Category Archives: Education/Enrichment

Artemis Girls Stand Strong, Stand Tall

Artemis Girls Stand Strong, Stand Tall is for girls ages 10 – 13. The six week series starts soon. This wonderful, girls’ empowerment program is just right for when girls need a safe, welcoming, judgement free zone! Program includes yoga, mindfulness, breath work, creative expression and self-reflection and it generally sells out, so sign up if interested. Class is led by Tracy Affonso and Amy Hrobak, both experienced, adolescent educators, mindfulness and yoga instructors as well as Amy is a licensed social worker with a specialty in teens. Please reach out to liz@artemisyoga.com or call 617-393-3590 if you have any questions

Fridays, March 6th – April 10th,  4:00 – 5:30 pm
Registration fee: $150 for six week series, not a drop-in program
Register or learn more at https://www.artemisyoga.com/classes/kids-teen-classes/
Artemis Yoga, 639 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown

Here’s what some recent girls said: “I liked being able to be myself and talking about things without worrying what others would think.”, “I really learned some new ways to be kind to myself in the self-care day.”, “Amy and Tracy made it fun to come to class and I was able to meet some nice, new people.”, “I liked the vision board project!”

When Strep Causes OCD, Anxiety and More

The Dearborn Academy Speaker Series is hosting a panel discussion on the little-known but disabling PANS/PANDAS syndromes.  The diseases can occur when strep, other infections or environmental factors cause a misdirected immune response resulting in inflammation on a child’s brain. This response, in turn, can trigger the sudden onset of ADHD, OCD, disabling anxiety, a decline in math and reading skills, and more.

While researchers are only beginning to study and understand the PANS/PANDAS syndromes, the panel will provide the latest information on causes and treatment.

Register: bit.ly/DA-PANS-PANDAS

March 12th, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
575 Washington Street, Newton

Tech time impacts development

Come to a viewing of the documentary “Screenagers” followed by a discussion on technology and our children.

Learn more at www.screenagersmovie.com. From the website, “Through poignant, and unexpectedly funny stories, along with surprising insights from authors, psychologists, and brain scientists, SCREENAGERS reveals how tech time impacts kids’ development and offers solutions on how adults can empower kids to best navigate the digital world and find balance.”

February 11th, 7:00 pm
Newton North High School Auditorium

Sponsored by the Newton PTO Council. Hosted by Horace Mann, Franklin, Lincoln-Eliot and Peirce elementary schools

Provide your input on the Open Space & Recreation Plan

Newton is required to update its Open Space & Recreation Plan every five years. The City is in the midst of updating it now. To learn more about the Open Space Plan visit http://www.newtonma.gov/gov/planning/conserv/area/default.asp

The on-line community survey will allow everyone an opportunity to provide insights and personal priorities regarding open space and recreation. You can access the survey using this link: https://forms.gle/YDChrou3ZJUp8M4g8 until February 13th.

The second public meeting (date TBD) will serve as an opportunity for residents to provide feedback and comments on a full draft of the OSRP. Please check the website link listed above in the Survey section, to check for announcements regarding the date, time, and location.

Do you want to improve sustainability in Newton schools?

Join parents, educators and students who are working together to promote sustainability in Newton schools.

If your school does not yet have a Green Team, they can help you to establish one. Representatives of the group participate in discussions to improve food quality and sustainability in school cafeterias. They are also advocating for more in-depth climate science to be taught in our schools, as well as setting up textile recycling collection containers outside of each school building. All are welcome to participate and share experiences and ideas.

For more information contact schoolconnections@greennewton.org or visit www.schools.greennewton.org

February 13th,  3:45 – 5:00 pm
Third floor arc area of the Newton Free Library

You’re Invited to a Northland Project Forum presented by the League of Women Voters

Yes or No – Proposed Northland Development Project on Needham and Oak Streets

Newton voters will have a chance to decide the future of the Northland Development Project in a binding referendum election to take place on March 3rd, 2020 (coinciding with the presidential primary election).

The question to be placed before the voters is “Shall the following measure which was passed by the City Council be approved?

A measure which changes the zoning of parcels of land located at 156 Oak Street, 275-281 Needham Street and 55 Tower Road (commonly known as the Northland Project) from Mixed Use 1 District (MU1) to Business 4 District (BU4). The zoning change would allow for the construction of the Northland Project as described in a special permit and site plan approval granted by the City Council.”

Join the LWVN Forum and learn about this referendum question. You will hear from presenters on both sides of the issues and, at the end of the presentations, attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions.

RSVPs to info@lwvnewton.org or via Facebook are appreciated!

February 13th, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
The Durant Kendrick House, 286 Waverley Avenue, Newton

For more information about the Northland Project, visit the City of Newton website; The Committee for Responsible Development; Yes for Newton’s Future .

Have Fun Dancing Over February Break

Stay active over February break and learn some new dance moves! Students will enjoy a mix of dance styles along with fun games and arts and crafts! Open to boys and girls of all levels ages 3-6 years and 7-12 years. Join for 1 day or all 3!

This program is taught by the experienced faculty at the Joanne Langione Dance Center in West Newton. Learn more about JLDC’s 44 years of teaching dance to the Newton community, state-of-the-art facility and all class offerings for kids ages 6 mo – 18 years old at www.jldancecenter.com. Or call or email 617-969-8724 or angela@jldancecenter.com.

Register at http://www.jldancecenter.com/specialevents/

Join for one day or all three. $60.00/day or $150.00 for all 3.
Students should bring their lunch and snack and wear anything they are comfortable moving in.

February 18th, 19th & 20th, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Peter and the Wolf Family Concert

Share the joy of the symphony with your family at New Philharmonia’s production of Peter and the Wolf.

Mayor Ruthanne Fuller will join the orchestra in guiding children through the magical musical fairy tale as each character is represented by a different instrument in the orchestra. Children will be able to imagine Prokofiev’s classic tale as Peter catches the hungry wolf and parades the animal through town. Following the concert, the always popular instrument petting zoo returns, where children can try playing their favorite instruments.

Tickets for Peter and the Wolf are $10.00 for students and $18.00 for adults and can be purchased at www.newphil.org.

March 1st,  3:00 pm
First Baptist Church, Newton Centre

Public Speaking for Middle Schoolers

Is your child the next Greta Thunberg? Interested in public speaking, debate, and civic engagement?

Debate Spaces is a Harvard-affiliated nonprofit providing best-in-class programming to middle school students by national award-winning former college debaters. Sign up for  spring programming now– pizza lunch included!

Please reach out to info@debatespaces.org with any questions you may have!