Category Archives: Community Notes

Prepare for the SAT Subject Tests in Chemistry and Biology

Newton Community Education offers test prep classes for the SAT Subject Tests in Chemistry and Biology. Both classes will run on 4 Tuesdays, May 2nd – May 23rd, 7:00 – 9:00 pm. The Chemistry review class will be held at Newton North High School. The Biology review class will be held at Newton South High School. For more information, or to register, visit newtoncommunityed.org or call 617-559-6999.

Sidekick: A new local Business

Need a TV mounted? A shower re-grouted? A crack in your ceiling fixed? Meet Sidekick Home, your personal home project concierge. They’ve got your back! They connect homeowners with a pre-qualified list of skilled and vetted tradesmen and handymen to handle all of your service needs. As your single point of contact for all your home service needs, Sidekick Home will manage the bids, schedule the job, ensure it’s complete to your satisfaction and handle payment.  For more information visit http://www.sidekickhome.com or call 877- 949-7845.

WHAT is NewtonSERVES?

NewtonSERVES is a Day of Community Service that brings together over 1,000 volunteers of all ages to complete more than 50 community projects for the benefit of numerous non-profit organizations and City of Newton departments. Please help out at this year’s NewtonSERVES on April 30th.

Volunteers work in teams on morning, afternoon or all day projects throughout the city, such as cleaning up parks, planting gardens, building and painting school bookshelves, spring cleaning at non-profit organizations and helping senior citizens. By enhancing the City of Newton’s sense of community, NewtonSERVES helps to foster a culture of year-round volunteerism.

Volunteer Registration Open now.

WHO can participate?

  • Individuals
  • Families
  • Students (ages 8 and up)
  • Young Adults
  • Senior Citizens
  • Corporations & Businesses

WHY volunteer with NewtonSERVES?

  • Make a difference in your own community
  • Meet new people
  • Discover a new part of Newton
  • Develop your teamwork and leadership skills
  • Make Newton a better place in which to live, work, learn and play
  • Give back
  • Get a free t-shirt and food
  • It’s fun!

Spelling Bee winners

We are delighted to publish the list of winners for this year’s Newton Spelling Bees that were held at Newton City Hall for 5 evenings in March. All the children were incredible spellers, and the poise and confidence with which they held themselves during
the contest was impressive!

The contests were held by the Mayor’s Office for Cultural Affairs and sponsored by Newton
Community Pride and Learning Express. Check out the list of winners here: Spellers.

DigiGirlz Workshop

Free, 2-hour DigiGirlz Workshop at your Microsoft Store is a fun way for girls in middle school and high school (ages 14-18) to understand why computer science is important, and to use computer science to enhance things they already love doing, both now and in the future. What’s more, they’ll get an inside peek at what it’s like to work in technology; learn how to pursue their passion; and see that a successful career in technology is within their reach. The Workshop includes an inspiring panel discussion from real, local women in the industry.

Girls will also get a hands-on experience with Creator’s Challenge, which engages girls with a STEAM challenge. At the end of the Workshop, they’ll see cool resources that can be used to learn how to make awesome stuff with computer science.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to meet new role models, get inspired by the pros, and get a hands-on introduction to the world of coding. To join DigiGirlz Workshop please register on-line.

April 15, 1:00 – 3:30 pm

This year’s panelists include:
– Chris Hart is a full-stack software developer who has worked on web applications, server applications, mobile device software, data visualization, and games. She’s also written chapters in several books on the Microsoft .NET Framework. Her current focus is developing STEM educational simulations and games.
– Tracey Gustafson is a MySTEM fellow with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass/MetroWest.
– Robin Hagar is an Architect manager for Microsoft.

Career Exploration program Information Session

The Education Cooperative is holding a final information session about their career exploration opportunities for students who have completed at least two years of high school. Placements are made on a first come, first served basis.

To apply for the program: http://www.tec-coop.org/student-programs/internships/internships-payment-page.

For more information about the program:
http://www.tec-coop.org/student-programs/internships/student-internships or see the flyer: TEC

Information session is open to students and parents/guardians, no need to register.
April 4th, 7:00-8:00 pm
Morse Institute Library, Natick

April Break Leadership Workshop

Lumos Debate is running a 2-day Debate Workshop during April school vacation. Your child will get to practice public speaking, critical thinking, and leadership in a fun environment!  To get dates and more information, call 617-901-4564 or register at lumosdebate.com/summer. Grades 6-9. Class meets 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, the fee is $65.00.

Commemorating 50 Years of METCO in Newton

The Newton Public Schools will commemorate 50 years of partnership with METCO, the Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity, Inc. Join NPS at this special evening to celebrate the past, present, and future of the METCO program. For more information, please visit http://www.newton.k12.ma.us/Page/2967.  To RSVP, please click: RSVP

April 29th, 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Light appetizers and desserts will be served
Newton North High School, 457 Walnut Street

Upcoming Spring programs at Newton Cemetery

May 17th Spring bird walk! Test your skills and pick up some new ones this spring with Trevor Lloyd-Evans, Manomet’s Director of Landbird Conservation, as he leads this year’s Newton Cemetery Bird Walk. Birders of all experience levels are welcome on this two hour walk around the cemetery’s arboretum. See flyer for more information: Bird Walk

May 13th Spring tree tour! Enjoy a tour showcasing the trees that enhance the grounds. Cemetery arborist Robert Reardon will highlight some interesting and unique characteristics of the numerous recently planted varieties. See flyer for more information: Tree Tour

Please note, participation is limited for the Bird Walk on May 17th, so those interested should make sure they register through Manomet.org/events to reserve their spot.