NewtonSTEM is a free, volunteer-run clearinghouse of information about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math in Newton. The website highlights opportunities, events, resources, and achievements — for students of all ages in school, after school, on vacation breaks, and in summer. Check out www.NewtonSTEM.org and stay up-to-date by joining the NewtonSTEM email list (emails not more often than weekly). For more information or to get involved, email info@newtonstem.org.
Destination Imagination Registration & Info, Sept. 16 & 18
Registration is now open for Destination Imagination Newton, a non-profit organization that provides educational programs for students to learn and experience creativity, teamwork and problem solving. Last year, 80 students from nine different Newton Public Schools participated in regional and state competitions. Registration and more information is available online.
Learn more about enrolling your child in this fun, life-changing experience at an upcoming information session:
Monday, September 16, 6:30-7:30PM
Burr Elementary School Cafeteria (171 Pine Street, Auburndale)
Wednesday, September 18, 6:30-7:30PM
Memorial Spaulding School Auditorium (250 Brookline Street, Oak Hill)
Destination Imagination (DI) encourages teams of learners to have fun, take risks, focus and frame challenges while incorporating STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), the arts and service learning. DI students learn patience, flexibility, persistence, ethics, respect for others and their ideas, and the collaborative problem solving process.
More than 1.5 million youth have taken part in Destination Imagination problem-solving challenges in the past 30 years. Participating in DI has helped them develop critical thinking skills they can apply to their future schooling and careers to give them a competitive advantage for the rest of their lives.
If you have any questions, or are unable to attend one of the sessions, please email Matthew Miller. School specific information is available by emailing parents at these schools (click for email address):
Ride the Tour De Newton Sunday October 6th, 9:30 am
The City of Newton and Bike Newton invite you to join cyclists from across the city in the inaugural year of this 13-village ride. Each village will start the ride simultaneously on a one way circuit connecting all of Newton’s villages. Ride groups will be small and led by an experienced cyclist and an experienced “sweep”, to ensure a safe and leisurely “no rider left behind” Trip.
Riders will be greeted in each village by a community leader, who will hand out a collectible pin for each village. Learn the best ways to get around the city by bike and maybe see parts of Newton you don’t normally visit. Click here for the map: Tour de Newton Route Map. Many riders will complete the entire route but riders welcomed to ride as many or as few of the villages as they want. Registration required. Go to: http://bikenewton.org/services/tour-de-newton-registration/.
Safety, Awareness, and Physical Skills for Middle School Girls
Temple Emanuel in conjunction with the City of Newton is offering a two hour class for girls ages 11-13. The class will be taught by Newton and Boston police on Sunday September 29th from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. There is limited space so if you have a child interested please sign up right away by emailing joannekazarian@gmail.com.
The class will take place at Temple Emanuel in the Benjamin Vestry. Workout clothes should be worn and water bottles are an excellent idea! There is a $30.00 fee for the class.
TeenLife’s 2013 Guide to STEM Programs
Introducing a brand new publication, the 2013 Guide to STEM Programs. Presented by STEMconnector®, this guide includes everything parents, students, and educators need to know about the exciting world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
Math Tutor Available
Did your child struggle with math last year? Do you try to help, only to get upset and frustrated? Philip Wolfson, recently retired math teacher with 20 years of experience working with students of all types and ages: students who are stuck for some reason, bright students who are bored, students who want to accelerate their math, ELL students, and students with learning disabilities, is available for tutoring.
Individuals, small groups, and home school groups can meet at your location, a library or school library, or at his home. Call or email to set up a free, introductory meeting.
philwolfson@gmail.com or 617-332-4887. Specializing in students from grades 5 through 9.
Guitar Lessons
Berklee College of Music graduate seeking a limited number of new students for private/group guitar lessons in Newton. Lessons are offered in your home. All levels are welcome, including beginners. Through a comprehensive approach that combines technique, ear training and harmony, your son or daughter can develop music skills applicable to all styles of guitar playing. S/he will learn to play and analyze songs and solos from a broad range of musical genres. Also instruction in song-writing & composition available for those interested students. For references, video and audio samples, please contact Maldi Kellici at maldi.k@gmail.com 617-792-2244. For more info please visit maldikellici.com.
Next week at the Newton Free Library!
Teen Crafternoons, Tuesday, September 17, 4:00 pm: Get creative in the second floor Teen Area of the Newton Free Library. Join in making back-to-school crafts like lunch boxes and pencil jars. Grades 6-12.
Mother-Daughter Book Club, Tuesday, September 17, 7:30 pm: Join the group in the second floor Teen Area of the Newton Free Library for the Mother-Daughter Book Club. The group will discuss Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen. To register (required), please call Liz, the Teen Librarian, at 617-796-1380 or email teens@newtonfreelibrary.net. Ages 12-15.
The New Common App Essay: What Students Should Know, Wednesday, September 18, 7:00 pm: Please join Debra Berger for a college essay writing workshop at the Newton Free Library in Druker Auditorium. Teens will learn about the five new Common Application essays, how to pick the essay prompt that highlights their strengths and skills, and how to write a standout essay that college admissions officers will notice. The basics of essay writing will be covered including:
* Using prewriting techniques
* Narrowing down and developing topic ideas
* Editing
* Timesaving techniques that will help make the process go more smoothly
* Organization and planning approaches to help you de-stress
Debra Berger has a master’s degree in education, with a major in educational research, measurement and evaluation from Boston College. She is an experienced English teacher and writing tutor in grades 9-12. An accomplished writer, Debra worked for over 10 years as a contributing education writer for nationally recognized publications including The Boston Globe and The Boston Parents Paper. The event is open to teens and adults.
10th annual trade and recycling day at Rumford Depot: Oct 5th
Newton residents may drop off books, household items, bicycles and reuseable building materials, such as plumbing and lighting fixtures, and non-upholstered furniture (no mattresses or couches) between 8:00 am and 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 5 at the Rumford Avenue Depot (off Lexington street in Auburndale). Materials for recycling will also be accepted.
Y3K Tutor
Call Y3K Tutor today when schoolwork goes the wrong way! Their many years of experience in teaching and educational consulting has developed the right way to motivate, the right way to teach, be understood, and be remembered. They tutor special education students such as ADD, ADHD, Asperger’s, Autism, Emotional/Behavioral, and gifted as well as regular ed. and test preparation. All subjects and ages are taught. Parents can now receive 25% off the first lesson. Call 781-492-8700 or log on to http://www.Y3KTutorInYourHome.com.