Future Women of Science

Bigelow alumni, currently members of the Women of Science team at Newton North High School, will be offering an exciting new camp for girls in grades 5-8 on April break.  The three instructors are deeply involved with the STEM classes and clubs at NNHS, including AP Science and Math classes, and after-school teams and coding clubs. Their experiences as females in traditionally male-dominated classes have shown them the importance of female involvement in these fields, and they are passionate about sharing their experiences with younger girls to get them excited about their futures in STEM.

“Girls, would you like to develop new technologies, find a cure for cancer, or explore outer space? Well it all starts here. In this hands-on class, you’ll explore a variety of science concepts—from chemistry to computer science—all in a supportive setting with fellow future scientists. We’ll throw a few chemicals in a bag to determine the DNA in a strawberry, engineer protective covering for an egg to survive a long fall, observe plant biology, make ice cream with liquid nitrogen, and more. Join us to learn real science concepts and how they apply to our everyday lives.”

Registrations are open at Newton Community Education. 

Big Night planning under way – join us!

Dear Bigelow parents and friends,
I hope you can join me at my home (150 Hunnewell Ave)  Tuesday, January 15, from 7:30-8:30 p.m., to discuss Big Night planning!
There are so many ways to get involved. It can be anything from spending an hour to pick up donated auction items to being in charge of coordinating the set up volunteers on the night of the event.
The Big Night Committee is grateful for any involvement, no matter what it is, as so many folks are needed to help with this most important fundraiser for Bigelow.
Please feel free to email me at kmarkson@gmail.com if you have any questions and I hope to see you on Tuesday!
Sincerely,
Karen Markson 

10 Traits of Effective Parents in Special Education

Advocating for children in the special education system can be frustrating and overwhelming for parents. Over the past decade, Attorney Jeffrey Sankey has worked with hundreds of parents to help them obtain special education services for their children. In his experience, he has found that the parents who are best able to navigate the intricacies of the special education process share a number of common traits, which we will explore during this session.

SEPAC Presentation by Jeffrey Sankey of Sankey Law Offices, P.C.

Topics covered will include:

  • Understanding key special education rules and regulations
  • Maintaining accurate and complete records
  • Facilitating productive relationships with school staff
  • Please come with any questions you may have

January 16th, 7:15 – 9:00 pm
Room 210, Newton Education Center, 100 Walnut Street

FORJ Family friendly meeting with pizza ans socializing

You’re invited to the FORJ All Schools Family Friendly Meeting including:

  • Family Pizza dinner and socializing
  • Art Activity focused on Martin Luther King, Jr. inspired themes
  • Video and Small Group Discussions on Microaggressions and Standing Up Against Racism and Bias at our Schools

Sign up HERE https://goo.gl/forms/WN67i9Bb1eTLzyvp2
Want to receive FORJ Newsletters? Sign up here www.forjnewton.com and make sure the forjnewton@gmail.com is in your contacts. Hope to see you soon!

January 17th, 6:30-8:30 pm
Angier Elementary

Winter Warmer Concert

The Newton Winter Warmer, headlined by Newtones, Newton South’s a cappella group.  along with special guests from Newton North Forte and Cambride Rindge and Latin School Pitches and Do’s.

Tickets $10.00 at the door. To learn more visit https://www.facebook.com/events/33751721016815

January 18th, 7:00 pm
Gregorian Rugs, 2284 Washington Street, Newton Lower Falls

Basic Rights in Special Education for the Asian American Communities

The Newton Special Education Parent Advisory Council (Newton SEPAC) is hosting a seminar on Basic Rights in Special Education for the Asian American Communities. The speaker will be Susan Ou from the Federation for Children with Special Needs, who will present and can answer questions in English, Cantonese and Mandarin, depending on the needs of audience members. Anping Shen, who is a Newton School Committee member, will speak. Eileen Sandberg from the SEPAC will give a short talk about special education in Newton, and her experience with her children. They plan to leave lots of time for questions.

Discussions will cover the student’s and parent’s legal rights, how to explore whether special education services would be helpful, and the support that the parents in the Newton SEPAC can provide.

The presentation is a free event and all are welcome. Begin with refreshments and networking at 7:15 pm, and the presentation and question session will be from 7:30 pm –  approximately 9:30 pm.

January 30th, 7:15 – 9:30 pm
Room 210, the Education Center, 100 Walnut Street, Newton

MLK – Multiplication Carnival

Can Multiplication workout be fun? Sure can be! Master the most difficult multiplication facts in one visit to the Multiplication Carnival – no mindless drills, no boring flash cards, no tears, no painful memorization.

Don’t get bogged down by multiplication, put it behind you! Organized by Mathnasium Math Learning Center. Register for the 2.5 hour carnival event during the MLK school holiday at www.MultiplicationCarnival.com.

Newton Mathnasium, 1349 Center Street, Newton

New England Camp Fair

The New England Camp Fair will hold its 4th annual event at Underwood School. The Camp Fair is FREE and open to the public and brings together camps serving kids ages 5-14.

Bring your camper(s) and engage with staff from 20+ premier day and sleepaway camps from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, and Connecticut. Participating camps run the gamut, including traditional day and overnight camps, sports camps, theater camps, computer camps, fencing camps, arts camps, as well as many other themed camps.

Visit www.newenglandcampfair.org for a complete list of camps attending. Parking and refreshments are also free! If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Underwood PTO at underwoodpto@gmail.com.

February 10th, 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
Underwood School

Seeking an Admin and Events Coordinator

Newton Community Farm (NCF) has an immediate opening for an Admin and Events Coordinator. NCF is a 2.25 acre intensive vegetable operation with an active educational and public engagement component. This position is well-suited for someone who enjoys working on contemporaneous projects each requiring a range of skills. You will never be bored!

The ideal candidate is detail oriented and personable, has a willingness to learn, and has an interest in food and farm-based education. The full job description can be found here.

Email Karyn Novakowski at karyn@newtoncommunityfarm.org with questions and applications.