On Tuesdays after school in November, Newton Community Education will be hosting a public speaking class for students Grades 6-8 at the Newton South High School. This is the perfect class for kids that are trying public speaking for the first time. We play a lot of fun games and activities that create a low-pressure environment.
The registration fee is $85 for 4 classes. Register at: https://registration.xenegrade.com/nce/courseDisplay.cfm?schID=8645
Would you like to learn to knit? Do you know the basics but are ready to move beyond a scarf? Or have you finished a couple of projects and are ready to learn some new techniques and become more confident?
Register now for an adults-only knitting class taught by an experienced teacher. In this class, beginners will develop a strong foundation of skills so that they can continue knitting many different types of projects. You’ll learn how to: cast on, knit, purl, create a border, read a pattern, identify and fix common mistakes, and bind off. More experienced knitters can expand their skills to cables, lace, chart reading, and/or socks.
To register, email the instructor. Payment information, address, and a list of materials needed for the first class will be sent promptly. Click to learn more: Knitting Class
Tuesday evenings beginning September 27th, 7:00 – 9:00 pm OR
Wednesday mornings beginning September 28th, 10:00 am – noon
Cost: $75 for a 5-class Flex Pass (attend when your schedule permits)
Location: Instructor’s home in Newton Centre
Dear Families,
Last year, I shared information with you about the important work Newton is doing to examine the impact of high school start times on students. Since Newton began its work, several other districts across the state have begun to investigate whether a change in high school start time is right for their district. The growing interest in high school start time is a reflection of the compelling research demonstrating the unique sleep cycles of adolescents and the potential consequences of sleep deficit.
A working group spent the 2015-16 school year reviewing sleep research, investigating processes in other districts, and gathering survey feedback from Newton students, faculty, and families. Regular updates were provided to the School Committee, posted to the district website, and distributed via email. A final report with survey results and analysis was issued in June 2016. Click here for the full report End of Year Report.
From the research and feedback, the High School Start Time Working Group has created six potential “scenarios” for consideration. These scenarios move the high school start time later. Some impact only the high schools while others impact all schools in the district. These scenarios were presented to the School Committee on Monday, September 19, 2016 and can be viewed here.
The next step is for you, the NPS community, to provide your feedback on the potential changes to the start times. As a district, we want to hear your thoughts on the benefits, costs, and implications of any changes, as well as your feedback on the value of undertaking this effort. We have scheduled a community forum for Wednesday, October 19th at 7 p.m. at Angier (1697 Beacon St.) at which the Working Group will share information and listen to your feedback. We hope you will attend. We will also share information through PTO meetings this fall, as well as through school newsletters. To share you feedback directly with the Working Group, please send an email to: laterstart@newton.k12.ma.us. For more information visit the district website at www.newton.k12.ma.us/page/2553.
I look forward to hearing your feedback this fall as we consider whether a later high school start time is right for the Newton Public Schools.
Sincerely,
David A. Fleishman
Superintendent of Schools
Ellen Waldorf has graciously opened her home to host the potluck dinner on Friday, September 30th at 7 PM. This is a fun, relaxed, adults only, BYOB potluck event and a great way to meet other 6th grade parents! We will post/send a reminder with parking details/instructions next week.
Follow this link to RSVP, to forward the invitation to other 6th grade parents who may not be on the mailing list, and to specify what you plan to bring to the potluck (if possible).
Please bring your own beverage(s) and if your child’s last name begins with:
If you have any questions or concerns please send an email to bigelowbulldog@gmail.com.
Bring your dirty car, your “sweet tooth” and your neighbors to support our 8th graders.
It’s not too late to sign up to send treats for the bake sale and/or help on Friday.
The potluck has been tentatively scheduled for Friday, September 30th! Please consider opening your home to host fellow 6th grade parents for a relaxed, adults only party. The event is a potluck, so you will not be expected to cook and serve food. The PTO will handle all communications, RSVP, coordination of potluck.
Please email bigelowbulldog@gmail.com if you are interested in hosting.
We still need a few more volunteers!
Please sign up to send treats for the bake sale and/or supervise the students on Friday 9/23 between 2:30 and 5 PM. Based on prior years’ experience this is a fun event not just for the kids but for the adult volunteers too!
The Newton Highlands After-School Program offers an exciting option for middle school children. HASP has great activities in the Hyde Gym and at their home base in Brigham House, including art, crafts, games, gym, field trips and homework. Transportation is arranged from the middle school.
Enroll today – SPACE IS LIMITED! For more information please contact: Rochelle Acker at 617-999-4617 or highlandsafterschool@gmail.com or visit highlandsafterschool.org
Register online at www.activityreg.com
Kennard Sculpture Trail – Free Program September 10th – November 11th
Sculptures in Kennard Park and talks with the artists at 246 Dudley Rd, Newton, MA 02459. For more information visit www.friendsofkennardpark.org
Ice Skating Lessons September – March
Ice skating lessons for ages 4½ to 17 for recreational, figure or hockey skating. 6-10 week sessions.
Newton North Indoor Recreation September – May
Located at Newton North High School, offers clinics, classes and lessons for youth and adults. Sign up for lap swim, swim lessons, water safety instructor course, fitness training, full court basketball, smash volleyball, lacrosse, baseball hitting clinic and more.
Funtastic Fridays September – June
Exclusively for 5th graders! Join DJ Mike Pride for music, games, dancing and more. Once a month from 7:00–9:00 pm at the Hyde Community Center.
Super Saturday Nights September – June
Children ages 5 – 12 can enjoy a variety of fun supervised activities including gym, crafts, games and more. Offered once a month at Lower Falls Community Center from 6:00–9:00 pm.
Horseback Riding October – November
Horseback riding and horsemanship lessons at Lil Folk Farm, transportation is provided. Tuesdays for grades 3-5 and Sundays for grades 3-8. One day classes and Spring sessions are offered too.
Learn to Ski or Snowboard Program October Registration
Learn to ski or snowboard with lessons at Nashoba Valley ski area, transportation is provided. Tuesdays for grades 3-5 and Fridays for grades 5-12 in January and February.
Badminton Instruction October – April
Learn the skills of badminton including grip, stroke development, and more. Lessons for youth and adults at Carr School in the Fall and Spring, and Newton South High School in the Winter.
Paddy’s Road Race www.paddysroadrace.com October 16th
3 Mile, 1K and Youth Field Races to benefit Newton Athletes Unlimited.
Scarecrow Walk – Free Program October 22nd and 23rd
At the Nahanton Park Nature Center from 11:00 am – 4 pm. The Nahanton Park Nature Center also offers year round nature programming and self-guided walks.
Haunted House – Free Program October 23rd
For children 8 and under with an adult at the Hyde Community Center from 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Register online at www.activityreg.com
Kennard Sculpture Trail – Free Program September 10th – November 11th
Sculptures in Kennard Park and talks with the artists at 246 Dudley Rd, Newton, MA 02459. For more information visit www.friendsofkennardpark.org
Ice Skating Lessons September – March
Ice skating lessons for ages 4½ to 17 for recreational, figure or hockey skating. 6-10 week sessions.
Newton North Indoor Recreation September – May
Located at Newton North High School, offers clinics, classes and lessons for youth and adults. Sign up for lap swim, swim lessons, water safety instructor course, fitness training, full court basketball, smash volleyball, lacrosse, baseball hitting clinic and more.
Funtastic Fridays September – June
Exclusively for 5th graders! Join DJ Mike Pride for music, games, dancing and more. Once a month from 7:00–9:00 pm at the Hyde Community Center.
Super Saturday Nights September – June
Children ages 5 – 12 can enjoy a variety of fun supervised activities including gym, crafts, games and more. Offered once a month at Lower Falls Community Center from 6:00–9:00 pm.
Horseback Riding October – November
Horseback riding and horsemanship lessons at Lil Folk Farm, transportation is provided. Tuesdays for grades 3-5 and Sundays for grades 3-8. One day classes and Spring sessions are offered too.
Learn to Ski or Snowboard Program October Registration
Learn to ski or snowboard with lessons at Nashoba Valley ski area, transportation is provided. Tuesdays for grades 3-5 and Fridays for grades 5-12 in January and February.
Badminton Instruction October – April
Learn the skills of badminton including grip, stroke development, and more. Lessons for youth and adults at Carr School in the Fall and Spring, and Newton South High School in the Winter.
Paddy’s Road Race www.paddysroadrace.com October 16th
3 Mile, 1K and Youth Field Races to benefit Newton Athletes Unlimited.
Scarecrow Walk – Free Program October 22nd and 23rd
At the Nahanton Park Nature Center from 11:00 am – 4 pm. The Nahanton Park Nature Center also offers year round nature programming and self-guided walks.
Haunted House – Free Program October 23rd
For children 8 and under with an adult at the Hyde Community Center from 6:30 – 7:30 pm