One to one mentor program

Newton’s One-to-One Program, our very own “Big Brother/Sister Program” has been matching wonderful high schoolers with children in grades one through five for over 30 years.

If you think your elementary aged child would benefit from a mentor in their life and you can you commit 2.5 hours each week to have your child meet with a high school mentor from November to May or for more information, please contact Rebecca Young at rebecca_young@newton.k12.ma.us or 617-315-8733.

Flyer and application here: One-to-One

Plugged In, a unique nonprofit youth rock band program

Do you know any youth 6-19 who could benefit from participating in Plugged In, a unique nonprofit youth rock band program in Needham where young musicians of all levels and needs are welcome?

Fall session band classes begin the week of September 24th. More information and online registration can be found at www.pluggedinband.org.

Founded in 2002, Plugged In now has over 150 students from all over Massachusetts. Some of our students experience emotional and learning difficulties, such as ADD, depression, and low-self-esteem and/or have special needs such as autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. In the loving and non-competitive atmosphere 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.

In addition to weekly ensemble band classes, private lessons, songwriting workshops, summer camp and community performances, five times a year Plugged In 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 feel a sense of belonging, an opportunity to express and be acknowledged for their musical interests and a chance to use their music to help others around the world.

Simplifying the College Process a seminar for High School parents

Are you overwhelmed by the college process? Join in as college professionals explain key components, share their best tips and offer a Q&A session to help you navigate junior & senior year successfully!

Free and open to the public

Topics include:

  • EA vs. ED, Common App, Naviance
  • ACT vs. SAT, test prep options, essay-writing
  • College list creation and campus visit
  • Financial Aid opportunities – merit vs. need
  • Junior/Senior year timeline

Sponsors:
College Trips and Tips – One-stop college travel guide and trip planner
Edmit – Helping families navigate the Financial Aid process
Summit Educational – Free SAT/ACT practice tests and tutoring services

Moderator: Terry Greene Clark, author of Demystifying College Admissions, A Parent to Parent Guide

September 25th, 7:00 – 8:30 pm at Wellesley Free Library or
October 9th, 7:00 – 8:30 pm at Westwood Public Library

Newton Child Assault Prevention Program Seeking Volunteers

Do you have three mornings a month free during the school year? Are you looking for a meaningful and fun way to make a difference in children’s lives? If so, then join the dynamic team of trained CAP volunteers who are committed to using guided discussions and role plays to teach elementary age children in the Newton Schools that they have the right to be Safe, Strong and Free with their friends and peers, when they meet adult strangers, and with those who are trusted to take care of them.

Now accepting applications for the 2018-2019 school year. The next training begins on October 28th . For more information or an application, please visit
http://familyaccess.org/family-support/child-assault-prevention/ or
contact Gail Sommer 617-969-5906, ext. 143 or gsommer@familyaccess.org.

Newton Community Education Fall SAT & College Readiness Classes

Sign up now for NCE’s fall SAT Prep classes:

  • SAT Math Review – Mondays, October 22nd – November 26th, 6:30 – 8:30 pm at Newton North High School
  • SAT Verbal Review – Wednesdays, October 17th – November 28th, 6:30 – 8:30 pm at Newton North High School

Additional college readiness programs geared towards parents and students:

  • Postsecondary & College Success for Students with Learning Differences – October 25th  at Newton North, 7:00 – 9:00 pm, Parents and students welcome.
  • You Can Afford College If…  October 4th at Newton North or November 5th at Newton South, 6:30 – 8:30pm, for adults.
  • Navigating the Student-Athlete College Search and Recruiting Process – a 2 session program, October 30th and November 1st, 7:00 – 9:00 pm at Newton North. Parents and students welcome.
  • Getting Divorced? How are You Paying for College? – October 23rd, 6:30-8:30 pm at Newton North, for adults.

For more information about these programs, or to register, visit newtoncommuityed.org or call 617-559-6999.

Do you have a child between the ages of 14-17?

A scientific team (consisting of a research assistant and a researcher/clinical psychologist) at McLean Hospital is investigating brain network activity and emotion regulation in teens. They are recruiting healthy teens, and also teens who have been feeling depressed or down. Your teen may be eligible!

Teens will answer questions about their thoughts and feelings. Teens will also undergo an fMRI brain scan. Parent permission is required.

The team is hoping to better understand depression and what factors may put some adolescents more at risk for developing depressive symptoms. For more information, please contact Dr. Emily Belleau at 617-855-4245 or ebelleau@mclean.harvard.edu.

See postcard for information: Postcard

Last chance to update info and order Bigelow Family Directory: 09/17

The Bigelow Family Directory is going to print tomorrow (9/17)! Please confirm or update your information now. Families that do not update their data will be displayed as entered or might not be included. To order a paper copy of the Directory login to MySchoolAnywhere and go to “Our Store”. Prepaid Directories will be distributed on Back to School Night (10/4) or a limited supply will be available for $20 cash. More information HERE.

Let’s get our kids outside! Parents volunteers wanted

Laps at Lunch is back! This is a great program designed by Bigelow to give students a daily opportunity to get outside for movement and fresh air. It allows students to walk laps around the inside perimeter of Burr Park once they’re done with their lunches in the cafeteria. Would you like to help? If interested please contact Mary Fitzgerald (physical education teacher) at: Mary_Fitzgerald@newton.k12.ma.us. More about the program here.

6th Grade Parents Potluck – Please RSVP

The 6th Grade Parents Potluck is a wonderful, low-key, no-stress opportunity to meet with other 6th grade parents and build a community for the next 3 years of middle school! This year’s Potluck will be hosted by 6th grade parents Jen and Chris Murphy + Holly and Ben Raynes, on Saturday, September 22nd, 6:30pm. Please RSVP to bigelowbulldog@gmail.com.

Please bring your own beverage(s) and if your child’s last name begins with:

A – E    Please bring a dessert
F – L     Please bring a main dish
M – R   Please bring a side dish or salad
S – Z    Please bring an appetizer