Riding the bus – A letter from a Bigelow Parent

UnknownAs the school year swings into full gear and the cold weather begins,  I would like to remind some and inform others about the NPS bus waiver.  You may have noticed a bus stop in your neighborhood but you choose to drive your middle schooler(s) each morning.  Perhaps the bus fee seems a bit out of reach, especially if you have more than one child who needs to ride it.  I encourage you to learn more about the waiver, fill it out and encourage your child to take the bus.  Click here for a copy of the transportation waiver.

The bus is safe and punctual.  Other benefits are a decrease in traffic congestion and pollution.  You will also be sustaining  job security for many individuals who are employed as bus drivers and your children will develop “BRC”  Bus  Riding Community with fellow students and neighbors!  Middle school bus riding is a great way to encourage independence and paves the way for future use of public transportation as young adults.

For more information see NPS homepage at http://www.newton.k12.ma.us/Domain/125

Thank you from Margaret Smith, Bigelow Parent

Letter from the Superintendent

Dear Newton Families,

As many of you know, college admissions has become an increasingly frenetic and pressured process. While our high schools in Newton have developed a college planning philosophy designed to support students and families, the energy, angst and resource devoted to the process can push some students and their families to the brink. What should we do about a phenomenon that can feel out of control?

New York Times columnist and best selling author, Frank Bruni, has written a compelling new book which offers a thoughtful perspective on college admissions. In sum, Bruni argues that where a student goes to college is far less important than many of us previously believed. The book offers a counter narrative for students and their families who feel that their future and self-worth depends on a “yes” or a “no” from a certain group of colleges.

I think Bruni’s perspective is especially timely given that we have seen a spike in stress and anxiety among our students. Since reading the book, I have a consistently quoted Bruni when the topic of college admissions comes up in conversation: “Where you go is not who you’ll be.” I hope this message resonates with others after reading his book.

On Wednesday, December 2nd, I will hold a superintendent/parent book discussion on Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be. It will give us an opportunity to talk about the book as a community and hear from a panel with extensive experience in the college admissions process. The panelists will include:

  • Jennifer King, College Consultant and Retired Guidance Department Head, Newton South High School
  • Beth Swederkas, Guidance Department Head, Newton North High School
  • Ronne Patrick Turner, Associate Vice President for Enrollment and Dean of Admissions – Northeastern University

Here are the details:
December 2nd  7:00 -8:30 pm
Newton South Library

Here is the link with further information about the book. We have also included articles written by Frank Bruni on the topic.http://www.newton.k12.ma.us/bookdiscussion2015

I hope to see you for what should be a lively conversation on December 2nd.

Sincerely,

David Fleishman

Superintendent of Schools

November 3rd Election Information

The League of Women Voters Voters’ Guide, a resource on the candidates who are running for all the municipal offices on November 3rd, is available here.

Read short biographies of all the Aldermen, School Committee and Charter Commission candidates, as well as their answers to questions about issues concerning our community. Print copies will be available at Newton City Hall, the Newton Free Library, the Senior Center in Newtonville, and other locations around Newton. Click here for more information.

NewPAC meeting: Basic Rights in Special Education

Basic Rights in Special Education including recent changes in special education law.

Attorney Tim Sindelar will cover basic rights of children and parents under special education law including recent changes in special education laws and decisions by the MA Board of Special Education Appeals. There will be ample time for questions and answers.
For more information, contact Eileen at eileen.sandberg.newtonpac@gmail.com.

Newton Parent Advisory Council (NewtonPAC) for Special Education meetings are free and open to all people interested in learning more about special education.

October 28th
Light refreshments and networking begin at 7:15 pm, presentation begins at 7:30 pm
The Education Center, Room 304
100 Walnut Street
Newton

Free Dress Up and Dance Halloween Party

Joanne Langione Dance Center is hosting its annual Hip Hop Halloween Dress Up and Dance Party. Bring friends! Its FREE and open to the public. Please register via phone or email: 617-969-8724 or emily@jldancecenter.com

October 30th
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm – Ages 2-6
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm – Ages 7-9
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm – Ages 9-12

Joanne Langione Dance Center
38 Border Street, Newton

“I think I’m getting smart!” “Math can be FUN!”

Become a Newton School Volunteer and hear these words from a student.

  • Tutor a 2nd – 5th grade child in basic mathematics concepts once a week
    for 30-45 minutes.
  • Select your preferred school, grade, day, and time.
  • Play special math games that reinforce skills and help students gain
    confidence and competence.
  • Training, Everyday Math books and learning materials, and ongoing support
    are provided.
  • No teaching experience is needed.

For more information, please contact Ellen Bender at 617-559-6131 or at
ellen_bender@newton.k12.ma.us. See the webpages at http://www.newton.k12.ma.us/Domain/513

Discover What Makes a Great Camp Experience

It’s not too early to start thinking about camps! Registration will be here before you know it so why not get a head start? Join Campseekers on November 3rd at the Wellesley College Club to hear from a panel of camp directors and parents on what makes a great camp experience.

You’ll explore topics like:

  • The best age to start camp (both day and overnight)
  • The leading indicators for finding a quality camp
  • General camps vs specialty camps
  • Secrets to a successful summer

Directors from local camps including Linx and Explo will be a part of this discussion.
This program is free and open to the public but seating is limited and you must be registered to attend. (There will be some great camp giveaways for those who attend.)
Visit www.campseekers.com for more information.

Partners for this event include: LINX Camps, Tocomail and EXPLO

Zervas Turkey Trot 5K

Please join the 2nd annual Zervas 5K Turkey Trot to support the Newton Food Pantry. Registration is now open at newtonturkeytrot.racewire.com and long sleeve tech T-shirts will be given to all participants who register online before November 18th. $25.00 online, $30.00 race day.

Like last year, there will be a 1 mile fun run starting at 8:30 am. Not a runner? please consider volunteering race day on the website: newtonturkeytrot.com

Organizers are also looking for a few small financial sponsors to be a part of this amazing community event. Please contact newtonturkeytrot@gmail.com for more details if you are interested in having your company logo on the T-shirt, registration page or website.

Race day is November 21st at 9:00 am!  (The Saturday before Thanksgiving.)

Depression Treatment Study

A McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School study on the treatment of adolescent depression is currently enrolling female adolescents between 13-18 years old who may be struggling with depression. As part of the study, female adolescents receive 12 weeks of
individual Cognitive Behavior Therapy at no cost. Adolescents would be matched up with a therapist who works on the study at McLean Hospital in Belmont.

They will also assess neural and behavioral changes that go along with treatment during 4 study sessions. Two study sessions take place before treatment, one during the course of treatment, and one after completion. These sessions involve a preliminary diagnostic interview, questions about feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, and EEG assessments. There are also 3 follow-up phone calls, which adolescents can complete from home.

If a family is interested in participating or learning more about the study, they can contact Erin Bondy at 617-855-4240 or ebondy@mclean.harvard.edu.