Category Archives: Education/Enrichment

Do you have an instrument that you don’t need or want anymore?

“Hi, My name is Abigail Miller. I am in eleventh grade at Newton South High School. Right now, I am running an instrument donation drive, because I really enjoy playing music and hope that I can help others get the chance to love it as much as I do. Through a partnership with Berklee College of Music, the instruments I collect will be donated to local nonprofit organizations and schools who provide music education to underserved populations.

Berklee’s Office of Community and Government relations oversees a donation program to donate quality computer hardware, musical instruments, and production equipment to communities in need. Examples of their partner organizations include the Boys and Girls Clubs, various Boston Public Schools, the Haley House, Girls Rock Campaign and several locations of YMCAs.

If you have instruments that you are no longer using and may like to donate, please contact me at music.drive@yahoo.com. For more information or questions, you can visit instrumentdonationdrive.blogspot.com or shoot me an email. Thank you very much!”

Free Workshop for Parents and Caregivers

Learn strategies for building body confidence in your child. Come learn 5 strategies for success. Children who feel good about their bodies are:

  • Less likely to develop eating issues
  • More likely to participate in sports and extra curricular activities
  • Less likely to use drugs and alcohol
  • More likely to develop a healthy relationship with exercise

Please RSVP to Rebecca Manley at rmanley@medainc.org

March 1st, 9:30-10:30 am
288 Walnut Street, Suite 130

Maine Arts Camp – Meet the Director!

If you would like to find out whether Maine Arts Camp is the right place for your child or teen to indulge their creative spirit, explore new horizons, and make lifelong friendships this summer, take the opportunity to meet with the Director, Rick Mades, who will be in town this week, and happy to meet and answer any questions.

Maine Arts Camp is a small community that makes a big impact! Located on the beautiful campus of Colby College, MAC offers outstanding opportunities for high quality instruction from professional educators, with access to state-of-the-art facilities to support the program of activities in visual and performing arts, culinary arts, filmography, robotics and more. A camper-to- staff ratio of 3:1 means that campers get the personal attention they need to thrive and grow as artists and individuals. If you would like to know more, please visit www.maineartscamp.com . Email Anabel Cable with any questions or to set up a meeting.

Newton PTO Council 2017-01-14 12:02:22

Please join the Newton Cantonese School in celebrating Chinese New Year, the Year of the Rooster. There will be a lion dance, student performances, and games.  To learn more, please go to www.newtoncantoneseschool.org.

As background, Newton Cantonese School (NCS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has existed since 1978. Its goal is to teach the Cantonese dialect, reading and writing of the Chinese language, and celebrate Chinese culture. The school’s Saturday language program currently enrolls 150 students, ranging from ages 5 to 15 years old. As the only Cantonese-focused language school in Massachusetts, the program connects a widespread community of Newton residents and families across the state, including inner city Boston and towns an hour away.

January 21st, 9:30 am – 12:00 noon
Bigelow Middle School, 42 Vernon Street

How to Know If Your Child (and YOU!) Are Ready for Overnight Camp

Are you wondering if your child is ready? Are you wondering how to figure out what is the best fit for your child? Are you not sure how long to send your child? This presentation will help you understand the many benefits of overnight camp. You will learn what to ask when speaking with different directors, what to look for when you go on tours.  This presentation will help you eliminate some of your anxieties about sending your child away to overnight camp.

This workshop is presented by Jill Vetstein, a licensed clinical mental health therapist specializing in children. She has a B.S in Education and a Masters in Social Work and is also a writer, blogger, professional speaker and a mother. Jill has been working with parents and children in many settings for over 25 years. Jill has over 20 years of experience in the camping world both as a camper and as a professional.

This is a lecture to help parents get general information about readiness for overnight camp and to answer questions and allay anxieties. It is not representing any camp in particular. Camp Specialists is a FREE referral service to help families find the best fit for their child and has no bias for one specific camp over another. For more information on the services, please email naomigoldman@campspecialists.com.

Feb 8th,  7:00 pm dessert reception; 7:30 pm presentation
Needham Historical Society, 1147 Central Ave, Needham

Kids at the Farm: Summer 2017

Registration is now open for summer programs at the Newton Community Farm. Preschool through High School, including new additions for 2017.

Register for week long programs before March 18th for the Early Bird Discount.

www.newtoncommunityfarm.org/education

Financial assistance available for qualifying applicants. Questions? Please contact Alison Scorer, Education Director at education@newtoncommunityfarm.org.

Learn to Play the Ukulele!

Uke 1 – an introduction class to the ukulele and perfect for kids who want to learn an instrument, while exploring the world of musicianship. Students will learn basics of the instrument, including rhythmic strumming and chords. They will be playing songs in a few short weeks! Tuesdays, 1:15 – 2:00 pm
Uke 2 – The student must have completed Uke 1. All levels of players are welcome for continued learning and weekly “jam session”. Tuesdays, 2:15- 3:00 pm

Now Registering kids in Grades 2 – 5 for the Spring Session. Bring your own instrument or contact teacher for rental. Register at www.activityreg.com, click on MA, click on Newton Parks & Recreation, click on Register, click on Programs or Activities, click on Mayor’s Office for Cultural Affairs, click on Ukulele classes. Or call 617-796-1540 for more information.

Tuesdays, January 31st – April 4th at the Newton Cultural Center at City Hall