Category Archives: Education/Enrichment

Tech time impacts development

Posted on February 9, 2020 by Newton PTO Council in Community Notes, Education/Enrichment, Events for , , |

Come to a viewing of the documentary “Screenagers” followed by a discussion on technology and our children.

Learn more at www.screenagersmovie.com. From the website, “Through poignant, and unexpectedly funny stories, along with surprising insights from authors, psychologists, and brain scientists, SCREENAGERS reveals how tech time impacts kids’ development and offers solutions on how adults can empower kids to best navigate the digital world and find balance.”

February 11th, 7:00 pm
Newton North High School Auditorium

Sponsored by the Newton PTO Council. Hosted by Horace Mann, Franklin, Lincoln-Eliot and Peirce elementary schools

Provide your input on the Open Space & Recreation Plan

Posted on February 9, 2020 by Newton PTO Council in Community Notes, Education/Enrichment, Other for , , |

Newton is required to update its Open Space & Recreation Plan every five years. The City is in the midst of updating it now. To learn more about the Open Space Plan visit http://www.newtonma.gov/gov/planning/conserv/area/default.asp

The on-line community survey will allow everyone an opportunity to provide insights and personal priorities regarding open space and recreation. You can access the survey using this link: https://forms.gle/YDChrou3ZJUp8M4g8 until February 13th.

The second public meeting (date TBD) will serve as an opportunity for residents to provide feedback and comments on a full draft of the OSRP. Please check the website link listed above in the Survey section, to check for announcements regarding the date, time, and location.

Do you want to improve sustainability in Newton schools?

Posted on February 9, 2020 by Newton PTO Council in Community Notes, Education/Enrichment, Events, From PTO Council, Other for , , |

Join parents, educators and students who are working together to promote sustainability in Newton schools.

If your school does not yet have a Green Team, they can help you to establish one. Representatives of the group participate in discussions to improve food quality and sustainability in school cafeterias. They are also advocating for more in-depth climate science to be taught in our schools, as well as setting up textile recycling collection containers outside of each school building. All are welcome to participate and share experiences and ideas.

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

February 13th,  3:45 – 5:00 pm
Third floor arc area of the Newton Free Library

You’re Invited to a Northland Project Forum presented by the League of Women Voters

Posted on February 9, 2020 by Newton PTO Council in Community Notes, Education/Enrichment, Events, Other for , , |

Yes or No – Proposed Northland Development Project on Needham and Oak Streets

Newton voters will have a chance to decide the future of the Northland Development Project in a binding referendum election to take place on March 3rd, 2020 (coinciding with the presidential primary election).

The question to be placed before the voters is “Shall the following measure which was passed by the City Council be approved?

A measure which changes the zoning of parcels of land located at 156 Oak Street, 275-281 Needham Street and 55 Tower Road (commonly known as the Northland Project) from Mixed Use 1 District (MU1) to Business 4 District (BU4). The zoning change would allow for the construction of the Northland Project as described in a special permit and site plan approval granted by the City Council.”

Join the LWVN Forum and learn about this referendum question. You will hear from presenters on both sides of the issues and, at the end of the presentations, attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions.

RSVPs to info@lwvnewton.org or via Facebook are appreciated!

February 13th, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
The Durant Kendrick House, 286 Waverley Avenue, Newton

For more information about the Northland Project, visit the City of Newton website; The Committee for Responsible Development; Yes for Newton’s Future .

Have Fun Dancing Over February Break

Posted on February 9, 2020 by Newton PTO Council in Advertisements, Community Notes, Education/Enrichment, School Breaks, Sports for , |

Stay active over February break and learn some new dance moves! Students will enjoy a mix of dance styles along with fun games and arts and crafts! Open to boys and girls of all levels ages 3-6 years and 7-12 years. Join for 1 day or all 3!

This program is taught by the experienced faculty at the Joanne Langione Dance Center in West Newton. Learn more about JLDC’s 44 years of teaching dance to the Newton community, state-of-the-art facility and all class offerings for kids ages 6 mo – 18 years old at www.jldancecenter.com. Or call or email 617-969-8724 or angela@jldancecenter.com.

Register at http://www.jldancecenter.com/specialevents/

Join for one day or all three. $60.00/day or $150.00 for all 3.
Students should bring their lunch and snack and wear anything they are comfortable moving in.

February 18th, 19th & 20th, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Peter and the Wolf Family Concert

Posted on February 9, 2020 by Newton PTO Council in Advertisements, Community Notes, Education/Enrichment, Events for , , |

Share the joy of the symphony with your family at New Philharmonia’s production of Peter and the Wolf.

Mayor Ruthanne Fuller will join the orchestra in guiding children through the magical musical fairy tale as each character is represented by a different instrument in the orchestra. Children will be able to imagine Prokofiev’s classic tale as Peter catches the hungry wolf and parades the animal through town. Following the concert, the always popular instrument petting zoo returns, where children can try playing their favorite instruments.

Tickets for Peter and the Wolf are $10.00 for students and $18.00 for adults and can be purchased at www.newphil.org.

March 1st,  3:00 pm
First Baptist Church, Newton Centre

Nursery School spots available

Posted on February 9, 2020 by Newton PTO Council in Advertisements, Community Notes, Education/Enrichment for , |

Second Church Nursery School, the #1-rated preschool in Newton, is still accepting applications for a limited number of spaces for the 2020-2021 school year. Learn more at https://ilovenewton.com/second-church-nursery-school-has-spots-for-next-year/.

Public Speaking for Middle Schoolers

Posted on February 9, 2020 by Newton PTO Council in Advertisements, Community Notes, Education/Enrichment for |

Is your child the next Greta Thunberg? Interested in public speaking, debate, and civic engagement?

Debate Spaces is a Harvard-affiliated nonprofit providing best-in-class programming to middle school students by national award-winning former college debaters. Sign up for  spring programming now– pizza lunch included!

Please reach out to info@debatespaces.org with any questions you may have!

Learn-to-Skate Lessons

Posted on February 9, 2020 by Newton PTO Council in Advertisements, Community Notes, Education/Enrichment, Sports for , , |

Do you want to introduce your kids to ice skating or get them ready for hockey, recreational or figure skating and give them the opportunity to skate with other kids their age? Bay State Skating School is a non-profit organization that has for over 50 years dedicated itself to introducing kids to the joys of ice skating. Professional instructors teach Recreational, Figure and Hockey skating skills to children ages 4 – 18, from absolute beginners to experienced skaters.

Classes are held at the Newton/Brighton Daly Rink on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00 pm; at the Cleveland Circle Reilly Rink on Thursdays and Fridays at 4:00 pm and Sundays at 1:00 pm; West Roxbury Roche Arena on Sundays at 4:00 pm; and at the Waltham Veterans Rink on Saturday at 1:00 pm and Sundays at 4:00 pm.

For more information, check out the website and registration information at www.baystateskatingschool.org

Newton Theatre Kids

Posted on February 9, 2020 by Newton PTO Council in Advertisements, Community Notes, Education/Enrichment, Summer for , |

This summer, Newton Theatre Kids is excited to offer students entering grades 5-8 the opportunity to hone their theatrical abilities in a supportive and engaging environment. Each of the three intensives lasts for one week and focuses on a different genre of theater, allowing participants to develop meaningful new skills while increasing their confidence and versatility as performers. All experience levels welcome!

Week #1: Hey Little Songbird Cabaret Crew, July 6th – 10th

Week #2: Best Foot Forward Audition Bootcamp, July 13th – 17th

Week #3: Breaking Down the Bard Shakespeare Workshop, July 20th – 24th

For assistance with questions, email Intensive Series Director Abby Lass at abby@ntcmass.org or for more information and to register, visit https://www.newtontheatrecompany.com/kids.html.