JCC Kid’s Choice February School Vacation Program

From sports and swimming to arts, dance, cooking and rock climbing, kids have their choice of activities at the JCC Kid’s Choice February Vacation Program.  For boys and girls entering grades K-6 (and CITs in grades 7-9 at a reduced rate). Special highlights include JCC Magic Ark performance of Josh Casey Comedy and Juggling Show, President’s Day activity, trip to see Hairspray at the Wheelock Family Theatre, Purim Carnival and Snowman Building. Special treat for Kid’s Choice participants — see the 2013 World Series Trophy at the JCC on February 20th!

Come for one day or as many as you would like. Register at bostonjcc.org/schoolvacations. For more information, contact 617-558-6529 or schoolvacations@jccgb.org.

February 17th – 21st from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Leventhal-Sidman JCC
333 Nahanton Street, Newton

February Vacation @ the Library

Teen Crafternoons, Tuesday, February 18th, 3:30 pm
Get creative on Tuesdays in the second floor Teen Area of the Newton Free Library where teens will be hanging out working on Valentine’s day hearts and crafts.

Wearable Wednesday for Teens, Families and Adults, Wednesday, February 19, 3:00 pm (Teens) and 7:00 pm (Families and Adults)
Get creative at the Newton Free Library on  February 19th at 3:00 pm (Teens) and 7:00 pm (Families and Adults) in Druker Auditorium by creating your own wearable art. Experiment with EL Wire to make wearable EL Wire Art! EL Wire is a flexible, glowing wire that is powered by small battery packs. Deck out your clothing, glasses, lunch box, messenger bags, hoodie, necktie, bike or ski helmet. It’s easy to use to spice up any outfit. Feel free to bring your own clothing or items to decorate, or use what we have available. Kevin Osborn, local Maker and long-time engineer with a passion for teaching people to create things they may never have dreamed of, will lead the workshop. The Teen session is open to grades 6-12. Space is limited at both sessions. Register online, call 617-796-1389 or email teens@newtonfreelibrary.net.

Ender’s Game Movie Screening, Friday, February 21, 3:00 pm
Based on the classic dystopian novel by Orson Scott Card, we will be holding a screening of the film Ender’s Game in Druker Auditorium on  February 21st at 3:00 pm at the Newton Free Library. Rated PG-13, run time 114 min. Open to ages 13 and up. Snacks will be provided.

Teen Writing Workshop, Saturday, February 22, 2:00 pm
Join local YA writer, Kirsten Feldman, in the Newton Free Library Teen Area on February 22nd at 2:00 pm. Bring a writing sample to share with the group – a story, article, poem, or novel in the works. Ms. Feldman will read from her first book, No Alligators in Sight. The group will have the opportunity to comment on and ask questions about each piece as well do some writing, time permitting. Grades 6-12.

Hey Kids – It’s Time to Act Out in Newton!

Newton Freelance Troupe Enrolling Youth for Spring Season!

Hey kids – Waiting for that big moment on stage?! Come join the fun and get that chance! The Freelance Players, Inc., a musical theater company for young people founded in 1973, is now enrolling for its spring season. Children from all communities are encouraged to join!

The Newton Freelance Troupe meets on Mondays and is for children ages 8-12 with little or no acting experience. The Troupe produces one original musical each season. The spring season starts with auditions for new members – by appointment – on Monday, February 3rd. Physical and vocal techniques, drama improvisation, dance, auditioning, and singing are part of the rehearsal process. Theater professionals staff the company. The programs are tuition based and some financial assistance is available.

There are also Freelance Troupes in Newton (Mondays), Cambridge and Jamaica Plain (Tuesdays), Brookline and Needham (Fridays).

The Freelance Players is for older students, ages 12-16 and mounts larger scale musicals twice a year (December and May). The Players meet on Wednesdays at the Driscoll School and begins the spring season on Wednesday Jan. 22nd.

For more information or to schedule a first meeting, call 617-232-1175. The Freelance Players, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.  www.freelanceplayers.org  .

Sign up today to help with the TEACHER APPRECIATION LUNCHEON

Our annual teacher appreciation luncheon will take place on Wednesday, February 5th.  We need parents to provide a luncheon item, dessert or drinks. We also need volunteers to help set up and clean up. Set up is at 10:30am and clean up is at 3:15pm.

Please sign up here to donate and / or volunteer.

Items may be dropped off the morning of the luncheon in the teacher’s lunchroom or put in the refridgerator there. Please drop off all items no later than 10:30am. It is most helpful if items are brought in a recyclable container. Please send in your favorite lunch food!  Salads, sandwiches, entrees; whatever you think our wonderful teachers and staff will enjoy.

Thank you in advance for helping us show our appreciation for our teachers and staff.

For more information or if you have any questions, please contact the Teacher Appreciation Chairs, Maria Sullivan at mariasullivan47@gmail.com or Stacy Schwartz at staschwartz@gmail.com .

 

Rhythmic gymnastics, dance, and ballet

Rhythmic Dreams is pleased to offer a full day February vacation program (February 17th- 21st)  focusing on teaching rhythmic gymnastics, dance and ballet to girls ages 5 to 18. Full day (8:30 am – 5:00 pm) or half day (4 hours morning or afternoon) are available.

The program will include flexibility and strength training, apparatus handling with balls, hoops, ribbons, ropes and clubs and basic dance and ballet technique. Two workouts each day complemented by free time, games, arts and crafts during the lunch break. All levels of experience are welcome! Classes are held in the West Newton Armory. For more details please email info@rhythmicdreams.com or call 617-233-4493.

Know someone thinking about college?

Tracey Hyams is a private college admissions counselor offering expert guidance to students and families from Newton and surrounding communities. Using creativity, sensitivity, and humor, Tracey partners with families to maximize acceptances at colleges where students will shine. Excellent references from Newton families.

Services include:
· Academic and extracurricular planning
· Identifying “best fit” colleges based on students’ interests, strengths, and goals
· Understanding the admissions process and colleges’ priorities
· “Branding” the application
· Writing authentic and beautifully-crafted essays
· Planning helpful campus visits
· Creating portfolios and resumes
· Managing schedules, timelines and deadlines
· Developing relationships and demonstrating interest

Hourly rates and comprehensive packages are available. Contact info:
Tracey Hyams / College Advisor
Website: www.TraceyHyams.com
Email: TraceyHyams@gmail.com
Phone: 617-699-4704

Teen Events – Newton Free Library

Mother-Daughter Book Club with Holly Thompson, Author, January 28th, 7:00 pm. Meet in the second floor Teen Area for a lively discussion of The Language Inside by Holly Thompson. The author will be visiting to discuss her book with the group! All are welcome (even if you’ve never been to the book club!).

Teen Crafternoons, Tuesday, January 21st and February 4th, 3:30 pm
Get creative  in the second floor Teen Area of the Newton Free Library where teen can work on crafts and eat snacks. On January 21st, it will be working on some basics of bookbinding and on February 4th, hanging out working on Valentine’s day hearts and crafts.

Get Hooked: Knitting and Crochet Club, Thursday, February 6th, 7:00 pm
Meet up in the second floor Teen Area of the Newton Free Library for the ongoing Knitting and Crochet Club. The club meets the first Thursday of the month. They provide crochet hooks, knitting needles, yarn and the know-how to teach the basics of crocheting. You are welcome to bring your own project, share ideas and conversation. Refreshments will be served. Open to ages 10 and up.

Intro to the College Process, Monday, February 10, 7:00 pm
Please join a college workshop on Monday, February 10th, 7:00 pm in Druker Auditorium at the Newton Free Library. The program is aimed at students (especially Juniors) and parents. Students; is there such a thing as a “perfect fit”? How do you start your exploration and what really matters as you launch the college search and application process? Parents; what role should you play on this journey? How can you provide support, knowing how important it is for your children to take charge and make choices for themselves? Cory Alperstein, founder and principal of Future Choice College Consulting, will explore these questions and discuss some specific strategies to help your family survive the admissions process with positive outcomes for everyone involved! Ms. Alperstein will also cover stress reduction including how making choices early about academic, extra-curricular and social life is key to managing stress when the application process really begins. Bring your sense of humor!

Any questions please call Liz, the Teen Librarian, at 617-796-138 or email teens@newtonfreelibrary.net