Category Archives: Education/Enrichment

Honor Newton Teachers

Honor Thy Teacher

“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.”  ~ Henry Adams

It’s that time of year again to honor exceptional Newton teachers and staff who have touched your child’s life. The suggested donation is $25 per teacher/staff member. Newton Schools Foundation celebrates Newton Public Schools teachers and staff by:

·       Notifying honored teachers and staff of your gift

·       Listing all honored teachers and staff in the Newton TAB and Patch

·       Sharing honoree names with the Superintendent and Principals·

Ensuring your donations go to support teaching & learning in Newton schools.

To honor a teacher or staff person go to www.newtonschoolsfoundation.org.

 

Meet The Robots!

MEET THE ROBOTS
Please join the Newton LigerBots (www.ligerbots.com) for their annual spring event, Meet the Robots taking place at the Hyde Community Center in Newton Highlands on Saturday May 19th from 1-4pm.  The event will feature robots from this year’s FIRST Robotics, FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST Lego League Competitions.  There will also be an underwater robot from the MIT Sea Perch Competition and iRobot will be there with some robots of their own.  In addition, there will be a number of STEM (Science, Technology, Mathematics and Engineering) oriented activities with prizes. All ages are welcome to attend so come on down with the whole family and have some fun learning with the Newton Ligerbots!

Newton Parents Advisory Council for Special Ed Announces Educator Awards

The Newton Parents Advisory Council for Special Education (NewtonPAC) is thrilled to announce our Third Annual NewtonPAC Special Educator Awards!
The awards ceremony will be held on Tuesday, June 5th at 7pm at Newton North, Lasker Theatre, 457 Walnut St and will be followed by a casual reception.

Once again, we will be honoring a few of the many members of NPS staff who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to have truly made a difference in the lives of our children.  Do you have someone you’d like to recognize? Send your nominations PACawards2012@gmail.com by May 15th.

Please read the following important information regarding nominations!

All nominations must be received by May 15th. 

Nominations MUST include:

1) Your name (will not be made public – nominator’s names are known only to award recipients). 

2) Nominee’s home school and e-mail address. If s/he is a district-wide employee, please designate as such and note which school your child attends. 

3) A SHORT paragraph on why you believe s/he should be recognized (please help by keeping it short!) .

Please note that the awards are for the CURRENT SCHOOL YEAR ONLY.  All nominees will be recognized.

Nominees can be any member of NPS staff. They do NOT have to be special education dedicated if they made a difference to a child receiving special education services. There is no official limit to the number of staff members nominated per family, but please use your discretion. The awards are meant to recognize truly outstanding efforts.

Send your nominations directly to Eileen at PACawards2012@gmail.com by May 15th.

If you are interested in helping with refreshments, set-up or clean-up for the awards ceremony, please write to PACawards2012@gmail.com
 to volunteer.

If you have any questions, please contact Eileen Sandberg, Awards Ceremony Coordinator, at PACawards2012@gmail.com

The Art of Musical Comedy Program For Ages 7-13

The Art of Musical Comedy:
An afternoon program for students ages 7-13 at the Newton Cultural Center, 225 Nevada Street.  Mondays – Thursdays, June 25 – July 12, 1:00 – 3:00pm (no class July 4th) $225.

In this exciting, new afternoon program, students learn what it takes to be a master of the art of musical comedy performance.

From 1:00-2:00 each day, students will hone their acting skills with improv and theater games, used by such illustrious theater companies as Chicago’s Second City. 
Then, from 2:00-3:00 each day, students will learn to sing and dance
their favorite show tunes, from shows ranging from “The Sound of Music”
to “Wicked.” This will culminate, at the end of the program, in a
Broadway-style cabaret performance of these songs for family and
friends. Call 617-527-8283 for more information.

Growing Together Toddler Program Openings

Growing Together, a Toddler Program, has an opening for Sept., 2012.  It is a developmentally based program that provides a warm, nurturing environment; a focus on socialization; and daily art, music, circle, and movement activities.  It is conveniently located within walking distance to Bowen and is held on Wed. and Fri. mornings. It is also taught by a masters’ level Early Childhood Specialist, a graduate of Wheelock College.  References from Bowen parents and others available.
Please contact Malinda Hamilton at 617-965-8837 or at mhhamilt@gmail.com.

Plant Swap To Benefit METCO

Saturday, May 19th 1:00-3:00

George Street (near Centre and Cabot/Sargent)

Bring a plant, take a plant. Ferns creeping out of bounds? Hostas growing like weeds?Lily of the Valley taking over your yard? Don’t put them in the trash bin. Trade them in! Use flower pots, milk cartons, coffee cans, yogurt tubs, even plastic bags to pot up your cast-offs. This is recycling at its best

This project raises money for worthy METCO students, and all proceeds go to the METCO Scholarship Fund. Questions? Email Bhoward617@aol.com.

City of Newton Open Space Survey

The City of Newton is updating its Recreation and Open Space Plan and would like to learn more about how residents view the City’s existing open space resources.  Newton has a wide range of open spaces, from parks, playgrounds and other areas for active recreation, to wetlands, conservation lands and the Charles River.  We’re interested in the priorities of residents for improving, acquiring and maintaining open space in Newton.  Everyone has a stake in our natural spaces and we’re seeking your input and ideas!

Results from the survey will be used to help guide the City and the Recreation and Open Space Plan Advisory Committee.  With public participation and input, we will developing a vision and set goals and priorities for Newton’s open space and recreation facilities over the next 5 years, consistent with the Newton Comprehensive Plan.

A link to the survey can be found on the City’s website at:

http://newtonma.gov/gov/planning/lrplan/os/default.asp

Or directly at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TH3M3BB

Questions? Contact Claire Ricker at openspace@newtonma.gov, or call the Newton Planning Department at 617-796-1122.

City’s “Street Smart” website

Are you “Street Smart?” As part of Mayor Warren’s commitment to creating a culture of safety and changing the way people behave on our streets, the City has launched the “Street Smart” website.

Visit www.newtonma.gov/streetsmart to learn tips and rules of the road for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, and start a conversation with your family and friends about how Newton residents of all ages and abilities can be safe and courteous on our roads. The Planning Department is organizing a series of contests and partnering with local businesses to offer great prizes. Congratulations to Madeleine Aquilina and Rachel Brown for winning the March contest! For a chance to win our next contest, check out the website for the answer to the question and then send us an email at streetsmart@newtonma.gov with your name, age, home email address or phone number, and what you think is the correct answer. MAY PRIZE: The first three correct responses we receive from Newton residents ages 13-17 will each win two movie passes to West Newton Cinema, generously donated by David Bramante and the Cinema. MAY STREET SMART QUESTION: “When should a child stop using a booster seat in the car?” Good luck and stay safe!

Historic Newton News and Events – April

ANNUAL HOUSE TOUR TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE!
Our 30th Annual House Tour takes place on Sunday, June 3rd. Tickets purchased in advance (before 5 PM on Friday, June 1), are available at a discount; you may buy your tickets online or by calling 617-796-1450
 
APRIL 
Unless noted otherwise, all programs take place at the Jackson Homestead and Museum at 527 Washington Street, Newton, MA.
Tuesday, April 17, 2:00-4:30 PM
GARDENING 101: HOW TO BUILD A RAISED BED
A Vacation Week Family Program 
Thinking about starting a garden this spring in your yard?  Come learn the basics about how to start a raised bed garden, including: factors to be considered when choosing the location of your raised bed, how to prepare the soil, what plants to select, and some general tips on how to maximize productivity.  A class for the whole family! Cost: $45 per family (4 people max, 1 adult required), $40 for members.  Includes museum admission and snack. Prepaid registration is required; visit www.newtoncommunityfarm.org/classes to register. Co-sponsored by Newton Community Farm.  
 
Wednesday, April 18, 2:00 PM
WEAVING WORKSHOP                             
A Vacation Week Family Program
Have you ever wondered how people made cloth at home when store-bought cloth wasn’t available? Want to try weaving your own cloth? Join Beth Guertin, a weaver and teacher of weaving for over twenty-five years, in this hands-on workshop. Watch a demonstration of loom-weaving techniques, and then give it a try yourself! Cost: $20 per family ($15 for members) includes museum admission and materials. Prepaid registration is required, limit 25; call 617.796.1450 to register.
 
Thursday, April 19, 2:00 PM
THE THREE SISTERS: NATIVE FOOD THEN AND NOW
A Vacation Week Family Program    
Corn, beans, and squash were staple crops of this area’s first inhabitants. Learn about how the “three sisters” were planted together, try a traditional Native snack still eaten today, and take home seedlings to plant your own “three sisters” at home. Cost: $20 per family ($15 for members) includes museum admission, snack, and materials. Prepaid registration is required, limit 25; call 617.796.1450 to register.
 
Tuesday, April 24, 7:30 PM
ENCOUNTERING SLAVERY AND RACE IN NEW ENGLAND
E. Benjamin Skinner: Slavery in America Today 
E. Benjamin Skinner is an award-wining author and journalist studying the U.S. and global political economies, specializing in modern-day slavery.  He has observed negotiations for the sale of human beings on four continents, and will speak about the scope and impact of slavery in America today.  At the Newton Cultural Center, 225 Nevada Street, Newton.  
 
Sunday, April 29, Noon – 4 PM
NEWTON SERVES – BURYING GROUNDS CLEAN-UP 
Join community members in Newton’s day of service by cleaning up Newton’s historic burying grounds.  Visitwww.newtoncommunitypride.org to register to volunteer at either East Parish or West Parish Burying Ground.   
 
Monday, April 30, 7:30 PM
ENCOUNTERING SLAVERY AND RACE IN NEW
ENGLAND
Gloria White Hammond: Enslaved Women of Sudan
Sudanese slaves are mostly women and children who have been abducted violently from their homes by slave-traders.  Since 2001, while working as a pediatrician and minister, Gloria White Hammond has traveled to Sudan to help liberate enslaved women and offer paths for them to resume normal lives.  At the Newton Cultural Center, 225 Nevada Street, Newton.

Upcoming Talks Sponsored by Newton Partnership

When Bad Things Happen to Good Families: Talking with our Children about Transition, Crisis and Loss

Parents need to understand how their children might respond to stressful events, such as moving, separation/divorce, death, etc. In this workshop, parents will learn developmentally appropriate ways to prepare children for difficult changes and how to build resilience, as well as strategies for supporting them in the midst of these types of stressors. Presented by Larry Berkowitz and Joanna Hooper, both of Riverside Trauma Center. FREE.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012, 7:00-8:30 pm. Freedman Center, 225 Nevada St., 02460

Talking to Your Child About Sexual Assault: What to Say, What Not to Say and How You Can Empower Your Child (for parents of elementary age children)

As a parent, do you know what to say – or not to say – to your child about sexual assault? How do we teach our kids about appropriate and inappropriate touching and, ultimately, how do we empower them to behave when they feel uncomfortable? This workshop is geared for parents of elementary age children and will be presented by Gail Sommer, ExecutiveDirector, Child Assault Prevention Program. Note that a similar workshop will be taking place at Brown Middle School on the same evening for parents of teens. FREE.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Mason Rice Elementary School Auditorium

Talking to Your Child About Sexual Assault: What to Say, What Not to Say and How You Can Empower Your Child (for parents of teens)

Sexual assault is a difficult, but important topic, especially with teens. Learn how to talk to your child and how we, as parents can help our teens to establish appropriate boundaries with peers and others. Presented by Meg Bossong,Community Mobilization Project Manager at the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC). Note that a similar workshop will be taking place at Mason Rice School on the same evening for parents of elementarty school students. FREE.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Brown Middle School Library

Beyond a Bigger Backpack: Preparing for the Transition to Kindergarten

Whether it’s your first or last child to go off to kindergarten, going to a new school and being in a bigger class with other changes can present challenges. Join this interactive workshop to share and learn practical tips and fun tools to help make the transition to kindergarten easier for everyone. Presented by Janet Lucey and Beverly Mobilia, Early Childhood Specialists with The Newton Partnership. FREE.

Thursday, May 3, 2012, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Education Center, Room 304, 100 Walnut Street

The Autism Revolution: Whole Body Strategies for Making Life All it Can Be

After years of treating patients and analyzing scientific data, prominent Harvard researcher and clinician, Dr. Martha Herbert offers a revolutionary new view of autism and a transformative strategy for dealing with it. Autism is not a hardwired impairment programmed into a child’s genes and destined to remain fixed forever, as we’re often told. Instead, it is the result of a cascade of events, many seemingly minor: perhaps a genetic mutation, some toxic exposures, a stressful birth, a vitamin deficiency, or a series of infections. FREE event. A book signing will follow the presentation. Books will be available for purchase.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012, 7:00-8:30 P.M. Newton South High School

School-Age Siblings: Moving from Rivalry to Revelry

Dr. Deborah Weinstock-Savoy, psychologist and parent of three, discusses the dynamics of sibling relationships and how to create a harmonious family environment. FREE.

Thursday, May 17, 2012, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Bowen Elementary School

For more information go to www.thenewtonpartnership.org/attend-an-event/