K-12 Academic Coaching

Has your child embraced the idea and the importance of finishing the school year on a strong note?

This momentum can carry them through the summer months and help during that first week back in the fall. Next Level Up Academic Coaching can provide the push, focus, and perspective needed for your student to end the year on a high note. They’ve been working with Newton families since 2009 and their professional academic coaches incorporate all of the necessary skills to be successful: organizational and time management skills, effort, fundamentals, and positive study habits.

Nest Level Up also offers academic coaches available to continue through the summer months. Contact them at  781-540-1123 or info@nextleveluptutoring.com. For more information, visit www.nextleveluptutoring.com.

Reading specialist available

Certified Reading Specialist Christine Mandell,  M. Ed in Reading Education, 15+ years of experience, and trained in Phono-Graphix, Lindamood, & O.G. specializes in creatively remediating students who read at or below a 2nd grade level. Age 5 to 7 only.

Her child-friendly lessons incorporate games, toys, and children’s own stories. Excellent references. Free initial assessment. $40.00 per hour. Formerly employed by “The Learning Lab @ Lesley.” Please contact her at Birdsongviolin@gmail.com or 617-323-4709.  ChristineMandell.com

Debate and Public Speaking Summer Camp

Your child can learn debate and public speaking this summer at Lumos. It’s a really fun program, with fun activities and games your child will love.

Open to students in Grades 6-9. For more informatio, email info@lumosdebate.com or call 617-901-4564. Register at Lumosdebate.com. You can use the special promo code “COMMUNITY” for $300 off.

Thank you for Beautifying Bigelow

THANK YOU to all of the Bigelow parents, students, faculty and friends who turned out last Sunday for Newton Serves Da! It was a hardworking group of volunteers who braved the rain and worked enthusiastically.
They beautified the grounds with mulch and constructed new railings to protect the flower beds at the front entrance of the school. A special shout-out to our fearless leaders Audrey Weissborn and Andrew Hargens, and to the many students and their parents who helped.

Happy Spring!

Let’s get our kids outside!!! Parents volunteers wanted

Laps at Lunch is back! This is a great program designed 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.

Spring Volleyball for Grades 2-5

Last chance to sign up for Spring volleyball! Williams Elementary is offering co-ed Intro to Volleyball/Mini-Volleyball this Spring taught by Be Ahead of the Game. Skills, teamwork, and a focus on fun! Students from all schools welcome!

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/intro-to-volleyball-clinics-williams-with-be-ahead-of-the-game-registration-44727555322.

Wednesday evenings from May 2nd – June 6th

Celebrate Sidewalk Sam

You’re invited to an artistic celebration in memory of Newton’s acclaimed street artist Bob Guillemin. Join Sidewalk Sam’s family as they create a sidewalk chalk artwork in celebration of beauty and the power of community art. A special commendation will be presented by Mayor Ruthanne Fuller at 10:30 am.

This event is part of the Festival of the arts celebration and is presented by Thinkfolk, whose goal is to connect audiences to inspiring stories of folk, street, vernacular and indigenous artists from all over the world.

May 5th, 9:00 – 11:00 am (10:30 am Commemoration Ceremony)
Newton Center Green, at the intersection of Center Street and Langley Road

“In 1972, following a radical hunch, Bob Guillemin (a.k.a. Sidewalk Sam) began chalking colorful renditions of European masterpieces on the gritty sidewalks of Boston and Cambridge. He quickly fell in love with the energy and sanctity of the street and never looked back. Throughout the 1970’s and 1980s, he created thousands of ephemeral artworks and preached an inclusive and socially-minded art philosophy. Believing that art could and should change the world, he developed large and small participatory art projects that engaged communities one person at a time. Even after an accident placed him in a wheelchair at the age of 55, he continued to make a living as a public artist and an impact as a cultural entrepreneur. He died at the age of 75, and all traces of his sidewalk art have vanished, but his legacy endures with those he captivated and inspired”. – Rob Guillemin

Newton Asian Culture Festival 2018

The 4th Annual Newton Asian Culture Festival presented by the Chinese American Association of Newton is an event with multiple Asian cultures supported by the Newton Mayor’s office for Culture Affairs.

Asian culture is rich and diverse. It traces back thousands of years and is one of the world’s oldest cultures. In order to introduce Asian culture to our community friends and neighbors, the Newton Asian Culture Festival features a different Asian cultural theme each year. The past three years we showcased traditional instruments and traditional costumes. This year the theme will be Asian traditional costumes and clothing. You will have a rare opportunity to dress up traditional clothes for a photo opportunity.

In addition, you and your family can also watch traditional Asian folk dance, listen to Asian folk songs and try some traditional Asian food. The festival will also feature many activities for children such as arts & crafts, face painting and games. Please bring your family and friends to join this family oriented cultural festival. Click here for flyer.

May 5th, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Newton City Hall
1000 Commonwealth Avenue

Need nominations for Service Awards

Each year, the mayor gives awards to individuals who have contributed service to the Newton Community. The Newton Parks and Recreation Commission and the Newton Health and Human Services Youth Commission are asking your help in seeking nominations for the 40th Annual Youth Services Awards.

ADULT AWARDS will be judged on the basis of a person’s contribution and involvement in youth programs in Newton. YOUTH AWARDS will be judged on the basis of demonstrated good citizenship and service to their fellow youth or community.

Read about the awards and please submit your nominations at http://www.newtonma.gov/gov/parks/youthawards.asp.

Please submit nominations of deserving Newton residents and students before May 18th. Thank you for your help in recognizing the efforts of individuals who have contributed extensively to the Newton Community.