Author Archives: Bigelow PTO

Newton Community Ed classes for Middle Schoolers

Registration is now underway for winter classes through Newton Community Education. For middle schoolers, we have Fencing on Mondays, Archery, Computer Animation, Low-Tech Computer Game, Fast Math, and Ultimate Frisbee on Tuesdays, Make a TV Documentary on Fridays, and Babysitting and CPR Training on Saturdays. We also have vacation-week Babysitting and CPR classes.

Check our website for locations; all our classes are for kids from all schools. We have many family classes, including Ductivities!; Glass Mosaic; Two Continents, Many Dumplings; and more.

We run after-school classes for elementary school kids at schools throughout Newton.

For more information or to register, call our office at 617-559-6999 or visit our website. Be sure to check out our adult classes too!

Winter Programming at Newton Community Farm for kids & adults

The Newton Community Farm (NCF) is pleased to offer a variety of courses this winter for children, gardeners, and others who have an interest in the outdoors, food, and farming.

For children, join us on Feb 6  for an Early Release Day Activity and again on February 21 for Kids on the Farm – Then and Now, a vacation week program at the Jackson Homestead.

For gardeners, classes that might be of interest include Planning Your Garden for a Four Season Bounty, Growing Fruit Trees, and Defensive Urban Gardening.

NCF is also offering a class series on beer brewing and a guided tree walk in Nahanton Park.

For more information on these classes and to register, please visit our website.

Become a Newton School Volunteer!

“I think I’m getting smart!”

Become a Newton School Volunteer and hear these words from a student.

*Tutor a 2nd – 5th grade child in basic mathematics concepts once a week for 30-45 minutes.
*Select your preferred school, grade, day, and time.
*Play special math games that reinforce skills and help students gain confidence and competence.
*Training, Everyday Math books, and learning materials, and ongoing support are provided.
*No teaching experience is needed.

For more information, please contact Ellen Bender, coordinator of volunteers, by phone at 617.559.6131 or email.

 

Toddler/Preschool Enrichment Program has Openings

Miss Megan’s Place is a licensed, home-based toddler/preschool enrichment program for children ages 18 to 36 months, located in Newto.

At Miss Megan’s Place, children discover their special qualities through a combination of play and structured activities in a safe, happy, clean and stress-free environment. It is my goal to provide a place where your child will grow socially, emotionally, cognitively and physically at his or her own pace, in a home away from home.

Curriculum includes yoga, music, baking, arts and crafts, outdoor time and supervised free play. I hold a Master degree and certifications in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education and Special Education. I have also been trained in children’s yoga.

Miss Megan’s Place meets Mondays, Wednesday and Thursdays from 9-12, September-June and follows the Newton Public Schools calendar. For more information, visit the website or contact Megan Tager by email.

Open mic night, Thursdays 7-9pm

Brookline Music School faculty Scott Pittman hosts a weekly Open Mic Night at Café Nicholas, 1632 Beacon Street, Brookline in Washington Square from 7:00 to 9:00pm for FREE. Brookline Music School provides a full drum set, amplifiers for bass, guitar and keyboard, and two microphones for the evening. All ages and skill levels are welcome to attend and perform. This is a great opportunity to showcase your talent without the intimidating atmosphere.

 

Workshop: Assistive Technology to Support Executive Function Skills, Jan. 10

Learn about assistive technology tools which support students who struggle with executive function skills. Karen Janowski, an assistive and education technology consultant with Newton Public Schools, will present a variety of technology tools which support skills necessary for school success, from elementary through high school. She will focus on tools for managing executive function skills across the grade spectrum.

Thursday, January 10
7:30 to 9:00 PM
100 Walnut Street (Rm 210) in Newtonville

Karen writes: “As an Assistive & Educational Technology Consultant, my passion is to remove the obstacles to learning for all students. It is important to make the curriculum accessible to all learners and provide opportunities for struggling learners to demonstrate what they know using principles of universal design.” Karen writes a blog.

Newton Parent Advisory Council (NewtonPAC) for Special Education meetings are free and open to all people interested in learning more about special education.

Join us! Questions, contact Newton PAC by email.

 

Spring Programs at Brookline Music School (Jan. 29-June 17)

Brookline Music School’s (BMS) Spring programs begin January 29 and offer a variety of classes and private instruction for all ages and abilities.

BMS welcomes students ages 4 years to adult to study private music lessons on a number of instruments. The school introduced a folk music program that offers group classes for adults and family jams. Music for iPad classes include Garageband for iPad and iPad Band! Jazz/Rock, and Chamber Ensembles are offered year-round for kids, teens and adults. Ensembles provide a unique opportunity to experience the joys of music making with others.

Brookline Music School has a wide array of ensembles for all ages and abilities – with multiple performance opportunities – catering to a variety of musical abilities and interests.

For more information or for a schedule of recitals, concerts, community outreach events, school calendar, registration forms and more visit the BMS website or call (617) 277-4593.

Oak Hill parent offers flute & saxophone lessons

An experienced teacher (New England Conservatory faculty) teaches all levels of flute and saxophone.

Come explore music in a unique and professional environment. 
Jazz, classical, world music, improvisation, and ear training.

For further information and a free trial lesson please contact Amir Milstein by email or phone, 617-795-5923.

 

Berklee graduate offers guitar lessons

Berklee College of Music graduate seeks motivated students for private/group guitar lessons in Newton. Lessons are offered in your home on Tuesday evening and Thursday afternoon or evening. All levels are welcome, including beginners.

Through a comprehensive approach that combines technique, ear training, and harmony, I will help your son or daughter develop music skills applicable to all styles of guitar playing. S/he will learn to play and analyze songs and solos from a broad range of musical genres. Working with me, students sharpen their overall musical skills. I also help students interested in song-writing & composition.

For references, video and audio samples, visit my website. Contact the teacher Maldi Kellici by email or phone 617-792-2244 for more information or to schedule a lesson.

School Council/PTSO Meeting hosts School Committee Members: Jan. 8

All Newton Public School parents are invited to a joint NSHS School Council/PTSO meeting in the Newton South Lecture Hall, January 8 at 7PM.

Claire Sokoloff, Margie Ross-Decter, and Steve Siegel will be there to hear parent concerns and answer any questions about the most pressing issues facing the Newton Public Schools, including enrollment growth and space issues as well as the upcoming override vote on March 12.

Please feel free to submit any questions in advance to Robin Maltz via email. Details and information about the override is available on the city’s website.

The meeting is part of an outreach tour to meet with parents at every school in the district, at least once per year.