Category Archives: Education/Enrichment

New England Chinese Dance Festival

To celebrate its 5th anniversary, Bright Pearl Dance Academy will hold New England Chinese Dance Festival at Newton North High School on Saturday, June 21st at 7:00 pm. This special event will feature a wide variety of picturesque dances along with some beautifully crafted costumes, accentuated by various props, including umbrellas, handkerchiefs, and lanterns. The performances will showcase several delightful, ravishing and elegant dance features, some of which were drawn from the unique and aesthetic art forms of dance drama, classical Chinese painting and Chinese calligraphy.

The Dance Festival has two special themes:

Chapter I: “Colorful Bright Pearls and Glittery Bright Stars”
Chapter II: “Artistic Traditions: Poetry in Motion and Classical Elegance”

The first chapter will feature a variety of ethnic dances, performed by dancers of all age groups, and will illustrate the colorful and charming ethnic customs of tribes such as the Dai, Uyghur and Han, as well as graceful and alluring dance moves from the ChaoXian tribe.

The second chapter will feature Chinese traditional, classical dances and contemporary dance highlighting the deep and elegant beauty of Chinese traditional culture as well as the splendid, brilliant aspects and brisk beat of modernity.

Any question please call 617-971-8866 or 347-749-5715

The Asian Pacific American Heritage Film Festival

Two award-winning films are playing at the West Newton Cinema and they are free to K – 12 students, and $10.00 for adults.

On May 21st: “One Big Hapa Family” – a colorful documentary capturing the serious issues of racism and integration, with a spotlight on mixed-race Asians.

On May 22nd: “Linsanity” a documentary film about the rise of Asian-American basketball player Jeremy Lin overcoming discouragements and racism and achieving success through his faith, desire and perseverance.

More information available at www.newtoncommunitypride.org.

Nursery School openings

Temple Beth Avodah Nursery School is now enrolling for the 2014/15 School Year

  • Me 2 Toddler Program 18 months-2.8 years Tues/Thurs
  • Preschool ages 2.9-3.8 years, 3 or 5 day schedule
  • Transition to Kindergarten 4-5 years, 5 day schedule

Flexible Lunch, Enrichment, and Extend and Play options until 5:00 pm. Experienced, nurturing teachers and a low teacher to student ratio. Please contact: Heidi Baker, Director hbaker@bethavodah.org or 617-527-0045 extension 110

Flute & saxophone lessons

New England Conservatory faculty and Oak Hill parent offers flute and saxophone lessons at his studio in Newton Center. Now enrolling new students-reserve today to guarantee your child’s spot for Fall lessons !

For further information and a free trial lesson please contact Amir Milstein at:
amirmilstein@ gmail.com or phone 617-795-5923.

Highlands After-School Program

There’s still space available in the Highlands After-School Program – just for middle school kids attending Brown and Oak Hill Middle Schools. Transportation is arranged from school to their great location in Newton Highlands / Hyde Community Gym.

Activities include sports, arts, cooking, science, homework, field trips, community service and team building. The next open house is on June 1st from 5:00-6:00 pm. For more enrollment information contact Rochelle Acker at 617-999-4617, email highlandsafterschool@gmail.com or visit: www.highlandsafterschool.org.

Dreamfar 10K and new 5K to help build a playground

​May 18th is the annual Newton 10K to benefit Dreamfar High School Marathon. Dreamfar challenges high school students to reach their full potential – physically, socially, emotionally, and academically – through a mentor-supported marathon training program.

New to the 10K this year is the 5K Chaser – a family-oriented 5K – whose participant proceeds will directly support the Playground Building Fund at Horace Mann Elementary.

A great way to get the family together and support this important initiative to replace the aged wooden structure on Albemarle Street. Widely used by the entire Newton Community during events such as Albemarle Acres Summer Camp, Newton Little League and the Annual Newton 4th of July Fireworks as well as the students at Horace Mann – the large wooden structure, like so many others in Newton needs to be replaced – and they would love your SUPPORT!

Please sign up today for the 5k https://racewire.com/register.php?id=3610  and help to rebuild this important part of your community.

Thank you!
Horace Mann Elementary

 

Summer and/or Fall Music Lessons

The Maestro Musicians Academy is now taking students for the summer and fall of 2014! Expert lessons in piano, violin, viola, cello, and voice.

  • Locations at the Young Israel of Brookline in Coolidge Corner and the Greater Boston Chinese Cultural Association in West Newton.
  • Perfect for children ages 4 and up.
  • Stellar faculty with emphasis on developing the potential of every unique student.
  •  Parent tested, Child approved!

Contact Artistic Director Daniel Broniatowski, D.M.A. at 857-756-5230. http://www.maestromusiciansacademy.com

Upcoming Panel Discussion

Social and Emotional Well Being Panel Discussion: Day’s PTO presents a panel of experts on teen mental health. Speakers will focus on how to identify mental health problems and develop coping skills. The discussion will cover the increasing number of issues today’s teens face, including pressure for social acceptance, body image, substance use, and depression. The panel will address how parents, educators, and the community can support and promote the social and emotional well-being of our teens. Panelists include Richard Saitz, M.D., Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health; Janice Furlong, Ph.D., Clinical Associate Professor at Boston University School of Social Work; Maxine Alcheck, Ph.D., Adolescent Psychologist; Meghan Hudson, School Psychologist at F.A. Day Middle School; and Moderator Hyeouk Chris Hahm, Ph.D., Associate Professor School of Social Work, Boston University.

Monday, May 12th at 7:00 pm in Day’s Auditorium

Let’s Get Organized workshop for families of special ed children

Come to a special workshop called Let’s Get Organized, where experts from Family Ties of Massachusetts will present on how to organize all of the paperwork and materials that come with being a special ed parent, and will provide concrete written materials to expand our organizational skills. Participants will take home a three-ring binder, organizational supplies, and lots of ideas on ways to bring order to the mountains of paperwork that relates to their child’s medical and educational needs.

If you’d like to come, please RSVP to may13organization@gmail.com. When RSVP’ing, indicate if you would like the materials in a language other than English. Materials for this workshop are available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Chinese, and Vietnamese. For questions, please email Eileen.sandberg.newtonpac@gmail.com.

May 13th, 7:30 pm (networking starting at 7:15)
Room 210, Education Center, 100 Walnut Street.

The Sunday School for Jewish Studies Open Enrollment

Once a week Hebrew School for Grades 1 – 7 and once a month Pre-K / Kindergarten class and free family toddler program.

The Sunday School for Jewish Studies is now accepting registrations for the 2014-15 school year. They are an independent school, located at the Oak Hill Middle School in Newton, which provides a Jewish education for children and families with diverse traditions of Jewish observance. Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation is available but not required, and students may enter in any grade. Interfaith and nontraditional families are welcome. For additional information, please visit the website at www.SundaySchoolforJewishStudies.org or call 617.264.8855.