Category Archives: School Breaks

Come to City Hall to help sort the food on December 31st

Please help our neighbors facing food insecurity. Newton’s four food pantries provide meals for more than 1,800 people each month, and they need everyone’s help to keep up with the growing need right here in Newton.

Donate to the Newton Food Drive—the four pantries are asking for breakfast foods including cereal, granola, oatmeal, energy and granola bars, non-perishable milk boxes, coffee, tea, and peanut butter. (Sorry, no open or expired food can be accepted.)

Bring donations and/or help sort the donated food on December 31st from 10:00 – 10:30 am in the War Memorial at City Hall.  Everyone can help, from youngsters to seniors. Plus, enjoy craft making, face painting, and refreshments for the Mayor’s New Year’s Eve Open House until noon.

Camp Grossman Info Session

Come meet the camp director and learn all about Camp Kaleidoscope. With art, music, dance, theater, science and nature activities, campers of all ages have opportunities to spread their creative wings. The talented staff of artists, performers and educators inspires campers to try new things in a pluralistic Jewish setting that embraces campers of all backgrounds, faiths, and beliefs.

Located at JCC Greater Boston’s, Leventhal-Sidman Center in Newton with transportation available from the surrounding areas. Can’t make it? Register online using the online registration at bostonjcc.org/kaleidoscope-registration.

January 20th
JCC Greater Boston
333 Nahanton Street

February, April, and Passover vacation camps

Worrying about what to do during school vacation? Don’t worry, JCC Greater Boston School Vacation Camp has got you covered. Camp runs during the weeklong break for February, April and Passover vacation. Kids get to choose up to three electives daily, including sports, swimming, arts & crafts, board games and more.

You do not want to miss this fun and engaging program as space is limited. Early bird pricing ends on January 21st and registration ends on February 11th. Enrollment is always flexible to fit your family’s plans. Kids can join for a single day, several days or the entire week. Children play and learn through a variety of different activities including swimming, art & crafts, cooking, dance and so much more! A kosher lunch is available for purchase making your morning a breeze. During the week, there is a different special highlight each day. Register at bostonjcc.org/schoolvacations.

Teen Summer Expo

The Teen Summer Expo brings the directors of a wide variety of enriching summer programs together with teenagers and their parents for a FREE, informative and easy-to-manage evening. Find unique and exciting summer experiences from adventure travel to community service to internships and enrichment in academics, sports or the arts, both locally and throughout the world. There will be options for every interest and budget.

Get answers to specific questions about safety, supervision, costs and programming directly from the people running the programs. For more details, contact Laura@TeenSummerExpos.com

Register for a reminder at https://www.teensummerexpos.com/family-registration/ Share with friends on Facebook

January 28th, 5:30 – 8:00 pm
Newton South High School cafeteria

Winter break songwriting workshop

The Plugged In Band Program is offering a 2-day songwriting workshop for youth ages 10-18 of all skill levels (beginners included). Songwriting experience is not required.

The songwriting workshop provides students with the opportunity to learn songwriting techniques and write, perform and record an original song. On the first day, students will learn about the charitable organization for which the Plugged In fall session concert will be raising money. Students will then be placed in groups led by Plugged In teachers. Each teacher will help their group write an original song about the charitable organization or about any subject that the group chooses. On the second day, each group will record their song. Recordings of all the songs will be posted to the Plugged In Band camp site to raise money and awareness for the charitable organization. More information and registration is available at www.pluggedinband.org.

Plugged In is a unique, inclusive nonprofit youth rock band program in Needham teaching young musicians ages 8-19 of all levels and needs about using music to create positive change in the world. In addition to weekly ensemble band classes, private lessons, summer camp, songwriting workshops and community performances, five times a year Plugged In students perform in benefit concerts that raise money for causes and organizations chosen by the students themselves. Plugged In provides a nurturing, non-competitive and supportive community to which young musicians feel a sense of belonging, an opportunity to express and be acknowledged for their musical interests and a chance to use their music to help others around the world.

Join for a special Math Circle meeting!

Students will be solving challenging problems for different grades, while competing against each other to win prizes! Small prizes for everyone! Participation is $20.

For students grades 3 – 6. Register at www.engagingmath.com or email admin@engagingmath.com.

December 16th, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Engaging Math

Multiplication Carnival

Don’t get bogged down by multiplication! Master the most difficult multiplication facts in one visit to the Multiplication Carnival – no mindless drills, no boring flash cards, no tears, no painful memorization.

Have fun, and leave the carnival a Multiplication hero! Organized by Mathnasium Math Learning Center. Register for the 3-hour carnival event during the winter school break at www.MultiplicationCarnival.com

Choose one of December 27th, 28th, or 29th, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Mathnasium NEWTON
1349 Centre Street, Newton

JCC School Vacation Camp – Space is Limited!

Worrying about what to do during school vacations? Don’t worry, JCC Greater Boston School Vacation Camp has you covered. Camp runs during the week-long break for December, February, April and Passover vacations. Kids get to choose up to three electives daily, including sports, swimming, arts & crafts, board games and more.

Registration for December break ends on December 19th and early bird pricing ends this Friday! Enrollment is always flexible to fit your family’s plans. Kids can join for a single day, several days or the entire week. Each day children play and learn through a variety of different activities. Options include swimming, art & crafts, cooking, dance and so much more! A Kosher lunch is available for purchase making your morning a breeze. Also, during the week there is a different special highlight each day.

Register at bostonjcc.org/schoolvacations.

What’s Happening at the Y

Try the Y – Thursdays in December are free! Present a valid ID at the welcome desk and use the facilities for the day. Plus, if you sign up for a Y membership in December, your first month is free.

Program Registration for Winter Session – Registration for Winter Programs at the West Suburban YMCA is now open to all members and non-members. The Winter Program Session starts the week of January 2nd. Some program highlights include:

  • Aquatics: Swim lessons for all ages, water polo, Masters Swim Team
  • Youth Sports Leagues & Classes: Basketball, flag football, tumbling, karate for all ages
  • Creative Arts: Rock Band class, dance classes, private music lessons
  • Fitness & Wellness: TRX classes, tai chi, personal training and small group training

Pick up a Winter Program Guide at the YMCA or visit wsymca.org for more information and to register for programs. More Info

Resolutions Fitness Challenge – 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 other teams to see whose team can lose the greatest percentage of weight and body fat during the eight week challenge.

School Vacation Week Programs – Do your kids need something to do while they are off from school for winter vacation? The West Suburban YMCA is offering full day and half day program options December 26th -28th. Sign up for a program from either our Child Care Department or our Sports Department, to ensure your child has a fun vacation and you have peace of mind! More Info

Winter Camp Extravaganza – Celebrate summer in the winter! Bring the whole family for this exciting event at the West Suburban YMCA. There will be three live shows from comedy magician Steven Craig, musical ventriloquist Kevin Driscoll, and Curious Creatures! In addition to the performances, there will be raffles, door prizes, auction items, face painting, balloon animals, Henna tattoos and more!

This event is open to the community – not just YMCA campers – and a suggested family donation of $20.00 is welcome at the door. All proceeds will go toward 2019 camper scholarships. More Info January 5th, 5:30 – 8:00 pm

Y Empower – free program for 10 year old girls. Y Empower is a new free program geared toward 10 year old girls. It is intended to provide a small learning community for them to explore their health holistically and be prepared to manage the stress that adolescence often brings. Half of the time is spent in a classroom setting with expert speakers about topics such as nutrition, social media safety, and self care. The second half of the time is spent trying specific fitness activities such as yoga, Zumba, and swimming. Contact Jane Carroll at janec@wsymca.org for more information or to register for this program. Starting January 2019, Tuesdays, 2:30 – 4:00 pm

The Body Project – free program for high school girls. The Y is proud to partner with MEDA (Multi-service Eating Disorder Association) to offer a six-week program that provides a forum for girls to confront unrealistic beauty ideals and engage them in the development of a healthy body image through verbal, written and behavioral exercises. Contact Jane Carroll at janec@wsymca.org for more information or to register for this program.  Starting January 2019, Mondays, 4:30 – 5:15 pm

Pickle Ball – 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.

Work at the Y: The West Suburban YMCA is hiring for a variety of full-time and part-time positions. Great benefits, FREE membership, professional development opportunities. Please contact Laura Snow, Director of Human Resources, 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. Please contact our Membership Department at 617-244-6050 x3653 for financial assistance with membership or program participation.

What’s going on at the Y?

Run the Boston Marathon for the YMCA – Apply by November 9th

The City of Newton has provided the West Suburban YMCA with one charity bib number for the 2019 Boston Marathon! The Y is seeking one dedicated runner to lace up and raise $7500 for the West Suburban YMCA. Runner will receive a free membershipto the Y while training, support for fundraising, team apparel and more. Deadline to apply for the bib number is November 9th. Visit wsymca.org/boston-marathon for more information.

Registration is open for YBA-Youth Basketball Leagues

YBA League is a fun league for boys and girls ages 4-12 to learn and play basketball. The league runs on Saturdays, November 17th – February 9th, and 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. For more information and to register, visit www.wsymca.org or call 617-244-6050.

Lifeguard Training Class

Become an American Red Cross certified Lifeguard. 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 certificationsare included in the course. This class meets from 11;00 am – 7:00 pm on November 11th, November 18th, December 1st, and December 8th. Students must be present for ALL days. Visit www.wsymca.org to register or call 617-244-6050.

Pickle Ball Added on Thursdays

Starting November 8th, the West Suburban YMCA will host drop-in pickle ball on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30-11:30 am in the gymnasium. Pickle ball is free for West Suburban YMCA members and a $5 drop-in fee for non-members.

“A Night Under the Stars” Annual Gala –  November 10th,  6:00 – 11:00 pm

The Y’s Annual Gala, “A Night Under the Stars” features dinner, cocktails, silent & live auctions, dancing and entertainment and will highlight the life-changing impact of YMCA summer camp. Returning as emcee for the night is Jenny Johnson,co-host of NESN’s Dining Playbook. All proceeds will support financial assistance for local families.

School Vacation Day Programs on November 12th

The West Suburban YMCA is offering full day and half day program options on November 12 (Veteran’s Day Observed).

  • Child Care Department – A well-rounded program that includes time for floor games, arts and crafts, snack, lunch and the option to swim. For more information or to sign up for this program, call 617-244-6050 ex. 3022.
  • Sports Department – For kids who like to be active and moving all day, sign up for the Y’s sports program. Activities include soccer, basketball, baseball, floor hockey, flag football, capture the flag and more. For more information or to sign up for this program, contact Ray Isales, at 617-244-6050 x3131

Winter Clothing Drive and Swap – November 12th and 13th

Tired of replacing winter coats, hats, gloves and scarves every year? The West Suburban YMCA invites members and the community to participate in a Winter Clothing Drive and Swap. Drop off gently used winter clothes on November 12th and 13th and the swap will take place on November 18th. Those who donate their gently used winter clothes will be able to participate in the swap at an earlier time on the 18th.

Family Fun Night –  November 13th, 6:00 – 7:00pm

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.

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, human resources, aquatics, fitness and more. Great benefits, FREE membership and professional development opportunities. Please contact Laura Snow at lauras@wsymca.org or visit www.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 their inability to pay. Please contact the Membership Department at 617-244-6050 x3653 for financial assistance with membership or program participation.