Category Archives: Education/Enrichment

Waban Library Center presents…

Fiction Writing for Children Workshop (Adults only)

Over the last 20 years, the market for children’s novels has exploded. Yet writing for these age groups is challenging and more complicated than it may seem. In this workshop, local children’s book author Karen Day will introduce you to the world of novel writing for children. This will include an overview of the industry as well as tips on how to get started.

Participants will write, share and discuss their work. No experience is necessary.This workshop will meet on Thursdays from 7:30-9pm and run for four consecutive weeks: May 30th, June 6th, June 13th and June 20th. The fee for this four week workshop is $150. Karen Day has published middle grade novels TALL TALES, NO CREAM PUFFS and A MILLION MILES FROM BOSTON. . You may read more about her at www.klday.com. To register, please go to the http://www.wabanlibrarycenter.org/and print out the registration form. If you have any questions, please email us at wabanlibrary@gmail.com.

Health & Safety events at Newton Boys & Girls Club

The Newton Boys & Girls Club offers workshops and programs as part of its Annul Health and Safety Week celebration. The Club will have visits from the Newton Police Department, Newton Fire Department, Middlesex Sheriff’s Department, Suicide Prevention, and more! We hope that you will encourage your child or teen to attend. All activities are free and no reservation required.

Monday, May 13 @ 3:00PM
MEDA located in Newton MEDA specializes in eating disorders and promoting healthy eating & body image. They’ll be at the club to talk about their experience with eating disorders such as Bulimia, Anorexia and Binge Eating. Middle School & up

Tuesday, May 14 @ 3:00PM
Bill Phillips from New Beginnings will be at the Club once again, to make another impact on our members. He shares his life story of addiction and recovery, in an honest and hands on way. Middle School & up

Wednesday, May 15 @ 3:30PM AFSP – Suicide Prevention
Melanie Varandy will talk to our teens about depression. They will watch a video, and have a talk on depression, bullying, etc. What are the signs of depression, what to look for, who to call, and where to go. Middle School & up

Just for Teens at Newton Free Library

Teen Summer Reading Poster Making, Wednesdays, May 15 and 22, 3:30 pm Help prepare for this year’s teen Summer Reading Program, “Beneath the Surface.” We’ll be making a huge poster to hang in the teen area to publicize this summer’s festivities. Be ready to get messy as we paint, collage and more! Join us on either or both Wednesdays, May 15 and May 22 at the Newton Free Library in Druker Auditorium at 3:30 pm. Grades 6-12.

Teen Author Panel with Erin Dionne, Jo Knowles, and Gina Rosati, Wednesday, May 15, 7:00 pm
Join us for a special program with Erin Dionne author of Notes from an Accidental Band Geek, Jo Knowles, author of See You at Harry’s, and Gina Rosati, author of Auracle. Once each author has read a short excerpt from their book, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions. Wondering what the publishing process is like, how to find an agent or how long it takes to write a book? Here’s your chance to learn about the publishing and writing process. The program will take place at the Newton Free Library on Wednesday, May 15 at 7:00 pm in Druker Auditorium. A book signing will follow with books provided by New England Mobile Book Fair. Refreshments will be served.

Roxbury Repertory Theatre reads The Diary of Anne Frank, Saturday, May 18, 2:00 pm
Join us for a 90-minute staged reading adapted from Wendy Kessleman’s Tony Award nominated Broadway production of The Diary of Anne Frank. The reading will take place at the Newton Free Library on Saturday, May 18 at 2:00 pm in Druker Auditorium and will be given by members of the Roxbury Repertory Theatre under the direction of Marshall Hughes. Anne Frank’s candid writings have had an impact on communities worldwide and remind us of the cruelty, devastation and inhumanity of genocide. A question and answer period with the actors.

Questions about these or other offerings for teens at the library? Email the Teen Librarian or call the Newton Free Library at 617-796-1380. All programs are free and open to the public. The Newton Free Library is handicap accessible.

Open Gym for Middle Schoolers, Tuesdays 4-6pm

Newton Public Schools is offering students in grades 6, 7 and 8 the opportunity to participate in a FREE recreational fitness program at Day Middle School every Tuesday from 4:00-6:00 P.M., starting April 2nd through the end of the school year.

Based on student interest, the instructor may organize specific activities (e.g., basketball, dance). The program will be supervised by Tyler Wachtelhausen, Physical Education, Health and Wellness Teacher at Day.

Registration is required. Registration Forms are available in every middle school’s Main Office, or you can email Susan Linn for a copy.

Mediatrician coming to Newton

Join Dr. Michael Rich as he discusses the impact of technology on children and teens. Dr. Rich is the Director of the Center on Media and Child Health at Children’s Hospital in Boston. Topics he will discuss include:

Strategies and tips to manage children’s use of technology
How to fight the “crowd” mentality
Addictive nature of technology as it relates to children with attention issues
Impact of violence and inappropriate content on child development

For more information go to www.northptso.org

May 8, 7:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.
Newton North Auditorium
Light refreshments

The Sunday School for Jewish Studies Open Enrollment

The Sunday School for Jewish Studies is now accepting registrations for grades K-7 for the 2013-2014 school year. The Sunday School is an independent school offering a once-a-week program for children in the greater Boston area for over 40 years. Located at the Oak Hill Middle School in Newton, our school is committed to providing a Jewish education that fosters a strong sense of Jewish identity 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 call 617-264-8855 or visit our website at www.SundaySchoolForJewishStudies.org.

Open Arts Day at the Arsenal Ctr for the Arts, May 4

The Arsenal Center for the Arts hosts Open Arts Day, a celebration of community.

Saturday, May 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
321 Arsenal Street in Watertown

The free open house features the diverse programming offered by the Center and its three resident companies – New Repertory Theatre, Watertown Children’s Theatre and Quilters’ Connection.

Throughout the day, there will be activities for the whole family: performances, live music, exhibits, demonstrations and workshops in art, theatre and more. In addition, every registrant will receive a ticket to be entered into a raffle for free theatre tickets or summer art classes.

For more information and a schedule of the day’s events, visit the Arsenal Arts website.

Jewish Cultural Sunday School open house, May 2

John the Boston Workmen’s Circle Center for Jewish Culture and Social Justice at an Open House for its Jewish Cultural Sunday School

May 2nd, 2013
Dinner at 6pm, presentation at 6:30pm
1762 Beacon Street, Brookline MA 02445

The Jewish Cultural Sunday School engages children grades K-7 in an exploration of Jewish identity rooted in Jewish culture and traditions of social justice. Through an educational experience based on both classroom learning and community building, the Sunday School curriculum emphasizes Jewish history, culture and progressive ideals that shape our identity and values as a people.

The Open House will provide prospective new families with an overview of our curriculum, along with a chance to ask questions of our Education Director and current Sunday School parents. Please also join us for dinner (provided) at 6pm before the presentation at 6:30. Programming for children age 5-8 will be available while parents are at the presentation.

For more information, visit the website or call (617) 566-6281

Learn about Girl Scouting at NewtonServes Day, April 28

Do you know of a girl who is interested in Girl Scouting? Bring her along as both of you help Newton Girl Scouts volunteer on “NewtonServes Day”, Sunday April 28. From 9:30-11:30am, Newton Girl Scouts will be completing an art project. From 12:30 until 2:30pm they’ll be outdoors sprucing up and planting.

You’ll both be working alongside current Newton Girl Scouts and leaders in a service project at the Newton Senior Center. It’s a great way to ask questions about scouting and to get involved in a meaningful way.

Please register at the NewtonServes link. Once on the link, click on the red callout box for more information about this event and sign up instructions.

Volunteers needed for Newton at Home

Newton at Home (NAH) is a non-profit member organization that helps Newton senior citizens live independently and safely in their homes. Most of the services are provided by volunteers, and so we need your help. We need drivers and those who can do chores around the house for seniors who can’t do these things on their own.

NAH is also looking for help with the upcoming Intergenerational Walk Around Newton City Hall, Sunday, April 14th at 10:30 am. Volunteers are needed to line the route, help with warm-up exercises, etc. Please contact NAH today to volunteer: 617-795-2560 or by email.