Newton Community Preservation Committee

The Newton CPC meeting for March 11th has been rescheduled for March 31st.
This meeting will focus on Committee business, including approval of the FY16
program budget.

March 31st, 7:30 pm
City Hall Room 204

The new Community Preservation Plan is now online on the Guidelines & Forms page of the program website, www.newtonma.gov/cpa. The new Plan is still only four pages long and retains the basic principles from the previous Funding Guidelines, but it now includes a 5-year comparison between future anticipated requests and future available funds.

For assistance, contact Program Manager Alice E. Ingerson at 617-796–1144 or
aingerson@newtonma.gov.

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District-wide book discussion

Want to learn more about growth mindset and to talk about your experiences? All parents/guardians are invited to join School Council members and Superintendent Fleishman for a discussion of Mindset by Carol Dweck.

For planning purposes, if possible, please RSVP at http://www.northptso.org/bookclub. Can’t commit now? Feel free to come last minute!

March 24, 7:00 pm
Newton North Library

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Programs at the West Suburban YMCA

The West Suburban YMCA would like share some of their current programming and other events open to Newton residents.

Summer Camp Information Night
There’s nothing like summer camp at the Y. One session or the whole summer. Indoors and out. On their own or in a group. Archery to arts, canoeing to cannonballs, with the West Suburban YMCA your kids will have an amazing experience, all in a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment.

  • Camp Chickami Ages 6-14 Outdoor day camp in Wayland, MA
  • Camp Frank A. Day Ages 7-15 Overnight camp in East Brookfield, MA
  • Camp Pikati Ages 6-13 Sports and Enrichment Day Camp at the Y
  • Camp Polliwog Ages 3-6 Preschool / Early Education Day Camp at the Y

Comt to the Y for Camp Information Night to meet the staff, participate in fun camp activities and games and learn more about registering for summer camps. For more information, email Scott Peckins at speckins@westsuburbanymca.org or visit www.westsuburbanymca.org/camps. Information Night is March 10th, 6:30 – 8:00 pm.

Registration for After School Programs at the Y for the 2015-16 School Year is Open
The West Suburban YMCA provides state licensed after school programs for children in grades K-8 during after school hours, school vacations and certain holidays.  For more information, contact Leah Castellano at leahc@westsuburbanymca.org or 617-244-6050 x 3022.

Creative Arts Programs at the Y
Want to learn an instrument or join a band?! The West Suburban YMCA Center for the Creative Arts (YCCA) offers contemporary lessons and classes on many different instruments such as guitar, bass, drums, piano, voice, as well as music production. Contact Kevin O’Connell at 617-244-6050 x 3028 or kevino@westsuburbanymca.org for more information.

Lifeguard Training Class being offered at the West Suburban YMCA
A Lifeguard Training Class will run on Friday evenings from 6:00 – 10:00 pm, March 13th through May 8th (no class on 4/3 and 4/24). Registration can be completed buy phone or by contacting Amanda Pierce at amandap@westsuburbanymca.org. More information is available at www.westsuburbanymca.org/LGT.Work at the West Suburban YMCA

The West Suburban YMCA is always looking for great employees to fill out the team. Please visit www.westsuburbanymca.org/workhere for a complete list of current full-time, part-time and seasonal openings:

  • Music Instructor
  • Assistant Director of Membership
  • Little Y’ers Program Coordinator
  • Maintenance Professional
  • Sports Class Instructor
  • Lifeguards and Swim Instructors
  • Member Services Department

Financial Assistance is always available for Y Memberships and Programs
The West Suburban YMCA is a non-profit charitable organization and it is their mission to never turn anyone away due to an inability to pay. Please contact the Membership Department at 617-244-6050 x 3653 for financial assistance on any of these programs.

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Parent Training

Parenting Training in Think:Kids Collaborative Problem Solving Approach

Do you ever feel frustrated with your child? Find yourself shouting often and imposing punishments or rewards in reaction to challenging behavior? Do you wish you had a more effective parenting approach that also helps to build a better relationship between you and your child? Then this training is for you.

Think:Kids Collaborative Problem Solving parenting model, based in MGH’s Department of Psychiatry, provides parents with concrete tools to better understand and help children (ages 3-18) with challenging behavior – from ordinary, day-to-day challenges like getting to school, homework and bedtime, to more serious challenges. It’s based on the understanding that many kids lack the skill, not the will, to behave well – specifically skills related to problem solving, flexibility and frustration tolerance. For more information and to register for the March or May training in Newton, please visit: http://www.betheparentyouwanttobe.weebly.com

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Newton Unplugged

“Unplugged and Connected!” reminds us there is more to life than what is on the other side of a plug.

The 2015 calendar provides suggested activities and events for friends, families and neighbors to enjoy together. Please visit www.familyaccess.org and click on the Newton Unplugged link on the main menu or go directly to the calendar at this link:
http://familyaccess.org/wp-content/uploads/NewtonUnplugged2015.pdf

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BIG NIGHT Auction Items Needed

The Big Night is the Bigelow PTO’s biggest event of the year.  This year it is BIGELOW’S HOT NIGHT IN HAVANA, a Cuban themed event, at the Commander’s Mansion in Watertown, Sat. May 9th from 7pm – 11pm.  It is an evening of fun,  food, music,  friends and lots of great auction items.

Do you have something you would like to DONATE to our auction OR would you like to SPONSOR a portion of the evening??  Tickets to sporting / music events, gift cards for services,  restaurant / store gift certificates, vacation get aways,  jewelry, artwork, a dinner or cocktail party, memberships etc are all appreciated.  Click here  to donate to the auction or sponsor the event on line.

Click here for a copy of our auction solicitation letter and donation form ~  Bigelow Donation Letter_ Form 2015

Thank you to those of you who have already donated to the auction.  We so appreciate it.

If you have any questions please email bigelowbulldog@gmail.com

Thank you, your event co chairs – Beth Panella and Tammy McKenna

A Thank you from the Faculty / Staff for the Teacher Appreciation Lunch

Thank you to all of you who volunteered for the Teacher Appreciation Luncheon.  And a special thank you to Stacy and Magda for chairing this event.  The faculty and staff so appreciated your efforts.  Here are some of their comments:

  • Thank you for taking such good care of us. The luncheons you provide do more than feed us – it let’s us know we are valued and appreciated. Not to mention the food is always delicious! Much appreciated – thanks!
  • Thank you so much for sponsoring the lovely luncheon. All of your efforts were greatly appreciated. The decorations were festive and attractive and the food was delicious.
  • Thank you for your support, time and delicious foods. It’s wonderful to know we are embraced by a lovely community.
  • The healthy options were delectable…. as well as the treats. I was impressed with the variety and effort put forth by the PTO. Thank you!
  • You took care of us by offering many food varieties, lots to eat and drink and a lovely atmosphere. It ‘s so nice to feel appreciated and treated with such caring. Thank you so much! Thank you for sharing your children with us.
  • Thank you for the luncheon! There were so many delicious and healthy choices. It was truly one of the best spreads. With much appreciation.
  • THANK YOU! Everything about the luncheon was amazing! From the delicious options to the beautiful arrangements, the room was filled with love. Muchas gracias
  • Thank you for a wonderful lunch. We all look forward to your awesome cooking especially during this difficult winter.
  • The beautiful and delicious luncheon you prepared for the Bigelow staff was wonderful. We feel so grateful for all you do. Bigelow parents are the best. Thank you so much for all your support!
  • The PTO is one the highlights of the year. It makes me feel so happy and appreciated (and full!) I guess the way to a teacher’s heart really is through the stomach!
  • Thank you for making us feel loved and pampered. It was my best meal since Thanksgiving!
  • The black rice and chicken salad was out of this world – loved it!!
  • The days of the PTO appreciation luncheons are my favorite days ever. They are such a great pick me up! They brighten everyone’s days. Thanks!
  • Thank you! Food was terrific and I appreciated the effort the parents put forth!
  • THANK YOU so much!!! When I tried to explain the spread to the other middle schools, they didn’t believe me. I am very grateful for all you do!
  • Thank you for the delicious luncheon. It was very much appreciated!

Discussion of Mindset to be held at Newton North on March 24

Growth mindset book club set for March 24, 7 p.m.
Want to learn more about growth mindset and to talk about your experiences? ALL parents/guardians are invited to join School Council members and Superintendent Fleishman for a discussion of Mindset by Carol Dweck, in the Newton North library.
For planning purposes, please R.s.v.p. at http://www.northptso.org/bookclub.