Category Archives: Community Notes

Get a head start on college essays this summer

Summer is a great time for rising seniors to begin work on their college essays. Jane Hirschhorn is a Newton resident and a writing coach with more than 20 years of experience. Jane guides students toward crafting compelling, authentic college essays. For more information, please contact Jane at jane@jbhtutoring.com.

It’s that time of year!

If you want to do something special for your child’s teacher or other staff this year, consider the Newton Schools Foundation’s Honor Thy Teacher program, and make a gift which complies with the NPS gift policy.

Make a $25 donation (or any amount) to the foundation in the teacher’s name. Teachers, as well as their Principal and the Superintendent, will be notified of this honor, and their names will appear in a special notification in the Newton TAB.

Go to www.newtonschoolsfoundation.org to donate online and learn more about the programs that NSF funds. Donations are tax-deductible and go toward enhancing the quality of education throughout Newton’s schools. Questions? Call 617-559-6120 or email info@newtonschoolsfoundation.org.

Dance Studio Open House

All That Jazz is now accepting registration for the 2016-2017 school year, as well as summer classes. The proud winner of the Newton Tab Readers Choice Awards for Best Children’s Dance Studio in Newton since 2011, they specialize in building self-esteem and creating a warm, supportive and nurturing environment for all children as they learn the art of dance. The director, Miss Deb Lifson Vogel is a Newton native and currently has children in the Newton Public Schools.

Please call today to find out more information or to register: 617-641-0784 or missdeb@allthatjazznewton.com or visit www.allthatjazznewton.com.

Spring Open House: June 13th 4:00-6:00 pm!

First Lego League Info Night for 4th to 8th grade Parents

The Newton LigerBots are hosting a First Lego League (FLL) Info Night. FLL is the FIRST LEGO robotics competition for fourth through eighth graders. In addition to building and programming LEGO robots, each year’s themed FLL challenge includes a project for which team members brainstorm and present creative solutions to real life problems. This event is aimed primarily at parents but kids are welcome. At FLL Info Night parents and kids can learn more about the FLL program. Current LigerBots students and coaches who have participated in FLL in the past will lead a presentation with general information on FLL as well as on how to start your own team. There will be demonstrations of EV3 robots and people to answer any questions you may have. Email fll@ligerbots.com for more information.

June 22nd, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Newton North High School
Film Lecture Hall (just off the Atrium at Tiger Drive)

Suicide Prevention Training

Our community has been affected by suicide. Newton Cares: Coalition for Suicide Prevention and Mental Health is working diligently to train as many people as possible in the suicide prevention technique called QPR. The more people who know how to act the more lives may be saved. Please consider being trained.

Question, Persuade, Refer Suicide Prevention Training
Learn how to respond to someone in distress. QPR is a simple, educational program that teachers ordinary citizens how to recognize a mental health emergency and how to get a person at risk the help they need.

Participants will learn how to:
· Recognize the warning signs of suicide
· Offer hope
· Get help & Refer

Next community training:
June 23rd, 5:30-8:00 pm
Hope and Comfort
26 Ossipee Road, Newton Upper Falls
Light dinner included.
Click here to register. Registration is required, seating is limited.

For the first time, Newton Cares is partnering with Hope and Comfort for a volunteer opportunity and QPR Training. Hope and Comfort is an organization based in Newton Upper Falls. Their mission is to provide low-income and homeless children and adults with the essential personal care products necessary to maintain and improve health and self-esteem.

For this event, participants are encouraged to donate toothpaste and/or deodorant and help assemble care packages, beginning at 5:30 pm. Hope and Comfort also welcomes donations of soap, shampoo, and toothbrushes. QPR Training will take place from 6:00 – 8:00 pm.

Piano lessons

Small groups organized by age (4-11). Outstanding methodology. Experienced, certified instructor. Proven success. Keys for Kids goes beyond ordinary piano lessons: it teaches well-rounded musicianship. Free sample lesson. www.keys-for-kids-newton.com.

To register or for questions, please contact marina.gorny@post.harvard.edu or 617-527-4942. Inquire about summer lessons, too.

Musical Theater

Hey kids – Would you love a big moment on stage?! Come join the fun and get that chance! The Freelance Players, Inc., a musical theater company for youth, is now enrolling for its fall season in Newton. See www.freelanceplayers.org.

The Newton Freelance Troupe will meet after school on Mondays at the Parish of St. Paul, 1135 Walnut Street. Children ages 8-12 with little or no acting experience are encouraged to join. The Newton Freelance Troupe produces one original musical each season. The fall session starts on September 19th. Initial meeting for new members/low-key auditions are by appointment.

Physical and vocal techniques, drama improvisation, dance, auditioning, and singing are part of the rehearsal process. Theater professionals staff the company. The programs are tuition based and some financial assistance is available. For more information or to schedule a first meeting, call 617-274-6065.

Voices Boston

Do you have a child that loves to sing? Join VOICES BOSTON children’s chorus for the 2016-2017 season! They will hold auditions for placement on June 14th. To sign up for a time or just learn more about the program, visit www.voicesboston.org or contact:

Kathryn DiMaria, 857-366-0034, kdimaria@voicesboston.org or Nina Pelligra,
617-735-0012, npelligra@voicesboston.org.