Category Archives: Education/Enrichment

New music school

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Newton PTO Council in Advertisements, Community Notes, Education/Enrichment for , , |

Announcing the grand opening of the Maestro Musicians Academy at the Young Israel of Brookline in Coolidge Corner. Expert lessons in violin, viola, and cello. Perfect for children ages 4 and up.

Stellar faculty with emphasis on developing the potential of every unique student. Sign up for one week of our introductory sessions from 4:00-5:30 p.m. on June 24th-30th, July 22nd-28th, and August 19th- 25th.

Contact Artistic Director Daniel Broniatowski,  D.M.A. at 857-756-5230 or view the website. Parent tested, child approved!

Best-selling author Andrew Solomon in Newton

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Newton PTO Council in Advertisements, Community Notes, Education/Enrichment, Events for , , |

The Newton Partnership and Understanding Our Differences are honored to be hosting best-selling author Andrew Solomon in Newton on June 17 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm at Newton North High School.

Solomon’s book Far From the Tree is a magnificent work about extraordinary families of individuals affected by cognitive, physical or psychological differences.  Its focus is on parents who not only learn to cope with their exceptional children, but also find profound meaning in doing so. This thought-provoking book affirms the values of empathy and acceptance and is relevant for all kinds of parents and families.  Books will be available for purchase and a book signing will follow the event.

Registration is required at  http://understandingourdifferences.org/far-from-the-tree/.
Suggested donation is $5 at the door.  For a preview, view this YouTube Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bWH0DD800I.

Waban Library Center presents…

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Newton PTO Council in Advertisements, Community Notes, Education/Enrichment for , , |

Fiction Writing for Children Workshop (Adults only)

Over the last 20 years, the market for children’s novels has exploded. Yet writing for these age groups is challenging and more complicated than it may seem. In this workshop, local children’s book author Karen Day will introduce you to the world of novel writing for children. This will include an overview of the industry as well as tips on how to get started. 

Participants will write, share and discuss their work. No experience is necessary.This workshop will meet on Thursdays from 7:30-9pm and run for four consecutive weeks: May 30th, June 6th, June 13th and June 20th.  The fee for this four week workshop is $150. Karen Day has published middle grade novels TALL TALES, NO CREAM PUFFS and A MILLION MILES FROM BOSTON. . You may read more about her at www.klday.com. To register, please go to the http://www.wabanlibrarycenter.org/and print out the registration form.  If you have any questions, please email us at wabanlibrary@gmail.com.

Health & Safety events at Newton Boys & Girls Club

Posted on May 12, 2013 by Newton PTO Council in Community Notes, Education/Enrichment, Events for , |

The Newton Boys & Girls Club offers workshops and programs as part of its Annul Health and Safety Week celebration. The Club will have visits from the Newton Police Department, Newton Fire Department, Middlesex Sheriff’s Department, Suicide Prevention, and more! We hope that you will encourage your child or teen to attend. All activities are free and no reservation required.

Monday, May 13 @ 3:00PM
MEDA located in Newton MEDA specializes in eating disorders and promoting healthy eating & body image. They’ll be at the club to talk about their experience with eating disorders such as Bulimia, Anorexia and Binge Eating. Middle School & up

Tuesday, May 14 @ 3:00PM
Bill Phillips from New Beginnings will be at the Club once again, to make another impact on our members. He shares his life story of addiction and recovery, in an honest and hands on way. Middle School & up

Wednesday, May 15 @ 3:30PM AFSP – Suicide Prevention
Melanie Varandy will talk to our teens about depression. They will watch a video, and have a talk on depression, bullying, etc. What are the signs of depression, what to look for, who to call, and where to go.  Middle School & up

Just for Teens at Newton Free Library

Posted on May 12, 2013 by Newton PTO Council in Community Notes, Education/Enrichment, Events for , |

Teen Summer Reading Poster Making, Wednesdays, May 15 and 22, 3:30 pm Help prepare for this year’s teen Summer Reading Program, “Beneath the Surface.” We’ll be making a huge poster to hang in the teen area to publicize this summer’s festivities. Be ready to get messy as we paint, collage and more! Join us on either or both Wednesdays, May 15 and May 22 at the Newton Free Library in Druker Auditorium at 3:30 pm. Grades 6-12.

Teen Author Panel with Erin Dionne, Jo Knowles, and Gina Rosati, Wednesday, May 15, 7:00 pm
Join us for a special program with Erin Dionne author of Notes from an Accidental Band Geek, Jo Knowles, author of See You at Harry’s, and Gina Rosati, author of Auracle. Once each author has read a short excerpt from their book, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions. Wondering what the publishing process is like, how to find an agent or how long it takes to write a book? Here’s your chance to learn about the publishing and writing process. The program will take place at the Newton Free Library on Wednesday, May 15 at 7:00 pm in Druker Auditorium. A book signing will follow with books provided by New England Mobile Book Fair. Refreshments will be served.

Roxbury Repertory Theatre reads The Diary of Anne Frank, Saturday, May 18, 2:00 pm
Join us for a 90-minute staged reading adapted from Wendy Kessleman’s Tony Award nominated Broadway production of The Diary of Anne Frank. The reading will take place at the Newton Free Library on Saturday, May 18 at 2:00 pm in Druker Auditorium and will be given by members of the Roxbury Repertory Theatre under the direction of Marshall Hughes. Anne Frank’s candid writings have had an impact on communities worldwide and remind us of the cruelty, devastation and inhumanity of genocide. A question and answer period with the actors.

Questions about these or other offerings for teens at the library? Email the Teen Librarian or call the Newton Free Library at 617-796-1380. All programs are free and open to the public. The Newton Free Library is handicap accessible.

Honor a Teacher with donation to Newton Schools Foundation

Posted on May 12, 2013 by Newton PTO Council in Advertisements, Community Notes, Education/Enrichment for , , |

Every day, your child benefits from the exceptional Newton teachers and staff who motivate, educate, and inspire them to be the best they can be. Please support their efforts and honor their dedication to our children by donating to the 16th Annual “Honor Thy Teacher” Campaign of the Newton Schools Foundation. The Newton Schools Foundation supports teaching, learning and innovation in the Newton Public Schools.

The suggested donation is $25 per teacher or staff member. Donations are tax-deductible. There are several ways to donate:

· By check – Made out to “Newton Schools Foundation” and mailed, along with a note containing the name and school of the teacher(s) to be honored, to: 
Newton Schools Foundation, 100 Walnut Street, Newton, MA 02460

· By credit card – Phone the NSF office at 617-559-6120

· Online – Go to the NSF website, click the “Honor Thy Teacher” button and follow the instructions

We will notify staff and teachers of donations in their honor and publish their names in the Newton Tab in the fall. Donating to Honor Thy Teacher is the perfect way recognize Newton’s wonderful educators while supporting our schools.

 

May Offerings from Historic Newton, including House Tour

Posted on May 12, 2013 by Newton PTO Council in Community Notes, Education/Enrichment, Events for , , |

Historic Newton offers the following special programs and events during the month of May:

Saturday, May 18, 5:30-7:30 PM
HOUSE TOUR PREVIEW PARTY

The Preview Party celebrates the homeowners and the homes being featured on our 31st Annual Tour. Join us for sumptuous hors d’oeuvres and fine wines and get a sneak preview of the homes featured on the Tour. Individual tickets $125 each by advance registration only. Sponsorship opportunities also available; buy tickets online or over the phone at 617.796.1450.

Sunday, May 19, noon-5:00 PM
31st ANNUAL HOUSE TOUR
Featuring private homes that highlight interior design, architecture, and historic renovation throughout Newton, the House Tour benefits Historic Newton’s programming. Advance sale tickets: $25 for Historic Newton members/$35 for nonmembers. Ticket prices increase $5 the day before the tour, so buy now and save! Buy your House Tour tickets on the Historic Newton website or by calling 617.796.1450.

Thursday, May 23, 7:30 PM
HISTORY BOOK CLUB MEETING
This month’s book selection is Choosing War: The Lost Chance for Peace and the Escalation of War in Vietnam by Fredrik Logevall. Recognized as a major work and a touchstone for any future discussion of the origins of America’s military escalation in Vietnam, the book exploits a wide array of new sources to explore America’s Vietnam policy. Well written and accessible, it cogently and systematically undermines the argument that America’s military escalation in Vietnam was in any way inevitable or necessary. The book club is free and open to all, new members are welcome.

In addition, current exhibitions include:

Confronting Our Legacy: Slavery and Antislavery in the North: a three-dimensional learning center with hands-on activities and information about colonial slavery, the Underground Railroad, and local abolitionists.

An Architect Ahead of Her Time: Annie Cobb (1830-1911): Arguably the first woman architect in America, Cobb succeeded in fashioning a career for herself in the male world of building in a time when women’s work was mainly limited to the home.

Newton and the Civil War: showcasing Newton residents in the Civil War. Also be sure to visit our new Women’s Fashions of the Civil War Era exhibit.

 

Summer Speech and Language Program at Emerson College

Posted on May 5, 2013 by Newton PTO Council in Community Notes, Education/Enrichment, Summer for , |

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Emerson College is offering a six-week speech and language therapy program to children and students, ages 3 – 12, in the City of Newton with documented need for services.

Supervised graduate students in speech-language pathology will provide individualized one-on-one therapy, twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays beginning July 8th and ending August 14th for a total of 12 sessions.

All sessions meet at the Newton Educational Center on 100 Walnut Street on the 3rd floor. The fee is $375.00 for 12 one-hour sessions. Spaces are limited but applications will be accepted until the program is filled.

Applications are available from school speech-language pathologists or by contacting Laura Glufling-Tham, MS, CCC/SLP at Emerson College via email or by phone at 617-824-8318.

Open Gym for Middle Schoolers, Tuesdays 4-6pm

Posted on May 5, 2013 by Newton PTO Council in Community Notes, Education/Enrichment, Sports for |

Newton Public Schools is offering students in grades 6, 7 and 8 the opportunity to participate in a FREE recreational fitness program at Day Middle School every Tuesday from 4:00-6:00 P.M., starting April 2nd through the end of the school year.

Based on student interest, the instructor may organize specific activities (e.g., basketball, dance). The program will be supervised by Tyler Wachtelhausen, Physical Education, Health and Wellness Teacher at Day.

Registration is required. Registration Forms are available in every middle school’s Main Office, or you can email Susan Linn for a copy.

 

Mediatrician coming to Newton

Posted on May 4, 2013 by Newton PTO Council in Community Notes, Education/Enrichment, Events for , , |

Join Dr. Michael Rich as he discusses the impact of technology on children and teens.  Dr. Rich is the Director of the Center on Media and Child Health at Children’s Hospital in Boston. Topics he will discuss include:

  • Strategies and tips to manage children’s use of technology
  • How to fight the “crowd” mentality 
  • Addictive nature of technology as it relates to children with attention issues
  •  Impact of violence and inappropriate content on child development

For more information go to www.northptso.org

May 8,  7:00 p.m.  -  8:15 p.m.
Newton North Auditorium
Light refreshments