Category Archives: Community Notes

BAT’s Winter Basketball Program

Posted on February 23, 2020 by Newton PTO Council in Advertisements, Community Notes, Sports for , |

For Boys and Girls ages 7-14
1 session = $75.00
4 sessions = $260.00
2 athletes for 4 sessions = $390.00
Saturday’s February 29th, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Hyde Community Center, Newton Highlands

Registration: Click here to sign-up!

When Strep Causes OCD, Anxiety and More

Posted on February 23, 2020 by Newton PTO Council in Community Notes, Education/Enrichment, Events for , , |

The Dearborn Academy Speaker Series is hosting a panel discussion on the little-known but disabling PANS/PANDAS syndromes.  The diseases can occur when strep, other infections or environmental factors cause a misdirected immune response resulting in inflammation on a child’s brain. This response, in turn, can trigger the sudden onset of ADHD, OCD, disabling anxiety, a decline in math and reading skills, and more.

While researchers are only beginning to study and understand the PANS/PANDAS syndromes, the panel will provide the latest information on causes and treatment.

Register: bit.ly/DA-PANS-PANDAS

March 12th, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
575 Washington Street, Newton

School Committee Update

Posted on February 14, 2020 by Newton PTO Council in Community Notes, From Newton Public Schools

Dear Friends,

This update is for the 2/10/2020 Newton School Committee meeting:

Superintendent Update

  • School teams used the early release on Thursday, February 6th for Professional Development in the following areas:
    • Elementary worked on Social Emotional Learning and Culturally Responsive Classrooms.
    • Middle worked on departmental frameworks and content.
    • Newton North worked on Race and Achievement.
    • Newton South worked on Social Emotional Learning.
  • On Wednesday, February 12th at 7 PM the NNHS Chinese Program and the Jingshan Exchange Program will co-host a fundraiser to benefit Jingshan School and to buy medical supplies for Wuhan University Hospital to help battle against the outbreak of Coronavirus.  Newton North alum, comedian Jesse Appell, will perform a comedy show followed by a NNHS student performance. Purchase tickets and make donations here: http://bit.ly/2vSkeFL.

Discussions/Updates

  • Information Technology and Library Department Goals – Director of IT, Steven Rittendi, presented an update that included information on the 1:1 Chromebook Initiative, Data Analytics planning and Infrastructure.
  • Mid-Year Superintendent Goals and Systemwide Goals Update – This update included a look at three specific areas of work:
    • Administrative Council: working towards projects aligned with existing district goals.
    • District Data Team: Using data to improve instruction.
    • Middle School Content Teams: Teams within all 5 major content areas working on professional development and data-driven student learning and performance focused inquiry cycles.
  • Fiscal/Operations – Chief Financial Officer, Liam Hurley, presented our second Fiscal and Operations Update of the school year. The district has spent 50% of the annual budget and our financial outlook was described as a “good news story” at this time.
  • Facilities Report – Chief Financial Officer, Liam Hurley, reviewed several projects currently underway including:
    • Cabot – Completed and will be coming off Facilities report.
    • Lincoln-Eliot/NECP – School Building Project – Bidding to start in May and estimated to be completed by 9/2021.
    • Horace Mann – Improvements including modular classrooms and a new playground.
    • Phase 3 Solar Panel Updates.
    • Oak Hill – construction of 3 additional permanent classrooms.
  • Discussion: Policy Update FA (Facilities Goals) and Policy Update ADF (Wellness) – Added language that reflects our transportation and sustainability initiatives.

Consent Agenda

Next Meeting

  • On Monday, March 16th at 7:00 PM the School Committee will have a Special School Committee meeting.  We review the budget in the instructional areas of Elementary, Secondary and Teaching & Learning.

We hope you found this summary useful. You can access all SC meeting documents via the NPS website (www.newton.k12.ma.us/schoolcommittee). Additionally, if you are interested in watching a School Committee meeting from home or a recorded meeting, you can obtain access via www.newtv.org. We also offer “Virtual Office Hours” once a month using Facebook Live to provide the community with an opportunity to ask questions and share thoughts with members of the School Committee. Videos of past “Virtual Office Hours” are archived on the district Facebook page.

As always, we are very happy to answer any questions or discuss any concerns you may have. Please feel free to contact us via the email address below.

Sincerely,
The Newton School Committee

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

Comedy for a Cause ????!

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

Jesse Appell ??? Newton Fundraiser for Wuhan

Help a good cause and learn about life and comedy in China! Jesse is a comedy star in China, performing for millions on TV. Jesse’s one-man-show about life in China and the situation in Wuhan is a one-of-a-kind event. (Attached is the flyer)

NNHS Chinese Program and Jingshan Exchange Program invite you to enjoy Newton North alum Jesse Appell’s comedy show, along with the NNHS student performance. Buy tickets and make donations here http://bit.ly/2vSkeFL

This performance will be in English. All ticket sales will be donated to Jingshan School and to buy medical supplies for Wuhan University Hospital.

February 12th, 7:00 pm
Newton North auditorium

Jesse Appell is a Fulbright fellow alumnus based in Beijing who researches and performs Chinese comedy. He is the disciple of Cross-talk Master Performer Ding Guangquan. Jesse’s TV and Internet performances have reached hundreds of millions of viewers in China and around the world. He aims to use comedy to bring people together.

Below are some media coverage of Jesse:

CBS Evening News with Seth Doane
Jesse on the front page of the Boston Globe
The Chinese standup routine from a major TV show (with subtitles)

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