Category Archives: Education/Enrichment

Join Cub Scout Pack 355 Newton

Interested in Scouting? Pack 355 is a large, active group of girls and boys from Newton and Brighton in grades 1 to 5. Another fun year starts in September!

Sign up for updates at bit.ly/pack355signmeup or come to the info session on September 3rd,  6: 30 pm at Our Lady Church and /or  welcome BBQ on September 8th, 3:00 pm at Auburndale Cove. Please email jonflynn@newtonscouting.org with questions.

New Creative Arts Programs at the West Suburban YMCA!

The Creative Arts Department at the West Suburban YMCA fosters joy and creativity through holistic artistic instruction within a brave space, where all levels and ages are welcome to explore without fear of making mistakes.

This fall, the Y’s Creative Arts Department has several new and exciting programs that span a range of ages and artistic subjects. All programs, with the exception of Mini Musicals: Annie Jr., meet once per week for seven weeks during the Y’s Early Fall Session, September 3rd – October 20th.

Mini Musicals: Annie Jr., Ages 9-14 – The Y is excited to make its theatrical debut this fall presenting Annie Jr. This is a high energy, highly creative and imaginative program. No audition is necessary, but all participants must attend the first practice on September 4th, 3:30 – 5:00 pm. The final showcase performance will be October 27th. Rehearsals are Mondays and Thursdays, 3:30 – 5:30pm.

Toddler Tunes, Ages 6 mo.-3 years – Parents and caregivers will bond with their child while singing, dancing, and playing instruments, allowing for plenty of imagination and exploration through songs, games, and stories. Wednesdays, 11:15 – 11:45am.

Intro to Art and Design, Ages 4-8 – Kids will explore new mediums for expression as they inquire, design, build, and connect in this creative makerspace! Projects vary by session, but examples include birdhouses, mosaics, community murals, and neighborhood maps. This class focuses on self-expression, collaboration and project-based learning. Thursdays, 4:00 – 4:45 pm.

How To: Podcasting, Ages 10-15, Calling all storytellers! In this 7-week course, students will dive into interviewing skills, speaking techniques, and narrative process to craft a cohesive and compelling spoken story. Students will be introduced to the Y’s recording studio, where they will learn to use audio and recording equipment and basic editing concepts to bring their story to life. Fridays, 4:00 – 5:00 pm.

West Suburban Singers, Ages 16+ – Introducing the West Suburban Singers, a non-auditioned community chorus for adults at the YMCA! Come celebrate the joys of singing. Through weekly rehearsals, local performances, and diverse repertoire, we aim to strengthen and serve our community through song. All are welcome! Mondays, 7:00 – 8:30 pm.

Guitar Group Class, Ages 6-11. Group lessons are a great way to start a new instrument. Learn to play guitar with a fun learning group, starting with correct technique and postures. Students will also learn to read a tab sheet and have fun with collaborative games. Tuesdays, Ages 6-8, 4:00 – 4:45 pm, Ages 9-11, 4:45 – 5:30 pm.

Piano Group Class, Ages 6-11, Learn the basics of piano and make new friends along the way in our group piano class. Students have fun with collaborative music theory and skill games while learning technique, posture, and how to read a music staff. Wednesdays, Ages 6-8, 4:00 – 4:45 pm; Ages 9-11, 4:45 – 5:30pm.

Rock Band, Ages 8+, The Y also continues to offer its long-standing Rock Band program for ages 13+ and a new Junior Rock Band class for younger musicians ages 8-12. In these classes, the groups meet once per week to collaborate as a band, rehearse, and eventually perform for the community. Schedule varies depending on student/group availability.

Registration for the Early Fall Session is open now. Sign up by calling the Y’s Welcome Center at 617-244-6050 ext. 0, or using the online registration platform. For more information about these programs, contact Sunny McGovern, Creative Arts Director, at sunnym@wsymca.org.

The West Suburban YMCA is conveniently located at 276 Church Street in Newton Corner, off Exit 17 on the Mass Pike and accessible by several MBTA buses including the 52 and 57 line.

Teen Anxiety Webinar

Families for Depression Awareness is presenting a free Recognizing and Managing Teen Anxiety webinar on September 25th, 7:00 – 8:15 pm. In this webinar, Lisa M. Schab, LCSW, a practicing psychotherapist and international best-selling author, will discuss the symptoms of an anxiety disorder, anxiety management skills adults can practice with youth, and ways adults can encourage teens to be a part of choosing treatment options.
This program is designed for parents, guardians, caregivers, youth workers, and any adults interested in teen mental health. Register to join the live webinar discussion or watch on demand after it airs.

If you are new to the topic of teen depression or in need of a refresher, please watch Understanding Teen Depression as a foundation to this upcoming webinar.
After the webinar, complete our online evaluation and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a free copy of Lisa M. Scahb’s book!

For questions, please contact Arielle Cohen at 781-890-0220 or ari@familyaware.org.

Voice Lessons for Teens & Tweens

Love to sing,  but can’t figure out how to get the right sound? WANT MORE PERFORMING OPPORTUNITIES and overcome stage fright? Let Jacqueline help your student take their singing to the next level!

Fall voice lesson times available on Sundays in Newton Highlands. Emailjn@forma-music.com and/or visit jacquelinenovikov.com for more information.

Newton PTO Council 2019-08-25 15:04:47

Plugged In is a unique nonprofit youth rock band program in Needham where young musicians ages 8-18 of all levels and needs are welcome.

Fall session ensemble rock band classes begin on September 20th. Plugged In offers beginner, intermediate and advanced band classes. Students are grouped in bands based on age, skill level and preferred musical style. Band classes last 90 minutes, meet once per week for 14 weeks and are offered seven days per week. Private lesson registration is ongoing. For more information and/or to register online for all programs, please visit www.pluggedinband.org.

The Plugged In Band Program is a non-profit rock band program in Needham teaching kids ages 8-18 about using music to help others. In addition to ensemble band classes, private lessons, songwriting workshops, summer camp and community performances, five times a year students perform in benefit concerts that raise money for causes and organizations chosen by the students themselves. Plugged In provides a nurturing and supportive community to which young musicians of all levels and needs feel a sense of belonging, have an opportunity to express and be acknowledged for their musical interests and a chance to use their music to help others around the world. In the loving and non-competitive environment at Plugged In, all differences are transcended through a shared passion for music, the teamwork involved with using music to help others and an atmosphere of compassion and fun.

Highlands After-School Program Open Houses

The Highlands After-School Program, just for middle school children, is hosting Open Houses for interested families. This is a terrific opportunity for parents of Oak Hill and Brown children to learn more about the program as they plan for the upcoming school year.

Come to see the wonderful space that is the home base of this terrific program. For more information contact Rochelle Acker at 617-999-4617, highlandsafterschool@gmail.com or visit highlandsafter-schoolprogram.org

Open houses: August 28th, 4:00 – 5:00 pm, September 30th, 11:00 am – 12:00 noon  Brigham House, 20 Hartford Street, Newton Highlands

Tickets for Newton’s Community Table on sale soon

Newton’s Community Table, a fundraiser to benefit the Newton Food Pantry, is back October 17th!  The event will once again be held at the Windsor Club from 6:30 – 9:30 pm. Tickets will go on sale September 9th and will sell out quickly.

Get both dates on your calendar today and stay tuned for updates in September.

Destination Imagination registration is open

Registration is open for the Destination Imagination 2019 – 2020 Season

Destination Imagination (DI) is a creative problem solving competition that blends Science and Technology with the Arts. For the past 10 years, over 500 Newton students have participated in the Destination Imagination (DI) program.

Hear from alumni about how DI changed their lives: Destination Imagination Alumni Video 

Watch a tutorial to find out how DI works: What is Destination Imagination?

Ready to have fun?! Click HERE to register your child

Newton DI is run by a team of dedicated volunteers and is a non-profiting fully inclusive program.

College Essay help

It’s not too late to get help with those college essays! And it’s always a good time to get help with writing! Alicia Shems, an educator and editor with over 20 years of experience, can help you write your best essay by tailoring each session to fit your needs.

For more information, please contact her at 617-680-1918 or akshems68@gmail.com. References are available upon request.

MGH Study for Female Athletes

Study participation is a unique opportunity for students to assist with research. This 12-week research study aims to establish if replacing estrogen will improve mental flexibility and reward responsiveness. The study comprises 4 visits for which participants are compensated up to $500. Additionally, they will receive reimbursement for parking/public transportation costs.

In this study, females who are not getting regular periods will receive replacement doses of estrogen via a patch or receive a placebo patch. Participants will complete MRI scans, interviews about mental health and eating behaviors, simple computer tasks, and questionnaires.

Eligibility criteria include the following:

  • Female between the ages of 16 and 26 years
  • Exhibits restrictive eating patterns (i.e. skips meals, limits calorie intake, avoids certain foods) and/or is an athlete
  • Has missed more than 2 menstrual periods in the last 6 months
  • Is of low or normal weight.

REACT ELIGIBILITY SURVEY Any interested athletes can contact Meghan Slattery, FNP at 617-643-0267 or anereact@mgh.harvard.edu.