Author Archives: Newton PTO Council

Parenting Our Daughters Through Adolescence

A discussion, support and activist group open to all Newton mothers of tween/teen daughters who are interested in figuring out how to best empower and support our girls.

January meetings:

Body Image Discussion Group –  January 14th from 7:30-9:00 pm
• Open to all mothers of teen/tween girls in Newton – drop-ins are welcome!
• Get updated information on body image issues effecting teen girls
• Share your own experiences and concerns
• Learn how to help your daughter feel better about herself!

Drop-in Peer Support Groups –  January 16th and 30th from 7:30-9:00 pm
• Open to all mothers of tween/teen girls in Newton – drop-ins are welcome!
• Share any concerns related to raising your daughter with a group of other supportive moms

Both meetings at Samadhi, 796 Beacon St, Newton Center (near B Street restaurant). For more information or to RSVP, please contact: Kim Gallaugher momofiggy@hotmail.com or 617-558-0092 or visit the website: ParentingOurTeens.org

Newton Community Preservation Program Update

January 9th and January 22nd Public Hearings on New Proposals

The CPC has scheduled the following hearings to receive public comment on new funding proposals: on January 9th, 7:00 pm, City Hall Room 209: Allen House (West Newton): CPA request $2,000,000; and Historic Burying Grounds, CPA request $290,207. On January 22nd, 7:00 pm, Weeks House, 7 Hereward Road (Newton Centre): Farlow Park (Newton Corner, historic resources), CPA request $476,780 and Newton Highlands Playground (recreation), current CPA request $240,000 (anticipated CPA construction request $1,960,000).

For more information, including the full text of all proposals, maps to meeting locations other than City Hall, and the deadline for submitting written comments if you cannot attend a hearing in person, see the program website www.newtonma.gov/cpa or contact Alice Ingerson, 617-796-1144 or aingerson@newtonma.gov.

Mayor’s Open House

Celebrate the New Year with Mayor Setti Warren during an afternoon of free entertainment and fun. On December 31st, Newton City Hall will be a hive of activity. From 9:00 am – 1:30 pm please volunteer to help sort and drive food donations to the Newton Food Pantries. Please email agonzalez@newtonma.gov if you can help for a little while.

At 1:30 pm, the party begins with entertainment by David Polansky & the Dixieland All-Stars and breathtaking performances by Jade Lin’s American Chinese Art Society. Don’t miss the free face painting, balloon animals and refreshments all afternoon also! Admission is free, please bring a donation for the Newton Food Pantries.

We are also delighted to be holding the third annual Care Package Collection for the Soldiers. Please visit www.newtonma.gov for a list of items that are needed for the CarePacks. Please ask your child to write a letter or draw them a picture. The soldiers love to receive letters and drawings!

News from the Newton Schools Foundation

Campaign for Innovation Under Way!
Last spring, NSF kicked off our campaign to fund the expansion of innovation in the Newton Public Schools (NPS). NPS faculty and administration identified a variety of innovative initiatives throughout the school system that foster the development of creative thinking, collaborative problem solving, communication, and leadership skills students need to prepare for college and future jobs as well allowing educators to pursue new opportunities that will have the greatest impact on their practices, the lives of their students, and their school communities. Click here for more information

NSF Launches 2013-14 Annual Appeal
In November, NSF launched the 2013-14 Annual Appeal to support the Campaign for Innovation. Your donation will enable the Newton Public Schools to expand exciting new innovative initiatives throughout Newton’s 22 schools. Follow this link for information about donating and to donate online.

The Tanglewood Marionettes present The Dragon King

An underwater fantasy based on Chinese folklore, The Dragon King tells the tale of an intrepid Grandmother who journeys to the bottom of the sea in search of the elusive Dragon King, and the answers to why he has forsaken the land above. With colorful sea creatures, an exciting adventure, and a Dragon King that will knock your socks off!

Don’t be stuck inside with cabin fever over school vacation, this show is a delight for the whole family. Tickets in advance at www.newtoncommunitypride.org for $8.00 or $10.00 at the door. Open seating. 617-796-1540 for more information.
February 23rd, at Newton City Hall. 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm shows.

Theatre Ink proudly presents: Cabaret Troupe’s Neverland

Cabaret Troupe is a group of dedicated performers who tell stories through the unique medium of contemporary musical theatre. This year they are showcasing a balance of comedic and dramatic numbers, and fostering vibrant acting performances through song. Directed by Will Champion and Jonathan Gomolka. Musical Direction by Alex Shames.

January 9th and 10th at 7:30 pm in the Performing Arts Center, Newton North High School, 457 Walnut Street.

Tickets $7.00 at http.www.threatreink.net . For more information, please contact Adam_Brown@Newton.k12.ma.us or 617- 559-6306.

Angier Online Auction Closeout Sale!

Amazing deals on summer camps and classes – less than half price! The 2013 Angier Online Auction is now officially closed, but there are still a few great items left over, so, before they close out completely, they are offering them for sale one last time at a steep discount. Don’t miss out on this opportunity for huge savings! Please click here to view the list of available items.

All the items will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis at the price listed – no bidding, just a great deal. Please contact angierauction@gmail.com if you would like to purchase any of these items or if you would like more information about them.

Upcoming Teen Programs @ the Newton Free Library

The Lone Ranger Movie Screening
Johnny Depp hits the big screen in The Lone Ranger. Come to the Newton Free Library on Saturday, December 21st at 2:00 pm to watch a screening of the film. Open to ages 13 and up. Rated PG-13, runtime 149 min.

Family Game Night
Staying around town for the holiday season? Get in on a little friendly competition at Family Game Night on Monday, December 30th at 7:00 pm at the Newton Free Library. Join us in Druker Auditorium, where we will be playing board games and eating pizza. Open to all ages.

Table Manners, Conversations, Presentations, Posture, Friendships and more

The Etiquette Academy of New England has partnered with Newton Learning Center and is currently enrolling for Winter 2014!  Spots will fill up quickly, so please visit www.TheEtiquetteAcademy.org  and enroll today!

Mind Your Manners: Beyond Please and Thank You (Grades 2-4)
Sundays, January 12th – March 9th, 9:00 – 10:00 am,  Fee: $365
Final class to be held at an upscale restaurant

Etiquette for Middle Schoolers (Grades 5-8)
Sundays, January 12th – March 9th,  10:00 -11:30 am, Fee: $467
Final class to be held at an upscale restaurant

Etiquette for Young Adults (Grades 9-12)
Sundays, January 12th – March 9th, 11:30 – 1:00 pm, Fee: $469
Final class to be held at an upscale restaurant

Inaugural Events

Mayor Warren invites all residents to join him for two days of festivities as part of the 2014 inauguration. The events will begin on Tuesday, December 31st with the annual Mayor’s Open House. The day starts at 9:00 am with volunteers helping to sort and package food donations as part of our citywide food drive in the City Hall cafeteria. Then from 1:30-3:30 pm, the Open House will be taking place throughout City Hall, with a variety of arts and crafts, refreshments, music, dance and other activities for kids.

On January 1st, residents are invited to join Mayor Warren for his second inauguration. The day will begin with a pre-inaugural interfaith prayer service at Temple Shalom, 175 Temple St., Newton at 10:00 a.m… The event is open to the public, and all are welcome to attend.

The inauguration ceremony will begin at Noon at Newton City Hall, and will include the swearing in of the Mayor, Board of Aldermen and School Committee members. It will be followed by a reception which will feature musical performances from Newton Public Schools, as well as food and refreshments. The inauguration is free, but it is a ticketed event and space is limited. To request tickets, please contact Ana Gonzalez at agonzalez@newtonma.gov no later than December 26th.