Author Archives: caroline-w

Summer ACT Boot Camp

The ACT is the college-readiness standardized test of choice in most of our country, and it is steadily gaining in popularity here in Massachusetts. It is accepted by all colleges and may be a better choice for some students. The ACT tests math, science, reading, and writing (the writing portion of the test is optional). NCE is pleased to partner with Summit Educational Group to offer a comprehensive program that covers all sections of the ACT exam. You’ll cover fundamental academic skills like algebra, critical reading, and grammar, as well as essential test-taking strategies.

The program will run Monday – Thursday. Students will take a full-length practice exam during the first class (1:00 pm finish that day). All materials are provided. Register at newtoncommunityed.org or call 617-559-6999.

August 20th – 23rd, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Attention Angier, Bowen, Franklin, Horace Mann, Memorial Spaulding and Ward Schools

Volunteers from Angier, Bowen, Franklin, Horace Mann, Memorial Spaulding and Ward Schools are needed for a School Survey.

Green Newton’s Schools Connections Group in collaboration with Newton’s Department of Environmental Affairs, needs volunteers to conduct a recycling survey on “waste, recycling and composting practices” in the schools listed above.

Volunteers from other Newton schools have offered to conduct the survey, which involves documenting observations by doing a walk-through of the school. Some questions may require communication with custodial staff, administrative staff, or faculty. We ask that volunteers read through the assessment BEFORE starting it, and please plan for a few hours or so to complete it in the next few weeks if possible.

Here’s the survey: Sustainable Materials Management Survey.

The data to be collected will help to better focus city resources on significantly improving the sustainability of our schools. Please contact in**@*********on.org to let us know if you are interested in volunteering for this project.

School Committee Update

Dear Friends,

This update is for the 05/30/2018 Newton School Committee meeting:

With over 1800 views, our first School Committee “Virtual Office Hours” was a huge success.  We held our second one last night and you can view the video on the district Facebook page here: www.facebook.com/newtonps.

  • To start, we held a public meeting and voted unanimously to decline participation in the Massachusetts School Choice program. To clarify, this is not related to school choice for Newton residents within the district. The School Choice program allows students from outside of Newton to apply to attend Newton Public Schools. It is a statewide program in which districts can choose to participate or not. This public meeting and vote is required by law and it is a decision that must be reaffirmed annually.
  • Toby Romer and Mary Eich were joined by Interim IT Director Tom Gwin, to provide an update on the One Student/One Device Pilot.  The pilot will continue next year when, starting in January, Chromebooks are planned to be distributed to the entire 10th grade at Newton North and Newton South. To learn more about the program and to view the presentation to the School Committee, visit: www.newton.k12.ma.us/laptop.
  • Members of the Equity Committee presented an update to the Equity Guidelines.  Most notable changes to the guidelines were a lowered per pupil spending cap of $80 and the formation of a Working Group to consider pooled PTO funds.
  • We had a chance to recognize Newton Public School students including:
    • Our Newton School Committee student representatives, Brooke Hackel, Michael Ryter and Max Teszler, all who are graduating this year.
    • The Newton North Graphic Design students who participated in the project to redesign the district logo: Arthur Dutra, Liam MacIntyre, Mia Patriacca, Emma Nephtali, Li Shandross and Grant Yee. A special thank you to Li Shandross for designing the logo chosen for district use.
  • Lastly, we unanimously voted to relocate the Horace Mann Elementary School to 225 Nevada Street, currently the site of the Carr Building, in September 2019. This was the official vote to affirm the long-term facilities plan we have been using.

Upcoming Meetings:

  • June 11th @7PM: Year-End Reports: Superintendent’s Goals and Systemwide Goals, Student Assignment Working Group (SAWG) Recommendation, Student Services Update, Vote: EDCO Board Member.
  • June 18th @7PM: SEPAC Update, High School Start Time Update, Fiscal and Operational Update and Facilities Update, Discussion of Superintendent’s Assessment.

We hope you have found this summary useful. You can access all School Committee meeting documents via the NPS website (https://www.newton.k12.ma.us/domain/69). Additionally, if you are interested in watching an SC meeting from home or a recorded meeting, you can obtain access via www.newtv.org.

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. Have a wonderful week!

Sincerely,

The Newton School Committee

Washington Street Vision

Participate in Hello Washington Street to provide input and help shape the future
of Washington Street. Public Design Week will feature a Pop Up Workspace
June 5th -12th, 8:30 am – 9:00 pm.

For information, email wa**************@******ma.gov, call 617-796-1120, visit
facebook.com/hellowashingtonstreet or check out this notice
http://www.newtonma.gov/civicax/filebank/documents/89637

Newton Firefighters want to help extinguish hunger in Newton!

From June 8th to June 22nd, Newton Firefighters will be holding a food drive on behalf of the three food pantries in Newton; the Centre Street Food Pantry, the Newton Food Pantry and the Arabic Baptist Church, which together serve more than 1,000 families a month in our community.

Please donate canned or packaged non-perishable food items (that are not opened or expired) and toiletries (standard size) to your local fire station. Let’s support the Newton Firefighters in their fight to end hunger in our neighborhoods!

Final Open House

The Newton Highlands After-School Program, just for middle school children, is hosting a final spring Open House. This is a terrific opportunity for parents of 5th graders to learn more about the program as they plan for the next school year. Space is limited … Sign up today! For more information please contact Rochelle Acker at 617-999-4617 or visit highlandsafterschool.org.

June 4th, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Brigham House, 20 Hartford Street, Newton Highlands