Category Archives: Community Notes

Exciting new Middle School program

Bridges: Our Smarts Uniting Students and Local Seniors

This award-winning, intergenerational program is designed to promote mutual respect,
understanding and friendship between middle school students and older adults. Together,
we will complete simple, fun projects that promote shared perspectives and interesting
discussions. Prof. Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligence or “smarts” theory is central to the program. This theory proposes that people have eight intelligences or “smarts” in varying amounts: body, logic, music, nature, people, picture, self and word. Each week we will explore these “smarts” through activities related to nature and the Farm.

This program will run for 6 weeks at Newton Community Farm, beginning March 5th.
Fee for the General Public: $126.00, for Friend of the Farm: $113.00

For information and to register, please visit www.newtoncommunityfarm.org/education  or contact Alison Scorer at education@newtoncommunityfarm.org.

NCE Debate Institute

Do you think your child would benefit from debate? Critical thinking skills cultivated by debate are important for academic success, and recent studies demonstrate that children who participate in debate programs have 30-60% increased admission rates to elite colleges. But most of all, debate is a whole lot of fun; it’s a great way for kids to meet new friends and talk about important ideas.

This summer, the NCE Debate Institute will be holding a two week workshop for students who want to try debating. NCE Instructors are all former debate champions (including three MA State Champions) with years of coaching experience. The NCE curriculum covers every aspect of debate — from public speaking, to argumentative writing, to advanced research skills. Open to all MA students. Beginners are welcome. Visit newtondebate.com for more info.

Reading/Writing Tutor Available

Former Brown and Newton South parent who has tutored several students from Brown and Newton South is currently available for some additional students. She has extensive experience as a reading and writing tutor, and currently work in the Newton Public Schools on the Newton North side of town.

Amy is available after school and early evenings for tutoring. If interested, please contact Amy McMahon at: amymcm@rcn.com.

Writing Tutor available

Is your student stressed out over school papers or college applications? Do you wish s/he had more one-on-one writing help? Are you looking to improve essay composition skills?

Celina Siegel,  a Newton South alum and Oberlin College student, is an adept English and writing student with a passion for editing. She has a strong track record of working with both high school students and fellow college freshmen, especially regarding persuasive analytical essays and essays for the Common Application. She can help make writing more fluid, more persuasive, and more succinct.

To schedule an appointment or learn more, feel free to email at csiegel@oberlin.edu, or call 617-775-7591.

Newton Heartbreak Hill Road Race & Walk

Spring is just around the corner, and it’s time to start dusting off those running (or walking) shoes! The 23rd annual Heartbreak Hill Road Race and Family Walk is a perfect way to shake off some of that cabin fever! The course is one mile – up and down historic Heartbreak Hill, the day before the Boston Marathon! Every runner receives an official digital-clock time, a race medallion, goody bag and a free ticket to the pre-race pasta party at Newton City Hall on Saturday, April 18th.

The 1st, 2nd & 3rd place runners in each category win a trophy! There are free games and activities organized by Steve DeMasco’s Shaolin Studios of Wellesley and the Lasell College Special Events students. Not a runner? Everyone can walk the course at 11:30 am. Register at www.newtoncommunitypride.org. The first 500 registrations receive a free t-shirt.

April 19th, Newton City Hall

Free Teen Expo at Newton North, Jan. 22

Teens and parents/guardians are invited to the Just Think: Teens Making Smart Choices expo for participative, informative exhibits; live musical performances; free refreshments; and fun.

Thursday, January 22, 5:00 – 7:30pm

Meet 30+ community exhibitors who help teens navigate high school pressures in order to stay safe and healthy. Get information about everything from driving and pedestrian safety to healthy eating and positive body image to stress reduction and mental health support. Find answers to your questions about the expo and see the exhibitor list at www.NorthPTSO.org.

 

· Enter the raffle for chance to win an iPad mini
· “American Ninja Warrior” live demo!
· Community resources for teens
· FREE and fun!
· Giveaways and refreshments

Summer camp auction

Get ready for the Bowen PTO’s first-ever online summer camp auction! Starting January 5th at midnight, you can go online to bid on a wide variety of day and overnight summer camps and other great experiences for your family. You’ll get a great deal on the camp of your choice and help Bowen meet their fundraising goals for the playground revitalization campaign.

Items recently added include:

  • Red Sox Camp
  • Celtics Camp
  • Kumon Reading and Learning Center
  • Newton Community Education…….and many more!

There is a something here for every family, including older siblings​ – like a Film Academy for 14-17 year olds.​​ Check out the auction website: www.bowenpto.org/campauction. Also, make sure you are ready to bid by registering with Bidding for Good. You can do so at www.bowenpto.org/campauction.

Choose your Own Adventure!

Thinking about your camp options for Summer 2015? Browse the Williams PTO camp auction https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/auctionhome.action?auctionId=221324907 now through January 12th with Bidding for Good.

There are numerous opportunities for partial week, full-week and sleepover camps. You will surely find the perfect adventure for your children!  www.biddingforgood.com/williamspto/adventure.