Category Archives: Education/Enrichment

Wellesley Theatre Project Summer Season

Join WTP for some great camps this summer! For more information and to register, visit the website at http://www.wellesleytheatreproject.org/. Many different themes for many different schedules and age groups. Details below:

From Page to Stage! (4 years- 1st grade), 9am- noon, $250
July 20-24, Session I
August 10-14, Session II
Teaming up with Wellesley Books, WTP will use well loved children’s stories to teach acting basics and beginning theatre.

Happily Ever After…? (2nd- 5th Grade), 9am- 3pm, $475
August 10-14
With a concentration on fairytales and folklore, students will work creatively to compose their own stories complete with puppets, props and scenery.

Playwriting (4th-8th Grade), 9am-3pm, $475
July 20-24
Students will not only learn the basic structures and dramatic elements of creating original one-act plays, but also the different aspects and roles of a production team.

“All the World’s a Stage!” (6th-12th Grade) 9am-3pm, $475
July 6-10
Focusing on specific Shakespearean scenes, students will learn to interpret, deliver and perform selections along with movement and character development.

“Improvarama!” (2nd-8th Grade) 9am-3pm, $475
August 3-7
Students will learn the essentials of improvisation, create characters and scenes through games and exercise designed to build confidence, self-reliance and develop teamwork.

Production Camps
101 Dalmatians, Kids (2nd-8th Grade), June 29- July 11
Performances: July 10 & 11
Tuition for 2 Weeks: $1,100 ($550 Per Week)
Based on the classic animated film, 101 Dalmatians KIDS will teach students to explore their creativity and expand their acting, singing and dancing skills. From audition preparation to Opening Night, students will learn the ins and outs of what it takes to produce a fully realized, professional production.

G2K Oklamhoma! (2nd-12th Grade), July 13- August 1
Performances: July 31 & August 1
Tuition for 3 Weeks: $1,650 ($550 Per Week)
Join us for this summer for Rodgers & Hammerstein’s All-American classic love story! Students will be working both as a group and individually with the director, musical director and choreographer to stage a fully-realized production.

The Addams Family (8th-12th Grade), August 3- 22
Performances: August 21 & 22
Tuition for 3 Weeks: $1,650 ($550 Per Week)
“They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky, they’re altogether ooky!” Come pay a call on The Addams Family, a new musical based on the beloved characters of Charles Addams. Students will learn the ins and outs of crafting a professional production, complete with public, ticketed performances in August.

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Open House for Highlands After-School Program, 4/12 & 4/30

 The Newton Highlands After-School Program, just for middle school children, is hosting two Open Houses for interested families. This is a terrific opportunity for parents of middle school kids (or current 5th graders) to learn more about the program as they plan for the next school year.

Sunday, April 12 from 5-6:00 pm.
Thursday, April 30 from 5:30-6:30 pm.
Brigham House, 20 Hartford Street, Newton Highlands.

Please join us and see the wonderful space that is our home base. For more information, visit the Highlands After School Program website or  contact: Director Rochelle Acker at 617-999-4617 or highlandsafterschool <at> gmail.com.

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Mark your calendars!

Swing into Spring CASCMark your calendars for the “Spring into Swing” Jazz concert and Reception to benefit Creative Arts & Sciences

When: Friday, April 10th, 7:00 – 10:00 pm
Where: Newton South High School, 140 Brandeis Road
Tickets: $35/person purchase here: http://www.newton.k12.ma.us/CASC

Ticket price includes light fare and open bar. No one under 21 will be admitted.
Proceeds from the event will benefit enrichment programming during the 2015-16 school year.

Creative Arts & Sciences began bringing enrichment program into the classroom in 1960. Fifty-five years later it continues to be is a part of every grade and middle school PTO and a vital part of our student’s education experience. Please attend! Please support Creative Arts & Sciences!

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Programs and Events at the West Suburban YMCA

  • Zumba Party and Fundraiser with and 80’s Theme:
    April 10th from 6-8pm
    Join for an evening of ZUMBA, dance, laughs and fun all for a great cause. Bring a friend or make it a family night out. All proceeds will benefit the Annual Campaign, which allow the Y to provide financial assistance to our neighbors in need.
    $25.00 for ages 15 & up
    $15.00 for ages 14 & under
    Visit www.westsuburbanymca.org and register today. For more information, contact Jane Carroll at 617-244-6050 x3007.
  • Late Spring Class Registration Opens March 30th:
    Registration for the West Suburban YMCA’s Late Spring session opens during the week of March 30th. The Y offers programs for all ages and interests beginning on April 27th: creative arts, swim lessons, sports leagues including soccer and tee ball, summer camps, group fitness classes, toddler programs, and more.
    Visit the “Programs” page at www.westsuburbanymca.org to download a copy of the Late Spring Session flyer. For more information, stop by the Y or call at 617-244-6050.
  • Center for Creative Arts (YCCA) Announces Open Auditions for Summer Sessions:
    Summer Sessions is an audition-based summer music program held at the West Suburban YMCA for young musicians. Led by YCCA staff, Kevin O’Connell and Jesse Trepiak, the four two-week sessions alternate between Songwriting & Recording and Music Video Production. Participants will build and improve upon the creative skills of songwriting, filming, audio engineering, video editing, production, and instrumental or vocal performance while creating a complete industry-relevant piece – an EP or music video.Summer Sessions will offer enrolled students the opportunity to form advanced skills that mold young musicians into experienced, successful artists. These projects foster abilities and work ethic that are not exclusive to the music industry, but can be applied to so many other careers and educational experiences.

Session 1: June 29-July 10 – Songwriting & Recording
Session 2: July 13-July 24 – Music Video Production
Session 3: July 27-August 7 – Songwriting & Recording
Session 4: August 10-August 21 – Music Video Production

OPEN AUDITIONS: To book your audition time, please email ycca@westsuburbanymca.org
April 6 from 3-6pm at Newton North High School
April 15 from 3-7pm at the West Suburban YMCA
April 18 from 3-6pm at Newton South High School

  • Family Membership Special: Join the West Suburban YMCA with a family membership before April 24th and Receive Your First Month of Membership for Free!When you join the Y, you join a community organization where parents find a safe and nurturing environment for their children to stay active, be engages and learn positive values; where families come together to have fun and spend quality time with each other and connect with friends; where people from all backgrounds and walks of life come together and know they are accepted. Stop by the Y before April 24th and sign up for a family membership. For more information, call Cara Murphy at 617-244-6050 x3035, or email cmurphy@westsuburbanymca.org.
  • The West Suburban YMCA is hosting a Solar Workshop by Newton Solar Challenge on April 12th at 4:00 pm. The workshop will help answer questions about going solar in Newton, such as:

· Will solar work on my home?
· How will it look?
· Can solar reduce my utility bill?
· What is a “solar loan” and how can it help me?

Children are invited to participate in an environmental education program during the workshop. For more information, visit NewtonSolarChallenge.com.

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It’s Not Rocket Science – Shake it Up with Social Media

Like it, love it, or hate it, but you simply can’t ignore it-social media is here to stay! You’ve heard all the names – Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ and more. But the questions still remain: Why do I need them? How will my business benefit?

This presentation will provide you with a better understanding of the wide array of social media tools and social media’s tremendous potential to help sell your product, service, or personal brand. Learn how to use each platform to compliment your marketing/PR strategy, expand your social footprint, and amplify your brand.

About the Presenter:
Angela Pitter is Principal/Owner at LiveWire Collaborative, partnering with businesses to transform their passions into profits. An accomplished technology professional, Angela has over 20 years of experience in high-tech. She lives at the intersection of technology and people with an uncanny ability to connect people with technology in a unique, humorous and non-intimidating manner. She is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and holds both her M.S. in Administration and B.S. in Computer Engineering from Boston University. Angela currently serves as a Board Member of the Newton School Committee.

REGISTER HERE http://www.newartcenter.org/art/detail.aspx?id=AW15824&sem=44

“Social Media for Artists”
April 1st, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
$25.00

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Essay contest

Beginning in 2014, the John M. Barry Boys and Girls Club will each year offer a cash prize of $150.00 to the winner of the Colantonio Essay Contest and a prize of $50.00 to the Runner Up. This contest is named in honor of long-time Board Member and Past President Victor Colantonio of Newton, MA.

In 2013, Victor was declared the winner of an on-line WinningWriters.com essay contest focused on the events of September 11, 2001. His harrowing description of the time he spent in New York City on that terrible day captivated the judges and earned him top honors. Rather than keep the prize for himself, he decided to donate the money to be used to help inspire young people to keep writing and to hone in on their craft.

We invite members and non-members to participate in this exciting contest which promotes imagination and creativity through writing.

2015 Theme: Dreams

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”    Harriet Tubman

What are your dreams for the future? Where do you want to go? What would you like to see and do? How will you impact your future and the community around you? Dreams can be big or small, but either way they allow for each of us to look to the future and allow each of us to make and one day accomplish goals for ourselves.

Write an essay about your dreams for the future, how you plan on making those dreams a reality, and who you might meet, see or take with you along the way…the sky is the limit, so aim high!

Eligibility: This contest is open to Newton students ages 10-14
Deadline for the Submission: April 17, 2015
Rules: Essay must be between 250-350 words in length.

Essay must be submitted along with and application form signed by a parent or guardian
Essay will be judged on creativity, spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Judges will include a panel of Boys and Girls Club Board members, staff, and volunteers. Winners must attend the Boys and Girls Club Awards Night on June 2, 2015.

Contact Tamara Brogan, Education Coordinator, should you have additional questions at tbrogan@newtonbgc.com or (617) 630- 2066 Ext. 122

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Flute and Saxophone lessons

Learn to play Classical, Jazz, and world music in a unique and creative environment. A professional musician (New England Conservatory faculty) teaches all levels and ages at his studio in Newton Center.

For a free trial lesson please contact:
Amir Milstein
phone: 617-795-5923
email: amirmilstein@gmail.com
http://necmusic.edu/faculty/amir-milstein?lid=1&sid=3

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Talking with Your Child About Their Diagnoses/Disabilities

Rescheduled from original date of January 8th, feauturing presenters:

  • Dot Lucci, M.Ed., CAGS, program director at MGH Aspire
  • Daniel Almeida, Ph.D., BCBA-D, NPS District Supervisor of Applied Behavior Analysis Services
  • Andrew D. Aspel, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist, Licensed School Psychologist, Newton South High School
  • Kathleen Browning, M.S.Sp., C.C.C., M.Ed., NPS Coordinator of Speech, Language and Hearing Services
  • Lynn Chachkes, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist, Licensed School Psychologist, NPS Countryside School
  • Alison Mountford, Psy.D., NPS Coordinator of Therapeutic Services

Light refreshments and networking begin at 7:15 pm, presentation will start at 7:30 pm.

Please RSVP to Eileen.sandberg.newtonpac@gmail.com if you are planning to attend. In the event of a cancellation, information will be posted on http://www.newtonpac.org.

March 24th, 7:30 – 9:00 pm
Ed Center
100 Walnut St, Room 210

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How To Get What You Want

How To Get What You Want: Effective Negotiating Strategies

Featuring special guest Barbara Bates, Organizational Effectiveness Consultant.
She will discuss effective negotiation strategies and facilitate small group, interactive negotiating exercises. Please join at the Waban Library. Presented by The Newton Network. Please RSVP at: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080f4aadad2fa57-negotiations

March 25th, 7:00 – 9:00 pm

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Why So Early: A Community Forum

Why So Early: A Community Forum
The Impact of Early High School Start Times on Teens

Can’t wake up your teen? Tired of grumpy, groggy kids? Concerned about the impact of limited sleep on your student? Come learn why inadequate sleep in adolescents has become a national conversation.

On April 7th from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at Newton South, the Newton South School Council is sponsoring a community forum to initiate a conversation regarding the benefits of increasing adolescent sleep through a later high school start time.

You will be joined by Dr. Judith Owens, Director of Sleep Medicine at Boston Children’s Hospital and an internationally recognized authority on pediatric sleep and the neurobehavioral and health consequences of sleep problems in children. Dr. Owens was the lead author of the American Academy of Pediatrics 2014 Policy Statement supporting a later start time for middle and high schools. Dr. Owens will speak on her research and the implications of inadequate sleep on adolescents.

In addition to Dr. Owens, you will hear from students on the results of a student survey, as well as faculty and council members on what they have learned from other communities regarding the decision and process that resulted in changing their school start time. We welcome your participation in the conversation and input into how to consider this in Newton.

If you are unable to come, but would like more information about the School Council’s work to date, please contact schoolcouncil.nshs@gmail.com.

April 7th, 7:00 – 8:30 pm

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