Author Archives: Newton PTO Council

How to Know If Your Child (and YOU!) Are Ready for Overnight Camp

Are you wondering if your child is ready? Are you wondering how to figure out what is the best fit for your child? Are you not sure how long to send your child? This presentation will help you understand the many benefits of overnight camp. You will learn what to ask when speaking with different directors, what to look for when you go on tours.  This presentation will help you eliminate some of your anxieties about sending your child away to overnight camp.

This workshop is presented by Jill Vetstein, a licensed clinical mental health therapist specializing in children. She has a B.S in Education and a Masters in Social Work and is also a writer, blogger, professional speaker and a mother. Jill has been working with parents and children in many settings for over 25 years. Jill has over 20 years of experience in the camping world both as a camper and as a professional.

This is a lecture to help parents get general information about readiness for overnight camp and to answer questions and allay anxieties. It is not representing any camp in particular. Camp Specialists is a FREE referral service to help families find the best fit for their child and has no bias for one specific camp over another. For more information on the services, please email naomigoldman@campspecialists.com.

Feb 8th,  7:00 pm dessert reception; 7:30 pm presentation
Needham Historical Society, 1147 Central Ave, Needham

Kids at the Farm: Summer 2017

Registration is now open for summer programs at the Newton Community Farm. Preschool through High School, including new additions for 2017.

Register for week long programs before March 18th for the Early Bird Discount.

www.newtoncommunityfarm.org/education

Financial assistance available for qualifying applicants. Questions? Please contact Alison Scorer, Education Director at education@newtoncommunityfarm.org.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Newton Community Celebration

Please join Mayor Setti Warren, the Newton Clergy Association, the Newton School Department and The Foundation For Racial, Ethnic, & Religious Harmony at this special event.

Each year the event brings together elected officials, the business community, volunteer service clubs, health and human service organizations, the Newton schools, religious congregations and other members of the Newton community to voice our support of the philosophy that all people should be treated with dignity and respect.

Newton’s diversity is evidenced by the fact that over sixty different linguistic groups are represented within the City’s School system.  A broad variety of backgrounds and cultures are spread among Newton’s thirteen villages.  The mix of the many races, creeds, and ethnicities in our community is a treasured resource to be nurtured, protected and celebrated.

This past year, with two publicized incidents of racist and anti-Semitic behavior.  Newton’s leadership jumped in quickly to take corrective action with the offenders, and sent us all a reminder of the ideals noted above.

An important part of the Celebration is the initiative of the Newton Rotary Club to answer the call from the Newton Food Pantries by donating toiletry items as noted on the Celebration flyer.

We are reminded of the words of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., ” Life’s Most Persistent and Urgent Question is, What are We Doing for Others”.  In response to this question, Rotary members will be providing boxes at the event for attendees to drop off their donations.  Drop-offs after the Celebration may be made at the office of The Presti Group Realty, 701 Washington Street in Newton.

January 16th, 9:30 am
Temple Beth Avodah
45 Puddingstone Lane, Newton Centre

Auction opening soon

The Williams Elementary School PTO is holding a HUGE auction fundraiser with tons of donations from many wonderful organizations, both locally and around the North East. You’ll find items for restaurants, camps, gyms, salons, hotels, classes, museums, theaters,
and so much more! There is something for all ages, interests and budget.

The auction will be live January 28th – February 5th at https://www.biddingforgood.com/williamspto/2017

CPA Public Hearing for Crescent Street changed to January 19th

The Newton Community Preservation Committee’s next meeting has been moved to January 19th, in City Hall Room 204. The meeting will start at 7:45 pm. A public hearing will start at 8:00 pm on a design funding request for the Crescent Street affordable housing & community park project (West Newton/Auburndale). The proposal is online from www.newtonma.gov, under “Proposals & Projects – Pending.” For assistance, contact Alice Ingerson, Program Manager, at aingerson@newtonma.gov or 617-796-1144.

Learn to Play the Ukulele!

Uke 1 – an introduction class to the ukulele and perfect for kids who want to learn an instrument, while exploring the world of musicianship. Students will learn basics of the instrument, including rhythmic strumming and chords. They will be playing songs in a few short weeks! Tuesdays, 1:15 – 2:00 pm
Uke 2 – The student must have completed Uke 1. All levels of players are welcome for continued learning and weekly “jam session”. Tuesdays, 2:15- 3:00 pm

Now Registering kids in Grades 2 – 5 for the Spring Session. Bring your own instrument or contact teacher for rental. Register at www.activityreg.com, click on MA, click on Newton Parks & Recreation, click on Register, click on Programs or Activities, click on Mayor’s Office for Cultural Affairs, click on Ukulele classes. Or call 617-796-1540 for more information.

Tuesdays, January 31st – April 4th at the Newton Cultural Center at City Hall

Summer Camp Fair

Newton Parks and Recreation invites you to their Camp Fair. Talk with camp managers from Newton Parks and Recreation, staff from Newton Public Schools S.P.A.C.E. Camp, instructors at Newton Community Education Summer Programs, and representatives from Historic Newton and the Newton Free Library to see what is being offered in Newton this summer. For more information go to www.newtonma.gov/parks and click on the Summer Camp Fair link.

January 29th (snow date February 5th) from 12:00 – 4:00 pm
Newton North High School Cafeteria.