Category Archives: Education/Enrichment

Discovery After School Club for kids K-4

Register now for the Discovery After School Club 2020-2021 school year. This warm, enriching after school program, conveniently located at the Leventhal-Sidman JCC in Newton, offers a variety of workshop choices with integrated Jewish content. Experience service projects, Jewish holiday celebrations and more in this vibrant community! Engaging, expert-led workshops include art, basketball, chess, coding, cooking, dance, drama, farming, floor hockey, Hebrew, music, nature exploration, robotics, STEM, tennis and yoga. For children in grades K-4. Early bird special available until May 1st.

For more information, including pricing and registration, visit bostonjcc.org/afterschool or contact discoveryclub@jccgb.org or 617-558-6483. Early release day options available. Open to the entire community.

Communication Study for Mental Health

A team at Harvard Medical School hopes to offer a training to parents of teens and young adults ages 14-24. The training will revolve around communication strategies that can help parents decrease conflict with their child and encourage healthy changes. It is a part of a study they hope will provide parents with the skills necessary to build their confidence!

Participants who enroll will learn and practice motivational interviewing skills in a group-based course with other parents.

Lunch will be provided and parking/transportation fees can be reimbursed. On-site childcare during the training is available. Participants will have the opportunity to earn up to $75.00 by completing pre- and post-course surveys. Click here for the flyer.

If you know someone who might benefit from this study, or if you have any questions, please email MIStudy@bidmc.harvard.edu, call 617- 982-3441, or visit Milostudy.com.

Sessions planned for May 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd
75 Fenwood Rd, Boston

How can we improve sustainability in Newton Schools?

Join parents, educators and students working together to promote sustainability in Newton schools. At Green Newton’s Schools Connections’  meetings, all are welcome to participate, share experiences and ideas. If your school does not yet have a Green Team, they can help to establish one.

For more information contact schoolconnections@greennewton.org or visit www.schools.greennewton.org

March 12th,  3:45 – 5:00 pm
Third floor arc area of the Newton Free Library

Affinity Group Meeting

Please join FORJ@Cabot for the second affinity and ally group planning meeting.

RSVP HERE 

This meeting is open to all parents of elementary aged children in the Newton Public Schools. Please RSVP so they can figure out how to group folks at the meeting. Children who can entertain themselves are welcome. After a great first meeting in January, where the group discussed what affinity and ally groups are, what parents are looking to gain from these groups for ourselves and our children, and initial steps to get the groups off the ground.

At the second meeting, the hope is to dive right into more in-depth discussions about organizing and getting the groups off the ground. So far, interest has been expressed for the following groups: families of color, multiracial families, moms of color, asian/south asian, LGBTQ+, single parents, black/african parents, latinx families, religious minorities, families of color with children who are differently abled/disabled/neurodivergent, and ally groups (for all of the above).

March 10th,  7:00 – 8:30 pm
Cabot Cafeteria, 229 Cabot Street

Spring musical at NSHS

Please come to the Spring musical when NSHS South Stage presents Jesus Christ Superstar, a 1970 rock opera with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, stage directed by Jeff Knoedler with music direction by Ben Youngman, and set in a contemporary, urban setting. The story is loosely based on the Gospels account of the last week of Jesus’ life.

Tickets are on sale online at SouthStage.org beginning on March 9th and will also be available at the door. Ticketing in advance is recommended.

March 19th, 20th and 21st, 7:30PM
Seasholes Auditorium, Newton South High School

 

Spring Classes for All Ages and Interests

Registration is underway for Spring classes for children and adults. Classes begin during the week of March 29th and are open to the entire community.  Classes for children include aquatics, art, dance, STEM, sports and more.  Classes for adults include painting, Pilates, Basketball Leagues and Tai Chi.

A sampling of free children’s classes will be offered on March 22nd, 1 -2:30 pm during a STEM Free Day of Play. Children can explore space with Mad Science’s NASA program, hop onto a giant chess board with a former US Women’s Chess Champion, code with KIBO robots, and get hands on with nature exploration. Super Soccer Stars will also be facilitating pick-up soccer games and sample clinics. View entire listing of Spring classes and register at bostonjcc.org/classes or call 617-558-6443.

Leventhal-Sidman JCC, 333 Nahanton Street, Newton

After School this Spring at Newton Community Farm

Farm Tuesdays for ages 7-11. Please register here Farm.

This program for elementary-school kids meets weekly on Tuesday afternoons. Kids will start seedlings for planting at the farm and at home, care for chickens and help prepare the learning garden for the growing season. Rain or shine they’ll spend most of the afternoon outdoors learning about the farm, working in the garden, playing games and doing projects. Fee is $160.00 per child. Contact education@newtoncommunityfarm.org with questions or for more information.

Session meets Tuesdays March 31st – May 26th (no class April 21st), 1:30 – 3:00 pm
Newton Community Farm, 303 Nahanton Street, Newton

Newton South English Teacher will run 2020 Boston Marathon for Newton Schools Foundation

Jasmine Lellock, Newton South High School English teacher, will run this year’s Boston Marathon to raise funds for Newton Schools Foundation (NSF). Her goal is to raise $5000 to support important programs that enhance students’ educational experience in the Newton Public Schools.

Jasmine began running in 2003, when her students encouraged her to run some laps
with their indoor track team. That spring, she ran her first 26-miler, the Cape Cod Marathon, and she’s run 12 marathons since.

“Students inspired me to start running, and they’ve been part of my journey ever since,”
said Jasmine. She coached the Randolph High School track team and ran the Providence
Marathon twice alongside members of the Newton South Dreamfar Team. This year she met her life goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon–by 8 seconds!

“I feel honored to run my first ever Boston Marathon for Newton Schools Foundation,”
said Jasmine. ”NSF supports programs that encourage high achievement for all students, and as a teacher at Newton South High School, I’ve personally experienced the benefits of their work,” she said. “Students in my class have participated in the Courageous she said. “Students in my class have participated in the Courageous Conversations About Race program, which NSF funds, and I’ve attended several professional development workshops through the Teachers as Scholars Program, funded by a grant from NSF, I’ve also been part of NSF’s annual Honor Thy Teacher recognition program.”

“We’re thrilled and privileged to have Jasmine run for Newton Schools Foundation,”
said Marcia Tabenken, NSF co-president. “Her commitment to helping students achieve success in the classroom and on the track makes Jasmine an ideal ambassador for NSF in this year’s Boston Marathon.”

NSF is committed to expanding opportunities for all students in the Newton Public
Schools, by funding programs in three broad areas: New and promising initiatives, professional development opportunities for teachers, and programs that close gaps in achievement and opportunity. NSF-supported programs span all grades, preschool-high school, and include the areas of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math), sustainability, literacy, civics, the arts, and social/emotional development.

To donate to Jasmine’s run, click
https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/jasmines-boston-marathon-charity-run

Jasmine will host a trivia night fundraiser on March 12th, 7:00 – 10:00 pm at Baramor, 45 Union Street, Newton Centre To purchase tickets at $40.00 per person, please Venmo @Jasmine-Lellock.

Newton Schools Foundation is a 501(c) 3, non-profit organization, whose mission is to advance excellence and equity in the Newton Public Schools by funding promising initiatives, professional development, and programs that close gaps in achievement and opportunity.

Newton Porchfest 2020 Sign ups are open!

Spring is just around the corner. Let’s get ready for Porchfest 2020!

PorchFest is an afternoon of music performances on porches and driveways around Newton. Porchfest 2019 included 100+ musical groups performing all over Auburndale, Lower Falls and in Waban Center.  They hope to match or exceed the number of performances this year!

NewtonPorchfest 2020 is scheduled June 6th (raindate June 7th).

Participate in Porchfest as a

•Host:  Sign up to host a band on your porch, lawn or driveway.  PorchFest will take place in Auburndale, Lower Falls and Waban Center.
•Performer:  Are you a singer-songwriter, part of a jazz quartet, rock band, or dancer?  All forms of musical talent, all ages are welcome!
•Volunteer:  They’d love your help!
•Donor:  Newton PorchFest is funded entirely by donations.  Any and all donations are welcome.

Sign up to participate or to learn more about Porchfest 2020 at https://newton.porchfest.info/

Cello for sale

Cello used by former Zervas students for in-school lessons.  Cheaper than renting!  $200.00. Please call or text Leigh Gilligan at 617-851-3196.