Category Archives: Education/Enrichment

Why So Early?

Rethinking the High School Start Time: A Community Forum

Can’t wake up your teen for school? Tired of grumpy, groggy kids? Concerned about the impact of limited sleep on your student? There is a lot of evidence that delaying the start time for high school can improve the physical and mental health of students, reduce tardiness, and improve learning in school. Newton is in the process of studying a later start time for the two high schools. The School Committee has formed the High School Start Time Working Group to study the benefits and challenges of doing so. Find out more at http://www.newton.k12.ma.us/laterstarttime.

The Newton North School Council is sponsoring a forum to inform the community about the benefits and challenges of a later high school start time in our city. We are pleased to be joined by Superintendent David Fleishman, Working Group and School Committee members Ellen Gibson and Ruth Goldman, and Dr. Christopher Landrigan, a Newton parent and a physician and researcher in the Division of Sleep Disorders at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. We will also hear from high school students and faculty about their experiences. We welcome your participation in the conversation about a later high school start time in Newton.

January 26th,  7:00 – 8:30 pm
Newton North cafeteria

If you are unable to attend the event, but would like more information about this topic, please visit: http://newtonsouthptso.org/school-info/school-council/, where you will find resources and can sign-up for periodic updates.

Help New Schools Foundation Meet its Goal!

Newton Schools Foundation (NSF) needs your help to continue to be one of the best public school systems in the Commonwealth and the nation. They are two-thirds of the way to our Annual Appeal goal of $60,000. Please donate today to help them reach their goal.

Your gift will support innovative programs that are difficult to address in the school department’s operating budget. These include:

• Elementary music initiative, modeled after El Sistema, established in Venezuela, to introduce low-income children to instrumental music. This will be piloted at Lincoln-Eliot with potential for expansion to other elementary schools.
• Summer writing institute, a professional development program for elementary school teachers to help students become better writers for the information age.
• Computer coding in the middle schools

…and much more!

NSF-supported initiatives also address social/emotional wellbeing; global education, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics), and closing the achievement gap. The programs NSF funds span Newton’s diverse student population and impact all of Newton’s 12,000+ students.

These teaching and learning opportunities would not be possible without supporters like you.

When you give to Newton Schools Foundation you are ensuring that the Newton Public Schools continue to provide Newton students with the best education in this ever-changing teaching and learning environment.

P.S. If you have already donated thank you so much. If you haven’t, please make a tax-deductible contribution to NSF today. They are only $20,000 away from reaching our goal and you can help us get there. Please check with your employer about matching gifts.

To donate, please click here: Donate

Summer ideas for Middle and High Schoolers

Newton South High School will host the 12th Annual Teen Summer Program Expo. The event is FREE, open to the public and will be held in the cafeteria. Find the perfect summer experience for middle and high school students. Meet directors of enriching summer programs in the U.S. & abroad. Programs for every budget and include academic, adventure, travel, community service, internships, sport instruction, language immersion, arts/theatre/music, college prep and gap year programs. Efficiently cut through the overwhelming amount of information online and make informed decisions about programming, safety, & supervision. For more information contact laura@campsourcenetwork.com or at 617-244-3316.

February 8th, 5:30 – 8:00 pm
Newton South High School, 140 Brandeis Road
Snow date: February 9th

Time for Partners is going home!

After a wonderful season at the warm and inviting Auburndale Community Library, Time for Partners is returning to Newton City Hall for the Winter/Spring session. The construction of the elevator for the War Memorial Auditorium of Newton City Hall is complete, and the class has returned to its new and improved home!

It is easier than ever to bring your stroller to the class, simply access the elevator on the Homer Street side of City Hall. Space is limited and fills up quickly in the ever popular Art & Music class for children ages 18 months to 4 years with an adult.

Visit www.newtonma.gov/culture for more information and to register.

Learn to Play the Ukelele!

For kids in Grades 2 – 5 who want to learn an instrument and explore the world of musicianship. Students will learn basics of the instrument, including rhythmic strumming and chords, and they will be playing songs in just a few weeks. The class is taught by Paula Gannon – Time for Partners music teacher. Class sizes are small, so sign up soon. Bring your own instrument or contact teacher for rental. Visit www.newtonma.gov/culture or call 617-796-1540 for information.

February 2nd – April 5th,  1:45 – 2:30 pm
Newton Cultural Center
City Hall, 1000 Commonwealth Avenue

What’s Happening at the Y

Try the Y Tuesdays – All Month Long
Discover all you can do at the Y. Every Tuesday in January, you’re invited to enjoy the pools, state-of-the art fitness center, gymnasium, cycle studio, group exercises and more! It’s absolutely FREE. There’s no obligation to join. No fees to pay. Enjoy fun and healthy activities, make new friendships and discover ALL that the Y offers.

Something for Everyone – Early & Late Spring Programs at the Y
Spring into action with Early and Late Spring programs at the Y. Registration for Early Spring Programs opens on February 1st for YMCA members, and February 5th for nonmembers. Early Spring programs begin the week of February 22nd.

· Learn to swim – swimming lessons for all ages including Parent & Child classes
· Lifeguard Training Certification Classes
· Sports Leagues – Basketball, Soccer, Flag Football
· School Vacation Week Programs
· Adult Sports Leagues – Pick-Up Basketball, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball
· Music and Creative Arts programs
· Summer Camp – Day Camps and Overnight Camp
· Personal Training and Small Group Training

Visit wsymca.org to download a copy of the Early the Late Program Spring Guide, or stop by the Y and they can help you register.

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA
The West Suburban YMCA is now offering LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, a 12 week program that helps people affected by cancer reach their holistic health goals. This research-based program offers those living with, through and beyond cancer a safe, empowering environment to participate in activities focused on strengthening the whole person. Participants work with specially trained Y staff to achieve goals such as building muscle mass and strength, increasing flexibility and endurance and improving confidence and self-esteem. In addition to physical benefits, the program also focuses on the emotional well-being of survivors and their families by providing a supportive “community” where people impacted by cancer can connect during treatment and beyond. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is free for participants and their families.

For more information, including how to participate in the pilot program that begins on February 1st and runs on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:15 – 2:30 pm for 12 weeks, please contact Jane Carroll at 617-244-650 x3007.

Important NewtonPAC meeting on January 20th

The Newton Parent Advisory Council for Special Education (NewtonPAC) will host a meeting on High School Programs and Transition from middle school on January 20th.

The meeting agenda will be:

6:30 pm Welcome and Announcements
6:35-6:45 pm High School Administrators: What to expect from your Transition Team meeting
6:45- 7:30 pm High School Programs and Q&A
7:30-8:00 pm Transition Issues Panel: High School Administrators and parents including:

  • Academic expectations and how to prepare children for high school
  • Social and emotional issues in transition
  • Common challenges and solutions

All NewtonPAC meetings are free and open to everyone. Please check www.newtonpac.org for weather updates and cancellations. If you have any questions, please email Eileen Sandberg at Eileen.sandberg.newtonpac@gmail.com.

January 20th, 6:30 – 8:00 pm (An hour earlier than usual)
Education Center
100 Walnut Street, Room 304 (subject to change)

Teen Making Smart Choices

Middle School and High School students, parents, and guardians are invited to a fun, free EXPO. Teens and adults are encouraged to come to the Just Think: Teens Making Smart Choices expo for participative, informative exhibits; live musical performances; free refreshments; and fun.

Meet 30 community exhibitors who help teens navigate life’s pressures in order to stay safe and healthy. Get information about everything from driving and pedestrian safety to healthy eating and positive body image to stress reduction and mental health support.

Highlights:

• Community resources for teens
• FREE and fun!
• Treat bags for first 50 students who come with a parent/guardian
• Giveaways and refreshments
• Prize drawing: Beats headphones
• “American Ninja Warrior” live demo!

Newton North High School
January 21st,  5:00 to 7:30 pm

QPR Training: Three steps anyone can learn to help prevent suicide

Join Mayor Setti D. Warren at The Street, Chestnut Hill for a FREE workshop on Suicide Prevention called QPR: Question, Persuade, and Refer. People trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. The training is appropriate for everyone.

Nanci Ginty Butler, LICSW, of the Riverside Trauma Center and also the parent of an Angier student will be giving the presentation. There is no fee, however registration is required and space is limited. Register at www.newtonma.gov/newtoncares. Questions? Please call 617-796-1420.

January 13th
5:00 pm, reception at DelFrisco’s Grill at The Street, 33 Boylston Street
6:00 – 8:00 pm, training will follow at the nearby WS Development Offices