-based drills, small-sized games, and scrimmages; or just to meet schoolmates/friends in a “no pressure” setting. All games and drills will be age appropriate and are set to improve skills. It is skills based, with small elements of game play. This is a great opportunity and training environment for soccer players looking to condition their skills before the spring soccer season!

A professional coach runs this preseason training. Sign up at bit.ly/burrschool for this preseason training session on April 2nd @ Burr School field!

Location: Burr School Yard

Dates:  April 2nd, 2017;

Times:

Group 1: Sunday 09:30pm-11:00am for G2-5 boys and girls
Group 2: Sunday 11:00am-12:30pm for K- 2 boys and girls;

2nd graders could go either way depending on his/her physique and skills.

 

All proceeds go to the Burr school soccer goal fund.
Pay $15/each player for this clinic. Donate extra for funding soccer goals!

Please direct all questions to Burr PTO contact Alex (guolinwen@gmail.com) or John (jvmcauliffe@gmail.com)

Please always have shin guards, cleats, bottled water and comfortable clothing ready for participating in this outdoor soccer training session.

Donor Will Match $25,000 for Calculus Project in March!

The Newton Schools Foundation is honored for the second consecutive year to have a very generous donor who will match up to $25,000 in contributions from the community to the Calculus Project during the month of March.

Double your impact and donate today: www.newtonschoolsfoundation.org

The Calculus Project has been transformational for Newton students.  Since its 2013 launch, enrollment growth in high-level mathematics among traditionally underrepresented student groups is significant:

• Hispanic student enrollment has increased 70 percent.
• African-American student enrollment has tripled.
• Low-income student enrollment has increased nine-fold!

Here’s how the program works: Calculus Project students attend intensive small-group
summer classes to preview upcoming curriculum, boost their math skills, foster attitudes
that support academic risk-taking and perseverance, and cultivate relationships among
peers in the program. During the school year, students receive mentoring and after-school
academic support. The program also uses lessons and activities designed to improve self-
perceptions about academic accomplishment.

Your support this year will help deepen and extend the Calculus Project’s reach.
Currently serving 109 students in grades 7-10, the program will welcome a new cohort of
30 incoming 7th graders this summer. If we successfully complete this match challenge,
the resulting $50,000 will support nearly half of the students in the Calculus Program for
this coming year—including the entire new 7th grade cohort.

At a cost of $1,000 per student for a full year of programming, the Calculus Project’s
success depends on a public-private partnership between the Newton Public Schools,
private foundations and corporate donors, and generous individuals like you.
Please help us meet the donor match challenge. Please Donate today!

www.newtonschoolsfoundation.org

Newton Chinese Cultural Festival

Come to the Newton Chinese Cultural Festival hosted by Chinese American Association of Newton (CAAN), Newton Chinese Language School (NCLS) and Greater Boston Chinese Cultural Association (GBCCA). This event is supported by the Mayor’s office for cultural affairs, and is the 3rd consecutivey year taking place in the city hall.

This year’s theme is Chinese painting, which is one of the oldest continuous artistic traditions in the world. At the festival, you will learn the history and different styles of Chinese paintings. You will have a rare opportunity to watch Chinese artist painting in close distance and learn some basic painting techniques from Chinese painting masters.

You and your family can also enjoy traditional Chinese folk dance, listen to Chinese folk songs and taste traditional Chinese food. For children, there will be many other activities like art crafting, face painting and games. We hope this will be a wonderful celebration of the Chinese culture with the Newton community. Please bring your family and friends along.

For more information, see the 2017NewtonChineseFestival_Flyer

March 11th, 10:00 am-2:00 pm
Newton City Hall

K- 5th grade parents’ forum on March 22nd

On 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

Announcement for parents on the south side of town

Every year, as part of our efforts to encourage intercultural learning, we invite twenty international students to join us at Newton South. This is our fourth year running this program, and we’ve hosted students from all over the globe. This year, we have students from a variety of countries including Italy, Colombia, China, Brazil, Spain, Thailand, Indonesia, and Germany. We’ve had a blast getting to know these students and they’ve added so much to our community.

I am writing to you because our wonderful south side families are an important part of this program. Families who open their homes and hearts to these students make this intercultural learning experience possible. Past families have told us how much they have gotten out of the experience. Connections are made that last well beyond the duration of the visit.

We are already starting to think about Fall 2017. We have wonderful families who have hosted in the past returning and we are looking for a few new families as well. In our effort to attract great families, we are working with a company called Educatius International.

If you would like to learn more about being a host parent, you can contact Claudette Rowe from Educatius International at claudetterowe.educatius@gmail.com or 508-246-7028. If you would like to know more about the visiting international student program at Newton South, you can contact me.

Please consider hosting an international student! You’ll be supporting this great program and past host families will tell you what a wonderful experience hosting an international student can be for everybody involved.

Best wishes,

Kara Veley
Guidance Counselor
Visiting International Student Program
Newton South High School
veleyk@newton.k12.ma.us
617-559-6516

Seekig after school babysitter

Seeking caring, responsible, and enthusiastic babysitter for 2 children, ages 11 and 9 years. Babysitter must have a car to pickup children from school and transport them to activities on Tuesdays 2:30-6:00 pm, Wednesdays 2:30-6:15 pm, and Thursdays 4:00-6:00 pm.

Candidate would ideally be able to continue working with our family for 6-12 months or more. Payment $20-25 per hour.  Please contact Henry at hpelish@gmail.com if interested.

Newton South Stage presents “RENT”

The colorful characters of RENT measure life in love as they find themselves surrounded by art, loss, AIDS, and the everyday struggles of East Village bohemia in 1989. RENT‘s rock music and unique style changed the face of theatre when it premiered twenty years ago and is still as fresh, inspiring, and relevant as ever today. RENT includes themes and language that may not be suitable for children under 13.

Please go online at southstage.org to purchase tickets.

This show is expected to sell out, so don’t wait, get your tickets today! Each night of the show, the South Stage Annual Silent Auction will be open for bidding before the show, during intermission and after the show. Come check out amazing items including Red Sox tickets, professional theatre tickets, and amazing experiences like “Chef for a Day” at Comedor!  Highest bidder as of Saturday night, March 18th wins–you do not need to be present to win.  All proceeds benefit South Stage.

Newton South Seasholes Auditorium
March 16, 17, 18 at 7:30 pm

Knee slapping bluegrass tunes

The Foggy Mountain Consort mixes old instruments with contemporary ones, along with old styles in a fresh approach, in their bluegrass and traditional North American rhythms. Join us in dancing or just listening in this showcase of some knee-slapping local entertainment and artistry.

Tickets, $15 for adults; $10 for seniors, students, and Historic Newton members. For details and to purchase tickets, please click here: Tickets

March 19th, 2:30 pm
Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds
286 Waverley Avenue

Before pantsuits…

Women makin’ it work.

Spanning more than 350 years, the stories of the women who lived at the
Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds illuminate women’s experiences from the Native people and first European settlers through the revolution and early republic, up into the 20th century. As part of Women’s History Month, learn about how women took ownership of their lives and circumstances and how their experiences differed across time, race, and class. Free.

March 18th, 2:30 pm
Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds
286 Waverley Avenue, Newton

Sign Up for Creativity, Friendship and Summer Fun!

If you are looking for a nurturing overnight summer camp where your creative 9 to 16-year-old can combine all the fun of a traditional sleepaway camp with high quality instruction across multiple arts disciplines and activities, it’s not too late to check out Maine Arts Camp, on the campus of Colby College in Maine.

Maine Arts Camp is a small, inclusive camp community led by experienced professional instructors and mature dorm counselors, with a 3:1 camper/staff ratio. Its stunning Colby College location provides access to several art studios, a theater, two dance studios, a full commercial kitchen for cooking programs, Johnson Pond, a photography/film studio, tennis courts, and much more. Your child can enjoy an individualized schedule of activities chosen from a huge range covering visual arts, theater, music, dance, culinary arts, individual sports, film making, photography, and creative writing.

Enrollment, limited to 100 campers per session, is filling fast, so sign up soon! Choose from 2 or 4 week sessions in July. For more information, visit www.maineartscamp.com and/or contact Rick Mades, Camp Director maineartscamprick@gmail.com, or Anabel Cable at mainearts.anabel@gmail.com if you have any questions or would like to set up a meeting.

Click here to download a flyer.

Letter from Ms. Johal

February 28, 2017

Dear Families,

I hope you all had a restful vacation week. The teachers and I have come back recharged and ready for a busy few months of school as we prepare for some exciting whole school events and grade level curriculum units. I hope you too are recharged and ready to partner with us to support these efforts.  Here area a few updates and important information:

Talent Shows

We have two Talent Shows again this year on March 3. With so many talented students wanting to participate and limited seating in our cafetorium, we have found that having two shows allow us to accommodate a larger audience.  Please be sure to purchase your tickets by tomorrow, Thursday, March 2 if you have not done so already. Two tickets will be reserved for family members of students who are performing in the show. The audience for the first show will be asked to exit the building using the doors to the playground so we can efficiently bring in the audience for the 3-5 graders.

Conferences

Next week teachers will begin the spring conferences. It is a great time to review your child’s progress and set goals for the coming months.  Please be sure to sign up for a conference time that is convenient for you.

Kindergarten Screening

On March 1 and March 8, we will have screening and registration for next year’s kindergarteners.  Yes – it’s already that time of year! It is such a fun time for us as we prepare to bring in another group of students and families into the Burr community.  We also love seeing the younger siblings of current students who are now ready to enroll.

Staff News

A couple of our teachers have new additions to their families and are out on maternity leave. Fourth grade teacher, Katie Collins, is now the proud mother of a baby girl, Willa. Willa was born on February 2.  Both mother and baby are doing well. We have an excellent substitute, Kelly Young, covering during Ms. Collins’ leave.  Kelly completed her Bachelors degree at Bridgewater State University and was a student teacher in Ms. Canning’s third grade classroom in the fall.  Kelly stood out during her practicum as a strong and dedicated educator.

Burr literacy specialist, Alice Wong-Tucker, gave birth to her son, Nathaniel, on February 16.  Alice and her baby are also doing well.  I have hired a substitute literacy specialist, Sarah Churchill Silberman, to cover during Alice’s leave.  Sarah comes to Burr after completing a similar position in the Lexington Public Schools in the fall. She is well versed and experienced in literacy education.  Both Kelly and Sarah are great additions to our staff.

MCAS 2017 Testing Dates

If you have a child in grades 3, 4, or 5, please put the following dates on your calendar.  Most children perform better on these tests when they are able to take them at the same time as their peers, so I ask that you avoid taking your child out of school during scheduled testing times.

English Language Arts

Grade 3: April 26, 27 & 28

Grade 4: April 3, 4, & 5

Grade 5: April 5, 6, & 10

Mathematics

Grade 3: May 3 & 4

Grade 4: May 8 & 9

Grade 5: May 1 & 2

Science, Technology & Engineering

Grade 5: May 17 & 19

I look forward to seeing many of you at the events planned for coming months and as always, please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Best,

Mindy

 

Reminder: Early Release Thursday, March 9

Thursday, March 9 will be an all school early release at 12:30pm for parent-teacher conferences.

Burr Online Auction Begins March 10

Let the Bidding Begin!

Burr Online Auction 

March 10^th–18^th

https://www.biddingforgood.com/burrelementary

 ~ Auction Items Include: Summer Camps, Birthday Parties, Restaurants, Entertainment Tickets, Vacations, Retail and more.

~ Preview Online: Starting March 3^rd

~ Register to Bid: Complete the registration process online so you will be ready to bid when the auction opens on March 10th.

~ Refer Family and Friends: Do you know people (colleagues, friends, family) who would be interested in our auction? Send them an email and help us build our community.

Support Burr Elementary School

Event proceeds will go directly to:

The Burr Elementary School PTO

2017 Spring Burr Basketball Clinics

2017 Spring Burr Basketball Clinics (9 Tuesdays)

***************************************************
Burr K-5 Youth Basketball Academy by a professional coach is ending its winter session and having a new spring session open to Burr School students!

Spaces are limited! Sign up at bit.ly/burrschool for 9 professional one-hour training sessions on Tuesday evenings @ Burr gym!

Varsity coach runs this basketball academy.  Pay $150/each player for 9 training sessions. ALL PROCEEDS GO TO BURR SCHOOL SOCCER GOAL FUND.

Dates:
April 4th, April 11th, April 25th; May 2nd, May 9th, May 16th, May
23rd, May 30th; June 6th (2017)
Times:
Group 1: Tuesday 6:15-7:15pm for K, 1 and 2 boys and girls
Group 2: Tuesday 7:15-8:30pm for 2, 3 & above boys and girls

Newton Chinese Cultural Festival March 11

The Newton Chinese Cultural Festival will be at City Hall on Saturday, March 11, from 10 am-2 pm, hosted by the Chinese American Association of Newton (CAAN), the Newton Chinese Language School (NCLS) and the Greater Boston Chinese Association (GBCCA). This event is supported by the Mayor's Office for Cultural Affairs, and it is the 3rd consecutive year the event will take place at city hall.

This year's theme is Chinese painting, which is one of the oldest continuous artistic traditions in the world. At the festival, you will learn the history and different styles of Chinese paintings. You will have a rare opportunity to watch Chinese artists painting close up and learn some basic painting techniques from Chinese painting masters.

You and your family can also enjoy traditional Chinese folk dancing, listen to Chinese folk songs and taste traditional Chinese food. For children, there will be many other activities like art crafting, face painting and games. We hope this will be a wonderful celebration of the Chinese culture with the Newton community. Please bring your family and friends along.

PTO Meeting March 14 with Nicki Eastburn

The next PTO meeting is on Tuesday, March 14 at 7 pm.

The PTO is excited to have Nicki Eastburn, Burr School Special Education Team Chair and Social Worker, speak about incorporating mindfulness at home and in school.

This is a great opportunity to hear about all the great things that Nicki and her team have done at Burr School to encourage mindfulness and learn about ways to incorporate these strategies with the kids at home. 

 

Burr Family Ice Skating at Daly Rink on Sunday, March 26

Please join us Sunday, March 26th for Burr Family Ice Skating at Daly Rink!

WHEN: Sunday, March 26^th from 5:00 – 5:50pm

WHERE:  Daly Ice Skating Rink
(4 Nonantum Road Newton, MA)

WHO: Everyone is welcome – bring the entire family!

COST: FREE! (Skate Rentals Available:  $6.00 per person.)

WHY: Why not? Just a fun community-building event on a Sunday afternoon! And did we mention – it’s FREE!

QUESTIONS:  Contact Stacey Richard (svrichard@gmail.com).

Please note that this is a family event.  It is not a drop-off activity.

2017 Spring Soccer PreSeason Clinic April 1

***************************************************
A PRO-COACH SOCCER TRAINING SESSION (ONE TIME ONLY) TO RAISE FUNDS FOR YOUTH SOCCER GOALS DEDICATED TO BURR SCHOOL STUDENTS! SIGN UP AT bit.ly/burrschool
***************************************************


This youth soccer clinic will be a great opportunity to learn through fun-based drills, small-sized games, and scrimmages; or just to meet schoolmates/friends in a “no pressure” setting. All games and drills will be age appropriate and are set to improve skills. It is skills based, with small elements of game play. This is a great opportunity and training environment for soccer players looking to condition their skills before the spring soccer season!
***************************************************

A professional coach runs this preseason training. Sign up at bit.ly/burrschool for this preseason training session on April 1st@ Burr School yard!

Location: Burr School yard
Date:  April 1, 2017

Times:
Group 1: Saturday 3:00pm-4:30pm for K- 2 boys and girls;
Group 2: Saturday 4:30pm-6:00pm for G2-5 boys and girls;
2nd graders could go either way depending on his/her physique and skills.

ALL PROCEEDS GO TO BURR SCHOOL SOCCER GOAL FUND. Pay $15/each player for this clinic. Donate extra for funding soccer goals!  

Please direct all questions to Burr PTO contact Alex (guolinwen@gmail.com) or John (jvmcauliffe@gmail.com)

Please always have shin guards, cleats, bottled water and comfortable clothing ready for participating in this OUTDOOR soccer training session.

Letter from the Superintendent

February 28, 2017

Dear Newton Community:

Over the past few days and weeks, I have received questions from community members about how recent federal actions on immigration and transgender guidelines impact our school community. These messages have expressed anxiety and uncertainty, as well as a desire to know where the Newton Public Schools stands in light of these events.

Regardless of federal actions, the Newton Public Schools strongly reaffirms our commitment to create welcoming, supportive, and safe school communities for all students and staff, no matter their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or immigration status.

Last week, the Newton City Council voted to become a “Welcoming City,” a city that protects all residents, regardless of legal status. In the same spirit, the Newton Public Schools welcomes all students, no matter where they were born or how they arrived in Newton.

As I visit our schools, I find students from all over the world who are learning and thriving in our classrooms. It is this diversity that gives all of our students such a rich and powerful student experience. The global community in our schools is preparing our students to thrive and succeed in a global world.

Diversity is not solely defined by race or ethnicity; it is multi-faceted, affording us the opportunity to teach acceptance, appreciation, and respect for each and every individual. To this end, I am proud of the real progress we have made in creating welcoming and safe spaces for our transgender students at all levels. Just recently, I had the privilege of listening to a transgender student speak about his experience. It was gratifying to hear about the comfort and acceptance he feels among his peers and within his school community. This reflects the commitment of our staff, our students, and our families.

We are fortunate in Massachusetts to be backed by state statute that ensures protections for all students and prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity. Our NPS non-discrimination policy also specifies the rights and protections for gender identity and we have created the appropriate spaces in schools so that transgender students feel safe and comfortable.

We will continue to work hard every day to create school communities in which all students and adults feel safe and supported. Thank you for your partnership and for your ongoing support.

Sincerely,

David Fleishman
Superintendent of Schools