Author Archives: Newton PTO Council

Youth choir currently welcoming new members, grades 2-12

Does your child love to sing? Find your community at Youth pro Musica! They offer three choirs (grades 2-5, 5-8, and 9-12) with high quality instruction in classical choral music for boys and girls.

Rehearsals are held on Tuesdays in West Newton. If interested in learning more, please email auditions@youthpromusica.org .

Do you have a child that loves to sing and perform?

Join VOICES Boston children’s chorus for the 2019-2020 season! VOICES Boston focuses primarily on singing and music literacy, with an added emphasis on dance technique and drama performance. VOICES Boston changes the lives of children, building confidence, discipline, leadership and a love of music that will last a lifetime.

There are ensembles for singers grades K-8 and rehearsals are in Brookline. VOICES Boston singers perform a wide range of repertoire, from classical to world music, gospel to new music, and even present an opera each year.

If you would like to sign up your singer for VOICES Boston or have any questions please contact Jojo Davila at programmanager@voicesboston.org. For more detailed information about past performances, staff, curriculum and more visit www.voicesboston.org.

Bus Transportation Update

Dear NPS Families,

The first two days of school have presented some significant challenges for our bus transportation. We apologize to those of you who have experienced delays, frustrations, and anxiety related to transportation on these first days of school.

Please know that we are receiving your voicemails and emails and will respond as soon as possible. There will be some delay in response given the extremely high volume of communications we are receiving. Our first priority is to resolve the issues related to bus routes so as to ensure your student’s timely transportation to and from school. Eastern Bus, our transportation vendor, has shared with us that the shortage of bus drivers is impacting operations. They are working diligently to get all drivers up to speed as soon as possible.

We know that many families have not received their bus passes and significant numbers of applications are still being submitted. All applications submitted prior to the August 16th deadline were processed, printed, and mailed. Please know that bus passes WILL NOT be checked until several weeks into the school year. This information has been communicated to all schools.

For families utilizing special education transportation, we are resolving issues on an individual basis as each student and ride is unique.

Given the significant construction projects in process throughout the City of Newton, additional bus delays may occur throughout the year. Because our buses operate on a tiered system (same buses are used for high school, middle school, elementary school), delays in one tier impact schools throughout the system.

Next year, we plan to implement changes to the registration process and timing to address the challenges we have experienced this year. Please look for additional information later this year.

We know this is a time of transition for all families. Lack of certainty in transportation makes that transition more difficult. Please know we are working hard to resolve these issues as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Sincerely,

Liam Hurley, Assistant Superintendent/Chief Financial and Administrative Officer

Regina Moody, Director of Transportation

New Newton FORJ Book Group

Check out the new FORJ Book Group,  meeting monthly at various locations throughout Newton. Given that the books could be shared with older students, this group is designed for Newton Middle and High School parents/guardians, faculty and staff, in mind, however it is open to anyone who is looking to increase their awareness and connection regarding these topics.

For teachers this could be a great opportunity to think through how to introduce a particular book and get feedback in a supportive space.  This will be an excellent opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue and meet some new people, please consider joining! Please contact Jen Dirga with any questions jenniferdirga@gmail.com.

Click here to learn more about theFORJ Group.

Applications for Harmony Foundation Community Grants are currently being accepted

As part of its mission, Newton’s Harmony Foundation (The Foundation for Racial, Ethnic and Religious Harmony) provides small grants to Newton organizations whose programming facilitates community learning, understanding, respect, and unity across the divides of racial, ethnic, religious and cultural differences. The Foundation’s scope is intergenerational with many program grants benefitting those in preschool through high school.

The Harmony Foundation is now accepting grant proposals from community groups, K-12 educational institutions and other related local organizations whose program initiatives align with their primary mission, to assist the Newton community in cultivating and valuing diversity as a unique source of community strength.

Grants typically are in the range of $200-$1,500, with an expected average grant size of $500-$750. This fall’s application deadline is September 30th. Applications may be submitted for current programs or for programs scheduled to occur in 2020.

For more information about eligibility and application instructions, please visit http://harmonyfoundationnewton.org/grants/submit-a-grant/

Destination Imagination (DI) registration open

Registration is open for the 2019 – 2020 season of Destination Imagination (DI),  a creative problem solving competition that blends Science and Technology with the Arts. For the past 10 years, over 500 Newton students have participated in the Destination Imagination (DI) program and they’re ready for their biggest and best season ever.

Clikc to hear from Alumni about how DI changed their lives: Destination Imagination Alumni Video  and/or watch to find out how DI works: What is Destination Imagination?

Ready to have fun?! Click HERE to register your child

Newton DI is run by a team of dedicated volunteers and is a non-profiting fully inclusive program. Please visit the website to learn more: www.newtondi.com.

Newton CPC’s next meeting September 10th

The agenda for the Newton CPC’s next meeting includes a public hearing on the Newton Conservators’ $15,000 funding request for holding the CPA-required conservation restriction on Kesseler Woods; an update on the Allen House historic rehabilitation project in West Newton; a revised program budget for Fy20; proposed updates to Newton’s CPA ordinance; and planning for a staff transition in January 2020.

For details see www.newtonma.gov/cpa or contact Alice Ingerson at aingerson@newtonma.gov or 617-796-1144.

September 10th, 7:00 pm
City Hall Room 204

Free Science Club run by Newton High School Student

Sidnie Kulik, a 16 year old going into junior year at the Noble and Greenough School and former Pierce and Day student is planning a fun and free monthly science experiment club opportunity for kids in  3rd-5th grades.  This past year Sidnie ran a successful book club for 3rd and 4th graders, but decided that to focus on science instead for a few reasons.

She says, “First, it is important to expose children to different subject matters. Second, it is easier for both the parent and the kid to not have to purchase and read the assigned book before meeting. Third, science is my favorite subject and I hope to share this passion with children.”

Contact her at sidniekulik8888@gmail.com or 617-485-9109 if your child is interested. You can also find out more @scienceandkids on Instagram.