Author Archives: caroline-w

“Food Allergies: What You Need to Know Now”

Food Allergies: What You Need to Know Now
Life-threatening food allergies now affect an estimated 4% of teens and adults and up to 8% of young children. Allergist Curtis Moody, MD, will discuss the evolving understanding of food allergies and how to prevent and handle severe allergic reactions at the Metro-Boston Allergy and Asthma Educational Support Group, which meets at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. The program is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is not required.

November 10th, 7:00 pm
Newton-Wellesley Hospital. Free.

For info, call the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, New England Chapter at 781-444-7778 or visit www.asthmaandallergies.org

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Kitten available

Adorable nine week old kitten ready for adoption. A Newton family that occasionally fosters kittens for shelters has one very sweet, playful and healthy kitten ready to be adopted. They have formed a strong connection with him and were hoping to find a local home instead of returning him to the shelter for adoption. He has been neutered and vaccinated.

If you’re interested, would like to see him, please contact Marsha at mh******@***il.com.

Election is November 3rd

The League of Women Voters Voters’ Guide, a resource on the candidates who are running for all the municipal offices on November 3rd, is available here.

Read short biographies of all the Aldermen, School Committee and Charter Commission candidates, as well as their answers to questions about issues concerning our community. Print copies will be available at Newton City Hall, the Newton Free Library, the Senior Center in Newtonville, and other locations around Newton. Click here for more information.

Verify your ward/precinct: http://apps.newtonma.gov/apps/WPInternet/index.asp
Check your voter registration status: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/VoterRegistrationSearch/MyVoterRegStatus.aspx

‘Big Dream’ — Free STEM Inspiration Event for Girls, Grades 6-12, Nov. 14

‘Big Dream’ — Free STEM Inspiration Event for Girls, Grades 6-12

Middle and high school girls are invited to a free STEM event on Saturday, November 14, 2:00 pm –  4:30 pm, in Newton Free Library’s Druker Auditorium. Meet with over a dozen women scientists and engineers in a wide range of fields and careers. View an inspiring documentary, “Big Dream”, which tells the stories of seven young women as they face challenges pursuing STEM careers. Discuss the issues the film raises. Ask questions. Get answers and new ideas.

Space is limited and registration is required. Register at http://bit.ly/BigDream-Nov14.

This Envision the Future event is sponsored by the John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club, the Newton Free Library, and NewtonSTEM. Ice cream provided by the generosity of Cabot’s. For more information, visit NewtonSTEM.org or contact Liz Rowland at 617-796-1380 or te***@***************ry.net.

Letter from the Superintendent

Dear Newton Families,

As many of you know, college admissions has become an increasingly frenetic and pressured process. While our high schools in Newton have developed a college planning philosophy designed to support students and families, the energy, angst and resource devoted to the process can push some students and their families to the brink. What should we do about a phenomenon that can feel out of control?

New York Times columnist and best selling author, Frank Bruni, has written a compelling new book which offers a thoughtful perspective on college admissions. In sum, Bruni argues that where a student goes to college is far less important than many of us previously believed. The book offers a counter narrative for students and their families who feel that their future and self-worth depends on a “yes” or a “no” from a certain group of colleges.

I think Bruni’s perspective is especially timely given that we have seen a spike in stress and anxiety among our students. Since reading the book, I have a consistently quoted Bruni when the topic of college admissions comes up in conversation: “Where you go is not who you’ll be.” I hope this message resonates with others after reading his book.

On Wednesday, December 2nd, I will hold a superintendent/parent book discussion on Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be. It will give us an opportunity to talk about the book as a community and hear from a panel with extensive experience in the college admissions process. The panelists will include:

  • Jennifer King, College Consultant and Retired Guidance Department Head, Newton South High School
  • Beth Swederkas, Guidance Department Head, Newton North High School
  • Ronne Patrick Turner, Associate Vice President for Enrollment and Dean of Admissions – Northeastern University

Here are the details:
December 2nd  7:00 -8:30 pm
Newton South Library

Here is the link with further information about the book. We have also included articles written by Frank Bruni on the topic.http://www.newton.k12.ma.us/bookdiscussion2015

I hope to see you for what should be a lively conversation on December 2nd.

Sincerely,

David Fleishman

Superintendent of Schools

November 3rd Election Information

The League of Women Voters Voters’ Guide, a resource on the candidates who are running for all the municipal offices on November 3rd, is available here.

Read short biographies of all the Aldermen, School Committee and Charter Commission candidates, as well as their answers to questions about issues concerning our community. Print copies will be available at Newton City Hall, the Newton Free Library, the Senior Center in Newtonville, and other locations around Newton. Click here for more information.

NewPAC meeting: Basic Rights in Special Education

Basic Rights in Special Education including recent changes in special education law.

Attorney Tim Sindelar will cover basic rights of children and parents under special education law including recent changes in special education laws and decisions by the MA Board of Special Education Appeals. There will be ample time for questions and answers.
For more information, contact Eileen at ei***********************@***il.com.

Newton Parent Advisory Council (NewtonPAC) for Special Education meetings are free and open to all people interested in learning more about special education.

October 28th
Light refreshments and networking begin at 7:15 pm, presentation begins at 7:30 pm
The Education Center, Room 304
100 Walnut Street
Newton

Free Dress Up and Dance Halloween Party

Joanne Langione Dance Center is hosting its annual Hip Hop Halloween Dress Up and Dance Party. Bring friends! Its FREE and open to the public. Please register via phone or email: 617-969-8724 or em***@***********er.com

October 30th
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm – Ages 2-6
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm – Ages 7-9
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm – Ages 9-12

Joanne Langione Dance Center
38 Border Street, Newton

Enjoy a Fun Night Out and Support the SEGA Girls School in Tanzania

Join in the fun and raise critical funds for the SEGA Girls School in Tanzania at the 6th Annual Nurturing Minds African Evening!

Sipping for SEGA, on November 6th, is a festive night at the Mass Horticultural Society’s beautiful Elm Bank in Wellesley. This year, along with great food and company, a wine tasting has been added where experts will lead you in sampling wines from around the world.

Nurturing Minds in Africa is a U.S-based non profit organization, with an active New England chapter based in Newton, working to change our world through the education and empowerment of vulnerable girls in Tanzania. To purchase tickets and learn more about Nurturing Minds and the SEGA Girls School go to http://tinyurl.com/qekuskv

“I think I’m getting smart!” “Math can be FUN!”

Become a Newton School Volunteer and hear these words from a student.

  • Tutor a 2nd – 5th grade child in basic mathematics concepts once a week
    for 30-45 minutes.
  • Select your preferred school, grade, day, and time.
  • Play special math games that reinforce skills and help students gain
    confidence and competence.
  • Training, Everyday Math books and learning materials, and ongoing support
    are provided.
  • No teaching experience is needed.

For more information, please contact Ellen Bender at 617-559-6131 or at
el**********@***********ma.us. See the webpages at http://www.newton.k12.ma.us/Domain/513