Category Archives: Education/Enrichment

Highlands After-School Program for Middle Schoolers

Now that fall sports have ended and the days are getting shorter, are you looking for after-school activities for your child?

The Newton Highlands After-School Program, just for middle school children, has limited space for the season. The program has daily use of the Hyde Gym and offers lots of fun activities.

Arrange a visit or trial day – for more information please visit our website or email Rochelle Acker.

Statewide Poetry Contest on Equality & Diversity

World Unity, Inc., and WROR radio are co-sponsoring the 8th Annual Statewide Poetry Contest on “Equality and Diversity.” Students across Massachusetts are invited to write a poem that best describes their interpretation of equality and diversity. The poem should be about 100 words or less and must fit a 30-second spot. Last day for entry is December 21, 2012. Only one entry per person.

A selection committee made up of educators and community leaders will select three of the most representative poems which will be read by the student and produced into a Public Service Announcement that will air on WROR radio.

Submit your entry to the World Unity website. Please spell out your full name and the school’s principal address including ZIP code.

Just for Teens at the Newton Free Library, Nov. 5-11

The Newton Free Library’s upcoming events for teens. To register or for more information, email the Teen Program or call 617-796-1389.

Chain Maille Jewelry Workshop
Monday, November 5 at 4-5:30 pm in Druker Auditorium.
Join us for a 90-minute workshop led by chain maille artist Pat Brazill. The workshop will cover the basics of getting started making chain maille jewelry. All tools and materials will be provided. Each participant will leave the workshop with a small chain maille pendant. Open to grades 6-12. Space is limited to 10. Registration is required.

Teen Crafternoons, MUSTACHIO BASHIO!
Wednesday, November 7 at 3:30 pm in the second floor Teen Area.
We will be hanging out, working on MUSTACHE crafts. Grades 6-12. No registration needed – just stop by.

“Widening the Lens: Body Image in the Modern Media Culture”
Wednesday, November 7 at 7:00 pm
Join Katie Heimer who will talk about the messages the media puts out, show you how to understand the techniques used by advertisers. and empower you to stop the manipulation! Ages 13 and up.

Announcing the winners of the Politics of Inspiration Essay Writing Contest.
Please join us for a special reception on Thursday, November 8 at 4:00 pm when the winners will read excerpts from the essays and receive their cash prizes (first place $100.00, second place $50.00, third place $25.00). Mayor Warren will attend schedule permitting.

Movie Screening: The Amazing Spiderman  
Saturday, November 10 @ 2 pm in Druker Auditorium.
The movie is rated PG-13 and runs for 136 min. Free; no registration required.

Special Education Info for Parents of 8th Graders

Presentation for parents of current 8th grade (incoming class of 2017) students receiving special education services at Oak Hill and Brown Middle Schools.

Date: November 15, 2012
Time: 8:30am to 9:30am
Location: Newton South High School Faculty Dining Room

  • Introduction of key members of the Newton South team
  • Transition process
  • Short presentation of special education programs at South for current 8th grade parents (incoming class of 2017)
  • Questions and answers

Newton Community Preservation Cmte meetings Nov. 5 and 14

The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) will hold a special meeting with the Newton Board of Aldermen on Monday, Nov. 5, 7:00 – 7:45 pm, City Hall Room 202. The meeting is intended to solicit comments and questions on the draft new Funding Guidelines from Aldermen who were unable to attend the CPC’s September & October public hearing & meetings. Although the meeting is not a public hearing, the public is welcome to attend.

The CPC will hold its regular meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 14, beginning at 7:00 pm in Room 202 at Newton City Hall. The agenda includes:

–  rescheduled public hearing on an affordable housing proposal for Eddy Street in Newtonville
–  CPC final working session & adoption vote for new Funding Guidelines

Newton Celebrates India! Free Cultural Festival, Nov. 10

Experience and enjoy the flavors, music, stories, crafts, fashion, and games of Indian culture at the Newton Cultural Center, 225 Nevada Street, Newtonville on Saturday, Nov.10th, 10am – 5pm.

There is something for everyone to enjoy and try at the Indian Festival:

  • cricket demonstration by David Carey, the cricket teacher at The Fessenden School,
  • free Divali-themed arts & crafts for children of all ages,
  • carrom board games to try out,
  • a book signing by local Indian writers,
  • delicious Indian food,
  • a fashion show showcasing the regional costumes of India and
  • exciting music and dance performances featuring dances by Thillai Fine Arts Academy and the Triveni School of Dance; music by Shuchita Rao & Rajesh Pai, the Anubhava School of Music, Ram Naidu & KVS Vinay, Phil Kaplan and Jon Proudman; and more dances by the Upasana School and Aangikam Dance Academy.
  • The Festival ends with a lively Bollywood dance by Bal Vihar of Newton, and community Garba and Bhangra dances.

    For more information, visit the Newton Community Pride website or call 617-527-8283.

College Application Admissions Essay Writing 101, 10/24 at Newton Free Library

Want to learn how to write an outstanding college essay? Join Debra Berger at the Newton Free Library for a program that will cover the basics of college essay writing, such as:

How to highlight your strengths & what topics to avoid
Pre-writing techniques to narrow down & develop your ideas
Editing
Essential information on time saving techniques

Wednesday, October 24
7:00 pm
Newton Free Library, Druker Auditorium

Debra Berger has been supporting students in writing college application essays for the past eight years. Her goal is to help students write essays that reflect their interests and experiences. She has a Master’s degree in education, with a major in educational research, measurement, and evaluation from Boston College. An accomplished writer, Debra worked for over ten years as a contributing education writer for nationally recognized publications, including The Boston Globe and The Boston Parents Paper.

Preschool Open House – Pine Manor College Child Study Ctr.

Are you looking for a high quality preschool program for your child?  Visit the Pine Manor College Child Study Center in Chestnut Hill on November 3.

Open House – for families with children ages 2 years 9 months up to age 5
Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012
9:30 AM – 11:30 AM

The Ann Pappajohn Vassiliou Child Study Center is located on the campus of Pine Manor College at 400 Heath Street in Chestnut Hill.

  • Tour the Child Study Center and learn about our enrollment options.
  • Meet the director and staff and enjoy some refreshments.
  • Children are welcome too!
  • Reservations are not necessary.

Please visit our website to learn more about the curriculum, philosophy, and professional teaching staff.  For more information please contact Center Director Lynne Love by email or call 617-731-7039.