Category Archives: Education/Enrichment

February vacation program at Jackson Homestead

Newton Community Farm and the Jackson Homestead are teaming up to offer a Kids on the Farm-Then and Now, Vacation Week Program Feb. 21, 2 – 4 pm

Want to know what life on a farm would have been like for kids in Newton in past centuries? Using real artifacts from the Museums collection and real stories from the Angino family who lived on what is now the Newton Community Farm, we will explore how kids would have helped on the farm. Participants will also plant some seeds which will then be transplanted into our garden in the spring. Location: Jackson Homestead, 527 Washington Street, Newton

Co-sponsor: Jackson Homestead, Cost Per Family (4 people maximum, 1 adult required) $30 general public, $20 Friend of Farm or Historic Newton member

Visit the farm’s website for more details and to register.

New Art Center Vacation Art Program for kids & teens

The New Art Center’s vacation program offers students the opportunity to try a variety of art projects in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. These popular programs are a great way for your child to have fun and stay engaged during the school vacation.

Your child will enjoy four art classes each day including drawing, painting, ceramics and theater, as well as a 20-minute snack time and 50-minute lunch/recess time.

Monday, Feb. 18 – Friday, Feb. 22
9:00 am – 4:00pm

Children are grouped by grade in small groups no larger than 15 students. They stay with their group all day for the full week. In addition to our professional and experienced teachers and office staff, each group has an individual counselor who attends classes, snack, lunch and recess. More information and registration details is on the New Arts Center website.

NCSC Early Education & Child Care Open House, March 2

The Newton Community Service Center will hold an open house for anyone interested in its early education and child care offerings.

Saturday, March 2 9:30am to 11:30am
492 Waltham Street, West Newton (behind CVS)

Drop in to tour the NCSC facilities, talk with teachers and current parents, and let your children explore our large, bright classrooms through activities. We offer full-day, year-round early education and child care for infants through 5 years (meals and snacks provided). NCSC is a Brazelton Touchpoints Site. Enrollment for fall is open now.

For more information, please visit the NCSC website or call Linda at 617-969-5906 x121.

TeenLife Community Service Fair & Expo, March 3

The TeenLifeLIVE! Community Service Fair & Expo will be held Sunday, March 3, from 12 to 4 p.m. at The Mall at Chestnut Hill.

Meet face-to-face with local non-profit representatives who are actively seeking teen volunteers. Meet representatives from various programs and services catered to college-bound teens such as tutoring and test prep companies, summer programs, and gap year opportunities. The first 500 students to register will receive a TeenLife swag bag at the door.

Effective Strategies to Reduce Anxiety in Children, Feb. 13

The Newton Parent Advisory Council for Special Education presents the presentation, “Effective Strategies To Reduce Anxiety In Children,” with Jessica Minahan of Newton Public Schools.

Wednesday, February 13
7:30 to 9:00 PM
100 Walnut Street (Room 210), Newtonville

This workshop will teach participants about classroom and home interventions for children (in preschool through Grade 8) with anxiety and related behaviors. Rather than respond with punishment- and reward-based consequences, it is important for adults to understand children’s challenges and teach them how to cope. This will allow children to improve their behavior by acquiring the necessary skills to make progress.

More information is on the NewtonPAC website.

February vacation arts classes at Arsenal Center for the Arts

The Arsenal Center for the Arts in Watertown offers February Vacation Art Workshops from February 19 – 22 for three age groups: 5 & 6 year olds, 7-10 year olds and 11+. In Comics, Cartoons and Creative Creatures, students will use drawing, painting, clay and other media. Younger students will create comics, cartoons and creative creatures; the older group will focus on graffiti art, t-shirts, hats and simple jewelry.

Full or half-day options available. Morning classes run from 9:30AM – Noon. Afternoon classes run from 12:30 – 3PM.
Supervised Lunch and Extended Day options are available.

Classes are held at the Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal Street in Watertown, with free parking and access to public transportation.
Scholarships and Membership discounts are available.
For class descriptions, visit the Arsenal Center’s website.

To register, call 617-923-0100, ext. 309.

Free yoga for teens, adults at Newton Free Library, Feb. 11

The Newton Free Library is collaborating with the Newton Partnership and organizations throughout Newton on the ”I heart my heart” teen health and wellness campaign happening February 1-14. All programs are FREE at YOUR library.

Yoga for Teens, Monday, February 11, 7:00 pm
De-stress by taking a yoga class at the Newton Free Library! An instructor from Down Under Yoga in Newtonville will lead a session that builds strength and flexibility, while relieving the stress of daily life. The class will provide the opportunity for teens to focus on themselves in an environment that encourages a balance between pushing boundaries and accepting where they are today. The class will take place in Druker Auditorium. Bring your own mat if you have one, extra mats will be available. For grades 6-12.

All Levels Yoga for Adults, Monday, February 11, 8:00 pm
Attend a free, stress-relieving yoga class at the library! Bring your own mat if you have one, extra mats will be available. The class will take place in Druker Auditorium.

Effective Strategies To Reduce Anxiety In Children

Workshop will teach participants about classroom and home interventions for children (in preschool through Grade 8) with anxiety and related behaviors. Rather than respond with punishment- and reward-based consequences, it is important for adults to understand children’s challenges and teach them how to cope. This will allow children to improve their behavior by acquiring the necessary skills to make progress.

Presenter: Jessica Minahan, M.Ed, BCBA is a board certified behavior analyst, special educator and co-author of The Behavior Code: A Practical Guide to Understanding and Teaching the Most Challenging Students, with Nancy Rappaport (www.jessicaminahan.com).

Newton Parent Advisory Council (NewtonPAC) for Special Education meetings are free and open to all people interested in learning more about special education.

Questions, contact info@newtonpac.org or visit www.newtonpac.org

February 13, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
100 Walnut Street, Room 210
Newtonville

Help plan the 2nd Newton Youth Summit

Following the first successful Mayor’s Newton Youth Summit in October, 2012, teens and adults who are interested in participating in an “Action Group” are encouraged to attend one or both of the two upcoming meetings in preparation for the Second Newton Youth Summit on March 20, 2013.

The Academic Stress & Time Management Action Group will be meeting on Tuesday, February 5 @ 6-7:30pm at the John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club (upstairs boardroom).

The Youth & Adult Conversation/Collaboration Action Group will be meeting on Thursday, February 7 @ 6-7:30pm at the YMCA (Wellness Room).

This is a great opportunity to have a positive impact on well-being of youth in our City. For more information please contact Jenny O’Leary, City of Newton Youth Services Director, at joleary@newtonma.gov.

Newton Unplugged and Connected seeks ideas, activities

Newton Unplugged and Connected reminds us that there is more to life than what is on the other side of a plug.

This year’s March calendar of suggested activities and events is now being constructed. We welcome ideas for activities and/or events (that are open to the public) and that are appropriate for children, youth, and their caring adults.

Please send your ideas to Gail Sommer at CAP Newton Unplugged is sponsored by the Newton Child Assault Prevention Program (CAP), the Newton Community Service Center (NCSC), the Newton School Department, and the City of Newton.