Category Archives: Education/Enrichment

Upcoming Spring programs at Newton Cemetery

May 17th Spring bird walk! Test your skills and pick up some new ones this spring with Trevor Lloyd-Evans, Manomet’s Director of Landbird Conservation, as he leads this year’s Newton Cemetery Bird Walk. Birders of all experience levels are welcome on this two hour walk around the cemetery’s arboretum. See flyer for more information: Bird Walk

May 13th Spring tree tour! Enjoy a tour showcasing the trees that enhance the grounds. Cemetery arborist Robert Reardon will highlight some interesting and unique characteristics of the numerous recently planted varieties. See flyer for more information: Tree Tour

Please note, participation is limited for the Bird Walk on May 17th, so those interested should make sure they register through Manomet.org/events to reserve their spot.

Finish strong in math

Finish strong in math this school year. Affordable, effective, individualized math tutoring including 8-session, 16-session, and unlimited option packets starting at $375.00 ($25 to $47/session). Individualized Learning Plans targeted to helping students fill in any gaps and solidify the year’s math topics.

At Mathnasium, math makes sense, and math is fun. 100% money-back guarantee if program is not right for you. Details at: www.mathsense.com/finish-strong.

Spanish Tutor available

• Fluent in Spanish
• Massachusetts licensed/certified
• 6 years teaching experience
• BA Latin American Studies: Brown University
• MA Teaching: Boston College
• CAES School Leadership/Administration: Boston College
• Newton Highlands resident
• Available Services:
o Spanish (all levels)
o Organizational skills
o Study skills

Contact: Libby Sands at libby@libbysands.com or at 617- 256-4780.

Critical Writing Summer Course for Grades 9-12

If you often feel that your ideas are better than your papers, join the summer writing course and improve your academic writing in all subjects. In this class, learn how to define a clear thesis and organize evidence to support it. You’ll practice structuring logical paragraphs, drawing convincing connections between them, and building up to a strong, emphatic conclusion. You’ll also learn to avoid common word use and grammatical errors that can detract from your arguments. You’ll finish this class with increased confidence
to tackle your future writing assignments.

This program is offered through Newton Summer School, which is now part of Newton Community Education. You will receive 1.5 credits upon completion of this course; these credits will count toward graduation, but do not satisfy department-specific graduation requirements. Learn more at newtoncommunityed.org.

Register here.

Marine Biology Summer Course for Grades 9-12

Join us to investigate the amazing biology of marine organisms and explore the ecology of their environment through experiential, hands-on learning. To supplement our classroom and lab work, we’ll do the following work in the field during 4 full-day field trips:

1) Conduct a physical, chemical, and biological oceanographic analysis of Massachusetts Bay aboard a UMASS research vessel.
2) Explore and analyze the rocky inter-tidal ecosystem in Nahant.
3) Assess shorebird ecology and soft sediment habitat at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and Sandy Point Reservation in Plum Island.
4) Investigate salt marsh ecology and restoration at Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Falmouth.

This program is offered through Newton Summer School, which is now part of Newton Community Education. You will receive 2.5 credits upon completion of this course; these credits will count toward graduation, but do not satisfy department-specific graduation requirements. Visit newtoncommunityed.org for more information. Register here.

A few more days to get matching donations

The Newton Schools Foundation is honored for the second consecutive year to have a
very generous donor who will match up to $25,000 in contributions from the community
to the Calculus Project during the month of March.

Double your impact and donate today: www.newtonschoolsfoundation.org

The Calculus Project has been transformational for Newton students. Since its 2013
launch, enrollment growth in high-level mathematics among traditionally
underrepresented student groups is significant:

• Hispanic student enrollment has increased 70 percent.
• African-American student enrollment has tripled.
• Low-income student enrollment has increased nine-fold!

Here’s how the program works:Calculus Project students attend intensive small-group
summer classes to preview upcoming curriculum, boost their math skills, foster
attitudes that support academic risk-taking and perseverance, and cultivate relationships among peers in the program. During the school year, students receive mentoring and after-school academic support. The program also uses lessons and activities designed to improve self-perceptions about academic accomplishment.

Your support this year will help deepen and extend the Calculus Project’s reach.
Currently serving 109 students in grades 7-10, the program will welcome a new cohort
of 30 incoming 7th graders this summer. If we successfully complete this match challenge,
the resulting $50,000 will support nearly half of the students in the Calculus Program for
this coming year—including the entire new 7th grade cohort.

At a cost of $1,000 per student for a full year of programming, the Calculus Project’s
success depends on a public-private partnership between the Newton Public Schools,
private foundations and corporate donors, and generous individuals like you.
Please help us meet the donor match challenge. Please Donate today!

www.newtonschoolsfoundation.org

After School program Open Houses

The Newton Highlands After-School Program, just for middle school children is hosting 3 Open House events for interested families. This is a terrific opportunity for parents of 5th graders to learn more about the program as they plan for the next school year. Please join them and see the wonderful space that is the home base of this terrific program. For more information please contact: Rochelle Acker at 617-999-4617 or highlandsafterschool@gmail.com or visit our website highlandsafterschool.org

March 27th,  April 6th,  April 9th, 5:30-6:30 pm
Brigham House, 20 Hartford Street, Newton Highlands

Presentation on Assistive Technology

The Newton Parent Advisory Council for Special Education will host a presentation on Assistive Technology. Kayla McAlister, Assistive Technology Specialist for the Newton Public Schools will speak on the technology available in the district. She will cover the definition of an AT consultation vs. an AT assessment in grades K-12.

Kayla determines which device and/or strategy is the best fit for the student by following the SETT Framework. Looking at the student, their environment, and the tasks they need in their educational setting in choosing the appropriate tool. Kayla has a BA in Psychology from Stonehill College and a M.S. Ed in Assistive Technology from Simmons College.

April 5th, 7:15 pm light refreshments and networking
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm Presentation
Room 210, The Education Center, Newtonville

Conscious Parenting

Learn to nurture your children while establishing the boundaries they need. Conscious Parenting, based on the work of Dr. Shefali Tsabary, helps you build awareness of your values and societal pressures, and the impact they can have on your ability to see what is best for your family. Learn to accept your kids as unique individuals and support them in becoming their most authentic selves. Through in-class exercises and presentations, you’ll gain tools to set boundaries from a calm and centered place, and you’ll learn to recognize your triggers, understand your child’s behavior, and foster a greater connection between you and your child. $89.00/person. To register, visit newtoncommunityed.org.

Four Wednesdays, April 5th – May 3rd (no class April 19), 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Newton South High School

Is Your High School Grad Ready for College?

Is my son or daughter even ready for college…and how will I know? How do students with learning differences and mental health disorders fare on college campuses, and what may
maximize their chances for success? Join us for an interactive talk about higher education and the myriad of pitfalls a student may encounter in college. Parents will learn about issues relating to mental health, executive functioning, and emotional development in the college student population. The talk will be led by Dr. Ilan Goldberg, a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in executive functioning and emotional development in the college student population. $20.00/person. Register at newtoncommunityed.org

April 6th, 7:00 pm
Newton South High School