Category Archives: Education/Enrichment

Newton Inspires—An Evening of Ideas and Community, Nov. 14

What do NPR host Tom Ashbrook, Boston Globe film critic Ty Burr, author Anita Diamant, and Defending Jacob author William Landay have in common? All four writers and journalists are Newton residents, and all will headline the second annual Newton Inspires—An Evening of Ideas and Community, sponsored by the Newton Schools Foundation (NSF).

The free community event will take place Wednesday November 14, 7-9:30 p.m. at Newton South High School, 140 Brandeis Road.

Leaders representing an array of fields and interests will address topics ranging from business, education, science and medicine, journalism and the environment, to sports, literature, arts and entertainment. Participants choose three 30-minute speaker sessions from among 18 speakers. At the end of the evening, participants and speakers gather to reconnect over coffee and dessert.

The event is free and open to the public and speaker sessions fill up quickly, so early registration is recommended. To view the full list of speakers, to register or for additional information visit the NSF website or call 617-559-6120.

Veteran’s Day at the New Art Center, Nov. 12

What is your child or teen doing this Veteran’s Day? Send them to the New Art Center for a one-day vacation art program!

Students will explore and create 2D and 3D artwork and be inspired through discussion-based tours and interactive activities in our galleries.

Monday, November 12th from 9-4pm
Grades K-10
Cost: $55
Call 617-964-3424 or visit our website to register.

Open House and Instrument “Petting Zoo” Oct. 21

Join Brookline Music School on Sunday, October 21, for this interactive and fun day of sampling several different instruments and enjoying live music by a world-renown faculty and outstanding students during the Lincoln School “Pumpkinfest.”

At our Instrument Petting Zoos (1:00-3:00pm at Brookline Music School), children and adults are given the opportunity to listen to and play a wide range of instruments, including woodwinds, brass, strings, guitar, piano, drums, percussion, harp and accordion. Students and faculty will perform during Pumpkinfest (12:30-4:00pm at Lincoln School). Free.

Brookline Music School faculty artists series, Oct. 20

The Brookline Music School (BMS) kicks off its Faculty Artists Series with “Sempre Schubert” by the Thoreau Piano Trio with BMS faculty Paul Jacobs on piano, guest artists Susan Jensen on violin and Darry Dolezal on cello, both members of Esterhazy Quartet. Admission is free.

Saturday, Oct. 20, at 7:30pm. The concert will present a mix of chamber works by Franz Schubert (1797-1828). The BMS is located at 25 Kennard Road, Brookline.

The Faculty Artist Series features a colorful spectrum of musical backgrounds to include jazz, folk, classical and ethnic styles. More details on the BMS website.

Seeking help for upcoming Indian Festival

The Mayor’s Office for Cultural Affairs is hosting an Indian Festival at the Newton Cultural Center on Saturday, Nov. 10th from 10am – 5pm. It is going to be a wonderful event showcasing many of the tastes, music, dance, games and crafts of India. One of the elements is a fashion show.

We are looking for Indian families who would be willing to show off the attire or costume from their region. The fashion show will take place at 3pm. Please contact Jeannie Smith at 617-527-8283 if you would like to participate. We would be delighted to include you.

Navigating the Rocky Road of Adolescence – Middle School Years

Join other parents of 6th – 8th graders and a professional facilitator to explore the many changes that occur during adolescence, and how they affect relationships at home and school.

Discuss relevant topics such as promoting healthy choices, setting realistic limits and appropriate consequences; understanding when and how to negotiate; dealing with changes and crises (e.g., divorce); identifying risk factors for anxiety and depression; handling experimentation with sex, alcohol, drugs, and learning to “let go” while maintaining family connections.

Group begins on Tuesday, October 23 from 7:00-8:30 pm and runs weekly until Nov. 13. There is a $20 fee for the 4-week series (Oct 23, 30, Nov 6 & 13). Financial assistance is available for those who need it.

Sponsored by the Freedman Center for Child and Family Development and The Newton Partnership. Held at the Freedman Center at MSPP (Ground Floor), One Wells Ave.  Based on past experience, we expect the group to fill quickly. Pre-registration required. Register at our website or call 617-244-INFO.

 

The Changing and Challenging Landscape of College Admissions

Over the past decade applying to college has become more competitive and complicated. Yet new opportunities exist at colleges for many types of students. Families need to be aware of the new rules for college admissions and how to evaluate both the admission and departure process (i.e., will my student get a job?).

The Newton Free Library hosts college admissions counselor Carol Kinlan for a talk that will cover important aspects of the college planning process.

Wednesday, October 10
7-8:30 pm
Newton Free Library
Topics will include:

  • Finding the best match for your student
  • Understanding these complicated admissions times
  • Strategies for the seven key parts of the college admissions process
  • How colleges view quantitative vs. qualitative factors of applications
  • The three basic types of college financial support
  • Best practices for students who have attention or learning issues

 

Volunteer Opportunities with Newton at Home

Newton at Home, a member non-profit organization dedicated to helping Newton seniors age in their own homes, is looking for volunteers who can help senior citizens.

• We always need drivers who can give rides to seniors. Make a new friend while helping someone get to a doctor’s appointment, the supermarket, a social event or the airport.

• We need people who love to write and who love marketing. Help write marketing and publicity materials, and possible fundraising letters for this new organization still in the start-up phase.

Volunteer as much as you can at your convenience, and know that you have made a difference in a Newton senior’s life. You’ll meet interesting people and share great conversation along the way!

If you are willing and able to help, contact Julie Plaut Mahoney, Coordinator of Volunteers, by phone 617-795-2560 or email.

Parent Advisory Council for Special Education offerings

The Newton Parent Advisory Council for Special Education is offering several programs in October. Everyone is welcome and parents of students receiving special education services are particularly encouraged to attend.

October 9th – Learn about Restraint and Seclusion Practices in NPS 

Tuesday October 9, 2012 – 6:30 – 8:00 pm
100 Walnut Street, Room 217

Newton Public School staff will review NPS practices related to restraint and seclusion.

October 16th – Newton Special Education Programs Overview

An evening to meet administrators and learn about special education services and programs in Newton’s Schools for the 2012-2013 school year.

Tuesday, October 16
100 Walnut Street, Room 210

Middle and High School Students – 6:15 to 7:30 PM
Pre-School and Elementary School Students – 7:45 to 9 PM

October 24th – Focus Group for Elementary School Parents

Wednesday, October 24th – 4:30 – 5:30 PM
100 Walnut Street, Room 210