THE BURR BUZZ: April 2017

CREATIVE ARTS & SCIENCES AND THE BURR PTO PRESENT

Illustrator Emilie Boon—May 12, 2017

The Creative Arts and Sciences Committee, which is fully funded by the Burr PTO, welcomes Children’s Illustrator Emilie Boon to the Kindergarten classrooms on Friday, May 12th starting at 8:45am.

Emilie Boon is best known for her beguiling depictions of animal characters. After reading one of her books, she will share her artwork and explain the step-by-step process of creating a book. She will talk about inspiration, using imagination and how making mistakes and rewriting are important parts of the creative process.image

After Emilie’s presentation, it’s the students’ turn to create a book! Using Emilie’s crayon and watercolor technique, students will create their own unique books.

Emilie Boon has published over 20 books for young children, including Peterkin’s Very Own Garden and Belinda’s Balloon.

Friday, May 13

8:45-9:45 Frail

10:00-11:00 McMahon

11:15-12:15 Russo

(In the Classrooms)

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

CREATIVE ARTS & SCIENCES AND THE BURR PTO PRESENT

A Day in Ghana—May 12, 2017

Join us for on Friday, May 12th from 8:45-11:45am for a charming and wonderful program all about the culture of Ghana, a Creative Arts & Sciences event fully funded by the Burr PTO. An associate professor at Berklee College of Music, Joe Galeota lived in Ghana for many years, and his wife, Vida, grew up there. Together they have created a rich program that brings students to Vida’s village for a day.

The day includes the family’s morning chores, the marketplace, school and the family’s evening activities. Throughout the program, Joe and Vida present artifacts, music, games, and proverbs. Join us! Parents are encouraged to attend, but no younger siblings, please. Thank you for your cooperation.

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

THE BURR PTO PRESENTS

May Fair is Coming on May 13!

Save the Date! The 2017 Burr School May Fair will be taking place
on Saturday, May 13, 2017 from 12-3pm!

WHAT IS MAYFAIR??

The Mayfair started in the 60’s as a community-building event led by some dedicated Burr moms. Back then, it was a swap meet with some simple games and a grill. Times may have changed, but one thing hasn't—May Fair is still one of the most fun and anticipated events of the year.

Families enjoy a variety of activities for children and adults, including games of chance and skill, teacher dunk tank, face painting, a bounce house, and arts and crafts. There will also be a very popular cake decorating contest and plenty of great food for sale.

Please stop by for an hour or two and lend a hand and let the kids play. We are looking for helpers to run games, supervise crafts, manage concession stands, etc. Please look at the list and pick a time slot that works for you! PLEASE consider signing up for more than one shift. Older kids can help you run a game but you are responsible to make sure the shift is covered. Please assist them.

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f49aaab23a0f94-20171

Bakers: Adults and kids PLEASE bake goodies to be sold at the bake sale. A cake for the cake walk or find your inner cake boss and decorate a cake! The theme this year is Sports!

Can’t make it or want to donate to Bake Sale go to:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f49aaab23a0f94-20172

This event is fully funded by the Burr PTO. Thank you for your support!

May 10—National Walk to School Day

Ditch the car today, and take a nice walk with your kids to and from school today!

An Evening of Cabaret

Enjoy an Evening of Cabaret with singers from the Boston Association of Cabaret Artists.

Cabaret music is delightful, since it includes songs of many styles such as Broadway, Jazz, Blues, Pop, the Great American Songbook, Country and more, focusing on the intimate relationship between the singer and the audience. Join at an evening of song featuring Sara Brodsky, Carole Bundy, David Diamond, Phil Kassel, Linda Marks, Ethel Ryerson, Stephen Smith, Barbara Larson, Robin Burrage & Leni Webber, with Tom LaMark on the piano. For tickets, $20.00/$10 Seniors & Students, please visit www.newtoncommunitypride.org/festival

April 28th, 7:00 pm
Newton Cultural Center at Newton City Hall
1000 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton Center

SmartsSummers Theater Arts program

Spend your summer singing, dancing, acting, and having fun! Students take classes in the visual and performing arts and work together to create an original musical production. This summer, the shows are based on outer space stories and will be OUT OF THIS WORLD!

Full day and part day programs available for ages 5-13 from July 10th – August 17th. Register for 1-6 weeks. For questions, contact theaterartscamp@aol.com, visit brooklineadulted.org or https://sites.google.com/site/smartsummerstheaterarts/home

For more information or to register visithttp://www.campusce.net/brooklinesmartprograms/course/course.aspx?catId=125 or call 617-730-2700.

Flutes, Fins and Paws by the Willow Flute Ensemble

Celebrating its 20th season, The Willow Flute Ensemble performs “My Dog Pooh”, a musical story about a most unusual dog, followed by “Chats” a flute quartet about different types of cats. Also on the program are Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and Dolphins, ending with another musical story, “The Crotchety Cats:” narrated by Duane Sullivan.

The Willow Flute Ensemble includes Music Director Ilona Kudina (piano, bass flute), Rebecca M. Makara (flute, alto flute, piccolo), Laura Smolowitz (flute, piccolo, alto flute), Asako Yoshida (flute, bass flute), Jen Kramer (flute, piccolo, narration), Philip Trackman (flute, alto flute), Pamela Nichols (flute, alto flute), Duane Sullivan (narration).

Free. Donations welcome at the door. www.willowfluteensemble.com.

April 29th, 1:30 pm
Newton Cultural Center at Newton City Hall
1000 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton Center

Parenting workshop

An Introductory Workshop in the Think:Kids Collaborative Problem Solving Approach
Do you ever feel frustrated with your child? Find yourself shouting and imposing consequences in reaction to challenging behavior, but it rarely works and doesn’t make you feel very good?

The Think:Kids Collaborative Problem Solving parenting approach brings out the best in both parents and children by helping parents to:

Foster positive relationships with their child

Build their child’s skills in self-regulation, communication and problem-solving

Reduce their child’s challenging behavior

Solve problems calmly, collaboratively and proactively

For more information and to register for the last CPS workshops in Brookline or Needham Heights before the summer, including a 1-day workshop on June 3rd, please visit: BeTheParentBoston.com.

Join us for Healthy Kids Day!

Come to one of the Y’s premier annual events, Healthy Kids Day, which is FREE and open to the public. Enjoy the bouncy house and obstacle courses! Get the whole crew moving with family fitness classes and GaGa ball. Observe a showing of a selection of surprise critters from Curious Creatures as well as musical performances from the talented YCCA students.

Bring your bicycle to decorate and show off in the parade afterward. There will be a free bike helmet giveaway courtesy of the Newton Elks Club and Farina’s in Watertown. First come, first serve.

All events will take place outside on the Y’s New Balance Track & Field barring poor weather, in which case activities will be moved to the gym. Healthy Kids Day is generously sponsored by the Belmont Savings Bank Foundation.

Face Painting: 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Bicycle Decorating: 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Family Fitness Classes: 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Curious Creatures: 2:30-3:30 pm
Bouncy House, GaGa Ball and Obstacle Courses: 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Bicycle Parade: 3:30 pm

April 29th, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
West Suburban YMCA, 276 Church Street, Newton

Celebrating Changing Lives: One Can Help’s Annual Benefit

One Can Help, a social justice nonprofit based in Newton, provides critical resources to the neediest children and families in the juvenile court system. Please join them for One Can Help’s annual benefit, Celebrating Changing Lives. Featuring speakers Josh Kraft, President and CEO of Boys and Girls Club of Boston, and Nicki Ruiz de Luzuriaga, an expert on ways to disrupt poverty. With great food from Farm Grill + Rotisserie, drinks, and live jazz duo James Merenda and Jon Dreyer.

Tickets are $40.00 through April 28th then go up to $50.00, with limited tickets at the door. Buy your tickets and learn more at www.onecanhelp.org or contact info@onecanhelp.org.

May 2nd, 6:30 – 9:00 pm
Windsor Club, 1601 Beacon Street

It’s not too late to sign up for creative summer fun at Maine Arts Camp!

Are you still looking for the perfect summer experience for your creative 9 to 16-year-old? At Maine Arts Camp – a small, nurturing co-ed camp community located on the stunning campus of Colby College – your child or teen can combine all the fun of a traditional sleepaway camp with exceptionally high quality instruction across an inspirational range of arts, science, and outdoor activities.

Whatever their interests, individualized schedules mean campers can choose activities they already love and/or explore new skills and adventures. Want to combine theater and dance with baking, metalwork, tennis, robotics and film-making? Kayaking with chorus and stained glass? With over 60 activities to choose from, and access to Colby’s outstanding facilities, it’s all available at Maine Arts Camp. With a focus on empathy and a 3:1 camper/staff ratio, they can ensure every camper gets all the support and personal attention they need to thrive.

For more information, visit www.maineartscamp.com. Please contact Rick Mades, Camp Director at maineartscamprick@gmail.com, or Anabel Cable at mainearts.anabel@gmail.com if you have any questions. Enrollment is limited to 100 campers per session, and is filling fast, so sign up soon!

Letter from Superintendent Fleishman to the Newton Community

Dear Newton Community,

Last week, the School Committee approved the budget for the 2017-18 school year. The final approved budget allows us to preserve so many of the programs and supports we have worked hard to implement over the past several years. With additional savings realized late in the process, we have been able to partially restore program areas we thought we would need to reduce more significantly.

Throughout the budget process, the district received many questions from the community. Attached you will find a document developed to answer the most common questions we received. Please select the following link: FAQ - 2017-18 Budget-FINAL.pdf. For more specific information on the budget, please visit the district website: https://tinyurl.com/lahbbx9

I hope you have an enjoyable April vacation.

Sincerely,

David Fleishman

Parent Principal Coffee on April 25

Ms Johal will host a Parent Principal Coffee on Tuesday, April 25 at 8:30 am in the cafeteria. This is a great opportunity to come hear about the budget impact on Burr and more generally about what next year may bring at Burr.

Burr International Potluck Dinner

Hello Burr Families!

Just a reminder that the Burr School International Potluck is coming up the week after Spring Break. The event is taking place in the Burr School Cafetorium on Saturday, April 27thfrom 5-7:30pm. We need your help to make this event, which highlights the wonderful cultural diversity of our school, a success. There are many ways that you can get involved. Of course, it's a potluck, so we'll need those prized family dishes that represent your culture or national origin. Store bought goodies are likewise welcome!

We'll be collecting recipes to create the first annual International Potluck Cookbook, which doubles to list ingredients for those concerned about allergens. Additionally, we are seeking volunteers to lead short demonstrations to teach interested students about various cooking techniques from different parts of the world. For example, a volunteer might guide students through the technique for rolling pasta dough, or the proper way to fold a wonton. Not a cook? Don't worry! Teach the kids how to make your family's go-to horchata (rice drink) recipe or how you steep the perfect cup of tea. We hope to have a wide array of presentations across cultures, because it's so very important that we not only recognize our differences, but teach our children to celebrate them. And what better way to do this than through food?

Finally, cost should not be a deterrent to participation. This event is free to all of our families, and if you need financial assistance to purchase ingredients for making a potluck dish, we've set aside some funds to help. Please contact Janhavi Wadhwani at janhavi108@yahoo.com, Tamika Olszewski at tamikaolszewski@yahoo.com, or Cristal Balis at cbalis@me.com.

To sign up, visit: http://bit.ly/2o4tRvi

Newton Community Farm

Newton Community Farm

Kids at the Farm: Summer 2017

“ Your program was my daughters favorite last summer, needless to say we are back this year, and for additional weeks!!” Little Digger Family (Entering Grades 1 -2)

Feed the chickens, harvest produce and learn what it takes to grow food sustainably, all right here in Newton. Indulge your senses, feed your curiosity and enjoy nature’s wonders.

Programs for toddlers through High School starting in June and running until August 25^th. Join us, all welcome! Weeks are filling up, register today!

Visit www.newtoncommunityfarm.org/education and click on summer.

One Can Help annual benefit

Looking for a way to make a difference? Please join One Can Help at its annual fundraiser. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased here or at www.onecanhelp.org. Founded by Waban attorney Anne Bader-Martin, One Can Help provides timely, targeted assistance (in the form of small grants) to court-involved families and foster children, when no other funds are available.

With great food and drink, live music and engaging speakers including Josh Kraft, President and CEO of Boys and Girls Club of Boston, the One Can Help benefit is a fun way to spend an evening and support a worthy cause. 95% of all funds raised will go directly to program expenses, and will also help One Can Help attain a $10,000 matching grant from a local foundation.

May 2nd, 6:30-9:00 pm
Windsor Club
1601 Beacon St, Waban

Seeking host families for cultural exchange

CCI Greenheart is currently seeking volunteer host families from Newton, Brookline, Brighton, and Watertown for a group of high-school age French students participating in a 3-week cultural immersion program from July 8th – July 28th. Volunteer host families will be responsible for providing meals and housing for one student for the three week period and will be able to spend time with the student and share aspects of American culture. This 3-week program is a great introduction to hosting for families who have never hosted an exchange student before! See flyer here: Host a student

Families interested in hosting or learning more should contact the Local Coordinator, Monique Baumont at mbaumont5@gmail.com or 908-720-0520.

Kids at the Farm: Summer 2017

“ Your program was my daughters favorite last summer, needless to say we are back this year, and for additional weeks!!” Little Digger Family (Entering Grades 1 -2)

Feed the chickens, harvest produce and learn what it takes to grow food sustainably, all right here in Newton. Indulge your senses, feed your curiosity and enjoy nature’s wonders.
Programs for toddlers through High School at Newton Community Farm starting in June and running until August 25th. Join in, all welcome! Weeks are filling up, register today!

Visit www.newtoncommunityfarm.org/education and click on summer.

Nutrition for kids seminar

KidsWell Pediatrics & Urgent Care is offering a seminar regarding nutrition and healthy diets for kids. For more information, please see Seminar Flyer and for tips on nutrition, click here Immune System Nutrition.

April 11th, 6:00 -7:00 pm
West Suburban YMCA

Annual Youth Services Award

The Newton Parks and Recreation Commission and the Newton Health and Human Services Youth Commission are asking your help in seeking nominations for the 29th Annual Youth Services Awards. These awards recognize the hard work and dedicated efforts Newton citizens so generously contribute to youth work and community service.

There is a full description of all the awards and nomination forms at http://www.newtonma.gov/gov/parks/youthawards.asp.

Nominations must be received before May 19, 2017.

Newton Heartbreak Hill Road Race & Walk

Don’t forget the Newton Heartbreak Hill Road Race & Walk. Not a runner? Everyone can walk the course at 11:30. Register at www.newtoncommunitypride.org $10.00 child/$12.00 adult.

April 15th, 11:30am – 3:00 pm

Drop-In Vacation Week PlaySpace

Looking for something fun to do with the kids over school vacation week? Come to Art & Music with Paula Gannon, with time for Play & Snack too! No registration needed, just drop in! For children ages 18 months – 5 years with a caregiver. $10.00 per child or $25.00 per family. Call 617-796-1540 for more information.

April 19th and April 21st, 9:30 – 11:00 am
Newton Cultural Center at City Hall, 1000 Commonwealth Avenue

Boston March for Science – Kids’s Rally

Come to the Kid’s Rally at the Boston March for Science at the Boston Common. The event is non-partisan and pro-science. Bring the kids by for an opportunity to get interested in science and recognize that everyone is and can be a scientist. For more information, visit https://www.marchforscienceboston.com/kids-march.

April 22nd, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Parkman Bandstand on the Boston Common

Volunteer opportunities

There are THREE volunteer opportunities coming up with the Rotary Club of Newton and friends. Please join in helping others – membership in Rotary is NOT required~

1. Sunday, April 30th, 9:00 am: Newton At Home: As part of NewtonServes, Rotary will help with an outdoor spring cleanup at the home of an older adult living independently in Newton. Will include light leaf raking, picking up twigs, sweeping, and possibly moving lawn furniture from the garage outside. Your donation of time and effort will make a big, positive difference to the well-being of an older adult. Suitable for anyone 8 and up and persons with disabilities To participate, please contact Maureen by CLICKING HERE.

2. Thursday, May 18th: Help pack bags at the Center Street Food Pantry. Time to be determined, but if you’re interested please contact Rae by CLICKING HERE. Suitable for adults.

3. The Southborough Rotary Club is holding a food packaging event on Sunday, April 23rd at 1:00 pm at St. Mark’s School in Southborough. This is a fast, fun and important project that helps get emergency food into the hands of those in crisis. Please contact Dave Vachris at St. Mark’s by CLICKING HERE. Suitable for adults and kids 10 and up.

Sidekick: A new local Business

Need a TV mounted? A shower re-grouted? A crack in your ceiling fixed? Meet Sidekick Home, your personal home project concierge. They’ve got your back! They connect homeowners with a pre-qualified list of skilled and vetted tradesmen and handymen to handle all of your service needs. As your single point of contact for all your home service needs, Sidekick Home will manage the bids, schedule the job, ensure it’s complete to your satisfaction and handle payment. For more information visit http://www.sidekickhome.com or call 877- 949-7845.

Yogurt Beach Fundraiser, April 11

The Yogurt Beach Fundraiser will be Tuesday, April 11th, all day!

Please mention you're there to support Burr School.
30% of your sale will go directly to our school!

Yogurt Beach
665 Watertown St
Newtonville, MA 02460

Celebrate 50 Years of METCO on April 29th

On Saturday, April 29th, the Newton Public Schools will commemorate 50 years of partnership with METCO, the Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity, Inc. We hope you can join us for this special evening as we celebrate the past, present, and future of the METCO program.

Newton is proud to be a founding member of METCO, the second oldest voluntary inter-district school assignment program in the country dedicated to increasing diversity. Our participation in the program has brought families together, built bridges across racial, ethnic, and cultural lines, and enriched the lives of all it has touched. It has brought deeper racial and cultural understanding to our students, staff, and the entire Newton community and prepared our students to succeed in a diverse global community.

On Saturday, April 29th, we will celebrate those who built the METCO program in Newton, as well as the community leaders, state officials, and school administrators who have supported the program over the years. Most importantly, we will celebrate the families, both host and participant, who have inspired so many with their commitment, generosity, and ongoing dedication to the program.

Event details are:
Date: Saturday, April 29th
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Newton North High School (457 Walnut St.)
Description: Light appetizers and desserts will be served.

Follow the link below to RSVP to the celebration. We look forward to seeing you there and commemorating this special milestone.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/newton-metco-50th-celebration-tickets-31481619371

NewtonSERVES @ Burr School on April 30th

NewtonSERVES @ Burr School on April 30^th

This spring come spend a morning at Burr, helping clean up the garden and prep for planting. We will also weed, mulch and spruce up the playground. Kids are welcome!

It’s a lot of fun to come together and do this.… you’ll be glad you did.

NewtonSERVES Volunteer Form

Understanding Our Differences Needs You!

UNDERSTANDING OUR DIFFERENCES NEEDS YOU!

Be an Understanding Our Differences group activity leader to the 4^th Graders for the upcoming program on Chronic Medical Conditions on May 3^rd from 9-10:30am. We will teach the students about Allergic Conditions and Diabetes.

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

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

2017 Burr School May Fair is May 6 from 12:00PM-3:00PM

The May Fair started in the 60’s as a community building event led by some dedicated moms. Back then, it was a swap meet with simple games and a BBQ. It is STILL a fun community event!!

Please stop by for an hour or two and lend a hand and let the kids play. Any profit goes to the PTO to help fill in the gaps.

We are looking for helpers to run games, supervise crafts, manage concessions, etc.

Please click on the link below and pick a time slot that works for you!

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f49aaab23a0f94-20171

We also need baked goods. Click link below to sign up for baking.

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f49aaab23a0f94-20172

The Centre Street Food Pantry

Our mission is to provide families within our community with consistent access to nutritious food in a dignified and sensitive environment. Dozens of families shop each time we are open and more than 10 new families come to us each month. Our shoppers are primarily from Newton and span all ages and situations.

The Centre Street Food Pantry can be relied on as a source of food when you are in need. We stock canned goods, juices, toiletries and have fresh items, produce, and bread. When you visit us, you will shop for the groceries you need for your household, according to how many people you have at home, within generous limits.

The Centre Street Food Pantry is open every Tuesday from 4pm to 7pm and the first Saturday of the month from 11am-1pm.

Our address is 11 Homer Street, Newton Centre, MA. You should enter around the corner on Furber Lane.

For more information please visit our website at or call 617-340-9554.

http://www.centrestfoodpantry.org/home

Celebrating Our Teachers and Staff

Help us dish out some appreciation as we host our Spring Breakfast!

The end of thes chool year is quickly approaching and our plans for the Teacher and Staff Appreciation Breakfast, End-Of-Year Luncheon and Back-to-School Luncheon have begun. These events provide Burr families an opportunity to thank the staff for their hard work and dedication.

Last year, we were able to serve a homemade breakfast and cater two luncheons with the donations from you! We are planning for these events right NOW and are looking for your help in one of the following ways:

Contribute $10-$15 toward the 3 meals we will prepare- any amount is most appreciated. Cash or check (Burr PTO) can be sent in with your child’s folder by Friday, April 26^th.

Contribute a breakfast item of your choice. Deliver the morning of Thursday, May 4^th (Before 7:30AM,or contact Hema Rao at hrao23@gmail.com to make other arrangements). Link to the sign up genius is below. Please list the ingredients with item.

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f49aaab23a0f94-2017

Help in another way of your choosing! Flowers? Décor? Special dish? Set-up? Clean up? Just let us know by April 30^th.

More info on the luncheons will follow. Thank you fory our support.

Contact: Justine Fialkosky at jfialkosky@gmail.com with any questions.

Thank you!

Burr Hospitality Committee

WHAT is NewtonSERVES?

NewtonSERVES is a Day of Community Service that brings together over 1,000 volunteers of all ages to complete more than 50 community projects for the benefit of numerous non-profit organizations and City of Newton departments. Please help out at this year’s NewtonSERVES on April 30th.

Volunteers work in teams on morning, afternoon or all day projects throughout the city, such as cleaning up parks, planting gardens, building and painting school bookshelves, spring cleaning at non-profit organizations and helping senior citizens. By enhancing the City of Newton’s sense of community, NewtonSERVES helps to foster a culture of year-round volunteerism.

Volunteer Registration Open now.

WHO can participate?

Individuals

Families

Students (ages 8 and up)

Young Adults

Senior Citizens

Corporations & Businesses

WHY volunteer with NewtonSERVES?

Make a difference in your own community

Meet new people

Discover a new part of Newton

Develop your teamwork and leadership skills

Make Newton a better place in which to live, work, learn and play

Give back

Get a free t-shirt and food

It’s fun!

Coming soon...the Burr International Potluck Dinner!

Hello Burr Families!

The Burr School International Potluck is coming up in a few weeks, and we wanted folks to know of some exciting initiatives underway for the dinner. First and foremost, the event is taking place in the Burr School Cafetorium on Saturday, April 29th from 5-7:30pm. We need your help to make this event, which highlights the wonderful cultural diversity of our school, a success. There are many ways that you can get involved. Of course, it's a potluck, so we'll need those prized family dishes that represent your culture or national origin. Store bought goodies are likewise welcome!

To sign up, visit: http://bit.ly/2o4tRvi

Proposed Newton Public Schools Budget

Newton Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Fleishman proposed the Fiscal Year 2018 budget on March 22, 2017. The budget for next year, FY 2018, has a $2.1 million gap, meaning the 'maintenance of effort' or how much it will cost to provide exactly what NPS provided this year is $2.1 million more than the allocation NPS is getting from the city to spend next year. NPS needs to make $2.1 million in cuts in order to have the budget match the allocation from the city. Below are some links for you to learn more about the proposed budget.

Video of Superintendent's budget presentation is here: http://www.newtv.org/video/sc/032217/ (The sound and video will start about 45 seconds after it starts to play.)

Slides from Superintendent's budget presentation: http://www.newton.k12.ma.us/cms/lib8/MA01907692/Centricity/Domain/73/Proposed Budget Presentation 17-18 - 3.23.17 - FINAL.pdf

Proposed budget: http://www.newton.k12.ma.us/cms/lib8/MA01907692/Centricity/Domain/73/FY18 Proposed Budget.pdf

Budget guidelines: http://www.newton.k12.ma.us/cms/lib8/MA01907692/Centricity/Domain/68/Budget%20Guidelines%20FY18%20-%20approved%2012.21.17%204%202%202.pdf

Upcoming meetings of the School Committee are:

Tuesday April 4th at 6PM: Public hearing at 6:00PM, then special meeting - Budget discussion

Thursday, April 6th at 7PM: Regular meeting (public comment allowed) - More discussion and possible final vote

Wednesday, April 12th at 7PM: A placeholder, in case they do not come to consensus on April 6^th

School Committee meetings are held in Room 210 of 100 Walnut Street.

You can express your opinion a variety of ways:

Write to the school committee schoolcommittee@newton.k12.ma.us

Attend a School Committee meeting and speak during the public comments section

Savers FUNDrive results

On March 25, Burr School collected:

2024 lbs of soft x .20 = $404.80

700 lbs of hard x .10 = $70.00

340 lbs of books x .02 = $6.80

Furniture 8 pieces @ .05 = $0.40

Total $482.00

Congratulations to all the helpers at the Burr School! Many thanks for all your efforts and to all your generous donors. Not only did you make almost $500 for your school, you all helped in Savers’ efforts to keep thousands of pounds of reusable goods out of landfills, so thank you for that too!

I also wanted to extend my gratitude for your patience. Jacques got caught up at the first pick up because the store didn’t have an extra person in production to help unload, so thank you for waiting and being so understanding. I always think I leave enough time for pickups, but sometimes there are variables that come into play.

I am so thrilled for you all, and I would love to work with you again!

Very sincerely,

Katherine Ehler| Area Development Manager –MA/RI/NH

https://www.savers.com/fundrive

Spelling Bee winners

We are delighted to publish the list of winners for this year’s Newton Spelling Bees that were held at Newton City Hall for 5 evenings in March. All the children were incredible spellers, and the poise and confidence with which they held themselves during
the contest was impressive!

The contests were held by the Mayor’s Office for Cultural Affairs and sponsored by Newton
Community Pride and Learning Express. Check out the list of winners here: Spellers.

April Break soccer camp

The GPS program is holding soccer camp during April Vacation Week at the Brown/Oak Hill fields. For more information, please see the flyer: Soccer Camp

April 18-21st, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Commemorating 50 Years of METCO in Newton

The Newton Public Schools will commemorate 50 years of partnership with METCO, the Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity, Inc. Join NPS at this special evening to celebrate the past, present, and future of the METCO program. For more information, please visit http://www.newton.k12.ma.us/Page/2967. To RSVP, please click: RSVP

April 29th, 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Light appetizers and desserts will be served
Newton North High School, 457 Walnut Street

Upcoming Spring programs at Newton Cemetery

May 17th Spring bird walk! Test your skills and pick up some new ones this spring with Trevor Lloyd-Evans, Manomet’s Director of Landbird Conservation, as he leads this year’s Newton Cemetery Bird Walk. Birders of all experience levels are welcome on this two hour walk around the cemetery’s arboretum. See flyer for more information: Bird Walk

May 13th Spring tree tour! Enjoy a tour showcasing the trees that enhance the grounds. Cemetery arborist Robert Reardon will highlight some interesting and unique characteristics of the numerous recently planted varieties. See flyer for more information: Tree Tour

Please note, participation is limited for the Bird Walk on May 17th, so those interested should make sure they register through Manomet.org/events to reserve their spot.

Finish strong in math

Finish strong in math this school year. Affordable, effective, individualized math tutoring including 8-session, 16-session, and unlimited option packets starting at $375.00 ($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.

Spanish Tutor available

• Fluent in Spanish
• Massachusetts licensed/certified
• 6 years teaching experience
• BA Latin American Studies: Brown University
• MA Teaching: Boston College
• CAES School Leadership/Administration: Boston College
• Newton Highlands resident
• Available Services:
o Spanish (all levels)
o Organizational skills
o Study skills

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

Looking for a fun summer art program for your 3rd-8th grader?

Explorations in Art Week
3-D Project, Acrylic Painting, Sculpey Clay Creations, Paper making, Duct Tape Art, and more. Class size limit is 10 students.
July 24th – 28th, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

3-Day Fairy House Intensive
Create your own take-home fairy house, fairies and fairy furniture. Develop scenes if time allows using a variety of materials. Class size limit is 10 students.
August 28 – 30th, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Location: Instructor’s home near Zervas Elementary School in Waban. More details and references available upon request. This is the 5th year Amy Behrens has offered these programs, which have filled every summer. Please register as soon as possible.

About the Instructor: Amy Behrens is a Zervas/Oak Hill parent and former middle school teacher who is now a parent coach, educator and artist. She loves helping kids create art with high quality materials in the summer.

Learn more at http://www.amybehrens.com/workshops/ and email amy@amybehrens.com if you want to hold a space for your child in one or both art programs this summer or have questions about the fee, activities, or anything else.