Category Archives: Education/Enrichment

February Vacation Tween/Teen Programs at Newton Free Library

Check the Teens and Tweens flyer for a complete listing of events.

Middle School February Break Program

#PhonesAllowed – A Middle School February Break Program

Join a co-ed school break program for Newton middle school students, co-sponsored by Newton HHS and Boys for the Better, a Newton based non-profit dedicated to re-defining masculinity through Media Education, where 6-8th graders will learn how to:

Flip the script on negative media messaging, create their own social media voice, boost self-confidence, and learn how to communicate more effectively with peers, parents, and teachers
Form positive social relationships and learn new media literacy skills
Identify strategies for better managing time spent on social media and using digital devices, as well as practice healthy ways to manage their stress and emotional development

Please click here for a flyer: #phonesallowed

Students will spend time as a whole group learning new skills, and in small, gender specific groups doing hands-on activities and group discussion. If your student prefers not to identify with one gender, or if you have questions about our curriculum or plans, please feel free to give us a call at 617-796-1436 or send us an email at qetchie@newtonma.gov.

This event is welcoming and accepting of ALL students. $100 per student. Scholarships available upon request. Register at www.newtonma.gov/youth

February 18th – 21st, 12:00 – 4:00 pm
Newton North High School cafeteria

February events at Historic Newton (including February Break)

FREE WEEKEND AT HISTORIC NEWTON
Everyone is invited to enjoy free admission to the museums.
February 1st and February 2nd, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Jackson Homestead and Museum, 527 Washington Street, and the Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Avenue
Information: 617-796-1450

STORYTIME AT THE MUSEUMS
The free, bi-weekly Storytime program engages kids 0 months to 3 years old by focusing on literacy, Newton’s history, play, and lessons from our museums. Families are welcome to bring older siblings. This week’s theme is “Winter.”
February 1st, 9:30 am
Jackson Homestead and Museum, 527 Washington Street
Information: 617-796-1450STORYTIME AT THE MUSEUMS
Our free, bi-weekly Storytime program engages kids 0 months to 3 years old by focusing on literacy, Newton’s history, play, and lessons from our museums. Families are welcome to bring older siblings. This week’s theme is “Winter.”
February 5th, 10:30 am
Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Avenue
Information: 617-641-9142

HAIRDENTITY EXHIBIT OPENS
Explore the history of hair – how we wore it and what it means from 1840 to 1980 in this exhibit of artifacts and photos from Historic Newton’s collection. See how hairstyles reflect fashion trends as well as personal choices and beliefs. Also find related accessories, including mustache cups, jeweled hairpins, curlers, and Afro picks.
February 13th through December 31st, during museum hours; exhibit included in museum admission
Jackson Homestead and Museum, 527 Washington Street
Information:617-796-1450

SCHOOL VACATION WEEK DROP-IN PROGRAM

Learn about colonial Newton with hands-on activities designed especially for elementary school children. Join us to make a diorama of an 18th century home, fashion your very own tricorn hat or corn husk doll, and test your knowledge of the 1700s with colonial trivia and games.

February 19th and February 21st, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Avenue
Admission: Included in museum admission
Information: 617-641-9142

Boys* Move and Groove Hip Hop/Breakdancing Class

In this 60 minute class students age 6-11 years old will develop strength, coordination and rhythm by incorporating hip hop and b-boy moves, breakdancing, basic tumbling and fancy footwork! Gain confidence, poise and have fun! No experience necessary!

Boys Move and Groove is taught by the experienced faculty at the Joanne Langione Dance Center in West Newton. Learn more about this class and other class offerings for kids ages 6mo – 18 years at www.jldancecenter.com. Enrollment is ongoing throughout the year.

Call or email 617-969-8724 or angela@jldancecenter.com with additional questions or to set up a free trial.

*While all JLDC classes are coed, this class is designed for those looking for an all boys experience.

Spring Semester begins February 4th (no class on Feb. or April School Vacation weeks)Tuesdays, 1:15 – 2:15 pm

You’re Invited to LWVN’s Inaugural Civics Challenge

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage and get excited for the March 3rd Massachusetts primaries by joining the League of Women Voters of Newton for this inaugural event! Adults and students in grades 8 and above are invited to participate.

This is a FREE event; no expertise is needed, just a will to challenge yourself and have some fun– You’ll test your knowledge of civics; federal, state, and local government; and the women’s suffrage movement.

Participants will work together in teams of 3-4 people. Form your own team or register as an individual and we will assign you to a team.

Prizes will be awarded to the winning teams. Refreshments will be provided.

For more information and to register, go to lwvnewton.org/civics-challenge or see the Facebook Event!

March 1st, 3:30 – 5:30 pm
Cabot School Cafeteria

Chemistry Tutor short walk to NSHS

Improve your grade in your Chemistry course. Prepare yourself for SAT2 Chemistry exam. Lida Famili, a retired Milton Academy Chemistry teacher, is offering tutoring in Chemistry courses and SAT2 Chemistry test. Lida has taught Chemistry for 25 years and has dozens of references.

Walking distance to Newton South high school. Please call or text at 617-780-5461 or email Lida at lidafamili@gmail.com.

Are you a Parent of a Junior?

Are you feeling anxious or overwhelmed about the upcoming college application process? Are you already having disagreements with your child about what to do, and it’s only January?

If you answered “Yes!” to any of these questions, Dr. Maruta Z. Vitols, an independent comprehensive college consultant and graduate of Newton South High School (Class of 1994) can help. She works with families to guide them through the increasingly complex process of applying to colleges so that students find their right fit schools. Check out the website for more information on her background, experience, counseling philosophy, and how she may support your student!

A+ College Consulting, LLC
161 Homer Street, Newton
617-216-0310

The 52nd Annual MLK Community Celebration

Join the 52nd Annual MLK Community Celebration. The program theme this year focuses on Knowing Your Neighbor.

•Featured performances will include Newton North’s Jubilee Singers, The Treble Singers, The Gospel Love Tones, and Newton’s first MLK Day Community Choir!

•Hear the voices of Newton Public Schools students as reflected in their Monologue Projects.

•Following the event, The Harmony Foundation and MLK Day Planning Committee will co-host a Community Reception (coffee and refreshments) and an Engagement and Activism Fair–Learn more about important local organizations and ways to become involved in Newton, and get to know your neighbors!

•Story Starters of Newton will host a story time and craft for younger kids (with their caregivers) starting at 10:30 am.

•The Rotary Club of Newton will also be collecting toiletry items to donate to Newton’s Food Pantries.

January 20th, 9:30 am – 12:00 noon
The First Baptist Church, 848 Beacon Street, Newton Centre

Cradles to Crayons annual MLK Day Clothing Drive

Cradles to Crayons annual MLK Day Clothing Drive is looking for donations of gently used or new clothing, shoes, and coats to be dropped off at participating Police Stations including the Newton Police Department and the PD Annex.

Donations are being accepted now and participation by those in our community who are able to would make a great difference to this initiative. Please help Cradles to Crayons and the children in low-income situations whom they serve with these essential items free of charge.

Check out the flyer here: MLK Day Clothing Drive

For questions, please contact Chris Bavaro at cbavaro@cradlestocrayons.org

Support Climate Change Education in Newton Schools!

‪According to a NPR/Ipsos national poll, over 80% of parents support schools teaching about climate change – yet less than half of teachers report doing so.

If you would like to see climate change curriculum brought into the K-12 curriculum at all grade levels and across subject areas within Newton Public Schools, please consider joining other parents, students, and educators in signing this petition: http://chng.it/5n6hcSM8kc

Feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of the petition about who you are and why you are signing. This petition can be signed by adults and kids, so please spread the word to your friends and family!

Bigelow PTO

Bigelow Middle School PTO