Category Archives: Education/Enrichment

Day of Community Service

NewtonSERVES announces Project Registration is Now Open for Day of Community Service on Sunday, April 26th.

Volunteer projects are welcome from Newton non-profits, Newton city departments and schools, individuals, and groups of citizens interested in accomplishing specific tasks with the help of over 1,000 volunteers from the community. Projects can easily be registered online, by visiting www.newtoncommunitypride.org/NewtonSERVES-project.php.

Projects can be in the morning, afternoon or all-day on Sunday, April 26th or they can be set up individually on an alternate date during the City of Newton’s Volunteer Week, April 27th – May 2th. In addition to gaining access to volunteers to tackle specific tasks, project sites may be eligible to receive additional resources such as mulch, garbage and yard waste bags.

Project sites also benefit from raised awareness within the community and all participants receive NewtonSERVES T-shirts and refreshments in honor of their volunteer service. New projects leaders are encouraged to sign up along with recurring projects and experienced leaders.  Volunteer registration is now open at www.newtoncommunitypride.org   For more information, please call (617) 796-1540.

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Why So Early: A Community Forum

The Impact of Early High School Start Times on Teens

Experts say that adolescents should be getting at least 9 hours of sleep every night.  Most high schoolers get less than 7.

Join Newton South’s School Council on April 7th at 7:00 pm in the Newton South Auditorium for a community conversation around the impact of inadequate sleep on our teens.  We will be joined by Dr. Judith Owens, Director of Sleep Medicine at Boston Children’s Hospital, who was the lead author of the American Academy of Pediatrics 2014 Policy Statement supporting a later school start time for teens.  Dr. Owens will speak on her research and the implications of inadequate sleep on adolescents.  You’ll also hear from students and get an update on School Council’s work to date.  This forum is the beginning of a city-wide conversation around this important mental, emotional, and physical health issue for teens.   If you’d like more information and to get updates on School Council’s work on school start times, please email schoolcouncil.nshs@gmail.com.

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Two opportunities to attend a Solar Workshop

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8 – SOLAR WORKSHOP – NEWTON UPPER FALLS AREA COUNCIL

Newton Solar Challenge is pleased to host a solar workshop together with the Newton Upper Falls Area Council.  Learn more in this community-based setting about how solar works, how solar can be designed aesthetically, and also about the new Village Bank “solar loan”:  www.village-bank.com/solar.  The goal is to help the Upper Falls community and homeowners across Newton by making it easier to own solar, to save money and to reduce carbon emissions.  Thank you to the Upper Falls Area Council for its help in hosting this Solar Workshop.

Address: Emerson Community Center,  45 Pettee Street, Newton Upper Falls
Wednesday April 8th from 7:00 to 8:00 pm
For more info, please visit:  www.newtonsolarchallenge.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 12 – SOLAR WORKSHOP – WEST SUBURBAN YMCA

Newton Solar Challenge is pleased to host a solar workshop together with the West Suburban YMCA. As a core value of the YMCA – social responsibility – this is an opportunity for YMCA members and the community to learn more about how you and your family can adopt solar energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This work shop will help you learn how solar will “look” on your home and how you can save money while helping the environment. You will learn how the numbers work and how solar can now be financed through The Village Bank’s new “solar loan”: www.village-bank.com/solar.

There will also be a children’s educational program for school age children during the event hosted by the YMCA staff and Green Decade’s education team. This event is open to YMCA members and also the general public.

Address: West Suburban YMCA, 276 Church Street, Newton Corner
Sunday April 12th from 4:00 to 5:00 pm
For more information, please visit:  www.newtonsolarchallenge.com

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Special Education Mediation

The NewtonPAC will host a session on Mediation with Board of Special Education Appeals Mediator Myrto Flessas. Have you ever wondered what mediation is about, and what it can accomplish in special education?  The BSEA website says:

Special Education Mediation is a voluntary and confidential dispute resolution process available at no cost through the BSEA. When school personnel and parents disagree about the educational needs of a student with disabilities, either party may request mediation.

In mediation, an impartial mediator helps parents and school staff clarify the issues and underlying concerns, explore interests, discuss options and collaborate to reach mutually satisfactory agreements that address the needs of the student. The mediator does not decide how to resolve the dispute. When the parties resolve all or some of the issues, they work together with the mediator to put their agreement(s) in writing. What do you need to know in deciding if mediation is a good option for you?  What should you do to be prepared for mediation?

Myrto Flessas, the BSEA mediator who works with Newton, will be coming to speak to the NewtonPAC to answer these kinds of questions.

The meeting will be on Wednesday, April 15th starting at 7:30 pm., with refreshments and networking starting at 7:15, in room 210 of the Education Center at 100 Walnut Street in Newton.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact Eileen Sandberg at Eileen.sandberg.newtonpac@gmail.com.

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Songs That Change the World

REVOLUTION ROCK:  Songs That Change the World (all ages and skill levels)

Register at:  https://pluggedin.wufoo.com/forms/x7hk36w1xa8iss/
Facebook Event:  https://www.facebook.com/events/1048633338485255/

•This hands-on workshop will cover the role music plays in making social change.

•Students will have the opportunity to expand their concepts of musical education.

•Study songs that have inspired movements and learn how to use your own music to create social change.

•Explore the work of artists such as Bob Marley, Rage Against the Machine, The Clash, Bob Dylan, and other musicians who have changed the world with the power of song.

•Learn the techniques used to make a great song that has real impact.

•Most importantly we’ll put these techniques into action by writing original music to support the causes we are most passionate about.

Date:  April 20th and April 21st
Time:  12:00–4:00 pm (both days)
Location:  Plugged In Band Program
Tuition:  $120.00 per person
Instructor:  Greg Reinauer

Plugged In is a nonprofit rock band program in the Boston area teaching kids ages 6-19 throughout Massachusetts about using music to create positive change in the world.  In addition to weekly ensemble band classes, private lessons, summer day 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 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.

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High School Student Intern Program

Apply now for summer 2015 High School Student Intern Program at Newton Community Farm! Newton Community Farm is now accepting applications for our high school student intern program!   Summer internships are unpaid opportunities for high school age youth to learn about organic and community farming in a fun, friendly environment.   No experience is necessary; just a desire to learn and work hard!

The minimum requirement for the internship is a two-week trial period (consecutive weeks) during July 7th through August 27th, three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm (short break at 10:00 am).   After the trial period and with the agreement of the Farm Manager, interns can increase the number of hours, days (including Friday and Saturday), and/or weeks at the farm. Go to www.newtoncommunityfarm.org for more information about the program and to download application forms (due at the Farm by May 31st).

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