Category Archives: School Breaks

April Vacation at Newton Free Library

Chocolate Make & Take, April 13th, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm, Teen Area
Interested in learning how to make chocolate creations? Alongside Sadina Shawver, a former chocolatier, you’ll learn to make chocolate as well as take that chocolate home! Online registration (required) starts March 18th. There are four separate 1-hour sessions until 4:00 pm.

Teen MTG, April 16th, 3:00 – 4:00 pm, Teen Area
Meet up to play Magic: The Gathering after school. Moderated by a local Newton South student. Bring your decks or use the ones there!

Official Book Launch for Danielle: The Chronicles of a Superheroine by Ray Kurzweil, April 16th, 7:00 – 8:30 pm, Druker Auditorium
Join inventor, futurist Ray Kurzweil as we explore his vision of an extraordinary future where our brains are connected to the cloud, we have hybrid biological/nonbiological thinking, our human intelligence is enhanced a millionfold and everyone has the power of ideas to solve the world’s grandest challenges. Meet Danielle, the protagonist of Kurzweil’s new book, Danielle: Chronicles of a Superheroine – a precocious girl with super-intelligence who has the courage to question the assumptions that limit our imagination to solve world problems. Imagine if we were all Danielles! A book signing will follow.

Escape Room, April 17th, 12:00 – 7:00 pm, Special Collections/Teen Area
You’ve trapped yourself and your friends in a room. Well done! You and your team must now solve the unsolvable, unlocked the locked, and escape the inescapable within 45 minutes. Think you can do it? Test the Haunted Newton Escape Room, and while you wait, enjoy some snacks. This escape room was made and tested by the Teen/Tween Advisory Board. Online registration (required) will allow teams to sign up for 45-minute time slots. Grades 5-12.

Project Cosplay: Make You Up,  April 17th, 7:00 – 8:30 pm, Teen Area
Looking to dive into cosplay? Step up your game with special effects makeup! Makeup and cosplay enthusiasts, Erica Yuen and Julia Carlaw, will show you tips and tricks on how to make up your face. Grades 5-12.

Teen Movie: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, 2:00 – 4:30 pm, Teen Area
Join to watch the Academy Award-winning Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018). Spider-Man themed snacks and refreshments will be provided. Rated PG. Runtime 117 minutes.

NNHS Science Team Trivia, April 18th, 6:30 – 8:30 pm, Teen Area
Are you a science mastermind? Join the fun and test your mastery of science! The Newton North High School Science Team will challenge players to a night of science trivia from a variety of categories from chemistry to computer science. Stretch your brain and win exciting science prizes! Come alone or with friends! Teams can be up to 6 people, and we can match you with fellow devotees. Pizza and drinks will be provided. Teens and families welcome.

For more information contact Megan Coffey at teens@newtonfreelibrary.net.

Bidding for the NECP Online Auction begins March 28th

The Newton Early Childhood Program (NECP), Newton’s only public preschool, hosts its largest school fundraiser of the year starting March 28th.

Get ready to bid for great deals on restaurants, summer camps, birthday parties, gym memberships, and more! Over 100 amazing items from across Newton and the Boston area. Auction proceeds will fund education enrichment programs, community-building events, and classroom materials for our city’s youngest learners.

Visit NECPPTO.ORG/AUCTION. Bidding ends April 6th at 9:00 pm. Good luck!

Plugged In’s April Vacation Camp

Plugged In’s April Vacation Camp is open to ages 11-18 of all skill levels. Students will get placed in a band with band members their age and skill level. Each band will write and record a song and make a music video. On the last day, bands will perform in a livestream performance from Plugged In for friends and family to watch online.

The Plugged In Band Program is a unique non-profit rock band program in Needham teaching kids of all skill levels and needs about using music to help others. In addition to ensemble band classes, private lessons, songwriting workshops, summer camp and community performances, five times a year students perform in benefit concerts that raise money for causes and organizations chosen by the students themselves. Plugged In provides a nurturing and supportive community to which young musicians of all levels and needs feel a sense of belonging, have an opportunity to express and be acknowledged for their musical interests and a chance to use their music to help others around the world.

Registration is also open for Plugged In’s 2-day Songwriting Workshop on May 25th  & 26th and Summer Day Camps in July and August. Registration for private lessons is ongoing. Registration and more info about all Plugged In programming is at www.pluggedinband.org.

Founded in 2002, Plugged In now has over 150 students from all over Massachusetts. Some of our students experience emotional and learning difficulties, such as ADD, depression, and low-self-esteem and/or have special needs such as autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. In the loving and non-competitive atmosphere at Plugged In, all differences are transcended through a shared passion for music, the teamwork involved with using music to help others and an atmosphere of compassion and fun.

April break = Stories! Movement! Art!

Want something to do during April school vacation? Stories! Movement! Art! will provide students in grades 3-6 the opportunity to tell stories through their art! By using low-tech materials, they’ll create art that physically moves or uses optical illusion to showcase movement!

The program will take place inside the Carriage House at Gore Place in Waltham (the large building next to the parking lot). This program is $20.00 for the whole week, or $5.00/day. Tickets: https://art-workshop.bpt.me

April 15th – April 19th, 1:00 – 3:30 pm

April Vacation Public Speaking Workshop

Public Speaking and Critical Thinking Skills For Your Child!

Lumos is offering 2-day Public Speaking workshops during April break. Your child will love Lumos’s friendly instructors and fun activities as they learn about:

  • Speaking Confidence
  • Impromptu Speaking
  • Debate Fundamentals
  • Argumentation and Reasoning

Right now you can use the code COMMUNITY to get $20.00 off. To register, go to lumosdebate.com/vaca-workshop. Email info@lumosdebate.com or call 781-474-3359 with any questions.

April 15th-16th, April 17th-18th, or April 19th-20th

April Vacation Public Speaking Workshop

Public Speaking and Critical Thinking Skills For Your Child!

Lumos is offering 2-day Public Speaking workshops during April break. Your child will love Lumos’s friendly instructors and fun activities as they learn about:

  • Speaking Confidence
  • Impromptu Speaking
  • Debate Fundamentals
  • Argumentation and Reasoning

Right now you can use the code COMMUNITY to get $20.00 off. To register, go to lumosdebate.com/vaca-workshop. Email info@lumosdebate.com or call 781-474-3359 with any questions.

April 15th-16th, April 17th-18th, or April 19th-20th

New April Break Program for 8th and 9th Graders

Are you looking for a fun, affordable, hands-on, and valuable learning experience for your 8th or 9th grader during April break?

Has your 8th or 9th grader expressed an interest in looking for a summer or after school job but isn’t sure where to start or has been turned down because of their age or lack of experience? This program might be for them!

The City of Newton’s Youth Services department is offering a four day half-day workshop at Newton North High School for 8th and 9th graders – When I Grow Up: Discovering Strengths, Passions, and Career Pathways. This week- long, half day workshop will:

– Help students discover personality strengths and build skills in fun, hands-on, team focused games and activities

– Teach 14 and 15-year-olds about where to look for first jobs and what they need to apply

– Discuss and practice how to prepare for first time interviews

– Introduce students to different career pathways during daily visits from local entrepreneurs, business owners, city officials, and even the mayor!

– Give students the opportunity to learn and practice real-life workplace skills with new friends to prepare for first time jobs

Register online at https://www.activityreg.com/selectactivity_t2.wcs?leaguesid=320

For more informatoin, please contact Quinn Etchie at qetchie@newtonma.gov or 617-796-1436.

Vacation Week fun with HIstory

February vacation week programs at Historic Newton. Bring your family to Historic Newton for a full day of historic fun. With Historic Newton educators, try out colonial-era games, explore the museum exhibits, make a diorama, roll your own candles, and more.

Activities run from 11:30 to 1:30 and from 2:00 to 4:00 with a break for lunch. Come for one activity or stay all day! Recommended for elementary-age children; siblings welcome.
Information: 617-641-9142 .

February 20th and February 22nd, 11:30 am – 4:00 pm

February 20th and February 22nd, 11:30 am – 4:00 pm

Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Avenue, Newton

What’s Happening at the Y

West Suburban YMCA’s Super Bowl Raffle! The West Suburban YMCA raffled off a Super Bowl trip package, and Newton resident Assunta (Sue) Calcagni was selected as the winner! Sue received 2 tickets to Super Bowl LIII along with airfare, lodging and ground transportation provided by New England Sports Tours. The raffle netted over $20,000 for the Y’s annual fund, which provides financial assistance for programs, services and scholarships at the Y.

Try the Y: Fridays in February are free! Present a valid ID at the welcome desk and use the facilities for the day.

Early Spring Program Registration: Registration is open for early spring session programs. Early spring session runs February 25th – April 14th. Sign up for swim lessons, youth basketball, floor hockey, fitness classes, kids yoga, tai chi, tumbling, music lessons and more.

Pickle Ball – Tuesdays & Thursdays: The West Suburban YMCA hosts drop-in pickle ball on both Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 – 11:30 am in the gymnasium. Pickle ball is free for West Suburban YMCA members and $5.00 drop-in fee for non-members.

Guided Meditation: Take a moment out of your day for this short, guided meditation that will leave you feeling relaxed, grounded and rejuvenated. Free for West Suburban YMCA members. Led by Jenni Plym in Studio A. February 9th, 9:00 – 9:30 am

Lifeguard Training and Certification Course:Become an American Red Cross certified lifeguard this February. Learn the practical skills necessary to recognize a critical situation and provide lifesaving care to individuals in the water. CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid certifications are included in the course.

Weekend course: February 9th, 16th, 17th and 23rd, 11:00 am – 7:00 pm each day.
School vacation week course: February 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm each day. Students must be present for ALL days of their chosen course. Visit wsymca.org to register or call 617-244-6050.

Family Fun Night: Bring the whole family to the Y for some family fun time. Featuring arts & crafts, bouncy house, games and more! FREE and open to all. Family Fun Nights are generously sponsored by the Belmont Savings Bank Foundation and occur on the second Tuesday of every month. February 12th, 6:00 – 7:00 pm

February Vacation Programs: Do your kids need something to do while they are off from school for February vacation? The West Suburban YMCA is offering full day and half day program options February 19th – February 22nd. Call 617-244-6050 for more information or visit www.wsymca.org.

Spring YBA (Youth Basketball Association) League: Registration is open for the Y’s spring YBA league which runs March 2nd – April 14th. YBA is a fun league for boys and girls ages 4-12 to learn and play basketball. The league is separated into four age groups: Mini (ages 4-5), Biddy (ages 6-7), Rookie (ages 8-9) and Collegiate (ages 10-12). All leagues are co-ed, and volunteer coaches are encouraged. For more information and to register visit www.wsymca.org or call 617-244-6050.

Summer Camp Registration is Open! The West Suburban YMCA offers three summer camps: Camp Pikati at the Y, Camp Chickami in Wayland, MA and Camp Frank A. Day in East Brookfield, MA. Each camp offers children a unique and engaging summer experience. Attend one of the Y’s upcoming camp info sessions to learn more about summer camp.

Upcoming Camp Info Sessions at the Y:

February 6th, 9:00 – 11:00 am
February 11th, 3:00 – 5:00 pm
February 20th, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
March 2nd, 2:00 – 4:00 pm

Work at the Y: The West Suburban YMCA is hiring for a variety of full-time and part-time positions. Great benefits, FREE membership and professional development opportunities. Please contact Laura Snow at lauras@wsymca.org or visit wsymca.org/careers.

What’s Happening at the YMCA

Try the Y
Wednesdays in January are free! Present a valid ID at the welcome desk and use the facilities for the day.

Resolutions Fitness Challenge – Starts the week of January 14th
New year, new you! Sign up for the Y’s Resolutions Fitness Challenge to jumpstart your health and fitness goals for 2019. Join a team led by one of the Y’s certified personal trainers, and compete against the other teams to see whose team can lose the greatest percentage of weight and body fat during the eight week challenge.

Pickle Ball – Tuesdays & Thursdays
The West Suburban YMCA hosts drop-in pickle ball on both Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 – 11:30 am in the gymnasium. Pickle ball is free for West Suburban YMCA members and $5.00 drop-in fee for non-members.

Poetry Night- February 1st from 7:00-9:00 pm
Organized by Barbara Helfogtt-Hyett of Poemworks, the event features readings by two local poets, then guests are invited to participate in the open mic portion of evening to share their own written work. This event is free and open to the public.

February Vacation Programs – February 19-22nd
Do your kids need something to do while they are off from school for February vacation? The West Suburban YMCA is offering full day and half day program options February 19th through February 22nd. Sign up for a program to ensure your child has a fun vacation and you have peace of mind! Call 617-244-6050 for more information.

Lifeguard Training and Certification Course
Become an American Red Cross certified lifeguard during February school vacation week. Learn the practical skills necessary to recognize a critical situation and provide lifesaving care to individuals in the water. CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid certifications are included in the course. This is a four-day class that meets February 18th – 21st from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Students must be present for ALL days. Visit wsymca.org to register or call 617-244-6050.

Spring YBA (Youth Basketball Association) League
Registration is open for the Y’s spring YBA league which runs March 2nd – April 14th. YBA is a fun league for boys and girls ages 4-12 to learn and play basketball. The league is separated into four age groups: Mini (ages 4-5), Biddy (ages 6-7), Rookie (ages 8-9) and Collegiate (ages 10-12). All leagues are co-ed, and volunteer coaches are encouraged. For more information and to register, visit wsymca.org or call 617-244-6050.

Summer Camp Registration opens January 14th
The West Suburban YMCA offers three summer camps: Camp Pikati at the Y, Camp Chickami in Wayland, MA and Camp Frank A. Day in East Brookfield, MA. Each camp offers children a unique and engaging summer experience. Attend one of the Y’s upcoming camp info sessions to learn more about YMCA summer camps.

Camp Info Sessions at the Y
· January 24th – 4:30 – 6:30 pm
· February 6th – 9:00 – 11:00 am
· February 11th – 3:00 – 5:00 pm
· February 20th – 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
· March 2nd – 2:00 – 4:00 pm

Work at the Y
The West Suburban YMCA is hiring for a variety of full-time and part-time positions in child care and youth development, aquatics, fitness and more. Great benefits, FREE membership and professional development opportunities. Please contact Laura Snow at lauras@wsymca.org or visit wsymca.org/about/work-here.

Financial Assistance is always available for Y Memberships and Programs
The West Suburban YMCA is a non-profit charitable organization and it is their mission to never turn anyone away due to an inability to pay. Contact the Membership Department at 617-244-6050 x3653 for financial assistance with membership or program participation.